In the General Chambers of the South Riding new forces are at work. For Robert Carne, hope and tradition die hard. Full of ambition and high ideals, Sarah Burton returns to her native county for a fateful interview.

One law for the rich - another law for the poor? Sarah Burton, the new headmistress of the Kiplington Girls High School , begins to face the harsh questions of life. But life doesn't obey rules. Upon rich and poor alike, the sun rises and sets

Sarah, Burton, treading across the minefield of human relationships in the South Riding, begins to make friends - and enemies. The devious and far-sighted Alderman Snaith connives at the downfall of certain colleagues - in the interest of progress

For Lydia Holly, success at school holds out the promise of escape from the iron grip of poverty. For Midge Carne, school becomes another kind of prison. Outside, the relentless cycle of birth and death touches the life of the community , and unexpectedly, of Sarah Burton.

At the Nag's Head, Lily Sawdon faces the truth about herself but manages to keep her secret from Tom. At Maythorpe Hall, Midge Carne asks too many questions for her father's comfort. And on Easter holiday, Sarah Burton unwittingly betrays something she doesn't want to know herself.

An epidemic of measles spreads across the South Riding. For Sarah Burton, Fred and Nancy Mitchell and for the Hollys, there are unexpected consequences. A crisis may help to bring people closer, or it may help to force them apart.

The staff room of the Kiplington Girls High School becomes a cauldron of sexual frustration and intrigue. Midge Carne heads a cruel conspiracy against the ageing and ineffectual teacher Miss Sigglesthwaite. For Sarah Burton the conflict erupts in a moment of truth.

Robert Carne, faced with the declining fortunes of Maythorpe Hall and the rising costs of the Harrogate nursing home, and Fred Mitchell, unemployed with a pregnant wife, have one thing in common - a desperate need for money. For Joe Astell the only answer lies in social revolution, but time is running out for them - for Alfred Huggins, Gertie Holly, and certainly for Lily Sawdon. Only for Sarah Burton does time, for a moment, stand still.

At school the Christmas holiday begins. Desperately in love, Sarah Burton comes face to face with destiny, with the urge to sacrifice all that she believes in, all she has fought for - her whole life.

Councillor Huggins, moved by the spirit of Christmas and overflowing with goodwill towards men, dispenses prayers and provisions to the Hollys - and a little worldly advice to Robert Carne. Mrs Whitfield, unmoved by the spirit of Christmas, visits Fred and Nancy Mitchell. Barney Holly, full of beer and the prospect of home comforts, returns with a present for Lydia.

Why has Robert Carne put his affairs in order and why has he accused Alderman Snaith of corruption? Snaith's schemes promise Sarah Burton a new school - they also spell the end of Carne of Maythorpe.

A mystery hangs over the South Riding and Alderman Snaith tastes the fruits of victory and a doubtful pleasure. At Maythorpe Hall, the ghosts of heredity walk again.

Sarah Burton, her heart heavy with guilt and failure - and love for Robert Carne - considers her future and Mrs Beddows , out of loyalty for a great friend, visits the school to convey a vital message. A year later, as the school celebrates King George V's silver jubilee, Sarah ends the memorable day with a new vision.