The Gilded Age season 3 episode 3 ending explained: Is Gladys engaged to the Duke of Buckingham?

After the Duke and his attorney's surprise arrival in the previous episode, The Gilded Age season 3 episode 3 culminates the purpose of his visit to the Russell household. It also proves that persistence can sometimes pay off, as in the case of Bertha Russell and her plans to secure Gladys' future.

Bertha is the happiest woman in The Gilded Age season 3 episode 3, with her plans finally coming to fruition after a series of her plotting. Gladys has accepted the fate her mother has set for her and is now engaged to the Duke of Buckingham.

However, it's not only Glady's relationship that is being threatened. Just as Peggy Scott's new romance is just heating up, her father meets Dr. Kirkland's mother, who isn't impressed by his past and is not afraid to show it. Meanwhile, the episode hints at something monumental coming for Ada Forte.

Disclaimer: This article contains major spoilers for The Gilded Age season 3 episode 3. Reader's discretion is advised.

Gladys and the Duke of Buckingham get engaged in The Gilded Age season 3 episode 3

Gladys and the Duke are engaged (Image via Max)

Gladys had always wanted to marry for love, but it didn't take long for her to agree to marry Hector, the Duke of Buckingham, in The Gilded Age season 3 episode 3. She's not happy about it, but her mother, Bertha Russell, is. Bertha thinks Gladys and the Duke's nuptials will be the wedding of the century.

Meanwhile, during the public announcement of the engagement at the unveiling of Gladys' portrait, she visibly looks distressed about her decision. It's unclear why, after all the fighting she did to avoid marrying the Duke, including running away from home in The Gilded Age season 3 episode 1, Gladys has decided to do her mother's bidding.

However, it's most likely because of her current predicament and her conversation with Hector before the party. Earlier in The Gilded Age season 3 episode 3, Gladys is ecstatic when the Duke refuses George's business/marriage proposal. She considers it her way out of the engagement her mother is proposing, and she thinks that it will bring her back with Billy Carlton.

They broke up in The Gilded Age season 3 episode 2, but with the Duke out of the picture, Gladys thinks that Billy will finally have the courage to ask her hand in marriage. Unfortunately for her, Billy has moved on from their relationship and has taken Bertha's threat to heart. With no chance with Billy, Gladys finally accepted her fate.

Her conversation with the Duke before the engagement announcement has also softened the blow. They are both honest with each other—it's a union for business, with the Duke getting the money he needs to preserve his family's legacy. Meanwhile, Gladys will get a companionship built on honesty. Perhaps, at this point, without any love prospect, it's enough for Gladys.

Why did Gladys and Hector's engagement almost not happen in The Gilded Age season 3 episode 3?

Gladys and the Duke of Buckingham's engagement almost didn't happen in The Gilded Age season 3 episode 3 after he refused George Russell's first and second proposals. The episode kicks off right after the events of the previous episode, with George and the Duke negotiating for the latter's marriage to Gladys.

However, the Duke demands more money than George is willing to pay as Gladys' dowry. It turns out that the Duke has nothing going for him except his lineage and title. He doesn't have the wealth that everyone assumes, and he needs a cash infusion to maintain his lifestyle and legacy, especially after marrying Gladys.

George proposes another option that involves more money in The Gilded Age season 3 episode 3, but with a condition. The additional money will be paid to Gladys, not him. It means the money will be Gladys', not something the Duke can use at his discretion. George thinks it's a generous offer, but the Duke refuses it anyway. At this point, it looks like the engagement is a no-go.

However, Bertha proves her persistence in The Gilded Age season 3 episode 3 and convinces the Duke that what George has offered is the best offer he's going to get. It will make him one of the wealthiest aristocrats, and despite the additional money being in Gladys' name, she tells him that if he's good to his wife, her money is essentially going to be his money too.

There's drama brewing with Peggy Scott's new suitor's family in The Gilded Age season 3 episode 3

In Newport, Peggy Scott receives a letter from Dr. William Kirkland, the doctor who treated her in the previous episode. He asks to call on her, and her mother and aunt reckon that the doctor is ready to court her. The Gilded Age season 3 episode 3 shows their budding romance, though Peggy remains skeptical.

That said, she gives herself a fair chance to get to know Dr. Kirkland, so when he invites her entire family to a party in his home, she accepts. However, at the family's party, Peggy's father, Arthur, quickly learns that Mrs. Kirkland is a proud woman. She displays prejudice against Arthur and his past after learning that he was once a slave.

The short interaction with Mrs. Kirkland, however, is enough for Peggy's parents to share their concerns about the potential courtship. However, Peggy doesn't want to judge Dr. Kirkland based on his mother's actions or even Mrs. Kirkland after a single conversation.

The Gilded Age season 3 episode 3 teases a supernatural turn for Ada Forte

Ada Forte continues her temperance movement in The Gilded Age season 3 episode 3 and is disheartened after learning that only one of the household staff has signed the pledge. Feeling disappointed about failing to honor Luke, she shares her woes with the cook at the Van Rhijn household, Mrs. Bauer.

She goes on about only wanting to make Luke proud, and if only she could have her husband again, even for just a moment. Ada finds comfort when Mrs. Bauer tells her that she knows someone who can help Ada speak to Luke again. It could be a seance, but this hints at something spiritual heading into Ada's story.

Catch The Gilded Age season 3 episode 3, along with previous episodes, streaming on Max.

About the author

Kinette covers beauty and home decor as a lifestyle writer at Sportskeeda. With over 7.5 years experience in writing for diverse platforms, including The Coolist, Snap Knot, Leisure Seeker, and KS Content Studio, Kinette is quite the shapeshifter in the content world and prides herself as a generalist. However, she feels that her greatest strength is her repository of personal expertise and experience, which she combines with extensive research and credible sources, to deliver compelling reportage on beauty, lifestyle, and wellness.

Kinette graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering before venturing into the world of home improvement and decor writing, although her love for skincare soon pushed her into the beauty space. Despite covering a wide range of topics in her writing career, Kinette now leans towards categories she has personal or educational experience in, to offer only the most reliable and insightful reading experience to her audience.

Kinette’s favorite artist is Taylor Swift, whose lyricism and ability to create a vivid picture with deft wordplay she admiresa lot. When not writing and reporting on beauty and lifestyle trends, Kinette loves playing with her dogs, drinking coffee in the morning and experimenting with cocktails in the evening, reading romance novels, and learning about new cultures and languages.

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Edited by Kinette Sumadia