The intriguing premiere of "The Lady’s Companion" unfolds with a spotlight on Elena Bianda, the eccentric yet endlessly captivating protagonist woven into a tale of love. As a Chaperone, Elena is not merely an escort but a confidant and counselor, a master of her craft. Gifted with literacy and exceptional discernment, she reigns as the town's foremost lady’s companion, hired by affluent parents to navigate the treacherous waters of romance and secure their daughters' happily-ever-afters through meticulous matchmaking.
Yet, Elena's discerning eye for suitable spouses stems from a pragmatic concern – once her charges find their life partners and tie the knot, her employment concludes. It seems fate has a twist in mind, however, as Elena stumbles upon an opportunity amidst a somber scene at the graveyard. Three mourning sisters, Carlota, Sara, and Cristina, gather to commemorate their late mother, presenting Elena with a potential windfall.
Sensing an extended tenure in her profession, Elena delves into her reconnaissance, resorting to a clergyman's discretion for insights into the sisters' personalities and preferences. Her guiding tome becomes an invaluable asset, but her arrival at the Mencia residence nearly derails her plan with the sudden appearance of Santiago Torres, a charming and sharp-tongued godson. Their verbal duel sets the stage for future encounters, but for now, Elena must focus on gaining the trust of Pedro Mencia, the household patriarch.
Her efforts are fraught with challenges, not least her own haunting past involving a fiery catastrophe and a shattered carriage – a revelation destined to unfold later in the series. As Elena accepts the Mencia commission, she finds herself under stringent scrutiny, reminded that these daughters are far from her usual clientele. She must bring her A-game, a task complicated by Carlota's mischievous antics and macabre humor, Sara's intense dedication to literature over romance, and Cristina's clandestine night rendezvous with Eduardo Espinosa de Monier.
To add insult to injury, Elena must also outmaneuver Angustias, Pedro's clandestine spy, navigating a labyrinth of secrets and desires. Phew, indeed!
With the girls having departed for their classes accompanied by Angustias, Pedro dives headfirst into a heart-to-heart conversation with Elena. That evening, the Ortega family is hosting a soiree, and Pedro harbors the wish for Elena to escort Cristina and Sara along, aiming to "rekindle their social spark." This occasion serves as Elena's initial trial by fire, and she is eager to make a lasting, favorable impression. However, a wrench is thrown into the works by Santiago's presence at the gathering.
Santiago engages Elena in conversation, scrutinizing her approaches with curiosity. The chemistry between them crackles as they exchange wits, subtly hinting at Elena's burgeoning affection for him. Additionally, a figure named Gabriel looms on the horizon, possibly a former romantic interest or connected to the mysterious fire and carriage incident. Currently, his role in the intricate tapestry remains shrouded in uncertainty.
Later that night, chaos ensues when Sara dashes off at the party, losing her chaperone. This leaves Elena torn between her two charges. Though tasked with keeping watch over Cristina outdoors, Elena's attention is diverted upon learning of Sara's whereabouts. She hurries inside and discovers Sara with Doctor Aguilar in an upstairs room, both visibly agitated at being caught in such a compromising position.
It transpires that Aguilar serves as Sara's personal tutor, fueling her aspiration to pursue a career in medicine. He has been by her side, offering invaluable guidance for quite some time, amidst her awareness that her father would vehemently disapprove. Understanding the necessity of his blessing to enroll in medical school, Sara realizes her father wouldn't grant it readily. However, she hatches a plan: if she can ace the entrance exam, perhaps she can persuade him otherwise. To this end, she enlists Elena's aid in concealing her studies.
Meanwhile, Cristina and Eduardo, having shifted from their original location outside, inadvertently strand Elena in a quest to find them. Little did she know, they were indulging in a passionate tryst inside a nearby carriage. When Elena catches sight of them, she is compelled to intervene swiftly to prevent their scandalous secret from being exposed. In the chaos that ensues, her dress inexplicably catches fire, just as Santiago arrives to her rescue. Fortunately, their intimate encounter remains unseen by anyone else.
One month later, a significant day dawns for Cristina, marking the occasion of what is supposed to be a proposal. However, Carlota's decision to wear all black to the event casts a comical, Wednesday Addams-esque shadow over the festivities, hinting at a possible recurring theme in their world.
Amidst the joy, Santiago finds himself in a melancholic state, unable to confess his true feelings to Cristina. The ceremony takes a sudden turn when Cristina receives a letter that halts the proceedings and sends her running. Eduardo has abruptly abandoned their plans, deciding to depart for Paris immediately. To make matters worse, Cristina discovers she is pregnant.
