Four girls have different reasons for joining the Women's Land Army: patriotic Joyce wants to 'do her bit', argumentative Nancy is there under sufferance, and sensible Annie joined so that her younger sister Bea could escape an abusive father.

Bea rebels from her sister's control and finds herself enthralled by a charming GI, Cal Gillespie, while at the dance Nancy tries to get closer to Lord Hoxley.

At Hoxley Manor Lady Ellen turns the Great Hall into a hospital with the help of the land girls and ends up being confronted by a face from the past when Dr Channing shows up. At Pasture Farm, Joyce is still waiting for news about John, who is believed to be missing in action. Finch ends up drunkenly driving into Mrs Gulliver's garden and causes havoc. A telegram ends up arriving for Joyce and it has good news inside, John is still alive.

After Iris is called to the farm by Vernon for her proficiency test, the huge threshing machine ends up throwing her to the ground. Connie ends up throwing down the gauntlet and challenges Vernon to a farmers versus land girls ploughing competition. Channing attempts to reassure Joyce that John needs reassurance from her. After Connie goes to see Henry at church she is shocked to see Danny there chatting to him.

Danny threatens to hurt Henry if Connie doesn't submit to his will. Ellen considers if she can trust the man she loves. As Joyce and John grow closer John struggles with guilt over his infidelity. A revelation drives Martin even further away from Esther. Iris is in mourning whilst Walter and Frank square up for a fight with disastrous consequences.

Events spiral out of control for Connie when her shady past catches up with her. Iris makes a shocking discovery, whilst John is given some crushing news and Esther decides to face her critics in the village. Meanwhile, can Ellen keep up the pretence with Richard?