It's Easter 1940 and, with Tristan away, Skeldale House is busier than ever. Everyone looks to the future, and James tries to save a dog from its owner.

Siegfried hires an experienced bookkeeper, but her efficient approach doesn't suit everyone. James and Helen arrive at a big decision, and a ferret presents a challenge for the practice.

When new vet Richard Carmody joins the practice, James feels his place by Siegfried's side is threatened. Conflicts come to the surface at Mrs Pumphrey's community tea party.

James and Helen are keeping a secret, and following a visit to the Crabtree's Farm, Carmody is challenged with learning how to be a vet outside of his books. The new farmers have a worrying illness amongst their herd and James wants to help them in any way he can.

The war is getting closer, James is about to embark on a new journey. He desperately wants things in order and Carmody trained up to support Siegfried. But James is frustrated at Carmody's inability to drive and he keeps missing opportunities to spend precious time with Helen.

Helen feels redundant at Skeldale, and buried family secrets threaten to tear their relationship apart as Richard refuses to let her muck in on the farm. Helen notices that calf Smokey seems unwell and tries to help him, but it only makes things worse with her dad.

Faced with a daunting future, James longs to see Helen, but an injured bird stands in his way. Siegfried and Carmody try to support Mrs Hall's community efforts.