Flora’s letter to Molly reflects on worth and overlooked treasures, then recounts the negotiations behind her engagement. Reginald Gray’s firm merged with Magnus Braun’s to form Braun-Gray Investments, with Reginald handling traditional investments and Magnus managing high-end artifacts. When the value of an engagement ring could not be agreed upon, Priscilla Braun proposed a “modern trousseau,” resulting in Flora receiving a Fabergé egg. Her parents framed the egg as lifelong “insurance,” asserting that even if Algernon backed out, Flora would keep it.

With the merger complete, Reginald expanded the manor staff, promoting shy Penelope to assist Mrs. Mead. During a celebratory visit, the Brauns arrived amid torrential rain. At tea, Mrs. Mead made a pointed remark about the Farquar family and maidly knowledge of secrets, unsettling the Brauns. Penelope, flustered while serving, spilled tea on Magnus and was sent away to the laundry. Algernon then asked Flora for a tour of the manor.

Upstairs, Algernon installed himself in Reginald’s office and rifled through papers. When Flora apologized for hesitating at his proposal, Algernon asked if she liked the Fabergé and boasted that it was worth more than any ring. He implied that a baron with art-world connections had been involved, that Magnus’s business with the baron soured, and admitted the egg had not been purchased from the baron. He stated, “what we want, we take,” and told Flora her role as his wife would be to stay quiet and look pretty, shutting down her questions and sending her away.

Flora returned to the banquet room, lying that Algernon had been in the powder room. Algernon rejoined them, openly acknowledging he had inspected Reginald’s office. As the men prepared to hunt despite worsening weather, Algernon dismissed John’s small-caliber rifle and offered one of his own with silver-tipped bullets, while John and Uncle Willy expressed discomfort with big-game hunting. Mrs. Mead cautioned Willy and John to keep their wits about them as the hunting party departed for the dark forest.

While the men were away, Flora sat with Audrey Gray and Priscilla Braun in the parlor as they discussed wedding details. Penelope appeared pale and asked for Mrs. Mead, then drifted away. Shortly after, Mrs. Mead rushed past and exited toward the conservatory. About half an hour later, a crashing commotion drew the women to the conservatory.

The hunting party returned drenched and shaken. Reginald and Magnus held rifles rigidly; Algernon had lost his. Uncle Willy murmured about a deer in the forest. John, face streaked with mud, tears, and blood, carried Mrs. Mead, whose chest was soaked with fresh blood. Despite Audrey’s command to act, only John and Uncle Willy knelt beside Mrs. Mead, holding her hands and weeping. It was clear to all that Mrs. Mead was dead.