The Cedar Tree

Holiday cheer abounds at Larkfield Manor as the Bourne family prepares their Christmas celebration, but the mood is tempered by youngest daughter Victoria, overwrought at the announcement that she must continue her education abroad.

Elizabeth meets Dr. Cropper's handsome young associate Dr. Brian Harrington, and the two grow closer as they share their mutual interest in medicine. However, Elizabeth is dismayed to learn a secret regarding Brian's private life.

Middle daughter Anne prepares for a fancy dress party, and the family is shocked by the immodest costume she selects. When Arthur forbids her to wear the costume, Anne defies him.

Anne's shocking defiance of her father's orders threatens familial harmony at Larkfield Manor. With the family's encouragement, Anne must admit to an icy Arthur that she was in the wrong.

Frank Chapman, head dairyman for the Bourne family, confides to Arthur that his son Alan has gotten his girlfriend Peggy into trouble. When Arthur and Helen intercede, Arthur finds himself threatened by Mr. Wickham, the local headmaster who misinterprets his motives.

Helen befriends Mrs. Wickham, and the two work in tandem to affect some understanding between Arthur and Mr. Wickham. Alan reaches a decision about marriage to Peggy and accepting the Bourne cottage.

Rosemary tries to gain a confession from Peter: Jack and Phyllis return from their honeymoon.

Rosemary resolves to divorce Geoffrey. Vicky is depressed, and there is disappointment for Liz.

Arthur can now reveal the offer of the post of Parliamentary Private Secretary to the Lord of the Admiralty.

Jack is stunned by Geoffery's call for his resignation.The Von Heynigs arrive without Klaus; Klaus and Vicky's possible engagement is discussed.

The von Heynigs return to Munich with Vicky and Laura,and Vicky witnesses a Nazi rally. Arthur, meanwhile, is characterised as a Nazi sympathiser in the press.

Peter becomes increasingly concerned for Laura.

January 1938. Just as the Bourne family prepares a celebration for Lady Alice's 70th birthday, a speech made by Arthur that does not tow the party line inflames his constituents. Laura hopes that she will soon be Mrs. Peter Cartland. Liz questions Phyllis about her headaches, and Phyl confides in her niece about a potential medical condition she wants kept secret from Jack. Arthur lays his cards on the table to his constituency and threatens to cause another bi-election. Later, he meets pretty journalist Angela Scott, who piques his interest.

Lady Alice implies that she would like to see Arthur and Rosemary married. Liz and Phyllis are at odds over the issue of abortion. Later, a recently qualified Liz is called to the home of a village girl and must deliver her first baby. Rosemary busies herself with a recital and preparations for Peter and Laura's wedding. Arthur phones Rosemary and makes a date to talk with her. Liz explains to her family the deplorable conditions of the village and feels ashamed to be a Bourne. Laura admits to Peter her real feelings about their wedding. Arthur is distracted again by Angela Scott. Jack reacts to the news that he is to be a father. Nanny has guessed Phyllis' secret. Rosemary learns from Peter and Laura that Arthur has been spotted around London with an attractive young woman.

February 1938. Vicky is greatly disturbed by Hitler's speech on the wireless. Rosemary finds plans for her Red Cross recital going terribly awry. Arthur and Angela Scott discuss the tragedy of Vicky's relationship with Klaus in view of the world moving closer to war. Rosemary's star pianist leaves her in the lurch. Arthur implores Vicky to save the day, but she is terrified. Lady Alice gives Vicky a pep talk. Impresario Conrad Neilson takes an interest in Vicky, but Klaus coldly issues a warning. Vicky has to face the truth.

March 1938. Arthur worries about Vicky, who is visiting Munich with Klaus. Phyllis finally shares her good news with Arthur. Gates informs Liz of the trouble with Sam Woods and his pregnant wife Daisy, about to be evicted from their home. An upset Rosemary confides in Liz that Arthur has been seen around London with a young woman. Liz takes on Mr. Parry to stop the eviction order. News arrives that Hitler has occupied Austria. Arthur and Angela comfort Mrs. Weiss, an Austrian neighbor whose son is Jewish. Angela agrees that Arthur shouldn't play a pocket Hitler with the Woodses. Jack gossips about a rumor involving Geoffrey and Penelope Finch. Liz is forced to stand for the Woods family against the bailiff and Parry.

April 1938. The Bourne family learns that Hedges is going to destroy nearby Elsmore Estates for a factory. Arthur invites Angela to Larkfield Manor to meet the girls and Lady Alice. Angela's closeness to Arthur irritates Mrs. Gates. Arthur reassures his mother that he loves Rosemary, but not he's not in love enough for marriage -just yet. Arthur invites Angela to meet Rosemary at Layford, and a jealous Rosie reciprocates with a surprise guest of her own. A scheme to dissuade Hedges simmers at Larkfield, but with the men failing, one of the women works her clever powers on Hedges.

May 1938. Arthur brings news about Hitler and the Czechs. Klaus and Liz clash over politics, upsetting Vicky. Smug estate agent Parry receives permission from Arthur to deal with disgruntled laborer Bryce, but doesn't give Arthur all of the details. Gates convinces Mrs. Gates to go drinking and dancing, and their joy ride culminates in a disaster, where Bryce is a bystander at the accident scene. Gates admits to Arthur that he was drinking before he and Mrs. Gates went for their drive. Bryce creates a scene with the Bournes in the churchyard. Liz demands that Arthur show Bryce the same concern as he does Gates. Parsons has an idea about clearing Gates. Arthur meets with Bryce and learns of his family tragedy.