This first episode sets the scene with an adored son, and the neglected daughter of a wealthy businessman.
Dombey finally has a son, though his wife dies in childbirth. His daughter feels neglected and is heartbroken, and is consoled by ther maid.
Polly and Susan Nipper have taken little Florence and her baby brother Paul to visit the Toodle family, in the hope of seeing Polly's son, Biler. On the way home, Florence is separated from the others and gets lost.
Florence has been found by Walter Gay and a friendship begins between them. Baby Paul grows up into a strange, old-fashioned little boy. Worried about the child's poor health, Mr. Dombey has sent him to Mrs. Pipchin's school in Brighton.
Walter Gay has been told that he is to be sent to the West Indies. Little Paul's health has worsened and he has collapsed at school.
Little Paul's death has left Mr. Dombey heartbroken. Walter Gay has said his goodbye to Florence and set off for the West Indies.
Shattered by young Paul's death, Mr. Dombey has gone to Leamington Spa, accompanied by Major Bagstock, who introduces him to the scheming Mrs. Skewton and her daughter Edith. Meanwhile Florence was notified that Walter's ship is missing.
Although she doesn't love him, Edith accepts Dombey's marriage proposal. Walter Gay's ship appears to have been lost at sea, while Sol Gills has also disappeared.
Mr Dombey and Edith have married, although there is a growing antipathy between them. Dombey's criticism of his wife leads to a serious quarrel.
To revenge herself upon Mr. Dombey, Edith has run away with Carker. Furious and humiliated, Mr. Dombey has turned on Florence, who has fled to Captain Cuttle for refuge.
