The scene takes place in March 1960 at the Tennyson house during a birthday party.
The party guests are spread throughout the main level, with a string quartet playing outside on the grass.
Hazel, after her mum's appointment, spends time preparing for the party and is accompanied by Barnaby, who is affectionate and attentive to her needs.
They both express their love for each other with a kiss in the midst of the party.
Tenny, likely the birthday celebrant, joins Hazel and Barnaby, and Hazel wishes him a happy birthday. A young girl attempts to kiss Tenny, but he avoids her.
Hazel and Barnaby meet Kelty in the parlor. She is wearing a blue dress with white flowers, compliments the party, and embraces them.
Fergus, described as wild-looking with unruly blonde hair, joins the group and shakes their hands while holding a partially eaten martini olive.
Kelty expresses a wish to formally greet Tenny for his birthday, and they head to the sunroom to discuss private matters.
In the sunroom, Hazel and Kelty discuss plans to go to St. Ives, Cornwall, and Kelty confesses that she has sent a telegram to an address found on a receipt without consulting Hazel.
The telegram contains a message about finding a story and indicates that it is a matter of life and death, and Kelty provides Hazel's address in the communication.
Hazel forgives Kelty for acting impulsively and accepts that they may need to go to America if there's no response to the telegram.
Fergus and Barnaby bust into the sunroom, joking about Hazel and Kelty's secret conversation.
The chapter ends with the couples leaving the sunroom together and Kelty questioning Hazel about the significance of Cornwall. Hazel silently communicates that it has to do with "Harry."