Now back in London, newlyweds Jack and Bea must decide on their living arrangements. Jack wants her to move into his flat and away from the House of Eliott. Jack is visited by an old friend, Clara Rhoades, who clear wants more than her photograph taken. She also recommends to Bea that the House of Eliott needs a full-time vendeuse - an experienced saleswoman - who has an established list of clients. She recommends Alice Burgoyne and Bea spirits her away from her current employer to work for her. Turns out that Clara doesn't exactly have Bea's best interests at heart. The atmosphere in the workroom is strained as Tilly and Florence Ranby continuously squabble. Bea receives an unexpected visitor from Paris and shocking news about Sir Desmond Gillespie.

Evie continues to see James Duglass, but his love of fast cars and racing worries her greatly, all the more after he has a serious crash. Bea finally gets to meet Jack's parents after they return from visiting Penelope in Africa. All goes well, but Bea's views on the social responsibilities of employers vis-à-vis their staff does not agree with that of her new in-laws. She begins to re-evaluate her opinion when she learns that one member of staff has a particularly demanding home life. The workroom is aflutter with the news that Tilly is engaged. Bea and Evie are working on their second collection and decide to change direction when Bea is inspired to try something different. Their new financial advisor, Ralph Saroyan, is none too pleased with the added expenditure.