The third episode of Season 2 of "The Buccaneers" kicks off with Theo still reeling from the stunning revelation about Guy. Nan, after a moment of hesitation, finally admits that she did indeed share a night of intimacy with Guy on the eve of their wedding. She unveils her intentions of fleeing but also rationalizes why she went through with the marriage, emphasizing the necessity to secure his title to safeguard her sister's future. Throughout this confession, the Dowager Duchess remains silent, an attentive listener, as Nan deliberately omits her own involvement in the scheme.
Theo, unable to cope, vanishes from the castle, his absence unnoticed amid the ongoing preparations for a Midsummer Night's Dream-themed party solely organized for Lizzy. When Lizzy learns of Theo's departure, she's taken by surprise. However, her shock multiplies when she discovers her mother, Lavinia, has unexpectedly arrived after months of absence. Lizzy's joy is understandably dampened, but it soon returns with the arrival of Hector, who whisks her away for a soothing walk. He confesses his desire to be with her and pops the question, to which she eagerly agrees, bringing joy to all around them.
Elsewhere, Conchita and her sister, Cora, clash over the notion of romance. Cora doubts her sister's marital bliss, prompting Conchita to remind her that romance encompasses more than tender moments and poetic verses. Later at the party, Cora opens up about her fears of never finding love, under pressure from her parents to secure her happily-ever-after. In a moment of genuine sisterly bonding, Conchita offers Cora sound advice: to simply invest her time in someone. Ironically, it's a man wearing yellow socks – one of Cora's peculiar preferences – who eventually captures her heart.
Conchita, driven by a desire to empower women and restore their agency in choosing a life partner, embarks on establishing a matchmaking service. Beware of wishes, however, for Lavinia soon steps in, offering her double the fee to guide Mabel's "instincts" and pave the way for her romantic endeavors. As Conchita's friends get swept up in the matchmaking whirlwind, Mabel stands as a beacon of rebellion, especially with her mother fretting over her supposed "abnormality." Yet, normalcy is but a mundane ideal; embrace the eclectic allure of one's quirks!
Elsewhere, Jinny finds herself in an unexpected encounter at the market. An Italian acquaintance approaches her as she attempts to haggle in his native tongue. He graciously escorts her back home, where she joins Guy, who is taken aback to witness Jinny embarking on a culinary endeavor. The steaks, though, emerge from the kitchen rather overcooked, more charred than savory. Guy quips about their meal being a "glorious feast," only for their dinner to descend into a playful food fight.
At the party, the Duke makes a triumphant return. Theo, unwilling to remain in the shadows, declares his intention to terminate their marriage. He demands her exile from the castle, citing her betrayal and involvement in intrigue. The Duchess, though acquiescing to his demands, insists that they must first secure an heir to their legacy.
Theo endeavors to immerse himself solely in carnal desires, yet devoid of genuine affection, he finds himself ensnared in inner turmoil. Ultimately, he informs her of her liberty… albeit not before they have conceived an heir. Nan, incensed, confronts the Dowager, emphasizing that the forced marriage and the arduously acquired title will perish alongside them, leaving no legacy.
Meanwhile, Reede Robinson, with whom the Dowager had earlier shared camaraderie, seemingly overhears this tumultuous exchange. Reede and the Dowager share a complex past, having once been fellow rebels; however, it transpires that he harbors knowledge beyond what he reveals. Seeking to intensify the drama, Theo abruptly reverses his stance and extols Lizzy's extraordinary nature. He laments her union with Hector as a squandered opportunity and unexpectedly finds himself yearning for her.
Nan, storming into the office, discovers a cache of letters from Guy and Jinny, which the Dowager has evidently concealed from her. Her discontent is palpable. Following this revelation, the Dowager confronts Theo, clarifying that she witnessed Guy and Nan together on the eve of their wedding. She defends Nan, asserting that she is blameless, a pawn in the Dowager's scheme, trapped just as Theo is. Fuming, Theo reluctantly ejects her from the castle, leaving the scene charged with unresolved tensions and deepening conflicts.
