Tom becomes involved in the sordid suicide of Lord Castlereagh, the Foreign Secretary, and plays a major part in the cover up, earning much political gratitude for the whole family. Meanwhile, James marries well and begins to lay the foundations of a political career. The hunt for Tom’s attacker, Godby Fletcher, leads to America. Joseph, busy with his inventions, faces tragedy which may be too much for him. There are shocks in store for both families that will herald great changes.