The Forsytes (2025) s01e02 Episode Script

And so it begins.
The crumbling
of the polished facade
the unravelling
of the carefully curated life
we've built for ourselves.
Free of scandal
and inconvenient truths,
of hidden desires
and secret longings.
But should they emerge
do we let them lie ?
Or do we pursue them ?
And are we prepared
for the consequences ?
Who was that lady
that just called ?
Did she upset you ?
No, no, not at all. I just
Come here and take your linctus.
- But it's horrible.
- And so is whooping cough.
Now go and do your reading.
Go.
Everyone was loving my gown.
So, I was thinking, Mama,
I need a new riding coat,
so shall we visit Miss Louisa today?
I think not.
She mentioned last night
she's booked up
for several months in advance.
Well, she'll fit me in.
And I wanted to take some bonbons
for the children.
No.
No ?
Their mother may not want them
to have sweet things.
It's so sad, Grandmama.
Their father died
before they were born,
and she had to bring them up
all alone.
- So brave.
- Yes, very commendable.
All the more reason
not to overburden her.
Are you joining us
for the opera tonight ?
What is it ? Traviata ?
All that weeping and wailing
annoys me.
June
You should wear the pink silk.
I've invited the Carterets
to our box.
Why ?
So we can all become
better acquainted.
June must be thrilled. So many
young men clamouring to dance.
And what a picture she looked.
And that gown was a triumph!
Almost a disaster!
- But the girl worked wonders.
- Girl ?
- You were ogling her, remember?
- That little chickabid.
- You might've introduced me.
- I took care not to.
- She seemed awfully thick with Jo.
- The dressmaker ?
- Who's this ?
- Pretty young thing, quite charming.
Remind me
why she was "thick" with Jo?
Well, perhaps he was thanking her
for saving the day.
- Can you get an appointment with her?
- That's what I'm hoping for.
After June's ball,
everyone will be after her.
Shall we ?
What are you doing ?
Seeking employment.
As a typist ?
How demeaning.
I need something to tide me over
until I can find a way to pay
for Paris.
Are you still persisting
with that madness ?
Why wouldn't I ?
- Congratulations !
- Thank you.
- Congratulations !
- Thank you very much.
- Thank you very much.
- Very well done.
Good to see you.
The point is,
there is no prior instance
- of a chairman resigning
- No.
and therefore no precedent
for the eldest son's accession
before his father's death.
So in the case of Jo
Increasingly at odds
with the aims of the firm?
If it were brought before the board
how much further he might deviate,
how that could endanger
the future of the company
The sheer insanity
of prizing tradition over merit.
It's archaic, it's wasteful,
and if it goes ahead,
a missed opportunity.
It is not a foregone conclusion.
I will insist it be brought
before the board.
And in the meantime
we build the case against Jo.
I saw her.
At the ball last night,
the girl from Venice.
- Louisa.
- How did she come to be there ?
She makes gowns, June's gown.
Well, she's a widow.
She lives in Soho.
- Had you any idea ?
- No, not an inkling.
Will you see her again ?
I don't know.
Were you told who to marry?
I chose freely.
Your father was my first love
and when he died, I was sure
I would never get over him.
- But you did ?
- Nothing compares to first love.
We persuade ourselves
the fever is real.
And then, if we're lucky,
we meet our true soulmate
and discover something
more profound.
So, Papa's your soulmate ?
Like magnets, perhaps.
The attraction of opposites.
Gentlemen today, I can announce
that Forsyte & Co has been offered
a unique opportunity.
My old friend Sir Jimmy Buckland
has finally succeeded in his scheme
to deploy a tribe from Upper India
to the gold mines of Ceylon.
Carried in the teeth
of great difficulties,
it should double the output
of his mines.
And quarter the lives
of his workers ?
Well, whether one expires
of miserable old age
on one's own barren soil
or prematurely of damp
at the bottom of a foreign mine,
I hardly
Surely of small consequence as long
as it benefits the shareholders.
Well, I imagine it's
of some consequence to the widows.
May I continue ?
Thank you.
Sir Jim, as a personal favour to me,
has given us advance notice
so that we may use the information
to our advantage
by offering our clients,
and indeed ourselves,
the chance to invest.
It is quite literally
a golden opportunity.
It's a risk.
Which we have an impeccable record
for calculating.
Still feels like gambling to me.
Are we agreed ?
- Yes. Agreed.
- Adjourned.
I'll be back later.
I have an appointment.
Anyone we know?
No.
Is it to your taste ?
I can admire the tonal qualities,
but, no, it doesn't move me.
May I ask what does ?
A more vibrant style,
something which captures
the fleetingness of a moment
rather than preserves it in aspic.
You're a romantic.
My stepmother says I'm
"utterly unfit for decent society".
- Your crime ?
- I dance.
- The polka, the waltz?
- The ballet.
My mother was a dancer,
and I seem to have inherited her
- Talent ?
- Passion.
There, I said it.
Now's your chance to escape.
And yet as you see
..I'm still here.
So no escape.
From what ?
The opera, the Carterets,
the scheme
to throw me to the wolves
Horatio ?
Isn't he more of a poodle ?
Well, look who I have.
I know she's not mine.
But I take her with me
when I'm feeling vexed
or miserable
and she always cheers me up.
Is that why you got her ?
She was a gift. From a friend.
Someone I met in Italy.
An attachment ?
- Short-lived.
- Let me guess.
She wasn't "suitable".
You were forbidden to pursue her.
We just went our separate ways.
And then you met Mama.
Yes.
I'm not sure I want to fall in love.
It sounds like torture.
Well, it can also be magnificent.
Jo never seems to learn.
Today in the boardroom,
wittering on about widows
and gambling.
Poor Cyril. How he frets
when he knows I'm going out.
Shall I stay behind
and pet him for you ?
Dear, no !
That would defeat
the whole purpose of the evening.
The purpose being to dangle
June and I
before the Carterets
and hope they bite ?
What he fails to grasp is the need
for us to be led
by sound commercial nous.
Darling, we simply want you
to find someone who deserves you.
If we're to maintain our position
as London's premier brokers,
- the board should be worried.
- And you look so handsome.
- The board will be worried.
- She won't be able to resist you.
I will make sure of that.
So glad you could join us,
Lady Carteret.
My dear.
To be seen in the company
of the illustrious Forsytes,
who wouldn't leap at the chance ?
Lovely to see so many
young people
..but sad to think they're seldom
masters of their own fate.
I like to think we take their views
into account.
Tradition is what counts, stability.
No impulsive
changing of the guard.
But sometimes,
is it not a fresh perspective
that is exactly what is needed ?
Provided the proposed candidate's
up to the task.
- I understand you're an avid reader.
- Well, I
Have you read Frankenstein ?
Er, no, I
You'll find you have some sympathy
for the creature.
No will of its own,
forced to do another's bidding,
until, of course, it rebels.
I seem to have left
my wallet at home.
Perhaps I could prevail
on your father.
Or you could just not drink.
My cousins.
- Mama, I might just, erm
- Of course.
I do beg your pardon.
Are you hurt ?
Do I look like a damsel in distress ?
On the contrary.
- Are you here with friends ?
- Family.
My mother thinks this is the place
to meet the right people.
- Would I fall into that category ?
- I seriously doubt it.
Do I sense a renegade ?
June Forsyte.
Philip Bosinney.
Buccaneer.
Come on !
I adore Traviata.
Makes one positively
melt, don't you find ?
Did you miss me, pudding ?
Ooh, don't sulk.
I promise I'll make it up to you.
Always affecting, Traviata.
Lost love and all that.
Perhaps we should be celebrating
love found.
Perhaps we should.
Can you believe June tonight ?
Determined not to cooperate.
The Carterets, our plans.
Will you speak to her ?
Saying what ?
That there's a time and a place
for everything.
And the time for June is now.
She's 18.
She has to put away childish things.
She worships you.
If you tell her we would only ever
choose someone worthy of her
But perhaps you think your father
made the wrong choice for you ?
I made the choice.
You must go.
I can't bear to leave you.
Your family needs you.
Your father's summoned you home.
When I return
..where will you be ?
Florence ? Rome ?
Will you write to me,
tell me where you'll be ?
Jo, stop.
Let's not pretend.
What ?
These past few months
Have been the most precious
of my life.
And mine too. But
we always knew
they would come to an end.
Why must they ?
Because I am a lady's maid,
and you're a gentleman.
What, and no gentleman ever
married a lady's maid ?
You're dreaming.
Believe me, I'm not.
If you still feel this way
in a year's time
I'll feel the same way
in 50 years' time.
Then I have your address.
I'll write.
Wherever you are
I'll come to you.
- Jo
- Louisa.
Louisa, please.
Please, keep your voice down.
My assistant is asleep.
Why have you come ?
Honestly, I don't know.
To prove you weren't a figment
of my imagination ?
Or to see the only person
who ever completely understood me.
Did.
We are very different now.
And yet here we are.
Do you still paint ?
Rarely.
It was one of the many things I gave
up to serve the god of commerce.
I'm sad to hear it.
Now tell me about your husband.
Late husband.
- Is there any point in?
- Well, were you happy?
Did you love him ?
Er, that's my assistant.
Erm, she sleepwalks.
You must go.
Please don't come here again.
You needn't have gone
to such trouble.
- I'm happy with bread and cheese.
- So am I.
And when nature arranges
a feast for the soul,
what more does one need ?
When we lived in Paris,
we used to picnic by the Seine.
You were happy there.
When my mother was alive
and I could watch her dance.
And you were destined to follow
in her footsteps ?
As you were destined
to follow your father's ?
I seem to have a talent for numbers.
In their own way, they have
a magic which intrigues me.
You make them sound
quite mysterious.
Well, they are.
But also immensely practical.
Like you, one learns techniques,
one practises one's craft.
But beyond that
one learns to trust one's instincts.
Exactly that.
Not that I lay claim
to any form of artistry.
Perhaps you underestimate yourself.
Your dancing, is it the only
profession you've ever considered ?
I've prepared for it my whole life.
And if my audition goes well
Your audition ?
I sold my jewellery to go and try
for the Corps de Ballet.
- In Paris ?
- Yes, in Paris.
And when would this be ?
I leave in a month.
I'm convinced he has Miss Carteret
in his sights.
Pargetter told me he's on the river
this afternoon with a picnic !
- Which can only mean
- An imminent announcement.
I'm sure we can all agree Olivia
Carteret is an excellent choice.
Certainly fits the bill
for a man destined to be chairman.
Miss Heron
we've known each other
a matter of weeks,
so I've no right to question
any choice you might make.
But today when I heard
you speak of Paris
- You thought me rash, irresponsible.
- Far from it.
I understood the impulse,
the desire,
and I recognised that I
wished to encourage it.
Encourage ?
It's true that Paris has
a somewhat shady reputation
though I myself
found it captivating.
You've been ?
In my youth,
and would not be averse
to visiting again
if you were there.
Though, my family, well,
no doubt they'd disapprove.
Perhaps we needn't tell them.
Mrs Forsyte.
I hope I'm not disturbing you.
Won't you take a seat ?
I have always been curious
about you
the girl who first
captured his heart.
Not that he ever spoke of you.
One just instinctively knows
that one wasn't the first.
What made you come to my house ?
- You begged me to.
- And you were curious.
And hoped to see him ?
I've never attempted to see him.
I've
I've never tried to contact him,
I've I've never asked him
for anything.
- Does he know about the children ?
- No.
You understand he never can.
It would ruin him.
In his business,
reputation is everything.
And in mine.
I came here with nothing,
singlehandedly raised
two children whilst
building a business.
Do you seriously imagine that I wish
to endanger my own good name ?
And should he try to see you ?
I will tell him to go away.
I thought your scrawling days
were long gone.
Something you wanted, Soames ?
Perhaps you should give it all up.
Quit the grind, and daub away
to your heart's content.
Perhaps I should.
Why don't you ?
- Ask my father, or yours.
- Of course.
You're here to save us.
How noble.
Good day to you, Soames.
What did I say, first
time we boxed at Oxford?
That I'll never make it as a fighter
cos I lack discipline.
I wonder why we became friends.
Because we both needed a punch bag.
And I was missing Soames.
So, brother
a number of us have been
speaking, and, er well,
we're keen to hear Jo's vision
for the company.
Vision ?
- Ahead of the vote.
- What vote ?
There'll be no vote.
The decision is mine.
- Yeah, but must be ratified.
- It's tradition.
- Eldest son to eldest son.
- Well, with respect
well, you broke with tradition
when you pushed Jo into the chair
before your demise.
- Even so
- I mean, surely
you want all the board
to be fully behind
the new appointment ?
Don't think I don't know
what you're about.
You have your eye on
the prize for Soames.
I think we both know he's
the better man for the job.
Isaac ?
Er, just curious,
did you pick up any sense
from the other partners
what they think of Jo's promotion ?
I know what I think.
Tell me.
He's passionate,
struggles to compromise.
But that's why this
company needs him.
In ten years,
he's never let you down.
I don't believe he ever will.
Thank you, Isaac.
Your father just told me.
Beggars belief, the idea of a vote ?!
Expected.
Well, you know James
is setting you up to fail.
Quite.
Disappoint him.
You have the vision, the ability.
You deserve it.
We deserve it.
So let's be very considered
about our next move.
Not throw it away
in a moment of madness.
Cyril. Paw.
Paw. Paw.
Cyril, paw. Paw!
Well done, Cyril.
- That's so funny.
- There you go, clever dog.
Someone's looking pleased
with themselves.
- Happy Miss Carteret !
- Happy Soames, if he's any sense !
- Which I'm certain he does.
- Well, I mustn't be late.
I told June I'd take her with me,
but Frances has forbidden her to go.
- Go where ?
- The dressmaker, Mrs Louisa.
- Who also does wedding gowns.
- Why did Frances forbid her ?
No idea, but she was
absolutely insistent.
"June is not to go".
Well, I'm heading into town myself.
Can I drop you ?
Silk Street in Soho ?
There's a jeweller's nearby.
Won't you join us?
Thank you, no.
I will make my own arrangements.
- My dear. Are you quite well ?
- Yes.
That is, a matter has come
to my attention.
I'm not quite sure how to manage it.
That will be, er
Mrs Dartie ?
Is Mrs Byrne at home ?
Children, put those down. Come here.
Hello.
- Are you?
- My children, yes.
- And their father ?
- He died.
A long time ago,
before we were born.
- How old are you ?
- Ten.
- Hannah, take the children.
- But, Mama
Please do as I say.
I need to speak with this gentleman.
I'll come to you soon.
Who is their father ?
Is he dead ?
Is he ?
As good as.
Dear God, Louisa,
you couldn't think to tell me ?
What should I have said ?
I had no claim on you.
We barely knew each other.
I saw myself for what I was -
a diversion.
I loved you!
You desired me, as I desired you.
And what we had was
was brief and careless
and could never have come
to anything.
You should have looked for me,
after Venice.
You knew my family,
you knew my name.
I did look for you
when I knew I was with child.
I had every intention
of seeking you out.
So why didn't you ?
I read about your marriage
in the newspaper.
What else could I do
but make my own arrangements ?
Earn enough to set aside
for my confinement ?
I took in mending, embroidery,
anything I could
to provide for my child.
Children, as it turned out.
- But if you'd told me
- Then what ?
You had a wife,
a stepchild, a family name.
Was I supposed to be
your guilty secret ?
Better to find my own means
to provide for my children.
Our children.
OUR children.
They can never know.
Please don't make this difficult.
Our lives need not be
thrown into disarray
simply because we
happened to meet again.
As you wish.
But first, I'd like to see
the children again.
Don't do this.
Please let me see them, Louisa.
Please.
Children, come here.
And it is certain ?
The children are his ?
Beyond doubt.
And he doesn't know ?
Does anyone ?
Nor must they.
- James and Soames especially.
- Indeed.
How trustworthy is this girl ?
- Could she threaten to expose him ?
- I don't believe she will.
She's posing as a widow
- Good.
- and a respectable dressmaker.
So we're confident the
matter will go no further.
We are.
Come.
This is a friend of mine.
Hello.
I'm Jo.
How funny !
So am I.
But everyone calls me Jos.
May I call you Jos ?
I'm Holly.
I know he looks older,
but we're twins.
It's a pleasure to meet you, Holly.
Are you crying ?
Yes, I am crying.
Are you sad ?
No.
I'm happy.
Happier than you can imagine.
Sorry.
I don't wish to scare you.
That's the last thing I want.
Please, you must leave.
I have clients due.
The back door, this way.
Please don't come here again.
I'll see you at dinner, Pa.
Jos, Holly, come on.
- But, Ma, I don't want to
- Thank you, Holly.
I was told you were looking for me.
I came just now from Soho.
Yes ?
From the dressmaker, Louisa.
She and I knew each other years ago.
I'm aware.
I've seen her myself.
- Then you know about?
- The children. Yes.
Nothing about their existence
is simple.
- And clearly there are consequences.
- Yes.
The possibility of discovery.
How it can be used against you.
Just as we're in touching distance
of everything we've worked for.
We're a partnership a family.
Let's not complicate or compromise.
We can put all of this behind us
and go on as before.
I don't think you understand.
I can't go on as before.
- Before, I was unaware.
- But you're under no obligation.
I can't wish away
two human beings, Frances.
You mean to acknowledge them ?
I mean not to deny their existence.
For now
promise me no-one need know.
It would be catastrophic
for you as chairman,
for us as a family,
for me as your wife.
I promise.
How could you ?
- What did you hear ?
- All of it.
I knew her
before your mother and I ever met.
But it makes no difference to us.
You're still my beloved daughter.
- Except now I have to share you.
- No.
- Mama has to share you.
- No !
It's her, isn't it?
Louisa, the one who gave you this ?
Forgive me, Miss Heron,
but in the spirit
of our recent conversation,
I wanted to bring you a gift.
They're beautiful.
Aww, thank you.
I hope they might speed you
on your way to Paris
and the fulfilment of your desires.
Mr Forsyte,
you've been such a friend to me.
I hope so.
I do.
And yet
..with your permission, I
would like to think of myself
as more than a friend.
Forgive me.
I am well-schooled
in matters of business.
Less so in matters of the heart.
Which to be frank,
has never been touched.
Not by a single soul, until
Believe me,
I never intended to speak so soon,
but, your imminent departure, I
I can no longer leave unsaid
what I've known
from the moment I saw you.
You are my heart's desire.
I cannot imagine a life without you.
Mr Forsyte, this is
unexpected.
- But not, I hope, unwelcome ?
- I
To be truthful,
I'm a little astonished.
We scarcely know each other.
But what we do know might
lead us to be hopeful ?
Perhaps.
Then let me say one more thing.
I'm convinced we could be happy.
But if you find we cannot,
though God help me,
I'll move Heaven and Earth
to make us so
I will release you,
and you will be free.
That's
very generous.
But if you agree
to our engagement
we will go to Paris together.
And from there, plan our future.
And it will be all that
you've dreamed of and more.
Just imagine, Cyril -
dear Soames engaged
and replacing Jo as chair.
That day could be
closer than you think.
Come on, child.
Spit it out.
sync & corrections FunnyBell