Young Englishmen are off to war, and Harry's son, Gordon, is itching to enlist. Only fifteen, he is assigned to man the tea counter at the store instead. Harry is also itching to do something war-related and angles for a spot on the government's military procurement committee. This leads to a high-stakes poker game, pitting the canny American against none other than Lord Loxley, who aims to give "that Yank the trouncing of his life!" Meanwhile, Miss Mardle has invited Agnes to share her new home and welcomes a Belgian refugee as well. Mr. Thackeray, head of fashion, gives himself a special war assignment: get to the bottom of Henri's suspicious behavior!

Discussing Harry's mysterious disappearance on a business trip to the Continent, Kitty tells Frank: "It's like he's vanished into thin air!" During the chief's absence, Henri lands in trouble, one of the staff is killed at the front, Josie finds unexpected joy, and Frank publishes a shocking scandal. As if that isn't enough, Rose faces a falling out with those close to her, and bad news arrives about another soldier on the staff.