It is 1899. Old Jolyon has long since been buried at Robin Hill, and with the death of Aunt Susan in 1895 and Roger's funeral opening this instalment of the Saga, the Forsyte's are fast becoming aware of their mortality. Yet more problems beset the family. Montague Dartie leaves his wife for Buenos Aires to pursue his latest flame, a dancer. Young Jolyon's wife has died and his father entrusted him as executor of his will, ensuring that Irene receives the interest on the sum the old man left her. Motor cars are beginning to fill the streets of London and war with the Boers is about to be declared. Soames is now 44 years old, separated from Irene for 12 years and yearning for a son to whom he can leave his property.

He meets and begins to woo Annette. Could she give him an heir? At first he favours the idea and prepares to seek a divorce, but meeting Irene again rekindles that desperate, unfulfilled passion. Why should she not come back to him? He informs Jolyon of his intentions, asking the artist to 'kindly leave her quite alone'; 'I can give you no such promise' comes the firm reply, and the battle begins in earnest.