The March family organise a picnic to celebrate their father's return from the war, but the presence of soldiers brings them back to reality.

Their father's return to war and the presence of soldiers makes the sisters anxious; they contemplate moving in with their Aunt Martha, who they don't particularly get along with. At the same time, Beth stumbles upon an abandoned kitten.

Beth finds herself in trouble when she comes across the deserter John in the shed. Out of desperation he takes Beth hostage, but Mrs March and Hannah persuade him to let her go and hide in the cellar.

Soldiers search every house for the deserter, including the March family's own home. At the same time, rumours of a battle on the horizon make Mrs March contemplate moving again.

As more and more people flee the city, Amy is forced to bid farewell to her best friend. But the outcome of the battle may see the March family forced to leave themselves.

The March family flee just in time before the city is burned to the ground. They return the next day, only to find their house reduced to ruins.