Phil, Josh and Michaela join the household of a yeoman farmer. Phil, the oldest son, learns the skills he will need to run the farm while his younger brother, Josh, will go to the grammar school to receive an education. Michaela, a servant’s daughter, is being trained by her elders in household tasks.

Each of the children finds their lot hard. Phil, struggling with the backbreaking work of picking stones and tending the stock, envies his brother who goes to school. But Josh finds learning hard and cannot master his work, despite the ever-present threat of a flogging. Michaela sees life as a servant mapped out before her and recognises that she will have little say in her future.