Esther is in the final stages of pregnancy as eight months have now passed. She finally gives birth to a healthy baby boy following a difficult labour. She then returns to work the following day, but finds it hard to keep up as Lucy covers for her so she can rest and the friends finally reconcile. The Chartist Petition containing over one million signatures is rejected by Parliament. Daniel urges his disillusioned comrades not to resort to physical force.

William has no choice but to reduce wages as the cotton industry feels the impact of the recession. Daniel thinks that the workers should withdraw their labour. Esther's views on going on strike change after the consequences of the cuts leaves her son Billy's life in danger and she joins Daniel at the centre of the protest.

The striking workers create a picket line outside the mill gates. William Greg gets a group of men together to break the stand-off, who are joined by John Howlett's special constables. Daniel is arrested but urges for the workers to keep fighting. Esther is selected to attend the union meeting in Manchester in Daniel's place.