Episode 2 of "The Leopard" unfurls in June 1860, amidst the throes of historical upheaval. Garibaldi has triumphantly seized Palermo and stands poised to conquer the remainder of the Sicilian hinterland. At a welcome celebration tinged with anticipation, Fabrizio's countenance darkens upon beholding Leonforte. To compound matters, the citizens of Palermo find themselves ensnared by a new regulation: travel permits, issued solely by Commander Bombello, are now mandatory for departure. Undeterred by such trivialities, the Salinas family adheres to their time-honored ritual of summering at their estate in Donnafugata.
Among the ranks of Italian soldiers, the Salinas' eyes alight upon Tancredi, sparking a joyful reunion. His eye bandaged from battle, Concetta fusses over him while Stella watches intently. Fabrizio, desperate for a way out of Palermo, enlists Tancredi's aid in securing the elusive travel permits. Despite Tancredi's forewarning about Bombello's unyielding nature, Fabrizio remains unpersuaded. As expected, their meeting with Bombello proves futile; the stern commander refuses to grant a permit for a mere country escape.
Frustrated, Fabrizio seeks solace in the arms of his Palermitani mistress, leaving Father Pirrone to await his pleasure outside. On the return journey, Pirrone castigates Fabrizio's moral decay, while Fabrizio rails against Stella's perceived prudishness. Upon arriving home, Stella rebuffs his advances, leaving him further contented.
Garibaldi, ever the showman, has been staging 'liberation balls' in every town he liberates, and Palermo is no exception. To no one's surprise, Fabrizio declines the invitation. Desperate to present a united front, Bombello personally visits Fabrizio in a bid to change his mind.
Bombello, a man who cherishes genuine and selfless connections, is taken aback by Fabrizio's audacious proposal: his attendance at the ball in exchange for the travel permit. Insulted by the transaction, Bombello's demeanor hardens. Fabrizio, ever the smooth talker, assuages the commander with flattery, diffusing the tension. Both he and his family also cannot help but notice Bombello's palpable interest in Concetta.
As soon as the commander departs, Fabrizio's latest plan unfolds, involving parading Concetta at the ball in the earnest hope of securing the permit. Paolo, incensed by his father's capitulation to Garibaldi, hurls insults at Concetta and even dredges up the subject of Fabrizio's prostitute. Stella slaps him for his words, yet no one is taken aback by the mention of the prostitute; it seems to be an open secret.
At the ball, Leonforte ridicules Fabrizio for his sudden change of heart, but Russo reassures the prince that their scheme to rob the governor remains on track. Tancredi cannot tear his gaze away from Concetta, nor can Bombello. The power dynamics are crystal clear, as the dance floor remains empty. Fabrizio instructs his son, Cesco, to dance with Concetta just as Bombello makes his move towards her. Subsequently, he persuades Tancredi's comrades, Tassoni and Cavriaghi, to dance with the remaining sisters. Fabrizio finally joins the dance floor, partnering with Stella. With the Salinas family now dancing, the rest of the guests follow suit.
During the second song, Bombello tries again to cut in, but Fabrizio deftly assigns Tancredi to dance with Concetta. As they swirl around the floor, she vents her frustration about Fabrizio's unchallenged power. Tancredi reminds her that this is precisely why Fabrizio is nicknamed "The Leopard."
Bombello, desperate at last, seeks Fabrizio's permission to dance with Concetta. Fabrizio, seeing an opportunity, extracts the travel permit from him in exchange. Stella watches silently, while Tancredi feels the sting of betrayal.
The journey to Donnafugata commences. Concetta is soon to be forced back into the convent. Bombello longs to write to her, and Fabrizio teases her mercilessly. Concetta is melancholy, feeling constrained by a lack of freedom that Paolo takes for granted. Her spirits lift momentarily as they jest about him, but then her gaze drifts back to Tancredi.
During a pit stop, she sits beside Tancredi, who reveals that he must return to the army soon. He confides in her his desire to runaway with her, stunning her. She hesitates, and he is plunged into despair.
Upon arrival in Donnafugata, the locals, led by Mayor Calogero, offer a warm yet hollow welcome. Fabrizio calls the shots, commanding them to hoist the old flag...for the time being.
Once Concetta has settled into her newfound composure, she confides in Pirrone, her heart spilling over with love for Tancredi. Pirrone, thrown into a tizzy, dashes off to inform her parents without delay. Fabrizio, distressed by the revelation, views Tancredi with disdain, branding him as a notorious womanizer. Yet, Stella, with a perception honed by witnessing Tancredi's gentle treatment of Concetta, manages to sway Fabrizio's stance. She paints a vivid tableau of Concetta and Tancredi, a future where their union could elevate and perpetuate his family's legacy.
As they await the mayor's arrival, the siblings indulge in idle chatter, revealing Pirrone's penchant for gossiping. Amidst this gossipy ambiance, Tancredi stealthily draws Concetta aside, attempting to smooth over his earlier misstep by blaming it on inebriation—his suggestion to flee together. But Concetta stands firm, undeterred by his words, asserting that she has openly declared her affections to everyone within earshot.
Their conversation is abruptly halted by the mayor's grand entrance, accompanied by his daughter, Angelica, whose tardiness is accompanied by a flair for drama. She captivates Fabrizio and Tancredi instantly with her seductive bow, exuding an aura of enigmatic charm. Thus, Episode 2 of "The Leopard" concludes on a tantalizing note, with Fabrizio's enigmatic smile hinting at the unfolding intrigues ahead.
