Paul Craddock answers an advertisement and arrives in Devon, not realising he has made the most momentous journey of his life.
Paul has achieved his aim: Shallowford House is his. Now he must learn his job of being Squire. John Rudd is a help and so, in different ways, are Claire Derwent and Grace Lovell.
Paul has married Grace Lovell. Will Codsall also has marriage on his mind, but with a mother like Arabella, he needs a lot of help.
When Grace returns from London, there is a tragedy in the Valley and Paul has a most difficult decision to make.
The relationship between Grace and Paul grows worse, particularly when Paul suggests Claire Derwent becomes nanny to their child. When Paul is called out to a shipwreck, Grace seizes the opportunity to resolve the situation.
With Grace gone, Claire becomes indispensable to Paul and when Smut Potter plays a dangerous game, Claire is there to help. Paul gets more involved in Liberalism. Lloyd George speaks in the Valley.
Nine years have passed and Paul and Claire have been married for seven. John Rudd surprises everyone, particularly Maureen O'Keefe , and the Potter twins meet a strong man who surprises them more.
The Great War hits the Valley. Will Codsall is the first man to be called up. The war fever spreads quickly, taking everyone in its wake, even John Rudd.
Who is sending white feathers? And who is putting flowers on Germans' graves? Will Codsall, back on leave, causes a lot of anxiety, and Claire and Rose both have emotional decisions to make.
The Valley has its first conscientious objector and most of the locals do not take it kindly. Sydney Codsall, now a solicitor, visits Paul and tries to involve him in a doubtful deal, which forces Paul to take a vital step.
Paul has joined up. Shallowford is now a convalescent home and very crowded. John Rudd suggests that Claire should move out. Elinor Codsall has a German POW to help at Periwinkle, a decision which she has reason to regret.
Who is setting fire to the haystacks? When Claire finds out she is faced with an impossible decision. The Potter twins have two new admirers, and Paul has leave and is surprised not to be spending it at home.
With Paul missing and the army having vacated Shallowford, Codsall sets out to buy the valley.