Original subtitles

##

Lady sahiba, I'm going to give you a bath.

No! B-Ba-Baadalal! Come here this instant!

It will be fixed, Mrs Beecham, I'm sure. Here.

What is wrong, Mrs Beecham, sahiba?

Everything! The water is dark brown, the towels are too thin.

What if I slip and crack my skull?

I have fresh water here, ma'am.

Iwill bring fresh towels right now.

Yes. This is... This is... no way for a lady to bathe.

- Quite. But we must try. - [She shoos scorpion away]

- [Shooing] - [They scream]

- Baadal! Baadal! - Ma'am?

- What is that? - Stand back. Be careful.

- It's poisonous. A scorpion. - Well, get it out! Go!

- Move. - [Mrs Beecham moans]

[Suspenseful music]

- Ohh! - No.

- Don't... - Get it, get it, get it.

[Nervous panting] Aahh...

Thank you, Ramalola.

Please inspect my room every hour.

I do not want to die in India from a tropical insect hite.

- Ooh! - Yes, Mrs Beecham sahiba.

[Insects buzzing and low chatter]

[Horse blows]

[Chatter in background]

[Tense music]

##

[Remembered muffled shouting]

[John] Stop this! This is idiocy!

They do not have the taxes to pay!

[Shouting and gunshots]

[Soldier] Sit down!

[Distressed cries]

[Shouting]

[Pleading]

[Anguished protests]

[She screams]

[Shouting]

- [Screaming and shouting] - [Fabric rips]

Sir, you must stop this! You've gone too farl

Leave!

[Horse blows]

[Bird chattering]

[Horses' hooves approaching]

- Good morning. - Good morning, General.

- Good morning. - Good morning.

I'had a special delivery from France.

It arrived by boat this morning,

along with my cognac.

[She gasps]

This is too kind, General Castillon.

But I know your penchant for French perfume only too well.

Have you had any word from your brother?

My colleagues have had no sightings of him.

So what will you do?

Will you still return to England?

No.

I feel quite content here at present.

What has changed?

Perhaps the presence of more English people

has made me feel less homesick.

I must warn you about John Beecham.

He may not be all that he appears.

I appreciate your concen, General.

But if John Beecham is a dangerous man,

why did he bring his elderly mother

to live with him in India?

Are you sure this ghastly treatment

is going to work on these bites?

Bindu insists that turmeric will soothe your discomfort.

Ohh.

You must try this Mulliga... Mulligatawny.

How can I eat when I am so worried?

When is John returning?

I need to speak to someone who understands English.

We understand English, Mrs Beecham sahiba.

I do not even know what to call you, dear.

Chanchal.

Hm?

You see, we need to start doing things differently

now I shall be running the household.

So, from now on,

I shall call you... Channing.

- "Channing"? - Yes.

And you, Bin... Bindylou,

I shall call you...

Beatrice.

"Be-a-trick"?

No, no, Beatrice!

Iss, iss.

Yes. And uh... you shall be...Barton.

I will be of assistance however you wish to address me,

Mrs Beecham sahiba. Please do not be upset.

- I will take care of you. - Thank you.

That is kind of you.

[He calls to men]

The British have struck their first temple at Kannauj.

That's right next to the Emperor's land.

- Are you certain? - Iam afraid so.

[Soldiers shouting in distance]

Itis a clear provocation.

They can only be inspecting the region

in order to plan an attack.

The British annexation of India marches closer to us every day.

We must inform the Emperor, and bring it to a halt.

If Lieutenant Beecham is in contact with the Company...

he will pay a severe price.

[Lively chatter]

[Chatter continues]

Gentlemen. I'm Captain Parker.

I need to know the whereabouts of Ensign Daniel Beecham.

Beecham? He was shot.

At this very moment, I'would wager

he has no idea of his own whereabouts.

Speak clearly. What is your meaning?

He's on sickness leave. He's recuperating.

You have a medical bay here?

[Laughs] He's at his second home.

Very likely, between the thighs of an Indian dancing girl.

[Soldiers laugh]

MRS BEECHAM: What is it about this strange land

that draws my sons here

instead of coming home to England - and me?

Your sons are like many.

Great fortunes are here for the taking.

It was very considerate of John to prepare this chapel for you.

But now that John has made his fortune,

he should marry you, return with his wealth

and bring August up as an English gentleman back home.

There is nothing to keep him in India.

Oh... I apologise.

I do hope I'm not disturbing your prayers.

It's a pleasure to see you again, Mrs Beecham.

And you, Miss Woodhouse.

[Birdsong]

How well do you know my son?

Mr Beecham and I are recently acquainted.

But he was kind enough to invite me to come to the chapel

whenever I wanted to pray.

And what do you know of the child's mother?

Mr Beecham has not discussed such private matters with me.

"Private matters." I see.

tis better you direct your questions

to Mr Beecham himself, ma'am.

Oh.

[Chatter in background]

[Whimsical music]

Eh, Baadal-bai. Looking very smart, huh?

But you're only going to the bazaar, no?

I'm just going to buy some provisions for the house.

How long has Chanchal kept you waiting?

Baadal, thank you.

Itis so kind of you to take me to the bazaar.

Itis my great pleasure, Chanchal-bai.

I have been dreaming of gulab jamuns all night.

- Hah! Hawker food! - Anything to take away

the taste of the bland food in this house.

Atleast it will be edible.

[Horse neighs loudly]

[Carriage approaching]

Who is this?

[She exclaims] Baadal, don't just stand here.

Bai-sa is an honoured guest of Beecham sahib. Go.

0f course, Chanchal-bai.

So many trunks.

Maybe this is Beecham sahib's wife.

[Tense music]

Go get the lu jt Bow! oe

[Dramatic music swells]

[They address guest in a local language]

[Suspenseful music]

Barton? Where is Barton? Where is everybody?

- Water? - Oh, dear.

- Water. - don't... Oh.

[Birdsong]

MRS BEECHAM: My, my, my, my.

What do we have here?

Take me to Agastya.

[Dramatic music swells]

"Agastya'?

[She gasps] Could this be...

Could this be August's mother?

She's acting like the lady of the manor already.

[He gurgles]

Precious Agastya.

Beautiful boy.

You've already endured so much.

Bai-sa. Mr Beecham sahib does not let Agastya

leave the nursery without his permission.

Ram Lal.

I know what is best for Agastya.

He will stay with me.

Very well. We will find you a room.

Barton!

Barton!

It's impossible to get his attention.

B... Barton!

- [Fan pulley squeaking] - Barton!

I have just settled Agastya. I'would appreciate it

if you'd kindly keep your voices down.

[She chuckles] Young lady,

why do you insist on calling him by another name?

Agastya is sleeping. He requires his rest.

I'am John Beecham's mother,

Henrietta Beecham, and August's grandmother...

and mistress of this house.

Now, this is Miss Oshorne, a governess...

...and Miss Woodhouse, a family friend.

- Mrs Beecham. - Mm.

I note your position.

Miss Oshorne...

he is not in need of an English governess.

W...

Have you ever...

"lo. - Oh.

Perhaps you should rest, Mrs Beecham. You look faint.

The Indian heat cannot be underestimated.

Nor can that intolerable woman!

That behaviour will not do.

When my son returns, we will have words!

[Laughs] Oh, and, Miss Osborne,

clearly you know even less than I.

I'm sure you have work to be getting on with, so good day.

[Murmur of chatter nearby]

- Bye, sir. - Ladies.

[Birdsong and chatter]

[Muffled music]

[Music playing]

Daniel?

Daniel?

Sahib? You want women?

- We have all types. - Daniel!

You want a boy?

[Man] You. Come here.

Sahib. Don't disturb.

- Come. - [They speak a local language]

Challo! Challo!

- Challe. - Hey.

0i. Oil

- [Grunting] - [Onlookers gasp]

There are enough harlots for everyone!

[Murmuring in room]

What are you doing here?

I'm here for you.

After all this time? I thought you were dead.

I wrote to you, many times,

when Mother told me you were in Calcutta

but you never responded.

I'was in Mysore,

in bloody battles with Tipu Sultan.

I'would have appreciated a brother's concern then.

- Now it's too late. - Daniel.

- Daniel. - [Woman gasps]

Daniel!

I'm sorry.

You have any idea how hard it was

to discover the brother I admired

had disappeared without so much as a word?

Forgive me.

I'had to get as far away from the Company as possible.

But it's different now.

Mother is here.

[He laughs]

Mother is in India?

[John grunts]

Ha.

[Chatter]

[Horse blows]

[They speak a local language]

Your Highness.

Lieutenant Beecham has been seen in Kannauj,

communicating with Company forces.

And he has a brother serving in the camp there.

And yet he claims that his connections with the Company

- have been severed. - Indeed. He has been joined

by another colleague from the Company.

A Captain Samuel Parker.

I understand Captain Parker has been discharged,

but it could be a ruse.

[Dramatic music with military drumming]

##

[Insects buzzing]

Does the Company no longer tend to its soldiers" wounds?

They spend a great deal more on gunpowder

than they do on physicians.

What were you doing in Kannauj?

Exploratory expedition.

The Company must expand its territory if it wishes to grow.

- You sound like a Company man. - I'm a soldier.

You are a man. Your actions are your own.

[Horse blows]

I'm tired of it all.

You've seen the British cemeteries in Calcutta.

They say most soldiers die before seeing two monsoons.

I've lasted three.

I'm on borrowed time, Brother.

So I plan to enjoy the simpler pleasures of life while I can.

[Horse blows]

[Insects buzzing outside]

[Footsteps approaching]

- Who's there? - tis Violet, Mrs Beecham.

What are you going to do when...

when the opium runs out?

Please leave me after such a distressing afternoon, Violet.

If my son married that woman

without so much as informing his mother,

I... 1 do not know what I will do.

Ohh.

Oh.

Oh.

[She sighs]

Ah.

Oh.

[Insects chirping]

Why do you suddenly care so much about your brother?

[He scoffs]

Ah.

Your feigned concern insults us both.

[Daniel groans]

He's quite a character.

He's irresponsible.

When I look at him...

I just see our father.

God forbid he ends up like him.

In some...

convicts' colony in Australia.

[Small object hits firewood)

[Insects chirping]

[Metal weapon being unsheathed]

[Suspenseful music]

[John calls out]

[Shouting]

[Dramatic music]

[Shouting continues]

Stop! Stop!

- [Bandit screams] - [Horse neighs]

[Bandit screams in pain]

[Footsteps running away]

[Panting]

[Horse blows]

[John continues panting]

##

[Uplifting music]

[Horses' hooves approaching]

How does a soldier afford this?

[Baadal] Sahib has returned!

It seems you've prospered since leaving the Company.

Sahib! Mrs Beecham sahiba is most upset.

Oh, what has happened now?

Baadal, this is my brother, Daniel.

Brother?

Please take him upstairs to my chambers

and bring some hot water.

He has a wound that needs attending to.

We must make him presentable before he meets Mother.

Please send for the hakim. Make haste.

Please.

Samuel...

...you have gone beyond the duty of a friend.

I owe you my life.

[Birdsong]

[Chatter in background]

[Fountain gurgling]

[Birdsong]

John Beecham, I forbid you to leave this house again.

Who is this woman? Her...

- Her rudeness knows no bounds. - Mother...

I cannot live like this.

- Is she August's mother? - What are you talking about?

She was rude to Miss Osborne as well.

Mr Beecham, your mother has had

a trying time since your departure.

She acts like a princess who's ruling the roost.

This Bai-saab's airs and graces

have made me most ill at ease.

- Where is she? - Sahib.

I cannot challenge her authority without you, sir.

I understand, Ram Lal.

[Mysterious romantic music]

##

Where is August?

Agastya is safe with me.

We must speak in private.

Miss Woodhouse, please escort my mother to her room.

Mother, I will speak with you shortly.

##

[Door closes]

[August grizzles]

[Whispers] Chandrika...

why have you come here?

If anybody sees you or knows you're here,

it could ruin everything.

I took the utmost care not to be seen.

You know you shouldn't have come.

- I needed to see him. - You're putting him in danger.

I'am carrying out my duty. I'had to know he is safe.

You know his safety is all that matters to me.

[August gurgles quietly]

I wish Agastya to sleep with me.

August will sleep in the nursery.

Ram Lal, Chanchal and Maya are serving him very well.

- It was agreed. - My intention is

We had intruders here...

...a few nights ago.

[August gurgles]

How...

How have you been?

It has not been easy.

I did not come only for Agastya.

I wanted to see you too.

[Knocking at door]

[John] Mother. - Oh.

- How is she? - I have done my best,

but the challenges are proving difficult for her.

I, on the other hand, am adapting well...

and intend to bring her to see Hindustan as you do.

I'am very grateful.

Mother...

Mother, your eyes, they appear to be irritated.

Are you feeling unwell?

Well, how can you blame me?

My last home was full of secrets.

I fear my nerves will not tolerate the same here.

Mother, I understand this is very...

Who is that woman, son?

You cannot expect me to share a home with a stranger.

Mother, she has August's best interests at heart.

Come with me.

- Oh... - I have something to show you,

that I think will cheer your spirits immensely.

Where are you taking me, John?

My heart may not withstand another revelation.

[Daniel winces)

[Henrietta screams)

Daniel? G...

Oh, my... my poor hoy.

What has become of you?

I'am a soldier, Mother.

I've survived much worse.

But it is a blessing to feel your arms after such an age.

[Whimpering] Oh, no.

- Mother... - Mother.

- [She sobs) - Is it?

It cannot be.

Violet Woodhouse.

I came as a companion to your mother.

tis gratifying to see

that you are still getting into trouble.

A kiss would help take the pain away.

Certainly not! I'would have hoped

you'd become a gentleman by now.

What fun would that be?

The world is not in need of another dry sponge.

Oh, I dreamt of this moment. [I

I never imagined it would be in a place like this.

My two handsome, brave sons,

may God bless you.

And my poor grandson.

Grandson?

[She speaks a local language]

[August gurgles]

This is August. My son.

Your son?

You married without telling us?

No one can know he has fathered a native child.

Mother, stop.

[August gurgles]

August Daniel Beecham...

...this is your uncle.

You named him after me?

I have but one brother

and here is the first

of the next generation of Beechams.

John.

Do you have an association with this Margaret Osborne?

For a governess,

she appears to think very highly of herself.

She seems to have made herself

very much at home in your house.

- Miss Osborne was here? - Mm.

Mother... did you offend her in any way?

Not at all.

tis her, your Indian ladyship,

who addressed her in a most ill-mannered way.

Mother, I must leave you and attend to her.

Daniel, I am sure you have much to catch up on.

[August grizzles]

An English governess, an Indian ladyship

and a native baby?

John, you are a rogue after all.

It is not as you think.

I'am beginning to understand your abandonment of me now.

[Dramatic music]

[Giggling]

[Fluttering]

Have you decided on a gift for the Empress?

I must admit I am perplexed

as to what to offer an empress who has everything.

You appreciate art and craftsmanship.

She appreciates wonder.

Choose an item that will excite her imagination.

[Giggling nearby]

Ah, the insurrectionists!

Good day, Miss Roshanara.

Miss Oshorne.

Hello, Mr Beecham.

Forgive my boldness, Miss Osborne,

but I took these from my library.

I thought that you might find them interesting.

Thank you, Mr Beecham.

That is... most thoughtful of you.

I came to ensure that you had not been...

offended, at my house.

I'had an unfortunate encounter

with a disrespectful guest at your residence.

She made it clear she considers me far beneath her.

Chandrika.

She has taken full ownership of your son.

Is she his mother?

I apologise... for her rudeness.

Well, she was not alone.

Your mother made it clear she disapproves of me.

Well, she does not know you.

That is of no consequence to her.

Apparently, she looks down on women who are in employment.

I'am sure that you have misunderstood her.

She has a blunt manner, but she...

possesses no malice.

Mr Beecham, I may not have riches or name.

But I feel most ill at ease.

Your mother has made me feel unwelcome in your house.

Miss Oshorne...

...you are always welcome in my house.

You have my word.

Until you can be completely honest with me,

I dont know what your word counts for.

I'bid you good day.

[Water gurgling]

[Whimsical music]

[Splashing]

[Splashing]

[He winces)

Good morning.

Itis "Chanchal", yes?

Yes, sahib.

Chanchal, I wonder if you could help me.

I'have an injury which is giving me a lot of pain.

Could you please assist me with the stairs?

It's like climbing the Himalayas on my own.

0f course, sahib.

[He whispers]

[He exhales]

Thank you.

[He winces)

[August gurgles]

Thank you, Chanchal.

You are a saver of lives.

I must go, sahib.

[Bindu] Oh. Shoo, flies.

Daniel sahib! Uh...

Breakfast will be served.

Mrs Beecham sahib is on her way.

- I'll be there in a minute. - 0h...

[Bellows]

[Chatter in background]

I'would like some fresh milk.

Thank you, Baadal. Compliments to chef Mool Chand.

Barton, get me the marmalade I brought from London.

Yes, Mrs Beecham sahiba.

"Barton"?

Well, Indian names are impossible to pronounce.

That is insulting, Mother. You wouldn't much care for it

if someone suddenly changed your name.

I'wouldn't mind if I had a name that made no sense.

[She chuckles]

How long are you allowed to stay on leave?

Yes, how long are you with us?

I have never wanted a wound to heal slower.

Mm.

But I'm a Company man.

- [Taps boiled egg with spoon] - They own me.

The decision is out of my hands.

I wish you would wear proper clothing, son.

You look like a native.

These pyjamas are comfortable.

- Mm. - You should try some, Mother.

- [She laughs] - You'd be much cooler.

Mm. A sensible dress is all I need.

What the ladies wear here is appalling. Hm?

Look, they feel no shame in showing off their midriffs.

But that is what makes them so alluring.

There is nothing more beautiful

than the almond eyes and delicate bare waist

of an Indian woman.

Daniel Beecham, you are in the company of a lady!

[Violet] Daniel only knows one way to speak.

From his heart. His honesty is refreshing.

Thank you, Miss Woodhouse.

Honesty? That is scandalous talk

from one who is old enough to know better.

The truth is... there are so few British women here,

Englishmen are forced to take Indian wives and mistresses.

It is the modern way.

Well, it is not God's way.

It is high time for you and your brother

to marry decent English women at once.

Thankfully, Violet is an excellent

marriage prospect for John.

She has the qualities of a good wife and mother to August.

And are you agreeable to this notion, Miss Woodhouse?

Why on earth would you wish to marry

the dullest man in Delhi?

I should be delighted...

...should I be asked.

[Insects chirping outside]

[John] What a precious thing, to sleep so soundly.

[Small bell tinkles]

He has not a care in the world.

He is blessed,

with so many praying for his safety and good health.

Do you ever miss home?

Yes, sahib, very much.

Do you think that it is wrong for one

to wish to let go of the past?

If I may say, sahib,

sometimes we must let go of the memory of those we hold dear.

I find that I am not able to do that.

#4

##

Good afternoon, Miss Osborne.

Mr Beecham.

You must excuse my appearance.

Roshanara and I have been swimming in the river.

You look...

You look enchanting.

Since our last meeting,

I've been able to think of little else.

I cannot bear to think

that you would not feel welcome in my house.

Because your very presence there...

...would make me very happy indeed.

I cannot speak of August's mother.

It would... compromise his safety.

But I can swear before you now

that I am all he has.

And I would very much like you...

...to be a friend to our family.

I have longed for you to speak openly since we met.

But I am finally able to afford my passage home.

England?

Why do you stay here, John? Why not come back home?

I cannot return home.

Everything I lived for is here now.

Your past seems to invade your present

in a most unsettling way.

Delhi will give me the break from the past

and its heartache.

You...

Your friendship gives me hope of a brighter future.

Please do not leave.

Miss Oshorne, come!

You promised to hear my piano recital.

Yes, of course, Roshanara.

Mr Beecham, you will have to excuse me.

[Crickets chirping]

We must proceed urgently with the trading licence.

There will be no future for us here

if I cannot provide for my family.

As soon as the licence is secure,

there's many a hungry Nabob back home,

drooling to gobble up Eastern treasures.

If we reward the artisans well,

they will reserve their finest items for us.

Our business will flourish.

I have made a decision about the offering for the Empress.

Excellent. Is it the perfect gift?

[Laughs]

Leonardo da Vinci made a mechanical lion

and presented it to the King of France.

We will present an automaton.

But what are they exactly?

Moving sculptures.

[Women singing prayer]

[They continue singing]

What is happening? What in heaven's name are you doing?

tis late. Prayers will settle him.

Yes, but he likes hymns.

So I shall sing to him in my chamber.

I'think it is best he remain with me.

Are you saying you know what is better for the child

- than his own grandmother? - Please, Mrs Beecham.

I'know an Arab artist who knows the secret of automata.

We could persuade him to cast one in silver.

Better still... gold.

No cost is to be spared for the Empress.

Sahib, I think you should come upstairs.

Excuse me, Samuel.

[Chandrika] You are disturbing Agastya.

[Henrietta] You have done nothing but disturb this house

- since your arrival. - She has the baby, sahib.

You do not even know him.

You are rude and deceitful.

Iwill not have you take charge of my grandson!

Mother.

What is happening?

I cannot remain in this house with someone so disrespectful

You have to tell me the truth about this woman.

Who is she?

Chandrika...

...is August's aunt.

But no one can know that she is here.

I'am a widower.

And I know that August's mother...

would have wanted her sister to help raise him.

- But, son- - No. No, Mother.

- Hey. - [August gurgles]

Hello.

All of the people...

that I love in the world are in this room.

We will stay here,

in Delhi,

and make a life together.

We have no other choice.

##