Bertha helps Gladys stand up for herself. George attempts a bold business move. Peggy confides in Dr. Kirkland about her past.
An act of kindness was shown to Oscar. John Adams provided business after he lost his fortune. Oscar was accustomed to being rich. He didn't want to work. He has picked up more clients now. He has put in the effort to redeem himself financially. He still feels his mother's scorn. He carries the shame of ruining her image in society. They are each furious upon hearing Maud Beaton is in New York again. However, Oscar extends an act of kindness to her as well. He sees that she is a victim in this mess too. It's impossible for him to retrieve his fortune. Mr. Crowther orchestrated the con. Once he was paid, he discarded Maud. Oscar remains angry. He can't forgive her. He also reckons with the fact that he was fooled. He still cares for her on some level. He doesn't seek to analyze his behavior. He buys a one-way trip to Ohio for Maud. She has the potential to start a new life. He's honest with John. He expresses his gratitude. They can't be together. Yet John provided exactly what Oscar needed. And then, John is suddenly killed in a tragic accident. A runaway carriage collides with him on the street. It's horrifying. It's absolutely brutal. This world doesn't necessarily reward kindness. It only offers more suffering.
Obviously, the big twist ending is the most dramatic moment of the episode. A lot of developments happen elsewhere as well. Some stories feel concise. Others are putting pieces into motion for the final stretch of the season. That could have been said about Oscar's story too. He has remade himself. That hasn't been depicted onscreen. It's just information communicated to the audience. And now, he causes trouble for Marian because she learns how Larry ran into Maud Beaton. She makes some quick assumptions. She spirals and is unable to keep this secret. She's ready to break her engagement immediately. She can't think of a good reason for him to visit an establishment like that and lie to her about it. Oscar can't offer any answers as to how Larry behaved. Jack could but he doesn't share any details. That's not the focus of his particular story. Meanwhile, Larry eventually arrives in Arizona. He's greeted with the news that the mines have discovered new copper. As such, they are much more valuable than George believed. Larry must move quickly to secure the rights and benefit from this fortune. That's a possibility for him to grab. But it's also far removed from the personal drama awaiting him in New York.
Similarly, George has everything within his grasp only for it to be taken away. Clay knew all the details of how George conducted his business. He knows precisely how to hurt his company. He is doing so. It was always a dangerous move to fire him. George did so because he believed Clay wasn't committed to his vision. George expresses that he would rather go down with his company instead of selling to Sage. One moment, George strikes a deal with the Merrick family thanks to an intervention from J.P. Morgan. And then, his company is in free fall. Everything has evaporated. His vision may not come to fruition. Meanwhile, Bertha soars as she inspires Gladys to take ahold of her power. She shouldn't cede her authority to Lady Sarah. She is the Duchess now. She holds the ranking that deserves admiration. She has allies who want her to succeed. Sarah has the trust of the staff and awareness of the estate. Gladys can learn. She arms herself with information. She's grateful for what her mother has taught her. It's seemingly easy for Bertha to fix things. It won't be that easy when she returns home. It will still require more work from Gladys too. She's on the right path now. She has the ability to make decisions that matter. That's what Bertha wanted. She made this happen. Now, she needs Gladys to actually wield it.
Ada is proud of what Jack has accomplished. It's not right for him to continue working in the Forte household. He's afraid to leave. This is the only family he has ever known. They want updates on his next steps in life. He's already focused on his next invention. He has opportunities that were never possible before. It's scary for him to enter the world outside of what has always been known. It's the best thing for him. Ada is sure of that. She's left devastated upon realizing she's been scammed by Madame Dashkova. That affords Agnes the opportunity to console her sister. She shares that Luke always remains within her. That love remains strong despite him no longer being with her. Everyone desires that kind of love. Agnes sees its power. She's frustrated by how it has changed so much for her. It remains important. Furthermore, Peggy acknowledges the depth of her feelings for William. She imagines a future with him. Yet she will always have to contend with his mother. She must decide whether or not William has the strength to stand up to Elizabeth. He wants her involved in Peggy's pursuits even though they have opposing views. Elizabeth also expresses that the qualities he admires in Peggy won't make him happy if she is his wife. His response isn't seen. Disaster befalls many of the couples in this narrative. No one is ever happy in love. It's all business deals that serve a purpose for a specific moment. And then, tragedy often strikes. That's guaranteed over and over again.
