Iris and Ruby discovers May's pregnancy and that she can't marry the father. So, panicking, May visits the Brazendales, wanting money for a termination. They refuse but offer her an account at a department store. When this doesn't change May's mind, Madeleine threatens she'll be charged if any harm comes to the baby but May ignores her and tries to induce a miscarriage regardless. Iris and Ruby realise and make her sick so May keeps the baby. Ruby receives a letter from Marianne Parkes. She condemns corsets, believing them vile and unnecessary, and invites Ruby to a debate. She invites Ruby to a picnic, drawing her into their intellectual circle. They advocate reproductive rights for women and vegetarianism, amongst other things. Iris and May see Ruby becoming a snob and warn her to be careful but her ideas lead her to release the pigs kept by the butcher on an allotment, damaging other allotments. Ruby admits what she's done and is ordered to pay compensation and work on the damaged allotments. Joseph, the butcher, is impressed by Ruby's spirit and they become friends. Ruby is horrified to discover that her new friends believe in sterilising people they deem unfit to reproduce - particularly girls who have illegitimate children - so she rejects them. She promises to support May and help her hide her condition. Iris supports May too after Father Melia reminds her that May needs support, not condemnation.