My Cousin Rachel

In the 1830s, Philip, an orphan, is raised by his older cousin Ambrose on the Cornwall estate. The household is unusually devoid of women, shaping his early worldview. This isolation foreshadows the later entanglements of love, suspicion, and power.

Ambrose travels to Florence to seek a healthier climate for his illness. From Cornwall, Philip learns that Ambrose has married their widowed cousin Rachel. The correspondence hints at Ambrose growing paranoia and a strained relationship with his doctors.

Philip travels to Italy after learning Ambrose has died. Enrico Rainaldi informs him that Rachel is the one who left Florence. Philip becomes convinced Rachel was responsible for Ambrose's death and vows revenge.

Philip returns to Cornwall and Rachel follows, arriving at the estate. Though seeking vengeance, he becomes intrigued by her presence and charm. Their initial interactions blend suspicion with a growing attraction.

Philip and Rachel grow closer as they share rides and a tea brewed from herbs. He arranges for her a generous allowance, believing it will keep peace. Rachel says she did not come to Cornwall to beg, hinting at her independence.

During Christmas at the estate, Rachel wears the family pearl necklace. Nick Kendall warns Philip that Rachel is notorious in Florence for extravagance and lust. Philip begins to entertain the possibility that she may be more dangerous than he thought.

Philip arranges for a document to transfer the estate to Rachel as soon as he inherits at 25. He envisions marrying her, or at least formalizing her control. The arrangements heighten the tension as trust wavers.

On his 25th birthday, Philip goes to Rachel's room at midnight and presents her with the family jewels. They consummate the relationship, but then Rachel reads the document and realizes the estate is hers. She accompanies Philip to the wood for a second, more reluctant encounter. This time she does not welcome the intimacy.

At dinner with friends, Philip declares that Rachel will be his wife, which she denies. In private, she reveals their first sexual encounter was not an engagement, but a form of thanks. The argument turns physical as Philip grabs her throat, leaving her fearful.

Philip falls ill and Rachel nurses him back to health. He discovers a letter from Ambrose accusing Rachel of poisoning him. He becomes suspicious and starts rejecting her herbal tea.

Philip notes Rachel's clandestine visits to see Rainaldi, a man he hates. Her secret meetings fuel his jealousy and mistrust. This tension escalates as the couple's bond frays.

Philip arranges a dangerous cliffside ride for Rachel, hoping to provoke a confession or break. They search her belongings with Kendall's daughter Louise, but find nothing incriminating. Realizing he has misjudged her, Philip goes to find Rachel. He discovers she has died in a fatal accident on the clifftop path.

Several years pass; Philip is now married to Louise and has two children. He is tormented by the memory of Rachel and wonders if she was innocent. He suffers recurring headaches traced back to that time.