02x05 - Subterfuges

[bunniefuu]

Lucian.

Where's Rose?

Why don't we go up and
get a glass of water?

Rose?

Rose?

Rose.

Damn it all to hell.

Rose?

Arrivederci.

Grazie mille.

Did the vultures get
what they wanted?

They seem rather pleased.

Perhaps they'll
leave you alone now?

Urgh, I damn well hope so.

I thought that was
all rather jolly.

So much fun.

You here again, Bonacini?

I came to help my nephew.

They do not teach English
at the military academy.

-A military man, you say?
-You are surprised?

A little.

I'd heard the Bonacinis
were a bunch of communists.

Who told you that?

Signor Danioni.

He has you figured for a
treacherous red, my friend.

My politics are
no man's business.

Except I rather
think they're mine.

I would hate to see my
wife's close association

with a Bolshevik sympathiser
blow up in her face.

Are you threatening me?

Oh, good grief, no.

I'm advising you.

Stay away from my wife...

before something
unfortunate happens.

Rose?

Rose?

Hello.

I had hoped that we might, um...

...steal a moment.

Oh, Lucian, we mustn't.

We already have.

It was a moment of madness.

It was the sanest
thing I've ever done.

Hmm...

No, Constance.

I, I can't, I can't go
back to how it was before.

Tell you what, Paola,
as a special treat,

I'll tidy up after you, hey?

Oh, cheer up.

You missed all the fun outside.

Oh, we've been having some fun
of our own, haven't we Paola?

Just been making my
lemon drizzle cake.

That workman she's sweet on,

he ate three pieces
the other day, oh my...

No, it's fine, it's
fine, everything's fine.

Cheeky.

Urgh!

40 years.

40 years I've used that recipe,

it's never failed.

Until now.

Alright, no, no,
Paola, enough, enough!

Now, chin up.

Get the eggs,
butter, flour, sugar.

Constance will walk you
through it this time.

See if you could do
any better, love.

You've got lemonade.

Yes. I was just experimenting
with some rosemary.

Are you going to
tell me about Nish?

He's stable...for now.

He thinks he might
have gangrene.

Gangrene? But then he needs
to see a doctor immediately.

Well, do you know anyone
that we can trust?

Nish seems to think that we ought
to rely on this Gianluca fellow.

Apparently, he has some sort
of plan to smuggle him out.

Well, that's more
than we have.

No, but the thing is,
now that it comes to it,

I realise I have no idea
how to get hold of him.

What about his father?

The lawyer?

Yes.

It's worth try.

Well, perhaps I
could go and see him.

I, I could, um...

I could ask Carlo if he would
accompany me to translate.

Well, if you wouldn't mind, that's
likely to draw less suspicion.

Yes, of course.

Now, please, darling,
go and find Rose.

I'm going.

Sir.

Is now a good moment, Ma'am,

for me to make that
telephone call?

Oh, yes, of course, Betty.

Are you sure I won't be
keeping you from the office?

No.

I have an errand to run.

Oh, what the devil is it now?

Looking for me?

Ah.

You didn't think I'd sang and
dance at your friend's party

without a rehearsal, did you?

Uh, he's not a friend.

He's a business
associate, actually.

But even so, it was jolly
decent of you to help out.

I'm not doing it for you, honey.

I'm doing it for your wife...

and a thousand dollars.

Thanks, Billy.

I'm in the wrong game.

Pottiston, seven
nine four five.

Fanny, is that you love?

No, Mrs Scanlon, it's
Joan. Joan Bunting?

-Joan?
-That's right, Mrs Scanlon.

Err, we met at Fanny's
anniversary party

a few year back.

I'm her cousin.

I work with her...
here at the big house.

I, I, I remember, love.

Where is she?

At home.

She's had, um, an episode.

What kind of episode?

A stroke, the doctors think.

But...she's sitting
up, talking, but...

work's beyond her just...

...now. She asked me to
speak to you in her place.

She told you about this
Tommy business, then?

He's staying with
me, the little mite.

No, he's too much of a
handful the state she's in.

I've got to tell Constance
to come back then.

Fanny says she
don't want that,

that she'll...soon
be on the mend.

What do you think?

I think even if she
recovers somewhat,

she'll be a no fit state to
play mammy to a three-year-old.

What should we do, Joan?

I ca...I can keep him
for now, Mrs Scanlon.

Bless you, love.

But I've three of me own.

I mean, if Constance don't
come home to claim him,

well...

the vicar says...

...he can find a place for
him in the district orphanage,

though it's not where
any of us wants.

Mrs Ainsworth, Ma'am.

Your mother-in-law, she gave me
an hour off after lunch if...

...if you fancied
another swim,

Mrs Ainsworth?

Maybe some other time.

What could be more pleasant?

Apart from some of
the company, perhaps?

Hmm.

Here we are.

May I ask you why
you are once again

seeking out Bruzzone,

if you don't think it's an
impertinence on my part?

Oh no, no, not at all.

I wish to consult him about
our plans to extend the hotel.

And to get a
message to his son.

I knew it.

Oh, Carlo, please
don't be angry.

No, I'm not angry.

I'm alarmed.

I had foolishly imagined that
Danioni's suspicions were unfounded.

But they are, in
relation to the hotel.

Yes, but not in relation
to your family, right?

I it's Luce.

He's got himself
embroiled. What can I do?

Of course, I have
to stand by him.

His only intention is
to protect his friend.

Of course.

But...

you're right. You
should stay out of this.

It's far too risky for you.

No, no, no. Bella!

You know me.

I would not dream of it.

You have so much more to risk.

Hmm, true.

So have you.

Let's go.

Signora Ainsworth.

Eccellenza.

Danioni.

What are you doing here?

Well, actually, I have
the same question for you.

Oh, Mrs Ainsworth has come
to consult her lawyer.

Yes, ahead of our
planning meeting tomorrow.

Oh, please, Signora Ainsworth.
It's just a formality.

Nonetheless...

Then I must advise you to
seek another representative,

Signora Ainsworth.

Why is that?

Because that man is the
father of a criminal element,

that's why.

I've already recommended
Signor Bruzzone

to a friend of mine, so I
can't possibly abandon him now.

Thank you, nonetheless.

- -Buon giorno.
- Ah.

Signora.

Victor, the world
and his wife can see.

What about the
world and his wife?

Well, it turns out they're
not staying in Portofino.

Perfect.

Come on. Let's see if I
can smuggle you upstairs.

Yes, but still, that was not
what I was expecting when

you asked me to take a
walk with you into town.

Thank you for your
unerring support.

Carlo, I find myself relying
on you more and more.

You have been so
incredibly generous

with all your
wisdom and advice.

I wondered if you
might consider

accepting some of mine?

You think I should stop
loitering around the hotel

like a lovesick Romeo

and join my friends
along the coast.

I just think you
might be happier.

She told you of my offer?

Yes. And how very
flattered she was by it.

Yet, not flattered
enough to accept.

But she's young.

- Oh, I see.
- No.

She wants excitement, romance.

And I, alas, can
only be myself.

Bella, the friend I
am holidaying with

works for the Interior Ministry.

I have asked him to look
into Victor's background.

Oh, Carlo, really,
that's not necessary.

It is.

For my peace of mind.

And if he is who
he says he is,

then I will leave the
field as gracefully

as an old man can manage.

Stop it.

Anyway. Thank you.

What are we to
do about Bubbles?

We should discuss it later.

-Good afternoon.
-Good afternoon.

-Good afternoon.
-Madam.

Well...

Love is blind, Jane.

What is it?

Telephone, Ma'am.

I'm busy, Hester.

It's Mrs Ainsworth, Ma'am.
She's most insistent.

Well, this should be a joy.

Bella.

Julia.

I do hope you don't
think it forward of me...

I was calling to
ask for some advice

about having a word with
Rose or, or perhaps rather...

...your permission.

You don't need my
permission to speak to Rose.

Err, well, I, I may do for
the sort of conversation

I was thinking of having.

Oh, yes?

And what sort of
conversation is that?

Um...a frank one.

The sort I wish my
mother or mother-in-law

had had with me when
I first got married.

About sex, you mean?

Yes, ye...yes. About sex.

Well, go ahead.

I'm sure another
perspective could be useful,

especially from someone so
well versed in the subject

as yourself.

Right.

Uh, have you already
tried to speak to her?

Well, I passed on

some of the tips and tricks
I've picked up along the way.

Tips and tricks?

I don't quite...

I was thinking more about
addressing her fears...

and her needs...

...her desires.

What on earth has that
got to do with anything?

Speak to her by
all means, Bella.

But don't go filling her head...

...with your nonsense.

If Lucian is a deviant...

...in the bedroom, then
she should look elsewhere.

If he's not, she should
grin and bear it...

or...learn to like it.

Do I look alright?

Magnifique.

Wait five minutes
before following.

Lucian.

Sorry, did you say something?

I asked what you did today.

I, I went for...

I went for a walk with
Jonathan along the front.

I sat about wondering
where you were.

Well, I did come looking for
you after the exercise class.

What were you...what on
earth were you doing?

Hmm.

You know, this and that.

Hmm, I thought, perhaps...

tomorrow we might take
that swimming class.

Perhaps.

- -Have a lovely evening.
- Thank you, we will.

Right.

What on earth?

Billy.

Is everything alright?

I am so...so sorry.

It's alright.

It's quite alright.

These things happen.

Thank you, Ma'am.

Oh, Daddy, I didn't
see you there.

Are you not dining?

Your mother has relegated me
to leftovers in the kitchen.

Oh, poor you.

I see you're back
on the payroll.

I volunteered. I've done nothing
but relax for 10 days straight.

You're looking very
well on it, poppet.

Positively glowing, in fact.

It's the Victor effect.

Ah.

And how is Monsieur
Michel this evening?

Very well. He's
dining at his hotel.

Lucky chap. At least
he's being fed.

Well, you should dine with
him. Get to know each other.

Do you know, I
rather think I might?

-Lucian?
-Hmm?

Um...

You...you don't...

you don't have to
do this, you know.

I want to.

Wait, what?

What on earth do you
think you're doing?

Well, I thought...

you'd like it.

No, I, I do. I just...

No, I, I didn't
mean... I, I just...

I meant where on earth did
you learn anything like that?

I'm sorry, um...

this just isn't you, Rose.

Isn't it?

Signor Danioni, this
really isn't necessary.

You must allow me to repay
your hospitality, hmm?

-Thank you.
-Signor Ainsworth...

would you like to
have some more tea?

Mmm, yes please.

Oh, do, do you think we should
get on with the business at hand?

- Shall we?
- By all means.

So, to business.

Thank you.

Here you are, darling.

So, let's see...what we have.

Hmm-mm.

Yes.

-You will use local materials?
-Oh yes, of course.

Signor Bonacini
would insist upon it.

Hmm-mm.

Well, everything seems to
be in order, uh, perfect.

It only remains to examine
the legal documentation

I have requested.
-Yes, of course, I have it.

The deeds.

Thank you, Signora Ainsworth.

So?

Hmm-mm.

Oh.

What is it, Danioni?

These are the deeds, right?

Of course, they're the deeds,

it says so plain as day
in the King's English.

Well, then we have a problem.

What kind of problem?

Well, it says here you are
tenants in, uh, in comune.

In common? Yes, my husband and
I share ownership of the hotel.

Yeah, but you...
you have control?

I have a 51 percent share, yes.

Yeah.

I'm sorry. I cannot give
you the permits you require.

On what grounds?

The grounds of the law.

It's called la legge
dell'autorizzazione maritalehe.

I'm so sorry, Signora Ainsworth.

You should talk to your lawyer

and ask for the Law
of Marital Permission.

-Really?
-Why, you little sneak.

I paid you a small fortune
to rubber stamp this thing!

Oh, I see what's
going on here.

-You want more money, is that it?
-Please...

Why, I ought to knock
your bloody block off!

Well, Cecil, this is not
going to resolve anything.

Let's go.

This conversation
is far from over.

Good day.

Can you believe
the cheek of it?

What were you thinking
resorting to bribery?

I'll have you know I was
trying to do something

nice for my wife.

- Were you really?
- Yes.

God, how can you stand it?

Dealing with all these
filthy pen pushers.

Shh.

Dipping their hands without
the slightest notion...

-Cecil.
-of the rule of law.

Well, be quiet. So rude.

They don't understand
a bloody word.

I'll have to have a
word with Bruzzone.

Please.

He's probably in Danioni's pocket,
along with the rest of them.

What do you suggest?

I'll send a telegram to
Thompson at the Consulate.

See if he can
recommend someone.

English preferably.

I'll see you back at the hotel.

-Who's that?
-He's my superior.

He's just arrived to take
charge of the investigation.

I can come back later.

No, no, it's fine. He's
on the phone now. Yeah?

So, tell me, did your
wife get the message?

I think so, yes.

But, uh, she's talking
about consulting lawyers.

You should be there when
she does, Signor Ainsworth.

I know, I'm heading
back in a bit.

I just thought you
might like to see this.

It was waiting for me
at the telegraph office.

A thousand gallons a
month. That sounds great.

And hope it finally gets
Farrino off my back.

Yeah, then, we can find a
way to launder our profits

through your hotel, right?

-Yes.
-Yeah.

Oh, by the way, um...

I've written down
for you, look,

the Law of Marital Authorisation
for married women, yeah?

I, I'm sorry. I have work to do.

I'll see you tomorrow.

Seems awfully quiet.

Anyone with any sense
is having a siesta.

What about people
with no sense at all?

Oh, well, they are
holed up in the library

with Signor Bruzzone.

Bruzzone? Here?

Hmm. What have
you done, Daddy?

-Just...trying to help your mother out.
-Hmm.

I don't want to know. It can't be
good if there are lawyers involved.

Law of Marital Authorisation.

You went ahead
without me, then?

Excuse me.

You have been gone
for nearly two hours.

I had to stop for a bite to eat.

Can't rely on being
fed around here.

Don't be so ridiculous.

So, what does he say, Carlo,

about this wretched Marital
Authorisation nonsense?

Mr Bruzzone has
just been telling us

that the law was
repealed in 1919

and replaced with
a new legislation

that overturns the Roman
principle of infirmitas sexus.

Oh, the weaker sex.

Well, if it's been overturned,
then what's the problem?

Mussolini is the problem.

He takes a dim view of
female emancipation.

But Bella's not Italian.

And he takes a dimmer
view of foreign ownership

of Italian assets.

I see.

Well, why don't
we sell up to you?

Mr Bruzzone thinks you would
have an even chance in court.

Yes. Not the kind
of odds I favour.

Which is why Bruzzone has
suggested that I hand over

the controlling shares
in the deeds to you.

Me?

It's a bit extreme, isn't it?

Well, in the long run,
it may be less risky.

I suppose, if you're
sure it's what you want.

What I want is for Danioni
to stop interfering.

You and me both.

Yes, come in.

Oh, Miss Pascal.

Oh, am I too early to discuss...

Oh no, no, no,
Cecil's just leaving.

Oh. Is, is that it
then? All, all decided?

We can discuss it later.

Miss Pascal. Signor Bruzzone.

About having dinner
with Victor tomorrow?

Uh...

Maybe. I'm off to
Genoa tomorrow.

Oh, how nice.

Miss Pascal, please.

You remember Carlo.

Luce.

I've just had word via Bruzzone.

And?

Gianluca says to meet him at
nine p.m. on the seafront.

This evening?

Darling, you'll have to
tell him to be so careful

because the town is
absolutely crawling.

Nish can't wait.

We'll have to find some way
to throw them off the scent.

I think I've just found
the perfect distraction.

Your people are from the
south of France too, I think.

Oui, uh, we have a house
in the south of France,

uh, Aix-en-Provence.

-Oh.
-It's a very small city.

I'll be very happy
to show you around.

That's very kind of you.

What sort of sized house
are we talking about?

One thousand gallons possible.

Will ask around for rest.

Law of marital authorisation
for married women.

I hope you haven't brought
your knife this time.

Well, tell me where he is then.

There is a shipwreck
on the beach,

about a hundred yards
away from the lion's head.

I know it.

It was the most remote
place that I could think of.

You have tried to do what
is best for your friend,

but now you must trust
me to get him to safety.

Right. Well, we
don't have much time.

I am painfully aware of that.

And there are
Blackshirts everywhere.

Then we must pick our moment.

My mother mentioned
a party at the casino

the evening after next.

The fellow who runs it is a
real Napoleon type, apparently,

a small man, big attitude.

But the point is that Danioni and
all his men will have to be there.

They wouldn't miss
it for the world.

Even if it means calling off their
manhunt for at least the night.

That may be our best chance.

Wait, could I...

could I at least know
what the plan is, please?

My father's friend
runs a canning factory.

He will smuggle Nish into France

in a consignment of tomatoes.

Hmm.

And you'll send me
word when he's safe?

Via Billy Scanlon, yes?

Yes.

I owe Nish my life, you know.

Then I will guard him with mine.

Place your bets, please.

No more bets.

This was an excellent
idea, Victor.

Dinner is overrated.

It's jolly decent for them
to give us a sneak preview.

Mr Farrino...

I think he's happy for his
dealers to get a little practice

before the big night, hmm?

Oh! Look at me, I won!

And, uh, how do you know
our charming friend?

Oh, I came and introduced
myself to him yesterday.

I find it always pays
to be on friendly terms

with the owner of
the local casino.

-Ah.
-Mm-hmm.

He was most anxious that I
returned for his gala evening

to play a little
poker with my friends.

Place your bets please.

Well, I'm sure I
could be persuaded.

And what about,
uh, Count Albani?

Well, Carlo's a gentleman.

He'll accept if we
make the challenge.

I believe I won again.

You don't say.

And, uh, what about,
uh, your other friend?

Um, the one from the village.

-Who, Danioni?
-Hmm.

Oh, good God, no.
He's not the sort.

-Oh, no?
-No.

Well, he seemed happy
enough yesterday

playing vingt-et-un.

-Danioni?
-Mm-hmm.

-Here at the casino?
-Yes.

Him and Farrino,
they were, um...

Um...

as thick as, um...

-Thieves.
-Thick as thieves.

Ah.

Not every time.

Hm, not every time.

Encore? Again?

Mrs Ainsworth, you're up early.

I'm going to get the
first train, Betty.

You look pretty as a picture.

Hope it's not just for the
bank manager's benefit.

-You want me to fix you something hot?
-No, no.

You save your energy for
Miss Jane and Miss Patricia.

It's their last breakfast.

Yes, Ma'am. I've been
curdling milk especially.

I will miss Bubbles, though.

Ma'am, have you got
time for a quick word

about something that's
been bothering me?

Betty, I'm running a
little late, as it is.

No, no. I'm sorry. I, I, I
mean at your convenience.

Will it keep till later?

Yes. Yes, Ma'am.
It'll, it'll keep.

Have you seen Billy?

Uh, he's not back from taking
Mrs Ainsworth to the station.

Can someone help me with
the Dodsworth's luggage?

Paola?

That's it. Lovely.

Lovely, Paola.
Then finish it off.

Mm-hmm.

Delicious.

Right.

That'll do.

- Oh.
- Grazie, Bruno.

You're all set.

I do hope you enjoyed
your stay with us.

Oh, yes.

Tolerably.

And this...is to show
our appreciation.

To be shared
amongst the staff.

Thank you.
That's...that's very kind.

Andiamo.

Oh, wait!

Oh, Mrs Dodsworth.

Mrs Dodsworth, you've
forgotten your...

dog.

It's not a patch on the Royal Pump
Rooms in Harrogate, if you ask me.

Henry.

Mwah. How wonderful
to see you.

How wonderful to see you.

I...absolutely beautiful.

You look so well.

Who the hell is that?

Si, si.

Si.

-Ciao. Ciao.

Well, what did he say?

He say the cake he
likes very much.

And?

And, he ask we go
walk on Sunday.

Oh.

Salvatore, he ask also.

Oh, did he now?

-He say you walk too.
-Me?

Hmm.

Oh. I do...

I don't know about that, love.

Mind you...

it's hard to say no to a
man who knows how to cook.

It's funny, isn't it?

I've imagined this moment for
so long, dreamt of it even,

but now it comes down to it,
I...I can't find the words.

Yes.

How many years has it been?

To look at your face, hardly
seems like a day has passed

Not true.

It will be 12 years
next month, Bella,

when I last set
my eyes on you.

That's why we feel
like strangers.

If you can be
strangers with someone

who has opened
their heart to you.

Yes, I did open my
heart to you, Henry.

In letters only.

I wonder if I was having
a conversation with myself

as much as with you.

I meant every word
of those letters.

So did I.

And I feel an enormous
affinity with you.

I indulged thoughts about
what might have been.

As did I, as I do now.

But I wonder if those letters
have nurtured a fantasy

that, in reality, doesn't exist.

We can make those fantasies
of which you talk a reality

if, if you allow.

Henry, what I've come
here to say is...

I don't think that we should
write to each other anymore.

What?

You will always be
my dear, dear friend.

Scusi?

Hello?

Oh, you're English?

Yes.

Can I help you?

I saw you just now.

I could have sworn I
knew you from somewhere.

Henry Bowater.

Ainsworth.

Cecil...Ainsworth.

Ah.

Have you been spying on us?

I'd say you'd given
me reasonable grounds,

carrying on with my
wife behind my back.

A letter addressed to you
found its way into my hands.

Well, you needn't worry.

She's just told me
not to write anymore.

Oh, don't tell me
you've just been jilted?

Oh.

Feelings, sentiment.

It's all a joke to you,
isn't it, Ainsworth?

You are a joke, Bowater.

But that's not the punch line.

I was expecting you
to be someone else.

Arrivederci.

She deserves better than you.

Cecil, darling.

Darling now, is it?

Where have you been?

Catching up with
old acquaintances.

Dressed like that?

Yes.

I've been waiting for you.

Oh?

May I ask why?

I have a surprise for you.

I don't much care for surprises.

Oh, you will like
this one, I promise.

What are these?

Legal agreements.

Oh, must I?

Oh, you'll want to, I promise.

My, my.

What's all this in aid of?

We're celebrating.

Well, couldn't you just
save me the bother?

It's a deed of covenant,

signing over my shares
of the hotel to you.

Oh, I see.

Hmm.

And uh, what about
this other one?

Ah, well that's a
translation into Italian,

and some addendum that
Bruzzone insisted upon.

Um, yes, covering future
changes of ownership.

I didn't ask for this, you know.

I mean, you, you
really don't need to.

Oh, but I want to, I want to.

We have no choice,
really, have we,

but to make things
work between us?

Bellakins, darling.

I've wasted far too much time

wishing that things
were different.

And perhaps you should have
a read over the contracts,

and I'll fetch Miss
Pascal to witness them.

Alright.

How's it going?

I feel a little out of my depth.

No, no, no, nonsense.

You're doing great.

Hmm.

Does everything seem in order?

Uh, but yes, I suppose so.

Claudine Pascal at your service.

Would you like a little more
time to look over them, darling?

Oh, no, no, no, no,
no. I...I trust you.

Hmm.

All done.

Miss Pascal, your
signature, please.

Ah. Ooh, that is rough, huh?

Yeah.

You know what, though,
it does the job.

Huh? Here.

Give me my hat, come on.

This ain't exactly a sizeable
operation though, is it?

Mm-hmm. I just want you to know
there are hundreds of vineyards

like this across
the Liguria region.

-Oh yeah?
-Yeah.

So, uh, you can get me
the gallons that I need?

Absolutely.

You can be assured of
it, Signor Farrino.

-Ah?
-Yeah.

-Come here, let me talk to you.
-Mm-hmm.

Hey.

-Let me ask you something.
-Yeah, sure.

Are you planning to, uh, cut
Ainsworth out of this deal?

Well...

what do you prefer?

I prefer not to deal
with uppity Brits

who look down their nose at me.

Of course, his contacts in the
whiskey industry are valuable,

but I suspect that
the West Side g*ng,

they'll have their
own before too long.

How about his hotel?

-Yeah, that could be very useful.
-Mm-hmm.

And if my employers decide

they can dispense with the
services of Cecil Ainsworth,

then...we got other ways
we can take over the hotel.

You did good, huh?
You did very good.

Very nice, very nice.

Ladies and gentlemen,
let the good times roll.

Looks like paradise, eh?

I'm just glad you're here.

Let the laundering begin.

-Argh.
-Urgh!

I'm rather keen to
teach him a lesson.

She knows that I'm
not in love with her.

Tell me what's wrong with me!

Get out!

# Welcome to the leading
lady's night... #

And I use this to
cover your $50,000.

Oh, no, you're not!