The sisters have escaped from their mother's domination, but find that marriage has its drawbacks. Constance adjusts to new life in her old home, while in Paris, Sophia is horrified by her husband's extravagance and selfishness.

While the Franco-Prussian War rages and Paris itself is besieged, Sophia is forced to fend for herself. The values of her upbringing in Bursley come to Sophia's aid as she begins a new way of life.

Constance misses her sister more than ever. Family life at first brings contentment, but then Constance's happiness is shattered by crimes in which her son Cyril and husband Samuel are involved.