Miss Scarlet and The Duke 3×05 “The Heir” Spoilers Ahead
This week, all seems back to form as Miss Scarlet and The Duke Season 3, Episode 5, “The Heir,” reunites Eliza and William on a case after “Bloodline.” As predicted, Eliza’s discovery of Willian’s relationship with Arabella has tilted the balance of their chemistry and relationship. All the while, Eliza is pressed with time on her latest case, which can alter her financial situation in a significant way.
Eliza has found the heir of the late Sir Reginal Denning, a young Martin Crabtree. Sir Reginal’s fortune is unclaimed, and the estate passes to the government if it remains unclaimed for seven years. Per Eliza, the seven years are up the day after the next. Fortunately for Eliza, the estate is worth £20,000, and she’s entitled to five percent. Unfortunately for Eliza, she’s not the only person who’s looking for Mr. Crabtree to inherit. When it seems like Mr. Crabtree is kidnapped, it appears William’s latest murder victim is linked to Sir Reginald’s estate.
Speaking of William, in Miss Scarlet and The Duke 3×05 “The Heir,” he’s unaware that Eliza knows about his relationship with Arabella. Ivy has noticed that he hasn’t been by the house recently, but Eliza brushes off her questions about William. While Ivy assumes the two of them have been in a fight recently, William comes by Eliza’s office, where she begins planning to change her father’s name to hers out in front. William directly asks Eliza if she’s avoiding him as he senses something is off. Yet again, Eliza brushes the subject off and claims she is busy. She also informs him that she’s preparing to receive a large sum of money that would help her business and allow her to not depend on his help with cases. This last comment doesn’t seem to make William all too thrilled.
Later at Scotland Yard, William seems more preoccupied with Eliza’s mood and behavior while he was away. He keeps pressing Fitzroy with questions, but bless Fitzroy, he’s oblivious to what’s going on and doesn’t provide the answers William is looking for.
The tension between Eliza and Wiliam continues after Mr. Crabtree is kidnapped and a ransom is demanded, forcing the two to join forces. After going through the ransom drop-off in William’s office, Eliza finally reveals to William that she knows about his relationship with Arabella. For the most part, the conversation is drama-free. Eliza expresses that she would have preferred William to have said something to her, given her history with Arabella. William immediately agrees with Eliza and explains that he wanted to see if things would “develop” with Arabella before saying something. When Eliza hesitantly asks if the relationship has indeed developed, William responds with a gentle but resounding yes. And while Eliza wishes them both the rest and appears ready for business as usual, you can see William silently acknowledge the hurt Eliza may be feeling in his eyes after finally telling her about Arabella.
Later, we see William over at Arabella’s for a drink, and it’s clear he’s been ranting about Eliza. Although the conversation sounds strictly work-related, it’s clear that he’s said enough for Arabella to ask if they work together often. And it looks like she’s not too happy about William being around Eliza so often. (Personal thoughts about that — what did Arabella expect? That’s how she met William in the first place. Why is she surprised the two old friends would be working together frequently?)
Moving on back to the case, Eliza eventually discovers that Crabtree faked his kidnapping and was the one who was responsible for his father’s death, which means he cannot claim his father’s fortune, and she can’t get her five percent. Sadly, this also puts her plans on hold, which visibly upsets Eliza. Moses, aware of her expansion plans (he was promised a double fee), decides to cheer up Eliza by finally divulging his full name: Moses Valentine. Aw, he’s such a good friend, whether he’d admit it or not. It’s admirable how much he cares for Eliza and how much their relationship has evolved.
At the end of Miss Scarlet and The Duke 3×05, Eliza casts aside her differences with Arabella and accepts her invitation to tea. However, they are interrupted by the arrival of William, who states that he’s arrived for his walk with Arabella. Arabella declares she has forgotten and invites William to join them for tea, which is obviously awkward for Eliza and William. (Now, whether you think Arabella’s slip-up was intentional or not, we’d like to hear about it.)
Now streaming on PBS: What are your thoughts on Miss Scarlet and The Duke 3×05 “The Heir?” Let us know in the comments below.