In "The Peaches," young Dylan embarks on a summer adventure at his Uncle Jim and Aunt Annie Jones's farm, only to find that the visit is filled with unexpected events and complex family dynamics. Upon arrival, Dylan quickly discovers that life on the farm is far from idyllic, marked by his uncle's questionable habits and tense interactions with visiting friends. Throughout his stay, Dylan witnesses the stark contrast between his family’s modest farm life and the opulence of his best friend Jack's family.

Arrival at the Farm

Dylan, approximately ten years old, is eager to spend his summer at his relatives' rural farm. However, his arrival is anything but smooth. Uncle Jim, responsible for Dylan's journey from Swansea, pauses midway to indulge in drinks at a pub, leaving Dylan alone in a shadowy, unsettling alley. This delay results in them reaching the farm close to midnight, leaving Aunt Annie visibly irritated at the late hour of their return.

Discovering Farm Life

The following day, Dylan and his cousin Gwilym explore the farm, only to encounter a troubling discovery—one of the pigs is missing. Uncle Jim, it turns out, has sold the pig to fund his drinking. Gwilym, aspiring to be a Nonconformist minister, amuses Dylan with hymns and tales of romantic tragedy. He takes Dylan to a makeshift chapel he has set up in a rundown barn, where he performs an impromptu service, complete with a sermon and a pretend collection.

Guests Arrive

Later that afternoon, Dylan's best friend Jack Williams is set to visit. Aunt Annie insists Dylan don his finest suit and prepares a formal tea in the seldom-used parlor. Upon Mrs. Williams' arrival in her chauffeur-driven Daimler, Aunt Annie greets her with exaggerated politeness and apologizes for the state of her home. Although Mrs. Williams intends to quickly drop off Jack, Aunt Annie persuades her to stay for tea, offering tinned peaches saved since Christmas. Mrs. Williams, unimpressed, brushes off a chair before sitting, refuses the peaches, and departs without finishing her tea.

Childhood Adventures

Dylan and Jack spend the afternoon absorbed in play, imagining themselves as cowboys and Indians. They climb trees and spy on Gwilym in the lavatory, catching him in a private moment as he reads a book with his trousers down. Startled by their teasing, Gwilym hurriedly covers himself and hides the book. In their descent, the boys damage their jackets. That night, Gwilym takes them to his barn chapel, where he attempts to prompt Dylan into confessing his sins, leaving Jack unnerved and in tears on the way back to the house.

Nighttime Tensions

As the boys lie in bed, they hear Uncle Jim return home, clearly intoxicated. A heated argument erupts as Jim questions Annie about whether Mrs. Williams paid to have Jack stay. Upon hearing about the peaches, Jim erupts in anger, mocking Mrs. Williams' disdain and railing against her perceived snobbery. "Who does she think she is? Aren't peaches good enough for her? To hell with her bloody motor car and her bloody son! Making us small," he shouts. Despite Annie's attempts to quiet him to avoid waking the boys, Jim threatens to rouse and discipline them. The commotion deeply disturbs Jack, who hides under the covers to block out the noise.

The Departure

Following breakfast the next day, Jack seeks solitude, walking to the post office while Dylan yearns for reconciliation. However, Jack remains distant. Mrs. Williams returns in the afternoon to take Jack back to Swansea. As they prepare to leave, Jack accuses Jim of threatening to whip him, recounts Gwilym's frightening antics in the barn, labels Dylan a thief, and blames Annie for his torn jacket. As their car pulls away, Annie offers a respectful curtsy, while Dylan waves a handkerchief, though Jack remains stoically seated beside his mother.