Original subtitles

Do not use my daughter as justification for your own...

If you refuse to believe...

I wonder what that's about.

So you see, Mr. Russell, without that increase,

the duke will not be able to run his life.

Now, surely, you can understand how much it takes

to keep these great houses afloat.

I do understand.

But that is my final offer.

It can't be.

Well, don't you want your daughter to live in the fashion

to which she's accustomed?

Hector, you have owned these houses

and lived in them for years without my help.

Not perhaps quite as you would like, but all the same.

Now, I'm offering to make you an exceedingly rich man.

Shouldn't you quit while you're ahead?

Only Mrs. Russell implied...

I suspect you misunderstood Mrs. Russell,

since she would never make an offer without consulting me.

I'd hate to disappoint everyone who's

looking forward to this union.

I'm sure you'd be disappointed too.

That is where you're wrong.

I couldn't care less.

Before we say anything we regret,

may I suggest we leave it there for this evening?

It's very late, and we're all tired.

Why don't we say good night and resume in the morning?

Good evening.

Mr. Russell.

Gentlemen, allow me to show you to your rooms.

Does that mean it's over now?

I pray so.

I'm not sure.

It's a lot of money for him to give up.

It makes me feel glad I have nothing to offer.

There's no reason to marry me unless the man's in love.

I envy you.

Oh, Gladys.

I hope they let you marry for love if this is finished.

You know that, don't you?

I do.

And I'm touched.

But I'm tired.

I think I'll go up now.

Do you think your father will protect her now?

I don't know.

He's no match for Mother.

Hmm.

George?

Is it finished?

I know I'm finished.

What does that mean?

I have given Hector and his lawyer my final offer.

It is a fortune.

But of course, they want more.

Well, can't you negotiate?

Unfortunately, you've made Hector believe

that if he pushes hard enough,

he'll get a better offer.

I never gave any specifics. I just...

You just what?

I said I thought he'd be happy.

But has it really broken down?

We're to announce the engagement at the unveiling

of Gladys's portrait, but what now?

We'll look like fools.

Bertha, this is business.

And you should not have got involved.

I am certainly not the fool here.

There must be some compromise, surely.

Not for me. Hector has overreached himself.

He has cheated himself of a king's ransom.

George, I'm sure that Hector only needs to reflect...

I think it's past time

for you to walk me home, Mr. Russell.

Long past.

What are you doing?

I'm so sorry, Mr. Larry.

The mistress wanted her book.

I should have left hours ago.

Now she'll tell your mother,

and heaven knows what she'll think of me.

Why should she think anything?

I am a single woman.

I should be as pure as the driven snow,

and here I am, attempting to seduce her son.

Let me handle my mother.

I'm afraid I've spoiled everything.

Nothing is spoiled.

I love you, Miss Brook.

That's what matters.

Come in.

Oh. Are you just back?

Yes.

How was dinner with the duke?

Mr. Russell was not in a good mood.

Oh, I'm sorry.

I did something silly.

Larry was...

Being affectionate.

And I should have stopped him, but I didn't.

- Heavens, what happened? - Nothing.

Nothing happened, except that he kissed me,

and his mother's maid came in,

and I just don't want Mrs. Russell to think less of me.

I thought you were resolved to be cautious.

I was!

I should have stuck with it.

What if she tells the other servants?

Marian, it's only a kiss.

After all, Larry Russell is courting you.

Or so it seems to me.

His mother is not going to like the sound of that.

Maybe this will help you decide what you want from him.

What do you mean?

Well, you wouldn't be criticized for kissing

your future husband.

You're getting ahead of yourself.

But can I ask you something?

Oscar said that Larry was once involved

with an older woman in Newport?

Oh.

If it's true, ought that to worry me?

Whatever the justice of it, there's no hiding from the fact

that our society gives more license to young men

than to young women.

I hope he doesn't take too much advantage of that license.

Just be sensible

and never let your standards slip,

and you'll be fine.

- Thank you. - Mm.

May I ask if you've thought any more about our argument?

I have.

And I believe I've come up with a solution.

This is good news.

I hope so.

I will raise my offer by the sum the duke suggests.

But that's wonderful.

The additional money will be invested

to deliver Gladys an income to be paid to her

on 1st January and 1st July.

Paid to Gladys?

Yes.

But what use is that to me?

A disappointing response, if I may say so.

So you mean to let our properties fall into ruin?

Your Grace, if that's the way you see it,

then I'd say our negotiations are finished.

For now, you mean?

I mean, for good and all.

The duke has my offer.

It's up to him if he wants to take it.

I'll have your luggage brought down.

You're down early.

I have a lot to do today.

Morning.

Is it finished?

George?

Hector, Mr. Dobbs, are you having breakfast,

or at least some coffee?

No, I'm afraid we won't stay.

I've sent a footman to fetch a cab.

You're moving out?

But why?

I'm sure Mr. Russell will explain.

You mean you're leaving New York?

We may spend a night or two at the Union,

but we won't meet again.

Goodbye, Mrs. Russell.

And thank you for all your hospitality.

But you were to be our guest at the unveiling

of Gladys's picture,

as well as a slew of other outings

I have planned.

Then I'm sorry to disappoint you, Miss Russell.

But I'm sure it will be a magnificent portrait.

Thank you.

Goodbye, Mr. Russell, Mrs. Russell.

I really hate to see you go.

To quote Henry Longfellow,

"Into each life some rain must fall."

This mess is of your making.

I wash my hands of it.

I'll have my coffee in the drawing room.

Does this mean I don't have to marry him?

So it would seem.

Thank you, Father.

Bah!

I cannot believe this.

What's the matter?

The matter is that my name

does not appear on the donors list

for the Young Women's Christian Charity.

Only your name is listed.

You see?

Look.

I'm nowhere to be found.

I don't exist anymore.

I'm listed as Mrs. Luka Forte.

Never mind the misprint.

The Van Rhijn family has supported

that charity since it began.

How does this make me look?

You support the charity.

The check has my name on it, it's true.

But the charity is still supported by this household

because of you.

That is not the point at all.

Don't you see? This is how it starts.

How what starts?

My exclusion from society.

Soon I will stop receiving invitations

to luncheons, teas, balls... All of it.

But as long as I continue to write the checks,

I'll get invited.

So I'm to attend these parties as your guest,

as some sort of hanger-on?

That's what's become of me?

Before I had money,

I attended parties as your guest.

You were a spinster!

And there was no obvious fall from grace.

My situation is quite different.

You're making too much of this.

Well, how would you feel

if you'd practically started a charity

and years later, there was no mention of your name,

no acknowledgment of your contribution?

You wouldn't even know about it if it weren't for me.

Agnes, you persuaded me to donate

when I would have preferred the funds to go

to the temperance movement instead.

Please don't remind me of that, not now.

It's too much.

You're blowing this completely out of proportion.

There are worse things that could happen.

Think what Aurora is going through.

Aurora's name and her party

are still mentioned in the newspaper.

Unlike me, she has not been erased.

Yet.

Once her divorce is public, things will change.

Well, perhaps I will find my place in Newport with Aurora.

And I'll spend the rest of my days

with society's castoffs and women of ill repute.

At least they'll have wine.

Ah, thank you.

My pleasure.

- Yes, my favorite. - Oh.

I'll take that, Louise.

This is for Miss Peggy.

That can't be.

Hardly anybody knows I'm staying with you in Newport.

Well, aren't you going to tell us who it's from?

Dr. William Kirkland.

Oh, Kirkland.

That's the pastor's son.

Oh, they have a house on Poplar Street.

That's what he's written.

He saw in the post about my lecture

and asks where I'm staying.

Well, that sounds like a man who is smitten to me.

- Mother, please. - Oh, but I agree.

He had to ask around to find out about you.

He is not smitten.

He hardly knows me.

And he saw me at my very worst.

Oh, what does the letter say?

He wants to pay a call.

Louise, please bring some paper and a pen!

For what?

So you can write him back and tell him he's welcome anytime.

- Athena, stop. - What?

Do you want me to answer him?

No, thank you.

What... what will you say?

I don't know yet!

She's a professional writer, Dorothy.

Let the girl be.

Marian, come and have some tea.

I need it after the day I've had.

Another day of internecine warfare?

As a matter of fact, they all get along well.

That's quite a feat...

To have mixed religions and races all in one room,

working together?

Well, if Marian had been at the helm,

she might have stopped the Thirty Years' War.

Agnes, Marian is doing real good in the world.

You must support that.

Hmm, what good?

Whom do you teach?

People whose English does not match their intelligence.

So I help them with fluency and reading.

But don't worry. I make no money from it.

Thank heaven for small mercies.

What Marian is doing should make us proud.

She will transform the lives of her pupils

beyond recognition if they have a bit of push.

Push? Oh, do enlighten us.

And... and what of our footman, John?

Does he have push?

Very much so... and brains too.

But does this mean he can no longer serve us?

Aunt Agnes, you know that John is only working here

until he and Mr. Russell get the business going.

It is our contribution to his future.

I am very grateful, Mrs. Van Rhijn.

Even if nothing comes of it, I'm sure you'll appreciate

what you've learned from this.

I do.

So John can continue as our footman for now.

Not for much longer, I'm sure.

What's this?

Oscar! Where have you been?

John, will you give Oscar some tea?

Sorry I'm late, but business ran on and on.

You don't seem too cross about it.

No... in fact, I had a great day,

with two new clients signed up.

Is this because of John Adams?

I think so.

He is trying to revive my fortunes, and it's paying off.

- How kind of him. - We are proud of you.

Are we?

I wonder if these clients know what they're in for.

We're all proud of you.

You're like John here.

You're living the American dream.

From which someday they may presumably wake up.

To pursue happiness is the right of every citizen.

But what if success and money

do not bring happiness, eh, John?

Huh?

Have you thought about that?

It's possible, of course, ma'am.

But I'd like to find out for myself.

I thought you were going to persuade

your wife to divorce you.

I meant to.

At least I think I did.

But now I'm free anyway.

I feel guilty... towards you, in part.

And towards her.

Oh, Mr. Borden, I understand.

Mr. Church said they sent you a ring.

It had been my mother's.

My wife just wanted to make sure it came back to me.

She'd written me a note.

Try to remember we were happy once.

Were you?

Maybe, in the early days.

We weren't bad people, neither of us...

Just not right for each other.

Still, you must be sad.

I am... much more than I would have expected.

But maybe I'm just sad about the memories of youth.

We can all be sad about that.

But I like the sound of your wife.

Me too. I like the sound of her.

It's the fact of her that gave me so much trouble.

Are Miss Gladys and Mr. Larry ready?

Yes.

I believe Mr. Larry went to get Miss Brook.

They will marry soon, no?

I doubt it.

Larry likes his fun, and boys will be boys.

It's just that I interrupted them

in the drawing room last night.

How interrupted?

Oh, it was nothing, really...

Two young people in love.

Go on.

Perhaps I am mistaken.

Yes, Church?

This was just delivered for you

from Mr. Russell's office, ma'am.

Oh.

We'll leave without him then.

Please ask Gordon to have something for him

to eat when he gets home.

Yes, ma'am.

The Goelets heard this in Paris.

I so much prefer Italian operas to French,

- or even German. - I agree.

Italian operas are more romantic.

I don't think poor Anne Boleyn would agree.

Excuse me.

Mr. and Mrs. Newport...

But is romance in the air for you tonight, Gladys?

Gladys.

What is it?

I just wondered if Billy Carlton was here.

Oh, I don't think so.

They've lent their box to my niece.

Have I told you how lovely you look tonight?

Only several times.

Oh, my goodness.

Are you all right, Mrs. Fish?

I am, but I don't think your mother will be pleased.

What would displease me?

Isn't that your duke talking with the De Lanceys?

I'd heard from Mrs. Phillips

that he had moved on to the De Lanceys,

but I thought it was just gossip.

I know the name. Who are they?

Banking and shipping. The girl's their only child.

Are you still hosting a party for Gladys's

- portrait unveiling? - Of course.

We want to share Mr. Sargent's work

with as many of our friends as possible.

Including Miss De Lancey?

Your duke looks very friendly.

I met Martha de Lancey at Caroline Astor's in Newport.

I danced with her at a ball once.

I remember her quite well.

So many heiresses, so little time.

Still, I'm surprised.

I thought you had practically branded him.

We can't take up all his time in New York.

He has other friends.

How magnanimous.

Shall we go in?

- We are here for the music. - Are we?

I think of the opera as a place to wear my jewels

and talk to people I like.

But you're right.

I suppose we should try to enjoy the music.

Church said you wanted to see me?

Are you only just back from the office?

Why aren't you asleep?

I couldn't sleep even if I wanted!

Why not?

Because of everything, George!

I am on the cusp of an endeavor

that will change this country.

I'm sad I missed the opera, but I have no time

for social obligations.

This is not about missing tonight.

This is about being humiliated

in the very opera house I built!

Things are only going to get worse unless you

can bring Hector around.

I've made Hector an offer he'd be foolish to refuse.

I assure you, he needs us a lot more than we need him.

He may not need us much longer.

He's found Miss Martha de Lancey,

the only child of a banker.

They were together tonight for all to see.

I can't imagine what the papers will say.

You can't imagine, and I don't care.

George, winning in business

and winning in society are linked.

We are facing a very public defeat.

If Hector wants the De Lancey girl, let him have her.

But Franklin de Lancey can't give him what we can.

In fact, if I hadn't saved the Metropolitan Bank,

he'd be sweeping our steps.

Interesting.

I'm going to bed.

No, no, no, no.

You're... you're working too hard.

I must seize the moment.

Not tonight.

I'm very tired.

I'll see you tomorrow.

Larry, will you help me?

With what?

If the duke's moved on to someone else, will...

Will Father take Billy's proposal seriously?

But Billy never asked for your hand...

Not properly.

Because Mother interfered.

But things are different now, if the duke's gone his own way.

Well, perhaps.

There's no time to be lost.

Father would support me. You remember his promise.

Of course I remember.

But Billy didn't speak to him when he had the chance.

Go tell Billy that I'm not engaged to Hector.

Tell him what we saw tonight at the opera.

Explain I still love him,

and now... Now we can be together.

That's a tall order.

But I'll do my best.

I'll go tomorrow after my meeting with Jack.

But don't get your hopes up too high.

How can I help it?

It was at least five minutes with no sign of life.

He just lay there.

His lips started to turn blue, and I couldn't revive him.

What was Mr. Cooper's ailment?

I don't know.

He was in pain, but I couldn't find anything

- physically wrong with him. - Hmm.

He did complain a lot, though.

Mostly about his wife.

Was his pain connected to being henpecked?

Perhaps.

I think his true ailment was old man syndrome.

It's not a medical term.

Yeah, I do believe my grandfather suffered

from the same condition.

So what happened?

He appeared to be dead.

So I was about to tell his wife the sad news,

and I turned to leave the room,

and suddenly, he drew a sharp breath, began coughing,

and came back to life.

- He was Lazarus. - Wow.

And within moments, he got back to complaining.

That's when I knew he was going to be just fine.

When will you return to New York after your talk?

The main reason I'm here is because my doctor

ordered me to convalesce by the sea.

Hmm.

I suppose I'd have to consult

with him about when I can go home.

Well, I know him well,

and I would guess he'll find that you are healed.

- Oh! - Oh, are you all right?

I'm fine.

Thank you.

I'm afraid that wasn't very dignified.

Well, then we're even, since my illness

wasn't very dignified when you rescued me all those weeks ago.

I'm grateful your father sent for me,

or else we might never have met.

May I ask how you discovered I was

staying with my cousin Athena?

It's a small Negro community.

- Everyone knows each other. - Hmm.

I haven't been to Newport in years.

Oh, I love Newport.

It's different for us... More opportunities.

My parents have always had a home here.

This weekend, my brother's coming with his family.

We're having a little party.

Will you join us?

Oh, I'm not sure.

My... my father's coming up this weekend.

Bring him.

Bring your whole family.

That's very kind.

Thank you.

Bannister, was there any mail?

Not for you, ma'am. Only Mrs. Forte.

Of course. You see?

It's begun.

What's that, Mama?

My societal demise.

Your mother is being dramatic.

Really? It's so unlike her.

Bannister, how did the staff react to the sobriety pledge?

I can fetch you the clipboard if you like, ma'am.

Will you allow him to serve us our luncheon first?

I'm eager to know.

How many have signed?

There is only one name on the pledge.

You mean only one member of this household

has taken the oath?

Isn't that what he just said?

But it's so important to me.

It's not the presidential oath of office.

Which servant has signed?

It was Miss Armstrong, ma'am.

My maid?

- I'm shocked. - Oh, that's it.

I've lost my appetite.

In one day, I am cut both inside and outside my house.

Bannister, bring Armstrong to me this instant.

- During luncheon? - Yes.

This is exciting.

There is no joy in it.

Oh, but there is.

And I have so little joy these days.

Please don't deprive me of it.

I will not be mocked in my own home,

if I can still call it that.

Nothing is as it should be!

Amen to that.

What is this nonsense I hear about your signing the pledge?

I think it's a good cause, ma'am,

and I fully support it.

What are your reasons?

Alcohol has destroyed many lives

and brought whole families to ruin.

You've never noticed I don't drink?

I've noticed you're no fun.

How can you subscribe to this nonsense?

- You work for me. - Actually, she works for me.

I pay her wages.

That will be all, Armstrong.

You are dismissed. Thank you.

Yes, ma'am.

Well, she may have signed my pledge,

but she still follows your orders.

If it makes you feel any better, Aunt Ada,

the servants pay no attention to me, either.

For good reason.

I only wanted to do something to honor Luke's memory.

And only one member of my staff has shown her support.

You have managed to turn Mama's maid against her,

so that's something.

I suppose I am no match for you, Agnes,

when it comes to wielding authority.

Oh!

Now who's being dramatic?

Forgive the interruption.

A Mr. De Lancey to see Mr. Russell, ma'am.

I've said the master is out, which seemed to surprise him.

Yes.

Show him in, please.

I'm sorry to disturb you,

but I had a message from Mr. Russell, and...

The message was from me.

I don't understand.

I wanted to see you on your own,

and I thought you were more likely to accept

an invitation if it came from Mr. Russell than from me.

Go on.

Won't you sit down? Can I offer you anything?

You can offer me the reason you have brought me here.

It's to do with your daughter and the duke of Buckingham.

Oh, yes. I see.

I saw them at the opera together,

but I'm afraid I don't think they are well-suited.

And why is that?

The duke has substantial needs when it comes to choosing

a future wife, and my husband has

shared your situation with me.

This is getting odder and odder.

Is it guesswork, or do you have the actual figures

of my bank accounts?

I don't mean to be impertinent.

You don't think discussing my finances is in itself

rather an impertinence?

I cannot stand aside when I see something wrong happening.

I think you cannot stand aside

when you see a plan of your own making start to fall apart.

You mean to press ahead with the promotion

of your daughter, then?

I mean to let Martha settle the question

of whom she will marry.

And I'd advise you to do the same.

You understand the sums involved?

Mr. Russell thinks of me as a banker who's had a near escape.

But I also have interests in shipping and manufacture

that mean I can easily purchase a duke or two.

I see.

But you can relax, Mrs. Russell.

I don't want Martha to be a great lady

on the far side of the world.

I intend to watch my grandchildren

grow up here in New York.

In short, you think me quite foolish.

I think you give these matters

more importance than they're worth.

But I confess, I admire your spirit.

I hear such nice things about your daughter.

My son knows her.

They met and danced in Newport.

She told me.

Good day, Mrs. Russell.

I wonder, might I have your card?

Certainly, you may.

You rather intrigue me, to be honest, Mrs. Russell.

I only wish you knew how much more interesting you are

than the duke of Buckingham.

Why are we waiting?

Much longer, and we'll all have lost interest.

Ta-da.

Lord, it's the president himself!

You look wonderful, Jack.

They'll mistake you for a businessman.

Then where will you be?

So what will happen in the meeting?

Do you have to talk?

We have four meetings altogether.

But Mr. Larry does the talking.

That may be the only thing to work in your favor.

Hush.

I just point to the elements of the clock in the designs.

But you're right, I am nervous.

Just do your best, lad.

Remember, this is your invention.

- You know it inside and out. - She's right, John.

When you explain your clock, they'll listen.

I feel like an impostor.

We all feel like impostors

at some point in our lives.

Just keep your courage, trust your knowledge,

and you'll be fine.

Thank you, Mr. Bannister.

Thanks to all of yo use.

I mean it. Thank you.

Go. Go.

Well, hello, stranger.

How was it?

Well? Hello?

It was a walk on the cliffs, not a walk down the aisle.

Well, that's how it starts.

And I've known William Kirkland for years.

When they lived in New York,

Arthur got to know the father's son.

Mm, and his wife rules the roost in Newport.

They're good, educated family.

One of the sons went to Yale.

And his money...

Oh, well, that is something.

But what do you think, Peggy?

I'm not going to make a decision

about how I feel based on someone's pedigree...

Or lack of it.

Why not? I did.

Because it doesn't take

the real person into consideration,

which is what matters.

So does that mean you're not coming to the Kirklands' party?

No, I'm coming. Why wouldn't I?

Well, if you ask me,

Dr. Kirkland would be a good match for you.

I didn't ask.

Hmm.

The stubbornness of your daughter.

I guess she gets it from her father.

She gets her strong will from both of us.

Maybe this one will be different.

By "different," do you mean he'll find another way

to say "I'll think about it"?

Which always seems like a polite no to me.

Those were money people.

Mr. Weston manufactures clocks, among other things.

And we can't give up now.

So they're dependable?

Absolutely, every time.

You know, a lot of this has already been tried.

And never worked.

But ours does.

Talk about the role of the pallets

and why the teeth of the escape wheel don't need oil

and don't affect the efficiency of the clock.

Well, actually, uh...

With our clock, the pallets are simply used as stops.

The friction between them and the teeth of the escape wheel

has no effect on the motion or the balance of the clock.

If the teeth of the escapement wears off,

the clock is not affected.

So no oil is needed to make the escapement work smoothly.

And you invented this?

Yes, sir.

Hmm.

But here's my suggestion.

We have brought two clocks made according to the new design.

We'd like each of you to take one home.

You can see for yourselves if they are

as reliable as we keep saying.

Are you sure about that?

As long as you bring them back.

But we could dismantle them and have them copied.

Mr. Trotter and I believe you both to be gentlemen.

If we were not sure of that,

we wouldn't have convened this meeting.

Well said.

Besides, we have a patent.

No oil at all.

I'm sorry, Mr. Weston.

I need to be convinced about this new kind of pallet.

Yes.

I believe I agree.

I'm just not sure it can work.

What are you pouting about?

Apart from you, everyone put their faith

and their money in me.

I feel like I failed them all.

Did every investor turn you down?

No, but they didn't say yes, either.

They all told us they had to think about it.

That's not failure.

In fact, I count it a victory that you got in the door

in the first place.

You got further in the business world

than the rest of us ever will.

I didn't look at it that way.

You young people always want things to happen so quickly.

These are smart men.

They're not going to throw their money at you

without taking many things into consideration.

Kind of like how you didn't chip in

any money for my patent?

I need proof of a sound investment.

I don't trust a feeling, like the others.

You think more like a businessman.

Ladies' maids are practical and not prone to fever dreams.

- Thanks, Miss Armstrong. - For what?

For giving me a glimmer of hope.

Really?

I didn't mean to.

I left you there to complete the mission.

You need more money for Morenci.

I couldn't close the deal without it.

Then sell some assets.

We're already doing that for the dowry negotiations.

Use the dowry money for the Morenci project.

So the papers are correct.

The duke has refused the offer, yes.

Use the money we raised for him to move this plan forward.

You're risking more than you have.

And?

And it may not be possible in the time frame you want.

I have built my fortune on what other people

have told me is impossible.

I won't stop now.

You have your orders.

Execute them.

- Here we are. - Yes, here we are.

Hello.

Oh.

Miss Scott graduated from the Institute

for Colored Youth in Pennsylvania.

Then you and my son have that in common.

Oh, what do you mean?

My wife is referring to William's attendance at Howard.

And our elder son went to Yale Medical School.

How impressive.

I'd like to think it runs in the family.

My cousin was the first colored man to graduate from Harvard.

William could have gone that route, but he chose not to.

What's wrong with Howard University?

It's a fine institution.

It is. It's just so far away.

Is that why you never visited me?

It's a lovely area.

My family is from Maryland.

Is that so? What was your maiden name?

I know some folks from Baltimore.

Hoag.

That does not sound familiar.

Frederick, we don't know anyone down there.

Our family has lived in Rhode Island for five generations.

My great-great-grandfather fought

in the American Revolutionary War.

He played the bugle.

And that counts.

Did he fight for the British or Americans?

Well, the Americans, of course.

He was a proud freeman and a patriot.

Well.

Credit to your family.

There's my brother, James.

I'd love for you to meet him.

Oh, I'd like that.

Excuse us.

Howard Medical Department served your son well.

His efficient and prompt care of our daughter

likely saved her from pneumonia or worse.

I agree.

My training was not enough, which is why I called on him.

Training?

What training?

I thought you were some sort of salesman.

I'm a pharmacist and proprietor

of my own apothecaries in Brooklyn.

Isn't that the same thing?

Elizabeth, I have bought many cures for you

over the years from Mr. Scott.

You owe him a great deal.

Is it a family business?

I meant for it to be,

but, uh, Peggy has her own ideas.

What I meant was, has it been in your family for a while?

I founded it.

After I was freed, I came north to take advantage

of the opportunities that came with emancipation.

Oh.

I see.

I worked as an apprentice

before attending pharmacy school.

Grandfather!

Uh, if you'll excuse me,

I promised my granddaughter some sweets.

I must have a word with the governess.

Careful on those stairs.

No running.

Loretta, I have told you not to leave

those children out in the sun too long without an umbrella.

The last thing they need is more sun.

Did you see Billy?

Yes.

And?

I'm afraid I don't have good news.

What do you mean?

He must have read the papers.

Did you explain to him that it's true?

Hector's gone.

He's... he's moved on to another heiress.

I'm sorry to report that Billy has also moved on.

To someone else?

I don't know that.

But he cannot see a way forward for the two of you.

Mother has gotten to Mrs. Carlton.

Oh.

I wonder if... if he ever loved me at all.

Maybe I imagined it. How foolish I am.

No, don't say such a thing.

At least you're no longer promised to Hector.

There is someone out there who is ready and right for you.

Mother would say I know nothing about love.

Maybe she has a point.

Nonsense.

You'll find it.

We both will.

His Grace, the duke, and his lawyer, Mr. Dobbs,

are here, ma'am.

Show them in.

Your Grace, Mr. Dobbs.

Please.

Mr. Dobbs thinks I must reconsider.

It's always good to listen to the voice

of reasonable counsel.

You're sure your husband's made his final offer?

Quite sure. And I cannot improve it.

Then we're at an impasse.

Hector.

I hope I may still call you Hector.

Let's not pussyfoot about.

My husband is prepared to give you

an enormous amount of money.

Few, if any, aristocrats in Europe

will be as rich as you are.

Then there's Gladys's allowance.

That belongs to your daughter.

And I mean to respect what's hers.

In a good marriage, there is no distinction

between his and hers.

God has joined you together,

and if you treat Gladys well and you're happy,

then what you refer to as hers will belong to you both.

The matter is simple.

Do you want to live as lavishly as most reigning princes?

And do you want your children to be leaders in society

for their entire lives?

In short, do you want to save Sidmouth Castle

and have plenty of money to spare?

That woman is a piece of work.

Well, we got away without you being rude.

That's something.

Who are we talking about?

Mrs. Kirkland.

She's a little highfalutin.

Is that how you describe it when she

belittled me and my business?

What did she say?

It wasn't so much what she said but how she said it.

And then there was another comment.

About her own grandchildren.

Now, I know how Elizabeth can be.

And how is that?

She has preferences.

I'd call them prejudices.

- Can we let this go for today? - That suits me.

As far as I'm concerned, I never want to see

or talk about her again.

- Well... - Well, what?

William is fond of Peggy,

so we may have to encounter her again.

Peggy does not want to be involved with people like that.

Peggy is sitting right here.

You have only spoken highly of Dr. Kirkland and his father.

But not his mother.

I certainly don't want to judge William harshly

because of her behavior over one afternoon.

I can tell you right now, she will never change.

Those people never do. They just get more so.

And despite all I've achieved, she'll never respect me

because I was a slave in this country

and not so long ago.

That is something she would prefer to forget.

Thank you, Andre.

Church says De Lancey was here.

He was.

Well, I know when you've set your mind on a thing,

no one can stop you.

I take that as a compliment.

So what did he have to say for himself?

Only that he has no designs on Hector.

He wants his grandchildren to grow up in New York.

Well, he obviously thinks his daughter's happiness

is more important than her rank.

And I agree with him.

And I don't?

I wish you'd trust me.

I am trusting you in all of this.

I just hope I'm right to do so.

Hector called on me today.

I know.

He sent a note.

So there we are.

Everything's falling into place.

I just don't understand why you're so determined

to keep love out of the equation.

We were a love match, and we've been happy.

Why couldn't Gladys have had the same?

George, love at 17

is as durable as snow in springtime.

Yes, we were happy, but because we were well-suited,

not because you liked the color of my eyes

or I enjoyed dancing with you.

I think Hector and Gladys are well-suited.

And that's all that matters in the long run.

You speak as if Gladys doesn't know her own mind.

But I disagree.

- She's clever. - Which is exactly my point.

This marriage will give her the power

to use her brain in a world

where very few women get that chance.

Do you think Billy Carlton would have allowed her that?

Indeed.

I wonder what that's about.

We have an understanding.

Oh, there you are.

Church, pour glasses for everyone.

What's happening?

We're celebrating Hector's return.

Gladys?

Church?

Could you ask Adelheid to bring my shawl?

I feel rather cold.

Yes, miss.

Mrs. Forte!

Oh, can... can I get you anything?

Something to eat? Hot tea?

No, I actually wanted to ask you a question.

It's to do with the sobriety pledge.

Very good.

For the sake of argument,

had the request come from Mrs. Van Rhijn instead of me,

do you think the servants

would have felt more compelled to sign it?

I can't be sure.

It's not a secret Agnes has a way of getting

what she wants out of people,

whether it's their preference or not.

I don't think you should take it personally, Mrs. Forte.

Miss Armstrong went against Mrs. Van Rhijn's wishes

and signed it.

That's true.

It was my intention in all this to honor Mr. Forte

by helping others, just as he used to.

Even though we didn't sign the pledge,

you did get us thinking and talking.

And I know the Reverend Mr. Forte

would be pleased about that.

Would he?

I hope so.

I... I'm... I'm finding it very hard without him,

even though Lord knows I've had many years

to learn how to be alone.

Oh, please don't cry, ma'am.

I miss him.

I... I just want to see him again, to...

To touch him, to...

To speak to him one more time.

We're all very sympathetic.

Well, I'm... I... I know.

I'm very sorry if I've embarrassed you.

- Please forgive me. - Not at all.

I should say good night.

If you could speak to the reverend one last time,

would you?

Well, of course.

But how is that possible?

I know someone who could help...

Well, who might be able to help.

I will miss you.

Do you think I was harsh about Mrs. Kirkland?

I don't have to remind you what a challenging time we had

with your family accepting me.

It's only because they had somebody else they liked.

And that someone else had been born free,

like you, and light.

But I chose you.

If she were to marry William

and the children take after him,

won't people think Peggy's their nurse?

You and Mrs. Kirkland

probably have that same thought.

Oh, don't bracket me with her.

And what if our grandchildren look more like Peggy?

That woman would treat them like servants...

You're getting yourself worked up over something

that may never happen.

William is a fine young man.

Yes, he is.

But what about his mother, which we...

Must I remind you how things turned out

when you last imposed your will on Peggy's love life?

No need.

My concern is, her behavior yesterday

is a harbinger of things to come.

Well, you saw the older son's wife.

She wants another one like that for William.

Arthur was so vexed, it made no sense

adding fuel to the fire, but he's right.

And that leaves Peggy in the middle,

when she deserves love and ease.

Love is never easy.

You chose it and fought the family.

Including you.

Well, I was young, following my parents' lead.

We've all come to love Arthur.

And you've created a beautiful life together.

The family interference did not help.

And I don't want that for Peggy.

You're seeing this as the end,

when it's truly the beginning.

How can it be the beginning

when it's not what I've chosen?

You promised I could marry for love, Father.

You gave me your word.

The marriage is a real opportunity.

Do you want us to stop our daughter

becoming one of the most famous women of her generation?

Give Hector a chance.

That's all your mother means.

As his wife, you could do great things.

Just listen to him, and see what he has to say.

We can't change the world, Gladys.

He'd like to meet with you before the others get here.

Why?

What more is there to say?

Sidmouth Castle is not far from the sea.

Do you like the sea?

Yes.

I'm afraid this is all very odd.

Thank you for saying so.

But please understand,

I really do mean for you to be happy.

Does it matter that I don't love you?

How could you? You don't know me.

And you only want to marry me

to save your position in society.

I'd prefer to say it's about maintaining

our family's position in the history of my country.

But you're right, of course.

Doesn't that worry you?

Don't you feel ashamed?

I suppose I think... I hope...

That when you come to know me better,

you'll agree that what I'm trying to preserve

is worth preserving.

I like that you don't pretend.

I'll give you that.

Dear Gladys,

can we please go forward on the basis

that we won't pretend, not with each other?

We can come back to America when we want.

I like it here.

But I do so hope that you'll enjoy England.

We are engaged.

Oh.

Hector.

Mrs. Astor, I'm so glad you could join us.

I couldn't miss it.

I always enjoy the end of a fairy story.

And will she live happily ever after?

Well, that, of course, is the question.

- Are you ready? - Ready to look a fool?

I suppose so.

Gladys, you're the belle of the ball.

Enjoy it.

Thank you all for coming.

Without further ado, I present Mr. Sargent.

To be asked to paint a young woman

is always a daunting task.

It is, in a way, to be asked to paint her future.

Without speculating on what Miss Russell's future will be,

we'll see if you agree with me

that it will be an impressive one.

I give you her portrait.

Marvelous.

As if having her portrait

painted by Mr. Sargent wasn't enough,

we have another wonderful surprise for you.

We are pleased to announce

the engagement of our daughter

to the duke of Buckingham.

Congratulations, my dear.

It's sure to be the wedding of the year.

I mean to make it the wedding of the century.