Original subtitles

Sold for fifty guineas to the gentleman in the front.

These belong to lot 26.

It's a lovely gold bucket and chain.

What a good bid.

That belonged to my mother.

Lucy!

I have the deeds here.

This is most improper conduct.

They're legally binding.

I can't believe I just did that.

Try not to be sad, Lucy.

I know.

My mother would tell me to cherish the adventure.

Mauritius does sound wonderful.

I'm just nervous.

No, your uncles will look after you.

It'll be fine.

Just you see.

And you'll have the rest of your inheritance when you're 18.

I know.

What's this?

For you.

Lucy!

This is beautiful.

You spent years collecting.

You can't--

No, please.

It's for you.

I want you to have it.

I'm really going to miss you.

I was only 17 when they sent me there.

I had no concept of how that island would change me.

Lucy!

Aunt Betty!

Welcome to Mauritius!

Oh!

You can't be Lucy.

Where's the little girl that

used to hide behind her mother's skirt?

All grown up, Aunt Betty.

We're so sorry.

How are you coping?

It isn't easy, but I'm--

I'm doing my best.

But it's a relief to be here.

Come on.

Let's get going.

Well, you have a smile as wide as the ocean.

And twice as pretty!

Thank you, Aunt Betty.

Hop in.

Thank you, Uncle George.

Your mother once told us that you're a keen botanist.

Yes.

Then you should be in your element.

Oh, for me?

Hey, you!

Somebody help this man with the cart!

Come on, help him!

Harry!

George.

Mustn't stare, darling.

I thought it was abolished.

Harry!

Lucy, it's your Uncle Harry.

They're contracted workers.

Isn't that right, brother?

Lucy!

What an absolute pleasure.

Yes, new arrivals getting registered to work.

They're paid good money.

Well, I wouldn't exactly say good is the right word.

I don't know what the world's coming to.

Land grants, free passage.

How the hell are we meant to turn a profit?

I'm sure you'll do just fine, George.

George, darling, Lucy has just arrived.

Enough talk of business.

Yes, of course.

Too hot to dawdle.

Let's get going.

I'll get my car and follow you home.

Come on, let's go.

Ready up.

Come on.

They're almost here.

Here we are, Lucy.

This is Ambleside.

It's beautiful.

Thank you.

Daddy!

Billy.

Come say hello to your cousin Lucy.

Hi, Lucy.

Hello, Billy.

Nice to meet you.

Come on.

I'll introduce you to your Aunt Mina.

Please.

After you.

Ah, there's my wife, the artist.

Mina, darling, look who just arrived.

Innocent and wild with the heart of a child.

Well, aren't you the most divine creature?

Hello, Aunt Mina.

Well, do something!

What should I do?

I don't know.

Improvise!

How can one so pretty pull a face so beastly?

We're going to get along fine, my dear.

Mil's made us tea, if you care to join us inside,

Lucy.

You watch.

Us women will be running things before too long.

When hell freezes over.

Your room is ready now, Miss Lucy.

Thank you, Mil.

Why are you so interested in flowers?

I'm interested in anything alive.

Well, you seem to like Betty, and she's barely alive.

Oh, Aunt Minnie, you are wicked!

I need the bathroom.

Woo!

Lucy!

Lucy!

Coming!

Sorry, Aunt Mina.

I had to go to the bathroom.

Thought you'd been eaten up.

Yes, I'm a bit of a wanderer.

Yes, I can see that.

We can come back.

You're so close to Ambleside here.

It's just through those trees.

For you.

Charmed, I'm sure.

Who's there?

Turn that bloody light off!

Uncle George.

Lucy?

Hello.

What are you doing out at this time of night,

wandering around like a little ghost?

I felt restless.

Can I have a sip, Uncle George?

Well, I've had it before.

Have you?

Just a sip.

So like your mother.

I had no idea how sick she was.

I really miss her.

We had our differences.

I always admired her spirit.

Yes.

She always taught me to be free.

Did she now?

Come on, then.

Tell me.

Why do you propose that women got the vote?

Equality.

Equality?

Women and men have got along fine for centuries.

If it ain't broke, why fix it?

Because we didn't have the vote.

Men have been making decisions for us.

Why can't we make them for ourselves,

have a say in society?

I'm sorry, but I don't understand.

What was it you so desperately needed?

The freedom to vote.

Here's to female emancipation.

A noble idea, I'm sure.

Some common ground.

You're so beautiful.

Soon your life will be unrecognizable.

Trust me.

Friends and neighbors, we've invited you here this evening

not only to celebrate the health and prosperity

that God has bestowed upon us.

Well said.

Could he bestow upon us little more of this champagne?

But also to celebrate the 18th birthday of the latest

addition to our family.

Ladies and gentlemen, may I present Miss Lucy Gladwell.

That was exquisite.

Thank you.

Lucy, darling, come meet our dear friend, Henri Benoit.

Watch that man.

His hands wander like a slow-moving river.

Owner of one of the largest plantations

on the island.

Henri.

Really-- terrific.

Thank you, Monsieur.

Henri plays the violin.

Aunt Mina said it was the fiddle.

It really could have been Vienna, you know?

You played with aplomb.

Well, if you'll excuse me, Monsieur, Aunt Mina

seems very keen to speak with me.

Perhaps we could do a duet.

Play solo, Monsieur Benoit.

Lucy.

Let me introduce you to our neighbor, Antoine Champney.

Recently returned from a great expedition.

Well, I was just visiting family.

But thank you for the grandiose introduction, George.

Your performance.

Thank you, Monsieur Champney.

Monsieur Champney!

You can call me Antoine.

I knew you two would get along.

Come to bed.

I'll join you later.

How much later?

Can't you see I'm working, woman?

Just go to bed.

You're always working, George.

Every night, it seems.

What are you insinuating?

That you would do anything

to avoid being intimate with me again.

That's ridiculous.

I'm sorry I have to spend so much time dealing

with business matters.

I'm in serious financial trouble.

I'm trying to stop us from losing everything.

And yet you can afford to gamble every night.

Do you have any idea of the strain I'm under?

I know the strain on my marriage.

Well, what do you want me to do? Just give up?

Sell everything? Sell Ambleside?

It wouldn't make any difference.

We don't have any children to inherit it anyway.

Can we get a close look at the horses, Aunt Mina?

Of course, dear.

You two carry on.

I'm off to find a shaded spot.

They'd treat us like they treat their horses

if we let them.

Not Uncle Harry.

God no.

He's been tamed.

You've all been so good to me.

I've felt so welcomed here.

Do you miss England?

Yes.

I really miss home.

Napoleon called England a nation of shopkeepers.

I personally think we have far less ambition than that.

I actually really miss Helen.

Who's Helen?

Our housekeeper.

But she's like family.

Friends with the help.

You are progressive.

What do you know of Mr. Champney?

Take your fancy, did he?

I was meaning--

He's wealthy and French.

He's handsome, I suppose.

And let's face it.

What woman doesn't like money?

Well, I'm not interested in a man for wealth.

Well, what are you interested in?

Well, love, of course.

Ah, love, yes.

A distant memory.

Preoccupation of the hopeless romantic.

More hopeful than hopeless.

Benoit, my friend.

Have a seat.

I hope this will help facilitate any arrangement

we may come to, George.

I'm sure you do.

Drink?

No.

I mustn't stay.

I have guests to attend to.

Champney and I were lovers, long before Harry,

of course.

Really?

Darling, you have a closet

full of dresses and somehow never anything to wear.

What does that mean?

Enjoy a few costume changes.

Then, settle on your most perfect outfit.

Come on, come on, come on, come on.

Oh.

Gray definitely suits you, George.

So, where do we stand?

Say I'm more than interested.

Good.

I was starting to think you'd lost your nerve.

I lost a stack of money

at the races, but not my nerve.

I have my eye on the biggest prize.

It'll cost you.

Drink?

Sure.

It's rather an odd practice for a man of your stature,

don't you think?

Whatever it takes, I'll double it.

How much did Henri pledge?

I thought you were a gambling man, not a cheat.

And since when did cheating

become a problem for you?

Lucy, Antoine has kindly offered to run you home.

Can I leave you in his safe hands?

Time to try on a new outfit.

Here's your chance.

Well, if Antoine doesn't mind.

It'll be my pleasure.

A little.

My mother used to sing French nursery rhymes to me

when I was a child.

Really?

Sing me one.

I couldn't possibly remember any.

No?

Not even "Alouette?"

Whoa!

Perhaps you think you're a preacher.

Perhaps you think you're Gandhi.

No work.

I do nothing.

You get back to work, boy!

None!

Get back to work immediately.

How dare you stare at a lady.

No more.

He meant no harm.

He was just talking.

You heard the man.

Move, if you know what is good for you.

We are many workers here, sir.

We work very hard.

We do not like violence.

Bruno here will return you to Ambleside.

I hope I will have the pleasure to see you again very soon.

Can we stop here, please?

Whoa!

Madam?

Madam?

I want to walk.

Please!

Please, Madam!

Hello.

I'm sorry, I don't understand.

Neela!

I'm so sorry.

I didn't mean to bother anybody.

Thank you.

Hello.

Hello.

I'm sorry.

I got lost.

I was just--

What are you doing here?

I live at Ambleside.

I was appalled by what I saw happen today.

It is our life.

I saw you at the waterfall.

Yes.

Quite a coincidence.

No one we meet is ever a coincidence.

Wearing this, you won't attract attention

when you leave the village.

They want to know your name.

Oh, of course.

My name is Lucy.

What's your names?

This is Aaru and this is Darsha.

And I'm Krishna.

Like the Hindu god.

How do you know this?

I must have read it somewhere.

Do you want some food?

Dal Puri.

It's delicious.

Thank you.

Lovely smile.

The fish?

No, you.

I have a dream that one day, I will own my own land.

You can own your own land.

I'm sorry.

I didn't mean it that way.

It's just-- All the landowners I've seen are--

White.

Yes.

A lot of people are returning to India,

so they offer us land to make us stay.

The land grant.

It's not much, but one day, it will be mine.

Do you have a dream?

I'd really love to teach children.

I miss childhood, feeling the freedom I felt.

When slavery was abolished,

soldiers came up to the mountain to tell people

that they were free.

They couldn't believe them.

And they jumped to their deaths.

That's awful.

They'd rather be free in death than alive and a slave.

Krishna!

Krishna!

Turn?

Turn around?

Copy me, miss.

Who was he?

A Brahmin.

It's the highest caste.

Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas and Shudras.

Impressive.

Though I think our blood runs the same color.

I totally agree.

I'm happy you do, miss.

Then you must stop calling me miss.

OK, miss.

This will protect you.

Thank you.

Thank Neela for me.

Can I see you again?

I would like that, Lucy, but--

Tomorrow morning?

By the waterfall, before the church bells.

Although I cannot swim.

I will teach you.

She returns.

Ah, the wanderer.

See?

I knew she'd be fine.

Where have you been, Lucy?

I went to the river.

Well, don't go in that water.

Coolies use it.

Be full of all sorts.

Mina!

Avoid that river like the plague, darling.

They shouldn't breed like rabbits.

They wouldn't have so much laundry to do, I suppose.

Poor thing.

You must have got lost.

There's been a minor panic over your absence.

Thank you.

Antoine said he sent you home with a driver.

Yes.

I decided to walk.

Such a nice day.

Do you have any idea how dangerous it

is in these parts for a white woman alone?

I forbid you from doing anything so reckless again.

Forbid me?

I just couldn't bear to lose you.

Please do not go wandering the island unaccompanied again.

Just let us know where you're going.

We worry.

I lost track of time.

That's all.

Mil, run Lucy a bath.

Yes, ma'am.

So?

Spill the beans.

What have you and Champney been up to?

There we go.

All right, open up.

Pop this in.

There we go.

Oh, you poor girl.

You should stay in bed until I return.

Oh.

Will you post this for me, please?

Of course, my dear.

We'll be late for morning service.

Now you rest and we'll see you when we get back.

You look funny.

Well, I do feel ridiculous.

Kick now. Good.

Good. More.

Relax your head.

Good.

You see?

I'm floating!

Close your eyes.

The other hand.

She's just playing hard to get.

I've seen the way she looks at you.

I can only wait so long.

She's young.

You should-- She doesn't yet know her own mind.

Does she know your mind?

Have I ever reneged on a deal?

What?

I know the trouble your estate is in.

I trust this can be resolved swiftly.

For both our sakes.

She'll come round.

I know she will.

What's this in Tamil?

Maku.

Muka.

And these?

Kangal.

Kengal.

That's wrong?

And these?

Cade.

Cadu.

What about, "I love you?"

Nobody ever said these words to me.

Nobody?

My mother died when I was born.

You look lovely, my dear.

Oh, thank you, Aunt Betty.

Do we have any mail?

Nothing for you yet, darling, I'm afraid.

Sorry I'm late.

There was a disturbance at the docks.

Did I miss much?

Don't worry.

I'll reload the reel.

Oh, no need.

Benoit is behind on payments.

He's refusing to pay his workers overtime.

Good for him.

They're demanding no more than a 14-hour day.

Christ.

George, what are you going to do when they unionize?

Lucy.

Lucy.

Antoine's invited you to play tennis.

I'm really not interested in seeing Mr. Champney,

but thank him for the offer.

Sorry?

I politely decline.

Wasn't an offer.

Well, I shan't be attending.

You'll go and you'll enjoy it.

I refuse.

George, if she doesn't want to see Mr. Champney,

I don't think--

This is no concern of yours. We're not at the docks now.

This is my house.

Mr. Champney beat a man by the side of the road.

A coolie?

A man.

We are managing convicts, thieves, murderers,

who will stab us in the back the moment it's turned.

Don't you agree, Harry?

The vast majority of workers are fine.

I have no desire to spend any time with that man.

I instruct you.

I serve no man, Uncle.

I am my own person.

I have made that quite--

Must you do that now!

I've heard enough of this.

It is my duty to your mother

to set you up for your future.

That's what I intend to do.

Then maybe you should play tennis with him and not I.

Remember who you are talking to, Lucy.

I am your guardian.

You will do as I wish.

I'm 18 now.

I have my inheritance.

As your legal guardian and trustee,

I've already spent that money keeping

this roof over your head.

Mil.

Stop!

Pick it up.

Stop it!

Pick it up.

And you.

You do as I say.

Or what?

Will you hit me, Uncle?

Are you all right?

I'm fine, miss.

You're bleeding.

Miss Lucy, you should be careful.

The master can't control his temper.

He should learn to.

You should go back to the dining room, miss.

No, I want to help you.

You mustn't worry.

Mr. Huyton has been good to me, to my family, to my sister.

Your sister?

Silvia.

It's OK, Miss Lucy.

Everything's going to be fine.

Are you sure?

The house is empty.

Thank you.

This is your hut?

What's it like to sleep in this?

You've never slept in a bed?

No.

Well then, you must lay on it.

Can you hear the sea?

Eliana, my grandmother.

She traveled across the ocean from India,

jewelry hidden in her head scarf and my mother

hidden in her belly.

She was promised care work with a white woman's baby.

Did the white woman look after them?

There was no white woman, only fields of sugarcane.

She was tricked.

Yeah, everyone was tricked.

They come here looking for freedom, and they found chains.

Is that your mother?

Do you miss her?

I miss her every day.

She was a strong woman, loving and kind.

When I was seven, she took me into town

and she bought me The Wind in the Willows.

It's a children's book.

When I close my eyes, I find myself scrambling

to get back to that moment.

I can never quite reach it.

Do you have a moment you wish you could keep forever?

I would like to keep this one.

I could lie with you forever.

Mil.

They're back.

Mil.

Mil!

They know I'm here.

I think you should have your own private ocean,

so you could paddle in every day if you wish.

You can't buy an ocean.

A house by the ocean, then.

If it belongs to this Earth, I can afford it.

They say the best things in life are free, Antoine.

Everything has its price.

Even love?

Even love.

I think I can make you happy.

All I ask is for the opportunity.

And what do you presume would make me happy?

Well, besides certain obvious assets,

I do have enough money to make all your dreams come true.

Listen.

What I'm trying to say is, give me your heart.

I'll give you anything you desire.

A ride of your motorbike.

What?

I want to ride your motorbike.

You did say anything I desire.

Gentle on the gas.

Gentle.

Gentle, gentle.

Gentle.

OK.

Pretty good. Very good.

Very good.

Very good.

You're doing a great job.

You want to go faster? - Woo!

Gentle with her!

Gentle with her!

Slow.

Slow down.

Stop, stop, stop, stop.

She's a damn fast learner, eh, Champney?

Yes.

I've never been so terrified in my life, but--

Can I ask something?

Do you know of anyone who found a wife outside the camp?

Your Auntie Neela told me

she has already found you a wife.

A girl from the village.

A perfect wife.

Perfect for her, not for me.

Then I should follow my heart.

Do you mind if I go and find some more flowers

after breakfast, Aunt Betty?

Yes, of course, dear.

Just please make sure you're back in time for lunch.

What?

What?

What?

My uncle wants me to marry Mr. Champney.

He's forcing me to.

What can we do?

What-- I don't know.

We can run.

We can run.

Then you'll love me?

I already do.

What are you doing?

"Darling Helen."

How dare you!

"Darling Helen.

I've met someone who makes my heart sing,

a man capable of such tenderness and who understands me

even before the words come out of my mouth.

However, I fear my love will lead to great danger

for Krishna and me.

Uncle George--"

Those are my letters.

You have no right.

I will have no secrets in my house.

Aunt Betty, how could you?

It is not my character that's in question, my dear.

This is theft.

You disgust me.

What about your behavior?

What's that supposed to mean?

I've seen you at the servants' quarters, Uncle.

I don't know what you're talking about.

Uncle George likes moonlit visits to see Silvia.

Who do you think you are?

You will show me respect.

I am your uncle.

Yes.

Unfortunately so.

What have you done?

Did you open your legs to him?

You're pathetic.

Answer me!

You've been sullied.

No!

No!

No!

No.

No!

Fetch my rifle!

Yes, sir.

No!

No, please!

Uncle George!

He hasn't done anything wrong!

Ugh!

So, you think you're good enough for a white woman,

do you?

You stink.

Please!

Please!

You're dead.

No!

No!

Let him go!

Let him go!

Please, Lucy.

No!

No!

If you get between them, it will be worse.

Much worse.

They will kill him.

No!

Get her back in the house!

Stop!

Stop!

Right now!

Do I need to remind you that I'm the chief of police?

Let the coolie go.

You two, get him down.

Get him down!

George!

George, what are you doing?

Oh, God.

Oh.

Your uncle is just trying to keep you safe.

Your Uncle George will not let you bring shame

upon the family name.

Unless you want that brown boy's blood on your hands--

I can promise you this.

If you do not marry Antoine, they will kill him.

Is that what you want, Lucy?

Answer me.

Is it?

Why are you so quiet?

You look like a goddess.

Smile.

Do not embarrass me in front of my guests.

I'm simply overawed by the day.

Well, that is understandable, Madame Champney.

We can retire early.

Lucy.

Un-un.

I don't speak French, but I understand it.

What?

You won me in a bid.

I don't know what you mean.

Benoit said it to you.

You bought me.

Yes.

And the risk is mine.

Let go of me!

Your looks will fade, whereas my money will

continue to grow in perpetuity.

In fact, it's most likely my income will increase,

but it's an absolute certainty you won't

be getting any more beautiful.

In economic terms, you are not an asset.

You're a fucking liability.

After this dance, go to our room and change in the clothes

I left on our bed.

Lucy.

I wanted to say sorry.

I know you hate me, but I panicked.

I was afraid you'd made a mistake.

And I've ruined everything.

Please forgive me.

You were my friend.

Lucy, please.

I trusted you.

How is she?

She's fine.

Let's dance and enjoy the reception, Antoine.

Lucy!

This is most disappointing, George.

It's just first night nerves.

We'll have her back soon enough.

You'll see.

No.

It's over.

No, Antoine.

Please.

Listen.

I beg of you.

I need--

You beg of me?

I need that money.

Without it, I'm ruined.

So you think I should live with the shame of my wife

running away with one of my workers?

She made a mistake.

Oh, I know, George.

And she'll pay for that mistake.

Antoine!

Come on.

There must be some way.

You will kill them both,

to save further embarrassment to my estate.

To me.

She's my niece.

She's my flesh and blood.

It's in your hands.

What happened?

Lucy's run away.

We'll find her together.

Don't do anything without me.

Someone's out there.

It's just the wind.

Krishna.

Come here.

It's all right.

Come here.

Come on.

Where is she?

Where's the white girl?

It's for her own safety.

Do you understand what we're saying?

Excuse me.

I'm sorry.

Look at me.

Look at me.

Hey.

Hey!

Are you going to tell me

where she is, or do I have to force it out of you?

Hm?

Where is she?

George, let her go!

Let her go.

What the hell are you--

Out of my way!

Yah!

No!

Oh, dear God.

Argh.

Argh.

Where is this child's mother?

Where is this child's mother?

It was an accident.

I'm placing you under arrest.

Don't be so bloody ridiculous.

You killed a child, for God's sake.

They're savages.

What does it matter?

I'm sick of you!

Out of my way!

If I don't find the girl, this family's ruined.

I don't care anymore!

Get off me!

Argh!

Ah!

Where are they?

I don't know.

Where's the boy?

Where's the boy and the white girl?

I've never seen them.

Don't lie to me, boy!

Please don't kill me.

I don't know, sir.

Argh!

George!

What the hell are you doing?

I'm restoring the natural order.

This is my land.

And you will cause no further damage.

You fool.

They're not here.

Follow me.

Your fishing village.

Shoot her!

Run, Krishna!

Run!

Krishna!

Lucy!

Krishna!

Ah!

I treated you like a daughter.

You're a tyrant!

Coolie whore.

No!

Coolie whore!

No!

You know what we do to coolie whores!

Things could have been so different.

Why didn't you just do your duty?

I'm sorry.

I'm so sorry.

I have no choice.

Lucy!

Oh, George!

What have you done?

No, please!

Drop the gun, Antoine!

You're mine!

I will shoot!

Oh!

Hey.

It's over.

It's all over.

You're fine.

Keep pressure on the wound.

I'm going to get help.

You're OK.

You're--

I love you.

I love you, too.

But please don't leave me, Krishna.

Please.

I love you.

No!

The island called to me at 17.

A refuge from loss.

Instead, it taught me the true price of freedom,

and what I would sacrifice to claim it.

Come on, Krishna.