In a letter addressed to Halford, the narrator declares that he is writing in response to a previous conversation in which his friend shared with him stories of his life before their acquaintance. In return, the writer, who describes himself as sitting by the fire on a rainy day while his family is absent, promises to share “a full account of certain circumstances connected with the most important event of my life” (34), collected from the letters and an old journal before him.

In October 1827, Gilbert Markham, a gentleman farmer, lives with his mother, sister Rose—whom he hints will later become Halford’s wife—and brother Fergus on the family farm. Over tea, Gilbert learns that a young single woman, presumably a widow, has taken up residence at the nearby Wildfell Hall. His family and visiting neighbors report that the widow, Mrs. Graham, is not very friendly, nor does she seem knowledgeable about the small household matters that Mrs. Markham thinks “every lady ought to be familiar with” (39).

Gilbert studies the new arrival at church and concludes that she is attractive but not of “soft or amiable temper” (41). He is piqued when she catches his stare and gives him a scornful look, telling himself he could change her mind if he wished.