02x08 - In Terms of Winning and Losing

[bunniefuu]

[TV STATIC DRONES]

[BRIGHT TONE]

[SPIRITED ORCHESTRAL MUSIC]

♪ ♪

[SOFT DRAMATIC MUSIC]

♪ ♪

[HUFFS]

She's a thief.

Mrs. Astor has taken
my Duke of Buckingham.

Some people would say
you took him from Mrs. Winterton.

Mrs. Winterton drapes herself
with her husband's old money

when she was pressing
my underwear a year ago.

She has no need of dukes.

The fact remains he's been
passed round like an old shoe.

I'm serious, George. He says he's afraid

his plans for the opening
night have changed.

We knew it was coming.

Haven't you got your committee today?

- Will you tell them?
- No, and nor will you.

Won't Mrs. Astor trumpet it abroad?

Then we must trumpet louder.

When you talk like that,
you make me quite nervous.

Good.

So the long and short
of it is that I'm ruined.

Well, there is a little left.

And if you sell this house
and find a more modest lodging,

perhaps a little further downtown...

In the Jewish quarter.

Agnes, don't start with your nonsense.

With sensible investments,

you will have an income to live on.

It will not be luxurious,
but you won't be destitute.

I must find some loose Arab clothing.

I believe you can put
it on without a maid.

[SIGHS]

I'll discuss this with
whoever manages your affairs.

My son has managed my affairs until now.

He will not do so in future.

Mama, I don't know how many times

- I can say I'm sorry.
- What do I care that you're sorry?

You ruin your mother and tip
your family into the dirt!

You throw away the work of centuries!

[SOMBER MUSIC]

[PULLEY CLICKS]

Thank you, Mr. Harcourt.

May I suggest that we meet again

when we have considered
all of the implications?

Of course. I am at your service.

[DOOR RATTLES]

Mr. Harcourt is leaving.

I'm not sure it's quite
professional to say so,

but you did not deserve this.

Thank you.

♪ ♪

[SIGHS]

So this is to be the end of my story.

I survive my feckless brother

and marry a man who was not easy

so that I might live a life
that was dignified and secure.

But instead, I am to be
turned out of my house

to beg for my bread on street corners.

Aunt Agnes, Oscar didn't...

Oscar didn't what? Make inquiries?

Check Miss Beaton's history?

Take the usual precautions that
any sane housewife would take

just to order a loaf of bread?

No, you're right. He didn't.

I wish you had told me earlier.

I only heard this from
Oscar the night that...

that Luke left us.

As it is, I feel guilty
asking you to come here

and hear Mr. Harcourt.

I'm glad I was here.

The loss concerns us all.

Doesn't it just.

It may be better than you say.

This house must be worth a great deal.

Yes.

It's a wonder Oscar spared it.

I must just accept the fact
that my good fortune has ended.

Plenty of other people
have had to do the same.

I just thank heaven
we've settled on a date

for Marian's wedding,

though how we're to pay
for it I can't imagine.

Of course, Dashiell may pull out

and not want to be linked to
this doomed House of Usher.

I'm going upstairs.

♪ ♪

Your mother will survive this,

even if she doesn't know it.

She may survive, but
I'm not sure I will.

We won't meet again before the opening.

And no doubt there'll
be dramas to contain

between now and then,

but it behooves me to thank you all

for the efforts you've made

and to commend our hostess,
Mrs. George Russell,

for her triumphant
campaign to fill our boxes

with what will be a dazzling display

of homegrown New York splendor.

[CHUCKLES]

[APPLAUSE]

That was very gratifying. [CHUCKLES]

I'm always rather
frightened by your mother,

but she has done well.

I suppose, though why
she should be thanked

when I'm sure they've
all worked just as hard,

- I couldn't say.
- [CHUCKLES]

I should introduce you.
This is Billy Carlton.

- Ah.
- Mrs. Charles Fane.

Are you one of Miss Russell's suitors?

[CHUCKLES] I'd like to be.

Don't be silly.

Mr. Carlton and I meet
at dances. That's all.

I see. Part of the daily rounds.

[INDISTINCT CHATTER]

[LIGHT MUSIC]

I've seen you in Newport too.

We have a place there.

You were at Mr. McAllister's party.

I was going to ask you to dance.

- Why didn't you?
- That's right.

Well, I think we're in the clear,

and Mrs. Astor will
just have to lump it.

Don't speak too soon.

I should tell you that
I have leaked the name

of your guest of honor.

- Why did you do that?
- Why not?

The news has put the icing on the cake.

The last tickets went in a flash.

Every box will be full
largely thanks to you.

- But suppose the Duke doesn't come.
- Well, don't say that.

A lot of the people
who have taken our boxes

also have one at the Academy.

They'll go where they
think he'll show up.

You must know Mrs. Astor
is trying to poach him.

Then you have to convince them

you're more likely to deliver.

Now, I mean it, Mrs. Russell.

They must believe you and not her.

- Excuse me.
- Mm.

♪ ♪

- Thanks for coming.
- [CHUCKLES]

You were good to lend me your support.

I was glad to.

Does this mean that we
can expect you at the Met

on opening night?

I'm not sure.

Charles wants us to join you.

And what do you want?

Just to stop being so
frightened by Mrs. Astor.

[CHUCKLES]

I'm not a brave person.

I am afraid I was taken in.

All investments are
a risk to some extent,

and Mr. Oscar was unlucky.

I was the one who was unlucky.

What a catastrophe.

How long will we have to prepare?

You're welcome to stay
until the house is sold.

- When will that be?
- Bridget.

We can't know,

so if you find a job sooner,
then you must take it.

Now, wait just a moment.

So we will continue with our work

until things become clearer.

Thank you, Bannister.

Back to work, everyone.

[LIGHT CHATTER]

We'll have to wait and see.

- [BABY COOING]
- Oh, how precious.

- What an angel.
- Thank you.

Oh, it's nice to see you two.

Oh, did you say hello to
Mrs. Fortune on her way out?

- Was that her with the child?
- Yes.

She needs me to cut down
the clothes she was wearing

when the baby was waiting to be born.

I assumed you'd know her,
working at her husband's paper.

No. No, we haven't met.

You and Mr. Fortune did
us such a great service

with your article on the school board.

We now have so many
pupils ready to enroll,

there isn't any way
they can close our doors.

Now, all we need to do
is convince the Board.

- I owe you a favor, Miss Scott.
- I only wrote about the agreement you forged

with the Irish community.

If the schools stay open,
you'll have yourself to thank.

I see modesty runs in the family.

- You sound just like your mother.
- [BOTH LAUGH]

Come on in the back with me.

We still need to get our arguments
together to present to the Board.

We have most of what we need,
but it must be sorted and organized.

Oh, I can help with that.

Here's one.

"Wanted... experienced senior housemaid

seeking promotion to housekeeper."

That means they'd like a housekeeper,

but they don't want to pay for one.

Anyway, you're too young.

Oh, what about this?

"Experienced butler,
preferably English."

Oh, it's in Chicago.

There's nothing wrong with Chicago.

Except it's not New York.

Mr. Bannister, surely one of
Mrs. Van Rhijn's friends...

You're very quiet.

You have been all day.

- I didn't want to bother you.
- Bother me with what?

[WHISPERING] I got a letter
from the Patent Office.

They've approved my application.

Oh, but that's wonderful.

Oh, I'm so pleased for you, Jack.

- You'll see.
- How was your day, Miss Scott?

Have you told your mother
what's happened here?

No, I didn't want to say anything

until I know what I'm going to do.

- Mm.
- Miss Scott will manage.

She still has her job at "The Globe."

And you'll be all right too, Mrs. Bauer.

I'd say you and Bridget
will be asked to stay on.

If they don't want to starve.

Have you any news, Miss Armstrong?

I'm too old, I'm afraid.

It's hard to say, but
that's the bitter truth.

I'll be the one to starve.

What about you, John? Any luck?

Um, not in that way.

What do you mean?

He's been given his patent.

- [GASPS]
- Oh! Oh, I say.

- Jack.
- [LAUGHTER]

The world has taken leave of its senses.

Oh, don't listen to
her. It's excellent news.

- What will you do now?
- I'm not sure.

You'll have to find another $20.

Oh, don't you worry about that.

We'll help you figure it out.

[BRIGHT MUSIC]

- [THUNDER CRACKING]
- [LAUGHTER]

♪ ♪

Don't fall.

Oh.

[LAUGHTER]

Oh, Mr. Borden, your jacket is drenched.

[BOTH LAUGH]

Are you back already?

I suppose you were caught in the storm.

Weren't we just, Miss Andre.

They plowed on with an
overture by Mendelssohn

but gave up in the
end, so we walked home.

Well, I'm glad if Mendelssohn
is coming back into fashion.

I'm not sure we could say that.

But at least they're playing him again.

What a disappointment.

Next time, you must find
a proper concert hall.

I should get on.

[LIGHT MUSIC]

♪ ♪

So Miss Scott thought
you should consult me?

She mentioned it, yes, and
it seemed like a good idea.

I'm flattered, or I would
be if I could understand

what makes your clock different.

My new escapement makes sure
the mechanism never sticks,

so the clock stays right on time.

Because it needs no oil?

That's it, sir.

I won't pretend to know how it works,

but I like your confidence.

- [CHUCKLES]
- Thank you, sir.

Of course, an alarm
clock is a simple thing,

but it's a simple thing
that could find a place

in almost every bedroom in the world.

So what should he do next?

That's why I need your advice, sir.

I have the patent. And
my invention is protected.

But I don't know how to take it further.

Do you?

Not yet, but I know people I can ask.

Thank you, sir.

It's good of you even to consider it.

[CHUCKLES]

I should go. I need to
get ready to serve dinner.

Well, I'll be in touch
when I have an idea.

[LAUGHS]

I should go too. [CHUCKLES]

Thank you for seeing John.

And please give my
regards to your mother.

Ah, I will.

I gather she's lost her duke.

Aunt Agnes thinks him very feeble.

Because Mrs. Astor talked him round?

I was told it was Mr. McAllister

who arranged the switch.

He did the persuading.

Mr. McAllister, my mother's friend?

Well, she never guessed that.

I hope we'll see you
at the opening night.

I'd love it, but I'm afraid not.

As you know, Aunt Agnes is very much

- on the other side in the w*r.
- [CHUCKLES]

I meant for you to join us.

Oh. [LAUGHS]

I'm not sure I dare.

You underestimate yourself, Miss Brook.

♪ ♪

It's very nice of young
Mr. Russell to want to help.

He's just showing off.

- I don't agree.
- Of course not.

Oh, I've asked Dashiell
for dinner on Thursday.

We've seen so little of him lately.

Well, that's only because of Uncle Luke

and then, of course,
Oscar's unfortunate...

Yes, we've talked
quite enough about that.

- Mama...
- Please don't say you're sorry.

No, I wanted to tell you
I've had a dinner invitation

for the night of the Academy opening.

Then refuse it. You're busy.

What difference will it make
whether I'm there or not?

Oscar, you are going to the
opening night at the Academy.

And if that sounds like
an order, it should.

Aunt Agnes, I've had an invitation too.

And I'm very much
afraid it will annoy you.

Why would I expect anything else?

Agnes.

The Russells have asked me to their box

at the Met for the opening night.

The Met?

Is that what we are now
to call the Metropolitan?

I'd like to go.

[SIGHS]

Which Russell has invited you?

I hope it wasn't the son.

Mrs. Russell asked me.

She would, to spite me.

[INHALES]

So my niece will be in the enemy camp.

You never made it a condition
that Marian should be

at the Academy for the opening.

I want to see the new opera house.

And so you will throw over an old friend

without a backward glance.

The Academy isn't my "old friend."

I'd never heard of it
before I came to New York.

In our world, old
friendships are hereditary.

♪ ♪

Mrs. Bruce, please
ask Church to have this

delivered to Mr. McAllister
before the end of today.

Of course, Madam.

Now, are you quite ready for
the supper after the opera?

We are, Madam.

May I ask what opera
you're going to hear?

Faust.

Do you remember when Miss Nilsson sang

the "Jewel Song" here?

How could I forget.

You enjoy music, then?

I've learned to enjoy it, yes...

very much, as it happens.

But before Miss Andre comes
in, we need to make a decision

as to whether she is to stay or go.

She's good at every aspect of her job,

so if she's not a
troublemaker, then she can stay.

I'm glad that's settled, ma'am.

That's enough for today.

You have to get to Brooklyn.

And you don't want to be late.

Even with the Brooklyn Bridge.

Can you tell Armstrong that I'll need

her help later this afternoon?

I must start sorting out
what clothes I'll need

for my new life, to which
I am not looking forward.

[CHUCKLES] I don't think
she's looking forward

to her new life either.

What do you mean, Miss Scott?

Only that she's frightened
by the thought of change.

But I daresay the others
are frightened too.

Mrs. Forte, ma'am.

Whatever happens to Armstrong,

she doesn't deserve Miss Scott's pity...

not after all the things she's said.

She's a pathetic figure who uses

her prejudices like a crutch.

We can all pity her for that.

♪ ♪

You came.

I received your summons.

Of course I came.

I wanted to hear your explanation.

Because the Duke has changed sides?

I rather thought it was
you who had changed sides.

Larry told me it was
you who talked him round.

I spoke to him, yes.

How sad.

Foolishly, perhaps, I
believed you were my friend.

I am your friend.

But I am also Mrs. Astor's friend,

and that is what I am known for.

Hmm.

Did he make matters easy?

The Duke is in a difficult spot.

Difficult to live, perhaps,
but not to understand.

He has a high position,
great estates, fine titles,

a castle in Devon,
and a palace in London,

but not enough money
to keep it all going.

An accurate summation.

So how much did he cost?

There's no point in that.

- Why?
- She's giving him more than money.

She'll open New York for him.

She's opening America.

He wants to know these people.

And she can give them
to him more than you can.

So he will get what he wants,

her opening will be a triumph,

and you will accept
a box at the Academy.

You're very sure of yourself.

With respect, Mrs. Russell,
I've been at this game

rather longer than you.

But McAllister already explained

why offering more money won't work.

It's worth a try.

Bertha, we have spent

a great deal on the Metropolitan.

I'd say we have spent enough.

- But...
- No.

This greedy young man
can go his own way.

You have a wonderful new
opera house, an excellent cast,

and everything people could ask for.

The presence of one duke
more or less won't matter.

- You should have more faith.
- So I can't outbid her?

You won't outbid her, as
McAllister has pointed out.

I promise it will be a
great success without him.

Maybe.

We'll see.

I'll keep some simple
things for the evening,

but there's so much here
I will never wear again.

I can't put them in
the missionary barrel,

and they're too fine to just throw away.

I could pack them carefully
with mothballs and tissue

and store them in the
attic, just in case.

But suppose we don't have an attic.

[CHUCKLES]

Everything's going to be
quite different for us now.

You'll still have your friends.

Yes, and at first,
they'll try to pretend

that our loss of fortune
makes no difference,

but it won't be long before
we start to slip and slide.

What about you, Armstrong?

Have you found a new place yet?

I don't know what I'm going to do.

Well, which of us does?

But we have been down bumpy
roads before, you and I,

and... and we've got past them.

Would you like to come with us?

What?

Well, you'll be working for nobodies.

And I... I can't pay
much or make any promises

when it comes to how we'll live,

but you're welcome if
you would like to try it.

Yes, ma'am, I would.

Thank you.

But why have you changed your mind?

Have I?

Perhaps I have.

It was something Miss Scott said.

Miss Scott?

What would she have to say about me?

Why, don't you like the idea

that she would have sympathy for you?

[INDISTINCT CHATTER]

I've had a lot of success with this.

It's salicylic acid,

but they've got rid of the bitterness.

- It's good.
- And you're producing it?

Try it. Have this for nothing.

And now I should go.

- We have the school meeting.
- What school meeting?

Not the educational board.
That's set for tomorrow.

Wait, didn't you get the note?

No, they've changed it.
It's today... 7:00, the same place.

Well, I guess we both know
why I didn't get a note.

And I would bet the other
colored parents didn't either.

I'm afraid it's your daughter's article

about the Irish and colored
people working together.

It seems to have ruffled some feathers.

Yes, and your information
has ruffled mine.

[TENSE MUSIC]

James, lock up for me.

Yes, sir.

♪ ♪

We must have all the facts laid out.

They won't listen to our arguments

unless they're supported by facts.

This is another list of pupils

ready for enrollment next term.

That's the most
important argument of all.

How can they question that?

Pardon me.

- [INDISTINCT CHATTER]
- [DOOR SLAMS]

They've tricked us.

They've changed the
meeting to this evening

so that none of us will be there.

Then we must go. We must go now.

Well, I'm not sure we're ready.

Bring everything. I'll leave
you all to find your way there,

but we have to go now.

[URGENT CHATTER]

♪ ♪

Everybody come on. Quickly.

Quickly. We're already late.

[INDISTINCT]

Uh, excuse me.

This is a private meeting.

Is this a meeting to discuss the closure

of the colored public schools?

- These people have gathered today...
- Are you discussing the closure

of the three colored public schools?

Well, there are many
other items on the agenda.

Why was the time of the meeting

changed from tomorrow?

- Today was found to be more convenient.
- [SIGHS]

But why were we not informed?

Many of us are parents of
the children at those schools.

- [AGREEABLE CHATTER]
- And yet, we were not told.

- Why is that?
- It must have been an oversight.

Then will you listen to our arguments?

We have lists of pupils
anxious to enroll...

too many for the schools to accommodate.

And we have applications from teachers

all keen to contribute.

This is most unorthodox.

If we have more children
than the schools can take

and more teachers than
we need to guide them,

why are you closing them down?

[INDISTINCT MURMURING]

♪ ♪

We must consider the evidence.

- [CROWD MURMURING]
- [EXHALES]

♪ ♪

Mr. Montgomery.

Aunt Agnes and Aunt Ada
are still getting dressed.

Oh. I'm glad to find you alone.

I know, we haven't seen
much of each other lately.

I understand.

What a terrible blow you've all had.

Will you go on teaching?

I will be dependent on it.

Aunt Agnes can't continue my allowance.

Well, it won't be for long.

You'll stop when we get married.

- Well, I thought...
- I want you to have a lovely life

of entertaining and clothes

and babies, eventually,

and no work at all.

That would please Aunt Agnes.

And you, I hope.

Did I hear you take my name in vain?

How very nice to see you.

Aunt Agnes.

- And Aunt Ada.
- Mwah.

How are you managing?

I'm bearing up.

The thing I don't understand
is all the paperwork.

I remember that with Harriet.

Luke was a straightforward man

who lived a straightforward life.

And yet there are so many forms to sign

and documents to read.

They're piled up on
my desk waiting for me.

I do sympathize, but try
not to leave it too long.

- Yes.
- How is Frances?

Very well.

She's properly settled in New York.

And I really think she's
starting to blossom.

I often wonder what
Harriet would make of her,

this grown-up young lady that's
taken the place of her child.

As you may know, things
could not be worse with us.

Aurora said.

Might it make sense if I
were to pay for the wedding?

[BOTH SIGHING]

I know it's not customary.

I am touched that your resolve

is undimmed by our disaster.

It's kind of you to offer.

Well, wouldn't it help for you to enjoy

Harriet's wedding without worrying?

[LIGHT MUSIC]

Quite right.

It is my dearest wish
to see Marian happy.

[DOOR RATTLES]

Oh, and now that's dinner.

[CHUCKLES]

Pleased to hear that
Frances is doing so well.

She's doing wonderfully.

[CHATTER]

Sarah, is it good news?

- Tell us.
- What have they said?

They have decided to keep
two of the schools open.

I'm afraid they insist one must close

to stop them from looking ridiculous.

But this is still a victory.

- Yes. Yes.
- Mm-hmm.

- Hear, hear.
- [CLAPPING]

So they won't save all three

when we did everything they asked?

Two will survive.

And now that we're more
conscious of the danger,

I'm sure they'll thrive.

- Mm.
- Yes, hear, hear.

- You should be glad.
- [SIGHS]

We should all be glad.

We should. We should indeed.

- Hear, hear.
- Congratulations, Mr. Brown.

We have you to thank,
Arthur, for exposing

their plan to shut us out.

- Mm.
- She's right, Father.

I appreciate your praise.

I haven't had too much of it lately.

- She means what she says.
- Mm.

You did good today.

Congratulations, Mrs. Garnet.

And to you, Miss Scott.

Congratulations, Miss Scott.

Congratulations to us both.

The results weren't perfect,
perhaps, but they're good.

And they show us what can
be achieved when we try.

But the fight must go on.

And this has been a
reminder of how much work

there is for us to do.

You're right.

And nothing must get in the way of that.

Mr. Fortune, have you met Mr. Saunders?

- Not yet.
- I'd like to introduce you.

Please. Excuse us.

Mr. Saunders, this is Mr. Fortune.

- Mr. Saunders.
- And this is Mrs. Saunders.

A pleasure to meet you both.

You look very pensive.

[SCOFFS]

Maybe because I have come to a decision

that will please you.

I hope it will please you too.

It won't, but I know what I must do.

Are you coming home with us?

No, I should get back,
but I'll see you soon.

[SOFT MUSIC]

♪ ♪

Good night.

[LAUGHS]

Now, what can we offer you?

I think I'll just go
and leave you in peace.

It was a lovely evening.

There will be many more.

And don't forget you're taking Marian

to school in the morning.

- There's no need.
- Oh, there's great need.

In fact, I should do it every day.

[LAUGHTER]

- Good night.
- Good night, Dashiell.

And thank you... you know for what.

How kind he is.

And what a relief that the
wedding is taken care of.

[CHUCKLES]

I think I'll go up now.

You're not feeling ill?

No, no. I just need some time to think.

Of course you do.

I'll say your good night to Agnes.

[HUMMING]

♪ ♪

Isn't that a pretty picture?

I haven't seen that smile
of yours for some time now.

[SCOFFS]

Arthur.

I'm serious.

I didn't think I'd ever see
you smile like that again,

at least not in my presence.

This has been a hard time for us.

But I would like for things to
be better between you and me.

That's all I want.

♪ ♪

It's very late.

- So we should eat our dinner.
- Yeah.

Maybe I can get Ellen to
fix us a festive dessert.

[BOTH LAUGH]

We have some celebrating to do.

[FIRE CRACKLING]

♪ ♪

[SIGHS]

[INDISTINCT CHATTER]

This shouldn't be long.

[DOOR CREAKS]

Are you ready?

Frances is in the carriage.

The thing is, Dashiell,

I've been racking my brain all night.

Well, I hope this turns out well for me.

I'm afraid you won't think so,

because...

I cannot marry you.

- What?
- I can't be your wife.

It wouldn't be right.

I'm sorry.

But I thought you loved me.

I thought you loved Frances.

I do love Frances.

And I am so sad if this
is disappointing for her.

Then why are you doing it?

Because I don't think
we want the same things

or even the same life.

I want a life like everyone else's.

But I don't.

Or not yet.

I want to do some good in the world

before I settle down.

I don't understand.

♪ ♪

Do you love me as much
as you loved Harriet?

Be honest, please.

Harriet is dead.

Of course.

I know you're lonely.

I know you want a mother for Frances.

But in your heart,
Harriet is still your wife.

Well, you can't stop loving
people when you want to.

Nor should you.

But one day, you'll meet a woman

who's not just a temporary solution

and who actually shares your dreams.

♪ ♪

I want that for you, but I am not her.

[EXHALES]

You know it's true.

Why didn't you say this last night?

Dashiell, you are good.

Have you had any breakfast?
May I get you some coffee?

No, I must...

I'm afraid I must go, Aunt Ada.

I, um...

Frances is waiting for me.

Agnes will be so sorry to miss you.

♪ ♪

[DOOR CLICKS]

[BREATHING SHAKILY]

He isn't taking you to school?

No.

I suppose that means you've told him.

Told him what?

That you can't marry him.

[CRIES]

How did you... how did you know?

He isn't really right for you.

You knew it and so did I.

Besides, he's still
in love with his wife.

I saw it last night.

Aunt Agnes will be furious.

Agnes has so much to
make her furious just now.

You mustn't let that trouble you.

I didn't love him enough.

Not like you and Uncle Luke.

That makes me proud...

to be the rule by which
you judge these things.

- Dear Aunt Ada.
- Oh.

[DOOR SLAMS]

So which is it to be?

Mrs. Fish.

Which what?

"The Tribune" says
he's going to the Met.

"The Times" says he'll
be at the Academy.

"The Herald" says Academy,

but "The Sun" says it's the Met.

Trust you to read "The Sun."

Where else can I find all the divorces?

[SIGHS]

He'll be at the Academy,

and he's asked to
make his own way there.

He thinks to arrive with us
would undermine his dignity.

Isn't his dignity already a
casualty of the arrangement?

[SIGHS]

Are you sure he'll come?

Because I could always go to the Met.

Where I suppose you also have a box.

He'll come. He can't afford not to.

Mrs. Fish, I can assure
you the matter is settled.

You will find the duke
at the Academy of Music.

[LIGHT MUSIC]

♪ ♪

[KNOCK AT DOOR]

Thank you for allowing me to come up,

although I'm not sure what
it will do for my reputation.

You flatter me.

How did you know I was
staying at the Union?

I make it my business
to know these things.

Mrs. Russell, you did not have to ride

all the way to 39th Street to tell me

I have behaved badly.

I know I have, and I apologize, but...

You can't afford to turn her down.

You must understand that a
great many people depend on me.

I'm sure of it.

And so they will for many years to come.

I can only hope so.

Shall we sit down?

♪ ♪

[STUDENTS CHATTERING]

♪ ♪

[SIGHS]

Why aren't you going to marry my father?

Why did you change your mind?

Sometimes, you don't understand

a situation at first.

But when you think about it properly,

you realize that it's just not right...

not for him, not for me.

So won't we see each other anymore?

Out of school, I mean?

Of course we'll see each other.

I want to follow every
stage of your life

and dance at your wedding with joy.

You don't not love us, then?

Oh, I love you a lot.

I love your father too,
just not quite as a wife

should love a husband.

But I pray one day we'll all
three be as happy as can be.

[BELL CHIMING]

Now, you better go, or you'll
be late for mathematics.

♪ ♪

There's nothing else you need?

Nothing, ma'am. Everything's ready.

Thank you, Adelheid.

Oh, Billy's asked if
he can visit our box

for the third or fourth act.

No.

But you like the Carltons.

You like his mother. You said so.

I hardly know them, and
we'll be entertaining

our own guests in the
intervals. I want you there.

Billy Carlton's nice.

Nicer than your duke.

There's no need for impertinence.

Mrs. Russell, excuse me.

Here is the menu you requested.

Mr. Borden asks if
there is anything else

you would like to add.

No, I'm content.

Thank you.

Oh, Mr. Gilbert sent a message

that two tickets for
tonight have been returned.

I thought you might like them.

Tickets for this evening, for
the opening night of Faust?

Yes, orchestra seats, of course.

But you'll have a decent view.

You can take a friend.

Might I ask Mr. Borden?

Borden? Oh.

Well, you'll have to ask Church.

But the supper is cold, so I suppose

he and the kitchen maids could manage.

You can help as soon as you're back.

That's very good of you, Madam.

Come to the drawing room,
and I'll give them to you.

I don't know what
else to say other than,

thank you very much.

"Thank you" is quite enough.

♪ ♪

Well, I got your note.

- Though I found it rather cryptic.
- [CHUCKLES]

I apologize for that.

I... I didn't want to
discuss this at "The Globe"

in front of everyone.

We aren't exactly alone here.

What is it?

I won't be returning to the paper.

Why... why not?

Have you gotten an offer
from another publication?

There's no other offer.

Then why leave?

Mr. Fortune, I will always be grateful

for everything we did together,
for the stories we covered,

for the chances you gave me.

I... I have a voice now.

A voice our readers are anxious to hear.

Don't abandon them when you're just

creating a name for yourself.

This doesn't make sense.

I'm afraid it's how it has to be.

- But...
- We can't continue like this.

[SOFT MUSIC]

At least I know I can't.

♪ ♪

So what are your plans?

I'm not sure.

I have a novel that I've
put off for far too long.

Good.

Because you have things to say,
and you know how to say them.

I hope so.

And we both have work to do.

And we need no distractions.

Well, that's true.

You deserve to be at the
center of your own life.

Thank you.

The others will hate to see you go.

They'll miss you.

Please give them my best
wishes when you tell them.

And I'll miss you.

There's nothing I can say
to make you change your mind?

No.

I just wish things could
have been different.

Me too.

But bad timing shapes our lives.

♪ ♪

[SIGHS]

♪ ♪

Do you need Bannister

to escort you across the street?

No, they'll collect me from here.

Should we wish each other luck?

[CHUCKLES]

I do wish you luck, Aunt Agnes.

And I know I've been a disappointment.

Even I don't expect you to
marry in order to please me.

Thank you.

But now you have two strikes
against you, Marian...

the second more public than the first.

You can't afford another.

No.

I've said enough.

Enjoy your evening.

But remember, time passes quickly.

Don't throw your life away.

[LIGHT MUSIC]

♪ ♪

Are you off?

Ah, I must say you both look very smart.

Thank you. Are you sure
you can manage the supper?

- We'll be back...
- Everything's under control.

I hope you enjoy the opera.

Oh, don't worry about that.

- We will.
- I'm glad.

And I'm glad to hear you'll be

staying with us, Miss Andre.

You're staying, and I'm going.

We'll miss you, Mr. Watson.

And I will miss you. All of you.

I've been happy here.

Perhaps you'll come back to see us.

No, he won't be back.

But I want to wish you well
in your new life, Mr. Watson.

I mean it. I really do.

We all do.

[ENERGETIC MUSIC]

Go on. You'll be late.

[LAUGHS]

♪ ♪

Go and collect Miss Brook.

Are we going?

♪ ♪

My dear, you have outdone yourself.

I'm only the curtain-raiser.

Here's the main attraction, Gladys.

Your mother's right.

You take the prize tonight, my dear.

Where is my grubby little sister?

She's gone missing.

Why are you all being so nice to me?

I'm admiring my handiwork.

Me too.

Congratulations to you both.

We should get started.

Are you ready for the challenge?

Ooh. Can you doubt it?

It's time to deliver the coup de grace.

Welcome, Mrs. Russell.

Our day of reckoning is finally here.

Indeed, it is.

♪ ♪

Are we really here?

Is it possible?

- Take courage and believe.
- [LAUGHS]

I see all the skeletons
and ghouls are here.

They may be old, but they
are the backbone of society.

A broken back, if you ask me.

I've not asked you
anything, nor do I intend to.

- Are you all right?
- Ask me tonight when it's over.

- Mrs. Russell.
- I hope after tonight Mother will calm down.

What if she loses?

Win or lose, she's got to be less mad

than she's been lately.

Your mother knows what she wants,

and perhaps that's the
trick of getting it.

You're very philosophical tonight.

I was reminded of something
Aunt Agnes said to me.

We have some other guests arriving.

They will be shown to your box.

Wait a minute. Haven't
we come too far along?

No, it's just here.

You've tricked me.

Mrs. Winterton, it is
a box on the first tier,

just as you wanted.

Now, you must excuse me.

Please, enjoy your evening.

We were to have the central box.

We were to have Mrs. Russell's box.

- She's made a fool of me again.
- If she has, don't make it worse.

- I'm leaving.
- No, you need to be part of this event.

And you don't want to show
Mrs. Russell has defeated you,

so sit down.

And look as if it's
all just as you planned.

Very well, but I won't forget it.

Close your mouth.

You don't want people to
think you've never been

in an opera house before.

Is it that obvious?

[CHUCKLES]

Mrs. Russell.

- He's not coming.
- I can assure you he is.

The carriages are all unloaded.

He's not here.

They can't wait much longer.

The duke will be here.

He won't be long now.

♪ ♪

Can't we wait a little bit longer?

I have more faith in yourself, my dear.

- I certainly do.
- Wait a minute.

This is wrong.

I gave up the central box.

Don't give it another thought.

Just go forward and claim your victory.

♪ ♪

[SWEEPING MUSIC]

[CROWD MURMURING]

♪ ♪

I don't understand.

It seems they believed
Mrs. Russell and not us.

But he's coming.

I know it.

[ENGINE HUMMING]

So you were brave after all.

Braver than I knew myself to be.

But Mrs. Astor can't have
it all her own way, can she?

Do hurry up, dear.

Oh, there's Mrs. Fish.

- Oh?
- Ah, Mamie, you came.

Is this it? Really?

Is this the turnout?

Look, some of them are leaving.

It makes us appreciate
your loyalty all the more.

Or does it make it all
the more ridiculous?

Goodbye, ladies. Mr. McAllister.

- Where are you going?
- Where do you think?

But I'll have to hurry
if I'm to get there

before I miss too much.

Should I help find her carriage?

Sit down. You're going nowhere.

I won't believe she's won.

I can't believe it.

♪ ♪

[LIGHT CHATTER]

[GASPS]

[CROWD MURMURING]

[CHEERS AND APPLAUSE]

♪ ♪

I want to remember every
tiny detail, every moment.

Then remember this.

Mr. Borden.

I hope I'm not late.

Late or early, you
are very welcome, Duke.

I hope you will call me Hector.

I'm not sure Mrs. Russell
will approve of that.

Why not? Of course I approve.

And you ought to call
us George and Bertha

and Larry and Gladys.

Would you mind?

I don't see how I can

when you're only obeying orders.

- Then I'm glad.
- Which is just as it should be.

[BOTH LAUGH]

[GASPS] Hurry up.

Thank you.

- Oh, Elizabeth.
- Mrs. Fish.

I didn't think you were coming.

I wasn't, but the Academy was a morgue.

The fact is, you've won.

It can be a mistake
to celebrate too soon.

Oh, my dear, American society
has been reinvented tonight.

And you are at the very heart of it.

[APPLAUSE]

Ladies and gentlemen,

this is a historic night for New York.

Of course, much work and dedication

has gone into this endeavor.

And I could reel off a
list of our benefactors

that would keep us occupied
until morning, but I won't.

[LAUGHTER]

Except to say thank you
to Mrs. George Russell,

who has been our muse and inspiration.

- [CHUCKLES]
- [APPLAUSE]

Tonight, her guest of honor

is His Grace, the Duke of Buckingham.

Look at Turner scowling.

What pleasure it gives me.

[LAUGHS]

Why was she thrown out of the Academy?

Did you ever find out?

I wrote to Mrs. Astor, of course.

Did she know it came from you?

Certainly not.

Of Signor Vianesi.

[APPLAUSE]

So... this is what defeat feels like.

Lina, don't say that.

The Metropolitan is a novelty.

They're simply curious.

Ladies, I know it's hard,

but it's time to face the truth.

To quote Ecclesiastes,

for everything in
life, there is a season.

And it seems the season
of the Academy of Music

is drawing to a close.

[SOFT ORCHESTRAL MUSIC]

♪ ♪

[CLEARS THROAT] Still
thinking deep thoughts?

[CHUCKLES]

Not exactly, but Aunt Agnes is right.

It's time I took control of my life.

You do know you're a marvelous person?

I know it's kind of you to say so.

I mean it.

[SINGING IN ITALIAN]

♪ ♪

Gladys, who are you waving at?

Billy Carlton in his mother's box.

May I ask him to come back
with us for supper afterwards?

No.

Now, show the duke...
show Hector your program.

Here, although I guess you
know the story of Faust.

Of course.

A man sells his soul to
gain riches on this earth.

And he lives to regret it.

♪ ♪

I hope he's properly ashamed of himself.

She can't have just paid him more money.

He swore an oath.

And then he broke it.

Perhaps she offered something more.

♪ ♪

How did you get the
duke to change his mind?

I made Hector see it
was in his interest.

- But how?
- George, you make the money.

And I'm very grateful.

But I don't tell you
what to do in Pittsburgh.

And you must leave
me to manage the rest.

♪ ♪

You don't have to come across.

You can watch me from here.

Don't be silly.

[BOTH LAUGH]

That was a delicious supper...
or should I say breakfast.

[CHUCKLES] My mother knows

how to manage those things.

Her gift is management.

So you're not getting married after all.

And now you're to leave 61st Street.

Where will you go?

I'm not sure, but don't worry.

I've got a job I enjoy and plenty to do.

Will you stay in New York?

I hope so. [LAUGHS]

I love New York. I love
everything about it.

Good. [CHUCKLES]

I'd hate for us to have to say goodbye.

We'll never say goodbye.

We know far too much
about each other's lives

not to be friends forever.

[CHUCKLES]

[SOFT MUSIC]

♪ ♪

Oh.

[CLEARS THROAT]

Ah, Miss Marian.

Mrs. Van Rhijn and Mrs.
Forte are waiting for you

- in the drawing room.
- What?

Why?

How strange.

I'd better go in.

[BOTH LAUGH]

Good night, Mr. Russell.

Miss Brook.

Oh, uh, Mr. Trotter.

You'll be pleased to hear
there's been a lot of interest

in your clock.

Well, I am pleased to hear it.

Thank you.

I think we should go
into business together.

Don't answer now.

I'll be back with more detail.

Good day.

I don't understand. Why
weren't you in bed hours ago?

She has something to tell us.

And she insisted on waiting for you.

But why? What is it?

Yes, please put an end to this mystery.

Very well.

As you know, I've spent the
evening reading every paper

that the lawyers have sent me.

That must have been hard.

So what did these papers consist of?

Most importantly, there
was a copy of Luke's will

and a letter from Luke
to me tucked inside it.

A letter from beyond the grave?

- Exactly.
- Huh.

Apparently, he asked
that it be given to me

only after his death.

For what?

To explain what I'd need
to manage as his sole heir.

But is there anything to manage?

It seems so.

His grandfather made a
fortune in textiles in Boston.

- [LAUGHS]
- What?

And you didn't know anything about it?

- Or did you?
- No, but he's explained.

When he gave his life to God,

he chose to live without
the advantages of money.

And he took no payment for himself.

But many people depended on the company.

So he allowed it to
continue and prosper.

And now you've inherited it?

So what are you saying?

That you've come into money?

- [PULLEY CLICKS]
- Yes,

- a great deal of money.
- [LAUGHS]

Too much money, really.

But doesn't this mean
we won't have to sell the house,

the servants won't lose their jobs,

and nothing needs to change?

Exactly.

Nothing needs to change.

Bannister, you're still up?

We're all still up, ma'am,
awaiting your orders.

Oh, good, because I have some news.

Mrs. Forte has inherited a
sum from her late husband,

so we will not be moving and
all of your jobs are safe.

- [GIGGLING]
- Oh, hallelujah.

- [LAUGHTER]
- And if I may say so, what a relief.

[LAUGHTER]

Please feel free to
tell them downstairs.

[LAUGHTER]

- Miss Ada.
- Yes.

Is that your wish?

[LIGHT MUSIC]

Why, yes.

Please tell them downstairs.

Thank you, Bannister.

Yes, ma'am.

Thank you, ma'am.

♪ ♪

What was that about?

I expect he knows he's
working for Aunt Ada now.

I suppose that means they all are.

Well, I still own this house, don't I?

But Aunt Ada will be paying their wages.

Things may be a little
different in the future, Agnes.

But I'm sure we'll work it out.

Are you?

Are you really?

♪ ♪

[SPIRITED ORCHESTRAL MUSIC]

♪ ♪

[BRIGHT TONE]