Original subtitles

Don Carlos came to collect the rent.

He said we either pay him or we're out.

Don't worry. I'll sort it. Don't tell Guillermo or Luisa.

Look out!

A rich farmer from La Mancha is here.

-Why? -To find a wife.

-Will you miss the sea? -Not only the sea.

When I have enough money, I'll come back and we'll marry.

Five years since José left and you still call him every week.

Don Ramón is interested in marrying your sister.

I don't want to!

You will be generously compensated, of course.

If you agree, sign here.

Choose me.

I am the right wife for you.

Today, we celebrate the union of María Rodríguez and Manuel Cervantes,

who, unfortunately, cannot be here with us today.

-What do you mean? -A proxy marriage.

-Who is this woman? -Don't you see? Your new wife.

She's wearing hers.

-I'm already married. -His first wife, Llanos.

She left one day without a trace.

Your mother needs money. And I need a suitable heir for my lands.

Once you're pregnant,

I'll send your mother enough money for a lifetime of a comfort.

But if you don't succeed,

you'll pay me back every last peseta, with interest.

Here, girl!

Where are the pans?

Good morning.

Where are the pans?

This is Manuel's new wife.

María. My name is María.

Justa.

I live nearby. I come from time to time to help with the house and the boy.

You're not needed anymore. She'll take care of it from now on.

-I'll be going, then. -Slow down.

Where are you going? Not yet, woman.

We'll need you a few more days to teach her her tasks.

And you, pay close attention.

BETWEEN LANDS

Mercedes, you're too slow!

We'd be quicker if you gave us some gloves.

The skin calluses quicker without gloves.

You'll thank me in a few days.

Ah, in the end, I always regret giving you work.

-The poor thing's asking for gloves. -I'm surprised she's still alive.

Manuel.

Look at me.

You're avoiding your wife.

What wife?

That woman is nothing to me. She can leave for all I care.

I've been very patient for your father's sake.

But that's it.

If you don't start to comply, there will be consequences.

I'm not afraid of you.

Well, you should be.

Because you will lose your lands and your son.

This is yours.

Men are creatures of habit.

They like to eat, work, and sleep at regular times.

Especially countrymen, who have stricter routines.

Our role as women is to have the house clean, food on the table,

and the kids in bed when they return.

Work hard and speak little.

That's the secret to keeping them happy.

Soap and starch for the sheets, water and ammonia for the floors.

Bleach for the tub and a scourer for the pans.

Baking soda and lemon juice will make the towels whiter.

You'll get used to it.

In here.

Not there!

Sorry. Why not?

They're Llanos' things.

Did you know her?

Have you worked for the Cervantes' long?

-My husband was the guard here. -Not anymore?

He died years ago.

I'm sorry.

Anyway...

To clean the glass, make balls with newspaper.

Soak them thoroughly in vinegar and scrub as hard as you can.

Go on.

PEPA'S BAR

Hi, how are you? I wanted to make a long-distance call.

Pepita!

-Hi. I wanted to call Almería. -My fellow countrywoman!

You're Manuel's wife. I also moved here when I got married.

-Really? -Yes.

-How long ago? -Well, 12 years and four children.

I guess you could say I'm a local now.

Go on, Carolina.

Come.

I couldn't get on with the town or the people at first.

-If you need to talk, I'm here. -Thanks.

Look, the landlady.

If she's smart, she'll run. Better alive than rich.

Don't speak out of turn.

Here we go.

-Why do you always defend him? -You don't know Manuel like I do.

Gabi, playing together as kids doesn't make him a good person.

Am I so interesting you can't take your eyes off me?

Don't waste my time here as well as at work.

Wait.

What you said when I arrived about Llanos' death...

Not her death. Her murder.

Why are you so sure?

Want to see for yourself? Follow Manuel to the country.

Rumor has it he returns every day to the place he buried her

to make sure no one's discovered it yet.

You are needed.

Your uncle disagrees.

He'll realize soon enough.

No one will replace you.

If you weren't born here, it's hard to grasp our way of life.

Don't try too hard with her.

I doubt she'll last long here.

Nicolás?

Your name is Nicolás, right?

I can't see you from here.

I have something you might like.

Come and I'll give you a sugar cube.

See?

I only have one.

Very good.

Come here, let's see that knee. It's going to get infected...

It wasn't the dog.

-It was the boy. -Who else? My dog is more obedient.

Come here.

Up.

Here.

If you treat him like an animal, no wonder he acts like one.

He knows how to look after himself.

He should be in school with kids his own age.

-He's not like the others. -What do you mean?

I've spent all day removing traps.

Our land is full of them.

Damn poachers.

We should call the Civil Guard again.

No.

Wait for them to make a mistake.

We'll resolve it as we always have.

And we'll be glad we didn't tell anyone.

Sancho!

You know the drill.

Choose six.

Me?

She's choosing today!

Look who's boss. She'll still have the nerve to compare herself to us.

Come, all of you.

-Can't you count? -Of course I can.

It was my decision.

Thank you.

Here.

-This is wrong. Do you have six? -No, I have four.

-Four. -Yes.

Don Ramón, wait!

-The money's come up short. -Six wages divided between seven.

You can complain to her, it was her decision.

So you know how to count, huh?

I bet you'll think twice next time.

Carolina, clear these plates so I can listen to the radio drama.

Got it, Lola? And you, don't eat your sister's food.

Here you go, my love.

Speaking of drama, your life takes the cake.

Making such a sacrifice for your family.

I didn't marry for love either.

I met Sancho when he was on vacation in Roquetas.

He needed a wife and I needed a daily meal.

You gave everything up?

Everything, even a boyfriend who was in the army at the time.

Oof! Boyfriends...

Did you leave someone too?

It's a long story.

You sure about doing my rollers?

-Yes, sit down. -You look exhausted.

I'm fine. Justa is helping me.

The widow?

Never trust a widow who doesn't wear black.

That woman is a mystery.

She's lived here her whole life, yet no one really knows her.

The Cervantes are the only people she deals with.

Her husband, rest his soul,

was Don Ramon's right-hand man.

They've always been loyal to the family.

Apparently, Llanos, Manuel's wife, was her only friend.

Justa was her confidant. There were no secrets between them.

Honestly, I feel a bit sorry for her.

Word is she can't have children.

A barren woman scares off any man,

so she'll have to endure the rest of her days alone.

Working for the Cervantes is all she has left.

Don't be surprised if she's some kind of spy for them.

Hold the front for me. There.

-Like this? -Yeah.

All done.

Great.

Let me see.

-Thanks, María. -That's it.

Pepita?

Yes?

It's about Llanos.

Is it true she disappeared overnight?

Oh my, there are all kinds of rumors.

Some say she had a lover and ran away with him.

Others say she changed her name and is now a singer in Mexico.

Then there are the doomsayers.

She had an accident, lost her memory and forgot her name.

-Or she was captured by a madman... -Or killed by my husband.

Yes. Some people think that.

We never met, but she didn't look happy with Manuel.

Rumor has it they grew apart when the child was born.

That's another thing. There's something wrong with that child.

I have no idea about that, but he should be at school with my Sancho.

He hasn't left the estate in years.

Listen, María, I prefer to think that...

Llanos had a lover, ran away with him,

-and left an unhappy life behind. -Sounds like one of your radio dramas.

-Maybe that's why I like it. -Maybe.

So, how long for the rollers?

-A little while yet. -I'll make the chickpeas.

Justa, can I ask something?

You knew Llanos well, right?

We all know each other here.

But yes.

After so many years working for her, we became friends.

What was she like?

A lady.

From head to toe.

Families that have never gone hungry have a certain glow.

You can tell at a glance.

-You must miss her. -We all do.

The void she left can't be filled. Look.

You should sew up Manuel's shirt.

Llanos kept the sewing kit on the lounge dresser.

MY BELOVED JORGE I CAN'T WAIT TO SEE YOU AGAIN

Did you find it?

Yes.

Here it is.

Thank you.

Still at it?

-Finish up, electricity is expensive. -Yes, coming.

My beloved Jorge, I can't wait to see you again.

My suspicions were right.

We're going to have a baby.

Now all I can think about is starting a new life with you.

Far from this house, from this town.

Far from Manuel.

But there's something keeping me awake at night.

What are you doing?

Getting some logs.

For the stove.

I'm afraid of Manuel's reaction if he finds out.

Heretics you are, heretics!

You haven't been to mass in so long I'll forget your faces.

Blas, no offense, but Sunday's my only day off

and I'd rather spend it with my girl than with you.

Not even communion?

Maybe if you gave us some snacks to go with the wine...

Good-for-nothings!

No, no, I may turn a blind eye,

but when you decide to marry, a full day in confession awaits.

I wouldn't hold your breath.

Anyway, it's up to you.

Have a good night.

Take care.

Well, don't exaggerate. I say we'll get married someday.

What for?

I don't need the approval of a god that doesn't exist to love you.

I don't like it either, but we play along to be left alone.

And betray our principles.

Do you want to end up like your mom?

Sorry.

I didn't mean it to sound like that.

Claudia.

No need to walk me home. See you tomorrow.

Come on, it's on me.

What are you looking at?

I said, what are you looking at?

What about you?

Cat got your tongue?

What is it?

So now you all keep quiet, huh?

Prefer talking behind my back, don't you?

Manuel, easy.

All right.

Go home.

What?

What have you done?

-What have you done? -Manuel.

How dare you wear Llanos' perfume?

Good-for-nothing!

Give it to me!

Good morning.

Good morning.

Here, girl.

Thank God, you're making progress.

Lie down.

The bacon is burnt.

And the oatmeal is raw. This is inedible.

I didn't realize. I'm sorry.

María tried her best. It's hard to get the hang of this stove.

Uncle, you were wrong to tell Justa not to come anymore.

Justa, I think we'll need your help a while longer.

Of course. As you command, sir.

Go on, fetch some cheese for Manuel.

-Of course. -Please.

Sorry. I came to clean the windows, but I can come another time.

No, no. Come in.

Thank you.

Thank you for the vote of confidence, sir.

You know you're appreciated here.

I often think of your husband, God rest his soul.

You've always been so generous to us.

As have you.

I'll make sure María adapts.

I don't doubt it.

In fact, you'll do much more than that.

Next time you clean the master bedroom,

I want you to remove Llanos' things.

Keep them, take them, throw them away. I don't care.

-I can't do that. -Why not?

They're her things.

Besides, Manuel wouldn't allow it.

Manuel can say what he likes.

María is his wife now.

The sooner we get used to that idea, the better.

You're right.

But it would disrespect Llanos' memory.

Disrespect?

I've been disrespected the most in this house.

You think I don't know María sleeps apart from her husband?

If I brought that woman here, it's not for her to sleep alone at night.

So you, Justa,

are going to help me get her in bed with my nephew.

That's a private matter between them.

What can I do?

It might make things easier if you got out of Manuel's bed first.

Don't waste your breath trying to deny it.

Manuel has sought comfort in you long enough.

He must now share his bed

with a real woman.

One that can give us...

offspring.

Needless to say, not a word of this conversation to Manuel.

Are we clear?

Very clear, sir.

You can go. Leave that for later.

-So, 18,000? -6000 pesetas per quintal,

with a yield of 40%, times three and a half is 18,000.

Sign here and I'll be on my way. I'm in a hurry.

Excuse me, but I think there's... a mistake.

It's 21,000 pesetas.

-Who is this? -A woman who talks too much.

No. 18,000 is three quintals, and you said three and a half quintals.

That's 21,000 pesetas.

Well, everyone makes mistakes, right? I'll get my wallet.

Don't do that again.

He was ripping you off. The numbers were wrong.

Of course they were.

Don Antón owns the only flour mill in the area.

-I have to keep him happy. -Knowing he cheats you?

The cut for each invoice is because we're their main suppliers.

Don Antón.

She's gone over it again.

What did you have to say to Don Antón?

I was wrong, I made a mistake.

You were right, it's 18,000 pesetas.

Ah, the minds of women...

Good for storing nonsense and not much else, right?

My family's waiting for my call.

Make it quick. There's a lot of cleaning to do.

What's up, Pepita?

Oh dear, what's with the face?

-Bad day. -Have you come to call your family?

-I miss them so much. -Oh dear, come on then.

Come on then!

It's long-distance and time is money!

Hello? María, is that you?

-Guille! -Of course it's her.

-There's no answer... -Give it here! María?

Can you hear me, honey?

-Yes. -How are you?

-Are you all right? -How are you, Mom?

We're all fine. Well, apart from missing you of course.

But tell us.

How's the house?

And the town?

It's nice.

-Different from Almería, but nice. -María?

And what's your husband like?

Handsome?

He's handsome.

And he's kind.

-Handsome. -Give it here, girl.

He must have suffered a lot.

Everyone says he's a good person and that he has a big heart.

But it's still early days.

We're still getting to know each other, and I guess...

with time, we'll be fine.

I'm so glad, honey.

Listen, we've already received the money from Don Ramón.

I hope he's treating you well.

Don Ramón?

Don Ramón is rather...

harsh, and it's hard to gain his trust,

but we're starting to understand each other.

I like to think he has a good heart and everything he does is for his family.

I'm working hard to earn his respect.

That's great, honey.

How about the farm?

Are they working you hard?

Working in the fields is hard, Mom, I won't lie to you.

But the other women help me.

-Sure... -Hey. Hello.

And when are you coming to see us?

It's still too early, I just got here.

We'll have to be patient.

Fine, but are you okay? You seem a bit sad to me.

Yes, of course I'm okay.

I'm just a bit tired because it was a long trip.

Don't worry. Really, I'm fine.

I have to go, these calls are really expensive.

I really miss you.

-Bye. -We really miss...

What happened?

She hung up.

I'm leaving.

Stay in the kitchen.

The first slaughter can be a bit of a shock.

No, I'd rather stay.

I'd better get used to it.

All right.

This muscatel is from last year.

Nicolás!

Nicolás!

Nicolás!

Wait. Okay.

Okay. Get away.

Get away!

Easy.

He seems to be doing much better, but we should call a doctor.

There's no need. Dr. Calderón is well aware.

It's happened before?

Since his mother disappeared.

-Right. -That's when the seizures started.

He hasn't had it easy, huh?

Do you like children?

No choice.

I had to raise my siblings since they were babies.

I wanted children, but it wasn't to be.

This poor child without a mother...

and some of us are left wanting.

Life can be unfair sometimes.

I'll get a new cloth.

-How is Nicolás? -Better.

I'm glad I don't have to go.

I told you he'd come around.

Maybe I shouldn't tell you this, but I think you should know.

It's about María.

What?

She asked me about Llanos. And I doubt I'm the only one.

-Don't touch me! -Hey, easy.

I don't feel like being bitten again.

I finally hear you speak.

I was dreaming.

Was it a good or bad dream?

Bad.

I was with my mother.

Then it should be a good dream.

No. It was the last time I saw her.

Then my father came

and took her away.

Where?

To the woods.

María!

-You scared him. -I want to show you something.

Follow me.

Come on.

-Where are we going? -You'll see.

Manuel, please tell me.

Wait here.

Where are you going? Come back!

María!

Don't run!

María, you could get hurt!

María, it's dangerous, don't run! Where are you?

María!

Where are you?

María!

María!

Want to know what I did with Llanos?

I killed her with my bare hands.

And now it's your turn.

-Where's María? -No idea. She didn't sleep at home.

-Where is she? -Who knows.

She has to be somewhere.

She probably snuck off.

After examining your son, I can give you a diagnosis.

Epilepsy.

We have electroshock therapy.

María, what are you doing?

How dare you?

Your uncle won't allow us to sleep apart anymore.

-My family will pay. -What do you intend?

Make him believe we sleep like a married couple.

They sleep like siblings.

There's another way to know if she's fulfilling her duties.

Good to see you.

-You know each other? -She came with her stepson.

Let's see if she's fulfilling her wifely duties.

Mercedes, that's it. Get out of here right now.

-Will we say nothing? -You too.

-Tomorrow, we keep fighting. -I can't.

She did well taking him to the doctor. I'll start the process

for his admission to a mental facility.

-Go away! -Wait!

-Nicolás! -María!

Subtitle translation by: Josephine Irving