On a frosty Christmas Eve, the Mellstock Choir gathers at Reuben Dewy's home, their spirits lifted by mugs of cider. The ensemble, including Grandfather Dewy's cello, sets off into the night for their traditional caroling journey. Their voices carry through the countryside as they visit scattered farms and homes, eventually arriving at the schoolhouse to serenade the new schoolmistress, Fancy Day. Though at first she seems unaware of their presence, Fancy eventually appears at a window, enchanting the singers. However, young Dick Dewy is later found gazing up at her now-empty window, lost in his thoughts.

Christmas Morning Stir

The following day at church, the congregation buzzes with whispers as Fancy Day makes her debut. Her presence captivates Dick, Farmer Shiner, and the new vicar, Mr. Maybold. However, Fancy inadvertently stirs controversy by leading the young girls in song alongside the traditional male choir, a breach of longstanding tradition. The older members of the community foresee potential discord due to her boldness.

Christmas Day Revelry

During Dick's Christmas Day party, his chance to dance with Fancy fills him with joy, yet his mood sours when she partners with the more affluent Shiner. As Shiner escorts her home, Dick's spirits plummet further. Undeterred, he uses a handkerchief she left behind as a pretext to visit the schoolhouse days later. Despite his nerves, he only manages a brief exchange, leaving him frustrated.

Spring Awakening

As spring arrives, Dick continues to pine for Fancy, becoming a shadow of his former self. Though he confides in no one, his yearning is apparent to everyone but Fancy and her other suitors. Meanwhile, the choir members approach Vicar Maybold, troubled by rumors that their hymns will be replaced by organ music played by Fancy. The vicar confirms the truth of this rumor, though he offers to let the choir exit ceremoniously rather than abruptly.

Shifting Tides

When Dick's opportunity comes to escort Fancy from her father's home, he is disheartened to find Shiner present. However, a simple touch of her hand at dinner rekindles his hope. Though words elude him, Dick senses progress in their relationship. Yet rumors of Fancy's interactions with Maybold and Shiner gnaw at him, prompting him to write Fancy a letter questioning his place in her life. Her silence intensifies his resolve to speak with her directly.

Unexpected Proposals

Before Sunday arrives, an errand for Maybold's mother leads Dick to a neighboring town, where he unexpectedly encounters Fancy. Seizing the moment, he offers her a ride and, buoyed by the closeness, finally proposes marriage. To his astonishment and delight, Fancy accepts.

The Secret Engagement

Though their engagement must remain a secret for some time, Fancy's father reveals his preference for Shiner as a suitor. Dick is troubled by Fancy's penchant for dressing to impress others, yet her apologies always win him over. On the day Dick is to formally seek her father's approval, he is bluntly dismissed as unworthy of Fancy. Heartbroken, he retreats, accepting the elder man's judgment.

Determined Love

Fancy, however, refuses to give up. When tears fail to sway her father, she feigns a melancholic love-sickness, eating little and sighing often. The ploy succeeds, and her father grudgingly consents to her match with Dick, setting a wedding date for midsummer.

Choir's Farewell

On the day Fancy takes her place at the church organ, the choir performs for the last time. Dick is absent due to a friend's funeral, and Fancy dresses in an unusually ornate fashion. Her neglect of Dick's absence troubles him, but he dismisses his worries. That evening, braving the rain, he visits Fancy for a glimpse...