Ep 2. Episode 2 - Cranford

Episode 2 of Cranford continues to follow the lives of the small English town's inhabitants, including the middle-aged sisters Miss Deborah and Miss Matty Jenkyns and their loyal servant Martha. The town is buzzing with excitement about the arrival of a new doctor, Frank Harrison, who will replace the former physician, Dr. Marsh.

The Jenkyns sisters are apprehensive about the new doctor, but Miss Matty is intrigued when he treats a poor child with a broken leg and shows kindness and compassion towards the mother. The wealthy Miss Caroline Tomkinson also takes a liking to Dr. Harrison and invites him to dinner at her estate.

Meanwhile, the town is shaken up when a train derailed outside of Cranford, causing a great commotion. The townspeople rush to help and are amazed to find a wealthy widow, Mrs. Jamieson, amongst the passengers. Mrs. Jamieson is well-known in Cranford and everyone is eager to pay their respects to her.

The arrival of Mrs. Jamieson causes a stir amongst the women of Cranford, as she is known for being snobbish and exclusive. The Jenkyns sisters are particularly upset when they are not invited to her exclusive dinner party. However, they are too proud to admit their disappointment and instead try to console themselves with a trip to the local jam shop.

As the episode progresses, tensions rise when it is revealed that Mrs. Jamieson intends to hire her own maid, instead of relying on the local servants. The townspeople feel it is a direct insult to their pride and tradition. The maid, a French woman named Rosamund, is shrouded in mystery and becomes a topic of great intrigue among the townspeople.

As the episode draws to a close, the town of Cranford is preparing for a grand event - the annual May Day celebrations. The women of the town are busy making preparations, including the creation of a special wreath and the selection of a May Queen. Miss Matty is particularly excited about the event and reminisces about May Days from her youth.

Overall, Episode 2 of Cranford perfectly captures the idyllic and relaxed atmosphere of a small English town in the mid-19th century. With its charming characters, captivating plot and stunning scenery, it is a must-watch for anyone who loves period dramas.