After the death, Isabel and Mrs. Touchett travel to Paris. Isabel is not impressed with the American expatriates there with whom Mrs. Touchett has social intercourse. They are extremely politically reactionary and attempt to maintain American values and even its decor in the midst of Paris. Of this community, Isabel meets a childhood friend, Ned Rosier, who is a collector of art objects. Next, Isabel and Mrs. Touchett go to San Remo to visit Ralph, who stays there for his health once a year. Ralph talks to Isabel about his ideas of what her wealth will bring her in the way of opportunities for exercising liberty.

Then, Isabel and Mrs. Touchett go to Florence to Mrs. TouchettÂ’s house there. Madame Merle introduces Isabel to Gilbert Osmond and his fifteen-year-old daughter, Pansy. Gilbert Osmond visits Isabel almost daily. Isabel sees him in his home a second time and finds his life among water colors and art objects very attractive. While she is talking to him inside, Madame Merle and the Countess Gemini, Gilbert OsmondÂ’s jaded sister, are in the garden watching Pansy and talking. The Countess threatens to tell Isabel something that would warn her against Gilbert and Madame Merle, but Madame Merle threatens her and she backs down. Ralph comes to Florence and takes Isabel and others on a trip to Rome. After they arrive, Gilbert Osmond also arrives as does Lord Warburton. When Lord Warburton sees him, he asks Ralph about Mr. Osmond. Ralph does not like Osmond but doesnÂ’t specify the reasons.

Three years later, there is a meeting between Ned Rosier and Madame Merle. She tells him the Osmonds are unhappily married and that Isabel has no influence with her husband. He is in love with Pansy Osmond and wants Madame Merle to intercede for him with Gilbert Osmond. The next evening is Isabel OsmondÂ’s weekly "evening at home." Following Madame MerleÂ’s advice, Edward Rosier attends and speaks to Gilbert Osmond who flatly refuses his proposal that he be allowed to see Pansy Osmond. Lord Warburton visits the Osmonds that evening as well. He tells Isabel that Ralph is dying. He tells Isabel he wants to marry. He meets Pansy and finds her attractive. Pansy assures Ned Rosier that they will be able to marry eventually. She tells him she will elicit IsabelÂ’s help.

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