Ep 2. Episode 2

The episode opens with the arrival of a new woman in Covent Garden. She is a wealthy widow who is looking for entertainment and something to keep her occupied now that her husband has passed away. Two of the madams, Lydia and Nancy, vie for her attention and try to persuade her to use their girls. In the meantime, Lady Fitz and her daughters are dealing with the aftermath of her son's suicide. Charlotte is inconsolable and is struggling with her grief. Lady Fitz is trying to keep up appearances and put on a brave face for society but finds herself turning to opium to cope.

Elsewhere, Emily is still working as a prostitute even though she is no longer under the thumb of Lydia. She is trying to earn enough money to pay back the debts she owes to the other madams so that she can leave the brothel business for good. She is struggling to make enough money on her own, so she enlists the help of a new friend who introduces her to a secret society of women who provide services to men in secret. The women are able to charge higher prices since their services are not openly advertised like the brothels in Covent Garden.

As the episode progresses, tensions rise between the madams and the prostitutes when it comes to sharing clients. One of the girls goes behind her madam's back and sees a client who is already promised to another girl. The situation is further complicated when the client is found dead the next morning. The madams are worried that someone is targeting their clients and are worried about the safety of their girls.

In the meantime, the new widow becomes a regular client of Emily's and the two women strike up a friendship. Emily is fascinated by the stories the widow tells her about her late husband and soon becomes convinced that he was murdered. Emily decides to investigate the matter and uncovers evidence that suggests foul play. She brings her findings to the attention of Charlotte and together they decide to approach Lady Fitz to seek her assistance in getting to the bottom of the matter.

As the episode draws to a close, tensions rise between Lydia and Nancy. The two women are arguing over the widow's business and accuse each other of trying to steal their girls. The situation becomes physical, and the women have to be separated by the other madams. The episode ends on a cliffhanger with the arrival of a new character who is clearly someone who is not to be trifled with.

Overall, Episode Two of Harlots Season 3 is a thrilling and suspenseful episode that explores the darker side of the brothel business. The show continues to delve into the lives of the women who work in Covent Garden and the challenges they face in trying to survive in a world that is hostile to them. The episode is well-written and well-acted, and it is sure to leave viewers wanting more.