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.

Three months on, and Annie is not dealing very well with Harry's death. Nancy and Lawrence's attraction has blossomed into a full-on affair. Meanwhile, Esther is screening Nancy's letters for Sergeant Tucker, fearing that she might be a Nazi collaborator.

Joyce, the patriot, has a dilemma - should she shelter her deserter husband or turn him in? Farmer Finch's old enemy Ernest Luckhurst, a food rations officer, arrives at the farm and is intent on catching him out.

A new girl, Connie, arrives at the farm and sets her sights on Billy. The manor house has been commandeered by the Americans, which excites Lady Hoxley's sister, Diana (Raquel Cassidy). John visits Joyce at the farm and Martin has an accident. Tucker is released from prison. Finch enters his pig into a county show, so it can avoid slaughter.

Connie stands up to the overbearing Bishop in order to win Henry's respect. Finch blows his top when he discovers how Esther received the money for Martin's operation.

Joyce is angry and disillusioned with the Land Army, and she forces Tucker into an admission of guilt. Lady Hoxley's sister Diana is part of Jack's plan to make a getaway with Bea and the baby. Billy's family is being ripped apart, and he seems disinterested; what is he hiding?

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?