 Mary Stokes has been engaged as new under house parlor maid and begins her post while Lady Marjorie and Rose visit Southwold. Richard comes home one evening and finds the young woman in tears. When pressed, she tells Richard that she is pregnant and that the father is the son of a Belgravia family. Richard thinks it best for Mary to have an abortion, because she will surely be sacked if Lady Marjorie finds out about her condition. She refuses, but Richard feels pity for her and promises to help her by confronting the father, Myles Radford. The staff are bemused that Richard would take such an interest in a lowly house parlor maid and there are even whispers that he has sired Mary s child. Myles Radford denies paternity when confronted by Richard and threatens legal action against him if he persists in his quest. Sir Geoffrey Dillon offers wise advice -- though he has lofty goals, Richard would be well-served to release the girl from her household duties and send her on her way. Richard grudgingly capitulates, but gives Mary a nice sum of money and assures her a good reference. She s very grateful to the kind Mr. Bellamy and leaves without a fuss -- a sympathetic downstairs wishing her well.