Hazel is startled by an unexpected phone call from Tim who is concerned about her sudden departure from her job.
Tim expresses how much he and the others will miss her but understands her need to move on to Sotheby's.
Although Hazel feels guilty and considers confessing to Tim that she accidentally took a portfolio from the store, she refrains from saying anything.
She reflects on the fast pace of change in London, with cultural and societal shifts.
Hazel contemplates London's newfound optimism, no longer expecting another war.
Hazel decides to investigate how a book that she finds could have possibly been written by an American author if it includes a story that she and her lost sister, Flora, created.
She writes down a list of people who might know something about the book but realizes that none of the people who were around during their childhood could have known the story.
Barnaby arrives unexpectedly at her flat, disrupting her investigation process.
Initially forgetting about dinner plans with her mother and stepfather, Hazel opts to cancel the dinner after Barnaby's arrival.
The narrative then switches to a flashback from 1957 where Hazel attends an auction at Sotheby's.
Hazel describes the excitement of the auction and her passion for literature and author memorabilia.
During the auction, she tries to bid for Virginia Woolf's silver engraved pen but is outbid by Barnaby.
Days later, Barnaby visits the bookshop where Hazel works and apologizes for outbidding her, explaining that he initially wanted the pen for his father's collection.
Despite Hazel's intentions to resist his charm, she finds herself drawn to Barnaby who is a professor with an aristocratic background.
After a dinner date, Barnaby surprises Hazel by gifting her the pen he had won at the auction.
Back in the present, Hazel prepares to share the discovery of the mysterious book with Barnaby.
Hazel, fearful but hopeful, confides in Barnaby about her suspicions that her sister Flora may be alive and connected to the book.
Hazel turns down the idea of contacting reporter Dorothy Bellamy, despite Barnaby's suggestion.
Dorothy Bellamy is perceived as someone who romanticizes lost children in her articles and is not taken seriously by Hazel.
Hazel expresses her frustration to Barnaby over the possibility that his theory of synchronicity can explain the book's similarity to her and Flora's story.
Barnaby attempts to comfort Hazel as she grapples with the painful memories of her lost sister and the years of carrying guilt and loss.
The chapter concludes with Hazel showing Barnaby the book in question, hoping to find a connection to her missing sister.