It is summer 1925, and Richard wants the soon to be vacant post of Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs. He thinks that Sir Guy Paynter, a wealthy and influential industrialist who is also a bachelor, would be able to use his influence to help Richard obtain the post. Virginia agrees, and invites Sir Guy to lunch. However, the lunch ends abruptly when Sir Guy makes a comment regarding death by firing squad for cowardice, not knowing that Virginia's son Michael was court-martialed for such an offense, but reprimanded, sent back into action, and killed. A few days later, Sir Guy sends flowers to Virginia to apologise, and he then takes her to a luncheon. As a thank you, he gives her a signed first edition of Browning's poems.