Hindle Wakes

In Hindle, the small Lancashire mill town, preparations for the annual wakes week begin as Fanny Hawthorn packs for a trip to Blackpool with her friend Mary Hollins. The town hums with the bustle of holiday planning and last-minute errands at the factory.

Allan Jeffcote, son of the mill owner, finds his own holiday plans disrupted when his fiancée cancels last minute. He remains in Hindle and considers alternative trips while the factory winds down for the week.

Fanny and Mary board the excursion train to Blackpool, excited for the holiday. Allan and a friend choose to travel by car, heading toward the same destination. The stage is set for a four-way meeting in Blackpool.

In Blackpool, Fanny, Mary, Allan, and Allan's friend mingle in the holiday throng and grow attracted to each other. Allan persuades Fanny to leave Blackpool for a stay in Llandudno in North Wales. Fanny agrees and plans to message her parents later.

Mary is tragically killed in a boating accident during the Blackpool holiday. The news reverberates through the group, though Fanny remains unaware of the full implications at that moment.

Fanny's father travels to Blackpool to find his daughter, only to discover she is not there. He also finds an unmailed postcard in Mary's luggage that hints at what happened.

At the end of the week, Fanny and Allan return separately to Hindle. Fanny is shocked by Mary's death and is unaware of the full circumstances.

The Hawthorns go to the Jeffcotes to confront Allan's parents about his conduct. They are surprised to find Allan's father equally appalled by the situation.

Mr. Jeffcote declares that Allan must marry Fanny to avert a scandal. Allan initially resists but explains the predicament to his fiancée, who insists on the proper course.

That evening the Hawthorns visit again to arrange the marriage. Fanny defiantly wears her working clothes instead of a formal dress, signalling her independence.

Allan makes a formal offer of marriage, but Fanny rejects him, arguing that she too is entitled to a little romance. The moment underscored the clash between duty and desire.

Allan agrees to continue his engagement with his fiancée, while Fanny moves out to escape her mother's wrath. She seeks independence and a new path.

Fanny forms a friendship with a fellow mill worker and agrees to go on a date, signaling a shift in her social life. The draft of romance moves away from Allan toward a possible future.

The story closes with Fanny pursuing a date while Allan remains committed to his engagement, highlighting the contrasting paths for the two main characters. The ending hints at future independence for Fanny and ongoing obligations for Allan.