In 1892 Horace Lamb lives on an inherited estate with his wife, their five children, his extended family and a slew of servants including the butler Bullivant.

After Gideon takes a casual invitation from Horace seriously he decides to return the favour by asking the Lambs to meet his mother, Gertrude, and sister, Magdalen.

The two families grow closer in Charlotte's absence and Gertrude hints to Horace that her daughter and Mortimer might marry some day which he finds appalling.

Going for a walk to reflect upon his children's betrayal, Horace narrowly escapes death and blames his sons when discovering one of their pocket knives near the scene of the crime.

However it is quickly revealed that George, a young servant who resents his position and who has been stealing from the family, conspired to hurt Horace.

Horace grows sick from the cold and almost dies, causing the household to repent of their actions to him, and then makes a miraculous recovery.

Miss Buchanan visits the servants and her secret is revealed by George, who then confesses he overheard Bullivant tell the cook.

Though Miss Buchanan believes she will be illiterate until she dies, the teenage cook's assistant Miriam offers to teach her as she taught young children in the orphanage where she grew up.