Preparations are underway for a wedding of convenience at the Big House between Edmund and Harriet. Meanwhile, a love match takes place in the village as Gilbert and Agnes get married in the face of Norma's fierce opposition. The Middletons are finally doing well but Grace and John are drifting apart as her politicisation sits uneasily with John's determined self-reliance. But he loves her and is determined to win her back. Meanwhile, Bert decides to leave the village altogether and make his fortune elsewhere. And Martha and Eyre wonder at what kind of future they could have together.