Kate finds it hard to find a job as governess, and Sarah Nidd decides to try and contact her charge's family. The Malvern family cut off her father when he married a girl of lesser birth and fortune, and Kate does not want to ask them for help. But Sarah writes to her father's half sister, Minerva, who married a wealthy Baronet, Sir Timothy Broome.
Soon afterwards Lady Broome arrives in London and persuades her half neice to come and visit her country home for a time.. Kate insists that she wants to support herself, and Lady Broome suggests that she come to their house, Staplewood, and later, she can find a job. Minerva has married well but her husband is elderly, many years her senior and frail. They have one son, Torquil who is heir to the baronetcy. Lady Broome says she is a lonely woman, who wishes to have a daughter.
They travel to Market Hayborough, where the Broomes' home is located and Kate can see that her aunt is very proud of the fine house. Sir Timothy seems gentle and kind and Torquil, her cousin, is handsome but rather socially awkward. Lady Broome tells her that Torquil has a frail constitution and has never been to school. Dr Delabole looks after the elderly baronet and his son.. and lives in the house.
While it is a fine house, it seems rather unhomelike. Lady Broome seems a little distant from her husband and Torquil does not seem to be warmly attached to either of his parents.
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