Defying his father, William finds a job with Captain Brown working on the railway that is making its way into the heart of Cranford. Meanwhile, Harry disappears from school.

The ladies have high expectations of the pending visit of Lady Glenmire, but all does not go to plan. As Peggy and William are separated, a surprise wedding causes a fracture in friendships and, when tragedy strikes, Miss Matty feels she is to blame and fears that Cranford will never recover.