Iris works in a doll-making shop but dreams of becoming an artist. Her chance encounter with a pre-Raphaelite painter changes her life.

Iris leaves the doll shop and agrees to become Louis's muse, once he agrees to teach her to paint. When Silas learns of Iris's choice, he is devastated and the two men fight. As Iris breathes in her new freedom, a shocking crime takes place.

Iris grows closer to Louis but continues to meet with Silas, who warns her away from Louis; the Madame begins a search for the perpetrator of Bluebell's murder; Iris decides to enter her self-portrait into the Royal Academy exhibition.

Iris attends The Royal Academy Exhibition with the PRB; Silas waits for Iris to visit the Great Exhibition, where his exhibits are finally on display; the Madame and Albie team up to discover who killed Bluebell.

With the truth finally exposed, Iris finds herself trapped in a terrifying situation. She is forced to use her wits and strength to claw her way back to freedom.