The Forsytes (2025) s01e05 Episode Script

Some call it a fever,
which robs the victim
of rational thought.
Some call it delirium,
which fuddles the mind
and curdles the blood.
Some call it possession,
which distorts reason
and shatters sleep.
Others call it love.
But call it what you will,
for a Forsyte, it can be
both a blessing and a curse.
Shall we join the
family for breakfast ?
Let's spare ourselves.
We'll have to face
them sooner or later.
We should throw them
a welcome dinner.
Show the bride what a civilised
household looks like.
She'll get nothing useful
from Emily or Winifred.
I wonder how Frances will take it.
A rival in the family ?
No longer Queen Bee ?
Well, she'll hardly be
threatened by that slip of a girl.
What a lovely thought.
She can't seriously believe
she's in love with Soames ?
- Does she need to be ?
- Madly.
Else why get married at all ?
Phil and I will be inseparable.
We'll finish each other's sentences,
think each other's thoughts.
How exhausting.
Well, I'm sad for you, Grandpa, that
you've never known great passion.
When did I say that ?
We'll brave the family tonight
for drinks
but in the meantime
you can settle in and
let Pargetter fetch whatever you need.
And where will you be ?
At the office.
Persuading my father of our plans.
And while I'm gone, why not make an
inventory of everything you'd like to change ?
Change ?
My love
this is a bachelor's apartment.
As a new husband, I naturally bow
to my wife's superior taste.
- But if we're in Paris
- On the rare occasions we return
I want everything to be
just as you wish.
Till dinner.
- Last night
- Yes ?
I couldn't sleep for some reason.
Nor I.
How strange.
Yes.
I'll see you at dinner.
Ah, Wiggins
I have an errand for you.
Good morning, Mr Forsyte.
Ceylon Gold up five and rising.
- As predicted.
- Not by all.
I recall some advised caution.
They'll be regretting it now.
Will they ever learn ?
Ah, my boy.
I'm here to see
Mrs Forsyte.
- Shall I announce you ?
- No need, I know my way.
Dear Irene.
Welcome to the madness.
This must all feel very daunting,
but I'm here to help you navigate.
- Well, that's very kind
- Tomorrow night,
- you'll join us for dinner ?
- Thank you
And the day after,
I'll take you into town,
introduce you to all
our preferred establishments.
You'll want to open
accounts, of course.
Shall we say ten ?
Splendid.
Is there anything
you require, ma'am ?
Erm your name ?
Pargetter, ma'am.
- First name ?
- Constance.
Do your friends call you Connie ?
They do.
May I call you Connie ?
Oh, ma'am, that wouldn't be fitting.
I believe that's for me to decide.
Does Mr Soames have
any other personal staff ?
- He does.
- I'd love to meet them, please.
Yes ma'am.
- This is Knowles.
- First names ?
Teddy, valet.
Betsy, parlour maid.
Simeon, footman.
Betsy, Teddy, Simeon, Connie.
I'm delighted to meet you.
I'm not sure how long
Mr Soames and I will be staying,
but I hope we have the chance
to become better acquainted.
Thank you.
Ma'am
forgive me for saying
The lady of the house shouldn't
fraternise with servants ?
It might confuse them.
- They don't expect to be
- Treated with respect ?
Well, I expect it. Least I can do
is return the compliment.
- Is that understood ?
- Perfectly, ma'am.
Telegram did the trick, I see.
No, I've actually returned
earlier than planned to navigate
any potential upheavals
caused by world events.
Such as?
Famine in Africa,
tornados in Bengal,
conflict in Suez.
Upheavals which could lead
to turbulence in the markets.
And Mrs Soames ?
Is she aware of her duties ?
As the wife
of a prospective chairman
she'll need to rise
to the occasion.
And when the occasion arises
she will.
Now, if you'll excuse me, Pa.
Of course.
Just the person I wanted !
- June, how are you ?
- Engaged !
To someone you actually like ?
Not that dreary Earl Mama
was grooming me for.
Pa came up trumps,
said I could marry for love.
- Then he's a rare soul.
- My absolute hero.
So, his name's Phil,
he's an architect.
We're not allowed to marry till
he gets his first commission, but
I say, you don't fancy
a house in the country ?
If it's just outside Paris.
Speak to Phil.
You'll love him.
He's like us.
I mean, you and I.
As you'll soon realise,
we are not typical Forsytes.
What is a typical Forsyte ?
Brace yourself,
you're about to discover.
Are you going into town ?
Shall we go together ?
Yes.
- I'll have one !
- Just the man.
Thank you for agreeing to see me.
Last night, forgive me,
I should never have come.
- But when I heard they were sick
- It's a weakness they have.
Holly especially.
She's always been delicate.
But we manage.
I don't want you to "manage". I
My stepdaughter, June,
her whole life, she's been lavished
with all the luxuries money can buy.
So, why should they not
have the same ?
- Because they're not gentlefolk.
- They're my children.
Don't say that.
I'm sorry.
Let me do something.
Pay for their education, medicine.
They need never know.
I'm their father.
I'd like to see them from
time to time, if you'll let me.
I'll consider it.
- Quick word, Mr Forsyte ?
- Wait. Yeah.
Thank you.
The other ledger, please.
- That's yours.
- Thank you, sir.
There you are.
Morning, Mr Forsyte.
So, how was Paris ?
- Why do you ask ?
- Rhetorically.
Obviously it was bliss.
All the more noble that
he returned prematurely,
for the good of the firm.
- Having kept his ear to the ground.
- On his honeymoon ?
Oh, got wind of impending
turbulence in the markets.
- From where ?
- Point being that in times of instability,
there are gains to be made by those
prepared to take calculated risks.
Shouldn't we apply a more
of a cautious approach ?
Until the long-term picture
becomes clear ?
Don't think he's suggesting that
anyone should adopt the tactic.
Just those adept in risk management.
Over to you, my boy.
Excuse me.
You went out after all ?
To Covent Garden, for nectarines.
Pargetter would've fetched them.
I wanted the air.
I hate being cooped up all day.
How was your father ?
Was he reassured ?
My father
Yes.
My father.
Appears robust
but for years now,
he's had issues with his heart.
Oh, I'm sorry, I had no idea.
And thinking further
I'm realising we've been selfish.
And rather than risk
aggravating his condition,
perhaps we should adjust our plans.
His health could fail at any moment.
So I think for the present
we must remain here.
You mean not to return to Paris ?
- But if I miss the chance to audition ?
- I'm sorry.
It's not what either of us wished.
But what can I do ?
We should dress for cocktails.
My father will be there.
Please don't mention
this conversation.
It will only embarrass him.
- I believe I'm a little nervous.
- Mama.
I can't quite work her out.
She seems a sweet thing, but
I can't help thinking
she's a little outre ?
Well, her wedding dress
was hardly a la mode !
And according to her stepmother,
she absolutely insisted on wearing it.
Well, one wonders if she'll want
her own way in all sorts of matters ?
I'm sure Soames
will put a stop to that.
I'm not so sure.
- He seems besotted.
- Can you blame him ?
I can't bear the idea of her
running rings around him.
Well, she's no business doing
anything but love, honour and obey.
My dears.
Well
here we are.
It's good to be home.
You're most welcome, my dear.
I checked with Mama.
Only five courses for dinner.
Pity. I was hoping to sink
enough to last me three days.
I could steal you some
muffins from the kitchen.
Would you, please ?
When do I get to meet your family ?
Well, as you know,
my mother is deceased,
and my father has
very little time for me.
The brute !
"House-building", is not, to his
mind, a "reputable profession".
Dear Phil. I am now mulling
a small pagoda for the garden.
I advise against.
Have you considered a Tibetan arch ?
I could've sworn that Soames
said they'd be gone a month.
Perhaps he got bored of her.
Or she of him ? Personally,
I wouldn't last five minutes.
Well, no doubt you can ply her
with questions at dinner tomorrow.
I already have.
We walked into town together.
She's too good for Soames,
of course, but you'll adore her.
You too, Papa.
Papa ?
I'm sorry ? What ?
Irene ?
You'll get on like a house on fire.
In fact, I think she might
prefer you to Soames !
Who wouldn't ?
Well, my dear,
we're a long way from gay Paree,
but none the worse for that.
And we must throw
a ball in your honour.
Though I should warn you,
James is a fiend for the polka.
What ?
Isn't that rather boisterous ?
Well, no, not for an
athlete like myself.
Well, I think it's time for us to retire.
Early start tomorrow.
Standards to set, etc.
Indeed.
Yes, now that Soames is stepping up,
we're relying on you to do the same.
You are a Forsyte now, my dear.
Standards are high
but so are the rewards.
Good night to you all.
Irene seemed a little subdued.
If you'd let me near her
I would have livened her up a bit.
She asked me how I was.
How the devil should I be ?
Fit as a fiddle, I told her.
Perhaps she was tired.
The journey from Paris.
In a First Class carriage with
Soames pandering to her every whim ?
I really hope she won't
make life difficult for him.
I think she already has.
Your father seemed very spirited.
He puts on a good show.
So as not to alarm my mother.
Open it.
It's beautiful.
I thought you could
wear it close to your heart.
I very much regret
our change of plans.
Perhaps in a year or so,
we might reconsider.
By then, my chance to join
the Ballet will have passed.
And that grieves me.
All we can do is take
solace in each other.
I believe we'll find much to enjoy
if we dwell on our many blessings
instead of what we've lost.
- June.
- You know, I saw you.
In Soho, watching the jugglers.
With them.
- I'm sorry, that must have been
- Upsetting ?
No more than for you.
Having to cut ties
with your own children.
How can you bear it ?
When I married your mother
I swore there'd be no difference
in my love for you
or any other children
she and I might have.
And sadly,
there have been no other children.
For me, they do exist.
And my love for you
has only made it clear
what I owe to them.
And I met with their mother.
In addition to a settlement, when
they reach their majority, I've
committed to educate
and provide for them now.
And I intend to tell your
mother this evening.
So say nothing to her before then ?
I don't expect her to take it well.
Nor you.
- What ?
- What am I ?
- A child ?
- Well, I
I met her, I liked her.
And
I do know that difficult
decisions have to be made.
Such as you made
letting me and Phil get engaged.
You're not a bad person.
Till this evening ?
- What would you like ?
- Can I have a bun, Mama ?
Look, it's Jo !
Hello.
Hello.
Do you have any children ?
A stepdaughter,
very bright, very clever.
- Our father was handsome.
- And clever.
- And fun.
- And a very great artist.
Well, if you have such a gift,
you should use it.
Especially if that gift
is an expression of who you are.
- Or used to be.
- And could be again.
Children, I think we must be going.
Say goodbye.
Goodbye.
Yes.
- No, wait.
- Ma'am ?
Yes.
- Make the arrangements.
- Yes, Madam.
- Get me that ledger.
- I want it right away !
What's happening ?
Telegram from Ceylon.
Explosion at the mine.
200 dead, hundreds more injured.
Sir Jimmy Buckland's dead.
The locals are turning on
management.
- And the share price.
- I can imagine.
It's a disaster.
Lovely marshmallows,
bon-bons, sweets for sale.
Can I just get one bag
of marshmallows, please ?
Of course, my dear.
- Miss Forsyte.
- Miss Louisa.
I was buying marshmallows,
and I thought,
"Why don't I bring some
for the children ?
- That's kind.
- May I ?
Now, take them upstairs.
- Must they go ?
- Please.
- They're adorable.
- Yes.
Do you have any siblings ?
Four sisters, two brothers.
Whereas I'm an only child.
Or so I thought.
Was there anything else ?
What ?
Yes, I'd like to be
fitted for a new gown.
I'll fetch my measuring tape.
This came while you were out.
Oh, my God.
Hannah, I
I don't understand.
How could this happen ?
Eviction ?
- How on Earth?
- I've no idea.
- Could it be a mistake ?
- It must be, surely.
Something amiss ?
Can I help ?
No, thank you.
You're very kind, but
Is there someone
who could advise you ?
Someone else who could help ?
Absolutely not.
And I beg that you
don't mention this
to any one.
Lest there be any doubt
collective panic can
only inflame the situation.
Ceylon Gold has suffered a set-back.
Some of our clients,
those who invested large sums,
- will be feeling the pinch.
- The "pinch" ?
But at the end of the day,
the choice to invest
- lies solely with them.
- Damn right.
Everyone knows there
are no guaranteed returns.
- And the contract they sign
- Informs them of that, yes,
but which of them
bothers to read it ?
And whose fault is that ?
Ours, for not emphasising the risks ?
Theirs, for having their eye
on the bigger prize.
I, for one, do not accept that
the responsibility is solely ours !
And why does that not surprise me ?
In case you were wondering,
that is what leadership looks like.
A cool head in a crisis.
- A crisis of our own making.
- How could we have known ?
The scope of it.
We couldn't.
We gambled.
We lost.
Mama, let me help.
What are you doing ?
I can manage !
Mama, what is it ?
What is it ?
Your father has resumed
relations with that woman.
I blame her.
He is weak,
but she has entrapped him.
- Surely not ?
- And if he can't be trusted
to keep his distance,
then the only solution is
for her to be put out of his reach.
For good.
- Could it be her doing ?
- Of course it's her doing.
I should never have
agreed to see him again.
You must write to him, tell him.
I don't want anything
more to do with any of them.
- We'll simply pack up and go.
- But where ?
How will we live ?
How will our clients
know where to find us ?
We'll manage.
Good evening.
Did you have a pleasant day?
I went into town
and met with Madame Lanner.
- May I ask why ?
- To engage her for lessons.
I see.
And is such a hobby
really compatible
with your role as my wife ?
I don't regard it as a hobby.
Go ahead, say it -
your old man got it wrong.
- I wasn't going to say anything
- No, no, no.
Let me have the grace
to admit my mistakes.
I didn't trust your instincts,
thought I knew best.
Lesson learned.
Perhaps I'm not
the expert after all.
'Nothing to do with me.'
I claim no expertise.
I simply follow advice.
And it's really quite shocking.
Poor Monty was escorted
from his club.
Frogmarched out, like a criminal,
simply because several members,
clients of mine,
came a cropper with Ceylon Gold.
And Dizzy Carswell.
Threatened to thrash me !
And how is it your fault
he lost half his estate ?
Well, he can thank his stars
he wasn't Harry Falconer.
Harry Falconer ?
Of Cavendish Square ?
Not for much longer !
Poor devil's lost
his entire fortune.
Here you are.
We were just wondering,
are you one of those wives
who takes an interest
in her husband's profession ?
I could be.
But at present, I know little of it.
I believe it essential for a man to
keep his professional life separate.
Why should a wife be plagued
with his trials and tribulations ?
Because husbands and wives should
have no secrets from each other.
But then where would the mystery be ?
Isn't that what keeps
both parties on their toes ?
Can we speak ?
Not that I am suggesting
anything untoward
What is it ? Tell me.
Whatever I tell you, no-one
can know it came from me.
Madame has asked to
see you now, please, sir.
Summoned for an audience
with the mater.
What's this about ?
Something I said ?
Harry Falconer
of Cavendish Square ?
Yes ?
Do you plan to cover his losses ?
Why on Earth would we do that ?
I believe it's what
your father would have wished.
Well, with all due respect
to the pater's memory, I
You owe him this.
Have you forgotten
how he salvaged your reputations
and set you back on course
after you'd been caught floundering ?
"Floundering" ?
If you mean our brief
attachment to a certain lady.
Alexandra Shepherd - I do.
So what are you saying ?
That if you know what's best
for all concerned
you will do right
by Harry Falconer.
Well, if she couldn't pay the rent,
why not tell me ?
I don't think that's the reason.
I think someone
wants to be rid of her.
Someone wants her premises ?
Someone who wants
her removed from their life.
From their husband's life.
Your mother wouldn't do that.
Please don't be too harsh with her.
- Will you speak to her tonight ?
- No.
There's something
I have to do first.
Well, are you ready to visit
the promised land ?
Liberty's, my dear,
it's the only place to shop.
Morning, Jos.
Would you fetch your
mama and sister for me ?
We're going on a little drive.
Come on.
Big step now.
Would you join me ?
Please ?
- Can we, Mama..?
- Mama, please.
We spent so much.
True, but you'll soon come
to realise you deserve it.
My dear,
your life is no longer your own.
As a Forsyte woman,
you're expected to shine,
to be a perfect hostess,
to forge useful connections,
to profess
no controversial opinions,
to pursue no scandalous habits.
Am I permitted a mind of my own ?
Of course.
But be aware the men like to
think everything is their idea,
and it's so much easier to let them.
Why have we stopped here ?
Thank you.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Shall we go in ?
The door's unlocked.
Go inside and have a look round.
Why are we here ?
Who lives here ?
- Do you like it ?
- I love it !
What is this place ?
Your home ?
- I brought these from Fortnum's.
- What a kind thought.
I didn't know what to get
for the gentlemen.
Sweet things can be bad
for the constitution.
Don't worry about Monty.
He's got the digestion of a hog.
But James,
is he not a little delicate ?
Good lord, no.
Tough as old boots.
Not a day's sickness in his life.
A brandy ?
Are you aware
that my children and their mother have
been served with a notice of eviction ?
How would I know that ?
How would you know that ?
- Are you still seeing her ?
- I have seen her, yes.
- I intended to tell you
- Why are you seeing her ?
To inform her that her children will hence
forth receive ongoing financial support
for their living
and educational needs.
I see.
And I'll occasionally visit.
Despite your assurance to me ?
I have reconsidered.
I realise I owe it to them.
To her.
This is all about her and what
she's managed to extract from you.
There has been no extraction.
Quite the reverse.
You've broken your promise
to me and to June.
- You've continued your affair.
- There is no affair.
You're not even being
honest with yourself !
Are you honest ?
Are you being honest right now ?
- How dare you suggest
- I DO suggest.
I suggest you know very well
Louisa's been evicted
- because you are responsible !
- That's outrageous.
And if honesty is really
what you want, then I will tell you,
I am appalled that you would go
to such lengths to destroy the lives
of two innocent children
who are also blameless.
But you are not blameless.
You have gone behind my back,
again and again and again.
And to claim there is no affair ?
- I cannot believe it.
- You won't believe it.
Then make me believe it.
Remove her from our lives
from London
preferably abroad,
so you are never
again tempted to see her
or her children for
the rest of their lives.
Do not require this of me, Frances.
I do require it.
Then I'm sorry.
- How was your trip with Frances ?
- Illuminating.
I discovered how ill-equipped
I am to be a Forsyte wife.
Well, Frances will teach you
all there is to know.
She's already taught
me a great deal.
Was it that day in the cafe
with my friends ?
Is that when you changed your mind ?
- I'm sorry, what ?
- Or was it at the ballet?
You were so quiet afterwards.
Did something alarm you ?
I'm tired. I've had a taxing day.
And was there really a telegram
from your father?
I told you there was.
Does he actually have
an issue with his heart ?
Why should you doubt?
Because your mother assures me
he's never been ill in his life.
Do you recollect when we met ?
You were grieving.
Practically destitute.
Now you have luxury, security,
the chance to make your mark
on London society.
And what if that isn't what I want ?
Well, then,
I suggest you learn to want it.
And count your blessings -
you are my wife
and our life together
can be exceedingly pleasant.
Or it can be difficult.
But the difficulty will be
of your own making, not mine.
Irene ? Irene, don't go !
Come and meet Phil.
Irene, this is my fiance, Phil.
Phil, this is darling Irene.
- Delighted to meet you.
- The pleasure's all mine.
I know you two are
going to adore each other.
- We are ?
- I absolutely insist.
Booted you out, has she ?
Marriage going well, is it ?
The boy's not thinking straight.
Why else would he take such a stance
about two children he's barely met ?
His own children.
Yes.
There is a pull.
But it must be resisted.
Everything dear to him resides here.
Trust me
he'll return.
- You really have no idea, do you ?
- I admit it, I don't.
Any chance of a bed for the night ?
Well, that's the lot -
ten years of it.
- Sad.
- I think it's for the best.
I do too.
Well, goodbye.
Yes, goodbye.
sync & corrections FunnyBell