Dr. Michael Rossi arrives by train in the New England village of Peyton Place, Massachusetts. He is met by young Rodney Harrington, whose Aunt Laura was married to Dr. Donald Brooks, Peyton Place's recently deceased GP. Rodney and his girlfriend Betty Anderson drive Rossi to the inn. Later, Rod stops by the office of his father Leslie, who manages the Peyton Mill. Rod discovers his father locked in a passionate embrace with secretary Julie Anderson, Betty's mother. Leslie attempts to explain the situation, but Rodney leaves in silence. Leslie assures Julie he will make his son understand, but she's skeptical. Rod's unwillingness to comment on his sudden aloofness angers Betty. He takes her home then drives wildly into the night, almost hitting virginal Allison MacKenzie. Rod offers Allison a lift home. Her innocence touches him, and he impulsively kisses her. She withdraws, stating flatly that he can tell everyone she's frigid. Rod says she can tell everyone that he's dumb, prompting A

Leslie Harrington and Julie Anderson's affair is having an effect on several others: Julie's daughter Betty has come to the realization that Rodney, Leslie's son, is avoiding her---and Leslie's wife, Catherine Peyton, suggests that Julie give up her job as Leslie's secretary now that her husband, George, has gainful employment. Mike Rossi has a flicker of recognition when he encounters Constance MacKenzie at her book shop, sending Connie into a panic. She confesses to Matthew Swain, family friend and editor of the local newspaper, that Rossi was an orderly at the NYC hospital where daughter Allison was born. Matthew advises her to be truthful with Rossi about her questionable pregnancy. Laura Harrington Brooks offers to assist Rossi with the management of his practice.

Betty tells Dr. Rossi she believes that she may be pregnant.

After a visit to Dr. Rossi, Betty realizes she must face a decision that could affect many of the residents of Peyton Place.

Dr. Rossi makes an emergency visit to the Anderson home after Julie's ""fall down the stairs."" While there he runs into the Anderson's daughter Betty, the same girl who had come to his office earlier with her pregnancy situation. The following day, George Anderson takes his wife to Rossi's office for a follow up visit. While Rossi probes Julie about conflicts in the Anderson home, and extends his assistance, George runs into Catherine Harrington at the book store. Catherine is unconcerned about the fact that her son, Rodney, has severed his relationship wtih George's daughter, Betty. At the Peyton manion, Norman Harrington learns about his father's affair with Julie Anderson when he overhears a heated conversation between Leslie and Rod. George pays a call to the mansion, informing Les that he wants to take his wife with him on his next business trip---but Leslie insists that he requires Julie's secretarial skills at the office. George makes it clear to Leslie that he is the one who