Original subtitles

Aw, look at them. Together, happy, in love.

Who can resist a good love story?

That moment when you look into each other's eyes, and the world,

with all of its flaws, just disappears, and all you want--

Oh. Sorry if I made you think this one of those love stories.

It is, but they're not the main characters.

Well, not the only ones, at least.

In this story, she is the main character, the chaperone.

Elena Bianda, at your service.

And yes, this is my story.

So it's only fair that I get to tell it, right?

Of course. All yours, Miss Bianda.

Okay, then. We should start from the very beginning.

I'm not a maid. If that's what you're thinking, you're wrong.

I can read. I can write. I have an impeccable education.

And above all, good judgment.

That's why I'm the best chaperone in town. But not the only one, of course.

Some prefer to call us "ladies' companions."

YOUNG LADIES CHAPERONES

These rich young ladies' parents pay me to advise them about love,

protect their honor, and most importantly, to help them find the perfect suitor.

SUITORS

Obviously too old.

Too young.

Too ordinary.

Perfect... if you're also willing to marry his mother.

No.

No.

Don't get me wrong.

I'm crazy about love stories. Especially those with a happy ending.

- I do. - I do.

Yes, I do.

He does.

- Hurrah! - Hurrah!

But the bad thing about my job is that if it's done well...

...it ends.

FAMILY OF ANTONIO BIANDA

Truth is, I could really use your advice.

Things aren't going well for me.

One widowed father. Three daughters.

Now, it's not like I'm happy about their pain, but three sisters.

I mean... three. That's many years of work right there.

I think it's an opportunity I can't pass up.

The books, 50 pesetas, and we'll be set.

Hail Mary, full of grace.

Conceived without sin.

Forgive me, Father, for I have sinned.

Don't look at me like that. These are desperate times.

A good family.

Mm-hmm... Decent young ladies.

- They lost their mom a year ago.

AGE 20 AN ANGEL

Time for them to get out there, and I am going to take care of that.

AGE 18 A BOOKWORM

AGE 14 STRANGE LITTLE CRITTER

Now all I have to do is follow

the basic manual for all good ladies' companions

so I don't make any mistakes.

Because one mistake can ruin your life.

Even if he's the handsomest mistake you've seen in a long time.

♪ Oh, yeah! ♪

I guess you know where this story's going.

Has there ever been a great love story without a heroine in distress?

Admit it. You want to see what happens now.

- Miss... Elena Bianda.

Bianda. Elena Bianda.

There's no doubt that you have a lot of very impressive references.

Just, aren't you a bit young to be a chaperone?

Aren't you a bit too young to have three daughters?

You're clearly not Mr. Pedro Mencía.

Santiago Torres. Nice to meet you.

Have a seat.

Don Pedro, um... asked me to draw up a preliminary list of candidates.

Are there more?

You didn't expect to be the only one, did you?

I only expect to be the best.

Then I assume you've done some research on the family.

I've done a little bit of research, yes.

So tell me, do you like to read?

- I read whenever I can. I don't mean the Bible.

Neither do I.

What was the last thing you read?

Mm... Moby Dick. And before that, Doña Perfecta.

The truth is, I like to read, no matter the genre.

- As long as it is good literature. - "Good"? Depends on who you ask.

Wow. Guess I'm being interviewed by a literary critic.

You know, I haven't met a whole lot of women who are into sarcasm.

You're rare.

- Well, I think you got me all wrong. - Did I?

'Cause I thought you were treating me like I'm stupid.

I could say the same about you.

I get it, though. You didn't mean any harm.

So tell me, with that kind of attitude, how will you handle three young ladies?

Check.

I don't know.

With your invaluable help?

- Don Pedro. - Santiago, what are you doing?

Ah, nothing. I was looking for you and, um... I ran into Miss Bianda.

Uh, I'll get going. I'm sure you have important matters to discuss.

Miss Bianda...

My apologies, Miss Bianda.

My daughters are probably behind this. My godson is their favorite puppet.

- If you'd care for a walk... - Sure.

She's not some old spinster. She doesn't look bad.

For the... Ow!

For the best chaperone in town, she's not that old.

But if she's not smart, she's of no use to us.

Oh, yes, she is.

We just need your father to approve of her.

Until not long ago, I spent most of my days away from home for work.

I traveled all across Europe and the African continent.

My wife took care of the house and my daughters.

I am very sorry for your loss, Mr. Mencía.

In times like this, it's important to have someone who knows how to listen.

There are certain things a young lady can't tell her father.

It's only natural.

Daughters have this sense of shame that leads them to keep certain secrets.

And that's fine. That's just the way things are.

It's important that I earn their trust.

And how are you planning on earning mine?

Half the chaperones in town are hoping to be working here

with my daughters.

Well, I lost my parents too.

See you tomorrow, Miss Bianda.

Be punctual.

Three daughters.

A long-term position. Congratulations.

I'm so sorry that you didn't even get to talk to Don Pedro, Alicia.

Don't worry. I won't be short of work.

I just hope the Mencía girls don't give you too much trouble.

Trouble?

They're all lovely young ladies.

Oh, I'm sure. Absolutely lovely, indeed.

Elena!

Let's go!

I hope he didn't see me. Because if he did, it's over for me.

Miss Bianda, how are you?

I suggest the gate if you're leaving. Not the brick wall, you know?

- I was told you got the job. - Mm-hmm.

You have the same poor taste in literature as the Mencía girls.

- Surprisingly. - I don't know about that. I suppose.

I thought it would be a good day. But it most definitely wasn't.

Our whole lives depend on finding a new family.

You're early.

Excuse me?

I was told you've been instructed to be here at 8:00, and to be punctual.

In this house, when we say eight o'clock, it's eight o'clock.

Not five past eight, not five to eight.

Wait until eight o'clock.

What time is it?

I'm only going to say this once.

You'll get up at 7:30 in the morning.

That's the time when the servants start working.

Don't expect leniency from me.

You'll have 30 minutes to get ready.

Because the Mencía ladies get down for breakfast at eight o'clock.

You'll have breakfast with the girls until 8:30.

I will then be in charge of their instruction and education.

At that point, you will stay out of the way, of course.

Your room.

It adjoins Miss Cristina's room.

As the eldest, she's your priority.

The Mencía sisters are not like the other women you've served in the past.

"Accompanied," if you don't mind.

The family name is now as your own.

The future of those girls is in your hands.

I hope you're up to the task.

Because if you're not, I will ensure Don Pedro knows about it.

I'm his person of trust in this house.

And that, I assure you,

will not change.

It's getting more complicated by the minute.

First, it was the carriage, and now Doña Angustias.

Miss Bianda!

Get out right now.

Right now, young lady!

Do you think this is a nice way of welcoming Miss Bianda?

Apologize to her right now, or I'll have to--

Just leave us alone?

Right now, please.

What? Am I in trouble, miss?

For a little prank?

A terribly tasteless prank!

And the best one ever played on me.

I can't imagine my face.

This type of behavior will not be tolerated!

I'm too young to have a heart attack, am I not?

So I expect this to never happen again!

You're too young for me to find you a husband.

So I think it's best for both of us if we become friends.

You're worse than Doña Angustias!

It's best for both of us if she doesn't know.

- That's right. - It's not.

- It is. - No.

Some pranks cannot be allowed.

I agree. Carlota needs to be punished for what she did.

For a fright? Cristina...

Angustias, leave us. I'll handle it.

Behave yourselves.

Why do you defend her?

- Because it's just silly! - That's what I said.

It's not silly. She disrespected Miss Bianda.

- Don't worry about me. - Forgive us.

Forgive my big sister,

who believes she's the one to call the shots now.

- I'm just concerned about you, that's all! - Don't! You're not our mother!

We're sorry. And welcome.

Welcome.

I know what you're about to say. I can't sleep because of the girls.

I know my first day wasn't a triumph, but...

...that's not the reason.

Did you hear that?

Where do you think you're going?

I just wanted to get some fresh air, Miss Bianda.

It's much too cold for a night walk.

You should go back to bed.

Yes, I just ruined her plan.

But I'm afraid I can't afford a scandal.

Young lady!

Their behavior yesterday was shameful.

Your daughters need discipline.

I don't think that young woman can help them with that.

That confirms it. The control freak is the spy.

Don't worry, Angustias. As I said, it's a trial period.

- We'll see how she does tonight. - Tonight?

- If she doesn't do well... - What's going on?

If she doesn't, I'll fire her myself, sir.

Very well.

- Angustias! - What are you doing there? Eavesdropping?

Just a happy coincidence, that's all. Do you always expect the worst of people?

Rhetorical question. I'm pretty sure I know the answer.

Have a nice day.

Good morning.

All right.

This is exactly what we needed. A quiet breakfast.

Nice and peaceful.

- Give it a minute, my sister's-- - You're a pain!

- Yeah, and you're boring, Cristina! - I'm boring, yeah, whatever, who cares?

Laugh! Come on, laugh out loud!

Good morning, Don Pedro.

Excuse us, please. You caught us in a fit of laughter.

Your daughters are so much fun!

Angustias told me that you didn't receive the best of welcomes yesterday.

Well, just sisters squabbling.

Happens all the time.

But your daughters are... well, they're just... angelic.

Doña Angustias is waiting for you in the classroom.

- She's not in a good mood today. - When is she ever?

If you'll excuse us.

Come on.

Now that we're alone, Miss Bianda,

I would like to discuss an important matter with you.

And now here comes the surprise.

Tell me.

Tonight the Ortega's will be having a soirée at their house.

I think it's about time for, uh... my daughters to resume their social lives,

especially Cristina.

I don't want her to miss the opportunity to meet with the man who's courting her.

Do you mean your godson, Mr. Torres?

Santiago?

God, no. No.

Oh, I'm sorry.

Her suitor's name is Eduardo Espinosa de Monier.

Do you know him?

Absolutely, he's a... polite young man, from a good family.

I think he's a great suitor.

My wife was their go-between. But she wasn't sure of their feelings.

Don't worry, Don Pedro. I'll take care of Miss Cristina.

Good afternoon, young lady.

Thanks.

How about this for tonight?

I don't know if I can.

It seems like the pain won't go away. You'll miss her all your life.

But you can either choose to miss her lying in bed,

locked at home, fighting with your sisters,

letting life pass you by... or you can choose to live.

What would your mother say if she were here?

She did love gatherings.

She wouldn't want you

to spend the best years of your life lying there in bed,

taking care of your sisters as if you were their mother.

You need to get out.

You need to smile, to have fun.

And you need to let the handsome young man who sent you this letter take you out.

Isn't that what life is all about?

I'd give all I have to see you walk down those stairs every single day of my life.

I haven't seen you smile like that in a while.

She is somewhat to blame. She's my companion, Elena Bianda.

A pleasure.

Tonight you are also a guest.

We'll behave, right?

Trying to charm the chaperone, so subtle, Mr. Espinosa.

And you can have whatever you want for dinner.

Will there be poison for dinner?

- I guess she wanted to join the party. - Good guess.

We better make our way there, if we want to be on time.

If it weren't for me, you'd be very busy tonight.

You'll have to explain to me why men

pay more attention to a woman when she is accompanied.

Santiago!

Cristina! Eduardo.

I thought even writers took breaks from time to time.

Didn't they teach you to have fun?

It's easier to have fun when you don't work.

- Some people want to work. - Or they can't be still.

What were you writing about today?

The duke and the duchess have another soirée at the same time...

Tell you what.

I'll leave you while I dance with this young lady.

Miss Bianda, with your permission.

Uh, nice to see you, Cristina.

Eduardo and you are old friends, right?

Acquaintances.

Bianda, do you have a family?

Why do you ask?

I'm just curious.

Why don't you answer?

Because I'm surprised that you're so interested in my life.

I'm surprised a chaperone is so good at dialectics.

Does it bother you that I'm quick-witted, or are you upset you're bested by a woman?

Will you keep avoiding the question, or will you answer it?

Um...

You know what?

You'll have to tell me how you guessed our Mencía girls' favorite books.

What are you saying?

Nothing.

Only that you like to be well-informed and are used to going about unnoticed.

Just like you, as I can see.

You're taking notes while everyone else is having fun.

Well, some are born to be characters in novels, others are born to write them.

I hope you're at least a good writer.

Hey...

Come on.

I may be a terrible literary critic, but a writer,

I swear I'm not bad.

I guess we'll see. I haven't read your novel.

Now, if you'll excuse me.

How's the first soirée with the Mencías going?

I'd say it started off amazing. He's a very handsome young man.

We're not supposed to fall in love in this line of work.

Our job isn't to make them fall in love.

Our job is to find them a husband, and that's it.

We have to accept it. We're all going to stay unmarried forever.

That's no reason to wallow in self-pity, Adelita.

I don't know about you girls, but I'd rather not starve on the streets.

The way you were looking at him, it would be hard not to.

I'm getting some grape juice. Want some?

- No. - No.

Thank you for the info on the Mencías.

Now you're going to have to tell me how you actually got the job, right?

I told him I'd lost my family.

Hmm. You lied to him.

- But that's not the worst part. - Ah.

Gabriel is here.

Here, where?

I saw him when I was leaving the other day.

He's in town.

What a coincidence.

- Coincidence or not, if he finds out-- - If who finds out?

Alicia, eavesdropping on other people's conversations is very rude.

Relax, honey. I just wanted to say hi

and see how things are going with the Mencías.

It has been amazing.

- Glad to hear that. - Sure you are.

I'm chaperoning a young lady already.

Fortunately I was chosen in my last interview.

Alba de Ibáñez.

So, uh... not too demanding young lady, is that so?

Whereas the Mencías...

Cristina is a charm.

While Sara, on the other hand, is a special lady.

One of the best at using the fan.

Three sisters...

three times the work.

- He didn't step on your toes once! - He's charming.

And very handsome.

You know what they say about men who know how to dance...

No. What do they say?

Don't listen to them, darling.

Girls nowadays have their minds in the gutter.

Hey, Doña Paquita! You hear what you want to hear.

It's always worked. You should learn a thing or two from me.

I should get going.

Eduardo's waiting. We're going for a walk in the garden, alone.

That's so romantic. So lovely!

Have fun!

- I don't know about alone, though. - I'll come with.

- Naturally. - Oh, I didn't doubt it.

And, well, thank you, Esther for recommending the best chaperone in town.

Anything for a good friend. Right, Josefina?

Of course. Anything.

Elena!

It's Miss Sara. You asked me to watch her.

I can't find her.

What?

Three girls are too many. And you know it.

Did something happen?

No. Uh... ju... just personal matters.

- Should we go back with you? - No, no, no. Everything's fine.

You can trust me.

I need just a few minutes.

This is the skull, this is the occipital lobe, mandible...

- And this? - Just--

What are you doing?

- Okay. - Ah.

Have you met Doctor Águilar?

I met him last night in your carriage, I believe.

Ah...

Well, I'm sorry for the misunderstanding. I know this isn't the best way to...

You see, I treated her mother before she, um...

Well, I noticed how Sara cared for her.

Her hunger for more knowledge

Uh... it would truly be a, uh... well, a loss, uh...

to not nurture all that talent and... and dedication--

Ah! Then I take it that you're her tutor of sorts.

That's right. I'm her tutor.

Thank you very much, Doctor. You may...

You may go now. I'll see you soon.

All right.

It would be great if you didn't tell anyone.

Ah, so you'd rather people just think you're dim-witted?

To them thinking I study medicine?

Doesn't every family deserve a black sheep?

- It's practically a tradition. - So why do it in secret?

Well, you see, because Father wouldn't allow it.

And I would need his permission to actually enroll in a medical school.

But I've been thinking that maybe, if I pass the entrance exam,

I could maybe change his mind.

I just need you to cover for me for a few days.

The only thing I'm asking you is to let me to choose my own destiny.

See?

Everything all right?

As it should be, Don Pedro.

Time to go, then.

Why don't you go ahead?

Miss Cristina and I will arrive later with Eduardo.

They should be seen together.

Thank you, Miss Bianda. Come on.

- I can explain! - It's pretty obvious.

- Elena? - Don't make any noise.

- Everything all right? - Yes! Mm, uh... Wonderful party, right?

Ah, so then... You weren't planning to leave, right?

No, of course not. I'm just getting some air.

And Miss Cristina? Is she alone?

I saw her before with her suitor, I believe. They were all lovey-dovey.

Oh, I'd be willing to bet my--

Fire!

Fire!

Fire! Help! Fire!

Elena!

No! Elena, no! No! Get away from the bush!

Are you all right?

You almost got burned, darling.

Mm, what matters is nobody got hurt.

And also nobody found out what happened.

I found out, and that is enough.

What were you thinking, Cristina?

I was thinking I should stop being a mother to my sisters and just be me.

And for a moment, just being happy.

You told me that yourself, "Live!"

I meant dancing. Not this.

What you saw was pure and sincere love.

Well, I presume you're getting married, then.

For both your reputation and mine.

You know what would happen if people found out?

And I thought your sister would be the one causing problems.

- I'm sorry. - Don't be sorry.

I don't regret it.

I'll ask for your hand, we'll get married, and be happy.

I love you.

I'm still here!

ONE MONTH LATER

No. They're not for a funeral.

Today is a special day.

I've never been happier about a proposal, I think.

No, I told you. I can't. Please! Forget it!

- No! Hey. No! - So you won't stay for the proposal?

- I can't! I can't. - It's the happiest day of my life!

Miss Bianda, help me make him stay.

If you can't, I really doubt my wit can either.

She's right. I tried to postpone my plans, but--

I don't believe you. What's so important that you couldn't postpone?

Well, Cristina, the truth is...

I can't stay because I wouldn't be able to...

Oh.

...to say no to my boss again.

Having a job comes with a great responsibility.

And... And I'm sorry, but I have to go.

For a moment, I thought he was going to say something else.

Do you like them?

They're beautiful.

I'm so nervous.

Everything will be perfect.

Psst.

And so, what's the plan for tonight?

I told a trusted coachman to wait across the street after the proposal.

But you must be back before 12 o'clock.

That's when your father will be back. I'll leave the back door open.

Thank you.

Seriously?

Why can't I be wearing black?

Because this is a proposal, not a funeral.

Isn't it the same?

All right. But don't scare anyone.

Miss Bianda, I'm curious about your methods.

How did you get a girl who was sobbing here, there, and everywhere to suddenly--

You want to hire me? I am the best, but I don't work miracles.

Miracles? The Holy Virgin!

You didn't stay for the proposal?

I can't do this, Juana.

It's over.

You know what they say, kiddo.

When you finish a book, you can always start another one.

Here.

On my signal, you may start playing.

What if something happened to him, Father?

I hope so, for his sake.

I'm sure he's, uh... almost here.

He's here!

He's here!

What a welcome!

I feel like a king.

This is for Miss Cristina Mencía. A letter.

Stop! Stop! Stop!

And by the way, who's paying my fee?

"Dear Miss Mencía, I am sorry for giving you false hopes."

"I'm leaving for Paris at once. Do not seek me out."

"Our union is impossible."

"I'm sorry for any inconvenience I caused..."

Sweetie. Open up.

We just wanna talk for a bit.

Maybe she threw herself out the window, like in the novels.

And get covered in blood? No.

Drowned herself in a river?

- That's a bit outdated. - Please open the door.

Cristina!

May I?

Miss Cristina?

It's normal for you to feel this way.

Your family will always be here for you. And so will I.

And Doña Angustias too.

And Doña Angustias.

You don't have to talk if you don't want to.

I'm good silent company, though.

Poisoned!

Better. That's cleaner.

I won't ask how you're feeling.

Don't worry. You have your whole life ahead of you.

I should've had my period days ago.

I'm like clockwork.

I'm pregnant, Elena.

If anyone finds out, I'm done for.

- What am I gonna do? - What are we going to do?

No one tells you what to do in a moment like this, because,

truth is,

you never think it could happen to you.

All I know now is that two lives are in jeopardy. Hers and mine.

Miss Bianda, I must warn you that this is just the beginning.

Wouldn't you want me to tell it?

No!

Are you sure you can handle all this?