Polly and Chris return to Barton after the war. Whereas Chris has returned unscathed, Laura's husband, George has not. George is often ill and resents being the poor relation, but the strain is too much and he cracks. Polly and Laura resume their close relationship but find it's not as easy as they thought it would be. Polly is still childless so she spoils Emma, which George hates. Emma has an accident and George blames Chris, causing conflict and estrangement between the families. Polly eventually falls pregnant but suffers from post-natal depression which manifests itself in an obsession for the child, thus excluding Chris from her life. He is tempted by a fellow teacher and Polly must come to her senses or lose her husband. Laura falls out of love with George and is strongly attracted to Chris's brother, Martin. They become closer after a local dance but George suspects them of having an affair and Martin announces he will re-enlist to give Laura's marriage a chance. Both Martin and Laura wait for contact from each other in vain and misunderstandings ensue. It is only when Polly is very ill in hospital that things begin to work out.
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