01x08 - Tucked Up In Newport

[bunniefuu]

[TV STATIC DRONES]

[BRIGHT TONE]

[SPIRITED ORCHESTRAL MUSIC]

♪ ♪

[INDISTINCT CHATTER]

[DRAMATIC MUSIC]

♪ ♪

Surely it's a hearing, not a trial.

It is true, there will be
no jury to persuade,

only a judge.

But if the judge finds
that you should go for trial,

then that will not augur well.

So if we lose at this stage,

then we are likely to lose again.

Things do not look good.
Who's side are you on?

Our job is to prepare Mr. Russell

for the questions he will be asked.

Now, what else is there
to know about Dixon?

Have we looked under every rock?

I'm not sure what there is to say.

He leads the team that built the engine.

A classic middle manager.

Has he been living above his means?

Has he been stealing to pay for it?

There must be other frauds
hidden in his figures.

They haven't found anything yet.

But you've looked
through his bank statements?

It cost a bit of money, but we have.

So the long and the short of it is,

you are all here
to represent my interests,

but you have come up
with absolutely nothing!

Put more detectives on it.

Talk to Pinkerton himself.
Do whatever it takes.

But you must give me something
to work with.

Monsieur, quick.
She's on her way there now.

- Where is Mr. Church?
- I'm here. What is it?

The mistress is on her way
to the ballroom.

- She's ten minutes early.
- I can't help that.

Come on.

We'll take out the piano
and build the podium

for the band in this alcove.

Who will make that?

It's already made
and stored in the basement.

- See it's set up while we're away.
- Yes, ma'am.

Now, we'll be in Newport for ten days.

And when I get back,
I want to see the menus

for the buffet supper at midnight
and breakfast for the stayers at : .

I'll have them ready.

Church, do you have any questions?

Everything's under control, ma'am.

And the dresses for the quadrille?

I'm managing that.

Won't the girls need fittings?

Of course, but don't worry.
I've written to their mothers.

That's all for now.

Very good, ma'am.

What about my dress to change into

- when the quadrille is done?
- What about it?

Don't you want to know what I'd like?

No need. It's already ordered.

They have your measurements,
and they'll fit it

when we're back in New York.

I know Mrs. Fish.

Why don't I propose myself
and join you there?

She won't mind.

Wouldn't you like me to come?

Of course.

I should get started,
or we'll miss the train

she wants us to catch.

What's the matter?

Larry Russell told me
that his mother and sister

are going to be in Newport
at the same time as me.

So you're still determined on her?

I am.

And bumping into her
at Newport would be perfect.

John, be reasonable.

What did you think would happen?

That doesn't mean
that I want it to happen.

I want what's best for you.

And you should want what's best for me.

The difference is, I love you.

- [WHISPERING]
- For Christ's sake.

- Where do you think we are?
- But I do.

And I don't see why we can't
just carry on as before.

Because I don't have enough money

for the way I want to live.

And because behavior
which attracts no gossip

in the young man
starts to make people wonder

as we get older.

I can't have that.

Are you finished, messieurs?

Yes. I think we probably are.

Where's Mr. Bannister?

In the dining room.

Do you think he might let me
go early today?

I doubt it.

An afternoon off means an afternoon off.

Cousin Oscar.

- Are you here for luncheon?
- I had an early lunch.

- I just looked in to see Mama.
- Oh.

Larry Russell and I are catching

the ferry and train to Newport.

Well, I'll come and see you off.

Good day, Mr. Russell.

Hello, Miss Brook. It's nice to see you.

But I'm afraid I must tear your
cousin away or we'll be late.

I gather you're off to Newport?

Father can't get away,
but Oscar and I are joining Mrs. Fish,

while Mother and Gladys
are coming tomorrow

- to stay with the McAllisters.
- Mr. Larry.

Mr. Clay sent these papers
for Mr. Russell.

It's important that he have them
as soon as possible.

I'll see that he gets them.

- Who was that?
- My father's stenographer.

She helps his secretary, Mr. Clay.

Let me just give these to Church.

Did you know Gladys
was going to be there

when you accepted?

I can't remember.

Thank you.

Mind you look after your sister.

You're right. Oscar's
a determined suitor.

But he'll have to get past my mother,

and he'll need all this tricks
to do that.

I can believe it. Have a good time.

Miss Brook.

So it's beautiful there, no matter what.

Aurora, when did you get here?

One minute ago.

Aurora's going to Newport tomorrow.

Oh, how funny.

I've just been talking about
Newport with Larry Russell.

He and Oscar are on their way
to stay with Mrs. Fish.

Why does everyone have to go
to Newport now?

What's wrong with Saratoga Springs?

It was very fashionable
when I was a bride.

Exactly.

Every summer we talk
about taking a house there,

but we never do.

And now Mr. McAllister's
asked me up for ten days.

You can't be going alone
to stay with Mr. McAllister?

I'd be safe as brandy if I were.

[CHUCKLES]

Even so.

Larry told me he's invited
Mrs. Russell and her daughter.

Must I hear of the Russells

in every sentence anyone utters?

And Mrs. McAllister will be there.

Has Mrs. Russell accepted?

Can you doubt it?

She's muscling into New York.

She was bound to jam her foot
in the door of Newport.

Mrs. Astor has finished
renovating Beechwood,

so she'll be spending her summers there

- from now on.
- How do you know?

I do read the papers, Agnes.

I don't live at the bottom
of an oubliette.

You just talk as if you do.

Are you staying for luncheon, my dear?

I can't, Aunt Agnes.

[QUIRKY MUSIC]

I've told John he can leave early,

so I'll be dealing with the coffee.

You might ask John for
some tips on how he served it

when he took over from you that time.

He managed things so efficiently.

Yes, ma'am.

All our staff seem to have

pressing engagements outside this house.

Servants must have a life, Aunt Agnes.

Why?

Marian?

What is it?

I don't want to be one
of those awful best friends

who delights in bringing unwelcome news.

Go on.

I worry about your Mr. Raikes.

He isn't "my" Mr. Raikes, exactly.

Well, if it isn't, then I'm glad.

He seems to be everywhere these days.

You know, we were in the same party

when Edison turned on his lights.

He told me.

I just worry for you.

- Please don't.
- Marian, are you coming?

Now I'd better go in.

I'll see you when you get back
from Newport.

Enjoy yourself.

Put it there, and be off with you.

Mr. Bannister says
he'll manage the coffee.

- Where are you going?
- Nowhere in particular.

I should get changed.

[BELL RINGS]

Why would he have flowers

if he's not going anywhere special?

- Can you explain that?
- I can.

He's not telling the truth.

But it's his business, not ours.

So we leave him to it.

Thank you.

What's he doing in the
basement if he's come to call?

Bridget can help you.

Is Miss Scott anywhere about?

Oh, you're here for Miss Scott?

She's upstairs in her room.

Ah, can you give her this?

Tell her Mr. Raikes left it.

I'm in a hurry now.
But say I can discuss it later.

- I'll take it, sir.
- Oh, thank you.

Makes sense. I'm going up there now.

Are you busy?

- What's happened?
- Nothing.

Except I think I know what
I intend to say to Mr. Raikes.

Which is?

Only that I'm ready.

I wasn't sure before about eloping,

but Tom thinks that Aunt Agnes
will never come round until

after the wedding.

I'm happy if it's what you want.

I'm surrounded by doubters.

Aunt Agnes, Aurora Fane.

The only way to silence them
is just to get married

and have done with it.

You can't leave everything
up in the air indefinitely.

At least that's a decision.

Left by a Mr. Raikes.

Do you think it's a sign?

Thank you.

[CHEERFUL PIANO MUSIC PLAYING]

- [ALL LAUGHING]
- Gentlemen!

Do not swing the women around
like sacks of hay.

♪ ♪

How long will you be in Newport?

Ten days.

I'll see you then.

I get there next Friday

and stay till the end of the season.

And there'll be plenty
of time to practice this

when we're both back. [MUSIC STOPS]

Remember, everyone.

The quadrille is not a romping dance.

Again, please.

You'll have to finish now,
I'm afraid, Mr. Vaughn.

We're leaving first thing
in the morning,

and Gladys has still
all her packing to do.

Only because
you've commandeered my maid.

She's in your room now.

When you get back,
we'll organize fittings

for your dresses for the quadrille.

- I've chosen the design.
- Has my mother agreed?

The costumes would be
a present to you all.

[ALL PROTESTING POLITELY]

Yes, you could.

Carrie gave us the idea
for the quadrille

in the first place.

And the rest of you
are so good to join in.

- Please.
- Well, if you're sure.

I am. And now I'll come and see you out.

- Good day, Mrs. Russell.
- Thank you, Mrs. Russell.

It's a shame we'll all be gone at once.

I wish Larry could have stayed.

I'm concerned about Father.

Will he manage while we're away?

He'll do more than manage.

Only, he looked worried earlier.

He wasn't worried.

He was just thinking about things.

Well, he seemed to have
a great many things

to think about.

You're back early, John.

You could have stayed out a bit later.

Did you have a nice time?

Wouldn't you like to know?

Where'd you go?

- Somewhere I enjoy.
- You're very mysterious.

Have some tea anyway.

Oh, anything but tea, Mrs. Bauer.

I'll be in my room, but knock
if you want me, Mr. Bannister.

Thank you.

He's hiding something.

If he is, he's not the only one.

Is he, Miss Scott?

Oh, thank you.

Will Mrs. Russell need
any special arrangements

- at the hearing?
- She's not coming.

Tomorrow, she leaves for Newport.

Hmm. It's probably better.

Makes it less of a story.

If this case goes forward to trial,

then all her plans will crumble to dust.

No one will come to the ball.

We'll be outcasts.

It doesn't worry me,
but it would worry her.

I doubt Mrs. Russell
would be sunk for long.

She'd be flattered
you have such faith in her.

Is there anything new about Dixon?

They haven't found anything useful yet.

[SOFT DRAMATIC MUSIC]

♪ ♪

I'll be out of here in a moment.

That's all right. What
was in the letter?

- Good news, I hope.
- Not really, I'm afraid.

- But that's not the worst part.
- What is?

I think Miss Armstrong read the letter

- before she gave it to me.
- What makes you say that?

There was a little tear in it,

and something she said to me downstairs.

- Would that be bad?
- It would not be good.

What would not be good?

Miss Scott thinks that Armstrong
has read one of her letters.

She's sly enough, that's for sure.

I'll say good evening.

That was fighting talk, Aunt Ada.

I don't like Armstrong.

And I never have.

Mr. Johnson is bringing
the carriage around

- in ten minutes.
- They're both ready to leave.

- Very well.
- Oh, good day, Mr. Bannister.

Mrs. Bruce. Is someone on their travels?

The mistress and Miss Gladys
are on their way to Newport.

Ah.

I hear you're making
some changes in your household.

- Oh?
- Hasn't your Miss Turner left?

Did you know Miss Turner?

Not well. But she wrote to me
before she went.

I gather she was no great
friend to you, Mr. Church.

Why? What did she say?

Oh, nothing to be worried about.

Oh, well, not today.

Oh, look.

Isn't that your chef? Monsieur...

Monsieur Baudin. Yes, it is.

Good day, Mr. Bannister.

Good day, Mr. Bannister.

[INDISTINCT ARGUING]

[SOFT MUSIC]

♪ ♪

Mrs. McNeil would like to know

if there's something
you wish to ask of her?

Why do you say that?

She's seen you here before.

Is there something I can help you with?

I've noticed you watching me.

You don't know me?

Should I?

Mister...

Collyer.

Flora.

Welcome back, Mrs. McNeil.

[DOOR CLOSES]

This is a surprise.

- A pleasant one, I hope.
- Very pleasant.

What brings you here?

I just thought I'd look in.

I want to be alone with you.

Have you thought about what I said?

At Mrs. Chamberlain's?

You're right about one thing.

Aunt Agnes is never going to change.

I hate to make her unhappy, truly.

But she won't change.

Not until after the wedding,
at any rate.

She'll come round when we're married.

But not before.

So this is the moment.

It's time to take matters
into our own hands.

And elope?

People have before now.

But if we elope,
won't I ruin your reputation?

Won't I be an anchor around your neck?

[CHUCKLES]

A very nice anchor around
a very willing neck.

Please, Marian.

I know this is right.

Just as I know we'll regret delaying

when we could have made it happen.

[SWEEPING MUSIC]

♪ ♪

You've been very busy today, monsieur.

I want to take advantage
of the mistress' absence

to do some early work on the ball,

as much as I'm able.

Very wise, with only the master left

- in the house to feed.
- He's no trouble.

He'd eat anything
that's put in front of him.

But everything's all right otherwise?

Why do you ask?

Only that I saw you
this morning in the streets.

You seemed to be having
an argument of some sort.

I was.

Aren't you going to tell us
what it was about, monsieur?

No.

I'm going to bed.

[BRIGHT MUSIC]

♪ ♪

This is so charming.

How long have you been coming here?

We have been hiding in Bayside Farm

for years at least.

But now New York is coming out
to find us.

Oh, I suppose they're
snapping up all the best lots.

There are still some on Bellevue Avenue,

which I would recommend.

I gather Mrs. Astor
has finished Beechwood.

That was a good buy.

She didn't have to tear it down.

Just add a wing and tidy it a little.

I should love to see the house.

I'm afraid she isn't in town.

What do you do all day?
What's the life here?

It's much like New York,

but with sun and sea for a background.

The young go to the casino
and play tennis.

Can we follow them there?

You'd like that, wouldn't you, Gladys?

- We might see Larry.
- Mm-hmm.

Of course, your son
is staying with Mrs. Fish.

- Do you know her well?
- I don't know her at all.

But Larry's stayed there a few times.

That may be helpful.

We'll go to the casino tomorrow.

I'll ask Mrs. Fish
when she's taking her party.

Mrs. Fish will only change
the plan ten times

- and wreck the afternoon.
- [CHUCKLES]

Then, my dear, we must persevere.

♪ ♪

I'll be quick.

Take your time, dear.

- What do you have in fawn?
- Oh, no.

Pardon me, miss?

Excuse me? I can return it
to her if it's helpful.

Do you know Mrs. Dixon?

Well, no, but I know
where her employer lives.

That's very kind of you, miss.

Not at all.

Now, I'll have
two pairs of those, please.

Size seven. I'll take them with me now.

I have to look into the
Russell's house when we get back.

- Don't wait for me.
- I won't.

And I won't tell Agnes either.

[CHUCKLES]

If you could give it to Mrs. Dixon?

Mrs. Dixon?

Hello, Miss Brook. Can I help?

I just wanted to drop
this off for Mrs. Dixon.

Or is it Miss?

She left it on the counter
in Bloomingdale's,

and I was behind her in line.

The assistant tried to find her,
but she was too late.

- Mrs. Dixon?
- Your stenographer.

I met her when she brought some
papers for you and gave them to Larry.

She said you had to see them at once.

I know. It was just as Larry
was leaving for Newport.

You must mean Miss Ainsley.

She'd bought some gloves, and I suppose,

had charged them to the name Dixon.

I'm sorry to bother you with it.

You haven't bothered me at all.

Quite the reverse.

Goodbye and thank you, Miss Brook.

Thank you, Church.

Is it Jack's afternoon off again?

He has one a week. Same as us.

I think he's bought flowers
just like the last time.

He hid them when he went up to serve.

You're not being fair.

- Let me follow him.
- What?

You can tell Mr. Bannister

that I'm running some errands for you.

Oh, you're only interested in Jack

because he's found someone else.

Come on. You know you're curious.

You're not to spoil his fun.

He's entitled to visit
another young lady.

What would you say if he sees you?

I'll think of something.

Go on, then. Fetch your coat.

This is the last of it, so
I'll be off if you don't mind.

- What does Mr. Bannister say?
- I've said he's to go.

I'll just get changed.

- Is she talking to you yet?
- It depends.

Sometimes she speaks to Miss Ada,

and Miss Ada speaks to me.

This too will pass.

[CURIOUS MUSIC]

♪ ♪

- Shall I go?
- No.

You know that I bring my dollar
every week to Miss Ada.

Thank you, Mrs. Bauer.

I hope it's not too great
an inconvenience.

Is there something else?

I may be wrong, ma'am.

But I think Miss Armstrong is planning

to do a disservice to Miss Scott.

You do not surprise me.

I don't know what she's got planned.

But it makes her smile
to think about it.

I thought I should let you know.

Thank you.

Can you think what that might be?

I have a suspicion, yes.

Then warn Miss Scott if you can.

She's been hinting
since she read the letter

that she knows enough of my story now

to make things difficult for me.

It means she's planning to tell
Mrs. Van Rhijn.

Mrs. Bauer said much
the same thing to Aunt Ada.

But what about your story
is so terrible?

All right.

You've waited long enough.

[SIGHS]

I told you a man called
Elias Finn changed my life.

Yes.

I didn't tell you that I was his wife.

And the mother of our child.

What? You have a child?

I had a child.

[SNIFFLES] A son.

In fact, I nearly d*ed in childbirth.

But when I finally came round...

He was already dead.

After that, my father
took me back to New York.

So this didn't happen here?

No.

I met Elias in Brooklyn.

But my father didn't approve.

For him, Elias had no prospects
and was uneducated.

So when I saw it was hopeless,
we left for Philadelphia.

By the time my father found us,
I was married and pregnant.

Are you still married?

No.

My father bullied Elias
into signing a paper

saying he'd been married before.

Then he got a judge to declare
our marriage void.

Why would he do that?

Did he really prefer you
to be an unwed mother?

Maybe he wasn't thinking straight.

Either way, he brought me home,

and I was told to forget
it ever happened...

To forget my own child.

How could you?

I tried.

For a year or more.

But in the end, that's
why I went back...

To find the midwife.

I needed to know more about my boy.

I was told she moved to Doylestown,

but I couldn't find her there.

So I went to the railway station.

And I met a young lady
who lost her ticket.

And now I've shocked that same
young lady out of her senses.

I'm not shocked.

I'm sad.

Much more than sad.

And I understand why
you needed Mr. Raikes.

But he can't have written
all that in his letter.

He wrote enough.

It was to tell me

that he couldn't trace
the midwife either.

Miss Armstrong may be many things,

but she's not stupid.

I wish you'd said this sooner.

[SIGHS]

There's only one thing to be done.

You're going to tell Aunt Agnes.

- What? When?
- Tonight.

We don't know if Armstrong
has said anything yet.

But either way,
she has to hear it from you.

So I suppose this is goodbye.

We'll see.

[LAUGHTER AND CHATTER]

[BRIGHT MUSIC]

Ready.

- Oh! I'm sorry.
- Great game, Gladys.

♪ ♪

Why aren't the rest of you playing?

I expect they're enjoying the sun.

Nobody talks about anything
else but enjoying themselves.

Isn't that what we're here for?

- Not me.
- [CHUCKLES]

Dear Mrs. Fish, you're so contrary.

How's your husband doing, Mrs. Russell?

I'm sorry?

Aren't they putting him on trial

over that train crash?

I thought that was why
he stayed in New York.

If it were,
I would have stayed with him.

- Oh, so he's not in trouble?
- Not in the least.

But he has too many meetings
to be able to join us.

- He likes to be thorough.
- Oh, I see.

Mr. Reynolds, go and fetch me a drink...

Haven't bungled it, have I?

Oh, no. She'll like you the more.

♪ ♪

[GRUNTS] Oh.

[APPLAUSE]

Game to Mr. Van Rhijn and Miss Russell.

I see you're well-practiced.

- Good game, Russell.
- Hardly.

Excuse me. Oh, yes.

- Thank you.
- Thank you.

Of course.

Of course it is. I'm paying for it.

Your daughter is wonderful
at the game, Mrs. Russell.

Well, a wonderful audience.
You hit all the balls.

Mr. Van Rhijn is very quick on his feet.

What can I say? I like to win.

Oscar.

- Oh, Mr. Adams.
- Who's this?

Hello, Mrs. Fish. Mrs. Fane.

Mr. McAllister. And...

May I present Mr. John Adams?

This is Mrs. George Russell.

And my son Larry Russell,
my daughter Gladys Russell.

I feel I know you both through Oscar.

He speaks so highly of you.

What are you doing here?

I'm staying with the Wetmores
at Chateau-sur-Mer.

I called at Mrs. Fish's house,
and they told me

you were all here at the casino.

Do you know Newport well, Miss Russell?

No, not at all. It's our first visit.

What are you doing for dinner?

To whom was that directed?

To you and your new people.

- Not you, Aurora.
- I'm not invited?

You're not a new person.

You come and bring Mr. Adams with you.

He's not one of my party.

I like the cut of his jib.

Mr. Adams, what about dinner tonight?

I don't suppose Mrs. Wetmore would mind.

Then that's settled.

I hope the plan is agreeable
to you, Mrs. Russell.

Oh, it's agreeable. Don't you worry.

Mrs. Fish is quite right, of course.

All right, we'll invite Mr. Adams...

[INDISTINCT CHATTER]

What the hell do you think
you're playing at?

I think I'm playing
at having a lovely time.

Dear Miss Russell,
let me help you with that.

[DRAMATIC MUSIC]

♪ ♪

- Mr. Russell.
- Good day, sir.

Right this way.

I will make no judgement
on what conclusions

I may have reached,
as they are irrelevant.

I must only consider whether or not

there is sufficient evidence
for the matter to go forward

to a trial.

[SOFT INDISTINCT CHATTER]

- Is something the matter?
- I beg your pardon, Your Honor.

We have been waiting
for an important detail.

- It is here now.
- I object, Your Honor.

If there is any further evidence,

it should be presented at trial.

- Objection overruled.
- We expected it some time ago.

But there has been a delay.

Is it a detail
that might affect the outcome?

It may be so, Your Honor.

What is it
that you've brought to show me?

It is rather a matter

of whom we have brought here,
Your Honor.

What happened?

I didn't think you'd need me
this afternoon, sir.

And I had other business.
But I've got the papers with me.

I hope I'm not too late.

No, you're not too late.

I would like to introduce Miss Ainsley,

Mr. Russell's stenographer.

- Mr. Russell, I don't...
- Miss Ainsley.

Please.

- But I...
- Get on with it, Mr. Brand.

Look around this room, Miss Ainsley.

You know Mr. Russell, of course.

Mr. Clay, Mr. Lewis, and myself.

Is there anyone else
you are familiar with?

[TENSE MUSIC]

No.

Mr. Dixon.

Will you please stand?

Do you know this man?

- No.
- You're quite sure of that?

Quite sure.

Then why were you seen together

in the department store, Bloomingdale's?

- That's not true.
- I think it is true.

- No, it's not.
- I have it on good authority.

No, I used his charge account,
but we weren't there toge...

Shut up!

[INDISTINCT MUTTERING]

Move it!

Well, if you watch where you're going!

[INDISTINCT CHATTER]

Go back inside. Let's go.

[CHILDREN LAUGHING]

And when, precisely, did you
give the note to Mr. Dixon?

After the crash had happened.

He'd written it awhile before.

But when I read it,
I could see it might be useful

in the future, so I kept it.

You knew what Dixon was doing?

I guess.

This was not the first time
he had appropriated money

- meant for another purpose?
- I never knew the details.

Only the fact of his dishonesty.

Why was the note actually written?

Mrs. Russell had used
the Herter Brothers

for some of the decoration
at their new house

on Fifth Avenue.

So Mr. Russell got an estimate from them

to renovate his office.

But in the end, he thought
they were too expensive

and he went elsewhere.

That's one question answered.

Mr. Russell.

You are exonerated.

You may go with your reputation intact.

Mr. Dixon and Miss Ainsley.

I will be referring this matter
to the prosecutor's office.

I would not be surprised
if I see you back

in this court room very soon.

Court dismissed.

- Congratulations, Mr. Russell.
- [CHUCKLES]

Strikes me as the element of chance.

A woman goes to buy gloves,
and disaster is averted.

What if she'd chosen a different store?

You don't need us to tell you
the importance of luck.

Mr. Russell.

What do you want?

Only to say how sorry I am

that I ever did such a thing,
Mr. Russell.

Did you think it was right before?

And now you're sorry
because you've been caught?

I believe you should
go to jail, Miss Ainsley.

But whether a jury
agrees with me or not,

I will tell you what I've decided

would be best for you, as a plan.

Anything you want to ask of me.

Good.

I will keep abreast of your movements.

And whenever you apply for a job

above the rank
of the most menial servant,

I will inform your superiors
of your history

and make it impossible
for them to employ you.

You may scrub floors to earn your bread,

but nothing more.

You don't mean that.

I think you know that I do.

[DRAMATIC MUSIC]

♪ ♪

[BIRDS CHIRPING]

[SOFT MUSIC]

♪ ♪

What are you doing here?

Bridget, are you following me?

Is this a joke?

So you can make fun of me
back at the house?

- No.
- What is it then?

Mrs. Bauer and I...

We wondered who you were
taking flowers to.

Because I'd replaced you
in my fickle heart

with a new girl?

Something like that.

Well, there she is.

That's my girl.

May Trotter?

May Trotter.

Mrs. John Trotter, to be exact.

d*ed October th, ,
at the age of .

My mother.

She was young.

What'd she die of?

She was b*rned to death when I was nine.

What?

Ever heard of the Peshtigo Fire of ?

- No.
- No.

It's forgotten, really.

It's the same day
as the Great Chicago Fire,

and people only remember that.

I've never heard of Peshtigo.

It's in Wisconsin.

My mother had a married sister
who lived there,

and she went to see the new baby

when a forest fire swept into town.

How terrible.

Were a lot of people k*lled?

More than , ...

My mother, my aunt,
and the baby included.

- How did they find her?
- They didn't.

Most of the dead couldn't be identified.

Then who's in the grave?

No one.

My father filled the coffin
with her clothes

and put some rocks in for weight.

He wanted somewhere he could
come to think about her.

And he did, day in, day out.

Spent more time here than at home.

- Where is he now?
- Dead.

Five years after my mother.

I was for that one.

Oh, Jack.

I'm so sorry.

I visit every week
in the month of her birthday.

Used to laugh at my old pa for coming.

But now he's gone, and here I am.

- It's funny, huh?
- Not so funny.

Do you have any brothers or sisters?

Two brothers, but we lost touch.

You must miss your pa.

Not really. We weren't close.

The last person to love me

was the woman who is not in that grave.

I'm sure that isn't true.

No, you aren't.

Now, we should make tracks
for the ferry.

I'll give you a moment.

[INDISTINCT CHATTER]

But how will I ever gavotte

if I'm always thinking about my feet?

Your mother looks very gay.

She had some good news from
New York before we arrived.

What's this, Mrs. Russell?

Good news from New York?

Has your husband got off?

No, no.

He just wanted to wire me
how well things are going

and send his best wishes to all of you.

So tell me, Mr. McAllister.

Have you persuaded her
to buy a place here?

Or better still, to build one?

I can only show
Mrs. Russell the options.

I would not claim to have
persuaded her to do anything.

She's tenacious.

I'll give her that.

Smile and take it as a compliment.

It is a compliment,

if you knew the number of times
she's pretended I didn't exist.

And now here I am at her table
because I'm tenacious,

just as she said.

And because you amuse her

more than she thought you would.

How are the plans
for the ball coming along?

Quite well, I think.

I worry it may be too soon.

- Not for Gladys.
- No, not for Gladys. For you.

Don't worry. I have a plan
of campaign in mind.

- [LAUGHTER]
- Oh, never mind that.

The trick is just to nod
and say that you agree.

And then everyone thinks you're
as clever as clever can be.

[BOTH LAUGH]

I think you are
as clever as clever can be.

But, like all gentlemen,
you try to hide it.

Why is that?

Because life's quite serious enough

without any help from me.

[BOTH LAUGHING]

Your friend has quite a way

with young women, Mr. Van Rhijn.

You're right. They
seem to be having fun.

It's all very new for Gladys.

She's only out in this coming season,

so she hasn't had time
to get bored with any of it.

Then we must guard her closely

and hope she never will.

Not too closely. That's my job.

Mr. Russell, you'll be a team leader.

If I'm not up to the task,
I shall blame it on you.

[CHUCKLES]

Larry knows how to handle her.

- He does, doesn't he?
- [CHUCKLES]

Now, finish up and come into the parlor.

Oh, dear. More games.

Do you have any objections,
Mrs. Russell?

Not in the least, Mrs. Fish.

Won't you change your mind
about Mrs. Russell?

For me, Mama, please.

Of course I can't, girl.

She's no worse than Mrs. Jay Gould.

I do not receive Mrs. Gould.

I do not attend her entertainments.

Mrs. Ogden Mills? You go there.

Carrie,

Mrs. Mills was born a Livingston.

Her family have been landowners
for two centuries or more.

It is not my fault
she married an upstart.

Besides, her mother asked me
not to punish her for it.

- And I won't.
- So why punish Mrs. Russell?

She has come from nothing.

And her husband is no better.

You called him
a force to be reckoned with.

Well, it does not mean that I am obliged

to sit in his wife's drawing room.

I think you're being unkind.

My dear, to be a leader means
sometimes one must be unkind.

It is not a role for the faint-hearted.

Sleep well, my dear.

Miss Scott,

Mrs. Van Rhijn understands
you wanted to see her.

- If it's convenient.
- It is.

She's in the drawing room
with Miss Ada and Miss Marian.

Miss Armstrong, she wondered
if you might join them

in ten minutes.

- Me?
- You.

And this midwife,
did she bury the child?

Did anyone christen him?

Oh, that poor innocent.

I don't know because I never found her.

I hoped Mr. Raikes could help me,

but he wrote and told me

that he couldn't trace her either.

So that was the letter
that Armstrong read?

- Well, I was concerned...
- Silence.

You'll have your turn.

That was the letter.

Of course, there is much in your story

that Armstrong did not glean.

She said you bore an illegitimate child

whom you then abandoned.

That's not exactly...

I find now that you are a married mother

whose child d*ed.

I've lost children.

I know what that is.

You do, Agnes.

- And we should have every...
- Yes, yes.

But now we must decide
what to do with Armstrong.

I was only trying to protect
the reputation of this house.

I could say the same. You may go.

What's to be done, Miss Scott?

With respect, ma'am, I cannot stay here.

Not now.

- I'll leave tonight.
- I hope you don't mean that.

I'm afraid I do.

The way she treats me downstairs

makes it impossible that I should stay.

And that would only get worse.

But I thank you for your kindness.

And I wish you well.

And we thank you for your hard work.

- Don't we, Agnes?
- Of course.

But I do hope you'll reconsider
your decision, Miss Scott.

I'll go up and pack a bag.

Can I come back for the rest
of my things on another day?

Certainly.

[SOFT MUSIC]

Oh.

Wouldn't it have been better
to lose Armstrong?

- [SIGHS]
- And have me train a new maid

in all my ways at my time of life?

Maybe Miss Scott will change her mind.

She won't.

But perhaps she's right.

Perhaps the time has come
for a new chapter.

For all of us.

How final you make that sound.

♪ ♪

Can I persuade you to stay, Miss Scott?

I can't. Not the way things are.

Really, Miss Ada's right.

It ought to be Armstrong who goes.

Seems very feeble on my part.

Couldn't let you do that.
It would be too disruptive.

I'll be just fine.

I hope we can end on good terms.

Of course.

I remain very grateful for the time

you've let me spend in this house.

You're an impressive young woman.

Not everyone will support
your ambitions,

to say the least of it.

But you are strong enough
to manage that.

Thank you. I'll try to be.

And now you'd better go if you
are to catch the last ferry.

Goodbye, Mrs. Van Rhijn.

Goodbye, Miss Scott.

And may God bless you.

[TENDER MUSIC]

♪ ♪

[DOOR OPENS]

[DOOR CLOSES]

How can you spend
so much time in New York

when you have this to come home to?

What can I say? I am a social animal.

Will it change things, having
Mrs. Astor here every summer?

I should have thought it would have been

a little too much of a good thing.

Amen.

I think that will be the challenge.

To make sure New York and Newport

remain distinct
in their ways of doing things.

Do you know what the Astors
paid for Beechwood?

Not far short of $ , .

I don't think Mrs. Astor would be happy

to know you've told us that.

- I wish I could have seen it.
- Why?

Well, apart from anything else,

I'd like to know what you can
expect for $ , .

Well, it's a shame she's not here.

Why don't I take you?
We'll go this afternoon.

I know the butler. He won't mind.

The legendary Mr. Hefty?

I thought he stayed in New York.

No, there's a new routine
now the house is finished.

He comes out two days ahead of her.

And she's due tomorrow.
It'll be all right.

- Is that wise?
- Do I have to come?

You can stay here with me, dear.

That might be better.

Shouldn't we wait
until Mrs. Astor's in town?

No, it'll be simpler today.

Hmm.

But shouldn't this Miss Armstrong

have been the one to go, not you?

Maybe.

But Marian told me Mrs. Van Rhijn felt

she could never learn to live
without her maid.

Marian?

We were friends in the end.

She'll miss you.

Stuck in that house with two old ladies.

They're not so old.

And anyway, I don't think
she'll be there much longer.

She's getting married.

But what about you?
That's what I want to know.

There's a lot in your future,

if you'll only get out
and make it happen.

I just know it.

You remind me of Mrs. Van Rhijn.

If that's true,
then I respect her for it.

But what will you do?

Stay here, if you'll let me.

And continue with my work
at "The Globe."

We may have a problem with your father.

I can always move out again.

No need for fighting talk just yet.

I'll say nothing unless
he's looking for a fight.

But if he is, then I'll give him one.

Perhaps, but right now,

could you put down your sword
and have some coffee?

[BELL RINGING]

[ELEGANT MUSIC]

♪ ♪

We could take a quick look
around the first floor,

can't we, Hefty?

Mrs. Astor wouldn't mind.

You could tell her I was here
with Mrs. Fane.

If you're sure of that, Mr. McAllister.

Be my guest.

♪ ♪

It was built about years ago

for a man called Daniel Parrish.

And the year before last, it was bought

by William Backhouse Astor.

Although, of course,
it was really for his wife.

He's never off his yacht.

- And she's never on it.
- [CHUCKLES]

[DRAMATIC MUSIC]

[HORSE NEIGHS]

♪ ♪

She's here. She's come early.

Oh, good Lord.

Shall we go out the back?

No. She knows you're in the house.

She would have seen your carriage.

Get rid of Mrs. Russell.

- Come with me.
- Uh...

But...

[SIGHS] Smile.

♪ ♪

Right this way.

- Oh.
- Oh.

- Ma'am, please, this way.
- Sorry.

Quickly.

- Oh.
- Sorry.

♪ ♪

- Here we are.
- Oh.

Oh!

[CHICKEN CLUCKING]

Dear Lina, I bid you welcome
to your own house.

- How nice to see you.
- And you, Aurora.

[CHUCKLES]

I hope you approve of my efforts.

Everything is too lovely for any words.

- You're so clever.
- Oh.

[CHICKEN CLUCKING]

♪ ♪

[BRIGHT TONE]