With Mr. Finch Sr. traveling and all the maids given the day off, Nora—named by staff as Mr. Finch's wife—is forced to handle every household chore alone. A steward tells Mr. Finch a rumor that Nora once killed someone and had her boyfriend take the fall, and they decide to test her by making life difficult while the elder Finch is away. Nora prepares breakfast, then discovers the laundry is piled up and the washing machine is broken, so she must wash by hand. The staff watch closely for any slip they can use as grounds for divorce.