Episode 1

The story of Nancy Astor who was the first woman to take her seat in the House of Commons. Born in Virginia into a large family she is sent for grooming at a NY academy.

Episode 2

Nancy meets and falls in love with Robert Gould Shaw, the debonair son of a Boston millionaire. They enjoy a whirlwind courtship in New York, but Nancy`s immaturity causes an unexpected problem.

Episode 3

Nancy and Robert Shaw now live on a large estate near Boston leading a grand social life, which Nancy finds increasingly shallow. With marital happiness eluding her, Nancy adopts a desperate course of action.

Episode 4

After their mother's death, Nancy and her sister are sent to Europe to socialise with the English high society. Here she attracts a bevy of suitors including Lord Revelstoke and Waldorf Astor, shy heir to a great fortune.

Episode 5

Nancy and Waldorf marry, move into their new home and after a year have their first child. Nancy encourages Waldorf to become a politician. Discontented with her own life, she discovers a kindred spirit in Philip Kerr.

Episode 6

Nancy discovers Christian Science and throws herself into war work. Waldorf's father - Viscount Astor - dies, leaving the title to Waldorf. Unable to seek re-election to the House of Commons, he decides Nancy should campaign in his place.

Episode 7

Nancy makes her maiden speech and is a success. She becomes a celebrity, but her private life is threatened by scandals involving her first husband, Robert Shaw, and their son, Bobbie.

Episode 8

Nancy has conflict with her children as they grow up, and as war looms she and Waldorf are publicly accused of harbouring the Cliveden Set.

Episode 9

Nancy fights for the people of Plymouth. As war ends, the mood of the country changes and Nancy loses popularity at Westminster. Waldorf tries to persuade her to resign.