ThoughPeterisstillinCranfordMattynowlivesalone.Followinghiswifeandbaby'sdeathinchildbirthJemgoestoManchesterforbetterworkprospectsandMarymovestoLondontopursueherwritingcareer.FollowingLadyLudlow'sdeathhergreedysonsellslandtotherailwaycompanyandwealthyin-comerBuxtonalsoletsitsconstructionontohisproperty.HisunpretentioussonWilliamangershimbyfallingforlowerclassPeggyBell-whoseshiftybrotherEdwardisBuxton'slandagent-andalsobyworkingwithCaptainBrownontherailway.Mrs.Jamieson'swidowedsister-in-lawLadyGlenmirearrivesinCranfordand,tohersnootyrelative'sannoyance,ischarminglydown-to-earth,captivatingeveryone,notablyCaptainBrown,whomshemarriesafterawhirlwindcourtship.EdwardBellstealsmoneygivenhimbyBuxtontocompensatefamiliesmadehomelessbytherailwaybuildingandgoesontherun.HeiskilledinatraincrashwhichalsoinjuresHarryGregson,fleeingschoolbullying,butMissGalindonursesHarrybacktohealthandbecomeshislandlady,permittinghimtoattenddayschool.Jemreturnswithhisdaughterand,asPeggyandWilliampreparetomarry,everyoneattendsaChristmasmagicshowatCranford'snewly-restoredAssemblyRooms.