The story takes place in England sometime between 1910 and 1920. Narrator Bertie
Wooster, an idle and rich young man, opens "Jeeves Takes Charge" by admitting that
he is much too dependent on his butler Jeeves. However, he is unashamed; after all, in
Bertie's opinion, Jeeves is a genius. "From the collar upward he stands alone," says
Bertie, and he proceeds to detail how he came to trust the butler with all of his affairs.
During a visit to Easeby, his Uncle Willoughby's estate, Bertie catches his original butler,
Meadowes, stealing silk socks. He is forced to return to London to hire a new valet.
Bertie is attempting to read a dull book given to him by his fiancee, Florence Craye,
when Jeeves first arrives. Bertie, who is nursing a hangover, is immediately impressed
when Jeeves concocts a remedy for him. During their conversation, Bertie learns that
Jeeves was formerly employed by Florence's father, Lord Worplesdon. Jeeves resigned
because he disapproved of Lord Worplesdon's fashion sense. Bertie senses that
Jeeves does not approve of his engagement to Florence. Bertie receives a telegram
from Florence urgently requesting that he return to Easeby, where she is staying as a
guest. He orders Jeeves to pack, and discovers that Jeeves dislikes the suit he is
wearing. Bertie disregards the butler's disapproval.