Following the deaths of George Baird and Edward Langtry, Lillie moves to Regal Lodge in Newmarket, far from the scandal-loving London press hounds. There, with her mother and daughter Jeanne Marie, she feels safe. But her priceless jewel collection isn't as secure. Most of Lillie's uninsured gems are stolen, leaving her in financial straits. Lillie causes yet another wave of unwanted publicity when she announces her intention to marry Hugo de Bathe, an idle young aristocrat 20 years her junior. Meanwhile, daughter Jeanne learns the identity of her real father, and severs all ties with Lillie.

Lillie returns to America accompanied by young army officer Captain d'Albani. Although still married to Hugo de Bathe, Lillie keeps company with the Captain until he's called to war in 1914. The outbreak of fighting sees Prince Louis lose his coveted Admiralty, but leads him to a relationship with his illegitimate daughter, Jeanne Marie. Lillie, no longer the toast of America, finds herself seeking amusement in New York by paying her dashing young partners fifty cents a dance. With the war over, Lillie moves to the South of France, where she's surrounded by photos and memories of an illustrious past. As her time draws near, the only regret of her successful life is the love of a family.