In the fifth episode of "The Buccaneers," the scene shifts to Guy Thwarte's decaying mansion on the eve of November 5th, a day when Britons celebrate Bonfire Night to commemorate the Gunpowder Plot of 1605. Theo, now privy to Guy's telegram, greets him with a chill that mirrors Guy's own indifference towards Nan, whom he suspects has read the letter. Financial constraints force Guy to host an intimate gathering of his closest circle rather than a grand bash. Nan, eager to contribute, volunteers to chop wood for the bonfire and assists Guy in the task, during which he subtly conveys his feelings for her by drawing parallels to his parents' relationship.
Meanwhile, Lizzy and Seadown's psychological tug-of-war persists, with Seadown deliberately keeping Lizzy in suspense about his next moves, serving as a constant reminder of her humiliation. This secret burden weighs heavily on Lizzy, unknown to her peers. Unbeknownst to Guy, Theo invites Jean on his behalf, hoping to orchestrate a match between them out of a genuine desire, albeit subconsciously driven by a wish to retaliate against Guy for concealing his true feelings for Nan.
Elsewhere, Conchita and Minny have vacated the house, yet Richard hasn't disclosed this to his parents. Instead of fostering a connection with Jean, Guy finds himself drawn to Lizzy, sharing dessert with her on the kitchen floor. Lizzy confesses her relief at abandoning her quest for a husband and opens up about her feelings of fear and humiliation concerning Seadown, although she refrains from naming him. Guy offers solace, reassuring her that she bears no blame for what transpired, which prompts her to break down in tears, slightly alleviating her burden.
Jean pours her heart out to Mabel, expressing disappointment over her inability to find a partner despite being virtually flawless in every aspect. She wonders what more she could do to triumph in this "marriage game." They share a mutual admiration for the American girls' carefree and childlike demeanor. The evening concludes with a traditional game to find the marshal in a maze, where Lizzy courageously confronts Seadown by preventing Jinny from spending time with him. As always, Theo emerges victorious in the game.
In the labyrinthine maze, Guy and Nan find themselves in a scenario reminiscent of a confession booth in a sanctuary, conversing through a thick curtain of foliage. Guy brings up the telegram, and Nan is momentarily thrown off, insisting that Jean isn't the ideal partner because their bond lacks the depth of "best friends." Realizing Theo has intercepted the message, Nan unburdens herself to Conchita, who leads her down a perilous path of self-destruction with a zeal that's both immature and sacrilegious, mirroring her own fractured personality. Nan cites Theo's possessiveness and regressive views on women, based solely on a solitary remark he made earlier. Suddenly, Nan realizes her true feelings for Guy, not Theo, without any hint of hesitation in the preceding four episodes. Conchita's enthusiastic reaction is as youthful and inappropriate as it is symbolic of her chaotic character, guiding Nan towards a monumental mistake.
Elsewhere, Honoria and Mabel engage in an intimate embrace in a secluded cabin nestled near the maze. Nan confronts Guy about the telegram, scolding him for sowing confusion and keeping silent during their initial encounter. Guy explains that a connection sparked between them from the start, but Nan was blind to it. In a spontaneous moment, she kisses him and attempts to flee, only to be intercepted by Theo. Guy fibs, claiming to be showing Nan the garden. The trio indulges in a poker game, embodying their tangled predicaments. Guy emerges victorious, along with a substantial sum of money. Theo sneeringly reminds Guy of his dire financial straits, revealing that the servants aren't on leave but have deserted him due to his family's financial woes. He then exposes Guy's original scheme to marry a wealthy heiress from New York. Nan reveals her hand, winning the game but lamenting the emptiness of her victory.
At the bonfire, Nan turns on Guy, her affection turning to abhorrence within hours for voicing the exact words she needed to hear to be swayed by him. Now, she rejects his affection. In a private conversation, Theo offers Guy assistance, who confesses he's lost his home and that the party serves as a farewell. Guy rejects Theo's help. Jinny attempts to enter but finds the door locked by Seadown, a retaliatory gesture for abandoning him in the maze.
Meanwhile, Honoria and Mabel clash when the former asserts that their role-playing doesn't alter their realities. They'll still be forced to live in disguise, fearing ostracism and ridicule if they reveal their authentic selves to the world. Theo apologizes to Nan for his behavior throughout the day, reasserting his love, which once again convinces Nan of his sincerity. And then, she kisses him.
