While Gladys adjusts to her changed circumstances, Larry runs into a familiar face. Peggy gets an opportunity from an old colleague.
George and Bertha were once in sync. They were both equally ambitious. They helped each other achieve their goals even when they didn't fully understand them. Their priorities always came first. They respected each other and the skills they had. Their drive brought them together. And now, they don't seem to agree on anything. George had his doubts about Gladys' marriage. He walked his daughter down the aisle while she was absolutely terrified. She is absolutely miserable in England. The Duke was told to marry an American woman to revitalize the nobility. Sarah expects Gladys to transition fully and immediately into a proper English duchess. She doesn't care about her whatsoever. She is accustomed to running the house. She has wielded power for a long time. Gladys has that within her grasp as well. She doesn't know how to navigate it. She's all alone. Adelheid was expected to help her manage the transition. She's fired. No one is in Gladys' corner. This is the life her mother created. Bertha assumes everything is going well. One letter is all it takes to break that illusion. Even then, she believes traveling across the ocean will fix everything. Life isn't so easily managed that way. She has accomplished a lot. She can't control everything.
Bertha is upset upon being the last person to know about Larry and Marian's engagement. George doesn't want to be shut out of the decision again. He approves of the match. Moreover, he needs Larry's help. He believes his son can deliver the Arizona land deal after Clay failed. George relied on Clay's advice previously. Their approaches never aligned fully. Clay was devoted to achieving George's vision. George believes his secretary has failed to embrace his latest project. Clay is as disposable as anyone else who works for him. Larry wants to know what's in this deal for him. It needs to be more than simply adding to his inheritance one day. He wants to leave his own mark in business. He saw potential with Jack's clock. In fact, he recognizes the world just across the street from him. He's fallen in love with Marian even though she has no social standing to offer. He welcomes Jack into his circle of friends. Their partnership can continue to flourish now that Jack is a wealthy man as well. Plus, he informs Oscar when he sees Maud Beaton again. He's looking out for his neighbors. He sees the potential benefits to himself. That doesn't leave him blind to the rest of the world.
The Russell household is getting empty though. Soon, George will be the only one there. He has to remain in New York to ease the concerns of the bankers invested in his railroad. He can't allow them to panic in his absence. That's why he must lean on others to deliver what he needs. He expects Bertha to charm Merrick into selling his company in Chicago. Bertha does what is asked of her. Nevertheless, George feels slighted. It didn't work. Merrick remains committed to his family. George can't make any offer that would convince them to sell. He lashes out at Bertha. She's an easy target because she's there. She wants to understand his business. He doesn't feel like sharing. Instead, he's upset and desperate. He even threatens that Bertha may not return home to him waiting for her. Their paths may diverge entirely. Bertha takes notice of the world too. She sees the potential in people. That's largely a way to bend society to her will. She acknowledges Aurora. She creates a place for divorced women. She refuses to shun them. That's the narrative of the past. It's one Mrs. Astor has propped up. She may become a hypocrite in that regard with the failings in her daughter's marriage. This delicate work is being woven through the story. It matters. It still comes at an immense cost.
The narrative is built around change. That's the defining factor of this time in history. Many people stubbornly hold onto the ideals that have always rewarded their families for generations. Yet new opportunities arise that favor newcomers. Of course, those individuals have to manage that newfound success. Great ideas can come from anywhere. In fact, Agnes' curiosity is piqued by how much money her footman now has. She only sees dollar signs in her life now. People are either soliciting her for money or dismissing her opinion since she no longer has it. Ada's spirits are lifted by hearing an apparent message from beyond the grave through a medium. It's more fulfilling than her work with the temperance movement. She doesn't feel like sharing that with Agnes. Meanwhile, Peggy is grateful for the work given to her. She also sees the complications in accepting an assignment from Mr. Fortune. He expects to be involved with her every endeavor. He yearns for that connection. She can't endure that temptation and shame again. Dr. Kirkland champions her. He doesn't know the full backstory. He sees the discomfort she is in and vows to make it better. That makes him a worthy romantic companion. The narrative offers plenty of uplifting possibilities. It never shies away from the devastation lurking around the corner either.
