The Gilded Age (2022) s03e08 Episode Script

1
[TV STATIC DRONES]
[BRIGHT TONE]
[SPIRITED ORCHESTRAL MUSIC]
♪
Get up! Hyah!
Mr. Russell, you're nearly home.
[GROANS]
[DRAMATIC MUSIC]
Get up!
Hyah!
[BREATHING HEAVILY]
Get up! Hyah!
♪
Get help!
Come, quick! Quickly!
Come outside! Come!
Quickly, come!
♪
- Get the mistress now.
- Here, give me a hand.
[GEORGE GROANS]
No time to waste.
- Bring him in.
- Take him upstairs.
Get this approved quickly.
Be careful there.
Whitman, open the dining room.
What happened?
Delivery man came into
the office with a package,
and then he just started shooting.
Fetch blankets and a pillow!
I-I'll get some ice and towels.
Is he breathing?
Please tell me he's breathing.
I can feel a pulse.
- Is there anything I can do?
- Uh, g-go fetch Dr. Logan.
Go.
There's a doctor
in our house right now.
Then bring him here!
I should tell you he's colored.
What do I care? Go get him.
And send for Mr. Larry.
There's a secretary who was
shot, and I think he's dead.
My God. Go back to the office
and deal with it.
And do you think you can keep
the police away for now?
- I think so.
- Okay.
Stay with me, my dear.
George, please, please,
I beg you, stay with me.
- He's been shot?
- Go at once.
- Be as quick as you can.
- I need my bag.
Go. We'll bring it over to you.
♪
- Is he still alive?
- He is.
The doctor is on the way.
- But will he survive?
- Maybe.
I don't know.
♪
- What's happening?
- Mr. Russell's been shot.
- What? Who by?
- I don't know.
Dr. Kirkland was here to see
me, so he's gone to help.
- I said I'd take his bag over.
- Can you let me do that?
I need to be with Larry.
I need to be with them all.
Of course.
Tell my aunts where I've gone.
[PANTING]
I'm Dr. William Kirkland. May I?
Yes, please.
Mr. Russell, can you hear me?
- Can't you stop the pain?
- No, it's good.
It's good that he feels pain.
I need to assess his wound.
I need some clean water,
ice, and towels.
They're on the way.
You're going to be all right,
Mr. Russell.
I've seen many, many gunshot wounds.
- Where do you want these?
- Um
- Here.
- Uh
Thank you.
♪
I need another set of hands
to maintain pressure.
Show me what to do.
Press down here to stop the blood flow.
- Mrs. Russell, please.
- Yes?
- Yes.
- Talk to your husband.
It's going to be all right.
You're going to be all right.
I need you all
to hold him down, please.
- Hicks, hold his right arm.
- Yes, sir.
Barrett, get his legs.
Look at me. Look at me.
[GEORGE GROANING]
[GEORGE SHOUTS]
[BERTHA GASPS]
I feel the bullet.
It's near the left ventricle.
Seems to be stuck on his rib.
I'm going to open him up.
Can you hand me the forceps when I say?
Yes.
You're going to feel
some pressure, Mr. Russell.
Focus on your wife. Can you do that?
Don't worry. You're in good hands.
This will hurt.
[GEORGE GROANING]
Keep blotting the blood so I can see.
Forceps.
[GEORGE GROANS]
Shh, shh, shh.
♪
The bullet didn't splinter.
We can thank God for that.
[ALL PANTING]
[GEORGE GROANING]
What's happening? Why is he shaking?
He's going into shock.
He's febrile.
Let's get some ice
to bring his temperature down.
- No, no, stay with us.
- It's all right.
- It's all right.
- Stay with me. Stay with me.
Please, please, you have to save him.
Please! Please, Doctor!
[GEORGE GROANING, BERTHA SOBBING]
♪
[KETTLE WHISTLING]
What's going on?
Why are you up so early?
- We've never been to bed.
- Mr. Russell's been shot.
Miss Marian stayed there
all night with Dr. Kirkland.
He's been shot?
And why would they send
for Dr. Kirkland?
They didn't.
He was visiting Miss Scott.
He went over to see if he could help.
[SIGHS] It's a miracle
that he was here.
I only pray you're right.
[SOMBER MUSIC]
♪
He'll be more comfortable
upstairs in bed.
Of course.
What are you doing?
Dr. Logan, we sent for you hours ago.
Where have you been?
Mrs. Strawder had her twins,
and one of them was breech.
- Who are you?
- Dr. William Kirkland.
Doctor? Where did you study?
Howard Medical School.
- [GEORGE GRUNTS]
- Don't try to speak.
I removed the bullet.
There were no fragments.
Tied up vessels to stop the bleeding.
Then I packed the wound
with iodine and cotton.
What did you give him for pain?
I didn't have anything in my bag.
He was just visiting a house
across the street
when it happened.
- Take this to the pharmacy.
- Church.
Is he going to survive?
There is a risk of infection.
Still, it seems that
- What did you say your name was?
- Dr. Kirkland.
It seems that Dr. Kirkland
may have saved his life.
Uh [SIGHS]
It's very fortunate that he was nearby.
Thank you for all you've done.
And thank God you were here to do it.
I trust we can count
on your discretion.
Church, please make sure
Dr. Kirkland gets home safely.
- Yes, ma'am.
- Thank you.
- This way, Doctor.
- Thank you.
[SIGHS]
Where is he?
[FOOTSTEPS APPROACHING]
- What's happened?
- Your father's been shot.
Where have you been?
They didn't give me the note
until this morning.
- Have they sent for the police?
- No, they don't want to.
They don't want anyone to know.
What are his chances, Dr. Logan?
Better than they might have been.
But now all we can do is pray.
[SOFT SOMBER MUSIC]
♪
He seems to be sleeping peacefully.
[SIGHS] That's a relief.
My mother told me what you did.
You helped save my father's life.
Thank you.
I would do anything for you
and for your family
you must know that.
♪
And yet you called off our engagement.
I'm sorry. I was wrong.
I should have listened.
Jack told me that he was
with you that night,
and nothing happened.
I told you the same thing
and you didn't believe me.
I'm willing to apologize,
but you know my story.
- I've trusted men before
- And there we have it.
♪
I'm not the only one at fault here.
You lied to me.
I did that to protect you.
And look where that has gotten us.
I can't hear this right now.
My father could be dying.
Of course. I'm sorry.
You should be with your parents.
I'll have Church see you home.
I can see myself home.
♪
Thank you, Boles.
- How are you holding up?
- [SIGHS]
I wish the boat could go faster.
I want some more news.
We haven't heard anything about
my father's condition since
since we got that cable in
Southampton before departure.
I know it was vague
but at least it sounds
like he's recovering.
Well, I'm happy for that.
It'll be good to see your family again.
Yes.
I'll be glad to see them.
But I know that my home
is Sidmouth now.
Thank you for that.
You've brought a light to the place
that was sorely needed.
Do you really mean for Sarah
to find her own home?
Yes.
There's only one duke.
And as I have only recently discovered,
there can only be one duchess.
[LIGHT UPBEAT MUSIC]
♪
He'll be glad Mr. Russell is improving.
Yeah.
If it weren't for Dr. Kirkland,
he never would have survived.
And have you heard any word from Larry?
I'm afraid he has more
important things on his mind.
Oh, Miss Scott.
I'm glad to see you, to wish
you a good trip to Newport.
Oh, I hope you can manage without me.
I think so.
Mrs. Van Rhijn doesn't get
as much mail as she used to.
Well, I'd better get started.
I'm going to my parents' first.
- Have a safe journey.
- Thank you.
Mrs. Forte.
You'd better not remind Aunt Agnes
that she gets fewer letters these days.
[LAUGHS] You're right.
Although Mrs. Foster
from the Heritage Society
is proving quite persistent.
More begging letters?
They're not resented as such, but, yes.
I can see the matter with Larry
is still weighing on your mind.
Yes. John told me that Larry
didn't do anything wrong
the night we got engaged.
He was with him.
But that's good news, isn't it?
It would have been,
but Larry pointed out
that when he told me nothing happened,
I didn't believe him.
I only believed John.
And Larry does not feel that
that is a good place for us to start.
He has a point.
But you have your reasons
for being cautious.
He should see that.
I'm sure you're right, but
[SOFT SOMBER MUSIC]
Right now it just feels like a sad loss
for what might have been.
You're still determined
not to involve the police?
I can't risk the news becoming public.
I depend on you
to find out who shot me.
Is there anyone you suspect?
Yes, there [GROANS IN PAIN]
There are men involved
who wouldn't mind
if my father were dead
chief among them, Richard Clay.
We'll look into Mr. Clay.
Do.
And be as rough as you like.
Thank you, sir.
Your survival has been
a kind of miracle.
But don't take it as permission
to overdo things.
Thank you, Doctor.
I will make sure you follow
the doctor's instruction.
Your health is my only priority
Mm.
Which is why I must certainly
cancel the ball now.
Don't cancel it for me.
When people find out what's happened
You cannot use me as a reason.
And any other reason
could easily ring false.
I won't allow you
to jeopardize the railroad.
Very well.
McAllister's book has shaken
society to its roots.
To call it off now
may do even more damage
to peoples' confidence.
And I'm sure you wouldn't want that.
I'm going back to the club.
[FOOTSTEPS DEPARTING]
Now, you have a ball to prepare for.
If you're feeling better,
maybe you can make a brief appearance.
All of us together as a shining example
of a stable, united family
at a well-run society event.
Of which you are the leader.
[CHUCKLES] Mrs. Astor is the leader.
Mrs. Astor is the mother
of a woman who is about
to be dragged to divorce court
for her own adultery.
You are the mother of a duchess.
We are the parents of a duchess.
[SOFT MUSIC]
He swept in quite valiantly,
removed the bullet from Mr. Russell
- [GASPS]
- And saved his life.
Oh, Lord, what a feat.
- [LAUGHS]
- Oh!
I wonder if anyone will ever know
that a colored doctor saved
a prominent white businessmen.
Mm-hmm.
I mean, stranger things have happened.
Well, the only reason he was
on 61st Street was to see me.
Well, that's late to be paying a call.
I know.
We never got to talk,
but he's coming here anytime now.
Well, won't we see him in Newport?
He's keen to speak before we leave.
It seemed important.
I know what you're thinking.
Oh, you're not thinking it, too?
Maybe a little. I don't know.
- Has he spoken to Father?
- Oh, Arthur hasn't said.
I-I actually have to take him
his lunch pail.
- He forgot it.
- All right.
But but should I rush back
from the pharmacy,
or or or should I take my time?
Ellen is here,
so you'll have a chaperone.
- Just take Father his lunch.
- Oh. Oh, okay.
Stop it. [LAUGHTER]
Oh, I will see you later. [CHUCKLES]
I look forward to hearing
what Dr. Kirkland has to say.
Mm-hmm. All right,
all right, all right.
[LAUGHING] All right.
[DOOR OPENS, CLOSES]
[SOFT UPBEAT MUSIC]
It's true, then?
Yes.
My father had the marriage annulled,
but I was already with child.
I lost consciousness during childbirth,
and when I woke up,
they falsely told me
the baby had not survived.
Mr. Scott was responsible
for putting the child up for adoption?
It has taken me a long time
to try and make peace with it all
and to forgive him.
I was going to tell you.
I just needed to build up the courage.
I see.
[SOFT DRAMATIC MUSIC]
♪
[SOBS SOFTLY]
Are you leaving?
I need to walk and think.
I'm so sorry.
I understand if you believe
the worst of me now.
None of my thoughts
are clear at this moment.
♪
I'll write to you.
We're going to Newport for the ball.
Yes.
I'm to escort my mother back
on tomorrow's train.
I-I'm afraid this information
has strengthened her arguments
against us.
Now it all seems
insurmountable.
I didn't tell you sooner
because I'm a private person.
And to talk about such things,
there never really is the right time.
No.
I suppose there isn't.
♪
Goodbye, Miss Scott.
♪
William.
♪
[SNIFFLES] This is yours, I think.
♪
- [SOBBING SOFTLY]
- [DOOR OPENS]
[SOMBER MUSIC]
[SOBBING]
♪
What's happened?
[SOBBING] His mother
has a friend in Philadelphia.
She knows the Springs.
Oh, no.
[SOBBING]
She told William everything.
And I'm sure she embellished
wherever she saw fit.
Oh.
It's over.
Oh. Is that what he told you?
He doesn't think
he doesn't think we can fight her.
- Why would he?
- No, he's shocked.
Love doesn't disappear in an instance.
No matter what happens,
you are worthy of a husband
who understands
and and gives you grace
and cherishes you.
I wish I could believe that.
[SOBBING]
♪
I'll say good night.
What? So early?
I hope you're not
coming down with something.
I'm sure I'm fine.
Good night.
Marian is well enough.
That's not what ails her.
♪
What do you mean?
Marian found out
that Mr. Russell did nothing wrong
on the night of their engagement.
And now?
Mr. Russell questions whether
they are a suitable match
if she can't trust him.
Well, thank goodness
someone is behaving sensibly.
[SOFTLY] Imagine marrying
into that family.
Really, Agnes,
this isn't about that family.
This is about Marian
and the man that she loves.
Don't be naive.
You don't just marry a man.
You marry a life,
and Marian deserves better
someone from a stable,
traditional, well-established family.
That's no guarantee
of a happy marriage.
When you married Arnold,
you had all that.
How did you feel about it?
[SCOFFS] I don't remember much.
Is that what you want for Marian?
[LIGHT DRAMATIC MUSIC]
♪
[INDISTINCT CHATTER]
♪
I thought you didn't like Wagner.
Of course not. I have impeccable taste.
[CHUCKLES]
But we can't always do what we like.
Hmm.
Is that Mrs. Winterton?
I've not seen her
since her husband died.
I don't think she's been out much.
Hmm. I assume he left her
well provided for.
I'm sure.
He had no children.
- How interesting.
- Hmm.
[CHATTER CONTINUES,
ORCHESTRA WARMING UP]
- Excuse us.
- Of course.
We haven't met in a while.
I was so sorry to hear
about your husband.
Thank you.
It was sad, of course,
but he didn't suffer very long.
Even so.
This must be a hard time for you,
having to reshape your life.
I hope you have lots of family
and friends to support you.
Not really.
I have no family left in New York,
and our friends were
really Joshua's friends.
But I still have his people.
They're old, but they look
after me well enough.
If you ever want to talk
things through with someone
who is not one of the late
Mr. Winterton's people,
I hope you'll let me offer my services.
Of course. That's what
you do now, isn't it?
Manage your clients' money.
I prefer to say
that I manage their lives.
And you'd like to manage mine?
Oh, very much, if you'd let me.
Tell me about your life.
I presume you're going to Newport
- for Mrs. Astor's famous ball?
- I am indeed going.
But Mrs. Astor
isn't giving it this year.
It's been taken over by Mrs. Russell.
- Oh, dear.
- What?
Won't you be on Mrs. Russell's list?
No.
And you're the one man
in New York who knows why.
You were at her daughter's wedding.
Mr. Winterton was still alive.
She thinks she's free of me
now he's gone.
I won't be at the next wedding.
You can be sure.
There won't be one anytime soon.
What a pity.
[BELL RINGING]
- We should go back in.
- Must we?
[RINGING CONTINUES]
Brace yourself.
♪
I wanted you to know
that the guest list is almost complete.
I am delighted to hear
that preparations
for the ball are going well.
I also came to tell you
that I have invited Mrs. Fane
and would welcome Charlotte
if she chose to attend.
- You would invite me?
- That is absurd.
Whatever possessed you to think
that I would favor such a thing?
It would be the ruin of us all.
Mrs. Astor, we are not
talking about strangers.
This is our dear friend, Aurora Fane,
as well as your own daughter.
Do you want them to live
in exile forever?
We cannot allow the scourge of divorce
to infect the social circles
we hold dear.
But, Mother, don't you see
what Mrs. Russell is proposing
could save me?
Don't you want that for your own child?
If you receive them,
it will become an epidemic.
And I cannot be a part of that.
So I'm to spend the rest of my life
making needlepoint samplers
in front of the fire?
For that, you'd need to learn
to thread a needle.
[SCOFFS]
Mrs. Astor, I hope you'll reconsider.
I will not.
And if you force me,
I will make no secret
of why I do not plan
to attend your ball.
Good day.
♪
I can do it, thank you.
Miss Brook.
Miss Brook, I appreciate your coming.
I wanted to have the chance
to thank you for all you did.
We're both very grateful.
I hope you'll let me
give you a new dress.
[CHUCKLING] No, but I am very glad
to see Mr. Russell
sitting up and talking.
Quite the change from the
last time you were together.
Well, if you'll excuse me,
I have some business to attend to.
You do know I think it quite a shame
that you two have fallen out.
Can I second that?
Yes, it is a shame.
Does that mean
you're having second thoughts?
I hope so.
I'm very relieved
to see you looking as you do,
but I don't want to tire you.
- Thank you again, Miss Brook.
- Mm.
I'll show you out.
So what will happen with the
end-of-season ball in Newport?
George says I'm to go ahead.
Hector and Gladys are
on their way over.
And as you know,
George wants the shooting
to be unreported,
so I couldn't give it as my excuse.
Oh. He's a very determined man.
Nothing is to disturb
the business he is working on.
So the ball will go on.
And I have invited Mrs. Fane
and Mrs. Drayton, too.
Oh, are you really trying
to end the exclusion
- of divorced women?
- I think it's time, don't you?
And Mrs. Drayton's divorce
gives me the chance
at least I thought it did.
You mean Mrs. Astor doesn't agree?
It's early days yet.
I'm sorry I won't be there
to support your decision.
What? You're not coming to the ball?
You saw how uncomfortable
Larry was around me.
[SIGHS SOFTLY] Don't give up on him.
I don't see what choice I have.
Nonsense.
I saw you soaked in blood and
helping to keep George alive.
I knew then you were
no feeble debutante.
[SIGHS]
I suppose at that moment,
I saw you through Larry's eyes.
The two of you could have
a bright future.
Won't you fight for it?
The choice is not mine.
Larry has made that quite clear.
And
if he feels this strongly,
it's probably for the best.
[SOFT DRAMATIC MUSIC]
- [LAUGHTER]
- Oh, this is good of you
to come and see us
from your smart new house.
I hope I'm not in the way.
Oh, no, it it's nice
to have you around again.
What's it like in your new home?
- Who looks after you there?
- Mrs. Clancy.
She's nice, but not
as good a cook as Mrs. Bauer.
- Oh.
- Of course not.
- Not much of a cook at all.
- [LAUGHS]
Does she clean for you as well?
There are two women
who come in each day,
but Mrs. Clancy manages them.
I don't.
Our footman is living like a prince,
waited on hand and foot.
What's wrong with that?
He's earned it, hasn't he?
Are they young women?
I suppose.
What does that matter?
I hope it doesn't.
[SOFT SOMBER MUSIC]
♪
You're back.
How was Mr. Russell?
I think he may be past the worst.
I do pray so.
They've asked for our discretion.
Such a terrible business.
They hope to keep things
as normal as possible,
so they're going ahead with the ball.
Hmm! That's quite bold
under the circumstances.
I think it shows real courage.
Yes, in fact, Mrs. Russell told me
that she has invited Aurora
and Charlotte Astor.
What?
Surely Lina Astor
will not approve of that.
No, she doesn't approve at all.
Well, is there any wonder of it?
A cotillion of divorcées?
What's next on the list
mudsills, unwed mothers?
Mrs. Russell is treading
on dangerous ground.
I wasn't planning on going anyway.
I don't want to have to see Larry.
[CLEARS THROAT]
Yes, your Aunt Ada
did mention that, um,
you and Mr. Russell were
still at odds, but
you must go to him now, Marian,
and admit that you were wrong.
Do you admit when you're wrong, Mama?
I don't need to.
I'm never wrong.
I thought you didn't approve
of Mr. Russell.
I've had a change of heart.
Perhaps Larry will as well.
[SIGHS]
I have no intention of finding out.
[DOG WHIMPERS]
[SOFT DRAMATIC MUSIC]
♪
Mr. Van Rhijn.
- Please.
- Thank you.
♪
What can I do for you?
I wanted to be sure
you knew how things stood
with Larry and Marian.
She knows now he did nothing wrong.
Of course not.
But it, uh it doesn't seem
to have made much difference.
She still doesn't plan
on attending the ball.
Yes, I know.
I was thinking, perhaps
I could try to convince her otherwise.
Why?
Because you want to be helpful to me?
Of course.
Surely you know that.
What I know is that you want
a favor, Mr. Van Rhijn.
Shall we save time?
Might you consider inviting
Mrs. Winterton to your ball?
Heavens.
I thought the death of her husband
had taken her off the board.
What about Mrs. Astor?
Mrs. Astor doesn't favor her,
but I believe your support
would be a bastion against that.
The day is coming when you will
be as strong as Mrs. Astor.
Or stronger.
♪
Very well, Mr. Van Rhijn.
I will invite her.
But I expect to see
Miss Brook there as well.
I hope you will not disappoint me.
♪
[INDISTINCT CHATTER]
Oscar. Where have you been?
Oh, I had things to see to
before we leave for Newport.
Mm.
In fact, I-I ran into
Mrs. Russell earlier today.
Oh?
She is most disappointed
that Marian's not coming to the ball.
[SIGHS]
She seems quite fond of you.
It's a shame for you to miss it.
If Marian does not wish to attend,
we must respect her decision.
She won't be the only one
who doesn't show up.
Of course.
But when one thinks what
the Russells have been through.
- Oh.
- [DOORBELL RINGING]
Who could be ringing at this hour?
Oh, that's your Mrs. Foster.
She won't stay long.
She's on her way to a dinner.
But she isn't my Mrs. Foster.
- Mrs. Philip Foster.
- Oh!
Thank you for coming.
Mrs. Foster is from
the New York Heritage Society.
And I fear you'll say
I haven't answered your letters.
And for that, I do apologize.
Mrs. Van Rhijn,
what's important
is that we are speaking now.
Well, you're very kind.
Am I mistaken, or when I was last here,
there was a lovely portrait
of Robert Livingston,
who became the state's
first chancellor?
He did indeed.
You have a wonderful memory.
Mm.
Do you know that he administered
the presidential oath
to George Washington?
Such deep historical connections
your family shares with our city.
Your interest in my family is a
is a compliment, but we both know
you have but one goal
in your pursuit of me.
Well, it's true. We do want
Let me just stop you right there.
- Aunt Agnes, we should go.
- Stay. You know the facts.
Agnes, what you don't know is
I want to put an end to the
turmoil of this embarrassment.
The truth is, and I should
have been honest before now,
I cannot make a donation
to the society because
I no longer have
adequate means to do so.
But we don't expect a donation
from you, Mrs. Van Rhijn.
We're well-funded.
What we want from you is your name
as a vice president.
Ah.
[CHUCKLES] Vice president of
the New York Heritage Society?
Yes.
Oh, Agnes, what an honor.
Well, you're right, it's
it is quite an honor.
Mrs. Foster, I-I'm
I'm sorry. I completely
misjudged the situation
and made a fool of myself
in the process.
Could you visit me again
when we get back from Newport?
And we could discuss this properly.
I certainly will.
And now I must run.
Uh, good evening to all of you.
- Good evening.
- Good evening to you.
[INDISTINCT CHATTER]
- [CHUCKLES]
- [DOOR CLOSES]
Did you know that's what she wanted?
I wrote to her,
and, yes, I knew
it was something of the sort.
[SOFT UPBEAT MUSIC]
[DOOR CLOSES]
There's a Miss Bridget here to see you.
♪
Bridget.
Mrs. Bauer thought
you were getting a bit bony,
so she sent me with some
of your favorite lamb stew.
I really worry
if you don't attend the ball,
you'll cause more talk than if you do.
I hadn't thought of that.
If Mrs. Russell really does
invite Aurora and she accepts,
I do hope you'll reconsider, Marian.
Bannister, I believe we are
finally ready for dinner.
Oscar, why don't you sit
next to your mother tonight?
No.
What?
I think the time has come
for you to take the head of the table.
- [SCOFFS]
- But you've always
You are running the family
as well as this house.
It is time for you to be at the head.
I'll sit here next to Marian.
♪
Agnes?
♪
Thank you.
♪
Thank you.
It was very thoughtful of Mrs. Bauer.
And of you to bring it.
- Aren't you having any?
- I ate before I came.
- Won't you at least sit down?
- I'm a servant.
Not in this house.
No, in this house,
you're a guest of the master.
[CHUCKLES SOFTLY]
- Do you mean it?
- Of course I do.
[SOFT DRAMATIC MUSIC]
♪
[CHUCKLES SOFTLY]
♪
I'm honored to welcome you.
♪
It feels very safe with you here.
Can I say that without
making you feel uncomfortable?
I'm not uncomfortable.
Not at all.
All right, then.
♪
Now tell me about your day.
Well, this morning,
when I was starting
to prepare breakfast
[INDISTINCT CHATTER]
[SOFT UPBEAT MUSIC]
♪
I'm going to lie down.
Well, we have our appointment,
with the dressmaker
to get our gowns for the ball.
I sent my measurements already.
- It should be fine.
- We'll pick it up for you.
What's wrong with the girl?
I'll tell you on the way to the shop.
[INDISTINCT CHATTER]
♪
Miss Gladys!
Your Grace!
Adelheid, what are you doing here?
Mrs. Russell sent for me
to look after you.
Does that mean
If that's what Your Grace would like.
I so hope it is.
I have a letter for Miss Boles,
with a ticket back to England.
And rather more than that, I hope.
Much more, Your Grace.
Why don't you have a rest
before your journey home?
We'll go this way.
I'm enjoying the idea
that your mother has admitted
to making a mistake.
[LAUGHS] I'm not convinced
that's how she'd put it.
[HECTOR CHUCKLES]
♪
[INDISTINCT CHATTER]
Yes, ma'am.
Hello.
♪
Hello, Aurora. It's good to see you.
I'm glad you've come.
Do we know if Mrs. Astor
has arrived in Newport?
I haven't heard either way.
Have you decided whether
you're going to the ball?
Not entirely.
I was so certain I wouldn't be invited.
Apparently that was before
Mrs. Russell lost her mind.
You won't see Lina Astor there.
I'm not even sure that I'm going.
I think if Mrs. Russell means
to challenge convention,
we should take her part.
One evening at the head of the table
and you're ready to change the world?
You do have a dress, don't you?
I've got the dress.
I'm just not sure I've got the nerve.
Mrs. Russell is making
such an effort for you.
But she can't control
the looks I'll get
- when I enter the ballroom.
- Yes.
We shall all enter
the ballroom together.
- Mm?
- What?
If Aurora can be brave enough,
then so can we all.
- Don't you agree, Marian?
- Yes.
We can be brave together.
[SOFT DRAMATIC MUSIC]
♪
It's perfect for the occasion.
Yes.
You look beautiful, Dorothy.
Oh, thank you.
It's a lovely color, isn't it?
- Oh, Mrs. Kirkland.
- Mrs. Trumbo.
I was walking by
and thought I spotted you
through the window.
I must say,
I'm surprised to see you here,
Mrs. Scott.
We're just getting
the finishing touches
on my cousin's gown for your ball.
- Here is your daughter's gown.
- Thank you so much.
So Miss Scott is still attending?
Why wouldn't she?
I know my son invited her,
but that was before.
Before what?
Before he learned the truth
of your daughter's past.
My daughter has nothing
to be ashamed of.
She duped my son.
She did nothing of the sort.
She was going to tell your son
about the most harrowing time
in her life.
- But she didn't.
- Yet.
She had planned to.
But you didn't miss your opportunity
to seize on the news
and disseminate it like a pox,
making your son think the worst.
I didn't make him think anything.
It was your daughter who deceived him.
I had hoped that Peggy
would do the respectable thing
and send her regrets.
It is uncanny to me
how you can see everyone else's
flaws and mistakes
but not your own.
I beg your pardon.
As a pastor's wife,
I shouldn't have to remind you
of the verse, "For all have sinned
and come short of the glory of God."
Dorothy. [CHUCKLES]
Let's lower the temperature.
My patience has worn thin,
and I can no longer hold my tongue.
Perhaps you should heed
your cousin's warning.
Perhaps you should get off
your high horse.
You have enjoyed a certain kind
of privilege amongst our people
here in Newport that has
created an illusion for you.
And what kind of illusion is that?
The kind that has enabled you
to act without grace,
manners, and impunity.
But I am not from Newport.
We will be attending
the ball as a family.
My husband has made
a rather nice donation
because that is actually
the respectable thing to do,
Mrs. Kirkland.
How are we getting on?
The dress is perfect. Thank you.
Can I get you anything, Mrs. Kirkland?
No, I'm fine.
I should be going.
I'm the guest of honor
at an event later.
Well, we'll see you at the ball.
Yes, of course.
And, Mrs. Scott, whether
your daughter attends or not,
I take solace in the fact
that my son knows the truth now
and has changed his mind about her.
If that is truly his decision,
then your son was never
really worthy of my Peggy
in the first place.
♪
Those go in the far corner.
♪
- Father.
- Ah.
Dr. Kirkland.
Mrs. Russell, Mr. Russell.
[GROANS SOFTLY] Dr. Kirkland.
No need to stand on my account.
No. It's all right.
I was delighted
to hear of your progress
when your son came to call on me.
I should have written, but I delayed
until I had a chance to talk
to Dr. Logan
about the night
when you came to my aid.
I'm thankful I was there to help.
Dr. Logan was very clear.
If you had not been
at the Brook house by chance,
as we know, I would be dead.
Well, I
Instead, working
without the tools you needed,
without the medicines
or any trained assistants,
you pulled me through, so
I have decided to thank you
in a way that I hope is
commensurate with what you did.
May I open it?
Please.
I can't take this.
Why?
Because it is worth more than my life?
[BERTHA CHUCKLES SOFTLY]
I assure you it is not.
Even so
Our whole family is very grateful
for everything you did.
You took a risk.
If things had gone badly
and I had died,
there are people who would have
tried to persecute you.
So we must add courage
to your other virtues.
I hope you'll indulge me
by accepting it.
[INDISTINCT CHATTER]
[SOFT UPBEAT MUSIC]
- [FOOTSTEPS DESCENDING STAIRS]
- Oh, there he is.
We are so proud of you, son.
For what?
For saving the life
of a captain of industry,
not to mention your handsome reward.
I'm grateful I was able to help him,
but my practice will not soon
be flooded with robber barons.
It's nearly time to leave.
You should hurry,
get dressed for the ball.
I'm not going.
What?
This is our family event.
Don't let that woman spoil it.
"That woman"?
[SCOFFS] You never liked her, did you?
All I will say is that
I'm a good judge of character.
But you are not the final judge.
How many people did you tell, Mother?
- Me?
- Mm.
[SCOFFS] It seems we were
the last to know.
According to Mrs. Brown,
everyone in Philadelphia knows.
- So Mrs. Brown, and who else?
- Mrs. Oden.
- [SCOFFS]
- But I'm hardly to blame.
So now this has become gossip?
You have sullied her reputation.
I did no such thing.
She did that all by herself.
Don't you see?
This is the woman he loves.
- "Loves"?
- Yes.
Oh, son, this will pass.
There will be many others,
starting tonight at the ball.
That is not the answer, Elizabeth.
Was I to allow her
to continue this deception
all the way down the aisle?
What would everyone think and say
about the pastor's son's wife?
Maybe they'd think she's
human like the rest of us.
She could take down our family name.
I was not about to let that happen.
We are a family
that loves and forgives.
But she didn't even give us a chance
to offer forgiveness because
she kept it all a secret.
You cannot be involved
with someone
who has such a tainted past.
Woman.
You are not above reproach.
Are you taking the liar's side
above your wife?
I had a duty to inform
and protect our son.
He is a grown man.
You should have given
William and Miss Scott
a chance to work this out themselves.
I gave him an opportunity
to hear the truth and make a decision.
No. You did not.
He's right.
You have sown calamity and heartbreak.
And this is not the first time.
It stops now.
I just did what I thought was right.
For whom?
[SOMBER MUSIC]
♪
Look at the time.
- The carriage is waiting.
- I will meet you out front.
Am I to get in the carriage
without my husband?
I would like to have a word
with William alone.
[DISTANT HOOFBEATS]
I only want what's best for you.
♪
I don't want a lecture.
Well, that's good,
because I'm not giving you one.
I will only say
that you get to decide
what kind of man you want to be
and what you want for your life.
Thank you for that.
Remember
the good Lord has ordered your steps.
[SIGHS]
I wish I knew which way
He was telling me to go.
♪
[FOOTSTEPS DEPARTING]
You really intend to go?
Yes.
I was invited, and I am going.
Can't you see that this
is just another reckless folly
of Mrs. Russell's?
Your presence will be an embarrassment
for the other women there,
if there are any.
Is that what I am to you now
just an embarrassment?
Charlotte
I am trying to protect you.
No, Mother.
As usual, you are just trying
to protect yourself.
It's kind of you
to receive my guests, Hector.
- Thank you.
- Of course.
- Where is Mr. Russell?
- He's in his room, resting.
But no one's to know what happened?
No one is to know.
Finally.
We were going to send up
a search party.
Don't you think I look nice?
You look wonderful.
Well, that takes a lot of work.
- Doesn't it, Mother?
- Mm.
Let's hope it will have been worth it.
If Mrs. Astor has her way,
no one may come.
Madam, the carriages
are starting to arrive.
[SIGHS]
I'm glad if that means
there's more than one.
[ENERGETIC MUSIC]
♪
Hyah! Hyah!
[INDISTINCT CHATTER]
August, over there.
I don't know if I can do this.
Of course you can.
We can.
Don't worry. I won't leave your side.
♪
Well, I only hope the Heritage Society
will not lose faith
in its newest vice president
if they find out
I actually attended this.
I'm sure they have better things to do
than monitor your activities.
I can't think of any.
Mrs. Joshua Winterton.
♪
Mrs. Winterton.
You're so kind to have included me.
Well, given our shared history,
you probably know me better
than any other woman in the room.
Might we even be friends one day?
I don't think it likely.
But stranger things have happened.
Please, make your way to the terrace
and enjoy our magnificent
display of illumination.
♪
Good evening.
Mr. and Mrs. Charles Havemeyer.
♪
Thank you.
Right this way.
[INDISTINCT CHATTER]
♪
- I shouldn't have come.
- Nonsense.
You have absolutely nothing
to be ashamed of.
Don't let those people
dictate who you are.
- Hello.
- Hello.
- Hi.
- Come on.
You look wonderful.
♪
Mrs. James Drayton.
♪
Mrs. Drayton.
Your mother isn't with you?
I'm afraid
she wasn't feeling very well.
I see.
I'm so sorry to hear that.
Mrs. Drayton, I hope things
are not too trying for you.
You're very kind, Duke.
Thank you.
More than I can say.
♪
Mrs. Forte and Mrs. Van Rhijn.
♪
Mrs. Russell, How is Mr. Russell?
Surprisingly well.
I hope we'll see him later.
And Mrs. Astor?
- May I introduce Mrs. Forte?
- Oh, Your Grace.
And her sister, Mrs. Van Rhijn.
- You know the Duke.
- Of course.
Although we've hardly spoken.
Miss Brook and Gladys have
told me everything about you.
- Not quite everything, I hope.
- [LAUGHTER]
Mrs. Charles Fane and Miss Brook.
Miss Brook,
it's so good of you to come.
You're very welcome here, Aurora.
Thank you for having me.
- I think you know the duchess.
- [ALL CHUCKLE]
It's lovely to see you.
Miss Brook, Mrs. Fane, welcome.
Mr. And Mrs. Clement Moore.
♪
So lovely to see everyone
in their end-of-season finery.
- [BOTH CHUCKLE]
- Yes.
♪
Nearly everyone.
Mr. And Mrs. Benjamin Porter.
[INDISTINCT CHATTER]
♪
Thank you for coming.
Mr. and Mrs. Ogden Mills.
♪
Mrs. Astor.
♪
Lina, Charlotte told me
you were feeling unwell.
I'm so glad to see you've
made such a swift recovery.
Thank you.
Though I have a feeling
I may relapse at any moment.
- Duke.
- Mrs. Astor.
Mr. And Mrs. Frederic Bronson.
I'm so glad you could join us.
♪
- Mrs. Astor.
- Shh.
[INDISTINCT CHATTER]
Did you see Mrs. Astor is here?
- Mrs. Astor.
- Mrs. Astor is here.
[DRAMATIC ORCHESTRAL MUSIC]
♪
[CHURCH SPEAKING INDISTINCTLY
IN THE DISTANCE]
Well, isn't this splendid?
What made you change your mind?
♪
Your situation may be embarrassing
but you are not an embarrassment.
[INDISTINCT CHATTER]
You are my daughter.
♪
I always thought
if you had a choice between me
and the laws of society,
then society would win every time.
Which once again proves
you don't know everything.
Hmm.
♪
Thank you.
♪
[FLOWING WALTZ PLAYING]
♪
Ladies and gentlemen
♪
The ball is about to begin.
[INDISTINCT CHATTER]
♪
We didn't know what we would do.
I don't know
how you manage it with three.
Well, the children are easy.
It's the husband
that takes all the work.
[LAUGHTER]
I do believe that handsome
gentleman is coming this way.
Mm, he's certainly not coming for me.
- May I have this dance?
- Oh.
♪
[DOOR CREAKS OPEN, CLOSES]
Are you all right?
Mm. I'm fine.
Can you manage this?
I can manage.
- Any word on the investigation?
- Nothing concrete yet.
And any news from Miss Brook?
No.
Don't let a misunderstanding
get in the way of your happiness.
There will always be disagreements.
You must weigh those
against the value
of what brings you together.
Now, let us away to the ball.
[FLOWING WALTZ PLAYING]
♪
I knew he would change his mind.
♪
Hello, Mrs. Scott.
If you'll excuse us.
Let him go.
♪
Sir, may I have a word?
All right.
♪
What do you think that was about?
I don't know,
and I'm too afraid to hope.
♪
I fear I will live to regret this.
No, Lina, I want only
gratitude from you.
Brother Russell has arranged
for your wayward daughter
to be publicly greeted
by a genuine duke.
[CHUCKLES] Yes, in a ballroom
full of tricksters and demimondaines.
Lina, Brother Russell's
ballroom is full of the future.
[SCOFFING] Oh.
Don't hold so tightly
to those of the past,
or you may be swept away when they are.
Ladies, I trust
you're enjoying yourselves?
Oh, yes.
Mrs. Fish is trying to teach me
not to be afraid of the future.
Why should you be?
The future belongs to America.
Perhaps that is what makes me afraid.
♪
Excuse me.
♪
I can't tell you how pleased
I am that you're here.
We're all here
- just as you wanted.
- [CHUCKLES]
♪
This may not be the proper
time and place to ask,
but I feel the need
to seize the moment.
My wife told me you and Peggy fell out.
I never saw it that way.
- She's heartbroken.
- And I am, too.
I don't hold Miss Scott's past
against her.
♪
Are you pleased to be here?
I should have known
you were the one person
who could deliver it.
Oh, I can do much more
than that if you'll let me.
I will let you,
because it's such a relief
to talk to a man
who knows the truth about me.
There's no need for pretense.
You know, we, um
We could take this further.
What do you mean?
Do you have anywhere outside New York?
I've got a house on the Hudson,
- but it's quite modest.
- Mm.
I have a cottage, too.
We'd agree not to visit
the other's place
without an invitation.
But in the city
we'd be a pair
[SPIRITED MUSIC]
A fighting pair.
All this is if
If we marry.
With your money and my connections,
we'd have the whole world at our feet.
What do you say?
I say
come to luncheon when
we get back to New York.
♪
[UPBEAT WALTZ PLAYING]
♪
So this is it from now on?
With divorcées
and parvenus packing the floor?
[CHUCKLES]
And scarcely a chair kept for us?
Societies change, Agnes.
The trick is to accommodate the new
without upsetting the boat.
I can hardly believe I'm here.
I thought this was all over for me.
You have Mrs. Russell to thank.
She took a great risk.
- Mm.
- And it seems to have worked.
♪
Are you all right?
I think I need some air.
♪
You have my attention.
I love your daughter, sir.
And with your permission,
I'd like to ask
for her hand in marriage.
I intend to make a life
with your daughter
and a family.
I have ample means to provide
for and protect her.
And you understand that a marriage
is between a man and his wife
not her parents or your own?
Yes, sir.
[INDISTINCT CHATTER]
♪
[GASPS]
♪
Arthur.
Oh. Oh.
♪
[SOFT DRAMATIC MUSIC]
♪
May I?
♪
I spoke to your father.
What?
When you left, I thought it was over.
Hardly.
I promise never to leave you
again if you'll have me.
♪
[CROWD GASPING]
♪
[SCATTERED GASPS AND LAUGHTER]
- Miss Scott
- [GASPS]
Will you marry me?
♪
[LAUGHS]
♪
[DOOR CLOSES]
I didn't think you'd come.
I came with Aurora Fane.
Of course you did.
♪
Now it's my turn to apologize.
I don't understand how things got
so tangled up between us.
I suppose I panicked.
I assumed the worst
because that's what's happened
to me in the past.
Why should things be better
in the future?
Can't we make it better?
We could try.
But nothing's guaranteed
in this life, Marian.
No doubt you'll get things
wrong, and so will I.
And when I do,
will you walk out on me again?
I'm not saying it was all your fault.
Nor am I.
So what do we do?
[CHUCKLES] Well
One thing we can be sure of
we're not going to solve
all our problems tonight.
[CHUCKLES SOFTLY]
But, Miss Brook, may I have this dance?
[CHUCKLES]
[UPBEAT WALTZ PLAYING]
[INDISTINCT CHATTER]
♪
- What are you grinning about?
- Oh, nothing.
♪
- She's not unhappy, George.
- No, she's not unhappy.
You've certainly
put the rumors to rest.
You look very fit.
And you've managed another triumph.
I just want what's best for us all.
I must confess,
being so near death has rather
changed my perspective on that.
Really?
Well, if that's good, then I'm glad.
But, mainly, I'm relieved
to you still here with me.
♪
What's happening?
I'm going back to New York.
But you can't go alone.
You aren't well enough.
Larry's coming with me.
He's in the carriage.
But didn't we settle this last night?
Aren't you coming back to 61st Street?
I'm sorry.
I thought you understood
I only came to the ball
to protect the business.
"To protect the business"?
And I know how important it is
for you to gain points over Mrs. Astor.
Yes, it is.
I'm just sorry you
had to use our daughter
- as one of your pieces.
- You'll never understand.
I wanted Gladys to escape this cage.
But you forced her into a marriage.
And you walked her down the aisle!
Which is precisely
what I can't forgive!
[SCOFFS]
I don't blame you for being ruthless.
I admire it.
It's what we share.
But I'm ruthless in business
not with the people I love.
And I am ruthless
for the people I love!
Can you not see that?
Is this because of the shooting?
Maybe.
It's made me examine my life.
And I don't like everything I see.
So you're not coming home?
Not until we know what we want.
I know what I want.
Of course you do.
I, on the other hand, am not so sure.
Sir.
I'm just coming.
[SOMBER DRAMATIC MUSIC]
♪
[FOOTSTEPS DEPARTING]
♪
- [FOOTSTEPS APPROACHING]
- [SOBS SOFTLY]
♪
- Where's Father?
- You're up early.
I thought you'd sleep till noon.
I've got news, and I'm bursting.
The doctor made me promise to be silent
till the first four months were done,
but that was last night,
and I had to tell Hector first.
You see
I'm going to have a baby.
[BERTHA LAUGHS]
[BERTHA SNIFFLES]
[BOTH SIGH]
Let's find Father.
We can break it to him together.
He'll he'll be so pleased.
♪
[DISTANT HOOFBEATS]
Mother?
♪
sync & corrections awaqeded
[BRIGHT TONE]