The episode kicks off with Liza Hardacre (Shannon Lavelle), waking to find her sister, Mary Hardacre (Claire Cooper), lying beside her. Sam Hardacre (Liam McMahon), concerned, inquires about her well-being. Liza, clutching her head in pain, requests solitude. Mary speculates that Liza might be embarrassed about her consumption of Trilene tablets, prompting Sam to summon her to the docks by 4 PM for a surprise.
Elsewhere, Victor Ward (Connor Byrne) gently rouses Ma Hardacre (Julie Graham) with a breakfast tray, setting the tone for a heartfelt conversation. As Ma prepares to depart, Victor expresses a desire for a more formal reunion, to which she responds warmly but declines further entanglements.
Back at Hardacre Hall, Mary attempts to bolster Liza's self-esteem, reminding her of her own worth. Liza, however, recounts Mary's insistence on ladylike behavior and suggests moderating Trilene intake, like Lady Adella Fitzherbert (Holly Sturton). Intrigued, Mary inquires about Adella's source, leading Liza to reveal Lady Emma Fitzherbert (Cathy Belton) as the supplier.
Moments later, Mary summons a carriage, informing Ma and Sam that the Trilene originated from Emma. Sam, furious, intends to confront Emma, but Mary insists on taking matters into her own hands. They, alongside Ma and Liza, storm into the Fitzherberts' abode. With a flourish, Mary tosses the Trilene bottle at Emma and confesses her upbringing in the Chapel Street Workhouse. Emma, somewhat understanding, comments on the revelation. Mary, proud of her heritage and that of Ma and Liza, vows to empower Liza to choose her own path. She also denounces Adella's impending auction to Lord Hugo Bathurst (Denis Grindel), challenging Emma's viciousness before exiting with her entourage.
At the docks, Liza seeks forgiveness from Callum Saunders (Taheen Modak) for her post-soiree behavior. After perusing Sam's plan, Lena Temple (Siobhan O’Kelly), Little Pete (David O’Reilly), Ma, and Mary commend his ingenuity. The arrival of Hugill (Nick Dunning) and other board members heralds the voting session. Sam introduces their new shareholders, each worker proudly displaying their shares. He proposes a vote for no layoffs and shortened workweeks, which garners unanimous support and cheers from the workers.
Later, at a local pub, the dock workers celebrate their victory. Lena toasts Fred Holdsworth (Conor Deane), believing him a superior boss to Joe Hardacre (Adam Little). Betsy Tempty (Sarah Agha), upset, storms out, only to be reassured by Lena that Joe's comeuppance is inevitable. Soon after, Lena bursts into Hardacre Hall, announcing Betsy's pregnancy. Joe, claiming it was a mistake, faces an enraged Sam who pins him against the wall, asking if Fred was any less of an error. Joe apologizes, and Sam assures Lena of rectification. Mary demands Joe marry Lena, with Sam's unwavering support.
The following day, Joe proposes marriage to Betsy, vowing to provide for her and their unborn child.
Adella confides in Emma, revealing her disinterest in marrying Hugo due to their mutual lack of affection. Emma, on the other hand, recounts how George deceived her about his wealth, leaving her dowry barely sufficient to sustain their marriage. With a stern tone, she insists that Adella refrain from bringing it up again and ushers her off to bed.
At Hardacre Hall, Mrs. Dryden (portrayed by Ingrid Craigie) overhears a whispered conversation between Mary and Lena about Betsy's pregnancy. Mary asserts her determination to ensure that their grandchild is not shrouded in secrecy. Lena questions if she fears the judgment of her high-status acquaintances. Unwavering, Mary vows to shield Betsy as if she were her own flesh and blood. Joe presents Betsy with a charming cottage on the Hardacre estate where she can reside. She inquiries if his affections for her run deep, to which he affirms. When she further probes if he cares about her feelings towards him, his silence prompts her to depart abruptly.
Victor confesses his fondness for Ma, to which she responds that he barely knows her. Displeased with her answer, he reluctantly agrees to grant her some space. From within the house, Mary watches this exchange with interest. Dryden then excuses Joe for tea, seeking a private moment with Betsy. With tears welling in her eyes, Betsy confides that Joe's intentions to marry her stem solely from the baby. Dryden, emotional herself, asserts that love may or may not blossom between them, but she will cherish their child with all her heart. What truly matters is their unity as a family. She reassures Betsy of Mary's unwavering protection but urges her to summon courage. Betsy expresses her gratitude before they resume their shopping list.
A chill has settled between Emma and Adella, with words unspoken. George attempts to initiate a discussion about Sam and his vineyard, but Emma cuts him short, demanding an end to any talk pertaining to the Hardacres, labeling his ideas as foolish. He informs them that funds for Adella's dowry are nonexistent. Emma embraces George, suggesting it might be for the best if Adella avoids marriage to Hugo. She then commands Adella to depart. Overhearing Emma caution George about the social ramifications of canceling the wedding and emphasizing the urgency of Adella conceiving soon, Adella feels the weight of her future. Emma accuses George of shattering her dreams and vows to secure for Adella a rightful place in society.
Ma, with a resolute spirit, raised her glass to Mary, commending her bravery in confronting Emma. After clearing her throat melodiously, she broke into a rendition of "Wot Cher! Knocked ‘em in the Old Kent Road" by Albert Chevalier, her voice filling the room with warmth and nostalgia. Just as the atmosphere reached its zenith, Harry Hardacre (portrayed by Zak Ford-Williams) made an unexpected appearance, summoned by a telegram from Mary. Harry regaled them with tales of his newfound friendships and academic triumphs at school, his pride evident in every word.
Maggie (played by Ella Maria Carmen), Mrs. Henderson (Paula Wolfenden), Beesley (Mark Doherty), and the rest of the household staff toasted with champagne, a luxury Henderson remarked was unheard of under the Cavendishes' roof. Maggie reassured them that had the Cavendishes been present, Betsy would have surely been dismissed for such indulgence. As midnight struck, Dryden awakened Maggie, urging her assistance in restoring the silverware and china to their rightful places. Maggie couldn't help but remind Dryden of her earlier suspicions about the Hardacres' trustworthiness.
Nestled in bed with a magazine, Ma was abruptly drawn from her reverie by a commotion outside. She discovered Maggie struggling under the weight of an armload of gleaming silver. Dryden vehemently denied any intentions of theft, while Ma accused her of underestimating their honesty. In a decisive moment, Mary dismissed Dryden from her service. Meanwhile, Adella slipped away to confide in Joe about her plan to escape to America, extending an invitation for him to join her. He politely declined, citing his impending marriage to Betsy on Thursday. Adella pressed him on his feelings for Betsy and gave him until Wednesday night to reconsider joining her.
Mary suggested that Ma invite Victor to the wedding feast, to which Ma responded with denial, insisting there was nothing romantic between them. However, with a touch of cunning, Mary coaxed the truth out of Ma about her fleeting affair with Victor. Lena's eyes widened in amazement at the sight of the elaborate decorations adorning the chapel.
During the chapel ceremony, Vicar Mr. Elliott (Sean Duggan) expounded on the sanctity of love, his words resonating deeply. Ma caught Victor's gaze but quickly averted her eyes, embarrassed by the intensity of their connection. Afterward, Mary shared her heartfelt love for her children, her voice tinged with emotion. Betsy revealed that Dryden had expressed an understanding of motherhood, surprising Mary. Betsy speculated that Dryden might have undergone a similar experience in her youth. Determined, Mary vowed to keep Betsy and her baby together, no matter what.
Later, Ma confronted Victor, reiterating that she could never change her ways if they were to pursue a relationship. He agreed, acknowledging her unwavering character. With a mixture of resolve and grace, Ma extended an invitation to Victor for Betsy and Joe's wedding, sealing the moment with a gesture of openness and hope.
Mary bestows upon Dryden a glowing reference and expresses her gratitude for the kindness shown to Betsy, warmly inviting her to rejoin the workforce at Hardacre Hall before bidding farewell. At Hardacre Hall, Joe prepares to depart when Sam approaches him, confessing his pre-wedding jitters and pondering whether he had truly grasped the essence of love. He declares that he would endure any hardship, even crawling over shattered glass, to wed Mary once more. Sam reassuringly tells Joe that Betsy understands him deeply. As Joe exits the premises, Adella arrives at the designated meeting spot with Joe, only to find him absent. Meanwhile, Liza tenders an apology to Betsy for not being by her side when needed, and Joe arrives soon after, requesting a private word with Betsy. He reveals his heartfelt concern about her affection for him and his desire to be worthy of her and their unborn child's love. He solemnly vows to bring her joy if she grants him a chance. She warmly embraces him in response.
Emma reproaches Adella for slouching during her wedding gown fitting, to which Adella responds by voicing her fear of ending up in a loveless union akin to Emma's. George steps in, reassuring Adella that she is not obliged to marry Hugo. Emma, astonished, questions his sanity. Passionately, George confesses his love for Adella and declares his willingness to accept social ostracism rather than see her trapped in an unhappy marriage like theirs. Adella exhales a sigh of relief.
Back at Hardacre Hall, the servants bustle around as Dryden arrives, inquiring about the progress of the wedding breakfast preparations. Betsy admires her stunning wedding gown with awe. Ma informs Mary that she has invited a gentleman guest to the wedding festivities. Dryden enters with a beautiful bouquet for Betsy and Liza, wishing them a delightful day. Mary cordially welcomes her back, earning a stern glance from Ma. As the family poses for a photograph, Callum compliments Liza on her beauty, earning playful smiles from Mary and Ma. Callum captures their moment forever in a snapshot. Before heading towards the chapel, Mary and Sam share a fleeting, tender kiss. The episode concludes on this heartwarming note.
