In 1815, with Brussels on the brink of conflict, 18-year-old Sophia Trenchard secures her humble family invitations to the now-legendary Duchess of Richmond's ball on the eve of the Battle of Waterloo. She hopes for a secret assignation with her forbidden lover, the aristocratic Edmund Bellasis. As war dawns, the pair are torn apart and Sophia is left to conceal a devastating secret. Twenty-six years later, a chance encounter between the two families re-ignites a long-buried connection.
Anne decides that honesty is required, and hopes that seeking confession with Caroline will appease her guilt and lay to rest the ghosts from her past. Anne has sorely underestimated Lady Brockenhurst, who sets about to unearth the secrets that bind the families together. Hosting a prestigious dinner party, she invites a special guest, whose presence reveals a deceit James Trenchard would wish to keep private.
Anne and James are at loggerheads following the revelations at the Brockenhurst's soiree. James is worried that people will soon begin to guess at the heritage of Charles Pope, if Caroline continues her brazen campaign in plain sight. With Oliver fixated on discovering the origins of his father's new protégé, Susan uses the opportunity to plan a covert trip to meet with a new friend and enlists the help of her maid, Speer, to keep the true nature of the rendezvous under wraps.
John appeals to members of the Trenchard's staff for assistance in his bid to uncover the truth about Charles. Turton and Ellis are quick to betray their employers, and are surprisingly adept at deceit and spying. Susan makes a seemingly miraculous discovery, which exacerbates her already complicated situation with Oliver.
A revelation about Charles' past spells disaster for John and jeopardises his entire future. He must act fast to keep the explosive information hidden from those who could use it to ruin his prospects. When Anne receives a visit from an ex-employee, Ellis sees an opportunity to assist John Bellasis and make some money, but she's not as cunning as she thinks. Oliver visits Charles' Northern mill, determined to find information that might discredit the young businessman.
James travels to Manchester to investigate the allegations levied against Charles, but on his return he realises there are greater threats at play. Lady Templemore employs her son Reggie to enforce her will upon Lady Maria. It seems the young woman is helpless, but she will not give in so easily. As her secret is outed, Susan is on the brink of losing everything and must use all her cunning to spin the situation so that it benefits all.
Alice Eve
Susan Trenchard
Philip Glenister
James Trenchard
Tamsin Greig
Anne Trenchard
Ella Purnell
Lady Maria Grey
Jack Shalloo
Morris