Original subtitles

We told Nan she was dead, that she was nobody.

Why now? Today of all days. I wonder what it is she really wants.

To tell Nan the truth.

If Nan finds out that we lied, lied again, lied worse,

she'll never forgive us.

How could she?

We'll lose her.

Excuse me. Thanks.

Nice hat.

- I can't do this. - Listen to me. Nan, listen.

We got Jinny away. We did it.

You did it.

But what about Theo?

I can't just lie to him my whole life.

You've done nothing wrong.

You did the right thing, Nan, and more importantly, you did the only thing.

There's no undoing it. It's done.

And, darling, Theo is kind.

He's decent. He loves you.

He will take care of you.

So you just have to make this work.

Can you do that?

I can make it work.

Now, let's go into that beautiful party filled with mostly beautiful people.

Let's remember you're a hero.

Let's get on with your wedding day.

Look at you.

My goodness.

- We had no idea that you-- - Did you run out of invitations?

Did you not receive your invitation?

We sent one of course.

I heard Nan found out.

What did you say?

Did you tell her I'm her--

- Mother, have you seen Theo? - Huh?

No... Oh, is that him over there?

That does look like him.

Patti...

are you going to introduce us?

Sweetheart, this is Nell.

You remember I told you?

Aunt Nell, my sister.

Oh, yes. Yes, of course. I...

I'm sorry, I didn't know you were attending.

She didn't... Nobody knew--

- I haven't seen you since I was-- - Tiny.

You were so tiny.

I... I thought we might catch up.

Oh, well, you know, Nan has a husband to find.

You know what?

- There he is. Just there. Look. - Thank you.

- I'll... I'll see you. - Okay.

Okay.

Out you go.

We need to talk.

Wait for me out front. I'll see you there.

- Congratulations. - Thank you. Thank you so much.

Would you excuse me?

A wedding party needs a bride.

Your guests are asking for you.

Theo thinks this is real.

- He thinks I chose to marry him. - Which you did.

No. I chose to save my sister.

What have we done?

He deserves to know.

All Theo needs to know is that he has a dutiful and loving wife.

You don't care that we're lying to your son?

- No, I need to tell him. - We had an agreement.

I will get Jinny away.

I will keep her safe.

I will also neglect to tell Theodore who I found in your room last night.

In return, you have two jobs:

never to breathe a word to Theo of my involvement and to make him happy.

Annabel, what must come next is obedience.

I decide what comes next.

Lizzy, I don't suppose you've seen Nan?

She was here a moment ago.

It's a lovely party.

The... dancing and the drinks.

You don't need me to explain parties.

I've been to a few I'd like an explanation for.

Is that so?

I know. Yes, I know.

Cheers.

Hector Robinson.

Is that his name?

Upstanding citizen, member of parliament, and that jawline.

I'm going to find Nan.

Would you excuse me for a moment?

I'd say, all things considered, we've had fun.

Wouldn't you?

Today?

Noisy fuss, like all weddings.

But benefit of you being ill, an excuse to escape.

Exhausting.

No, I meant, the 30-odd years being in each other's vicinity.

Three children and what have you.

All entirely useless to a man.

Oh, every one of them desperate disappointments.

You and I have had something approaching fun.

You're not trying to start any physical activity?

Well... not immediately.

No cause for alarm.

You'll survive, will you, old girl?

Surrounded by the Americans and their chintz?

I'd say I'm used to being around flouncy things

which are little use but easy on the eye.

A lie down, I think,

before we're forced to rejoin the wretched wedding.

I'm so sorry about your father.

We've become experts at hiding, but you don't have to hide from me.

But we've barely begun.

You didn't bargain on a crisis or grief or my mother let loose alone.

I bargained on a life with you.

This is just the start.

I mean, the mother thing is a blow.

It's a blow.

I'm not gonna lie to you, but...

but it's our blow.

Are you all right, dear?

Thank you. I'm waiting for my sister.

Aunt Nell?

Nan, are you all right?

No.

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

I made a terrible mistake. I've married the wrong man.

Gerald's sister was sorry to miss the duke's wedding.

And now I really feel I have to tell him.

I don't know why I blurted all of that out.

Oh, well, sometimes you just have to blurt.

And I liked you trusting me.

I think I just needed to tell a stranger.

Not that you... You're obviously family.

But we hardly know each other.

More importantly, you're not my mother.

What would your mother say?

She'd worry, hug me.

She'd try to fix it, but I don't think this is something you can fix.

Well, I think when something can't be fixed,

it's absolutely forever, give up trying to fix it.

Some days, you just have to cry, shout, dance,

whatever works,

and then get right back on with living with it.

Nan...

when... when a decision is made for every right reason in the world,

you just have to stop regretting it

and get on with making the life you chose a life you can learn to love.

And also, it's not for me to say,

but he's handsome...

and he loves you?

And you have loved him?

I believed so.

Nan, will you ever regret saving your sister?

Of course not.

Well, then sounds to me like marrying the duke

was the best decision you've ever made.

Nan, I was looking for you.

Will you stay the night?

- Oh. No, I don't-- - Please. Mother will never forgive me.

Please.

Hi.

Hello.

Oh, she's heavy. Shall we put her on my lap?

She says she doesn't like it...

Lizzy, could you introduce me to Lady Marable?

- Yeah. - Thank you.

I'd convinced myself you wouldn't come.

I haven't known left from right.

I've been distant and I've been erratic and I'm so sorry.

There's something I have to tell you.

The relief of being here with you, of being us here together.

Marrying you is the best decision I ever made.

This is where I'm supposed to be.

The girls helped me get her in a carriage before the wedding.

I don't even know where she's heading.

I wish you'd told me before.

About Seadown and what he was doing to Jinny.

I only knew myself this morning.

Just had to get her out.

Won't she be frightened all alone?

She's safe I'm sure.

You both are.

You weren't waiting where I expected. I thought you'd left.

I am a constant disappointment.

I thought the worst part of the secret was that it wasn't you.

Turns out, worst part's me.

I've told Tracy when we go back to New York, I want a divorce.

Why now?

I've had enough.

You're fed up, is that it? You're bored?

- He doesn't treat me with respect. - Well, that's not new.

Okay, well, now's when I've decided.

Now there's a duchess in the family to protect your reputation?

You didn't leave when he was sleeping with your sister, but now what?

- You fancy a change? - You know,

Jinny was tiny and we had barely any money, but you needed a place to be.

So while I was feeding and aching and leaking

and sneaking away to cry with the weight of it all,

you were giggling and opening another bottle

and thinking it was amusing that I would worry that Jinny wouldn't settle.

And that was only me, was it? Just shameful old me, all alone.

Maybe I did blame you more than Tracy, but he's a man.

Tempted every day of his life.

I expected it of him. I expect it.

But what I expected of my sister is that she would stay out of my husband's bed.

Well, what a liability I've always been.

What a harlot.

Nan's life is just beginning.

If she knew now, where would that leave her?

Has it helped you to pretend you're protecting Nan?

You're protecting yourself from the risk of losing her.

It is my job to protect her and you gave me that.

You took her.

You walked away from your baby.

I tried to come back, but you kept her from me.

She's still so young.

Really only a child.

Nan is a year older than I was when your husband took me to his bed.

Nan, when we first came to England, we were outsiders,

and now you're a duchess.

For Jinny.

It was a game to me.

That summer, I felt like I was swimming in a wild river.

Any minute, I expected a grown up to come and tell me to get out.

Be safe.

But nobody came.

What started as pretending with Tracy,

became something that was really happening.

And you...

you were always the person who stopped me getting into trouble.

You know, I've been exhausted for two decades.

There's no rest in the world when you have children.

But I've not been the mother I've pretended to be.

Before I had my girls to watch over, I had a baby sister.

And I should have protected you.

You know what we'd love?

For you to come for Thanksgiving.

We always wanted you to be more of an aunt to the girls.

Any number of times over the years, I'd have leapt at being Aunt Nell.

Maybe even yesterday.

But...

But I've met her now.

I've talked to her.

I've seen...

She...

She smiles like I do.

I've felt how it feels when she puts her hand on my...

on my arm.

You've had Nan's hand on your arm for 19 years

and I haven't.

Not ever.

Maybe it's selfish.

Probably.

I'm famed for that.

But I can't stand to be with her and have her not know.

I won't tell her.

I won't.

I can see she's tough

and she will be all right,

but I don't want to be the consolation prize

of being someone she's just polite to.

Good morning, Your Grace.

This dress has been selected for you today.

Sorry. Do you want me to...

Your Grace?

The Dowager's waiting for you.

Why didn't you tell me last night about your father?

Because you were celebrating.

I just thought one last day

of not knowing you were about to become Lady Brightlingsea.

God. This is a lot to take in.

It means my mother, Honoria,

all the debts and bills and wages, they'll be down to us.

And with all our money gone...

We were so close to leaving a sinking ship.

Now we've become the captains.

- I'm so sorry. - Dicky, none of this is your fault.

How can it be?

My father's bad judgment.

Your father's bad news.

And as for the money, I will take a look at the books.

Do you actually know about books?

The only books my father owned had numbers in them.

Tighter, please.

Tighter.

Weights in the hem, please.

A gust of wind might draw attention by revealing an ankle.

Lady Hadstock's Black-and-White ball.

The event of the season and your Duchess debut.

Please, has there been any news? Is Jinny safe?

As discussed, I'm taking care of it.

I am so sorry.

So sorry about what happened with Guy that night.

Such a monumental misstep can only be rectified by obedience.

Thank God you saw sense and didn't tell Theo.

Everything before "I do" is now irrelevant.

You are a wife.

But, Annabel, anyone can be a wife.

- You are... - A duchess.

And a duchess, particularly an American prone to attracting attention,

must keep her eyes low and her profile lower.

Mother! Look! It's her!

Conchita Closson!

- Lady Marable, good afternoon. - Hi.

Your wedding in New York was the definition of a love story.

Cora has a scrapbook

- of every canapé you chose. - Mother!

- I don't. - She does.

I'm Cora.

Merrigan. Cora Merrigan. She is.

Like the store, Merrigan's?

My husband's the proprietor.

Well, I've lost days in Merrigan's.

Jewelry. Haberdashery. Hats.

Ladieswear, ladieswear, shoes.

Oh, my goodness.

And you're in London to meet...

Anyone at this point I think.

On the boat over, we were thinking maybe a lord or a...

Baron, viscount, earl, marquess, duke?

But as it turns out, Merrigan's may mean something to New Yorkers, but...

To these people, I am but the daughter of a grocer.

And as for connections in London, I have none at all.

Well, you've got one now.

Well, we're here.

Now what?

Conchita thinks we ought to talk.

Honoria?

Anything to say?

Oh, I don't think so.

Any wise words?

Fa...

Father, are you... are you feeling well?

- No. - Right.

- Well, that's solved it. - Touching. All facts established.

Can we leave now?

Mother, please just do sit down. Please.

If only James were here.

Would James know what to say?

No, of course not, but he'd be able to pass me a sherry.

Apologies.

I had an early meeting in the House...

of Commons.

Of course. Of course.

Well, my sister and I are staying with the Marables.

So, should I go in and ask Dick--

No, I... I didn't come to see Lord Marable.

At the wedding, I was kicking myself for not asking you to dance.

No. No, no kicking needed.

Though I do enjoy dancing quite a lot, but I also wanted us to talk.

Well, then we know what's required.

We must dance properly and we must talk a good deal more.

I like the sound of both.

Might I see you at Lady Hadstock's Black-and-White ball?

Yes.

I'm gonna run inside and ask somebody what that is.

Right.

Well, you could possibly ask your sister who is...

- God. I can't stand the sight of her. - I'm not sure what she's doing.

- She's appalling. - She seems excited.

- She's very excitable. - Yes.

I'm gonna have to go and tie her to something.

I look forward to that dance, Elizabeth Elmsworth.

Lizzy.

- Lizzy. - Yeah.

I'm Hector.

Robinson?

Hector Robinson!

- I apologize. - It's all right.

- How are you getting on? - I think we've...

we've said everything that needs to be said.

I have been taking a look at our assets.

The country house can be put on the market.

Absolutely not.

Well, we'll get some money for the horses.

And pull the carriages ourselves?

The paintings then. If we auction those then we--

Over my dead body.

Could we... oust some tenants?

- Mother! - Listen, we will all be ousted.

All of us.

How have you people avoided selling up before?

We solved our last crisis with a rich American.

Father, if there's anything you...

Goodbye then.

- Thank you again for the talk. - Oh, anyone can talk.

I really wish you would stay.

Well, I have a life to get back to.

And how do you propose to manage that life without me interfering in it?

Darling, you'll write if there's the slightest news about Jinny?

I have to go home just in case she tries to make contact in New York.

Of course.

The minute you need me, I will turn around and set off right back here.

Patti, what on earth are you doing?

Thought we weren't leaving till tomorrow.

Entirely up to you when you leave.

What are you talking about? You have my ticket.

- Tracy. - Yes?

I am sorry I told you a week ago that I wanted a divorce.

Well, of course you are. But, sweetheart, you're woolly-headed.

I should have told you two decades ago.

And my sister will be using your ticket.

Oh, I see. So, you two have joined forces. Is that it?

We are joined forces.

That's so nice to hear.

You've barely spoken, from what I remember.

For my whole life.

How... How long has it been?

How long ago did you fall out?

Nineteen years ago.

That's a really long time to not have a sister.

Welcome back to the family, Aunt Nell.

Do something spectacular...

Your Grace.

I hardly know what a duchess is.

I believe you're still Nan.

Now, take ownership of this castle please.

Paint it scarlet.

I'm so proud of you.

Now, Eleanor, are you certain you've packed absolutely everything?

I'll have a servant pack up your bags and prepare a carriage for you.

You'll need a new boat ticket.

Thank you.

My wife is an expert on adjusting to London society.

And my husband is an expert on lords.

Well, yes, because he is a lord.

- I am. - He is.

- Exactly. - Oh, Cora.

Can you imagine any finer way to make your debut

than the Black-and-White ball?

I can't!

And might I find a happy ending, like yours?

Oh, a happy beginning, middle and ending.

The whole package.

So, Mrs. Merrigan.

- For the figure we agreed... - Schooling, introductions, chaperoning.

- And the same amount again... - When Cora walks down the aisle.

I might not walk down the aisle. I might skip.

Well, for that, there will be no extra charge.

There's a coat downstairs belonging to Guy.

Guy Thwarte has spent as much time in this castle as you have.

He left weeks ago.

It wasn't here before.

So, you've conducted a thorough inventory of all the coats.

I look forward to your full report.

But won't he miss it? How long has it been?

My understanding is Guy's gone.

He left right after New Year's Eve to travel the world.

Which would surely require a coat.

Guy's a well-dressed young man.

It's my suspicion he has more than one outer garment.

You're right of course.

Where is my wife?

I need to see her.

Where is she?

- I have no idea. - I don't believe you.

I need to know where she is. I deserve--

You don't deserve to do anything with my sister.

If I could just see her, explain how sorry I am for how she felt.

- Then-- - For how she felt?

You covered her body in bruises.

You are despicable.

You know I'll find her.

I'll give her your love, shall I?

Wait till my wife sees.

I hope it's to your liking, Mr. and Mrs. Thwarte.

Where is she? Where's my sister?

We've been over this.

It's safer you don't know.

But Seadown's here. He's here.

He says he's going to find her and I can't protect her if I don't know where she is.

I'm protecting her.

What about when she comes home?

Annabel.

You said if I was a duchess--

Your sister's run away from her husband and stolen his child.

Nobody in the world has the power to bring her home without consequences.

With a duchess for a sister, the law won't follow her.

But Seadown will.

Wherever she is, while she's on every front page, she'll be discovered.

Nan, nobody can prevent speculation.

Tonight the new duchess is expected.

Your business now is not to fight.

Your business is to put on your black dress,

stand silently behind your husband and wait for this to pass.

Some more fascinating story will come along to knock Jinny from the headlines.

Now, go and show the world how you intend to behave.

What's she doing?

Changing the conversation.

Wow.