Bella's plans to build a spa are running over budget and the Hotel is facing an anonymous inspection, while she deals with an unexpected return from someone closer to home.

As Cecil tries to buy his way back into Bella's affections, and Lucian and Constance acknowledge their mutual attraction, Nish aims to strike a blow against Mussolini's Fascists.

Cecil becomes embroiled with gangsters who have taken over the local casino. With Nish on the run and now being hunted by Danioni, Bella and Lucian must help him avoid arrest.

Rose and Alice spring surprises on their returns to Portofino, and Cecil schemes to take control of the Hotel, while Bella thinks she has discovered the inspector's identity.

Bella schemes to thwart Cecil's plans to take control of the Hotel, to help get Nish safe and to save Lucian and Rose's marriage, while arranging an assignation with an old flame.

During the big casino night, as an act of masculine bravado threatens its future, Bella acts decisively to salvage her investment in the Hotel Portofino, but at what cost?