Original subtitles

It's been a difficult winter, but perhaps the time has come for us to

safely re-enter the fray.

When a person is out of sight, one thinks of them a little less.

I'm about to make Forsyte and co. wealthy beyond our wildest dreams.

Has he returned?

Just when I thought I was ready to face the world again. If and when a child

arrives, it won't be yours.

And whose will it be?

Theirs, of course. How would you avoid it? By avoiding Monty. Only for certain

days. I was thinking of taking my stepmother away for a few days.

Honesty. Is it always the wisest course?

Is an omission the same as a lie?

What do we stand to gain by deception?

Garner, have fresh flowers in our rooms for when my wife returns from Bright.

Yes, sir.

And are we merely delaying the inevitable when the consequences finally

strike home?

Thank you very much, John. Fresh as always.

He's

up.

It's still warm.

When will you tell them that we're not leaving London?

I'll go to my father first, then Frances.

Explain that we're staying and hope one day we'll be reconciled.

What's this?

My family.

The Forsythes.

Aren't we Forsythes now, since you married Mama?

Or are we Burns?

Do we keep our father's name? Good question, Joss. We'll see. Any tea left

in the pot?

Alicia, Isaac, welcome.

How are you? Never better. Good morning.

How have you been?

Very glad to see you all.

So, now that you're staying, Alyssa and I were thinking there's a certain event

we'd like to arrange.

Elijah's christening.

It will not be a foresight event.

We're thinking a small, private affair.

Close friends and godparents only.

Tickets, please.

Are you travelling alone, Mum? I am.

Dad.

What?

I don't know why you're still here, and I don't wish to know.

Dad, can we at least...

I

never

thought we'd meet again.

I kept my part of the bargain.

I hope you feel that I've done the same.

I've no complaints.

So why ask to see me now?

Some time ago, in a moment of madness, I let slip a piece of information.

I was angry at my son for punishing his own boy, and I thought that I would

remind him that he too had once been reckless in love.

Of course, I bitterly regret it now.

Rest assured, the secret is buried.

From everyone, including my son.

He believes his father to be my late husband.

Is that not enough?

Sadly, no.

Because one piece of the secret cannot stay buried, as it remains very much

alive. Myself?

Yes, dear Alexandra, you.

And Harry?

Where is he?

I wish I knew.

What is it you want of me now?

An assurance.

That should either of my sons ever try to contact you, I will remain invisible.

Do you have an appointment, sir?

I do.

Thank you for seeing me.

You have received my note and I wanted to explain. Do you actually enjoy

inflicting pain?

Rubbing our noses in it? Jim.

You appear to be staying after all.

May I ask why?

Because London is my home.

Because you are my family and my love for you... Was apparently not enough to

stop you choosing a different family.

And I hope to one day earn your forgiveness.

Perhaps even your friendship.

Which will be never.

Of course we cannot banish you from London.

But if you genuinely care about us... Of course I do. You will ensure that you

and your consort do not attend any event at which Forsythes are present.

Now please, leave.

Did I not hear you were returning to Paris?

Paris seems to have escaped us both.

My dear, how was your trip? Was Mrs Heron on good form? Oh, yes, we had a

delightful time.

walks along the seafront, tea at the Royal Pavilion, and a picnic on our

train on the way back to London.

Perhaps you should make these visits a more regular thing.

Yes, I think I shall.

Mr Cole, a gentleman from Johannesburg is here, sir.

Welcome to England.

Isaac Cole.

Company attorney.

May I assist you?

I'm Van Morden for...

Soames Forsyth. I represent Mr Peregrine out of Johannesburg. Ah, come this way,

sir.

News from the Rand?

The latest trial was a success.

The process is cleared for implementation.

And Peregrine has asked me to call in the pledges of investment.

Can I assure him of yours?

What sum had he in mind?

I was expecting something less eye-watering.

Of course.

And he has other backers lined up should you wish to withdraw.

I should perhaps mention that this second gold rush will dwarf anything

that's gone before.

The whole world is flocking to the rent.

Workers, speculators, investors from Europe, China, Asia.

The Americas.

Everyone wants a slice of the pie.

You do not want to miss out, eh?

I see that.

Then may I tell Mr. Peregrine he can expect the funds imminently?

Mrs. Cole.

Pardon the intrusion.

I take it you've heard from Mrs. Parker Barrington?

I have indeed.

On her way to New York?

To raise funds for the foundling hospital there.

Leaving me to tend to our Camden House project.

She's asked me to assist you with the next stages of its development.

So thoughtful of her.

Mrs. Forsyte, I don't underestimate the delicacy of our situation.

The connections we share.

My husband, your husband.

Who, it seems, has decided not to return to Paris.

Believe me, I am as surprised as you.

Well, I shan't expect you to take sides.

Thank you.

Oh, Mrs. Cole.

How are you, my dear?

Very well.

And you?

Splendid. Took an early morning ride to Richmond Park.

Really, should go and rest up.

Excuse me.

So, as I understand it, you donated a property in Camden, which is now being

adapted to accommodate 20 young women and their infants.

And there, one must hope, said young women find solace and redemption.

Mrs. Forsyte, shall we dispense with formalities?

Francis, I was going to say, I think solace and redemption is what we all

hope for.

Good grief.

Three times what I'd budgeted.

Of course, the promised returns are spectacular.

But barely a month to come up with the funds. Only to seek other investors.

Hugo Carteret?

Hardly in his good books, after his Salon Gold losses.

He was none too impressed with Durham Mining, either. Need we revisit that

episode? You know, it's a shame.

You never saw the value in marrying the Carteret girl.

What? That would have helped us no end with her father.

Money to burn, likes to gamble, widowed, so no wife to reign him in.

I wish you'd court him more.

Invite him to a few four-side events at our house.

Show him who the preeminent force in this family really is. Sir, am I keeping

you? Actually, yes.

Some of us value the company of our wives.

Welcome home, my darling.

How was Brighton?

Brighton... was... breathing.

Look at what I found at the beach.

Morning, Miss Carter.

Morning.

Your stepmother?

Yes.

I was always rather fond of her.

How is she?

Oh, um... Yes, well enough.

Obviously, her manner of living is not what it was due to that unfortunate

business.

Durham Mining.

Yes.

Most regrettable.

We should see her more often.

Invite her to stay.

She's become very solitary.

I could barely coax her to join me in Brighton.

How sad.

We must think how we might persuade her.

What is it?

Mud on my boots won't come off.

Well, perhaps you'd like a footman to assist you.

Do you know any?

Actually, I do.

You'd make a fine footman.

I may yet come to it.

Oh, can I join?

I think if you want their forgiveness, you'll have to play

by their rules.

I think we both must.

Which means no seeking commissions from those who know to be their friends.

Which rules out half of London.

No, don't be silly.

Cyril!

I was hoping to see June.

Ah, she went to the park with her mother.

How is the nymph of the waterfalls?

Perfectly well, thank you.

Are you really?

I appreciate your concern, but I can assure you that... That you're perfectly

content.

Is there such a thing as perfect contentment?

Oh, I hope so, don't you?

But I fear you won't find it in your present situation.

Ah, whereas I live in hope that I will.

Interesting.

How?

Perhaps you have some secret other life?

Perhaps I do.

My cousins.

Mrs. Forsyte.

Sir Hugo.

I hope the flowers were met with your approval.

Very much so.

The colors were exquisite.

Are you in London for the rest of the season?

I plan to be, and hope to continue our reacquaintance.

You perhaps won't remember, we were first introduced at the Grove Nabool in

66.

You were newly engaged to your first husband.

How kind of you to remember.

Some encounters are hard to forget.

May I offer you some refreshment?

Oh, Mr. Cole.

Mrs. Forsyte, how are you?

I called to give Mrs. Francis Forsyte some documents concerning the Camden

property. May I leave them with you?

Yes, of course.

And how is young Master Cole?

A handful.

Is he not due to be christened soon?

Yes.

This Sunday.

Why did I not know this?

We thought it best to have a small private affair.

given recent upheavals in the firm.

No, no, no, no, no. This would never do.

You and I know the Forsyth & Co. always celebrate the weddings and christenings

of our senior members.

Mater, am I right in thinking... Ah, Mr Cole. My dear, kindly assure Mr

Cole that Forsyth & Co. would be honoured to host the customary reception

at Fitzallen Terrace to celebrate the christening of young Master Cole.

And when would this be?

Sunday. If I might just excuse me. Excellent plan. I'll see to it at once.

Madam, your offer is more than kind, but there's a complication.

Which is?

Elijah's godparents.

We couldn't refuse.

Your grandmother was most insistent.

As was Francis, that our paths shouldn't cross.

We're godparents.

They can't expect us not to go.

Well, we won't go.

Well, it's entirely up to you.

James is hosting the reception.

May I ask why?

Because he offered.

And we can choose to absent ourselves from the entire event. And we shall.

But Mr. Cole... is a senior member of the firm and should not be disadvantaged

simply because of a family feud.

But he can't possibly expect us to attend if she's there, parading herself

in public with the children.

I think perhaps we should go.

But, Mama, you were insistent. I was.

But thinking further, it's absurd to imagine that we can avoid them forever.

I think I'd prefer my first encounter with her to be on my terms, in relative

privacy, where any awkwardness can be contained.

I believe you're quite right, dear.

And you're ready to face her?

Is she ready to face me?

So apparently we're hosting a foresight event, and as usual, I'm the last to

know.

Sweetheart, are you quite well?

Do you ever keep secrets from Pa?

Goodness, what a question.

I know he keeps secrets from me.

And I pretend not to know.

Would you rather not know?

Sometimes ignorance is bliss.

But...

Is it I think that's something we each have to decide for ourselves

Were we mad for hoping you could reconcile?

I think I was.

Hoping I can still do my duty as Godfather and keep my promise to

Frances.

So we'll sit well away from them.

Escape as soon as the service is over.

Depend on it.

Did I mention?

I've written to your stepmother.

What? When?

What did you say?

How glad I am that you and she are spending time together.

And that on some future occasion I hope to join you.

But I regretted the news of our recent disappointment.

And hope for better news next month.

I know you feel it too.

Our disappointment and does it really serve you to keep it to yourself

Does it really serve either of us not to be truthful

with those we love My

love I've not been honest with you

what

When you mentioned Mrs. Heron's reduced circumstances, it reminded me afresh of

your father's failed investment.

The mining company?

Which crashed due to a loss of confidence.

Which was caused when Forsyte & Co.

chose to offload all its Durham mining shares, thus rendering your father's

estate worthless. I don't understand.

I instigated the sale.

I cost your father his estate. I condemned you and your stepmother to

penury. What?

But now I'm feeling most keenly your stepmother's woes. You told her what you

did.

No. No, I could not admit it to anyone but you.

Though to her I've offered to make amends.

How?

Well, first and foremost by bringing her into our family.

We should go.

We'll be late.

May we speak of this later?

Dearly beloved, we have brought this child to be baptized.

Father, we give you thanks and praise for the gift of water and creation.

Your spirit.

sweeping over the waters, bringing you to me.

Lord, may your holy, life-giving Spirit move upon me.

Restore through them the beauty of your creation and bring those who are

baptized in the power of your church.

I baptize you in the name of the Father and of the Son

and of the Holy Spirit.

Amen.

Children, go with Alicia.

I'll join you presently.

A beautiful ceremony.

Yes.

I take it you won't be joining us at Fitz-Alan Terrace?

I think we both know that wouldn't be appropriate.

I'm not sure what's appropriate in this case.

Mrs. Forsyte, what is it you want of me?

Truly, I hardly know.

To look you in the eye and ask if you realize the depth of pain you've caused

my family.

I have no doubt you hold me entirely to blame. You think that I led him astray.

I'm aware he pursued you. He did not pursue me. He was drawn to his children.

He wanted to do right by them and by me.

And you were more than willing to let him.

I loved him.

I've always loved him.

So have I.

Our marriage was strong.

There was passion.

There was love.

Have you any idea how much I envy that?

You had ten years of him.

A rich and fulfilling life.

Not entirely.

We were never blessed with children.

So neither of us is complete.

I lost him, but had his children.

You lacked his children.

But had him.

For ten years.

Now you have him for the rest of his life.

But you'll never have all of him.

Neither of us will.

Do you have any idea how much that cost?

Ah, James.

Oh, hello. Hello.

Congratulations.

Wonderful.

Good to see you, Sir Hugo.

I must say I was surprised to receive your invitation.

Really? You've attended many such events at ours before.

I have, so I know how you operate.

You have some scheme afoot.

And I'll be to tell you that now is not the time.

Sir Hugo.

Fate seems determined to throw us together.

Who am I to argue with that?

We wanted to thank you for your kindness.

This party.

All in good cause, my dear.

What do you say, son?

He's a fine boy.

I'm sure he'll be a credit to his family.

But listen, I know of it.

I was adopted, so my heritage is largely obscure.

Thankfully, I have known pedigree, so we can create our own dynasty.

Bravo, yes.

Legacy. Vital.

I'm quite a splendid fellow, aren't you?

Would you like to hold him?

Oh, why not?

Is there some specific technique?

Try not to drop him on his head.

I think you've made a conquest.

It's hard sometimes for women who join this family not to feel as if we're

simply here in service to the greater goal of continuing this glorious

dynasty.

Must you go already?

I'll be trained tomorrow.

The man of property is threatening to drop by and check on the progress.

It's just that today's been so beastly.

Amar having to face her and seeing him and their children.

I thought I was the one that mattered to him when clearly I don't matter at all.

I don't think that's true.

I think you do matter very much.

But he's torn and probably quite confused.

You realize this keeps happening to me.

My own father dies, my stepfather walks out.

Is there anyone I can rely on?

Me?

Do you promise?

Of course.

You do know I want to be closer to you.

Close in that way.

And don't you think I want that too?

There's nothing I desire more.

I could come to your office.

No one would know.

It's dreary always having to be so proper.

Well, good day to you, Mr. Bissoni.

And good day to you, Miss Fawcett.

May I inquire why you've summoned me here?

So we can finally have a proper conversation.

I assume you're short on funds.

Why would you think that?

I've sold paintings. I have savings.

I have means to support my... Your new family?

Well, bravo.

Dad, may I ask? If not for your forgiveness, then at least your

understanding. What makes you think I don't understand?

Oh, I see.

You think you're the first.

The first?

To have loved so deeply and desperately, you had no choice but to follow your

heart.

Are you surprised?

To think that an old man was once so devoted he would have given the world

for the woman he loved?

What woman?

Someone you never knew.

So kindly don't tell me what I wouldn't understand.

Because a part of my heart belongs to her.

But I have the consolation of knowing that I did the right thing.

And so should you.

Leave that woman.

Return to your devoted wife and family. It is not too late.

Forgive me.

I love you. I love this family.

I also love Louisa.

And my children.

And were I at liberty to marry her?

Francis would never disgrace this family by granting you a divorce.

Your children will never be Forsythes.

Nor will they be welcome here.

And we are all losers for that.

I'm sorry you had to hear that.

I'm not sorry that you said it.

wish for it.

Will you excuse me?

So, tell me your plans for the summer.

I'll have the usual nonsense.

Henny, basket, Epsom.

Then I escort my mother and children home to Frampton Park.

I wonder, could I ever persuade you and the family to visit us there?

Might I be invited to visit the hothouse?

I'll have to warn my orchids.

They're about to be out with Dazzle.

You're flattering.

I wonder what he thinks he's playing at.

A little light flirtation, I should think.

Safe in the knowledge that divorce for your mama is only out of the question

Trust me grandmama. I know the rules a foresight is someone who never divorces

Well

Did you make your peace

the cost of peace was leaving you and that'll never happen

We should never have left Paris.

We had to come back.

Like it or not, you're a foresight.

And you can say I'm not like them, they're not my kind.

But you're bound to them.

They're your blood, it's who you are.

It's who they are.

Oh, I can fix that.

Yes.

This time we told them the truth.

They don't want us to hide away any longer.

Children, we have something to tell you. Your mama and I... All we've ever wanted

is to protect you both.

So, when we told you we were married... We thought it was for the best.

But the truth is... I already have a wife, who I left to be with you.

And though I hope one day we will be married, because Joe and I have loved

each other for...

Over ten years.

Ever since we first met in... in Venice.

Venice?

But what we haven't told you is... How you two came to be.

And how I came to be your actual... Father.

Really?

Yes.

Are you angry?

Do you hate the thought?

Hate it.

You don't wish for a better Papa.

That's the first time you've called me that.

So are we real Foresights now, Papa?

To me, you are.

All in all, the right decision.

Getting the first encounter out of the way.

We'll certainly be able to outface them next time we meet.

We should ignore them altogether.

Pretend they don't exist.

But they do exist.

Then let them exist elsewhere.

What we don't see can't hurt us.

Well, the dear hotel, milady.

I can't help thinking there's something not right.

Soames and Irene, they seem so devoted and yet there's no child.

Why do you think it is that Monty and I only have Val?

A reply.

From your stepmother.

Good heavens, Winifred!

How can you know about such things?

One educates oneself, Mama.

And Irene?

Do you think that she too... Yes.

Oh, my word.

Oh, dear Lord.

Why would she consider such a thing?

Well, perhaps she wants to wait until she's absolutely sure. Sure? Sure about

what? She's a married woman.

It's her duty to produce children.

Well, perhaps she feels her first duty is to herself.

This has been a most sobering experience.

I've learned things.

Things I would rather not have known.

About myself.

Yourself?

My deception.

In keeping from you.

And Mrs. Heron.

How I ruined your father.

I've no excuse.

Fortunately, your stepmother has gladly seized on my offer of compensation.

To provide her with a very generous monthly allowance.

How did you explain it?

I said it was a grateful thanks to her for granting me her beloved

stepdaughter.

For as long as we both shall live.

Did her reply mention Brighton at all?

She only said it was a favorite place of hers.

I don't know what to say.

Say nothing.

Let us promise from now on you and I will never have secrets from each other.

What is it?

What's happened?

Come.

I'm deceiving my husband.

You're having an affair?

No, no, nothing like that.

But I have lied to him.

I went to Brighton alone.

Soames has no idea.

I don't understand. I tricked him.

Not that he hasn't tricked me. He said I could dance. He promised me we'd live in

Paris. Did he? Yes.

When? Before we married.

He swore to me that... Why am I saying this? I have so much to be grateful for.

Soames adores me. He would give me the world.

So why do I fear that if I stay in this marriage...

Every last piece of who I truly am will be destroyed.

And if I have a child... I can never leave.

I would be trapped forever.

So, what's to be done?

Will you leave him?

I have sworn... to give myself a year of...

a wholehearted commitment to Soames whilst absenting myself from him for

once a month.

And if, after a year, I see a way to believe in this marriage,

then I will let nature take its course, embrace motherhood, and become

Mrs. Soames Forsyte forever.

So swear to me

You won't tell anyone.

I swear.

A costume ball here at Fitz-Alan Terrace. Sir Hugo will be there. It's

too good a chance to miss.

Leave it with me. I wish to rewrite my will.

How could your father do such a thing?

He does know you're married, which is precisely why he and I can allow

ourselves a little harmless banter. I see it now. I really foresight the

perfect wife.

You have no idea what my life is like. I'm trying to trace a client, Harry

Falconer.