Robber baron Norman Henry and his wife Marian prepare to receive Thomas Edison at their country estate to discuss a lucrative business deal, on the same day a mysterious French artist also arrives for a special painting commission.

The painful history between Thomas Edison and Marian is revealed, while Norman attempts to salvage a deal with the successful inventor. The French painter and other artist visitors begin to press Norman for answers about their promised dues, while news of a scandalous murder in New York City makes its way to the Henry Estate.

Celebrity model Evelyn Nesbit is invited to seek refuge at the Henry Estate from the ambush of press after her husband murders Stanford White at Madison Square Garden. While Norman fends off questions about his financial state, Marian and The Artist strike up a close dynamic, before she makes a shocking discovery of his real identity.