The House at Riverton

In 1999, Grace is taken by Sylvia to the village fair. Grace can see the cemetery and remembers burying he mother. She sits near the village war memorial bearing the names of people she knew and considers the changing times since then. 

Grace remembers 1919. During her honeymoon in Paris, Hannah enjoys the freedom of travel. Grace observes that Hannah and Teddy do not seem well-matched. They return to London, to their married house in Grosvenor Square, Grace with them as Hannah’s lady’s maid.

Grace recalls a party where she meets Teddy’s sister, Deborah, who inserts herself into their lives. In 1920-1921, Teddy loses a political election and joins his father’s business instead, leaving Hannah bored and dissatisfied. Deborah stays with them in London at Teddy’s insistence. During a visit from Emmeline, Hannah confides she plans to work at a socialist press. When Deborah finds out, she ruins Hannah’s plan by threatening to tell Teddy.

At the fair, Grace goes in search of some refreshment as Sylvia has not returned.

She remembers early 1921: Hannah hosts a social morning where guests press her about why she is not expecting a baby. Hannah announces she will visit a spiritualist and Grace insists on going with her.