Incompetent ingrate Oliver Trenchard mopes about his father James, who actually tries in vain to get him a leading position in the next London development project, jealously feeling discarded in favor of mystery protege Charles Pope. Peregrine, Earl of Brockenhurst financially cuts off his uneconomical brother reverend Stephen Bellasis, who just got in debt with a dangerous man, hence is forced to accept an excessively steep interest from 'the Pole'. Stephen's adopted son John Bellasis enjoys a secret love affair with Oliver's wife Susan Trenchard, who seeks socialite promotion at any cost now ma Anne was formally invited by the duchess but hesitates to invite her back. James warns Anne her scheming may leave them social outcasts.
—KGF Vissers