Felicity struggles to get out of Darrell's shadow in her second year at Malory Towers. Newcomer Jo struggles to follow the rules, getting Felicity caught in the crosshairs. Mary Lou debates how strict to be after becoming head of lower school.

Felicity and Jo meet a young acrobat girl and Jo promises to take Felicity to the circus. When Jo breaks the rules to fulfill her promise, Miss Grayling teaches her a lesson about friendship. Twins Ruth and Connie start to notice their differences.

Afraid of being accused of stealing, Jo and Connie run away to the village. Darrell helps a worried Ruth search for her sister. When the girls return to Malory Towers, Jo's father learns about her misdeeds.

The pressure is on for Gwen when Felicity suddenly gets stage fright. Meanwhile, Ruth and Susan’s hard work comes to fruition when they make an amazing discovery.