Adam Had Four Sons

Adam Stoddard loses his fortune after his wife's death and the 1907 stock market crash. Financial ruin shatters the family and casts a pall over the estate. This crisis sets the stage for Emilie's arrival to stabilize the household.

A newly arrived governess named Emilie begins work to keep the family together. She takes responsibility for the children and becomes a steady, compassionate presence. Her arrival signals the possibility of rebuilding the household's stability.

With money tight, the three older boys are sent to boarding school. Cousin Phillipa covers their tuition, highlighting the family's financial reliance on relatives. Emilie continues to manage the home in their absence.

As the family cannot yet repurchase the estate, Emilie must return to France. The separation is framed as temporary until Adam can restore the property and status. The move tests Emilie's commitment and the siblings' absence from home.

Over several years, Adam regains his wealth, and he invites Emilie back to the estate. The family regains some stability and prepares to resume life as it once was. Emilie accepts the invitation, beginning her second tenure at the house.

Three older boys leave home to serve in World War I, leaving the estate short handed and emotionally strained. The war drags on, testing loyalties and delaying family plans. Their absence reshapes the household's dynamics as the crisis persists.

David returns home with his new wife Hester, whose friendly exterior hides her duplicity. Her arrival introduces tension as Emilie and the family adjust to a new, ambitious presence. Emilie remains cautious, watching how Hester alters household power.

Cousin Phillipa senses Hester's wicked nature but dies before she can warn Adam. Her absence leaves the family without a trusted ally. Without Phillipa's warning, the family must navigate Hester's influence without her counsel.

Hester schemes to rid Emilie from the home and seduces Jack while Adam's husband away at war. Emilie discovers the affair but chooses silence to protect Adam's happiness and Jack's reputation. The deceit begins to drive wedges within the family.

Adam sees a silhouette of a man and a woman in Jack's window and demands an explanation. Emilie secretly enters the room while Hester leaves, tricking Adam into believing Emilie is involved with Jack. The deception preserves Hester's secret for the moment and protects the reputations involved.

David returns from the war and, while intoxicated, Hester inadvertently calls Jack's name as he caresses her. The moment reveals Hester's infidelity to David and shatters his trust. Distressed, David leaves and later undertakes a reckless plan to fly a plane.

David tries to commit suicide by flying a plane in a stormy night. The attempt fails, and he survives, ending up hospitalized. The family must confront the consequences of the revelations surrounding Hester.

Emilie reaches a breaking point and demands that Hester leave the home. Hester tries to frame Emilie as the aggressor, claiming Emilie forced her to leave. Jack finally reveals the full truth to Adam, clearing Emilie's name and exposing Hester.

Adam evicts Hester from the home and professes his love for Emilie. Emilie accepts his marriage proposal, ending the turmoil and beginning a hopeful future for the restored estate.