The Hardacres 1x2 - Episode 2

The Hardacres soon realise that living on a grand countryestate will be quite an adjustment. And with the portrait ofthe previous owners looming over them, they have no idea whereto start. They certainly won't find an ally in the snootyhousekeeper, Mrs Dryden, who finds the Hardacres' presence inthe house a personal affront.Mary has no idea about running abig house, Sam can't imagine what a life of leisure lookslike, and the life of a lady certainly doesn't seem like anatural fit for Liza. Ma and Joe take to their new life muchmore easily, though Joe isn't impressed by the rules of agentleman. For Harry, this world looks much brighter, withhis dreams of a proper education now within reach.When thefamily meet their aristocratic neighbour, Lord GeorgeFitzherbert – thanks to the antics of Ma's dog, Tinny –Mary is excited to make new friends, and she invites theFitzherberts to a dinner party at the new ‘Hardacre Hall'.TheHardacres get kitted up in clothes more befitting of their newstation, and soon they at least look the part. But Samstruggles to say goodbye to the world of the docks, and thoughhe reluctantly hands over the reins of the herring business toSaunders, he leaps at the opportunity to best Shaw.The eveningof the dinner party finally arrives, and George's icy wife,Lady Emma Fitzherbert, and minxy daughter Lady Adella are fullof questions. Their suspicions of their new neighbour'spedigree make Mary feel insecure. Sam does his best to smooththings over but Liza and Ma don't see any point in pretendingto be anything they're not. After a series of unwitting fauxpas, an unexpected announcement lands and sets the cat amongstthe pigeons.