A journalist named Daniel arrives to deliver the news that Emma has been left some money. There's a substantial sum to be claimed if Emma can prove her right to the money and there's a rags to riches story in it for Daniel's newspaper. As Robert and Emma contemplate their change in fortunes, Laura, who is fascinated to meet a real writer, shows Daniel around Lark Rise.

This tale of temptation and obsession chronicles Georges Duroy's rise to power from his meager beginnings as a penniless ex-soldier by using the city's most influential and wealthy women. Set in turn-of-the-century Paris, Duroy seduces Madame de Marelle then marries Madeleine Forester a former comrade's wife. Fueled by his insatiable quest and lustful greed, Duroy conquers Madame Walter, only to learn that every conquest is married by betrayal and...