01x05 - Episode 5

[bunniefuu]

Some call it a fever which robs the
victim of rational thought.

Some call it delirium which fuddles the
mind and curdles the blood.

Some call it possession which distorts
reason and shatters sleep.

Others call it love.

But call it what you will.

For a foresight, it can be both a
blessing and a curse.

Shall we join the family for breakfast?

Let's spare ourselves.

We'll have to bring some funeral, Isha.
We should throw them a welcome dinner.

Show the bride what a civilized
household looks like. She'll get nothing

from Emily or Winifred.

I wonder how Francis will take it. A
rival in the family?

No longer Queen Bee.

Well, she'll hardly be threatened by
that slip of a girl. What a lovely

She can't seriously believe she's in
love with Jones.

Does she need to be?

Madly. That's why I get married at all.

Phil and I will be inseparable.

We'll finish each other's sentences,
think each other's thoughts. How

exhausting. Well... I'm sad for you,
Grandpa, that you've never known great

passion.

When did I say that?

We'll grave the family tonight for
drinks.

But in the meantime, you can settle in
and let Paja to fetch whatever you need.

And where will you be?

At the office, persuading my father of
our plans.

And while I'm gone, why not make an
inventory of everything you'd like to

change?

Change. My love, this is a bachelor's
apartment.

As a new husband, I naturally bow to my
wife's superior taste.

But if we're in Paris... On the rare
occasions we return, I want everything

be just as you wish.

Last night, um... Yes?

I couldn't sleep for some reason.

Nor I.

How strange.

Yes.

I think you did it.

Wiggins.

I have an errand for you.

Salon goal, that five and rising?

As predicted.

Not by all. I recall some advised
caution. They'll be regretting it now.

Will they ever learn?

Ah, my boy.

Mrs. Forsythe, shall I announce you?

No need, I know my way. Ah, dear Irene.

Welcome to the madness.

This must all feel very daunting, but
I'm here to help you navigate. Well,

that's very kind of you. Tomorrow night,
you'll join us for dinner. Thank you.

And the day after, I'll take you into
town, introduce you to all our preferred

establishments if you want to open
accounts. Of course.

Shall we say ten?

Splendid.

Is there anything you require, ma 'am?

Um... Your name?

Partitor, ma 'am.

First name?

Constance. Do your friends call you
Connie?

They do.

May I call you Connie?

Oh, ma 'am, that wouldn't be fitting.

I believe that's for me to decide. Does
Mr. Soames have any other personal

staff? He does.

I'd love to meet them, please.

Yes, ma 'am.

This is Knowles. Oh, first name.

Oh, uh... Teddy, valet.

Betsy, parlour maid.

Simeon, footman.

Betsy, Teddy, Simeon, Connie. I'm
delighted to meet you.

I'm not sure how long Mrs. Sims and I
will be staying, but I hope we have the

chance to become better acquainted.

Thank you.

Ma 'am... Forgive me for saying. The
lady of the house and fraternity

It might confuse them.

They don't expect to be treated with
respect.

Well, I expect it. The least I can do is
return the compliment.

Is that understood?

Perfectly, ma 'am.

Telegram did the trick, I see.

No, I've actually returned earlier than
planned to navigate any potential

upheavals caused by world events.

Such as?

Famine in Africa, tornadoes in Bengal,
conflict in Suez.

Upheavals, which could lead to
turbulence in the markets.

And Mrs.

Soames?

Is she aware of her duties?

As the wife of a prospective chairman,
she'll need to rise to the occasion.

And when the occasion arises, she will.

Now, if you'll excuse me, Pa.

Of course.

Just the person I wanted.

June, how are you?

Engaged.

To someone you actually like?

Not that dreary old mama I was grooming
before.

The bar came up, Trump said I could
marry for love.

Then he's a rare soul.

My absolute hero.

So, his name's Phil.

He's an architect.

We're not allowed to marry till he gets
his first commission, but... I say, you

don't fancy a house in the country?

If it was just outside Paris... Well,
speak to Phil.

You'll love him.

He's like us. I mean, you and I.

You'll soon realise we are not typical
Forsythes.

What is a typical portrait?

Brace yourself. You're about to
discover.

Are you going into town? Shall we go
together?

Yes.

Thank you for agreeing to see me.

Last night, forgive me, I should never
have come.

But when I heard they were sick, I...
It's a weakness they have.

Holly especially.

She's always been delicate.

But we manage.

I don't want you to manage.

My stepdaughter June, her whole life
she's been lavish with all the luxuries

money can buy.

So why should they not have the same?

Because they're not gentle folk. They're
my children.

Don't say that.

I'm sorry.

But let me do something.

Pay for their education, medicine.

They need never know.

I'm their father.

I'd like to see them from time to time,
if you'll let me.

Consider it.

Thank you.

The other ledger, please. Right away,
sir.

That's yours.

Thank you, sir.

There you are.

Good morning, sir. Good morning, Mr
Forsyte.

Good morning, Mr Forsyte.

So how was Paris?

Why do you ask?

Well, rhetorically.

Obviously it was bliss.

All the more noble that he returned
prematurely for the good of the firm.

Having kept his ear to the ground?

On his honeymoon.

I've got wind of impending turbulence in
the markets.

From where? Point being that in times of
instability, there are gains to be

made.

By those prepared to take calculated
risks.

Shouldn't we apply more of a cautious
approach?

So the long -term picture becomes clear?

Don't think he's suggesting that anyone
should adopt the tactic.

Just those adept in risk management.

Over to you, my boy.

Excuse me.

You went out after all.

To Covent Garden for nectarines.

Part of it was fetched to them.

Oh, I wanted the air. I hate being
cooped up all day.

How's your father? Is he reassured?

My father?

Yes.

My father.

Appears robust.

But for years now, he's had issues with
his heart.

Oh, I'm sorry, I had no idea.

In thinking further, I'm realizing we've
been selfish.

And rather than risk aggravating his
condition, perhaps we should adjust our

plans.

If health could fail at any moment...

So I think for the present, we must
remain here.

You mean not to return to Paris?

But if I miss the chance to audition...
Sorry.

It's not what either of us wished.

But what can I do?

We should dress for c*ck.

My father will be there.

Please don't mention this conversation.

It'll only embarrass him.

I believe I'm a little nervous. Oh,
Mama.

I can't quite work her out.

She seems a sweet thing, but I can't
help thinking she's a little outre.

her wedding dress was hardly a la mode.
And according to her stepmother, she

absolutely insisted on wearing it. Well,
one wonders if she'll want her own way

in all sorts of matters.

Sure same as we put a stop to that?

I'm not so sure. He seems plotted.

Can you blame him?

I can't bear the idea of her running
rings around him.

Well, she's no business doing anything
but love, honour and obey.

Oh, my dears.

Well, here we are.

It's good to be home.

You're most welcome, my dear.

I checked with Mama.

Only five quarters for dinner.

Pity. I was hoping to think enough to
last me three days.

I could steal you some muffins from the
kitchen.

Would you?

Please.

When do I get to meet your family?

Well, as you know, my mother is the
thief and my father has very little time

me. Good fruit.

House building is not, to his mind, a
reputable profession.

Dear Phil, I am now mulling a small
pagoda for the garden.

I advise against.

Have you considered it's better not?

I could have sworn that Holmes said
they'd be gone at once.

Perhaps he got bored of her.

Oh, she of him. Personally, I wouldn't
last five minutes.

Well, no doubt you can ply her with
questions at dinner tomorrow.

Oh, I already have.

We walked into town together.

Oh. She's too good for Soames, of
course, but you'll adore her.

You too, Papa.

Papa?

I'm sorry, what?

Irene, you'll get on like a house on
fire.

In fact, I think she might prefer you to
Soames.

Who wouldn't?

Well, my dear, we're a long way from
Paris.

But none the worse for that.

And we must throw a ball in your honour,
though I should warn you, James is a

fiend for the polka. What?

Isn't that rather boisterous?

Well, no.

Not for an athlete like myself.

Well, I think it's time for us to
retire.

Early start tomorrow.

Standards to set, etc.

Indeed.

Yes, now that Soames is stepping up,
we're relying on you to do the same.

You are a foresight now, my dear.

Standards are high.

So are the rewards.

Good night to you all.

I really seemed a little subdued.

If you'd let me near her, I would have
livened her up a bit.

She asked me how I was.

How the devil should I be?

Fit as a fiddle, I told her. Perhaps she
was tired of the journey from Paris.

In a first -class carriage with Soames
pandering to her every whim.

I really hope she won't make life
difficult for him.

I think she already has.

Father seemed very assertive.

He puts on a good show, so as not to
alarm my mother.

It's beautiful.

I thought you could wear it close to
your heart.

I very much regret our change of plans.

Perhaps in a year or so we might
reconsider.

By then, my chance to join the ballet
will have passed.

And that grieves me.

All we can do is take solace in each
other.

I believe we'll find much to enjoy if we
dwell on our many blessings.

Instead of what we've lost.

June. You know, I saw you in Soho,
watching the jugglers with

them.

I'm sorry, that must have been...
Upsetting.

No more than for you, having to cut ties
with your own children.

How can you bear it?

When I married your mother, I swore
there'd be no difference in my love for

or any other children she or I might
have.

And sadly, there have been no other
children.

For me, they do exist.

And my love for you has only made it
clear what I owe to them.

And I met with their mother in addition
to her settlement when they reached

their majority. I've committed to
educate and provide for them now.

And I intend to tell your mother this
evening.

So say nothing to her before then.

I don't expect her to take it well.

Nor you.

What? What am I?

A child? Well, I... I met her.

I liked her.

And... I do know that difficult
decisions have to be made.

Such as you made.

Letting me and Phil get engaged.

You're not a bad person.

What was he doing?

Come and have a fun, Mama.

Look, it's Joe.

Hello. Hello.

Do you have any children?

A stepdaughter.

Very bright, very clever.

Our father was handsome.

And clever.

And fun.

And a very great artist.

Well, if you have such a gift, you
should use it.

Especially if that gift is an expression
of who you are.

Or used to be.

And could be again.

Children, I think we must be going.

Say goodbye.

Goodbye. Goodbye.

Yes.

No, wait.

Ma 'am?

Yes.

Make the arrangement.

Yes, madam.

What's happening?

Telegram from Ceylon.

expl*si*n at the mine. 200 dead.

Hundreds more injured. So Jimmy
Buckland's dead. And locals are turning

what's left of management.

And the share price.

I can imagine.

It's a disaster.

It's for size.

Miss Louisa.

I was buying marshmallows and I thought,
why don't I bring some for the

children? That's kind.

May I?

Now, take them upstairs.

Oh, must they go?

Please.

They're adorable.

Yes.

Do you have any siblings?

Fourth is just two brothers.

Whereas I'm an only child.

Oh.

So I thought.

Was there anything else?

What?

Yes.

I'd like to be fitted for a new gown.

I'll fetch my measuring tape.

This came while you were out?

Oh, my God.

Hannah, I...

I don't understand.

How... How could this happen?

Eviction?

How on earth? I have no idea. Could it
be a mistake?

It must be, surely. Something amiss. Can
I help?

No, thank you. You're very kind, but...
Is there someone who could advise you?

Someone else who could help?

Absolutely not.

And I beg that you don't mention this.

To anyone.

Lest there be any doubt, collective
panic can only inflame the situation.

Salon Gold has suffered a setback.

Some of our clients, those who invested
large sums, will be feeling the pinch.

The pinch?

But, at the end of the day, the choice
to invest lies solely with them. Damn

right. Everyone knows there are no
guaranteed returns.

And the contract they sign... Informs
them of that, yes, but which of them

bothers to read it?

And whose fault is that?

Ours.

For not emphasising the risks.

Theirs. For having their eye on the
bigger prize.

I, for one, do not accept that the
responsibility is solely ours.

And why does that not surprise me?

In case you were wondering...

That is what leadership looks like.

A cool head in a crisis.

A crisis of our own making. How could we
have known?

Scope of it?

We couldn't.

We gambled.

We lost.

Mama, let me help.

What are you doing? I can manage.

Mama.

What is it?

What is it?

Your father has resumed relations with
that woman.

I blame her.

He is weak, but she has entrapped him.
Surely not.

And if he can't be trusted to keep his
distance, then the only solution is for

her to be put out of his reach.

For good.

Could it be her doing? Of course it's
her doing.

She's never agreed to see him again.

You must write to him.

Tell him. I don't want anything more to
do with any of them.

We'll simply pack up and go.

But where?

How will we live? How will our clients
know where to find us?

We'll manage.

Did you have a pleasant day?

I went into town and met with Madame
Lana.

May I ask why?

To engage her for lessons.

I see.

And is such a hobby really compatible
with your role as my wife?

I don't regard it as a hobby.

Go ahead, say it. Your old man got it
wrong.

I wasn't going to say it. No, no, no.

Let me have the grace to admit my
mistakes.

I didn't trust your instincts.

Thought I knew best.

Lesson learned.

Perhaps I'm not the expert after all.

Nothing to do with me.

I claim no expertise. I simply follow
advice.

It's really quite shocking.

Poor Monty was escorted from his club.

Frog marched out, like a criminal,
simply because several members, clients

mine, came a -cropper with Salem Gold.
And Izzy Carswell?

Threatened to thrash me. And how is it
your fault he lost half his estate?

Well, he can thank his stars he wasn't
Harry Faulkner.

Harry Faulkner?

Of Cavendish Square?

Not for much longer.

Poor devil's lost his entire fortune.

Oh, here you are.

We were just wondering.

Are you one of those wives who takes an
interest in her husband's profession?

I could be, but at present I know little
of it. I believe it essential for a man

to keep his professional life separate.

Why should a wife be plagued with his
trials and tribulations?

Because husband and wife should have no
secrets from each other.

But then where would the mystery be?

That what keeps both parties on their
toes.

Can we speak?

Not that I'm suggesting anything at all.

What is it?

Tell me.

Whatever I tell you, no one can know it
came from me.

Summoned. for an audience with the
Mater.

What's this about?

Something I said?

Harry Faulkner of

Cavendish Square.

Yes.

Do you plan to cover his losses?

Why on earth would we do that?

I believe it's what your father would
have wished.

Well, with all due respect to the
pager's memory, I... You owe him this.

Have you forgotten how he salvaged your
reputations and set you back on course

after you'd been caught floundering?

Floundering? If you mean our brief
attachment to a certain lady.

Alexandra Shepard.

I do.

So, what are you saying?

That if you know what's best for all
concerned, you will do right by Harry

Faulkner.

Well, if she couldn't pay the rent, why
not tell me?

I don't think that's the reason. I think
someone wants to be rid of her.

Someone wants her premises someone who
wants her removed from their life

From their husband's life

Your mother wouldn't do that

Please

don't be too harsh with her Will you
speak to her tonight? No

That's something I have to do first.

Well, are you ready to visit the
promised land?

Liberty's, my dear.

It's the only place to shop.

Hi, John.

Would you fetch your mother and sister
for me?

We'll go on a little drive.

Come on.

Big step now.

Would you join me?

They spent so much.

True. But you'll soon come to realize
you deserve it.

My dear, your life is no longer your
own.

As a four -sided woman, you're expected
to shine.

To be a perfect hostess. To forge useful
connections.

To profess no controversial opinions. To
pursue no scandal of habit. Am I

committed to mind of my own?

Of course.

But be aware.

The men like to think everything is
their idea.

And it's so much easier to let them.

Why have we stopped here?

Oh, uh, thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Should we go in?

Door's unlocked. Come inside and have a
look around.

Why are we here?

Do you like it?

I love it!

What is this place?

Your home.

I bought these from Fortnum.

What a kind thought.

I don't know what to get for the
gentleman.

Sweet things can be bad for the
constitution.

Don't worry about Monty.

He's got the digestion of a hog.

Oh, but James, is he not a little...

Delicate? Mm -hmm. Oh, good Lord, no.
Top of the boot.

Not a day's sickness in his life.

A brandy?

Are you aware that my children and their
mother have been served with a notice

of eviction?

How would I know that?

How would you know that?

Are you still seeing her? I have seen
her, yes.

I intended to tell you... Why are you
seeing her?

To inform her that her children will
henceforth receive ongoing financial

support.

For their living and educational needs.

I see.

And I'll occasionally visit.

Despite your assurance to me.

I've reconsidered.

I realise I owe it to them.

To her.

This is all about her.

And what she's managed to extract from
you. There has been no extraction quite

the reverse.

You've broken your promise.

To me and to June.

You've continued your affair.

There is no affair. You're not even
being honest with yourself.

Are you honest?

Are you being honest right now?

How dare you suggest?

I do suggest.

I suggest you know very well Louise has
been evicted because you are

responsible. Oh, that's outrageous.

And if honesty is really what you want,
then I will tell you I am appalled that

you would go to such lengths to destroy
the lives of two innocent children who

are also blameless.

But you are not blameless.

You have gone behind my back again and
again and again.

And to claim there is no affair.

You won't believe it.

Then make me believe it.

Remove her from our lives.

From London.

Preferably abroad.

So you are never again tempted to see
her or her children for the rest of

lives.

Require this of me, Frances.

I do require it.

I'm sorry.

How was your trip with Frances?

Illuminating. I discovered how ill
-equipped I am to be a foresight wife.

Well,

Frances will teach you all there is to
know.

She's already taught me a great deal.

That day in the cafe with my friends, is
that when you changed your mind?

I'm sorry, what?

Or was it at the ballet?

You were so quiet afterwards. Did
something alarm you?

I'm tired. I've had a taxing day. And
was there really a telegram from your

father?

I told you there was... And does he
actually have an issue with his heart?

Why should you doubt my... Because your
mother assures me he's never been ill in

his life.

Do you recollect when we met?

You were grieving.

Practically destitute.

Now, you have luxury.

Security. The chance to make your mark
on London society.

And what if that isn't what I want?

Then I suggest you learn to want it.

And count your blessings.

You are my wife.

And our life together can be exceedingly
pleasant.

Or it can be difficult.

But the difficulty will be of your own
making, not mine.

And I just want to keep her home.

Irene!

Irene, don't go.

Come meet Phil.

Irene, this is my fiancé, Phil.

Phil, this is darling Irene.

Delighted to meet you.

Pleasure's all mine.

I know you two are going to adore each
other. We are. I absolutely insist.

Booted you out, has she?

Marriage going well, is it?

The boy's not thinking straight.

Why else would he take such a stance?

About two children he's barely met.

His own children.

There is a pull.

But it must be resisted.

Everything dear to him resides here.

Trust me.

You'll return.

You really have no idea, do you?

I admit it. I don't.

Any chance of a bed for the night?

Well,

that's the lot.

Ten years of it.

Sad.

I think it's for the best.

I do too.

Well, goodbye.

Yes, goodbye.