Matters are gradually coming back into more regular ways. Although it is an unseasonable spring and early summer, fancies, not of young men only, turn to thoughts of love, and various projects of courtship and marriage are upon hand. These are not all pleasing to everyone concerned. There are also curious mysteries to do with Lord Saythingport's affairs that may affect more than the Marquess himself. Clorinda discovers that she cannot entirely eschew the habit of contriving.