The Chalk Garden

Mrs. St. Maugham seeks a governess for her troubled granddaughter, Laurel, who has driven away previous caretakers with her erratic behavior. Despite Miss Madrigal being an unconventional choice with no references, Mrs. St. Maugham is drawn to her knowledge of gardens and decides to hire her.

As Laurel observes Miss Madrigal, she becomes suspicious of her new governess, noting her new clothing and empty past. Meanwhile, Miss Madrigal aims to understand the root of Laurel's unusual behavior, suspecting it may be tied to a traumatic history.

Laurel engages in strange behavior by setting a bonfire in the garden and screaming around it every night. Mrs. St. Maugham explains that this behavior is part of a treatment strategy to help Laurel face her issues, while also revealing their complicated family tensions.

Miss Madrigal finds herself caught in a web of Laurel's lies about her traumatic past, including stories surrounding her mother, Olivia. Laurel's claims about her father's death are addressed by Maitland, who provides a more accurate account, deepening the mystery.

A telegram from Olivia arrives, indicating her intention to visit Mrs. St. Maugham and have a conversation with Laurel. The news stirs mixed emotions, especially as Mrs. St. Maugham grapples with her feelings towards her estranged daughter and the implications for Laurel's future.

Foreseeing her mother's arrival, Laurel mysteriously disappears. An alarmed Miss Madrigal and Maitland search the grounds frantically, heightening the tension as Olivia asserts her determination to regain custody of her daughter, and tensions escalate between the generations.

One sleepless night, Miss Madrigal finds Maitland in the library, where he reveals his tragic backstory involving the loss of his family in a car accident. This moment builds their camaraderie, as Maitland confides in her about his struggles and the nature of his employment.

While Miss Madrigal and Maitland are away, Laurel investigates Miss Madrigal's possessions, discovering a locked briefcase. After managing to break it open, she finds paints and a monogram hinting at Miss Madrigal's hidden identity, increasing her obsession with uncovering the governess's secrets.

Laurel's curiosity about Miss Madrigal's past leads to various attempts to break into her room and learn more. After a failed attempt, she falls from a tree while trying to sneak back, raising concerns, especially from Miss Madrigal, who begins to realize the depths of Laurel's deceit.

During lunch with Judge McWhirrey, Laurel seizes the opportunity to probe into Miss Madrigal’s history by bringing up murder trials. This conversation leads to Miss Madrigal's distress, ultimately hinting at her criminal past and creating an undercurrent of tension at the table.

After Laurel publicly questions the initials C.D.W., Miss Madrigal reluctantly explains that they belonged to her sister, leading to a tense moment. The Judge recalls a notable case involving a girl with those initials, making it clear that Miss Madrigal's history is more complicated than she initially let on.

Miss Madrigal considers leaving her position after realizing the detrimental influence of her past on Laurel. However, Maitland encourages her to stay, emphasizing the transformation that is possible for both of them within their complicated relationship.

In a private moment with Judge McWhirrey, Miss Madrigal reveals that he once sentenced her to death due to a youthful mistake. This confession deepens their connection and hints at the haunting consequences of her past actions.

After hearing a shocking conversation between Miss Madrigal and Mrs. St. Maugham, Laurel makes the decisive choice to leave with her mother, Olivia. This moment captures the culmination of the family's dysfunctional dynamics and Laurel's yearning for a relationship with her estranged mother.

With Laurel gone, Miss Madrigal contemplates her future, deciding to continue her work with Mrs. St. Maugham in the garden. As they discuss what lies ahead, a sense of hope and potential for growth emerges, despite the shadows of the past lingering.