Original subtitles

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Mr. McAllister has written, he's coming to my tea today.

McAllister is playing a complicated game. I'd like to be there when Mrs. Astor finds out.

It's about to get more complicated than who knows.

Why do you say that?

You'll find out. By the way, he's bringing Mrs. Winterton with him.

You mean Turner? Yes. Into our home. You'll allow that.

McAllister thinks some people will take a box with the Met even if they already have one at the Academy.

Wouldn't they be punished? Isn't lending status to the new house a serious crime?

The point is we need the old crowd and Joshua Winterton is a charter member.

If they take a box, any number may follow.

And you don't object to courting your former servant.

I can't afford to object, even if it sticks in my craw.

But can she be trusted?

She won't want anyone to know she was once a lady's maid. I have the upper hand where that's concerned.

The flower is ready for your inspection, Redham? Thank you.

Church, I should explain that one of my guests today may surprise you, but please don't show it.

Of course, ma'am.

What are they up to today?

I'm not sure, but there is quite a bustle of arrivals.

You mean of people?

Yes, people.

Well, with the Russell's one cannot be certain.

I wouldn't be surprised if they hired Barnum and Bailey's circus to perform in the hall.

It looks like it's mostly women, so probably not the circus.

I'd like to see the guest list before I reach any conclusions.

Oh, Agnes. Don't you miss parties?

Are you planning something?

I'd like to invite the new rector for luncheon.

We have to listen to him drone on all Sunday morning.

Can the Lord really want more from us than that?

Although...

What?

Your newfound pie, he may be put to good use after all.

My faith is not new.

Yes, yes, but...

D'Aishol Montgomery has written to me.

And?

I'm glad to say he's taken a real interest in Marion, and he wants me to promote his cause.

Have you spoken to Marion about it?

No.

He may be a bit older, but he's a good match, and she ought to be grateful, but she's stubborn.

She may dig in her heels. We must manage her carefully.

I don't want to manage her at all.

We'll invite him to luncheon, with your reverend.

He's not mine!

Let's hope he finishes the sermon before it's time for the cheese.

Mrs. Joshua Winterton!

Are you alright?

I'm not sure, sir. I thought I saw.

You did.

So that wasn't a start-up.

I have many cheer. Go back downstairs to the kitchen.

What's the hurry?

She's here!

She's here! I just saw her upstairs!

Who is?

Atl'Hive, you're shaking. Calm down.

No, I must tell you. Miss Turner, the Mr. Says Lady's made, is here.

Upstairs!

Why? Does she want her job back?

No! She's here for Mrs. Russell's operati!

As a guest!

What?

She came in and handed me her coat, and Mr. Church announced her as Mrs. Winterton.

I don't understand.

Neither do I.

Wake up!

Mrs. America, you can be anything you want. I should know.

I see you've all heard the news. Is it really true?

That Miss Turner is here? Yes.

Mrs. Russell warned me, but not of the specifics.

I'm as shocked as anyone, but we've all got a job to do.

Joshua Winterton is a very rich man. He has a fortune in property.

How do you know?

I read the papers.

It's not for servants to discuss the guests of their employer.

But Miss Turner is hardly just another guest.

Her name is now Mrs. Winterton, and she is a friend of the mistress.

But she listened to Mr. Church, and there are some linens that need to be put away unless you're still wanted upstairs.

I'd be best if she stayed down here.

Yes.

I'll talk to her now.

Thank you, Mrs. Russell.

Excuse me, Mrs. Fishcalls.

Well, then you better answer.

Mr. Russell, how kind of you'd open your house?

For a good cause.

A cause that has disrupted New York society.

I don't know if that's good or not.

Any cause of my wife's is good.

I'd like to thank you all for coming.

For some of you, I know this took courage.

But for all of us, our passion for the arts has been curtailed by the narrow limits of the Academy of Music.

Until now, we need the Metropolitan, not only for ourselves, but so a great city like New York and have the Opera House it deserves.

Oh.

And I thought you would be interested to hear.

We have decided to open our season on the 22nd of October.

But that's the same date as the Academy of Music.

I believe it is.

So the two Opera Houses, are to go head to head?

That's it.

Head to head and one will be the winner.

Now I've invited Mr. Gilbert to join us today.

He can answer any questions about the task facing us.

Hi, Echo, Mrs. Russell's welcome, and I thought you might like to know that she's accepted a place on the board of the Metropolitan Opera.

And now for those of you who have questions, what is our program, how you can secure a box, come and find me.

This is Winterton.

Oh, this is Winterton.

Oh, this is my favorite one.

Good thing to see you.

Lady Woman.

Oh, my woman.

Of course.

Yes, I do agree with you.

I'm sorry I'm late. I stayed to help rearrange a classroom.

So you're moving furniture now?

Has your meeting started yet?

As you can see, we're waiting for Mrs. Aster and Mr. McAllister. I've asked Ms. Scott to take notes.

I'm glad you're here. I want to ask you to the opening of a new play by Oscar Wilde.

Oh.

And there's a reception afterwards. It's next Tuesday.

Will your employer allow you time for such frivolities?

Yes, and I'd love to. Thank you.

Mod Beaton will be there. She wants to know you better.

Mod Beaton from Newport. Why?

Well, it might have something to do with Oscar.

You mean my Oscar? Not the playwright?

Yes, yours.

Mod Beaton, what do we know about her?

Her mother was a Stuyvesant.

You should ask Mrs. Fish's husband. His grandmother was a Stuyvesant.

Is there any money?

Really, Agnes. Isn't it a little soon for that?

Well, we're all family here, and I think we know Oscar's priorities.

I believe there's a great deal.

Well, then she meets the requirements.

I should leave it to Oscar to decide.

Have you ever known me to do that?

Mrs. Astor.

Lena, how nice to see you.

Miss McAlister? Miss Duros.

Thank you.

I can't stay. I meet Mrs. Astor.

Thank you for bringing Mrs. Winterton.

Are you sure it's wise to open on the same night as the Academy?

Aren't you asking for trouble?

I'm asking for something.

I was hoping to go to both.

And now you'll have to choose.

I should leave.

Goodbye, my dear.

Do you have a carriage waiting, sir?

No, it's so lovely. I think I'll just walk.

Adam's coming, Adam.

Can't be sent.

I confess that Mrs. Russell is even more of a fighter than I had realized.

You mean you thought she would not fight against you?

No. Not so bitterly at any rate.

After all, didn't I make her what she is today?

Gratitude is not a natural instinct in that class.

Agnes.

Mr. Ward McAlister.

How kind you were to let me summon you.

Did you have to come far, Mr. McAlister?

Not very. No.

Good.

I want to talk about Mrs. Russell and how to handle her.

And you, while you know her better than any of us.

Well, I've just heard some news that may be of interest.

Don't keep her since suspense.

I'm told she has persuaded Henry Abbey and the others at the Metropolitan

to open on the same night as the Academy of Music.

What? Are you serious?

How dare they try to steal the Academy's thunder.

Our date is sacred.

I suppose in a way this makes it a cleaner fight.

Oh.

Well, everyone will have to choose which side they're on.

Why was that necessary?

Thank heavens. We are all united in this house.

There must be room for two opera houses in the city like New York.

Nonsense.

Now, what can we do? Give us orders.

In your letter, you said you had a task for me.

Yes. Agnes, I would like you to write to the older members.

Say that you've heard a rumor that if any of them are thinking of taking a box at the Metropolitan,

their box at the Academy will be removed.

Good news. I can't do it.

As I would make the threat official. But you can.

Have you got all that, Miss Scott?

Everywhere.

We'll begin the letters at once.

Won't we, Miss Scott? Of course.

Thank you. I think I'll take my leave.

Before you start handing out weapons.

If only it were that simple.

Well, Mrs. Astor is really looking for a fight. I heard her.

I wouldn't say Mrs. Russell is a chance.

I knew Mrs. Van Rahn was right.

Things must be heating up if Mrs. Astor's pain calls to get people on his side.

Miss Marion supports the Met.

So do I.

And where will that get you?

That's what I think. That's all.

You only think that because Miss Adel Hyde weathered us.

The mistress has got Miss Scott writing to all the Academy members to make sure they hold firm.

What? She can't write letters.

To that sort of people.

Why not? When a fight is big enough, everyone gets sucked in.

So Henderson is traveling today?

He is. And we have reserved a suite at the Bronx week.

And a carriage for tomorrow?

Yes. I hope it doesn't make him think he has power over us.

He's not the first man I've dealt with who has exaggerated ideas of his own importance.

I humor him to get him to reveal his price.

Supposed he hasn't got one.

Oh, he has.

He may tease us a little so we raise our offer.

But every man living has a price.

The first year of the law will be played.

A weapon. There are a few boxes.

Where's Mr. Russell?

At his office, please lift away.

Is he enjoying the offer award?

Well, he'd like to know if you're going to take a box. So would I.

You need more of the old crowd in your audience.

We'll crew to few of them and I'll see.

Now where do the Wintersons stand?

She may be new.

But her husband's money is not.

Her social standing is gathering pace.

Oh? They spent their wedding journey in England, courting the aristocracy.

Thank you for having me today.

I wish we could sign you up.

I'm afraid we're very happy at the academy.

At one time I knew a woman who was really desperate to get on their list.

So I feel it would be most ungrateful for me not to enjoy it.

Did your friend ever get their box at last?

No. But like so many others who failed,

he now supports the Met.

Oh, I was just telling Mrs. Russell of all your friends you've made in Europe,

not least at Duke of Buckingham.

Mr. Winterton has many friends in England that Duke of Buckingham among them.

He entertained us while we were there, at his place in Devon.

Oh, interesting.

And now he's coming to America.

Yes, we are to receive him in Newport.

Oh, would you excuse me? I wanted word with Mrs. Wilson before she leaves.

But when I get back, can I please see your ballroom?

Of course.

Oh, Alice, I'll join you in the hall.

I heard you were able to fill that ballroom after all.

It was a special night, as you'd have seen if you'd stayed,

though you would have been there in a different capacity, of course.

Well, I hope you'll think of joining our ranks.

Would you, if you were in my place?

I understood the earlier reference, but you could have a box in both houses.

Why?

When it will take the Met years even to begin to compete.

It's a second-grade project, and it will be second-grade for both our lifetimes.

Or are you threatening me with exposure?

I've no wish to make trouble. Good.

Because if you make trouble for me, I will respond in kind.

I don't understand why, were you? I would discuss it with George before you decide to stir things out.

George? You mean Mr. Russell?

So he never told you about us?

Funny, I thought that was why I was sacked.

Because you were jealous.

Jealous of what? You should ask your husband.

Mrs. Russell, I'm ready for my tour.

I still can't believe it. I had to see her for myself.

So, Miss Turner is now a great lady in New York.

It makes you think that she can do it anyone can.

I wonder how she managed it. How do you think?

She saw what she wanted and she went for it.

Peter, how do you know that?

She told me.

Have you kept up with her since she left here?

From time to time.

So, Mr. Winterton is a marked man?

Why do you think she chose him?

I can answer that.

He's been in the newspaper a lot lately as one of the greatest donors to the New Museum of Art.

He gave millions.

That's what she was looking for. I wonder how she pulled it off.

She wrote.

Praising his taste in his philanthropy, his culture and his wisdom,

and she hoped that one day they might meet.

And that's all it took, one letter?

That's not quite all it took.

Oh, Miss Scott.

I may be away for a while, so I've written down some ideas for you to work on while I'm gone.

Where are you off to?

Booker T. Washington is opening a dormitory at the Tuskegee State Normal School,

and he's invited me to cover the event.

You know everyone.

I met Mr. Washington when he was here last year raising money.

Tell me about it.

He's intelligent, driven, and quite adept at getting large donations.

Alfred Haynes Porter funded this dormitory, so our angle will be how white Brooklyn money is building a colored institution at Tuskegee.

No one would ever know that.

Which is why we're doing the story.

Well, good, Mr. Washington.

Oh, I suppose now they can take students from anywhere with the new dormitory.

Well, that's the idea, but I don't know why a colored student from New York would go all the way to Alabama just to learn how to be a farm laborer.

Well, I read that Mr. Washington also trains the students and teaches.

I know they promised to be teachers for two years when they finished, but after that's done, it seems they only get off of the kind of jobs white people want to give them.

Perhaps Mr. Washington sees what he's doing as the first step.

Well, that's what I need to ask him.

I envy you.

I'd love to write a story like that.

Where will you stay?

With Mr. Washington and his wife.

He wants publicity for the school, so he's excited for me to come there.

When were you last in the South?

Not for many years.

And when I lived there, I was a slave.

Oh.

I see.

No, you don't.

Because you can't.

But somehow I have to put that behind me.

When Booker T. Washington calls, I must go.

Well, I hope you'll consider his point of view.

So you like the idea of our highest ambition being to milk a cow?

I'll tell you what I do like.

When colored people open doors.

When they help others to earn a living.

I like independence and self-reliance.

And even if it's not perfect, this Tuskegee school seems like a step in the right direction.

I'll tell Mr. Washington you said so.

I wish I could tell him myself.

You know, it would be highly unusual for us to travel together.

Because I'm a woman?

We must live in the real world.

But I became a journalist to cover stories exactly like this.

Yes.

I think about it.

Is that a yes?

Not quite.

All right.

I should get back to work.

Why?

Do you have a cruel mistress who never allows you time off?

She's an absolute tyrant.

Take it from me.

Well, then kiss me again.

I command it.

As you wish.

This will only delay the completion of the work.

Good.

Then you'll be around longer.

And when it is done, I'll find something else.

You alone are a full-time job, Mrs. Blaine.

The one I'd gladly undertake.

How are your parents enjoying their first Newport summer?

Actually, they're in New York.

They left after Mr. McAllister's party.

You didn't tell me they were leaving.

She hadn't planned to.

But things changed, and she stayed on in the city to give a tea party for the new opera house.

But they'll be back.

Mother will be.

She means to spend most of the summer here.

Then we must learn to be careful.

I saw the way she was looking at me.

I don't care what she thinks.

I don't care what anyone thinks.

I do.

I mean, to have a lot of fun this summer and to pay no price for it.

My motto has always been to have my cake.

And eat it.

What about the servants?

Well, Trent has them under control.

But who keeps Trent under control?

Don't worry about that.

My butler and I have been together a long time.

I won't worry at all.

Because I'm mad about you, and I want to shout it from the house.

Then you must learn to restrain yourself in the sure and certain knowledge that I will reward you.

And now I should really go and check what the work is erupting.

Yes, you should.

I have to pack anyway for my own trip to New York.

You're abandoning me as well.

Not for long.

I have to settle some property of my late husbands.

Perhaps I should travel with you. I'm due in New York next week.

And will that be wise?

Well, anyway, we should get together while we're there.

You know, I'm always ready to get together with you.

You should be a little too hard.

Yes, please.

Leave us.

Of course, madam.

Is something wrong?

You tell me.

I'm not in the mood for riddles. I've had some bad news from Pittsburgh.

Well, I had some bad news too.

What about?

It's to do with Turner.

The new Mrs. Winterton.

Did you persuade her to change sides?

No. She has no intention of giving her support to the Metropolitan.

She only came here to taunt me.

Taunt you? With what?

What happened between you and Turner?

What did she tell you?

Just answer the question.

Nothing happened.

Except?

Except what?

She came into my room one night. At first, I thought it was you.

But the lamp revealed that I was wrong.

Was it just your room or your bed?

My bed.

Was she clothed?

Answer me!

No.

But I would never betray you.

You already have!

Nothing happened.

As soon as I knew it wasn't you, I got out of bed.

Did she?

Not immediately, so I ordered her to leave.

But you never told me!

Because there was nothing to tell.

That seems to me that was a great deal to tell.

She didn't matter to me in the least.

And there was no chance anything was going to happen.

But I knew you depended on her.

It didn't make sense to blow up the house because of her stupid mistake.

So you allowed me to be waited on?

To have my hair arranged, my clothes chosen, my bath run by a woman who'd been naked with my husband?

It's disgusting!

I'm sorry if it was a bad decision.

Decision? I call that betrayal!

Start at the beginning.

I was easily told I came to New York as a banker with some success.

I got married and Flora was born.

Then things started to go wrong.

My wife's father wanted her to get rid of me before she inherited his fortune.

He arranged that I should suffer the indignities of a divorce.

And you let him?

They were stronger than I was.

Anyway, I gave my wife a large settlement and retired to lick my wounds.

And what happened next?

I proved her father's instincts had been correct when I lost everything soon after in the Panic of 57.

And you never contacted them again?

My former wife was not keen to maintain a connection.

I can imagine.

I kept track of Flora's school where they lived and so on.

I saw the marriage announcement in the Times.

Was there an impossible return to banking, business at any rate?

I'd been declared bankrupt, so no.

I was a failure and it was official.

I had no money in a home.

For time I was almost on the streets.

But the one job I understood was of allies.

I had my own ally.

I knew what the work consisted of, so I found a place and learned the rest.

Flora said she saw you in the street.

I kept an eye on her for years.

I shouldn't have revealed myself.

She called me over, but I should have resisted.

I was not aware that you knew the Rossals.

Why would you be?

I ought to have kept silent.

But you didn't, Mr. Collier, and there we have it.

I am a banker. My wife is a hostess and her father is a valet.

Seems to me that we are in a pretty kettle of fish.

I am a very good friend.

I am a very good friend.

I am a very good friend.

I am a very good friend.

I am a very good friend.

I am a very good friend.

Can I remind you that Henderson, the man who works at my steel mill, is coming to luncheon?

Have you warned Church?

Yes. We are rolling out the red carpet for him.

Isn't he your enemy?

If he is, I will be ready for him.

But I need your help with him. And you did promise me.

That was before.

Bertha, my business doesn't stop when we fall out.

You're being jejun. You know nothing happened.

Am I really to be held responsible for Turner's actions?

You're responsible for your own inaction.

What is it?

Yes?

I can come back later.

No, say it now or never.

Larry and I have been invited to a play by Mr. Oscar Wilde.

There's to be a reception afterwards.

Who was invited you?

Aurora Fane.

Though I'll be escorted by John Adams.

May I go?

If you wish.

So I can go? Just like that?

Yes. Is there anything else?

I suppose not. Thank you.

I'll be down in a few minutes.

What's the matter?

Your mother's very tired.

If it interests you, I do know that I...

made a mistake.

A misjudgment. An error.

But I do not know what else I can say on the subject.

Mr. Church, may I ask your advice?

Of course.

It's about Mr. McNeil.

Your son-in-law.

Exactly.

He has made me an offer.

How was the luncheon? Was he rude?

No, he was very polite.

You surprised me.

If his tone was friendly, his offer is not.

What did it consist of?

A generous pension.

I believe he's a rich man. He certainly is successful.

He wants me to move to the West Coast to San Francisco.

San Francisco is a long way away.

I would consider it, but I am also to swear I will make no effort to see my daughter or her children for the rest of my life.

Goodness me.

McNeil will inform me of their news.

I'm not to answer his letters or seek to correspond with Flora.

You would be taken care of.

An apartment will be purchased and bank account will be opened. I'll have a man servant and a cook.

So yes, I will be taken care of.

I suppose that's not unreasonable, given their position in New York.

No, it's not exactly unreasonable. Could even be called generous.

But it is heartless.

All the same.

Mr Henderson, I believe you come this way.

Mr Henderson.

Hello Mr Russell. Mr Henderson.

Thank you for coming.

My dear. May I present Mr Henderson.

Who has traveled all the way from Pittsburgh to see me.

Happy to know you man.

I want to welcome you to the house. That's good of you to come.

That's good of Mr Russell to ask me. I've never visited a house like this before and I don't suppose I ever will again.

Then I hope you enjoy yourself.

Was your hotel comfortable?

I've never been so comfortable before.

Our luncheon is ready. So let us go in and eat it.

I might be going away for a few days.

Oh, where are you going?

Tuskegee, Alabama.

Mr Fortune and I are doing a story on a school down there.

I've already asked Mrs Van Rahn's permission.

You said might be, so it's not definite.

Mr Fortune hasn't officially decided, but I've made a good case for myself.

I don't believe he'll refuse.

Who else is going?

Well he didn't mention anyone.

Well you can't go all the way to Alabama alone with a man.

I've told you, it is a professional trip and Mr Fortune is my employer.

He's also a man and a married one.

Be careful, that's all.

Have you always lived in Pittsburgh?

No, I was born in New Jersey, but I moved there for the work.

But my wife's from Pittsburgh.

How long have you been married?

23 years.

Six children to show for it.

Six, heavens, we have all weekend handle with two.

Well Susie works as well, she's a dressmaker.

I admire her.

Well we have to make ends meet.

Why not take Mr Henderson through to the library?

You can speak more freely there.

It's true.

And the worst thing is that Marian has shown up Francis' other teachers.

In her opinion, they are wrong.

Only Miss Brooke can do right.

Frank, I'm not sure.

Only Miss Brooke can do right.

Francis is an adorable child, but I must ask her to be more tolerant.

I wish you success, as she may insist you take all her lessons and not just watercolors.

You painted watercolors?

She does, and very well.

Thank you.

How pleasing.

The showy oil paintings of the masters normally get all the attention.

But watercolors have a champion in me.

Me too.

I just love them.

Really, Ada, I never heard you say that.

Which watercolors do you especially favour?

I know you mean to catch me out, but it happens that I admire the German painter Adolf Menzel.

A marvelous fellow.

He works in such a range of styles.

Are they mounting a Menzel exhibition here?

What is this?

Soup.

Soup?

At luncheon.

Wasn't it George IV, who decreed that no gentleman drinks soup in the middle of the day?

This is New England clam chowder.

I thought it would be a surprise.

And so it is.

How did it get on my table?

I conspired with Mrs. Bauer.

Why was that, Aunt Ada?

The Reverend mentioned that he was in search of an authentic bowl of chowder here in New York.

I believe I did.

So I set our cook to the task.

We went through quite a few receipts.

I hope you agree with her choice.

It smells delicious.

Well, if we discuss the soup any longer, it won't be good to drink.

Quite right, Mrs. Van Rhein.

And looking forward to the evening last couple of years.

No.

I've read nothing about the play, but we know him a little from one of our visits to England.

Such an entertaining man.

And Miss Beaten will be in the party.

And I'll act.

I like her.

And I think she likes you.

But she must promise me not to break her heart.

You have a very poor opinion of it.

Are there more New England treats, waiting in the wings?

No.

Just the soup.

Kind of you, Aunt Ada.

I agree.

And it is kindness that does the most good in the world.

Well said, Reverend.

More wine, though.

Definitely.

Where shall we start?

Why not begin with the simple facts?

Your average steelman works 12 hours a day, six days a week,

and all for a pittance.

When the bell sounds they release, the two broken for anything more than a mouthful of food.

And sleep.

It's in existence.

It's not a life.

You know, I cannot pay my workers more than the normal rate.

Well, now, it would have set the markets, which would not benefit anyone.

I dare say in time, wages will rise.

But you must let these things evolve.

And working conditions?

Eh?

Must they evolve, too?

Well, men are maimed and killed through bad practice?

Life is a dangerous business, Mr. Henderson.

I'm a patron of the Brooklyn Bridge.

And more than 20 men have died in its construction.

Would you rather it had not been built in New York was forever a divided city?

No.

No.

We cannot make the world a padded cell.

Even for the comfort of your workers.

Things are changing, Mr. Russell.

Unions are stronger now. They will grow stronger still, and you will have to deal with them.

I am a man of business.

And I have jobs to offer.

In my mills, in my factories, and on my railroads.

And I pay the going rate.

If your men don't want to work for me, then I suggest they step aside and make way for the many who do.

Is that only you have to say that I come to New York to hear that?

Not quite.

What if I offered you a job in management?

Is there any chance that you might take it?

Why would I?

To see your children?

Healthy, well fed, and in the best schools?

To let your wife give up her sewing if she so wishes.

To be a figure in the community.

Valued and admired.

So would be to my own advantage.

Indeed it would.

And how would that help the workforce?

Oh, I see how it is.

You are St. Michael with a flaming sword, and I am just a greedy robber Baron.

You used the phrase, not I.

You're very good, you know.

They were right to send you as their spokesman.

Oh, we're asking us for you to do the right thing, Mr. Russell.

I pay the compliment of being sure that you know what the right thing would be.

I hope you believe me.

I believe in your sincerity, Mr. Henderson.

I do.

But do you believe workers can win against capital?

Of which, I blush to say, I have a great deal.

Now I understand why you brought me here.

But you're wrong, Mr. Russell.

You have miscalculated.

The future is on our side.

And now it should go.

Well, I've never been west of the Mississippians.

I'd like to see the Pacific Ocean.

I read that the California winter is like our fall except the leaves don't change the color.

I'm not sure.

I'm not sure.

I'm not sure.

I'm not sure.

I'm not sure.

I'm not sure.

I'm not sure.

I don't know if I can change the color.

I think I'd miss that.

You'll go to San Francisco then.

I'm still undecided.

It's a strange thing to be forced out of your child's life, twice.

Of course, at my first left she was just a little girl.

It wasn't her fault.

So you think she had a hand in this proposition then?

No, I can't imagine that he would banish her own father to the other side of the country without consulting her.

I suppose.

Maybe it was her idea.

He just served as the executioner.

I don't have children so I can't speak to how it must feel but you are still and will always be her father.

No one can change that.

Maybe.

But they are certainly trying to erase any reminder of it.

How did it go, Mr. Church?

Well, I'm not used to serving horny-handed son of the toil but it seemed to go fairly well.

Did the mistress turn up in the end?

Oh, yes.

Cool as a cucumber.

Butter wouldn't melt in her mouth.

What's the argument about?

I don't know but she hasn't forgiven him. Not yet.

She will. Has the union man gone?

Yes and good riddance. All unions do is make everything worse than it was before.

Not sure that's quite the whole picture, Mr. Church.

What if they started a servant's union? Would you join it?

I'd rather be struck dead by lightning.

I'd take it that I know.

Thank you for today.

He hasn't backed down.

I can only hope I've given him something to think about.

Good.

Are you going up to dress?

No, I'll have a tray in my room.

Will the children dine with me or have you made other plans?

This is our quarrel, not theirs.

But they're both going to the theater tonight so you'll eat on your own.

How long will it be like this?

I don't know, George. The trail is not like a case of influenza.

No, it feels more like a death sentence.

Won't you allow me to make things up to you?

Open in the name of the emperor!

Brothers, be masked, all of you!

Have you not noticed the proclamation, fellows?

Nay, sir!

Let me see who you are. Take off those players, Mavs.

Stand back, I say. General, kutelken!

His imperial highness, the Zarvitch!

This is the most boring play in the world, or just in New York.

You'd better think of something to praise when we meet the playwright later.

That's rather testing. I wonder why he thinks he can write.

He does know how to talk. I met him at a dinner when he was here last year, and I was in stitches.

General! He may be witty, but clearly he hasn't learned how to harness it.

I'm not sure that's the compliment we're looking for.

Well, good night, your highness.

Good night! General!

Saved, and by you!

Brothers, do you trust me now?

Shall I fetch you a drink of something? We've got time?

No, let's just stay here.

Are you going on to the party later?

Well, a row has asked me, so I suppose so.

Unless I take you back to your house. No one would know.

Or is that a wicked suggestion?

That's certainly a tempting one.

I don't think too much of this play.

Do you?

What on earth were going to say to Mr. Wild?

Would you mind terribly if I didn't come to the party?

I mean...

We don't have to stay for the second act. You'd rather not.

But is everything all right?

No, Frances had a difficult day.

She seemed fine in class.

Yes, but as you know, the school was putting on a mother-daughter tea.

And as her mother...

I understand.

My own mother died when I was very young.

I fooled myself that we're doing so well, Frances, and I know, all of a sudden life.

Catches us out.

I'm sorry to burden you.

May I propose something?

Of course.

I'm hardly a substitute, but I'd be glad to accompany Frances to the tea if it would help.

It would help a great deal.

And Frances would be delighted.

Thank you.

Now I am twice in your debt.

What do you mean?

The tennis wager.

I haven't forgotten.

I don't remember.

Of course.

Where is young Mr Russell?

Has he gone?

He's taken Mrs Blaine home.

She had a headache.

Oh, her convenient.

And what fun?

I don't know. It's nothing like that.

Mr Oscar Wilde.

OK.

Now very kind you are, Mrs. Fims.

Let me throw off the chains of the theatre so that I may step into society as if I were not damage courts.

Oh, nonsense, Mr Wilde.

You honor us with your presence.

We are delighted to celebrate you.

And how I love being celebrated.

And now let me introduce you to some of our guests.

Mrs. Maude Beaton.

Pleasure.

And your namesake, my cousin, Oscar Van Rine.

We Oscars must stick together.

How do you find America?

Well, I can manage almost everything, but the food and the wallpaper.

Oh.

Were you pleased with how the play went?

An audience is seldom pleasing.

It's a burner, so they don't disappoint.

What's your verdict?

It was interesting.

Interesting.

It's a weasel word and generally used to avoid giving a real opinion.

I like to marry Prescott.

Yes, she's glamorous enough to take our minds off the text.

But I don't think it'll run.

Well, you will run, Mr Wilde, as long and as far as you care to.

And you are?

John Adams.

How do you do?

And this is our new friend, Mrs. Gladys Russell.

Oh, I hope you enjoyed the play, Mrs. Russell.

It's enjoyed the right word when a czar is murdered and the evening ends with the hair when stabbing herself.

Oh, so young and already a critter.

So, you've met the charming Miss Beaten.

I suppose it was only a matter of time.

I like her very much.

Are you here with Gladys Russell?

As a friend.

What if she wants more from you?

She'll be disappointed, as I'm already spoken for.

Have you and I met?

No, but I'll introduce you soon.

What is she?

Are you happy with him?

Oscar, I'm happy with me.

That's as much as I need or hope for.

I'd rather envy you.

Who is Mr. Russell, one of your famous arassias, I suppose?

How clever you are, Mr. Wilde.

Yes, one of the greatest of her year.

Well, seems we're in a room full of young arassias.

Which is your cousin's sattina?

I shouldn't admit it, but of course you'll write.

He has his eye on Miss Beaten now.

And the young man with him?

Don Adams. He's an old friend of Oscar's.

Yes, indeed, yes. Is he not getting rather complicated?

I don't know what you mean.

Oh, should you? You're far too well brought up.

Have you not heard of the opera battle that's being waged at the moment?

Oh, indeed, I have.

Though it seems strange to me to wage war over that yellow brewery on Broadway and 33th Street.

Is that fair?

No, you're quite right. If it were actually a brewery, someone might have to get some pleasure from it.

We're proud of our opera, Mr. Wilde.

It has been my experience that you are proud of many things that would not translate to the old world.

But is the old world better?

Not better, exactly. It's just more tested by time.

Get back so soon. I thought you were in Newport all summer.

I went with Mr. Church and Mr. Watson, the master's ballet.

But we all came back much sooner than Mr. Church expected.

It's a Newport house-like.

Graciously, grand. They called it a cottage. It's not like a cottage to be.

I like the town, though. We'll go back soon. We're only here for the Mr. S's tea party.

How'd it go?

Do you know about Ms. Turner? The lady's made? She turned up as the party. As a guest.

What?

It's true. She's married a rich, old property man, and now she's the talk of the town.

What does Mrs. Russell say to that?

It's not much she can say, but I don't think she likes it. Not one bit.

Mrs. Van Rine wouldn't like it much if Ms. Armstrong left and came back as Mrs. Rockefeller.

Anyway, I'd better get back.

Hurry up. Let that melt.

I have some contributions for the remit same.

And then, thank you so much.

I understand what it means.

Ms. Brooke.

Is everything alright?

Mr. Dawson had a low opinion of how we give out communion.

What part of it was he criticizing?

The part where I offer communion to those he deems undeserving.

What you must have to put out, will.

Let's just say some of God's children can be very tires.

Oh. Are you allowed to say that?

Can't I? To you?

Of course you can. We're friends.

Good.

I enjoyed lunch and I was truly touched that you had your cook prepare the chowder.

No. I'm happy if you enjoyed it.

I think everyone did, except possibly Mrs. Van Rine.

My sister.

Pleaseing her can be a little short of a miracle.

Well, I'm in the miracle business.

Do you remember when we talked about watercolors?

You mentioned Adolf Menzel.

I do.

I found the exhibition of his work that I mentioned.

It's at the Ross Gallery on West 42nd.

I thought maybe we might go together.

Oh.

I'll be there on Saturday at four o'clock.

In case you can join me.

It's too late.

Because I believe I can make this story better.

Better for your paper, better for your readers.

That's all I have to say. I won't bother you anymore about it.

I'm not going to be a drink.

We leave on Monday.

Pack like. It's humid in Alabama.

I've been waiting for you to get back.

Why? Particularly.

I've been waiting for you to leave the house for a couple of hours on Saturday.

Are there any errands I could run?

None that I can think of.

Well, I might just go anyway by myself.

If Agnes wonders where I am, you could say...

Bloomingdale's.

Well, this all sounds very cloak and dagger, Aunt Ada. What's going on?

You mustn't say a word to Agnes or even Miss Scott.

Mr. Forte has invited me to meet him in an art gallery on 42nd Street.

How intriguing.

Then again, there may be nothing to it.

Perhaps I shouldn't go.

Nonsense. Of course you must go.

I want to. But Agnes will ask, and then I'll stumble all over myself.

Why don't I go with you?

Would you?

I won't stay. I'll just accompany you to the gallery to throw Aunt Agnes off the scent,

and if she asks where we're going, let me speak.

You would do that for me?

Look who's scheming now, Aunt Ada.

Oh, stop!

I didn't know you were coming home.

I need more of my summer clothes.

I suppose that means you were staying 61st Street through the end of the summer.

Maybe. But I need the clothes to visit the new Colored School in Tuskegee,

headed by Mr. Booker T. Washington.

For Skegee in Alabama?

Is there another one?

Why do you have to go there?

Mr. Fortune gave me an assignment.

We're covering the opening of a new dormitory.

It's a real opportunity.

I understand that.

Then what's the matter?

The matter is that you have never been south of the Mason and Dixon line.

We're staying with Mr. Washington and his wife.

They have a big house, and some of the teachers from the school live there too.

It'll be all right.

It's dangerous.

Mother!

We came to New York for a different kind of life.

A life that colored people can't have down there.

Does your father know where you're going?

No, ma'am, it all just happened.

But you don't seem to understand that once you cross that line, you are no longer human.

You must promise me to always stay with your group.

Never go out alone.

I can promise that.

Do not make eye contact with any white folks.

And don't speak to them.

Even the slightest gesture or look can be misconstrued.

You're telling me to be subservient?

I'm telling you how to stay alive.

And if it were up to me, you would not be going at all.

Well, I have to go.

I need this.

I need to show the world that there are young colored people really making something of their lives.

It gives me a purpose.

And if I can put my whole self into my work, then I won't have a spare second to think about my poor boy.

Oh, my darling girl, I know.

I know. I know.

I am so sorry.

You are going through this, but listen to me.

The South is no place to find refuge.

And I wish you reconsider.

Apparently, this duke is arriving in two weeks' time aboard the Artemis Serbia, one of the Q&A ships.

You have contacts at Q&A.

A couple.

This is the duke of Buckingham?

Yes.

Can you find out where he'll be staying when he gets you?

What reason would I give?

Can't you say it's business?

But it's not business, is it?

If word got back to him, and I couldn't justify it, how would that make me look?

What do we know about him anyway?

We know he's a real duke.

And Turner means to use him to dazzle Newport. What else do we need to know?

I still don't understand.

I would.

I still don't understand.

I want to put Turner's nose out of joint. You have to trust me.

I do trust you.

More than you trust me, I think.

Then prove it. There must be someone at Q&A who could help.

And if I succeed, will I be forgiven for my failings?

Find the duke, get me an introduction, and then we'll talk.

Very well. I'll do my best.

I told him he was wrong about us.

I told him we're united, and that we'll stand together no matter what.

You're here.

But did he listen to you?

He thought I could be bought off, but I think he knows now that won't happen.

So, what's next?

His first objective will be to divide us.

So offer some of us money.

Exactly. No doubt Mr. Clay will come up with more money for the catchers and roughers,

and more for the American born over the immigrants.

They'll do anything they can to split us into factions.

And I use that to destroy us.

No, they won't.

Because we won't let him succeed.

Does Mr. Russell know we're prepared to strike?

Is he ready for that? He knows we get to strike.

But he won't be gentle in his arguments. I can promise you that.

Mr. Russell's not a weak man, and there's no point pretending otherwise.

Then we should prepare. And when the time comes, we must be ready to strike.

Ready to fight.

And if it comes, we have to be ready to die.

That's right.

Yeah.

That's right.

Together with mine, we'll knock the throne. We'll break it up.

He's here. I'll go for a walk outside while you enjoy the exhibition.

Oh.

That's your big girl's advice.

Mm.

Mm.

Miss Brooke, how lovely to see you.

I'm sorry I'm late.

But you're not. You're right on time.

I just started to look at the pictures because it wasn't.

Certainly you'd come.

I like this one, don't you?

It's so vibrant and busy.

And that was quite a solitary man, you know.

Pretty short.

Literally, four foot six with a large head, which may have made him shy.

He certainly never married. But we mustn't hold that against him.

You make me wish I'd known him.

He's still alive. But quite old now.

Maybe too old to make new friends.

Especially single ladies from Fifth Avenue.

His hero is Frederick the Great, that military genius, which seems odd, really, but Frederick figures in many of his pictures.

I so enjoy your knowledge. If that doesn't sound too forward.

I take it as a great compliment.

What did your sister make of your green to meet me here?

Oh, well, you've met Agnes. She always has an opinion at the ready.

Hope she has a good opinion of me.

Of course. We're both so grateful you were appointed.

Really, we couldn't be more pleased.

I'm grateful to Ms. Brooke for several reasons.

Oh, look at this one.

This is a new show tonight.

MUSIC