The Gilded Age (2022) s04e02 Episode Script
You Won't Hear Me Beg
1
[TV STATIC DRONES]
[BRIGHT TONE]
[SPIRITED ORCHESTRAL MUSIC]
♪
[INTENSE MUSIC]
♪
Check in there.
Get off me.
- What are you doing?
- It's all right, Mother.
Who are you?
Leave him alone!
Mr. Russell.
Mrs. Morris.
What is this?
Your son's attempt on my life failed,
and now you've been caught.
It's over.
How does it feel to see
me standing before you
alive and well?
I don't understand.
So you have bodyguards now?
That won't save you when
the next man comes along
who wants you dead.
What is going on, Will?
He drove Father to take his own life,
and he was never held accountable!
What did you do?
You didn't know.
Look at the pain you've
inflicted on your mother.
You left me no choice.
You killed my father.
What I did was business.
What you tried to do was murder.
And now you'll pay the price.
Will, what did you do?
What did you do?
Mr. Russell, no, please.
- He's not well!
- Stay.
Will!
Please! Please!
[SPRIGHTLY MUSIC]
[HORSE HOOVES CLOPPING]
♪
Welcome home, madam.
Thank you, Church.
Please tell Sanders I'll be
up in a minute to help unpack.
When I come down, I'll
need to see any invitations
that arrived while I was away.
I need to sort out my calendar
before it gets the best of me.
Very good, madam.
- Larry.
- Mother.
I came by hoping to greet you.
It's a relief to be on dry land
and to see your face after so long.
How is Gladys and the baby?
Gladys has taken to motherhood
in a way I never did.
And your nephew is wonderful.
I look forward to meeting him.
Is your father upstairs?
No, he's back at the Union Club.
Oh?
We have an important meeting
later with Mr. Rockefeller.
I believe he's preparing for it.
And I'm sorry to leave you,
but I have my own business
to attend to first.
I hope you aren't
spreading yourself too thin.
I don't see it that way.
I enjoy having successes to call my own.
Of course.
It's good to have you home.
- The house has missed you.
- [CHUCKLES]
I'm glad someone did.
[BRIGHT MUSIC]
♪
Marian, may we speak?
My aunt will be out in a moment.
You left before we even
had a chance to say
Say what?
Marian, we were caught up in the moment.
Neither of us meant it to happen.
Have you no shame at all?
Of course you don't. You're a man.
Your life is simple.
You can break any rule you like.
But me, I am disgraced.
No one will ever know.
I will know.
Then we will use it to our advantage.
It's the perfect excuse
to get married finally.
You need an excuse to marry me?
I didn't mean
I don't want you to marry
me out of pity or guilt.
That's not why I want to marry you.
You're twisting my words.
I just want to forget
that night ever happened.
I cannot look at you
without seeing my own shame.
Mr. Russell, good morning.
Good morning to you.
Aunt Ada's coming with me
to the settlement house.
I want to see for myself how Marian
is spending all her time.
Don't let me keep you.
[HORSE WHINNIES]
I've written to your daughter-in-law
to thank her for her generous donation.
It was very kind of her.
She has the greatest
respect for the traditions
of her new family.
Indeed.
Now, on a different matter, I'm hoping
you'll be amenable to
doing a few interviews.
Interviews?
Yes.
It will give us a way to highlight
the importance of the Heritage Society
to the people of New York.
Don't they already know
it, the ones who matter?
There's always room for growth.
A few well-placed articles will
put our event and the society
in the forefront of everyone's mind.
My father always told me
there are only three times
a gentleman's name
should be in the paper
when he's born, when he
marries, and when he dies.
I assume the same holds true for women.
Well, I certainly can get
someone else to do interviews.
I assumed, this being
your event, you would
You're right.
I'd be delighted.
The journalist would like to observe
New York society in action
before your interview.
I've arranged for an
evening at the opera.
But the academy has canceled its season.
I meant the Met.
I apologize for the interruption, ma'am,
but the workers from
AH Davenport and Company
have come to measure
for the new curtains.
What new curtains?
Mrs. Forte ordered a new
set for the drawing room.
We don't need new curtains.
There's nothing wrong with these.
Why wasn't I consulted?
Perhaps, ma'am, you should
take that up with Mrs. Forte.
[SIGHS]
♪
You mean some of the
volunteers actually live here?
Yes.
The idea is to be in close
proximity to the impoverished
so we can better understand their needs.
Well, that's a bold approach.
There's so many inspiring people
who dedicate their time here.
Most of them have college educations.
Is your work here very
different than when
you were at the normal school?
This is so much more.
We provide what people
need to survive
food, medical care,
education, child assistance,
legal services.
It sounds quite extraordinary.
It must be very rewarding.
It is.
These people depend on us.
- I've never felt more needed.
- Oh.
- Marian.
- Yes.
I hope we can count on
you for the evening shift.
Libby is still unwell.
I'm looking forward to it.
Aunt Ada, this is Miss Virginia Saville.
She's one of our resident nurses.
- I'm delighted to meet you.
- And you.
We are so pleased with the
work your niece is doing.
She's become a real
asset to our program.
Oh, how nice of you to say so.
How late will you need to stay?
Past dinner, I'm afraid.
Marian, this is a dangerous neighborhood
during the daytime.
Won't it only get worse at night?
You yourself just praised
the work we're doing.
I admire the mission, but
I worry about your safety.
There will be a cab to take
me home at the end of my shift.
Dear, are you allowing
enough time for your own life?
What if this is my life?
What I'm meant to do, I mean.
This settlement house
is the first of many.
I could be involved in
setting up the next one.
Can we please just leave it at that?
Of course.
- Here you are.
- Thank you.
- I'll see you at home.
- Yes.
Mr. Rockefeller, I'm
practically shipping
Standard Oil for free.
I can do 35¢ a barrel
for our new contract.
- More than reasonable.
- That won't be possible.
Mr. Russell, the nation is
affected by our agreement,
the terms of which
make it feasible for me
to keep the cost of kerosene low
and affordable for the masses.
Your profits are of no
importance to you, of course.
The more I earn, the
more I can give away.
That is my philosophy.
Is that why you bankrupted
so many of your rivals
in Cleveland?
I set my prices so that
I can pass the savings to my customers.
Don't you believe they
deserve a cheap and good
illuminator in their homes?
What I don't believe is
your posing as the savior
of the common man.
It's not a pose.
Many years ago, I missed a train.
And that saved my life.
It made me determined to
use my influence for good
with every new day I've been granted.
To that end, if we're going to
make this new agreement work,
I'll have to reduce the price
I pay you per barrel to 20¢.
You're proposing to pay
Russell Industries even less
than you do now to ship your oil,
when I've been telling you
I must have exactly the opposite?
Mm.
You're as concerned with your
bottom line as the next man,
and I'm the next man.
You need to find your
savings somewhere else.
If the price I've offered
is not the one you want,
I can take my business elsewhere.
- My trains
- Gentlemen.
Isn't it in all of our best interests
to find a way to work together?
Larry, your father is lucky
to have your calming influence.
If you want to work with
other railroad companies,
you should go right
ahead, Mr. Rockefeller.
But none of them can
offer you what I can.
We're finished here.
[DRAMATIC MUSIC]
♪
Mr. Rockefeller.
♪
Father, should we have walked out?
We need this deal, don't we?
You had no right to open your mouth.
It wasn't your place.
Father, please.
He's our biggest client.
I only meant to steer you
two towards a resolution.
All you did was indicate weakness.
Why involve me in the first place
if you expect me to stay silent?
To watch and learn.
I'm not a novice.
I'm a businessman in my own right.
Only because I've
given you opportunities
most men couldn't dream of.
I built Russell Industries from nothing,
without any advantage!
You haven't the slightest
idea what that takes.
♪
[CURIOUS MUSIC]
♪
Mrs. Forte, the candidates
for the position of footman
will be here soon.
I've narrowed down the list,
and we have some good applicants.
- Oh, I hope so, Bannister.
- Mm.
Thank you.
♪
How wonderful you can afford
a new footman and new curtains,
but you refuse to help pay for the cost
of hosting the president
of the United States.
Is that necessary, Agnes?
Look for a neat appearance.
Fingernails can be very telling.
Did I ask for your advice?
You need my advice, whether
you ask for it or not.
You have no experience of hiring staff.
I'll follow my own instincts.
Mm!
The same instincts that
planned to replace my curtains?
They don't even make
tassels like that anymore.
I'm well aware.
I want something a
little less traditional.
Why are people so
quick to abandon custom
for unproven fashion?
Is this still about the curtains?
Mrs. Foster wants me to
attend the Metropolitan Opera
to promote the dinner.
It's absurd.
Why?
You and Lina Astor put up a
good fight, but isn't it time?
I don't believe I have a choice.
I'll go with you.
I'd quite like to see the Met.
No need.
This is official business
for the Heritage Society,
and as you've made very clear,
you're not keen to
entertain the president.
[BRIGHT MUSIC]
♪
We can discuss this at the next meeting.
Now, Peggy's first
book is being published
not long after the wedding.
I've never met any woman writer.
Well, now you've met me. [CHUCKLES]
Do you write, too, Mrs. Scott?
Is that where your daughter gets it?
Oh, it's a God-given talent.
I can't take the credit.
You decided to go off the
beaten path on your own.
So unusual.
And how exactly does
the writing come about?
Do you spend your days thinking?
Not entirely, although I suppose
that's one way to look at it.
Seems lonely.
You know, my husband's
aunt put out a book
all the family recipes.
- Oh.
- Isn't that nice?
And what is your book about, Miss Scott?
Two inseparable friends who
grew up together in the South.
Although, as they reach adulthood,
their lives diverge, and
they become like strangers.
One leads the life expected of her,
while the other is a
bit more of a risk taker.
She rejects her family's traditions
to pursue her dreams,
leaving everything behind.
How interesting, though
I enjoy the quiet comforts
of tradition myself.
Makes life worthwhile.
I agree with you there.
Have you read the book, Mrs. Scott?
Just recently.
It's very creative.
Ladies.
And I helped Mr. Crayton with
the monthly wine inventory.
And you don't mind cleaning silver?
I enjoy it.
Well, we can't ask for
more than that, can we?
Thank you, Mr. Rod.
We'll be in touch.
- [KNOCK AT DOOR]
- Oh.
[DOORBELL RINGING]
Would you mind seeing yourself out?
Certainly.
[KNOCK AT DOOR]
- Am I too late?
- Too late for what?
For the position of footman.
Oliver. Oliver Keith.
Why are you at this door?
Oh, I'm sorry.
I thought I'd save time
by coming to this one.
Bannister, is there another candidate?
Ah, no, ma'am.
I was here the other day.
I heard about the position.
I've come all the way across town.
Even so, I'm afraid we
have all the candidates
we mean to consider.
It's quite all right, Bannister.
He's come all this way.
I'm sure it won't
hurt for me to see him.
Please come in.
Oh, what a cute dog.
Oh, yes. That's our Pumpkin.
Here.
I brought a letter of
recommendation and card.
Oh, thank you. How wonderful. Thank you.
- Thank you.
- Mr. Oliver Keith.
Do you know the first rule of marriage?
What's that?
If it's not fit for your wife,
neither is it fit for you.
I'll write that down.
[CHUCKLES]
- Do you have any pain there?
- No.
Mm.
What's wrong?
You can button up.
It could be tuberculosis.
You appear to have a cold abscess
under the skin, deep in the
tissue of the chest wall.
It needs to be opened
and drained immediately.
Can we do it here?
No.
No, we should get you
to Bellevue Hospital
and let them take a look.
We need to see if it's in
the heart muscle or the lung.
I'll send a note to your wife.
Oh.
And I was so inexperienced,
I thought livery was a food.
[LAUGHTER]
But I've learned a lot since then.
I'm a hard worker.
I'm sure you are.
You know, you rather
remind me of the footman
you've come to replace.
I hope that's not a bad thing.
Oh, not at all.
He's doing very well as an
inventor here in the city.
Now, tell me why you left
your previous employers.
I hadn't worked for them long,
and they were moving to Philadelphia.
And my father died recently.
- I'm so sorry.
- Thank you, ma'am.
I wanted to stay in
New York for my mother.
- She misses him a lot.
- Oh.
I thought she might want to go live
with her sister in Massachusetts,
even though she has a very small house,
- but she likes
- [CLEARS THROAT]
I hope I haven't taken
up too much of your time.
Oh, no.
Not at all.
We'll be in touch.
Bannister will show you out.
This way.
Thank you, sir.
♪
Bannister.
I want to hire Oliver.
But John Herrs has far more experience.
More isn't always better.
Ah, true.
But Mr. Keith also
seems rather talkative.
I have a feeling about him.
True, he needs some simple
words of instruction.
But with a role model
such as you, Bannister,
I'm sure he'll learn
quickly and no doubt
rise to the level of
your high standards.
As you wish, ma'am.
Thank you.
It is one of the privileges of my life
to serve as president of
the Daughters of Friendship.
And I'm thrilled to welcome
my future daughter-in-law
and her mother to join our group.
[SOFT APPLAUSE]
And let's take a moment
to wish Miss Scott and my beloved son
the utmost happiness.
May the roof above them never fall in,
and may the both of them never fall out.
[LAUGHTER]
Miss Scott is a widow herself.
Yes.
She knows how difficult it is
to recover from such a loss,
but she's done it.
She is an example to us all.
[SOFT APPLAUSE]
[SOFT APPREHENSIVE MUSIC]
♪
Who is the patient here?
This is Mr. Davis.
Are you family?
I'm Dr. William Kirkland.
I've been treating this
gentleman, and he
That's quite all right.
I'll perform my own examination.
I'd like to help if I can.
I examined this patient
not more than an hour ago
And I will do the same.
It's good you brought him in,
but you are not a relative.
So you will have to leave.
- Hospital rules.
- I'm just offering my
Colored doctors are not
qualified to practice
at Bellevue Hospital.
As I said, I will make
my own examination.
Come with me.
I'll follow up with you
when you're released.
Thank you, Dr. Kirkland.
[PENSIVE MUSIC]
♪
The nerve of that woman
to lie to the entire room.
God knows what she's said in private.
I suppose a widow is
more palatable to her
than a woman whose
marriage has been annulled
and who's already had a child.
Those women, they see me as an oddity.
These are William's people.
So are you.
Why don't we at least talk to her?
- Yeah.
- We'll go together.
[SIGHS]
Mrs. Brown has offered
to provide a cake
Can we speak with you, Mrs. Kirkland?
It won't take long.
Go on.
First, thank you for hosting this tea.
I was so pleased when you
accepted my invitation.
But which version of Peggy
did you mean to invite?
I don't follow.
I am overjoyed to be marrying
into the Kirkland family.
But please know I'll
be joining as myself.
I am not a widow.
Well, that was a favor, Miss Scott.
Wasn't it less painful?
Or would you rather everyone
know all the sordid details?
I have made peace with my past.
I have nothing to be ashamed of.
I was trying to help.
I understand that things are a
little bit louder in Brooklyn.
That may be your way.
But sensibilities are
gentler in Newport.
I wanted to give you a
smoother entrance, that's all.
Oh, is that all?
[LIGHT TENSE MUSIC]
I will be more thoughtful in the future.
Excuse me.
♪
You're back.
I arrived this morning.
I hope you're enjoying
your return to the city.
I'm sure New York will
be glad to have you.
Just New York?
You're busy, so I'll only take a moment.
I've been so eager to
show you this picture.
Hector George Bellingham
Vere, the marquis of Sidmouth.
Doesn't that sound impressive?
He looks just like Gladys.
Yes.
Who, I'm happy to report,
is recovering well.
The delivery was quite an ordeal.
Thank God she made it through.
Before I left, we
agreed you'd come home.
Whatever we said then, I
have far more pressing matters
to worry about now.
More important than family?
We've been given a new
chapter, and you're determined
to remain in the past.
Gladys asked after your
living arrangements
It's no business of hers.
I will not have my
hand forced, not again.
Please, George, come home.
You look tired.
It's so like you to look for
a weakness to lure me back.
I'm going home.
I hope you'll join me.
[DOOR CLICKS OPEN]
What is it?
Your next meeting is here, sir.
I'll leave you to it.
[SOFT PLAYFUL MUSIC]
♪
[LIVELY CHATTER]
Is that Mrs. Astor?
Let's not enjoy this too much.
I'll be certain to temper my mirth.
♪
Well, it's eye-catching,
I'll give you that.
It's a bit showy for my taste.
Thanks for coming with me.
Hopefully your father
will join next time.
You're certainly easier to deal with
than he is at the moment.
- Good evening, Mrs. Russell.
- Ah.
Mama, we should have
hired a photographer
to prove that this beautiful
moment really happened.
You did say you'd never set
foot in this opera house.
You know why I'm here, Oscar.
♪
- Here you are.
- Is there any food left?
- Yes. There's some
- We need some help.
- What's happened?
- [BABY CRYING]
He's a trough boy at Hecla Iron Works.
One of the hot pipes was
dropped and cut his arm,
but it didn't crush it, thank God.
Just the burn.
I'll get the nurse.
[WHIMPERING]
[INDISTINCT CHATTER]
At least the first act was tolerable.
- That is true.
- Mrs. Astor.
- Ah.
- Mrs. Van Rhijn.
Mrs. Oscar van Rhijn.
I'm thrilled to see you all here.
I know it's not your beloved Academy.
The Academy will be back next season.
They're planning the
program as we speak.
Oh, look who's there.
I must say hello.
So the duchess is a mother.
Congratulations.
And your grandson outranks us all.
- Quite right.
- You've landed two dukes
for the price of one.
What luck.
And how lucky you are
to find another husband
in such record time.
You're right.
I am lucky.
And where is your husband this evening?
Mr. Russell had pressing
business to attend to.
They do draw quite a crowd here.
There's no point in denying it.
Please, tell me what
I've missed in New York
while I've been away.
Not much, really.
Well, you missed our wedding.
Oh, I'm sure it was splendid.
And my mother-in-law's giving a dinner
for President Cleveland on
behalf of the Heritage Society.
The president is dining
with Mrs. Van Rhijn?
I would say you'll be included,
but I know she's terribly limited
when it comes to numbers.
As you know well, those
houses are not enormous.
You mean the president is dining
at Mrs. Van Rhijn's
house on 61st Street?
That's it.
Right opposite you.
Excuse me.
Oh, there she is.
I'll see you at the Academy next season.
Mrs. Van Rhijn, this is Mrs. Curtis,
editor of the "Ladies' Home Journal."
Thank you for taking such
an interest in our event.
We're thrilled and
flattered you found the time.
We anticipate many of our readers
will be keen to learn
what it takes to host
the president of the United States.
Indeed.
But for tonight, I'm
just here to observe.
So I've wanted
Is there room in your
box for me to join you?
I don't see why not.
This way.
We have to leave now
or they'll have gone.
Mother will be disappointed.
Yes, but you won't be.
The opera's getting stale.
People want something more
cheerful, more hummable.
This is your chance to invest
in something new and exciting.
Between looking after my own ventures
and helping out my father, I
hardly had time to come here.
This is a lucrative opportunity.
You'll regret passing it up, Russell.
I suppose my mother has
more than enough friends here
- to keep her company.
- Ah, that's the spirit.
Will he have to go back
out to work tomorrow?
If he misses a day, the
iron mill will let him go.
But what if he's injured again?
Do you think you care more
about my son than I do?
- No, no.
- I have to stay with my baby.
If my boy didn't work,
we'd have nothing to eat.
Good job.
It's hard enough as it is.
You should change that
bandage twice a day,
especially when he comes home from work,
so it can stay clean.
I will.
Now, why don't you wait here and we'll
get you something to eat?
Many of the children
who come here at night
will be working the next day.
So try not to judge
the mother and her son.
She has very little choice.
I know. I was just surprised.
You can take comfort in the fact
that we are making a difference.
I guess I'd better toughen up.
Well, you can start by coming
back for another evening shift?
I think I have to.
[SOFT MUSIC]
♪
Why aren't you hosting this dinner?
Oh, I have my causes.
And Mrs. Van Rhijn is
their vice president.
This is her moment.
Oh, dear.
Why are you so against him?
Some of his family have
married very decent people.
That's it. That's the problem.
Why do you think they call
them the marrying Wilsons?
What I need is to find
her a suitable alternative.
I'm at my wits' end.
Children only look at individual pieces.
It's our job to keep
our eye on the board.
Indeed.
And where is your eye these days?
What do you mean?
It's time for something
better than pressing business.
I say Mr. Astor is on his yacht.
But Mr. Russell does
have pressing business.
He's in the middle of a negotiation
with Mr. Rockefeller.
I'm sure.
But you've been gone for some
time, and still he isn't here.
Nor will he be when
you return home tonight,
if what I'm told is true.
What have you been told?
Come, now, Mrs. Russell.
You and I both know that one can
only fool society for so long.
Of course. Will you excuse me?
Mrs. Van Rhijn.
As I was coming up the
stairs, I ran into the Fricks.
- Do you know them?
- I know of them.
I've known Henry for years.
They live in Pittsburgh
but came in for the opera.
They are absolutely thrilled
by the idea of our salon.
The first of many.
Lina, I just want you to
know it was not my idea
to have this lady reporter in the box.
Something interesting
you've found to write about?
Just a few notes for myself to remember.
[BRIGHT OPERATIC MUSIC PLAYING]
[SINGERS VOCALIZING]
♪
[CHORUS SINGING BRIGHTLY]
It's not what I expected.
This is your new venture?
Gilbert and Sullivan is
all the rage in London.
It will be here, too,
once we're up and running.
The English tastes are not
necessarily American tastes.
Oh, with this, they will be.
People are hungry for entertainment,
not the long, tragic
stories of the opera.
Stop, stop, stop, stop, stop.
Energy.
- Please!
- Does he do that often?
- Oh, all the time.
- Again.
One, two.
It's like our Hasty Pudding
stage shows at Harvard.
Precisely.
And lucky for us, with
Gilbert and Sullivan,
there are no international
copyright agreements.
I knew there was something else.
We can stage these productions here
without having to pay any royalties.
There's a lot of money to be made.
Come in with me on it.
You won't regret it.
I'm not sure it's for me.
I'm overextended as it is.
Think of this as a respite
from all your worries.
[CLAPPING]
Bravo!
We were only talking.
It's never just talk with that family.
There's always a scheme.
That's a horrible thing
to say, and it's not true.
Carrie, you need someone who
can rely on his own future,
not yours.
What about that young Mr. Russell?
Larry?
We've known each other for years.
I don't think of him that way.
Maybe it's time that you do.
The artist William Merritt Chase
just agreed to be the guest
of honor at our first salon.
Well played.
He won't be sorry.
I have already invited
several collectors.
I hope you didn't count
Mrs. Astor as one of them.
Sadly, she won't be invited.
Everyone wants to go
where they're not invited.
Precisely, my love.
[CURIOUS MUSIC]
♪
Mrs. Russell.
Is it Anne Morris?
What are you doing?
I'm looking for Mr. Russell.
He's not here. You shouldn't be either.
This is not appropriate.
Propriety is not my chief concern.
I need to find my son.
And what does that have
to do with my husband?
Mr. Russell has taken him.
Taken him? You're not making any sense.
What would he want with your son?
Retribution.
Mr. Russell believes that Will shot him.
Enough.
Come inside now.
I can't help you, nor would I want to.
If your son has done as you say,
then he will reap what he has sown.
Mrs. Russell, we have nothing.
He holds your husband
completely responsible.
Clearly.
The bitterness has swallowed him.
But I never thought
he'd resort to bloodshed.
I do understand your love for your son.
But I don't know what I
can do. It's not up to me.
But you can sway your husband.
Speak to him on my behalf.
Mr. Russell has every
right to persecute Will.
I see that.
But I can't lose him.
My husband and now my child
I won't survive it.
Mr. Russell barely survived.
Is he wrong to want justice?
Mrs. Russell, would you not beg me
if our situations were reversed?
Good night, Mrs. Morris.
[SOMBER MUSIC]
♪
Why are you up so late?
I'm thinking.
Penny for your thoughts?
Must everything be about money?
How much is it to sit here quietly?
You haven't commented
on the new curtains.
No, I haven't.
[LAUGHTER, CHATTER]
Did I mention I also plan to
have a telephone installed?
Who on Earth would use
a telephone to reach you?
I'm sure there'll be someone.
Where are you coming from at this hour,
and dressed like that?
Are you supposed to be in mourning?
The neighborhood settlement house.
What? You were on the
Lower East Side after 7:00?
They needed volunteers
for the evening shift.
This is getting worse and worse.
I had my own concerns about it.
Of course. You're in on it too.
But Marian made a good case
for the importance of caring
for those less fortunate.
I was reminded of Jesus'
work with the lepers.
That's all very well for Jesus.
He didn't have to make his way
back to the Upper East Side.
The work I am doing there is
very important and rewarding.
But, Marian, my dear, none of us
can solve all the evils of the world.
We can do a bit here and
there from time to time,
but we can't do it all.
And I don't believe that is God's wish.
Well, I believe it is,
particularly for me.
I have finally found a place
where I'm wanted and needed.
Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm worn out.
Good night.
Before you go up,
this is Oliver, our new footman.
Oliver, this is our
niece, Miss Marian Brook.
Welcome, Oliver.
Well, thank you, miss.
I'm very pleased to be working here.
I didn't realize you were their niece.
I thought maybe a daughter
when you first came
Thank you, Oliver.
[TENSE PLAYFUL MUSIC]
♪
He'll learn.
Or you will.
♪
Am I to expect a daily
visit from you now?
Anne Morris came to
the house last night.
How could you not tell me
your attacker was found?
It's for me to handle.
But you felt no obligation
to share this with me?
Now you know, and there's
nothing for you to do.
Are you really holding her son captive?
- He's with the Pinkertons.
- And not with the police?
I haven't decided what to do yet.
You are not judge and
jury. You must turn him in.
If I do, he will almost certainly hang.
Is that what you want?
[SOFT MUSIC]
I cannot imagine losing
my husband and then my son.
Perhaps he has not been
punished enough, but she has.
Might you find it in
your heart to show mercy?
Where was his mercy when
he pulled the trigger?
Now, if you don't
mind, I have work to do.
I suppose it begins
with the invitations.
Engraved cards may be easier,
but I prefer to do mine
by hand, no matter how
long they take to write.
May I ask a favor of
you, Mrs. Van Rhijn?
Will you settle it for us?
As many have begun to experiment,
what color should the tablecloth be
for such an important dinner?
Oh, snow white.
- There is no other answer.
- Not cream?
I've heard the queen of England
has experimented with cream,
but you disagree with her?
Oh, no.
I would never do that.
I've also heard that hostesses
are forgoing traditional seating charts
and placing people where they
can ensure good conversation.
Good conversation over rank? [LAUGHS]
I think not.
You'll have some tea, won't you?
Well.
May I get you anything else, ma'am?
I might have had less milk,
but I see you've already put it in.
Why have you done that, Oliver?
Bring another cup for Mrs. Curtis.
Oh, there's no need.
I thought everyone drank tea with milk.
Immediately.
I'm afraid I really must go.
But I do thank you for
your time, Mrs. Van Rhijn.
And your home is lovely.
It reminds me of the
world of my childhood
with an old-fashioned
feel that is so comforting.
And what should a good
host provide if not comfort?
[SOFT TENSE MUSIC]
♪
I'll have Oliver come for the trolley.
Thank you, Bannister.
How did it go?
Better than I expected.
She was a nice woman.
I'm so glad.
I'm sorry about the mix-up earlier.
What was this?
He decided that he would pour the milk
into Mrs. Curtis' tea.
- Why?
- Only Oliver can answer that.
Was it the early stirrings of revolution
in your soul, Oliver?
I got in a muddle, ma'am.
Well, that's honest, at least.
Thank you, Oliver. You may go.
[CART CLANGING]
Sweetheart?
Somehow it feels as if
you've been gone for months.
Oh, for me too.
How was the tea?
It was illuminating.
William, what's the matter?
Oh, I don't want to trouble you.
Tell me about Newport.
I hope you're making some friends there.
If something's bothering
you, I want to know.
A patient of mine just died.
I got the news right before you arrived.
His wife sent a cable.
Oh, William. I'm so sorry.
I've been his doctor for five years now.
His chest needed to be opened,
so I took him myself to Bellevue.
I'd hoped his new doctor
might let me give my opinion
or just observe.
You did everything you could.
Everything I'm allowed to do, you mean.
If I'd been able to stay,
I might have done more.
And if it was still
meant to be his time,
I could have been with him at the end.
Instead I was sent home.
So I left him among strangers.
[SOMBER MUSIC]
It won't always be this way.
All right? It can't be.
I'd like to borrow
some of your optimism.
Well, what's mine is
yours once we're married.
♪
I still want to hear
about your time away.
How were the Daughters of Friendship?
That remains to be seen.
But I'm now one of them.
♪
Ha! Ha!
[SOFT TENSE MUSIC]
Ha!
Whoa!
Ho!
♪
We're here, sir.
♪
Leave him alone!
- Give me your gun.
- No.
Your gun.
Don't do this, Mr. Russell.
Your son took the law
into his own hands.
Am I to be deprived the same right?
Are we not all created equal?
Am I not entitled to protect
myself, to protect my family?
All the rights are on your side.
If you let him go, I promise
we won't trouble you again.
How can you beg them?
He is my father's murderer.
Kill me if you wish.
You won't hear me beg.
My father was a good man.
If that were true, then you
have disgraced his legacy!
Get him up.
Please, no.
Please, no, no! [SOBBING] Please!
This is the spot where your
bullet tore through my skin.
I still feel it most nights.
You know, they thought I was unconscious
as I lay on the table.
But I was very much awake.
And amidst the pain and the madness,
I saw my own life with
a terrible clarity.
And it was nothing.
♪
- [GUN COCKING]
- [SOBS]
Don't do this, Mr. Russell!
Heavenly father.
Heavenly father, I
have sinned against you.
Take me instead, I beg you!
[WHIMPERING]
♪
[GUNSHOT]
[SOBBING]
Take him.
Out of my sight. Out of New York.
I promise we will never
set foot in this city again.
♪
If you see him again,
you know what to do.
[SOMBER MUSIC]
♪
George?
I came to tell you I let him go.
And do you think that's the end of it?
I mean for it to be.
Then I'm grateful it's behind us.
Will you stay here tonight?
Do you want me to?
Of course.
You're my husband, but
you're hardly acting like it.
What is happening, George?
♪
I don't know how to answer you.
I have no sense of direction.
I don't know where I'm
going or what I'm doing.
I can't help you when
you won't even come home.
I refuse to go on in this half-life.
It's intolerable.
I could deal with anything else,
but please let us be
husband and wife again.
♪
[BRIGHT TONE]
[TV STATIC DRONES]
[BRIGHT TONE]
[SPIRITED ORCHESTRAL MUSIC]
♪
[INTENSE MUSIC]
♪
Check in there.
Get off me.
- What are you doing?
- It's all right, Mother.
Who are you?
Leave him alone!
Mr. Russell.
Mrs. Morris.
What is this?
Your son's attempt on my life failed,
and now you've been caught.
It's over.
How does it feel to see
me standing before you
alive and well?
I don't understand.
So you have bodyguards now?
That won't save you when
the next man comes along
who wants you dead.
What is going on, Will?
He drove Father to take his own life,
and he was never held accountable!
What did you do?
You didn't know.
Look at the pain you've
inflicted on your mother.
You left me no choice.
You killed my father.
What I did was business.
What you tried to do was murder.
And now you'll pay the price.
Will, what did you do?
What did you do?
Mr. Russell, no, please.
- He's not well!
- Stay.
Will!
Please! Please!
[SPRIGHTLY MUSIC]
[HORSE HOOVES CLOPPING]
♪
Welcome home, madam.
Thank you, Church.
Please tell Sanders I'll be
up in a minute to help unpack.
When I come down, I'll
need to see any invitations
that arrived while I was away.
I need to sort out my calendar
before it gets the best of me.
Very good, madam.
- Larry.
- Mother.
I came by hoping to greet you.
It's a relief to be on dry land
and to see your face after so long.
How is Gladys and the baby?
Gladys has taken to motherhood
in a way I never did.
And your nephew is wonderful.
I look forward to meeting him.
Is your father upstairs?
No, he's back at the Union Club.
Oh?
We have an important meeting
later with Mr. Rockefeller.
I believe he's preparing for it.
And I'm sorry to leave you,
but I have my own business
to attend to first.
I hope you aren't
spreading yourself too thin.
I don't see it that way.
I enjoy having successes to call my own.
Of course.
It's good to have you home.
- The house has missed you.
- [CHUCKLES]
I'm glad someone did.
[BRIGHT MUSIC]
♪
Marian, may we speak?
My aunt will be out in a moment.
You left before we even
had a chance to say
Say what?
Marian, we were caught up in the moment.
Neither of us meant it to happen.
Have you no shame at all?
Of course you don't. You're a man.
Your life is simple.
You can break any rule you like.
But me, I am disgraced.
No one will ever know.
I will know.
Then we will use it to our advantage.
It's the perfect excuse
to get married finally.
You need an excuse to marry me?
I didn't mean
I don't want you to marry
me out of pity or guilt.
That's not why I want to marry you.
You're twisting my words.
I just want to forget
that night ever happened.
I cannot look at you
without seeing my own shame.
Mr. Russell, good morning.
Good morning to you.
Aunt Ada's coming with me
to the settlement house.
I want to see for myself how Marian
is spending all her time.
Don't let me keep you.
[HORSE WHINNIES]
I've written to your daughter-in-law
to thank her for her generous donation.
It was very kind of her.
She has the greatest
respect for the traditions
of her new family.
Indeed.
Now, on a different matter, I'm hoping
you'll be amenable to
doing a few interviews.
Interviews?
Yes.
It will give us a way to highlight
the importance of the Heritage Society
to the people of New York.
Don't they already know
it, the ones who matter?
There's always room for growth.
A few well-placed articles will
put our event and the society
in the forefront of everyone's mind.
My father always told me
there are only three times
a gentleman's name
should be in the paper
when he's born, when he
marries, and when he dies.
I assume the same holds true for women.
Well, I certainly can get
someone else to do interviews.
I assumed, this being
your event, you would
You're right.
I'd be delighted.
The journalist would like to observe
New York society in action
before your interview.
I've arranged for an
evening at the opera.
But the academy has canceled its season.
I meant the Met.
I apologize for the interruption, ma'am,
but the workers from
AH Davenport and Company
have come to measure
for the new curtains.
What new curtains?
Mrs. Forte ordered a new
set for the drawing room.
We don't need new curtains.
There's nothing wrong with these.
Why wasn't I consulted?
Perhaps, ma'am, you should
take that up with Mrs. Forte.
[SIGHS]
♪
You mean some of the
volunteers actually live here?
Yes.
The idea is to be in close
proximity to the impoverished
so we can better understand their needs.
Well, that's a bold approach.
There's so many inspiring people
who dedicate their time here.
Most of them have college educations.
Is your work here very
different than when
you were at the normal school?
This is so much more.
We provide what people
need to survive
food, medical care,
education, child assistance,
legal services.
It sounds quite extraordinary.
It must be very rewarding.
It is.
These people depend on us.
- I've never felt more needed.
- Oh.
- Marian.
- Yes.
I hope we can count on
you for the evening shift.
Libby is still unwell.
I'm looking forward to it.
Aunt Ada, this is Miss Virginia Saville.
She's one of our resident nurses.
- I'm delighted to meet you.
- And you.
We are so pleased with the
work your niece is doing.
She's become a real
asset to our program.
Oh, how nice of you to say so.
How late will you need to stay?
Past dinner, I'm afraid.
Marian, this is a dangerous neighborhood
during the daytime.
Won't it only get worse at night?
You yourself just praised
the work we're doing.
I admire the mission, but
I worry about your safety.
There will be a cab to take
me home at the end of my shift.
Dear, are you allowing
enough time for your own life?
What if this is my life?
What I'm meant to do, I mean.
This settlement house
is the first of many.
I could be involved in
setting up the next one.
Can we please just leave it at that?
Of course.
- Here you are.
- Thank you.
- I'll see you at home.
- Yes.
Mr. Rockefeller, I'm
practically shipping
Standard Oil for free.
I can do 35¢ a barrel
for our new contract.
- More than reasonable.
- That won't be possible.
Mr. Russell, the nation is
affected by our agreement,
the terms of which
make it feasible for me
to keep the cost of kerosene low
and affordable for the masses.
Your profits are of no
importance to you, of course.
The more I earn, the
more I can give away.
That is my philosophy.
Is that why you bankrupted
so many of your rivals
in Cleveland?
I set my prices so that
I can pass the savings to my customers.
Don't you believe they
deserve a cheap and good
illuminator in their homes?
What I don't believe is
your posing as the savior
of the common man.
It's not a pose.
Many years ago, I missed a train.
And that saved my life.
It made me determined to
use my influence for good
with every new day I've been granted.
To that end, if we're going to
make this new agreement work,
I'll have to reduce the price
I pay you per barrel to 20¢.
You're proposing to pay
Russell Industries even less
than you do now to ship your oil,
when I've been telling you
I must have exactly the opposite?
Mm.
You're as concerned with your
bottom line as the next man,
and I'm the next man.
You need to find your
savings somewhere else.
If the price I've offered
is not the one you want,
I can take my business elsewhere.
- My trains
- Gentlemen.
Isn't it in all of our best interests
to find a way to work together?
Larry, your father is lucky
to have your calming influence.
If you want to work with
other railroad companies,
you should go right
ahead, Mr. Rockefeller.
But none of them can
offer you what I can.
We're finished here.
[DRAMATIC MUSIC]
♪
Mr. Rockefeller.
♪
Father, should we have walked out?
We need this deal, don't we?
You had no right to open your mouth.
It wasn't your place.
Father, please.
He's our biggest client.
I only meant to steer you
two towards a resolution.
All you did was indicate weakness.
Why involve me in the first place
if you expect me to stay silent?
To watch and learn.
I'm not a novice.
I'm a businessman in my own right.
Only because I've
given you opportunities
most men couldn't dream of.
I built Russell Industries from nothing,
without any advantage!
You haven't the slightest
idea what that takes.
♪
[CURIOUS MUSIC]
♪
Mrs. Forte, the candidates
for the position of footman
will be here soon.
I've narrowed down the list,
and we have some good applicants.
- Oh, I hope so, Bannister.
- Mm.
Thank you.
♪
How wonderful you can afford
a new footman and new curtains,
but you refuse to help pay for the cost
of hosting the president
of the United States.
Is that necessary, Agnes?
Look for a neat appearance.
Fingernails can be very telling.
Did I ask for your advice?
You need my advice, whether
you ask for it or not.
You have no experience of hiring staff.
I'll follow my own instincts.
Mm!
The same instincts that
planned to replace my curtains?
They don't even make
tassels like that anymore.
I'm well aware.
I want something a
little less traditional.
Why are people so
quick to abandon custom
for unproven fashion?
Is this still about the curtains?
Mrs. Foster wants me to
attend the Metropolitan Opera
to promote the dinner.
It's absurd.
Why?
You and Lina Astor put up a
good fight, but isn't it time?
I don't believe I have a choice.
I'll go with you.
I'd quite like to see the Met.
No need.
This is official business
for the Heritage Society,
and as you've made very clear,
you're not keen to
entertain the president.
[BRIGHT MUSIC]
♪
We can discuss this at the next meeting.
Now, Peggy's first
book is being published
not long after the wedding.
I've never met any woman writer.
Well, now you've met me. [CHUCKLES]
Do you write, too, Mrs. Scott?
Is that where your daughter gets it?
Oh, it's a God-given talent.
I can't take the credit.
You decided to go off the
beaten path on your own.
So unusual.
And how exactly does
the writing come about?
Do you spend your days thinking?
Not entirely, although I suppose
that's one way to look at it.
Seems lonely.
You know, my husband's
aunt put out a book
all the family recipes.
- Oh.
- Isn't that nice?
And what is your book about, Miss Scott?
Two inseparable friends who
grew up together in the South.
Although, as they reach adulthood,
their lives diverge, and
they become like strangers.
One leads the life expected of her,
while the other is a
bit more of a risk taker.
She rejects her family's traditions
to pursue her dreams,
leaving everything behind.
How interesting, though
I enjoy the quiet comforts
of tradition myself.
Makes life worthwhile.
I agree with you there.
Have you read the book, Mrs. Scott?
Just recently.
It's very creative.
Ladies.
And I helped Mr. Crayton with
the monthly wine inventory.
And you don't mind cleaning silver?
I enjoy it.
Well, we can't ask for
more than that, can we?
Thank you, Mr. Rod.
We'll be in touch.
- [KNOCK AT DOOR]
- Oh.
[DOORBELL RINGING]
Would you mind seeing yourself out?
Certainly.
[KNOCK AT DOOR]
- Am I too late?
- Too late for what?
For the position of footman.
Oliver. Oliver Keith.
Why are you at this door?
Oh, I'm sorry.
I thought I'd save time
by coming to this one.
Bannister, is there another candidate?
Ah, no, ma'am.
I was here the other day.
I heard about the position.
I've come all the way across town.
Even so, I'm afraid we
have all the candidates
we mean to consider.
It's quite all right, Bannister.
He's come all this way.
I'm sure it won't
hurt for me to see him.
Please come in.
Oh, what a cute dog.
Oh, yes. That's our Pumpkin.
Here.
I brought a letter of
recommendation and card.
Oh, thank you. How wonderful. Thank you.
- Thank you.
- Mr. Oliver Keith.
Do you know the first rule of marriage?
What's that?
If it's not fit for your wife,
neither is it fit for you.
I'll write that down.
[CHUCKLES]
- Do you have any pain there?
- No.
Mm.
What's wrong?
You can button up.
It could be tuberculosis.
You appear to have a cold abscess
under the skin, deep in the
tissue of the chest wall.
It needs to be opened
and drained immediately.
Can we do it here?
No.
No, we should get you
to Bellevue Hospital
and let them take a look.
We need to see if it's in
the heart muscle or the lung.
I'll send a note to your wife.
Oh.
And I was so inexperienced,
I thought livery was a food.
[LAUGHTER]
But I've learned a lot since then.
I'm a hard worker.
I'm sure you are.
You know, you rather
remind me of the footman
you've come to replace.
I hope that's not a bad thing.
Oh, not at all.
He's doing very well as an
inventor here in the city.
Now, tell me why you left
your previous employers.
I hadn't worked for them long,
and they were moving to Philadelphia.
And my father died recently.
- I'm so sorry.
- Thank you, ma'am.
I wanted to stay in
New York for my mother.
- She misses him a lot.
- Oh.
I thought she might want to go live
with her sister in Massachusetts,
even though she has a very small house,
- but she likes
- [CLEARS THROAT]
I hope I haven't taken
up too much of your time.
Oh, no.
Not at all.
We'll be in touch.
Bannister will show you out.
This way.
Thank you, sir.
♪
Bannister.
I want to hire Oliver.
But John Herrs has far more experience.
More isn't always better.
Ah, true.
But Mr. Keith also
seems rather talkative.
I have a feeling about him.
True, he needs some simple
words of instruction.
But with a role model
such as you, Bannister,
I'm sure he'll learn
quickly and no doubt
rise to the level of
your high standards.
As you wish, ma'am.
Thank you.
It is one of the privileges of my life
to serve as president of
the Daughters of Friendship.
And I'm thrilled to welcome
my future daughter-in-law
and her mother to join our group.
[SOFT APPLAUSE]
And let's take a moment
to wish Miss Scott and my beloved son
the utmost happiness.
May the roof above them never fall in,
and may the both of them never fall out.
[LAUGHTER]
Miss Scott is a widow herself.
Yes.
She knows how difficult it is
to recover from such a loss,
but she's done it.
She is an example to us all.
[SOFT APPLAUSE]
[SOFT APPREHENSIVE MUSIC]
♪
Who is the patient here?
This is Mr. Davis.
Are you family?
I'm Dr. William Kirkland.
I've been treating this
gentleman, and he
That's quite all right.
I'll perform my own examination.
I'd like to help if I can.
I examined this patient
not more than an hour ago
And I will do the same.
It's good you brought him in,
but you are not a relative.
So you will have to leave.
- Hospital rules.
- I'm just offering my
Colored doctors are not
qualified to practice
at Bellevue Hospital.
As I said, I will make
my own examination.
Come with me.
I'll follow up with you
when you're released.
Thank you, Dr. Kirkland.
[PENSIVE MUSIC]
♪
The nerve of that woman
to lie to the entire room.
God knows what she's said in private.
I suppose a widow is
more palatable to her
than a woman whose
marriage has been annulled
and who's already had a child.
Those women, they see me as an oddity.
These are William's people.
So are you.
Why don't we at least talk to her?
- Yeah.
- We'll go together.
[SIGHS]
Mrs. Brown has offered
to provide a cake
Can we speak with you, Mrs. Kirkland?
It won't take long.
Go on.
First, thank you for hosting this tea.
I was so pleased when you
accepted my invitation.
But which version of Peggy
did you mean to invite?
I don't follow.
I am overjoyed to be marrying
into the Kirkland family.
But please know I'll
be joining as myself.
I am not a widow.
Well, that was a favor, Miss Scott.
Wasn't it less painful?
Or would you rather everyone
know all the sordid details?
I have made peace with my past.
I have nothing to be ashamed of.
I was trying to help.
I understand that things are a
little bit louder in Brooklyn.
That may be your way.
But sensibilities are
gentler in Newport.
I wanted to give you a
smoother entrance, that's all.
Oh, is that all?
[LIGHT TENSE MUSIC]
I will be more thoughtful in the future.
Excuse me.
♪
You're back.
I arrived this morning.
I hope you're enjoying
your return to the city.
I'm sure New York will
be glad to have you.
Just New York?
You're busy, so I'll only take a moment.
I've been so eager to
show you this picture.
Hector George Bellingham
Vere, the marquis of Sidmouth.
Doesn't that sound impressive?
He looks just like Gladys.
Yes.
Who, I'm happy to report,
is recovering well.
The delivery was quite an ordeal.
Thank God she made it through.
Before I left, we
agreed you'd come home.
Whatever we said then, I
have far more pressing matters
to worry about now.
More important than family?
We've been given a new
chapter, and you're determined
to remain in the past.
Gladys asked after your
living arrangements
It's no business of hers.
I will not have my
hand forced, not again.
Please, George, come home.
You look tired.
It's so like you to look for
a weakness to lure me back.
I'm going home.
I hope you'll join me.
[DOOR CLICKS OPEN]
What is it?
Your next meeting is here, sir.
I'll leave you to it.
[SOFT PLAYFUL MUSIC]
♪
[LIVELY CHATTER]
Is that Mrs. Astor?
Let's not enjoy this too much.
I'll be certain to temper my mirth.
♪
Well, it's eye-catching,
I'll give you that.
It's a bit showy for my taste.
Thanks for coming with me.
Hopefully your father
will join next time.
You're certainly easier to deal with
than he is at the moment.
- Good evening, Mrs. Russell.
- Ah.
Mama, we should have
hired a photographer
to prove that this beautiful
moment really happened.
You did say you'd never set
foot in this opera house.
You know why I'm here, Oscar.
♪
- Here you are.
- Is there any food left?
- Yes. There's some
- We need some help.
- What's happened?
- [BABY CRYING]
He's a trough boy at Hecla Iron Works.
One of the hot pipes was
dropped and cut his arm,
but it didn't crush it, thank God.
Just the burn.
I'll get the nurse.
[WHIMPERING]
[INDISTINCT CHATTER]
At least the first act was tolerable.
- That is true.
- Mrs. Astor.
- Ah.
- Mrs. Van Rhijn.
Mrs. Oscar van Rhijn.
I'm thrilled to see you all here.
I know it's not your beloved Academy.
The Academy will be back next season.
They're planning the
program as we speak.
Oh, look who's there.
I must say hello.
So the duchess is a mother.
Congratulations.
And your grandson outranks us all.
- Quite right.
- You've landed two dukes
for the price of one.
What luck.
And how lucky you are
to find another husband
in such record time.
You're right.
I am lucky.
And where is your husband this evening?
Mr. Russell had pressing
business to attend to.
They do draw quite a crowd here.
There's no point in denying it.
Please, tell me what
I've missed in New York
while I've been away.
Not much, really.
Well, you missed our wedding.
Oh, I'm sure it was splendid.
And my mother-in-law's giving a dinner
for President Cleveland on
behalf of the Heritage Society.
The president is dining
with Mrs. Van Rhijn?
I would say you'll be included,
but I know she's terribly limited
when it comes to numbers.
As you know well, those
houses are not enormous.
You mean the president is dining
at Mrs. Van Rhijn's
house on 61st Street?
That's it.
Right opposite you.
Excuse me.
Oh, there she is.
I'll see you at the Academy next season.
Mrs. Van Rhijn, this is Mrs. Curtis,
editor of the "Ladies' Home Journal."
Thank you for taking such
an interest in our event.
We're thrilled and
flattered you found the time.
We anticipate many of our readers
will be keen to learn
what it takes to host
the president of the United States.
Indeed.
But for tonight, I'm
just here to observe.
So I've wanted
Is there room in your
box for me to join you?
I don't see why not.
This way.
We have to leave now
or they'll have gone.
Mother will be disappointed.
Yes, but you won't be.
The opera's getting stale.
People want something more
cheerful, more hummable.
This is your chance to invest
in something new and exciting.
Between looking after my own ventures
and helping out my father, I
hardly had time to come here.
This is a lucrative opportunity.
You'll regret passing it up, Russell.
I suppose my mother has
more than enough friends here
- to keep her company.
- Ah, that's the spirit.
Will he have to go back
out to work tomorrow?
If he misses a day, the
iron mill will let him go.
But what if he's injured again?
Do you think you care more
about my son than I do?
- No, no.
- I have to stay with my baby.
If my boy didn't work,
we'd have nothing to eat.
Good job.
It's hard enough as it is.
You should change that
bandage twice a day,
especially when he comes home from work,
so it can stay clean.
I will.
Now, why don't you wait here and we'll
get you something to eat?
Many of the children
who come here at night
will be working the next day.
So try not to judge
the mother and her son.
She has very little choice.
I know. I was just surprised.
You can take comfort in the fact
that we are making a difference.
I guess I'd better toughen up.
Well, you can start by coming
back for another evening shift?
I think I have to.
[SOFT MUSIC]
♪
Why aren't you hosting this dinner?
Oh, I have my causes.
And Mrs. Van Rhijn is
their vice president.
This is her moment.
Oh, dear.
Why are you so against him?
Some of his family have
married very decent people.
That's it. That's the problem.
Why do you think they call
them the marrying Wilsons?
What I need is to find
her a suitable alternative.
I'm at my wits' end.
Children only look at individual pieces.
It's our job to keep
our eye on the board.
Indeed.
And where is your eye these days?
What do you mean?
It's time for something
better than pressing business.
I say Mr. Astor is on his yacht.
But Mr. Russell does
have pressing business.
He's in the middle of a negotiation
with Mr. Rockefeller.
I'm sure.
But you've been gone for some
time, and still he isn't here.
Nor will he be when
you return home tonight,
if what I'm told is true.
What have you been told?
Come, now, Mrs. Russell.
You and I both know that one can
only fool society for so long.
Of course. Will you excuse me?
Mrs. Van Rhijn.
As I was coming up the
stairs, I ran into the Fricks.
- Do you know them?
- I know of them.
I've known Henry for years.
They live in Pittsburgh
but came in for the opera.
They are absolutely thrilled
by the idea of our salon.
The first of many.
Lina, I just want you to
know it was not my idea
to have this lady reporter in the box.
Something interesting
you've found to write about?
Just a few notes for myself to remember.
[BRIGHT OPERATIC MUSIC PLAYING]
[SINGERS VOCALIZING]
♪
[CHORUS SINGING BRIGHTLY]
It's not what I expected.
This is your new venture?
Gilbert and Sullivan is
all the rage in London.
It will be here, too,
once we're up and running.
The English tastes are not
necessarily American tastes.
Oh, with this, they will be.
People are hungry for entertainment,
not the long, tragic
stories of the opera.
Stop, stop, stop, stop, stop.
Energy.
- Please!
- Does he do that often?
- Oh, all the time.
- Again.
One, two.
It's like our Hasty Pudding
stage shows at Harvard.
Precisely.
And lucky for us, with
Gilbert and Sullivan,
there are no international
copyright agreements.
I knew there was something else.
We can stage these productions here
without having to pay any royalties.
There's a lot of money to be made.
Come in with me on it.
You won't regret it.
I'm not sure it's for me.
I'm overextended as it is.
Think of this as a respite
from all your worries.
[CLAPPING]
Bravo!
We were only talking.
It's never just talk with that family.
There's always a scheme.
That's a horrible thing
to say, and it's not true.
Carrie, you need someone who
can rely on his own future,
not yours.
What about that young Mr. Russell?
Larry?
We've known each other for years.
I don't think of him that way.
Maybe it's time that you do.
The artist William Merritt Chase
just agreed to be the guest
of honor at our first salon.
Well played.
He won't be sorry.
I have already invited
several collectors.
I hope you didn't count
Mrs. Astor as one of them.
Sadly, she won't be invited.
Everyone wants to go
where they're not invited.
Precisely, my love.
[CURIOUS MUSIC]
♪
Mrs. Russell.
Is it Anne Morris?
What are you doing?
I'm looking for Mr. Russell.
He's not here. You shouldn't be either.
This is not appropriate.
Propriety is not my chief concern.
I need to find my son.
And what does that have
to do with my husband?
Mr. Russell has taken him.
Taken him? You're not making any sense.
What would he want with your son?
Retribution.
Mr. Russell believes that Will shot him.
Enough.
Come inside now.
I can't help you, nor would I want to.
If your son has done as you say,
then he will reap what he has sown.
Mrs. Russell, we have nothing.
He holds your husband
completely responsible.
Clearly.
The bitterness has swallowed him.
But I never thought
he'd resort to bloodshed.
I do understand your love for your son.
But I don't know what I
can do. It's not up to me.
But you can sway your husband.
Speak to him on my behalf.
Mr. Russell has every
right to persecute Will.
I see that.
But I can't lose him.
My husband and now my child
I won't survive it.
Mr. Russell barely survived.
Is he wrong to want justice?
Mrs. Russell, would you not beg me
if our situations were reversed?
Good night, Mrs. Morris.
[SOMBER MUSIC]
♪
Why are you up so late?
I'm thinking.
Penny for your thoughts?
Must everything be about money?
How much is it to sit here quietly?
You haven't commented
on the new curtains.
No, I haven't.
[LAUGHTER, CHATTER]
Did I mention I also plan to
have a telephone installed?
Who on Earth would use
a telephone to reach you?
I'm sure there'll be someone.
Where are you coming from at this hour,
and dressed like that?
Are you supposed to be in mourning?
The neighborhood settlement house.
What? You were on the
Lower East Side after 7:00?
They needed volunteers
for the evening shift.
This is getting worse and worse.
I had my own concerns about it.
Of course. You're in on it too.
But Marian made a good case
for the importance of caring
for those less fortunate.
I was reminded of Jesus'
work with the lepers.
That's all very well for Jesus.
He didn't have to make his way
back to the Upper East Side.
The work I am doing there is
very important and rewarding.
But, Marian, my dear, none of us
can solve all the evils of the world.
We can do a bit here and
there from time to time,
but we can't do it all.
And I don't believe that is God's wish.
Well, I believe it is,
particularly for me.
I have finally found a place
where I'm wanted and needed.
Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm worn out.
Good night.
Before you go up,
this is Oliver, our new footman.
Oliver, this is our
niece, Miss Marian Brook.
Welcome, Oliver.
Well, thank you, miss.
I'm very pleased to be working here.
I didn't realize you were their niece.
I thought maybe a daughter
when you first came
Thank you, Oliver.
[TENSE PLAYFUL MUSIC]
♪
He'll learn.
Or you will.
♪
Am I to expect a daily
visit from you now?
Anne Morris came to
the house last night.
How could you not tell me
your attacker was found?
It's for me to handle.
But you felt no obligation
to share this with me?
Now you know, and there's
nothing for you to do.
Are you really holding her son captive?
- He's with the Pinkertons.
- And not with the police?
I haven't decided what to do yet.
You are not judge and
jury. You must turn him in.
If I do, he will almost certainly hang.
Is that what you want?
[SOFT MUSIC]
I cannot imagine losing
my husband and then my son.
Perhaps he has not been
punished enough, but she has.
Might you find it in
your heart to show mercy?
Where was his mercy when
he pulled the trigger?
Now, if you don't
mind, I have work to do.
I suppose it begins
with the invitations.
Engraved cards may be easier,
but I prefer to do mine
by hand, no matter how
long they take to write.
May I ask a favor of
you, Mrs. Van Rhijn?
Will you settle it for us?
As many have begun to experiment,
what color should the tablecloth be
for such an important dinner?
Oh, snow white.
- There is no other answer.
- Not cream?
I've heard the queen of England
has experimented with cream,
but you disagree with her?
Oh, no.
I would never do that.
I've also heard that hostesses
are forgoing traditional seating charts
and placing people where they
can ensure good conversation.
Good conversation over rank? [LAUGHS]
I think not.
You'll have some tea, won't you?
Well.
May I get you anything else, ma'am?
I might have had less milk,
but I see you've already put it in.
Why have you done that, Oliver?
Bring another cup for Mrs. Curtis.
Oh, there's no need.
I thought everyone drank tea with milk.
Immediately.
I'm afraid I really must go.
But I do thank you for
your time, Mrs. Van Rhijn.
And your home is lovely.
It reminds me of the
world of my childhood
with an old-fashioned
feel that is so comforting.
And what should a good
host provide if not comfort?
[SOFT TENSE MUSIC]
♪
I'll have Oliver come for the trolley.
Thank you, Bannister.
How did it go?
Better than I expected.
She was a nice woman.
I'm so glad.
I'm sorry about the mix-up earlier.
What was this?
He decided that he would pour the milk
into Mrs. Curtis' tea.
- Why?
- Only Oliver can answer that.
Was it the early stirrings of revolution
in your soul, Oliver?
I got in a muddle, ma'am.
Well, that's honest, at least.
Thank you, Oliver. You may go.
[CART CLANGING]
Sweetheart?
Somehow it feels as if
you've been gone for months.
Oh, for me too.
How was the tea?
It was illuminating.
William, what's the matter?
Oh, I don't want to trouble you.
Tell me about Newport.
I hope you're making some friends there.
If something's bothering
you, I want to know.
A patient of mine just died.
I got the news right before you arrived.
His wife sent a cable.
Oh, William. I'm so sorry.
I've been his doctor for five years now.
His chest needed to be opened,
so I took him myself to Bellevue.
I'd hoped his new doctor
might let me give my opinion
or just observe.
You did everything you could.
Everything I'm allowed to do, you mean.
If I'd been able to stay,
I might have done more.
And if it was still
meant to be his time,
I could have been with him at the end.
Instead I was sent home.
So I left him among strangers.
[SOMBER MUSIC]
It won't always be this way.
All right? It can't be.
I'd like to borrow
some of your optimism.
Well, what's mine is
yours once we're married.
♪
I still want to hear
about your time away.
How were the Daughters of Friendship?
That remains to be seen.
But I'm now one of them.
♪
Ha! Ha!
[SOFT TENSE MUSIC]
Ha!
Whoa!
Ho!
♪
We're here, sir.
♪
Leave him alone!
- Give me your gun.
- No.
Your gun.
Don't do this, Mr. Russell.
Your son took the law
into his own hands.
Am I to be deprived the same right?
Are we not all created equal?
Am I not entitled to protect
myself, to protect my family?
All the rights are on your side.
If you let him go, I promise
we won't trouble you again.
How can you beg them?
He is my father's murderer.
Kill me if you wish.
You won't hear me beg.
My father was a good man.
If that were true, then you
have disgraced his legacy!
Get him up.
Please, no.
Please, no, no! [SOBBING] Please!
This is the spot where your
bullet tore through my skin.
I still feel it most nights.
You know, they thought I was unconscious
as I lay on the table.
But I was very much awake.
And amidst the pain and the madness,
I saw my own life with
a terrible clarity.
And it was nothing.
♪
- [GUN COCKING]
- [SOBS]
Don't do this, Mr. Russell!
Heavenly father.
Heavenly father, I
have sinned against you.
Take me instead, I beg you!
[WHIMPERING]
♪
[GUNSHOT]
[SOBBING]
Take him.
Out of my sight. Out of New York.
I promise we will never
set foot in this city again.
♪
If you see him again,
you know what to do.
[SOMBER MUSIC]
♪
George?
I came to tell you I let him go.
And do you think that's the end of it?
I mean for it to be.
Then I'm grateful it's behind us.
Will you stay here tonight?
Do you want me to?
Of course.
You're my husband, but
you're hardly acting like it.
What is happening, George?
♪
I don't know how to answer you.
I have no sense of direction.
I don't know where I'm
going or what I'm doing.
I can't help you when
you won't even come home.
I refuse to go on in this half-life.
It's intolerable.
I could deal with anything else,
but please let us be
husband and wife again.
♪
[BRIGHT TONE]