As the episode opens, Marquise d’Etagnac (Claude Perron) and Giovan Lucca Nicoli (Nicolas Van Beveren) dance. Frederick Trenchard (Benjamin Wainwright) pours over his books.  Later, he greets Clara Trenchard (Harriet Slater) on the stairs on her way to a poetry reading. Reverend James Trenchard (Toby Regbo) hides in his room while Mrs. Warren (Julie Barclay) deals with Mr. Snowden. He expresses relief when Warren delivers a message about a meeting in the alley near the bathhouse. Doctor Stephen Ellerby (Edward Bluemel) reads from an unpublished 1800s ballad by Percy Bysshe Shelly.  Richard Dearden (Leonard Buckley) asks Clara to pose for him. She assures him that she would love to but cannot. Ellerby asks when they will see her again. She says maybe Frederick will accompany her to the next event.

Frederick tells Ross (David Fynn) that he is considering a partial sale of his interest in the Abercrombie Foundry to raise capital. After warning against it, Ross suggests he wants to invest in the Marquise’ silver mine which is rumored to be an exceptional opportunity. Frederick questions how he can raise some quick capital. Ross says to sell one of the family’s import lines or parcel land. Frederick tries to convince himself that the Marquise will proposition them. Later, Frederick and Clara receive an invitation to the Marquise’s ball. He tells her about the silver mine. She assures him that he will conquer the world.

Mrs. Davidson voices concern about Frederick and Clara’s future. Fletcher (Liam Garrigan) warns against interfering in their marriage. An anxious James stuffs what appears to be banknotes into an envelope and prays. Frederick tells Clara that he hates the thought of her life not including him. She admits to questioning if he really wanted her to come. He voices concern about the Rochesters sensing a problem in their marriage. She asks if that is his main concern. He claims it is her but believes it is important. He turns away from her.

When James tries to pay for Gorton’s (James Oliver Wheatley) silence, Gorton boasts of it being his decision. He assures James that he loved it before vowing to never blackmail him again. Elsewhere, Emily Dunn (Hannah Onslow) finds a locket with a lock of hair stored inside in Nell’s (Lauren McQueen) room.

Peter (Jonas Salmela Stratis) spends time outdoors with Randolph (Osian Salter), Amelia (Jayda Eyles), and Edgar (Roddy McDermott). Mary, the Duchess of Rochester (Sophie Winkleman) tells Ellerby that it is been years since they last spent time together. He assures her that Peter is brave. She informs him that Dr. Moorcroft’s visits have been put on hold.

Clara receives “The Poems of Shelley” from Ellerby. Mr. Enright (Gerard Horan) tells her that the Marquise requests a visit. Clara tosses Ellerby’s note in the fire. Seeing Frederick is out, the Marquise fears he is neglecting her. Clara pleads with her to not confront him before admitting there is a distance between them. The Marquise warns of their many temptations. Clara says Frederick told her about their silver mine venture. The Marquise urges her to seize every opportunity and live her life. Later, Clara informs Dearden of her decision to let him paint her but only if she is unrecognizable. He agrees to capture her essence.

Emily tells James that Nell may be deceiving them. She believes Nell is high-born, married, and has a child. He vows to be there for Nell because she experienced difficulty in her past. She agrees to support her as well. He excuses himself. She returns home to find Nell caring for Mrs. Dunn’s (Sophie Thompson) feet. After sending Nell to prepare dinner, Emily demands Mrs. Dunn treat Nell with respect. Mrs. Dunn suggests she misses Clara. Emily says she has forgotten they exist.

Ross complains about the way Frederick is treating him. He gives Mrs. Enright (Ellie Piercy) a bar of her favorite lavender soap and asks her to think of him in the bath. Elsewhere, Clara tells Frederick that she spoke to the Marquise about the silver mine. He says she shouldn’t have done it. She reminds him of just recently asked for her help.

Emily confesses to Nell that she looked inside her locket. Nell tells her about her daughter, Lily who died in her arms. She blames herself. Emily says she must stay with them. Elsewhere, Annie urges Clara to remove her corset for the painting. Mrs. Davidson suggests he utilize his imagination. Clara removes the corset when Ellerby enters to say goodbye. She thanks him for the book of poems. Later, Annie claims to be saving for her daughter’s education. Clara asks about the father. Annie says he is too busy drinking in Shoreditch. Upon returning home, Mr. Enright informs Clara that Frederick will dine at his club. She brushes it off before going to her room. She asks Mawdie (Daisy Bang) about what she wants out of life. Mawdie admits to being illiterate. Clara offers to teach her to read discretely. Mawdie accepts the offer. Mrs. Davidson confronts Clara about visiting the art studio and Ellerby seeing her. Clara assures Mrs. Davidson that her concerns are unfounded.

Frederick tells the Marquise that Clara misunderstood what he said about the silver mine. She says that she never approached him because his resources are tied up in the Abercrombie Foundry. He assures her that he has ample resources and wants to know more about the silver mine. She warns that it may be too late but agrees to mention it to Nicoli. She asks him to not be angry with Clara and suggests he show her that life must be lived by his rules. Later, he returns home to find Clara picking out a dress for the ball.

James receives another concerning letter. Frederick and Clara attend the Marquise’s ball. Piercy, the Duke of Rochester (Miles Jupp) tells Frederick that the Emperor of the French holds an investment in the silver mine after the war left him penniless. Lord Netherbury (Rupert Vansittart) urges Lady Netherbury (Juliet Howland) to consider a dress like Clara’s in the future. Mary tells Frederick about her and Piercy’s agreement on Peter’s care. She complements Clara’s appearance. He assures her that she is enjoying the attention. She asks why she shouldn’t. He tells her that they are having issues in their marriage. She assures him that they will get through it with affection and goodwill on their sides. The Marquise urges Clara to think nothing of Frederick and Mary’s relationship because they are long-time friends. Frederick approaches her for a dance but Lord Netherbury beats him to it.

Upon leaving the ball, the Marquise’ servant gives Frederick a message which he refuses to share with Clara. He comments on the attention she received from Lord Netherbury. She says maybe she seeks attention because he doted on Mary. He questions if he knows her at all. She assures him that she does not know him and he does not know himself because he lacks the courage to speak to James. Upon returning home, she expresses the desire to live with trust and love. After she leaves, he admits to wanting the same thing.

Refusing to wait for an investor for the Abercrombie Foundry, Frederick decides to take out a loan. Elsewhere, Clara visits the art studio alone. She breaks down sobbing. Ellerby comforts her. She tells him that she is losing Frederick. Elsewhere, Emily sees Clara’s painting displayed in a shop window as the episode ends.

 

Belgravia: The Next Chapter Review

Clara and Frederick continue to grow more distant. Advice from the Marquise urges her to pose for Dearden, a decision that would come back to haunt her. Mrs. Davidson voices concern about Ellerby’s affection for Clara. While assuring her it is unfounded, Clara turns to Ellerby for emotional support when she believes Frederick is lost to her.

Gorton threatens to expose James’ sexual preference to his congregation. James pays for his silence but he soon receives another potential blackmail letter.

Piercy and Mary permit Peter to spend time outdoors with his siblings.

Frederick tells Clara that he is working toward another investment with the Marquise. Clara mentions it to the Marquise. When Frederick finds out, he says she shouldn’t have and approaches the Marquise himself. She agrees to speak with Nicoli to see if an investment opportunity is still available. Desperate to get in on the silver mine, Frederick decides to take out a loan to cover the investment.

 

The episode deserves a 6. Get more Belgravia: The Next Chapter recaps here. Support Reel Mockery by donating. Learn how advertising with us can help build your brand awareness. Join our newly established forum to discuss the latest movie and TV show releases, sports, celebrity happenings, and more.