01x02 - Stranger In A Strange Land

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My sweet Non, I miss you so...

I do not know if your father
will let you read this letter.

I do not even know if
you've learned how to read.

I know so little about you,
and yet I think of you constantly.

I love you so much.

I've not forgotten my promise to you...

I'm doing all I can to find
a way for us to be together.

He won't.

I miss it so!

- What, mother?
- The circus. More than him.

Your father's death was a
tragedy, but I miss the circus more.

It takes power to hold on to a trapeze.

And the day I lost my balance jumping
from the trapeze onto the horse...

it haunts me!

That day I knew it was finished.

It was over for me.

I did not have the strength
in me anymore... to go on.

Acting like a queen, waiting
for you to fix her breakfast.

And me... look at me.

In this kitchen!

Cooking and washing... What about her?

She doesn't lift a finger around here.

What gives her the right?
Who does she think she is?

Mother, please. Not so
loud, she might hear you.

Oh.

So, I won't even be allowed to
say what I feel in my own house.

That woman upstairs, my
son, she will be your downfall.

She will ruin you.

Mark my words.

She is no good for you...

- Morning.
- Morning Margaretha.

- Coffee?
- No, no, no. Thanks.

I have an early lesson.

Oh, who's coming in so early?

I'll see you in the evening.

And I'll be paying today.

I insist on buying dinner.

You are in love with her.

But she is just using you.

The neighbors ask me about her
all the time: "Who is this woman?"

And what do you tell them, mother?

I tell them Margaretha
is my son's woman.

I can't tell them that
she's just a foreigner

who won't even sleep with you, can I?

I don't need that kind of love.

You need a woman. Someone
to make you feel like a man.

Shh.

Where is your aunt, Mademoiselle Beata?

- We are going to miss it.
- I wouldn't mind missing it.

What a ridiculous idea
to go watch an execution.

And this is too early in the morning.

Aunt.

Lydia.

You look gorgeous.

It takes a while for me now to
look gorgeous, unlike my niece.

Horses are ready.

Let's go.

Hey Ludder.

Come!

Hello, Lucas.

- Hello Mademoiselle, you're so early!
- I like to come here,

early in the morning, when it's
quiet and there's no people around.

Here, catch!

- Oh, can I?
- Of course.

You're so good with horses.

I spend all my days with
them. I understand them.

And do you ride well too?

- I've never rode outside.
- Would you like to try?

Is it allowed?

Why not? Hmm?

Whoa.

What is that?

Are you alright, Mademoiselle?

I'm fine.

How can one's life
get to end so horribly?

It's not interesting at all.

Ready!

Aim!

Please, Lord, no!

Life means nothing.

Please, Lord, no!

Fire!

No!

Don't leave me.

Mademoiselle...

Madame! Are you
alright? Can you hear me?

Are you alright Madame?

Wake up

Are you alright?

Madame...

Come, get up.

Mademoiselle!

Try to stand up. Come
on, you can make it!

Mademoiselle!

My dear.

I'm glad to see they've
laundered your clothes.

Yes, Madame. Thank you.

On the way here, Margaretha shared
her story with me. It was so touching.

Sit down, please, dear.

I have a terrible headache. Beata?

So, what are you up to now?

I am teaching horseback riding
for the ladies at Monsieur Mollier's.

- Monsieur Mollier?
- Mm-hmm.

How long have you been working for him?

About a year now.

Ah! I think I could help you, dear.

You've done already so
much for me, Madame.

Sympathy is so rare these days.

I think that I can offer
more than sympathy.

Beata, bring my jewelry box.

I have an idea.

Come closer, dear.

Come.

You will move in here.

You will have free room and board,

and I will pay you a salary to
be my personal riding teacher.

What do you say?

It's so unexpected...

- I have to think about it.
- There is nothing to think about.

We shall bring your
things here tomorrow.

A small token...

of gratitude, for saving my life.

It's too much, I cannot
accept, I'm sorry.

This is nothing.

My driver will take you
wherever you need now.

- Mademoiselle.
- Thank you so much.

So naïve, oh my God.

Well done, my dear.

For a moment I almost believed
you were sincerely grateful.

What do you want with her?

I want her.

But don't worry,
you'll stay with me too.

And besides, we'll
have our dear Maximilian

to get the better of his
rider from Monsieur Malle.

Do you have a plan?

Not yet, but she has taken the bait.

Oh wow!

Mademoiselle.

I've never been in an automobile
before. Am I saying it right?

You're saying it absolutely perfectly.

- I enjoyed it so much!
- I'm very happy you enjoyed it.

Thank you.

Well, have a nice day,
and I'll see you again soon.

Margaretha.

- Good afternoon.
- Good afternoon, Mademoiselle.

- Thank you so much, Gabriel.
- My pleasure.

So, how's the lady you saved?

A little bit bruised, that's
all. But she's going to be fine.

Ah, monsieur Mollier!

- Margaretha is back with us.
- Yeah.

You had us worried, and I don't like it.

Disappearing, just like that...

I'm so sorry Mr. Mollier, I just
wanted to take the boy for a ride,

and this woman
fell, and I just wanted...

I know, I know.

Lucas told me all about it.
You came... in an automobile.

That woman you said, who is she?

Her name is, huh, her.

Madame Kireevskaya. Did
she promise you anything?

- Did she invite you into her house?
- Yes.

- She did.
- You're an honest woman, Margaretha.

I have always appreciated
that, and I still do.

I'm sorry, I don't understand.
What are you trying to say?

It's not that simple. In a
word, I'll give you a choice.

Either you continue your
relationship with Madame Kireevskaya,

or you work for me. You can't do both.

Why not?

My clients are respectable people.

I have their daughters training here.

But Kireevskaya, on the other hand,

is not welcome in any respectable house.

She is rich,

and that's the only thing that
is keeping her out of prison.

I swear Margaretha, this is true.

I have to think about it.

Well, it's your choice.

But it will ruin your reputation.

And our friendship.

I'm sorry to say that.

Nice doll. I think your
daughter will be happy.

I didn't put any notes
to Non in the box.

Mr. MacLeod doesn't
allow any letters from me.

I know this, and I appreciate
your honesty, Madame.

But this is inhumane.

And I would be happy
to violate this prohibition.

Thank you.

Well, here it is. Everything
I thought you need.

I will be back in a few minutes.

- He really is a nice man.
- Yes.

Do you think he can hire a
lawyer in Amsterdam for me?

I have the money now.

Oh.

So...

you've decided to accept
Kireevskaya's money, after all.

I need it, Gabriel.

- Really.
- No, I understand.

You'll be performing
at the ball, won't you?

For the opening ceremony of the stables.

I will.

I could ask Mollier to, huh...

to lend you 2,000 Francs
against your salary,

and mine, of course.

- You would do that?
- Well, he knows your situation.

He'd be happy to know that
you've refused that dirty money.

Monsieur Hubert!

- Mademoiselle.
- Hello.

Could you please give
this to the Countess now?

Of course. Is there a message?

- No.
- No message?

No message.

Look at me! Why?

- Why aren't the horses clean?
- They are Monsieur Riddoh.

Oh, they are?

How dare you talk back to me? Get out!

Blowing off steam.

Lydia.

What brings you here?

Oh, I just came to see
how things are going.

Only three students in such a school.

Huh? If my people talked less and worked
more, business would be flourishing.

You are a very good lover, Maximilian.

But you are a very bad businessman.

But I would like to
help you, as your friend.

How?

- By investing more money on me?
- No, no.

I'll help you to move
closer to Vincent.

Are you joking?

There's only one owner in Vincent,

and it's Mollier. There's no
way to compete with him

Look. He sent me
invitations to his ball.

"To my dear colleague,
Maximilian Riddoh."

- He's mocking me.
- No, no, no. No!

No, no, let me see.

Have you found her?

Of course I have.

She lives in an apartment
on Cours des Carbonieres.

With Gabriel Astruc and his mother.

You still can't forget
that Dutch girl, can you?

She had the nerve to reject
me. Nobody gets away with this.

If you want, I can find
ways to make her suffer.

- You know what I want?
- Hmm?

I want her to come to me by herself.

And then... Then, we'll see.

Oh, God.

I'm so excited Monsieur Mollier
invited me to dance at his party!

Think dancing is such a great thing?

Do you really?

I can't believe you of all people
say that! You were a star of the circus.

That I was.

And look at me now! This
kitchen has become my life.

The life of a star is fleeting.

When you are famous and
rich it is hard to remember.

No one is better than the other.

You forget that the
crowds are cheering

and that they're not
falling at your feet.

I would not change just
because I became a star.

It's not a choice, Margaretha.

You get accustomed to
the crowd cheering you

and loving you. And
before you even realize it

you think you are better. But no.

It's all an illusion.

No, it's not.

You did something.

You're judging me for
wanting more than I have?

Well, you know what I've got?

I've got nothing.

I don't just want more. I need more.

How will I get back to my daughter?

With riding lessons?

You held the audience in your hands.

You made a good living.

Well...

I'll drink to that.

Here.

Drink to my past, and I
will drink to your future.

More wine?

Mademoiselle, Monsieur
Astruc, good evening.

Good evening.

You're late. Monsieur
Mollier was asking about you.

Yes, I'm so sorry, we were
choosing a costume for Margaretha.

It looks very good.

Yes, I've heard you're replacing the
dancer who got sick. It's very exciting.

Don't worry, monsieur Mollier
said he's looking forward to it.

He said: "Today is a special day and
we should all have a very good time!"

Actually where is he? I'd
like to have a word with him.

Probably... He's over
there, with the guests.

And he asked me to
make sure no one gets lost

and bring them here.
So, if you'll excuse me.

- Right. Thanks very much Lucas.
- See you later.

Looks like it's going
to be a lovely evening.

I hope so!

- This is what you call the Beau Monde?
- Yes, indeed.

The rich and the powerful.
The damned and the beautiful.

The upper class at its best.

They're damned? But
we're not damned, are we?

No, we're not. Especially
not you, Margaretha.

And I have some great news.

I talked to Mollier and he promised
to lend you the money you need,

by the end of season.

- Oh my God, Gabriel, this is wonderful!
- I know.

I don't know how to thank you.

But I haven't done anything. Mollier is
the one lending you the money, not me.

Margaretha, please don't do that.

My devotion is true
love to you, Margaretha,

and once you
understand that, then...

well, maybe something
might be possible between us.

Aw. Don't be silly, you lovely prince.

Now, come and dance with me.

- Good evening Madame, Monsieur.
- Good evening.

- Maximilian Riddoh.
- Monsieur Malle invited us.

Welcome. It's at the
front of the stables.

- Could you show us the way, please?
- Certainly.

Oh! You were with my dear
Margaretha the day I almost died.

Weren't you?

Yes, it was me, Madame.
Now, if you please.

Good evening, my savior.

Madame, what are you doing here?

My friend Maximilian has
been invited to the ball.

You remember Maximilian, don't you?

What? Are you afraid of me?

Oh no! You shouldn't be.
I just wanted to thank you.

And I don't need anything. Excuse me.

Of course. Good luck!
And remember, I'm a friend.

Why is it running? Isn't
it bad for the engine?

Sometimes, when it's cold, it
has a little difficulty in starting.

You know, my friend, I
would love to have a drink.

Is there any way you
can show me to the ball?

Huh, yes, of course.

Can I come back and
sit in the car after that?

My friend, you can come back
here and sit anytime you like.

Follow me.

And now, a special treat.

Margaretha Zelle will perform
an authentic Javanese dance.

You mix the powder with the
chemicals, and you let it settle,

and then you get out of there.

Got it?

Go.

And now I know what I will do
when she comes running back to me.

Sometimes you scare me, Lydia.

I like humiliation. It
excites me terribly.

Bravo!

What is that lady doing here? She
shouldn't be here, Monsieur Mollier.

She's full of lust carnal.

Madame Kireevskaya,
what brings you here?

This lady is with me.

I am Maximilian Riddoh.

I am sorry, Monsieur Riddoh,
but this is private property,

and I have to ask the lady to leave.

- What?
- Oh no. Don't Maximilian.

We are leaving. And thank you,
you were a wonderful host. Goodbye.

- Hello? Who's there?
- Oh, you're back!

- Someone is in there.
- Oh!

- I don't hear anything.
- Listen.

There it is again!

k*ll him.

Take him to the stables.

Maximilian, help him!

Come on!

I never knew you were such a dancer.

Amazing dancer.

You should have seen
them staring at you.

Fire!

Get the horses.

He's in the back stable.

The building!

Sh sh sh

Gabriel!

Yes.

To the right, there's
too much fire that way.

Take them right now.

To the back pasture, take
them to the back pasture.

Go on!

Come, come. Take all these horses.

Go! Faster!

No!

What is it?

Doctor.

I need a doctor.

Let's go and gets some
water and wash that acid off.

Just get in the car.

Let's go.

Sit down in the car Maximillian.

Gabriel,

Monsieur Mollier?

What did the doctor say?

He never regained
consciousness before he...

I think you ride me better than
you ride your precious horses.

You enjoy humiliating me, don't you?

It's a way for me to
have power over you.

I don't want power.

I just do what you want me to.

Everyone does what I want,

except that foolish girl.

I would have given her everything,

my love, my friendship, my money.

I burnt the stables to the ground,

she'll be back in no
time, I can assure you.

Someone is here for you.

You have two minutes, no more, hurry!

Madam Kireevskaya asked
me to check up on you.

She's inviting you over too.

I can't leave now,

if I leave now I lose my job.

I understand.

Working in a wash house
must be really tough.

Hands blistered,

eyes burnt with bleach.

Oh dear,

you will turn into an
old lady in no time.

It puts food on the table.

Yeah,

too bad.

Madam Kireevskaya had something
really interesting to offer you.

I think I know what she wants.

And yet,

give it a thought.

We're out of coffee but
I found some chicory.

It's nice.

Oh,

they found your purse at the stables.

I think it's all there.

I haven't found a job yet,
but I was able to borrow

a little money, not a lot,

but enough to pay the
lawyers for the weekend

to get a little food.

We don't want you to starve

before seeing your daughter do we.

I can't live off of you.

I don't want a story either.

What do you have in mind?

I've got to pull myself together.

Might as well get dressed.

Hello Mademoiselle.

- This way please.
- Thank you.

Hello madam.

Oh, Margaretha.

It's marvelous to see you.

A second.

Oh,

poor thing.

You look so pale.

Tea and sweets will
be served in a second.

You're so kind to me.

I owe you an apology.

Beata.

Don't be nervous.

People are talking

nonsense about me.

It's envy, nothing more.

Come, come and sit.

If you're still interested

in hiring me as a riding teacher,

I would be

- glad to...
- Oh yes.

Yes, but,

it was before I saw you dancing.

You are so beautiful,

so wonderful, there's so much passion

and emotions.

Well, my friends

will pay good money for that to see you.

I'm afraid I don't follow you.

- What?
- Are you asking me to perform?

Yes.

Don't say no.

I need to think about it.

Margaretha, you need to
think about your daughter.

You need money to get her back, right?

Oh, you can rehearse right here.

We will discuss the
details tomorrow, and now,

Beata, please?

You need to go to the cinema

to see Isadora Duncan dance.

Thank you dear.

This is for the ticket.

- I don't know what to say.
- You can show me gratitude

when you're famous.
Now, if you'll excuse me.

I have some business to do.

I understand.

- Thank you.
- Bye, thank you so much.

- Good bye.
- Bye.