The episode kicks off with an intense scene as Liza Hardacre (Shannon Lavelle), her hair crackling under the relentless heat of a hot iron, sets the tone for the day. Mrs. Dryden (Ingrid Craigie), her hands busy stoking the roaring fire, turns abruptly to discover a priceless treasure missing from its rightful place in the cabinet.
At the breakfast table, Ma Hardacre (Julie Graham) meticulously fills her cup with tea from an antique teapot, an heirloom of immeasurable value. Mary Hardacre (Claire Cooper), watching intently, gently cautions her mother to handle the fragile artifact with care. Sam Hardacre (Liam McMahon) grumbles about the inane yet pompous letters from Harry Hardacre (Zak Ford-Williams). Mary, however, praises Liza's newfound appearance but suggests using oil to tame her fiery locks, to which Liza responds with a shake of her head, asserting that it proved ineffective. Mary then shares her invitation to attend a lecture hosted by the Theosophical Society, in conjunction with the Charitable Ladies Circle. Ma Hardacre scoffs, branding the ladies as snakes in disguise, far from charitable.
Beesley's (Mark Doherty) arrival interrupts the conversation, bearing a dress that Liza had lent to Betsy Temple (Sarah Agha). He warns Sam of Tinny's persistent pursuit of Lord George Fitzherbert's (Owen Roe) wolfhound. Joe Hardacre (Adam Little) springs into action, ready to intervene. Ma Hardacre defends Tinny's antics, reaching out instinctively but accidentally knocking the cherished teapot to the ground in the process. Lena Temple (Siobhan O’Kelly) tries to remind Mary of her humble beginnings, but Mary asserts her pride in her background. Lena invites her to tea, only to find Mary already engaged.
Dryden confronts Beesley, pointing out the barren spot where the century-old teapot once resided, and accuses Ma Hardacre, branding her as the thief. He reminds her sharply that it is the Hardacres who foot her bills, not the late Sir William.
Elsewhere, Lady Adella Fitzherbert (Holly Struton) listens with disinterest as Lord Hugo Bathurst (Denis Grendel) raves about his upcoming journey to Buenos Aires for the polo season. Lady Emma Fitzherbert (Cathy Belton) interjects, highlighting Adella's fluency in French. Ignoring her, Hugo continues his tirade about horses. Emma inquiries about the duration of his absence, receiving a six-month response. Adella feigns disappointment at his extended departure. George attempts to wrap up the visit, but Emma insists he stays. Turning to Adella, Hugo expresses his delight at having someone eagerly awaiting his return. As he exits, he kisses her hand, delighting Emma who reassures Adella that Hugo is hers for the taking. Adella responds sarcastically, hinting that Hugo's primary love is himself. Emma suggests that once married, Adella will rarely cross his path, much like her own marriage to George has been managed all these years.
Left alone, Adella vents silently, her composure shattered at the sight of Joe approaching. George speculates that his wolfhound's aversion to Hugo stems from the animal's flight upon his arrival. He dismisses it as insignificant, reminding Adella of her engagement to Hugo.
Back at the Hardacre estate, Ma Hardacre tasks Victor Ward (Connor Byrne) with disposing of the shattered teapot, an offer he accepts on one condition: a poker rematch. Reluctantly agreeing, Ma reveals her intention to accompany Mary to the lecture, though she hasn't committed just yet.
Adella finds herself voicing grievances about Hugo, pondering aloud whether there exists someone out there who is both wealthy and spirited. Just as their lips are about to meet, she abruptly pulls away, urging him to seek out a delightful young lady who would truly cherish him.
At the opulent Hardacre estate, Emma and Lady Prudence Beaumont (Michele Moran) arrive to fetch Mary. As Mary steps into the carriage, Ma dashes over to join them, breathless with excitement. Inside, Beaumont and Emma engage in a conversation about Clara and Adella's romantic endeavors. Ma chimes in, asserting that Liza is far too clever to shackle herself to a man prematurely. Mary, however, insists that she needs more time to blossom into her full potential. Emma, whispering discreetly to Beaumont, jokes that if Liza blossoms any more, she might very well burst out of her corset.
Elsewhere, Liza, clutching a bouquet of fresh flowers, tenderly apologizes to Adella. Recognizing the blooms as from her own garden, Adella scrutinizes Liza before reluctantly agreeing to help her transform into a lady of refinement, dismissing her shortly thereafter.
In Leeds, Beaumont informs the ladies of their impending visit to one of their benevolent endeavors. Ma takes a discreet swig from her flask, savoring its warmth. Upon their arrival at the Chapel Street Workhouse, Beaumont warns them of the putrid stench that permeates the air. Mary expresses her fear of being recognized but steadfastly refuses to turn back. Master Knaggs (David McSavage), the Workhouse custodian, believes he recognizes Ma, but she sternly denies any prior acquaintance. Emma cautions against overgenerosity, warning that some may take undue advantage of their largesse.
Moments later, the ladies are entertained by a group of girls, among them Nellie (Molly McCann), whose singing is accompanied by Knaggs' cane thumping on the floor each time she forgets a verse. Mary's eyes well up with tears, moved by the girls' plight. Emma, with a smirk, suggests she read a Bible verse intentionally forgetting the words as a jest.
Joe struggles with the intricacies of bookkeeping, his frustration evident. Callum Saunders (Taheen Modak) reassures him that mastery will come with time. Sam confides in Joe and Callum, revealing that he can only trust them after Fred Holdsworth (Conor Deane) betrayed their trust by stealing their money. Joe suggests giving Fred another chance, but Sam fears losing the respect of his workers if he rehires him.
While giving Mr. Hugill (Nick Dunning) a tour of their operation, Sam outlines his plans to improve working conditions. Hugill's anger flares when he lays eyes on the steam crane, scolding Sam for failing to follow proper procedures before making such a significant purchase. Sam vows that the crane will eventually pay for itself. Hugill grants him 30 days to prove his case.
Elsewhere, Mary remains distraught over her experience at the Chapel Street Workhouse. Ma argues that conditions have improved, but Mary counters that the fancy décor is mere window dressing, unaware of Ma's absence during those improvements. Ma tries to劝Mary to let it go.
Meanwhile, Emma broods over Clara's marriage to a duke, her resentment evident. George mentions Hugo's apparent interest in marrying Adella. Emma proposes strategies to publicize their union and host an extravagant drawing room soiree. She confesses her disdain for the Hardacre family's humble origins, which she refers to disdainfully as "fishmongers." George insists that the expense is unnecessary, but Emma challenges him, asking if he truly cares about Adella's future. He reluctantly concedes but refuses to use a venue where he already owes money.
Liza catches Joe in the act of penning a love letter to Adella, declaring her uniqueness in ways that ignite her imagination. She mischievously proposes that he present Adella with an extravagant gift, hinting at the depths of his affection. Meanwhile, Mary is plunged into a harrowing nightmare where her hair is brutally chopped off, only to be interrupted by a woman attempting to rescue her, who is then abruptly whisked away from the women's ward. Awakening with a jolt, Mary finds herself unable to reclaim the realms of slumber.
The following day, Mary unfolds her Workhouse ordeal to Sam, confessing her anger towards Ma for subjecting her to such an experience. Sam reassures her with gentle words, insisting that Ma's actions stem from a wellspring of love. Elsewhere, Adella assists Liza in lacing up a corset, adorning her with an elaborate hairpiece atop her head. Liza wails in discomfort, steadfastly refusing the restrictive garment. Adella persists, whispering that men are endeared to rescuing damsels in distress.
At Hardacre & Son Herring, Betsy offers Joe a generous slice of parkin, and heconfides in her his desire for a family of his own. She responds warmly, envisioning the domestic bliss he envisions, before bidding him farewell. Callum, observing their interaction, comments that Betsy holds Joe in high esteem and that they would make a harmonious couple.
In another corner, Liza's ladylike education continues, with Adella illustrating the subtleties of body language in conveying one's emotions to men. Adella vows unwavering commitment to transforming Liza into a true lady. Emma, engrossed in crafting invitations for her impending soirée, catches snippets of Adella's conversation with Liza, who expresses her enjoyment of the day's escapades. Once Liza departs, Emma issues Adella a stern directive to steer clear of the Hardacres until after the event. Defiantly, Adella sneaks in an invitation for the Hardacres when Emma's gaze is elsewhere.
Ma opens Mary's heart to the harsh realities that kept them apart at the Workhouse, prompting Mary to accuse her of abandoning her to that fateful place. Ma, with tears unshed, elucidates the trials of poverty with a daughter to nurture. She warns Mary that the elite world will forever remain an inaccessible realm. Just then, Sam arrives, bearing Adella's invitation. Mary, reading it aloud, mocks the irony of not fitting in, earning a stern rebuke from Ma.
Later, Joe unveils a breathtaking brooch, while Mary and Sam admire Liza's transformed elegance, echoed by Callum's commendation of her perpetual charm. Ma opts to stay home, missing the soirée. Emma, greeting her guests with graceful hospitality, is momentarily taken aback by Hugo's arrival but swiftly recovers her composure. Adella, sensing the shift in dynamics, discreetly withdraws.
At the Hardacre estate, Dryden entrusts Maggie with the task of safeguarding the remnants of Sir William's treasures. Back at the soirée, Liza inadvertently lets her fan plummet into the punch bowl. Adella, seizing the moment, turns the mishap into a trend by deliberately dropping her own fan, earning Liza's admiration. Joe presents Adella with the brooch, offering to affix it for her, but she politely declines. Emma, noticing their intimacy, scolds Adella for her unchaperoned interaction with Joe.
Elsewhere, Ma joins Victor, Chinny the Butcher, and Big Jonesey in a lively poker game, her spirits momentarily lifted from the wearisome weight of her worries.
Liza attempts to captivate Hugo but meets with catastrophic failure when she takes a bite into a pastry adorned with caviar, promptly spitting it out into her palm. Repelled by her reaction, Hugo turns on his heel and strides over to join Adella, just as he's about to recount his summer escapades. Joe, however, interrupts by taking a seat beside Adella. Hugo, with a sneer, tells Joe to find his own companion and suggests the "wild, unbroken nag" (Liza) instead. Joe, incensed, demands Hugo retract his words and challenges him to step outside to settle the matter. Meanwhile, George invites Sam to invest in his gambling venture when a servant disrupts them with news of a commotion.
As Hugo toys with Joe, he boasts about his boxing prowess at Cambridge, egging Joe on. Liza, concerned, urges Joe to desist, but Hugo insults her, calling her a mule. Joe, unable to contain his anger any longer, strikes Hugo. Sam steps in to break up the fight, with Hugo claiming Joe provoked him. Emma, overhearing the noise, orders Mary to keep Joe away from Adella, adding that they were never invited to the gathering. Furious, Mary denounces Joe and Liza as a disgrace.
Elsewhere, Ma, intoxicated, collapses in defeat. Victor, with a hint of sarcasm, remarks that she's finding it difficult to win without resorting to cheating. She denies the accusation but stumbles into someone's arms. He quickly assures her he was only teasing before escorting her back home.
Meanwhile, Adella confides in Joe that Emma would never approve of their marriage. Joe reminds her of his wealth, but she insists it's a matter of class, which he lacks. He leaves without a word in response. At the Hardacre estate, Victor warns Beesley against divulging any information about Ma, insisting she's not as invincible as she believes. Liza vows never to set foot on the Fitzherbert estate again.
Sam confronts Mary, urging her to take a good look at herself and her incessant need to fit in. She accuses him of abandoning her while he returned to his dockside duties. Callum tries to comfort a distraught Liza, but she briskly tells him to leave her alone. Unbeknownst to them, Ma possesses a lock of Mary's hair from the Workhouse. Betsy, seeing Joe walking past, sets a pail outside and follows him to the shed. She inquires if he's alright, and he responds by kissing her, as the episode draws to a close.
