‘The Gilded Age’ Season 3 Episode 3 Recap: Romance and Rumors Can Both Kill a Reputation

The Gilded Age Season 3 puts Gladys (Taissa Farmiga) in a difficult situation as Bertha (Carrie Coon) attempts to determine her future, and while this has been a consistent plot carrying through the series, Episode 3 escalates things further. Picking up after Hector, the Duke of Buckingham’s (Ben Lamb) return to New York, “Love Is Never Easy” suggests that Bertha’s plans may be too far along for anyone to help Gladys. Yet, other characters shine in the episode, as Peggy (Denée Benton), now fully over her illness, takes a trip to Newport, and Marian (Louisa Jacobson) faces a decision in her relationship with Larry (Harry Richardson), moving everyone forward as the season approaches its mid-point.

‘The Gilded Age’ Season 3 Gets George Involved in the Marriage Plan

Ever since she understood what Bertha had planned for her, Gladys considered George (Morgan Spector) her savior because of his promise that she could marry for love. However, George’s return in Episode 2 doesn’t put a stop to Bertha’s plans, and when the Duke arrives at their house, George’s way of taking care of it, which he assured Gladys he would do, is to negotiate with Hector and his lawyer, Dobbs (Stephen Carlile). George has a strict limit on how much he will contribute to Gladys’ dowry, but Hector took Bertha’s enticement to mean he could get more. George and the Duke initially hit an impasse in their negotiations. However, George returns later, telling Hector he will increase his offer to what was requested, but the additional sum will be set aside for Gladys specifically, which Hector doesn’t find useful. Angry that he cannot get more in the marriage bargain, Hector leaves despite Bertha’s protests.

Gladys is thrilled, believing herself free of the match, but Bertha fears public humiliation, especially after they see Hector at the opera with the De Lancey heiress, and the gossip that the Duke has moved on begins. The appearance of Gladys’ so-called failure incites an argument between George and Bertha, who still cannot agree on Gladys’ future. George’s business venture is also plunged into crisis as Clay (Patrick Page) returns from Morenci in need of money to conclude the deal. With the engagement off, George reappropriates the money he’d set aside for Gladys’ dowry, ignoring Clay’s advice. Meanwhile, Bertha doesn’t give up, inviting the father of Gladys’ apparent competition over to figure out his intentions. Learning that he wants his daughter to remain in New York and puts little stock in societal advancement, Bertha regains her confidence.

Marian and Larry’s Romance Isn’t So Secret Anymore in ‘The Gilded Age’

In the chaos of the Duke’s arrival, Larry and Marian are left alone until Bertha’s maid, Miss André (Rachel Pickup), walks in to find them kissing. Marian worries about her reputation, especially with Bertha, and hurries to leave. When she explains the incident to Ada (Cynthia Nixon), her aunt assures her that it isn’t so bad, especially if she were to marry Larry. She encourages Marian to make up her mind about what she wants from Larry, but Marian is concerned about a rumor of Larry’s past involvement with an older woman, assumedly Mrs. Blane (Laura Benanti) from Season 2. André does reveal Larry’s secret to Bertha, who seems bothered by it as she watches them interact at the opera, but, for the most part, Marian’s reputation is safe.

Ada and Agnes Deal With Sobriety and Societal Demise in ‘The Gilded Age’ Season 3

Young women aren’t the only ones with their reputations at risk. Agnes (Christine Baranski), who is in the midst of her societal fall from grace due to her loss of wealth, stops receiving the recognition she once enjoyed. Instead, Ada receives the attention that Agnes misses. While Agnes feels erased, Ada continues to push for the household to sign the temperance pledge, learning that only Armstrong (Debra Monk) has done so. Disheartened, Ada believes herself no match for Agnes, for whom she is sure the servants all would have signed. Ironically, this leaves each sister jealous of the other.

Feeling she failed in her attempt to honor Luke (Robert Sean Leonard), Ada goes to discuss the situation with the servants, finding the cook, Mrs. Bauer (Kristine Nielsen), who tells her not to take it personally, especially because her proposal got them all talking, which would make Luke proud. But what comforts Ada the most is Bauer’s claim that she knows a way for Ada to speak to Luke again, setting up an interesting turn for Ada’s tragic story.

Peggy Goes to Newport in ‘The Gilded Age’ Season 3 Episode 3

After two seasons of hard work and family drama, Peggy (Denée Benton) finally gets a vacation this week alongside her mother, Dorothy (Audra McDonald), as they visit their relative, Athena (Jessica Frances Dukes), in Newport. There, Peggy receives a letter from Dr. William Kirkland (Jordan Donica), who treated her in the previous episode. William is asking to call on her, which makes Athena and Dorothy suspect he is ready to court her, though Peggy is more skeptical. She takes a walk on the cliffs with William and accepts an invitation to his family’s party for her and her family.

Arthur (John Douglas Thompson) joins his family, and all three meet William’s parents. They quickly learn that Mrs. Kirkland (Phylicia Rashad) is a proud woman who not only values formal education but looks down on those who never had the same opportunity. She displays prejudice against Arthur, especially after learning that he was enslaved, which makes him and Dorothy concerned about Peggy and William’s potential courtship. While Peggy doesn’t want to rush to judgment, Dorothy recalls her own family’s prejudice that made her marriage to Arthur more difficult and doesn’t want that for Peggy.

Jack and Larry’s Business Venture Continues in ‘The Gilded Age

The van Rhijn family may be old money, but there are many different business endeavors going on under their roof. Oscar (Blake Ritson) has gained two new clients due to John Adam’s (Claybourne Elder) help. However, the most significant business venture is that of the family’s footman, Jack (Ben Ahlers), who aims to live out the American dream despite Agnes’s skepticism.

Larry has arranged a few meetings for investors in Jack’s clock, but they didn’t go as hoped. The final meeting is with Weston (John Ellison Conlee), who actually works with clocks. He asks detailed questions about Jack’s design. To prove that his invention works, Jack offers to lend prototypes to Weston and his associate. Jack and Larry do not make a deal with Weston, who still needs convincing. Jack returns home feeling like a failure, but the usually pessimistic Armstrong reminds him that investors have to consider their choices carefully and that he’s already made it further as a businessman than the rest of them. Despite the unlikely source, Jack is encouraged, suggesting that he isn’t ready to give up just yet.

Gladys’ Future Is Decided in ‘The Gilded Age’ Season 3 Episode 3

While Gladys’ parents argue about her future, she has her own plans. With the Duke out of her life, Gladys asks Larry to talk to Billy Carlton (Matt Walker) on her behalf, believing he may return, but Larry discovers that Bertha’s threats have scared him off for good. It’s confirmation for Gladys that she knows nothing of love, just as Bertha said. Meanwhile, Hector returns to the Russells, unable to get a better offer. Bertha resumes her tricks and tries to persuade Hector to marry Gladys, insisting that in a good marriage, any money Gladys has belongs to both of them. Though George is unimpressed with Bertha’s meddling, he and Hector reach an agreement.

This twist upsets Gladys, who requires convincing from both her parents. She accuses George of breaking his promise to her, but George urges Gladys to give Hector a chance. She agrees to meet him, and Hector insists he wants to make her happy while acknowledging the odd situation they are in. Appreciating his honesty and under considerable pressure, Gladys agrees to finalize their engagement. Bertha has George announce the impending marriage at the unveiling of Sargent’s (Bobby Steggert) portrait of Gladys. While Episode 3 gives every indication that Bertha has won, Gladys’ visible nerves during the announcement doesn’t bode well for her future.