The Gilded Age (2022) s03e07 Episode Script

Ex-Communicated

1
[TV STATIC DRONES]
[BRIGHT TONE]
[SPIRITED ORCHESTRAL MUSIC]

[CARRIAGE RUMBLING]
[SUSPENSEFUL ORCHESTRAL MUSIC]

Mr. McAllister's book,
as you requested, madam.
Thank you, Church.
Can I get you anything else?
No, thank you.
[GASPS] Good Lord.
Mm!
Your tea, madam.
I think I may need
something stronger, Mason.
Here it is, ma'am.
Ah. Thank you, Armstrong.
Yes, ma'am, though I'm not sure
you'll be grateful
after you've read it.
Oh.
What's wrong now, Mother?
Everything.

I had no idea.
[CHUCKLING]
[CHUCKLES]
McAllister's book ridicules society
and will wreak havoc for the lot of us.
- You've read it, then?
- Of course not.
Don't waste your time, Lina.
I've read it twice
and I'm sure you would not enjoy it.
Are you mentioned?
Not by name, of course,
but there is one couple
that people say is meant to be us.
Mr. Fish is furious.
Why?
What does McAllister say about him?
That he's very cheap when
it comes to choosing wine.
How horrid.
And how unfair.
Well, it's horrid, anyway.
I don't see what we can do.
The book is in the shops, and
I'm told it's selling briskly.
Are you in it?
Once again, I've been told
there are anecdotes
that might refer to us.
- Mm.
- Mm.
He must be making a fortune.
Well, he won't spend it on me.
I've thought about this.
And this is why we have
convened our meeting.
I believe that in future,
we must exclude Ward McAllister
from our society.
Ban him.
Freeze him out.
So he is to be excommunicated?
Yes, beginning with
my end-of-the-season ball in Newport.
He is no longer included
on the guest list.
Nor should he be.
He should have known this would happen
when he decided to betray our trust.
I have been fond of him,
but I do not disagree.
We are all victims of his cruel tongue.
No one can deny it.
We are indeed.
[SIGHS] Oh, this must
be so hard for you, Lina,
dealing with this as well as
your daughter's present situation.
Thank you, Mrs. Fish.
But let's leave it for now.
Mrs. Forte, thank you for receiving us.
- Ladies, shall we?
- Yes.
We have our marching orders.
[INDISTINCT CONVERSATION]
Why are you smiling?
Lina Astor thanked me
for holding the meeting here.
Society is hanging by a thread, Ada.
This is no time to celebrate.
Still, it was nice of her.
[GIGGLES]
I saw a dress in Miss Marian's
Bloomingdale's catalog,
but I didn't dare go into the store.
You have the money
to spend now thanks to Jack.
Even if I did buy it, I don't
have any place to wear it.
I think every woman should have
a party dress, just in case.
I'll never have
extra money like this again.
Saving it is probably
the safer thing to do.
What are you reading, Miss Armstrong?
Mr. McAllister's book
exposing the scandals
of upper-class New Yorkers.
And he doesn't spare this house.
What does it say?
That Mrs. Van Rhijn
had a financial blow
and some things about Mr. Oscar
which I don't understand.
Do you really enjoy such nonsense?
Hmm.
Can't Miss Armstrong
read what she likes?
It's in the Constitution.
Here, we have our own amendments.

You've come home.
Only for some paperwork.
Then I'm going back to the club.
Can you really not forgive me?
I made things right with Gladys.
- So you say.
- So it is.
Of course I want you home
for my benefit.
But also, Mr. McAllister's book
paints us in a horrible light.
What has he written?
He implies we're not happy.
He makes us seem weak,
greedy, and foolish.
I can't be bothered with gossip.
If only it were gossip!
But this is being printed, bound,
and sold all over the city
all over the country, I dare say.
And Mrs. Astor's
Newport ball is coming up.
- That is not my concern.
- It does affect you.
The only way to stop gossip is truth.
If we all appear together,
we can put these ugly rumors to rest.
Are you really so oblivious
that you cannot
see what I am going through?
[TENSE MUSIC]
A possible catastrophe
that will overwhelm us all
unless I can get our finances in order.
What's happening?
Are we headed for the poorhouse?
I can't answer that.
Why did you not tell me this sooner?
Because I thought I would
have solved it by now.
Are you afraid you won't?
If it's not too much to ask,
unless you have something
more important to discuss than
Newport balls and idle gossip,
I suggest you let me get back
to saving our family from ruin.

It's absurd!
He can't renege like that.
You made a deal.
He's only warning me it might happen.
It's not definite.
If there's to be no money,
you must find a way
to send Gladys back.
Suppose I don't want to send her back.
[BRIGHT MUSIC]
I've always liked it here.
There's something so peaceful
about the gardens.
The irises are lovely.
Color suits you.
It reminds me of your dress
at the opera.
You remember that?
Yes.
Are you all right?
Your father sent a telegram.
What does he say?
His payment will be delayed this month.
Oh.
He also warned of the possibility
there may be no payment at all.
That sounds ominous.
What will you do if he can't pay?
We'll cross that bridge
when we come to it.
[SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC]

As a wedding present, the Russells
are going to buy a house on
Fifth Avenue for the duchess.
They will require their own staff.
However, it won't be full-time,
as they will only be here
for limited parts of the year.
If you know of any candidates,
please tell me.
Of course, they won't know
the identity of their employer
until the process has
winnowed out the less suitable.
I appreciate your discretion.
Yes, of course.
Mr. Church, a word.
Mm-hmm.
Now what?
Now that we've set the trap,
we wait to see if Andre
leaves the house
to disseminate the news.
Of course, the story is not true,
but if it makes it
into the gossip columns,
we'll know who did it.
Do you think she supplied
some of the information
for Mr. McAllister's book?
Well, whomever she's talking
to, it must be stopped.
And what do you propose we do, exactly?
I want all eyes on her.
If she leaves the house for
any reason, we must follow her.
Understood.
All right.
[INDISTINCT CONVERSATION]
What a shame.
Oscar.
- Yes, Mama?
- Are you leaving?
I'm sorry, I'm in a hurry,
and I'm meeting someone.
Have you seen the paper?
It has John Adams' obituary.
I thought you'd like to read it.
It's just unbearable to think about.
It was a tragedy,
of course, but the, uh,
the world keeps turning.
And now I really must go.
Be easy with yourself.
[PENSIVE MUSIC]
Leave him alone.
He's a man.
Men don't feel these things
the way we do.
[SIGHS]
I'd hoped we could
speak at the funeral,
but I only saw you for a moment.
But we've never met. How did you
He had a photograph of you.
Don't worry.
He kept it in a drawer.
Here it is.
With a picture of him.
I thought you might like to have one.
John and I were the two youngest.
We told each other everything.
He knew his secrets were safe
with me, and they were.
So are yours.
But I I thought
his brothers believed
Our brothers, and indeed, my husband,
would never admit what they
must have known about him.
I think you visited
John's summer home upstate?
Yes, by the lake. It's it's lovely.
He wanted you to have it.
[STAMMERS] What?
It's not in his will,
as that would have caused talk,
but he always meant it for you
if anything happened to him.
There is money to pay
for the costs for five years.
He thought of everything.
No, he thought of you.
He left a letter for you.

With a transfer of ownership,
which my attorney has drawn up.
No, no, I, uh
I can't accept this.
It's what he wanted.
Just enjoy it.
And remember, John
what happiness he knew, you gave him.

I've chosen this for tomorrow.
I much prefer the blue.
Her ladyship said
it was not appropriate.
- We'll see.
- [SIGHS]
Ah, good.
They put them in a vase.
On your orders.
Of course.
Thank you, Boles.
I don't want you to worry about
the situation with your father.
But if he can't pay?
When she was here, your mother told me
you had good instincts
and a good brain.
Did you know that?
She's my mother.
- What else would she say?
- [CHUCKLES]
I know you think
I give in to Sarah too much.
[SIGHS] What I think is that
you don't allow yourself to be
the man you really are inside.
But is the inner man any more
interesting than the outer one?
You're wrong.
And I'm not the only one who thinks so.
When I go round with Forrester,
it's not Sarah they want to talk about.
It's you.
If you could only learn
to trust your instincts,
you'd do wonderful things here.
Well, I shall have to consider that
when I'm changing.
I meant it when I said not to worry
about your father's money.
The money doesn't matter.
[SOFT MUSIC]
But you do.
Well, I think it does matter.
But thank you.

[SNIFFS]
That tiresome
Mrs. Foster has written again,
demanding a meeting.
Who is this?
Oh, she's part of the
New York Heritage Society,
and she just wants money.
I should see her and explain
that you will not be donating.
She'll never leave you alone otherwise.
Oh, Oscar, there you are.
They've been holding dinner
until you got here.
I'm not hungry,
and I'm not changed, anyway.
- Is something wrong?
- No, nothing's wrong.
Why do you all keep asking me
that every single blessed day?
Don't snap at your aunt.
We just want to know
how you're managing
after the loss of your friend.
I'm fine. I'm perfectly fine.
In fact, my friend
John Adams, by dying,
- has made me a homeowner.
- What?
I don't understand.
He left a cottage
to his sister, Mrs. Bell,
but she has no use for it,
so she's given it to me.
But isn't that rather odd?
Where is this cottage?
Livingston Manor,
with a view of Hunter Lake.
Settled by my mother's family in 1750.
Is that why she gave it to you?
I don't think so.
Well, then why would
she do such a thing?
You're not family.
Well, I suppose she knew
John and I were friends.
But I agree, it seems odd
that he gave more to me dead
than when he was alive.
Oh, don't be macabre.
How should I be, Mama?
I can't be too sad,
but I can't be too cheerful.
I'm sure you don't want
to hear that I miss him.
[CRYING]
Do you know, I sat
in the back row of his funeral
like a stranger who walked in
to get out of the rain,
when I should have taken my rightful
- [SOBS]
- Oscar.
Oh, my.
Oscar, what is all of this about?
Do you really want to know, Mama?
Oscar is very upset.
Of course he is.
John Adams rescued him
when he hit rock bottom.
He found him new clients.
He invested his own money
in Oscar's company.
He brought him back to life.
If someone had done all that
for you with no motive
beyond kindness, and then they
died, wouldn't you be upset?
I would be brokenhearted.
Marian is right.
Oscar is simply mourning
the loss of his savior,
as we all would.
Oscar, why don't you
go up to your room?
I'll ask Mrs. Bauer to send up a tray.
[SOMBER MUSIC]

[SIGHS]
[KNOCK AT DOOR]
- Oscar?
- [KNOCK AT DOOR]
Come in.
Oscar.
I wanted to see how you were feeling.
Thank you.
[SNIFFLES]
[SIGHS]
I'm sorry if I, uh
if I caused a scene.
Don't apologize to me.
I think I understand much more
about you and John Adams.
I hope so, anyway.
You can't mean that.
Why not?
Because if you did understand,
you'd turn away from me.
Society would give you no other choice.
I'm not saying I'm an expert.
But I know more than you think.
I'm puzzled, maybe,
but I have no wish
to turn away from you.
Mainly, I just want to help you.
Please tell me how.
[CRYING]
You have helped me.
More than you know.

Oh, Oscar.
[INDISTINCT CHATTER]
[SOFT PLAYFUL MUSIC]

Ward McAllister.
I'm sorry, sir.
- I don't have your name.
- What?
Mrs. Astor checked
the list of those invited,
and I'm afraid you're not on it.
Mrs. Astor has
barred me from the event?
- Ugh.
- Eh?
No.
Is she here?
We're not expecting her
until the afternoon.
But she's had me
thrown out in her absence.
Well, I'm sure she didn't
Don't explain.
Don't even try to explain.
Divorce is not an option.
You cannot allow it.
But, Mother, I have no choice.
You had a choice in the beginning,
and you chose very poorly, my dear.
Now make up for it
by putting it all to an end.
It's not up to me.
You need to convince James.
He is suing me for divorce
because of my friendship
with Mr. Borrowe.
- Your friendship?
- What would you prefer?
My affair?
There's no need to say it out loud.
All of New York knows
what you're accused of.
McAllister has even written it
into his disgraceful book.
For all our sakes, you must
stop this from happening.
I thought Miss Andre was here.
No, she left for
a doctor's appointment.
Oh.
[DISHES CLATTERING]
[INDISTINCT CHATTER]
I've lost track of her.
- Andre?
- Yes!
Did she leave through
the servants' entrance?
I didn't see her.
Could she have gone
through the front door?
I wouldn't put it past her.

Mr. Church.
While you were out,
Miss Andre received a telegram.
Now, Mrs. Bruce and I
were both watching,
but somehow she slipped
out of the house.
I'm afraid we lost track of her.
Luckily, I did not.
I saw her leave, and I
followed her into the park.
- The park?
- Yes.
I saw her speaking there to a man.
Then, after a few minutes,
he handed her an envelope.
And then he left.
I can only assume
there was money in it.
Once we see it in the paper,
we know we've got her.
[SIGHS]
Miss Brook, thank you so much.
Thank you, Miss Brook.
Miss Brook, we have a problem
with the suffrage meeting.
What is it?
The husband of our main sponsor
has cold feet about lending his
name and money to the cause.
We cannot hold the meeting here,
and we'll need another sponsor.
Mrs. Harper is already on
her way in from Philadelphia.
And the announcements have been posted.
Why don't we have
the suffrage meeting here?
I'll sponsor it.
Can you change the arrangements
with the school?
I'll do it right away.
Should we discuss it
with Aunt Agnes first?
I run this house now, Marian.
And anyway, Agnes is
a supporter of AWSA.
It won't be a problem.
It's settled then.
And now I must take Pumpkin
for his walk,
if you'll excuse me.
Thank you for opening up your
home to the cause, Mrs. Forte.
It is my honor.
[DOG WHINING]
Here we go.
That is quite a relief.
Indeed.
[SIGHS]
Well, now that's settled,
what about you and Mr. Russell?
There is nothing to be done there.
Are you really sure you can't find it
in your heart to forgive him?
Not if that's who he is.
We have all done things that we regret.
Are you referring to Mr. Fortune?
I'm not referring to anything specific.
What happened between the two
of you was quite different.
Only because I explained it to you.
Don't you think you owe him a
conversation at the very least?
It's better if we don't talk.
I would only say something harsh.
[SIGHS]
[LIGHT MUSIC]
Well, you can't avoid him forever.
He lives right across the street.

I'm in a hateful position
with the cacophony
caused by the book.
I've asked you here to say that
I'm canceling my ball in Newport.
You can't.
The ball marks the end
of the season for all of us.
Don't let McAllister win.
We must show strength.
There are too many battles
on too many fronts.
But we were planning
to come as a family.
Gladys and her husband may
sail over from England for it.
I hate to disappoint the duchess,
but I'm just not up to it this year.
People will understand.
Or they will if they've read that book.
Which is precisely why
we must stand firm
and show New York and the world
that we will not falter
in the wake of his vicious lies.
If only they were all lies.
But what can I do if
Charlotte is headed for a fate
like Mrs. Fane's, only worse?
Because Mr. Drayton is
bringing the case against her?
Yes, exactly.
How could I give the ball,
yet keep my own daughter's
name off of the guest list?
Canceling is my only option.
[SOFT MISCHIEVOUS MUSIC]
[HORSE CLOPPING]
[HORSE NEIGHS]
[INDISTINCT CHATTER]
- Thank you, Hefty.
- Ma'am.
Mrs. Russell, I wondered if
[SIGHS]
Hello, Hefty.
Mrs. Astor is not at home.
You and I are old friends, Hefty.
And I know all the tricks.
I know Mrs. Astor is inside.
I just saw Mrs. Russell leave.
Mrs. Astor is not available
to see you ever again.
I'm sorry, Hefty, but Mrs. Astor
and I have matters to discuss.
Mr. McAllister,
Mrs. Astor is not receiving!
[SIGHS] I'm sorry to push in like this.
Then why do it?
[SIGHS]
Because
we have unfinished business, you and I.
I doubt that.
I would say our business
is entirely finished,
for good and all.
Please, Lina!
Think of all the things
we've done together.
Don't I deserve more
from you than this?
Don't I deserve more
than to be made a fool
in front of the entire city?
You knew what you were doing.
And now you must pay.
You can't throw me out of society.
I am society.
I made your society out of a bunch
of get-rich-quick merchants
and walking jokes.
Is that why you thought
that you could just
make fun of their secrets
for every parlor maid to read
- and scoff at?
- Why not?
They are my invention.
The 400 who fit into your ballroom,
they're not your 400. They're my 400.
That mixture of minor birth
and major money,
that was my creation. That was me.
I've taken your advice.
I don't deny that.
But let's not forget how hard I tried
to smooth your Savannah ways.
You're forgetting I brought
the ways of Europe to New York,
how to dress, how to decorate.
[SCOFFING]
But I reinvented it
to suit the American mix
of old and new.
You couldn't have done
any of that for yourself.
I think I would have done
When we met, you were just
a sad, rich lady whose husband
preferred the showgirls on his yacht
to spending any time with you!
[TENSE MUSIC]
Mrs. Astor.
[BELL RINGS] Lina.
Ma'am.
Mr. McAllister is leaving.
- Can't we just
- He's leaving.
And if he ever returns to this house,
he is not to be admitted.
Yes, ma'am.
Goodbye, Mr. McAllister.
[SOMBER MUSIC]

Goodbye, Mrs. Astor.
[SIGHS]
Come in.
[SOFT MISCHIEVOUS MUSIC]
You wanted to see me?
Yes, we were debating a question
I thought you may be
uniquely qualified to answer.
I will do my best.
Exactly how much
are they paying these days
for slandering the good name
of your employers?
- I have no idea what you are
- Don't try to deny it.
You're the only one
who had this information.
I saw your little exchange in the park.
What was it, $10?
15?
$40 each time, if they are printed.
$40?
You've made fools of us all,
and for what?
$40?
Do you hate Mrs. Russell? Is that it?
Not at all.
I like the mistress and all of you.
But money is money.
And now I will pack my things.
You're already packed.
Go, and don't come back.

The mystery is solved.
Very clever of you
to put the pieces together.
I wasn't born a butler.

- Mr. Russell.
- Hello, Church.
Is my father home?
He is in the library.
While you were away, Miss Brook
left a letter for you.
It seemed rather important.
I need to see Miss Brook.
I'm not sure she's at home, sir.
Let me handle this, Bannister.
Mr. Russell, I'm so sorry,
but Marian isn't ready
to see you quite yet.
What's the problem?
When I left for Morenci,
we were happy and engaged.
And then I return
and read her letter
why?
Only that she's had a change of heart.
This doesn't make sense.
I love her. Nothing has changed for me.
I'm certain that if
I can just speak with her,
then we can resolve this.
Nothing can be so awful, can it?
Mr. Russell, I am not your enemy.
And I realize this is difficult.
It's confounding and
and heartbreaking all at once.
Why won't she at least see me?
I'll do my best
to persuade her to meet you.
In the meantime,
she wants to return your ring.
- No.
- Please.
That is hers. It's not mine.
I won't accept it or any of
this until I hear from Marian.
[PENSIVE MUSIC]

Ah.
Church said you'd arrived,
then you disappeared.
I went to see Miss Brook.
Well, Miss Brook can wait.
The business can't. Come.
Tell me what happened in Arizona.
Well, I have some good news.
I could use that.
Morenci is ours.
That is good news.
Though it may not be enough to help us
in our current travails.
I think you might be surprised.
Here.
What is this?
Father, this land is worth more money
than you can imagine.
I don't understand.
The reports you had were
wrong or old and incomplete.
The mines are full of copper.
Clay told me he had the area
surveyed, and it was worthless.
I paid to have a new survey done.
It's all here in the document
tens of millions of dollars
waiting to be mined.
And we own all of it?
To secure the sale, I offered a small
profit-sharing arrangement,
but that will amount to just
a fraction of the returns.
My God.
I hadn't thought
to question the survey.
This could be our salvation.
What do you mean?
We can leverage future
copper earnings for the capital
we need to prop up our stock.
That should reassure the Merricks
that we have the necessary funds
to purchase their railway.
I believe JP Morgan will
respond to my telegram now.
I thought I heard your voice.
Larry has returned victorious.
He has secured the land in Morenci
and found copper
of the highest quality.
Copper?
According to this survey,
more than enough
to keep us financially secure
for a long time to come.
Oh, that's wonderful.
We must celebrate.
I'm in no mood to celebrate.
After what you've achieved?
Why not?
[TENSE MUSIC]
Miss Brook called off the wedding.
Why? What happened?
I don't know. She won't speak to me.
Well, surely you can sort it out.
I don't understand the reason.
The letter didn't say.
If she's changed her mind
about you without explanation,
surely that shows more about
her character than yours.
No one is ever good enough
for you, are they?
Did you have anything to do with this?
How could you ask such a thing?
He's asking because we know
what you're capable of.
[SCOFFS] Is my whole family
against me now?
Ever since you started
using us as pawns in your plan
to dominate the world
You must understand, I only
want what's best for you.
No, you don't.
You want what's best for you.
And if it doesn't suit your
plan, you seek to destroy it.
Ask Billy Carlton.
Ask any one of Gladys's suitors.
And now Marian?
Where are you going?
I can't spend another minute
in this house.
I'm moving to the club.
Larry, please!

Now you're both at the club,
and I'm here alone?
I can't believe it.
Oh, yes, you can.
You should have been expecting
something of the sort.
Why should I?
Because he's right.
Your ambition is out of control.
We're both ambitious.
True.
But when was the last time you
asked any of us what we wanted?
You should be surrounded
by your family right now.
But look around.

He'll only accept it
from you, I'm afraid.
And even then, he doesn't want it back.
He only wants you.
If he wanted me, what was
he doing at that place?
- Speak to him.
- Ugh!
Married couples
discuss difficult things.
But we are not,
nor will we ever be married!
Marian, please.
Don't make this decision
out of ignorance and fear.
Larry has opened up a Pandora's box
of ignorance and fear,
things that never even
entered my mind before
I learned where he went
and what he did!
And right now
I trust Aunt Agnes's judgment
better than my own.
And what she said about men
revealing themselves is true.
If you can't speak about it,
then write to him
clearly, so he can understand.
Right now you're just
tormenting the poor man.
Don't you think I am tormented too?
Oh, my dear, of course I do.
I feel as if I have
nothing to hold fast to.
Every single man
in my life has failed me.
If it weren't for you and Aunt
Agnes, I would have nothing.
That's true, but not truth
in the absolute sense.
I'd be better off as a spinster.
That way, I won't get hurt.
You have no idea what
you're talking about.
But
There is a profound loneliness
in the life of a spinster.
It hurts
Whenever you see couples together.
You mask the pain with a smile,
but you don't deceive yourself.
This is nothing you want,
I can assure you.
[GENTLE MUSIC]
I didn't know.
Nor should you ever want to know.
I am infinitely better off
having loved,
even for a short time,
than if I had lived out
all my days alone.
- I'm sorry.
- It's all right, dear.
It's all right.
Mr. Church said you didn't want
to eat dinner
in the dining room, ma'am,
so I brought up a tray.
Thank you, but I'm not very hungry.
Well, I'll put it over here
in case you change your mind.
Thank you.
Mr. Church says there's no one else
for dinner this evening?
No.
Mr. Russell and Larry
are staying at their club.
May I ask when they'll be back?
I don't know.
That's the truth of it.
I simply don't know.
[SCOFFS]
Very good, ma'am.
I'm afraid that losing Andre
will add to your work.
We'll find a new maid
as soon as we can.
We are all very sorry
that we let Miss Andre
take advantage of this house
right under our noses.
I don't blame the staff.
It just proves that even when
we think we know someone,
we usually don't.
[PENSIVE MUSIC]

Miss Brook.
Mr. Russell.
Forgive me for showing up unannounced,
but I'm refused at your home.
I do need to find out
what I did that was so awful.
Very well.
I learned that on the night
we became engaged,
you went out to celebrate
at a house of ill repute.
That is not true.
Please don't make it worse.
I went out with friends.
To a disorderly house.
To a club for young men
where entertainments
are arranged that are perhaps
not the most respectable.
But that's it. Nothing happened.
You're making a fool of me now.
I know what goes on at those places.
I am a lady, but I am not an idiot.
I only had a drink.
You have to believe me.
Why, when you've already lied?
You told me you were
going to Delmonico's.
[SOFT MUSIC]
Yes, I did say that,
which was not honest.
The only reason I didn't
tell you my true whereabouts
was because I was afraid you'd
think what you're thinking now.
So you want me to spend my life
with a man who will
not tell me the truth
if it is inconvenient?
It was wrong not to
tell you from the start.
I see that now. [BELL RINGING]
Or do you only say that
because your lie
has been found out?
[STUDENTS CHATTERING]
My class is starting.
I'll return the ring to your house.

Have we been summoned so
you can raise your white flag,
now that you've faltered
with the railroad
and run out of money?
I'm sorry to disappoint you.
He's bluffing.
Here's how it will end, Mr. Russell.
I will take control
of the Illinois Central
and make Clay president.
JP Morgan and I have other plans.
So you've somehow managed
to lure him back to your side?
Willingly.
You see, I was able to
secure the land at Morenci.
That changes nothing.
The land is only valuable
if you also own the rest
of the east-west line.
[TENSE MUSIC]
Unless, of course,
the mines on the land
contain tens of millions of dollars
of untapped copper deposits,
which you, apparently, overlooked.
That's impossible.
These are the very
same mines, I assure you.
I just had a better man
looking at them
my son.
The deal with the Merricks is done,
and so is any further business
I might have with you.

What a fool to have
missed something like that.
You are of no further use to me.

Where does this leave you?
What do you care?
You picked the wrong horse, Clay.
You failed me and we parted.
But why did you make me your enemy?
How could you believe you'd win?
Your son got lucky.
Luck had nothing to do with it.
My son made an opportunity
where there was none before,
because that's what great men do.
I'm glad it played out the way it did,
not least because I learned
your true character.
I'm no different
from the rest of the men
in our industry.
"Trust no one" was always your motto.
You are different because from today,
you are no longer in any industry,
and you're finished in New York.
Of course, you could
always try for a job
at my Pittsburgh mills,
amongst the workers
you wanted me to shoot.
I won't die away that easily,
Mr. Russell.
I'm like a cockroach
with a thousand lives.

Mr. Ward McAllister.
You're kind to receive me.
Don't think it's a precedent.
I'm not sure how long
my courage will hold out.
Have you seen Mrs. Astor?
Yes.
How did it go?
I'm afraid I've made things worse.
[CHUCKLES] That must have
taken some doing.
You think I've been stupid.
It depends.
I suppose you did it for the money.
So was it enough money
to be worth your social ruin?
My expulsion is more complete
than I expected.
Why were you so unpleasant about us?
I thought we were friends.
I wanted to show
that these golden people
who behave like the kings of France
are just ordinary men and women.
That's what they won't forgive.
I had a letter from Mrs. Astor today.
Oh, dear.
There were too many
objections when she tried
to cancel the Newport ball.
She wants me to take it over.
[BOTH CHUCKLING]
Do it.
Make society your own.
It's your turn.
If I did, I think I would
end the ban on divorced women.
Oh.
I'd invite Aurora Fane
and Mrs. Drayton,
which Mrs. Astor would approve of.
I don't know about that.
I'm curious.
Would you invite me?
No.
Their offense is not
as damning as mine?
You made a choice.
Mrs. Fane is facing a situation
that is no fault of her own.
And Mrs. Drayton?
Men are forgiven
for their indiscretions,
and women are punished. It's not fair.
The truth is, there but for
the grace of God go us all.
It appears that I'm not
going anywhere in society,
unless you can save me.
I can't.
I haven't the power.
And nothing is more perilous
than to overestimate
your own power.

We're having veal this evening.
I hope you're pleased.
I seldom find fault
with whatever you've chosen,
although I wonder if, in future,
Gladys might be included
in your deliberations.
Oh?
It would be helpful
for her to learn more
about what the English like
and what I like.
If you think so.
I do.
By the way, you should know
that we've received a telegram
from Bertha Russell.
What does she have to say?
She's asked us to a ball in Newport.
She very much wants us to be there.
I suppose she intends to show you off.
Is that the only reason my
mother might like to see me?
How sad.
I didn't mean that exactly.
We'll be leaving tomorrow.
Why wasn't I told?
I'm telling you now.
We've got to go straight away if we're
to get to America in time.
I see.
Will you be going up
to London while we're away?
I'm not sure. Why?
Well, you've always
enjoyed the hustle and bustle
of London, haven't you?
I thought you might like to
spend a little more time there.
Do you mean at the London house?
Not exactly.
I was thinking it might be time
you had a house of your own.
You can't enjoy fussing over us
every minute of every day.
You need some time to yourself.
[CURIOUS MUSIC]
I'm guessing you agree with him.
Well, I want you
to have some fun, Sarah,
and not work your fingers
to the bone running this place.
Of course you do.

[PENSIVE MUSIC]
Your man can sleep downstairs,
and there are attic rooms
for any other staff.
[CHUCKLING]
Did I say something funny?
I'm not accustomed to people
asking me about my staff,
probably because a week ago,
I was part of one.
I don't follow.
Can we look around a bit, please?
Yes, of course.
So what do you think?
This is the nicest we've seen.
Besides, it's furnished.
And every morning, you can
wake up to a beautiful magnolia
right outside your window.
Are they lucky?
Because I need luck.
[LAUGHS] You're going to be fine.
How can you be so certain?
It's a new way of life, of course,
but I promise you'll enjoy it.
And what about you and Mr. Larry?
There's nothing to discuss there.
Do you like the house?
Miss Marian, I didn't
tell you the truth before
- because it's not right
- Please don't defend him.
But we did not go to Delmonico's.
I know where you went.
It wasn't an appropriate place,
but nothing untoward happened there.
How do you know?
Because he was with me the whole time.
We had a drink with his
friends, and then we went back
to 61st Street together.
He's quite innocent, I promise.
[FOOTSTEPS APPROACHING]
What do you think?
I'll take it.
Good.
I'll draw up the paperwork.

Most young women busy
themselves with minor things,
but you are not like most women.
[LAUGHS]
I don't know how you
do it all, Miss Scott
suffrage, your articles, your novel.
Technically, I'm still
employed by Mrs. Van Rhijn.
I'm surprised you could fit
our lunch into your schedule.
- [CHUCKLES]
- Oh.
You'll always have
a place in my schedule.
That is good to hear because I always
love to spend time with you.
I find I think about you more and more.
I feel the same, although
your mother wouldn't approve.
How do we remedy this situation?
You're the doctor.
You could let me escort you to the ball
in aid of my father's church.
Oh, my cousin Athena
has already invited us.
Might it be all right if
you didn't go with your family
and came with me instead?
[ROMANTIC MUSIC]
I think that would be fine.
Cousin Athena would definitely approve.
[CHUCKLING]
Why are you laughing?
I was just thinking
that I've never been
so grateful for a bad cold.
[LAUGHTER]

Is William bringing his
young lady to the ball?
And who might that be?
I heard he's taken a liking
to Miss Peggy Scott from New York.
You know how these young men are.
I doubt she's the final choice.
That might be a good thing
in light of her past.
What past?
I assumed you knew.
Knew what?
It's not my place to say.
Ernestine, if you know something
about the woman my son is courting,
you have a duty to tell me.
I spend every Easter
with my sister in Philadelphia.
During last year's church service,
the Scotts from New York
were there, too,
but not to celebrate the resurrection.
It turns out Peggy Scott had a child
who died of scarlet fever.
A child?
A little boy who'd been
adopted by the Spring family.
Are you saying that she
had a child out of wedlock?
We didn't see a husband at church,
but my sister assured me
that she had been married.
Why she allowed her baby
to be adopted, I don't know.
It's a sad story, really.
A sad story that asks more
questions than it answers.
I knew she wasn't right for my William.
I cannot believe you,
of all people, did not know.
That was by design.
What do you mean?
My son would never have
wanted a tainted woman.
She purposefully
kept that from all of us.
[STAMMERS] Where are you off to?
I must take the next train to New York.
William needs to be
brought into the picture.
[PENSIVE MUSIC]

So I want you to go to Chicago
while I stay here
to meet with JP Morgan
about the mines and railway.
All right.
What have we here?
Your son has put the family back
on solid financial footing.
Well done, Larry.
Thank you.
I have my own news to share.
Because of Mrs. Astor's situation,
I have agreed to host the
end-of-the-season Newport ball.
Gladys and Hector
will be joining us as well.
- Is that so?
- Yes.
All your pawns will
be back on the board.
This came for you, sir.
Ah, thank you.
Larry, I think you want
to see these numbers.
Oh, I nearly forgot.
Church found the spy.
It was Andre. [CHUCKLES]
I thought it might be.
- Look at the ore grade estimate.
- You're busy.
That's 20% more than we expected.
I should go.
I hope to see you back at home.
And this is the grade
for the smallest ore.
It's even better news.
The more efficient we are,
the more money.
As I've said in the past,
we are all bound up together
in one great bundle of humanity.
And society cannot
trample on the weakest
and feeblest of its members
without receiving
a curse in its own soul.
So let us continue
to make progress for the vote
and for equality together.
[APPLAUSE]
Thank you all for coming.
And we'd like to offer our deep
appreciation to our hostess
and sponsor, Mrs. Forte.
Oh.
[APPLAUSE]
It is my honor to support
such a noble cause.
There is tea in the dining room.
I've been meaning to say hello.
I hope you found our
audience an engaging one.
Indeed, I found their
enthusiasm invigorating.
They were responding
to a rousing speaker.
If you'll excuse us.
- Thank you again.
- Oh.
There is a real power
in us all being together.
Well, it's the only way
this battle will be won.
If women can get the vote,
then we shall have a voice
in other matters as well.
I agree wholeheartedly, Mrs. Van Rhijn.
Mrs. Forte, may I
introduce you to someone?
Oh, yes. Please.
- Do we know each other?
- Not really.
I'm Mrs. Foster of the
New York Heritage Society.
I've written to you about the decision
to name Livingston Manor
after your ancestors
- who settled there.
- Yes, of course.
I'm terribly behind with my mail.
When Robert Livingston purchased
his 95,000 acres in 1750,
do you know where he lived?
No, I don't know exactly where,
but I do know that later
houses were built on what
is now called the Manor.
Your lineage is noteworthy.
[CHUCKLES] You're very kind.
The Society is planning to celebrate
New York's history soon,
and we would really like your help.
Oh, well, I'm afraid I'm spoken for,
but good luck with it, Mrs. Foster.
If you'll excuse me.
Hello, darling.
Miss Grant, so nice to see you.
[INDISTINCT CONVERSATION]
Agnes, who is that woman
you were speaking to?
Mrs. Foster of the
Heritage Society, no less.
I think I got rid of her.
I hope so, anyway.
[EXCITING ORCHESTRAL MUSIC]

Take it every morning
and evening, and that
should help with the pain.
Good afternoon, Mr. Jones.
Mother?
What are you doing here?
I have some alarming news.
Is Father all right?
Oh, he's fine.
This concerns Miss Scott,
though I don't know
why she calls herself miss.
My cousin saw you in Prospect
Park with Dr. Kirkland.
Peggy, do I hear wedding bells?
[LAUGHTER]
Let's not get ahead of ourselves.
Besides, we are here to
discuss our rights as women.
I agree with Miss Scott.
Whether she marries or not,
we must counter our dependence on men.
Hmm.
Pardon me.
Is she all right?
She recently broke off an engagement.
Oh.
Please don't let her
dissuade you from marriage.
Dr. Kirkland is a fine man,
and we are all looking forward
to dancing at your wedding.
[LAUGHTER]
All right, all right.
Okay, stop it.
According to Mrs. Brown,
everyone in Philadelphia knows,
which is why it is so shocking
that she didn't tell you.
That is not a person who can
be trusted, if you ask me.
I didn't ask you.
Thank goodness we learned
the truth, who she really is.
Miss Scott is still a kind,
beautiful, intelligent woman.
Who lied.
Who is a tarnished woman
with a dead child,
God rest his poor soul, and a husband
out there somewhere
doing Lord knows what.
Is she divorced?
[SCOFFS] We're not certain
she even married.
[SCOFFS]
But we do know that
she put her own flesh and blood
up for adoption, which she
did not care to share with us.
I must speak to Peggy.
What makes you think she
would tell you the truth now?
I'll know when I talk to her.
I owe her that much.
Oh, William, you owe her nothing.
[APPREHENSIVE MUSIC]

I know it's rather late to pay a call,
but I must speak with Miss Scott.
I believe she's in her room.
I'll have Bridget fetch her,
if you'll just wait here.

Congratulations, Mr. Russell.
Thank you, Brinkley,
for all your hard work.
And don't let us forget
Mr. Larry's hard work too.
There's a cab outside, sir.
He's waiting to take you
to the Union Club.
Thank you, Jones.
[KNOCK AT DOOR]
I have a delivery
for Mr. George Russell.
Thank you. I'll take that.
[GUNSHOTS]
[GRUNTS]
[DRAMATIC MUSIC]

[GUNSHOT]
sync & corrections awaqeded
[TENSE ORCHESTRAL MUSIC]

[BRIGHT TONE]
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