Beecham House (2019) s01e01 Episode Script

Who are you, stranger? John Beecham.
Beware! 'Is our new master a nobleman from the south, 'or a Rajput from the north? Is he a vegetarian, or a meat-eater?' I do not know.
But what does it matter? As long as this house is once again a home, - and your kitchen a palace.
- My work is done.
The house is cleansed and blessed and ready for our new master.
I have had a vision.
He is tall and fair.
Like a Kashmiri or Pathaan.
You will see.
~ Open the gate! Your new Saheb is here.
~ At last, he's here.
Gopal.
Unload, then rest.
At dawn, you leave for Calcutta.
Saheb.
I told you he was fair.
You said Kashmiri.
He is an Englishman.
Welcome to Delhi, Saheb.
It is an honour to meet you.
I am Baadal.
Pleasure to meet you, Baadal.
This is Ram Lal, trusted servant to No one mentioned a baby is coming, Saheb.
Baadal You will learn that I am a private man.
Now, I should like to see the house.
Of course, sir.
Bring the trunks from the carriage.
What about the women and baby? We've only prepared a master's quarters.
Saheb, we have prepared the finest bedchamber in the house for you.
Where should I take the ladies? No, the child and his attendant shall have those quarters.
See that they do not want for anything.
Did you see the child? It is not fully European.
Our English Saheb is enjoying India and all her pleasures.
It will make a fine nursery.
Maya and Chanchal will sleep here.
Ram Lal will attend to them.
Baadal, you will have to prepare another room for my mother.
She is travelling from England and will arrive here very soon.
See that she has all the comforts that an elderly English lady requires.
Travelling alone, Saheb? She must be a very brave lady.
You will discover that one cannot dissuade her once her mind is set on any course.
- We will treat her like a Maharani, Saheb.
- Quite.
Please.
Good morning, Baadal.
Good morning, sir.
Please, let me show you the garden.
We'll turn this into a chapel for my mother.
An English chapel? Very well, Saheb.
I have not seen my mother in 12 years.
And now she has invited herself.
A mother cannot live without her son.
That is what my mother tells me every time she sees me.
~ It is an invitation from one General Castillon.
Who is he? Not a good man, Saheb.
He is a French mercenary for the Emperor.
He has eyes and ears everywhere.
Vos armes, Monsieur.
It is a great pleasure to meet you, Mr Beecham.
Or should I say, Lieutenant Beecham? The pleasure is mine, General Castillon.
I'm surprised news of my arrival has travelled so quickly.
It is my duty to inform the Emperor of any movements of British military men.
I am not who you take me to be.
Oh? But your time in the East India Company has clearly borne fruit, for you to acquire the house of a grand nobleman.
General, I am not a representative of the East India Company.
Nor am I any longer a lieutenant.
I am just John Beecham, Esquire.
I left the Company years ago and set up a business.
To trade.
Your East India Company also claims to trade, when the truth is, you steal.
So, the Company have their eyes on Delhi now.
Is Bengal not enough for them? General India belongs to neither the British nor the French.
If the French departed, there would be no one to stop the British from taking all of India, yes? General .
.
I am not like my countrymen.
S'il vous plait.
The British never turn their back on an opportunity they can exploit.
- C'est dans votre sang.
- Not in my blood.
And, I dare to hope, not in yours.
That is a very fine ruby, of six carats? From Ceylon, I believe.
Exquisite colour and clarity, though, tragically, it has been cut without much regards to its structure.
That's not the sort of knowledge I would expect from a soldier.
General I stopped being a soldier to trade fairly.
Not pillage.
Only the Emperor can grant foreigners a licence to trade.
It has been the Mughal way for two centuries.
I would be delighted to introduce you.
Well, that would be very kind of you.
Of course, His Highness Shah Alam would consider your trade licence more seriously if you work for him.
The Emperor values loyalty above all.
Well, thank you.
I shall do my best to persuade the Emperor that my intentions are honourable.
Thank you.
For the Cognac.
My pleasure.
So, John Beecham.
Is he friend or foe? He is an agent of the Company.
The first weed sent to spread and take over Delhi.
The British are never more treacherous than when they espouse virtue.
~ Intruders.
They were in this area.
~ ~ What is happening? We have never had intruders in this house before.
How is August settling in? I will make sure he is safe and happy.
May I? Dearest August I wish I had your peacefulness.
Saheb? We have been given a new beginning.
For Agastya's sake .
.
we must forget the past.
'A man should not be eating on his own.
' Where is the Saheb's wife? I saw he has letters from London in his office.
Ah! Maybe she is in England.
A loving wife's touch is what this empty house needs.
But what will he do with the beauty who tends the baby? She has a face so sweet, even your kheer will need no sugar if she looks upon it.
One haughty look from her, and my kheer will curdle.
Baby has wind.
He needs ajwain.
And I need chillies for this food you are giving me.
My food does not need chillies.
If you are feeding the baby, the milk will be I know my job.
- A cook - Not cook.
Chef.
No more khichri.
I expect game, chicken, fish with Mughlai spices.
That is the standard I'm used to.
Of course, Chanchal-bai.
It will be an honour for Chef to raise his standards to those of a lady who appreciates the highest quality.
Hey.
Are you only here to serve Beecham-saheb, or his wife too? You must know the baby's mother.
When might she be coming? Or maybe she is already here? Watch your words, cook.
They are even more poisonous than your food.
She will learn that you cannot keep secrets in a house like this.
~ You must be careful in this heat.
You know There is not a single day that I miss being a soldier.
But I miss the sweat.
What happened, Saheb? Does it pain you? At times.
It will fade, with time.
And the pain, also.
~ ~ Good day.
My servants reported you had intruders last night.
I've come to offer help.
I am Murad Beg.
Your neighbour.
I hope you do not object to me calling on you unannounced.
No, not at all.
It's a pleasure.
John Beecham.
I can send some of my guards to watch over your estate.
An exceptionally kind offer, sir.
Thank you.
I'm hosting a party tomorrow night.
I hope you will honour us with your presence.
I would be very grateful of an opportunity to know you better.
Until tomorrow, then.
Baadal Will he be a good neighbour? He is a friend for you, Saheb.
And cousin to our Highness, the Emperor's wife.
In a garden full of beautiful flowers, I see your eyes have rested on the only English rose.
I was, er I was surprised, that's all.
It is a rarity in Delhi.
Come, I should like to introduce you.
Roshanara, come.
Mr Beecham, this is my daughter, Roshanara, and her teacher, Miss Osborne.
Hello, Mr Beecham.
Are you fond of dancing? Delhi has the prettiest dancing girls in the whole of India.
I daresay they are.
I believe you are the first Englishman Miss Osborne has seen in many months.
You're the first Englishwoman I have seen in several years.
It is a pleasure to meet you, Miss Osborne.
Where are you from? Devon.
A beautiful part of the world.
Yes.
I miss the countryside, the sea air.
Oh, and the raspberry creams I long for.
My daughter's love for dancing exceeds all else, despite Miss Osborne's attempts to introduce her to English literature.
Miss Osborne is the finest governess in India.
She's transforming my daughter into an accomplished lady and an insurrectionist.
An English insurrectionist is the very last thing I expected to find here in Delhi.
Father, I'd like to go back to the dancing now.
Of course, my dear.
Miss Osborne? Miss Osborne, if I might be so bold, um My chef considers himself an expert in the culinary arts of England.
I'm certain that he would be delighted to present you with cakes from Devon.
Good evening, Miss Osborne.
Mr Beg.
- What an excellent fete.
- General Castillon.
Thank you for joining us.
This is Mr Beecham.
I've already had the pleasure of meeting Lieutenant Beecham.
Miss Osborne, you look particularly ravishing this evening.
So, has Lieutenant Beecham told you of his wish to introduce India's treasures to the rest of the world? Without the British East India Company.
In the Emperor's eyes, you will be tarred with the same brush.
Why would he grant you a trade licence? Because I also have India's interests at heart, not just my own.
That is admirable for these times.
The Emperor is dubious about Englishmen.
This is why he prefers the French.
Miss Osborne, it seems your presence is requested by Begum Samru-saheba.
Excuse me, gentlemen.
Begum Samru-saheba seems very fond of Miss Osborne.
It appears she has an interest in all things European.
She is not to be underestimated.
Begum Samru is a favourite of the Emperor.
He treats her like his own daughter.
General Castillon has kindly offered to introduce me to the Emperor.
Allow me to do that.
It would be my pleasure.
You seem to be possessed of great fortune.
You have two admirers.
I'm sure you are mistaken.
You must not feel like you must choose one or the other.
It's far more enjoyable to sample the delights of both.
'Your Imperial Highness.
' King of Kings.
Your Royal Highness, Prince Akbar.
It gives me great pleasure to introduce you to a friend of the court, Lieutenant John Beecham.
Khush aamdeed, Lieutenant Beecham.
I hope my kinsman has made you welcome.
It is unusual to receive an Englishman as a guest.
Normally, you arrive without an invitation.
Your Imperial Highness, I am humbled by your presence and your land.
My ancestors have ruled it for hundreds of years.
They've shed their blood to keep what is theirs.
I will not allow the British East India Company to take what is now mine.
The Company's policy for expansion is shameful.
I have severed ties with them.
They have no concerns beyond amassing wealth for their shareholders.
Bengal was richer than all the wealth in England until Clive and Hastings plundered it.
"In a land where the hand of friendship is taken for the sword, "I gain solace from the sighs of the quill "as it gifts its lifeblood to the page.
" Ah.
I have known many an Englishman that spoke Farsi and Urdu, but never one that knew my poetry.
Your Imperial Highness, please do not see me as an enemy.
But General Castillon does.
If the English say "day", the French say "night".
The numerous wars that we have waged over the centuries are not easily forgotten.
Well, let us hope that the next war is not a battle for Delhi.
For it is said that he who rules Delhi, rules India.
Your Imperial Highness, I implore you.
Judge me not by my flag, but by my actions.
I love your country.
And I believe that India should be governed by Indians.
I wish only to trade honourably with the beautiful objects that are made here.
Please, grant me a licence.
Your Imperial Highness, I see you have met the new Englishman in Delhi.
Yes.
Lieutenant Beecham is a lover of the arts.
He wishes that I grant him a free trade licence.
Surely you will not grant it, knowing the Company have Delhi in their sights.
Your Imperial Highness, I am your servant.
A British servant in my palace? Never in my life have I been more sad to be blind! Then serve me, Lieutenant Beecham.
The Empress's birthday approaches.
Find the perfect gift for her, and maybe you shall have your licence.
Your Highness.
Surely you will not grant it.
General, General.
I know you do not trust him.
Nor do I.
Then, Your Highness, why offer to grant him a licence? You forget India gave the world chess.
My first move was decisive.
If I refuse Beecham now, the Company will proceed with their plans in secret.
We will watch Beecham closely, until he makes a mistake.
What is all this? It is English mithai.
You cannot appreciate such culture.
Why is Saheb going to all this trouble? He's barely been in the city and has already found an English lady to bring home.
He's quite chalu, no? An English lady? Here, to this house? Our chef, Mool Chand, has spent all day making special English puddings for you.
I've heard he is an excellent chef.
So have I.
He tells me every day! Beecham-saheb is on the way.
Miss Osborne.
Welcome.
Thank you for your invitation, Mr Beecham.
This is a magnificent house.
The courtyards and carvings are exquisite.
And how nice it must be to sit here under the tree.
I found this swing in the bazaar.
Delhi is full of wonders.
But now, prepare to be transported from Delhi back home to Devon.
Oh, my, how wonderful! Shukria, Baadal.
Mool Chand's famous bread pudding.
Scones.
Plum pudding.
- And raspberry creams.
- Shukria.
I have yet to see Mool Chand beam so for a guest.
Please.
From Devon.
So buttery! Look how happy Saheb is.
His is not the face of a man with a wife somewhere.
At least, not a wife he likes.
I am indebted to you.
For allowing me to reveal myself as a homesick lady with a sweet tooth.
I perfectly understand what it feels like to hanker for home comforts.
Murad Beg tells me that you've been building a chapel.
I should like to see it, if I may.
I would be delighted to show you.
I did not have an opportunity to enquire when we met what brought you to Delhi? I wanted a fresh start.
I worked with the East India Company for many years.
But I left.
Why? I have a conscience.
And you A lone woman in Calcutta is a rarity, but in Delhi an impossibility.
My brother travelled to India to seek his fortunes.
I saw it as an opportunity to seek adventure.
That is most admirable.
And brave.
Brave, or foolhardy? He left Delhi abruptly when he accrued significant debts.
He abandoned you? I am so sorry.
One becomes accustomed to the folly of siblings.
Thankfully, Mr Beg was in need of a governess when I was most in need of a position.
Your chapel is wonderful.
Well, you are welcome to visit and pray at your leisure.
Thank you.
I have a request.
If you will.
I know that we have just met, but I am in I am in great need.
My mother will be arriving in Delhi in a few days.
And I would be very grateful if you could be here when she arrives.
To help her settle.
I know that it would be a great comfort to her.
And to me.
I would be honoured.
Your mother will be well taken care of, Saheb.
Do not worry.
Bindu will be her special maid, Miss Osborne will be her friend, and the baby will make her happy.
Mother.
I dreamt of the time we would be together again.
I feared it would never come, I had lost you to India forever.
How much I have missed you.
You have turned into a fine gentleman.
The beard sits most handsomely on your face.
And you are as strong and robust as ever.
Thank the Lord for your safe arrival.
It has been a long and trying journey, more eventful than a carriage from London to Bath, I daresay.
Ooh.
Violet! Smelling salts, please.
Of course, Mrs Beecham.
But there are bandits and highwaymen everywhere, Mrs Beecham, dear.
I, for one, have enjoyed every moment of our adventure.
Do you remember Violet? Oh, you won't remember, but the last time we met was many years ago.
Violet is Katherine Woodhouse's daughter.
She travelled with me to keep me company.
I should not have survived, but for her kindness.
I'm very grateful to you, Miss Woodhouse.
I do remember you now, as a young girl with pigtails and rosy cheeks.
- I believe you laughed a lot.
- She has a happy disposition, and kept me entertained on many a rough night.
Well, I'm very grateful.
For you keeping my mother company.
I thank you, John.
And I'm looking forward to a bath and making myself presentable.
Well, please.
A hand would be welcome, Lieutenant.
Oh! Captain Samuel Parker? What on earth? Mother, did you know we were acquainted? I did, indeed.
Captain Parker called on me in London last year.
- London? - Yes, he was looking for you.
We met again in the port in Calcutta, and he insisted on delivering us safely to you.
My dear old friend, I could not have planned it better myself.
Come.
- Ooh! - Steady.
Good gracious! This is beyond all expectation.
This is a palace fit for a queen.
All the British nabobs are buying enormous estates like this back home.
Some are even buying Parliament seats with their Indian fortunes.
Well, why not build a mansion such as this in Surrey? Mother, I am not one of those nabobs that comes to India to prosper and flee.
12 years since you left me.
Barely a word in the last three, since you became a wandering tinkerman.
But now my fears are all allayed.
Oh, Miss Osborne.
Thank you for coming to greet my mother.
John has been so looking forward to your arrival.
And how, pray, do you know my son? I am his neighbour.
Come, Mother, we have prepared some refreshments for you.
I am so grateful for your kindness towards my mother.
You cannot imagine how pleased I am to see you.
The Company was never the same after you resigned and disappeared.
- I have missed you.
- And I you.
Tell me, what news of England? It rains.
The Prince of Wales is getting married.
Warren Hastings was acquitted and the Company got off scot-free.
It's not surprising.
Parliament taking the East India Company to trial over their misdeeds was a charade.
The hypocrisy sickens me.
I was called to give evidence against the Company.
You were, too.
But no one knew where to find you.
I received a dishonourable discharge.
They've spread rumours.
They have sullied my name.
Samuel I am so sorry.
Hm.
Oof.
Please excuse me for just a moment.
Do not worry, dear.
A governess is no competition for you.
John is every bit as handsome and considerate as you said he was.
I told you that horrific journey would pay dividends.
It will be a perfect union.
Why did you journey back to India? Well I lost any money I made in an investment.
The entire cargo sank when an Indiaman ran aground.
Future employment in England is impossible for me, so my hope is that a Maharaja here will I don't know.
Ignore my past.
Or perhaps I'll go out on my own, follow your example.
John, you have done well.
When I left the Company, Samuel, I learnt so much about the trading business that existed for hundreds of years before the Europeans built their monopolies.
You always had an eye like no other Englishman.
Is there any chance you might be in need of a worker who knows the tastes of the nabobs with new money to burn? No, I do not need a worker.
Hm.
But I am in great need of a trustworthy partner.
- Partner? - It is, I think, the very least I can do.
This house is as impressive as its owner.
Well, as we agreed, John is a fine match.
Yes? John, whose baby is that, crying so? Please, Mother.
Please wait there.
Why are you holding that child? He looks native.
Are you the father? Well, who is the mother? Are you Are you married? Mother This is August.
August Beecham.
Your grandson.
This is a most peculiar way to treat an infant.
How could John make no mention of it before we set sail? I must admit, Mrs Beecham, I am shocked by the predicament your son finds himself in.
As am I, Violet.
I fear I do not know my own son.
Do not lose heart.
He is a kind and loving son.
There is a baby.
There does not seem to be a wife.
I will get to the bottom of this.
John may yet make a fine match for you.
Mother, I did advise you that now was perhaps not the best time to come to India, but you insisted.
On the contrary, John, I wish I had come sooner.
I might have secured your personal life to be more in keeping with that of an English gentleman.
Well, now, surely Baadal can tempt you with something.
You must be so very hungry.
How can you stand to eat in this insufferable heat? India does grow on you, Mrs Beecham.
If you give it time.
And you, Miss Woodhouse.
How did you sleep? - I trust you're comfortable? - Very comfortable, er, Mr Beecham.
It is a pleasure to be off that boat and in the comfort of such a fine house.
It is a delight to have your cheerful disposition grace us here.
Mother, surely there is something I can do - to ease your settling in.
- Mm.
I should like to see Daniel, and I pray he is still, at least, a son I recognise.
I have made several enquiries of Daniel's whereabouts.
He has either left Calcutta, or is, indeed, making it very difficult for me to find him.
Why would he not want to communicate with his own brother? Mother, Hindustan is an enormous land.
Our paths have not yet crossed.
Daniel seems very happy serving in the East India Company.
I was not.
But now that you are here, I will write to him again, imploring him to come and see you.
If you will excuse me.
Mrs Beecham.
Miss Woodhouse.
- Ma'am? - No, no! I didn't want to get your mother's hopes up, as she asked me to seek your brother out in Calcutta.
But I did hear reports he's on a Company expedition in Kannauj.
Kannauj? That's only a ride away from Delhi.
The ideal position for the Company to mount an attack.
A British military presence on Delhi's doorstep is a direct provocation.
We must be on guard, John.
If General Castillon discovers your brother's with the Company in Kannauj, he will not look on it favourably.
Yes.
He would, no doubt, inform the Emperor, and advise him against granting my trade licence.
Shall we? Maybe this is Beecham Saheb's wife.
My, my, my, my.
What do we have here? I am finally able to afford my passage home.
England.
What are you going to do when the opium runs out? If Lieutenant Beecham is in contact with the Company, he will pay a severe price.
Daniel! I have just settled Agastya.
I would appreciate it if you'd kindly keep your voices down.
I am mistress of this house.
I cannot live like this.
Is she August's mother?