Spring, 1943. After a visit to see her mother in Sussex with Ned, it's time for VAD nurse Evie Jones to say a fond farewell to Rookery House and seek a new home in Great Plumstead. When an unusual opportunity arises, will it be all she hopes for? Marianne is visited by her husband's sister, stirring up bad memories from the past. Scared that Alex's family will once again try to take her young daughters away, Marianne vows to do all she can to keep them safe and living with her at Rookery House. As spring arrives, the new buds aren't the only things blossoming! Hettie's friendship with Ted continues to grow. Their newfound rapport, however, is causing a stir. Will they ignore what the gossip-mongers say about them and follow their own path to happiness?