A young lieutenant visits the Sims and asks for Sims' blessing to marry Rebecca, which he gives, against her wishes. Neil gets jealous when he sees that Sims views him as unsuitable for his daughter and a soldier comes to visit and court Rebecca. Rebecca is receptive at first but discovers that the soldier is abusive and she wants nothing to do with him. Neil and the soldier face off in a fight and Sims sees the cads lack of character and apologizes to Neil.

James enjoys an affair with a beautiful actress. Emma tries to imitate her. James saves traveling actress Rachel as her coach becomes stranded in town for a few days. While she's in town, James spends as much time with her as possible. Neil resents the time he spends away from the farm and Emma aspires to be like her.

Sims announces the annual horserace and gets Neil interested. The race gives Sims a chance to challenge himself and not fell he's getting old. When Neil must bow out of the race, James takes his place.

Sims wants to start a militia in the area. Neil joins, dispite James objection, of course.