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April 1895. Lady Theresa Londonderry is the foremost political influencer of her day, holding court for part of the year at Mount Stewart house on the shores of Strangford Lough in County Down. While she brings her powerful personal influence to bear on the aristocracy and politicians of the day, her servants create dazzling social events to entrance her guests. Then, as a treat for the most senior servants of her household, she lends out her personal sailing boat for a picnic on one of the islands in the lough. But the boat is never seen again and eight people are missing – presumed drowned.
They are people who have struggled hard to ascend the Victorian social ladder. Head cook, Eliza Taunt, comes from difficult family circumstances but works her way up from kitchen maid to be Theresa’s right hand woman when it comes to entertaining. House steward, Joseph Grainge, grew up in poverty but has ended up being in charge of all the Londonderry properties. These people and others on the boat show the talent and tenacity of the servants of the high Victorian era. They have come from humble origins to make it to the top of their professions.
On the 11th of April, Theresa and family go to Belfast where she opens an exhibition showcasing the city’s industrial achievements. Meanwhile, the servants set off in her twenty foot long boat, helmed by a local boatman. For Theresa, this carefully assembled team behind her success is soon gone for ever.