With the arrival of new residents and a new doctor, the women of the town sparkle with anticipation.

After Septimus sells Hanbury to the railway company and Mr Buxton refuses to sell, Matty decides to test the railway's mettle and leads the way in changing the future of Cranford.

A surprise wedding causes a fracture in friendships and tragedy strikes. Meanwhile, Matty feels she has unwittingly opened Pandora's box and fears that Cranford will never recover.

An ambiguous conversation between Miss Tompkinson and the young doctor sets in motion a disastrous chain of events..

Dr Harrison finds his reputation ruined and his courtship destroyed. Miss Matty receives devastating news, but the ladies of Cranford rally to help.

Miss Matty becomes concerned about an isolated youngster as Mr Buxton returns to town, and the shadow of the railway looms over Cranford.