Ruth and her parents leave for Oxford. Maggie pleads with her mother to let her stay at the cottage in Kent rather than return to boarding school. Lady Thorton insists that Maggie must go for her own happiness and safety.

Susan is sick and remains in bed. Lady Thorton has to go out, and she leaves Ada in charge. Ada notes that Susan is damp with sweat and feels hot to the touch. Ada does not understand the severity of Susan’s condition; she merely thinks that Susan is overheating and so removes some of the covers. When Lady Thorton gets home, she explains that Susan is sweating because she has a fever and is very unwell. Lady Thorton sends Jamie with a note for Fred Grimes at the stables to call the doctor.

Lady Thorton helps Susan breathe by setting her up over a bowl of steaming water and menthol. Doctor Graham arrives and diagnoses Susan with pneumonia; he insists that Susan must be taken to the hospital in London immediately. Lady Thorton goes with Susan.