Synopsis:
Mary Smith flees a crisis at home in Manchester to stay with two spinster sisters, Deborah and Matty Jenkyns, in the small, rural town of Cranford. The town doctor, Dr. Morgan brings a young new doctor, Frank Harrison, to join his practice. Dr. Harrison attempts a risky new surgery. Lady Ludlow plans her annual garden party. Mary's stepmother tries to play matchmaker with Mary and the new doctor. At the garden party, Matty runs into a man from her past, Thomas Holbrook. At the party, the guests learn that the railway line may be coming straight into Cranford.