Thomas is euphoric when he lands the job of organising the church bazaar. But his joy soon evaporates when the vicar falls ill, and the controversial and free-thinking curate Reverend Marley takes charge.

Thomas is convinced that Marley is evil incarnate, and when he comes across a snake on his postal rounds, he sees it as a sign that the devil is indeed amongst them.

Though the curate is famous for his charity, Alf is unsettled by rumours of Marley's dark past and his late night visits to the Timmins' cottage. But will he uncover the truth about Marley, and will they ever catch the snake?

Daniel is planning a cricket match against a neighbouring village team, who he is convinced cheated in their last match. He is determined to restore Candleford's honour, but most of Daniel's regular players are away, and the men of Larkrise are cricketing novices.

A humiliating defeat looks certain, until Daniel discovers that the finest batsman in the county is right under his nose. The only problem is, his batsman is a batswoman, and the rules state women cannot play.

Will Daniel find a way round the regulations and gain the victory he so desperately wants? And what will it cost his relationship with Laura?