The eighth episode of Season 2 of "The Buccaneers" kicks off with Nan astride a horse, galloping across the sandy expanse of the beach. Two weeks have elapsed since their last encounter, and Guy materializes beside her, his plea for conversation falling on deaf ears. Nan, unyielding, curtly tells him to return to his wife.
Back at their residence, Nan plays her Uno-Reverse card in a literal and metaphorical sense, displaying dissatisfaction with Theo for going along with her scheme of separation. "You just want to get rid of me!" she accuses, even though she has been harboring the same desire for seven episodes now.
How does Nan demonstrate her awareness of the affair? As the season's culminating ball approaches, Theo believes it to be the opportune moment to announce their separation. Nan sends out invitations to all the prominent figures we've been following throughout the season, with a twist: Lizzy's invite includes her earring, and the promise of a special announcement at midnight. As it transpires, Nan intends to expose Lizzy's affair with Theo.
Clutching the earring, Lizzy makes her way to confront Nan. On her journey, she informs Theo that Nan is privy to their secret. Nan is incensed, despite Lizzy's earnest pleas and confession of their love. Nan scorns at this revelation, asserting that the next move is hers to make.
Yet, Lizzy retaliates, exposing Nan's narcissistic and selfish nature. Nan, deaf to her remonstrations, vows to ruin Lizzy for deceiving her. It becomes evident that Nan cares little for Theo but is steadfastly attached to the title of Duchess, a fact she doesn't hesitate to point out to Theo afterward. He confides in her the pain she has inflicted upon his heart, but Nan remains unyielding in her resolve.
Amidst the tumultuous saga unfolding, an article about the affair, discreetly omitting Lizzy's name, made its way into the newspapers, sending Theo into ecstatic delusions. Convinced that Nan was behind the leak, he erupted in a fit of uncontrollable fury. Meanwhile, Hector, having caught wind of the newspaper articles, visited Lizzy with an offer to shield her from the public scrutiny. Despite their tumultuous past, Hector, now occupying a prestigious cabinet position, remained a man of principle determined to do the right thing. Deeply in love with Lizzy, he proposed marriage to her, and she, after much deliberation, accepted his hand at that very night's gala. However, as the episode progressed, it was revealed that Hector himself was the culprit who leaked the affair to the press. His desperate bid to push Lizzy towards him through such dishonorable means might haunt him indefinitely, as he witnessed Lizzy growing closer to Theo.
On another front, Patti paid Nan a covert visit after receiving a mysterious summons. In their hush-hush encounter, Nan confessed her innocence in leaking the story to the press, further complicating matters by revealing her pregnancy with Theo's child. Four months along, Nan realized that bringing a baby into such a chaotic household was far from ideal. Seeking guidance, Patti advised Nan to seize the opportunity of the upcoming Ball to announce her pregnancy alongside their separation, thus salvaging her reputation. Lizzy, oblivious to these machinations, found solace in the unwavering support of her friends, creating a rare moment of unity that echoed the heartwarming camaraderie of season one.
What unfolds at the gathering is a tale of unexpected arrivals and emotional revelations. Guy and Paloma, arriving fashionably late, enter the scene, with Paloma bearing the weight of an impending annulment that sheds light on Guy's persistent attempts to engage Nan earlier in the evening.
Meanwhile, Theo harbors his own scheme, reassuring Lizzy not to lose faith in him, as Paloma makes her presence known to Nan. Nan, having resigned herself to the reality that she cannot fulfill Guy's desires, expresses gratitude towards Paloma for her care towards Jinny. Guy, bold and hopeful, attempts to confess his affections to Nan in Paloma's watchful presence, but his plan misfires.
As midnight strikes, anticipation builds towards a momentous announcement. Yet, it is Theo who takes the initiative first, declaring his undying love for Lizzy. In a drastic move, he relinquishes his title as Duke and chooses to divorce, intending to devote everything to his beloved. Consequently, Nan's status as a Duchess is stripped away.
Distraught, Nan flees the scene, while the Dowager drops a bombshell revelation of her own. She has summoned Kit, Theo's half-brother, who is en route. This strategic maneuver ensures that the ducal title remains within the family. With the impending arrival of the new Duke, a significant upheaval looms on the horizon.
As Season 2 of "The Buccaneers" draws to a close, Lizzy dashes after Nan to offer yet another apology. Nan, grappling with the complexities of her situation, confesses to carrying Theo's child but resolves not to inform him. She implores Lizzy to deceive on her behalf, neither revealing her whereabouts nor disclosing the existence of his offspring, as she has made up her mind to depart.
Lizzy catches up with Theo, leaving viewers in suspense over whether she divulges the truth. Nan, with a secretive smile, dashes away into the night, leaving the fate of Theo's unborn child hanging in the balance.
