As the episode begins, Lady Matilda Crawley (Frances de la Tour) admires Becky Sharpe (Olivia Cooke). She claims that Becky is the only one in the world who she can trust. Becky meets with Rawdon (Tom Bateman) and gives him a kiss. Pitt (Martin Clunes) tries to have a conversation with Lady Crawley (Madeleine Hyland). She doesn’t seem interested. Soldiers are gathered as Napoleon escapes. William Dobbin (Johnny Flynn) speaks with George Osborne (Charlie Rowe). He wants to know why George hasn’t told Amelia (Claudia Jessie) yet. George says that he’ll put it off until they get their marching orders. Becky sits with Matilda. Matilda admits she is scared. Becky promises not to leave her.

Becky and her friends visit Amelia. The group heads inside for refreshments. Matilda makes a rude comment about Sam (Richie Campbell). In private, he reminds Amelia that the master has sold the cellar so there is no wine. Amelia wants to know if it is enough to pay back Osborne. Becky speaks with George about his family. They both claims that they’re not ashamed of their family. The carriage arrives moments later. George tries to warn Rawdon about Becky before they leave. Lady Crawley suffers a fall down the stairs. Pitt seems happy that she is dead. Becky is introduced to Mr. Raggles. She learns that they intend to buy a house. She isn’t too impressed.

Becky speaks with Arabella (Felicity Montagu). She tries to form a friendship with her. Becky tells Matilda all about it later. Pitt arrives moments later and tells Becky that he needs her at Queen’s Crawley. He offers to make Becky his wife. Briggs reports back to Matilda right away. Despite the generous offer, Becky confesses that she cannot marry Pitt. She is married already. Matilda contemplates why Becky would say no. Matilda and Briggs try to get more information from Becky. Becky visits Rawdon. We see that the couple got married in secret. Becky promises Rawdon that she doesn’t regret marrying him. Becky has a plan to win Matilda over.

Matilda receives a letter and learns about the marriage. Matilda is not happy. Pitt learns about it later and breaks things in his home. Rawdon and Becky try to visit Matilda. Rawdon is worried that he might be cut off without a penny. Becky learns about the Sedley’s downfall. Becky bids on a piano at the bankruptcy sale. She sees Dobbin. She tries to talk to him, but he ignores her. The piano arrives at Amelia’s new house. She believes it is a gift from George. Her father wants it sent back for that very reason. Rawdon speaks with George about the debt. He tries to convince George to run off and marry Amelia. George receives a letter. It is from Amelia. She releases him from the engagement and returns his presents.

The soldiers receive their marching orders. George wonders whether Amelia will be fine. Rawdon and Becky write another letter to Matilda. Matilda receives the letter a short time later. She knows it is not from the Rawdon. Briggs encourages her to forgive them. Martha (Sian Clifford) gets on Matilda’s nerves and is sent packing. Briggs meets with Rawdon and Becky. George’s father tells him that he is a fool for joining the war. George is given a chance to marry Miss Rhoda. That would bring him big wealth. George asks her about Amelia. She speaks highly of Amelia. George tells everyone that he loves Amelia. George’s father threatens taking away his money. Matilda passes by Becky and Rawdon.

She ignores them. Rawdon catches up with them. Rawdon apologizes and explains himself. Rawdon claims he married for love. She tells him to attend her lawyer the following day. George visits Dobbin. George asks for his help. They visit Amelia together. George promises to do the right thing. Amelia’s father is not happy. Dobbin calms him down. Becky hangs out with Amelia. Amelia wants to know if Becky really loves her husband. She also speaks about her love for George. Dobbin tries to talk sense into Amelia’s father. He tries to convince Dobbin to help stop the marriage. Dobbin is there when George and Amelia get married. Rawdon joins Becky for the occasion. Amelia thanks Dobbin. Rawdon gets 20 pounds from Matilda.

Becky and Amelia decide to go with their husbands. Becky realizes that Dobbin didn’t want them married. He insists he is happy for them both.

 

Vanity Fair Review

This episode of Vanity Fair was better than the others. It is becoming clear very quickly that the Amelia, George and Dobbin storyline is far more interesting than Becky’s. It is tough to like the Becky character. She just seems dull and lifeless. The things going on around her are what drive the story. The episode wasn’t too shabby. It scores a 7.5 out of 10. Catch up with previous recaps of Vanity Fair now!