When Over-looker Crout neglects his duties, a young boy named Timmy loses his hand in a machine; The mill owner's wife nurses him back to health, but the owner is more concerned about how this will reflect on his company.

Esther is sent to court for assaulting Crout; Crout gives Robert shocking news; the Garner sisters are brought over from Liverpool, but the younger sister is deemed too sick to work for the mill.

Esther and Lucy search for Catherine in Liverpool; Esther is locked in a cell when she is captured by Timperly; Robert discovers Daniel is pro-Union.

Esther's sister Martha arrives at the mill only to have Timperly tell her that she ran off; Daniel and Susannah defy Robert and go to a Sunday Meeting lead by John.

The effects of the Poor Law Amendment Act are starting to take hold; Shoemaker Abe Whittaker and his grandson move from Southern England; Daniel tries to warn John about William's intentions.

Esther leaves the apprentice house, but not before signing her contract of employment; Esther's moves into a small cellar in Styal village.