Season 1 Episode 4

Margaret’s debts are mounting. Lydia’s campaigns against her and Florence’s religious tirades outside the brothel are taking a toll on business, and if Margaret and North can’t find a way to entice new clients the business could soon flounder. Can they embrace their notoriety, and use it to their advantage? An illicit masquerade could provide just the right type of publicity, but will it make them or ruin them?

Lucy has always imagined she’ll follow in the footsteps of her thriving and successful older sister. But she is finding her new profession more of a struggle than she ever imagined. Charlotte is determined to help introduce her younger sister to the highest echelons of society. But Charlotte is sailing close to the wind with Howard, and Lucy is in danger of becoming a pawn in their power play.

The masquerade could have other far reaching consequences - bringing Amelia closer to a surprising new friend, and offering Harriet an unexpected way to fight for her children. And though her orders are to keep up her nightly protests outside the Wells’ brothel, can Florence finally extricate herself from Lydia’s clutches?

Emily is struggling with life under Lydia’s rule, and she’s desperate to escape. Can she persuade Charles to help her? Lydia’s attention is engaged elsewhere as she continues to procure unsuspecting girls for Cunliffe.

Synopsis
Inspired by the stories of real women, the series follows Margaret Wells (Morton) and her daughters, as she struggles to reconcile her roles as mother and brothel owner.

When her business comes under attack from Lydia Quigley (Manville), a rival madam with a ruthless streak, Margaret fights back, even if it means putting her family at risk. Brown Findlay stars as Charlotte, Margaret’s eldest daughter and the city’s most coveted courtesan who begins to grapple with her position in both society and her immediate family.