In New York, Dickens is invited to a sportsman's dinner, one of many such invitations that he regularly receives. He recalls a time when, as still a young man, he sorely grieved the loss of sister-in-law Mary, whom he loved very dearly. He continues to produce novels, including 'Oliver Twist' but begins to fear for his health and seeks the world-weary Dr. Elliotson to take out an insurance policy.

Charles is acting very strangely and his friends are worried, as he claims to be in love with Queen Victoria, upset that she is marrying a German; he even threatens to leave England. He wants to buy back his his copyright to 'Oliver Twist', seemingly prepared to pay a hefty sum to do so. The serialisation of 'The Old Curiosity Shop' is a huge success, with the death of the protagonist, Little Nell, capturing the imagination of the nation, leaving many a grown man in tears.