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Mr van der Kamp.

I never knew you were a lover of the arts.

I like to make an exception when I have a guest.

Galath�e de Pompignac.

Monsieur le Chevalier de Seingalt.

However, no one warned us

the most charming apparition would not be on the stage tonight.

Would you object if we kept you company?

Is it not a deadly sin, hiding something so beautiful?

Sir.

I'm happy to leave judgement of our sins to He who invented them.

Touch�.

But I mean:

Isn't the only way to truly see oneself

in the reflection of somebody else's eyes?

Voltaire!

Didn't he also say that the secret of being a bore is to tell everything?

Galath�e.

Would you be tempted to accompany us to a party in the country?

- I might. - Excellent.

My carriage will pick you up outside.

After the crowds have dispersed, of course.

And the jealous spouses have made their way home.

Girl?

Hello?

- What? - Is this the quickest way to Pasiano?

Yes.

- Are you going to the wedding? - Upon your approval, milady.

Obviously.

- Will you tell us your name? - No.

Come on.

There she goes.

How about making yourself useful?

- Is she upstairs? - Yes.

My dear. Come in.

You think the brown china, or the blue?

I would say

Brown, dear Countess.

Wonderful. Brown it is.

Everything has to be perfect for my daughter's wedding.

You can only do this once.

Adriana will be thrilled.

I didn't know the countess had another daughter.

The daughter of the housekeeper.

Who happens to read Voltaire.

No law against reading books, is there?

And what do you think of what he has to say?

Some of it interests me.

Liberty of thought is the life of the soul.

That makes sense to me.

You can borrow it, if you like.

The countess won't mind.

Thank you.

Lucia.

Giacomo.

- Giacomo Casanova. - And

What do you do?

- I'm a student priest. - You?

You You don't look like a priest.

Well, I'm just using it as an opportunity to study.

So that one day, I might reach the level of society that I aspire to.

- That sounds complicated. - No. No, not really.

I have offended you. I'm

I should go.

Thankfully, the pox hasn't reached us yet.

Yes, but I have heard two of the servants on my friend's estate have caught the pox.

Do not forget, dear friends, to always exaggerate and outshine one another.

As we all know, the ballrooms of Venice are a war zone.

- Excuse me, sir? - Yes?

The count would like to discuss a matter of the Church with you.

Of course.

Please, excuse me.

- I cannot thank you enough. - They looked eligible enough.

You could have married either to raise your stock.

- No. I've resolved to only marry for love. - Why is that?

I'll spend more time at home with my wife than parading around Venice ballrooms.

Real happiness must be there. Don't you think?

- May I show you something? - Please.

Come.

Watch out.

It's beautiful.

I think the water is magical.

How it takes the shape of anything it fills.

I suppose I never really thought of it like that before.

You think I'm foolish.

Why should a miracle not be a miracle just because someone else doesn't see it?

Thank you.

Would you like to come in?

Yes.

Man is free the moment he wishes to be.

The book.

- Do you believe that to be true? - Yes.

I believe the mind can be that powerful.

You think of me as just an innocent country girl.

I don't know what to think when it comes to you.

I'm going to travel the world and marry someone I really love.

- We'll both be our own agents of change. - Yes.

Although I'm constantly reminded that the wedding will end.

You'll return to Venice and I'll stay here, with my meadow and my lake.

No.

Sirs.

Good night.

Oh, sorry.

Did you know horses have the biggest eyes of any land animal?

Because their eyes are positioned on the sides of their head

they have a range of vision of more than 350 degrees.

I get the impression you've read almost every book in the library.

What I love about horses is their absolute power and relentlessness.

But when you look them in the eye, you see pure tenderness.

There's nothing I appreciate more than tenderness.

Well, are you going to be relentless in Venice, further developing your career?

Well, it might take many months, making allies.

But I do hope one day it will pay dividends.

You'll succeed.

- You think so? - I'm sure.

Where is your amusing French friend?

He's gone ahead with a business acquaintance.

He seems rather predictable, doesn't he?

Frankly, I say he's a bore.

He does not appear to be very French, does he?

I don't see why not. He tries to make his fortune everywhere.

He spends hours on his appearance.

And I hear he beds every rich wife in Paris.

Oh.

Unlike me, who stays true to the woman he desires.

Excuse me.

Madame.

- Monsieur. - Enchant�e.

Galath�e. Such fortune to see you here.

Mr Jamieson. The fortune is all mine.

In America, things are moving in new directions.

I inherited the fabric business from my mother.

She started it at a young age. I feel she deserves recognition for it.

Mr Jamieson.

In your ladies' business, this might be in the natural order of things.

But in our circles, women are appreciated for more exquisite abilities.

Business is business.

Trading furs is no different from trading coffee.

And I do strongly believe that if women could take matters into their own hands

- society might function more effectively. - Yes.

Well, I can't help but prefer women to wear fur instead of trading it.

Don't you agree, monsieur?

I would not presume to know the workings of the female mind, Mr Van der Kamp.

I can assure you, it is not worth the effort.

Perhaps, Mr Van der Kamp

if we had the right to hold office in government

or even just indulge in politics

more of us would become interested in engaging with things the like.

You wish to indulge in politics?

Whatever for?

Same reason you speak, sir: To be heard.

Mr Jamieson, if it's so wonderful on your shores

one can't help but think: What has brought you to ours?

Well, money is pouring in from all sides to support the British and French troops.

And I'm glad to be of help.

These are golden times for a merchant like myself

who makes his fortune where it is to be found.

Madame, forgive me my straightforwardness.

But while listening to Mr Jamieson

I can't help but think his business approach is similar to yours.

That is why it is such a desired profession.

One can only assume with an inexhaustible pool of clientele?

Isn't stolen water sweet and bread eaten in secret more pleasant?

Damn.

I'm genuinely surprised a woman of your profession would cite from the Holy Bible.

Even for a woman of my profession, literature can be quite elevating.

Ah, the swan has arrived.

The rumours do not do your vivacity justice.

Monsieur de Seingalt?

There is a question running around my mind.

Which is?

What made you decide to hide yourself from the world?

There's no harm in a little mystery.

So you deny people the simple pleasure of admiring your beauty?

I find it extremely liberating

to decide for myself what to show to the world and what not.

Besides, there's nothing men desire more than what they cannot have.

I have never paid for a woman's company.

From what I hear, they have paid for yours.

I see no harm in bringing joy into a woman's life.

- Both in and out of the boudoir. - How generous of you.

There you go. Mocking me again.

Take no offence, sir.

I just assumed you had more important things to achieve in life.

How can such fairness be so villainous at the same time?

You must have figured that out, with the enormous amount of women in your life?

And how many men have crossed your palm with silver?

It is my profession. What is your excuse?

When you do not believe in love, you're free to bed whomever you choose.

And the women?

Do they believe in love when you're courting them?

If they have, it is their own mistake. I have never promised it.

Maybe not with words.

But I wager:

They have thought they saw love in your actions.

In your attention.

In your charm.

And I wager I could make you desire me in that way.

- Beg me, even. - Impossible.

- A provocation? - A nightmare.

- Tempting? - Enough.

Interested?

Perhaps.

In Bologna they organise these meetings, the femmes savantes

and they spend all their time talking about philosophy and religion.

And complaining about men, I imagine.

No men are allowed.

Could you think of anything worse than a bunch of dried-up old spinsters

with nothing between their legs but books?

Sir?

Yes.

- Madam? - Yes, please.

Thank you.

Our bride Adriana seems a little overwhelmed.

I could never get married like that.

It is nothing more than a financial arrangement.

In society, love is a luxury most cannot afford.

But I believe it is no one's decision.

Love just happens to you.

Lucia

Wait, wait, wait.

Lucia.

Lucia I can't.

Why? Why not?

A girl's honour is everything.

I won't take that from you.

What if I ask you to?

Then I would refuse.

No, no, no. Wait.

This might be our only chance.

So marry me.

Really.

In seven or eight months

my position in Venice will be secure.

Then I can return with so much more to offer you than I can now.

If only you can agree to wait for me.

Will you?

- Yes. - Yes?

I will return for your daughter and make her my wife.

With your approval, of course.

Believe me.

There's nothing I want more than to make your daughter happy.

It won't be long. Promise.

- Goodbye, Francesco. - Goodbye, Lucia.

Come on.

We've been studying for hours now.

We still have plenty to cover before you are to begin life as a Venetian socialite.

I will ask you again: Why do you think Adam and Eve renounced Paradise?

Because perhaps they didn't know what they had was perfect.

They were blissfully unaware of any imperfection in the world.

New thinkers become adrift.

They try to anchor themselves on reason and emotion

thus using science to find proof of a spiritual life.

Can't it be done?

Some things cannot live side by side.

Reason and logic cannot play with emotion.

They're polar opposites, like fire and water. One cancels out the other.

Darling, don't you worry.

You have plenty of time to embrace this way of thinking.

We'll discuss it further upon my return.

The countess has returned from Venice.

She wishes to see you.

What's all this?

Well, I want you to look dazzlingly beautiful

when Casanova comes back to Pasiano to claim you as his bride.

Thank you. It's beautiful.

Lucia!

Take off that dress. Take it off. Take off that dress, it has to be burned.

Stop, you'll tear it. No, stop. Please

No. Stop.

- The countess has the pox. - The countess has the pox.

- What she touched must be burned. - Everything she touched. Immediately.

Everything. Everything.

Quick. Everything. Everything she touched.

No, no.

No, no, no.

When Giacomo comes, you must send him away.

Tell him I've met someone else.

- We could just tell him the truth. - Then he'll want to see me.

Just as much as you long to see him.

I've heard stories about Venice.

I no longer fit into his world.

If he loves you, he will marry you.

My life is ruined. I will not do the same to his.

Tell him that I couldn't wait for him.

Lucia?

Luci--

She's not here.

Go.

Lucia?

Go home.

Go home.

Luca, go back. Go home.

Forgive me.

Perhaps you're just too tired?

A man must accept a certain slowing down of his body.

We get along well enough most of the time.

But in the presence of such a beautiful woman

I'm afraid that he appears to be rather bashful.

I won't charge you.

Well, then how will you eat?

No, no.

My inadequacies will not be at your expense.

Let us just enjoy one another's company.

Are you expecting another guest?

No.

No, the rest of my day is yours.

I do apologise, Mr Jamieson.

I had forgotten another client reserved my time.

Not to worry, madame.

- Madame. - You're wounded?

Just a small disagreement. Nothing to worry about.

Please, come in.

- I'm not sure why-- - This is exactly--

Please.

I'm not sure what I can do for you.

As you wish not to pay for an intimate encounter

and I am not a wealthy businessman's wife

I'm at a loss as to the purpose of your visit.

I sense anger from you.

Does my laying with wealthy women offend you in some way?

Not in the least.

Though I wonder if your career has been somewhat hampered

by how you choose to spend your free time?

My career is why I'm in Amsterdam. My ambition is great.

I'm here because I've thought of little else but you since our last meeting.

You understand this is something I often hear?

- I would like to spend more time with you. - No.

No.

I won't be another of your conquests.

In two weeks' time, I leave for Paris.

And I bet that in that time, I could make you want me.

Beg me to lay with you.

- It will never happen. - But if it does?

- Will you show me what you're hiding? - What if you lose?

How much money will you pay me?

I have a certain amount put aside for my business venture.

I will give it all to you.

You would risk your future so recklessly just to get the chance to see me?

No, I want more than that. I wish to claim your heart.

What a curious intent for someone who doesn't believe in love.

My heart is ruled by logic.

Well, then you have nothing to lose and much to gain.

We'll begin tomorrow?

I'm looking for a place to--

Excuse me? I'm looking for a place to stay.

- Sir, could you possibly help me find - I'm sorry.

Can I help you, my dear?

What brings you to the city?

I've heard about these meetings.

Les femmes savantes?

- And where did you hear about them? - Pasiano. Where I come from.

There were men talking.

I'm sure what they said was not very flattering.

No, madam. But I paid no heed.

I like to see things for myself.

Thank you for being so kind.

My scars tend to offend people.

You're in the right place. For the meetings.

Would you like me to introduce you to the others?

That would be marvellous.

Don't you see how everything is already present?

We carry all the answers within us.

Even ones to questions we don't even know we could ask.

Must you always return to this obsession with innate understanding?

Well, Maria

I, for one, find it quite tiresome.

- Quite. - Oh?

That's because you only believe things you can prove.

What about the things whose existence we feel, but can't demonstrate?

Reason is only the shell of consciousness.

Underneath it, we have emotion, yes.

In our hearts, where no one else can see us

we dare to feel, to trust, to be instinctive.

But when we go out into the world

we need our inside to be as presentable as the rest.

Lucia?

Do you remember as a child, knowing instinctively

who would be good to you and who would be cruel?

My dog

I once had a dog. Luca.

A stranger would arrive and

Luca would know instantly if they were the kind to hurt him or pat him.

I've often thought, if only we'd be so clever. Perhaps

Life would be less painful?

What do you want, Lucia?

I see you here.

Listening, reading. Cleaning.

But what is it you want from life?

What is it you hope for yourself? What did you dream for yourself as a child?

I wanted to see the world.

To travel.

To read, to learn.

To absorb as much as I could.

Why don't you accompany me?

We can travel. We can read, we can learn.

Yes.

Our first destination will be Venice.

- Why? - As my secretary.

I need someone to talk to who understands the value of an intelligent conversation.

And you have dreams to fulfil.

Must it be Venice?

Why? What's wrong with Venice? Have you ever been?

Galath�e.

It means beautiful one.

I think it suits you. May I call you Galath�e?

I will have to get used to being the beautiful one.

All that matters, is that someone sees more in you

than you knew there was to see.

Look.

- Beautiful. - It is beautiful.

There's a ball tonight.

I know how Venetians prize beauty above all.

Why would I subject myself to the torment of their ridicule?

Did you know it's theatre season in Venice?

Adriana.

I'll be back.

That's a beautiful dress you're wearing.

Thank you.

Have we met?

I'm afraid not, madam.

Your husband must be so proud.

What about yours? Is he a proud man?

There's no husband yet, my lady.

Speaking of which:

Have you heard of this young priest? Giacomo Casanova?

Last I heard he was in Paris.

He has quite the reputation.

His brother Francesco still lives in their family home. He's the one to ask.

Do you know if he married?

Married? Casanova? No, he's one of the most

Must you always embarrass me on these occasions?

Standing here gossiping?

Who are you?

It was a pleasure meeting you.

I wish you the best.

Don't waste your time looking for Casanova.

Take my word for it:

He's going to break your heart.

Good luck.

Madame. Do we have an appointment? - No. I just

I would like a ceiling painting done.

I thought I could perhaps see some of your work beforehand.

Of course. Come through.

Please.

This is about my brother, isn't it?

What makes you say so?

When people want me to paint something, they send for me.

If I'm not at their door within the hour, they hire someone else.

The only people who bother to come here

are beautiful young women looking for Giacomo.

You're out of luck. He's gone abroad.

I bet you lie to all the girls who come looking for him.

This time it's true. He left for Paris this morning.

- Have we met somewhere before? - No.

No, I believe we haven't.

There's something in the way you carry yourself

And what of his career? His prospects?

It hasn't gone exactly as he may have wished.

However, he still does somehow

manage to charm influential people wherever he goes.

And what of love?

Doesn't he seek to prosper in that area?

Very skilful.

Who is it supposed to be?

My brother has many loves, in all shapes and sizes.

He nets them one after another. Sometimes a couple at a time.

Do you know what makes him so insatiable?

- This brother of mine? - I really have no idea.

I'll tell you then.

Heartbreak.

A woman's betrayal has made him what he is.

You can't sulk away here forever.

I threw away my only chance at love and for what?

For nothing.

He has not followed his dreams.

And what of your dreams?

Your hopes for your own life? What of them?

What can I hope for?

No man would want me like this.

Why do men always have to be the ones allowed to do the wanting?

Here. Take it.

Take it.

Look.

You must be able to recognise yourself to know who you are.

True beauty exists here.

And no one can touch it unless you allow them to.

And that's your power.

You'll be fine.

We're going to a special place.

Where?

As close as I've come to paradise.

There are no expectations here.

No men. No one will tell you what you can or can't do.

My friend.

- It's been too long. - I know, I know.

This is Galath�e. She's accompanying me.

How beautiful.

I wanted to show her your business venture.

Of course, dear.

Galath�e has no family fortune to rely on.

She's wondering how she can make a life for herself

without relying on marriage.

My girls come to me for the same reasons.

They wish to be independent, but safe.

Not at the mercy of the streets.

I cater for women who enjoy the company of women.

I charge my guests four coins per visit and pay my girls one coin per tryst.

Making sure, of course, they are fed and clothed and cared for.

- Have I shocked you? - Not at all.

Are the girls allowed to leave if they wish?

Of course.

But why would they?

Learning to give yourself on your terms is a form of empowerment.

This is what men do not want us to feel.

Do you understand?

Do you know what the most important rule in my life is?

Don't stay too long in one place.

It makes you passive and bored.

So, what do you think?

Have you ever been to Amsterdam?

Come.

You won't taste anything like it in Holland.

I promise.

Incredible.

Told you.

Someone like you

Surely you could have had any partner you desire?

From what I've heard, you just seize any partner you desire.

I would not dream of insulting you, but

you have all the opportunities in the world.

And yet you delay your ambitions just so you can bed half of Europe.

My plans were derailed somewhat.

There was a girl who once wounded me deeply.

Just out of curiosity:

Why not share a bit more of your infamous seduction techniques?

Well, you must have some of your own.

In my profession it is just a matter of pragmatic arrangements.

But for you

How come all these women immediately adore you?

Galath�e.

If I want a woman, I'll have her.

Nothing excites me more than watching her let go of her resistance.

It is the pure thrill of longing.

The delight in gently caressing her delicate skin.

The irresistible pleasure of conquering both heart and mind.

And then, a beautiful letter, a touch of kindness.

- They really fall for that? - Absolutely.

And lastly

when she is torn between exultation and exhaustion

I look deeply into her eyes and she surrenders.

And then the ecstasy begins.

Ridiculous.

It is pure temptation, my dear Galath�e.

And I sense you're just inches from surrender as well.

You couldn't be further from the truth, monsieur.

Would anything make you give this all up?

I can't think of a more stressful concept than love.

It is lust I place my faith in. Pays my rent.

May I call for you tomorrow evening?

I need to discuss a matter with you.

We came to Amsterdam for a reason.

I'm dying.

I've known for quite some time.

Amsterdam is the right place for you to be now.

I think they'll be more tolerant of your disposition after I'm gone.

No, please

- No, I can't. I can't live without you. - Yes.

I know you'll be perfectly fine.

No.

- Yes, my dear. - No.

I want you out.

This is all I have left.

Please don't sell it.

Madam.

I need some work.

What the fuck? You're a monster.

I'm not paying.

My money.

She tried to steal my money.

I'll take her.

At the Spinhuis they'll know what to do with her.

Hey!

Give it to me.

Today we examine the effects of smallpox on the tissues of the skin.

As you know

the disease attacks the skin, causing pimples or macules

which typically appear on the forehead and then spread to the entire body.

May I?

This might relieve some of the tightness of the scars.

It is so fascinating.

The work you do here.

It must be difficult for you to understand.

You'll be surprised at what I understand.

A wise man like you should know not to judge things based on how they look.

Then I'm doubly sorry for you.

I believe pity is not the only thing you are feeling.

I would never

There's nothing to be ashamed of.

For you, it offers release. Helps me to survive.

What's the harm in that?

Lay down with me

among the fields and flowers

and entwined we will find the meaning and end of all suffering.

Please come back tomorrow. I'll happily pay you double.

I've come for my things.

I was hoping you might have an hour to spare.

I'm very flattered, but I was just on my way out to dine.

Perhaps another time.

Of course.

In the meantime, I might have to take my business elsewhere then.

To the wonderful Madame Kees, for instance?

I can spare a few moments then.

As you always seem to surprise me

I hope tonight I can return the favour.

Thank you.

So you never thought to marry?

What does marriage do?

Besides turning talented men into autocrats

and making brilliant women their slaves?

What of love? Companionship? Commitment? Family?

I value my independence.

Most men I know spend their happiest moments escaping their marriage.

With you, you mean?

Or with any lady in my profession.

Lust seems to be in conflict with commitment.

Is that so?

Once a man has claimed something as his own he moves on to the next object.

That's just the way men are.

And you are best placed to be expert on the way of men?

I believe so, yes.

Come now, don't sulk.

Do you deny it?

I don't see you devote yourself exclusively to one person.

What about the thrill of the chase?

The excitement of desire before it has been quenched?

Yes, but I deny that I have a singular mindset.

Then tell me:

Why have you not married?

I proposed once.

And she accepted.

And then she changed her mind.

Have you never loved since?

I learned not to let anyone else capture my heart.

Well

Your persuasion is impressive.

I will give you that.

The questions, the attention.

Making me feel like I'm the centre of your universe.

I'm beginning to fear that perhaps you are.

You enjoy torturing me.

How so?

You pretend not to be feeling what I'm feeling.

You pretend not to desire as I do.

I've already told you:

I'm governed by reason and not desire.

Then may I kiss you?

If you're so certain you won't succumb to desire

is there any harm?

You didn't lie.

Your restraint is remarkable.

My next appointment. I must prepare.

But tomorrow. I'll come for you early.

- I cannot just - Please?

Just one day.

One day.

One. Go.

Go!

Tell me about this girl.

The girl who wounded you.

Please

Don't ask me about Lucia.

Will you tell me why you loved her, then?

Was it for her mind? Or for her beauty?

For the way she saw the world.

It changed the way I saw it.

She saw miracles in things other people thought were ordinary.

Something troubles you.

I should be leaving for Paris tomorrow.

But I do not wish to go.

Jacques, my darling. Where are you?

Still in Paris?

Three months Have my letters even reached you?

I keep writing what I would so much rather whisper in your ear.

If there's one thing I'm good at, it is love.

That may not seem much, but I am proud of it.

I learned it the way a stray dog learns to swim:

by being stuffed in a gunny sack with the rest of the litter

and thrown into a fast-flowing river.

I didn't go under.

I made it to the other side.

Make haste. I long for you.

Galath�e.

Dear De Seingalt.

Apparently fate still thwarts the reunion to which we were looking forward.

If you do not wish to return, then at least let me know why.

Our union has brought us something wonderful.

I'd love to share it with you.

But if necessary, I will manage alone.

Showing love is so much more important than receiving it.

Your Galath�e.

Are you sure you are quite well?

A little chilly, perhaps.

It is good to see you.

Let's find somewhere warm.

I hear Monsieur de Seingalt is still in France.

Is he?

Wooing the young daughter of a wealthy count.

It's not my business to whom you choose to pin your affections

but this man is pretty much

Galath�e.

- Are you all right? - Yes.

Yes.

Come.

Perhaps we can rest here.

- Filthy woman. - Filthy old hag.

What is this place?

Walk to the devil.

- Eat that, you filthy bitches. - Filthy whores.

- You poor thing. - I know you.

No, no!

You've never asked me why I chose to live this way.

I felt sure you had good reasons.

In our society, women are spoken for.

We must do and say as we're told, and I didn't want that.

I wanted to be free.

This is the only profession that grants me my independence.

But does this so-called independence not suffocate you at times?

In a way, you belong to many.

I could offer you another way to be free.

As you know, I am to return to New York in a few days.

Why don't you come with me?

Take your chances alongside the entrepreneurial women over there.

- You don't want me. - Oh, but I do.

I know you do not yet return the depth of my affection for you, but

In time, you may.

And until then, can we not just be friends?

- Business partners even? - Mr Jamieson.

I am with child.

The Frenchman.

I am not so foolish to believe he will take care of us.

And neither am I foolish enough to think you would want me as I am.

Galath�e

I care not for the finer details of such things.

A life is a life.

And a blessing.

You need never hide from me again.

No secrets, no masks.

Just two friends.

The boat leaves next week.

You have until then to consider it.

Monsieur.

If you will not come to Amsterdam for my sake

perhaps this will persuade you.

How would you feel if I told you

that you could see your beloved Lucia here?

She is marked heavily by fate, but otherwise the same.

The past cannot be repaired, but the future can be remedied.

She is here.

She is waiting for you.

I will show her to you exactly as she now is.

But please.

Never judge a life that you have not lived yourself.

Forever yours, Galath�e.

Lucia?

Lucia?

Galath�e?

Do you not recognise me, my love?

It cannot

Lucia?

- Why didn't you tell me? - I had no reason to.

No reason to believe you may have wanted to see all of me.

I cannot.

I don't know how to

I can't.

Go.

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