[1] Harold Eastwood, an accountant, and unimaginative, meets Alec Goodrich, a well-known novelist, on a train, and agrees to take on his tax affairs.

Harold finds the idea initially rather shocking, but Isabel manages to persuade him that it will benefit both parties, providing a better life for Irma and improving Alec's novels, which have been criticised for being too full of unpleasant, bitter women.

Isabel, meanwhile, has a relationship with Alec, and spends increasing amounts of time with him in London.

Harold becomes a great deal more cheerful, even playful, and Isabel is grateful for this.

But when Isabel gets hold of the manuscript of Alec's latest novel, things take a dramatic and alarming turn.