While George enters tense negotiations, Larry and Jack meet with a potential investor. Later, the Scotts meet the Kirklands.
George enters negotiations with the Duke without knowing all that Bertha has already promised. He knows what's expected of him in this situation. He wants to protect his daughter. He's not particularly interested in the outcome. He will accept a good offer. He knows when to walk away. He wields a ton of power. Yet he's overextending himself. In fact, he gives Clay permission to use funds from the dowry in pursuit of building railroads that will connect the country. He doesn't want to be told what he can't do. He has a vision and a plan to make it a reality. He strives to provide Gladys with a little bit of independence through this deal. He wants to provide money that solely belongs to her. He can't control everything. This is the extent to which he seeks to preserve Gladys. However, Bertha betrays her daughter by saying everything that's hers is also the Duke's. That's what secures this deal. The episode concludes with the family announcing the engagement. Bertha plots and eventually gets her way. This remains her pursuit to secure power and influence. She convinces George that she believes Gladys and the Duke are a solid match. Their one interaction suggests they could build something together.
All of this is exhausting to Gladys. She's relieved when the negotiations break down. She believes that is the conclusion. She can resume her love with Billy. She doesn't want to believe he has walked away for good. She sends Larry to deliver a message. She thinks the Duke was the obstacle to their love. In reality, it was her parents and the expectations of entering into this family. Gladys feels that pressure all the time. She has a voice. She expects her parents to look out for her. They ultimately dictate what her life will be moving forward. She has no say in the manner. She just has to accept it. She has been given so much. She resides in a world of privilege. But again, everything has been planned out by Bertha. She has finally achieved all she was wanted. Now, she moves on to create the biggest wedding of the century. She seeks to bend this world to her will. She demands notice and attention. Gladys is at the center of the story. She is suffocating. She reaches for her neck unable to breathe due to the necklace. It shatters. The pearls fall to the floor. It's symbolic while highlighting the stress of this particular moment.
In contrast, Arthur meddled in his daughter's personal life once and has seen the error in his ways. He cannot make the same mistake now. Peggy was led to believe her son died during childbirth. He was taken from her. She didn't get to meet him before he actually died. So much was taken away. Now, the family strives to uplift one another. To Agnes, Newport is a horrible destination for people whom society has forgotten. She doesn't deserve that fate. She seeks recognition and importance. She lashes out because the world is moving on without her. She is accustomed to getting what she wants. For the Black community though, Newport is a thriving location. It still carries the pains and prejudices of the past. Previously, Joan Carlton boasted about her ancestor signing the Declaration of Independence. That had no relevance in what Bertha wanted in the present society. New money has come in to change the world. It doesn't matter what existed before. And now, Elizabeth Kirkland is proud to come from a line of free men. She looks down upon Arthur because he was enslaved. He had no choice in the matter. Once he was freed, he pursued all the benefits bestowed upon him in society. He built a wonderful life for his family. He couldn't control everything. He can't push Peggy away again. That means he might have to endure more uncomfortable interactions with Elizabeth, who would rather have light-skinned grandchildren.
The divides amongst this world are prevalent. It's all about status and influence. Those who wield it believe it is the only thing that matters. Those who have lost it know how cruel the world can be. They don't wish that fate on anyone. They are mostly upset when it happens to them. They must avoid scandal no matter what. That's exactly how Bertha views her children's current love matches. They serve no purpose. She already ended one relationship for Larry. She strives to do so again with Marian. Nothing can be offered from that bond. Marian knows that. She has fallen in love anyway. She isn't as cautious as she wanted to be. They are caught. It can be mended if they are engaged. That decision hasn't occurred. Instead, Bertha plots. She believes she must do something extraordinary in this world with the opportunities given to her. Those are extravagant. She knows how to operate. Yet the most devastating moments are the ones that happen in quiet. Ada misses Luke. She wants to honor him. No one seems to take her seriously. Armstrong never drank anyway. Ada's intentions are misplaced. The emotions are real. Similarly, Jack feels like an outsider while meeting with investors. But he knows the mechanics. He is impressive with what he has created. He has reason to remain hopeful even though that wasn't Armstrong's intention when reaching out to him.
