January, 1927: The sisters return from their successful American trip with Madge, who feels alienated from her husband after sampling Stateside life. Alice has gone to work for Maison Gille but is replaced by a client's daughter, Jess, who asks Evie and Bea to her birthday party. Jack is also invited but fails to show and nobody knows where he is. Grace Keeble, a talented designer, approaches the house and, after starting off on the wrong foot, is taken on as an apprentice designer. Donald, a director of Sears-Roebuck, arrives to date Bea and Evie goes out with Larry Cotter, who wants her to go into business with him though she refuses. Bea returns to her flat and is surprised to find Jack there.