John Hollingworth

As Martin avoids his approaching birthday, Louisa plans to have her study group over to their home for a presentation. PC Penhale investigates a break-in at Ruth’s house, and Al finds a way to make up for his lackluster proposal to Morwenna.

As part of the inspector’s recommendation, Martin is forced to attend refresher courses, starting with phlebotomy. While Louisa worries that James is struggling to make friends, she attempts to befriend the oblivious new school head. Bert’s cousin arrives with a business proposition for the Larges.

The widowed Reverend Ainsworth arrives in Halifax and, with encouragement from Mrs. Priestley, sets his sights on Ann Walker. Aware that Ainsworth's attentions are stirring up memories for her lover, Lister sets out to deal with the clergyman in her own inimitable manner. Meanwhile, Lister presses on with the transformation of her estate, but her ambitious plans threaten to lead her into trouble. At afternoon tea, Marian remains impressed by Mr. Abbott, though her aunt and father are less so. A discovery in the pigsty gives Mary Sowden reason to suspect that Thomas is lying about his father.

With Ann Walker's mental state in a downward spiral, Lister is forced to contemplate travelling to Europe alone, despite her family's warnings that doing so will raise eyebrows. Aunt Anne and Captain Lister endure another visit from the irritating Mr. Abbott, while Marian remains peeved that her sister is absent once again. Lister reopens her coal-mine negotiations with the powerful Rawson brothers. Thomas Sowden's secret casts a cloud over his budding relationship with Suzannah Washington. Ann's Scottish relatives swoop in with their own ideas about what's best for her future.

The final thrilling episode sees the three friends facing the toughest decisions they have ever faced as they stand on the brink of their destinies. Mitchell is determined to fight Herrick no matter what it takes, believing it to be his destiny. Annie's decision seems to give her newfound powers. Meanwhile, George is facing a huge dilemma: how does he choose between his friends and his lover?