01x06 - Heads Have Rolled For Less

Episode transcripts for the TV show "The Gilded Age". Aired: January 24, 2022 to present.*
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A young scion embarks on a mission to infiltrate the wealthy clan run by ruthless railroad tycoon family.
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01x06 - Heads Have Rolled For Less

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[TV STATIC DRONES]

[BRIGHT TONE]

[SPIRITED ORCHESTRAL MUSIC]

♪ ♪

[CREAKING]

[INDISTINCT CHATTER]

[SOLEMN MUSIC]

♪ ♪

I only wish we could have
gotten here sooner.

Is there anything else we can do?

Not at this stage.

You have a list of the
passengers in the hospital.

And another of the dead.

Five victims is tragic, of course.

But no women and no children, thank God.

It might have been much worse.

I want to give you something

for all that you've done.

For the Red Cross.

Thank you, Mr. Russell.

We're very grateful, Miss Barton.

Will you be at the next
meeting, Mrs. Russell?

I'll quite understand
if you'd rather not.

She'll be there.

What should we do now?

The wounded are
in Pennsylvania Hospital.

You could go there.

The police need to speak with you.

But they can do that back in New York.

Mr. Russell? Mrs. Russell?

[SIGHS] He's from "The Daily Graphic".

They came for pictures of the train.

- But now they've seen you.
- Better let him do it.

Or they might say we were hiding.

Bertha?

[DRAMATIC MUSIC]

♪ ♪

Five dead doesn't seem very many.

Oh, Agnes. Think of their families.

Of course, it was negligence
on Mr. Russell's part.

- Is that fair?
- He's the captain, isn't he?

Or doesn't an officer take
responsibility in that class?

Of course he'll take responsibility,

but it doesn't mean it's his fault.

I do not follow you.

When is the committee
meeting at Aurora's?

Is it this week?

Thursday, but I'm not sure
it will happen now.

Why not?

Someone she's expecting may not be able

to get there after all.

Why are you being so elliptical?

Who may not come to the meeting?

- Mrs. Russell.
- Oh.

Heavens, Agnes.

Can we let Marian off the witness stand

for ten minutes at least?

I had a letter from
Cousin Margaret this morning.

She says the opera w*r
is really heating up.

Why does there have to be a w*r?

Why can't the Academy create more boxes

for the new people to rent?

Because the Academy of Music
is one of the last bastions

of decency and standards in this city.

We will not patronize
any jumped-up opera house,

however loud and gaudy it may be.

[CLEARS THROAT]

Metal fatigue and a broken axle?

That's impossible.

Not if they weren't new
when they were installed.

At some point in the chain,
a man did this,

and I want to know who.

We're dealing with it.

The public will think we've cut corners,

and the result is five innocent deaths.

They'll know we have
a k*ller on our payroll.

And we need to make
it clear it isn't me.

The police are doing their best.

Go down to Pinkerton.

I want a couple of his men on the case.

Give them all the help they need.

Keep me up to date with their inquiries.

Of course. You should go home.

I thought you'd like to see
the latest coverage.

We're not too badly damaged
on the market,

I'm glad to say.

Well, Miss Barton gave a good quote.

She called you "grief-stricken".

I am grief-stricken.

You're also very rich.

And likely to remain so.

[SOFT TENSE MUSIC]

Away on your errands, Miss Scott?

Miss Brook's Red Cross meeting is today.

I've said I'd go with her.

I'm not sure when we'll be back.

Oh, don't worry.

Do you have any errands
you'd like me to run?

No, I'm going shopping tomorrow.

What about you, Miss Armstrong?

Meaning what?

Meaning nothing.

Miss Scott is offering
to do us a good turn.

Why? Is she suggesting
we can't do our work?

I'll be off, Mrs. Bauer,

or I'll keep Miss Brook waiting.

What is the matter with you?

She's always trying to set me up

as some poor, sad creature

who's too old for the work
she's employed to do.

You watch. You'll see it.

You're very quiet.

I'm just thinking about the poor men

in the train crash.

Oh, I feel for their wives.

Making dinner, expecting
their husbands to be home

at any moment.

Suppose the truth is, you
never know what's coming next.

So we should try to get the most

out of what's happening now.

Sometimes it's hard to be quite sure

of what is happening now.

If you mean Mr. Raikes...

I like him.

He's a fine lawyer.
He's been kind to me.

Of course, he's handsome.

I feel a "but" coming on.

The things he said in Dansville.

While you listened in the shadows.

He didn't seem to have much of a plan.

That's all.

By the way, after this meeting is over,

would you like me to see you home?

Why? Where are you going?

Lower Manhattan to the "Globe" office.

I'm meeting Mr. Fortune.

Your writing career is so exciting.

Miss Brook, how nice to see you.

- You remember Miss Scott.
- Of course.

I read your article
in the "Globe", Miss Scott.

You were very flattering.

I only hope I did you justice.

Either way, you are
welcome at my meeting.

- Mrs. Fane.
- Miss Barton.

- Marian.
- Aurora.

- Miss Scott.
- Mrs. Fane.

Excuse me.

I brought my dollar, Miss Ada.

Oh. How trying it is for you.

No. I must pay my debt.

Well, if it becomes troublesome,

just let me know.

I've asked Mrs. Russell to join us.

Why? She is the wife of a m*rder*r

who has even more blood on his hands now

then when he k*lled my husband.

Mrs. Morris, you have
suffered a great deal,

and I am sorry for it.

But I hope you can recognize
that this meeting

is not the place to address
your society squabble.

This isn't a society squabble,

since Mrs. Russell is not in society.

What an interesting moment
for me to arrive.

Ladies, ladies.

If Mrs. Russell will be seated,
we will have a show of hands.

All in favor of inviting
Mrs. Russell on the board?

[LIGHT SPIRITED MUSIC]

♪ ♪

I would like to remind you
that no one in this city

has done more real good for my cause.

♪ ♪

So money is the deciding factor here?

Yet again.

What a sad and vulgar world we live in.

We're not arranging
a debutant ball, Mrs. Morris.

We're raising money to bring
help to people in dire need

all over this country.

And because I cannot give
as much as Mrs. Russell,

I am to be jettisoned
while she is enthroned?

How thrilling you make it sound.

Nobody is being jettisoned.

Good luck with your new member

and your new set of values.

I do not share your
admiration for either.

Shall we all collect a cup of coffee

before we regroup?

- Oh, yes.
- Yes.

Wonderful idea.

♪ ♪

Miss Scott, I am pleased
to see you here.

- Thank you for that, Mrs. Fane.
- It's a pleasure.

Let us hope your article
will have interested others

in our cause.

Which reminds me, Miss Brook.

Have you made any progress
with Mrs. Chamberlain?

I'm calling on her next Thursday.

Oh, my dear. Are you sure?

I was rather hoping
that would be forgotten

after Mrs. Russell's generous gift.

No opportunity to raise funds
may be forgotten.

And surely no one decent could
doubt Miss Brook's motives.

Maybe not.

But there are plenty of people
in New York

who are not decent at all.

♪ ♪

Mrs. Russell is winning the battle.

The battle, maybe, but not the w*r.

Not yet.

Now we need a cab.

I'll drop you off
at the "Globe" offices.

Where to?

Cedar Street in lower Manhattan, please.

And then to st Street.

I'll drive you. Not her.

Aren't you in business
to make money, sir?

- Step back.
- I will not step back...

Hyah!

How rude.

But it's not unusual.
What was the point of that?

Aren't some fights worth having?

Not if it's going to make me
late for my meeting.

I don't understand.

You've just discovered injustice.

I've lived with it my whole life.

If I spent every day
fighting with bigots,

I'd never get anything done.

This time, let me hail the cab.

If it stops, that means he'll take me.

All right.

Whoa, there.

Whoa.

I want to apologize for Mrs. Morris.

She forgot herself.

She's angry, and she blames George.

So naturally, she hates me.

You're very philosophical.

- I've had worse to deal with.
- Of course you have.

I was so sorry to read
about the accident.

Isn't it typical?

Just as we seem to be getting somewhere.

No one will blame you.

And to prove my point,
there was another matter

I want to discuss with you.

Mr. McAllister has written to me.

He said you have made him curious

to see your "palace on the Avenue".

Ward McAllister wants me
to entertain him

- in my own home?
- He does.

I wonder if he's told Mrs. Astor.

I think he will.

But whom could I invite with him?

I can't include anyone from his own set.

I don't know them.

Assemble the same group that came here.

He enjoyed himself then.
Why shouldn't he again?

But service must be English.

He uses it to frighten newcomers.

Well, it's worked with me.

You'll manage.

But be sure to make it a success.

He won't give you a second chance.

[CLANGING]

You've essentially done something

Parker never thought possible.

What is that?

Increased our subscriptions.

Why don't you look happy?

Well, probably because I'm in shock.

But how do you know that my article

is responsible for this?

My agents on the Eastern Seaboard

report strong sales
and quite a bit of chatter

about your piece.

It's not often the colored journalists

have access to the likes
of Clara Barton.

I have a friend
who made the introduction

to Miss Barton, and she was
very willing to be interviewed.

Well...

keep up the good work.

I'll do my best.

Does Monsieur McAllister have
to follow the English fashion?

Might he not welcome a change?

Apparently not.

You have a menu in mind?

Fish and chips, suet pudding?

Or what about boiled beef and carrots?

The principal dish will be French.

I think he'll forgive that.

But we will give an English flavor

to some of the other
courses just for fun.

- You know how to do it.
- As you wish, madam.

However, the service must be
entirely in the English style.

I will make a list of suggestions.

Thank you.

But, Church, are you
sure you can bring off

a luncheon laid and served
in the English manner?

Why shouldn't we?

It is a good deal to take on.

Thank you all very much.

May I make a suggestion, ma'am?

Please do.

Are you aware that
Mrs. Van Rhijn's butler

across the road is English?

And I believe Mrs. Van Rhijn
follows English traditions.

Wouldn't she just?

But what are you suggesting?

Rather than put Church to the test,

why not let Mr. Bannister solve
any problems before they arise?

Of course, we'd have
to get Mr. Church to agree.

I'll leave that to you.

But don't give him a choice.

[SOFT MUSIC]

♪ ♪

[DOOR OPENS]

Peggy.

Why didn't you tell me you were coming?

Do I need an invitation?

No, but they could have
prepared something

in the kitchen.

And I'd have put off my piano student

who'll be here in a moment.

No need. I can't stay long.

Long enough for me
to congratulate you in person

on your story?

Have you shown it to Father?

Yes.

But he didn't read it.

He read it.

But he doesn't wish to encourage you

to pursue a career that he thinks

is bound to fail.

He's wrong.

I've just come from
Mr. Fortune's office.

He said my article has
increased their circulation.

You should tell your father that.

Why?

When he doesn't approve
of anything I do?

We have to get through it.

We're a family, and
we must get through it.

Please don't come by st Street again

and speak with Miss Brook
about family matters.

Don't cut us out, Peggy.

I don't wanna cut you out, Mama.

I've never wanted that.

Just your father.

Can we meet without him, then?

We'll see.

- How did you get on?
- Very well.

I'm now a member of the board

with a ringing endorsement
from Miss Barton herself.

Mrs. Morris made no trouble?

I wouldn't quite say that.

But Mrs. Fane, Miss Barton,
and Miss Brook

- all ganged up against her.
- Ah, Miss Brook.

That's nice.

They know what caused the crash.

One of the axles broke.

How could that be?

It was substandard.

All of the axles on the engine
were substandard.

Someone in my organization

used old and damage axles on the engine,

stealing my money as he did so

and k*lling five men in the process.

We must try and control the damage.

The company's taken a bit of a dent,

but we seem to be climbing back.

No, I meant the damage
to us. You and me.

Can you manage the papers?

Within limits.

Unless it goes to trial.

Because I heard today
that Mr. McAllister

wants to come here for luncheon.

What do you think of that?

Well, if you're asking,

I think the fact that five men are dead

and a member of my staff
has blood on his hands

is a little more important
than whether or not

the great Ward McAllister
comes here for luncheon.

It matters, George.

I've worked for this,
and it matters to me

- even if it doesn't to you.
- Well, you're right there.

I don't give a rat's ass

where Mr. McAllister breaks his bread.

I'm sorry.

I know what I want, and
he can help me to get it.

By the way, he's written
to her, Mr. Baldwin.

You still open Gladys's letters?

Always.

Well, give it to her now.

He's accepted the situation,

but he writes a little too well.

Then I'll give it to her.

If you go soft on me now, George,

we could lose everything
we've worked for.

Whom am I going soft about?

The dead in the train wreck,
or your only daughter?

Just please don't be soft.

No one could accuse you of that.

But what's he done wrong?

Your mother thinks you're too young

for an engagement, that's all.

But it isn't all.

If she said we had
to wait a year or something,

I'd accept it, but she hasn't.

- I know, and I'm sorry.
- Don't pretend.

You're the one
who set out the conditions.

Why do you say that?

"Your father has asked for my word

that we will not meet again.

Or, if we do, that we should
not attempt to speak

in any private manner".

Your mother thinks it best.

You're one of the most
successful men in the country.

With real estate and steel
and copper and coal and oil

and railroads that are
the envy of the world,

and you can't stand up to your wife?

I suppose you bought him off.

And if he took it,
he wasn't worthy of me.

That's what Mother will say.

Don't be too hard on the boy.

I made it tough for him to refuse.

I just wish I knew the reason.

Because your mother believes
that you have more to come

than marriage to a banker in Manhattan.

What's wrong with that?

Nothing.

It's not special.

Father, I'm not special.

Why can't she see it?

I'm ordinary.

I'm just an ordinary person
who wants an ordinary life.

No, my darling.

You are not in the least ordinary.

On that point,
your mother and I are as one.

[WARM MUSIC]

♪ ♪

You intend to accept
a luncheon invitation

from Mrs. Russell?

Should I have gone without telling?

She could have done that, you know.

These people.

You shut the door,
they come in the window.

You shut the window,
they come down the chimney.

- They never give up.
- But isn't that a good thing?

Why is she entertaining at all?

Shouldn't she be in mourning?

She wasn't driving the train, Agnes.

Hmm. So.

She's ensnared Mr. McAllister
and dragged him to her lair?

I think he's just coming to luncheon.

She hopes to trap the queen bee.

Now she's caught the drone.

But Lina Astor would never
set foot in that house

if they laid a trail of gold
from the sidewalk,

and nor would I.

Will Mr. Raikes be there?

I think so.

I wish I could see what he's done wrong.

I've told you. He's an adventurer.

I suppose he's worming his way

into every ballroom in the city?

It's true people invite him,

but that's because
he's pleasant and popular.

- Everyone likes him.
- Everyone except me.

Be warned, my dear.

He won't need you much longer
if he keeps this up.

Any minute now, he'll see
his chance and move on

to more glittering prizes.

Agnes.

What a horrid thing to say.

You don't know him, Aunt Agnes.

I know his type.

And I am never wrong.

You're wrong this time.

- Marian didn't mean that.
- Yes, she did.

You mark my words.
It will come back to haunt her.

[BELL RINGING]

I'll go.

What did Miss Ada want
when you went to her yesterday?

Nothing much.

I don't suppose it was
changing the menus

without asking Mrs.
Van Rhijn? [CHUCKLES]

[BELL RINGING]

That's the drawing room, John.

It was one of the Russell footmen.

I'll take it up. I should
get back to work.

It's for Mr. Bannister.

Oh, well. What a surprise.

Hmm. Mr. Church wants my advice.

Would I look in
whenever it might suit me?

And will you go?

Oh, I don't think my curiosity

can be satisfied in any other way.

Mr. Bannister.

Aren't you worried by
Mis Scott's scribblings?

Why? Should I be?

Won't she cause talk
about Mrs. Van Rhijn?

Not that she'd mean to, of course.

But I do worry.

Of course you do, Miss Armstrong.

I had a message from
Mrs. Fish this morning.

Hmm?

She's having a tea party,

and she's invited me and Gladys.

How nice.

She calls it a doll's tea party,

but she doesn't say
if the guests are the dolls

or if she provides them.

You will go, but not Gladys.

Why not?

You know perfectly well why not.

Mother.

It's a doll's tea party,
not an embassy ball.

Besides, Carrie Astor will be there,

and the Gardiner sisters and some others

whom Gladys ought to know.

I agree.

What harm would it do?

Why do you think Miss Astor
will be there?

She's a favorite of Mrs. Fish.

Hmm.

Oh, very well.

You know I'm helpless when
you all g*ng up against me.

I'm afraid I've embarrassed you.

On the contrary. I'm flattered.

But first, I need to know the menu.

What difference does that make?

If you were to serve
asparagus, for example,

you would lay a finger bowl
but no cutlery.

The English eat it with their fingers.

Americans do not. That sort of thing.

Well, the main course will be French.

But the mistress would
like to embellish it

with some English dishes.

I would value your advice.

I'll send over some suggestions.

Then, when the choice is made,
you can lay the table.

I'll inspect it and iron out
any irregularities.

- Very good.
- And now I'll take my leave.

What do you think?

Let's avoid asparagus.

[LIVELY MUSIC]

♪ ♪

- [LAUGHING]
- Wait!

Larry, you came.

And you brought your sister.
I'm so happy.

It's very kind of you to invite me.

Nonsense. Now, come on in.

This is my baby's party, really.

Isn't it, honey?

Now, we all pick a doll,

and we make sure they have
enough to eat and drink

throughout the afternoon.

Oh. Excuse me.

What do we do now?

I don't know. Not pick a doll.

Hello. Not a good moment?

Of course it is. It's nice to see you.

And is this your sister?

Miss Astor, may I present
Miss Gladys Russell?

We were wondering what
we were supposed to do

- with the dolls.
- Don't worry.

Mamie gets these wild ideas
for her parties,

but people pay no attention.

There are normal sandwiches
at the end of the room.

Oh, look, there's Billy Drayton.

Will you excuse me?

Would you like me
to fetch you a cup of tea?

- Or something to eat?
- No, thank you.

Maybe you'd rather be on your own.

No, I'll be all right in a minute.

The fact is, I have a
very difficult mother.

Well, I know what that's like.

Your mother could not possibly be

- as difficult as mine.
- No?

My mother keeps me under house arrest.

I'm allowed no friends.

God forbid I should speak to a man.

Why has she let you come here?

My brother persuaded her.

But she'll regret it, and I'll pay.

Shall I come and visit you?

I could bring you a cake
with a file in it.

[LAUGHS]

What's your quarrel about?

What do you think?

A man, of course.

Who's not good enough for you?

So she says, but he is.

We're really going
to have to shake on that.

[CHUCKLING]

What's this?

You know what it is. A salad fork.

We never lay a fork without a Kn*fe

or a spoon to partner it.

Nor is salad a course on its own.

It is eaten with the entrée
or the remove

on salad plates

which fit the curve of a larger dish.

And what is this?

What does it look like, Mr. Bannister?

A spoon for the coffee.

No teaspoon is ever laid
on an English table.

If one is needed, it is supplied

at the apposite moment.

Mrs. Russell. Good day to you.

My maid told me you were here.

This is very kind.

I am pleased to be of assistance.

There are so many snares
designed to catch us out.

We have it under control, ma'am.

I'm afraid I've asked
too much of you, Church.

It wasn't fair of me.

Mr. Bannister, for all our sakes,

Is there any chance I can
prevail on you to take charge?

At the luncheon for Mr. McAllister?

Exactly. On Friday the th.

I would be so grateful.

Ma'am, I'm sure we can manage.

I won't be so cruel as to make you try.

What do you say, Mr. Bannister?

Would Mrs. Van Rhijn ever allow it?

I'm afraid there'd be a problem, madam.

I cannot pretend otherwise.

Well, I hope it's a problem
that $ will solve.

$ ?

I understand I'm asking a lot.

You can rely on me, madam.

Don't give it another thought.

In two days' time,

Mr. Church and I
will finalize the setting.

But what position would I occupy?

I must be here.

Mr. Bannister is not
familiar with the house.

You can settle that between you.

I do not quite understand

how I am to present this to the staff.

Why not tell them the truth, Church?

There are some situations
where it really can be helpful.

[QUIRKY MUSIC]

♪ ♪

[LIVELY MUSIC]

♪ ♪

[SIGHS]

You want me to be the butler?

Don't make so much of it, boy.

I want you to serve
a perfectly routine luncheon

to two elderly ladies.

That is all.

What'll we tell the others?

Family business obliges me
to be away for a few hours.

It's one luncheon, for heaven's sake.

I'll do it, Mr. Bannister.

But will you explain to Mrs. Van Rhijn?

Of course.

Better you than me.

[QUIRKY MUSIC]

♪ ♪

I don't see much point
in a Lenox Library.

Of course, it's wonderful
to find a Gutenberg Bible,

even behind glass, but there's
nothing you can touch,

let alone read.

- They should call it a museum.
- Exactly.

Now I need a cab.

I said I'd be with Mrs.
Chamberlain by : .

What will you tell your aunts
when you get home?

I'll say I went with you
to the Lenox Library,

which will be true.

Hmm.

- Mr. Russell.
- Miss Brook.

Miss Scott, my aunt's secretary.

How do you do?

What are you up to
in an architect's office?

You can't be planning
to build another house.

McKim, Mead, and White built
our present house,

opposite you.

I know. Are you making changes?

Seems very splendid to me.

You know...

I'll tell you if you won't give me away.

How intriguing.

I'm interested in a career
in architecture.

I've been talking to Mr. White
about a job.

I thought you were a banker.
Don't you work for your father?

Banking is part of it.

But also railroads, steel, real estate.

Won't that bring you into
contact with architects?

Not enough.

I want to train properly
and build up a practice.

I applaud your enthusiasm,
and I envy your freedom.

My freedom may require work.

Oh?

And I'd be grateful
if you didn't mention this

to my parents.

My father's been going
through a tough time.

I don't want to make it worse.

I promise, but won't
Mr. White say something?

He's going to help me persuade them.

At least, I hope he is.

It's a brave man who
contradicts his own clients.

And that is why you must wish me luck.

I do. Most sincerely.

Now I'll bid you good day.

I'm expected at the office.

He seems nice.

I think he is nice.


Here we are.

[DRAMATIC MUSIC]

I suppose they want money from me.

Mrs. Russell gave a large sum,

and now she has a seat on the board.

You are pure, my dear.

But there will be no seat
on the board for me,

or every other seat would be empty.

Still, they were clever to send you.

I was the only one who knew you.

You were the only one
who would admit it.

It seems very hard

that you should be punished
in perpetuity.

I suppose you know my story.

I know what they say.

Well, to you I'll confess
that what they say

is the unvarnished truth.

I was with the husband of another woman

while she was still alive.

I broke the rules.

I'm on the brink
of breaking them myself.

My aunt's rules, anyway.

Tell me.

There's a man.

Respectable, hardworking.

A successful attorney, in fact.

But my aunts believe him to be
an unworthy adventurer

who's using me to get ahead.

And you disagree?

He doesn't need me to get into society.

He's already there. And I have no money.

So why would he pursue me
if it wasn't true?

Well, what do you plan to do?

It's so difficult.

We meet for a few stolen moments

in the park or the opera.

In other words, you hardly know him,

and your aunts are against it.

But what do they know?

A great deal about how this city works.

I don't regret my choice,
not for a moment,

because I knew a great love.

But without it, my path
would have been a stony one.

How can I know if it is a great love

if I'm not allowed to see him
for more than a minute?

Then meet him here, and take
some time to talk it through.

I will invite him when you tell me.

Why would you do that for me?

Because you are
the first woman in New York

who has shown me any respect
since my Augustus d*ed.

Things were different

when he was alive, as you can imagine.

But when he was buried,
so was my life in this town.

[BOTH LAUGHING]

I try to talk with him when we meet,

- but she watches me like a hawk.
- [LAUGHS]

[FOOTSTEPS APPROACHING]

Church said you had a visitor.

Mother, may I present Miss Astor.

Miss Astor, I'm delighted.

Gladys and Larry have spoken of you.

I just looked in
to see if Gladys could join

a few friends of mine
for a luncheon next week.

- Where?
- At my mother's house.

On th and th. Just a few people.

Well, Gladys isn't out yet.

She will be soon, won't she?

This house would be
quite perfect for a ball.

Thank you, and don't worry.

She'll have a ball
when the time is right.

Maybe we could arrange
a quadrille for it?

We did that at my party,
and people loved it.

You danced quadrilles?

No, I mean groups of men and girls

rehearsed various dances
that they performed

before the guests.

With special costumes and everything.

- How charming that sounds.
- Doesn't it?

Think what you'd like to dance, Gladys.

Perhaps Miss Astor can help.

Ring down for tea
if Miss Astor would like some.

Heavens.

Normally any mention of my debut,

and she runs for the hills.

Oh? She seemed to like the idea.

She did. Will wonders never cease?

[CHUCKLES]

What sort of family business?
Do you have any family here?

No, but there are some matters

that require legal advice.

And why must it be at lunchtime?

Won't the lawyer want
to eat some luncheon?

Or is he a fasting monk?

No.

Then go in the morning,

and service our luncheon
when we need it.

But he only opens his office
from noon to : , ma'am.

And it will take three hours?

I fear so.

Bannister is throwing us
over to see a lawyer

who fasts at lunchtime.

But how interesting.

Is he a Muslim, and is it Ramadan?

You'd better go down

and send up Armstrong to help me change.

What would we say

if a surgeon suddenly
flung down his scalpel

and went off to see a fasting lawyer?

I'm sure he has a reason.

Hmm.

Benedict Arnold had a reason

when he tried to sell
West Point to the British.

[KNOCKING]

Are you ready to go down, dear?

Almost.

Then I'll wait, and
we can walk together.

Now, I think you're lunching
with Mrs. Russell tomorrow?

Yes.

I just wondered if we could
stay off the subject tonight.

Agnes has had a run-in with Bannister,

and I'd rather keep the evening smooth.

I won't bring it up.
What's Bannister done?

I'm not certain.

He seems to have got involved

with some sort of religious lawyer

who thinks we're wrong to eat luncheon.

But I may be a bit muddled.

[LIVELY MUSIC]

♪ ♪

You seem very preoccupied.

You're right, ma'am.

I do have something things on my mind.

Such as?

Miss Scott has written an article,

and they say it's widely talked of.

I'm just concerned they might
trace her back to this house.

I hope this concern has nothing to do

with your prejudice against Miss Scott.

Prejudice, ma'am?

Please learn to control it.

Why do you say that, ma'am?

I will say more.

If you continue to try to make trouble

for Miss Scott, I will be angry.

You are warned.

Well, it will have to do.

Thank you, Armstrong.

And learn some charity in the future.

Has Pinkerton really not
come up with anything yet?

They've come up with a great deal.

They'll have something solid
for us soon.

Because we're finalizing
the design for the station.

- I know.
- Of course you do.

But I can't have this hanging over me.

They will have something
for us, I assure you.

Mr. Bannister, before you go.

Can it wait?

Well, it isn't life and death.

Good. Then tell me this afternoon.

[LIVELY MUSIC]

♪ ♪

Well, Mr. Church, won't you join us?

You all have clean gloves?

We do, sir.

Only put them on when
you are about to enter

the dining room, and remove
them as soon as you come out.

That's it. Dismissed.

Is everything ready, monsieur?

Ready, if strange.

Why is chilled vichyssoise English?

Trust me. It is.

The Eton mess looks as it sounds.

A mess made by schoolboys.

Good. I'll check the dining room.

This is intolerable.

This is worse than intolerable.

It's ridiculous.

- Where are you going?
- I'll be back in a moment.

You've counted it twice.

I'm sure it's all under control.

That's easy for you to say.

What about gloves?

Are you a footman or a butler
when it comes to gloves?

- Don't worry him.
- No, it's fine.

Mr. Bannister says
I'm to wear the gloves

when I serve the food, but
not when I pour the wine.

That sounds a bit complicated.

He can manage. Can't you, Jack?

Yes, I can.

I think I can.

Don't let your hands shake
when you pour.

Why would it shake?

It won't shake, will it?

Well, you'd better go in and
tell them luncheon's ready.

[QUIRKY ORCHESTRAL MUSIC]

♪ ♪

Miss Brook, if you'd
like to come this way.

Tell Mr. Church, I am...

[SPEAKING INDISTINCTLY]

- Bannister?
- All right?

What are you doing here?

Mrs. Russell never mentioned
you were coming.

I assume Mrs. Van Rhijn is in the dark.

Mm-hmm.

Don't worry. Your secret's safe with me.

[PLEASANT MUSIC]

♪ ♪

Mr. McAllister, you are most welcome.

An English butler.

That's a good start.

I'm only sorry I'm underdressed.

Sir?

Feel I should be in court livery

with a periwig and red heels.

And of course, you must join us...

Mr. Ward McAllister.

What surroundings, Mrs. Russell.

We could be at Tsarskoye Selo.

- Ah.
- Yes.

Catherine the Great would feel
quite at home here.

In so many ways.

- Mr. Russell.
- Mr. McAllister.

How flattering you all are.

You admire the empress?

- Do you?
- Of course.

She reminds me of Mrs. Astor.

[ALL CHUCKLE]

I suppose your life in New York

continues as splendidly as ever?

Not at splendid as this house.

But I'm off to the opera again tonight,

and I have a ball on Saturday
with the Dreesmanns

- on Long Island.
- Heavens.

How can I compete with that?

Meanwhile, I want to see more of you.

To press my advantage, if I have it.

You've not done badly so far.

- Shall we go in?
- Lovely idea.

Thank you so much.

Miss Brook, Mr. Raikes, Right this way.

[SPIRITED ORCHESTRAL MUSIC]

♪ ♪

Oh, look how pretty...

Hyacinths and lilac.

At this time of year?

Next you will make the blind see

- and the lame walk.
- [CHUCKLES]

Come and sit by me.

- What?
- What's this?

- Oh.
- Wow.

I wanted one just like this.

It's enchanting.

My, my, my.

You have outdone yourself.

Indeed, you have.

It's not too much?

My dear Mrs. Russell.

Nothing is ever too much for me.

♪ ♪

Should you be wearing gloves
if you're the butler today?

Mr. Bannister told me to wear them

when I was serving the food, ma'am.

- Oh.
- You are the butler now, John.

Not Bannister.

Who throws us over on a whim
to please an itinerant monk.

Thank you, ma'am.

May we have some more wine?

[TRAY CLATTERS]

[GASPS]

May I have something to eat?

Bannister seems to have made things

very complicated for you.

Well, don't worry.

We'll report back to him
that you've passed your test

with flying colors.

We will not give him the satisfaction

of thinking he was missed.

This was on the mat.

It's just been delivered, ma'am.

- What?
- Agnes?

[DRAMATIC ORCHESTRAL MUSIC]

This is too much!

Agnes?

Don't do anything you'll regret.

May I have some wine now?

You can leave your gloves on.

♪ ♪

Whoa, whoa, whoa!

Bannister. Do my eyes deceive me?

Well, you see...

Aunt Agnes, what a surprise.

Mrs. Russell never said you were coming.

She's just looked in
to pay her compliments

to Mr. McAllister,
haven't you, Aunt Agnes?

Mrs. Van Rhijn.

I think you know everyone.

- You remember Mr. Raikes?
- How could I forget him?

Can we persuade you
to sit down and join us,

Mrs. Van Rhijn?

I expect we've had luncheon
rather earlier

than you imagined.

You thought we'd still be
in the drawing room.

Didn't you, Aunt?

I mustn't interrupt your party.

It's so kind of you to look in

when I know how busy you are.

I should go.

Marian was right. I must
have misread the clock.

Next time, I hope we can
persuade you to stay.

Heads have rolled for less.

A nice surprise, dear Aunt Agnes.

We're all very neighborly
here on st Street.

Aren't we, Miss Brook?

I must come back if your luncheons

are always this lively.

[CHUCKLES]

Is it a nice place to work?

Well, it's new and everything
is of the highest quality.

But she is queen of all she surveys.

And quite a demanding queen at that.

I can imagine.

The one you need to win
over is Mr. Russell.

Oh? I've been working on her.

You implied she made all the decisions.

That's true as a rule,

but the master loves his daughter.

He'd never agree to any suitor

if he didn't think he'd make her happy.

Hmm.

What shall I do?

Show him sympathy and loyalty now.

You didn't when he was having
his fight with the aldermen,

and that counted against you.

I'll write to him about the train crash

and how sorry I am.

He's worried about it, of course.

But he seems to be concerned

about what the police may discover.

Has he done anything wrong?

How should I know?

I'm only telling you
that he's vulnerable.

And when you're vulnerable,
you appreciate support.

I should be going.

Aren't you forgetting something?

I haven't forgotten.

But I don't do it for the money.

I'm well aware of that.

You want your revenge for some reason.

But I don't need to know why.

I felt sorry for Aunt Agnes.

Sorry for her and ashamed of myself.

You'd done nothing wrong.

If you'd seen her there.

Alone and surrounded like
Custer at Little Big Horn,

facing the annihilation
of everything she believes.

Why not help her to find
a place for herself

in the new world?

Easier said than done.

- What happens next?
- Who knows.

She won't speak to me.

I hear you did well today, John.

Thank you, Mr. Bannister.
I'm glad you've been told that.

And I'm sorry I gave her the letter.

Not your fault.

But I need to find out who wrote it.

I should talk to Miss Armstrong.

She has an ear for what's
going on in the other house.

Don't jump to conclusions.

[SOLEMN MUSIC]

♪ ♪

Would you like some warm milk, ma'am,

to calm you down?

I allowed myself to act
on impulse today, Armstrong.

Something I never do.

To act on impulse...

Is to make oneself
a hostage to ridicule.

I'm sure these betrayals
must be very upsetting.

What do you mean, "these betrayals"?

Have there been others?

It was just something I saw.

I thought you knew.

Knew what?

About Mr. Oscar.

Tell me. At once.

[WHISPERING INDISTINCTLY]

Mrs. Russell's maid?

Are you sure?

Servants in neighboring houses

do know each other, madam.

Leave me.

Should I give a message
to Mr. Bannister...

Never mind Bannister.

What is Bannister to this?

So there's nothing more you need?

Leave me! Now!

[DRAMATIC MUSIC]

♪ ♪

I'm going to bed.

I want to thank you for your help today.

I think it was a success, don't you?

Thank God for Aurora Fane
and Miss Brooks saving us

from the wrath of Mrs. Van Rhijn.

What's that?

That's from Clay.

He says they found the man
responsible for the axles.

His name is Dixon.

He's the head of the team
that built the engine.

- Of course he would be.
- Good.

He's told them I gave the order.

That's ridiculous.

The police say he has proof.

Written proof.

[DRAMATIC MUSIC]

♪ ♪

[BRIGHT TONE]
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