When English teacher Gemma Lamb's school flat is wrecked by spring storms maverick headmistress Hairnet insists the girls fund its repair by setting up their own businesses. Secretive new girl Frieda Ehrlich is keen to help - as is her sponsor whose wealth is of dubious origins. Fearful for the school's reputation Gemma enlists the dashing Oliver Galsworthy to investigate his credentials jeopardising her romance with sports teacher Joe Spryke. What is Frieda hiding? Why is her wealthy sponsor living in a derelict manor house? And what has become of McPhee Hairnet's precious black cat? With a little help from the pupils Gemma is determined to solve these mysteries restore her flat and save the school's reputation. . .