It's early September, 1939. War, the threat of which seems to be closer and closer to reality, pervades everything that happens, it becoming reality which would outwardly affect Mrs. Hall the most with Edward's situation. James, with Helen's assistance, is continuing with the TB bovine testing, the program which exempts him from military service, somewhat to his dismay in his overall sense of duty. A marginal case which he nonetheless has to report is personal to him. As such, he has to decide if he can bend the rules. With that case, a perfect storm of incidents may threaten James continuing with the program, which would open him up for that military service. Tristan is feeling more self-confident than he ever has in his life, mostly thanks to his time with Florence. As such, he takes a bold step. An obviously well-looked after Springer Spaniel named Dash is abandoned on the Farnons' doorstep, Dash who none of them have ever seen. Mrs. Hall is horrified to learn what Siegfried believes they need to do if they cannot find its owner or an alternative home for him, Skeldale House which in his mind is not an option. And Mrs. Pumphrey demonstrates her sense of national pride and duty in light of what is happening geopolitically.
—Huggo