 In May 1910, James returns from India and the family are reunited just in time to celebrate her Ladyship s birthday. James has brought his fiancée, Phyllis Kingman, the daughter of a middle-class family who are part of the British Raj. She s a bit coarse with the servants, much to the chagrin of Lady Marjorie. Meanwhile, Elizabeth s relationship with Julius is over. He has used her and has moved on, leaving her quite dejected. James introduces Phyllis to his sister and Elizabeth is curt and surly with her. Richard comforts his beloved daughter with encouraging words of love and reassurance. The next day, Elizabeth apologizes to Phyllis and that evening, the family are enjoying an evening of relaxation. Lady Prudence arrives, as expected, but as bold as brass, Sarah and Thomas Watkins manage to circumvent Hudson and make their way to the drawing room to wish her Ladyship a happy birthday. Sarah has brought a gift for her and Lady Marjorie is both amazed and touched. Hudson ushers Mr. and Mrs. Watkins downstairs to visit the staff, but when Richard receives a call from Buckingham Palace, the mood turns very somber and all celebration is at an end -- King Edward VII has died. As Big Ben tolls solemnly, the Bellamys think upon His Majesty s short reign and the events of the last ten years and they wonder what awaits them in the decade ahead.