The Family Game

Edward explains that the spelling of his family estate, The Hydes, is an error. It was supposed to be called The Hides, as in, a hiding place. The Hydes is full of hidden hunting spots. Edward announces to his family that he and Harriet are expecting a baby girl. They want to name her Iris.

Eleanor gives Harriet a tour of the house. She tells her about the new wing, which was reconstructed after a fire. They overhear Robert angry on a business call. Eleanor tries to excuse the Holbeck temper, which is curious to Harriet, who doesn’t find Edward temperamental at all.

Harriet locks herself in her room for the privacy to listen to the remainder of Robert’s cassette tape.

On the tape, Robert instructs Harriet to accept the Christmas invitation to The Hydes, where he will reveal to her what favor he wants her to do for him. He also tells her that on Christmas Eve, the Holbecks play another game, a treasure hunt. Robert notes that Edward will try to get Harriet to play with him, but Robert insists that she play alone. Robert says that at the end of the treasure hunt, if Harriet follows all of the clues, then she will figure everything out.