Sylvia returns to Christopher,largely for the financial security and attends his mother's funeral,where her showy appearance shocks the mourners. Realising she is reviled she goes to a retreat but is soon back in society with another admirer. Christopher develops a friendship with the Wannops,giving Mrs Wannop information about the Balkan situation for her writing,and sending Valentine a Christmas card. Vincent starts to make his name as a writer too and,as her husband gets stranger,Edith leaves him to live with Vincent. She is pregnant and has an abortion after seeking advice from Valentine,who envies her having love in her life. As the Great War breaks out the Wannops are pilloried for their pacifist stance whilst Christopher goes to fight in the trenches.
—don @ minifie-1