After a row with their father, which accidentally culminates in his death, sisters Beatrice and Evangeline Eliott learn that unwise investments of his money and outstanding debts have left them virtually penniless.

Evie opens a letter addressed to her father and suspects it is from her father’s mistress.

While Evie begins her first job as an apprentice dressmaker with Mrs Partini, Mrs. Pearce calls upon Beatrice.

Evie is taken in by Sebastian’s charm, but Beatrice doubts whether he is, in fact, their half-brother.

Fed up with taking messages, Jack persuades the sister to install a telephone in their flat.

Evie and Beatrice continue to have problems getting financial backing for their business.