Mr. Owen has been married to his wife, Alma, for 40 years. They live in Richmond, Virginia, and they have two adult children who live across the country. Unfortunately, Alma was diagnosed with brain cancer, so most days, she is unaware of her surroundings. Mr. Owen reads his favorite book to her, Emma by Jane Austen, to keep her happy. He reminds her of how their old neighbor was like Mrs. Elton, the villainess of the novel they both disliked. After writing short letters to his children, hoping to keep their spirits up despite their mother’s illness, he puts Alma to bed and goes to his book club. On the bus, he sees a woman who resembles a character from Persuasion. A talk will be held at the book club that day, titled “A Defense of Mrs. Elton.” Mr. Owen looks forward to hearing what the professor says. However, when the talk actually happens, Mr. Owen is abhorred. The professor’s words insult him, and he rises to argue with her. He claims that she doesn’t realize that everything she says affects others. He goes home, heated. He tends to Alma again. They go for a stroll. He feels like something has changed around them. Alma’s pill-induced numbness wears off so, as their walk continues, she grasps at her surroundings, trying to grab something that’ll stick.