Wed, Feb 1, 1984
For Lewis Eliot, life with Sheila is difficult and rumors have it that she has left him because she prefers women. She decides to try her hand at writing at the encouragement of publisher R. S. Sullivan but it leads to yet more disappointment. Lewis and Leonard March are called called into the Foreign Ministry where they're told by Leonard's brother, Sir Philip March, of suspicions that he and Herbert Getliffe are suspected of having taken advantage of insider information to profit on a government-issued contract. Sir Philip denies any wrongdoing as does H.G. Charles Marsh's wife Ann, now a well-known left-wing activist, is one of the sources for the suspicions about H.G. and her husband's uncle. She does her best to stop the publication of these rumors but to no avail. It leads to a major rift between Charles and his father.
Wed, Jan 11, 1984
After successfully completing his law exams, Lewis Eliot becomes a pupil in the chambers of Herbert Getliffe to become a barrister. He pays for the privilege but takes his work seriously despite getting little respect. His friend Charles March uses his family's influence in getting him known among the influential classes and briefs begin to appear on his desk. He's not so fortunate in his personal life. He is very much in love with the selfish and self-centered Sheila Knight.
Wed, Jan 25, 1984
It's 1935 and Lewis Eliot has been at Cambridge for a number of years. He has persevered with his difficult marriage to Sheila who lives in London where Lewis also works occasionally as a legal consultant. He's called into the Foreign Ministry where he's told of suspicions that his old employer, H.G.is suspected to has taken advantage of insider information to profit on a recently issued government contract. At Cambridge, he is helping his good friend Roy Calvert who is hoping to be named a Fellow. Roy is admired by many and seen as a leading academic in his field. He has serious self doubts however that may his fellowship in doubt.
Wed, Jan 18, 1984
Back in London after a false medical scare, Lewis Eliot is ready to celebrate. He drops in on Sheila who informs him that she has fallen in love with Hugh Smith. He seems a likable enough fellow but Lewis feels it's his obligation to inform him that Sheila is mentally unbalanced, a schizoid, and that he needs to prepare himself for that if they are to marry. Hugh reconsiders which is fine with Lewis especially when Sheila agrees to marry him. Career-wise, Lewis' future appears secure. When George Passant and some of his friends are charged with fraud, the solicitor suggests that Lewis seek a leader and he turns to H.G., who has taken silk. H.G. does a fabulous job and all are acquitted but the judgment doesn't sit well with Lewis who knows one of their clients was in fact guilty. H.G. suggests the he might be better suited to life as a legal academic. With his marriage in turmoil, Lewis thinks he might be right.