1882. After the death of her father and accompanied by Peggy Scott, Marian Brook travels to New York to live with her aristocratic aunts, Agnes van Rhijn and Ada Brook. Meanwhile, determined to break into society, ruthless tycoon George Russell and his ambitious wife Bertha move their family into a lavish mansion across the street and prepare to throw their first soirée.

Bertha goes all out at a luncheon to impress Mr. McAllister, enlisting the help of Bannister — who rubs Church the wrong way. George fights to protect his public image, while Agnes’ status quo is disrupted. As Marian debates her feelings, Mrs. Chamberlain makes her an offer. Gladys bonds with a new friend. Armstrong intensifies her campaign against Peggy.

During her first visit to Newport, Bertha follows Mr. McCallister’s lead but is soon reminded of her place. Oscar’s pursuit of Gladys is threatened by a familiar presence. George gets his day in court. Worried about Armstrong’s interference, Peggy reveals her past. Marian makes a decision about her romantic future. Bridget follows Jack across the city.

On Easter Sunday, Agnes informs Ada, Marian, and Oscar of her nephew Dashiell Montgomery's imminent arrival in New York. In need of a change after an emotional visit to Philadelphia, Peggy asks Marian about returning to 61st Street. Meanwhile, Bertha sidesteps Mrs. Astor to support the Metropolitan Opera House, and Oscar begins courting Gladys once again.

As the opera war heats up, an unlikely guest attends Bertha's Met fundraiser, while Agnes backs Mrs. Astor's effort to preserve the Academy's dominance. Meanwhile, Peggy offers to travel with Mr. Fortune to Alabama to cover a story about the Tuskegee Institute, Ada organizes a special luncheon for Mr. Forte, George attempts to sway Henderson, and Watson considers an offer.

While Ada questions whether to move forward without her sister's support, Agnes faces the prospect of living alone. In Newport, Bertha puts the finishing touches on the event of the season as Mrs. Winterton plots her revenge. After experiencing the best of the Tuskegee Institute, Peggy and Mr. Fortune witness the dangers of the South firsthand.

Against the backdrop of the biggest event in New York City's history, Bertha reconsiders her loyalty to the Met. Meanwhile, an engagement celebration leaves Marian with doubts, Peggy strives to make a difference in Brooklyn, George strikes a deal with Mr. Henderson, Oscar makes an alarming discovery, and the van Rhijn household reels as Luke's health deteriorates.

While the staff question their future in the van Rhijn household, Jack receives welcome news about his patent. After scoring a victory for the local schools, Peggy considers her future at the NY Globe. Later, Marian confesses her true feelings to Dashiell – and Bertha and Mrs. Astor make their final moves in the opera war.