The House of Eliott

The sisters forge ahead with ahead their planned show and receive an added boost when Victor Stride makes a public apology. His offer to promote their line in his new magazine is viewed somewhat skeptically, especially by Bea. On their big night, the Eliott's are accused of plagiarizing another designer's work. In their desperation to find out how their designs were stolen, they manage to offend several people close to them. Penelope Maddox is still railing against the establishment but receives an offer to teach in Africa. Jack learns the identity of his film's principal investor. Aunt Lydia plans on visiting her son Arthur in the USA and confides in Sir Desmond Gillespie that she may not return to England.

The house employs widowed tailor Charles Quance as the replacement for Florence. Ralph's fraudulent activities in his efforts to bankrupt the Elliotts and take control of the business are finally exposed, as is the fact that he killed Sir Desmond, but he flees to Germany to avoid arrest. Alexander confides in Jack that he spent the week-end with Evie. Unaware of her husband's adultery, Elizabeth invites Evie to a function, which she apprehensively attends. Bea eventually finds out from Alice about her sister's affair and the women have an angry confrontation. The affair becomes public with Evie determined to remain with Alexander. Jack and Bea, however, concede that each is more concerned with their professional life than in saving the marriage and agree to a trial separation.

The sisters' problems are increased when rival couturier Maison Gille opens in competition to them, poaching some of their customers and resulting in Agnes and Betty being laid off. Evie and Alexander are seen in public and plastered all over the papers, forcing Alexander to resign his job at the treasury. Jack is becoming drawn to Emma but still feels some responsibility towards Bea and offers financial help, as does Alexander, who feels his indiscretion has contributed to the sisters' misfortune. However, with the scandalous publicity attracting a new, theatrical clientèle, Evie and Bea turn down their offers. Then Maison Gille offers to buy the House of Elliott.