The Women of Chateau Lafayette

In 1917, America declares war against the Germans, and although Beatrice is happy that her country is finally taking part in the struggle, she feels anguished over the young soldiers who will inevitably die on the front. After setting up the newly named Lafayette Memorial Foundation, Beatrice has lunch with Willie at the restaurant where she once asked for a divorce. When Willie begins to drink in excess, the conversation takes a turn for the worse, especially as Beatrice plans to return to New York and Willie cannot follow. He admits that he knows about her romance with Furlaud and derides her for her attachment to someone he believes to be a mere banker. When Willie throws his prosthetic leg at a waiter, Beatrice knows that their relationship is over. Willie eventually gives her a letter from the American ambassador, who has charged her with a mission to go north and report on the situation there. Beatrice invites Emily to come with her, but the latter must join her husband’s delegation to coordinate French and American air forces in New York, forcing her to leave baby Anna behind.