Laura Timmins says goodbye to her friends and family in Lark Rise to start her first job at the Post Office in the nearby town of Candleford. Postmistress Dorcas Lane gives her a warm welcome, but her loyalties are soon divided over a dispute at Lark Rise about payment for the delivery of telegrams.

When her husband escapes from prison, Postmistress Mrs Macey fears the damage to her reputation will force her to leave Candleford. Caroline is summoned to Court for failing to pay her debts to the brewery. Laura strikes up a friendship with Philip, a gamekeeper from the manor.

Dorcas intercedes when a new maid drives a wedge bigger than her irresistible sponge cake between Old Amos and his son. Robert refuses to let his children sing a song in praise of the Tories at the local Church concert.

Ruby and Pearl Pratt face scandal when their estranged father returns to town. It’s bad news for the other Candleford residents too as the wily old rascal is working his scams – aided by Caroline, who is being pursued by a bailiff. Meanwhile, Laura ignores her father while out with Philip.

The arrival of a new Post Office inspector causes problems for Dorcas. Robert has been carving a decorative angel on the schoolhouse for which he is not getting paid. Laura loses an important parcel.

A homeless family take advantage of Robert’s charity, leaving their little daughter behind. Sir Timothy is uneasy when Lady Adelaide wants to adopt her. Dorcas regrets playing Cupid between Thomas and Miss Ellison.