Money matters

The ten-part period drama - adapted from Flora Thomson's memoirs of her Oxfordshire childhood - continues its re-run. With high-production values and authentic-looking locations (specially built for the production), there are a number of larger-than-life characters that are easy to warm to. The quality ensemble cast includes Julia Sawalha (on terrific form as liberal postmistress Dorcas Lane) and Dawn French (as likeable drunk Caroline Arless).
In tonight's third episode, Laura (Olivia Hallinan) continues to settle in to her new life in Candleford. Dorcas, meanwhile, sets about engaging a new maid for widower Amos Wardup (Peter Wright) and his son, Young Amos (Craig Parkinson).
Patty (Camille Coduri) is a dream come true for Amos, but Young Amos takes against her. It's not long before most of Candleford - and particularly the Pratt sisters - start to doubt Patty's motives and suspect her of being after Old Amos's money. Young Amos is the most suspicious, but it eventually becomes clear that his hostility towards Patty is not as straightforward as it first appeared - he's fallen in love with her.
Eventually, Patty and Young Amos admit their feelings to each other but, on learning of their romance, Old Amos is furious. Patty decides to leave, so that she doesn't cause any more trouble between father and son. It's going to take all Dorcas's diplomacy if there's to be any hope of reconciliation.
Elsewhere, the Reverend Ellison (Peter Vaughan, pictured) organises a Lark Rise concert at the request of Sir Timothy Midwinter (Ben Miles) but, typically, hot-headed Robert Timmins (Brendan Coyle) falls out with Ellison over his children's contribution - and incurs the wrath of his family and the whole village.
Philip White (Oliver Jackson Cohen) and Laura continue to spend time together and he asks her to be his girl. Alf Arless (John Dalgleish) hopes his performance at the concert will win Laura over, but he is dismayed to see that she only has eyes for Philip...
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