In 1834, William and Eliza host a literary salon at Kensal Lodge. Dickens celebrates his publications, which William facilitated by introducing him to a publisher.

At the literary salon, the other writers celebrate William. They ask where his wife is, and Eliza and William evade these questions. William’s daughters are watching the salon from the staircase.

Eliza joins the girls on the staircase. She identifies the men in the salon for the girls. She asks after their mother, who is still crying and not eating. Eliza promises to stay with the girls as long as they need her.