Since they were pupils in the village school it had been obvious that Becca the ploughmans daughter & George the blacksmiths son would one day marry. But Beccas scheming younger sister Ellen upsets their plans with a shocking announcement: she is pregnant with Georges child. Shock & disillusionment sour Beccas good nature but it is partly restored when Jethro newly returned to the district begins to pay her attention & eventually proposes marriage. He has inherited a nearby cottage from his aunt & has plans to build a business specialising in furniture. While Becca & Jethro run their thriving business Ellen & George have too many children & not enough money. The needy Ellen is forced to accept the charity that Becca offers but it seems the two sisters will not be true friends again. Especially as George remains convinced he married the wrong sister.. .