Mrs. Quinn's Rise to Fame

In a flashback, 16-year-old Jenny lingers while closing the clothing store where she works, hoping for a visitor. She is thrilled when 30-year-old Ray Smith, her employer’s son, stops in to see her. Ray offers to walk Jenny home and dismisses her questions about his wife. Although filled with shame, Jenny is excited by Ray’s attention.

In the present, Jenny prepares a tea cake for her friends Ann and Fred, who are stopping by for a Valentine’s Day tea. Jenny feels inadequate when Ann brags about their grandchildren and implies that Jenny has nothing but free time without grandchildren. After Ann and Fred leave, Bernard notices that there is a message for Jenny on the answering machine. Jenny realizes that it is from the Britain Bakes producers, and she is forced to tell Bernard the truth about her application. He is frustrated by the lie but forgives her.

In a flashback, Jenny reveals her flirtation with Ray Smith to her best friend Sandra, who chastises her for kissing a married man. Sandra’s criticisms amplify Jenny’s feelings of guilt.

In the present, Jenny wakes up early to check her email for updates from Britain Bakes. Finding nothing, she carefully prepares Bernard’s favorite dessert, Baked Alaska, as a surprise and apology for her lie.