Belgravia: The Next Chapter (2024) s01e02 Episode Script

Episode 2

1
[FREDERICK] Who is that girl?
[DUCHESS OF ROCHESTER]
Her name is Clara Dunn.
The Duchess tells me you've
recently arrived in London.
[CLARA] Yes.
Can I take it from all this that
you're serious about the girl?
Miss Dunn, would you do me the honor
of becoming Lady Trenchard?
I don't want to frighten you.
[CLARA] I'm not frightened.
[FREDERICK] I haven't
always found life easy.
I've sometimes felt myself betrayed.
You've worked for the family
for a long time, Mr. Enright?
Twenty-six years, Your Ladyship.
Enright.
Is my brother at home?
I read the announcement of his marriage.
I'd like him to know
he's in my thoughts.
- [HORSE WHINNIES]
- [THUDS]
[JAMES] There's a doctor on the way.
Thank you for everything
that you did, Miss
- Dunn.
- James Trenchard.
Did you say Trenchard?
- My sister is Clara Dunn.
- [DAWES] Get him in!
I'm sure you appreciate
why the Duke is determined
that Peter's illness should
not become common knowledge.
No one will ever hear a single
word about your past from me.
I want something on a larger scale.
[DUKE OF ROCHESTER]
The Marquise d'Etagnac.
She's one of the
richest women in Europe.
We must talk further.
[FREDERICK] That woman is
extremely important to me,
and you humiliated me in front of her.
- I didn't.
- You ask me to trust you.
And this is what you do?
- Clara, please
- [CLARA SCREAMS]
[FREDERICK] No, no, no!
If you could step outside
for a moment, Your Lordship.
[DAVISON] I believe I know
what you're thinking, sir,
but it was an accident.
[GLASS BREAKS]
[THEME MUSIC PLAYING]
Good morning, my dear.
If you say so.
[PEOPLE CHATTERING INDISTINCTLY]
- Same as usual please, Mawd.
- Yes, Mr. Enright, sir.
She won't need much.
She's not feeling too well this morning.
What's wrong with her?
- She's not
- No.
- Is he back?
- Not yet.
He should have said whether
he'd need any breakfast.
What's taken him out at this hour?
Early business, I expect.
Aye, aye, what caused that then?
Bed been shaking the walls?
Or is it a lovers' tiff?
[FLETCHER] None of our business.
Morning to you too, Mr. Fletcher.
I don't want it, thank you.
In my experience, no
situation is improved
by going hungry, Your Ladyship.
You want your strength, don't you?
Is my husband in the dining room?
I believe he's out.
Must have let himself out in the night.
I'm sure it's nothing to worry about.
[DUCHESS OF ROCHESTER] He was
asking if I could recommend a doctor
who would be kind and discreet.
- Was he?
- Hmm.
I recommended Dr. Ellerby.
I thought they seemed a
little off when they left.
And they left so abruptly.
Ah, well, Frederick is Frederick.
If he wishes for us
to know, he'll tell us.
Mm. I hope they managed to find Ellerby.
He's extremely reassuring.
[SIGHS]
Percy, the last time he was here,
Ellerby suggested that
Peter might benefit
from seeing the other
children occasionally.
I do wonder if he might not be right.
And Amelia is always
talking about her brother.
He also spoke about some
new treatments which
I see, Dizzy is at it again.
Percy
I do try to choose the right moment.
I know you do.
But there never seems to be
one. Because there isn't one.
Is there a right moment to
talk about the whole future
of one's family line
collapsing in shame?
Sorry, Mary, but let's not, okay?
Percy's morning rule,
nothing which won't keep.
Some silver. Thank you.
Fine morning, Your Lordship.
- This foundry?
- Abercrombie's?
Does it produce only iron?
I believe so. I know it's
been here a long while.
Is it possible for an iron foundry
to expand in order to produce steel?
The steelworks project which failed
has nothing to do with this place.
I'm aware of that. I'm asking
if it's possible in theory.
If it is, it would be a
more economic proposition,
would it not, than building
an entirely new works?
I expect they often sit side by side.
The steel needs the iron, after all.
It would certainly be a bigger
project than we've looked at before.
I reckon there'd be no
end of problems, though.
Would they want to expand?
Would we be able to
undercut Sheffield
Factors. Not problems. To
be considered and dealt with.
Look into it.
Begin by finding out
whether it's even possible.
And I want to know why
the last project failed.
A report by this evening, please.
I have an investor in mind.
As you wish, Your Lordship.
[KNOCK ON DOOR]
[BREATHING HEAVILY]
Come in.
[FREDERICK] I wish to apologize.
My behavior was absurd,
and I would say unforgivable,
but I'm hoping you can find
it in your heart to forgive me.
- It was as much my fault as
- It wasn't.
I should never have
spoken with the Marquise,
and I shouldn't have
rushed on the stairs
It was my fault. Entirely.
[SIGHS]
When I think of what
might have happened
- I hope you aren't in pain?
- I'm not.
A slight headache.
The things I said about not
needing you, please forget them.
- Frederick
- Forget them and forgive.
[PENSIVE MUSIC PLAYING]
♪♪♪♪♪
[OLIVER] Excellent, James.
[YOUNG JAMES] Freddie, now.
[OLIVER] Come here then.
Show me what you've got.
♪♪♪♪♪
[GATE CREAKS]
[GATE CREAKS CLOSED]
Please excuse me. Miss Dunn?
Reverend Trenchard. I
hope this is convenient.
- I asked at the church.
- Of course.
I'm glad you've come.
How is our poor girl?
Uh
Physically she seems
a great deal better,
but I fear her spirits are very low.
Hmm.
She still hasn't spoken.
- So, we have no idea who she is?
- None.
I played a game with her this morning,
trying to guess her name.
- Oh. [LAUGHS]
- Making outlandish suggestions.
I hoped it might amuse her into
telling me what it really is.
[LAUGHS]
Like Rumpelstiltskin?
- [LAUGHS]
- Yes.
Yes, exactly.
No, no, please don't.
I thought that you'd
like to meet Miss Dunn.
Miss Dunn was the first
person to run to your aid.
Yes. You gave us all rather a fright.
But I'm so glad to see
you on your feet again.
You must tell us how you
came to be near the church.
Are you from this parish?
[JAMES] Thank you, Mrs. Warren.
I'm sorry, this is a dreadful question,
but do you think it's
possible that she
Stepped into the road
intentionally? Yes.
I'm afraid it did appear that way.
We must do everything we
can to make her understand
how precious she is to the Lord.
Indeed. We are all God's creatures.
I still can't credit the coincidence
of you being Lord Trenchard's brother.
I expect we shall see each other
at the house in Eaton Square sometimes?
Thank you.
- Are you often there?
- No.
I haven't received an invitation yet.
I suppose that's what happens
when one lives in a
grand house in Belgravia.
One forgets everyone else exists.
I'm not entirely sure
what to do, Miss Dunn.
[SIGHS] She She can't
stay here indefinitely.
- Propriety forbids it.
- Absolutely.
She can't stay here
with you, being a
single gentleman and
But what's the alternative?
The poorhouse?
If no one comes forward to look
for her, what else can I do?
It breaks my heart.
[COUGHING AND CHOKING]
Oh.
[GASPS]
Oh, go. Just go!
Oh, dear.
I swear it is more bone than fish.
I don't know how you can bear to eat it.
As you've said so many
times, she's hopeless.
If only it weren't so difficult
to find good people
in need of a position.
- I mean I-I really
- Mother
- I really think anyone
- You're right.
That is the most brilliant idea.
Anyone would be better.
Mother, you are a genius.
[GIGGLES]
[HORSE WHINNIES AND
BLUSTERS IN DISTANCE]
The Doctor's coming, Your Ladyship.
The one that was here the other night.
I don't need him. Ask
him to leave, please.
[DOOR OPENS]
I'll see to this.
Thank you, Mr. Enright.
Uh, Lady Trenchard says
she has no need of you, sir.
She thanks you for your concern.
I would rather see Her Ladyship
and make quite sure she's recovered.
With a blow to the head
Well, she's eating and drinking.
[CHUCKLES] She's out of bed.
She says she feels perfectly well.
I'll see you out of the back
door, sir, if you don't mind.
Actually, I do.
Good day.
[FOOTSTEPS DEPART]
[DOOR CLOSES]
[CLARA] Look at the mess she's left.
Oh, well, the new girl
will have to clean it.
[EMILY] She won't. I shall do it.
I won't have the Reverend Trenchard
thinking we're taking advantage
or that we're slovenly.
Oh! No, indeed,
especially now we
know that he is family.
Mother?
When the Reverend comes,
would it be possible
for you not to talk?
- Not talk?
- Except to say, "How do you do?"
[CHUCKLES SOFTLY] Of course I must talk.
Oh, I swear, it was my idea, after all.
[CHUCKLES SOFTLY] Not talk
You aren't leaving? I
should have come down sooner.
[FREDERICK] I have some
urgent business today.
I'm glad to see you looking well.
I'm fine. Completely.
Can I come with you?
Um
No. Of course not. Sorry.
I understand. [SNIFFLES]
But I'll see you at dinner, I hope?
Yes.
[DOOR OPENS AND CLOSES]
I received a note from
Lord Trenchard this morning.
- A business proposition.
- Well, that's him.
Never one to let the
grass grow in such matters.
Have you known him for a long time?
Several years. Family connection.
He's a solid fellow. Clever, too.
- You're sure of that?
- Absolutely.
His grandfather was a
first-rate businessman,
a favorite of Wellington's.
His father, less so, but
Frederick was determined
to follow in the family tradition.
He has no need to make money, of course.
- He's certainly trustworthy.
- Thank you.
It is my instinct always,
before I make decisions,
to be sure of who I am dealing with.
Quite right.
[BELL RINGS]
I hope you don't mind
my receiving you in here.
The renovations. You understand.
It was the habit of Marie-Antoinette
to receive guests in her boudoir.
A long time since I've
seen a lady's boudoir.
Apart from the Duchess's, of course.
Good day, Madame.
Good day. And thank you again, mon ami.
[WHIMSICAL MUSIC PLAYING]
♪♪♪♪♪
And he says, "Because she
only comes when he whistles."
[ALL LAUGH]
You like that one, do you, Mawdie?
- It's funny.
- Why's that then?
It just is. All your jokes are funny.
My greatest admirer, aren't you, girl?
Clear them away now, please.
I, um, I thought I'd come
and see where you all work.
It seems strange to live in
a house and not know what
What goes on below, Your Ladyship?
[CLEARS THROAT]
Mrs. Enright, I would like to discuss
the menus with you for next week.
Are you unhappy with
what I've been serving?
No. Not at all.
I believe it is a regular practice.
I remember my mother doing
so with our cook in Hampshire.
In the drawing room,
perhaps, Your Ladyship?
Her Ladyship wishes to do it here,
so perhaps Mrs. Enright
could fetch her notebook.
♪♪♪♪♪
The drawing room will be fine
if you would prefer. Thank you.
[DAVISON] Doesn't she have a right to be
in whichever room of
the house she chooses?
It is not regular practice
in this house for
But you've never had a
mistress here, have you?
His Lordship certainly
wouldn't want her upsetting.
Who's upset her? I haven't.
That's enough.
Thank you.
[BELL RINGS]
[MRS. DUNN] That must be your reverend!
One moment!
I'll be down!
[MRS. DUNN] I shall open the door!
Oh! No, no, no, no, no, no
What a very pretty place
you have here, Mrs. Dunn.
Thank you. Well, we're
beginning to feel more settled.
It's nothing of course, compared
to what we had in Hampshire.
Oh, the most charming house
which looked out across a valley.
[LAUGHS] Oh, really?
Dreadful!
Oh! [CHUCKLES] Oh, oh,
good afternoon, my dear.
The vicar The vicar
sends his apologies.
Poor Mr. Bart has taken
a turn for the worse,
and the dear Reverend James
has rushed to his bedside.
Oh.
Would you care for some tea?
[GASPS] Oh, yes, thank you.
Perhaps you could come and help me?
I'm sure this is all
going to work splendidly.
You know, it really would help
if you could tell me your name.
Or shall I make one up?
- Nell.
- Nell?
Nell. [LAUGHS]
[CHUCKLES] Nell.
You may tell the Reverend Trenchard,
we have our first miracle.
[STEPHEN] And what color is the ball?
- [PETER] Red.
- That's right.
Clever boy.
Have you thought any more about
the possibility of more company for him?
Within the house, I mean.
We might consider it.
And how old was he when
he had his first seizure?
He was four.
And before then, were there any
signs of any worrying behavior?
He was sometimes a little distant.
Mm.
I used to think he
was sad and wonder why.
May I ask a question, in confidence?
- Of course.
- Did I do something
when I was carrying
him, which damaged him?
I'm quite sure you didn't.
It is a nightmare.
There's nothing like it
in either of our families.
We live a clean and healthy life.
- I don't
- [DOOR OPENS]
Ah, my dear, uh, this is Dr. Ellerby,
who I've spoken to you of.
- Your Grace.
- Yes. Jolly good. How do you do?
♪♪♪♪♪
[ROSS] It's a family business.
Uh, according to my contact,
it's plagued by infighting
amongst the board
which is holding it back.
No outside investment, never has had.
They produce wrought-iron.
They've begun to look at pig iron,
but that's as far as they've got.
And with steel, you are
looking at the Bessemer process?
- Securing a license?
- Yes, Madame.
But I understand the process is flawed?
It was. But with one,
or ideally two Bessemer
converters running,
it takes only 10 or 20 minutes
to convert five tons of iron into steel.
Before Bessemer, that
would have taken a day,
and the steel would have been brittle.
[INDISTINCT CHATTER]
You would require more space, I assume?
If we're running two
convertors, certainly.
We'd need to purchase
the warehouse there.
[FREDERICK] I can't see
any difficulty with that,
if we offer the right price.
I've requested a meeting with the board,
and it's set for next week.
Thank you. It has been enlightening.
[MAN SHOUTS INDISTINCTLY]
In theory, might the proposal
be of interest to you?
- Because I'd like to meet the board with
- Perhaps.
Please keep me informed
of your progress.
I admire your ambition.
It matches my own.
How is your enchanting young wife?
She's well, thank you.
And happy?
Ah, le marriage.
A puzzle, is it not?
You found a rare treasure, Frederick.
May I call you Frederick?
Clara she is not an ordinary girl.
She has the strength to be honest.
You should trust her.
She may become your greatest asset.
♪♪♪♪♪
Come to Glanville with me, Clara.
It's where I grew up.
Childhood home.
I think
it's right that you should see it,
that you should learn to know it.
Will you?
Yes.
[SWEEPING ORCHESTRAL MUSIC PLAYING]
♪♪♪♪♪
[ENRIGHT] Welcome, Your Lordship.
[FREDERICK] Enright.
- Did you play out there?
- Sometimes.
There's nothing interesting
to be seen up here.
Is there not a nursery?
I'd love to see where you used to sleep.
Two beds?
That one was my brother's.
You have a brother?
I didn't know.
No, we're not close.
He's younger than me.
He entered the church.
What's his name?
James.
- [CLARA] Is it a large estate?
- It is.
Everything you can see. And more.
The villages, the farms, the forest.
And it was your grandfather
who first lived here?
Yes.
My grandmother designed these gardens.
It was my father who
made it what it is today.
He put a great deal of work into it.
Perhaps we'll bring our
own children here one day.
Raise them here, perhaps.
I can imagine it's a
perfect place for children.
Come here then!
[YELLS]
[SUSAN] You will be astonished
at how much you can bury.
Never, ever cry.
♪♪♪♪♪
[OLIVER] I almost pity you.
You see, what you need to understand,
is that you have a rotten core.
You have a bad soul,
which you can never escape from.
You are and always will be unlovable.
[CLOCK TICKING]
[BIRD CALLING IN DISTANCE]
- One moment.
- [KNOCK ON DOOR]
Frederick?
Frederick?
My father died in this bed.
Were you here with him?
Were you able to say goodbye?
At the last, he wanted only James.
Why?
My brother supplanted me
in my father's affections,
from the day he was born.
- He turned my father against me.
- That's dreadful.
I try to remember a time before James.
I can't.
I try to think what my
father might have thought
of what I might have done to make him.
- Can you love me, Clara?
- Yes.
You think I'm worthy?
Worthy of your love?
Yes.
Yes, Frederick.
Darling.
[ROMANTIC MUSIC PLAYING]
♪♪♪♪♪
♪♪♪♪♪
[BIRDS CHIRPING]
What time is it?
[WHISPERS] Just after eight o'clock.
- We missed dinner last night.
- [CHUCKLES]
The servants must be quite confused.
[GASPS]
[BOTH LAUGH]
I have a meeting with my estate manager.
It may go on for a few
hours. Will you be all right?
I'll be fine.
I'll come back as soon as I can.
♪♪♪♪♪
Lady Trenchard and I are
to give a dinner on Friday.
There will be at least eight guests.
We hope you'll all work hard
to make the occasion a success.
Mrs. Enright, we shall
decide upon a menu together.
Yes, Your Ladyship.
Enright, please direct any
questions to Her Ladyship.
Thank you.
♪♪♪♪♪
[DOOR OPENS]
- [DOOR CLOSES]
- I like authoritative Clara.
♪♪♪♪♪
Blimey, they'll be dancing
on the table after this lot.
Hmm.
If that fails to impress her,
well [SIGHS] then I'd
venture her interest isn't sound.
I have no reason to believe that's true.
Thank you, Ross. You've worked hard.
Lady Trenchard.
This is Mr. Ross, my business manager.
- How do you do?
- Honored to meet you, Your Ladyship.
And may I extend my
sincere congratulations
- on your recent nuptials?
- Thank you.
Your Lordship.
She's younger than him,
isn't she? And prettier.
You could be talking about me, Mr. Ross.
Oh, a recipe for a
successful marriage, is it?
I'm sure of it. They seem happy,
especially since they went to Glanville.
- Ah. What happened there then?
- Who knows?
Well, he's in a better
mood, I'll say that.
And if it gets him off my back
[MRS. ENRIGHT] Hmm.
[SLURPS]
And when will I be seeing you
on your back, Mrs. Enright?
You're a tease.
You're a devil.
Let me get on now.
[ROSS] Good day to you, Mr. Enright.
- How are you, Frederick?
- We're both extremely well.
I haven't seen you since
you sent to me for
Yes.
- I hope the matter was resolved.
- It was. Thank you, Duchess.
It It meant a great deal
that I could turn to you.
You have an elegant house, Clara.
Thank you. There's still
a lot I'd like to do.
But I'm learning to love it.
[INDISTINCT CONVERSATIONS]
You have changed. I can sense it.
He has opened his heart,
and now you are happy. Am I right?
Frederick is everything I
hoped for in a husband. More.
This makes me very glad.
The last time I saw him I
encouraged him to be brave,
to trust.
I think it worked, yes?
Yes. I think it did.
At which point, poor Henry sneezes.
The shot hits a tree
[ALL LAUGH]
rebounds and hits him in the foot.
[ALL CONTINUE LAUGHING]
It was a freakish accident,
and young Archie Grosvenor, he says, um,
- "Bless you!"
- [ALL LAUGHING LOUDLY]
[NETHERBURY CHUCKLING] Ah,
Henry always was a liability with a gun!
[DUCHESS OF ROCHESTER]
I hope he recovered.
Yes, he's he's still standing.
On one leg, presumably?
[ALL LAUGH]
[MARQUISE] I'm afraid guns and hunting
have lost their charm for me,
when one becomes the quarry, you know?
Ah, yes.
But I'm still happy to eat the result.
[ALL LAUGH]
Disgraceful, the destruction wreaked
by those blighters in Paris.
To think of the Palais des
Tuileries being burnt to the ground.
[NETHERBURY] And where
did it get them? Nowhere.
Early graves and good riddance.
[MARQUISE] I confess to a little regret.
I could not embrace, naturally,
the cause of the Communards,
but when people have a dream
for which they are prepared to die,
does it not stir one's soul?
Well, we must wish la belle
France a peaceful future.
[ALL] La belle France.
La belle France.
I witnessed an accident recently.
A young girl walked out
in front of a carriage,
- right in front of me.
- [GUESTS] Oh, dear.
- Was she badly hurt?
- [EMILY] Quite badly.
But the vicar from the church I attend
rushed out and rescued her,
and he has since made himself
responsible for her welfare.
Oh.
She has come to us as
our servant. [GIGGLES]
What an extraordinary story.
Though her scones leave
a little to be desired.
[ALL LAUGH]
Hopefully, she will improve.
Yes, um, but here's the
most extraordinary thing.
It turns out that this
chivalrous clergyman
- is your brother, Lord Trenchard.
- Oh.
The Reverend James Trenchard.
- [NETHERBURY] Well, well.
- [ALL CHATTERING SOFTLY]
- So, this is St. Jude's?
- [EMILY] Yes. In Chelsea.
Not so very far from here.
A great coincidence.
He explained that he was
unable to be at your wedding.
Otherwise, we would have met.
Yes. My brother's devoted to his flock.
Prior engagements. A pity.
My maid was hit by a wagonette once,
on the Brompton Road.
- [DOOR CLOSES]
- [CLARA SIGHS]
I've had the carriage brought round.
Thank you, dear. Thank you. Ah.
Thank you for coming.
It meant a lot to us to have you here.
Oh, well, this house
is is quite wondrous.
- I'm very proud of you.
- Thank you.
I'll come and see you
more often now, I promise.
[DOOR OPENS]
- [DOOR CLOSES]
- I miss you.
Well, you know where to find us.
The Reverend James Trenchard.
I hope I'll meet him soon.
You like him, I think.
I mean, you think highly of him?
Yes.
Humility and gentleness
not to mention other qualities.
I like everything about him.
♪♪♪♪♪
A full outline of my proposal,
including an account of
my meeting with the board,
which went exceptionally well.
Thank you.
Forgive me for combining
business with pleasure.
Is there any other way?
I was hoping I might call
on you early next week,
- to discuss how we can proceed.
- Perhaps.
I will read your proposal with interest.
A delightful evening.
[CLARA] I'm sorry about Emily.
It must have been a shock.
I didn't realize James
lives so close by.
You were extremely
gracious. I was proud of you.
It's you.
You make me strong.
- Come to bed.
- Hmm. Soon.
[BIRDS CHIRPING]
[CLOCK TICKING]
[MAN IN DISTANCE] Peter!
Oh, Peter! [SHOUTS INDISTINCTLY]
[MAN] Peter! Go on! Peter!
[MAN SHOUTING INDISTINCTLY]
Peter!
Go!
[CLARA] He's there.
[MARQUISE] Giovan Lucca,
it will be nothing.
[MARQUISE SPEAKING IN FRENCH]
Reviens.
[GATE CREAKS]
Hello.
My name's Clara.
I'm really glad I've met you.
I'm not very brave when I'm out alone.
- What is your name?
- Peter.
I think I've seen you
once before, Peter,
in Belgrave Square.
Will you hold my hand so I'm not afraid?
[GASPS]
Lady Trenchard. Forgive me.
Hello, Peter.
Should he go back to Belgrave Square?
Ah, yes. That's a good idea.
I've brought you a new
book. It's very funny.
I think it will make you laugh.
Shall we go and read it? [CHUCKLES]
Thank you.
His family will be extremely
relieved and grateful.
The Rochesters?
It was lovely to meet
you. Enjoy your book.
Goodbye.
Lady Trenchard?
I called in on you again.
Yes, I know. Thank you.
You were very kind, but as you
can see, I'm quite well now.
You seemed unhappy that night.
And I know it's not
really my place to say
No, it isn't,
and nor does it seem quite
professional, I must say,
to comment on something
which is none of your concern.
I felt it that night,
what you were thinking,
and you were wrong.
Then forgive me.
You know nothing about me or my husband.
You know nothing of what
he's had to deal with.
Please stay away from us.
[SIGHS]
[DOOR CREAKS]
Oh!
Good heavens.
Has something happened, ma'am?
No. Nothing. I needed
some air, that's all.
I hope you weren't seen!
[SIGHS]
The propriety of His
Lordship's house it
It's paramount.
- I hope you understand
- I know that.
Kindly speak to me in future,
Your Ladyship, if you
have need of anything.
As a matter of fact, there is
something you can help me with.
Does His Lordship's
brother ever call here
and try to see him, perhaps?
Why do you ask, Your Ladyship?
Does he?
I do have some understanding
of the situation.
Was there a time when
they were children when
I think there must
have been a time when
there was affection between them?
Surely?
Whatever you think you
understand, Your Ladyship,
I fear I need to warn
you that you don't.
Some things are better left well alone.
And some are better mended.
Not this.
I'm sure you wouldn't wish to
bring trouble upon His Lordship.
[CLARA] Of course I wouldn't.
His happiness is my only concern.
Then we are in agreement.
Yes. Thank you, Enright.
Your Ladyship.
[SIGHS]
[WHISPERING] James
♪♪♪♪♪
Previous EpisodeNext Episode