It’s Independence Over Love in ‘A Woman of Substance’
I let myself get distracted by a dream that will never come true. But I can still make something of myself. That was the plan, and that’s why I’m leaving ...
The third episode of BritBox’s A Woman of Substance begins in New York City, where Emma Harte is still reeling from shock at the news of her children’s betrayal. Those same children now want Emma’s direction on her upcoming birthday party, but obviously she’s not in the mood. However, she asks her assistant, Jerry, to arrange a lunch date with her daughter, Elizabeth Ainsley-Harte, the ringleader of the takeover bid. Meanwhile, Emma can’t stop playing the tapes that reveal her children’s hatred and jealousy.
Going back several decades to Edwardian Yorkshire, Emma arrives for work at Ainsley Hall. She hasn’t been fired – yet – but discovers Edwin is about to leave for a visit to London. The family expects him to strengthen their connections with the wealthy Chandra family by courting their daughter Priya. In the brief moment they share, he gives her a small pocket diary with every day of his absence marked.
She gets back to work until there’s a scream from upstairs, where Adele Fairley, the lady of the house, is dead drunk, breaking china, and creating a ruckus. Olivia tries to calm her, but Emma soothes Adele, staunches the blood, and gets her back to bed. Adam lurks outside the room (as he so often does), and then he and Olivia agree that they must take care of Adele. As a gesture of respect, they chastely share a bed and are proud of their restraint.
(Adam’s pride may be tinged with relief that he’s not expected to perform.)
