That evening at dinner, Violet notices how Frederick studies everything in the room as if appraising its value. She also sees a flask that Frederick carries in his pocket. He slips its contents into his claret glass when no one is looking. By the smell, Violet knows that it is brandy. As Frederick describes his experiences in the Libyan desert, Violet thinks how wonderful it might be to study insects in that exotic part of the world. By half past eight, the men go to drink port together while Violet is sent to bed.

Kate continues to settle into the cottage as spring approaches. She has already read most of the volumes in her aunt’s library but finds a note inside one book, sent by someone named Emily from Kirkby’s Books & Gifts. This is the local bookseller, and Kate goes in search of Emily, assuming she works at the shop. She proves to be the 50-something-year-old owner of the store and a friend of Violet’s. She is struck by how much Kate looks like her great-aunt. Emily invites Kate to visit the farm where she and her husband, Mike, live. It’s nearly closing time, but she asks Kate to stop by again for a longer chat.