Hugh and Penny are forced together during an overnight trip to a coal mine. Meryl turns failure into success when she unveils a new statue to commemorate the town. Aoife confesses her love for Hugh.

Penny's sister causes havoc for Hugh and Ken when she visits Whyhope to defend Meryl against corruption charges. Betty uses her hidden talents to solve a medical mystery involving backpackers, sardines and farm machinery.

Penny makes an unexpected choice when Hugh and Toke turn up the romantic pressure. When Charlie is unfairly sacked by the Headmaster, Meryl resorts to blackmail to get her reinstated.