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The Making of a Lady (2012)
Mrs Park. Oh.
Oh, Miss Fox Seton, I didn't see you there. I just wanted to say it's my day with Lady Maria. I'll get the money from her. She owes me for four weeks. We'll want flowers in the hall, a pre-dinner quartet... Actually, no. No, we don't need them. It's an unnecessary expense. On the subject of expenses, I was... My nephew is an unattached marquis. People will come, music or not. Emily... Oh. Let me organise tea. My dear, how kind you are! You met her the last time you were back from India. Oh, I remember. She turns her hand to everything. I'm thinking of taking her on as my secretary, a permanent position. Well, what would she do exactly? She could write my letters, organise my diary... Ah, Miss Fox Seton. How nice to see you again! How long are you on leave from the army this time, Lord Walderhurst? For good, I hope. I'm getting too old for these sorties abroad. Where's the list for the dinner party, Emily? The most interesting girl's at the top. Annabelle Rivers. American. Money. Yes. Um... What about Agatha Slade? I didn't even know you'd met her. I saw a portrait of her at the National Portrait Gallery. Pfft! Well... I saw that too. She's very fine. Isn't she? Well, they are a good family. I suppose we ought to get an invitation to them straightaway. I'll go now. They live in Chelsea. It's rather a long way. Oh, Emily doesn't mind. Do you, dear? I'd be delighted. Well? Has she paid you? No. I don't know what I'm going to say to Mrs Park. You've got to ask the old lady outright. People take advantage of you. She's thinking of taking me on. A proper position, as her secretary. I'd get a steady wage. Oh, miss! You wouldn't have to worry then. That's wonderful. Jane? What is it? Would you live in her house, then? Maybe. Why? Mrs Park's selling up. I was hoping we could look for somewhere together. Selling up? With the money I make, I won't find somewhere respectable like this. Oh, Jane... When does she want us out? Soon. That's the thing. You've got your Lady Maria. You're all right. I need two more quail from Lasker's and Pond's cream from the pharmacy oh, and as you're there, there's a prescription to be picked up on my account. I need it to be delivered to this address. It's all right. It's all right. I'm looking for Captain Osborn. Thank you. We have a house in Manhattan, but it bakes in the summer, so we go to Newport, Rhode Island. I'm very sorry. Dinner is ready, Lady Maria. Emily, this is Agatha Slade. Agatha's mother is indisposed, so you'll take her place at dinner. Me? Good evening. My nephew, Lord Walderhurst. The placement cards are in the bureau, Emily. Write yourself one. And... Smarten you up. Miss Rivers, tell me about Rhode Island at this time of year. Oh, it's quite beautiful. Is it? Is it? The weather... Miss Fox Seton... Oh, Lord Walderhurst! I er... I can't bear the American girl. Please, er... help me change the names. Quickly. Thank you. Oh. Ah. Let me help you. Are you enjoying the season? The dresses are fun, and I like some of the dances, but the people are so boring and old. Sir, I didn't mean you. Oh, don't worry, Miss Slade. I know exactly what you meant. The Slade child's insipid! She's just... very young. Unlike the Rivers girl. If you'd sat next to her at dinner, you might have seen her charm. I don't like the girl, and I'm not going to marry her. Well, one of the others, then. Who cares who it is? It's your duty to marry again and get an heir. Thank you for this evening, Aunt. Good night. Walderhurst! What possessed you to change the placement? You should have come to discuss it with me first. I'm so sorry. I'm going to employ a permanent secretary. Full-time. So I won't need you any more. Your wage. Oh, and Emily... My shawl. Miss Fox Seton, I'm sorry about dropping you into the middle of that. How are you getting home? Walking. Let me accompany you. How long have you lived here? Since I came to London. The woman I lodge with is a kind, respectable person, as are many of her neighbours. My aunt says that you have well-placed relations in Yorkshire, an aunt and uncle. Yes. So... My aunt and uncle have a great deal of children. They helped me with my education, but they were unable to do more. And your parents? My father was an engineer. Not grand or rich, but... my mother fell in love with him. Her family cut her off. He was killed in an accident in a factory. She died two years later. I'm sorry. I was very young when it happened. I rather envy you. No family or ties, responsible to nobody, properly independent. What's so amusing? Believe me, independence can be wearing. You do not have to accompany me any further. I'm sorry. I have offended you. No. I'm... I'm just fatigued. There's someone to see you! Your situation is difficult, and so is mine. As you know, I have to marry for the sake of the family. Now, I need a sensible woman, intelligent enough to understand what marriage to me would require. Someone who gains mutual benefit from the arrangement. You'll find a wife, Lord Walderhurst, someone who you properly esteem. Will you marry me? Don't tease me. Please. No, I... I've been thinking about this all night. You know what I need from this marriage, not like with these other girls. You're pragmatic, you would require little from me. I'm not a difficult man. A little stuck in my ways, maybe, but not demanding or cruel or even unpleasant, I don't believe. I'd leave you alone. You'd have wealth and you'd have true independence. No. Here. I'm... If I may say... what are your options? It wouldn't be right. Why not? I always imagined that I'd marry for love. Love is all very good. What about security? Oh! The roads are bad around here. How far is the house from the nearest village? Ten miles. We're rather isolated. You don't mind, do you? Oh, no. This is Polstrey. When I've been away and I come back like this, it feels like time has stood still. This is my butler, Mr Litton, and my housekeeper, Mrs Litton. Miss Fox Seton is to be your new mistress. I'm sure you'll make her very welcome. Ma'am. Your Ladyship. With this ring, I thee wed. With my body, I thee worship, and with all my worldly goods, I thee endow. Thank you very much. Who are they? My cousin, Captain Osborn, and his new wife. Your aunt asked me to deliver medicine to him. So this is Polstrey's new mistress. Congratulations. Hello, Alec. Mrs Osborn. Please call me Hester. I hear you've been an exceptional nurse. You've been ill, Captain Osborn? Malaria. It's passed. Well, congratulations again, sir. You didn't tell me you'd invited them. You didn't tell me you'd paid for his medicine. I did too. Alec could bleed a stone dry. Was Captain Osborn in the regiment? All the men in the family join the regiment. Is that how he became ill? He's no longer fit for duty. What will he do now? Is he seeking other employment? The truth is my nephew is spoilt. He's lived in the expectation of plenty. If Walderhurst has no children, Alec is the heir to Polstrey. The house, the titles, everything. It won't do, of course, with his malaria and this wife that he's chosen to bring home. It seems to be a family trait, choosing unsuitable wives. So, you see how important it is that you do your duty? Gentlemen, a toast. Sweethearts and wives. Sweethearts and wives. Well, that went off well. You look... very beautiful in that dress. I liked your cousin and his wife. Indeed. And I feel for them. Their circumstances are difficult. Alec has brought much of it upon himself. When I went to deliver the medicine, the place where they were living was horrible. Don't concern yourself with it, please. Now, I'm sure you need to rest. I'll see you at dinner. Mrs Litton, which way to my room? This way, Ladyship. I must say, I am domestic-minded, Mrs Litton. I'm looking forward to the challenges of running such a large establishment. This is you... Ladyship. Thank you. Poor thing. It's injured. It's all right now. I've got you. They get trapped in the chimney sometimes. I'll take him to one of the girls, see what we can do for him. I'm sorry. I forget the effect this house has on people when they first come here. The room does have its charms though. It's a secret priest hole. The Walderhurst family hid in here while parliamentary troops searched the house during the Civil War. The only air is from that grille. And the priest hole links the two bedrooms. The air's very close in here. Yes. No thank you. The water is deep in some places, shallow in others. The shelves are treacherous. There are sinkholes. I insist all my staff learn how to swim. I'm afraid... I don't know how to swim. I'll teach you. Checkmate. How did you learn to play like that? Your aunt taught me. I had to let her win. I'm sorry. No. I just wasn't expecting it. We should change for dinner. Better to not keep Mrs Litton waiting. You know, I've been thinking. Perhaps we ought to ask her if she'll do a bit of darning. Good morning. Ladyship! I'm sorry to disturb. Mr Litton, where has Lord Walderhurst gone? Esquire. And then he's inspecting the estate for the rest of the day. He said to tell you he'll be back late afternoon. Well, then, this is a good day for you and I to explore the house, Mrs Litton. Oh, not today. It's my laundry day. I could help you. No need to bother yourself. Emily! What are... What are you doing here? What is this place? Come on. We should go back. There's something important I have to tell you. This famine in India, the regiment is in dire need of senior men. You're not going back there, are you? You are going back. If he Indian people mutiny, the regiment will require every experienced officer they can find. You've only just got back. You told me you were seeking retirement. This is about family honour. You do understand, don't you? Take me with you, then. That's not possible. I'm sorry. James... What? Your first wife... Do you mind if you tell me about her? She was a childhood friend. We grew up together. I haven't forgotten her, but I no longer mourn for her. That's it. Now, kick your legs. Kick your legs. That's it. A little more. I can't, James! Isn't it beautiful? Wonderful. Come on, more swimming. No! Come on. I'm doing it! Thank you, sir. Are you going today? Now? You're going now? I'm sending this to my bank to instruct that you can take out any money you require. I know that we have started our married life in an unusual fashion, but I... I hope and I believe that we... we have grown to enjoy one another's company. You're left-handed. Yes, I am. I write everything upside-down and back-to-front. Do you realise this is the first time I've seen your handwriting. I have a favour to ask you. Anything. A friend of mine from London, Jane, I would like her to come here to be my lady's maid. Of course. Contact her immediately. In the meantime, let the Littons guide you. He knows me and the house. He's loyal. Will you write to me? "Dear James, I hope this letter finds you well in India. All is well at Polstrey, but we miss you. I miss you." Ladyship, there are visitors. Nothing to worry about. You'll be absolutely fine. Please forgive the intrusion. We got the letter and decided to come immediately. My cousin's been worrying about you. "Alec, while I'm away in India, can you ensure that all is well at Polstrey and that my new wife wants for nothing?" How kind of him! How are you faring? Well, thank you. But we have been quiet since Lord Walderhurst left. It is good go have company. The Osborns are staying for lunch. Tell Mrs Litton, please. Humph! I see Litton's lost none of his charm. Sorry. He's rather a... rule unto himself. He's known me since I was a child. He still talks to me like I'm in knickerbockers. I hope he treats you with more respect. Oh, yes. I think we'll have another one of these, Litton. Hmm? Mm-hm. Oh, and Litton... Thank you. Close the door after you, will you? Alec, you are awful! If you let him get the upper hand, you're in trouble. He's a bully. Always has been. He was vile to me when I first came to live here. I messed up his precious house. I felt the back of his hand, I can tell you. But I want to forget about those times. Here I am... with my beautiful wife, who doesn't mind where I bring mud in. And you, a wonderful addition to the family. To us. To us. To us. Oh! Victory! Finally. We got there in the end. We must go. We're staying in Ashbourne. Don't want to risk the road at night. Stay. It would be so lovely for me. I'll get your suitcases collected from the village. One, two, three, four... Emily, I can see you peeking... five, six. Last one to find me is a sardine. Eight, nine, forty-seven, forty-eight, forty-nine, fifty! Beautiful. Aren't they? It's one of the things I miss most about being in the regiment. When you hold a gun, people treat you with respect. This is a nice piece. Try it. Put the cartridges in the cylinders. Look between the barrels. That's how you aim. Now all you have to do is press the trigger. My uncle... James's father, taught me how to shoot when I was a boy. Did James warn you off me? No. Of course not. I never expected to get Polstrey. I always knew he's remarry at some point and produce heirs. How he expects to do it with an ocean between you, God knows. Jane! Miss. You came! I'd almost given up on you. So, you were a dresser in a theatre? Yes. At the Theatre Royal in Drury Lane. Jane has worked for some very well-known actresses. I'm sure she has, but Polstrey is, nevertheless, rather a change. I just want to be with Miss Fox Seton. I mean, Lady Walderhurst. I just want to serve her. It's so lovely to have you here, especially as Lord Walderhurst is absent. I know he is, Miss. It's the illustrated London News. "Lord James Walderhurst docks in Bombay and returns to his regiment to bring succour and encouragement to his men." Well! Isn't that wonderful news? Come on. I dare you. Let's go farther out. No, I won't. You can't swim, can you? Your cousin was teaching me, but I'm still rather nervous. You're very brave to go in at all. I've been reading about India, and how disease almost inevitably follows famine. Is it true? I'm afraid so. Alec, is he in danger? He shouldn't have gone. Then he is? Not so soon after marrying you. Walderhurst has a strong constitution. He'll come back. I can see them! Do come in! Mr Litton's a strange old stick, isn't he? What's he doing, being a butler in a grand place like this? His family has always worked here. As for Mrs Litton, she's not exactly friendly. The other girls are nice enough. Jane, I think I might be pregnant. I feel different, and I haven't had my monthly bleeding. Oh, Miss! You mustn't tell anyone until I'm sure. It's all right. It's a dream. It's a terrible dream. Calm down. It's the dream. Captain Osborn's temperature is very high. Is he going to make us all poorly? None of this would be happening if you'd not invited them to stay. That's enough, Mr Litton! Go to the ice house and get as much ice as you can. Mabel and Ivy will help you. Well, hurry up! How is he? Every time it takes him, it gets worse. What if he dies? What will I do? Surely the regiment... The reason the regiment dismissed him was me. If anything happens to Alec, you must stay here with me. You're so good to me. I hope you don't mind, but I've asked my old aya, Ameerah, to come down here. She is a marvellous nurse, and I know she'll make Alec better. Go back to bed, Memsahib. But Hester... Mr Osborn is not himself. I will not leave him alone with her. Alec? Alec? Alec? Make it tighter. Mabel's threatening to leave. She thinks Captain Osborn's going to come and kill us in our beds. He's a danger to himself, not to us. I'll talk to Mabel. Jane, you're so clever. I'm not showing at all. When are you going to tell people? Not till Captain Osborn gets better. Now is not the time. Ameerah, I didn't see you there. What can I do for you? Captain Osborn is awake. You mean he's... More himself. Oh, that's wonderful news. Miss Hester asked for a book to read to him. Take this. Mabel and Ivy think she's a witch. Mr Litton doesn't help. He's always saying His Lordship wouldn't want the Osborns here. He's quite wrong. Look. "Alec, while I'm away in India, can you ensure that all is well at Polstrey and that my new wife wants for nothing? J Walderhurst." Show this to him. He thinks he knows Lord Walderhurst upside-down and back-to-front, lordship this and lordship that. Upside-down and back-to-front? Upside-down and back-to-front? You don't mind if I borrow one of your horses, do you? No-one rides that horse but His Lordship. If he's well enough to ride, he's well enough to leave. Lord Walderhurst asked me to look after you. They must leave. They must go. We'll go. The old man hates us. Hester, I need to talk to you... about this. Lord Walderhurst didn't write it, did he? The bailiffs were hounding us for money. We thought if we could stay here for a time, things might get better. It is impossible to survive on Alec's income. Is it any surprise that sometimes dark moods take him? Don't judge him. He is not himself, and I love him so much. We'll go. We'll leave. No. Let me think. Let me work something out. Oh. My father used to bring me up here. He enjoyed the solitude. So do I. You shouldn't wander all over the estate on your own. I came up here for a reason. Hester has told me of your financial situation. Has she? Alec, I was thinking you and Hester could live here. It could solve everything. Of course, I don't know what your plans are. They certainly don't include squatting in a hovel like this! There's going to be a storm. Come on. I'll take you back. I'd rather walk. I'll take you back. Alec! Alec, stop! You have to! I'm pregnant! What happened? Miss! She was riding on the horse with me. She fainted. Give her to me. My baby... Is it... Is it harmed? Your baby? Her Ladyship is expecting. Oh, no! I'm so sorry. I never thought you were with child. I would never have put you on a horse. You must get Dr Lawrence. Dr Lawrence is an old country quack. We need someone from London. There's no need. Ameerah will know what to do. I'll take that to my mistress. What is it? It's just cinnamon and milk. How does she know what's right for a baby? I'll go to the village to fetch Dr Lawrence. We must take care of this child. Well, go on. Get that up to Her Ladyship. Captain Osborn! I'm just taking this up to my mistress. She's very lucky to have you, Jane. "Dear James, I am pregnant, which is a great surprise. I am very pleased. I know it is what you wanted. Your loving Emily." You're up. Oh. I woke early. And you're dressed. I've spent many years dressing myself. I've hardly forgotten how to do it. I've written to Lord Walderhurst to tell him about the baby. And now, I'm going to walk to the post box and post it myself. Miss, are you sure you're well enough? I've never felt better. Good boy. Good boy. Oh! Mrs Litton. Ladyship. Where are you going? To stay with my daughter. I can't be here. Not now. I understand how hard this is for you, but if you could just stay until I find a new butler and housekeeper... I can't. Mr Litton was so much a part of this whole place. Everything reminds me of him. What will I do without you? Mabel and Ivy are leaving too. What? Well, I tried to persuade them to stay on, but they won't. They're scared. I'm sorry, Ladyship. I truly am. "Mr Litton died in such strange circumstances. I wish you were here to help. Your loving Emily." This is the advertisement I've written for a housekeeper and maids. Alec will ride into Ashbourne with it today. Mm-hm. He can take that too, why not? Let me do it. You should be in bed. You caught a cold that day. Why was Mr Litton out there in the cart? What was he doing? Who knows? Where's Alec? Shooting pheasant in the wood. Good morning, Jane. This tastes a little different. Checkmate. Let's play a decider. If you don't mind, I might go to bed. Of course. Are you quite well? I stood up too quickly. Sit down. Ameerah, help me lock the doors. Why are we locking the doors? I don't see the need. We have no servants. Anyone could walk in. You wouldn't want that, would you, Emily? Emily, I thought you were resting. I heard something. Or I thought I did. Was it the post? No. No post. Why is he not replying to my letters? He asked me to write to him. Emily, I've been thinking... You shouldn't be on your own at night. What if you were taken ill and nobody heard you call out? You haven't been yourself. I am quite myself. No, Emily, you're not. We should move into the room next to yours. I won't allow it. That is Lord Walderhurst's room. It's what he would want. I know my cousin. He would do anything to ensure that the baby and you keep well. It's just an Indian dish. Oh, Emily... I shouldn't have let them go next door. I can hardly breathe as it is. Everywhere I am, they are. All of them, always, watching me. No, Miss. They're looking after you. It's sensible. He makes everyone do what he wants. You're not well, madam. Come on, let's get into bed. Take this. Go on. He's in control now that Mr Litton... I don't know why you don't trust him. He's a good man. Oh, no. No... Jane... Jane... I'm on my own in this big old house, stuck in the middle of nowhere! There was a telegram for her in the village. Who's it from? Who do you think? "My ship has docked in Southampton. Returning all speed. Walderhurst." But why? I don't know, but he is. Emily suspects. I'm sure she does. Ameerah thinks she's stopped drinking the tonic, otherwise the baby would be gone by now. We'll make our excuses and leave. I'm not leaving this house. It's mine. It's not. We tried... We failed. There's two of them and three of us. Go around Jane. She'll do what I say. What are you talking about? We must do it now. No. I won't do this. You won't help me? Let me go! No! Please! Please, Alec! Now, you listen to me! I've given up everything for you. If we don't see this through, we will hang for Litton's death. Hang! You understand me? We need to put an end to her tonight. You understand?! Yes! Alec, wait. Alec, wait! Why are we stopping? The mare's lame, sir. There's a coach-house a mile back. We could stay the night, find a change of horses. Will that be all, Your Ladyship? I need to talk to you. Lord Walderhurst is back in the country. Captain Osborn tried to burn it. I retrieved it. Burn it? Why? He wants to be master here. He will do anything to achieve it. I believe he killed Mr Litton. They are planning something... terrible against me. Tonight. We must go, leave, now. He'll follow us. Then, what are we going to do? Let me go to the village, and I'll get help. What is it? Rabbit. You're not eating? I don't feel well. What did she say? What? She says that Jane is not helping in the kitchen. Jane's ill. She's in bed. Your maid is not in her bedroom. How strange! She must have left the house under some delusion. She must have. Don't worry. She's on foot. She can't have gone far. I'll bring her back. Ameerah will stay in the house to look after you and Hester. I think I shall go to bed. Come out! Come out. Come out. It will be better for you if you come out. Stop her! Jane! Jane! Hester! Help me! I can't. I know you're in here, Jane. You don't need to be afraid of me. Keep away from me! Away or I'll shoot. I mean it. I will. You will feel nothing. It is a good death. Lord Walderhurst! Where's Emily? Why are you here? She's... Who's that? My servant. We have all been looking after Emily. Is she ill? Tell me. I'm sorry, Your Lordship, but the memsahib is dead. She had a fever of the blood. We tried everything to make her better, but today, she passed. What the hell happened to you? You're bleeding, for God's sake. I fell. Alec's gone to Ashbourne to make the funeral arrangements. Come into the drawing room. It's my fault. It's all my fault. Where is she? I want to... I need to... I need to see her. Where is she? I'm so sorry. There's nothing to be sorry for. You were a friend to her. What? What is it? She's upstairs. You could still save her. Get away from her! Get away! Emily? Oh, my God! No, don't look. No! No! Alec is dead. I've sent Hester and her servant back to India. No-one will harm you ever again. I shouldn't have left you. I shouldn't have left. Emily... Emily, I need you to understand why I couldn't take you with me. I lost everyone I've ever loved out there. My wife, Elizabeth, died in childbirth. The baby lived for a month. We did everything we could to take care of him, but... One morning, I found him in his cot. It was unbearable. I'd only just found you. I couldn't bear to lose you too. I am so, so sorry. But I am most sorry that I never told you how I felt about you. I felt it always, from the moment I first saw you in my aunt's house and I brought you here. I loved you. I loved you, but still, I didn't tell you. I don't know why. Emily? Emily? You came back. Emily... Oh, my darling! I've got them. What shall I do with them? Eat them up! One! Two! Three! Four! Five! Six. Seven. Eight. Nine. Ten. Coming! We're coming! |
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