After suffragette Amelia Sandhurst speaks at a temperance society meeting attended by most of the adults of Avonlea, Janet, despite the possible embarrassment to the King family, takes up the cause. To assist Amelia, Janet vows to get at least fifty signatures on a petition going to the government to allow women the vote. Her stance is finalized when Angus McCorkadale, perceived by most to be the town's most sexist person, demeans Janet. Although many do support the stance, not many are willing to sign until someone else does. However, if Janet can get the signature of Angus' reclusive wife Margaret, who is known to wear the pants in the family, others will follow suit. But that may be easier said than done. And at what price will Janet pay at home for neglecting her household duties? One of the women in town who needs to be emancipated is Maude Craig. She is forced to work at Angus' cannery for paltry wages, not sufficient to support herself and her son Peter, who must live and work at Rose Cottage.
—Huggo