Mma Ramotswe, who became engaged to Mr J. L. B. Matekoni at the end of The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency, remains unmarried. She wonders when a day for the wedding will be named, but is anxious to avoid putting too much pressure on her fiance. For indeed he has other things on his mind - notably a frightening request made of him by Mma Potokwani, pushy matron of the Orphan Farm.

Mma Ramotswe herself has weighty matters to consider. She has been approached by a wealthy lady - whose fortune comes from successful hair-braiding salons - and has been asked to investigate several suitors. Are these men just interested in her money? This may be difficult to find out, but Mma Ramotswe is, of course, a very intuitive lady . . .