Episode 4

The fourth of five episodes in Cranford.More detailed plot coming soon!

Plot
April 1843

Miss Matty learns the bank in which she has invested has failed, but she is determined to keep the news about her financial distress from her friends.

The railway construction approaches nearer to Lady Ludlow's land but, instead of selling acreage to the railway, she mortgages her property to support her ne'er-do-well son Septimus, who is living in Italy for his health.

During the course of the episode, Dr. Harrison approaches the vicar Reverend Hutton about entering into a courtship with Sophy Hutton, and as soon as he had the means to marry her he would. The vicar consents, as does Sophy. However, both Caroline Tomkinson and Mrs Rose mistakenly believe the doctor is interested in them.

During the May Day celebration, Caroline's sister reveals to Reverend Hutton that Caroline is marrying the young man, an announcement that shocks Mrs Rose, who thought she was his intended bride. They confront Dr. Harrison (who is nonplussed as to how he gave either woman such an impression), and he tells them the only understanding he had was with Sophy. They both are seemingly heartbroken, and after this display of what seems to be imprudence and cheating on Sophy, the vicar brings Dr. Harrison's courtship of his daughter to an abrupt halt.