At a Howard family gathering, the head of the household—Grandpa (Mr. Howard)—berates Reagan and dismisses Grandma’s influence. A witness interrupts, recounting how Grandma sold her dowry during the succession war and later developed a plague cure that saved thousands and the Howard name. Grandpa insists his battlefield service earned his rank and blames Grandma’s ‘‘modern’’ ideas—monogamy and gender equality—for the family’s shame. Reagan offers to leave; Rowan is consoled and protected. Mr. Howard flaunts an embroidered Entwined Lotus from his wife. The household fractures when someone finally snaps: "Let's leave!"