Laura Timmons moves from her home in Lark Rise to Candleford, where not everyone is ready to welcome her in.

Laura is getting settled when Mrs Macey's husband finds a way out of prison which becomes hot gossip in town. Caroline has to go to court and possibly debtor's prison, something Laura's father is trying to avoid.

Widow Old Amos announces that he has decided to get married again to his maid Patty. His friends are worried that she is just marrying him for his money. Robert manages to upset his family and the residents of the village when he refuses to let his children sing a song in praise of the Tories at the local church concert.

Mr Ashlow arrives in Candleford looking for his estranged daughters, Ruby and Pearl Pratt. Can they forgive him for deserting them when they needed him most? Caroline hides from a bailiff.

Dorcas looks after the inspector after he gets injured and he soon realises his evaluation of her may have been wrong. Elsewhere, Emma is annoyed with Robert's kindhearted gesture.

After Robert does a charitable act taking in a family, he ends up caring for a young child. Zillah and Lady Adelaide end up wanting to become foster parents which makes life harder for Sir Timothy. Elsewhere, Thomas becomes unsettled when his devotion for Miss Ellison goes unanswered.

Sam Braby is under the influence of alcohol and attacks his wife which makes Emma take it upon herself to help him quit. Elsewhere, the bond between Dorcas and Sir Timothy is starting to get on Lady Adelaide's nerves.

Candleford plays host to a new school headmaster who brings new opportunities for the residents, but also brings their old culture back to life. Sir Timothy is not pleased though as Dorcas has taken a liking to the new guy.

Caroline is back to prove she's a changed woman after her stint in jail, Dorcas is stumped over a piece of embroidery, and Edmund is hurt whilst poaching. Has karma come back to get him?

Phil gets argumentative with Laura's family after Laura confronts him, Dorcas is thinking about leaving Candleford, and Caroline doesn't want to go through her baby's birth alone.