With five confirmed crash deaths, George Russell investigates the train derailment's cause, concluding that someone inside his company passed off substandard axles as new. Bertha is voted onto the Red Cross board, enraging Anne Morris. Peggy's interview with Clara Barton increases the Globe's subscriptions. Gladys bonds at a party, hosted by Mamie Fish, with Carrie, who has suggestions for Gladys' debutante ball. Marian juggles keeping secret Larry's wish to become an architect and eliciting a Red Cross donation from Mrs. Chamberlain, who confirms the premarital rumors regarding her and her husband. Bertha hires van Rhijn butler Bannister to serve an English-style luncheon for Ward McAllister, greatly offending the Russell's butler Church, who had just learned from him. When an anonymous note exposes Bannister, furious Agnes bursts in at the luncheon, then leaves. Armstrong witnesses Oscar meeting with Turner outside the Russell house and reports back to Agnes. The railroad employee claims to Bertha that George instructed him to use the cheaper, substandard axles.
—KGF Vissers