Summary
-
Nan St. George marries Theo, becoming Duchess of Tintagel, in The Buccaneers Season 1.
-
Despite marrying Theo, Nan’s true love is revealed to be Guy, with whom she runs away in the novel.
-
The original novel’s ending, completed posthumously, sees Nan and Guy together after her failed marriage.
The Buccaneers explores the complicated romantic choices of Nan St. George as she navigates societal expectations, love, and personal freedom. While the Apple TV+ series ends its first season with Nan marrying Theo, the original novel offers a deeper resolution. The story takes unexpected turns involving love, loyalty, and independence—culminating in a surprising ending that diverges from Nan’s initial path.
Who Does Nan St. George End Up With in The Buccaneers?
The Buccaneers Season 1 concludes with Nan St. George’s marriage to Theo, the Duke of Tintagel, solidifying her status as the Duchess. However, this union is not as definitive as it seems. Just before her wedding, Guy confesses his love, and he and Nan share a moment of passion. This revelation shakes Nan, who already harbors doubts about her impending marriage.
Nan ultimately chooses to go through with the wedding, not out of love, but to protect her half-sister Jinny, who is trapped in an abusive relationship. She sacrifices her chance to escape with Guy to help Jinny flee with him instead. Despite the grandeur of the ceremony, Nan’s internal conflict remains unresolved.
The events that follow in Edith Wharton’s unfinished novel—later completed by Marion Mainwaring—unravel the truth about Nan’s relationship with Theo. The marriage falters as it becomes clear that Theo is more invested in the power of his title than in Nan herself. Additionally, the novel discloses that Theo is gay, further contributing to the emotional distance in their marriage.
Eventually, Nan reconnects with Guy, and with the help of her former governess, Miss Laura Testvalley, they run away together, choosing love over duty. This escape marks the beginning of a new life, as Nan leaves behind the title of Duchess for a chance at genuine happiness with Guy.
READ MORE: How Many Episodes Are Left in The Chosen Season 5
Will the The Buccaneers TV Series Follow the Novel’s Ending?
Whether Apple TV+ will follow the novel’s full arc in The Buccaneers Season 2 remains uncertain. However, the groundwork has already been laid. Nan’s emotional tension with Guy and her growing awareness of Theo’s controlling tendencies were key storylines in Season 1. These elements align with the source material’s trajectory, suggesting that Nan and Guy’s reunion could occur in future episodes.
Theo, portrayed initially as a noble and sincere partner, begins to exhibit possessive and outdated views on women, especially in contrast to Guy’s open affection for Nan. These traits hint at the unraveling of Nan’s marriage and her eventual realization that she was never truly in love with Theo.
While Season 1 ends with Nan still tied to Theo, her delayed decision to help Jinny instead of running away with Guy leaves an open door for future developments. If the show adheres to the novel’s conclusion, The Buccaneers will show Nan defy societal expectations once again—this time by abandoning her royal status for the man she loves.
READ MORE: The Waterfront: What Happened to Harlan’s Father?
What Is the Story Behind The Buccaneers Novel and Its Ending?
The Buccaneers was Edith Wharton’s final novel, left incomplete when she passed away in 1937. She had finished only 29 chapters. In 1993, writer Marion Mainwaring completed the book using Wharton’s notes and outlines, providing a coherent and faithful ending to the story.
Wharton’s tale follows a group of wealthy American girls who travel to England to marry into nobility—a commentary on transatlantic social politics of the time. Nan St. George, the most spirited of them, stands out as someone who values freedom and love over status. The novel ends with Nan and Guy running away together, challenging the rigid class norms and gender roles of the 19th-century aristocracy.
The TV series builds on these themes while modernizing some aspects of the narrative. By introducing a layered love triangle and social dilemmas, Apple TV+ creates a version of The Buccaneers that echoes its literary origins while allowing room for dramatic adaptation.
READ MORE: When Is How to Train Your Dragon 2 Coming Out
Where Can You Watch The Buccaneers?
The Buccaneers is a historical drama streaming exclusively on Apple TV+. Season 1 premiered in late 2023, while Season 2 was released on June 18, 2025. The series features a talented ensemble cast including Kristine Frøseth, Matthew Broome, Guy Remmers, Aubri Ibrag, Josie Totah, Alisha Boe, Imogen Waterhouse, Christina Hendricks, and Josh Dylan.
Stay updated with the Latest News and Stories, follow us on our social media platforms.
You can follow us on:
Stay Connected!! Join our Whatsapp Channel
