The third episode of "The Lady's Companion" kicks off with Elena pondering the myriad challenges of being a woman, weaving her personal narrative into the tapestry of her discourse. Trapped in a monotonous, unfulfilling marriage, Elena found herself unexpectedly enchanted by Gabriel, a rogue with a penchant for trouble. Her rebellion against this stale existence spilled over into her professional life, making her a challenging companion to work with, until she managed to force them all away. Her prowess at her job stemmed precisely from her success in driving others to their limits – a testament to her own defiance. Submission or rebellion; the latter triumphantly prevailed in her heart.
Switching to the present, Elena finds herself called out by Pedro for her deceitful ways. While his accusation revolved around Sara's doctor's visit, it could have easily pertained to any of their myriad secrets! Cristina and Carlota rise to their sister's defense, offering a heartwarming display of solidarity. Sara, undeterred, reveals that she has aced her entrance exam. Elena retorts to Don Pedro that Sara's disposition is a natural outcome of their refined upbringing, hinting that in three years, when she graduates as a full-fledged medical professional, she will be the most sought-after suitor in town. Convinced by this logic, her father agrees to sponsor her medical education under this pretense, albeit Sara encounters gender prejudices among her male peers.
Meanwhile, Gabriel persists with his charade, coercion Elena into a date by threatening to turn his charms on Cristina. Yet, Santiago's eyes are already fixed on Cristina, captivated by her piano playing. His surprise at her sudden romantic inclination leads to another verbal spat with Elena, their music-centric discourse intensifying. Gabriel's arrival throws a wrench into the works, flirting openly with Cristina and casting an awkward pall over the room. This bold maneuver is part of his grand scheme to draw Elena closer, and for now, it seems to be working.
The impending funeral for Dona Amelia casts a somber shadow over the family, though none of them knew her well. To their astonishment, the event transforms into a surprisingly joyous occasion, with the place buzzing with activity. Among the whispers of the attendees, rumors swirl that Amelia's death might not have been a mere heart failure. Adela, one of the companions, speculates it could be murder, but these are merely the fantastical murmurs of gossip-driven drama.
A deeper layer of intrigue unfolds between Alicia and Elena, particularly when Alicia's choice of a less-than-ideal partner for her daughter is revealed. Meanwhile, Elena herself finds herself in a precarious situation, torn between conflicting emotions. Sara, on the other hand, begins to question her calling as a doctor, swayed by the derogatory remarks hurled at her by the men.
Outdoors, Santiago confides in Elena, confessing that he harbored feelings for Cristina for quite some time. However, upon discovering her relationship with Eduardo, he attempted to move past his affections. He nearly succeeded, that is, until Elena unexpectedly disrupted his efforts. Their words may not explicitly state it, but the subtle hints suggest Santiago holds a special fondness for her.
Later that evening, Elena ventures out to meet Gabriel, who has arranged for an entire band to serenade her. The music evokes memories of a bygone era, where Elena was depicted as a more uninhibited and spirited soul. Spontaneously, she abandoned him one fateful night without a single word of explanation.
Though Elena initially rejects Gabriel's kiss, her ambivalent feelings surface as she slaps him, only to find herself kissing him again shortly after. Simultaneously, Cristina shares a tender moment with Santiago, their lips meeting in a fleeting embrace.
