With most of the family abroad and Nanny ill, Larkfield Manor seems quiet as a tomb. Rumors of the impending death of King George cast a somber pall over the house. Lonely and bored, Victoria convinces Elizabeth that they should invite Aunt Phyllis for a visit, in hopes of reconciling their conflict from the London party. Phyllis reluctantly agrees; however, she arrives in an ill humor, just as Elizabeth has invited Geoffrey Cartland to dinner.