Contains spoilers for this episode and earlier episodes.
Tommy advances an opium deal while managing the Billy Boys' place in his business arrangements. His contact with McCavern ties a profitable shipment to a gang whose violence has already killed Bonnie. At home, he prepares a party for Lizzie's birthday, bringing family, political guests and a ballet performance into the same house. The occasion offers little relief from the conflicts each guest carries with them.
Mosley arrives and turns the visit into another display of power. His past encounter with Lizzie becomes a weapon against her marriage, and Tommy admits that he knew about it before inviting him. Lizzie answers Mosley's humiliation directly. Tommy continues the outward partnership while his visions of Grace and thoughts of death make his private state increasingly unstable. Polly and Aberama's relationship, meanwhile, reaches a marriage proposal during the festivities.
Linda comes to the house to confront Arthur over his attack on Frederick, the man who had offered her a sympathetic ear. Arthur tries to apologise and asks her to come inside, but she condemns what he has become and raises a gun towards him. Polly shoots Linda before she can fire. The applause from the performance continues in the distance while Arthur faces his wounded wife, and the episode stops before establishing how she will recover.