Phyllis traveling France with Jack, and Liz's inability to come home for Christmas disappoints the Bourne family. Vicky confides to Arthur that Peter and Liz are in love and want his blessing for their engagement, but another casual remark about the couple's future troubles him. Laura arrives with Dame Violet, her tiresome, pretentious grandmother. Dame Violet's attention to Charles irks Lady Alice, who believes that she has met her once before.
