Hackles arise when William notices that Hester's fencing instructor--a known Casanova--is paying her quite a bit of attention. Hester, however, sees no cause for alarm. Only when she lowers her guard does she realize William might have a point. 

A scandalous affair in the neighborhood gets Hester's creative juices flowing. She begins a new writing project, much to William's dismay. Meanwhile, Hester's father takes an entirely different kind of inspiration from the whole affair.