Ease Not Peace
- It turns out that Margaret's journey to London is just what she needed, because her cousin Edith has just had a baby and the whole house is quiet and resting.
- Edith knows that Margaret is sad, and she says that there's reason to cheer up because soon enough, the dinner party season will start. Then she and Margaret will be able to pick out fancy dresses and stuff.
- Margaret looks forward to the return of Dixon, who is still in Milton wrapping up the family's affairs.
- One night, while reading Dixon's letters, a servant comes in and announces that Mr. Bell has arrived. Margaret jumps out of her chair to meet him.
- Margaret asks how the Thorntons are, since Mr. Bell has been staying with them. He mentions that Mrs. Thornton doesn't seem especially fond of Margaret.
- Their tea arrives from another room, and trailing behind it is Mr. Henry Lennox. Margaret thanks him for all the work he has done on Frederick's behalf. He says it's no trouble at all. While they chat, it comes out that Frederick has been to England within the past year. This news stuns Mr. Bell.
- Mr. Bell gets up and heads home, feeling that it's getting late. After saying goodbye to Margaret and the rest of the folks, Mr. Bell leaves. Henry Lennox joins him, since they're walking in the same direction.
- While they talk, Henry lets slip a harsh comment about what Margaret's father put their family through. Mr. Bell jumps to defend his dead friend, and Lennox backs off.