The middle-aged housewife, Alma Philcott, peers through the window, only to be shushed away as a Hollywood glamour woman gracefully enters the restaurant. Alma, a timid soul who navigates life as if invisible, has been told that patience and meekness shall reward her. However, her obscurity is about to be shattered by the death of Vonda Van Essen.
An opening at the prestigious Elysian Park Garden Club, a coveted spot among society women, presents Alma with a rare opportunity. Ecstatic, she believes her exceptional garden will secure her a spot. Yet, her husband, a beloved veterinarian, warns her that the competition among wealthy women with their own gardeners will be fierce.
When Alma's daughter, Dee, needs a hem sewn, Alma attempts the task with questionable results. The two chat about the garden club, and Dee encourages Alma to take another shot at joining. A memorable woman, Dee suggests, would approach a club member boldly and declare, "I'd like to join your club."
Dr. Philcott, Alma's husband, is a much-loved veterinarian, treating his patients with tenderness and care. His first patient, a dog named Biscuit, receives music and soft words from the doctor, perhaps even softer than those he offers Alma.
Despite Alma's optimism, her hybrid tea rose fails to impress the members of the garden club. Nevertheless, Rita Castillo invites Alma to Vonda's memorial. Rita, whose life is not without scandal, seeks the help of a private eye named Vern to keep tabs on her lover. Meanwhile, Bertram, Vern's client, reveals that he is happily married, much to the dismay of his infatuated patron.
On the street, Alma encounters Mrs. Yost and inquiries about the garden club. She learns that she was never invited to a party but rather a fundraiser that requires an entrance fee. Mrs. Yost further discloses that the club is not truly a garden club but a gathering spot for society women to gossip and pass the time. Alma, described as a frump by Mrs. Yost, is not welcome in such a circle.
Elsewhere, Rita meets with Gigi to discuss the preparations for the upcoming party. Suddenly, Rita's husband appears, pants-less, demanding to know the whereabouts of his blue suit.
Alma's heart set on a new dress, but when Bertie questioned why she couldn't wear one of her many others, she explained. She was rarely recognized, and if she was, it was merely as "the veterinarian's wife." As they embraced, Bertie felt a spark, but Alma remained oblivious to his unspoken desire. Instead, he found himself at the Maui Club, where his client Maisie awaited. Her bruises were a telltale sign of her troubled state, yet she claimed it was merely a medical condition.
Down the street, Vern kept a close eye on Scooter, who couldn't help but ogle the passing ladies. Dee, meanwhile, patiently waited for Vern, offering him a copy of her magazine to peruse while trailing his target.
Bertie and Maisie walked arm in arm, their voices raised in song. She was a lonely soul, devoid of family, but she found solace in his presence. She invited him for a nightcap, but the sight of neighbors peering through their windows deterred him.
Alma browsed through dresses, her eyes finally settling on one she adored. But the price tag of $800 was a steep one. Undeterred, she decided to craft her own.
At dinner, Carlo's insults towards Rita sparked her determination to cut him off from whiskey. His accusations of her having a lover only fueled her mockery, which seemed to be her modus operandi in getting him to drink more.
Scooter rehearsed his scenes in front of a mirror when Rita called with news that would alter their plans.
Amidst her sewing project, Alma's needle snapped. Upstairs, she stumbled upon a brooch that once belonged to Enid Dolan. Dee returned home, concerned that Alma was still awake.
As Rita and Scooter's intimacy grew, Carlo was rudely awakened by their feline companion. His haste down the stairs led to a tumble, and he fell hard.
Alma beamed in her vibrant pink dress. Rita's friends fretted over her, knowing Carlo was in the hospital. Alma, however, fell flat on her back, mulch covering her, much to Rita's amusement. She snidely commented, insulting Alma with her subtle sarcasm.
Dee and Scooter shared a secret connection. Grace Burke greeted Alma with curiosity, fascinated by her cameo. Her aunt Enid had owned one just like it. Rita received grim news; Carlo might never regain his speech or basic motor functions, but with Rita's loving care, he could still live another two decades.
Alma returned the brooch to Grace, claiming she had found it at a church rummage sale. Grace offered to reimburse her, but Alma insisted it was an honor to return it. When another member inquired if that was "the veterinarian's wife," Grace corrected them, introducing Alma as the sweetest person she knew. She pondered if Alma might be interested in joining their exclusive club.
Scooter received disheartening news about his part. He cherished Dee, but he had her dress as a maid to visit him secretly. Unfortunately, Vern was lurking outside and captured a photo of her leaving.
Bertram brought flowers to Maisie, aware that her medical bills from cirrhosis of the liver were overdue. He knew she was on the verge of death. She was tired, her skin jaundiced, bruises covering her body.
He presented her with a delightful bottle of wine, and they settled in for a cozy drink. As they sipped, Alma embarked on a treasure hunt in the attic, her eyes scanning every inch for hidden gems. To her surprise, she stumbled upon a small hole in the wall, within which lay a hatbox. Inside, she discovered more tagged items, each with a story to tell.
Amongst the finds was a mention of Maisie, once a star in the renowned Ziegfield Follies. Little did Alma know, Bertram had other intentions. He slyly slipped a sedative into Maisie's wine, rendering her motionless as a stone. He then produced a record, using it as a weapon to silence Maisie, just as he had done with their beloved pets. As he departed, he triumphantly claimed Maisie's cherished Ziegfield fan as his own, the mementos now securely in his possession.
Meanwhile, Alma, having pieced together the puzzle, lay wide-eyed in bed, her mind racing with the revelations of the night.
