Alice and Margaret leave the mosaic workshop discussing Nina Gill’s “mystery illness,” with Margaret dismissing tabloidy explanations and noting women have many reasons to disappear. As they walk the unicursal garden path, Margaret muses about removing choice to find peace and hints she uses a fan boat more than a car. When Alice asks why Margaret is speaking now, Margaret reveals she made a promise to someone and they died before she could retract it, refusing to name the person.

Back at the house, Jodi pointedly asserts that no one else is ever inside, and Margaret confirms Jodi handles sales, groceries, and logistics. The scene underscores Margaret’s isolation and dependence on Jodi, while Margaret jokes about her disappearing act and ends the chitchat for a meal.

The narrative then recalls the prior day’s interview notes: Nina’s illness brought weight fluctuation, hair loss, and a Swiss Alps recovery, during which Nina fell in love with her doctor. After the breakup, Gerald reconnected with his sister Gigi, moved Gigi and her baby Ruth to his estate, and kept managing Nina’s career briefly. Public sentiment turned against Nina’s talkie-era films; she retired in 1931. That same year Gerald brought Rosalind, Freddy, and Francine to the House of Ives, along with Gigi and Ruth, while he and Rosalind remained separate and Gerald doted on Ruth, nicknamed Little Princess (LP).

Alice reflects that Margaret is holding back deeper truths despite permitting recording, and resolves to earn trust over time rather than rush. Alice worries Hayden might be progressing faster.

On Saturday morning, Margaret abruptly cancels Alice’s session for both Saturday and Sunday without explanation, heightening Alice’s fear she may be dismissed. Dejected, Alice encounters Captain Cecil in the parking lot; he invites her to Fish Bowl’s annual summer party honoring his December birthday.

At the Little Croissant patio, Alice unexpectedly meets Hayden. When Alice admits Margaret canceled, Hayden refuses to speculate but concedes he’s reasonably certain he will be hired. After a tense exchange, Hayden admits he “can’t give this up,” and Alice agrees she can’t either. Hayden proposes being friends if they can avoid talking about Margaret; Alice declines for the evening due to plans at Fish Bowl and jokes about taking his job, leaving their dynamic competitive but slightly thawed.