Into the narrow social world of New York in the 1870s comes Countess Ellen Olenska, surrounded by shocked whispers about her failed marriage to a rich Polish Count. A woman who leaves her husband can never be accepted in polite society. Newland Archer is engaged to young May Welland, but the beautiful and mysterious Countess needs his help. He becomes her friend and defender, but friendship with an unhappy, lonely woman is a dangerous path for a young man to follow - especially a young man who is soon to be married.
1. A stranger in New York
2. Newland has doubts
3. The Countess causes trouble
4. A Second visit to the Countess
5. May surprises Newland
6. The wedding and beyond
7. Newland in Boston
8. The Beaufort scandal
9. Ellen returns to New York
10. Newland visits Paris