Grace is inspired by Bill Gibby to take an interest in life beyond the confines of the village. John is finally making a success of their farm but starts to feel that Grace is growing away from him.

The many romances of the village come together at Edmund and Harriet's wedding, but a protest over blocked byways gets out of hand and spells disaster.

John's life hangs in the balance but the authorities are more concerned with punishing the 'rioters' than searching for his attacker.