 On his first leave since the outbreak of the war, James speaks candidly at dinner about the recent failures at Ypres and other serious military blunders. He is highly critical of the inaccurate press accounts that are spun by the current Liberal government. Sir Geoffrey Dillon dines with the Bellamys that evening and Richard, Tory MP, says openly that the Conservative Party are forcing a coalition government. Richard will do whatever he can to bring down the Asquith government, mindful that change on the political landscape would benefit his own aspirations -- perhaps a high-level position in the Admiralty. Downstairs, Edward and Daisy decide that they want to marry and go to Hudson with their happy news. Hudson is dismayed, but takes the couple to meet with James and Hazel, who offer their congratulations. James is notified that he will not return to regimental duty and will be granted a safe desk job, well out of harm s way. He is baffled at this news and his regimental commander is infuriated. It appears all of this was brought about as a result of his loose talk that evening in his dining room and Sir Geoffrey s likely leak to the press. James leaves Eaton Place immediately to consider his next move -- he is determined to return to the front.