Diana chafes against the necessity of having to assume authority at Highbury House. After the death of her husband, Murray, a doctor who was shelled on the way to a field hospital, she had to take charge—though she has left the management of the hospital to Murray’s sister, Cynthia. At first, she welcomes this, but soon, she realizes that Cynthia resents Diana’s ownership of what she considers her rightful property, having grown up there. Diana has become strong enough to confront Cynthia about the rations though the conversation turns to the question of Robin’s education. Cynthia wants the boy to be sent to the same boarding school her brother and father attended; Diana refuses to send the boy away.

After the conversation ends with Diana insisting that Cynthia has no say in her decisions, Diana goes out into the gardens. Even though they have are overgrown, Diana still feels a sense of calm as she wanders around. She encounters Father Devlin, who wounded his hip falling from a tank. Cynthia has suggested that Diana speak with the priest, considering her grief and isolation, but Diana has resisted. Father Devlin says that talking to anyone could help.