Episode 2 of *House of Guinness* unfolds on the morning following the devastating fire, as the workers scramble to salvage whatever barrels have been spared from the inferno's wrath. Sean, resolute and determined, embarks on a mission to unmask the traitor who had facilitated the arsonist's entry into the brewery by opening its gates.
Meanwhile, the Guinness siblings convene with the judge to receive the reading of their late father's will. According to the terms laid out, Sir Benjamin has bequeathed a substantial sum of money and property to his four children. Arthur and Edward are entrusted with the joint and equal responsibility of overseeing the brewery's operations.
The judge further elaborates that the business must be managed collaboratively by both brothers. Should one of them decide to withdraw, the brewery will remain in the hands of the brother who opts to continue. However, opting out also means forfeiting everything Sir Benjamin has left in their name.
The will also stipulates that Anne and her husband are to receive nothing, a revelation that leaves Anne deeply dismayed. Conversely, Benjamin Jr. is granted a monthly stipend, absolving him of any obligations tied to the brewing business.
As the will reading progresses, it is decreed that any donations made to the church or to Reverend Henry will be at the sole discretion of Arthur, the eldest son and heir of Sir Benjamin. None of those present at the hearing are pleased with the late patriarch's arrangements, and they express their displeasure, cursing Sir Benjamin for the predicaments he has left them in.
Benjamin Jr. is then summoned to meet with Bonnie Champion to settle his gambling debts and to discuss matters concerning Arthur and Edward. As Edward pores over the papers, Arthur steps out to rendezvous with a friend. Anne, seething with frustration, confides in Edward about her predicament, lamenting how she is bound to her husband just as Edward is to Arthur for the remainder of their lives.
Anne reveals to Edward that she has been grappling with health issues and has been undergoing blood tests. Meanwhile, Bonnie shares a drink with Benjamin Jr., regaling him with tales of Ellen, the Fenian woman who had been inquiring about Arthur. In a twist of fate, Arthur happens to meet his partner, Michael, in a park. Arthur confides in Michael that he is unable to leave Dublin due to the will's constraints, and he implores Michael to settle down with him instead of pursuing opportunities in London.
Michael adamantly refuses to be left behind with Arthur, and so the two resolve to go their separate ways. Meanwhile, Edward approaches Anne with a request: he wants her to play matchmaker and set him and Arthur up with potential wives. Anne informs Edward that Arthur is homosexual and that they must find a woman who would be amenable to living with him under those circumstances.
At the brewery, Sean finally tracks down the men who had facilitated the Fenians' entry by opening the gates. He metes out punishment to them and discovers that Patrick is the arsonist behind recent fires. Sean pays Patrick a visit and issues a chilling threat, demanding that Patrick hand over a letter addressed to Ellen. He vows to set Ellen's house ablaze as an act of vengeance. Patrick, in a panic, flees to Ellen's residence to warn her, only to find that Sean's threat was a mere bluff. He delivers Sean's letter to Ellen, who reads it aloud. In the letter, Sean warns Ellen to cease her attempts to uncover the secrets of the Guinness siblings. Patrick, full of remorse, apologizes to his sister for his impulsive behavior.
Edward discusses with the butler a new set of regulations he intends to implement for all the staff. Arthur is taken aback by this sudden shift in Edward's demeanor. Edward confides in Arthur about his ambition to expand the brewing business into the American market and asks him to travel and meet with Sean.
Anne meets with Aunt Agnes, who presents her with a list of potential suitors for the two brothers. After some initial hesitation, Anne agrees to assist Aunt Agnes in the endeavor. Later that evening, Arthur and Edward arrive at the brewery, where they encounter Sean. Arthur learns about the fire and the anonymous threats concerning his sexuality. Sean and Edward confront Arthur about his visits to the homosexual brothels operated by Bonnie Champion, who is also threatening to expose his secret. The three men deliberate on the potential fallout if Arthur's sexuality were to become public knowledge. Edward urges Arthur to accede to the demands made by both the Fenians and Bonnie Champion.
Sean informs Edward about Ellen, prompting Edward to decide to meet with her in private. The episode concludes with Edward issuing a stern warning to Sean, ordering him to keep his distance from Anne.
