The Duchess of Duke Street

At the turn of the twentieth century, Louisa Leyton applies for a post as a cook under Monsieur Alex, a leading chef, in a fashionable house. She proves an apt pupil and successfully deputizes for him at a dinner at which an important personage is present.

Louisa's success as a cook has brought her to the notice of the Prince of Wales and of society. Lord Henry Norton's butler, Augustus Trotter, is also very attracted to her and Louisa is approached from all quarters by potential suitors.

Queen Victoria dies and Edward VII becomes King. Louisa's life changes its pattern. She is much in demand as a society cook and builds up a flourishing business. Augustus is not so lucky and she looks around for a means of getting him employment.

By the spring of 1902, Louisa's hotel has become the toast of London and she herself is the vital spark which fires the heart of society. Her food is exquisite, her wine superb, and her personality can be matched by none. But can this state of affairs last forever?

Louisa has thrown her husband, Augustus, and his overbearing sister out of the Bentinck and is determined to settle the hotel's enormous debts without help from anyone.

The summer of 1904 sees the Bentinck full of visitors. Louisa is delighted with her first rich American guest. She is less delighted when she finds that the three parties are becoming involved with each other in a way that borders on the criminal.

In October 1905 George Duggan, a rising star in the Liberal Party, sweeps to victory. His charm and sincerity seem unquestionable until he meets a beautiful woman at a party in Louisa's hotel.

The Bentinck's hall porter and his dog Fred have become valued members of Louisa's staff and the fact that is little known about Starr's past doesn't seem to trouble anyone. Then one day he receives a visitor.

Charlie Tyrrell has become disillusioned with his new lifestyle as Lord Haslemere and is beginning to feel rather sorry for himself. However, a guest at the Bentinck brings Charlie to his senses with a horrifying revelation.

Every year at the Bentinck, Louisa gives a Servants' Ball where the guests wait upon the staff and usually the evening is a great success. However, on this occasion, a seemingly personable young man decides to cause trouble.

Louisa is furious to learn that her landlords would like to terminate the lease and are looking for a breach of it on her part. So far there is none, but life at the Bentinck is never dull and seldom free of trouble.

Major Sir John Farjeon, an old friend of Louisa's, begs her to cook a special dinner on the last night of Royal Ascot. She agrees, but what should have been a gourmet's delight becomes the melting pot for an unpleasant scandal.

One evening a young lady arrives and asks for Lord Haslemere. There is some mystery and Louisa tries to unravel it and discovers why she wants to stay at the Bentinck.

Louisa decides to buy a seaside cottage where she and her friends can relax. Unfortunately her new neighbors, an exclusive Sailing Club, have objections. There is no plain sailing for anyone.

Charlie Haslemere decides that it is time he married and settled down! Louisa approves of his choice, but an old flame of Charlie's feels that she has a prior claim.