In the third episode of "The Buccaneers," Tracy and Patti St. George rally their spirits to warmly embrace the return of their daughters. Theo and Seadown, accompanied by their fiancés, add an extra layer of excitement to the joyous occasion. Patti, filled with enthusiasm, decides to organize a festive celebration in honor of the Duke. Meanwhile, the Dowager Queen and Guy share a heartfelt moment together, where she becomes his sole companion in the absence of Theo. During their dinner, the Dowager Queen perceptively remarks that Guy is "in love," startling him and prompting her to recount stories of how Guy's mother vigorously seized every moment of life.
In a fit of inebriation, Guy impetuously decides to pour his heartfelt sentiments into a letter. However, by the time his senses clear, the telegram has already winged its way, leaving him powerless to recall it. The encounter between Patti and Nan is frosty, as Nan's guarded demeanor hints at an underlying truth that Patti senses but cannot quite grasp. When Patti approaches the girls' door, Jinny implores Nan to maintain a pretense, at least until they can find a private moment to delve into the matter at hand.
Yet, Nan confronts Patti head-on upon her entrance. Patti, with calm resolve, asks Jinny to leave them to their devices and enjoy the festivities. Nan, relentless in her admonishment, adopts a tone that suggests Patti has somehow betrayed her by not fully embracing Nan as her own flesh and blood. Mrs. Elmsworth reveals to Mabel that her own travel plans are thwarted due to her sister Lizzy's refusal to visit England. Nan storms out of the room, vowing to reveal the truth to Theo. Patti races after her but loses sight of Nan amidst the bustling crowd.
As Tracy endeavors to sweep Patti off her feet on the dance floor, her frustration boils over, and she lashes out at him with a fiery retort. Patti, unamused, whisks him away to a secluded room to unravel the tangled threads of their unfolding family saga. Their conversation quickly spirals into a heated spat, throwing into sharp relief the widening rifts that have crept into their family's fabric.
Later, Tracy stumbles upon Nan sifting through the drawers of his office, a place Jinny had mentioned held cherished letters from Nan's biological mother's family. To their dismay, Nan cannot locate them. Tracy attempts to reconstruct the hazy fragments of Nan's conception, referencing fleeting glimpses and stolen moments, but his memories are shrouded in a fog, much to Nan's heartfelt disappointment.
Just as tensions rise, Lavinia intrudes upon Mabel and Lily's tender moment, uncovering a long-buried secret that never saw its resolution. Richard's effervescent spirit captivates Conchita, who, in a private exchange with Governess Testvalley, urges him to shed his English ties and titled束缚, in pursuit of freedom. However, Laura's wise counsel rings true: "An Englishman's fidelity to power transcends his longing for liberty." The looming inquiry from Conchita poses a daunting quandary for Richard, who finds himself at a crossroads.
Meanwhile, a servant nonchalantly places Guy's telegram on the table, overlooked by several key players until Theo's inquisitive eyes chance upon it. His confusion grows as he deciphers its cryptic message, his bewilderment mounting with each revelation.
In a heartfelt moment, Patti pours out her unwavering affection for Nan, stressing that she has never felt like an outsider in the family. Her bond with Nan surpasses even her love for Jinny, an affection eternal and steadfast. Moreover, Patti emphasizes her resilience against Tracy's deceitful attempts, underscoring her determination to shield her daughters. Nan, however, harbors contrasting sentiments. As Theo and Nan approach each other, Tracy schemes to orchestrate another "first dance," but Patti's quick thinking deflects the attention, endorsing Nan's resolution to unburden the truth to Theo.
Seizing the moment, Theo whisks Nan into the coat room, where their lips lock in a passionate embrace. His inquiry if she "desires him" earns a nod from Nan, their kisses affirming their love anew. Nan and Theo choose silence for the time being.
Seadown resumes his insidious psychological tactics, mocking Patti's gathering as a vulgar spectacle, a vulgar display of pomp and circumstance. He exerts pressure on Jinny, insisting that she coerce her mother into apologizing for using him as a mere pawn in her parade of aristocracy through the city. Jinny, torn between divided loyalties, takes what she deems to be the righteous path—publicly shaming Patti in front of everyone. However, Seadown intervenes with a pose of faux nobility, ostensibly reprimanding Jinny for her harsh rebuke of Patti, leaving her utterly bewildered. The storm of emotions begins to dissipate as Nan voices her unwavering support for her mother. In a gesture of magnanimous forgiveness, Patti embraces her "bold and unconventional" decisions, rejuvenating the ambiance of the gathering.
As the revelry concludes, Lizzy, who remained silent and watched Jinny from afar throughout the night, declares to Lavinia her intention to return to England with Mabel. Her actions betray her profound concern for Jinny and her desire to shield her from Seadown's clutches. Mabel attempts to confront Lavinia about Lily's incident, but Lavinia coldly turns away, dismissing it. Patti, inspired by Nan's raw honesty, seeks to sever ties with Tracy. Tracy, however, reminds her bluntly that without him, she is insignificant, a harsh truth Patti reluctantly acknowledges. A hint suggests that both Patti and Tracy harbor the secret of Nan's true lineage, keeping it concealed from her once more.
