As Ada recovers from her clubfoot surgery, the war brings unexpected changes to their household. Lady Thorton's arrival, after the military requisitions her estate, introduces class tensions into their daily life. Ada, still learning to read and write, finds herself navigating proper manners and social expectations. The arrival of Ruth, a Jewish refugee mathematician from Germany, further complicates the dynamics. Ada watches Ruth with suspicion, particularly her interactions with Susan, revealing her deep-seated fears about losing her new-found security. Throughout these changes, Susan maintains her patient approach to Ada's education and emotional healing, while Jamie adapts more easily to their expanding household.