The episode kicks off with Mary Hardacre (Claire Cooper), her voice tinged with excitement, recounting her dream to Sam Hardacre (Liam McMahon). Just as she reaches the climax of her tale, Maggie (Ella Maria Carmen) bursts in unannounced, catching Sam perched atop the bed with Mary. In an instant, Sam scraps his playful posture, assuming a more appropriate stance. Beneath the covers, they giggle sheepishly as Maggie nonchalantly stirs the fire.
Elsewhere, Liza Hardacre (Shannon Lavelle), her face beaming with joy, playfully whacks a slumbering Joe Hardacre (Adam Little) with a pillow. Harry Hardacre (Zak Ford-Williams) teases Joe about his apparent fear of sleeping alone, to which Joe retorts that his sleep was unparalleled without their chatter. Together, Liza and Harry embark on an exploration of their sprawling new mansion. Meanwhile, Mary and Sam find themselves entranced by a portrait of the previous owners, prompting Sam to inquire, half-jokingly, if Maddie had ever caught a glimpse of his bare posterior.
Mrs. Dryden (Ingrid Craigie), stepping into the scene with a knowing gaze, identifies the man in the painting as Sir William Cavendish IV, a victim of tuberculosis. Mary, agreeing to address the mansion's operations post-breakfast, is embraced by Sam, who declares it their home. She vows fervently never to allow anyone to treat them with disdain again.
Beesley (Mark Doherty) recites the breakfast menu with flair, and Sam, attempting levity, asks if Hardacre herring is on the menu, only to clarify it was a joke. Ma (Julie Graham) indulges in breakfast in bed, while Liza lets out a burp at the dining table, much to everyone's amusement. Mary extends an invitation to the family to join her in discussing the mansion's management. Sam, already laden with commitments at the fish auction and shops, is reminded by Mary that gentlemen do not toil in fish markets. He responds that herring is all he knows, prompting her to suggest he consult Callum Saunders (Taheen Modak) about involvement in their finances. Reluctantly, he concedes.
Callum, eager to share his expertise, offers to elucidate the intricacies of the stock market and the Hardacre portfolio. Sam underscores the importance of finding a trustworthy individual to oversee daily operations and extends an invitation for Callum to become the manager of Hardacre Herring. Callum, accepting with enthusiasm, seals the deal with a hearty handshake. Their collaboration promises a fusion of knowledge: Sam's insight into the herring operation and Callum's mastery of stocks.
Dryden is taken aback to find Mary in her office, a realm usually untouched by the lady of the house. Mary offers to continue overseeing the ledgers, but Dryden reveals the ledgers are arranged weekly, catering to seven meals and tea times. Mary, undeterred, advocates for a more streamlined meal plan, determined to make her mark on the mansion's operations.
At the bustling docks, Sam eagerly acquired fresh herring straight from the boat, sourced by Fred Holdsworth (portrayed by Conor Deane). He then imparted to Lena Temple (Siobhan O’Kelly) and Fred that he was bidding adieu to his shop endeavors. Mr. Shaw (David Pearse), with an air of authority, commanded them to refocus on their tasks and issued a stern warning: fall short of their quotas, and their wages would suffer accordingly. Sam, ever generous, extended a job offer to Fred at one of his establishments. However, Fred respectfully declined unless he could secure employment for all the fish workers, urging Sam to cease his concerns solely for them.
Elsewhere, Mary unveiled a captivating dress from a brochure to Liza. Liza, fixated on her hand, scoffed and inquired about the essence of a lady's life. Mary painted a picture of exquisite gowns, grand balls, and charming gentlemen. Harry teasingly remarked about men fleeing from Liza's presence and laid his cards on the table. Mary reassured Liza that her own childhood had been considerably smoother. Ma, with a hint of sarcasm, quipped that she had fared quite well for herself before placing her card atop the pile. Smirking, Liza playfully dubbed her a deceitful, aged crone.
Joe and Sam found themselves engrossed in a discussion about stocks when Lord George Fitzherbert (played by Owen Roe) interrupted their conversation in search of his wife's Russian wolfhound, Maharani. Ma and Liza, in the midst of calling for Tinny, joined them upon hearing that Maharani was in heat. Sam graciously introduced George to Harry and Mary. Dryden offered George refreshments, noting that tea time was nearly upon them. She informed him that the Hardacres did not cater to afternoon tea rituals. Sam glanced at Mary, who merely shrugged in response. George settled for some Madeira and inquired why Harry was not attending school. Mary explained that they had been on the lookout for a suitable institution. George suggested Barlow's boarding school, quoting its motto with pride. Mary asked if he had missed his family during his time at Barlow's. He replied in the negative, elucidating the three Rs of his alma mater: Roughhousing, Rowing, and Ruddy Good Chaps. Harry was visibly impressed.
Upon locating Tinny and Maharani, Ma and Liza found themselves suddenly confronted by a gun-wielding Victor Ward (Connor Byrne). Boasting of his authority to shoot poachers, he revealed his intentions. Ma, ever quick-witted, reminded him that by law, poachers had to be armed for it to be legal to shoot them. She further warned that before he could cock his 12-barrel shotgun, Tinny would rip out his throat. He reluctantly allowed them to leave. As Ma stepped forward, she informed him that her daughter was the landowner and he worked for her. He promptly apologized. She assured him that she was far from being a lady before strides away with dignity.
Sam elaborates enthusiastically on how they amassed their fortune through the sale of crispy fried herring. George inquiries whether he still dabbles in the fish trade. Mary interjects, asserting that Sam now oversees their fiancés' affairs. George reveals his ambitious plan to establish England's pioneering vineyard on his estate. Harry expresses curiosity about whether Yorkshire's terrain is conducive to grape cultivation. George assures him, noting that with optimal conditions, anything is possible—just as Ma and Eliza return with Tinny and Maharani in tow. Mary extends an invitation to dinner, and George readily agrees, suggesting Saturday as an ideal date.
Perusing a book, Harry discovers that George is married to Emma Hansen, who boasts ties to Denmark's royal family. Mary designates Liza as her assistant in preparing for the dinner guests. Liza, visibly disheartened, questions why Joe cannot lend a hand instead. Mary explains that Joe is engrossed in learning about stocks and bonds, making smuggling a taboo subject for the evening's discourse.
Lady Emma Fitzherbert (portrayed by Cathy Belton) boasts that the Hardcares outshine the Saltmarshes in wealth. Lady Adella Fitzherbert (played by Holly Sturton) comments on the eldest son's supposed handsomeness. George mentions that the Hardacres have expressed interest in his nascent wine venture. Emma, somewhat taken aback, reminds him that he doesn't possess a wine business yet. He confidently asserts that it could materialize with Sam's investment. She expresses disdain at the notion of him seeking funds from the Hardacres. He counters by inquiring how else he could maintain their manor and fund Adella's dowry. Reluctantly, she agrees to attend the dinner.
Dryden describes Emma as an epitome of elegance and beauty. She emphasizes that Adella is the most sought-after debutante in the realm. She guides Mary and Liza to the storage where the silverware and china are kept. When Mary requests her assistance with dinner preparations, Dryden refuses but instructs Mrs. Henderson (played by Paula Wolfenden) to adhere strictly to Mary's directives for Saturday's dinner without adding her own input.
Sam seeks Beesley's insight into a gentleman's daily routine. Beesley explains that it begins with perusing newspapers, responding to correspondence, and overseeing estate management—a responsibility currently handled by Victor. He offers to sponsor Sam's membership at Cavendish's club. Sam declines gracefully, noting that their interests diverge. Mary ponders a royal roast for Saturday's dinner and informs Sam that tailors and dressmakers will visit the next morning. Intrigued, he inquires about the reason behind this sudden influx. She clarifies that the dinner marks their debut into high society, necessitating attire befitting their new status.
The dressmakers and tailors arrive, bearing an assortment of elegantly stitched dresses and tailored suits. The Hardcares strike a pose, donning their attire with flair. Fred asserts that Shaw dismissed him solely for granting an ailing worker early release. Without hesitation, Sam and Mary offer to secure him employment at one of their establishments. Fred feigns ignorance, pretending his only experience lies in dockwork. Sam insists on confronting Shaw, prompting Mary to recall their prior dispute and wonder if he seeks a pretext to return to the docks. He denies this, griping about the idle gentlemen who spend their days perusing newspapers. She voices her aspiration for them to advance together harmoniously.
The following day, Sam bursts into Shaw's office, branding him as foolish. Shaw retaliates, "A monkey in a suit remains a monkey at heart." Sam threatens to ruin Shaw if he refuses to sell his business. Later, as Mary adorns the dining table, Sam storms in. He attempts to recount his encounter, but she hustles him off to dress for the evening. Emma chastises George for withholding the fact that Sam is Irish. Mary greets the Fitzherberts with a graceful curtsy, which Emma dismisses as unnecessary. Mary introduces her family, highlighting their humble beginnings as dockworkers in the village.
During dinner, Emma reminds Beesley of the soup course, only to be contradicted by him, announcing the omission of both fish and soup. Mary asserts that they have left their dock days behind. Emma's son, Crispin, is embarked on an exploration in West Africa. She expresses her wish for Adella to marry Lord Bathurst, heir to the Charlton estate. Adella abruptly reveals that Bathurst has yet to propose, and their acquaintance is minimal. Liza declares that parading for shallow suitors is not her style. As bread and butter pudding is served, Sam declares it his favorite. Emma inquires about Dryden's current employment status with them.
Post-dinner, George extends an invitation to Sam for a grouse hunt. Ma boasts of her marksmanship. Sam reveals his recent acquisition—Shaw's Fish Merchants. Mary, upset, assigns Joe to show Adella around, to which Emma insists on a chaperone. Mary orders Liza and Harry to accompany them. Emma is taken aback when Ma joins Sam and George for a brandy. Adella, eyeing the liquor, proposes they have some fun. Sam tells George his plans to rejuvenate the fish market. Adella and Joe egg Harry on to down a full glass of alcohol, despite Liza's protests. He swallows it in one gulp.
During a card game, Ma raises the stakes, convincing George to wager his fancy watch. Adella scolds Harry for vomiting on her dress, while Liza admits it was her ill-conceived idea. Harry apologizes, and Joe takes the rap, falsely claiming he tried to deter Harry from drinking. Liza calls him out as a liar. Fury-struck, Mary sends them all to bed. Sam insists that Sam accompany him to the docks the next day.
Ma gracefully offers to engage in conversation with Dryden, yet Mary firmly asserts that it ought to be her taking that role. Downstairs, Mary eavesdrops on Maggie, who remarks that Emma's facial expression must have been a scene to behold. Dryden responds by declaring that they are poised to tarnish the reputation of this household. Beesley interjects, asserting that she has fulfilled her assigned part. Henderson inquisitively wonders what grievances Dryden holds against the Hardacres. In a derogatory tone, Dryden labels the children as beasts, Ma as a criminal, Sam as a naive simpleton, and Mary as a vulgar, common street brawler. Mary retreats to her chamber, where Sam informs her that he approved of Harry's visit to Barlow's. She reprimands him for making another significant decision without first seeking her counsel. He asks if she finds happiness in their current circumstances. She replies, claiming that it is everything she has ever desired. The episode concludes on this note.
