This lavish period drama tells the story of Eleanor Bramwell (Jemma Redgrave), a pioneering female doctor in the late nineteenth century, and the struggles she has with her friends, her colleagues and society.
Genre: Drama
Cast:Jemma Redgrave , Ruth Sheen , David Calder , Kevin McMonagle , Keeley Gainey , Ben Brazier , Cliff Parisi , Andrew Connolly , Maureen Beattie , Michele Dotrice , David Shelley , Susan Field , Jenny Agutter , David Bark-Jones , Robert Hardy , Kate Morgan , Berwick Kaler , Patrick Godfrey
A brewery worker brings a 15-year-old co-worker in, both scalded. Finn shows up to spend only one night in London before a trip to France, and Robert explains to Eleanor why he can't stay at their house.
Robert enjoys a weekend of shooting at Mrs. Costigan's country estate, although he recognizes another guest, noted physician Aubrey Savier, as an entrenched rival for Mrs. Costigan's affections. Joe Marsham considers a new position. Mrs. Costigan's infant nephew becomes ill, and she refuses Robert's recommendation of surgery. Instead, she insists on calling in Dr. Savier, who says inflation will be adequate, which Robert considers too dangerous.
Eleanor tries desperately to replace Mr. Marsham. Kate shows her new boyfriend the Bramwells' house. Mrs. Marsham is diagnosed with advanced breast cancer.
An abusive husband sends his wife to the Thrift yet again. Finn returns with news that breaks Eleanor's heart. The Thrift hosts a Jubilee party. When the beaten wife takes action to protect herself, she must run away to prevent her arrest. Eleanor confronts Emmaline O'Neill at the Jubilee Ball.
During Eleanor's absence the Thrift staff is overworked. At the suggestion of Mrs. Costigan Robert takes on a young woman who hopes to be a medical student, thinking she could help out. Dr. Marsham is not impressed. Nurse Carr is finding it more and more difficult to take care of her demented old mother.
Eleanor continues her slow recovery at the home of her best friend Isobel and her husband. While visiting the poor village school, Eleanor discovers an outbreak of measles. One of those stricken is the teacher's assistant and Kilshaws' under-nanny, 15-year-old Sarah, who is expecting and refuses to name the father.
The elder Dr. Bramwell plans to open a practice on Harley Street. He then proposes marriage to Mrs. Costigan. His banker's wife, a demanding patient, reveals more than her hypochondria to Robert.
A faith healer divides the Thrift into believers and non-believers. Dr Marsham is particularly upset by his interference. Still grieving, he sends his daughters away to stay with their aunt.
Robert serves on the Re-Vaccination Committee. When Emmaline comes to the Bramwells' house for help, they suspect she may have a reaction to Finn's vaccination experiments. Finn gives Eleanor another reason to be done with him.
Eleanor proposes to Dr Marshom on the eve of her father's wedding.