The unnamed narrator (whose name is revealed to be Mary Smith in Chapter 14) speaks of her hometown, Cranford, which consists mostly of widows and elderly unmarried women living in genteel poverty. The Cranford women are exceedingly punctual and rule-driven. One of the most pivotal rules in Cranford society is to practice “elegant economy” and avoid talking about money or money-spending (9), which the women deem vulgar and showy. It is common knowledge amongst the Cranford women that they are all poor, but it is equally common practice to conceal one’s poverty.

The Cranford women are initially perturbed by the arrival of a bold, boisterous man named Captain Brown and his two daughters. Not only is Captain Brown a man invading their female-run territory, but he is also unaccustomed to their rules. He openly talks about poverty and other topics the ladies consider taboo. Still, Captain Brown gains their trust and respect, and the Cranford women grow to view him as an authority figure to whom they can turn to for advice.

One night the narrator’s friend, Miss Deborah Jenkyns, hosts a party that Captain Brown and his two daughters attend. The eldest daughter is Miss Brown, and her younger and much prettier sister is Miss Jessie Brown.