Inside The Gilded Age’s New Romance: Denée Benton Recalls ‘the Moment That Sealed the Deal’ for Peggy

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Step aside #Larrian, there’s a new “it” couple on The Gilded Age.

After being refused care by the van Rhijn’s racist doctor, Peggy receives a house call from a handsome young physician named William Kirkland (played by new cast addition Jordan Donica), and it’s absolutely love at first lung check for these two.

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“The fact that the other doctor didn’t want to see her is actually a moment of discrimination that serves her well, because it leads to a whole season of her life opening up in a new way,” Denée Benton tells TVLine.

Now here’s our question for the group: Can an emergency physical exam also double as a first date? Because that’s pretty much what this becomes.

“I think Peggy obviously already sees that he’s gorgeous,” Benton tells TVLine of the pair’s instant attraction, “but then deeper than that, in this moment of her recovery, he not only says that her father’s work as a pharmacist inspired him as a Black doctor, but then he also asks to read her work.”

Even Marian notices Peggy’s reaction to William taking an interest in her professional writing, trading a quick glance of excitement and approval.

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“This is a man who’s already excited about Peggy’s most important offering to the world, as far as she’s concerned, which is her creativity and her work as a visionary,” Benton says. “He sees that in her, and I think that’s the moment that sealed the deal. That’s what her fight has been for the whole show, to keep making spaces where she gets to have her mind be respected.”

Other developments in Episode 2 that we absolutely must discuss…

GLADYS? MORE LIKE SAD-YS | While one relationship blooms, another meets a tragic end: As expected, Bertha puts a quick stop to Billy and Gladys’ silly notions of marriage, locking horns with Mrs. Carlton (the superb Victoria Clark) in the process. We’ve enjoyed quite a bit of Gilded Age-era shade on over the seasons, but this grenade from Mrs. Carlton to Bertha might be our new favorite: “I hate to pull rank, but my grandfather signed the Declaration of Independence.” Just superb. Anyway, Billy totally chokes when he attempts to ask George for Gladys’ hand in marriage, which turns out to be the final nail in their coffin. “Our love is no longer practical,” Billy tells Gladys. “I’m not the man you need me to be. Please try not to hate me.” Gladys can try all she wants, but we make no promises.

WHAT THE DUKE? | After planting a few stories in the gossip columns about Gladys being engaged to the Duke of Buckingham, Bertha invites the attractive noble over for dinner. “You don’t understand this because you’re not a woman, but I’m trying to empower her,” she tells George. One thing she doesn’t tell her husband, however, is that the Duke is bringing his attorney to dinner — and they apparently have much business to discuss. “Father, what does this mean?” Gladys asks, but George has no answers. “I’m just as surprised as you,” he says, “but I’ll take care of it.” (Bertha, you got some ‘splainin to do!)

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IS MARIAN MARRYIN’ LARRY? | Meanwhile, Marian and Larry are still sneaking around, which is actually pretty hot. That close call in the carriage? Come. On. But how long will this relationship remain a secret? When Marian turns to Ada for advice, her aunt merely suggests that Marian pray and allow the right path to become clear. (Between Bertha and Agnes, Marian will need all the prayers she can get.)

EVERYBODY HATES CHARLES | With her marriage crumbling around her, Aurora experiences a fleeting moment of hope when Charles returns home, but he crushes her heart all over again when he says he’s just picking up some fresh clothes. “Don’t you care at all?!” she yells, desperately, but he just walks away. Lest Aurora question her aunts’ unwavering support, Agnes has some stern words for Charles later in the hour. When he greets her at Aurora’s luncheon as “Aunt Agnes,” she snaps back, “I’m not your ‘Aunt Agnes’ anymore!” Oof.

JACK SUITS UP | In equally relevant and important news, Larry is finally including Jack in meetings with potential investors. He even promises to have his tailor set Jack up with a proper suit. (Gee, this particular storyline really is tick…tick…ticking along, isn’t it?)

LOVE LIFTS OSCAR UP WHERE HE BELONGS | Life is also improving for Oscar, whose days in the “innermost circle of hell” could soon be over. John Adams has offered to help his lover get back on his feet by setting him up with new clients. “I love and believe in you,” John tells Oscar — and isn’t that all any of us really need to hear?

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BAD NEWS, GOOD NEWS | “Monsieur” Borden learns that his estranged wife is dead, which is sad… but probably less sad for Mrs. Bruce. Are those two going to get together now? Are they the Anna and Bates of The Gilded Age?

OK, let’s talk: Are you already seeing fireworks between Peggy and William? Are you disappointed by the end of Billy and Gladys? And can you imagine anything more painful than being publicly disowned by Christine Baranski? Drop a comment with all of your thoughts on Season 3, Episode 2 below.

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