It is the summer of 1926 and Phillip and Lucy are now living at Skirr Farm. It is hard work, and Phillip's naivety about farming practices makes progress difficult, yet Phillip finds respite from the mental torment of his novels in physical labor. Though only too aware of the difficulties caused by industrial unrest and the agricultural depression, he determines to make the farm a success. Family matters (the birth of another child and financial problems of his in-laws) cause him more unrest.