Rita Kennedy is forced to face some unpalatable truths about her husband , Charlie. But she must still play the part of dutiful wife, while her childhood sweetheart, Jack Callaghan, has shown her nothing but kindness. For Kitty Callaghan, burying herself in her work distracts her from the constant worry about her brothers, Danny and Tommy. And then there's Frank Feeny, the man she adores. Will they ever be together? With a Christmas of rationing and going without' to look forward to, the women of Empire Street are being tested like never before. But their troubles are only just beginning.