Four years on from the Poor Law Amendment Act, impoverished economic migrants from the south of England start to arrive at Quarry Bank Mill.

Esther comes of age and leaves the apprentice house, but not before signing her contract of employment. Esther's new home is a small, dirty cellar in Styal village, but it gives her new freedom.

After a difficult labour, Esther finally gives birth to a healthy baby boy. She returns to work the next day but struggles to keep up. John Howlett and his wife Rebecca receive tragic news.

With the country in recession, William Greg is forced to slash his workers' wages. Daniel urges his colleagues to withdraw their labour, but can they afford to go unpaid during a strike?

The second series reaches its climax. There's a violent confrontation between the striking workers and the special constables, while Peter is desperate to find out the truth about Dominica.