The Cedar Tree

- Season 3

(1977)

Peter confides to Laura about more trouble at Layford, and they share a rather intimate moment. Rosemary and Geoffrey spar over his trip abroad, and when he refuses to admit what she knows to be true, she threatens him. Liz requests Arthur's approval of her summer expedition to Wales. Arthur realizes that something is wrong with Rosemary. Charles voices his opinion of Gwylim.

Rosemary visits Larkfield Manor and confides in Arthur her decision regarding Geoffrey. Arthur advises Rosemary about her future, and she concludes that it is all a sordid business. Liz continues to defend Gwilym and his political views as a conscientious objector. Vicky wonders about Peter's intentions toward Laura. Phyllis and Jack return from their honeymoon. The Bournes celebrate Arthur's birthday.

A grim anniversary upsets Vicky and Mrs. Gates. After receiving a letter from the Von Heynigs, Arthur makes a decision regarding the future engagement of Vicky and Klaus. Mrs. Gates enlists Arthur to intercede in a situation involving Rosemary. Parsons surprises Rosemary with an unusual request. Geoffrey implores Peter to accept Penny and issues a shocking demand for Jack.

An infuriated Jack threatens to sue Geoffrey, while Phyllis blames Rosemary for their predicament. Peter takes notice of his father's unhappiness. The Von Heynigs arrive and confide in Arthur that they don't share Klaus' affinity for the Nazi Party. Frau Von Heynig reacts with fear when the general speculates about a military coup against Hitler. Arthur imparts his ideas to the Von Heynigs about the engagement of their children. Mr. Hedges insults the Bourne family with his prejudice. Eavesdropping on a telephone conversation between Vicky and Klaus, Peter rails at ...

Arthur enlists Laura to watch over Vicky during their holiday in Germany. An ugly rumour in the newspaper implies Arthur's support for the Nazi party. Rosemary and Geoffrey express their loyalty to Arthur. The Gateses discuss the situation in Germany with Parsons. Klaus declares Laura a dark horse. Following a party rally in Munich, an unnerved Vicky fears Hitler's followers. Klaus warns Vicky about being too candid in public.

An impertinent reporter harasses Mrs. Gates and confronts Arthur about rumors of being a Nazi sympathizer. Arthur decides to decline an offer on the outside chance it is proposed. Fearing that Laura will break Peter's heart as Liz did, Geoffrey seeks assistance from Arthur. Laura is mesmerized by German culture. Gates engages in a row with the person who betrayed Arthur to the press. Peter receives devastating news about Laura.

Phyllis conceals Jack's problems at Poole Aviation from Lady Alice, and she grossly misinterprets the situation. A melancholy Peter and Vicky adjust to life without Laura's presence. Charles and Rosemary commiserate about their new lives: Rosemary without Geoffrey and Charles in America. Peter receives an icy reception when he proposes a new position for Jack. A terrible accident touches Larkfield Manor.

The accident leaves Mrs. Gates rattled. Parsons informs Geoffrey of the decision to continue in service at Layford. Peter presses Vicky for information about Laura's relationship with Manfred. Phyllis and Jack help Lady Alice settle in at Larkfield Manor. Charles attempts to reach Laura by phone with news of the medical crisis, but a new crisis develops when the fate of Laura and the Von Heynigs is in question.

Jack is desperate to find work as his financial decline continues. Arthur seeks an enquiry into the whereabouts of Laura and the Von Heynigs, just as news of a tragic death arrives. Gates receives a deal he cannot decline. Tension between Vicky and Peter escalates over speculation about Klaus' loyalty to his parents. Geoffey pays a surprising visit. An unexpected arrival at Larkfield Manor stuns everyone.

Laura's dispassionate behavior unnerves Vicky. Geoffery has an important favor to ask Phyllis. Arthur receives a cryptic telegram from Klaus regarding his parents. Manfred meets Jack and Phyllis and makes a shocking revelation about Laura's plans for the future. Laura rejects Phyllis' mature advice.

Phyllis and Nanny clean out mementos from the past as the family hosts a farewell dinner party for the Pooles. Arthur extends an invitation to Julian Palmer while he awaits renting the mill house at Layford Park. Peter questions Laura about her decision to follow the war effort in Spain. Jack has announcement regarding his new position. An unexpected visitor demands to see Liz.

Gwilym brings news that Liz went missing from the archaeological camp in Wales following an argument. Arthur confronts Gwilym about his intentions toward Liz. Julian befriends Gwilym and learns more about the professor's heritage. Nanny is inconsolable after hearing reports of deadly flooding in Wales over the wireless. Arthur receives frightening word from the police.

A distraught Victoria feels that the past is repeating itself, and Liz has drowned. Lady Alice leaves Vicky a bible with an appropriate verse. Parsons and Arthur check In for word on Liz. Gwilym returns, but his news is of no comfort. Laura and Peter argue once again about her decision to nurse the wounded in Spain for Franco. Peter learns that Rosemary left Layford Park suddenly and finds an urgent letter she left for him.

Peter brings word of Liz to Larkfield Manor, but Gwilym senses something is still wrong. Rosie phones to say that she is returning to Layford Park. The Bourne family attempts to assuage Gwilym's fears. Gwilym enjoys a pleasant talk with Mr. and Mrs. Gates. At Layford, Rosemary confides to Gwilym her opinion about Liz's moody behavior. Gwilym admits the reason that he and Liz quarreled before she left in the driving rain.

Laura explains to Nanny and Mrs. Gates why she must go to Spain to fight Bolshevism. A letter arrives from Manfred. Liz's continued recuperation at Layford Park annoys Arthur. Arthur implores Laura to stay in England where she may be needed soon for another war. Liz returns to Larkfield Manor to cry on her father's shoulder. Klaus pays a surprise visit to the Bournes and brings with news of atrocities in Germany.

Klaus relates to the Bournes the dreadful events that happened to his parents in Munich. Peter is compelled to offer an apology. Much to Arthur's dismay, Laura appears unaffected by Klaus' story, dismissing his parents as traitors. Peter issues one final appeal to Laura. Klaus deems the latest newspaper headlines as propaganda. Heartfelt goodbyes are said between Laura and Arthur and Vicky.

Gwilym visits Liz in London, where she's staying with Phyllis and Jack now that they have returned from France. Mrs. Gates wants a strong word with Arthur about her ladyship. Arthur speaks with Lady Alice about the atmosphere she has brought to Larkfield Manor. Phyllis advises Liz about Gwilym, while Rosemary reassures Arthur of his daughter's strong character. Arthur and Mr. Gates plan a catalyst to sway Mrs. Gates. Rosemary's date with Julian intrigues Arthur.

Rosemary plays coy about Julian with Arthur. Julian makes Mrs. Gates an offer she doesn't want to refuse, but Mr. Gates does. Phyllis attempts to counsel an upset Liz about her evening with Gwilym. Lady Alice surprises Arthur by efficiently dealing with the situation between herself and Mrs. Gates. Liz issues Gwilym an ultimatum, and he realizes that there is only one solution to prevent him and Liz from hating one another forever.

Lady Alice's expectation of a mysterious visitor piques the family's interest. Jack reads of serious danger in the area where Laura is nursing and suggests hiding the newspapers from Vicky. Alice reminisces about the past with Lord Forbes. A letter arrives from Spain, and Phyllis reads Laura's account of the atrocities of war. Lady Alice realizes that even an old flame can have its uses.

An urgent telegram arrives from an injured Laura, who has been abandoned by her regiment in the midst of a war zone. Klaus fears that Peter will attempt to fly himself to Spain to rescue Laura. Geoffrey receives frightening news about his son. Phyllis reminisces with Lord Evelyn about the cedar tree and their first meeting. The Bournes learn of Peter and Laura's fate, while Lady Alice receives word from Lord Evelyn.

When the rector has a heart attack, Arthur informs Rosemary that as church warden, she may have to select a new rector. However, Arthur has very definite ideas about the sort of man to be considered. Jack and Phyllis invite their friends the Bigginses to visit, just as Ralph Marsh, patron of the living for the church, arrives. Marsh's choice of a new rector appalls Arthur, and a battle ensues when the Archdeacon, Marsh's friend, becomes involved.

Jack and Denis Biggins decide to involve Marsh and the Archdeacon in their ticket agency scheme, as well as Arthur. Marsh makes his case to Rosemary and Liz. Liz convinces Rosemary to meet with Marsh's choice. Nanny fears that Lady Alice is tippling in private. Prepared to resign over the situation with the Archdeacon, Arthur clashes with Rosemary. Marsh defends Jack to Liz. Arthur fears what is coming to the village with war on the horizon.

In London, Julian is reunited with Clive Mortimer of the admiralty. Mortimer drunkenly mentions a secret regarding Rosemary and Arthur and enlists Julian's help with a mysterious problem. The following day Julian mentions the visit to Rosemary who becomes alarmed. At Larkfield Manor, Vicky confides in Laura a scheme involving Peter and Klaus. Vicky is surprised by the arrival of Clive Mortimer, as well as his knowledge of the family.

Clive Mortimer claims that he is being hounded in the admiralty by his jealous colleague Roger Baker. Julian and Rosemary meet with Baker, but he offers a very different account of the situation. With claims of sleeper agents and espionage in the intelligence office, Julian and Rosemary must decide how to settle the feud between the two men. Vicky's scheme reaches fruition, though Klaus' reaction surprises her. Arthur returns to the tranquility of Larkfield Manor, where nothing ever seems to happen.