Episode 1

S1, E1: As infamous financier Augustus Melmotte sets up home in 1870s London, rumours spread about his eligible heiress daughter, Marie. A profligate young Baronet named Sir Felix Carbury pursues Marie, winning her heart; but he also likes Ruby, a country girl. Lady Carbury wants her daughter Hetta to marry her modest cousin, Roger Carbury. But Roger is devastated when Hetta falls in love with his protégé, Paul Montague. Paul and his American business partner, Hamilton, start a Railway company with Melmotte's backing. Meanwhile, a mysterious American beauty, Mrs Hurtle, is in London looking for Paul.