Central Park, New York. 1882. Horse-drawn carriages deliver statues and supplies to an estate being built -- the Russell home. Agnes watches from her window, as does Ada.

Jack, a servant, brings in some mail. Bannister, the butler, takes it up to the mistress of the house.

Marian Brook discusses his options with Mr. Raikes, a lawyer. He tells her that her late father had no assets - even the house was rented. Her father left her a mere $30 to her name.

Mr. Raikes suggests Marian's aunts in New York, but Marian protests that they were not on good terms with her father. Later, at home, Marian considers her train ticket and begins to pen a letter.

In New York, Agnes reads the letter, telling Ada that Marian will be joining them. Ada is relieved that Marian will be coming to live with them, but Agnes resents having to support their niece.

Agnes disparages their late brother for leaving their daughter with nothing, but Ada is more sympathetic. They discuss possibilities for Marian.

Agnes goes through her mail. Ada hears a commotion outside and goes to the window. She notices their new neighbor arriving across the street.

Mrs. Bertha Russell steps out of her carriage. She looks at the house across the street -- Agnes and Ada step back from the window, out of her sight. Mrs. Russell enters her abode. There are still many workers and movers setting everything up inside. 

Mr. Russell lights up a cigar while he reads the paper. Mrs. Russell scolds him for smoking in the library. She tells him that Mrs. Bruce, the new housekeeper, can open the windows. He pulls his wife onto his lap and asks her about her afternoon.

Mrs. Russell lists off all the society ladies with whom she has left her card, now that they have their new house after being in New York for three years. They discuss how important it is to get Mrs. Astor's approval. 

Mrs. Russell notes that Agnes and Ada were spying on her as she arrived. She goes upstairs to get changed.

In the kitchen, the servants discuss what needs to be done. Baudin, the cook, complains about everything that's wrong with the kitchen. Mr. Watson notes that it's three times the size of their old one. Mrs. Bruce tells him to get upstairs.

The servants ready the Van Rhijn home for Marian's arrival. Ada apologizes for the extra work.

Mr. Russell arrives at work -- the Russell Consolidated Trust. He discusses railroad plans with his secretary, Mr. Clay. Russell doesn't care if Thorburn doesn't cooperate -- they will build a line alongside his if necessary.

Mr. Clay says they need the City Aldermen's approval for a new station and provides Mr. Russell with a list of their names. Mr. Russell tells Mr. Clay to hold off on investigating for now.

Marian leaves her home and waits at the Doylestown station, saying goodbye to Mr. Raikes. Marian sits down on a bench beside another young woman. Two men have a violent scuffle, knocking into Marian, who then tumbles onto the young woman.

The young woman's skirt is ripped. The train arrives, and Marian notices that her purse is missing. The ticket-taker tells her he won't let her on without a ticket.  

Marian explains her situation to the young woman then apologizes for bothering her. Marian sits back down on the bench and begins to cry. 

In the train car, Marian now sits with the young woman -- Peggy Scott. Marian assures Peggy that her aunts will be able to pay her back. Peggy shares that she grew up in Brooklyn and that her parents live there. 

Larry Russell gets a tour of the new house from his mother. He says he must catch the train back to Rhode Island, as all the party will be on it. Mrs. Russell asks him to stay later, but when he mentions that Carrie Astor will be on the train, she tells him to catch it. 

At the dock, Marian and Peggy await the ferry. Marian tells Peggy that her father has recently died. Marian requests that Peggy ask for her when she comes to pick up the money. They wish each other the best, and Marian gets on the ferry. 

At dinner, Gladys asks her father about work. A thunderstorm rages outside. Mr. Russell mentions that Larry will be starting work with him soon. He asks Mrs. Russell to invite her sister or her old friends over. Mrs. Russell states that she wants new friends.

Marian sees Peggy waiting in the rain and offers her a ride to the ferry. The footman tells her that ferries aren't running in this weather. Marian insists that Peggy join them.

At the Van Rhijn house, the bell rings, and Mr. Bannister answers. He introduces himself to Marian. Marian explains that Miss Scott helped her on her way, and Marian hoped she could take shelter from the storm until the ferries resumed. Miss Scott waits downstairs while Marian meets her aunts in the drawing-room.

Marian explains the situation. Ada insists Peggy should stay, but Agnes wants to meet her first. Bannister shows Peggy in. Agnes agrees to let Peggy stay, but only if she can have Peggy's parents' Brooklyn address "in case anything happens." 

Peggy writes down her parents' address. Agnes remarks at Peggy's penmanship. Peggy says she went to the Institute for Colored Youth. Mr. Brook, their father, was a patron, and they attended many of the pageants in which Peggy took part. Ada is delighted, and Peggy leaves them. 

Agnes mentions her brother. Marian urges her aunt not to speak ill of her father. Marian says that she hopes to find work, which Agnes is against if she lives in her house.

Marian suggests helping a charity. Agnes says she will no longer wear black and she'll go to the dressmaker tomorrow so she can be shown off. 

Agnes explains that only the "old money" people are allowed in the Van Rhijn house -- the ones who have been in charge since before the revolution. New to New York, Marian is confused about what this means. Agnes states that Marian's grandmother was a Livingston, one of the oldest American families. Marian belongs to "old" New York.

Bannister brings Peggy downstairs for dinner. A bed has already been prepared in case Marian brought a maid. Bridget, the young maid, is uncomfortable sleeping on the same floor as a Black woman.

Armstrong, Agnes's maid, tells Bannister that it's unreasonable to expect them to share a bathroom with Peggy. Jack mentions that he likes Miss Scott. Peggy and Armstrong meet in the hallway on the way to bed. Peggy locks the door from inside her room.

In the morning, Agnes pays Peggy what she is owed, telling her that the ferries aren't running and she'll have to stay another night. Agnes mentions she is overwhelmed with correspondence, and Peggy offers to help, which Agnes accepts. 

Mrs. Russell receives a letter from Mrs. Morris and Mrs. Fane asking her to support a charity for orphan girls. Mr. Russell notes that these are wives of City Alderman. Mrs. Russell will meet with them at the 5th Avenue Hotel. Gladys asks to come. Mr. Russell notes that he's seeing a railroad owner, Mr. Thorburn, that day.

Peggy finishes Agnes's letters. Marian returns from an errand, and Agnes instructs her never to go out unaccompanied. Agnes offers Peggy a job as her secretary. Peggy notes that the commute will be difficult.

Agnes offers her a place at their home but insists she contacts her parents in Brooklyn. Peggy says she will arrange to meet her mother, but not her father.

Agnes gives Marian a letter from Mrs. Fane and Mrs. Morris, inviting her to the same meeting as Mrs. Russell in aid of the orphan girls' charity. It is addressed to Agnes, but Agnes and Ada assure Marian it will be a good place to meet women her age. 

Miss Turner lingers outside Mr. Russell's study. Mr. Watson, the valet, warns her to be cautious. 

In Newport, Mrs. Fish introduces Larry Russell to Caroline Astor and tells them to play croquet. They make pleasant conversation. Oscar Van Rhijn (Agnes's son) starts to chat with them as well.

Larry mentions that his home is on East 61st Street. Oscar notes that this mother lives across the street, and he knows of the Russells.

Peggy meets with her mother, who has brought her some clothes. They discuss Peggy's difficult relationship with her father. Mrs. Scott defends her husband, saying he was just trying to protect Peggy from a bad decision.

Peggy says she has a job now and will keep writing, hoping to sell an article or story. Her mother gives her some money, even though Peggy stresses she doesn't need it. 

After being dressed by Miss Turner, Mrs. Russell heads out to the meeting, with Gladys in tow.

Mrs. Russell introduces herself and Gladys to Mrs. Fane. Mrs. Fane introduces them to Mrs. Morris. They discuss the new Russell home. Mrs. Russell invites them to visit her new home.

Gladys notes a woman standing alone. Mrs. Morris and Mrs. Fane identify her as Mrs. Chamberlain.

Ada and Marian arrive, joining Mrs. Fane and Mrs. Morris in conversation. Ada introduces Marian. Mrs. Russell introduces herself and Gladys, noting that they are neighbors. Marian is friendly with them, and Mrs. Russell invites them to visit.

Aside, Mrs. Fane stresses to Ada not to tell her Aunt Agnes that the Russells were invited. Mrs. Fane and Ada discuss the merits and drawbacks of inviting a "woman like that" into the group. Marian asks Mrs. Fane about Mrs. Chamberlain. 

At Mr. Russell's meeting with Mr. Thurston, Thurston insists that Mr. Russell should buy his railroad line instead of building his own. Mr. Russell doesn't want to pay that much. He would rather spend the money on building his own line and ruining Mr. Thurston. 

Larry Russell and Carrie Astor continue to get to know each other. Oscar Van Rhijn joins them again, telling them he has just received a letter from his mother about the arrival of Marian Brook, his cousin.

Mrs. Fish informs everyone that they will be playing a game of Sinch after dinner. 

That evening, Marian asks Peggy about her excursion and about the staff in the Van Rhijn home. Peggy replies that most of them are nice. Agnes calls Marian away.

At dinner, Mrs. Russell informs Mr. Russell that they'll soon be receiving some of the ladies from the charity. Mr. Russell reminds her that they just want their money. Mrs. Russell insists that this is their entry into the New York elite.

At the servants' dinner in the Van Rhijn house, Jack mentions that he heard Mrs. Russell was at the charity event. Mrs. Bauer notes that Mrs. Van Rhijn won't be happy about it. Jack says that men like Mr. Russell own the future. 

The servants at the Russell house plan for the guests. Miss Turner notes that any guests will simply be curious about the house. When Mr. Watson comments about success and failure, Miss Turner pries, but Mrs. Bruce urges her to desist. 

Marian takes Pumpkin, the dog, for a walk. She spies Larry arriving home. Pumpkin breaks from his leash and into the street. Larry saves Pumpkin from being run over by a cart and returns the dog to Marian. She introduces herself. Larry notes that she is Oscar Van Rhijn's cousin -- and she is not how Oscar described. He introduces himself and heads back home. 

Gladys and Mrs. Russell welcome Larry home. Mrs. Russell tells Larry of her soiree and asks if he will invite some of his friends -- namely Miss Astor. He asks if they will be inviting the Van Rhijns. 

During a carriage ride through the park, Agnes informs Marian that she has asked Oscar over for tea, and he'll be bringing a friend -- Mr. John Adams, grandson of Quincy. Marian shares an invitation -- for the three of  them -- to Mrs. Russell's soiree.

Agnes doesn't want to attend. Marian asks Agnes about Mrs. Chamberlain. Agnes doesn't elaborate, only tells Marian to ignore Mrs. Chamberlain at all costs.

Mrs. Russell delivers invitations to the households of the most prominent society ladies. 

Mr. Russell meets with Stanford White, their architect, inviting him to the soiree.

Oscar returns home. Agnes introduces him to Peggy. Peggy takes her leave, and Agnes shows Oscar Peggy's penmanship.

Oscar asks if he's expected to run the household. Marian appears. Agnes introduces the two cousins for the first time, and Oscar greets Marian warmly. 

Mr. Adams arrives. Agnes introduces him to Marian. Oscar brings up the Russells, mentioning how he knows Larry. He asks if they are attending Mrs. Russell's soiree. Agnes tells him they are not.

The servants at the Russell house prepare for the soiree. Miss Turner notes that Mrs. Russell doesn't know how to go about these things, which is part of the reason she hired her. Miss Turner used to work for Mrs. Griswold, who was "old money." Mr. Watson asks why Miss Turner left her old mistress, and she tells him that Mrs. Griswold died. 

Mr. Russell checks in with his wife as she prepares, telling her how proud her mother would be. She re-affirms how important it is for her to be accepted into society. 

Marian watches from her window as the footmen roll out a red carpet in front of the Russell house. Ada remarks how hard it must be for Marian to miss the party. Marian states that Agnes cannot make her dislike the Russells. Ada defends her sister.

Marian asks why Agnes hates her father. Ada explains that Marian's father sold all their family farms and left his sisters nothing. Agnes had then felt she had no other option but to marry Mr. Van Rhijn, who was not a kind man. 

Mr. Watson dresses Mr. Russell. Watson remarks how excited the members of staff are to be entertaining.

Mrs. Russell descends, checking last-minute details.

Peggy tells Marian she should just pop in next door, saying she will cover for Marian so that Agnes won't know she's gone.  

The Russells finish dinner and prepare to let their guests in. Gladys wants to stay up and help, and Mrs. Russell reluctantly allows it.

Marian tells Ada she has a headache and leaves to "lie down." Agnes, who has been dozing, awakes. Ada mentions that Marian asked why they disliked Henry, and Ada responds that she told Marian their reasons. Agnes remarks on Marian's similarity to her father.

With Peggy's help, Marian sneaks out. 

Marian arrives at the sparsely populated soiree. Mrs. Russell introduces Marian to Larry, then sees Mrs. Fane arrive and goes to greet her. Marian looks around and notes that she may be early. Larry informs her that his father's money is not always the lure his mother hopes, hence the lack of guests. Gladys comes over and greets them both.

Mrs. Russell sees Mrs. Fane in. Mrs. Fane apologies that her husband, as well as Mrs. Morris, couldn't attend. Mrs. Russell says that it is a shame since the charity wants her money so badly. Insulted, Mrs. Russell asks Mrs. Fane to leave.

Marian, Larry, and Gladys watch from a distance. Marian apologizes for having to leave. Larry takes her hand and urges that the three of them should stay friends, despite everything. 

Marian bids the Russells goodbye. Mrs. Russell is curt. As Marian leaves, Mr. Russell reminds his wife that Marian has clearly defied her aunts to attend, so she shouldn't be mad at her. Mrs. Russell is frustrated that she should be seen as the enemy. 

Marian meets Mrs. Fane as they are leaving. Marian asks Mrs. Fane not to tell her aunts she attended, and Mrs. Fane assures her that she will keep her secret. 

Marian returns and sneaks back in with Peggy's help. She changes and returns to her aunts again. Agnes tells Marian she will be getting an allowance to foster her independence. Agnes retreats to go to bed. Marian worries that she will not be able to live within Agnes's rules. Ada assures her to just live by her own moral code. 

Mrs. Russell surveys the uneaten feast. She tells Church to pack it up and have the charity organization pick it up in the morning.

The servants lament Mrs. Russell's state of affairs. Miss Turner is derogatory to her new mistress, but the other servants back Mrs. Russell up, saying she will achieve her goals. 

Peggy shares her dreams with Marian -- she will continue to write short stories and articles and hopes to one day write a novel. Marian wishes she had burning talents but desires at the very least to be busy. Peggy says they are both New Yorkers now, and anything is possible. 

Oscar returns to Mr. Adams, who has been waiting for him. They fall onto the bed, kissing passionately.

By candlelight, Peggy writes.

Caroline Astor returns home from a concert, greeted by her mother. Mrs. Astor has been going through invitations. Caroline finds the one from Mrs. Russell. Caroline asks her mother if she attended. Mrs. Astor tosses the invitation into the fire, telling her daughter not to be ridiculous. 

Mr. Russell checks on his wife in bed. He urges her to stay strong. Tearfully, she proclaims that she will never give up.