Clara's Well Meaning Interference Casts a Dark Shadow Over 'Belgravia: The Next Chapter'

Though he didn't appear in last week's episode, James Trenchard's presence loomed large over multiple storylines in the world of Belgravia: The Next Chapter. So much so that it's almost a relief to see Toby Regbo onscreen in this third installment, though we're no closer to healing the rift between the estranged brothers than we were before (nor has Emily Dunn made any progress in romancing him, poor thing).

At least Clara finally gets to meet her brother-in-law, whom she tracks down with a lot of help from Davison and without her husband's knowledge. A clandestine visit to his parish rectory for tea ensues, despite the multiple red flags that indicate Frederick is going to completely lose it over this move. But, to his credit, James is nothing but kind and welcoming. He seems genuinely thrilled to meet Clara and gives her a few more details about the tortured Trenchard family history, including the rift between his brother and father. Much more self-aware than his older sibling, James goes on at some length about how what happened between his dad and brother wasn't Frederick's fault, acknowledging the favoritism he himself received and admitting he should have been braver in calling his father out about it. Truly this level of emotional honesty and introspection is enough to make you wonder if James is somehow an adopted member of the family too, no one else in the Trenchard family seems capable of displaying it. Anyone else starting to wonder if maybe Clara married the wrong brother?

Fine, I'm joking. (Mostly joking.) But James's willingness — eagerness really — to reconnect with Frederick is honestly sweet, and his understanding that he probably shouldn't be the one to make the first move indicates a surprising level of emotional understanding, particularly given who he's related to. (It also makes his continued obliviousness to the calculating nature of Emily's interactions with him quite unintentionally hilarious, for that tha'ts worth.)