Dorcas Lane is surprised when James Dowland announces that he will be running for a seat on the local Council. She likes the man, but feels that he is too recent an arrival to be seeking office. When it appears he will be running unopposed, she announces her own candidacy. Robert Timmins is also displeased with Dowland's candidacy. Dowland hasn't hidden the fact that he is running in part to ensure that a tract of land he owns will get approval from the Council for a housing development and Robert sees him as just another landlord. There is also a battle of the sexes when Lily Spicer, a manual laborer who can work as hard as any man, decides to go to the pub. The men react badly, leading to a rift between Robert and his wife Emma. Dorcas is the first in the area to get a bicycle - but has trouble convincing Thomas Brown of its benefits.
—garykmcd