Original subtitles

SENTIMENTAL DESTINIES

CHARENTE, WINTER 1900

"Man born of woman has but a short time to live.

"Like a shadow he flees and never stays.

"His days are swifter than a post.

"They flee away, they bring no good.

"Our dwelling is removed and carried away from us as a shepherd's tent.

"But the mercy of the Lord is eternal.

"I am the resurrection and the life, said the Saviour..."

JEAN BARNERY'S WIFE

-I'll do that. -It's done.

The summer dresses too?

Yes.

Close the trunks and bring them down.

-Are Aline's things ready? -Yes.

Aline, move aside, you're in my way.

I'm sorry to see you both go.

It's what you wanted.

-The letters... -I let you see them.

-But they imply... -What?

There was nothing between Dahlias and me.

You believe malicious gossip.

I feel no jealousy towards Dahlias.

I'm beyond such pettiness.

It's your whole attitude that...

You knew what being a minister's wife meant.

Yes, when I married you, you were a minister.

But do you still have faith?

I've shouted enough.

Regret it, and I'll ask you to stay.

Out of duty?

Is that all?

Yes. As we agreed, you'll live in Limoges

in the old Barnery house that you're so fond of.

You'll find life less humble there than here.

I won't come to the station with you.

Mind the trunk...

You'll see, Barbazac hasn't changed.

I don't remember a thing.

Our small Protestant community is very strong.

Were you in England for long?

Two years.

Georges, take my niece home.

Cousin Arthur is giving a ball next month.

My son's wife entertains lavishly.

Will you come, Pauline?

You may find my home gloomy.

I'm an ascetic since my wife passed on.

Uncle, I don't wish to be a burden.

You'll be a daughter to me.

I merely regret your father's peculiar fate.

Dying in Egypt, far from home and you.

He loved Egypt.

But to be buried there!

He wanted that.

Don't you like the first-floor room?

Sorry, it's the smell of camphor.

I'll be happier here.

As you wish.

We dine at seven.

This way, Mr. Pommerel.

Patrick!

-I'm late, Father. -You don't come often...

My father-in-law was holding an electoral meeting...

You're going into politics?

-Good day, Loze. -Master Arthur...

I've been approached...

Is it your desire or your wife's?

How's your wife's health, Lévéque?

She's well, sir.

It's very old.

A 60-year-old brandy...

Rateau's selling two barrels. Should I buy?

-How much does he want? -What it's worth.

Then it may be too much.

There's no market for it.

Blend your cognac, bottle it and lower your prices.

Bottle it... Like your in-laws.

The Bourgaud-Duperrons have turned your head.

Their cognac sells well.

My brethren, receive the Almighty's blessing.

May the Lord bless and protect you.

May the Lord look down favourably upon you.

Go in peace. Remember the poor

and may God be with you and your families,

now and forever. Amen.

I buried Garaud's son yesterday.

Poor Garaud...

Business is too poor for me to buy his brandy.

People are tightening their belts.

It's not so bad...

Will you come for lunch?

No, thank you.

-You'd meet my niece. - I saw her.

Does she suit you?

She's a girl of today.

What did you think of my sermon?

I don't share your social views. But it was good, very good.

I see inscrutable faces. People are judging me...

Stop thinking about it.

No one here understands my act.

It's all over and done with.

Are you sure?

Luther said, "A minister's sole sin is teaching the Word badly."

In a way, those are dreadful words.

Why blame yourself? Nathalie wanted to leave.

Your mistake was to marry a woman who was not of your spiritual world.

She hated your calling.

I'm going to surprise you.

I'm planning to open amodern bottling plant.

You? -Apparently I have no choice.

I'll see your Uncle Barnery in Limoges.

If he agrees to help me,

I'll offer him half of the profits.

You can always try.

I don't know anyone.

You're going to have fun, you can dance.

I'll mostly watch.

This is your family.

Keep an eye on the young ladies for me.

The cloakroom is this way.

Look, Pauline, sterilised flowers.

Can you see my tiny scar here?

No.

-Are you sure? -No one will notice.

-They're so pretty! -Hello, Pauline.

Fetch more ice for the champagne.

Arthur, tell the musicians to get ready.

1 will in a minute.

Dance and be merry, I'm counting on you.

Here's the deputy.

Tell me when you want to leave.

May I have the honour of a waltz?

May I have the honour of the first waltz?

May I have the honour of this waltz?

I think we can start the waltz.

That dress suits her.

A little low-cut. She's so independent.

Who invited that character?

Isn't he living in Paris with Reverend Barnery's wife?

Didn't she kill herself?

Rubbish.

-Dahlias compromised her. -Of course, he didn't!

Go on. And give the musicians a drink.

Anna, where's Marcelle?

Over there with Peter Deed.

May I have the honour of the next waltz?

I'm sorry, I'm a little tired.

Pommerel, my dear fellow,

I know you disapprove of my methods,

but will you try my new blend?

I'd be delighted.

Do you know, it's sent across the Andes by mule.

I make no claims and I expect an honest opinion.

Aren't you dancing anymore?

I was outside watching you with my uncle.

It's fascinating to watch people who don't know you're there.

What did you see?

You seemed sad.

You weren't close.

I never see you from up close.

-Come to dinner. I haven't been invited.

I'm inviting you.

I fear I need a more official invitation.

I'm addressing Jean Barnery. It bothers me, your being a minister.

Come on, Pauline!

You're Philippe Pommerel's niece?

You dance with everyone?

What do you mean by that?

I saw you, you kept changing partners.

I enjoy dancing.

I must save you from these oafs.

Grant me the next dance.

I'm sorry, I feel tired.

No, not so soon.

So you know my uncle?

I'm very fond of him. He's not as strict as people think.

He wasn't such a puritan once.

He led alife... I mean, he lived well.

Yes, he lives a good life.

That's not what I meant.

Pardon me?

Let's have a glass of champagne.

No, I've had too much...

We'll find a quiet corner for you.

No, I'm not that tired...

You can't refuse...

Basket...

-Reverend... -How are you?

Very well, thank you.

-I saw your son. -He's here with us now.

Have a seat, Jean Barnery.

I do my visits on foot.

I'm distracting you then.

Not at all.

Out on your own?

I have to fetch Marcelle. Those Protestant youth meetings bore me.

You can drop me at the Périgauds'. It's on the way.

Al right.

- Was thinking of you. -of me?

You could give a Sunday school class.

Don't count on me to be a teacher.

-You've had religious instruction. -In Paris, yes.

But I've never had a religious thought, even as a child.

-Have you lost your faith? -No, I never had it.

I won't teach things I don't believe.

We don't stick to the letter.

Could you hold the reins, I feel hot.

If I taught children, I'd tell them specific things.

Down-to-earth things.

You must begin with lessons in real life to make them trust you.

Children know if they're being misled.

How can you say we mislead them?

Sorry, I've offended you.

You make me aggressive. I'm giving you a false impression.

Don't ask me what I believe.

You're frank, that's good.

I can see Périgaud.

I can come back after I fetch Marcelle.

I'll cut through the woods. I'll be back before you.

Jean Barnery...

Let me tell you a secret.

What you hear about my father is false.

He left because he loved a woman. That's not a crime.

It can be a very beautiful thing...

Very hard. And very rare, I think.

Don't listen to their talk.

Remember, his daughter loved him and blames him for nothing.

Others can think what they like.

I won't forget what you've told me.

Excuse me...

I'll miss my train.

Marcelle's wedding's off.

Peter's family is disreputable.

His father's been in prison.

You don't know what you're saying!

Marcelle...

Hello, Uncle Philippe.

Did you eat well in Limoges?

Take Mr. Pommerel's bags to his room.

How is your father?

A little unwell. You'll see him tomorrow. He's changed.

I thought he'd be here.

He's left Joncherolles for a quieter, more humble home.

Are you sure my visit...

He'll be pleased, but we must warn him. He hates surprises.

Don't mind us...

Is your husband here?

Paul's out at one of his farms.

The new tenants refuse to live next to other tenants.

Such a fuss!

I haven't seen Robert since my wife's funeral.

He worries us. His health isn't very good.

And the American market isn't what it used to be.

They'll always buy Barnery porcelain.

We're worried about Father's will.

He's chosen my brother Frédéric as his heir.

I like Frédéric, but he can't run the factory.

Who then?

There's no one else.

Father cut off Guy when he started to paint.

Now he's raising cows near Perpignan. Why not?

Besides, he doesn't know porcelain.

No, there's only one person who could save Barnery.

Jean.

He knows the factory, he's been to America for us...

But he's an oddity.

Because he's a minister...

Here's Louise.

Good day, sir.

That's a fine way to greet our relative.

How could I know? Forgive me.

She was just a little girl...

You look a mess.

He threw me into a hedge.

You push him too hard.

-Can we delay dinner so we can... -No.

-Just a little. -No.

Come on.

How do people view Nathalie here?

We remembered a charming girl, but found a woman in mourning.

Since she was dismissed for bad behaviour, we didn't understand.

-Does she go out? -Never.

She writes. Endless letters of complaint that I never read.

It's odd, this mechanical form of grief.

-What does she write? -She mentions you a lot.

You're a terrible man, a satanic figure.

You destroyed her happiness by influencing Jean.

She has become a saint.

She's quite mad.

I'm not so sure. She's not a flighty woman.

When she says, "I'm Jean Barnery's wife," it's dreadful.

He must have hurt her.

-Not at all. -You don't know.

Men can hurt us indirectly by showing up our weakness.

We resist as best we can.

I can hear the dogs. That will be Paul.

He's a perfect husband. But it was hard at first.

The Barnerys found him too...rustic.

Would you like to read one of her letters? Take it to Jean.

-Is that a good idea? - I think so.

-Hello, Paul. -Hello, Philippe.

Look at this cup.

A jewel, isn't it?

With this line of pale gold.

An everyday object in which art has found its place.

Without Robert Barnery,

it would be in a museum.

Instead, it provides a living for 2,000 workers.

I mean that everything depends on one man.

He's old now, with no successor.

But he's leaving the tradition, the skills, the staff...

That's no use in the wrong hands.

I'm a farmer by trade.

But I know what Frédéric lacks. A big business is fragile.

Too bad, the Socialists say.

Americans drink from jewels and Mr. Barnery tends his roses

while the workers live in hovels.

Read it, you'll see for yourself.

If Americans stop drinking from jewels,

the Limoges workers will be much poorer.

Yes. It suits us to believe that.

Are they causing trouble?

They have incessant demands, that's natural.

It's an endless struggle. We're worlds apart.

If only Jean had stayed in Limoges...

But he's a poet, a philosopher, a mystic...

Your shot, Uncle.

Sorry, I'm a poor player.

It's this immutable will in Frédéric's favour...

Ludicrous. Father must tear it up.

Hello, Grandfather.

Mother wishes to call this afternoon with Mr. Pommerel.

Tell her I'd be delighted.

This is pretty. Is it new?

Yes.

A Ch'ien-lung Chinese pot.

It's nothing much.

Look at this.

It's a souvenir...

An ashtray worth next to nothing.

But the edging has given me a motif...

an idea I'm very pleased with.

I'll use it on a service.

It will be your wedding present.

I was just passing by.

Was your trip worthwhile?

Everyone asked about you.

I'm very fond of Julie.

Robert is a little tired. He spoke only about his roses.

As for the bottling plant, it's no.

I'm not surprised.

He's old. Other people's problems...

He'd have refused in his youth, too.

-I'll lend you the money. -No.

Why not?

Transforming my firm may well lead to my ruin.

One can't easily trade in mediocrity.

I have to leave you.

Here...

A letter Nathalie sent to Julie. Read it.

You'll see you were right to do as you did.

All my suffering

comes from silence.

Like a stifled moan...

I know that...

I know that Jean loves me.

He loves me even if we have been parted.

Célestine!

The ink!

The ink, Célestine!

I said to buy ink.

-I'll go today. -"I'll go today"...

Go now! You're such alump, girl.

So indolent!

You poor dear... You're living in a madhouse.

You're too young to understand yet.

Celestine! God, there's never anyone in this house.

I'm waiting for your uncle.

I've been shopping in town.

That's a new dress.

Yes, it's linen. Do you like it?

It changes you.

You know, I've grown to like Barbazac.

- Find it exotic. 'Exotic?

It's like a distant thing, yet close, too.

It's like the past. Oh, that's so confused...

So you like Barbazac.

Yes. Well, it's not an idyllic place, but...

The people all seem to lack something.

What?

Perhaps words can't express it.

It's an attitude towards life.

You say nothing, Jean Barnery.

-You're not listening to me. -I am.

Do you want some grapes?

I know you like them.

Just one then.

They look lovely.

Help yourself.

-No, those... -Just one.

The black ones are better.

Thank you. Later...

Good day, Jean.

Come and have some coffee.

Have it out in the arbour.

No, too many wasps...

Would you close the door?

I'm going to ask Nathalie back.

I know what you'll say. But I have made up my mind.

I regret this decision.

You'll jeopardise your career. Nathalie can't come back.

I can't receive my wife in my own home and remain a minister?

Exactly.

The first scandal caused enough gossip.

It's forgotten now.

Having her back implies that you were at fault.

The gossip will start up again. It's impossible.

You'll meet the same problems elsewhere.

I'm afraid I can't...

be a minister with such remorse.

What remorse? I don't understand any of this!

It's unbelievable! You'll upset everyone.

We're 200 Protestants with 5,000 Catholics watching us.

I have my responsibilities. There's a strong bond.

Has she asked to come back? You act as if it depended on you.

Is she a likely wife? She may well be mad!

Yes, it depends on the man. It's hypocrisy to say otherwise.

All men have unlikely wives. You shouldn't have brought that letter.

What is it, Pauline? Always in and out.

I just want my journal. I was...

reading an article.

There it is.

This one. Help me.

I would come here 40 years ago to see my future wife.

Robert Barnery lived upstairs.

Did you receive my letter? Well, then...

Jean would like...

He asks you to return to Barbazac.

I'm Jean Barnery's wife. I'll do what he wants.

I left when he asked. If he wants me to return, I shall.

He's ready to forgive you.

Forgive me... Forgive me for what?

I didn't mean that...

I'll bring Célestine.

-Célestine? -She looks after Aline.

I'm too weary to raise a child.

Discuss it with Jean. He already has Mélanie.

No need. I know what I'm doing.

What do I tell Uncle?

Nothing. I've left him a letter.

-Will he understand? -No.

But ll don't really care.

I'll write to you, Marcelle.

Pauline! Will you be back for Christmas?

-Madame is here. Yes, I know.

Sorry, I had a class. Have you been here long?

Won't you take your hat off?

The journey has tired you.

Do you want to keep your hat on or go up to your room?

Which room?

On the garden side, it's nicer.

What about Célestine?

You can share Aline's room.

Settle in. I'll tell Mélanie...

When does she leave?

This evening.

Come along.

Come and see the tortoise.

A glass of water every morning.

Very good.

-Good morning, sir. -Good morning, Célestine.

This is good, but the toast is too much.

-Good-bye, Mrs. Barnery. -Good-bye, Mr. Gallet.

Hello, Mrs. Barnery.

Very good... Try this bit again.

That's good.

She's doing well.

Yes, she's managing.

Good, very good.

No, not like that.

Try to...

Very good...

Seven thirty, time for bed.

A kiss.

Good night, dear.

Good night, Aline.

I'd like to send her to school.

The teacher is a good, calm woman.

I can teach her to read.

Children ought to be brought up together.

If that's what you prefer...

Dinner is served, madame.

What's wrong, Nathalie? Speak to me.

I thought you'd be glad to come back.

Why are you unhappy?

Won't you reply?

I see no need to.

You're wrong.

One should mistrust silence...

You must speak. Tell me, I'll try to understand.

I need your help to make you happy.

I saw Nathalie dressed like a widow.

She was majestically off on a visit somewhere.

She had an odd hat with a bushy aigrette...

You were right. I've made a mistake.

Resign yourself to seeing her unhappy.

Her obstinate vanity will never change.

Suffer it patiently.

I have no more patience.

She's punishing me with her clear conscience.

She feels she's reason and justice incarnate.

I know, I just told you that.

-It's amusing. -Is it amusing how she raises my daughter?

Aline's cheerful and lively. You have to adapt.

Her view of the bonds of matrimony infuriates me.

It's an ideal cherished. She makes a mockery of it.

You're exaggerating.

Make an effort...

Show some indulgence, some ordinary common sense...

ll can't find this letter from Helsinki.

Things will even out.

No! In a marriage, the same one always gives in.

You guess the other's whims to keep the peace.

I can't even talk to my daughter.

I've abdicated.

Here it is...

I was wrong to fear Nathalie's return.

Now I'm asking you to stay. Here, with her.

How's your new cellar master?

Wonderful!

I'm launching a line of 1840 cognac, in bottles.

For connoisseurs.

No fancy bottles with a fake layer of dust for me.

I'm using the classic cognac bottle.

Elegant, with a slender neck and clear glass.

The tawny colour of the brandy isn't spoilt by the glass.

The Revolution's paper money inspired me for the label.

Black edging on cream-laid paper.

Try it.

You offered to loan me capital.

I need 300,000 francs.

I could go elsewhere, but this is simpler.

I shan't be able to repay for some years,

but I'll pay interest.

No, no interest.

Pay me back when you like.

I'll write to Limoges directly.

Has Pauline written?

No. She's in Paris.

She never said why she left?

I don't know what upset her.

She always wanted to work, to live alone...

She never told me.

She has no notion of family life.

My brother was mad.

She told me she loved him and was loved in return.

"For He will baptise you with the Holy Spirit and fire."

Hymn number 102.

We shall now sing the first verse.

Forgive my bothering you on a Sunday.

Have a seat.

I wish to make a deed of gift to my wife.

You know Barnery Porcelain in Limoges. My uncle runs it.

My father left me half the capital. I wish to transfer it to my wife.

A will would suffice.

No, I want it made over to her now.

I have a reason for this. An important moral reason.

I need to confide in you.

My uncle Pommerel must not learn of it.

Lintend to get divorced.

You have grounds, of course...

I want a divorce. It can't be avoided.

I shall also resign as minister.

They were two youthful ambitions that have thwarted each other...

and finally failed.

Does Mrs. Barnery consent?

I don't know.

I'll write to her.

Women can be very obstinate...

She's an upstanding woman. She'll accept.

I'm sure of it.

And the child?

I'll leave her both the child and my fortune.

Let me give you a word of advice.

You're young. You know nothing of your future needs.

I beg you, do not give her everything.

Mr. Fayet, I am determined to get divorced.

I shall be gone within two days.

This act is very painful. It overwhelms me.

My only relief from this anguish lies in a total material gift.

I also want part of the money to revert to my daughter.

I want her to know later that I thought of her today.

You see...

I need all the relief I can be granted.

Brochard and Company...

Mr. Brochard is busy for now.

Where in Montreuil?

I'll call you back later.

Who promised Lieutard his order for the 25th?

I did, sir.

Who asked you to take decisions?

Why did I hire a society lady who talks nothing but rubbish!

I'm sorry, we'll have the materials on the 8th.

All the same, we'll never be ready...

I had these fabrics sent up from Lyons.

It's lovely silk. Just feel it.

Put these two tones together. They match.

It's magnificent.

Nathalie will like this area. She always wanted to live in Paris.

You've spent a fortune.

My sister's always liked luxury.

If she wants to see it...

She'll go along with your decision.

Forgive my asking...

Will you never see your daughter again?

Her mother doesn't want me to.

Are you all right?

A lady to see you.

-A lady? -Miss Pauline Pommerel.

Wait, clear the chair and move it up to the bed.

You've come so quickly. Thank you.

Sit down.

You see, I've been very ill.

Who looks after you, Jean?

A nurse from time to time.

I was in a clinic. I don't know what they did.

Sit down.

I had a lump like a nut under my skin.

They said it was tuberculosis, but I'm not sure.

I think above all I wanted to die.

You should have sent for me.

I knew I'd write one day.

Why did you leave Barbazac?

Your advice would have helped me.

You never asked for it.

We need everybody... Or somebody...

I had to make a living.

You offended them.

Respectability counts a great deal there.

A limited point of view.

I know why you left.

It's very warm in here.

Come here, listen to me.

I went through a terrible conflict. I'll tell you one day.

It was all the crueler because of you.

Is it too sharp?

Do you eat well? - don't know.

Illness tends to cut one off.

So does loneliness.

It unhinges your mind, but you stay lucid.

I'm not 20 anymore.

It's madness to draw someone into your destiny or to enter theirs.

They mingle in spite of us.

Yes.

You must get better.

Start by leaving this seedy hotel.

I'm very poor. ll don't have the Barnery dividends.

What do you live on?

I lent Pommerel some money. I didn't want interest, but now...

You're as poor as any rich person with less money.

You should go to the mountains. To Switzerland, say.

Will you listen to me? Will you do what I say?

If it's an order.

You're not a little girl now.

I feel old.

Give me your hand, Pauline.

May I hold it for a minute?

I was tempted to do it before. But I'm free now.

Truly free?

Absolutely.

I know about your life.

I'd like you to start it afresh.

I must leave now, you'll get feverish.

Will you come back?

On Sunday.

Are you in mourning?

Yes, I lost my mother two months ago.

I would have come sooner.

But your letters...

I didn't want to worry you.

I chose to keep it to myself.

No, don't turn round. Not yet.

Now. Look at the lake.

That's Brienz over there.

-Where's the Eiger? -You can't see it from this room.

We're high up.

Uncle Pommerel has written back.

-What does he say? -Read it.

He isn't very lyrical about our wedding.

There's no warmth in his letter.

How could he understand?

Does it shock you? I wished him dead for a second.

Only for a second.

Know who that is?

Grisar... The minister.

My respects to Mrs. Barnery.

I've brought fruit and cheese.

Thank you.

Rose...

We can eat now. Here's the fruit and cheese.

The bread's on the table.

I've had a letter from Marcelle.

It's dreadful, she's marrying that archivist.

Does she say it's dreadful?

No, but I know it is.

She'll have that man's affection. You're even now.

Even?

She disapproves of your marriage, too.

I'll take that, Rose.

You don't realise.

The break with Peter Deed was horrible.

I saw how her heart was crushed.

She feared a hard life.

Other people's lives distress us. It's good to be forced.

I wouldn't have chosen Switzerland for us.

I would have. It's conventional, but I like it.

There's grandeur in this tranquillity.

I'd have preferred Brazil.

-Why Brazil? -You can live under an assumed name.

But you have nothing to hide.

Women are lucky. They marry and change names.

Has anyone criticised you here?

Reverend Grisar bothers me.

He knows about me. When he sends his respects, he uses an odd tone.

What tone?

Why shouldn't he send me his respects?

People hate to see a divorced man happy with another woman.

He's a harmful example.

Grisar makes me feel ashamed.

I'll write back to Marcelle.

I hope I haven't hurt you.

I have no regrets. I can't get used to being happy.

Beware of over-subtle ideas.

Should we stop thinking then?

Almost.

With you, no idea scares me.

Nothing scares me. Not even saying what I think.

Stop, Jean!

Can I have an apple?

No...

You'll regret it later. Come on.

No, you go. I'll wait here.

I'll stroll beneath the trees.

We won't go down to the lake again. It tires you.

Lunch is ready.

Is it good?

Isn't there any wine?

No, I'll fetch some from the village.

Here...

I wonder, does one know why one is in love, precisely?

Not precisely.

I thought so. One doesn't know.

A man has to love his wife.

No, of course not!

Don't get upset.

You love her because you chose her, but you don't check every minute.

What do you mean?

I don't know. Your words seem directed at me.

Is it wrong to be demanding?

I too find this unreal at times:

living happily in a chalet on a mountain, expecting nothing...

Nothing?

Well, being content without money...

Not exactly without money.

The Barnery annuity is a privilege.

It troubles me. We owe a lot to other people's toil.

I remember the terrible poverty in Limoges.

-Everything is unfair. -Yes.

It doesn't bother me that others work and suffer.

I've been through that and may know it again any day.

We could have separate rooms, to be ourselves

for a few hours. A shelter.

Separate rooms are an awful idea unless people are in love.

I was just wondering.

I know we can't part even for one night.

Why?

I don't know... Because I wouldn't be able to sleep.

You couldn't sleep...

I'll fetch the eggs the farmer promised us.

You can't go out in this mist.

I'll follow the path.

Don't worry, your wife is here. Come in.

I lost my way.

It's the end of an era...

We hadn't seen each other for years.

He had grown very reclusive.

It's a great loss.

Robert Barnery transformed the porcelain industry...

Fortunately, there's still your brother Frederic.

I'm not worried.

You must revive the firm.

There's a lot to do. I'll tell you about our plans.

Good job we can count on Howard.

He'll be in Europe this month.

Go and speak to Frédéric.

He barely greeted me.

You know what he's like. Please, it's Father's funeral.

Your designs for the Vendéme service are your best yet.

Mr. Bavouzet, thank you for your letter. I was touched.

I know you're right about the factory's future...

We must talk again.

Well...

Did you go to Father's?

Yes. I sorted out his papers.

Paul was with me.

Anything interesting?

His Paris solicitor has the interesting ones.

He left his cook 10,000 francs.

That's good.

You think so?

Are you happy with business on your farm?

I can't complain.

-Frederic seems to know what he wants. -Because he keeps silent.

He's just a good accountant.

If he inherits, Barnery's ruined.

He's been with the firm for 30 years.

That doesn't help.

Your father must have had his reasons.

Come away, there's a draught.

I'm sorry I missed the funeral.

-Were many people there? -Yes.

-Was Jean there? -Yes, you'll see him.

It wasn't like Grandmother's funeral,

with all the workers behind the flower-decked hearse,

a respectful crowd...

No workers today.

The mood has changed in 10 years.

You're no longer loved?

Are you all right, dear?

Excuse me.

Marthe, quickly! It's Mr. Jean...

How are you?

I'm glad you came. Let's have dinner tonight.

Don't tell anyone.

I was looking at Grandfather's trees. They're so tall now.

I'm happy to see you here.

-Hello, Paul. -Hello, Jean.

He used to put on shows, act in plays...

With young Lili and the twins.

-What's become of Lili? -Her son's a captain.

I never saw you as an actor, more a writer.

And you were neither. Not even a porcelain manufacturer.

If you wanted...

But have you ever known what you wanted?

You were coughing.

You have to rest.

I'll check on the wine.

-You saw Nathalie in Paris? -Yes.

She hasn't changed.

Obsession petrifies her.

She's a pillar of fidelity. A fine pillar.

And Aline?

Her mother's giving her 2 poor opinion of men.

But I don't believe she listens.

Don't spare my feelings.

Your daughter isn't well surrounded...

but that's not very important.

The environment may count or not...

Is she still as fair?

Yes, she's still as fair.

Paul's right, I must rest.

Remember, your place is here...

Even if I'll be gone one day.

-Hello, Jean. -Hello, Frédéric.

I'm glad you're here.

Meet my son, Theodore...

-Hello, sir. -Hello, Théodore.

He's your son's age, isn't he? He was born in 1904.

Max was born in 1905.

Bring him one day.

Uncle, I didn't know you were in Limoges.

I came back from London. Isn't Pauline with you?

No, she didn't want to leave our son alone.

-Is he well? -Yes.

He's a real little Swiss peasant. He even has the accent.

And Pauline?

She sends her regards.

Did your London trip go well?

Business is very quiet.

Was the 1840 cognac a success?

Very quiet...

Here...

Father Christmas is coming tonight.

He'll bring your presents.

All the presents on the tree...

Go to sleep now.

What is he having?

A train, some sweets,

a ball, some crayons...

You've had a letter from Julie.

A Christmas card.