Episode 2 of "The Buccaneers" unfolds entirely within the confines of Runnymede, an exquisite country escape nestled amidst lush greenery. Following Conchita's recent familial strife and the pressures associated with her newborn, Richard thoughtfully orchestrates a much-needed "girls' weekend" retreat. Even Nan, albeit in an altered state of mind, returns home alongside Laura. Yet, Nan is far from her usual self; Jinny's recent revelation has cast a pall of melancholy and uncertainty over her future, leaving her with the eerie sensation that her entire existence has been a meticulously crafted deception—a family conspiracy to suppress a long-held secret.
Introducing Lady Honoria Marable, the well-versed, demurely attired, and commendably well-behaved sister of Richard and James. The camaraderie between Conchita and Nan remains fractured, with Nan equally estranged from Jinny. Despite the ladies' elaborate plans—a weekend filled with libations, dancing, and unbridled revelry—their festivities are abruptly interrupted by Richard and his companions, astride horses and ready for a lively romp.
Both factions are set on making this weekend memorable, albeit in vastly differing ways. True to their American spirit, the girls prioritize "having fun" above all else, despite the simmering tensions beneath the surface. Jinny's attempts to mend fences with Nan fall flat, her dismissive "Forget about the whole thing" only deepening Nan's bitterness, as she feels her grievances are being trivialized.
Temporarily, Conchita and Nan reconcile, albeit with Conchita voicing her trepidation about being welcomed into Richard's family fold. She remains unconvinced by Nan's genuine reasons for being dispatched to Cornwall and missing the birth of her newborn. As the gathering amasses in the living room, the ambiance shifts to a festive, party-like atmosphere. To Jinny's astonishment, Seadown unexpectedly shows an interest in Lizzy, even sharing a tender slow dance with her in the heart of the room. Nan is further astounded to discover Guy lingering outside the house, a revelation Conchita casually explains by introducing him as their next-door neighbor, who had "practically begged" for an invitation.
As Nan and Guy bask in the warmth of the garden, savoring each other's company, the rest of the group indulges in a lively game of Sardines indoors, a twist on hide and seek where the collective mission is to uncover Mabel, cleverly ensconced within the confines of a closet. Meanwhile, Theo finds himself the unwitting focus of Lady Hopeleigh and her daughter Jean's attentions, yet he remains as unperturbed as a pond in a still summer, betraying no hint of interest in Jean's affections.
Nan and Guy forge a deep connection, sharing intimate confessions about the challenges of navigating life without the guiding presence of a mother, though Nan has yet to unveil her own heart-wrenching circumstances to him.
Jinny's demeanor toward Lizzy during the game was a chilling blend of iciness and malice. She harbored a deep-seated jealousy, convinced that Lizzy was deliberately engaging in flirtatious behaviors with Seadown, fully aware of Jinny's profound affection for him. Meanwhile, Honoria was the first to uncover Mabel's hiding spot, yet she chose not to proclaim her victory. Instead, she concealed herself alongside Mabel within the confines of a closet. The air between them was thick with unspoken attraction, yet the societal norms and skewed moral values of their time prevented them from giving in to their desires.
Honoria also uncovered a startling revelation about Seadown's true nature, which the other girls remained oblivious to. Beneath his polished exterior, he was, in Honoria's chilling words, a "monster." This grim truth was vividly exemplified when Seadown imprisoned Lizzy in a room, compelling her to lie nude on the couch, facing away from the door. Lizzy was forced to endure this degrading position for the entirety of the evening, until a servant finally entered to inform her of Seadown's retirement for the night. Elsewhere, Nan, now thoroughly inebriated, poured out her heart to Guy, causing him to abruptly depart.
She feels hard done by as she thought Guy could be trusted and would empathize with her situation. Conchita and Richard make love on a boat and revel in their newfound vigor for each other.Their time together in America felt akin to being ensnared in a euphoric haze, but their arrival in England has painted a far more patchwork picture. As dawn broke, heralding breakfast, the narrative took a decidedly thicker turn. Following his utterly outrageous antics with Lizzy just the other day, Seadown, with brazen audacity, popped the question to Jinny. Overjoyed beyond measure, she accepted his proposal without a moment's hesitation.
As Lizzy attempts to reveal Jinny's harsh reality to him, her words lack the forcefulness needed to drive her message home. With the approach of night, Nan and Jinny reconcile, mending their rift. Meanwhile, Conchita catches fragments of a conversation between Richard and Laura, where Richard, unaware of his eavesdropper, reassures Laura that his love for her transcends any obstacles, including her potential struggle to blend into his family. Yet, Conchita misses the entirety of his reassuring words. The climax, an exhilarating twist, propels the narrative forward with renewed vigor.
Guy, who had spent an entire night lost in contemplation about Nan and her circumstances, finally dawned upon the realization that he harbored deep feelings for her. With heart pounding, he mounted his steed and galloped back towards Runnymede, yet fate seemed to have other plans. Arriving just a moment too late, he witnessed a scene that stole his breath away—Duke Theo, unaware of Guy's sentiments, had sought out Nan in the lush garden and, to everyone's held breath, popped the question. Nan, her eyes wide with surprise and a hint of joy, eagerly accepted, her voice ringing with elation. However, the twist in this tale of love was that she remained oblivious to the fact that her beloved suitor was none other than a Duke...
