Bert is accused of cheating in the annual village race. It's the word of a farmer's boy against that of a peer of the realm. The Middletons need the money and Grace is not afraid of a fight.

Hankin opens a dance hall, and the villagers take their partners by the hands. Bert's childhood crush on Martha Allingham blinds him to the reality of Phoebe's affection for him.

Grace is inspired by Bill Gibby to take an interest in life beyond the confines of the village. John is finally making a success of their farm but starts to feel that Grace is growing away from him.

The villagers protest when their traditional paths are blocked by the Big House.

Bert and Grace are anxious about what John might say if he recovers his power of speech.