Every autumn, Constable Patterson is used to his wife taking to her bed with a mysterious illness. But this year is different, as she gives him permission to seek a new wife.

The constable has no intention of doing any such thing, until a Pratt sister in distress sets his heart soaring.

James Dowland is confined to his hospital bed when his son arrives in Candleford, and Dorcas welcomes the boy into the post office, doing everything she can to make him feel at home.

But this causes a great deal of turmoil when James is released from hospital to be reunited with his son.