Chapter 2 Summary

Lydia Lensky is the daughter of a Polish landowner who is married to a revolutionary Polish doctor. Much of her married life revolves around the revolution, as she follows her husband into exile. Her husband dies shortly after the birth of their daughter in London. Lydia's first job is as a nurse in Yorkshire. During this time Lydia lives in a deep depression, barely registering anything around her. After arriving in Cossethay, she feels an attraction to Tom in the midst of her depression.

After his proposal, they go through the routines of courtship, an experience that makes them extremely uncomfortable with each other. Tom dreads the wedding, and is scared of married life. Their married life begins awkwardly, with little understanding between them. They are silent as they try to learn about each other. Lydia tries to tell him about her childhood...