All language subtitles for The Gilded Age 201.srt - eng(2)

[TV static drones]

[bright tone]

[spirited orchestral music]

♪ ♪

[cheerful music]

♪ ♪

Are you sure this isn't
too much for you, Agnes?

We should have ordered
the carriage.

All my life, I've walked
to church on Easter morning.

Why should I stop now?

Because we're getting older.

You may be getting older.
I am not.

How long
will you be in Newport?

Only a few days this time.

Larry says
the house is finished,

and I want to make sure
that it is.

Well, I hope
it will take your mind

off that other business.

I hate to see you upset.

Nothing will take my mind

off that "other business,"
as you call it.

As long as we have no box
at the Academy,

we are not in the front rank
of society,

whatever we may pretend.

That's what
Carrie Astor says.

Well, she should know.

Her mother will have
been consulted,

and she must have decided
to keep us out.

The Academy must have
a list of applicants

as long as your arm.

And I'm sure
Mrs. Astor tried to help.

Are you?
[scoffs]

I'm not.

What do you see?

I'd forgotten how beautiful
Philadelphia was.

I hope we're not
going to be late.

The church isn't far.

So you know?

When I was in school,
we'd visit for some events.

It was nice of Mr. Spring
to invite us.

I suppose none of this
is easy for them.

Of course not.

But the Spring family
has asked us to join them

in their grief for Easter,
so that is what we shall do.

♪ ♪

[indistinct chatter]

Après vous, monsieur.

Or should I say,
"You first, mister"?

[laughter]
- It does not offend me

that I am a source of humor
to you all.

I confess, I would like to know
how long it must go on.

Until it stops
making us smile.

Mr. Gordon pretended
to be French to get a job.

Is that a crime?

Not a crime,
but quite a good joke.

If the mistress can accept
that her chef is from Kansas,

surely we can.

If she admits it at all,

I bet it's through
gritted teeth.

Or should we say,
"par les dents serrées"?

[laughter]

[groans]

We have a big dinner tonight.
[indistinct]

Hello.

Miss Weber, isn't it?

How do you know my name?

I asked one of your footmen.

I'm Jack Trotter.

I work for Mrs. Van Rhijn
across the street.

Then happy Easter,
Mr. Trotter.

I was thinking you might like
to meet up some day,

maybe have a cup of coffee.

We're off
to Newport tomorrow.

- For long?
- Only till next Monday.

But we'll go back soon
for the season.

When you get home, maybe
we could arrange something

before you're gone again.

I'd like that.

How pretty they've made it.

There's Mrs. Russell.

Oh, happy Easter.
To all of you.

Ada, come sit down.

♪ ♪

[women whispering]

- Agnes.
- Lina

Ada.

♪ ♪

Oh, I meant to tell you,

I've had a letter
from Dashiell Montgomery.

- Oh, how is he?
- Who is he?

- A nephew of my late husband.
- Arnold.

Were you on first name terms?

We weren't, and I was his wife.

What's Dashiell up to?

Well, it seems
he tired of Washington

and has moved back to New York
with his daughter.

Oh, poor motherless girl.

Motherless?

Dashiell's wife died
very young.

Frances must be about 14 now.

I'll invite them
for some tea,

maybe next Thursday.

Not Thursday.

Why not?

No reason, really.

But I'm usually rather busy
on Thursdays.

Oh.

As we celebrate
the resurrection of our savior,

we know the Lord is close
to the brokenhearted.

And we pray for those
in our congregation,

the sick, the lonely,
the bereaved.

And we ask continued prayer
for Samuel Spring

since the death of his wife
and son

who was blessed
with two mothers,

one of whom is here today.

Our prayers are with you all.

[soft music]

Easter is a time of renewal.

It is through
the miracle of Easter

that our savior gives us
new life.

Today, we declare
our sublime and unshaken faith

that Christ did
truly rise from death

and that God,
having raised Him up,

shall also raise us up
with Him.

Please rise.

♪ ♪

Let us ask, O God,
that our hearts may be light

with heavenly hope.

It may not happen
in this world,

but it will happen
in the sweet hereafter

when we shall rise again

and be made like unto Christ

in His eternal
and glorious Kingdom.

Amen.
all: Amen.

[light music]

♪ ♪

- Lovely to have you.
- Thank you.

- Happy Easter.
- Happy Easter to you.

I thought he did well.
The new rector.

He kept the sermon short,
which is something.

Oh, look. He's over there.
Shall we say hello?

You could leave it
for another time.

Excuse me.

I know exactly who you are.
Mrs. Van Rhijn and Miss Brook.

They've told me all about you.

You mustn't believe
everything you hear.

And this is our niece,
Miss Marian Brook

and Mrs. Van Rhijn's son, Oscar.

Pleasure.

That was a lovely sermon.

I hope so.

Half the battle is not to put
the congregation to sleep.

[laughter]

Mr. Russell.

I thought I might see you here.

Happy Easter to you,
Mr. Tritton.

I hear you're having
some union difficulties

in Pittsburgh.
- You could say that.

I ask because
we're going through something

similar in Cleveland.

And of course, Jay Gould is
having trouble too.

They say membership
of the Knights of Labor

is in the hundreds
of thousands now.

Never mind
the Knights of Labor.

We must deal
with the steelworkers.

They've elected a new leader,
a man called Henderson.

And I'm afraid he seems
to know what he's doing.

The only thing
worse than a union man

is a clever union man.

We ought to get
some of the owners together.

Gould, Morgan.

Billy Vanderbilt,
if he'd come.

- Shall we go?
- Of course.

We'll be in touch.

How are you settling
into the city?

Well, New York is
very different from Boston.

It's the little things I miss--
old haunts, familiar food.

New York cuisine isn't
meeting your standards?

Oh, quite the opposite,

though I am still searching
for an authentic bowl

of New England clam chowder.

[laughter]
- Well, I hope you find it.

But you're managing?

I survived
the Easter service today.

And my first wedding
is this week.

- Ah.
- So I feel I'm getting there.

May we hear
who is to be married?

Uh, Miss Bingham
and Mr. Raikes.

Do you know them,
by any chance?

- No.
- A little.

- Not really.
- Yes.

We should go.

We mustn't keep the rector
all to ourselves.

Happy Easter.
both: Happy Easter.

[exhales]

Agnes, slow down.

We're not in a race.

Speak for yourself.

I couldn't get away
fast enough.

Mama, I think
I'll say goodbye here.

I need a cab.

But you'll be back
for dinner?

I will.

[light quirky music]

♪ ♪

- I hope you'll come.
- I mean to.

Are you going
to Mrs. Rutherford's ball?

I'm quite surprised
I've been invited.

With three bachelor sons?

Mother says she'll have
every heiress in New York

on the dance floor.

I've been meaning
to ask you about your hat.

Isn't it lovely?

How did you enjoy
the service?

I thought it was perfect.

[indistinct chatter]

Yes, I do too.

[laughter]

[somber music]

♪ ♪

It's been six months.

I should have written sooner,

as soon as I heard
you were looking for me,

but by then, they were gone,
and I wasn't thinking straight.

It's good of you to come today.

We wanted to,
to learn about him.

"A loved
and loving little boy."

And so he was.

I wish I'd known him.

You're coming home with me,

so I can show you his room
and his toys.

And maybe you'll feel
that you do know him a little.

I hope so.

Mother.

Were we right
to bring her here?

She deserves the full story
of his short and dear life.

Dorothy, please.

You can't blame me
for scarlet fever.

I can blame you
that we weren't here

before the fever struck.

If you had contacted
Miss Wade sooner,

our boy might be alive today.

♪ ♪

[laughter]

[indistinct chatter]

♪ ♪

Hey.
[whistles]

Give me another.

We're celebrating!
[indistinct chatter]

It's on him.

♪ ♪

[sobbing softly]

Did he like the room?

Mm-hmm.

[tender music]

♪ ♪

Did he enjoy his life?

He was a happy child,

always laughing,
always full of fun.

We wouldn't have
stopped you seeing him.

I hope you believe that.

Don't be too nice to me.

I'd have taken him away.

I'd have fought the adoption

and I would have taken him
with me if I could.

I wish you had.

It might have saved him
if you'd gotten him

out of the city
before the fever came.

Don't say that.

Or we'll all go mad.

[laughs tearfully]

Oh.

Keep it.

I mean it.

He loved his bear.

His mother should have
his favorite toy.

His other mother.

She loved him, you know.

My Carlotta, she loved him.

And she nursed him,
and she caught the fever,

and she died with him.

Shall we go downstairs
for our Easter dinner?

I have a gift for you.

Here's a photograph,
if it wouldn't be too painful.

- Don't you want to keep it?
- [sobbing]

I have one of them
taken later with my wife,

not long before they died,
just as I remember them.

I appreciate your kindness.

So do I. I mean it.

We share a child,

a bond no one could
even try to understand.

That's why we came.

[bell ringing]

Please come to the table.

[children giggling]

Coming!

♪ ♪

Mrs. Scott.

Slowly, girl.

The food's not going anywhere.

- [breathes deeply]
- Let's join hands, everyone.

Mother, would you like
to say grace?

How was your service,
Bridget?

Or should I call it mass?

Good.
I like St. Patrick's.

The new cathedral is
a credit to the city,

I'll give you that.

How was yours?

I enjoyed it,
with all the ladies

showing off
the latest fashions.

I'm not sure what that
has to do with holy worship.

What were you saying
to Miss Weber?

- Um...
- When did you see her?

She was at church with
the other Russell servants.

[light plucky music]

♪ ♪

Don't you ever get tired
of that wretched tapestry?

You're like Penelope waiting
for Odysseus to get home.

Aunt Ada likes needlework.

I like ice cream.

That doesn't mean I eat it
24 hours a day.

Ah.
- You rang, ma'am?

Yes, we can't wait
for Mr. Oscar any longer.

I don't know
what's happened to him.

But if you can tell Mrs. Bauer,

we'll have dinner
as soon as she's ready.

Very good, ma'am.

[sighs]
[door creaks]

Oh.

I expect that's him now.

- [groaning]
- [gasps]

Oscar!

- My God!
- Oscar, what happened?

- Who has done this?
- I'm sorry.

I--I haven't changed.
I just--

[all gasp]
- Oscar!

Bannister, help me get
Mr. Oscar up to the Blue Room,

and find an old nightshirt.
- Yes, ma'am.

Marian, send John
for Dr. Lewis.

Ada, do we have
any bandages or salves?

Yes, I think
they're in the kitchen.

I'll fetch them.

Can you see?

[dramatic music]

John.

- Yes?
- Fetch Dr. Lewis.

And when you've done that,
go to Mr. Oscar's rooms

and tell his man to give you
what he'll need for tonight.

- Why? What happened?
- Mr. Oscar has been attacked.

- [gasps]
- What?

I need whatever bandages
and creams we have here.

- I know where they are.
- What do you mean attacked?

What I said.

He's been beaten
and I daresay robbed.

Here we are.

♪ ♪

How are you feeling?

Much better, thank you.

Then we must send
for the police.

No, no.
Not the police.

Why not, when you've been
set upon in the street?

I have nothing to tell them.

I didn't see his face.

It all happened so fast.

And I don't want to be
a story in the papers.

Well, I can understand that.

But you really have
no evidence?

My mind is a complete blank.

And you did nothing
to provoke him?

Why do you say such a thing?

Because I know you.

I've watched you be
reckless and rude.

Why were you
walking the streets, anyway?

Why didn't you hail a cab?
[bell ringing]

That'll be Dr. Lewis.

I'll go down.

She's just upset.

What you need is rest.

When Dr. Lewis is gone,
try to sleep.

Ring the bell if you need
something in the night.

I'll hear it.

You've missed your vocation.

[light music]

♪ ♪

[knock at door]

- How is he?
- Settled.

But you were right
about his needing sleep.

He'll feel better
in the morning.

What a business.

Yes.

But I really came in
to ask how you were feeling.

What do you mean?

When the new rector told us
about Mr. Raikes' marriage.

Oh, that.

It was a little bit
of a shock, but I'm fine.

Or I will be.
- Good.

Because you have so much
to look forward to.

I'm sure of it.

[somber music]

♪ ♪

I did love him.

I'm glad you used
the past tense.

It helps to accept that a thing
is finished and done with.

The question is, what's next?

The right man
will come along.

But I don't just want
a husband, Aunt Ada.

And anyway,
who says he'll come along?

He doesn't always.

That's true.

He never came for me.

But I was very shy
when I was your age,

with so much less to offer.

It would have taken
someone rare

to look inside my shell.

If he didn't,
it was his loss.

- Good night.
- Good night.

Sleep well.

And dream of all
the wonderful things

that are waiting to happen.

[both laugh]

[bright music]

♪ ♪

[dog barking]

♪ ♪

How did you know my size?

Mr. White was the one
who found it.

Are you familiar
with the house?

Not really.

It was built
about 30 years ago,

and I believe it was
quite social at the start.

But for the past decade,

it was owned
by a quiet old lady

from Milwaukee
who did not entertain.

So for most people here,
it's going to be

a new house on their rounds?

Indeed it will.

[chuckles]

I hope you don't think
I'm rushing things.

I do not.

You conquered New York.

Now it's time
to conquer Newport.

But I haven't
conquered New York.

What?
You go everywhere.

- Oh.
- You dine in the best houses.

You have a pew opposite
the Astors at St. Thomas.

But I haven't got
a box at the opera.

The Academy has
turned us down again.

They can be very trying.

Mrs. Astor can be
very trying.

She must have known.

Did she tell you
they were keeping us out?

Do you think
the new Metropolitan Opera

will succeed?

The members
of the Academy are

very determined it should not.

And if you jump that way,

you'll never take Mrs. Astor
with you.

My advice would be
to stick with her.

She'll get you into the Academy
in the end.

I'm not much good
at "in the end."

Besides, nothing stays
the same forever,

and I can't always be
at Mrs. Astor's beck and call.

Why not? I am.

Aren't you coming in?

♪ ♪

You see we've increased
the space in here

and changed the angle
of the light.

It's splendid.

My son is a genius.

We can use this room
for entertaining.

Come look
into the old library next.

It's worked even better
than I thought.

You have done well, Larry.

What will you do now?

I expect I'll go to New York
and look for some work.

I may have something
to suggest in that department.

There is a widow
here in Newport

who's planning some alterations
and additions to her house,

a Mrs. Richard Blane.

She's here?
Out of season? Why?

She decided to live
in Newport

after her husband's death.

Has she been alone
for many years?

He died about 18 months ago.

Seems rather soon
for her to build.

Isn't she still in mourning?

Not exactly.

But then the late Mr. Blane
was a good deal older.

You mean she's glad
to be rid of him.

Well, she's glad
to spend the money

that he guarded like a hyena.

[both laugh]

I'm very grateful,
Mr. McAllister.

You haven't met her yet,

but I think
it could be managed.

And you'd be in town
all summer.

Mr. Russell.

I'm just going up
to check the bedrooms

before you see them.

Tell me more
about Mrs. Blane.

If you insist.

She was penniless
and in a tricky situation

when she met Mr. Blane.

I do not believe she thought
he'd survive for 20 years.

Well, why didn't she go
back to New York?

Newport allows her
more... freedom.

Hmm.

Oh.

Are you hungry?

Dinner won't be long.

Have you been crying again?

Thinking about your father.

We can't keep
torturing ourselves.

I was thinking about
the first time I ever met him.

He saved my life.

Did I ever tell you that?

No.

I was walking home
from church,

and two men started
following me, taunting me.

- White men?
- Yes.

And I rounded a corner hoping
to find somewhere to hide,

and I practically ran
right into your father's arms.

- Thank heavens.
- Mm-hmm.

When the two men caught up
with me,

Arthur stared them down.

He didn't have to say a word,
and they ran off.

[somber music]

Your father later told me
that he--

he saw what they were doing
and wanted to make sure

that I got home unscathed.

I never knew that.

♪ ♪

I always felt so safe
with Arthur.

♪ ♪

Sleep in a man's arms
for years,

and you think you know him, but...

There you are.

[clears throat]

♪ ♪

Dinner must be ready now.

How did you hear
about my contretemps?

Aurora Fane told me.

Does your presence here mean
we're friends again?

Oscar, you and I have
known each other

far too long and much too well
not to be friends.

If that is the case,
I'm delighted.

Good.

Now, will you tell me
what really happened?

Nothing much.

I saw you at church
that morning, by the way,

with someone tall
and dark and handsome.

Tell me.

I met a guy in a bar,
and he said

he had somewhere we could go.

And so he took you
into a dark alley,

and he beat you to a pulp,

and he stole your wallet
and your watch?

He didn't take my watch.

I don't know why not.

How long will this go on?

You can't keep
putting yourself in danger.

I'm starting to think
you may have a point.

Meaning?

I wonder if it isn't time
I began

to live a more grown-up life.

Don't tell me
this heralds the arrival

of Oscar van Rhijn, family man
and pillar of society.

His entrance is
rather overdue.

You do know
you would be asking

a very great deal of yourself.

No more than thousands
of other men

have asked before me.

No more than you will
ask of yourself one day.

Not me.

I have no desire to lock
who I am in a box

and throw away the key.

I don't think I could anyway.

And what will your life be?

Friendship, companionship,

perhaps something more
if I can learn to live

with a little discretion.

Still a life of lies.

But I won't be
lying to myself.

It's different for you.
You've got brothers.

I am the torchbearer
of the House of Van Rhijn.

Don't hate me.

I will never hate you.

[footsteps approaching]

Mrs. Bauer thought you might
both like some coffee, sir.

Oh, please thank her.

[light tense music]

♪ ♪

We'll manage for ourselves.

♪ ♪

Did she see anything?

There wasn't a lot to see.

♪ ♪

Would you like anything else?

Just coffee, thank you.

It's good of you
to make time for me.

Not at all.

But I assume
you've come here on a mission.

And you're right.

I hope it wasn't
indiscreet of him,

but our friend, Mr. McAllister,
seems to think

that you're unhappy
that the Academy has

failed to find a box for you.

When one became available.

But there are people on that
list who have waited forever.

Your day will come, my dear.

And the Academy of Music
has served

New York society for 30 years.

Have they not
earned our loyalty?

Yours maybe, but not mine.

Not when they won't let me in.

Why didn't they see this coming
and build more boxes

when there was still time?

The Academy has been shortsighted.

I'm told there are 120 boxes

in the new
Metropolitan Opera House.

They can't want it
to be exclusive.

They'll fill them, though,

with so many new people
in the city now.

Mrs. Russell, you must know
how very proud I am

of your success in New York.

- That's generous.
- I mean it.

You worked to be accepted.

And I do hope
that I was a help.

You wouldn't want
to throw that all away

and find yourself back where
you started, out on your ear.

I suppose I'd like to go
where I'm valued,

where people are friendly.

Well, the audience
at the new opera house

will be easy to meet.

But you'll find that they
are hard to get rid of.

Hmm.

Why don't I give a dinner
of opera enthusiasts

so we can discuss
the whole subject.

Would you come?

May I see a list
of the guests?

When I have one.

But give me a date
that works first.

I need you there
to be my guide.

I shall take it
very seriously.

I wouldn't like
to see you pay the price

for backing the losing side.

Well, you're right about
one thing, Mrs. Astor.

I certainly intend to find
myself on the winning side.

[laughs]

Hiding his picture away
won't get rid of the pain.

Of course not.

But do you want
a daily reminder?

Arthur, we had a grandchild!

His photograph belongs
with the pictures of--

of your parents and mine
and all the rest of them.

They're dead,
but they're still our family.

All right.
You want me to say it?

I was wrong.

I thought I was right,
but I was wrong.

We should have kept the boy.

There.

Are you satisfied?

How can I be satisfied?

My grandson is dead.

Oh.

Uh, we saved you some dinner.

I'm not hungry.

He looks so much like you
at that age.

[crying]

Shall we keep it in here?

[somber music]

I don't think so.

I'll have it in my room.

♪ ♪

She doesn't want it
on display, Dorothy.

She doesn't, or you don't?

I lie awake at night

thinking about how I should
have done things differently.

I'm sorry.

That's all I can say.

Well, you just have
to keep saying it

until Peggy can find it
in her heart to forgive you.

Or I do.

But don't you see?

Even if you are sorry--

and I do believe that you are--

it doesn't change anything.

So you'll hate me
all your life?

I don't hate you.

Look, we need a rest
from each other.

We have been trapped in this
trio of regret for too long.

Now I'm going to bed.

♪ ♪

[whistles]

[bright music]

How I wish you would stay.

It feels much too soon.

I do worry so.

You won't go back
to the bank today.

I said
I'll be there next week.

Marian, look after him.

I will.

♪ ♪

How are you, really?

I'm making progress,
as they say.

It could have been
so much worse.

Indeed.

I could have been killed,
and then what would have been

the point
of my having lived at all?

Oh, don't say that.

Oh, look, a luncheon party.

No doubt to which
I am not invited.

Don't tell me you're still
pining for Gladys Russell.

I suppose she's now
the cynosure of all eyes.

Of course.
She's pretty. She's rich.

She's out in society.
And this is New York.

But are you still a contender?

Haven't you given up?

I should, really.

She never answers my letters.

And if we do meet,
it's very stilted.

I'm sure Mrs. Russell has
told her not to speak to me.

Well, if you're
really in love with her,

you must give it another try.

But this time,
make a proper plan.

You fill me with resolve.

So have you told your aunts
your secret yet?

No, but I will.

When?

When I can't keep it secret
any longer.

[both laugh]

But what about you?

[sighs]

I just don't know
how much longer

I can stay with my parents.

What's the remedy?

Is there any chance I could
come back to 61st Street?

If Mrs. Van Rhijn hasn't
found a replacement.

I assure you, she has not.

Then can you ask her
if she'd meet with me?

Aunt Agnes would welcome you
back with open arms,

and so would I.

Not everyone in that house
is so hospitable.

I think Aunt Agnes regrets
keeping Armstrong

when she let you go.

If you think you can
handle her, please come back.

I'd like to,
Miss Armstrong notwithstanding.

I'll speak to Aunt Agnes
and write to you.

Thank you.

But why do you need my help?

You know Gladys Russell.

Why can't you arrange
to meet her yourself?

Because her mother
doesn't want me as a suitor.

Mrs. Russell doesn't like
any man she hasn't chosen.

But I don't see
what I can do about it.

Now, would you like
some more coffee,

or can I fetch you a sandwich?

I'll do it.

I'm glad to see
you're better.

Was it very terrible?

It certainly made me think.

What was I doing,
wandering around New York

when I should have been
at home, dining with my family?

Heavens.

You mean you'd like
to settle down?

I suppose I do.

Which brings us
back to Miss Russell.

Please help me.

I've helped you before,
and nothing came of it.

This time I know what to do.

I just need a few minutes
alone with her.

Ask us both to luncheon.

No.

That would be too obvious.

But I've been meaning to mark

Cousin Dashiell's return
to New York.

You can come to that.

What reason can you have

for asking Gladys
but not her mother?

Leave it with me.

I have an idea.

Mrs. Fane is throwing
a party for her cousin.

What's wrong with that?
- It's on the day of my dinner.

How could she do such a thing?

Perhaps Mr. Montgomery
couldn't manage another date.

It starts at half past 3:00.

We'll be home before 6:00 with
plenty of time to get ready.

I can't come.

I won't be able to leave
the house that day.

Then Gladys can go
with Miss Brook.

She'll have been invited.

But will Miss Brook
protect her

from men I don't approve of?

Honestly, Mother,
you say I'm not to speak

to men you don't approve of,

but you don't approve
of anyone.

She must be allowed
to go out.

You can't keep her
in a bandbox.

[sighs] Oh, very well.

I give in.

Thank you.

Do I have to be
at the dinner?

Only I have some troublesome
business in Pittsburgh

I'm dealing with.

I need you there.

I wish I could understand
the whole thing.

You don't even like opera.

Not so I've ever noticed.
- [scoffs]

George,
the opera is where society

puts itself on display.

Not just in New York,
but all over Europe.

And the leaders take boxes
where they meet each other

and their children
court each other,

and that is how
the wheels of society turn.

The Academy tried to stop
the Metropolitan

from being built.

And they thought they could,

but it'll be open
by the end of October.

If you decide
to back the Met,

you know you'll be
taking on Mrs. Astor.

And?

Of course I love
that you're not afraid of her.

I'm glad to be her friend,
George, but not her lackey.

[light piano music]

♪ ♪

Aurora has written.

She's giving a tea
for Cousin Dashiell.

Weren't we going
to manage that?

Aurora can do it.
She's his cousin.

We'll all go,
and Marian can meet

some more
suitable young people.

Although I'm never sure that
your definition of suitable

is quite the same as mine.

If it isn't, it should be.

I hope you're not still pining
after that tedious Mr. Raikes.

Oh, Agnes.

There's no need
to bring that up.

Not really, Aunt Agnes.

They were bound to marry
at some stage.

All I hope is that next time,
you will listen to us

and not assume we know nothing.

I shall be more sensible,
if there is a next time.

That's all we ask,
isn't it, Ada?

Some respect for our advice.

All I want is
for Marian to be happy.

[light music]

♪ ♪

I need you to confirm this is
the final list for ordering.

Give it to me.

How's it coming on?

Will we be ready in time?

I think so,
but planning is the key.

I do have a favor to ask.

As you know, Mrs. Russell hopes
to put on quite a show,

so we're borrowing some footmen
from various households--

And you want me
to swell their number.

Not exactly.

I don't mind.
It's part of my job.

No, I need you
more as an underbutler

to take care of the wines.

We'll go through them together,
of course,

but if you could see
to their opening,

decanting, icing, and serving
throughout the evening--

I'm flattered.

But do you really think
that she'll side

with the new Metropolitan?

It's beginning
to look like it.

Won't Mrs. Astor
kick up a stink?

Mrs. Russell
doesn't lack courage.

♪ ♪

Come with us!

- Papa?
- Go on.

[children giggling]

Dashiell,
how very good to see you.

Except you should have
called on us

the moment you got to New York.

Indeed I should have done,
Aunt Agnes.

I hope you can forgive me.

Oh, of course we can.

Mwah. You know Oscar.

Oscar, good heavens.

We're both rather older
than when we last met.

Don't remind me.

And this is our niece,
Marian Brook,

who lives with us now.

Does that make us cousins?

Almost, but not quite.

Where is Frances?
Is she here?

She is, but she found
a group of young,

and so she escaped me.

[laughter]

Cousin Dashiell, welcome.

Come. Shall we have our tea?

Dashiell, good to see you.

Oscar, why don't you
show Miss Russell

Charles' new library?

Ah, my pride and joy.

Shall we?

If you wish.

I'm so pleased
you're well again.

I'm not quite dancing yet,
but when I do,

I hope you'll be my partner.

Oh.

Is your mother here?

No.
Or I wouldn't dare talk to you.

Then I'm glad she's not.

Well, at least I know now why
you never answered my letters.

Mother wouldn't see
that keeping them from me

was wrong.

I suppose she thinks
I don't have enough to offer.

Which is why I asked Aurora
to give this party,

so I could make
the offer myself.

What?

I know there are
men out there

who are younger and richer
than I am,

but we would live well.

You could choose
your own friends,

run your own house,
manage your own life.

Isn't that what you want?
- Very much so.

And I'm not a bully.

I'd never force you
to echo my opinions

and parrot all my views.

Of course not.

Most men would.

That's true, I suppose.

I am happy to be henpecked,

as long as you're doing
the pecking.

We'd have fun, Gladys.

I know we would.
I want us to be happy.

[soft music]

Very happy.
And I believe we could be.

♪ ♪

- I--
- Don't answer now.

Just--just know that I love
and admire you

more than I can say,

more than I've ever felt
for any other woman.

But you don't know me,
not really.

I know you to be intelligent
and fine

and independent
when you're allowed to be

and witty.

You have every quality
that I admire, truly.

Shouldn't you be saying
these things to my father?

I'll write to him.

Oscar, Gladys.

Oh.

You mustn't miss the tea.

Of course not.

Gould, how are things going
with the Knights of Labor?

Better for me than for them.

I should expect nothing less.

Their demands are outlandish.

Their leader Powderly
says he wants

all workers
to be in partnership

with their employers.

He can want
what he likes, Mr. Gould,

but he won't get it.

Have you sustained any damage?

Have you?

This isn't a competition, gentlemen.

Mr. Gould is not
cornering the gold market.

Mr. Russell is not
bankrupting a railroad.

For once,
we're on the same side.

He's right.

Let us enjoy the sensation.

They tried to target
my freight traffic

and shut some down.

- But you didn't give in.
- We can't give in!

The list of what they want will
grow with every concession.

Houses, medical care,
less work, more pay.

They want an eight-hour
workday, for God's sake.

And safety measures that make

a child's nursery
look dangerous.

The point is,
we can't back down,

or we'll lose control
of everything

we've spent our lives building.

For once,
we must stand together

and introduce change
when we decide, not them.

They're a rabble,
so treat them like a rabble.

If it comes to it, I'll hire
half the working class

to kill the other half!

[tense music]

- Thank you.
- Goodbye, Aurora.

And thank you both.

This has been lovely.

Everything was so charming.

Oh, our pleasure.
We're so glad you could come.

Aunt Agnes, could I hold you
back for one more minute?

I have found Frances,
and she wants to say hello.

How nice to see you, my dear.

Aunt Agnes, Aunt Ada,
how are you?

You've a good memory.
That's clear.

Miss Brook,
what are you doing here?

How do you know Miss Brook?

Well, she's my teacher
at St. Mary's.

What?

I teach watercolors
at St. Mary's.

[quirky music]

On Thursdays.

- The day is immaterial.
- [laughs]

Did you know you were
teaching Dashiell's daughter?

How could she?
We've only just met.

Yes.

We should go.

But it's good to see you all.

Come and call on us.

So you and Mrs. Bauer would
have been on opposite sides

of the war of 1866?

Yes, I'm from Hanover,
which fought with Austria.

And Miss Weber is from Berlin,
the capital of Prussia.

Why can't Europe
be like America?

Because Europe is
nothing like America.

I hope you don't mind
my saying so,

but you seem very young to be
a lady's maid to Mrs. Russell.

I'm standing in
until she finds a new one.

I'm Miss Gladys' maid.

Now she's out
and enjoying the season,

you must be dressing her
in glamorous ball gowns

every night.

Mrs. Russell keeps
her daughter on a tight rein.

I suppose she's afraid
of fortune hunters.

Of which there are
plenty in New York.

Naming no names.

[bell ringing]

They're back.

I better go.

Thank you for my coffee,
Mrs. Bauer.

Bye.

I hope we meet again.

I'd like that.

St. Mary's is an old school
and very well respected.

I don't care if it's where

George Washington learned
to read.

I teach nice young ladies
to paint.

What could be more respectable?

If you thought so, then why
did you keep it a secret?

Because I knew
you'd be angry.

Ada, why didn't you stop her?

Me? What could I have done?

When did you find out
about it?

This afternoon, like you.

So your contempt for us both
was at least consistent.

I don't have contempt
for anyone.

And it doesn't seem
to bother Cousin Dashiell

that I teach at his
daughter's school, or Aurora.

They feel sorry for you.
That's all.

[dramatic music]

You're wrong.

Not everyone is as cruel
and mean-spirited as you.

- Oh?
- Marian!

Is it cruel to mind it
when you stamp on our name

and drag it in the mud?

Now, get out of my way!

♪ ♪

I suppose
you have to drop it now.

No, I won't.

I've given my word
to the headmistress,

and I'm not going to break it.

Then things may
be uncomfortable.

So what?

I won't be put in a cage!

♪ ♪

Is everything all right,
Miss Ada?

Yes, Bannister.

Only I heard shouting,
which is unusual in this house.

It--it was unusual, yes.

But every now and then,
I wonder if it isn't good

to shout a little
and let off steam.

[light music]

You sent for me, ma'am?

I should be changing,
but I need you

to tell me that everything's
taken care of.

Everything is
taken care of, ma'am.

We did a dry run the night that
you dined with Mrs. Cushing.

And the deliveries?
The extra footmen?

They've all arrived?

Madam, please go up
and change

and leave this to me.

I am such a fool
to have agreed to a soufflé.

We'll have to keep making
new batches

at ten-minute intervals,
then only serve them

as they're wanted
and throw the rest away.

Mr. Watson, are you ready?

I think so.

I may have decanted
too much of the claret,

but better too much
than too little.

Mr. Church,
I'm doing a final check.

How nice you look.

I'd say that I fear

it may harm you to be seen
in that company,

but I know
you will only think me cruel

and mean-spirited.

Marian didn't mean
what she said.

Really?

I spoke too harshly.

I admit that.

Agnes is sorry too.
Aren't you?

Bannister will escort you
across the street.

♪ ♪

[bell ringing]

Miss Marian Brook.

Isn't she lovely?

Aurora, hello.

Mr. Montgomery.
- Miss Brook.

You never said
you were coming to this.

He didn't know.

But Charles was summoned
to Washington

for a last-minute meeting tomorrow.

I asked Dashiell
to take his place.

I must say,
the Van Rhijn connection

makes you all
into quite a club.

Of which you are a member.

By marriage, not by blood.

Well, there's nothing
wrong with that.

- Good evening, Miss Brook.
- Mrs. Russell.

Gladys enjoyed
her tea with you.

I'm sorry you couldn't come,

but of course
I quite understand.

Well, I've met
your cousin now anyway.

Thank you
for letting me bring him.

Nonsense.

He saved me
from finding another man

at the last moment.
[laughter]

Charles was wretched.

He says you have the best
French chef in New York.

Oh, that's funnier
than you know.

Is this dinner in aid
of the new opera house?

Why do you say that?

I thought it was
for opera lovers in general,

but I see Mr. Gilbert's here.

And isn't he in charge
of preaching

the gospel of the Met?

I suppose that's true.

You do know I won't go
against Mrs. Astor.

I know you think you won't,
but don't worry.

We shan't fall out.

Mr. and Mrs. Robert McNeil.

Mr. Russell, good evening.

Mr. McNeil. Mrs. McNeil.
How good of you to come.

My daughter, Gladys.

- How do you do?
- How do you do?

- Gladys.
- Oh, please excuse me.

I gather
Mr. Gilbert's presence means

the dinner is to support
the Metropolitan?

If so, count us in.

Has he written
to your father yet?

It was only this afternoon.

What will you say
when he does?

[sighs]
That depends.

I want to get away
from my mother, of course.

But do you really want
to be Mrs. Oscar van Rhijn?

[both laugh]

You do know that Mrs. Astor
would like the Metropolitan

blown up from its foundations?

Don't worry.
I have a plan.

And this evening,
I simply want her to understand

the competition
the Academy will face.

Here she is.

Mrs. Astor,
thank you for coming.

I'm delighted to see you.

You have guests
I wasn't expecting.

You never said
you'd invited the McNeils.

I'm afraid that they have spent

a long time
on our waiting list,

much longer than you.

Several guests here have
spent time on your list.

Have you combed the city
for the disenchanted rich

who couldn't get a box
at the Academy?

Oh, Mrs. Astor.

The Academy Board may think
they can keep out

the new people with impunity,
but you're clever enough

to know they're wrong.

While the Metropolitan would
welcome the old guard

if they want to come.

Why not take a box
in both houses

and see how it plays out?

Perhaps you do not
value loyalty.

I am different.

I should scold you, Mrs. Fish,

but I know that you're just
playing with matches,

as you like to do.

Ah, may I present
Mr. Gilbert?

Or do you know him?

I know of him.

He is in charge of grubbing up
the cash for the new house.

[laughs]

Not flattering, but true.

I was hoping your presence here
was a sign

you were open to argument.

I am open
to fetching my coat.

Where's Carrie?
- Oh.

Please don't.

We can't have a falling out
and be a story

in the morning papers.

If I stay,
it will be under duress

and only to avoid a scandal.

I shall be very grateful.

Oh, look. We're going in.

Mrs. Astor.

I must not delay
our no doubt excellent dinner.

But as a parting treat,
let me announce

the singers we can
look forward to hearing

in our first season.

Sofia Scalchi,
Marcella Sembrich,

Giuseppe Del Puente,
Andrea Romano,

Italo Campanini,
Roberto Stagno,

and of course,
the great Christina Nilsson...

[crowd gasping]
Who will perform

on the opening night.

If any of you can sleep
after hearing those names,

then I hope you dream of music.

[muttering and laughter]

But Nilsson always performs
at the Academy.

The Academy is her home
in New York.

She can't be singing.
- Well, she is.

And surely even if they sell
every seat in the house,

they won't have enough money
for that cast.

They won't expect
to run at a profit

for the first few years.

I don't understand.

What does that mean?

I'd guess it means they have

plenty of money
at their disposal.

But they can't plan
to run at a loss.

That isn't fair.

Well, the audience
will have the chance

to hear every major singer
in the world.

Isn't that fair?

[gate creaks]

What are you doing?

Just thinking.

About Miss Weber?

What are you talking about?

You like her.

Are you making plans?

No.

But I won't be a footman
all my life.

And what would you like
to do?

I'm interested
in a lot of things,

but I'm not sure how to turn
any of them into a living.

Perhaps Miss Weber
could help.

Eh.

I'm going inside. It's cold.

♪ ♪

So you feel
the Academy is finished?

It seems to me the Academy
wants it every which way.

They refuse
to build more boxes,

and they won't spend the money
to secure the best singers.

But they don't want
anyone else to do so either.

[gasps]

Mrs. McNeil,
are you all right?

Flora? What is it?

Nothing.

That is, I must have bitten
my tongue or something.

Or something?

I bit my tongue.

Hmm.

[quirky music]

Mrs. Brown, what do you think

of our choice of cast
for the season?

Tremendous.

Yes, Mrs. McNeil is also
an admirer,

aren't you, my dear?

Aren't I what?

An admirer of Roberto Stagno.

What?

The tenor? You admire him.

Hmm?

I suppose I do, yes.

I hope it is not
a disappointment

that we won't leave
the gentlemen to their port.

Instead, would you like
to join me in the hall?

[indistinct chatter]

[tense music]

♪ ♪

Who was that?
Why were you looking at him?

That man is my father.

Did you know
he was a servant?

My mother said he had
come down in the world,

but I wasn't sure
her account was honest.

How did you recognize him
after all this time?

He used to come to the house
and watch me

from across the street.

When at last I asked why,
he told me.

What can we do?

Except hope it doesn't get out,
I suppose.

Oh, I think we can do
more than that.

♪ ♪

[indistinct chatter]

[guests gasping]
- Oh, my...

- How?
- It's extraordinary!

[laughter]

[uplifting music]

♪ ♪

When was this all done?

During dinner.
When do you think?

But that's impossible.

It's beautiful.

You know now
that the new opera house

will open in October
with a production

of Gounod's "Faust."

And as you heard,
we're lucky enough

that Miss Christina Nilsson
will sing

the part of Marguerite.

But we are perhaps even luckier
than that this evening,

because Miss Nilsson
has traveled to New York

to give you a taste
of things to come.

[crowd clamoring]

What?

I bid you welcome
to Marguerite's garden.

[applause]
- Oh!

[bright orchestra music
playing]

♪ ♪

[singing in Italian]

♪ ♪

I begin to grasp your plan.

And you seem to have won
the first battle.

I intend to win the war.
Now shh.

♪ ♪

♪ ♪

[bright tone]