The Gilded Age (2022) s03e03 Episode Script
Love Is Never Easy
1
[TV STATIC DRONES]
[BRIGHT TONE]
[SPIRITED ORCHESTRAL MUSIC]
♪
[MUFFLED SPEECH]
[MUFFLED BANG]
Do not use my daughter as
justification for your own
If you refuse to believe
I wonder what that's about.
[MUFFLED ARGUING]
So you see, Mr. Russell,
without that increase,
the duke will not be
able to run his life.
Now, surely, you can understand
how much it takes
to keep these great houses afloat.
I do understand.
But that is my final offer.
It can't be.
Well, don't you want your
daughter to live in the fashion
to which she's accustomed?
Hector, you have owned these houses
and lived in them
for years without my help.
Not perhaps quite as you
would like, but all the same.
Now, I'm offering to make you
an exceedingly rich man.
Shouldn't you quit while you're ahead?
Only Mrs. Russell implied
I suspect you
misunderstood Mrs. Russell,
since she would never make
an offer without consulting me.
I'd hate to disappoint everyone who's
looking forward to this union.
I'm sure you'd be disappointed too.
That is where you're wrong.
I couldn't care less.
Before we say anything we regret,
may I suggest we leave it
there for this evening?
It's very late, and we're all tired.
Why don't we say good night
and resume in the morning?
[CURIOUS MUSIC]
Good evening.
Mr. Russell.
[DOOR OPENS, CLICKS SHUT]
Gentlemen, allow me
to show you to your rooms.
♪
Does that mean it's over now?
I pray so.
I'm not sure.
It's a lot of money for him to give up.
It makes me feel glad
I have nothing to offer.
There's no reason to marry me
unless the man's in love.
[CHUCKLES]
I envy you.
[SIGHS] Oh, Gladys.
I hope they let you marry
for love if this is finished.
You know that, don't you?
I do.
And I'm touched.
[SIGHS] But I'm tired.
I think I'll go up now.
Do you think your father
will protect her now?
I don't know.
He's no match for Mother.
Hmm.
George?
Is it finished?
I know I'm finished.
What does that mean?
I have given Hector
and his lawyer my final offer.
It is a fortune.
But of course, they want more.
Well, can't you negotiate?
Unfortunately,
you've made Hector believe
that if he pushes hard enough,
he'll get a better offer.
I never gave any specifics. I just
You just what?
I said I thought he'd be happy.
But has it really broken down?
We're to announce the
engagement at the unveiling
of Gladys's portrait, but what now?
We'll look like fools.
Bertha, this is business.
And you should not have got involved.
I am certainly not the fool here.
There must be some compromise, surely.
Not for me.
Hector has overreached himself.
He has cheated himself
of a king's ransom.
George, I'm sure that
Hector only needs to reflect
♪
[SIGHS]
I think it's past time
for you to walk me home, Mr. Russell.
Long past.
[CHUCKLES]
[DOOR CREAKS]
What are you doing?
[SOFT MUSIC]
♪
[CLEARS THROAT]
I'm so sorry, Mr. Larry.
The mistress wanted her book.
I should have left hours ago.
Now she'll tell your mother,
and heaven knows
what she'll think of me.
Why should she think anything?
I am a single woman.
I should be as pure as the driven snow,
and here I am,
attempting to seduce her son.
Let me handle my mother.
I'm afraid I've spoiled everything.
Nothing is spoiled.
I love you, Miss Brook.
That's what matters.
[FOOTSTEPS APPROACHING]
[KNOCK AT DOOR]
Come in.
Oh. Are you just back?
Yes.
How was dinner with the duke?
Mr. Russell was not in a good mood.
Oh, I'm sorry.
[SIGHS] I did something silly.
Larry was[SIGHS]
Being affectionate.
And I should have stopped him,
but I didn't.
- Heavens, what happened?
- Nothing.
Nothing happened,
except that he kissed me,
and his mother's maid came in,
and I just don't want Mrs.
Russell to think less of me.
I thought you were
resolved to be cautious.
I was!
I should have stuck with it.
What if she tells the other servants?
Marian, it's only a kiss.
After all, Larry Russell
is courting you.
Or so it seems to me.
His mother is not going
to like the sound of that.
Maybe this will help you
decide what you want from him.
[PENSIVE MUSIC]
What do you mean?
Well, you wouldn't be
criticized for kissing
your future husband.
[BOTH CHUCKLE]
You're getting ahead of yourself.
[SCOFFS]
But can I ask you something?
Oscar said that Larry was once involved
with an older woman in Newport?
Oh.
If it's true, ought that to worry me?
Whatever the justice of it,
there's no hiding from the fact
that our society gives
more license to young men
than to young women.
I hope he doesn't take too
much advantage of that license.
Just be sensible
and never let your standards slip,
and you'll be fine.
- Thank you.
- Mm.
[LIGHT MUSIC]
[HORSES CLOPPING, CARRIAGES RATTLING]
May I ask if you've thought
any more about our argument?
I have.
And I believe
I've come up with a solution.
This is good news.
I hope so.
I will raise my offer
by the sum the duke suggests.
But that's wonderful.
The additional money will be invested
to deliver Gladys an income
to be paid to her
on 1st January and 1st July.
Paid to Gladys?
Yes.
But what use is that to me?
A disappointing response,
if I may say so.
So you mean to let our
properties fall into ruin?
Your Grace, if that's
the way you see it,
then I'd say our negotiations
are finished.
For now, you mean?
I mean, for good and all.
The duke has my offer.
It's up to him if he wants to take it.
I'll have your luggage brought down.
[SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC]
♪
You're down early.
I have a lot to do today.
Morning.
[SIGHS] Is it finished?
George?
Hector, Mr. Dobbs,
are you having breakfast,
or at least some coffee?
No, I'm afraid we won't stay.
I've sent a footman to fetch a cab.
You're moving out?
But why?
I'm sure Mr. Russell will explain.
You mean you're leaving New York?
We may spend a night
or two at the Union,
but we won't meet again.
Goodbye, Mrs. Russell.
And thank you for all your hospitality.
But you were to be
our guest at the unveiling
of Gladys's picture,
as well as a slew of other outings
I have planned.
Then I'm sorry to
disappoint you, Miss Russell.
But I'm sure it will be
a magnificent portrait.
Thank you.
Goodbye, Mr. Russell, Mrs. Russell.
I really hate to see you go.
To quote Henry Longfellow,
"Into each life some rain must fall."
[INDISTINCT CHATTER]
This mess is of your making.
I wash my hands of it.
I'll have my coffee
in the drawing room.
Does this mean
I don't have to marry him?
So it would seem.
[BRIGHT MUSIC]
Thank you, Father.
[EXHALES]
Bah!
I cannot believe this.
What's the matter?
The matter is that my name
does not appear on the donors list
for the Young Women's
Christian Charity.
Only your name is listed.
You see?
Look.
I'm nowhere to be found.
I don't exist anymore.
I'm listed as Mrs. Luka Forte.
Never mind the misprint.
The Van Rhijn family has supported
that charity since it began.
How does this make me look?
You support the charity.
The check has my name on it, it's true.
But the charity is still
supported by this household
because of you.
That is not the point at all.
Don't you see? This is how it starts.
How what starts?
My exclusion from society.
Soon I will stop receiving invitations
to luncheons, teas, balls all of it.
But as long as I continue
to write the checks,
I'll get invited.
So I'm to attend
these parties as your guest,
as some sort of hanger-on?
[SCOFFS] That's what's become of me?
Before I had money,
I attended parties as your guest.
You were a spinster!
And there was no obvious
fall from grace.
My situation is quite different.
You're making too much of this.
Well, how would you feel
if you'd practically started a charity
and years later, there was
no mention of your name,
no acknowledgment of your contribution?
You wouldn't even know about it
if it weren't for me.
Agnes, you persuaded me to donate
when I would have preferred
the funds to go
to the temperance movement instead.
Please don't remind me
of that, not now.
It's too much.
You're blowing this
completely out of proportion.
There are worse things
that could happen.
Think what Aurora is going through.
Aurora's name and her party
are still mentioned in the newspaper.
Unlike me, she has not been erased.
Yet.
Once her divorce is public,
things will change.
Well, perhaps I will find my
place in Newport with Aurora.
And I'll spend the rest of my days
with society's castoffs
and women of ill repute.
[SIGHS]
At least they'll have wine.
[EXCITING MUSIC]
[HORSES CLOPPING, CARRIAGES RATTLING]
♪
[INDISTINCT CONVERSATION]
Ah, thank you.
My pleasure.
- Yes, my favorite.
- Oh.
I'll take that, Louise.
This is for Miss Peggy.
That can't be.
Hardly anybody knows I'm
staying with you in Newport.
Well, aren't you going
to tell us who it's from?
Dr. William Kirkland.
Oh, Kirkland.
That's the pastor's son.
Oh, they have a house on Poplar Street.
That's what he's written.
He saw in the post about my lecture
and asks where I'm staying.
Well, that sounds like
a man who is smitten to me.
- Mother, please.
- Oh, but I agree.
He had to ask around
to find out about you.
- [GIGGLES]
- He is not smitten.
He hardly knows me.
And he saw me at my very worst.
Oh, what does the letter say?
He wants to pay a call.
Louise, please bring
some paper and a pen!
[SCOFFS] For what?
So you can write him back and
tell him he's welcome anytime.
[LAUGHTER]
- Athena, stop.
- What?
Do you want me to answer him?
No, thank you.
What what will you say?
I don't know yet!
She's a professional writer, Dorothy.
Let the girl be.
[BOTH CHUCKLING]
Marian, come and have some tea.
I need it after the day I've had.
Another day of internecine warfare?
As a matter of fact,
they all get along well.
That's quite a feat
to have mixed religions
and races all in one room,
working together?
Well, if Marian had been at the helm,
she might have stopped
the Thirty Years' War.
Agnes, Marian is doing
real good in the world.
You must support that.
Hmm, what good?
Whom do you teach?
People whose English does
not match their intelligence.
So I help them with
fluency and reading.
But don't worry.
I make no money from it.
Thank heaven for small mercies.
What Marian is doing
should make us proud.
She will transform the lives
of her pupils
beyond recognition if
they have a bit of push.
Push? Oh, do enlighten us.
And and what of our footman, John?
Does he have push?
Very much so and brains too.
But does this mean
he can no longer serve us?
Aunt Agnes, you know that
John is only working here
until he and Mr. Russell
get the business going.
It is our contribution to his future.
I am very grateful, Mrs. Van Rhijn.
Even if nothing comes of it,
I'm sure you'll appreciate
what you've learned from this.
I do.
So John can continue
as our footman for now.
Not for much longer, I'm sure.
What's this?
Oscar! Where have you been?
John, will you give Oscar some tea?
Sorry I'm late,
but business ran on and on.
You don't seem too cross about it.
No in fact, I had a great day,
with two new clients signed up.
Is this because of John Adams?
I think so.
He is trying to revive my
fortunes, and it's paying off.
- How kind of him.
- We are proud of you.
Are we?
I wonder if these clients
know what they're in for.
We're all proud of you.
You're like John here.
You're living the American dream.
From which someday
they may presumably wake up.
To pursue happiness is
the right of every citizen.
But what if success and money
do not bring happiness, eh, John?
Huh?
Have you thought about that?
It's possible, of course, ma'am.
But I'd like to find out for myself.
[LAUGHS]
[LAUGHTER]
I thought you were going to persuade
your wife to divorce you.
I meant to.
At least I think I did.
But now I'm free anyway.
I feel guilty towards you, in part.
And towards her.
Oh, Mr. Borden, I understand.
Mr. Church said they sent you a ring.
It had been my mother's.
My wife just wanted to make
sure it came back to me.
She'd written me a note.
[LAUGHS] Try to remember
we were happy once.
Were you?
Maybe, in the early days.
[SIGHS] We weren't bad people,
neither of us
just not right for each other.
Still, you must be sad.
I am much more than
I would have expected.
But maybe I'm just sad
about the memories of youth.
[PENSIVE MUSIC]
We can all be sad about that.
But I like the sound of your wife.
Me too. I like the sound of her.
[SIGHS]
It's the fact of her
that gave me so much trouble.
[EXHALES]
Are Miss Gladys and Mr. Larry ready?
Yes.
I believe Mr. Larry
went to get Miss Brook.
They will marry soon, no?
[SCOFFS] I doubt it.
Larry likes his fun,
and boys will be boys.
It's just that I interrupted them
in the drawing room last night.
How interrupted?
Oh, it was nothing, really
two young people in love.
Go on.
Perhaps I am mistaken.
[KNOCK AT DOOR, DOOR OPENS]
Yes, Church?
This was just delivered for you
from Mr. Russell's office, ma'am.
Oh.
We'll leave without him then.
Please ask Gordon
to have something for him
to eat when he gets home.
Yes, ma'am.
[CLIMACTIC CLASSICAL MUSIC]
♪
[APPLAUSE]
[INDISTINCT CHATTER]
The Goelets heard this in Paris.
I so much prefer Italian
operas to French,
- or even German.
- I agree.
Italian operas are more romantic.
I don't think poor
Anne Boleyn would agree.
[CHUCKLES]
Excuse me.
Mr. and Mrs. Newport
But is romance in the air
for you tonight, Gladys?
- Gladys.
- [GASPS]
What is it?
I just wondered if
Billy Carlton was here.
Oh, I don't think so.
They've lent their box to my niece.
Have I told you how lovely
you look tonight?
Only several times.
[GASPS] Oh, my goodness.
Are you all right, Mrs. Fish?
I am, but I don't think
your mother will be pleased.
What would displease me?
Isn't that your duke
talking with the De Lanceys?
I'd heard from Mrs. Phillips
that he had moved on to the De Lanceys,
but I thought it was just gossip.
I know the name. Who are they?
Banking and shipping.
The girl's their only child.
Are you still hosting
a party for Gladys's
- portrait unveiling?
- Of course.
We want to share Mr. Sargent's work
with as many of our friends
as possible.
Including Miss De Lancey?
Your duke looks very friendly.
[LAUGHTER]
I met Martha de Lancey at
Caroline Astor's in Newport.
I danced with her at a ball once.
I remember her quite well.
So many heiresses, so little time.
Still, I'm surprised.
I thought you had
practically branded him.
We can't take up
all his time in New York.
He has other friends.
How magnanimous.
Shall we go in?
- We are here for the music.
- Are we?
I think of the opera as
a place to wear my jewels
- and talk to people I like.
- [CHUCKLES]
But you're right.
I suppose we should
try to enjoy the music.
[INDISTINCT CHATTER]
[PENSIVE MUSIC]
♪
[DOOR OPENS]
Church said you wanted to see me?
Are you only just back from the office?
Why aren't you asleep?
I couldn't sleep even if I wanted!
Why not?
Because of everything, George!
I am on the cusp of an endeavor
that will change this country.
I'm sad I missed the opera,
but I have no time
for social obligations.
This is not about missing tonight.
This is about being humiliated
in the very opera house I built!
Things are only going
to get worse unless you
can bring Hector around.
I've made Hector an offer
he'd be foolish to refuse.
I assure you, he needs us
a lot more than we need him.
He may not need us much longer.
He's found Miss Martha de Lancey,
the only child of a banker.
They were together
tonight for all to see.
I can't imagine
what the papers will say.
You can't imagine, and I don't care.
George, winning in business
and winning in society are linked.
We are facing a very public defeat.
If Hector wants the De Lancey
girl, let him have her.
But Franklin de Lancey
can't give him what we can.
In fact, if I hadn't saved
the Metropolitan Bank,
he'd be sweeping our steps.
Interesting.
I'm going to bed.
No, no, no, no.
You're you're working too hard.
I must seize the moment.
Not tonight.
[SOFT MUSIC]
I'm very tired.
I'll see you tomorrow.
[DOOR OPENS, CLOSES]
[INHALES SHARPLY]
Larry, will you help me?
With what?
If the duke's moved on
to someone else, will
will Father take
Billy's proposal seriously?
But Billy never asked for your hand
not properly.
Because Mother interfered.
But things are different now,
if the duke's gone his own way.
Well, perhaps.
There's no time to be lost.
Father would support me.
You remember his promise.
Of course I remember.
But Billy didn't speak to him
when he had the chance.
Go tell Billy that
I'm not engaged to Hector.
Tell him what we saw
tonight at the opera.
[SIGHS] Explain I still love him,
and now now we can be together.
That's a tall order.
But I'll do my best.
[SIGHS]
I'll go tomorrow
after my meeting with Jack.
But don't get your hopes up too high.
How can I help it?
[BRIGHT MUSIC]
[CHUCKLES]
[WAVES CRASHING]
♪
It was at least five minutes
with no sign of life.
He just lay there.
His lips started to turn blue,
and I couldn't revive him.
What was Mr. Cooper's ailment?
I don't know.
He was in pain, but I couldn't
find anything
- physically wrong with him.
- Hmm.
He did complain a lot, though.
[CHUCKLING] Mostly about his wife.
Was his pain connected
to being henpecked?
- Perhaps.
- [BOTH CHUCKLE]
I think his true ailment
was old man syndrome.
- [LAUGHS]
- It's not a medical term.
Yeah, I do believe
my grandfather suffered
from the same condition.
So what happened?
He appeared to be dead.
So I was about to tell
his wife the sad news,
and I turned to leave the room,
and suddenly, he drew
a sharp breath, began coughing,
- and came back to life.
- [LAUGHS]
- He was Lazarus.
- Wow.
And within moments,
he got back to complaining.
That's when I knew he was
going to be just fine.
[LAUGHTER]
[WAVES CRASHING]
[SEAGULLS CALLING]
When will you return
to New York after your talk?
The main reason I'm here
is because my doctor
ordered me to convalesce by the sea.
Hmm.
[CHUCKLES] I suppose
I'd have to consult
with him about when I can go home.
Well, I know him well,
and I would guess he'll find
that you are healed.
- Oh!
- Oh, are you all right?
[CHUCKLING] I'm fine.
- Thank you.
- [CHUCKLES]
I'm afraid that wasn't very dignified.
Well, then we're even, since my illness
wasn't very dignified when you
rescued me all those weeks ago.
I'm grateful your father sent for me,
or else we might never have met.
[WAVES CRASHING]
May I ask how you discovered I was
staying with my cousin Athena?
[CHUCKLES] It's a small
Negro community.
- Everyone knows each other.
- Hmm.
I haven't been to Newport in years.
Oh, I love Newport.
It's different for us
more opportunities.
My parents have always had a home here.
This weekend, my brother's
coming with his family.
We're having a little party.
Will you join us?
Oh, I'm not sure.
My my father's
coming up this weekend.
Bring him.
Bring your whole family.
That's very kind.
Thank you.
[CHUCKLES]
Bannister, was there any mail?
Not for you, ma'am. Only Mrs. Forte.
Of course. You see?
It's begun.
What's that, Mama?
My societal demise.
Your mother is being dramatic.
Really? It's so unlike her.
Bannister, how did the staff
react to the sobriety pledge?
I can fetch you the clipboard
if you like, ma'am.
Will you allow him
to serve us our luncheon first?
I'm eager to know.
How many have signed?
There is only one name on the pledge.
You mean only one member
of this household
has taken the oath?
Isn't that what he just said?
But it's so important to me.
[SCOFFS] It's not the
presidential oath of office.
Which servant has signed?
It was Miss Armstrong, ma'am.
[COUGHS]
My maid?
- I'm shocked.
- Oh, that's it.
I've lost my appetite.
In one day, I am cut both
inside and outside my house.
Bannister, bring Armstrong
to me this instant.
- During luncheon?
- Yes.
This is exciting.
There is no joy in it.
Oh, but there is.
And I have so little joy these days.
Please don't deprive me of it.
I will not be mocked in my own home,
if I can still call it that.
Nothing is as it should be!
Amen to that.
What is this nonsense I hear
about your signing the pledge?
I think it's a good cause, ma'am,
and I fully support it.
What are your reasons?
Alcohol has destroyed many lives
and brought whole families to ruin.
You've never noticed I don't drink?
I've noticed you're no fun.
How can you subscribe to this nonsense?
- You work for me.
- Actually, she works for me.
I pay her wages.
That will be all, Armstrong.
You are dismissed. Thank you.
Yes, ma'am.
[SCOFFS]
Well, she may have signed my pledge,
but she still follows your orders.
If it makes you feel
any better, Aunt Ada,
the servants pay
no attention to me, either.
For good reason.
I only wanted to do something
to honor Luke's memory.
And only one member of my
staff has shown her support.
You have managed to turn
Mama's maid against her,
so that's something.
I suppose I am no match for you, Agnes,
when it comes to wielding authority.
Oh!
Now who's being dramatic?
[DOOR OPENS]
Forgive the interruption.
A Mr. De Lancey to see
Mr. Russell, ma'am.
I've said the master is out,
which seemed to surprise him.
Yes.
Show him in, please.
I'm sorry to disturb you,
but I had a message
from Mr. Russell, and
The message was from me.
I don't understand.
I wanted to see you on your own,
and I thought you were
more likely to accept
an invitation if it came from
Mr. Russell than from me.
Go on.
Won't you sit down?
Can I offer you anything?
You can offer me the reason
you have brought me here.
It's to do with your daughter
and the duke of Buckingham.
Oh, yes. I see.
I saw them at the opera together,
but I'm afraid I don't think
they are well-suited.
[SIGHS] And why is that?
The duke has substantial
needs when it comes to choosing
a future wife, and my husband has
shared your situation with me.
This is getting odder and odder.
Is it guesswork, or do you
have the actual figures
of my bank accounts?
I don't mean to be impertinent.
You don't think discussing
my finances is in itself
rather an impertinence?
I cannot stand aside when I
see something wrong happening.
I think you cannot stand aside
when you see a plan of your own
making start to fall apart.
You mean to press ahead
with the promotion
of your daughter, then?
I mean to let Martha
settle the question
of whom she will marry.
And I'd advise you to do the same.
You understand the sums involved?
Mr. Russell thinks of me as a
banker who's had a near escape.
But I also have interests
in shipping and manufacture
that mean I can easily
purchase a duke or two.
I see.
But you can relax, Mrs. Russell.
I don't want Martha to be a great lady
on the far side of the world.
I intend to watch my grandchildren
grow up here in New York.
In short, you think me quite foolish.
I think you give these matters
more importance than they're worth.
But I confess, I admire your spirit.
I hear such nice things
about your daughter.
My son knows her.
They met and danced in Newport.
- She told me.
- [DOOR OPENS]
Good day, Mrs. Russell.
I wonder, might I have your card?
[CURIOUS MUSIC]
Certainly, you may.
You rather intrigue me,
to be honest, Mrs. Russell.
I only wish you knew how much
more interesting you are
than the duke of Buckingham.
♪
Why are we waiting?
Much longer, and we'll
all have lost interest.
Ta-da.
Lord, it's the president himself!
You look wonderful, Jack.
They'll mistake you for a businessman.
Then where will you be?
So what will happen in the meeting?
Do you have to talk?
We have four meetings altogether.
But Mr. Larry does the talking.
That may be the only thing
to work in your favor.
Hush.
I just point to the elements
of the clock in the designs.
But you're right, I am nervous.
Just do your best, lad.
Remember, this is your invention.
- You know it inside and out.
- She's right, John.
When you explain your clock,
they'll listen.
I feel like an impostor.
[SCOFFS] We all feel like impostors
at some point in our lives.
Just keep your courage,
trust your knowledge,
and you'll be fine.
Thank you, Mr. Bannister.
[CHUCKLES]
Thanks to all of youse.
I mean it. Thank you.
Go. Go.
Well, hello, stranger.
How was it?
Well? Hello?
It was a walk on the cliffs,
not a walk down the aisle.
Well, that's how it starts.
And I've known
William Kirkland for years.
When they lived in New York,
Arthur got to know the father's son.
Mm, and his wife rules
the roost in Newport.
They're good, educated family.
One of the sons went to Yale.
And his money
Oh, well, that is something.
But what do you think, Peggy?
I'm not going to make a decision
about how I feel
based on someone's pedigree
or lack of it.
Why not? I did. [CHUCKLES]
[SCOFFS] Because it doesn't take
the real person into consideration,
which is what matters.
So does that mean you're not
coming to the Kirklands' party?
No, I'm coming. Why wouldn't I?
Well, if you ask me,
Dr. Kirkland would be
a good match for you.
I didn't ask.
Hmm.
The stubbornness of your daughter.
[CHUCKLES] I guess she
gets it from her father.
She gets her strong will
from both of us.
[EXHALES]
Maybe this one will be different.
By "different," do you mean
he'll find another way
to say "I'll think about it"?
Which always seems
like a polite no to me.
Those were money people.
Mr. Weston manufactures
clocks, among other things.
And we can't give up now.
[SIGHS]
So they're dependable?
Absolutely, every time.
You know, a lot of this
has already been tried.
And never worked.
But ours does.
Talk about the role of the pallets
and why the teeth of the
escape wheel don't need oil
and don't affect
the efficiency of the clock.
[CHUCKLES AWKWARDLY]
Well, actually, uh
With our clock, the pallets
are simply used as stops.
The friction between them and
the teeth of the escape wheel
has no effect on the motion
or the balance of the clock.
If the teeth
of the escapement wears off,
the clock is not affected.
So no oil is needed to make
the escapement work smoothly.
And you invented this?
Yes, sir.
Hmm.
But here's my suggestion.
We have brought two clocks made
according to the new design.
We'd like each of you to take one home.
You can see for yourselves if they are
as reliable as we keep saying.
Are you sure about that?
As long as you bring them back.
[CHUCKLING]
But we could dismantle them
and have them copied.
Mr. Trotter and I believe
you both to be gentlemen.
If we were not sure of that,
we wouldn't have convened this meeting.
Well said.
Besides, we have a patent.
[CHUCKLING]
No oil at all.
I'm sorry, Mr. Weston.
I need to be convinced about
this new kind of pallet.
Yes.
I believe I agree.
I'm just not sure it can work.
[PENSIVE MUSIC]
♪
What are you pouting about?
Apart from you,
everyone put their faith
and their money in me.
I feel like I failed them all.
Did every investor turn you down?
No, but they didn't say yes, either.
They all told us
they had to think about it.
That's not failure.
In fact, I count it a victory
that you got in the door
in the first place.
You got further in the business world
than the rest of us ever will.
I didn't look at it that way.
You young people always want
things to happen so quickly.
These are smart men.
They're not going to
throw their money at you
without taking many things
into consideration.
Kind of like how you didn't chip in
any money for my patent?
I need proof of a sound investment.
I don't trust a feeling,
like the others.
You think more like a businessman.
Ladies' maids are practical
and not prone to fever dreams.
- Thanks, Miss Armstrong.
- For what?
[SOFT MUSIC]
For giving me a glimmer of hope.
Really?
I didn't mean to.
I left you there
to complete the mission.
You need more money for Morency.
I couldn't close the deal without it.
Then sell some assets.
We're already doing that
for the dowry negotiations.
Use the dowry money
for the Morency project.
So the papers are correct.
The duke has refused the offer, yes.
Use the money we raised for him
to move this plan forward.
You're risking more than you have.
And?
And it may not be possible
in the time frame you want.
I have built my fortune
on what other people
have told me is impossible.
I won't stop now.
You have your orders.
Execute them.
- Here we are.
- Yes, here we are.
[INDISTINCT CHATTER]
Hello.
Oh.
Miss Scott graduated from the Institute
for Colored Youth in Pennsylvania.
Then you and my son
have that in common.
Oh, what do you mean?
My wife is referring to
William's attendance at Howard.
And our elder son
went to Yale Medical School.
How impressive.
I'd like to think
it runs in the family.
My cousin was the first colored
man to graduate from Harvard.
William could have gone that
route, but he chose not to.
What's wrong with Howard University?
It's a fine institution.
It is. It's just so far away.
Is that why you never visited me?
It's a lovely area.
My family is from Maryland.
Is that so? What was your maiden name?
I know some folks from Baltimore.
Hoag.
That does not sound familiar.
[CHUCKLING]
Frederick, we don't
know anyone down there.
Our family has lived in Rhode
Island for five generations.
My great-great-grandfather fought
in the American Revolutionary War.
He played the bugle.
And that counts.
Did he fight
for the British or Americans?
Well, the Americans, of course.
He was a proud freeman and a patriot.
Well.
Credit to your family.
There's my brother, James.
I'd love for you to meet him.
Oh, I'd like that.
Excuse us.
Howard Medical Department
served your son well.
His efficient and prompt care
of our daughter
likely saved her
from pneumonia or worse.
I agree.
My training was not enough,
which is why I called on him.
Training?
What training?
I thought you were
some sort of salesman.
I'm a pharmacist and proprietor
of my own apothecaries in Brooklyn.
Isn't that the same thing?
Elizabeth, I have bought
many cures for you
over the years from Mr. Scott.
You owe him a great deal.
Is it a family business?
I meant for it to be,
but, uh, Peggy has her own ideas.
[CHUCKLING]
What I meant was, has it been
in your family for a while?
I founded it.
After I was freed,
I came north to take advantage
of the opportunities
that came with emancipation.
[PENSIVE MUSIC]
Oh.
I see.
I worked as an apprentice
before attending pharmacy school.
[FOOTSTEPS RUNNING]
Grandfather!
Uh, if you'll excuse me,
I promised my granddaughter
some sweets.
[CHUCKLING]
[CHILDREN GIGGLING]
I must have a word with the governess.
Careful on those stairs.
No running.
Loretta, I have told you not to leave
those children out in the sun
too long without an umbrella.
The last thing they need is more sun.
♪
Did you see Billy?
Yes.
And?
I'm afraid I don't have good news.
What do you mean?
He must have read the papers.
Did you explain to him that it's true?
Hector's gone.
He's he's moved on
to another heiress.
I'm sorry to report that
Billy has also moved on.
To someone else?
I don't know that.
But he cannot see a way forward
for the two of you.
Mother has gotten to Mrs. Carlton.
Oh.
I wonder if if he
ever loved me at all.
Maybe I imagined it. How foolish I am.
No, don't say such a thing.
At least you're no longer
promised to Hector.
[SCOFFS]
[WISTFUL MUSIC]
There is someone out there
who is ready and right for you.
Mother would say
I know nothing about love.
Maybe she has a point.
Nonsense.
You'll find it.
We both will.
[FOOTSTEPS APPROACHING]
[DOOR OPENS]
His Grace, the duke,
and his lawyer, Mr. Dobbs,
are here, ma'am.
Show them in.
Your Grace, Mr. Dobbs.
Please.
Mr. Dobbs thinks I must reconsider.
It's always good to listen to the voice
of reasonable counsel.
You're sure your husband's
made his final offer?
Quite sure. And I cannot improve it.
Then we're at an impasse.
Hector.
I hope I may still call you Hector.
Let's not pussyfoot about.
My husband is prepared to give you
an enormous amount of money.
Few, if any, aristocrats in Europe
will be as rich as you are.
Then there's Gladys's allowance.
That belongs to your daughter.
And I mean to respect what's hers.
In a good marriage,
there is no distinction
between his and hers.
God has joined you together,
and if you treat Gladys well
and you're happy,
then what you refer to as hers
will belong to you both.
[SOFT SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC]
The matter is simple.
Do you want to live as lavishly
as most reigning princes?
And do you want your children
to be leaders in society
for their entire lives?
In short, do you want
to save Sidmouth Castle
and have plenty of money to spare?
That woman is a piece of work.
Well, we got away
without you being rude.
That's something.
Who are we talking about?
Mrs. Kirkland.
[SIGHS] She's a little highfalutin.
Is that how you describe it when she
belittled me and my business?
What did she say?
It wasn't so much what
she said but how she said it.
And then there was another comment.
About her own grandchildren.
Now, I know how Elizabeth can be.
And how is that?
She has preferences.
I'd call them prejudices.
- Can we let this go for today?
- That suits me.
As far as I'm concerned,
I never want to see
or talk about her again.
- Well
- Well, what?
William is fond of Peggy,
so we may have to encounter her again.
Peggy does not want to be
involved with people like that.
Peggy is sitting right here.
You have only spoken highly
of Dr. Kirkland and his father.
But not his mother.
I certainly don't want
to judge William harshly
because of her behavior
over one afternoon.
I can tell you right now,
she will never change.
Those people never do.
They just get more so.
And despite all I've achieved,
she'll never respect me
because I was a slave in this country
and not so long ago.
That is something she
would prefer to forget.
[PENSIVE MUSIC]
♪
Thank you, Andre.
Church says De Lancey was here.
He was.
Well, I know when you've
set your mind on a thing,
no one can stop you.
I take that as a compliment.
So what did he have to say for himself?
Only that he has no designs on Hector.
He wants his grandchildren
to grow up in New York.
Well, he obviously thinks
his daughter's happiness
is more important than her rank.
And I agree with him.
And I don't?
I wish you'd trust me.
I am trusting you in all of this.
I just hope I'm right to do so.
Hector called on me today.
I know.
He sent a note.
So there we are.
Everything's falling into place.
I just don't understand why
you're so determined
to keep love out of the equation.
We were a love match,
and we've been happy.
Why couldn't Gladys have had the same?
George, love at 17
is as durable as snow in springtime.
Yes, we were happy, but because
we were well-suited,
not because you liked
the color of my eyes
or I enjoyed dancing with you.
I think Hector and Gladys
are well-suited.
And that's all that matters
in the long run.
You speak as if Gladys
doesn't know her own mind.
But I disagree.
- She's clever.
- Which is exactly my point.
This marriage will give her the power
to use her brain in a world
where very few women get that chance.
Do you think Billy Carlton
would have allowed her that?
♪
[LAUGHS] Indeed.
I wonder what that's about.
We have an understanding.
Oh, there you are.
Church, pour glasses for everyone.
What's happening?
We're celebrating Hector's return.
[TENSE MUSIC]
♪
Gladys?
Church?
Could you ask Adelheid
to bring my shawl?
I feel rather cold.
Yes, miss.
♪
[SOFT MUSIC]
♪
Mrs. Forte!
Oh, can can I get you anything?
Something to eat? Hot tea?
No, I actually wanted
to ask you a question.
It's to do with the sobriety pledge.
Very good.
For the sake of argument,
had the request come from
Mrs. Van Rhijn instead of me,
do you think the servants
would have felt
more compelled to sign it?
I can't be sure.
It's not a secret Agnes
has a way of getting
what she wants out of people,
whether it's their preference or not.
I don't think you should
take it personally, Mrs. Forte.
Miss Armstrong went against
Mrs. Van Rhijn's wishes
and signed it.
That's true.
It was my intention in all this
to honor Mr. Forte
by helping others, just as he used to.
Even though we didn't sign the pledge,
you did get us thinking and talking.
And I know the Reverend Mr. Forte
would be pleased about that.
Would he?
I hope so.
I I'm I'm finding it
very hard without him,
even though Lord knows
I've had many years
to learn how to be alone.
Oh, please don't cry, ma'am.
I miss him.
[CRYING] I I just want
to see him again, to
to touch him, to
to speak to him one more time.
We're all very sympathetic.
Well, I'm I I know.
I'm very sorry if I've embarrassed you.
- Please forgive me.
- Not at all.
I should say good night.
If you could speak
to the reverend one last time,
would you?
[CHUCKLES] Well, of course.
But how is that possible?
I know someone who could help
well, who might be able to help.
[HORSES CLOPPING, CARRIAGES RATTLING]
[SIGHS]
I will miss you.
[CHUCKLES]
Do you think I was harsh
about Mrs. Kirkland?
I don't have to remind you
what a challenging time we had
with your family accepting me.
It's only because they had
somebody else they liked.
And that someone else
had been born free,
like you, and light.
But I chose you.
[CHUCKLES]
If she were to marry William
and the children take after him,
won't people think Peggy's their nurse?
You and Mrs. Kirkland
probably have that same thought.
Oh, don't bracket me with her.
And what if our grandchildren
look more like Peggy?
That woman would treat them
like servants
You're getting yourself
worked up over something
that may never happen.
William is a fine young man.
Yes, he is.
But what about his mother, which we
Must I remind you how things turned out
when you last imposed your will
on Peggy's love life?
No need.
[SOFT MUSIC]
♪
My concern is, her behavior yesterday
is a harbinger of things to come.
Well, you saw the older son's wife.
She wants another one
like that for William.
Arthur was so vexed, it made no sense
adding fuel to the fire,
but he's right.
And that leaves Peggy in the middle,
when she deserves love and ease.
Love is never easy.
You chose it and fought the family.
Including you.
Well, I was young,
following my parents' lead.
We've all come to love Arthur.
And you've created
a beautiful life together.
The family interference did not help.
And I don't want that for Peggy.
[SOMBER MUSIC]
You're seeing this as the end,
when it's truly the beginning.
[SNIFFLES] How can it be the beginning
when it's not what I've chosen?
You promised I could
marry for love, Father.
You gave me your word.
The marriage is a real opportunity.
Do you want us to stop our daughter
becoming one of the most
famous women of her generation?
♪
Give Hector a chance.
That's all your mother means.
As his wife, you could do great things.
Just listen to him,
and see what he has to say.
We can't change the world, Gladys.
He'd like to meet with you
before the others get here.
Why?
What more is there to say?
♪
Sidmouth Castle
is not far from the sea.
Do you like the sea?
Yes.
I'm afraid this is all very odd.
[CHUCKLES] Thank you for saying so.
But please understand,
I really do mean for you to be happy.
[SIGHS] Does it matter
that I don't love you?
How could you? You don't know me.
And you only want to marry me
to save your position in society.
I'd prefer to say
it's about maintaining
our family's position
in the history of my country.
But you're right, of course.
Doesn't that worry you?
Don't you feel ashamed?
I suppose I think I hope
that when you come to know me better,
you'll agree that what
I'm trying to preserve
is worth preserving.
I like that you don't pretend.
I'll give you that.
Dear Gladys,
can we please go forward on the basis
that we won't pretend,
not with each other?
We can come back to America
when we want.
I like it here.
But I do so hope that
you'll enjoy England.
[SOFT MUSIC]
♪
We are engaged.
Oh. [LAUGHS]
Hector. [LAUGHS]
♪
[LIVELY CHATTER]
Mrs. Astor, I'm so glad
you could join us.
I couldn't miss it.
I always enjoy the end
of a fairy story.
[CHUCKLING]
And will she live happily ever after?
Well, that, of course, is the question.
- Are you ready?
- Ready to look a fool?
I suppose so.
Gladys, you're the belle of the ball.
Enjoy it.
Thank you all for coming.
Without further ado,
I present Mr. Sargent.
[APPLAUSE]
To be asked to paint a young woman
is always a daunting task.
It is, in a way, to be
asked to paint her future.
Without speculating on what
Miss Russell's future will be,
we'll see if you agree with me
that it will be an impressive one.
I give you her portrait.
[CROWD MURMURING]
[APPLAUSE]
♪
Marvelous.
As if having her portrait
painted by Mr. Sargent wasn't enough,
we have another
wonderful surprise for you.
[CROWD WHISPERING]
We are pleased to announce
the engagement of our daughter
to the duke of Buckingham.
[CROWD MURMURING]
[APPLAUSE]
♪
Congratulations, my dear.
It's sure to be
the wedding of the year.
I mean to make it
the wedding of the century.
[DRAMATIC MUSIC]
♪
[BEADS CLATTERING]
[BREATHING DEEPLY]
sync & corrections awaqeded
♪
[BRIGHT TONE]
[TV STATIC DRONES]
[BRIGHT TONE]
[SPIRITED ORCHESTRAL MUSIC]
♪
[MUFFLED SPEECH]
[MUFFLED BANG]
Do not use my daughter as
justification for your own
If you refuse to believe
I wonder what that's about.
[MUFFLED ARGUING]
So you see, Mr. Russell,
without that increase,
the duke will not be
able to run his life.
Now, surely, you can understand
how much it takes
to keep these great houses afloat.
I do understand.
But that is my final offer.
It can't be.
Well, don't you want your
daughter to live in the fashion
to which she's accustomed?
Hector, you have owned these houses
and lived in them
for years without my help.
Not perhaps quite as you
would like, but all the same.
Now, I'm offering to make you
an exceedingly rich man.
Shouldn't you quit while you're ahead?
Only Mrs. Russell implied
I suspect you
misunderstood Mrs. Russell,
since she would never make
an offer without consulting me.
I'd hate to disappoint everyone who's
looking forward to this union.
I'm sure you'd be disappointed too.
That is where you're wrong.
I couldn't care less.
Before we say anything we regret,
may I suggest we leave it
there for this evening?
It's very late, and we're all tired.
Why don't we say good night
and resume in the morning?
[CURIOUS MUSIC]
Good evening.
Mr. Russell.
[DOOR OPENS, CLICKS SHUT]
Gentlemen, allow me
to show you to your rooms.
♪
Does that mean it's over now?
I pray so.
I'm not sure.
It's a lot of money for him to give up.
It makes me feel glad
I have nothing to offer.
There's no reason to marry me
unless the man's in love.
[CHUCKLES]
I envy you.
[SIGHS] Oh, Gladys.
I hope they let you marry
for love if this is finished.
You know that, don't you?
I do.
And I'm touched.
[SIGHS] But I'm tired.
I think I'll go up now.
Do you think your father
will protect her now?
I don't know.
He's no match for Mother.
Hmm.
George?
Is it finished?
I know I'm finished.
What does that mean?
I have given Hector
and his lawyer my final offer.
It is a fortune.
But of course, they want more.
Well, can't you negotiate?
Unfortunately,
you've made Hector believe
that if he pushes hard enough,
he'll get a better offer.
I never gave any specifics. I just
You just what?
I said I thought he'd be happy.
But has it really broken down?
We're to announce the
engagement at the unveiling
of Gladys's portrait, but what now?
We'll look like fools.
Bertha, this is business.
And you should not have got involved.
I am certainly not the fool here.
There must be some compromise, surely.
Not for me.
Hector has overreached himself.
He has cheated himself
of a king's ransom.
George, I'm sure that
Hector only needs to reflect
♪
[SIGHS]
I think it's past time
for you to walk me home, Mr. Russell.
Long past.
[CHUCKLES]
[DOOR CREAKS]
What are you doing?
[SOFT MUSIC]
♪
[CLEARS THROAT]
I'm so sorry, Mr. Larry.
The mistress wanted her book.
I should have left hours ago.
Now she'll tell your mother,
and heaven knows
what she'll think of me.
Why should she think anything?
I am a single woman.
I should be as pure as the driven snow,
and here I am,
attempting to seduce her son.
Let me handle my mother.
I'm afraid I've spoiled everything.
Nothing is spoiled.
I love you, Miss Brook.
That's what matters.
[FOOTSTEPS APPROACHING]
[KNOCK AT DOOR]
Come in.
Oh. Are you just back?
Yes.
How was dinner with the duke?
Mr. Russell was not in a good mood.
Oh, I'm sorry.
[SIGHS] I did something silly.
Larry was[SIGHS]
Being affectionate.
And I should have stopped him,
but I didn't.
- Heavens, what happened?
- Nothing.
Nothing happened,
except that he kissed me,
and his mother's maid came in,
and I just don't want Mrs.
Russell to think less of me.
I thought you were
resolved to be cautious.
I was!
I should have stuck with it.
What if she tells the other servants?
Marian, it's only a kiss.
After all, Larry Russell
is courting you.
Or so it seems to me.
His mother is not going
to like the sound of that.
Maybe this will help you
decide what you want from him.
[PENSIVE MUSIC]
What do you mean?
Well, you wouldn't be
criticized for kissing
your future husband.
[BOTH CHUCKLE]
You're getting ahead of yourself.
[SCOFFS]
But can I ask you something?
Oscar said that Larry was once involved
with an older woman in Newport?
Oh.
If it's true, ought that to worry me?
Whatever the justice of it,
there's no hiding from the fact
that our society gives
more license to young men
than to young women.
I hope he doesn't take too
much advantage of that license.
Just be sensible
and never let your standards slip,
and you'll be fine.
- Thank you.
- Mm.
[LIGHT MUSIC]
[HORSES CLOPPING, CARRIAGES RATTLING]
May I ask if you've thought
any more about our argument?
I have.
And I believe
I've come up with a solution.
This is good news.
I hope so.
I will raise my offer
by the sum the duke suggests.
But that's wonderful.
The additional money will be invested
to deliver Gladys an income
to be paid to her
on 1st January and 1st July.
Paid to Gladys?
Yes.
But what use is that to me?
A disappointing response,
if I may say so.
So you mean to let our
properties fall into ruin?
Your Grace, if that's
the way you see it,
then I'd say our negotiations
are finished.
For now, you mean?
I mean, for good and all.
The duke has my offer.
It's up to him if he wants to take it.
I'll have your luggage brought down.
[SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC]
♪
You're down early.
I have a lot to do today.
Morning.
[SIGHS] Is it finished?
George?
Hector, Mr. Dobbs,
are you having breakfast,
or at least some coffee?
No, I'm afraid we won't stay.
I've sent a footman to fetch a cab.
You're moving out?
But why?
I'm sure Mr. Russell will explain.
You mean you're leaving New York?
We may spend a night
or two at the Union,
but we won't meet again.
Goodbye, Mrs. Russell.
And thank you for all your hospitality.
But you were to be
our guest at the unveiling
of Gladys's picture,
as well as a slew of other outings
I have planned.
Then I'm sorry to
disappoint you, Miss Russell.
But I'm sure it will be
a magnificent portrait.
Thank you.
Goodbye, Mr. Russell, Mrs. Russell.
I really hate to see you go.
To quote Henry Longfellow,
"Into each life some rain must fall."
[INDISTINCT CHATTER]
This mess is of your making.
I wash my hands of it.
I'll have my coffee
in the drawing room.
Does this mean
I don't have to marry him?
So it would seem.
[BRIGHT MUSIC]
Thank you, Father.
[EXHALES]
Bah!
I cannot believe this.
What's the matter?
The matter is that my name
does not appear on the donors list
for the Young Women's
Christian Charity.
Only your name is listed.
You see?
Look.
I'm nowhere to be found.
I don't exist anymore.
I'm listed as Mrs. Luka Forte.
Never mind the misprint.
The Van Rhijn family has supported
that charity since it began.
How does this make me look?
You support the charity.
The check has my name on it, it's true.
But the charity is still
supported by this household
because of you.
That is not the point at all.
Don't you see? This is how it starts.
How what starts?
My exclusion from society.
Soon I will stop receiving invitations
to luncheons, teas, balls all of it.
But as long as I continue
to write the checks,
I'll get invited.
So I'm to attend
these parties as your guest,
as some sort of hanger-on?
[SCOFFS] That's what's become of me?
Before I had money,
I attended parties as your guest.
You were a spinster!
And there was no obvious
fall from grace.
My situation is quite different.
You're making too much of this.
Well, how would you feel
if you'd practically started a charity
and years later, there was
no mention of your name,
no acknowledgment of your contribution?
You wouldn't even know about it
if it weren't for me.
Agnes, you persuaded me to donate
when I would have preferred
the funds to go
to the temperance movement instead.
Please don't remind me
of that, not now.
It's too much.
You're blowing this
completely out of proportion.
There are worse things
that could happen.
Think what Aurora is going through.
Aurora's name and her party
are still mentioned in the newspaper.
Unlike me, she has not been erased.
Yet.
Once her divorce is public,
things will change.
Well, perhaps I will find my
place in Newport with Aurora.
And I'll spend the rest of my days
with society's castoffs
and women of ill repute.
[SIGHS]
At least they'll have wine.
[EXCITING MUSIC]
[HORSES CLOPPING, CARRIAGES RATTLING]
♪
[INDISTINCT CONVERSATION]
Ah, thank you.
My pleasure.
- Yes, my favorite.
- Oh.
I'll take that, Louise.
This is for Miss Peggy.
That can't be.
Hardly anybody knows I'm
staying with you in Newport.
Well, aren't you going
to tell us who it's from?
Dr. William Kirkland.
Oh, Kirkland.
That's the pastor's son.
Oh, they have a house on Poplar Street.
That's what he's written.
He saw in the post about my lecture
and asks where I'm staying.
Well, that sounds like
a man who is smitten to me.
- Mother, please.
- Oh, but I agree.
He had to ask around
to find out about you.
- [GIGGLES]
- He is not smitten.
He hardly knows me.
And he saw me at my very worst.
Oh, what does the letter say?
He wants to pay a call.
Louise, please bring
some paper and a pen!
[SCOFFS] For what?
So you can write him back and
tell him he's welcome anytime.
[LAUGHTER]
- Athena, stop.
- What?
Do you want me to answer him?
No, thank you.
What what will you say?
I don't know yet!
She's a professional writer, Dorothy.
Let the girl be.
[BOTH CHUCKLING]
Marian, come and have some tea.
I need it after the day I've had.
Another day of internecine warfare?
As a matter of fact,
they all get along well.
That's quite a feat
to have mixed religions
and races all in one room,
working together?
Well, if Marian had been at the helm,
she might have stopped
the Thirty Years' War.
Agnes, Marian is doing
real good in the world.
You must support that.
Hmm, what good?
Whom do you teach?
People whose English does
not match their intelligence.
So I help them with
fluency and reading.
But don't worry.
I make no money from it.
Thank heaven for small mercies.
What Marian is doing
should make us proud.
She will transform the lives
of her pupils
beyond recognition if
they have a bit of push.
Push? Oh, do enlighten us.
And and what of our footman, John?
Does he have push?
Very much so and brains too.
But does this mean
he can no longer serve us?
Aunt Agnes, you know that
John is only working here
until he and Mr. Russell
get the business going.
It is our contribution to his future.
I am very grateful, Mrs. Van Rhijn.
Even if nothing comes of it,
I'm sure you'll appreciate
what you've learned from this.
I do.
So John can continue
as our footman for now.
Not for much longer, I'm sure.
What's this?
Oscar! Where have you been?
John, will you give Oscar some tea?
Sorry I'm late,
but business ran on and on.
You don't seem too cross about it.
No in fact, I had a great day,
with two new clients signed up.
Is this because of John Adams?
I think so.
He is trying to revive my
fortunes, and it's paying off.
- How kind of him.
- We are proud of you.
Are we?
I wonder if these clients
know what they're in for.
We're all proud of you.
You're like John here.
You're living the American dream.
From which someday
they may presumably wake up.
To pursue happiness is
the right of every citizen.
But what if success and money
do not bring happiness, eh, John?
Huh?
Have you thought about that?
It's possible, of course, ma'am.
But I'd like to find out for myself.
[LAUGHS]
[LAUGHTER]
I thought you were going to persuade
your wife to divorce you.
I meant to.
At least I think I did.
But now I'm free anyway.
I feel guilty towards you, in part.
And towards her.
Oh, Mr. Borden, I understand.
Mr. Church said they sent you a ring.
It had been my mother's.
My wife just wanted to make
sure it came back to me.
She'd written me a note.
[LAUGHS] Try to remember
we were happy once.
Were you?
Maybe, in the early days.
[SIGHS] We weren't bad people,
neither of us
just not right for each other.
Still, you must be sad.
I am much more than
I would have expected.
But maybe I'm just sad
about the memories of youth.
[PENSIVE MUSIC]
We can all be sad about that.
But I like the sound of your wife.
Me too. I like the sound of her.
[SIGHS]
It's the fact of her
that gave me so much trouble.
[EXHALES]
Are Miss Gladys and Mr. Larry ready?
Yes.
I believe Mr. Larry
went to get Miss Brook.
They will marry soon, no?
[SCOFFS] I doubt it.
Larry likes his fun,
and boys will be boys.
It's just that I interrupted them
in the drawing room last night.
How interrupted?
Oh, it was nothing, really
two young people in love.
Go on.
Perhaps I am mistaken.
[KNOCK AT DOOR, DOOR OPENS]
Yes, Church?
This was just delivered for you
from Mr. Russell's office, ma'am.
Oh.
We'll leave without him then.
Please ask Gordon
to have something for him
to eat when he gets home.
Yes, ma'am.
[CLIMACTIC CLASSICAL MUSIC]
♪
[APPLAUSE]
[INDISTINCT CHATTER]
The Goelets heard this in Paris.
I so much prefer Italian
operas to French,
- or even German.
- I agree.
Italian operas are more romantic.
I don't think poor
Anne Boleyn would agree.
[CHUCKLES]
Excuse me.
Mr. and Mrs. Newport
But is romance in the air
for you tonight, Gladys?
- Gladys.
- [GASPS]
What is it?
I just wondered if
Billy Carlton was here.
Oh, I don't think so.
They've lent their box to my niece.
Have I told you how lovely
you look tonight?
Only several times.
[GASPS] Oh, my goodness.
Are you all right, Mrs. Fish?
I am, but I don't think
your mother will be pleased.
What would displease me?
Isn't that your duke
talking with the De Lanceys?
I'd heard from Mrs. Phillips
that he had moved on to the De Lanceys,
but I thought it was just gossip.
I know the name. Who are they?
Banking and shipping.
The girl's their only child.
Are you still hosting
a party for Gladys's
- portrait unveiling?
- Of course.
We want to share Mr. Sargent's work
with as many of our friends
as possible.
Including Miss De Lancey?
Your duke looks very friendly.
[LAUGHTER]
I met Martha de Lancey at
Caroline Astor's in Newport.
I danced with her at a ball once.
I remember her quite well.
So many heiresses, so little time.
Still, I'm surprised.
I thought you had
practically branded him.
We can't take up
all his time in New York.
He has other friends.
How magnanimous.
Shall we go in?
- We are here for the music.
- Are we?
I think of the opera as
a place to wear my jewels
- and talk to people I like.
- [CHUCKLES]
But you're right.
I suppose we should
try to enjoy the music.
[INDISTINCT CHATTER]
[PENSIVE MUSIC]
♪
[DOOR OPENS]
Church said you wanted to see me?
Are you only just back from the office?
Why aren't you asleep?
I couldn't sleep even if I wanted!
Why not?
Because of everything, George!
I am on the cusp of an endeavor
that will change this country.
I'm sad I missed the opera,
but I have no time
for social obligations.
This is not about missing tonight.
This is about being humiliated
in the very opera house I built!
Things are only going
to get worse unless you
can bring Hector around.
I've made Hector an offer
he'd be foolish to refuse.
I assure you, he needs us
a lot more than we need him.
He may not need us much longer.
He's found Miss Martha de Lancey,
the only child of a banker.
They were together
tonight for all to see.
I can't imagine
what the papers will say.
You can't imagine, and I don't care.
George, winning in business
and winning in society are linked.
We are facing a very public defeat.
If Hector wants the De Lancey
girl, let him have her.
But Franklin de Lancey
can't give him what we can.
In fact, if I hadn't saved
the Metropolitan Bank,
he'd be sweeping our steps.
Interesting.
I'm going to bed.
No, no, no, no.
You're you're working too hard.
I must seize the moment.
Not tonight.
[SOFT MUSIC]
I'm very tired.
I'll see you tomorrow.
[DOOR OPENS, CLOSES]
[INHALES SHARPLY]
Larry, will you help me?
With what?
If the duke's moved on
to someone else, will
will Father take
Billy's proposal seriously?
But Billy never asked for your hand
not properly.
Because Mother interfered.
But things are different now,
if the duke's gone his own way.
Well, perhaps.
There's no time to be lost.
Father would support me.
You remember his promise.
Of course I remember.
But Billy didn't speak to him
when he had the chance.
Go tell Billy that
I'm not engaged to Hector.
Tell him what we saw
tonight at the opera.
[SIGHS] Explain I still love him,
and now now we can be together.
That's a tall order.
But I'll do my best.
[SIGHS]
I'll go tomorrow
after my meeting with Jack.
But don't get your hopes up too high.
How can I help it?
[BRIGHT MUSIC]
[CHUCKLES]
[WAVES CRASHING]
♪
It was at least five minutes
with no sign of life.
He just lay there.
His lips started to turn blue,
and I couldn't revive him.
What was Mr. Cooper's ailment?
I don't know.
He was in pain, but I couldn't
find anything
- physically wrong with him.
- Hmm.
He did complain a lot, though.
[CHUCKLING] Mostly about his wife.
Was his pain connected
to being henpecked?
- Perhaps.
- [BOTH CHUCKLE]
I think his true ailment
was old man syndrome.
- [LAUGHS]
- It's not a medical term.
Yeah, I do believe
my grandfather suffered
from the same condition.
So what happened?
He appeared to be dead.
So I was about to tell
his wife the sad news,
and I turned to leave the room,
and suddenly, he drew
a sharp breath, began coughing,
- and came back to life.
- [LAUGHS]
- He was Lazarus.
- Wow.
And within moments,
he got back to complaining.
That's when I knew he was
going to be just fine.
[LAUGHTER]
[WAVES CRASHING]
[SEAGULLS CALLING]
When will you return
to New York after your talk?
The main reason I'm here
is because my doctor
ordered me to convalesce by the sea.
Hmm.
[CHUCKLES] I suppose
I'd have to consult
with him about when I can go home.
Well, I know him well,
and I would guess he'll find
that you are healed.
- Oh!
- Oh, are you all right?
[CHUCKLING] I'm fine.
- Thank you.
- [CHUCKLES]
I'm afraid that wasn't very dignified.
Well, then we're even, since my illness
wasn't very dignified when you
rescued me all those weeks ago.
I'm grateful your father sent for me,
or else we might never have met.
[WAVES CRASHING]
May I ask how you discovered I was
staying with my cousin Athena?
[CHUCKLES] It's a small
Negro community.
- Everyone knows each other.
- Hmm.
I haven't been to Newport in years.
Oh, I love Newport.
It's different for us
more opportunities.
My parents have always had a home here.
This weekend, my brother's
coming with his family.
We're having a little party.
Will you join us?
Oh, I'm not sure.
My my father's
coming up this weekend.
Bring him.
Bring your whole family.
That's very kind.
Thank you.
[CHUCKLES]
Bannister, was there any mail?
Not for you, ma'am. Only Mrs. Forte.
Of course. You see?
It's begun.
What's that, Mama?
My societal demise.
Your mother is being dramatic.
Really? It's so unlike her.
Bannister, how did the staff
react to the sobriety pledge?
I can fetch you the clipboard
if you like, ma'am.
Will you allow him
to serve us our luncheon first?
I'm eager to know.
How many have signed?
There is only one name on the pledge.
You mean only one member
of this household
has taken the oath?
Isn't that what he just said?
But it's so important to me.
[SCOFFS] It's not the
presidential oath of office.
Which servant has signed?
It was Miss Armstrong, ma'am.
[COUGHS]
My maid?
- I'm shocked.
- Oh, that's it.
I've lost my appetite.
In one day, I am cut both
inside and outside my house.
Bannister, bring Armstrong
to me this instant.
- During luncheon?
- Yes.
This is exciting.
There is no joy in it.
Oh, but there is.
And I have so little joy these days.
Please don't deprive me of it.
I will not be mocked in my own home,
if I can still call it that.
Nothing is as it should be!
Amen to that.
What is this nonsense I hear
about your signing the pledge?
I think it's a good cause, ma'am,
and I fully support it.
What are your reasons?
Alcohol has destroyed many lives
and brought whole families to ruin.
You've never noticed I don't drink?
I've noticed you're no fun.
How can you subscribe to this nonsense?
- You work for me.
- Actually, she works for me.
I pay her wages.
That will be all, Armstrong.
You are dismissed. Thank you.
Yes, ma'am.
[SCOFFS]
Well, she may have signed my pledge,
but she still follows your orders.
If it makes you feel
any better, Aunt Ada,
the servants pay
no attention to me, either.
For good reason.
I only wanted to do something
to honor Luke's memory.
And only one member of my
staff has shown her support.
You have managed to turn
Mama's maid against her,
so that's something.
I suppose I am no match for you, Agnes,
when it comes to wielding authority.
Oh!
Now who's being dramatic?
[DOOR OPENS]
Forgive the interruption.
A Mr. De Lancey to see
Mr. Russell, ma'am.
I've said the master is out,
which seemed to surprise him.
Yes.
Show him in, please.
I'm sorry to disturb you,
but I had a message
from Mr. Russell, and
The message was from me.
I don't understand.
I wanted to see you on your own,
and I thought you were
more likely to accept
an invitation if it came from
Mr. Russell than from me.
Go on.
Won't you sit down?
Can I offer you anything?
You can offer me the reason
you have brought me here.
It's to do with your daughter
and the duke of Buckingham.
Oh, yes. I see.
I saw them at the opera together,
but I'm afraid I don't think
they are well-suited.
[SIGHS] And why is that?
The duke has substantial
needs when it comes to choosing
a future wife, and my husband has
shared your situation with me.
This is getting odder and odder.
Is it guesswork, or do you
have the actual figures
of my bank accounts?
I don't mean to be impertinent.
You don't think discussing
my finances is in itself
rather an impertinence?
I cannot stand aside when I
see something wrong happening.
I think you cannot stand aside
when you see a plan of your own
making start to fall apart.
You mean to press ahead
with the promotion
of your daughter, then?
I mean to let Martha
settle the question
of whom she will marry.
And I'd advise you to do the same.
You understand the sums involved?
Mr. Russell thinks of me as a
banker who's had a near escape.
But I also have interests
in shipping and manufacture
that mean I can easily
purchase a duke or two.
I see.
But you can relax, Mrs. Russell.
I don't want Martha to be a great lady
on the far side of the world.
I intend to watch my grandchildren
grow up here in New York.
In short, you think me quite foolish.
I think you give these matters
more importance than they're worth.
But I confess, I admire your spirit.
I hear such nice things
about your daughter.
My son knows her.
They met and danced in Newport.
- She told me.
- [DOOR OPENS]
Good day, Mrs. Russell.
I wonder, might I have your card?
[CURIOUS MUSIC]
Certainly, you may.
You rather intrigue me,
to be honest, Mrs. Russell.
I only wish you knew how much
more interesting you are
than the duke of Buckingham.
♪
Why are we waiting?
Much longer, and we'll
all have lost interest.
Ta-da.
Lord, it's the president himself!
You look wonderful, Jack.
They'll mistake you for a businessman.
Then where will you be?
So what will happen in the meeting?
Do you have to talk?
We have four meetings altogether.
But Mr. Larry does the talking.
That may be the only thing
to work in your favor.
Hush.
I just point to the elements
of the clock in the designs.
But you're right, I am nervous.
Just do your best, lad.
Remember, this is your invention.
- You know it inside and out.
- She's right, John.
When you explain your clock,
they'll listen.
I feel like an impostor.
[SCOFFS] We all feel like impostors
at some point in our lives.
Just keep your courage,
trust your knowledge,
and you'll be fine.
Thank you, Mr. Bannister.
[CHUCKLES]
Thanks to all of youse.
I mean it. Thank you.
Go. Go.
Well, hello, stranger.
How was it?
Well? Hello?
It was a walk on the cliffs,
not a walk down the aisle.
Well, that's how it starts.
And I've known
William Kirkland for years.
When they lived in New York,
Arthur got to know the father's son.
Mm, and his wife rules
the roost in Newport.
They're good, educated family.
One of the sons went to Yale.
And his money
Oh, well, that is something.
But what do you think, Peggy?
I'm not going to make a decision
about how I feel
based on someone's pedigree
or lack of it.
Why not? I did. [CHUCKLES]
[SCOFFS] Because it doesn't take
the real person into consideration,
which is what matters.
So does that mean you're not
coming to the Kirklands' party?
No, I'm coming. Why wouldn't I?
Well, if you ask me,
Dr. Kirkland would be
a good match for you.
I didn't ask.
Hmm.
The stubbornness of your daughter.
[CHUCKLES] I guess she
gets it from her father.
She gets her strong will
from both of us.
[EXHALES]
Maybe this one will be different.
By "different," do you mean
he'll find another way
to say "I'll think about it"?
Which always seems
like a polite no to me.
Those were money people.
Mr. Weston manufactures
clocks, among other things.
And we can't give up now.
[SIGHS]
So they're dependable?
Absolutely, every time.
You know, a lot of this
has already been tried.
And never worked.
But ours does.
Talk about the role of the pallets
and why the teeth of the
escape wheel don't need oil
and don't affect
the efficiency of the clock.
[CHUCKLES AWKWARDLY]
Well, actually, uh
With our clock, the pallets
are simply used as stops.
The friction between them and
the teeth of the escape wheel
has no effect on the motion
or the balance of the clock.
If the teeth
of the escapement wears off,
the clock is not affected.
So no oil is needed to make
the escapement work smoothly.
And you invented this?
Yes, sir.
Hmm.
But here's my suggestion.
We have brought two clocks made
according to the new design.
We'd like each of you to take one home.
You can see for yourselves if they are
as reliable as we keep saying.
Are you sure about that?
As long as you bring them back.
[CHUCKLING]
But we could dismantle them
and have them copied.
Mr. Trotter and I believe
you both to be gentlemen.
If we were not sure of that,
we wouldn't have convened this meeting.
Well said.
Besides, we have a patent.
[CHUCKLING]
No oil at all.
I'm sorry, Mr. Weston.
I need to be convinced about
this new kind of pallet.
Yes.
I believe I agree.
I'm just not sure it can work.
[PENSIVE MUSIC]
♪
What are you pouting about?
Apart from you,
everyone put their faith
and their money in me.
I feel like I failed them all.
Did every investor turn you down?
No, but they didn't say yes, either.
They all told us
they had to think about it.
That's not failure.
In fact, I count it a victory
that you got in the door
in the first place.
You got further in the business world
than the rest of us ever will.
I didn't look at it that way.
You young people always want
things to happen so quickly.
These are smart men.
They're not going to
throw their money at you
without taking many things
into consideration.
Kind of like how you didn't chip in
any money for my patent?
I need proof of a sound investment.
I don't trust a feeling,
like the others.
You think more like a businessman.
Ladies' maids are practical
and not prone to fever dreams.
- Thanks, Miss Armstrong.
- For what?
[SOFT MUSIC]
For giving me a glimmer of hope.
Really?
I didn't mean to.
I left you there
to complete the mission.
You need more money for Morency.
I couldn't close the deal without it.
Then sell some assets.
We're already doing that
for the dowry negotiations.
Use the dowry money
for the Morency project.
So the papers are correct.
The duke has refused the offer, yes.
Use the money we raised for him
to move this plan forward.
You're risking more than you have.
And?
And it may not be possible
in the time frame you want.
I have built my fortune
on what other people
have told me is impossible.
I won't stop now.
You have your orders.
Execute them.
- Here we are.
- Yes, here we are.
[INDISTINCT CHATTER]
Hello.
Oh.
Miss Scott graduated from the Institute
for Colored Youth in Pennsylvania.
Then you and my son
have that in common.
Oh, what do you mean?
My wife is referring to
William's attendance at Howard.
And our elder son
went to Yale Medical School.
How impressive.
I'd like to think
it runs in the family.
My cousin was the first colored
man to graduate from Harvard.
William could have gone that
route, but he chose not to.
What's wrong with Howard University?
It's a fine institution.
It is. It's just so far away.
Is that why you never visited me?
It's a lovely area.
My family is from Maryland.
Is that so? What was your maiden name?
I know some folks from Baltimore.
Hoag.
That does not sound familiar.
[CHUCKLING]
Frederick, we don't
know anyone down there.
Our family has lived in Rhode
Island for five generations.
My great-great-grandfather fought
in the American Revolutionary War.
He played the bugle.
And that counts.
Did he fight
for the British or Americans?
Well, the Americans, of course.
He was a proud freeman and a patriot.
Well.
Credit to your family.
There's my brother, James.
I'd love for you to meet him.
Oh, I'd like that.
Excuse us.
Howard Medical Department
served your son well.
His efficient and prompt care
of our daughter
likely saved her
from pneumonia or worse.
I agree.
My training was not enough,
which is why I called on him.
Training?
What training?
I thought you were
some sort of salesman.
I'm a pharmacist and proprietor
of my own apothecaries in Brooklyn.
Isn't that the same thing?
Elizabeth, I have bought
many cures for you
over the years from Mr. Scott.
You owe him a great deal.
Is it a family business?
I meant for it to be,
but, uh, Peggy has her own ideas.
[CHUCKLING]
What I meant was, has it been
in your family for a while?
I founded it.
After I was freed,
I came north to take advantage
of the opportunities
that came with emancipation.
[PENSIVE MUSIC]
Oh.
I see.
I worked as an apprentice
before attending pharmacy school.
[FOOTSTEPS RUNNING]
Grandfather!
Uh, if you'll excuse me,
I promised my granddaughter
some sweets.
[CHUCKLING]
[CHILDREN GIGGLING]
I must have a word with the governess.
Careful on those stairs.
No running.
Loretta, I have told you not to leave
those children out in the sun
too long without an umbrella.
The last thing they need is more sun.
♪
Did you see Billy?
Yes.
And?
I'm afraid I don't have good news.
What do you mean?
He must have read the papers.
Did you explain to him that it's true?
Hector's gone.
He's he's moved on
to another heiress.
I'm sorry to report that
Billy has also moved on.
To someone else?
I don't know that.
But he cannot see a way forward
for the two of you.
Mother has gotten to Mrs. Carlton.
Oh.
I wonder if if he
ever loved me at all.
Maybe I imagined it. How foolish I am.
No, don't say such a thing.
At least you're no longer
promised to Hector.
[SCOFFS]
[WISTFUL MUSIC]
There is someone out there
who is ready and right for you.
Mother would say
I know nothing about love.
Maybe she has a point.
Nonsense.
You'll find it.
We both will.
[FOOTSTEPS APPROACHING]
[DOOR OPENS]
His Grace, the duke,
and his lawyer, Mr. Dobbs,
are here, ma'am.
Show them in.
Your Grace, Mr. Dobbs.
Please.
Mr. Dobbs thinks I must reconsider.
It's always good to listen to the voice
of reasonable counsel.
You're sure your husband's
made his final offer?
Quite sure. And I cannot improve it.
Then we're at an impasse.
Hector.
I hope I may still call you Hector.
Let's not pussyfoot about.
My husband is prepared to give you
an enormous amount of money.
Few, if any, aristocrats in Europe
will be as rich as you are.
Then there's Gladys's allowance.
That belongs to your daughter.
And I mean to respect what's hers.
In a good marriage,
there is no distinction
between his and hers.
God has joined you together,
and if you treat Gladys well
and you're happy,
then what you refer to as hers
will belong to you both.
[SOFT SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC]
The matter is simple.
Do you want to live as lavishly
as most reigning princes?
And do you want your children
to be leaders in society
for their entire lives?
In short, do you want
to save Sidmouth Castle
and have plenty of money to spare?
That woman is a piece of work.
Well, we got away
without you being rude.
That's something.
Who are we talking about?
Mrs. Kirkland.
[SIGHS] She's a little highfalutin.
Is that how you describe it when she
belittled me and my business?
What did she say?
It wasn't so much what
she said but how she said it.
And then there was another comment.
About her own grandchildren.
Now, I know how Elizabeth can be.
And how is that?
She has preferences.
I'd call them prejudices.
- Can we let this go for today?
- That suits me.
As far as I'm concerned,
I never want to see
or talk about her again.
- Well
- Well, what?
William is fond of Peggy,
so we may have to encounter her again.
Peggy does not want to be
involved with people like that.
Peggy is sitting right here.
You have only spoken highly
of Dr. Kirkland and his father.
But not his mother.
I certainly don't want
to judge William harshly
because of her behavior
over one afternoon.
I can tell you right now,
she will never change.
Those people never do.
They just get more so.
And despite all I've achieved,
she'll never respect me
because I was a slave in this country
and not so long ago.
That is something she
would prefer to forget.
[PENSIVE MUSIC]
♪
Thank you, Andre.
Church says De Lancey was here.
He was.
Well, I know when you've
set your mind on a thing,
no one can stop you.
I take that as a compliment.
So what did he have to say for himself?
Only that he has no designs on Hector.
He wants his grandchildren
to grow up in New York.
Well, he obviously thinks
his daughter's happiness
is more important than her rank.
And I agree with him.
And I don't?
I wish you'd trust me.
I am trusting you in all of this.
I just hope I'm right to do so.
Hector called on me today.
I know.
He sent a note.
So there we are.
Everything's falling into place.
I just don't understand why
you're so determined
to keep love out of the equation.
We were a love match,
and we've been happy.
Why couldn't Gladys have had the same?
George, love at 17
is as durable as snow in springtime.
Yes, we were happy, but because
we were well-suited,
not because you liked
the color of my eyes
or I enjoyed dancing with you.
I think Hector and Gladys
are well-suited.
And that's all that matters
in the long run.
You speak as if Gladys
doesn't know her own mind.
But I disagree.
- She's clever.
- Which is exactly my point.
This marriage will give her the power
to use her brain in a world
where very few women get that chance.
Do you think Billy Carlton
would have allowed her that?
♪
[LAUGHS] Indeed.
I wonder what that's about.
We have an understanding.
Oh, there you are.
Church, pour glasses for everyone.
What's happening?
We're celebrating Hector's return.
[TENSE MUSIC]
♪
Gladys?
Church?
Could you ask Adelheid
to bring my shawl?
I feel rather cold.
Yes, miss.
♪
[SOFT MUSIC]
♪
Mrs. Forte!
Oh, can can I get you anything?
Something to eat? Hot tea?
No, I actually wanted
to ask you a question.
It's to do with the sobriety pledge.
Very good.
For the sake of argument,
had the request come from
Mrs. Van Rhijn instead of me,
do you think the servants
would have felt
more compelled to sign it?
I can't be sure.
It's not a secret Agnes
has a way of getting
what she wants out of people,
whether it's their preference or not.
I don't think you should
take it personally, Mrs. Forte.
Miss Armstrong went against
Mrs. Van Rhijn's wishes
and signed it.
That's true.
It was my intention in all this
to honor Mr. Forte
by helping others, just as he used to.
Even though we didn't sign the pledge,
you did get us thinking and talking.
And I know the Reverend Mr. Forte
would be pleased about that.
Would he?
I hope so.
I I'm I'm finding it
very hard without him,
even though Lord knows
I've had many years
to learn how to be alone.
Oh, please don't cry, ma'am.
I miss him.
[CRYING] I I just want
to see him again, to
to touch him, to
to speak to him one more time.
We're all very sympathetic.
Well, I'm I I know.
I'm very sorry if I've embarrassed you.
- Please forgive me.
- Not at all.
I should say good night.
If you could speak
to the reverend one last time,
would you?
[CHUCKLES] Well, of course.
But how is that possible?
I know someone who could help
well, who might be able to help.
[HORSES CLOPPING, CARRIAGES RATTLING]
[SIGHS]
I will miss you.
[CHUCKLES]
Do you think I was harsh
about Mrs. Kirkland?
I don't have to remind you
what a challenging time we had
with your family accepting me.
It's only because they had
somebody else they liked.
And that someone else
had been born free,
like you, and light.
But I chose you.
[CHUCKLES]
If she were to marry William
and the children take after him,
won't people think Peggy's their nurse?
You and Mrs. Kirkland
probably have that same thought.
Oh, don't bracket me with her.
And what if our grandchildren
look more like Peggy?
That woman would treat them
like servants
You're getting yourself
worked up over something
that may never happen.
William is a fine young man.
Yes, he is.
But what about his mother, which we
Must I remind you how things turned out
when you last imposed your will
on Peggy's love life?
No need.
[SOFT MUSIC]
♪
My concern is, her behavior yesterday
is a harbinger of things to come.
Well, you saw the older son's wife.
She wants another one
like that for William.
Arthur was so vexed, it made no sense
adding fuel to the fire,
but he's right.
And that leaves Peggy in the middle,
when she deserves love and ease.
Love is never easy.
You chose it and fought the family.
Including you.
Well, I was young,
following my parents' lead.
We've all come to love Arthur.
And you've created
a beautiful life together.
The family interference did not help.
And I don't want that for Peggy.
[SOMBER MUSIC]
You're seeing this as the end,
when it's truly the beginning.
[SNIFFLES] How can it be the beginning
when it's not what I've chosen?
You promised I could
marry for love, Father.
You gave me your word.
The marriage is a real opportunity.
Do you want us to stop our daughter
becoming one of the most
famous women of her generation?
♪
Give Hector a chance.
That's all your mother means.
As his wife, you could do great things.
Just listen to him,
and see what he has to say.
We can't change the world, Gladys.
He'd like to meet with you
before the others get here.
Why?
What more is there to say?
♪
Sidmouth Castle
is not far from the sea.
Do you like the sea?
Yes.
I'm afraid this is all very odd.
[CHUCKLES] Thank you for saying so.
But please understand,
I really do mean for you to be happy.
[SIGHS] Does it matter
that I don't love you?
How could you? You don't know me.
And you only want to marry me
to save your position in society.
I'd prefer to say
it's about maintaining
our family's position
in the history of my country.
But you're right, of course.
Doesn't that worry you?
Don't you feel ashamed?
I suppose I think I hope
that when you come to know me better,
you'll agree that what
I'm trying to preserve
is worth preserving.
I like that you don't pretend.
I'll give you that.
Dear Gladys,
can we please go forward on the basis
that we won't pretend,
not with each other?
We can come back to America
when we want.
I like it here.
But I do so hope that
you'll enjoy England.
[SOFT MUSIC]
♪
We are engaged.
Oh. [LAUGHS]
Hector. [LAUGHS]
♪
[LIVELY CHATTER]
Mrs. Astor, I'm so glad
you could join us.
I couldn't miss it.
I always enjoy the end
of a fairy story.
[CHUCKLING]
And will she live happily ever after?
Well, that, of course, is the question.
- Are you ready?
- Ready to look a fool?
I suppose so.
Gladys, you're the belle of the ball.
Enjoy it.
Thank you all for coming.
Without further ado,
I present Mr. Sargent.
[APPLAUSE]
To be asked to paint a young woman
is always a daunting task.
It is, in a way, to be
asked to paint her future.
Without speculating on what
Miss Russell's future will be,
we'll see if you agree with me
that it will be an impressive one.
I give you her portrait.
[CROWD MURMURING]
[APPLAUSE]
♪
Marvelous.
As if having her portrait
painted by Mr. Sargent wasn't enough,
we have another
wonderful surprise for you.
[CROWD WHISPERING]
We are pleased to announce
the engagement of our daughter
to the duke of Buckingham.
[CROWD MURMURING]
[APPLAUSE]
♪
Congratulations, my dear.
It's sure to be
the wedding of the year.
I mean to make it
the wedding of the century.
[DRAMATIC MUSIC]
♪
[BEADS CLATTERING]
[BREATHING DEEPLY]
sync & corrections awaqeded
♪
[BRIGHT TONE]