The Gilded Age (2022) s04e01 Episode Script
Ring the Bells
1
[TV STATIC DRONES]
[BRIGHT TONE]
[SPIRITED ORCHESTRAL MUSIC]
♪
[EXCITING MUSIC]
♪
Ha!
Ha!
Come on, get up!
Whoa.
Dr. Thomas, how kind of you to come.
Take me to her.
- Of course. Fox.
- Yes, ma'am.
This way, sir.
♪
[SCREAMING]
Thank goodness you're here.
I fear we should have
sent for you sooner.
[SCREAMING]
[BELLS CLANGING, THUNDER RUMBLING]
[BRIGHT MUSIC]
[INDISTINCT CHATTER]
♪
Careful with the vase.
Don't put those chairs
so close to the door.
We're only doing what she told us.
Maybe, but I know what she wants.
Well, didn't you hear her?
How can you be so sure?
- She seemed to know exactly what she
- Because I work here, and you two
were just hired for the day.
Now, help me get the cake.
[ORGAN MUSIC PLAYING]
♪
I can never remember
- is rain lucky or unlucky?
- [THUNDER RUMBLING]
Well, there's plenty of
rain ahead in any marriage,
- so I don't suppose it matters.
- [CHUCKLES]
But how strange it is to
walk down the aisle alone.
Not if her father's dead.
Oh, I couldn't find my umbrella.
It is pouring rain.
Oh, I know.
♪
This is going to be such fun.
[THUNDER RUMBLES]
[SCREAMING]
She can't be in danger.
We've done everything you told us to!
Try to accept the pain, Your Grace.
Don't fight it, and all will be well.
I can't I can't do this.
Of course you can, my darling.
Of course you can. Adelheid,
bring me the bottle.
- [SCREAMS]
- Be strong!
- What is that?
- Just Mrs. Winslow's soothing syrup.
- It can't hurt.
- I'm afraid it can hurt, Mrs. Russell.
It contains morphine
and could kill the child.
But what if she
Let me be clear.
You do not understand the situation.
Please, leave me.
[PANTING]
I will keep you informed.
Mother!
[SOBS] No!
No!
[PANTING]
[CHEERFUL MUSIC]
♪
I'm not sure I've ever
seen Oscar so happy.
Oh, it is wonderful, isn't it?
Are you pleased, Agnes?
Of course I am. At
last my son is married.
And to a fine-looking
woman with enough money
for them both to live well.
[CHUCKLES]
And soon I shall entertain the president
of the United States.
Mrs. Van Rhijn, congratulations.
What a lovely couple,
and a delightful party.
Thank you for including me.
It is our pleasure.
You both remember Mrs. Foster,
the director of the Heritage Society.
My sister has spoken of little else
since we received the news.
- Indeed.
- Well,
there's so much to be done, isn't there?
Whatever it takes, we
are up to the challenge.
Allow me to show you
the area that I thought
would suit the president's
private audience.
Wonderful.
I can take that if you're done.
Or if you're not, that's
fine. I can come back later.
Oh, that looks good
[CLEARS THROAT]
Clearing glasses is a silent task.
These are not your guests.
Sorry, Mr. Bannister.
♪
Are you quite all right?
Perfectly. Why wouldn't I be?
You seem to be distracted.
I do appreciate your helping
out in our time of need.
Yes, we've all got to do our share.
[INDISTINCT CHATTER]
Mrs. Bauer, you've
really outdone yourself.
It's good practice before
we're graced with the honor
of feeding the president.
The president of the United
States is coming here?
Well, I don't know of
any other president.
Oh, will you bring in extra
help like you did today?
I suppose, but hopefully we'll have
our footman replaced by then.
Oh, when will that be?
Next few days, I should think.
Why would the president
want to come here?
This is a very respectable
house, I'll have you know.
No doubt the president
wishes to reaffirm
his interest in New
York and its traditions.
Now, Mrs. Bauer, we're
ready for some more food.
Coming up.
Is there someone we should
send for from London?
I'm happy to pay.
Of course you are, but
everything's under control.
Dr. Thomas has looked after
our family for many years.
He's a good doctor, Bertha.
That may be so, but if I had my way
But you don't.
Not here.
So if you'd like to wait in your room
- How dare you
- Ladies. Ladies, please.
None of this is helping Gladys.
Is there any change?
I'm afraid not.
The baby is in breech.
It may be we must choose to
save the mother or the child.
[GASPS]
And obviously, it's a
choice I cannot make for you.
- The child, surely.
- You can't be serious.
If it's a boy, then he is your future.
The future of us all.
We must save him at all costs.
Hector!
Your Grace, I need an answer.
For God's sake, save
them both if you can.
But if a choice must be made,
then save the duchess.
Oh, thank God.
[DRAMATIC MUSIC]
♪
[THUNDER RUMBLING]
Is there any news?
How are we doing with Rockefeller?
Has he moved at all?
Not an inch. Nothing.
And if I deal with him, I have to pay
most of the transportation
costs of the oil.
- It's ridiculous!
- I agree, sir.
But Rockefeller's Standard
Oil is our biggest client.
Without his business, your
railroad cannot survive.
I cannot survive with
him or without him!
Not at these rates.
Oh, just get out.
I'll leave this with you.
Information from the Pinkertons.
They may have a lead on
your would-be assassin.
Is that my good news for the day?
♪
[SIGHS]
It's a good turnout, and
in a tropical storm at that.
Though I am disappointed
Mrs. Astor didn't come.
And I saw Mrs. Fish in the
church, but she isn't here.
Isn't it rude not to
attend the reception?
They'll come around.
I like your confidence.
Society may seem capricious, but really,
it's all tremendously predictable.
[BLOWS]
Allow me to introduce Mrs. Foster
from the Heritage Society.
This is my son's lovely new
wife, Mrs. Oscar van Rhijn.
A wedding reception followed
by a presidential visit.
This is a very lucky house.
Is there a reason the president of
the Society isn't the host?
Sadly, Mrs. Fernway is bedridden,
so this great responsibility has fallen
to our vice president, Mrs. Van Rhijn,
who has gracefully accepted.
We have our meeting with
the president's secretary,
Mr. Lamont, this week.
Yes, and now with the wedding behind us,
I can give the dinner my full attention.
We're both very grateful
and excited to start our life together.
And it's about time.
If I have to wait too much
longer for a grandchild,
I may not have the
strength to pick him up.
[CHUCKLES]
If you'll excuse us, Mother,
we really should see to our guests.
Of course.
[INDISTINCT CHATTER]
Are you waiting to see if
young Mr. Russell is coming?
No.
Why would you think that?
I saw you talking to him at the church.
He's just back from Chicago.
It's the first we've
spoken since he left.
I wish I understood what happened
between the two of you.
We just couldn't get it right,
no matter how hard we tried.
But now he's back.
Which changes nothing.
Larry and I have moved on, and
if I'm happy with that
choice, you should be too.
Ada, might I borrow you for a minute?
Ah.
Mrs. Foster and I were discussing
the additional staff that
we will need for the event.
Yes, I suppose that is necessary.
We're already down a footman.
And we'll need more than we had today.
Will they be paid for by the committee?
Might I remind you that
the entire reputation
of this family depends on
the success of this dinner?
This is no time to be pinching pennies.
[LAUGHS]
Especially when they're
not your pennies to pinch.
[SOFT PLAYFUL MUSIC]
You're going to look so lovely.
Reverend Kirkland and I are
so grateful that you agreed
to have the ceremony at
his church in Newport.
I think we're finally done here.
This Brussels bobbin lace is exquisite.
Yes, it's very pretty, but
Peggy wants a simple veil.
Well, perhaps she might change her mind.
Brussels lace it is. [CHUCKLES]
I'm afraid we have to go.
Oh, just one more thing.
I want to commission
a new dress for you.
[THUNDER RUMBLES]
Well, both of you, actually.
Oh, that's not necessary.
You've been so generous already.
And with work and the book,
I can well afford to buy it for myself.
Well, it may well be so,
but please let me do this.
You see, I'm hosting a tea in Newport,
where I would very much like
you to be the guests of honor.
- Well, when was this arranged?
- [CHUCKLES]
I suppose I'm getting ahead of myself.
I feel called to invite you
two to join my ladies' club.
We're known as the
Daughters of Friendship.
What what does your group do?
We raise money for good causes
that help colored people.
Oh, but we we don't live in Newport.
Right.
Well, I'm making an
exception for family.
I'll introduce you as
new members at the tea,
if you accept.
It's so good of you to
include us, Mrs. Kirkland.
But of course, we'd want to make sure
we have the time to give your club
the dedication it deserves.
One always finds the time
for things that are important.
- Lovely to see you, Mrs. Scott.
- Mm-hmm.
I'll just stay here
and sort out the
fabrics for your dresses.
Oh, remember, tomorrow, we're
meeting with the printer.
And we we need to
discuss the seating chart.
So much to do before I go home.
Which can't come soon enough.
[SOFT MUSIC]
♪
[BABY CRYING]
I'll leave you alone with Her Grace.
I'll be in the passage.
Well done, darling.
How wonderful that it's a boy.
I'm just glad it's over, I'll say that.
Oh, how I wish your father were here.
He's lucky to have missed the ordeal.
We're all exhausted.
You must be feeling so tired.
- I am tired.
- Of course you are.
We must leave you to sleep.
We can do congratulations tomorrow.
[GROANS]
Mr. and Mrs. Van Rhijn.
Please, you must call me Enid.
And what would you like to call me?
[CHUCKLES]
I'm so happy for you both.
And I look forward to
getting to know you better.
Have you any plans for
after the reception?
No. Why, do you?
As soon as it's a
respectable time to escape,
those of us who are still awake
are going to head
downtown for a real party.
Downtown?
I'm not sure.
Marian, think of it as an adventure.
We couldn't leave you here
to rot among the ancients.
You're not allowed to upset
the bride on her wedding day,
and I insist.
All right, why not? [LAUGHS]
If the rain hasn't
dampened your spirits,
I won't be the one to do it.
[THUNDER CRASHES]
Leave that now and go rest.
You must be weary too.
Not compared to you, I imagine.
That was quite an experience.
Good night.
[TENSE MUSIC]
♪
Dr. Thomas!
Mrs. Russell, come quickly!
She's bleeding!
What's happening?
What's wrong?
Gladys?
She's hemorrhaging. Gladys, darling.
Do something!
[LAUGHTER]
[LIVELY MUSIC PLAYING]
♪
Now, this is what I call a celebration.
Well, actually, most of my
friends would call it slumming.
I'm not sure Aunt Agnes would approve.
I'm quite sure she wouldn't,
and that is precisely
- why we didn't invite her.
- [CHUCKLES]
Come. You promised me a dance.
I did no such thing.
Would you deny your wife?
My wife?
What have I gotten myself into?
♪
Miss Brook.
I'm surprised to see you here.
So am I.
I thought you didn't
approve of places like this.
Well, it's a special occasion.
Ah. So there's room for exceptions.
I know I'm not supposed to say this,
but I've missed you.
I'll take exception to that too.
[LAUGHS]
But you haven't told me about Chicago.
It was busy, but productive.
I think my father will be pleased.
I have projects of my
own here to tend to.
And you? How's your work?
It's been wonderful.
I'm a volunteer at the settlement house
in the Lower East Side.
It's challenging, but very rewarding.
They're lucky to have you.
[CHUCKLES]
It means a lot to hear you say so.
For old time's sake?
[LAUGHS]
I don't know if that's a good idea.
It's just a dance.
Well, it's not one that I've ever seen.
It's a kind of mazurka. Follow my lead.
♪
I thought those two had called it off.
They had.
But I suppose on our wedding day,
love is in the air.
♪
[LAUGHTER]
[ROMANTIC MUSIC]
♪
[CHATTER]
[RAIN PATTERING, THUNDER RUMBLING]
- [HOOVES CLATTERING]
- Ha!
Are you sure you don't
mind taking me home?
Not at all.
You'd never find a cab,
and I can hardly leave you
to the mercy of the elements.
I'm quite sure I have never been
to a wedding celebration like this.
You enjoyed yourself.
It was so easy and uncomplicated,
all sorts of people just having fun.
[COACHMAN SHOUTS]
I'd never admit it to anyone else,
but dance halls really
are quite marvelous.
[LAUGHTER]
You continue to amaze me, Miss Brook.
I thought I knew everything about you.
[LIGHTNING CRASHES]
[HORSE WHINNIES]
- Easy!
- The horses must have been
spooked from the storm.
- Just hold on.
- [FRENETIC MUSIC]
♪
Steady!
Whoa! Whoa, boy!
Larry?
- [GRUNTS]
- [HORSE WHINNIES]
Steady, boy!
[GASPS, GRUNTS]
Marian!
[EXHALES]
Are you hurt?
No, thank God.
- Are you?
- No, I'm fine.
[RAIN PATTERING]
The wheel is shattered.
I won't be able to take you any further.
Thank you, Johnson, for your composure.
There is a hotel down the street.
What do you say?
[SIGHS] I suppose it'd
be better than drowning.
Johnson, please go ahead
and get us some rooms.
- I'll accompany Miss Brook.
- Very well, sir.
And this is the larger of
the two rooms we have left.
You take this one.
Perhaps you could send
a telegram to my aunt's.
- I'll give you the address.
- Certainly, miss.
That's very kind. Thank you.
I I had a wonderful night.
[ROMANTIC MUSIC]
♪
I'll see you in the morning.
♪
Good night, Miss Brook.
Good night, Mr. Russell.
[SOFT MUSIC]
♪
- We were lucky.
- What a relief.
Duchess is resting comfortably,
and we've managed to stop the bleeding.
But she will require
a good deal of rest.
Fortunately, she's young.
She'll heal quickly.
I'm going to bed.
I'm quite worn out.
[SIGHS]
Oh.
Let's hope the next
one isn't as harrowing.
[CHUCKLES]
Next one?
Well, not right away,
but I know how much Gladys
would like a large family.
I'm afraid the duchess can
never have any more children.
What?
Why, I thought you understood.
There was no way to stop the hemorrhage
if I didn't remove the uterus.
[SOMBER MUSIC]
♪
Have you told her?
It is for you to say, not me.
♪
You must let her get stronger.
She struggled to produce a
healthy boy, but she's done it.
Let her be happy for now.
But, oh, Hector, I wish
things could be different.
[THUNDER CRASHING]
- Who is it?
- Larry.
Come in.
I was worried.
I wanted to make sure you're all right.
[CHUCKLES]
We're fortunate the carriage
ride didn't end in disaster.
Yes, we are.
[SOFT MUSIC]
[THUNDER RUMBLES]
Would you like me to
stay till you fall asleep?
♪
[GASPS]
[THUNDER CRASHES]
BOTH: Step, hop, step,
hop, mazurka, mazurka!
[LAUGHTER]
[SIGHS]
Oscar, I've been thinking.
Considering all the champagne we've had,
that is quite an achievement.
Mrs. Astor and Mrs. Russell have
defined what society means for them,
so doesn't it stand to reason
that we should be the ones
to decide what it means to us?
True, true. Very true.
Although, in the case of the Russells,
their meteoric rise to the top
might have left their
marriage on shaky ground.
[CHUCKLES]
You said society is predictable,
but it doesn't have to be.
You're you're
thinking we should offer
something a little more novel?
Yes. What if we started
hosting a sort of salon?
No, not one of those
stuffy, dull affairs
Mrs. Astor would throw.
Ours would be fun, like
like the French or
the Italians would do,
full of artists and musicians.
Everyone will want to come.
And we'll serve
cocktails.
Oh, I can put together a
guest list, very exclusive,
with a mild peppering of
the more artistic type.
Avant-garde.
Oh, it'll be a fabulous evening.
[WHIMSICAL MUSIC]
I never imagined I'd ever be
a man taking pride in his wife.
A perfect end to a perfect day.
I suppose it is the end.
I thought we, uh, understood each other.
Perfectly.
♪
Good night, Mr. Van Rhijn.
And a very good night
to you, Mrs. Van Rhijn.
♪
[BIRDS CHIRPING]
[SOFT MUSIC]
♪
[BREATHING SHAKILY]
Larry, wake up.
You must wake up.
Good morning.
- You're dressed?
- Yes.
You need to go to your room
and make sure no one sees you.
Marian, it's still
early. It's all right.
It's not early, it's very late.
And nothing about this is all right.
I am ashamed,
and I'm probably ruined.
[BREATHES SHAKILY]
Can't you see what's at stake here?
[SIGHS]
Marian. Marian, wait!
[DOOR SLAMS]
[SIGHS]
[SOMBER MUSIC]
♪
[INDISTINCT CHATTER]
Marian!
Did Larry bring you home?
No, I thought it more
prudent to take a cab.
That was good thinking.
Your overnight was understandable,
considering the storm.
Still, I'd rather not feed
the gossip mills of New York.
I'm afraid Agnes is right.
Yes, this is exactly the sort of thing
that can ruin your reputation.
Must have been an ordeal.
You look quite shaken.
[LAUGHS]
I feel it.
Excuse me, I really must get changed.
[SIGHS]
[DISH CLATTERS]
Shall I ask Mr. Borden to
Thank you, Church, I'm not hungry.
Just remove this, please.
Sir.
Did I see a telephone in the hall?
I took advantage of everyone's absence
to have one installed.
5,000 New Yorkers have them now.
It's incredible.
Where have you been?
I was caught in the storm
and had to change at the club.
Tell me about the Chicago tower.
The Home Insurance Building.
It's impressive, there's
no doubt about that.
Looking up from the base, it's
as if it's piercing the sky.
Yes, yes. How is it made?
Oh, it's the steel frame.
I spoke to several architects,
and given the proper permits,
there is no reason
why Russell Industries
couldn't construct one here in New York.
Unless you've changed your mind.
[SIGHS]
A new tower would
remind our competitors
that we're still at the top of our game.
[GLASS CLINKS, LIQUID SLOSHES]
But it's a colossal expense.
You knew that when you
asked me to look into it.
Yes, well, things have changed.
Keep up.
How so?
Well, not only is Rockefeller trying
to drive me to my knees,
but now I hear rumors that the
members of Cleveland's cabinet
mean to put antimonopoly legislation
at the top of their agenda.
It's hard to argue.
Smaller competitors don't stand a chance
when everything's
controlled by just a few.
I don't need my son moralizing to me.
I want Brinkley to bring you up to speed
on everything before you
go shooting your mouth off.
Are you staying here at the house?
Only until your mother comes home.
Then I'll return to
the club and focus on
this Rockefeller business.
Sir.
Congratulations.
You're an uncle.
Gladys had the baby?
A boy.
May I say congratulations, sir?
You certainly may, Church.
Please share the news with the staff.
Of course, sir.
[SOFT MUSIC]
My grandson, the Marquess of Sidmouth.
[BREATHES DEEPLY]
[INDISTINCT CHATTER]
Mm.
The sun really does shine
brightest after a storm,
doesn't it?
Well, perhaps it shines
more brightly just for us.
[CHUCKLES]
My mother says the wedding
planning is going well.
Oh, I don't know which is worse,
her disapproving of me or embracing me.
[LAUGHTER]
She invited Mother and me to join
the Daughters of Friendship.
Oh, that club is very special to her.
She founded it.
It certainly means a
lot if she invited you.
- So it was a sincere gesture?
- Mm-hmm.
Do you prefer that I join?
[CHUCKLES]
You must decide for yourself.
But my father and I
belong to a brother club.
It might be nice for
us, as husband and wife.
Husband and wife.
[CHUCKLES]
Imagine that.
Waking up in the same
house every morning.
It can't happen soon enough for me.
[LAUGHS]
The waiting does seem endless.
But we have our whole lives
ahead of us, just you and me.
And the children, of course.
Hopefully sooner rather
than later, God willing.
[LAUGHS] We'll just have
to wait and see, won't we?
[CHUCKLES]
[SWEEPING MUSIC]
♪
Ah, may I present Mr. Trotter?
This is Mr. Porter and Mr. Smithson.
You will be familiar with his name
as the inventor of an alarm clock
that has cornered the market.
Well, certainly we are.
He is the Isaac Newton of timepieces.
I'm not familiar with Mr. Newton.
He's an inventor?
He invented gravity.
The concept of it, anyway.
Well, surely you studied
him at university.
Or did you go to Princeton?
[LAUGHTER]
Apologies.
We're Elis from Yale, the lot of us.
Ah, but never mind that.
You are the genius here.
Now, tell us about your new invention.
It's an electric mixing machine.
There are several on the market.
Not like this one.
Not much of an artichoke man, I take it?
I admit, this is my first.
Tell us more about your machine.
Well, the key to it is
the control of the speed,
so the same appliance
with a different paddle
can whip egg whites, mix a cake,
blend a new milkshake.
That sounds interesting.
Do you work alone or with a partner?
I had a partner on the
clock, Larry Russell.
Oh.
So you two must have met at Harvard.
No.
Uh, no.
Mr. Russell and I were sort
of neighbors here in New York.
He's tied up with other ventures,
so this time, I'm going at it alone.
Well, we'll see about that.
[WHIMSICAL MUSIC]
♪
He's so small.
Mm-hmm.
- What if I break him?
- [LAUGHS]
Babies are far more
resilient than you think.
You're a natural.
You really are.
Sarah, would you like to
hold the baby before you go?
I'll save that honor for another day.
[CHUCKLES]
Lady Sarah.
[SOFT MUSIC]
♪
- Jack!
- No, no, no, no.
Let me take that.
Put that down at once!
You don't work here.
What were you thinking?
I was just doing what needed to be done.
It's so easy here,
where it all makes sense.
Did something happen?
Not really.
I had lunch with some businessmen
and I felt ridiculous, talking
about things I didn't know.
You should have seen me
try to eat an artichoke.
Oh.
I may be in business, but
I will never be one of them.
I could have told you that.
You are one of them,
and better than most.
The things you don't
know can be learned,
but they can't learn what you've got.
I'm not sure they'd want to.
Will you let the world
get the better of you
because you don't know
how to eat an artichoke?
Nonsense!
I'll teach you what you need to know.
That's kind of you,
Mr. Bannister, and I
I will accept your generous offer.
But for now, I'll say goodbye.
[SOFT MUSIC]
♪
And then we could get
two more tables here,
so I think it would
[INDISTINCT CHATTER]
- I think we could fit three tables
- Good afternoon.
I hope I'm not coming at a bad time.
Oh, there is no such
thing as a bad time.
I escaped my future mother-in-law
long enough to pick up a
first printing of my book!
[GASPS]
"Friends in These Times" by Peggy Scott.
This is a real achievement.
You must be so proud.
You should be, anyway.
You will inspire so many colored women.
Well, so many women!
The publishers seem to
be getting behind it.
They're talking about a lecture tour.
We must put a plaque on the house
- saying you once lived here.
- Oh, stop.
What does William make of it all?
He's right behind me,
urging me on at every step.
May I borrow Peggy for a minute?
Perfect. That will give me a
moment to go through these numbers
before Mrs. Foster and the
social secretary get here.
- I must be ready.
- [BELL TINKLES]
I'm afraid that will have to wait.
He's here.
Oh, dear. Oh, dear.
You seemed quiet downstairs.
I didn't mean to be.
I'm very happy for all your success.
I know that.
But something's the matter.
I can tell.
[SIGHS]
I saw Larry.
Ah. And you regret the breakup?
I
[SNIFFLES]
I made a mistake.
Did you talk to him?
Mistakes can be fixed.
It's too late.
Larry and I
We kissed.
I don't understand.
You've kissed a man before.
It wasn't appropriate.
[SOFT MUSIC]
♪
Marian, whatever it is you're feeling,
you're being too hard on yourself.
I hope you're not
letting past experiences
get in the way of anything.
You deserve to be loved.
[CHUCKLES]
I suppose I'm not who I thought I was.
[EXHALES]
Nonsense.
The tables will run the
length of both of these rooms.
I was assuming 16 on each side,
but I don't think it would be
comfortable for more than 10.
Feels like a squeeze.
Well, this house has
seen many large gatherings
over the years, Mr. Lamont.
I promise, there's more than
enough room for our guests
not to feel crowded.
President Cleveland rarely
dines in private homes.
Yes, I know, which makes
this an even greater honor.
Has Mayor Grace's office been in touch?
Yes, they've offered their full support.
The guest list will need
approval, at which point
we can discuss the number of staff.
If you wouldn't mind, I'd
like to see your kitchens.
Oh, certainly.
And while we're there,
we'll show you the china
and the silver we plan to use.
Right this way.
The last time the Heritage
Society hosted a president,
it was Rutherford B. Hayes.
His wife was a Methodist, you know.
She was a staunch supporter
of the temperance movement.
Oh, every time I turn around,
this dinner seems to be
growing exponentially.
I'm not sure I mentioned it,
but Aunt Agnes has been
asked to host a dinner
for President Cleveland.
Oh. Hmm.
Is there something wrong?
I cannot say that I'm an
admirer of the president.
May I ask why not?
Isn't he honest?
Most colored citizens are skeptical
of President Cleveland.
I must admit,
I don't know as much as I
should about these issues.
I wrote an article for
"The Globe" a while back
and explained how colored
Americans in the South
live under constant threat of violence.
Oh. President Cleveland
has yet to take a stand
against this kind of lawlessness,
and I'm doubtful that he ever will.
I don't know how I missed
reading your article.
Might you lend me a copy?
I'll send you one.
- Oh, thank you.
- Of course.
Lovely to see you.
[GENTLE MUSIC]
[HORSE SNORTS AND NEIGHS]
I'm sorry you're leaving us so soon.
I was only here to welcome
the next generation,
and now I am safe in the knowledge
that the Buckingham name
will be carried forward.
Of course.
You must understand, she had a duty.
To leave a male heir is not a choice.
And what you will never understand
is what it is to be a mother,
and to see your child's
life hanging by a thread.
[SOMBER MUSIC]
♪
- What's that?
- The Livingston arms.
[CHUCKLES]
Since we are hosting the president,
I thought our crest
should be on display.
It is our event, after all.
Your event.
None of this has
anything to do with me
except when payment is due, of course.
That is simply not true.
You and I both can
claim a New York family
dating back hundreds of years.
That's why I was asked
to give this dinner.
You'll laugh at me, of course,
but I feel, for the first time
since Oscar ruined me financially,
I have a right to be part
of this country's history.
I'm an American.
Our family are among
the founders of America.
I'm proud of it, and so should you be.
I know this is important to you, Agnes,
but I'm having second
thoughts now that I've learned
about Mr. Cleveland's
social and political views.
Oh, I don't agree with everything
he has to say either, but
he's still the president
of the United States.
It's become too much.
What, so you won't
pay for anything more?
I have already paid
for dishes and glasses
and tables and linens
and everything else.
Don't you think I've been
generous enough? Because I do.
Do you mean to see
this family disgraced?
[SIGHS]
You'll find another way, Agnes.
You always do.
[SIGHS]
You don't approve?
Oh, no, it's not that.
Well?
It's nothing.
If it were nothing, you wouldn't have
such a sour look on your face.
You probably already know.
Know what?
Come on, Armstrong, out with it.
That the new Mrs. Van Rhijn
used to be employed as
Mrs. Russell's lady's maid.
Her lady's maid?
Why didn't you tell me
this before the wedding?
You warned me not to meddle.
That's never stopped you before.
If ever there was a time
to meddle, this was it.
I'm sorry I didn't tell you.
I honestly didn't know what to do.
Well, it's too late for
me to do anything now!
The only thing worse than
my son marrying a servant
would be my son getting
a divorce from one.
[SOFT TENSE MUSIC]
Unless you have another
cannonball to launch at me,
just get out.
Just get out!
♪
[DRAMATIC MUSIC]
♪
Oyster fork.
No.
Yes.
[BRIGHT MUSIC]
♪
Close your mouth.
Sit up straight.
Oh.
Why would anyone eat this?
It's better with the butter.
Pleasure to meet you.
Enunciate, John.
"To" and "you."
Pleasure tuh meetcha.
♪
[LAUGHTER]
Oh!
Oh!
[LAUGHING]
Elbows.
Well, that should cover the basics.
Sounds like an awful lot to remember.
Well, in time, it will
all become second nature.
But what do I do if they
start talking about things
I don't understand?
You pretend you do.
Use phrases that are
neither here nor there,
like how interesting,
I see, or fascinating.
And now, the next course.
Bridget, where are you going?
Do you know which one to use for fish?
This is all nonsense.
You hate fish.
If these are people who can't
like you for who you are,
then who needs them?
[SOFT MUSIC]
♪
Now, what was that all about?
Soon none of us will
be good enough for him.
Or is it you think you
won't be good enough for him?
I'm there at his house every Sunday,
bringing your stews or pies.
He seems happy to see me,
but I suppose he's hoping
he'll find some highborn lady now.
Well, you know how shy he is.
If I were you, I'd keep showing up.
Sooner or later, he'll
show his true feelings.
Miss Scott.
I'm sorry I'm late.
You just missed William.
He went to make a house call.
I went to my publishers, and
Oh! Your book, it's here!
Oh, we are so proud and delighted.
Look, it's Peggy's book!
Isn't that lovely?
Unless anyone has objections,
I'm going to put the Ellingtons
next to the Campbells.
Peggy?
Oh, yes, that's fine.
Oh.
Oh, I left my list in the other room.
She looked at it as if it were nothing.
Don't let her spoil it.
[MURMURS]
It has been wonderful
finally having it in my hands.
Some of the salespeople have invited me
to a meeting tomorrow to discuss
how they plan to promote it.
Well, how exciting!
Perhaps I should put
that woman in her place.
No, no.
For better or for worse,
that woman is going
- to be my mother-in-law.
- Mm-hmm.
I just need to hold my
tongue and get through this.
Right.
Besides, she's heading back to
Newport in the morning, so
I don't know if I've mentioned it,
but I've made an appointment for you
with one of the finest hairstylists
in New York tomorrow.
But aren't you returning to Newport?
I postponed. Too much to do.
Unless you've made other plans.
Of course, I would understand.
No.
No other plans.
[SIGHS] Let's see here.
Mrs. Oscar van Rhijn.
Enid, I thought I might have a word.
Certainly.
I look forward to our getting
to know each other better.
Mm. Interesting
for you to bring that up.
I've already learned something about you
that came as quite a shock.
- Oh?
- I'm told by one of my staff
that before becoming Mrs. Winterton,
you worked for Mrs. Russell.
[SOFT TENSE MUSIC]
Yes, I was her maid.
Well, you surprise me. I
thought you would deny it.
To what end?
You would only find out eventually.
Now I don't have to wait
for the other shoe to drop.
And was it your intention to
humiliate the Van Rhijn family?
No, not at all.
My past never proved burdensome
when I was Mrs. Winterton,
and I don't anticipate it
being any more of a burden now.
And my son is fully
aware of your history?
We have both entered this
marriage with open eyes.
I think you'll be surprised when you see
all the wonderful things Oscar
and I can accomplish together.
I can support your son,
and your causes too.
I can help with your
presidential dinner,
if you have a room for
another contribution.
I see.
Mrs. Russell will sail on the "Etruria".
She should be home on the fourth.
Mm.
You might let the servants know.
Of course, sir.
Please have my cases packed.
I'm going back to the Union Club.
Very good, sir.
Isn't it time to forgive Mother?
That doesn't concern you.
You don't seem like yourself.
If you mean I have a responsibility
to get this mess with
Rockefeller resolved, I agree.
Perhaps Mother could help as well.
No barrier ever seems too high
when you take it on together.
You do remember that you were
the one who moved out first?
But I didn't expect
everything to fall apart.
Well, we are not always in
charge of the consequences
of our actions.
[TENSE MUSIC]
Sir, the Pinkertons have just arrived.
They say it's urgent.
Well
[SOFT MUSIC]
I don't know what I'm going
to do when you've gone.
You'll get on with your life,
which is as it should be.
Did Hector tell you what
Dr. Thomas asked him?
What do you mean?
When things were going badly,
he said he might have to choose
between you and the child.
He said that in front of you?
He begged the doctor to work hard
to save you both, of course.
But if it came to it, he chose you.
[EXHALES, CHUCKLES]
[BELLS RINGING]
How enchanting.
Why are they ringing them now?
To tell the village that
the Marquess of Sidmouth
has been born.
They ring 10 for a
girl, and 21 for a boy.
[LAUGHS]
Is it just for the first baby,
or will they ring the
bells for every child?
Each time.
[CHUCKLES]
[BELLS RINGING]
[TENSE MUSIC]
Is this the man who shot you?
It certainly looks like him.
We got a tip from one of
our guys in the tenements.
We've been following him for days now.
[INDISTINCT CHATTER]
♪
[LOUD KNOCKING]
[DOOR CLICKS, CREAKS]
Where have you been?
She looks familiar too,
but I couldn't say why.
You know where we can find him?
We have a man standing by there now.
♪
[BRIGHT TONE]
[TV STATIC DRONES]
[BRIGHT TONE]
[SPIRITED ORCHESTRAL MUSIC]
♪
[EXCITING MUSIC]
♪
Ha!
Ha!
Come on, get up!
Whoa.
Dr. Thomas, how kind of you to come.
Take me to her.
- Of course. Fox.
- Yes, ma'am.
This way, sir.
♪
[SCREAMING]
Thank goodness you're here.
I fear we should have
sent for you sooner.
[SCREAMING]
[BELLS CLANGING, THUNDER RUMBLING]
[BRIGHT MUSIC]
[INDISTINCT CHATTER]
♪
Careful with the vase.
Don't put those chairs
so close to the door.
We're only doing what she told us.
Maybe, but I know what she wants.
Well, didn't you hear her?
How can you be so sure?
- She seemed to know exactly what she
- Because I work here, and you two
were just hired for the day.
Now, help me get the cake.
[ORGAN MUSIC PLAYING]
♪
I can never remember
- is rain lucky or unlucky?
- [THUNDER RUMBLING]
Well, there's plenty of
rain ahead in any marriage,
- so I don't suppose it matters.
- [CHUCKLES]
But how strange it is to
walk down the aisle alone.
Not if her father's dead.
Oh, I couldn't find my umbrella.
It is pouring rain.
Oh, I know.
♪
This is going to be such fun.
[THUNDER RUMBLES]
[SCREAMING]
She can't be in danger.
We've done everything you told us to!
Try to accept the pain, Your Grace.
Don't fight it, and all will be well.
I can't I can't do this.
Of course you can, my darling.
Of course you can. Adelheid,
bring me the bottle.
- [SCREAMS]
- Be strong!
- What is that?
- Just Mrs. Winslow's soothing syrup.
- It can't hurt.
- I'm afraid it can hurt, Mrs. Russell.
It contains morphine
and could kill the child.
But what if she
Let me be clear.
You do not understand the situation.
Please, leave me.
[PANTING]
I will keep you informed.
Mother!
[SOBS] No!
No!
[PANTING]
[CHEERFUL MUSIC]
♪
I'm not sure I've ever
seen Oscar so happy.
Oh, it is wonderful, isn't it?
Are you pleased, Agnes?
Of course I am. At
last my son is married.
And to a fine-looking
woman with enough money
for them both to live well.
[CHUCKLES]
And soon I shall entertain the president
of the United States.
Mrs. Van Rhijn, congratulations.
What a lovely couple,
and a delightful party.
Thank you for including me.
It is our pleasure.
You both remember Mrs. Foster,
the director of the Heritage Society.
My sister has spoken of little else
since we received the news.
- Indeed.
- Well,
there's so much to be done, isn't there?
Whatever it takes, we
are up to the challenge.
Allow me to show you
the area that I thought
would suit the president's
private audience.
Wonderful.
I can take that if you're done.
Or if you're not, that's
fine. I can come back later.
Oh, that looks good
[CLEARS THROAT]
Clearing glasses is a silent task.
These are not your guests.
Sorry, Mr. Bannister.
♪
Are you quite all right?
Perfectly. Why wouldn't I be?
You seem to be distracted.
I do appreciate your helping
out in our time of need.
Yes, we've all got to do our share.
[INDISTINCT CHATTER]
Mrs. Bauer, you've
really outdone yourself.
It's good practice before
we're graced with the honor
of feeding the president.
The president of the United
States is coming here?
Well, I don't know of
any other president.
Oh, will you bring in extra
help like you did today?
I suppose, but hopefully we'll have
our footman replaced by then.
Oh, when will that be?
Next few days, I should think.
Why would the president
want to come here?
This is a very respectable
house, I'll have you know.
No doubt the president
wishes to reaffirm
his interest in New
York and its traditions.
Now, Mrs. Bauer, we're
ready for some more food.
Coming up.
Is there someone we should
send for from London?
I'm happy to pay.
Of course you are, but
everything's under control.
Dr. Thomas has looked after
our family for many years.
He's a good doctor, Bertha.
That may be so, but if I had my way
But you don't.
Not here.
So if you'd like to wait in your room
- How dare you
- Ladies. Ladies, please.
None of this is helping Gladys.
Is there any change?
I'm afraid not.
The baby is in breech.
It may be we must choose to
save the mother or the child.
[GASPS]
And obviously, it's a
choice I cannot make for you.
- The child, surely.
- You can't be serious.
If it's a boy, then he is your future.
The future of us all.
We must save him at all costs.
Hector!
Your Grace, I need an answer.
For God's sake, save
them both if you can.
But if a choice must be made,
then save the duchess.
Oh, thank God.
[DRAMATIC MUSIC]
♪
[THUNDER RUMBLING]
Is there any news?
How are we doing with Rockefeller?
Has he moved at all?
Not an inch. Nothing.
And if I deal with him, I have to pay
most of the transportation
costs of the oil.
- It's ridiculous!
- I agree, sir.
But Rockefeller's Standard
Oil is our biggest client.
Without his business, your
railroad cannot survive.
I cannot survive with
him or without him!
Not at these rates.
Oh, just get out.
I'll leave this with you.
Information from the Pinkertons.
They may have a lead on
your would-be assassin.
Is that my good news for the day?
♪
[SIGHS]
It's a good turnout, and
in a tropical storm at that.
Though I am disappointed
Mrs. Astor didn't come.
And I saw Mrs. Fish in the
church, but she isn't here.
Isn't it rude not to
attend the reception?
They'll come around.
I like your confidence.
Society may seem capricious, but really,
it's all tremendously predictable.
[BLOWS]
Allow me to introduce Mrs. Foster
from the Heritage Society.
This is my son's lovely new
wife, Mrs. Oscar van Rhijn.
A wedding reception followed
by a presidential visit.
This is a very lucky house.
Is there a reason the president of
the Society isn't the host?
Sadly, Mrs. Fernway is bedridden,
so this great responsibility has fallen
to our vice president, Mrs. Van Rhijn,
who has gracefully accepted.
We have our meeting with
the president's secretary,
Mr. Lamont, this week.
Yes, and now with the wedding behind us,
I can give the dinner my full attention.
We're both very grateful
and excited to start our life together.
And it's about time.
If I have to wait too much
longer for a grandchild,
I may not have the
strength to pick him up.
[CHUCKLES]
If you'll excuse us, Mother,
we really should see to our guests.
Of course.
[INDISTINCT CHATTER]
Are you waiting to see if
young Mr. Russell is coming?
No.
Why would you think that?
I saw you talking to him at the church.
He's just back from Chicago.
It's the first we've
spoken since he left.
I wish I understood what happened
between the two of you.
We just couldn't get it right,
no matter how hard we tried.
But now he's back.
Which changes nothing.
Larry and I have moved on, and
if I'm happy with that
choice, you should be too.
Ada, might I borrow you for a minute?
Ah.
Mrs. Foster and I were discussing
the additional staff that
we will need for the event.
Yes, I suppose that is necessary.
We're already down a footman.
And we'll need more than we had today.
Will they be paid for by the committee?
Might I remind you that
the entire reputation
of this family depends on
the success of this dinner?
This is no time to be pinching pennies.
[LAUGHS]
Especially when they're
not your pennies to pinch.
[SOFT PLAYFUL MUSIC]
You're going to look so lovely.
Reverend Kirkland and I are
so grateful that you agreed
to have the ceremony at
his church in Newport.
I think we're finally done here.
This Brussels bobbin lace is exquisite.
Yes, it's very pretty, but
Peggy wants a simple veil.
Well, perhaps she might change her mind.
Brussels lace it is. [CHUCKLES]
I'm afraid we have to go.
Oh, just one more thing.
I want to commission
a new dress for you.
[THUNDER RUMBLES]
Well, both of you, actually.
Oh, that's not necessary.
You've been so generous already.
And with work and the book,
I can well afford to buy it for myself.
Well, it may well be so,
but please let me do this.
You see, I'm hosting a tea in Newport,
where I would very much like
you to be the guests of honor.
- Well, when was this arranged?
- [CHUCKLES]
I suppose I'm getting ahead of myself.
I feel called to invite you
two to join my ladies' club.
We're known as the
Daughters of Friendship.
What what does your group do?
We raise money for good causes
that help colored people.
Oh, but we we don't live in Newport.
Right.
Well, I'm making an
exception for family.
I'll introduce you as
new members at the tea,
if you accept.
It's so good of you to
include us, Mrs. Kirkland.
But of course, we'd want to make sure
we have the time to give your club
the dedication it deserves.
One always finds the time
for things that are important.
- Lovely to see you, Mrs. Scott.
- Mm-hmm.
I'll just stay here
and sort out the
fabrics for your dresses.
Oh, remember, tomorrow, we're
meeting with the printer.
And we we need to
discuss the seating chart.
So much to do before I go home.
Which can't come soon enough.
[SOFT MUSIC]
♪
[BABY CRYING]
I'll leave you alone with Her Grace.
I'll be in the passage.
Well done, darling.
How wonderful that it's a boy.
I'm just glad it's over, I'll say that.
Oh, how I wish your father were here.
He's lucky to have missed the ordeal.
We're all exhausted.
You must be feeling so tired.
- I am tired.
- Of course you are.
We must leave you to sleep.
We can do congratulations tomorrow.
[GROANS]
Mr. and Mrs. Van Rhijn.
Please, you must call me Enid.
And what would you like to call me?
[CHUCKLES]
I'm so happy for you both.
And I look forward to
getting to know you better.
Have you any plans for
after the reception?
No. Why, do you?
As soon as it's a
respectable time to escape,
those of us who are still awake
are going to head
downtown for a real party.
Downtown?
I'm not sure.
Marian, think of it as an adventure.
We couldn't leave you here
to rot among the ancients.
You're not allowed to upset
the bride on her wedding day,
and I insist.
All right, why not? [LAUGHS]
If the rain hasn't
dampened your spirits,
I won't be the one to do it.
[THUNDER CRASHES]
Leave that now and go rest.
You must be weary too.
Not compared to you, I imagine.
That was quite an experience.
Good night.
[TENSE MUSIC]
♪
Dr. Thomas!
Mrs. Russell, come quickly!
She's bleeding!
What's happening?
What's wrong?
Gladys?
She's hemorrhaging. Gladys, darling.
Do something!
[LAUGHTER]
[LIVELY MUSIC PLAYING]
♪
Now, this is what I call a celebration.
Well, actually, most of my
friends would call it slumming.
I'm not sure Aunt Agnes would approve.
I'm quite sure she wouldn't,
and that is precisely
- why we didn't invite her.
- [CHUCKLES]
Come. You promised me a dance.
I did no such thing.
Would you deny your wife?
My wife?
What have I gotten myself into?
♪
Miss Brook.
I'm surprised to see you here.
So am I.
I thought you didn't
approve of places like this.
Well, it's a special occasion.
Ah. So there's room for exceptions.
I know I'm not supposed to say this,
but I've missed you.
I'll take exception to that too.
[LAUGHS]
But you haven't told me about Chicago.
It was busy, but productive.
I think my father will be pleased.
I have projects of my
own here to tend to.
And you? How's your work?
It's been wonderful.
I'm a volunteer at the settlement house
in the Lower East Side.
It's challenging, but very rewarding.
They're lucky to have you.
[CHUCKLES]
It means a lot to hear you say so.
For old time's sake?
[LAUGHS]
I don't know if that's a good idea.
It's just a dance.
Well, it's not one that I've ever seen.
It's a kind of mazurka. Follow my lead.
♪
I thought those two had called it off.
They had.
But I suppose on our wedding day,
love is in the air.
♪
[LAUGHTER]
[ROMANTIC MUSIC]
♪
[CHATTER]
[RAIN PATTERING, THUNDER RUMBLING]
- [HOOVES CLATTERING]
- Ha!
Are you sure you don't
mind taking me home?
Not at all.
You'd never find a cab,
and I can hardly leave you
to the mercy of the elements.
I'm quite sure I have never been
to a wedding celebration like this.
You enjoyed yourself.
It was so easy and uncomplicated,
all sorts of people just having fun.
[COACHMAN SHOUTS]
I'd never admit it to anyone else,
but dance halls really
are quite marvelous.
[LAUGHTER]
You continue to amaze me, Miss Brook.
I thought I knew everything about you.
[LIGHTNING CRASHES]
[HORSE WHINNIES]
- Easy!
- The horses must have been
spooked from the storm.
- Just hold on.
- [FRENETIC MUSIC]
♪
Steady!
Whoa! Whoa, boy!
Larry?
- [GRUNTS]
- [HORSE WHINNIES]
Steady, boy!
[GASPS, GRUNTS]
Marian!
[EXHALES]
Are you hurt?
No, thank God.
- Are you?
- No, I'm fine.
[RAIN PATTERING]
The wheel is shattered.
I won't be able to take you any further.
Thank you, Johnson, for your composure.
There is a hotel down the street.
What do you say?
[SIGHS] I suppose it'd
be better than drowning.
Johnson, please go ahead
and get us some rooms.
- I'll accompany Miss Brook.
- Very well, sir.
And this is the larger of
the two rooms we have left.
You take this one.
Perhaps you could send
a telegram to my aunt's.
- I'll give you the address.
- Certainly, miss.
That's very kind. Thank you.
I I had a wonderful night.
[ROMANTIC MUSIC]
♪
I'll see you in the morning.
♪
Good night, Miss Brook.
Good night, Mr. Russell.
[SOFT MUSIC]
♪
- We were lucky.
- What a relief.
Duchess is resting comfortably,
and we've managed to stop the bleeding.
But she will require
a good deal of rest.
Fortunately, she's young.
She'll heal quickly.
I'm going to bed.
I'm quite worn out.
[SIGHS]
Oh.
Let's hope the next
one isn't as harrowing.
[CHUCKLES]
Next one?
Well, not right away,
but I know how much Gladys
would like a large family.
I'm afraid the duchess can
never have any more children.
What?
Why, I thought you understood.
There was no way to stop the hemorrhage
if I didn't remove the uterus.
[SOMBER MUSIC]
♪
Have you told her?
It is for you to say, not me.
♪
You must let her get stronger.
She struggled to produce a
healthy boy, but she's done it.
Let her be happy for now.
But, oh, Hector, I wish
things could be different.
[THUNDER CRASHING]
- Who is it?
- Larry.
Come in.
I was worried.
I wanted to make sure you're all right.
[CHUCKLES]
We're fortunate the carriage
ride didn't end in disaster.
Yes, we are.
[SOFT MUSIC]
[THUNDER RUMBLES]
Would you like me to
stay till you fall asleep?
♪
[GASPS]
[THUNDER CRASHES]
BOTH: Step, hop, step,
hop, mazurka, mazurka!
[LAUGHTER]
[SIGHS]
Oscar, I've been thinking.
Considering all the champagne we've had,
that is quite an achievement.
Mrs. Astor and Mrs. Russell have
defined what society means for them,
so doesn't it stand to reason
that we should be the ones
to decide what it means to us?
True, true. Very true.
Although, in the case of the Russells,
their meteoric rise to the top
might have left their
marriage on shaky ground.
[CHUCKLES]
You said society is predictable,
but it doesn't have to be.
You're you're
thinking we should offer
something a little more novel?
Yes. What if we started
hosting a sort of salon?
No, not one of those
stuffy, dull affairs
Mrs. Astor would throw.
Ours would be fun, like
like the French or
the Italians would do,
full of artists and musicians.
Everyone will want to come.
And we'll serve
cocktails.
Oh, I can put together a
guest list, very exclusive,
with a mild peppering of
the more artistic type.
Avant-garde.
Oh, it'll be a fabulous evening.
[WHIMSICAL MUSIC]
I never imagined I'd ever be
a man taking pride in his wife.
A perfect end to a perfect day.
I suppose it is the end.
I thought we, uh, understood each other.
Perfectly.
♪
Good night, Mr. Van Rhijn.
And a very good night
to you, Mrs. Van Rhijn.
♪
[BIRDS CHIRPING]
[SOFT MUSIC]
♪
[BREATHING SHAKILY]
Larry, wake up.
You must wake up.
Good morning.
- You're dressed?
- Yes.
You need to go to your room
and make sure no one sees you.
Marian, it's still
early. It's all right.
It's not early, it's very late.
And nothing about this is all right.
I am ashamed,
and I'm probably ruined.
[BREATHES SHAKILY]
Can't you see what's at stake here?
[SIGHS]
Marian. Marian, wait!
[DOOR SLAMS]
[SIGHS]
[SOMBER MUSIC]
♪
[INDISTINCT CHATTER]
Marian!
Did Larry bring you home?
No, I thought it more
prudent to take a cab.
That was good thinking.
Your overnight was understandable,
considering the storm.
Still, I'd rather not feed
the gossip mills of New York.
I'm afraid Agnes is right.
Yes, this is exactly the sort of thing
that can ruin your reputation.
Must have been an ordeal.
You look quite shaken.
[LAUGHS]
I feel it.
Excuse me, I really must get changed.
[SIGHS]
[DISH CLATTERS]
Shall I ask Mr. Borden to
Thank you, Church, I'm not hungry.
Just remove this, please.
Sir.
Did I see a telephone in the hall?
I took advantage of everyone's absence
to have one installed.
5,000 New Yorkers have them now.
It's incredible.
Where have you been?
I was caught in the storm
and had to change at the club.
Tell me about the Chicago tower.
The Home Insurance Building.
It's impressive, there's
no doubt about that.
Looking up from the base, it's
as if it's piercing the sky.
Yes, yes. How is it made?
Oh, it's the steel frame.
I spoke to several architects,
and given the proper permits,
there is no reason
why Russell Industries
couldn't construct one here in New York.
Unless you've changed your mind.
[SIGHS]
A new tower would
remind our competitors
that we're still at the top of our game.
[GLASS CLINKS, LIQUID SLOSHES]
But it's a colossal expense.
You knew that when you
asked me to look into it.
Yes, well, things have changed.
Keep up.
How so?
Well, not only is Rockefeller trying
to drive me to my knees,
but now I hear rumors that the
members of Cleveland's cabinet
mean to put antimonopoly legislation
at the top of their agenda.
It's hard to argue.
Smaller competitors don't stand a chance
when everything's
controlled by just a few.
I don't need my son moralizing to me.
I want Brinkley to bring you up to speed
on everything before you
go shooting your mouth off.
Are you staying here at the house?
Only until your mother comes home.
Then I'll return to
the club and focus on
this Rockefeller business.
Sir.
Congratulations.
You're an uncle.
Gladys had the baby?
A boy.
May I say congratulations, sir?
You certainly may, Church.
Please share the news with the staff.
Of course, sir.
[SOFT MUSIC]
My grandson, the Marquess of Sidmouth.
[BREATHES DEEPLY]
[INDISTINCT CHATTER]
Mm.
The sun really does shine
brightest after a storm,
doesn't it?
Well, perhaps it shines
more brightly just for us.
[CHUCKLES]
My mother says the wedding
planning is going well.
Oh, I don't know which is worse,
her disapproving of me or embracing me.
[LAUGHTER]
She invited Mother and me to join
the Daughters of Friendship.
Oh, that club is very special to her.
She founded it.
It certainly means a
lot if she invited you.
- So it was a sincere gesture?
- Mm-hmm.
Do you prefer that I join?
[CHUCKLES]
You must decide for yourself.
But my father and I
belong to a brother club.
It might be nice for
us, as husband and wife.
Husband and wife.
[CHUCKLES]
Imagine that.
Waking up in the same
house every morning.
It can't happen soon enough for me.
[LAUGHS]
The waiting does seem endless.
But we have our whole lives
ahead of us, just you and me.
And the children, of course.
Hopefully sooner rather
than later, God willing.
[LAUGHS] We'll just have
to wait and see, won't we?
[CHUCKLES]
[SWEEPING MUSIC]
♪
Ah, may I present Mr. Trotter?
This is Mr. Porter and Mr. Smithson.
You will be familiar with his name
as the inventor of an alarm clock
that has cornered the market.
Well, certainly we are.
He is the Isaac Newton of timepieces.
I'm not familiar with Mr. Newton.
He's an inventor?
He invented gravity.
The concept of it, anyway.
Well, surely you studied
him at university.
Or did you go to Princeton?
[LAUGHTER]
Apologies.
We're Elis from Yale, the lot of us.
Ah, but never mind that.
You are the genius here.
Now, tell us about your new invention.
It's an electric mixing machine.
There are several on the market.
Not like this one.
Not much of an artichoke man, I take it?
I admit, this is my first.
Tell us more about your machine.
Well, the key to it is
the control of the speed,
so the same appliance
with a different paddle
can whip egg whites, mix a cake,
blend a new milkshake.
That sounds interesting.
Do you work alone or with a partner?
I had a partner on the
clock, Larry Russell.
Oh.
So you two must have met at Harvard.
No.
Uh, no.
Mr. Russell and I were sort
of neighbors here in New York.
He's tied up with other ventures,
so this time, I'm going at it alone.
Well, we'll see about that.
[WHIMSICAL MUSIC]
♪
He's so small.
Mm-hmm.
- What if I break him?
- [LAUGHS]
Babies are far more
resilient than you think.
You're a natural.
You really are.
Sarah, would you like to
hold the baby before you go?
I'll save that honor for another day.
[CHUCKLES]
Lady Sarah.
[SOFT MUSIC]
♪
- Jack!
- No, no, no, no.
Let me take that.
Put that down at once!
You don't work here.
What were you thinking?
I was just doing what needed to be done.
It's so easy here,
where it all makes sense.
Did something happen?
Not really.
I had lunch with some businessmen
and I felt ridiculous, talking
about things I didn't know.
You should have seen me
try to eat an artichoke.
Oh.
I may be in business, but
I will never be one of them.
I could have told you that.
You are one of them,
and better than most.
The things you don't
know can be learned,
but they can't learn what you've got.
I'm not sure they'd want to.
Will you let the world
get the better of you
because you don't know
how to eat an artichoke?
Nonsense!
I'll teach you what you need to know.
That's kind of you,
Mr. Bannister, and I
I will accept your generous offer.
But for now, I'll say goodbye.
[SOFT MUSIC]
♪
And then we could get
two more tables here,
so I think it would
[INDISTINCT CHATTER]
- I think we could fit three tables
- Good afternoon.
I hope I'm not coming at a bad time.
Oh, there is no such
thing as a bad time.
I escaped my future mother-in-law
long enough to pick up a
first printing of my book!
[GASPS]
"Friends in These Times" by Peggy Scott.
This is a real achievement.
You must be so proud.
You should be, anyway.
You will inspire so many colored women.
Well, so many women!
The publishers seem to
be getting behind it.
They're talking about a lecture tour.
We must put a plaque on the house
- saying you once lived here.
- Oh, stop.
What does William make of it all?
He's right behind me,
urging me on at every step.
May I borrow Peggy for a minute?
Perfect. That will give me a
moment to go through these numbers
before Mrs. Foster and the
social secretary get here.
- I must be ready.
- [BELL TINKLES]
I'm afraid that will have to wait.
He's here.
Oh, dear. Oh, dear.
You seemed quiet downstairs.
I didn't mean to be.
I'm very happy for all your success.
I know that.
But something's the matter.
I can tell.
[SIGHS]
I saw Larry.
Ah. And you regret the breakup?
I
[SNIFFLES]
I made a mistake.
Did you talk to him?
Mistakes can be fixed.
It's too late.
Larry and I
We kissed.
I don't understand.
You've kissed a man before.
It wasn't appropriate.
[SOFT MUSIC]
♪
Marian, whatever it is you're feeling,
you're being too hard on yourself.
I hope you're not
letting past experiences
get in the way of anything.
You deserve to be loved.
[CHUCKLES]
I suppose I'm not who I thought I was.
[EXHALES]
Nonsense.
The tables will run the
length of both of these rooms.
I was assuming 16 on each side,
but I don't think it would be
comfortable for more than 10.
Feels like a squeeze.
Well, this house has
seen many large gatherings
over the years, Mr. Lamont.
I promise, there's more than
enough room for our guests
not to feel crowded.
President Cleveland rarely
dines in private homes.
Yes, I know, which makes
this an even greater honor.
Has Mayor Grace's office been in touch?
Yes, they've offered their full support.
The guest list will need
approval, at which point
we can discuss the number of staff.
If you wouldn't mind, I'd
like to see your kitchens.
Oh, certainly.
And while we're there,
we'll show you the china
and the silver we plan to use.
Right this way.
The last time the Heritage
Society hosted a president,
it was Rutherford B. Hayes.
His wife was a Methodist, you know.
She was a staunch supporter
of the temperance movement.
Oh, every time I turn around,
this dinner seems to be
growing exponentially.
I'm not sure I mentioned it,
but Aunt Agnes has been
asked to host a dinner
for President Cleveland.
Oh. Hmm.
Is there something wrong?
I cannot say that I'm an
admirer of the president.
May I ask why not?
Isn't he honest?
Most colored citizens are skeptical
of President Cleveland.
I must admit,
I don't know as much as I
should about these issues.
I wrote an article for
"The Globe" a while back
and explained how colored
Americans in the South
live under constant threat of violence.
Oh. President Cleveland
has yet to take a stand
against this kind of lawlessness,
and I'm doubtful that he ever will.
I don't know how I missed
reading your article.
Might you lend me a copy?
I'll send you one.
- Oh, thank you.
- Of course.
Lovely to see you.
[GENTLE MUSIC]
[HORSE SNORTS AND NEIGHS]
I'm sorry you're leaving us so soon.
I was only here to welcome
the next generation,
and now I am safe in the knowledge
that the Buckingham name
will be carried forward.
Of course.
You must understand, she had a duty.
To leave a male heir is not a choice.
And what you will never understand
is what it is to be a mother,
and to see your child's
life hanging by a thread.
[SOMBER MUSIC]
♪
- What's that?
- The Livingston arms.
[CHUCKLES]
Since we are hosting the president,
I thought our crest
should be on display.
It is our event, after all.
Your event.
None of this has
anything to do with me
except when payment is due, of course.
That is simply not true.
You and I both can
claim a New York family
dating back hundreds of years.
That's why I was asked
to give this dinner.
You'll laugh at me, of course,
but I feel, for the first time
since Oscar ruined me financially,
I have a right to be part
of this country's history.
I'm an American.
Our family are among
the founders of America.
I'm proud of it, and so should you be.
I know this is important to you, Agnes,
but I'm having second
thoughts now that I've learned
about Mr. Cleveland's
social and political views.
Oh, I don't agree with everything
he has to say either, but
he's still the president
of the United States.
It's become too much.
What, so you won't
pay for anything more?
I have already paid
for dishes and glasses
and tables and linens
and everything else.
Don't you think I've been
generous enough? Because I do.
Do you mean to see
this family disgraced?
[SIGHS]
You'll find another way, Agnes.
You always do.
[SIGHS]
You don't approve?
Oh, no, it's not that.
Well?
It's nothing.
If it were nothing, you wouldn't have
such a sour look on your face.
You probably already know.
Know what?
Come on, Armstrong, out with it.
That the new Mrs. Van Rhijn
used to be employed as
Mrs. Russell's lady's maid.
Her lady's maid?
Why didn't you tell me
this before the wedding?
You warned me not to meddle.
That's never stopped you before.
If ever there was a time
to meddle, this was it.
I'm sorry I didn't tell you.
I honestly didn't know what to do.
Well, it's too late for
me to do anything now!
The only thing worse than
my son marrying a servant
would be my son getting
a divorce from one.
[SOFT TENSE MUSIC]
Unless you have another
cannonball to launch at me,
just get out.
Just get out!
♪
[DRAMATIC MUSIC]
♪
Oyster fork.
No.
Yes.
[BRIGHT MUSIC]
♪
Close your mouth.
Sit up straight.
Oh.
Why would anyone eat this?
It's better with the butter.
Pleasure to meet you.
Enunciate, John.
"To" and "you."
Pleasure tuh meetcha.
♪
[LAUGHTER]
Oh!
Oh!
[LAUGHING]
Elbows.
Well, that should cover the basics.
Sounds like an awful lot to remember.
Well, in time, it will
all become second nature.
But what do I do if they
start talking about things
I don't understand?
You pretend you do.
Use phrases that are
neither here nor there,
like how interesting,
I see, or fascinating.
And now, the next course.
Bridget, where are you going?
Do you know which one to use for fish?
This is all nonsense.
You hate fish.
If these are people who can't
like you for who you are,
then who needs them?
[SOFT MUSIC]
♪
Now, what was that all about?
Soon none of us will
be good enough for him.
Or is it you think you
won't be good enough for him?
I'm there at his house every Sunday,
bringing your stews or pies.
He seems happy to see me,
but I suppose he's hoping
he'll find some highborn lady now.
Well, you know how shy he is.
If I were you, I'd keep showing up.
Sooner or later, he'll
show his true feelings.
Miss Scott.
I'm sorry I'm late.
You just missed William.
He went to make a house call.
I went to my publishers, and
Oh! Your book, it's here!
Oh, we are so proud and delighted.
Look, it's Peggy's book!
Isn't that lovely?
Unless anyone has objections,
I'm going to put the Ellingtons
next to the Campbells.
Peggy?
Oh, yes, that's fine.
Oh.
Oh, I left my list in the other room.
She looked at it as if it were nothing.
Don't let her spoil it.
[MURMURS]
It has been wonderful
finally having it in my hands.
Some of the salespeople have invited me
to a meeting tomorrow to discuss
how they plan to promote it.
Well, how exciting!
Perhaps I should put
that woman in her place.
No, no.
For better or for worse,
that woman is going
- to be my mother-in-law.
- Mm-hmm.
I just need to hold my
tongue and get through this.
Right.
Besides, she's heading back to
Newport in the morning, so
I don't know if I've mentioned it,
but I've made an appointment for you
with one of the finest hairstylists
in New York tomorrow.
But aren't you returning to Newport?
I postponed. Too much to do.
Unless you've made other plans.
Of course, I would understand.
No.
No other plans.
[SIGHS] Let's see here.
Mrs. Oscar van Rhijn.
Enid, I thought I might have a word.
Certainly.
I look forward to our getting
to know each other better.
Mm. Interesting
for you to bring that up.
I've already learned something about you
that came as quite a shock.
- Oh?
- I'm told by one of my staff
that before becoming Mrs. Winterton,
you worked for Mrs. Russell.
[SOFT TENSE MUSIC]
Yes, I was her maid.
Well, you surprise me. I
thought you would deny it.
To what end?
You would only find out eventually.
Now I don't have to wait
for the other shoe to drop.
And was it your intention to
humiliate the Van Rhijn family?
No, not at all.
My past never proved burdensome
when I was Mrs. Winterton,
and I don't anticipate it
being any more of a burden now.
And my son is fully
aware of your history?
We have both entered this
marriage with open eyes.
I think you'll be surprised when you see
all the wonderful things Oscar
and I can accomplish together.
I can support your son,
and your causes too.
I can help with your
presidential dinner,
if you have a room for
another contribution.
I see.
Mrs. Russell will sail on the "Etruria".
She should be home on the fourth.
Mm.
You might let the servants know.
Of course, sir.
Please have my cases packed.
I'm going back to the Union Club.
Very good, sir.
Isn't it time to forgive Mother?
That doesn't concern you.
You don't seem like yourself.
If you mean I have a responsibility
to get this mess with
Rockefeller resolved, I agree.
Perhaps Mother could help as well.
No barrier ever seems too high
when you take it on together.
You do remember that you were
the one who moved out first?
But I didn't expect
everything to fall apart.
Well, we are not always in
charge of the consequences
of our actions.
[TENSE MUSIC]
Sir, the Pinkertons have just arrived.
They say it's urgent.
Well
[SOFT MUSIC]
I don't know what I'm going
to do when you've gone.
You'll get on with your life,
which is as it should be.
Did Hector tell you what
Dr. Thomas asked him?
What do you mean?
When things were going badly,
he said he might have to choose
between you and the child.
He said that in front of you?
He begged the doctor to work hard
to save you both, of course.
But if it came to it, he chose you.
[EXHALES, CHUCKLES]
[BELLS RINGING]
How enchanting.
Why are they ringing them now?
To tell the village that
the Marquess of Sidmouth
has been born.
They ring 10 for a
girl, and 21 for a boy.
[LAUGHS]
Is it just for the first baby,
or will they ring the
bells for every child?
Each time.
[CHUCKLES]
[BELLS RINGING]
[TENSE MUSIC]
Is this the man who shot you?
It certainly looks like him.
We got a tip from one of
our guys in the tenements.
We've been following him for days now.
[INDISTINCT CHATTER]
♪
[LOUD KNOCKING]
[DOOR CLICKS, CREAKS]
Where have you been?
She looks familiar too,
but I couldn't say why.
You know where we can find him?
We have a man standing by there now.
♪
[BRIGHT TONE]