In Cranford all the householders above a certain rent are women. They are the architects of the town's social image. Occasionally a man breaks into the circle, with interesting results.
Miss Matty takes up again with a dear old friend and the ladies are excited to learn of the impending arrival of Lady Glenmire.
Crime comes to Cranford and starts a wave of terror. Lady Glenmire shocks the ladies by her indecorous behaviour.
Miss Matty is forced into a way of life that is distasteful to her. Hearts beat faster when a well-loved face, long absent from the town, suddenly reappears.