An unexpected and alarming shift signals yet more change in store for Cranford. Can Matty and the other women muster support for what inevitably awaits?

New life is charmingly apparent in Cranford as Matty Jenkyns enjoys sharing her home with Tilly, the daughter of her maid Martha and carpenter Jem Hearne. Some new faces have arrived as well. The railway has crept closer to Cranford, but has been halted several miles outside the village. Captain Brown is determined to make progress for the railway, but meets resistance from the village residents. An unexpected and alarming shift signals yet more change in store. Can Matty and the women of Cranford muster support for what inevitably awaits?