When a prominent Seattle resident dies, Frasier leaps at the chance to hire the man’s faithful servant, Ferguson. Not only does Ferguson cater to Frasier’s every whim, he even dispenses savvy advice for winning a vacant spot on the opera board.

While prepping an elegant pre-opera party to seal the deal for Frasier, Ferguson warns Daphne that her romance with Niles could be doomed. Speaking from years of personal experience, Ferguson explains that in high society, status can be stronger than love. His prediction seems to come true when Niles cancels a date with Daphne to attend a function with his estranged wife, Mel.

On the evening of Frasier’s opera soiree, Niles stops by to take Daphne on a secret date and is aghast to find Mel there. When a guest invites Niles and Mel to a New Year’s bash, Daphne fears he’ll never leave his wife for her. Instead, Niles publicly declares his love for Daphne and announces that his marriage is over. Inspired by Niles’ bold act, Ferguson resigns so he can return to England and pursue Lady Westerfield, a titled woman he once loved.