With the arrival of new residents, in particular a young, handsome unmarried Doctor, the womenfolk of Cranford are sparkling with anticipation. But are they really ready for the changes that are about to descend upon them? Matty Jenkyns and her older, stricter sister Debora are particularly excited as a new house guest and neighbours arrive. When Jem, the local carpenter, falls from a tree, all eyes are upon on the new doctor and his untested modern methods.