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The Longhornes of Virginia

Episode number: 1

Overview: 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.

The Gentleman from Boston

Episode number: 2

Overview: 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.

Mr and Mrs Shaw

Episode number: 3

Overview: 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.

The Passenger on the Ocean Liner

Episode number: 4

Overview: 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.

A House in Buckinghamshire

Episode number: 5

Overview: 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.

The First Lady

Episode number: 6

Overview: 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.

Scandals

Episode number: 7

Overview: 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.

Guest for the Weekend

Episode number: 8

Overview: 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.

The Last of the Southern Belles

Episode number: 9

Overview: 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.