The episode kicks off at the bustling docks, where the Hardacre family joins a throng of locals in witnessing a significant moment: the Hardacre & Son Co. sign being hoisted triumphantly, obscuring Shaw’s sign beneath it. Sam Hardacre (Liam McMahon), with a resolute gleam in his eye, declares that this sign is his solemn pledge to infuse the company with his very own flesh and blood. He proudly announces Joe Hardacre (Adam Little) and Fred Holdsworth (Conor Deane) as the joint managers and overseers of the docks, a pronouncement met with resounding cheers and hearty applause from the gathered crowd.
Jack (Jack Weise), leaning into the man beside him, mutters under his breath that only one of them truly deserved this honor. Meanwhile, Mary Hardacre (Claire Cooper) warmly greets and embraces Lena Temple (Siobhan O’Kelly), sharing a heartfelt connection. Betsy (Sarah Agha), curious, inquires how Joe prefers to be addressed. He responds with a serious tone, suggesting "Mr. Hardacre" is apt in the company of fellow workers. Her playful challenge, asking if that's how he addresses his old friends too, prompts him to emphasize the importance of maintaining discipline in the workplace. Liza Hardacre (Shannon Lavelle), with a hint of defiance, assures Joe that she could handle the job better than he could. He, however, stands firm in his belief that it is a man's work, to which she skepticism retorts, questioning his readiness before striding away with Betsy.
Elsewhere, Lord George Fitzherbert (Owen Roe) and Lady Emma Fitzherbert (Cathy Belton) find themselves at odds over her charitable tea party fundraisers. His sarcastic remark hints that her endeavors will soon cease to be charitable. She retorts by mentioning the Duchess of Harrogate's personal request for her to host the event. Lady Adella Fitzherbert (Holly Sturton) chimes in with a stark warning: their social standing is at risk if Emma fails. Lord George suggests inviting the Hardacres to host the party at their residence, to which Adella snarks that at least their roof doesn't leak. Emma reminds them that the Hardacres are of the working class, a reminder of their different worlds.
Back at the docks, Sam and Joe meticulously peruse Mr. Shaw’s (David Pearse) records. Callum Saunders (Taheen Modak), stepping in, informs Sam that the company’s shareholders hold an equal vote. The reality dawns on Sam that he could be outvoted. Callum underscores the urgency for swift profitability. Fred suggests that once the crane is repaired, they could double their operational capacity, reducing the work schedule and, consequently, the risk of accidents. A happier workforce ensues. Determined to boost morale, Sam insists that each worker receive a 10-shilling bonus, a proposal that earns him a cautionary warning from Callum. With a flourish, Sam tosses the safe key to Fred. Joe, reminding Sam of his financial oversight duties, is brushed aside with the assurance that he'll wait till he gains more experience. Callum, ever the pragmatist, offers to educate Joe on double-entry bookkeeping.
Harry donned his Barlow’s Boarding School uniform with anticipation, while Mary reassured him with a confident smile, "You can conquer anything you set your heart upon." Maggie, alias Ella Maria Carmen, heralded the arrival of Emma and Adella with a flourish. Mary insisted that Liza join their company, and both she and Harry pledged to remember that they stood on equal footing with anyone else.
Emma elaborated on the significance of charity for the less fortunate, and Mary eagerly volunteered her assistance. With a subtle yet cunning charm, Emma persuaded Mary into hosting the tea party at Hardacre Hall. Adella reassured her that the ladies of society would embrace her just as they had welcomed her and Emma. Liza, with a hint of disdain, muttered under her breath, while Emma promised to guide her towards the finest pastry chefs, vintners, and florists. Adella and Liza were tasked with entertaining the guests.
Insistent on facing the journey to Barlow’s alone, Harry's departure was marked with a somber yet supportive send-off from his family. Liza groaned about her singing duties at the tea party, prompting Sam to broker a deal: one song from her, and Mary vowed never to parade her around again.
At the bustling docks, Jack and Lewis informed Joe that Lady Jane’s catch was destined for the auction house. Sam instructed Jack to caution the skipper about their agreement, reminding Joe that mastering the business required both time and experience. Joe promised to meet his expectations.
Emma and Mrs. Dryden conferred about the tea party preparations, with Mary interrupting to assure Emma that Mrs. Henderson, despite her cleverness as a cook, was not up to the task. Emma dispatched Mary to inspect the floral arrangements. Behind Mary’s back, Dryden and Emma expressed their doubts, fearing that the tea party’s success was a lofty aspiration.
Ma, with a wise glint in her eye, cautioned Mary about Emma’s manipulative nature, warning her not to alienate her friends by adopting an elitist demeanor. Meanwhile, Liza and Adella engaged in a catty exchange of criticisms. Liza belted out “The Boy I Love is Up in the Gallery” by George Ware, recounting how Nancy Green had taught her the song during their grueling fish-gutting chores. Emma commented that it sounded like a hoot, to which Liza retorted that fish gutting was no joke. Emma countered by asking if she believed being a lady was an easy feat.
At the docks, Sam observed the workers repairing the crane when Mary arrived, briefly inquiring about Joe before extending an invitation to Lena and Betsy for her tea party. When they hesitated, she dared Lena to a fish-gutting race, drawing a crowd of workers and Sam, who cheered them on. Joe questioned the propriety of Mary engaging in such a task, but Sam chuckled, daring him to try and stop her. With determination and a bit of flair, Mary emerged victorious.
Ma hands Dryden an exquisite roster of oysters, brandy, and champagne for her upcoming poker night, mentioning that Big Jonesey (Eddie Capli), Chinny the Butcher (Stuart Wolfenden), and Billy Three Fingers will be attending. Victor Ward (Connor Byrne), curious, inquiries about joining in. Meanwhile, Dryden confronts Ma about a missing silver creamer, prompting Ma to suggest checking behind the dresser, causing the servants to chuckle discreetly. Ma invites Victor to their meeting at The Old Yards the next evening at 8 PM.
At the docks, Joe catches Jack criticizing Sam for investing 1,000 pounds in a steam crane, reassuring them that the machine will halve their workload. Big Jonesey wonders aloud if their working hours will decrease, to which Jack responds sarcastically, suggesting they ask Fred. Joe, pushing Jack aside, warns that he'll cut the workforce drastically if efficiency allows, earning a strike threat from Big Jonesey. Sam and Fred step in to defuse the tension, and Joe retracts his statement under pressure. Fred reassures the workers that their wages will remain intact, while Sam explains the benefits of reduced hours. Joe insists that Sam make an example of Jack and Lewis, but Sam dismisses him for the day.
Returning home, Joe teases Liza about her singing, prompting her to inquire why he's back so early. He boasts about his managerial role and the freedom it entails, prompting Liza to remind him that Fred is his co-manager. Joe dreams aloud of the day when everything will be under his sole control, with Adella heaping praise on him at every turn.
Ma emerges victorious in the poker game, but Victor exposes her deceit by revealing the hidden cards up her sleeves, earning her teasing laughter as she departs with Tinny. Mary expresses doubt that Joe is ready for a managerial role, but he vows to keep Joe out of trouble from the next day onward. Their conversation is interrupted by Tinny's barking, and Mary informs him about Ma's poker game.
The next day, Maggie confronts Dryden when she mentions Thornton Hall, earning herself an order to clean the outdoor privies. Maggie argues that it's not part of her job, but Dryden threatens her with even worse tasks if she continues to backtrack. At the docks, Sam informs Joe that he'll work in the office until he's ready to assume a managerial role, with Fred reassuring him that it won't take long to catch up. Joe suspects it's Sam's idea and is ordered to work on the ledger while they check on the crane. Sneakily, Joe slips money from the safe into Fred's desk.
Lena and Betsy grace the tea party with their presence, but Emma promptly declares that no additional servants are required. Mary steps in, insisting that her friends are not servants but cherished companions. Liza, filled with excitement, greets them warmly and eagerly offers Betsy one of her own dresses. The ladies present cast curious glances at Lena.
As Lady Beaumont (Michele Moran) expresses admiration for Mary's floral arrangement, Emma hastily claims the accolades as her own. Emma then warns Mary that the final decision rests with the Duchess of Harrogate (Rosaleen Linehan). Maggie spots Tinny attempting to sneak inside, while Ma, clutching a glass of whiskey, finds her seat strategically between Emma and the Duchess.
At the eleventh hour, Liza decides to serenade the gathering with "She Sits Among the Cabbage and Peas" by Neil Hamburger. Emma abruptly slams the piano lid shut, cutting her short. However, the Duchess applauds Liza and Adella, and the other women reluctantly follow suit. Mary forcefully escorts Liza out of the room, just as the Duchess requests her ear trumpet. Mary scolds Liza, and their conversation is interrupted by a scream emanating from the kitchen, where Tinny is wolfing down the refreshments. Dryden threatens to wring Tinny's neck, while Maggie watches with a mischievous grin. Emma reprimands Dryden, and Mary and Sam set up a Hardacre Herring stand in the dining room.
To everyone's surprise, the Duchess takes a liking to the fried herring and expresses admiration for their entrepreneurial spirit. Emma looks livid at this turn of events. Meanwhile, at the docks, Callum discovers money missing from the safe. Back at the tea party, Joe compliments Betsy, and Adella offers to fetch him some lemonade. Lena and Betsy observe as Joe bows gracefully to Adella. Fred lends a hand at the party, prompting Joe to accuse him of angling for another promotion. Fred asserts that while he worked diligently to attain his current position, Joe seemed to be coasting. Joe claims to work hard, and Fred urges him to redouble his efforts, suggesting they start anew. They seal their renewed pact with a handshake.
Joe eavesdrops outside the study as Sam confronts Fred about the missing money. Fred vehemently denies the accusation and storms out of the room, casting a furious glare at Joe before departing. Emma claims ownership of the fried herring idea, but Lena calls her out on it. The Duchess attributes the successful fundraising to Mary, and Beaumont invites Mary to join their esteemed charitable circle. Mary accepts with a smile, as the episode concludes on a triumphant note.
