James and Helen are keeping a secret. Following a visit to the Crabtree's Farm, Carmody is challenged with learning how to be a vet outside of his books. The new farmers have a worrying illness amongst their herd and James wants to help them in any way he can. Helen volunteers to join him, but helping the Crabtrees might have had a bigger impact on James and Helen than they anticipated. Helen rallies the community to help the newcomers while she waits for some personal news.

Carmody meets Bernard the tortoise and tries to ‘treat the owner' too by helping Ned Clough. Despite confiscating his textbooks, the whole household will come to realise the value of Carmody's bookish ways.

Mrs Hall receives an important letter and has to decide whether or not to share the news.