In Episode 3 of Netflix’s My Brilliant Career, Sybylla refuses to let rejection derail her literary ambitions. A possible way into the theatre arises in the form of wealthy Everard Grey, her uncle’s friend who is visiting the estate. But his visit brings unwelcome romantic complications.
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Episode Title: ‘Yah!’
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Setting: 1890s Australia
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Main Locations: Caddagat
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Key Characters: Sybylla Melvyn, Harry Beecham, Augusta Beecham, Nell Kirby, Frank Hawden, Mrs. Bossier
Episode 3 begins with Sybylla facing her first major literary disappointment. The Bulletin has rejected her story. The editors question its realism and refuse to believe that a woman could possess so many different skills, a reason that irritates Sybylla as she is convinced that a male writer would never have faced the same criticism. Nevertheless, she refuses to be defeated by the setback.
Meanwhile, Caddagat prepares for the arrival of Mrs Bossier’s beloved son Julius, who is back from Europe with his wealthy friend Everard Grey in tow. Everard comes from a banking family and has invested in Sydney’s new Alhambra theatre. While this immediately catches Sybylla’s attention, Mrs Bossier has something quite different in mind: he is exactly the sort of wealthy, well-connected husband she would like for Sybylla.
Everard expresse his interest in promoting Australian stories, which leads Sybylla to wonder whether his theatrical connections could indeed offer her a foot in the door of professional writing.
Harry, Blanche and a stockman’s challenge
Harry’s arrival soon complicates matters. Everard already knows him through Blanche Derrick and casually describes her as the “catch of the season”. He also mentions that Blanche has set her heart on Harry. Sybylla is still hurt that Harry kept his connection with Blanche from her, while Harry insists the situation is more complicated than it appears.
Elsewhere, the family hopes Everard might buy Beau, the horse Nell has trained. A stockman’s challenge is arranged to show off Beau’s abilities, with Nell competing against Jim. For Nell, there is more at stake than simply making a sale. She wants to be recognised in her own right, and not just living off her late father’s reputation. She wins decisively, and Beau is eventually sold for £400.
Later, Sybylla decides to turn her grandmother’s matchmaking scheme to her own advantage. She has no intention of marrying Everard, but she does hope to impress him enough to possibly secure work at the Alhambra. With Harry’s reluctant help, they build a small stage, and Sybylla performs an original piece for the family. Everard is captivated.
Sybylla discovers Julius and Everard’s secret
Everything takes a dramatic turn for the worse when Sybylla accidentally discovers that Everard and Julius are lovers. She sees the two men kissing and immediately understands why their relationship must remain secret. The consequences of being discovered could be devastating for them both.
Everard has no idea that Sybylla knows the truth and soon proposes marriage to her. On the surface, his offer seems to give Sybylla everything she has been fighting for. He can provide financial security for her struggling family. He will also allow her to continue writing and give her a place at his theatre.
But Sybylla understands what the marriage would really mean. She would serve as Everard’s charming wife in public and help keep his relationship with Julius hidden.
She turns down his proposal and admits that she saw the two men together. Everard reacts furiously and warns her how much damage such knowledge could cause. He immediately decides to leave Caddagat much to Julius’ is devastation.
Sybylla cannot tell her family what has really happened. She reveals only that Everard proposed and she turned him down. Mrs Bossier is horrified. As far as she can see, Sybylla has just rejected the potential answer to all over her problems and she cannot understand why.
Sybylla’s own family is sinking further into financial trouble. Her determination to choose independence over security may now come at an increasingly high price.
