A Newport Christmas (2025) Movie Script
1
Where's Ella?
Have you arranged the flowers yet?
Who's seen Ella?
Fellas, the tree is not straight.
Find Ella.
Let's stop here.
Whoa.
Thank you.
Oh, Mr. Gale.
A scarf to help with the chill.
Thank you.
Oh, and Mr. Boyd, I
knit these mittens myself.
Oh, thank you.
And last, but certainly not
least, a basket of baked goods
for your family.
And some toys for the children.
Deeply obliged.
Thank you so much, Miss Stewart.
It's my pleasure.
Oh, those chestnuts smell delicious.
- May I have a bag.
- Of course.
One bag of chestnuts, coming right up.
Merry Christmas, Mel.
Merry Christmas.
- Ella, whatever are you doing?
- Here.
This tree for you and for the
rest of the staff downstairs.
You're too kind.
But you'll tarnish your new outfit.
It's no bother.
I'm glad to do it.
You have your mother's heart.
Your father requests a word
with you in the study.
Wonderful.
I'd like a word with him as well.
Oh, Sadie, I've made a decision.
After much contemplation, I've decided
to start a charity in town to help those
who are struggling in Newport.
I found just the spot.
Oh, no.
Oh, yes.
I'm going to ask Father
to increase my allowance
so I may rent the space.
Wish me luck?
Good luck.
Good day, Father.
I'm glad you called me.
I must speak with you because...
I must speak with you, too.
As you know, we'll be hosting
our inaugural Christmas ball
in a week.
It's the event of the season.
Everyone in Newport is talking about it.
Huzzah to you.
Well, I wanted to inform you that it's
not just a Christmas ball.
No?
It's also an engagement party.
Oh!
Are you to marry again?
Oh, do be serious, Ella.
I'm not marrying, you are.
At the Christmas ball, we'll
announce your engagement.
To whom?
To Everett Thornton.
He's a good man from a very
good family, who you'll
meet at the Christmas
ball and not before,
lest you pull your hijinks to blitz it.
Well, Father, as much as I appreciate
all the consideration you have
put into this arrangement,
and I do...
I'll have to respectfully decline.
Because I have decided
to forgo marriage and instead
use my wedding coffers to start a charity.
A charity?
Yes, a foundation that will
serve the community of Newport
and ensure that no family is
without food or a warm bed.
I want to use my resources to help
people find homes and jobs so they can
be independent and prosperous.
Father, I live a very blessed life.
I want to share what I
have with the community,
just like mother would
have wanted me to.
Oh, you'll do no such thing.
You'll do as I say and marry.
I... oh, dear, we are out of ornaments.
But not to fret.
I'll get more.
Wait, we're not done.
My coat please.
How did your father take it?
Oh, quite well, I'd say.
Ella!
Although the idea might
require just a bit more
time for him to warm up to.
Where are you going?
For a sail on The Beneficence to think.
He'll be mad as a March hare.
Which is why we should delay the news.
Shall we?
Good evening, William.
Ladies and gentlemen,
let's go back in time
to The Gilded Age, my aptly named
122-year-old classic sailboat.
Looks good for a century.
I appreciate that.
She does, and she should.
She's a part of history.
Once owned by Ella Stewart Grafton,
given to her by her father.
And actually, we're going to be
visiting their estate later
on in the tour, where she grew
up, became a philanthropist
and started The Giving
House right here in Newport.
Heard she married a sailor.
Navy man.
Rex Grafton.
As seen on that mast right there,
they loved to sail together.
Oh, Nick, Coast Guard received
a report of a vessel dead
in the water under Island Bridge.
But all of our boats are already out.
Copy, I can assist.
Will you escort these people
back to Grafton Estate?
Christine will help you from there.
- Sure.
- You do rescues?
I was in the Coast Guard for many years.
When I'm not a historian
at Grafton Estate,
I do volunteer rescues for Newport.
Yes.
But I gotta go, guys.
Merry Christmas to you all.
OK, folks, please follow me.
Let's head right this way.
Why did Father have to complicate
things with Everett Thornton?
I wish for a different life.
I wish to fall in love, and for
someone to fall in love with me
for me.
Oh!
No!
Where did you come from?
Get back!
Stowaway.
Excuse me?
How am I a stowaway?
This is my boat.
Your boat? Ha!
What nonsense.
My father would beg to differ.
Now, who are you
and what do you want?
What's happening?
I was sent on a rescue.
These are the coordinates
and I don't see any boat.
I just see you on my boat.
What are you wearing?
It's my boat!
And what are you wearing?
Oh, if you think to try anything with me,
sir, you have paddled
up the wrong creek.
Wait, do I know you?
I don't think so.
Doesn't matter.
How did you get on this boat?
Where did you come from?
It's my boat!
Now you stay there and man the rudder.
I'll manage the sheets.
OK.
OK.
What's happening?
Where to?
To Newport, of course,
where you can be dealt
with by the proper authorities.
What is happening right now?
I'm not going to bite you.
You can put the oar down.
See?
I'll try the front.
That's a pretty good knot.
Now, where are the authorities?
Oh, this is not my home.
Where am I?
Newport, Rhode Island.
Nonsense.
I left Newport an hour ago.
And this is not it.
Calm down! It's OK.
You're OK. You're OK.
Just breathe.
Take a deep breath.
Who are you?
I'm Nick.
Nick McManey.
And you are?
Ella Stewart, of course.
Ella Stewart Grafton?
No.
Ella Stewart!
I think I know my own name!
What year do you think it is?
Why, it's 1905.
December 18, 1905.
Although the harrowed
expression on your face suggests
I'm incorrect?
Mm-hmm.
No, it is December 18.
Ha!
Balderdash!
No, it couldn't be.
Balderdash?
What is this,
anyway, some kind of prank?
Who put you up to this, my father?
I should be asking you the same thing.
- Is this a joke?
- A joke?
Do you have a little
hidden camera in your...
How could I fit a camera in my button?
Are you mad?
How could all this be?
Am I dreaming?
You're an Ella Grafton cosplayer!
This is genius.
Who is Ella Grafton Cosplayer?
Where are you going?
My home. Of course,
to the Stewart Estate.
No.
Why are you following me?
Make sure you get home OK.
Oh, so the stowaway is a gentleman.
What has become of everything?
Love the commitment to this bit.
You'd be great on the tours.
Tours?
I'm going to play along.
This is going to be fun.
All right, you've asked
what's become of everything?
Let me tell you.
The last 120 years, let's
see, we've synthesized DNA.
We built electric cars,
we landed on the moon.
We have microwaves, internets,
interstates, inflatable snowmen.
Inflatable snowmen?
Yeah.
Oh.
Are we breathing?
I think we're breathing.
Miss, ma'am, hello?
Hello?
You guys want to back up just a little bit?
Yeah, give her some air.
Give me some air.
Let's give everybody some air.
Ma'am?
Oh, no.
I'm still here.
You had us worried there.
I almost called an ambulance.
I think you knocked
your head pretty good
when you snuck on my boat, so...
It's my boat!
You probably should
rest a little... or not.
It's OK.
I'll go check on her.
I really am in the future?
Yeah, you are.
Sure.
Everyone rides around in horseless
carriages as if they're straight
out of a Jules Verne novel.
Yep.
Please tell me more of this 2025.
OK, well, we have taller buildings.
Shorter tempers.
Houses are bigger, yet for some reason,
the families are smaller.
A lot more conveniences,
but somehow less time.
And everyone's got notes.
Oh, you paint such a bleak picture.
See, you also have glittering
Christmas lights and ornaments,
all identical and shiny.
And inflatable snowmen.
But what truly astounds me...
Yeah?
Is that women wear pants.
Oh, yeah. Yeah.
A lot of them do.
It looks the same only older.
And more festive.
Father will be so relieved I've returned.
Sadie?
What are all these
people doing in my home?
Well, this is our last tour of the evening.
You know, this home has been
a museum for the last 60 years.
And I'm a historian here.
A museum?
But why?
Why?
You know, I'm going to get Christine.
She's our museum director.
Christine...
I heard my name.
Yes.
May I present to you Miss Ella Grafton.
- Stewart.
- Stewart.
Apologies.
Miss Ella Stewart.
I'm sorry.
What's going on?
My goodness.
What is this darling
ensemble you're donning?
A jumpsuit.
Says who?
Nordstrom Rack.
I don't know Sir Nordstrom Rack.
Sir?
Could you introduce me to him?
Miss Stewart, why don't you
have a seat right over here?
There are some
refreshments, if you like.
And Nick, can I have a word?
Please.
Thank you.
The Grafton Estate.
Oh, hello.
Ella Stewart.
How do you do?
I do, thanks.
Oh, are you a new tour guide?
I didn't realize we were adding costumes.
Genius.
I'm Francis.
I work for Christine.
You work for her?
A lady boss!
How inspiring.
OK.
Right.
Thanks for checking.
OK, so I spoke with my Uncle
Leo at the precinct,
and there are no reports of
anyone fitting her description.
He's going to check the local hospitals
to see if anyone's missing.
I wonder who she is.
I have no idea, but I
do know she just appeared
out of thin air on my boat.
No, that doesn't make any sense.
But it happened.
OK?
And her reaction to Newport?
I mean, she walked on the street,
she fainted, and now she
thinks she's Ella Stewart.
Well, whatever's happening
here, she seems innocent enough.
Excuse me.
What are you all here for?
The lantern tour.
Are you our guide?
Oh, no.
I'm actually in the midst of navigating
an unfathomable
chronological aberration.
But I would be remiss to be a bad host.
Thus, it would be my honor
to give you a tour.
Welcome to my home.
Where is she going?
She's the new guide, right?
No.
The architect was a dear friend
of my father, Arthur Sulkin, inspired
by European craftsmanship.
And yes, this is a museum to you.
How strange.
But to me, it's the only
home I've ever known.
In here is the dining room.
She's pretty good, huh?
And looks exactly like her.
Yeah.
Over here is where
we placed an evergreen
tree from the property.
The staff would all come together
and we'd decorate with ropes
of cranberry and popcorn.
Oh, yes.
And the dining table where we'd eat
plum pudding on Christmas Eve.
Chef would make my favorite
mince pies, roasted pork.
Oh, and this year, we're
starting a new tradition.
We are hosting a Christmas Eve ball.
Don't you still hold that?
Yes, we do every year.
How about that?
And just across the hall is
the study where we would
what happened here?
The study has changed,
the furniture and the layout
are different.
Father's desk was here.
And mother's painting just there.
OK.
That... that's impressive.
What occurred?
Well, there was a fire in 1942.
Some of the room had
to be completely rebuilt.
I never sat for this.
When was this painted?
Early 1906.
My father must have commissioned
it for my future husband.
No one knows why it was commissioned.
Well, I do look happy.
Come back soon.
- Merry Christmas.
- Merry Christmas.
Farewell!
So what is this?
Why is my home a museum?
Because Ella...
I mean you... was,
or are... or is going to be a great woman,
a historical figure.
And how do you two know each other?
We actually went to college together.
Same history program.
College graduate.
Well done, Christine.
A lady boss is extremely
rare where I come from.
Speaking of, while my time
here has been grand,
I do wish to return home.
So I'll have to bid you adieu.
Where are you going?
- Beneficence got me here.
- Oh.
So she should be able to get me home.
Beneficence?
Oh, the boat.
The Gilded Age is my boat.
Gilded age?
What's that?
Whoever she is, you
have to look out for her.
- No, I don't.
- Yes, you do.
Why?
Because she doesn't
know what she's doing.
I don't need your help.
And I'm not whoever you
are, I'm Ella Stewart.
Can you prove it?
Tell me something about
Ella that no one knows,
something you could not
look up in a history book.
How am I to know what you can
find about me in a history book?
And if no one knows this unknown
fact, how are you to prove it?
Well, tell me this.
Why would you and Rex etch
your name into the mast?
Who's Rex?
And what etching?
I would never etch anything
into my precious mast.
Well, that's my mast.
I've got some bad news for you!
Ha, you see?
There.
I don't see anything.
What?
It was here.
It was right here.
It's been... over a century ago.
Where's my sonar?
Where's my equipment?
What?
You could not have taken it out this fast.
What did you do with all my equipment?
How are you doing this?
I told you, this is my boat,
christened Beneficence in 1901.
Ta-da!
What?
Maybe we get you warm
and we talk about this.
There's nothing to talk about.
The sooner I get out on the water,
the sooner I can get home
to my precious Newport.
I think whatever happened to you might
be a little more
complicated than you simply
just sailed into the night.
So please, please, just
let's figure out what happened, OK?
Get you some rest.
And then... and then
if you'd like to set sail,
I will gladly help you.
I appreciate your concern.
I think I will head home.
Sounds good.
Home?
No, no, you can't stay there!
OK, I need you to show me
what to do with this sticker.
- Can you put that...
- Put it where?
On the bag.
On that... over
- oh, no.
- Wow.
No, it's a good look, actually.
Is it?
What are you kids doing?
Oh!
We're making donation
bags and decorations
for the Christmas charity ball.
For the 120th anniversary, the
theme is Step Back Into Time.
So we're trying to make the ball look
and feel as much like the inaugural 1905
ball as possible, based off of your diaries
and accounts of the event.
Well, I've seen the staff decorating.
Perhaps I can be of assistance.
Oh, that'd be great.
Oh.
Oh, this won't do.
Oh?
Our ornaments are clay statues
and hand-blown glass baubles.
We definitely do not use this.
What do you call this?
Plastic?
Yes, this plastic.
Follow me.
Just here in my room.
Remarkably accurate.
This is where I keep my treasures.
Awfully dusty, isn't it?
Mother and I made this
together for Christmas 1898.
Pink, my favorite color.
Not plastic.
Mother knit this for me.
Santa would place in the toe Brazil nuts
and peppermint sticks.
Have you ever had a Brazil nut?
Rare, yes, but ever so glorious.
And this is where I would hide my diary.
Actually, your diary is
on display in the ballroom.
How did you do that?
Can I see it?
This is the diary.
Looks the same, feels the same.
I know this book like
the back of my hand.
But in this one, the diary entries
end at December 17, 1905.
As it should.
Because that was the last
day I wrote in it, yesterday.
Well, this day has
been quite unexpected.
Now, if you'll excuse me,
I would like to go to bed.
Well, considering your bed
is now a museum piece,
let's check the bed and breakfast
and see if there's any more room.
OK, we're all set.
The museum has arranged
a two-bedroom suite
on the upper floor until you
can get everything sorted out.
Max here will help you get situated.
This is ever so kind of you.
It's the least we could do.
We're the ones who turned
your home into a museum.
- Did you talk to your uncle?
- Yes.
No reports of anyone missing
from the wards or the hospitals.
My boat, as I knew it,
is completely changed.
Everything.
The little carving on the mast,
where did that go, huh?
It's gone. All my stuff is gone.
And I know it sounds like a crazy person,
but I'm starting to think
she actually time traveled.
Well, she does know things
about Ella that no one
could possibly know.
Like your secret
compartment in her room?
True!
I have been at that place for 10 years.
I know every inch of it.
Or I thought I did.
Hear me out.
Maybe the past and the present
are happening simultaneously.
So today is both December 18,
1905, and December 18, 2025.
Or maybe this is all
just an elaborate hoax.
A hoax that changed
my entire boat in a minute?
Francis, you're the sci-fi nerd.
I prefer sci-fi buff, but sure.
So what do you think?
It sounds crazy, but I believe her.
Would you believe that I do, too?
And if she really did
time travel, then we have
- some ground rules to abide.
- OK.
Like what?
Like 1905 Ella hasn't
started The Giving House yet.
She doesn't know the life ahead of her.
That's true because the diary that we
have of her is on display.
That's finished.
Which means she somehow
makes her way back to the past.
So we can't tell her the future,
lest we create a cosmic wrinkle
and alter the course of history.
Nick, you can't let her out of your sight.
Then perhaps she shouldn't
be reading the stack of books
on Newport's history that she's
taking up to her room right now.
No, probably not.
Come on.
Ella, I brought you some
of my clothes and something
to sleep in.
Thank you, Christine.
Oh, they're so soft and
stretchy, with no fiddly buttons
or buckles.
Oh, why, I'd be the toast of my era.
You were the toast of your era.
I was?
Mm-hmm.
What do you know of me?
I really shouldn't say.
Oh, surely there's something.
I will tell you, you have always
been an inspiration to me,
working at the museum
and getting to share your legacy.
It's been a dream.
And I have no doubt you
will be an inspiration to me.
What with you being a lady boss and all.
Oh, well, Nick will be
staying in the other room,
just in case you need anything.
Oh!
Oh.
I do think we should have a chaperone.
The town will talk.
You know, we do live
in a much different time now.
Yes, they seem liberated.
Well, that's debatable.
I'm not saying that the world
was perfect back then,
but it was just such a beautiful
golden age, you know,
with... with great invention
and grand estates and
great literature and opera
boxes and... sorry.
I read a lot of Wharton.
- Edith?
- Yeah.
Do you know her?
Yes.
She and her husband bought
one of their many summer homes
just down the street from us.
Oh, you, like... you know her know her.
I just meant it's
it seems like it was a simpler time.
Yes, but that's what
my father always says
about the era of good feelings.
Nostalgia is not a modern construct.
Anyway, I can promise
you, whatever time or age,
being human ensures that life
will always be complicated.
But beautiful.
How did you know I
was going to say that?
It's one of your most famous quotes.
I probably shouldn't have told you that.
I'm sorry, but it's a beautiful quote.
It's one of my favorites.
It brings me a lot of comfort.
Well, I should retire for the evening.
Good night.
Good night.
Here you go.
Whatever is this?
That is called a caf latte with oat milk.
No, I mean this.
There is a perfectly shaped
Christmas tree in my cup.
I guess we would call that latte art.
It can get quite ornate.
Almost too lovely to drink.
Almost.
So you time traveled.
Do you have any idea
what time travel is?
Of course.
I've read HG Wells' The Time Machine.
Who hasn't?
But I never suspected it to be possible.
Me neither.
What's the last thing
that you remember?
Well, I was sailing up
the coast when I saw a comet
unlike anything I've ever seen.
And then you appeared on my boat.
You mean my boat.
OK, so you think it has
something to do with this comet.
I'm trying to figure this out.
It couldn't have been the boat.
I've taken her out a thousand times.
Is there... is there anything
else you can think of?
Not that I remember.
Oh, you must show me the holiday
wonders of your century.
Perhaps we could take a walk.
Sure, yeah.
We can take these to go.
To what now?
We will carry them out in paper cups.
Paper cups.
Absolutely genius.
Tell me, how does one milk an oat?
You OK?
Mm-hmm.
Look at me.
Yeah?
In my pants, drinking the milk
of an oat from a paper cup.
If my father could see me now.
Yes, you're quite the sight.
Listen, I've been thinking.
Getting you back to 1905...
Why is that man ringing a bell?
He's collecting for families
at Christmas time.
Oh.
So, anyway... that was very generous.
That 120-year-old coin
could feed the whole city.
OK, like I said, we need to
focus on getting you back, so...
Isn't that
the most marvelous Christmas
tree you've ever seen?
Who owns this majestic tree?
No one, actually.
It's for the tree lighting tonight.
It's one of the events that
raises money for The Giving...
Giving what?
Local charity.
We need to figure out
how to get you back.
Hello, I'm Ella Stewart.
How do you do?
And more importantly, how
can I be of assistance?
Here you go.
Thank you!
Let's get to work.
Oh, I'm...
I'm good.
I don't participate much.
Whatever do you mean?
Well, you know when you
go to a restaurant and
it's someone's birthday and
you're singing "Happy Birthday"
to a stranger?
Not at all, but go on.
Yeah, why would you know that?
I don't know.
I'm just more of an observer.
Because you don't wish the stranger
to have a happy birthday?
No, no, no.
A bad example.
I don't know.
I just... I don't join in much.
I don't know.
Well, not to fret.
We all have an unlimited
capacity for growth.
Yeah.
Excuse me!
Merry Christmas!
What are you doing?
This is Nick.
He's learning how to participate.
Hi, Nick!
Hello,
Well, everyone, let's get to work!
Mm.
Roasted chestnuts.
Glorious.
Some things never go out of style.
Ladies and gentlemen, the
moment you've been waiting for.
Please join me as we count down.
Five, four, three, two, one.
It's so beautiful.
Isn't it, though?
Yeah, the Christmas tree lighting,
the boat parade, they're
all huge Newport traditions.
Ella!
Oh!
Let me guess.
Nordstrom Rack?
You know it.
Oh, can I talk to you for a moment?
- Yeah, yeah.
- Just one minute.
OK.
"Dedicated in loving
memory to Ella Grafton,
who founded The Giving
House, which has provided
housing and support
services to the people
of Newport since 1906"?
I did it?
What is this supposed to be? It's lovely.
You paint this?
Look at it.
This looks like Ella's portrait.
Yes, but notice something missing?
She's just completely
disappeared from the painting.
She's gone.
What does this mean?
As best as I can understand,
time is a river that flows
from the past to the present.
And Ella being here has
placed a boulder in the river,
diverting its course.
OK, so we get rid of the boulder?
Or the course of history
will be changed forever.
But remember, whatever we do,
we cannot tell her the future.
I started The Giving House!
Did you know?
Oh, you must come see
the plaque, it's ever so lovely.
Wait...
Come.
OK, Ella, wait.
Also, a generous
passerby informed me
that The Giving House later
funded a paper company that
single-handedly kept Newport's poor fed
during the Great Depression!
But whatever is the Great Depression?
What?
It's gone.
But how can that be, it was just
here, I swear it on my entire...
We all knew it was here, Ella.
We've all seen it many times.
Then what happened to it?
I think you being here is erasing
you from history, from
the traditions you started.
And I worry if you don't go back soon...
I could disappear permanently.
Whatever are you doing?
Right now, doing a little bit of research.
Trying to figure out the name of
the comet that you saw in 1905.
No, I mean, what is this contraption?
Oh, this.
This is a laptop.
Laptop?
Think of it as an electronic
encyclopedia and an abacus
were rolled into one.
So you're saying this little box contains
all the knowledge of the world?
That's right.
Sadly, today people use it for mostly
posting photos of their pets online
and arguing with strangers.
Anyway, right now, I'm trying to piece
together what happened to you.
There's an article here that mentions
various comets that have traveled
through our solar system in history.
How intriguing.
Yeah.
So with these comets
come magnetic activity,
which under the right circumstances,
would cause very strange phenomenon.
Enough to cause a time portal?
That's what I'm trying to figure out.
Some of these theories think
that these large bodies
of water in the comets'
paths are highly conductive.
Places like the Bermuda Triangle.
No, that's OK.
They've been experiencing
things like this for centuries.
So what's our plan?
Right now, I don't have one.
I'm trying to find a name
and when it will be visible.
And until then, I'm going to keep digging.
So this little box contains
all the knowledge of the world?
Even history?
No spoilers.
No.
I was going to say the museum or...
I apologize, your home... is
less than a block from here.
And I think Christine needs
some help in the ballroom.
So.
What?
What?
What are you doing when
we finish up here today?
Nothing.
I had something I
actually wanted to ask you.
Do you think maybe...
Am I intruding on a private rendezvous?
Well, I'm stressed.
I heard a thing.
Well, I have the centerpieces to make
and the ball is in five days.
And our Step Back Into Time
theme is proving harder
to pull off than I thought.
So.
Well, don't be stressed.
I'll help you.
But you haven't even been
to a Christmas ball yet.
No, but I've been to other balls.
Men in tuxedos, women
in gowns, ice sculptures,
candles, dancing.
It sounds like the best time.
No, it's dreadful.
You must always be
on your best behavior,
as my father reminds me.
I must converse cheerfully,
never sigh of weariness,
and always be polite, demure, graceful.
Never truly myself, thus never
really connecting with anyone.
Oh.
Well, it seems Francis is courting you.
No.
Perhaps at the ball, you should
let your fan do the talking.
A press against the cheek
signals you love someone.
Ella, you're too much.
Everything looks
and smells divine, Christine.
Well, the tradition
of the ball started when
you'll see.
But we hand out donation
cards, people fill them out,
and then they hang them
on the boughs of the tree.
That's wonderful.
How many of these
do we need to make?
A lot.
Perfect.
Good morning.
How may I help you?
Are you... are you talking to me?
Yes.
How may I help you?
Show me everything you
can about Ella Stewart
from Newport, Rhode Island.
Certainly.
Finding information about
Ella Stewart Grafton.
Rex Grafton?
Ella.
Oh!
Did you know your box talks?
Yeah, it's called Siri.
Siri who?
Never mind, we said no spoilers.
So I marry Rex Grafton.
Is that who my father chooses
instead of Everett Thornton?
You know I can't tell you that.
I am sorry.
Please, tell me something.
We don't know a lot about him.
We know that he was a Navy man.
So my father chose a Navy man.
Is there a portrait of this Rex?
You have to stop
searching for the future.
You're going to be in it soon enough.
You mean...
Can I show you something?
OK, watch.
OK.
I found this while you were out.
The Christmas comet passes
Earth's orbit in December
every 20 years.
But check this out.
Look at the date in 1905.
December 18.
December 18.
That's the night you
ended up on my boat.
That's the comet I saw!
That's what I was thinking.
But watch this.
If this chart right here is correct,
it's going to fly by in five days.
Christmas Eve.
Christmas Eve.
But how will I know
what time or where to be?
That's the only thing I don't
have figured out right now.
But important thing is, we
know what day it's coming.
Thank you.
Oh!
You're... you're welcome.
There was one thing I did
not tell you about that night.
Yeah?
But it is silly.
Sillier than time travel?
I guess if you put it that way.
Right before you appeared on my boat,
I wished for a different life.
One where someone would
fall in love with me for me.
That's not silly.
It's a beautiful thing to wish for.
We should probably go.
It starts soon.
What is?
The perfect thing for someone
who loves Christmas as much
as you.
I thought they already
did a Christmas tree lighting.
They did.
This is actually the beginning
week of all of the holiday
festivities in Newport.
It's the Christmas boat parade.
A boat parade?
Mm-hmm.
How wonderful!
Yeah, it's a big tradition here,
started by Ruth Meyers, who was
a local woman inspired by you.
All the proceeds go to The Giving House.
We must make sure
Beneficence is especially pristine.
I can't say I participate
in the boat parade,
but I do enjoy watching it.
Tell me more about this
refusal to participate.
When did your commitment
to a life of isolation begin?
Growing up with my dad.
He was a good man,
but was a quiet man.
Where was that?
Florida Keys.
I probably could sail
at the same time I could walk.
My dad had a boating business,
so I worked with him.
And after that, I joined the Coast Guard.
And then from the GI Bill,
I got to pursue my passion
in college, which was history.
That's where I met Christine.
She seems like a good friend.
She's pretty great.
After drifting around for a while,
she gave me a full time
job here in Newport.
How do you like it here?
I love it.
So much.
Surrounded by water,
surrounded by history.
Definitely a drifter by nature.
Why is that?
I can't say one place ever felt like home.
I know that feeling well.
Really?
You seem very at home
here over a century later.
Do I?
You do.
You're too kind.
My whole life I've been told
I'm too much or too loud,
that no one will ever love
me unless I'm a perfect lady.
If I hadn't long ago committed
myself to a life of service
above self, I might be
quite sad to think I never
had a real chance to love.
Well, who's to say that you don't,
or won't... love Rex?
It's beginning to look
a lot like Christmas.
Everywhere you go.
Take a look at the five and ten.
Mm!
The sugar snow-covered
fry bread is delicious.
Oh, and that parade was marvelous,
a spectacle of humanity.
My father would never approve.
Your father must be worried.
You've been gone three days.
I'm sure he'd be ecstatic
to have you back.
For a moment.
And then he'd be, as Sadie
says, mad as a March hare.
I take it you two don't get along?
We attempt to.
We never see eye to eye.
He always wants me to be
his dutiful daughter.
But I've always been, well, me.
You ever try talking to him?
No, there is no talk.
He dismisses any discussion
before it ever even begins.
And he always has the final say.
Like choosing this Rex for me.
I assure you, Ella, you
live life as you intend.
The things you want, you make happen.
And what of you?
Of me?
What do you wish for your life?
I was in love once.
Or I should say, I thought I was.
Oh?
We met when I was working
out of port in New York City.
What was she like?
She was great.
On paper, we were a perfect match.
She was beautiful and lively and spirited.
A lot like you, actually,
but very regimented.
I wanted the... the romance
and the moments in between.
And she wanted the packed
social calendar
and planned date nights.
And you?
If I'm being honest, I like
to take the days as they come.
Same.
That was my whole point.
I love waking up not knowing where
the day is going to take me.
Exactly.
Getting off work early
and taking a walk on the beach.
Or maybe in the rain.
Sounds delightful.
It would be.
As long as it's not 20 degrees.
I wanted a love for the ages,
and I didn't see that with her.
And I... I hope that doesn't sound selfish.
One should never
compromise with one's heart.
You're very easy to talk to, Miss Stewart.
As are you, Mr. McManey,
Plotting a course?
Hey.
Yeah, something like that.
Ooh.
Wow.
A good compass is a sailor's best friend.
Absolutely.
So I know the general
coordinates of where
you first appeared on the boat.
I figured we'd start there.
Even if we find the right area,
there's no guarantee of success.
Are you worried?
There's nothing comforting
about being sucked
into a Christmas time portal.
Besides, I've become very
taken with the future.
And it's many eccentricities, women
in pants, talking encyclopedias,
snow-covered fry bread.
Electric cars, a magic
I've yet to experience.
The past needs you.
I know.
I made a promise to help the
people of Newport, and I will.
Good.
But what if I can't?
What if history doesn't
play out the same way?
What if I'm not up for the task,
or I've somehow altered my fate?
There's a quote that I really love.
"May those who follow
their fate be granted happiness.
May those that defy it
be granted forgiveness."
Abraham Lincoln.
Really?
Mm-hmm.
Well, if we only have a few days
left together in the future,
we should make the most of it.
I agree.
Excuse me, Miss?
May we please have two Christmas
caf lattes with milked oats.
Oh, and with the most ornate
version of a reindeer one
can muster.
I know I probably
should not be doing this,
but since we've already
disrupted the course of time,
I thought I should show you
why you need to go back.
And that's why.
The Giving House.
Oh, Nick.
Thank you.
Look.
Oh, wait, I've got cash.
I've got cash.
It's lots of cash.
Thanks, Merry... Merry Christmas.
Thank you very much.
You're welcome.
Yeah, you... you hold that.
Why?
Why?
Because that coin is going
to be worth a fortune.
Actually, all the coins
are, especially Bitcoin.
Tell your great-grandkids about that one.
I have great-grandkids?
No spoilers, Ella.
Oh, this is lovely.
Thanks.
I can customize it for you if you'd like.
I suppose the name I
would put on it is Rex.
Perhaps you should put
your heart's desire on one.
OK, so we call that fishing.
And what my heart desires, it
wouldn't work in this case.
Why not?
You're quite the eligible bachelor.
And you're free from the constraints
of my era's matchmaking.
Modern day dating is not very easy.
Maybe there is something
to matchmaking.
Surely not.
You get to make all your own choices.
And that may be.
But finding someone you want
to spend the rest of your life
with, a best friend
and confidant, that's not easy.
And I don't care what part
of history that you come from.
I agree.
That's what my mother would
always say... nay, insist
my husband should be.
Is that what your father was to her?
I don't believe so.
Which is why I think
she wanted it for me.
Ladies and gentlemen,
if you follow me right this way
to my favorite room of the house,
the atrium, which is actually an addition
to the original structure built
in 1891 as a birthday gift
from Lord Grafton to Lady Grafton.
Oh, this looks amazing.
What are you working on?
Stringing some popcorn.
- Badly.
- You know what?
I'm going to go box up
some of the donations
that one of the patrons
dropped off, so see you later.
Nick told me the good
news about the comet.
I'm just excited
because we get to have you
here for a little bit longer.
Well, I look forward
to experiencing your ball.
You've worked so hard on it.
Thank you.
It's been a labor of love, but I
wish I could have gone to yours.
The first ball.
I also look forward to seeing
you and Francis dance together.
Oh, no, no, no.
That's not going to happen.
Why not?
Because I... maybe love just
isn't in the cards for me.
I've never been very lucky
at it, And that's OK.
You know?
Maybe some people are put on
this planet to create history,
like yourself.
And some of us are put
here to preserve it.
Christine, you can't possibly believe that.
Francis would be lucky to be with you.
You're a catch, an inspiration.
A lady boss.
Right back at you.
Oh, it's so kind of the museum
patrons to donate items.
Patrons are very, very
generous, especially
around Christmas time.
They say one man's trash
is another man's treasure.
Sounds like something I'd say.
I know.
Hey, thanks again for the compass.
Sure.
That man.
Who is he?
Oh, old Coast Guard
buddy, Adam Waters.
He looked familiar.
Maybe you knew, like,
his great-great-grandpa.
The spruce goes
in the ballroom just there.
Would you be able
to help with hanging it?
And, Ned, if you could
finish the popcorn garland,
that would be amazing.
Remember, the popcorn is
for decorating, not for eating.
Who are these people?
Volunteers turned friends.
Oh.
The Christmas ball is in three days,
so we need all the help we can get.
Right.
I figured until I return home, I can
assist in preserving my legacy.
I come bearing frosting.
Oh, do we still need
to make a gingerbread house?
Yes.
Perhaps we can all do it together.
Love a good gingerbread house.
Cooper, let me help
you with the glassware.
I wish I had her optimism.
So it looks like Ella's been
a big help with the ball.
Yes, Ella has.
Hi.
Christine, why does
the mentioning of Ella's name
seem to bring you palpable distress?
You know, all the obvious reasons.
Her portrait is blank, her plaque is gone,
and now her biography
is just scrap paper.
What's next to disappear, hmm?
The Giving House?
I love having her here, but I
also know she has to go back.
In all the history books,
it says that Rex is the one
that brings her back, right?
Yeah, I know.
And I still don't see how that's possible.
What are you looking for?
Oh, Nick said Rex was
is a Navy man.
So there must be something about him,
a graduation photo, a portrait.
Even a sentence or a blurb
would be helpful.
We've looked.
We've scoured these books.
He has no footprint.
Oh, I know, but there
must be something.
The talking encyclopedia told
me that he was born in 1874.
So he must have been
in the Navy 1892 and on?
We followed that lead,
and the only unidentified photo
we have from that time is...
Yeah, that man there.
My father bought my boat,
Beneficence, from him.
Only I don't remember his name.
Could that be Rex?
My future husband?
No, I don't think so.
I remember him being
a working-class type.
Not the kind my father
would choose for me.
I bet Nick would enjoy seeing
the boat's original owner.
I'll show him.
I'll go check on things.
All right.
I'll be along in a moment.
Before you hear it from
her, I tried to help Ella
find info on Rex, but no dice.
You're jealous, aren't you?
No, I'm not.
Why would I be jealous of Rex?
Oh, come on, it's obvious
you have a thing for Ella.
Sorry, but it is painfully obvious.
Of course I do.
How could I not?
I mean, she's effervescent,
she's hilarious, she's gorgeous.
She's a bright light that fills every room
and she makes every situation better.
That felt really good.
But it doesn't matter because of all
the extenuating circumstances. OK?
Like what?
What do you mean, like what?
Like the fact that she lacks
a Social Security number.
The fact that she lives
in another century?
Which gives new meaning
to a long-distance relationship.
How about the fact that
she's a time traveler
destined to marry another man?
So, yes, Christine,
it's mildly complicated.
Pick a hand.
A little gift for you.
This is great.
When did you do this?
Last night, when I couldn't sleep.
I thought we could hang it on the mantle
with the stocking
my mother made for me.
She taught me how
to knit and crochet and
make stockings and mittens
for the people of Newport.
For her, Christmas was
a time to give back.
It's clear where you get
your generous spirit from.
Perhaps.
My mother came from nothing.
She met my father, and she was
swept into a life of privilege
she could only dream of.
Though I fear it was self-sacrificial.
I believe she married
my father so she could
pull her family out of poverty.
That's why your father
wanted you to marry Everett.
He was trying to protect you.
He saw how hard your mother's
life was and the choices
that she had to make.
Well, what do we do now?
Do you want to watch
a Christmas movie?
A moving picture?
Mm-hmm.
But how?
The TV, of course.
Yeah, watch.
Think of it as a lot of moving
pictures in this black box.
Fascinating.
Right?
Would you like some wine?
Yes, please.
So what was your favorite
Christmas movie of your time?
Oh. Santa Claus.
The first Christmas movie ever made.
Oh, it's absolute perfection, all 1
minute and 17 seconds of it.
Wow.
Well, our Christmas movies
today are much longer,
and there's much more of them.
Shall we?
What's your favorite Christmas movie?
Hands down, It's a Wonderful Life.
Which actually reminds me a lot of you.
Why?
Well, because it's about
a person with a good heart
trying to make a big difference.
And also, creating happiness
no matter where you are.
Strange, isn't it?
Each man's life touches
so many other lives.
But when he isn't around,
he leaves an awful hole,
doesn't he?
Will I leave an awful
big hole when I'm gone?
You will be missed.
But everyone will know that you're
living the life you should.
And they will be happy for you and Rex.
What if I don't love him?
Do you remember the day
that you went to study,
and you saw the portrait
of yourself for the first time?
And Christine said that
there was mysterious wonder
around your smile?
And you said because you were happy.
What of it?
It's because I think, and I have always
thought, that that was the very first
time you were ever in love.
I understand you found an original photo
of the owner of The Gilded Age?
Oh, yes.
Let's see here.
On the right.
This man?
Are you sure?
Yes, I'm sure.
I never forget a face.
And I just bought the Beneficence
from him two years ago?
This is just a tad odd.
Because this looks similar
to the Coast Guard officer
that you said looked
familiar, Adam Waters.
I bought The Gilded Age from him.
Ella.
I can't believe I have
to say this again, but...
I know. I know.
No spoilers.
Only this time, I'm not looking for me.
I'm looking for Adam Waters.
Hitting it doesn't do anything.
I've tried that many times.
Use the mouse.
Oh, mouse!
No.
This... this is... this is called a mouse.
I didn't know.
I know.
I know.
OK, so you use the mouse,
the mouse moves the arrow,
and then you go up to the search bar.
I did that.
But then you click here with this.
Oh.
Now type in your search word.
Go ahead, type it in.
This alphabet is all out of order.
That is true.
Now, hit... when you're done, hit Enter.
Ta-da.
Nick.
Look, they're nearly identical!
Oh, they really are.
Wow.
Maybe that's, like, his
great-grandson or something.
Or maybe he knows something.
Adam did look at me
in quite a peculiar manner.
Or he just thought you were really pretty.
Or, um.
Well, I'm going to pen
a letter formally requesting
his presence for tea.
I'll send it by courier.
We also could just go to the marina.
It's where he usually hangs out.
Oh.
Thank you for walking with me.
What is this feeling?
My head's in a tizzy
and my heart is pounding.
It couldn't be fate, could it?
Hey, Adam.
We were just coming to see you.
- Oh, Nick.
- Good to see you.
How've you been?
Good to see you.
How do you do?
Ella Stewart.
Rex.
Rex Grafton.
What?
So it was you who sold
the Beneficence to me, wasn't it?
Yes.
As I remember it, your father
was tied up on business,
so you came in his stead.
I knew I recognized you.
Only you look different now.
Older.
Then my father sent you to rescue me?
Yes, I was a Navy man known
for my navigational skills.
The night you disappeared, your father
sent a courier asking me to set
out to find you immediately.
I couldn't have been more
than an hour behind you.
That's when I saw it.
The comet?
Unlike anything I'd ever seen.
Then you ended up here?
Yes.
At first, I didn't realize anything
had happened, except that I
was back on course to Newport.
But when I got here, I
discovered it was 2005.
And you've been stuck here ever since.
Yes.
Did you ever try to get back?
Yes.
In the beginning, I was desperate.
If a comet was mentioned in the
news, I got out on the water,
but no luck.
After some research, I realized that it
wasn't just any comet that
could get me back home, but...
The Christmas comet.
Yes, the Christmas comet
is the only one that comes
close enough to Earth's orbit.
Somehow it interacts with
certain bodies of water
and is only available
for about a two-hour window.
And the fact it only
comes once every 20 years.
I discovered there was
no chance of getting back.
Until right now.
I'm so sorry.
I... It's all my fault.
No.
Don't apologize.
Because the longer I was here,
the more I wanted to stay.
Can I ask, who sold you The Gilded Age?
It was left to me.
I don't know by whom, but about
a decade after I got here,
I got a letter instructing me
to head down to the shipyard.
I was given the title
to the boat with one caveat.
What?
One day I had to sell it.
To Nick.
Then who wrote the letter?
I don't know.
Was it my father?
Was it he who
who arranged for us to marry?
OK, I can give you guys some privacy.
No.
Again, I... I don't know.
I haven't been back since
I left that evening.
But I'm aware the history
books say that we marry.
You know, the Christmas
comet next appears
in two days on Christmas Eve.
I'm so sorry.
I have work to do.
I'll see you out.
So I just met my husband, and it
was a crushing disappointment.
What about the spark my mother
always told me about?
Maybe you two just need some time.
True love doesn't take time.
This was supposed to be
love at first sight,
the start of forever.
Nick, be honest with me.
If I am being given
the chance to rewrite history,
should I take it?
I think...
I didn't ask what you think.
I asked what you feel.
I feel that in a world
that makes very little sense,
that everything happens for a reason.
And I believe that everything is
exactly how it's supposed to be.
I also believe that all of the
history books cannot be wrong.
So you do feel I should marry him.
Nick filled me in about Adam.
Oh, yes.
I'm certain the fates
are having a laugh at us.
Do you want to talk about it?
What is there to say?
Except I guess whatever will be will be.
Are those the cards the guests
will place on the tree?
Yeah.
And how did that tradition start?
Just let it play out, Ella.
How am I supposed to let it just play out?
Leave my fate to my father's picking?
Just allow myself to marry Rex?
Who knows.
Maybe he grows on you.
I know myself.
I know my gut.
For the first time, I...
I know what it feels like
to fall in love with someone.
Someone in particular?
No.
It doesn't matter.
The history books are pretty
clear that I marry Rex.
To think I will have tasted love and then
have to live a life without it.
Ella, I really shouldn't
be telling you this.
And I'll probably cause, like,
total dimensional fracture.
Oh, I'm pretty sure
the damage is already done.
In the history books and family
accounts and local legend, Rex is
the one that finds you at sea.
He brings you home, and the two
of you fall madly in love.
So you will love Rex.
And it'll be a love for the ages.
Adam!
I was just on my way to see you.
Yes, I've also been meaning to come by.
I just wasn't sure what to say.
Why don't we talk
someplace out of the cold?
I've been thinking
of you, how it must
have felt these last 20 years.
I feel responsible.
I took you from your home.
But I am home.
No, I mean, your home in the past.
But it's OK.
I think I know how I can get you back.
Why would I want to do that?
I have a life here.
I have a sense
of purpose and community.
And even if we try, there's no guarantee.
No, but we have to try,
Adam, there's so much at stake.
Look around you.
This could all be affected.
And I fear if we don't go back, I won't
be able to fulfill my legacy.
And if I do go with you,
I fear I won't fulfill mine.
Look, I understand your concern.
I do.
But when I lived in our time, I was adrift.
I didn't feel at home.
I had no friends or family.
And for a long while, I wished for...
A different life.
Yes.
I have a wonderful life here.
Why would I want to give all
that up to go back to 1905?
Call it fate or luck or whatever,
but whatever happened
with us with that comet,
it was meant to be.
Perhaps you're meant to do it
on your own, to rewrite history.
If you believe in your dream
and your vision for it,
everything will work out.
But then why am I here?
I wish I knew.
Thank you so much for your time.
Merry Christmas!
Hey, I was looking for you.
Oh, Nick.
Hi.
What... what are you doing?
Oh, I discovered The Giving House does
events with the coffee
shop during the holidays
to raise awareness.
I wanted to take my mind off everything,
so I decided to show the
volunteers a little gratitude
and did some Christmas shopping.
Nice.
Nice, where... where'd
you get the money?
Oh, the gold coins I have?
Yeah?
You're right.
It turns out they're worth a fortune.
Hey, Ella, I got you this.
Thank you.
Nick, this is one of our volunteers, Ada.
Hi.
Named after her
great-grandmother.
Oh, wow.
I was just telling Ella
that The Giving House
helped my great-grandmother secure
a home and find a better job.
Her family became one of the
most prosperous in Newport,
and still one of the largest contributors
to The Giving House.
That's great.
Come on, let's take a walk.
Sure, nice meeting you.
What a perfect night.
You seem energized.
Look, I was thinking, we talk to Adam...
No, I've spoken to him.
And?
He has decided to stay here.
I think I should, too.
Wouldn't it be grand?
No.
Why not?
There's a world of good
I can do here in 2025.
No, they need you.
Ada needs you.
The Giving House would not exist.
Think of all the people you've helped.
Not to mention you have an entire
you have an entire life
waiting for you with Rex.
Nicholas McManey, do you
not have any feelings for me?
Of course I have feelings.
Then why are you so set on pushing me
into the arms of another man?
Because it's the right thing to do.
And sometimes caring about
someone means letting them go.
And sometimes caring for
someone means fighting for them.
- Ella.
- What will you fight for?
What will you love?
If not me, if not this, then what...
That's not the way it's supposed to be.
Listen, I'm going to do everything I
can to help you get back home.
What about you, Nick?
When will you ever be home?
Ella.
Mind if I join you?
Yes.
You're actually saving me a trip.
I was about to come find you.
One of those, please.
Thank you.
Thank you.
I... I spoke with Ella last night.
If you're going to try
to convince me to go back,
I'll tell you the same thing I told Ella.
I have a life here.
In 1905, both my parents had passed.
I was an only child.
And the few people I know
in Newport are all gone.
If you don't catch that
portal and the comet passes by,
you two are both stuck
here for another 20 years.
- Would that be so bad?
- Yes.
Yes, it would.
Adam or Rex or whoever you are,
you have to go back with Ella.
We have no chemistry.
Then build some chemistry.
I promise you, if you get to know her,
there's no chance you're
not going to fall for her.
Come to the ball.
Come to the ball, and then you
both can sail away together.
To a time where I've
been gone for seven days,
yet I'm 20 years older?
And to do what?
Enjoy all the turn-of-the-century
comforts and a few World Wars?
What would I even do there, Nick?
You would love and you would
be loved by an amazing woman.
Look, the thing is, I
already have an amazing woman.
Her name is Maven, and we're engaged
to be married this summer.
Does Ella know this?
Look, I want to help her.
And I believe I have
a way to make sure she
finds the correct location.
Come on.
Let me show you something.
OK, I believe the Christmas
comet will be visible over
Newport starting at 10:00 PM.
So in theory, that's when
the two-hour window would begin?
Yes.
The one thing that bothers me is why
did Ella and I both see the same comet,
but come out in different time periods?
I think it's because we were
both at different coordinates
when we entered the portal.
Do you remember the coordinates
you found her at?
Yeah, it was 41 degrees
longitude by minus 71 latitude.
OK.
If every section of this protractor
is 10 years, with 1905
Newport being at 0...
So then 120 years into the future
would match the exact
coordinates where Ella appeared.
Yes.
Now, I came in at these
coordinates here,
which would signify 100 years.
It's 2005.
That's 20 years earlier based
on where you were in the water.
That means that if she stays
the course on Christmas Eve and
sails to the coordinates
that you just gave me,
that should be her best chance
of getting back to 1905.
Nick, there's something
else I didn't tell you.
What's that?
That in addition to selling you the boat,
I also had to make sure
on December 18, 2025,
just before dusk, I
somehow get you out to sea.
That's the rescue you sent me on.
There was no rescue.
I was just following
the orders from the letter.
Look, I'll meet you both at the ball
and I'll make sure she gets off safe.
But that's all I can promise.
I'm not going back.
You look beautiful!
Look at you!
Yeah.
As do you.
I've never worn a dress like this before.
You look amazing.
Guess where I got it.
Nordstrom Rack!
Gorgeous.
Oh, Christine, this is stunning.
Thank you.
Look.
Look at what you've accomplished.
Oh, I'm so proud of you.
It's all because of you.
Anything that I am is because of women
like you who paved the way.
You're going to make me cry.
Oh, I have a gift for you from the past.
Oh?
I think it will prove useful.
Oh, my goodness.
It's beautiful!
Remember, a press against the
cheek signals you love someone.
So when you don't know what to say,
let your fan do the talking.
Thank you.
Now, how much time do we have?
I set sail at 10 o'clock.
Then let's make the most of it.
Yes, let's.
Hi!
You clean up nice.
I was going to say
the same thing about you.
Say, did you ever learn
about Victorian fan signals?
Yeah.
Women used them to convey
secret messages, right?
Right, yes, yeah.
So an open fan
to the side means that you
want someone to wait for you.
And a fan pressed against the cheek
means that you love... fancy someone.
And a closed fan to the heart means
that you won the person's love.
You know what my favorite one was?
What's that one mean?
That you want to be kissed.
What do you think?
I think that never in all of history
has anyone been more beautiful.
Careful.
I might swoon again.
I might catch you.
Any word from Adam?
No.
We have to go.
Why?
- I thought we said 10 o'clock.
- We did.
But I want to make sure you get off safe.
Isn't there time for one
dance before we go?
I think so.
You seem sad.
I am.
A bit.
Why?
You get to go home.
Nick, the question still stands.
When will you ever be home?
When I kissed you.
At that moment, I was home.
Adam.
This is my fiance, Maven.
Hi.
It's nice to meet you, Ella.
It's nice to meet you, Maven.
The Giving House doesn't exist.
This is all my fault.
Listen, we can fix this.
We have to go now, OK?
OK.
Let's go.
Bye.
I'm sorry to disappoint you, Ella,
but you must understand
my home is here.
I understand.
I do.
Maven is a lucky woman.
Goodbye, Adam.
Goodbye.
I... I think this is where I'm supposed
to tell you that things will never
be the same without you here.
But in this case, it needs to be.
I hope you think of me.
Only every day.
Everything you've done here,
everything you've inspired.
I'm very thankful.
And it all will have been
worth it just to have known you
and to have been home with you.
And I have something for you.
Nothing big.
Just maybe you can put it in
your secret ornament collection.
If not, it can be
a souvenir from the future.
With you.
Always.
I'll cherish it.
You have to go.
Why did you let me
meet the man of my dreams
only to make it impossible
for us to be together?
I'm ready to go home now.
I know what love is and I'm
ready to share it with others.
Welcome home, Ella.
Ada!
Miss Ella!
By God's grace, you're home!
We prayed for you.
Your prayers worked.
Thank you for giving me
a reason to come home.
If I may, what day is it?
Why, it's Christmas Eve, ma'am.
Use this for your Christmas dinner
and all else will fall
into place, I promise.
How can I ever repay your kindness?
By doing the same
for others when you are able.
Merry Christmas.
Merry Christmas, Miss Ella.
Mr. Edward Benson
and Mrs. Edith Benson.
Still no sign of Miss Ella, sir.
I can't feign joy when
my Ella is still missing.
Another tree?
We made that in Ella's name.
She intended to start a proper
charity to help this community,
and we see it as a fitting
way to welcome her home.
Much of Newport has already
donated whatever they can.
Bless you, Sadie.
People have arrived...
Sadie!
Oh!
Thank heavens!
We feared the worst.
It's good to be home.
Is father...
Greeting the guests, yes.
He's been so worried.
I placed your gown upstairs with the faith
that you would return home.
I'll be right up to help you dress.
Thank you, Sadie.
I'd like to thank you all for coming.
It is with a heavy heart
that I must announce
that my dear Ella is not...
Oh, my child.
Father.
I was so worried!
I thought I'd lost you.
I was lost, but I found my way back.
Come, my dear.
We have much to celebrate.
Everett Thornton is here
and is very eager to meet you.
Father, I must speak with you.
In private?
Of course.
Everybody, please, enjoy yourselves.
What's happening here?
What's happening is that I have seen
the life that waits for me.
And I want it.
I owe it to others, to myself.
I cannot marry Everett Thornton.
But you haven't even met him.
He's come all this way.
You've always wanted me
to be someone I am not.
But I understand now.
It stems from worry.
Of course I worry.
I love you,
I know you do.
Right now, it might not seem that I
can be both who you want me to
be and who I'm destined to be.
I think that we'll find in time,
they're the same person.
Father, if I am to marry,
it must be for love.
And I'm starting my charity.
I hope to do both with your blessing.
And do you have someone you love?
May I present to you Mr. Rex Grafton.
How did you...
It's quite the story.
And you are?
Father, may I present Rex
Grafton, the man who rescued me.
Ah, you're the navigator.
Sir.
You found her?
My eternal thanks.
What can I ever do to repay you?
It was my honor, sir.
May I have this dance?
Yes.
Oh.
Wait, Christine.
Look.
I hope that means she got home safely.
Hi.
I'm so sorry to interrupt, but I
was told to give this to you
on the stroke of midnight
on Christmas Eve.
It's been in my family's
lock-box for generations.
I can't believe we finally
get to see what's inside.
You are full of surprises, Rex Grafton.
How was this possible?
When I left you at that dock, I
realized that if Adam was
not going to accompany
you on the journey, I could.
I got a boat, and I followed you.
And I got to thinking, he
said his parents had passed.
He was an only child.
He wasn't from here.
He had no relatives to speak of.
And my father never met
him, except by courier.
Correct.
So maybe he was the Rex
Grafton that was sent out.
But I was the Rex Grafton
that brought you home.
So therefore...
It was you.
It was always you.
Yeah.
So we are to marry?
If you'll have me.
If not, I'll be stuck
here for another 20 years.
You had me at Rex Grafton.
Merry Christmas, Ella.
Where's Ella?
Have you arranged the flowers yet?
Who's seen Ella?
Fellas, the tree is not straight.
Find Ella.
Let's stop here.
Whoa.
Thank you.
Oh, Mr. Gale.
A scarf to help with the chill.
Thank you.
Oh, and Mr. Boyd, I
knit these mittens myself.
Oh, thank you.
And last, but certainly not
least, a basket of baked goods
for your family.
And some toys for the children.
Deeply obliged.
Thank you so much, Miss Stewart.
It's my pleasure.
Oh, those chestnuts smell delicious.
- May I have a bag.
- Of course.
One bag of chestnuts, coming right up.
Merry Christmas, Mel.
Merry Christmas.
- Ella, whatever are you doing?
- Here.
This tree for you and for the
rest of the staff downstairs.
You're too kind.
But you'll tarnish your new outfit.
It's no bother.
I'm glad to do it.
You have your mother's heart.
Your father requests a word
with you in the study.
Wonderful.
I'd like a word with him as well.
Oh, Sadie, I've made a decision.
After much contemplation, I've decided
to start a charity in town to help those
who are struggling in Newport.
I found just the spot.
Oh, no.
Oh, yes.
I'm going to ask Father
to increase my allowance
so I may rent the space.
Wish me luck?
Good luck.
Good day, Father.
I'm glad you called me.
I must speak with you because...
I must speak with you, too.
As you know, we'll be hosting
our inaugural Christmas ball
in a week.
It's the event of the season.
Everyone in Newport is talking about it.
Huzzah to you.
Well, I wanted to inform you that it's
not just a Christmas ball.
No?
It's also an engagement party.
Oh!
Are you to marry again?
Oh, do be serious, Ella.
I'm not marrying, you are.
At the Christmas ball, we'll
announce your engagement.
To whom?
To Everett Thornton.
He's a good man from a very
good family, who you'll
meet at the Christmas
ball and not before,
lest you pull your hijinks to blitz it.
Well, Father, as much as I appreciate
all the consideration you have
put into this arrangement,
and I do...
I'll have to respectfully decline.
Because I have decided
to forgo marriage and instead
use my wedding coffers to start a charity.
A charity?
Yes, a foundation that will
serve the community of Newport
and ensure that no family is
without food or a warm bed.
I want to use my resources to help
people find homes and jobs so they can
be independent and prosperous.
Father, I live a very blessed life.
I want to share what I
have with the community,
just like mother would
have wanted me to.
Oh, you'll do no such thing.
You'll do as I say and marry.
I... oh, dear, we are out of ornaments.
But not to fret.
I'll get more.
Wait, we're not done.
My coat please.
How did your father take it?
Oh, quite well, I'd say.
Ella!
Although the idea might
require just a bit more
time for him to warm up to.
Where are you going?
For a sail on The Beneficence to think.
He'll be mad as a March hare.
Which is why we should delay the news.
Shall we?
Good evening, William.
Ladies and gentlemen,
let's go back in time
to The Gilded Age, my aptly named
122-year-old classic sailboat.
Looks good for a century.
I appreciate that.
She does, and she should.
She's a part of history.
Once owned by Ella Stewart Grafton,
given to her by her father.
And actually, we're going to be
visiting their estate later
on in the tour, where she grew
up, became a philanthropist
and started The Giving
House right here in Newport.
Heard she married a sailor.
Navy man.
Rex Grafton.
As seen on that mast right there,
they loved to sail together.
Oh, Nick, Coast Guard received
a report of a vessel dead
in the water under Island Bridge.
But all of our boats are already out.
Copy, I can assist.
Will you escort these people
back to Grafton Estate?
Christine will help you from there.
- Sure.
- You do rescues?
I was in the Coast Guard for many years.
When I'm not a historian
at Grafton Estate,
I do volunteer rescues for Newport.
Yes.
But I gotta go, guys.
Merry Christmas to you all.
OK, folks, please follow me.
Let's head right this way.
Why did Father have to complicate
things with Everett Thornton?
I wish for a different life.
I wish to fall in love, and for
someone to fall in love with me
for me.
Oh!
No!
Where did you come from?
Get back!
Stowaway.
Excuse me?
How am I a stowaway?
This is my boat.
Your boat? Ha!
What nonsense.
My father would beg to differ.
Now, who are you
and what do you want?
What's happening?
I was sent on a rescue.
These are the coordinates
and I don't see any boat.
I just see you on my boat.
What are you wearing?
It's my boat!
And what are you wearing?
Oh, if you think to try anything with me,
sir, you have paddled
up the wrong creek.
Wait, do I know you?
I don't think so.
Doesn't matter.
How did you get on this boat?
Where did you come from?
It's my boat!
Now you stay there and man the rudder.
I'll manage the sheets.
OK.
OK.
What's happening?
Where to?
To Newport, of course,
where you can be dealt
with by the proper authorities.
What is happening right now?
I'm not going to bite you.
You can put the oar down.
See?
I'll try the front.
That's a pretty good knot.
Now, where are the authorities?
Oh, this is not my home.
Where am I?
Newport, Rhode Island.
Nonsense.
I left Newport an hour ago.
And this is not it.
Calm down! It's OK.
You're OK. You're OK.
Just breathe.
Take a deep breath.
Who are you?
I'm Nick.
Nick McManey.
And you are?
Ella Stewart, of course.
Ella Stewart Grafton?
No.
Ella Stewart!
I think I know my own name!
What year do you think it is?
Why, it's 1905.
December 18, 1905.
Although the harrowed
expression on your face suggests
I'm incorrect?
Mm-hmm.
No, it is December 18.
Ha!
Balderdash!
No, it couldn't be.
Balderdash?
What is this,
anyway, some kind of prank?
Who put you up to this, my father?
I should be asking you the same thing.
- Is this a joke?
- A joke?
Do you have a little
hidden camera in your...
How could I fit a camera in my button?
Are you mad?
How could all this be?
Am I dreaming?
You're an Ella Grafton cosplayer!
This is genius.
Who is Ella Grafton Cosplayer?
Where are you going?
My home. Of course,
to the Stewart Estate.
No.
Why are you following me?
Make sure you get home OK.
Oh, so the stowaway is a gentleman.
What has become of everything?
Love the commitment to this bit.
You'd be great on the tours.
Tours?
I'm going to play along.
This is going to be fun.
All right, you've asked
what's become of everything?
Let me tell you.
The last 120 years, let's
see, we've synthesized DNA.
We built electric cars,
we landed on the moon.
We have microwaves, internets,
interstates, inflatable snowmen.
Inflatable snowmen?
Yeah.
Oh.
Are we breathing?
I think we're breathing.
Miss, ma'am, hello?
Hello?
You guys want to back up just a little bit?
Yeah, give her some air.
Give me some air.
Let's give everybody some air.
Ma'am?
Oh, no.
I'm still here.
You had us worried there.
I almost called an ambulance.
I think you knocked
your head pretty good
when you snuck on my boat, so...
It's my boat!
You probably should
rest a little... or not.
It's OK.
I'll go check on her.
I really am in the future?
Yeah, you are.
Sure.
Everyone rides around in horseless
carriages as if they're straight
out of a Jules Verne novel.
Yep.
Please tell me more of this 2025.
OK, well, we have taller buildings.
Shorter tempers.
Houses are bigger, yet for some reason,
the families are smaller.
A lot more conveniences,
but somehow less time.
And everyone's got notes.
Oh, you paint such a bleak picture.
See, you also have glittering
Christmas lights and ornaments,
all identical and shiny.
And inflatable snowmen.
But what truly astounds me...
Yeah?
Is that women wear pants.
Oh, yeah. Yeah.
A lot of them do.
It looks the same only older.
And more festive.
Father will be so relieved I've returned.
Sadie?
What are all these
people doing in my home?
Well, this is our last tour of the evening.
You know, this home has been
a museum for the last 60 years.
And I'm a historian here.
A museum?
But why?
Why?
You know, I'm going to get Christine.
She's our museum director.
Christine...
I heard my name.
Yes.
May I present to you Miss Ella Grafton.
- Stewart.
- Stewart.
Apologies.
Miss Ella Stewart.
I'm sorry.
What's going on?
My goodness.
What is this darling
ensemble you're donning?
A jumpsuit.
Says who?
Nordstrom Rack.
I don't know Sir Nordstrom Rack.
Sir?
Could you introduce me to him?
Miss Stewart, why don't you
have a seat right over here?
There are some
refreshments, if you like.
And Nick, can I have a word?
Please.
Thank you.
The Grafton Estate.
Oh, hello.
Ella Stewart.
How do you do?
I do, thanks.
Oh, are you a new tour guide?
I didn't realize we were adding costumes.
Genius.
I'm Francis.
I work for Christine.
You work for her?
A lady boss!
How inspiring.
OK.
Right.
Thanks for checking.
OK, so I spoke with my Uncle
Leo at the precinct,
and there are no reports of
anyone fitting her description.
He's going to check the local hospitals
to see if anyone's missing.
I wonder who she is.
I have no idea, but I
do know she just appeared
out of thin air on my boat.
No, that doesn't make any sense.
But it happened.
OK?
And her reaction to Newport?
I mean, she walked on the street,
she fainted, and now she
thinks she's Ella Stewart.
Well, whatever's happening
here, she seems innocent enough.
Excuse me.
What are you all here for?
The lantern tour.
Are you our guide?
Oh, no.
I'm actually in the midst of navigating
an unfathomable
chronological aberration.
But I would be remiss to be a bad host.
Thus, it would be my honor
to give you a tour.
Welcome to my home.
Where is she going?
She's the new guide, right?
No.
The architect was a dear friend
of my father, Arthur Sulkin, inspired
by European craftsmanship.
And yes, this is a museum to you.
How strange.
But to me, it's the only
home I've ever known.
In here is the dining room.
She's pretty good, huh?
And looks exactly like her.
Yeah.
Over here is where
we placed an evergreen
tree from the property.
The staff would all come together
and we'd decorate with ropes
of cranberry and popcorn.
Oh, yes.
And the dining table where we'd eat
plum pudding on Christmas Eve.
Chef would make my favorite
mince pies, roasted pork.
Oh, and this year, we're
starting a new tradition.
We are hosting a Christmas Eve ball.
Don't you still hold that?
Yes, we do every year.
How about that?
And just across the hall is
the study where we would
what happened here?
The study has changed,
the furniture and the layout
are different.
Father's desk was here.
And mother's painting just there.
OK.
That... that's impressive.
What occurred?
Well, there was a fire in 1942.
Some of the room had
to be completely rebuilt.
I never sat for this.
When was this painted?
Early 1906.
My father must have commissioned
it for my future husband.
No one knows why it was commissioned.
Well, I do look happy.
Come back soon.
- Merry Christmas.
- Merry Christmas.
Farewell!
So what is this?
Why is my home a museum?
Because Ella...
I mean you... was,
or are... or is going to be a great woman,
a historical figure.
And how do you two know each other?
We actually went to college together.
Same history program.
College graduate.
Well done, Christine.
A lady boss is extremely
rare where I come from.
Speaking of, while my time
here has been grand,
I do wish to return home.
So I'll have to bid you adieu.
Where are you going?
- Beneficence got me here.
- Oh.
So she should be able to get me home.
Beneficence?
Oh, the boat.
The Gilded Age is my boat.
Gilded age?
What's that?
Whoever she is, you
have to look out for her.
- No, I don't.
- Yes, you do.
Why?
Because she doesn't
know what she's doing.
I don't need your help.
And I'm not whoever you
are, I'm Ella Stewart.
Can you prove it?
Tell me something about
Ella that no one knows,
something you could not
look up in a history book.
How am I to know what you can
find about me in a history book?
And if no one knows this unknown
fact, how are you to prove it?
Well, tell me this.
Why would you and Rex etch
your name into the mast?
Who's Rex?
And what etching?
I would never etch anything
into my precious mast.
Well, that's my mast.
I've got some bad news for you!
Ha, you see?
There.
I don't see anything.
What?
It was here.
It was right here.
It's been... over a century ago.
Where's my sonar?
Where's my equipment?
What?
You could not have taken it out this fast.
What did you do with all my equipment?
How are you doing this?
I told you, this is my boat,
christened Beneficence in 1901.
Ta-da!
What?
Maybe we get you warm
and we talk about this.
There's nothing to talk about.
The sooner I get out on the water,
the sooner I can get home
to my precious Newport.
I think whatever happened to you might
be a little more
complicated than you simply
just sailed into the night.
So please, please, just
let's figure out what happened, OK?
Get you some rest.
And then... and then
if you'd like to set sail,
I will gladly help you.
I appreciate your concern.
I think I will head home.
Sounds good.
Home?
No, no, you can't stay there!
OK, I need you to show me
what to do with this sticker.
- Can you put that...
- Put it where?
On the bag.
On that... over
- oh, no.
- Wow.
No, it's a good look, actually.
Is it?
What are you kids doing?
Oh!
We're making donation
bags and decorations
for the Christmas charity ball.
For the 120th anniversary, the
theme is Step Back Into Time.
So we're trying to make the ball look
and feel as much like the inaugural 1905
ball as possible, based off of your diaries
and accounts of the event.
Well, I've seen the staff decorating.
Perhaps I can be of assistance.
Oh, that'd be great.
Oh.
Oh, this won't do.
Oh?
Our ornaments are clay statues
and hand-blown glass baubles.
We definitely do not use this.
What do you call this?
Plastic?
Yes, this plastic.
Follow me.
Just here in my room.
Remarkably accurate.
This is where I keep my treasures.
Awfully dusty, isn't it?
Mother and I made this
together for Christmas 1898.
Pink, my favorite color.
Not plastic.
Mother knit this for me.
Santa would place in the toe Brazil nuts
and peppermint sticks.
Have you ever had a Brazil nut?
Rare, yes, but ever so glorious.
And this is where I would hide my diary.
Actually, your diary is
on display in the ballroom.
How did you do that?
Can I see it?
This is the diary.
Looks the same, feels the same.
I know this book like
the back of my hand.
But in this one, the diary entries
end at December 17, 1905.
As it should.
Because that was the last
day I wrote in it, yesterday.
Well, this day has
been quite unexpected.
Now, if you'll excuse me,
I would like to go to bed.
Well, considering your bed
is now a museum piece,
let's check the bed and breakfast
and see if there's any more room.
OK, we're all set.
The museum has arranged
a two-bedroom suite
on the upper floor until you
can get everything sorted out.
Max here will help you get situated.
This is ever so kind of you.
It's the least we could do.
We're the ones who turned
your home into a museum.
- Did you talk to your uncle?
- Yes.
No reports of anyone missing
from the wards or the hospitals.
My boat, as I knew it,
is completely changed.
Everything.
The little carving on the mast,
where did that go, huh?
It's gone. All my stuff is gone.
And I know it sounds like a crazy person,
but I'm starting to think
she actually time traveled.
Well, she does know things
about Ella that no one
could possibly know.
Like your secret
compartment in her room?
True!
I have been at that place for 10 years.
I know every inch of it.
Or I thought I did.
Hear me out.
Maybe the past and the present
are happening simultaneously.
So today is both December 18,
1905, and December 18, 2025.
Or maybe this is all
just an elaborate hoax.
A hoax that changed
my entire boat in a minute?
Francis, you're the sci-fi nerd.
I prefer sci-fi buff, but sure.
So what do you think?
It sounds crazy, but I believe her.
Would you believe that I do, too?
And if she really did
time travel, then we have
- some ground rules to abide.
- OK.
Like what?
Like 1905 Ella hasn't
started The Giving House yet.
She doesn't know the life ahead of her.
That's true because the diary that we
have of her is on display.
That's finished.
Which means she somehow
makes her way back to the past.
So we can't tell her the future,
lest we create a cosmic wrinkle
and alter the course of history.
Nick, you can't let her out of your sight.
Then perhaps she shouldn't
be reading the stack of books
on Newport's history that she's
taking up to her room right now.
No, probably not.
Come on.
Ella, I brought you some
of my clothes and something
to sleep in.
Thank you, Christine.
Oh, they're so soft and
stretchy, with no fiddly buttons
or buckles.
Oh, why, I'd be the toast of my era.
You were the toast of your era.
I was?
Mm-hmm.
What do you know of me?
I really shouldn't say.
Oh, surely there's something.
I will tell you, you have always
been an inspiration to me,
working at the museum
and getting to share your legacy.
It's been a dream.
And I have no doubt you
will be an inspiration to me.
What with you being a lady boss and all.
Oh, well, Nick will be
staying in the other room,
just in case you need anything.
Oh!
Oh.
I do think we should have a chaperone.
The town will talk.
You know, we do live
in a much different time now.
Yes, they seem liberated.
Well, that's debatable.
I'm not saying that the world
was perfect back then,
but it was just such a beautiful
golden age, you know,
with... with great invention
and grand estates and
great literature and opera
boxes and... sorry.
I read a lot of Wharton.
- Edith?
- Yeah.
Do you know her?
Yes.
She and her husband bought
one of their many summer homes
just down the street from us.
Oh, you, like... you know her know her.
I just meant it's
it seems like it was a simpler time.
Yes, but that's what
my father always says
about the era of good feelings.
Nostalgia is not a modern construct.
Anyway, I can promise
you, whatever time or age,
being human ensures that life
will always be complicated.
But beautiful.
How did you know I
was going to say that?
It's one of your most famous quotes.
I probably shouldn't have told you that.
I'm sorry, but it's a beautiful quote.
It's one of my favorites.
It brings me a lot of comfort.
Well, I should retire for the evening.
Good night.
Good night.
Here you go.
Whatever is this?
That is called a caf latte with oat milk.
No, I mean this.
There is a perfectly shaped
Christmas tree in my cup.
I guess we would call that latte art.
It can get quite ornate.
Almost too lovely to drink.
Almost.
So you time traveled.
Do you have any idea
what time travel is?
Of course.
I've read HG Wells' The Time Machine.
Who hasn't?
But I never suspected it to be possible.
Me neither.
What's the last thing
that you remember?
Well, I was sailing up
the coast when I saw a comet
unlike anything I've ever seen.
And then you appeared on my boat.
You mean my boat.
OK, so you think it has
something to do with this comet.
I'm trying to figure this out.
It couldn't have been the boat.
I've taken her out a thousand times.
Is there... is there anything
else you can think of?
Not that I remember.
Oh, you must show me the holiday
wonders of your century.
Perhaps we could take a walk.
Sure, yeah.
We can take these to go.
To what now?
We will carry them out in paper cups.
Paper cups.
Absolutely genius.
Tell me, how does one milk an oat?
You OK?
Mm-hmm.
Look at me.
Yeah?
In my pants, drinking the milk
of an oat from a paper cup.
If my father could see me now.
Yes, you're quite the sight.
Listen, I've been thinking.
Getting you back to 1905...
Why is that man ringing a bell?
He's collecting for families
at Christmas time.
Oh.
So, anyway... that was very generous.
That 120-year-old coin
could feed the whole city.
OK, like I said, we need to
focus on getting you back, so...
Isn't that
the most marvelous Christmas
tree you've ever seen?
Who owns this majestic tree?
No one, actually.
It's for the tree lighting tonight.
It's one of the events that
raises money for The Giving...
Giving what?
Local charity.
We need to figure out
how to get you back.
Hello, I'm Ella Stewart.
How do you do?
And more importantly, how
can I be of assistance?
Here you go.
Thank you!
Let's get to work.
Oh, I'm...
I'm good.
I don't participate much.
Whatever do you mean?
Well, you know when you
go to a restaurant and
it's someone's birthday and
you're singing "Happy Birthday"
to a stranger?
Not at all, but go on.
Yeah, why would you know that?
I don't know.
I'm just more of an observer.
Because you don't wish the stranger
to have a happy birthday?
No, no, no.
A bad example.
I don't know.
I just... I don't join in much.
I don't know.
Well, not to fret.
We all have an unlimited
capacity for growth.
Yeah.
Excuse me!
Merry Christmas!
What are you doing?
This is Nick.
He's learning how to participate.
Hi, Nick!
Hello,
Well, everyone, let's get to work!
Mm.
Roasted chestnuts.
Glorious.
Some things never go out of style.
Ladies and gentlemen, the
moment you've been waiting for.
Please join me as we count down.
Five, four, three, two, one.
It's so beautiful.
Isn't it, though?
Yeah, the Christmas tree lighting,
the boat parade, they're
all huge Newport traditions.
Ella!
Oh!
Let me guess.
Nordstrom Rack?
You know it.
Oh, can I talk to you for a moment?
- Yeah, yeah.
- Just one minute.
OK.
"Dedicated in loving
memory to Ella Grafton,
who founded The Giving
House, which has provided
housing and support
services to the people
of Newport since 1906"?
I did it?
What is this supposed to be? It's lovely.
You paint this?
Look at it.
This looks like Ella's portrait.
Yes, but notice something missing?
She's just completely
disappeared from the painting.
She's gone.
What does this mean?
As best as I can understand,
time is a river that flows
from the past to the present.
And Ella being here has
placed a boulder in the river,
diverting its course.
OK, so we get rid of the boulder?
Or the course of history
will be changed forever.
But remember, whatever we do,
we cannot tell her the future.
I started The Giving House!
Did you know?
Oh, you must come see
the plaque, it's ever so lovely.
Wait...
Come.
OK, Ella, wait.
Also, a generous
passerby informed me
that The Giving House later
funded a paper company that
single-handedly kept Newport's poor fed
during the Great Depression!
But whatever is the Great Depression?
What?
It's gone.
But how can that be, it was just
here, I swear it on my entire...
We all knew it was here, Ella.
We've all seen it many times.
Then what happened to it?
I think you being here is erasing
you from history, from
the traditions you started.
And I worry if you don't go back soon...
I could disappear permanently.
Whatever are you doing?
Right now, doing a little bit of research.
Trying to figure out the name of
the comet that you saw in 1905.
No, I mean, what is this contraption?
Oh, this.
This is a laptop.
Laptop?
Think of it as an electronic
encyclopedia and an abacus
were rolled into one.
So you're saying this little box contains
all the knowledge of the world?
That's right.
Sadly, today people use it for mostly
posting photos of their pets online
and arguing with strangers.
Anyway, right now, I'm trying to piece
together what happened to you.
There's an article here that mentions
various comets that have traveled
through our solar system in history.
How intriguing.
Yeah.
So with these comets
come magnetic activity,
which under the right circumstances,
would cause very strange phenomenon.
Enough to cause a time portal?
That's what I'm trying to figure out.
Some of these theories think
that these large bodies
of water in the comets'
paths are highly conductive.
Places like the Bermuda Triangle.
No, that's OK.
They've been experiencing
things like this for centuries.
So what's our plan?
Right now, I don't have one.
I'm trying to find a name
and when it will be visible.
And until then, I'm going to keep digging.
So this little box contains
all the knowledge of the world?
Even history?
No spoilers.
No.
I was going to say the museum or...
I apologize, your home... is
less than a block from here.
And I think Christine needs
some help in the ballroom.
So.
What?
What?
What are you doing when
we finish up here today?
Nothing.
I had something I
actually wanted to ask you.
Do you think maybe...
Am I intruding on a private rendezvous?
Well, I'm stressed.
I heard a thing.
Well, I have the centerpieces to make
and the ball is in five days.
And our Step Back Into Time
theme is proving harder
to pull off than I thought.
So.
Well, don't be stressed.
I'll help you.
But you haven't even been
to a Christmas ball yet.
No, but I've been to other balls.
Men in tuxedos, women
in gowns, ice sculptures,
candles, dancing.
It sounds like the best time.
No, it's dreadful.
You must always be
on your best behavior,
as my father reminds me.
I must converse cheerfully,
never sigh of weariness,
and always be polite, demure, graceful.
Never truly myself, thus never
really connecting with anyone.
Oh.
Well, it seems Francis is courting you.
No.
Perhaps at the ball, you should
let your fan do the talking.
A press against the cheek
signals you love someone.
Ella, you're too much.
Everything looks
and smells divine, Christine.
Well, the tradition
of the ball started when
you'll see.
But we hand out donation
cards, people fill them out,
and then they hang them
on the boughs of the tree.
That's wonderful.
How many of these
do we need to make?
A lot.
Perfect.
Good morning.
How may I help you?
Are you... are you talking to me?
Yes.
How may I help you?
Show me everything you
can about Ella Stewart
from Newport, Rhode Island.
Certainly.
Finding information about
Ella Stewart Grafton.
Rex Grafton?
Ella.
Oh!
Did you know your box talks?
Yeah, it's called Siri.
Siri who?
Never mind, we said no spoilers.
So I marry Rex Grafton.
Is that who my father chooses
instead of Everett Thornton?
You know I can't tell you that.
I am sorry.
Please, tell me something.
We don't know a lot about him.
We know that he was a Navy man.
So my father chose a Navy man.
Is there a portrait of this Rex?
You have to stop
searching for the future.
You're going to be in it soon enough.
You mean...
Can I show you something?
OK, watch.
OK.
I found this while you were out.
The Christmas comet passes
Earth's orbit in December
every 20 years.
But check this out.
Look at the date in 1905.
December 18.
December 18.
That's the night you
ended up on my boat.
That's the comet I saw!
That's what I was thinking.
But watch this.
If this chart right here is correct,
it's going to fly by in five days.
Christmas Eve.
Christmas Eve.
But how will I know
what time or where to be?
That's the only thing I don't
have figured out right now.
But important thing is, we
know what day it's coming.
Thank you.
Oh!
You're... you're welcome.
There was one thing I did
not tell you about that night.
Yeah?
But it is silly.
Sillier than time travel?
I guess if you put it that way.
Right before you appeared on my boat,
I wished for a different life.
One where someone would
fall in love with me for me.
That's not silly.
It's a beautiful thing to wish for.
We should probably go.
It starts soon.
What is?
The perfect thing for someone
who loves Christmas as much
as you.
I thought they already
did a Christmas tree lighting.
They did.
This is actually the beginning
week of all of the holiday
festivities in Newport.
It's the Christmas boat parade.
A boat parade?
Mm-hmm.
How wonderful!
Yeah, it's a big tradition here,
started by Ruth Meyers, who was
a local woman inspired by you.
All the proceeds go to The Giving House.
We must make sure
Beneficence is especially pristine.
I can't say I participate
in the boat parade,
but I do enjoy watching it.
Tell me more about this
refusal to participate.
When did your commitment
to a life of isolation begin?
Growing up with my dad.
He was a good man,
but was a quiet man.
Where was that?
Florida Keys.
I probably could sail
at the same time I could walk.
My dad had a boating business,
so I worked with him.
And after that, I joined the Coast Guard.
And then from the GI Bill,
I got to pursue my passion
in college, which was history.
That's where I met Christine.
She seems like a good friend.
She's pretty great.
After drifting around for a while,
she gave me a full time
job here in Newport.
How do you like it here?
I love it.
So much.
Surrounded by water,
surrounded by history.
Definitely a drifter by nature.
Why is that?
I can't say one place ever felt like home.
I know that feeling well.
Really?
You seem very at home
here over a century later.
Do I?
You do.
You're too kind.
My whole life I've been told
I'm too much or too loud,
that no one will ever love
me unless I'm a perfect lady.
If I hadn't long ago committed
myself to a life of service
above self, I might be
quite sad to think I never
had a real chance to love.
Well, who's to say that you don't,
or won't... love Rex?
It's beginning to look
a lot like Christmas.
Everywhere you go.
Take a look at the five and ten.
Mm!
The sugar snow-covered
fry bread is delicious.
Oh, and that parade was marvelous,
a spectacle of humanity.
My father would never approve.
Your father must be worried.
You've been gone three days.
I'm sure he'd be ecstatic
to have you back.
For a moment.
And then he'd be, as Sadie
says, mad as a March hare.
I take it you two don't get along?
We attempt to.
We never see eye to eye.
He always wants me to be
his dutiful daughter.
But I've always been, well, me.
You ever try talking to him?
No, there is no talk.
He dismisses any discussion
before it ever even begins.
And he always has the final say.
Like choosing this Rex for me.
I assure you, Ella, you
live life as you intend.
The things you want, you make happen.
And what of you?
Of me?
What do you wish for your life?
I was in love once.
Or I should say, I thought I was.
Oh?
We met when I was working
out of port in New York City.
What was she like?
She was great.
On paper, we were a perfect match.
She was beautiful and lively and spirited.
A lot like you, actually,
but very regimented.
I wanted the... the romance
and the moments in between.
And she wanted the packed
social calendar
and planned date nights.
And you?
If I'm being honest, I like
to take the days as they come.
Same.
That was my whole point.
I love waking up not knowing where
the day is going to take me.
Exactly.
Getting off work early
and taking a walk on the beach.
Or maybe in the rain.
Sounds delightful.
It would be.
As long as it's not 20 degrees.
I wanted a love for the ages,
and I didn't see that with her.
And I... I hope that doesn't sound selfish.
One should never
compromise with one's heart.
You're very easy to talk to, Miss Stewart.
As are you, Mr. McManey,
Plotting a course?
Hey.
Yeah, something like that.
Ooh.
Wow.
A good compass is a sailor's best friend.
Absolutely.
So I know the general
coordinates of where
you first appeared on the boat.
I figured we'd start there.
Even if we find the right area,
there's no guarantee of success.
Are you worried?
There's nothing comforting
about being sucked
into a Christmas time portal.
Besides, I've become very
taken with the future.
And it's many eccentricities, women
in pants, talking encyclopedias,
snow-covered fry bread.
Electric cars, a magic
I've yet to experience.
The past needs you.
I know.
I made a promise to help the
people of Newport, and I will.
Good.
But what if I can't?
What if history doesn't
play out the same way?
What if I'm not up for the task,
or I've somehow altered my fate?
There's a quote that I really love.
"May those who follow
their fate be granted happiness.
May those that defy it
be granted forgiveness."
Abraham Lincoln.
Really?
Mm-hmm.
Well, if we only have a few days
left together in the future,
we should make the most of it.
I agree.
Excuse me, Miss?
May we please have two Christmas
caf lattes with milked oats.
Oh, and with the most ornate
version of a reindeer one
can muster.
I know I probably
should not be doing this,
but since we've already
disrupted the course of time,
I thought I should show you
why you need to go back.
And that's why.
The Giving House.
Oh, Nick.
Thank you.
Look.
Oh, wait, I've got cash.
I've got cash.
It's lots of cash.
Thanks, Merry... Merry Christmas.
Thank you very much.
You're welcome.
Yeah, you... you hold that.
Why?
Why?
Because that coin is going
to be worth a fortune.
Actually, all the coins
are, especially Bitcoin.
Tell your great-grandkids about that one.
I have great-grandkids?
No spoilers, Ella.
Oh, this is lovely.
Thanks.
I can customize it for you if you'd like.
I suppose the name I
would put on it is Rex.
Perhaps you should put
your heart's desire on one.
OK, so we call that fishing.
And what my heart desires, it
wouldn't work in this case.
Why not?
You're quite the eligible bachelor.
And you're free from the constraints
of my era's matchmaking.
Modern day dating is not very easy.
Maybe there is something
to matchmaking.
Surely not.
You get to make all your own choices.
And that may be.
But finding someone you want
to spend the rest of your life
with, a best friend
and confidant, that's not easy.
And I don't care what part
of history that you come from.
I agree.
That's what my mother would
always say... nay, insist
my husband should be.
Is that what your father was to her?
I don't believe so.
Which is why I think
she wanted it for me.
Ladies and gentlemen,
if you follow me right this way
to my favorite room of the house,
the atrium, which is actually an addition
to the original structure built
in 1891 as a birthday gift
from Lord Grafton to Lady Grafton.
Oh, this looks amazing.
What are you working on?
Stringing some popcorn.
- Badly.
- You know what?
I'm going to go box up
some of the donations
that one of the patrons
dropped off, so see you later.
Nick told me the good
news about the comet.
I'm just excited
because we get to have you
here for a little bit longer.
Well, I look forward
to experiencing your ball.
You've worked so hard on it.
Thank you.
It's been a labor of love, but I
wish I could have gone to yours.
The first ball.
I also look forward to seeing
you and Francis dance together.
Oh, no, no, no.
That's not going to happen.
Why not?
Because I... maybe love just
isn't in the cards for me.
I've never been very lucky
at it, And that's OK.
You know?
Maybe some people are put on
this planet to create history,
like yourself.
And some of us are put
here to preserve it.
Christine, you can't possibly believe that.
Francis would be lucky to be with you.
You're a catch, an inspiration.
A lady boss.
Right back at you.
Oh, it's so kind of the museum
patrons to donate items.
Patrons are very, very
generous, especially
around Christmas time.
They say one man's trash
is another man's treasure.
Sounds like something I'd say.
I know.
Hey, thanks again for the compass.
Sure.
That man.
Who is he?
Oh, old Coast Guard
buddy, Adam Waters.
He looked familiar.
Maybe you knew, like,
his great-great-grandpa.
The spruce goes
in the ballroom just there.
Would you be able
to help with hanging it?
And, Ned, if you could
finish the popcorn garland,
that would be amazing.
Remember, the popcorn is
for decorating, not for eating.
Who are these people?
Volunteers turned friends.
Oh.
The Christmas ball is in three days,
so we need all the help we can get.
Right.
I figured until I return home, I can
assist in preserving my legacy.
I come bearing frosting.
Oh, do we still need
to make a gingerbread house?
Yes.
Perhaps we can all do it together.
Love a good gingerbread house.
Cooper, let me help
you with the glassware.
I wish I had her optimism.
So it looks like Ella's been
a big help with the ball.
Yes, Ella has.
Hi.
Christine, why does
the mentioning of Ella's name
seem to bring you palpable distress?
You know, all the obvious reasons.
Her portrait is blank, her plaque is gone,
and now her biography
is just scrap paper.
What's next to disappear, hmm?
The Giving House?
I love having her here, but I
also know she has to go back.
In all the history books,
it says that Rex is the one
that brings her back, right?
Yeah, I know.
And I still don't see how that's possible.
What are you looking for?
Oh, Nick said Rex was
is a Navy man.
So there must be something about him,
a graduation photo, a portrait.
Even a sentence or a blurb
would be helpful.
We've looked.
We've scoured these books.
He has no footprint.
Oh, I know, but there
must be something.
The talking encyclopedia told
me that he was born in 1874.
So he must have been
in the Navy 1892 and on?
We followed that lead,
and the only unidentified photo
we have from that time is...
Yeah, that man there.
My father bought my boat,
Beneficence, from him.
Only I don't remember his name.
Could that be Rex?
My future husband?
No, I don't think so.
I remember him being
a working-class type.
Not the kind my father
would choose for me.
I bet Nick would enjoy seeing
the boat's original owner.
I'll show him.
I'll go check on things.
All right.
I'll be along in a moment.
Before you hear it from
her, I tried to help Ella
find info on Rex, but no dice.
You're jealous, aren't you?
No, I'm not.
Why would I be jealous of Rex?
Oh, come on, it's obvious
you have a thing for Ella.
Sorry, but it is painfully obvious.
Of course I do.
How could I not?
I mean, she's effervescent,
she's hilarious, she's gorgeous.
She's a bright light that fills every room
and she makes every situation better.
That felt really good.
But it doesn't matter because of all
the extenuating circumstances. OK?
Like what?
What do you mean, like what?
Like the fact that she lacks
a Social Security number.
The fact that she lives
in another century?
Which gives new meaning
to a long-distance relationship.
How about the fact that
she's a time traveler
destined to marry another man?
So, yes, Christine,
it's mildly complicated.
Pick a hand.
A little gift for you.
This is great.
When did you do this?
Last night, when I couldn't sleep.
I thought we could hang it on the mantle
with the stocking
my mother made for me.
She taught me how
to knit and crochet and
make stockings and mittens
for the people of Newport.
For her, Christmas was
a time to give back.
It's clear where you get
your generous spirit from.
Perhaps.
My mother came from nothing.
She met my father, and she was
swept into a life of privilege
she could only dream of.
Though I fear it was self-sacrificial.
I believe she married
my father so she could
pull her family out of poverty.
That's why your father
wanted you to marry Everett.
He was trying to protect you.
He saw how hard your mother's
life was and the choices
that she had to make.
Well, what do we do now?
Do you want to watch
a Christmas movie?
A moving picture?
Mm-hmm.
But how?
The TV, of course.
Yeah, watch.
Think of it as a lot of moving
pictures in this black box.
Fascinating.
Right?
Would you like some wine?
Yes, please.
So what was your favorite
Christmas movie of your time?
Oh. Santa Claus.
The first Christmas movie ever made.
Oh, it's absolute perfection, all 1
minute and 17 seconds of it.
Wow.
Well, our Christmas movies
today are much longer,
and there's much more of them.
Shall we?
What's your favorite Christmas movie?
Hands down, It's a Wonderful Life.
Which actually reminds me a lot of you.
Why?
Well, because it's about
a person with a good heart
trying to make a big difference.
And also, creating happiness
no matter where you are.
Strange, isn't it?
Each man's life touches
so many other lives.
But when he isn't around,
he leaves an awful hole,
doesn't he?
Will I leave an awful
big hole when I'm gone?
You will be missed.
But everyone will know that you're
living the life you should.
And they will be happy for you and Rex.
What if I don't love him?
Do you remember the day
that you went to study,
and you saw the portrait
of yourself for the first time?
And Christine said that
there was mysterious wonder
around your smile?
And you said because you were happy.
What of it?
It's because I think, and I have always
thought, that that was the very first
time you were ever in love.
I understand you found an original photo
of the owner of The Gilded Age?
Oh, yes.
Let's see here.
On the right.
This man?
Are you sure?
Yes, I'm sure.
I never forget a face.
And I just bought the Beneficence
from him two years ago?
This is just a tad odd.
Because this looks similar
to the Coast Guard officer
that you said looked
familiar, Adam Waters.
I bought The Gilded Age from him.
Ella.
I can't believe I have
to say this again, but...
I know. I know.
No spoilers.
Only this time, I'm not looking for me.
I'm looking for Adam Waters.
Hitting it doesn't do anything.
I've tried that many times.
Use the mouse.
Oh, mouse!
No.
This... this is... this is called a mouse.
I didn't know.
I know.
I know.
OK, so you use the mouse,
the mouse moves the arrow,
and then you go up to the search bar.
I did that.
But then you click here with this.
Oh.
Now type in your search word.
Go ahead, type it in.
This alphabet is all out of order.
That is true.
Now, hit... when you're done, hit Enter.
Ta-da.
Nick.
Look, they're nearly identical!
Oh, they really are.
Wow.
Maybe that's, like, his
great-grandson or something.
Or maybe he knows something.
Adam did look at me
in quite a peculiar manner.
Or he just thought you were really pretty.
Or, um.
Well, I'm going to pen
a letter formally requesting
his presence for tea.
I'll send it by courier.
We also could just go to the marina.
It's where he usually hangs out.
Oh.
Thank you for walking with me.
What is this feeling?
My head's in a tizzy
and my heart is pounding.
It couldn't be fate, could it?
Hey, Adam.
We were just coming to see you.
- Oh, Nick.
- Good to see you.
How've you been?
Good to see you.
How do you do?
Ella Stewart.
Rex.
Rex Grafton.
What?
So it was you who sold
the Beneficence to me, wasn't it?
Yes.
As I remember it, your father
was tied up on business,
so you came in his stead.
I knew I recognized you.
Only you look different now.
Older.
Then my father sent you to rescue me?
Yes, I was a Navy man known
for my navigational skills.
The night you disappeared, your father
sent a courier asking me to set
out to find you immediately.
I couldn't have been more
than an hour behind you.
That's when I saw it.
The comet?
Unlike anything I'd ever seen.
Then you ended up here?
Yes.
At first, I didn't realize anything
had happened, except that I
was back on course to Newport.
But when I got here, I
discovered it was 2005.
And you've been stuck here ever since.
Yes.
Did you ever try to get back?
Yes.
In the beginning, I was desperate.
If a comet was mentioned in the
news, I got out on the water,
but no luck.
After some research, I realized that it
wasn't just any comet that
could get me back home, but...
The Christmas comet.
Yes, the Christmas comet
is the only one that comes
close enough to Earth's orbit.
Somehow it interacts with
certain bodies of water
and is only available
for about a two-hour window.
And the fact it only
comes once every 20 years.
I discovered there was
no chance of getting back.
Until right now.
I'm so sorry.
I... It's all my fault.
No.
Don't apologize.
Because the longer I was here,
the more I wanted to stay.
Can I ask, who sold you The Gilded Age?
It was left to me.
I don't know by whom, but about
a decade after I got here,
I got a letter instructing me
to head down to the shipyard.
I was given the title
to the boat with one caveat.
What?
One day I had to sell it.
To Nick.
Then who wrote the letter?
I don't know.
Was it my father?
Was it he who
who arranged for us to marry?
OK, I can give you guys some privacy.
No.
Again, I... I don't know.
I haven't been back since
I left that evening.
But I'm aware the history
books say that we marry.
You know, the Christmas
comet next appears
in two days on Christmas Eve.
I'm so sorry.
I have work to do.
I'll see you out.
So I just met my husband, and it
was a crushing disappointment.
What about the spark my mother
always told me about?
Maybe you two just need some time.
True love doesn't take time.
This was supposed to be
love at first sight,
the start of forever.
Nick, be honest with me.
If I am being given
the chance to rewrite history,
should I take it?
I think...
I didn't ask what you think.
I asked what you feel.
I feel that in a world
that makes very little sense,
that everything happens for a reason.
And I believe that everything is
exactly how it's supposed to be.
I also believe that all of the
history books cannot be wrong.
So you do feel I should marry him.
Nick filled me in about Adam.
Oh, yes.
I'm certain the fates
are having a laugh at us.
Do you want to talk about it?
What is there to say?
Except I guess whatever will be will be.
Are those the cards the guests
will place on the tree?
Yeah.
And how did that tradition start?
Just let it play out, Ella.
How am I supposed to let it just play out?
Leave my fate to my father's picking?
Just allow myself to marry Rex?
Who knows.
Maybe he grows on you.
I know myself.
I know my gut.
For the first time, I...
I know what it feels like
to fall in love with someone.
Someone in particular?
No.
It doesn't matter.
The history books are pretty
clear that I marry Rex.
To think I will have tasted love and then
have to live a life without it.
Ella, I really shouldn't
be telling you this.
And I'll probably cause, like,
total dimensional fracture.
Oh, I'm pretty sure
the damage is already done.
In the history books and family
accounts and local legend, Rex is
the one that finds you at sea.
He brings you home, and the two
of you fall madly in love.
So you will love Rex.
And it'll be a love for the ages.
Adam!
I was just on my way to see you.
Yes, I've also been meaning to come by.
I just wasn't sure what to say.
Why don't we talk
someplace out of the cold?
I've been thinking
of you, how it must
have felt these last 20 years.
I feel responsible.
I took you from your home.
But I am home.
No, I mean, your home in the past.
But it's OK.
I think I know how I can get you back.
Why would I want to do that?
I have a life here.
I have a sense
of purpose and community.
And even if we try, there's no guarantee.
No, but we have to try,
Adam, there's so much at stake.
Look around you.
This could all be affected.
And I fear if we don't go back, I won't
be able to fulfill my legacy.
And if I do go with you,
I fear I won't fulfill mine.
Look, I understand your concern.
I do.
But when I lived in our time, I was adrift.
I didn't feel at home.
I had no friends or family.
And for a long while, I wished for...
A different life.
Yes.
I have a wonderful life here.
Why would I want to give all
that up to go back to 1905?
Call it fate or luck or whatever,
but whatever happened
with us with that comet,
it was meant to be.
Perhaps you're meant to do it
on your own, to rewrite history.
If you believe in your dream
and your vision for it,
everything will work out.
But then why am I here?
I wish I knew.
Thank you so much for your time.
Merry Christmas!
Hey, I was looking for you.
Oh, Nick.
Hi.
What... what are you doing?
Oh, I discovered The Giving House does
events with the coffee
shop during the holidays
to raise awareness.
I wanted to take my mind off everything,
so I decided to show the
volunteers a little gratitude
and did some Christmas shopping.
Nice.
Nice, where... where'd
you get the money?
Oh, the gold coins I have?
Yeah?
You're right.
It turns out they're worth a fortune.
Hey, Ella, I got you this.
Thank you.
Nick, this is one of our volunteers, Ada.
Hi.
Named after her
great-grandmother.
Oh, wow.
I was just telling Ella
that The Giving House
helped my great-grandmother secure
a home and find a better job.
Her family became one of the
most prosperous in Newport,
and still one of the largest contributors
to The Giving House.
That's great.
Come on, let's take a walk.
Sure, nice meeting you.
What a perfect night.
You seem energized.
Look, I was thinking, we talk to Adam...
No, I've spoken to him.
And?
He has decided to stay here.
I think I should, too.
Wouldn't it be grand?
No.
Why not?
There's a world of good
I can do here in 2025.
No, they need you.
Ada needs you.
The Giving House would not exist.
Think of all the people you've helped.
Not to mention you have an entire
you have an entire life
waiting for you with Rex.
Nicholas McManey, do you
not have any feelings for me?
Of course I have feelings.
Then why are you so set on pushing me
into the arms of another man?
Because it's the right thing to do.
And sometimes caring about
someone means letting them go.
And sometimes caring for
someone means fighting for them.
- Ella.
- What will you fight for?
What will you love?
If not me, if not this, then what...
That's not the way it's supposed to be.
Listen, I'm going to do everything I
can to help you get back home.
What about you, Nick?
When will you ever be home?
Ella.
Mind if I join you?
Yes.
You're actually saving me a trip.
I was about to come find you.
One of those, please.
Thank you.
Thank you.
I... I spoke with Ella last night.
If you're going to try
to convince me to go back,
I'll tell you the same thing I told Ella.
I have a life here.
In 1905, both my parents had passed.
I was an only child.
And the few people I know
in Newport are all gone.
If you don't catch that
portal and the comet passes by,
you two are both stuck
here for another 20 years.
- Would that be so bad?
- Yes.
Yes, it would.
Adam or Rex or whoever you are,
you have to go back with Ella.
We have no chemistry.
Then build some chemistry.
I promise you, if you get to know her,
there's no chance you're
not going to fall for her.
Come to the ball.
Come to the ball, and then you
both can sail away together.
To a time where I've
been gone for seven days,
yet I'm 20 years older?
And to do what?
Enjoy all the turn-of-the-century
comforts and a few World Wars?
What would I even do there, Nick?
You would love and you would
be loved by an amazing woman.
Look, the thing is, I
already have an amazing woman.
Her name is Maven, and we're engaged
to be married this summer.
Does Ella know this?
Look, I want to help her.
And I believe I have
a way to make sure she
finds the correct location.
Come on.
Let me show you something.
OK, I believe the Christmas
comet will be visible over
Newport starting at 10:00 PM.
So in theory, that's when
the two-hour window would begin?
Yes.
The one thing that bothers me is why
did Ella and I both see the same comet,
but come out in different time periods?
I think it's because we were
both at different coordinates
when we entered the portal.
Do you remember the coordinates
you found her at?
Yeah, it was 41 degrees
longitude by minus 71 latitude.
OK.
If every section of this protractor
is 10 years, with 1905
Newport being at 0...
So then 120 years into the future
would match the exact
coordinates where Ella appeared.
Yes.
Now, I came in at these
coordinates here,
which would signify 100 years.
It's 2005.
That's 20 years earlier based
on where you were in the water.
That means that if she stays
the course on Christmas Eve and
sails to the coordinates
that you just gave me,
that should be her best chance
of getting back to 1905.
Nick, there's something
else I didn't tell you.
What's that?
That in addition to selling you the boat,
I also had to make sure
on December 18, 2025,
just before dusk, I
somehow get you out to sea.
That's the rescue you sent me on.
There was no rescue.
I was just following
the orders from the letter.
Look, I'll meet you both at the ball
and I'll make sure she gets off safe.
But that's all I can promise.
I'm not going back.
You look beautiful!
Look at you!
Yeah.
As do you.
I've never worn a dress like this before.
You look amazing.
Guess where I got it.
Nordstrom Rack!
Gorgeous.
Oh, Christine, this is stunning.
Thank you.
Look.
Look at what you've accomplished.
Oh, I'm so proud of you.
It's all because of you.
Anything that I am is because of women
like you who paved the way.
You're going to make me cry.
Oh, I have a gift for you from the past.
Oh?
I think it will prove useful.
Oh, my goodness.
It's beautiful!
Remember, a press against the
cheek signals you love someone.
So when you don't know what to say,
let your fan do the talking.
Thank you.
Now, how much time do we have?
I set sail at 10 o'clock.
Then let's make the most of it.
Yes, let's.
Hi!
You clean up nice.
I was going to say
the same thing about you.
Say, did you ever learn
about Victorian fan signals?
Yeah.
Women used them to convey
secret messages, right?
Right, yes, yeah.
So an open fan
to the side means that you
want someone to wait for you.
And a fan pressed against the cheek
means that you love... fancy someone.
And a closed fan to the heart means
that you won the person's love.
You know what my favorite one was?
What's that one mean?
That you want to be kissed.
What do you think?
I think that never in all of history
has anyone been more beautiful.
Careful.
I might swoon again.
I might catch you.
Any word from Adam?
No.
We have to go.
Why?
- I thought we said 10 o'clock.
- We did.
But I want to make sure you get off safe.
Isn't there time for one
dance before we go?
I think so.
You seem sad.
I am.
A bit.
Why?
You get to go home.
Nick, the question still stands.
When will you ever be home?
When I kissed you.
At that moment, I was home.
Adam.
This is my fiance, Maven.
Hi.
It's nice to meet you, Ella.
It's nice to meet you, Maven.
The Giving House doesn't exist.
This is all my fault.
Listen, we can fix this.
We have to go now, OK?
OK.
Let's go.
Bye.
I'm sorry to disappoint you, Ella,
but you must understand
my home is here.
I understand.
I do.
Maven is a lucky woman.
Goodbye, Adam.
Goodbye.
I... I think this is where I'm supposed
to tell you that things will never
be the same without you here.
But in this case, it needs to be.
I hope you think of me.
Only every day.
Everything you've done here,
everything you've inspired.
I'm very thankful.
And it all will have been
worth it just to have known you
and to have been home with you.
And I have something for you.
Nothing big.
Just maybe you can put it in
your secret ornament collection.
If not, it can be
a souvenir from the future.
With you.
Always.
I'll cherish it.
You have to go.
Why did you let me
meet the man of my dreams
only to make it impossible
for us to be together?
I'm ready to go home now.
I know what love is and I'm
ready to share it with others.
Welcome home, Ella.
Ada!
Miss Ella!
By God's grace, you're home!
We prayed for you.
Your prayers worked.
Thank you for giving me
a reason to come home.
If I may, what day is it?
Why, it's Christmas Eve, ma'am.
Use this for your Christmas dinner
and all else will fall
into place, I promise.
How can I ever repay your kindness?
By doing the same
for others when you are able.
Merry Christmas.
Merry Christmas, Miss Ella.
Mr. Edward Benson
and Mrs. Edith Benson.
Still no sign of Miss Ella, sir.
I can't feign joy when
my Ella is still missing.
Another tree?
We made that in Ella's name.
She intended to start a proper
charity to help this community,
and we see it as a fitting
way to welcome her home.
Much of Newport has already
donated whatever they can.
Bless you, Sadie.
People have arrived...
Sadie!
Oh!
Thank heavens!
We feared the worst.
It's good to be home.
Is father...
Greeting the guests, yes.
He's been so worried.
I placed your gown upstairs with the faith
that you would return home.
I'll be right up to help you dress.
Thank you, Sadie.
I'd like to thank you all for coming.
It is with a heavy heart
that I must announce
that my dear Ella is not...
Oh, my child.
Father.
I was so worried!
I thought I'd lost you.
I was lost, but I found my way back.
Come, my dear.
We have much to celebrate.
Everett Thornton is here
and is very eager to meet you.
Father, I must speak with you.
In private?
Of course.
Everybody, please, enjoy yourselves.
What's happening here?
What's happening is that I have seen
the life that waits for me.
And I want it.
I owe it to others, to myself.
I cannot marry Everett Thornton.
But you haven't even met him.
He's come all this way.
You've always wanted me
to be someone I am not.
But I understand now.
It stems from worry.
Of course I worry.
I love you,
I know you do.
Right now, it might not seem that I
can be both who you want me to
be and who I'm destined to be.
I think that we'll find in time,
they're the same person.
Father, if I am to marry,
it must be for love.
And I'm starting my charity.
I hope to do both with your blessing.
And do you have someone you love?
May I present to you Mr. Rex Grafton.
How did you...
It's quite the story.
And you are?
Father, may I present Rex
Grafton, the man who rescued me.
Ah, you're the navigator.
Sir.
You found her?
My eternal thanks.
What can I ever do to repay you?
It was my honor, sir.
May I have this dance?
Yes.
Oh.
Wait, Christine.
Look.
I hope that means she got home safely.
Hi.
I'm so sorry to interrupt, but I
was told to give this to you
on the stroke of midnight
on Christmas Eve.
It's been in my family's
lock-box for generations.
I can't believe we finally
get to see what's inside.
You are full of surprises, Rex Grafton.
How was this possible?
When I left you at that dock, I
realized that if Adam was
not going to accompany
you on the journey, I could.
I got a boat, and I followed you.
And I got to thinking, he
said his parents had passed.
He was an only child.
He wasn't from here.
He had no relatives to speak of.
And my father never met
him, except by courier.
Correct.
So maybe he was the Rex
Grafton that was sent out.
But I was the Rex Grafton
that brought you home.
So therefore...
It was you.
It was always you.
Yeah.
So we are to marry?
If you'll have me.
If not, I'll be stuck
here for another 20 years.
You had me at Rex Grafton.
Merry Christmas, Ella.