[TV static drones]
[bright tone]
[spirited orchestral music]
♪ ♪
[soft dramatic music]
♪ ♪
[huffs]
She's a thief.
Mrs. Astor has taken my Duke of Buckingham.
Some people would say
you took him from Mrs. Winterton.
Mrs. Winterton drapes herself with her husband's old money
when she was pressing my underwear a year ago.
She has no need of dukes.
The fact remains he's been passed round like an old shoe.
I'm serious, George.
He says he's afraid
his plans for the opening night have changed.
We knew it was coming.
Haven't you got your committee today?
Will you tell them?
No, and nor will you.
Won't Mrs. Astor trumpet it abroad?
Then we must trumpet louder.
When you talk like that, you make me quite nervous.
Good.
So the long and short of it is that I'm ruined.
Well, there is a little left.
And if you sell this house and find a more modest lodging,
perhaps a little further downtown...
In the Jewish quarter.
Agnes, don't start with your nonsense.
With sensible investments,
you will have an income to live on.
It will not be luxurious, but you won't be destitute.
I must find some loose Arab clothing.
I believe you can put it on without a maid.
[sighs]
I'll discuss this with whoever manages your affairs.
My son has managed my affairs until now.
He will not do so in future.
Mama, I don't know how many times
I can say I'm sorry.
What do I care that you're sorry?
You ruin your mother and tip your family into the dirt!
You throw away the work of centuries!
[somber music]
[pulley clicks]
Thank you, Mr. Harcourt.
May I suggest that we meet again
when we have considered all of the implications?
Of course.
I am at your service.
[door rattles]
Mr. Harcourt is leaving.
I'm not sure it's quite professional to say so,
but you did not deserve this.
Thank you.
♪ ♪
[sighs]
So this is to be the end of my story.
I survive my feckless brother
and marry a man who was not easy
so that I might live a life that was dignified and secure.
But instead, I am to be turned out of my house
to beg for my bread on street corners.
Aunt Agnes, Oscar didn't--
Oscar didn't what? Make inquiries?
Check Miss Beaton's history?
Take the usual precautions that any sane housewife would take
just to order a loaf of bread?
No, you're right. He didn't.
I wish you had told me earlier.
I only heard this from Oscar the night that--
that Luke left us.
As it is, I feel guilty asking you to come here
and hear Mr. Harcourt.
I'm glad I was here.
The loss concerns us all.
Doesn't it just.
It may be better than you say.
This house must be worth a great deal.
Yes.
It's a wonder Oscar spared it.
I must just accept the fact that my good fortune has ended.
Plenty of other people have had to do the same.
I just thank heaven we've settled on a date
for Marian's wedding,
though how we're to pay for it I can't imagine.
Of course, Dashiell may pull out
and not want to be linked to this doomed House of Usher.
I'm going upstairs.
♪ ♪
Your mother will survive this,
even if she doesn't know it.
She may survive, but I'm not sure I will.
We won't meet again before the opening.
And no doubt there'll be dramas to contain
between now and then,
but it behooves me to thank you all
for the efforts you've made
and to commend our hostess, Mrs. George Russell,
for her triumphant campaign to fill our boxes
with what will be a dazzling display
of homegrown New York splendor.
[chuckles]
[applause]
That was very gratifying. [chuckles]
I'm always rather frightened by your mother,
but she has done well.
I suppose, though why she should be thanked
when I'm sure they've all worked just as hard,
I couldn't say. - [chuckles]
I should introduce you. This is Billy Carlton.
- Ah. - Mrs. Charles Fane.
Are you one of Miss Russell's suitors?
[chuckles] I'd like to be.
Don't be silly.
Mr. Carlton and I meet at dances.
That's all.
I see. Part of the daily rounds.
[indistinct chatter]
[light music]
I've seen you in Newport too.
We have a place there.
You were at Mr. McAllister's party.
I was going to ask you to dance.
Why didn't you?
That's right.
Well, I think we're in the clear,
and Mrs. Astor will just have to lump it.
Don't speak too soon.
I should tell you that I have leaked the name
of your guest of honor.
- Why did you do that? - Why not?
The news has put the icing on the cake.
The last tickets went in a flash.
Every box will be full largely thanks to you.
But suppose the Duke doesn't come.
Well, don't say that.
A lot of the people who have taken our boxes
also have one at the Academy.
They'll go where they think he'll show up.
You must know Mrs. Astor is trying to poach him.
Then you have to convince them
you're more likely to deliver.
Now, I mean it, Mrs. Russell.
They must believe you and not her.
Excuse me. - Mm.
♪ ♪
Thanks for coming. - [chuckles]
You were good to lend me your support.
I was glad to.
Does this mean that we can expect you at the Met
on opening night?
I'm not sure.
Charles wants us to join you.
And what do you want?
Just to stop being so frightened by Mrs. Astor.
- [chuckles] - I'm not a brave person.
I am afraid I was taken in.
All investments are a risk to some extent,
and Mr. Oscar was unlucky.
I was the one who was unlucky.
What a catastrophe.
How long will we have to prepare?
You're welcome to stay until the house is sold.
- When will that be? - Bridget.
We can't know,
so if you find a job sooner, then you must take it.
Now, wait just a moment.
So we will continue with our work
until things become clearer.
Thank you, Bannister.
Back to work, everyone.
[light chatter]
We'll have to wait and see.
[baby cooing] - Oh, how precious.
- What an angel. - Thank you.
Oh, it's nice to see you two.
Oh, did you say hello to Mrs. Fortune on her way out?
- Was that her with the child? - Yes.
She needs me to cut down the clothes she was wearing
when the baby was waiting to be born.
I assumed you'd know her, working at her husband's paper.
No. No, we haven't met.
You and Mr. Fortune did us such a great service
with your article on the school board.
We now have so many pupils ready to enroll,
there isn't any way they can close our doors.
Now, all we need to do is convince the Board.
I owe you a favor, Miss Scott.
I only wrote about the agreement you forged
with the Irish community.
If the schools stay open, you'll have yourself to thank.
I see modesty runs in the family.
You sound just like your mother.
[both laugh] Come on in the back with me.
We still need to get our arguments together
to present to the Board.
We have most of what we need,
but it must be sorted and organized.
Oh, I can help with that.
Here's one.
"Wanted-- experienced senior housemaid
seeking promotion to housekeeper."
That means they'd like a housekeeper,
but they don't want to pay for one.
Anyway, you're too young.
Oh, what about this?
"Experienced butler, preferably English."
Oh, it's in Chicago.
There's nothing wrong with Chicago.
Except it's not New York.
Mr. Bannister, surely one of Mrs. Van Rhijn's friends...
You're very quiet.
You have been all day.
- I didn't want to bother you. - Bother me with what?
[whispering] I got a letter from the Patent Office.
They've approved my application.
Oh, but that's wonderful.
Oh, I'm so pleased for you, Jack.
- You'll see. - How was your day, Miss Scott?
Have you told your mother what's happened here?
No, I didn't want to say anything
until I know what I'm going to do.
- Mm. - Miss Scott will manage.
She still has her job at "The Globe."
And you'll be all right too, Mrs. Bauer.
I'd say you and Bridget will be asked to stay on.
If they don't want to starve.
Have you any news, Miss Armstrong?
I'm too old, I'm afraid.
It's hard to say, but that's the bitter truth.
I'll be the one to starve.
What about you, John? Any luck?
Um, not in that way.
What do you mean?
He's been given his patent.
- [gasps] - Oh! Oh, I say.
Jack. [laughter]
The world has taken leave of its senses.
Oh, don't listen to her. It's excellent news.
What will you do now? - I'm not sure.
You'll have to find another $20.
Oh, don't you worry about that.
We'll help you figure it out.
[bright music]
[thunder cracking] [laughter]
♪ ♪
Don't fall.
Oh.
[laughter]
Oh, Mr. Borden, your jacket is drenched.
[both laugh]
Are you back already?
I suppose you were caught in the storm.
Weren't we just, Miss Andre.
They plowed on with an overture by Mendelssohn
but gave up in the end, so we walked home.
Well, I'm glad if Mendelssohn is coming back into fashion.
I'm not sure we could say that.
But at least they're playing him again.
What a disappointment.
Next time, you must find a proper concert hall.
I should get on.
[light music]
♪ ♪
So Miss Scott thought you should consult me?
She mentioned it, yes, and it seemed like a good idea.
I'm flattered, or I would be if I could understand
what makes your clock different.
My new escapement makes sure the mechanism never sticks,
so the clock stays right on time.
Because it needs no oil?
That's it, sir.
I won't pretend to know how it works,
but I like your confidence.
- [chuckles] - Thank you, sir.
Of course, an alarm clock is a simple thing,
but it's a simple thing that could find a place
in almost every bedroom in the world.
So what should he do next?
That's why I need your advice, sir.
I have the patent. And my invention is protected.
But I don't know how to take it further.
Do you?
Not yet, but I know people I can ask.
Thank you, sir.
It's good of you even to consider it.
- [chuckles] - I should go.
I need to get ready to serve dinner.
Well, I'll be in touch when I have an idea.
[laughs]
I should go too. [chuckles]
Thank you for seeing John.
And please give my regards to your mother.
Ah, I will.
I gather she's lost her duke.
Aunt Agnes thinks him very feeble.
Because Mrs. Astor talked him round?
I was told it was Mr. McAllister
who arranged the switch.
He did the persuading.
Mr. McAllister, my mother's friend?
Well, she never guessed that.
I hope we'll see you at the opening night.
I'd love it, but I'm afraid not.
As you know, Aunt Agnes is very much
on the other side in the war.
[chuckles] I meant for you to join us.
Oh. [laughs]
I'm not sure I dare.
You underestimate yourself, Miss Brook.
♪ ♪
It's very nice of young Mr. Russell to want to help.
He's just showing off.
- I don't agree. - Of course not.
Oh, I've asked Dashiell for dinner on Thursday.
We've seen so little of him lately.
Well, that's only because of Uncle Luke
and then, of course, Oscar's unfortunate--
Yes, we've talked quite enough about that.
Mama--
Please don't say you're sorry.
No, I wanted to tell you I've had a dinner invitation
for the night of the Academy opening.
Then refuse it. You're busy.
What difference will it make whether I'm there or not?
Oscar, you are going
to the opening night at the Academy.
And if that sounds like an order, it should.
Aunt Agnes, I've had an invitation too.
And I'm very much afraid it will annoy you.
Why would I expect anything else?
Agnes.
The Russells have asked me to their box
at the Met for the opening night.
The Met?
Is that what we are now to call the Metropolitan?
I'd like to go.
[sighs] Which Russell has invited you?
I hope it wasn't the son.
Mrs. Russell asked me.
She would, to spite me.
[inhales]
So my niece will be in the enemy camp.
You never made it a condition that Marian should be
at the Academy for the opening.
I want to see the new opera house.
And so you will throw over an old friend
without a backward glance.
The Academy isn't my "old friend."
I'd never heard of it before I came to New York.
In our world, old friendships are hereditary.
♪ ♪
Mrs. Bruce, please ask Church to have this
delivered to Mr. McAllister before the end of today.
Of course, Madam.
Now, are you quite ready for the supper after the opera?
We are, Madam.
May I ask what opera you're going to hear?
Faust.
Do you remember when Miss Nilsson sang
the "Jewel Song" here?
How could I forget.
You enjoy music, then?
I've learned to enjoy it, yes--
very much, as it happens.
But before Miss Andre comes in, we need to make a decision
as to whether she is to stay or go.
She's good at every aspect of her job,
so if she's not a troublemaker, then she can stay.
I'm glad that's settled, ma'am.
That's enough for today.
You have to get to Brooklyn.
And you don't want to be late.
Even with the Brooklyn Bridge.
Can you tell Armstrong that I'll need
her help later this afternoon?
I must start sorting out what clothes I'll need
for my new life, to which I am not looking forward.
[chuckles] I don't think she's looking forward
to her new life either.
What do you mean, Miss Scott?
Only that she's frightened by the thought of change.
But I daresay the others are frightened too.
Mrs. Forte, ma'am.
Whatever happens to Armstrong,
she doesn't deserve Miss Scott's pity--
not after all the things she's said.
She's a pathetic figure who uses
her prejudices like a crutch.
We can all pity her for that.
♪ ♪
You came.
I received your summons.
Of course I came.
I wanted to hear your explanation.
Because the Duke has changed sides?
I rather thought it was you who had changed sides.
Larry told me it was you who talked him round.
I spoke to him, yes.
How sad.
Foolishly, perhaps, I believed you were my friend.
I am your friend.
But I am also Mrs. Astor's friend,
and that is what I am known for.
Hmm.
Did he make matters easy?
The Duke is in a difficult spot.
Difficult to live, perhaps, but not to understand.
He has a high position, great estates, fine titles,
a castle in Devon, and a palace in London,
but not enough money to keep it all going.
An accurate summation.
So how much did he cost?
There's no point in that.
Why?
She's giving him more than money.
She'll open New York for him.
She's opening America.
He wants to know these people.
And she can give them to him more than you can.
So he will get what he wants,
her opening will be a triumph,
and you will accept a box at the Academy.
You're very sure of yourself.
With respect, Mrs. Russell, I've been at this game
rather longer than you.
But McAllister already explained
why offering more money won't work.
It's worth a try.
Bertha, we have spent
a great deal on the Metropolitan.
I'd say we have spent enough.
- But-- - No.
This greedy young man can go his own way.
You have a wonderful new opera house, an excellent cast,
and everything people could ask for.
The presence of one duke more or less won't matter.
You should have more faith.
So I can't outbid her?
You won't outbid her, as McAllister has pointed out.
I promise it will be a great success without him.
Maybe.
We'll see.
I'll keep some simple things for the evening,
but there's so much here I will never wear again.
I can't put them in the missionary barrel,
and they're too fine to just throw away.
I could pack them carefully with mothballs and tissue
and store them in the attic, just in case.
But suppose we don't have an attic.
[chuckles] Everything's going to be
quite different for us now.
You'll still have your friends.
Yes, and at first, they'll try to pretend
that our loss of fortune makes no difference,
but it won't be long before we start to slip and slide.
What about you, Armstrong?
Have you found a new place yet?
I don't know what I'm going to do.
Well, which of us does?
But we have been down bumpy roads before, you and I,
and--and we've got past them.
Would you like to come with us?
What?
Well, you'll be working for nobodies.
And I--I can't pay much or make any promises
when it comes to how we'll live,
but you're welcome if you would like to try it.
Yes, ma'am, I would.
Thank you.
But why have you changed your mind?
Have I?
Perhaps I have.
It was something Miss Scott said.
Miss Scott?
What would she have to say about me?
Why, don't you like the idea
that she would have sympathy for you?
[indistinct chatter]
I've had a lot of success with this.
It's salicylic acid,
but they've got rid of the bitterness.
It's good. - And you're producing it?
Try it. Have this for nothing.
And now I should go.
We have the school meeting. - What school meeting?
Not the educational board. That's set for tomorrow.
Wait, didn't you get the note?
No, they've changed it.
It's today-- 7:00, the same place.
Well, I guess we both know why I didn't get a note.
And I would bet the other colored parents didn't either.
I'm afraid it's your daughter's article
about the Irish and colored people
working together.
It seems to have ruffled some feathers.
Yes, and your information has ruffled mine.
[tense music]
James, lock up for me.
Yes, sir.
♪ ♪
We must have all the facts laid out.
They won't listen to our arguments
unless they're supported by facts.
This is another list of pupils
ready for enrollment next term.
That's the most important argument of all.
How can they question that?
Pardon me.
[indistinct chatter] [door slams]
They've tricked us.
They've changed the meeting to this evening
so that none of us will be there.
Then we must go. We must go now.
Well, I'm not sure we're ready.
Bring everything.
I'll leave you all to find your way there,
but we have to go now.
[urgent chatter]
♪ ♪
Everybody come on. Quickly.
Quickly. We're already late.
[indistinct]
Uh, excuse me.
This is a private meeting.
Is this a meeting to discuss the closure
of the colored public schools?
These people have gathered today--
Are you discussing the closure
of the three colored public schools?
Well, there are many other items on the agenda.
Why was the time of the meeting
changed from tomorrow?
Today was found to be more convenient.
- [sighs] - But why were we not informed?
Many of us are parents of the children at those schools.
[agreeable chatter] And yet, we were not told.
Why is that?
It must have been an oversight.
Then will you listen to our arguments?
We have lists of pupils anxious to enroll--
too many for the schools to accommodate.
And we have applications from teachers
all keen to contribute.
This is most unorthodox.
If we have more children than the schools can take
and more teachers than we need to guide them,
why are you closing them down?
[indistinct murmuring]
♪ ♪
We must consider the evidence.
[crowd murmuring] - [exhales]
♪ ♪
Mr. Montgomery.
Aunt Agnes and Aunt Ada are still getting dressed.
Oh. I'm glad to find you alone.
I know, we haven't seen much of each other lately.
I understand.
What a terrible blow you've all had.
Will you go on teaching?
I will be dependent on it.
Aunt Agnes can't continue my allowance.
Well, it won't be for long.
You'll stop when we get married.
Well, I thought--
I want you to have a lovely life
of entertaining and clothes
and babies, eventually,
and no work at all.
That would please Aunt Agnes.
And you, I hope.
Did I hear you take my name in vain?
How very nice to see you.
Aunt Agnes.
And Aunt Ada. - Mwah.
How are you managing?
I'm bearing up.
The thing I don't understand is all the paperwork.
I remember that with Harriet.
Luke was a straightforward man
who lived a straightforward life.
And yet there are so many forms to sign
and documents to read.
They're piled up on my desk waiting for me.
I do sympathize, but try not to leave it too long.
Yes.
How is Frances?
Very well.
She's properly settled in New York.
And I really think she's starting to blossom.
I often wonder what Harriet would make of her,
this grown-up young lady that's taken the place of her child.
As you may know, things could not be worse with us.
Aurora said.
Might it make sense if I were to pay for the wedding?
[both sighing]
I know it's not customary.
I am touched that your resolve
is undimmed by our disaster.
It's kind of you to offer.
Well, wouldn't it help for you to enjoy
Harriet's wedding without worrying?
[light music]
Quite right.
It is my dearest wish to see Marian happy.
[door rattles]
Oh, and now that's dinner.
[chuckles]
Pleased to hear that Frances is doing so well.
She's doing wonderfully.
[chatter]
Sarah, is it good news?
Tell us. - What have they said?
They have decided to keep two of the schools open.
I'm afraid they insist one must close
to stop them from looking ridiculous.
But this is still a victory.
- Yes. Yes. - Mm-hmm.
Hear, hear. [clapping]
So they won't save all three
when we did everything they asked?
Two will survive.
And now that we're more conscious of the danger,
I'm sure they'll thrive.
- Mm. - Yes, hear, hear.
- You should be glad. - [sighs]
We should all be glad.
We should. We should indeed.
Hear, hear.
Congratulations, Mr. Brown.
We have you to thank, Arthur, for exposing
their plan to shut us out.
- Mm. - She's right, Father.
I appreciate your praise.
I haven't had too much of it lately.
- She means what she says. - Mm.
You did good today.
Congratulations, Mrs. Garnet.
And to you, Miss Scott.
Congratulations, Miss Scott.
Congratulations to us both.
The results weren't perfect, perhaps, but they're good.
And they show us what can be achieved when we try.
But the fight must go on.
And this has been a reminder of how much work
there is for us to do.
You're right.
And nothing must get in the way of that.
Mr. Fortune, have you met Mr. Saunders?
Not yet.
I'd like to introduce you.
Please. Excuse us.
Mr. Saunders, this is Mr. Fortune.
Mr. Saunders.
And this is Mrs. Saunders.
A pleasure to meet you both.
You look very pensive.
[scoffs]
Maybe because I have come to a decision
that will please you.
I hope it will please you too.
It won't, but I know what I must do.
Are you coming home with us?
No, I should get back, but I'll see you soon.
[soft music]
♪ ♪
Good night.
[laughs] Now, what can we offer you?
I think I'll just go and leave you in peace.
It was a lovely evening.
There will be many more.
And don't forget you're taking Marian
to school in the morning.
- There's no need. - Oh, there's great need.
In fact, I should do it every day.
[laughter]
Good night. - Good night, Dashiell.
And thank you-- you know for what.
How kind he is.
And what a relief that the wedding is taken care of.
[chuckles]
I think I'll go up now.
You're not feeling ill?
No, no. I just need some time to think.
Of course you do.
I'll say your good night to Agnes.
[humming]
♪ ♪
Isn't that a pretty picture?
I haven't seen that smile of yours for some time now.
[scoffs] Arthur.
I'm serious.
I didn't think I'd ever see you smile like that again,
at least not in my presence.
This has been a hard time for us.
But I would like for things to be better
between you and me.
That's all I want.
♪ ♪
It's very late.
So we should eat our dinner. - Yeah.
Maybe I can get Ellen to fix us a festive dessert.
[both laugh]
We have some celebrating to do.
[fire crackling]
♪ ♪
[sighs]
[indistinct chatter]
This shouldn't be long.
[door creaks]
Are you ready?
Frances is in the carriage.
The thing is, Dashiell,
I've been racking my brain all night.
Well, I hope this turns out well for me.
I'm afraid you won't think so,
because...
I cannot marry you.
What?
I can't be your wife.
It wouldn't be right.
I'm sorry.
But I thought you loved me.
I thought you loved Frances.
I do love Frances.
And I am so sad if this is disappointing for her.
Then why are you doing it?
Because I don't think we want the same things
or even the same life.
I want a life like everyone else's.
But I don't.
Or not yet.
I want to do some good in the world
before I settle down.
I don't understand.
♪ ♪
Do you love me as much as you loved Harriet?
Be honest, please.
Harriet is dead.
Of course.
I know you're lonely.
I know you want a mother for Frances.
But in your heart, Harriet is still your wife.
Well, you can't stop loving people when you want to.
Nor should you.
But one day, you'll meet a woman
who's not just a temporary solution
and who actually shares your dreams.
♪ ♪
I want that for you, but I am not her.
[exhales]
You know it's true.
Why didn't you say this last night?
Dashiell, you are good.
Have you had any breakfast? May I get you some coffee?
No, I must--
I'm afraid I must go, Aunt Ada.
I, um--
Frances is waiting for me.
Agnes will be so sorry to miss you.
♪ ♪
[door clicks]
[breathing shakily]
He isn't taking you to school?
No.
I suppose that means you've told him.
Told him what?
That you can't marry him.
[cries]
How did you--how did you know?
He isn't really right for you.
You knew it and so did I.
Besides, he's still in love with his wife.
I saw it last night.
Aunt Agnes will be furious.
Agnes has so much to make her furious just now.
You mustn't let that trouble you.
I didn't love him enough.
Not like you and Uncle Luke.
That makes me proud--
to be the rule by which you judge these things.
- Dear Aunt Ada. - Oh.
[door slams]
So which is it to be?
Mrs. Fish.
Which what?
"The Tribune" says he's going to the Met.
"The Times" says he'll be at the Academy.
"The Herald" says Academy,
but "The Sun" says it's the Met.
Trust you to read "The Sun."
Where else can I find all the divorces?
[sighs]
He'll be at the Academy,
and he's asked to make his own way there.
He thinks to arrive with us would undermine his dignity.
Isn't his dignity already a casualty of the arrangement?
[sighs]
Are you sure he'll come?
Because I could always go to the Met.
Where I suppose you also have a box.
He'll come. He can't afford not to.
Mrs. Fish, I can assure you the matter is settled.
You will find the duke at the Academy of Music.
[light music]
♪ ♪
[knock at door]
Thank you for allowing me to come up,
although I'm not sure what it will do for my reputation.
You flatter me.
How did you know I was staying at the Union?
I make it my business to know these things.
Mrs. Russell, you did not have to ride
all the way to 39th Street to tell me
I have behaved badly.
I know I have, and I apologize, but--
You can't afford to turn her down.
You must understand
that a great many people depend on me.
I'm sure of it.
And so they will for many years to come.
I can only hope so.
Shall we sit down?
♪ ♪
[students chattering]
♪ ♪
[sighs]
Why aren't you going to marry my father?
Why did you change your mind?
Sometimes, you don't understand
a situation at first.
But when you think about it properly,
you realize that it's just not right--
not for him, not for me.
So won't we see each other anymore?
Out of school, I mean?
Of course we'll see each other.
I want to follow every stage of your life
and dance at your wedding with joy.
You don't not love us, then?
Oh, I love you a lot.
I love your father too, just not quite as a wife
should love a husband.
But I pray one day we'll all three be as happy as can be.
[bell chiming]
Now, you better go, or you'll be late for mathematics.
♪ ♪
There's nothing else you need?
Nothing, ma'am. Everything's ready.
Thank you, Adelheid.
Oh, Billy's asked if he can visit our box
for the third or fourth act.
No.
But you like the Carltons.
You like his mother. You said so.
I hardly know them, and we'll be entertaining
our own guests in the intervals.
I want you there.
Billy Carlton's nice.
Nicer than your duke.
There's no need for impertinence.
Mrs. Russell, excuse me.
Here is the menu you requested.
Mr. Borden asks if there is anything else
you would like to add.
No, I'm content.
Thank you.
Oh, Mr. Gilbert sent a message
that two tickets for tonight have been returned.
I thought you might like them.
Tickets for this evening, for the opening night of Faust?
Yes, orchestra seats, of course.
But you'll have a decent view.
You can take a friend.
Might I ask Mr. Borden?
Borden? Oh.
Well, you'll have to ask Church.
But the supper is cold, so I suppose
he and the kitchen maids could manage.
You can help as soon as you're back.
That's very good of you, Madam.
Come to the drawing room, and I'll give them to you.
I don't know what else to say other than,
thank you very much.
"Thank you" is quite enough.
♪ ♪
Well, I got your note.
Though I found it rather cryptic.
[chuckles] I apologize for that.
I--I didn't want to discuss this at "The Globe"
in front of everyone.
We aren't exactly alone here.
What is it?
I won't be returning to the paper.
Why--why not?
Have you gotten an offer from another publication?
There's no other offer.
Then why leave?
Mr. Fortune, I will always be grateful
for everything we did together, for the stories we covered,
for the chances you gave me.
I--I have a voice now.
A voice our readers are anxious to hear.
Don't abandon them when you're just
creating a name for yourself.
This doesn't make sense.
I'm afraid it's how it has to be.
- But-- - We can't continue like this.
[soft music]
At least I know I can't.
♪ ♪
So what are your plans?
I'm not sure.
I have a novel that I've put off for far too long.
Good.
Because you have things to say, and you know how to say them.
I hope so.
And we both have work to do.
And we need no distractions.
Well, that's true.
You deserve to be at the center of your own life.
Thank you.
The others will hate to see you go.
They'll miss you.
Please give them my best wishes when you tell them.
And I'll miss you.
There's nothing I can say to make you change your mind?
No.
I just wish things could have been different.
Me too.
But bad timing shapes our lives.
♪ ♪
[sighs]
♪ ♪
Do you need Bannister
to escort you across the street?
No, they'll collect me from here.
Should we wish each other luck?
[chuckles]
I do wish you luck, Aunt Agnes.
And I know I've been a disappointment.
Even I don't expect you to marry in order to please me.
Thank you.
But now you have two strikes against you, Marian--
the second more public than the first.
You can't afford another.
No.
I've said enough.
Enjoy your evening.
But remember, time passes quickly.
Don't throw your life away.
[light music]
♪ ♪
Are you off?
Ah, I must say you both look very smart.
Thank you.
Are you sure you can manage the supper?
We'll be back-- - Everything's under control.
I hope you enjoy the opera.
Oh, don't worry about that.
We will. - I'm glad.
And I'm glad to hear you'll be
staying with us, Miss Andre.
You're staying, and I'm going.
We'll miss you, Mr. Watson.
And I will miss you. All of you.
I've been happy here.
Perhaps you'll come back to see us.
No, he won't be back.
But I want to wish you well in your new life, Mr. Watson.
I mean it. I really do.
We all do.
[energetic music]
Go on. You'll be late.
[laughs]
♪ ♪
Go and collect Miss Brook.
Are we going?
♪ ♪
My dear, you have outdone yourself.
I'm only the curtain-raiser.
Here's the main attraction, Gladys.
Your mother's right.
You take the prize tonight, my dear.
Where is my grubby little sister?
She's gone missing.
Why are you all being so nice to me?
I'm admiring my handiwork.
Me too.
Congratulations to you both.
We should get started.
Are you ready for the challenge?
Ooh. Can you doubt it?
It's time to deliver the coup de grace.
Welcome, Mrs. Russell.
Our day of reckoning is finally here.
Indeed, it is.
♪ ♪
Are we really here?
Is it possible?
- Take courage and believe. - [laughs]
I see all the skeletons and ghouls are here.
They may be old, but they are the backbone of society.
A broken back, if you ask me.
I've not asked you anything, nor do I intend to.
Are you all right?
Ask me tonight when it's over.
Mrs. Russell.
I hope after tonight Mother will calm down.
What if she loses?
Win or lose, she's got to be less mad
than she's been lately.
Your mother knows what she wants,
and perhaps that's the trick of getting it.
You're very philosophical tonight.
I was reminded of something Aunt Agnes said to me.
We have some other guests arriving.
They will be shown to your box.
Wait a minute. Haven't we come too far along?
No, it's just here.
You've tricked me.
Mrs. Winterton, it is a box on the first tier,
just as you wanted.
Now, you must excuse me.
Please, enjoy your evening.
We were to have the central box.
We were to have Mrs. Russell's box.
She's made a fool of me again.
If she has, don't make it worse.
I'm leaving.
No, you need to be part of this event.
And you don't want to show Mrs. Russell has defeated you,
so sit down.
And look as if it's all just as you planned.
Very well, but I won't forget it.
Close your mouth.
You don't want people to think you've never been
in an opera house before.
Is it that obvious?
[chuckles]
Mrs. Russell.
He's not coming. - I can assure you he is.
The carriages are all unloaded.
He's not here.
They can't wait much longer.
The duke will be here.
He won't be long now.
♪ ♪
Can't we wait a little bit longer?
I have more faith in yourself, my dear.
I certainly do. - Wait a minute.
This is wrong.
I gave up the central box.
Don't give it another thought.
Just go forward and claim your victory.
♪ ♪
[sweeping music]
[crowd murmuring]
♪ ♪
I don't understand.
It seems they believed Mrs. Russell and not us.
But he's coming.
I know it.
[engine humming]
So you were brave after all.
Braver than I knew myself to be.
But Mrs. Astor can't have it all her own way, can she?
Do hurry up, dear.
Oh, there's Mrs. Fish.
- Oh? - Ah, Mamie, you came.
Is this it? Really?
Is this the turnout?
Look, some of them are leaving.
It makes us appreciate your loyalty all the more.
Or does it make it all the more ridiculous?
Goodbye, ladies. Mr. McAllister.
- Where are you going? - Where do you think?
But I'll have to hurry if I'm to get there
before I miss too much.
Should I help find her carriage?
Sit down. You're going nowhere.
I won't believe she's won.
I can't believe it.
♪ ♪
[light chatter]
[gasps]
[crowd murmuring]
[cheers and applause]
♪ ♪
I want to remember every tiny detail, every moment.
Then remember this.
Mr. Borden.
I hope I'm not late.
Late or early, you are very welcome, Duke.
I hope you will call me Hector.
I'm not sure Mrs. Russell will approve of that.
Why not? Of course I approve.
And you ought to call us George and Bertha
and Larry and Gladys.
Would you mind?
I don't see how I can
when you're only obeying orders.
Then I'm glad.
Which is just as it should be.
[both laugh]
[gasps] Hurry up.
Thank you.
Oh, Elizabeth. - Mrs. Fish.
I didn't think you were coming.
I wasn't, but the Academy was a morgue.
The fact is, you've won.
It can be a mistake to celebrate too soon.
Oh, my dear, American society has been reinvented tonight.
And you are at the very heart of it.
[applause]
Ladies and gentlemen,
this is a historic night for New York.
Of course, much work and dedication
has gone into this endeavor.
And I could reel off a list of our benefactors
that would keep us occupied until morning, but I won't.
[laughter]
Except to say thank you to Mrs. George Russell,
who has been our muse and inspiration.
[chuckles] [applause]
Tonight, her guest of honor
is His Grace, the Duke of Buckingham.
Look at Turner scowling.
What pleasure it gives me.
[laughs]
Why was she thrown out of the Academy?
Did you ever find out?
I wrote to Mrs. Astor, of course.
Did she know it came from you?
Certainly not.
Of Signor Vianesi.
[applause]
So... this is what defeat feels like.
Lina, don't say that.
The Metropolitan is a novelty.
They're simply curious.
Ladies, I know it's hard,
but it's time to face the truth.
To quote Ecclesiastes,
for everything in life, there is a season.
And it seems the season of the Academy of Music
is drawing to a close.
[soft orchestral music]
♪ ♪
[clears throat] Still thinking deep thoughts?
[chuckles]
Not exactly, but Aunt Agnes is right.
It's time I took control of my life.
You do know you're a marvelous person?
I know it's kind of you to say so.
I mean it.
[singing in Italian]
♪ ♪
Gladys, who are you waving at?
Billy Carlton in his mother's box.
May I ask him to come back with us for supper afterwards?
No.
Now, show the duke-- show Hector your program.
Here, although I guess you know the story of Faust.
Of course.
A man sells his soul to gain riches on this earth.
And he lives to regret it.
♪ ♪
I hope he's properly ashamed of himself.
She can't have just paid him more money.
He swore an oath.
And then he broke it.
Perhaps she offered something more.
♪ ♪
How did you get the duke to change his mind?
I made Hector see it was in his interest.
- But how? - George, you make the money.
And I'm very grateful.
But I don't tell you what to do in Pittsburgh.
And you must leave me to manage the rest.
♪ ♪
You don't have to come across.
You can watch me from here.
Don't be silly.
[both laugh]
That was a delicious supper--
or should I say breakfast.
[chuckles] My mother knows
how to manage those things.
Her gift is management.
So you're not getting married after all.
And now you're to leave 61st Street.
Where will you go?
I'm not sure, but don't worry.
I've got a job I enjoy and plenty to do.
Will you stay in New York?
I hope so. [laughs]
I love New York. I love everything about it.
Good. [chuckles]
I'd hate for us to have to say goodbye.
We'll never say goodbye.
We know far too much about each other's lives
not to be friends forever.
[chuckles]
[soft music]
♪ ♪
Oh.
[clears throat]
Ah, Miss Marian.
Mrs. Van Rhijn and Mrs. Forte are waiting for you
in the drawing room.
What?
Why?
How strange.
I'd better go in.
[both laugh]
Good night, Mr. Russell.
Miss Brook.
Oh, uh, Mr. Trotter.
You'll be pleased to hear there's been a lot of interest
in your clock.
Well, I am pleased to hear it.
Thank you.
I think we should go into business together.
Don't answer now.
I'll be back with more detail.
Good day.
I don't understand.
Why weren't you in bed hours ago?
She has something to tell us.
And she insisted on waiting for you.
But why? What is it?
Yes, please put an end to this mystery.
Very well.
As you know, I've spent the evening reading every paper
that the lawyers have sent me.
That must have been hard.
So what did these papers consist of?
Most importantly, there was a copy of Luke's will
and a letter from Luke to me tucked inside it.
A letter from beyond the grave?
- Exactly. - Huh.
Apparently, he asked that it be given to me
only after his death.
For what?
To explain what I'd need to manage as his sole heir.
But is there anything to manage?
It seems so.
His grandfather made a fortune in textiles in Boston.
- [laughs] - What?
And you didn't know anything about it?
Or did you? - No, but he's explained.
When he gave his life to God,
he chose to live without the advantages of money.
And he took no payment for himself.
But many people depended on the company.
So he allowed it to continue and prosper.
And now you've inherited it?
So what are you saying?
That you've come into money?
[pulley clicks] - Yes, a great deal of money.
[laughs]
Too much money, really.
But doesn't this mean
we won't have to sell the house,
the servants won't lose their jobs,
and nothing needs to change?
Exactly.
Nothing needs to change.
Bannister, you're still up?
We're all still up, ma'am, awaiting your orders.
Oh, good, because I have some news.
Mrs. Forte has inherited a sum from her late husband,
so we will not be moving and all of your jobs are safe.
- [giggling] - Oh, hallelujah.
[laughter]
And if I may say so, what a relief.
[laughter]
Please feel free to tell them downstairs.
[laughter]
Miss Ada.
Yes.
Is that your wish?
[light music]
Why, yes.
Please tell them downstairs.
Thank you, Bannister.
Yes, ma'am.
Thank you, ma'am.
♪ ♪
What was that about?
I expect he knows he's working for Aunt Ada now.
I suppose that means they all are.
Well, I still own this house, don't I?
But Aunt Ada will be paying their wages.
Things may be a little different
in the future, Agnes.
But I'm sure we'll work it out.
Are you?
Are you really?
♪ ♪
[spirited orchestral music]
♪ ♪
[bright tone]