Holiday cheer abounds at Larkfield Manor as the Bourne family prepares their Christmas celebration, but the mood is tempered by youngest daughter Victoria, overwrought at the announcement that she must continue her education abroad.

Elizabeth meets Dr. Cropper's handsome young associate Dr. Brian Harrington, and the two grow closer as they share their mutual interest in medicine. However, Elizabeth is dismayed to learn a secret regarding Brian's private life.

Middle daughter Anne prepares for a fancy dress party, and the family is shocked by the immodest costume she selects. When Arthur forbids her to wear the costume, Anne defies him.

Anne's shocking defiance of her father's orders threatens familial harmony at Larkfield Manor. With the family's encouragement, Anne must admit to an icy Arthur that she was in the wrong.

Frank Chapman, head dairyman for the Bourne family, confides to Arthur that his son Alan has gotten his girlfriend Peggy into trouble. When Arthur and Helen intercede, Arthur finds himself threatened by Mr. Wickham, the local headmaster who misinterprets his motives.

Helen befriends Mrs. Wickham, and the two work in tandem to affect some understanding between Arthur and Mr. Wickham. Alan reaches a decision about marriage to Peggy and accepting the Bourne cottage.

Elizabeth returns from London insisting she's over her infatuation with Brian Harrington, but her feelings are reignited when Brian confides in her about his wife Kaye's involvement with another man.

Elizabeth's secret meeting with Brian is in jeopardy when Anne borrows her car without asking permission, and she has an accident.

Against all odds, Anne enters a competition with her beloved mare Tallulah, while Elizabeth continues to pursue a seemingly futile relationship with Brian. Later, the Bourne family faces a crisis when Anne is seriously injured while competing.

The Bourne family awaits word of Anne who has not regained consciousness and must undergo tests for possible brain damage. Meanwhile, the crisis brings Elizabeth and Brian even closer together.

Recuperating from the accident, Anne invites handsome but conceited actor Gerald Hope Langley to spend Easter with her at Larkfield Manor. Gerald's transparent interest in Phyllis appalls Helen and incites Anne's jealousy.

Anne and Victoria contrive to keep Phyllis and Gerald apart. Arthur's private word with Phyllis prompts a sincere apology and Gerald's just desserts.

Following an embarrassing incident with Anne, Helen bans spoiled, boisterous Rex Burton-Smith from associating with the family. However, Victoria senses a quiet, very different side to Rex and makes plans to join him in a secret adventure.

With help from Anne and Elizabeth, Victoria plans another adventure with Rex, but unknown to them all, his bravado obscures a devastating secret that is certain to break Victoria's heart.

Hoping to enlist his participation in a local charity match, Arthur encourages Anne's new relationship with talented cricketer Sir Nigel Marsham.

Anne and Elizabeth's beaus are on opposing sides as the cricket match gets underway. Later, Sir Nigel demonstrates an exceptional talent for bad sportsmanship at the after-party.

Elizabeth befriends newcomer Rachel Earnshaw who has moved to the village from London following a public divorce. The two share the bond of falling in love with the wrong person, but their friendship is threatened when Nanny reveals Mrs. Earnshaw 's scandalous past to Arthur.

When Mrs. Earnshaw suffers another nervous collapse requiring Elizabeth to look after her, Arthur invites her to the Bourne home, where she soon reveals more about her life than Elizabeth cares to hear.

With Arthur and Helen on holiday in Scotland, Victoria finds it unwise to invite a visiting Klaus for the weekend, until the girls decide to hold a house party with a London acquaintance of Anne acting as a chaperon.

The weekend doesn't unfold as planned for the Bourne sisters when Anne is a slave to the kitchen, chaperon Mrs. Walden attempts to seduce Klaus, and Elizabeth must dodge the undesirable attention of Mrs. Walden's deadly dull companion.

Lady Alice sulks after she's offered the honor of opening the annual village fête, but is subsequently displaced by Earl Mulligan, a popular American film star from Hollywood. On the eve of the fête, Mulligan is involved in a highly publicized pub brawl.

The Bournes are frantic as the fête gets underway, but their fears are allayed when Earl Mulligan proves a charming presence onscreen and off.

Elizabeth decides to continue her education in a London teaching hospital, but just as she persuades Arthur to accept her decision, a phone call from Brian could change her entire future.

Brian and Anne fail to understand Elizabeth's sudden reticence to accept a future with Brian. When Elizabeth suggests Brian would give up his Catholic faith if he really loved her, Anne counters that Elizabeth might not love really love him at all.

Helen entertains wealthy new neighbors the Cartlands but is unnerved when she discovers that Arthur and Rosemary Cartland share a past association. Meanwhile, in London visiting Aunt Phyllis, Anne experiences headaches and double vision.

A jealous Helen wonders if Arthur once had an affair with Rosemary. Arthur hires petty thief Jim Tapper to help Gates with the estate. Phyllis returns Anne to Larkfield Manor early and worries the Bournes with news that Anne's optical problems could be a symptom of serious illness.

Elizabeth returns from Wales, has a startling encounter with Jim Tapper, and learns that Anne is undergoing medical tests in London. An anxious Helen must wait as Dr. Cropper confers with Arthur regarding the results of Anne's tests.

Elizabeth learns more about Jim Tapper. After Anne's diagnosis, Arthur and Helen agree she must leave immediately for experimental treatment in Germany.

As Anne and Helen prepare for their journey to Germany, Anne bids emotional farewells to her family. Elizabeth must face delaying her education in order to assume Helen's position at Larkfield Manor.

Lady Alice secretly insists upon paying for Anne's expenses. While the Bourne family prepares for the Christmas season, a brave Anne begins her treatment in Germany.

Lady Alice and Nanny continue to eye Jim Tapper with suspicion. Uncovering Jim's sensitive side, Elizabeth gives him an appropriate gift for Christmas, leading to a disagreement in the family. A quiet Victoria debates the Nazi party with Elizabeth. The Bournes invite the Cartlands round for Boxing Day.

Victoria plays the wallflower when the Cartlands visit. With Helen abroad, Lady Alice wonders about Rosemary's intentions toward Arthur. Aunt Phyllis invites the girls to London for a party and has a word with Elizabeth about her interest in Jim. Arthur pays a visit at the request of Admiral Sir Michael Burrell, who makes him a tantalizing offer.

Arthur fails to return from his trip to see Admiral Burrell. A restless Elizabeth wants to leave for Phyllis' party in London. Nanny wants Gates to have a word with Jim, whom she distrusts. A telegram incites Elizabeth's anger.

At Phyllis' party, Victoria meets Jewish music student Emil Schwartz. Elizabeth is pursued by writer Ambrose Fielding and later makes a discovery about him. Victoria helps Elizabeth solve a problem, but it backfires, resulting in bitter feelings from Phyllis. Victoria and Elizabeth return to Larkfield Manor to find the unlikeliest friends.

With most of the family abroad and Nanny ill, Larkfield Manor seems quiet as a tomb. Rumors of the impending death of King George cast a somber pall over the house. Lonely and bored, Victoria convinces Elizabeth that they should invite Aunt Phyllis for a visit, in hopes of reconciling their conflict from the London party. Phyllis reluctantly agrees; however, she arrives in an ill humor, just as Elizabeth has invited Geoffrey Cartland to dinner.

Despite their best attempts to keep the dinner party amiable, Elizabeth and Victoria are unable to change Phyllis' foul mood during the dinner party. A private argument between Elizabeth and Phyllis deteriorates into a vicious row. Victoria interrupts with news of Arthur's return. With King George V dead, Arthur and Phyllis discuss King Edward's relationship with American Wallis Simpson. Arthur admits to a chance encounter with Rosemary Cartland while abroad.

Gates catches young Jim Tapper reading a copy of Great Expectations lent to him by Elizabeth and returns the book without asking Jim. Arthur supports Gates against Elizabeth resulting in a disagreement between father and daughter over Jim's right to achieve something greater in life. Rosemary meets with a guilty Arthur who is weary of their deception abroad. Jim is involved in an accident.

Arthur gives Jim a second chance after his accident. Gates and Nanny take an interest in helping Jim learn how to get on in domestic service. Elizabeth refuses to accept that her desire to help Jim may not be in his best interest, until he takes a unacceptable liberty. Nanny makes an astute observation about Jim. Later, Jim watches unhappily as Elizabeth rides away with a date. Arthur makes plans for another trip abroad, and Elizabeth notes an interesting coincidence.

Alice gets ill and Arthur goes missing in Europe, the young sisters have to cope with both events.

Phyllis and Charles anxiously await word on the identity of the unidentified Englishman in hospital following a beating in Hamburg. Elizabeth confides in Charles about Arthur's odd disappearances and her suspicions regarding his relationship with Rosemary since Helen has been away in Germany. Victoria nervously attends her audition at the Royal Music Academy. Word of Arthur finally comes just as Victoria learns the outcome of her audition and a change occurs in Lady Alice's condition.

On Arthur's abrupt return,Charles suspects he has been working as a spy in Germany.

The strain of keeping up Sir Michael's charade begins to affect Arthur's disposition. Charles receives a disturbing letter from Helen, who shares a troubling incident between Arthur and Rosemary. Alice encourages Charles to demand that Arthur answer allegations of infidelity. Victoria worries about the growing threat of another great war. Charles learns the whole truth and agrees to keep Arthur's secret from everyone.

Phyllis arrives unexpectedly at Larkfield Manor for the family Easter Party and is dismayed to learn that the Cartlands have been invited. Elizabeth and Victoria disagree about Victoria's desire to look more alluring for Peter Cartland. Alice takes notice of Phyllis' drinking. Arthur vetoes Elizabeth's seating arrangement to encourage a relationship between Victoria and Peter. Phyllis can't contain her hostility toward Rosemary.

Phyllis flees back to London following the ghastly incident with Rosemary. Charles remembers Peter from Eaton and stuns Arthur with the revelation of why Peter left school at sixteen. Elizabeth learns Peter's secret from Arthur and is tasked with dissuading Victoria from pursuing him. The family receives a holiday call from Helen and Anne, who will be returning soon to Larkfield Manor. Geoffrey and Rosemary visit Arthur to set him straight about Peter's scandalous past.

Victoria senses conflict between her music studies and Alice's preoccupation with her coming out season. Peter asks Elizabeth to the ballet, but she steers him toward Victoria. Nanny comforts Elizabeth, who feels that everyone else in the family is off having fun while she attends to Larkfield Manor. Victoria accepts Peter's date, and he influences her to ignore her better judgment.

Phyllis feels her age after Victoria describes her visit to a nightclub with Peter. Later, while shopping for her coming out wardrobe, Victoria and Lady Alice quarrel over Victoria's affinity for a cocktail dress. Peter persuades Victoria to apologize to Lady Alice for her behavior in the shop. The Bourne ladies express their gratitude to Peter for his kindness in a delicate family situation.

The summer heat and multiplying guests are problems at Larkfield Manor. First, Elizabeth is ill-prepared for the arrival of Victoria, Phyllis, and Charles. Then, a letter from Arthur announcing his arrival that evening further complicates Mrs. Gates' dinner preparation. Handsome Welsh professor Gwilym Meredith-Jones entrances Elizabeth and becomes another unexpected guest. Arthur arrives home to find a singing foreigner in his bath.

Gwilym charms the Bourne household with the exception of Arthur. Gwilym's passionate objection to war of any kind infuriates Arthur, who is quite vocal in his disdain for Gwilym's opinions. Elizabeth confronts her father with accusations of his bigotry and prejudice against the Welsh, leading to a terrific argument. Before leaving, Gwilym uncovers some factual evidence in the Bourne ancestry which Elizabeth reveals with smug satisfaction.

When Jim and Gates' motorbike disappear at the same time, Gates jumps to the conclusion that Jim has stolen it. Elizabeth delays reporting the incident to the police in hope that Jim will return with a logical exploitation. Nanny admits to Elizabeth that Mr. and Mrs. Gates resent taking orders from a young woman. Postcards arrive from Helen in the Black Forest, and from Phyllis, visiting friends in America. After Elizabeth wants the issue forgotten, Gates demands to have a word with Arthur about Jim.

A stern Arthur sorts out Jim and smooths things over with Gates. Talk of civil unrest in Spain leads Nanny to the wireless where she hears disturbing news. Arthur places a call abroad to gather more facts. After everyone has a restless night, the family receives a devastating confirmation from the consulate. Lady Alice's faith in God is tested. A gentle rain falls as the family suffers quietly.

Elizabeth decides it's time she goes to London to see if a career in medicine is what she truly wants. With Victoria's friend Laura Collins due to arrive for a long holiday, Nanny grouses that the family shouldn't be entertaining. Elizabeth and Victoria plan a dinner party for the Cartlands. Phyllis relates a rumor that Geoffrey has strayed. The family begins to worry about Nanny's odd behavior, which becomes even odder following an accident in the cedar tree.

Elizabeth has an opportunity to use her medical training after someone falls from the cedar tree. Mrs. Gates feels that Elizabeth is continuing to hold her feelings inside. Victoria imparts Helen's wise words in an attempt to comfort Nanny. Laura's presence has a positive influence on Victoria. Elizabeth cries in private, but receives consolation from an unexpected source. An evening with the Cartlands brings laughter and singing to Larkfield Manor once again.

Larkfield Manor is poised for desolation as the summer of 1936 draws to an end. With Arthur away, Phyllis returns to her flat in London, while Elizabeth and Victoria plan to join her in a fortnight to resume their studies. Meanwhile, Peter Cartland requests a meeting with Phyllis, who also receives word from Jack. Liz tells Charles of her definitive plans for medical school. Geoffrey Cartland visits Larkfield with a proposition about Tallulah, and later, an annoyed Rosemary learns about her husband's meeting with Liz.

Laura inadvertently receives the brunt of Elizabeth's anger over Victoria's ill-timed revelation to Rosemary. Charles has a heart-to-heart with Laura, but she offers him sage advice regarding Liz and Vicky. Peter shares his concern for Liz with Phyllis. After meeting with her new lover Jack Poole, Phyllis takes Charles into her confidence about Jack's addiction. Liz and Vicky detect a significant change in their aunt's demeanor.

After rejecting Rosemary, Arthur confides to Charles that he will never forgive her and her father for talking him into deceiving Helen. Charles advises Arthur to not drive the rest of his family away with his brooding. Peter offers to drive Liz, Vicky, and Laura to London. Charles mediates between Arthur and Rosemary, and Arthur apologizes to Phyllis. Gates and Arthur resume business as usual at Larkfield Manor.

Mrs. Gates speculates that Phyllis is serious about Jack Poole, the gentleman she's bringing to Larkfield Manor for the weekend. Arthur and Elizabeth discuss the growing fondness between herself and Peter Cartland. When Phyllis and Jack arrive, Gates develops an instant dislike for Jack. Peter changes his plans to host Elizabeth, and later, he admits a disturbing secret about the trouble at Layford Park.

Phyllis tells Arthur about Jack's scheme to create his own charter air firm. When she wonders if Geoffrey Cartland might be persuaded to come on board as a partner, Arthur reveals to her the trouble at Layford Park. Later, Phyllis and Jack contrive to meet Geoffrey, while Arthur attempts to keep them apart. Gates speculates about what Phyllis and Jack will get up to while Arthur is gone. Arthur advises Rosemary about the next step to take in her marriage.

With Arthur away shooting, Phyllis and Jack seize the opportunity to pose Jack's air transfer scheme to Geoffrey. Phyllis invites Geoffrey for dinner and is surprised when he includes Penelope, his mistress. Nanny, Gates, and Mrs. Gates compare the behavior of Larkfield Manor's guests to that of the immoral Edward and Mrs. Simpson. Jack realizes that one person stands in the way of Geoffrey's financial support. Phyllis confronts Geoffrey about Penelope, and later, she gleefully dashes Penelope's illusion of becoming mistress at Layford Park.

After Nanny hears a rumor from Gates about Penelope Finch, the gossip is passed on to Phyllis. Jack concocts a brilliant scheme to extricate Penelope from Geoffrey's life and enlists Phyllis's assistance. The staff wonders if their king will discard the throne for a twice-divorced woman. Penelope insists upon making things right with the Bourne family. Phyllis invites Rosemary round for a confidential talk about Geoffrey and his duplicitous mistress.

Nanny learns about the bi-election and Arthur's potential involvement. Rosemary encourages Arthur to stand for parliament, but Mrs. Hedges attempts to dissuade him for very personal reasons. After failing to disinterest Penelope in Layford, Geoffery sends her to Cannes for an intimate Christmas. Gates tells Mrs. Gates about his new friend from the pub. Rosemary attempts to arrange a meeting with Penelope. Geoffrey takes matters into his own hands.

The Bournes debate the potential constitutional crisis surrounding the relationship between King Edward and Mrs. Simpson. Arthur welcomes Laura into the family for the holiday season. Mrs. Hedges and her carolers make an ill-timed and unwelcome appearance at Larkfield Manor. The family listens to the king's history-making broadcast. Rosemary receives unexpected news from Geoffrey.

Phyllis traveling France with Jack, and Liz's inability to come home for Christmas disappoints the Bourne family. Vicky confides to Arthur that Peter and Liz are in love and want his blessing for their engagement, but another casual remark about the couple's future troubles him. Laura arrives with Dame Violet, her tiresome, pretentious grandmother. Dame Violet's attention to Charles irks Lady Alice, who believes that she has met her once before.

Charles and Lady Alice engage in a tiff when he jokingly lavishes Dame Violet with praise. Meanwhile, Mrs. Gates tires of being at the Dame's beck and call, and Arthur wants the household to be rid of the woman. However, Alice suddenly realizes that Violet's past holds a scandal and encourages everyone to overlook her shortcomings. Later, the Bourne family is touched by Dame Violet's very special Christmas gifts.

With Arthur and Elizabeth away, Phyllis invites the family and Nanny to celebrate New Year's Eve with her in London. Jack anxiously awaits the arrival of Geoffrey, who has promised to give him a definitive answer about providing crucial financial backing for Poole Aviation. Rosemary returns Phyllis' kindness with previously unknown information about a loved one. Before the arrival of 1937, Phyllis makes a momentous announcement to her guests, but what she doesn't say is even more important.

Phyllis turns to Nanny for comfort after a terrible row with Jack. Later, Jack's actions aren't encouraging. Phyllis confides in Charles about Jack's spot of trouble, which might involve Scotland Yard. Peter is lost without Liz's presence. Rosemary and Alice grow closer. Geoffrey pays Phyllis a visit at Larkfield Manor and imparts some sage advice about Jack. Jack and Phyllis discover themselves right back where they started.

The house is struck by a terrible storm..but has Jim's negligence made the situation worse?

The family fears the cedar tree branch will strike the house, but an unexpected hero saves the day. Mrs. Gates becomes more upset when Lady Alice blames Gates for the situation; he has gone without permission into the village to see about his motorbike. Later, Lady Alice realizes that she misjudged Jim Tapper and requests that Arthur do more to help him. After reading a newspaper account of Hitler's latest activities, Arthur fears that Jim and many other young men like him will soon be called into military service. Gates receives a dressing down.

Lady Alice's jewelery is stolen and she has her suspicions of whom has taken it.

Detective Inspector Webster arrives to take fingerprints and question the servants and guests about the disappearance of Lady Alice's jewels. Noting that the drawer was not tampered, an inside job is suspected. Gates confirms to Webster that Jim Tapper has a history of theft and offers Jack's finances as a potential motive, too. When Jim turns up missing, the case appears to be solved. However, the truth about the theft eventually emerges, and apologies are in order.

The family looks forward to a visit by James Hamilton, a young lad from Charles' former school, but Charles warns that he is not like other boys. Vicki and Nanny's attempts to break through Jamie's apparent shyness are to no avail, while his graphic drawing during a parlor game disturbs Liz. Later, after Jamie adamantly refuses to accept a red jersey from Nanny, Arthur and Charles make a shocking discovery in Nanny's schoolroom

The search is on for Jamie when he bolts following the incident in the schoolroom. Charles blames himself for not recognizing the depth of Jamie's fears, but Arthur is not as understanding. Charles confides in Vicki about Jamie's experiences at Eaton. Jamie returns with a knife and an agitated affect. Charles forces Jamie to confront the dark feelings that they each share.

Lady Alice anxiously prepares to attend the coronation, but then she receives distressing news. Arthur enlists the aid of Rosemary to solve Alice's dilemma. Victoria experiences a frightening recurring nightmare. Laura meets Klaus Von Heynig, who pays a surprise to Larkfield Manor while on holiday in England. An angry Peter arrives after an horrific assault by the Germans in Spain claims the life of his childhood friend.

Laura confides to Arthur the tension between Peter and Klaus, prompting Arthur to take action. Klaus wants Vicky to understand the Nazi party. The Bourne and Cartland families attend the coronation of King George VI. Klaus returns to Larkfield Manor for a visit and makes a declaration to Vicky. Liz's mysterious trip to Wales perplexes the family. Peter makes a shocking allegation about Klaus, and it leads to violence.

Nanny bristles when Arthur receives a letter from Miss Gribble, the irritable, former governess to the Bourne family. With the unexpected arrivals of Phyllis and Jack, Vicky, and Liz, who brings with her a surprise guest, an empty Larkfield Manor suddenly becomes very active. The newspaper announcement of Liz and Peter's engagement appears to delight everyone with the exception of one. The family and servants begin to wonder how long their most tedious guest will stay.

Following Miss Gribble's observations about the suitability of Peter as a husband for Elizabeth, Phyllis extracts a confession from Liz regarding her mysterious holiday in Wales. Miss Gribble's presence at Larkfield Manor elicits the worst behavior of the family and servants, who are divided in their opinions. Arthur and Rosemary speak privately about the wedding. Nanny investigates Miss Gribble's claims, leading to a confrontation in the nursery.

With the wedding a month away, Liz has not selected a wedding gown, and she apologizes to the Cartlands for being distracted by Arthur's upcoming bi-election. Geoffrey shares with Phyllis his determination that nothing stop a union between the Bourne and Cartland families. Vicky fears that she will be unable to successfully perform an upcoming recital on which her musical career hinges. A moody is Liz is irritated by the preparations, and Laura discovers her in a very private moment.

Liz makes an unexpected move as Arthur's bi-election grows closer. Peter and Laura share a pleasant morning discussing their acceptance into the Bourne family, and later, he nods approvingly at her plans for the future. Larkfield Manor is poised for changes as Vicky completes her recital, the results of the bi-election are in, and Peter and Liz's marriage bans are posted.

With Arthur distracted by recent events, Liz phones the Cartlands to arrange a lunch with Rosemary. Mrs. Gates confides to Fred that Liz received a telephone call from a past acquaintance, and she finds it inappropriate. Geoffrey takes great offense to Rosemary's implications after he shows her his selection of wedding presents for Liz. Later, Liz is overwhelmed by Geoffrey's plans and privately, she makes an unsettling declaration to Rosemary.

When Peter wonders about the lunch with Liz, Rosemary suggests that he and Liz arrange a meeting. Vicky discusses Klaus with her father, and Arthur regrets that he did not follow Helen's advice to send Vicky to Paris instead of Munich. Liz bares her soul to Arthur, while Peter confides his problems to Rosemary. Liz and Peter reach a decision regarding their engagement. Arthur reveals Liz's ambivalence to Geoffrey, who reacts very badly.

Phyllis shares joyous news of an engagement with Liz. Vicky and Charles have a bittersweet chat about death. Peter fears he will soon put his flight training to military use. Jack and Phyllis wonder about Geoffrey's mysterious air charter abroad, and Rosemary later confides in Phyllis about Geoffrey's intentions. As family and friends celebrate the happiest of occasions, a surprise visitor startles Liz.

Phyllis encourages an uncomfortable Liz to tend to the surprise visitor. Unsure of Geoffrey's activities, Rosemary makes a secret request of Phyllis and Jack. Liz realizes how she would like to spend her summer, and with whom she wishes to share it. With the Bourne family away, the servants enjoy lighthearted amusement in the drawing room and wonder about the potential for children at Larkfield Manor. Later, alone in the desolate house, Nanny hears echoes from the past.