All language subtitles for [English] Life of a Mistress - Episode 2 of 18 Russian Drama Series [DownSub.com]

SHUKA Film Company

Tatiana Babenkova

Artyom Krylov

Vladislav Abashin

in a film by Dmitry Cherkasov

MANUMISSION

I cannot read, but I can sense
this is sinful.

The sin is mine, not yours, Tatiana.

- Then why do I feel so ill at ease?
- Because you're a beautiful soul.

I served a kind mistress. You're asking
me to go into the unknown.

There is no mistress. She is a serf.

The Duke signed off your destiny
to you. I'm only a witness.

No. I was born a serf, and that's
the destiny God had intended for me.

I will be your servant!

Take my braid and forget me.

Or take me and forget the braid.

I will be your loyal dog.

Let's hurry.

- Is this where you live?
- Don't be scared, Tatiana.

I'm worried you might get cold.

Am I not free to look out the window?

It's windy tonight, and you didn't even
take a change of clothes with you.

It's fine, you can close the window.

But you're right, I don't have any
clothes here.

No comb, either.

I will buy you everything.

What if they catch me?

You're a free woman now.
We'll get you a passport.

My dear Tatiana...

Still, I'm ashamed to go out
in the streets of Yamburg.

Let's go away.

We can move to St. Petersburg.
I was offered a position there.

- In St. Petersburg?
- Yes.

- We can start a new life.
- We can.

Polina...

Right now, Alexey Petrovich is
looking at you

and is saddened by your tears.

His soul is here with us.

Any word from my Tatiana?

The scoundrel's gone. Ran off.

She knows that, even if she's caught,
you won't punish her.

Let her live happy and free.

But why didn't she tell me?
Am I not her best friend?

You're her mistress.

She's somewhere all alone,
with no money and no passport...

Sergey Savelich...

I won't give up without a fight!

Good wine. It was served at
the Duke's the other day.

So what? I'm...

- I'm his relative.
- Indeed, you are.

But in your late uncle's will he
named a serf as the inheritor.

So he passed away...

What a tragedy. Oh God...

What about me?

Did he bestow anything on me,
his only nephew, the poor orphan?

"I leave everything... House... Land..."

"...to my foster daughter... Polina..."

"...to whom I granted freedom
by manumission certificate."

So Polina is... a serf?

He betrayed...

He betrayed his brother,

my heroic father, who died on the Borodino
battlefield protecting our Fatherland!

Only you and I know of this document.

You are the legitimate inheritor
unless the will states otherwise.

Would you sell the estate right away?

Well, you know... I have debts to pay.

I should think, ten percent of the sale
is a fair fee for my service.

Twenty!

Look at you, a picture of shock!

Five. I mean, seven.

Ten percent it is then.

I'll have to think...

I will give you the document
after we fulfil our mutual obligations.

- Evdokia!
- What is it?

The heir is here, and the notary.

The "heir"? Who would that be?

Sergey Savelich. He's in the
late Master's study.

Demanding champagne, and quick!

What a snake...

He'll have his champagne, but then
I'll give him the pitch fork.

"Landlord, Duke Alexey Petrovich
Golovin, died a sudden death.

He did not leave a will, and was
a childless widower. Therefore..."

- You're reading like an automaton!
- That's rude of you to say.

Excuse the interruption, Boris.
Please continue.

"Therefore, Duke Alexey's nephew, son
of his late brother Savely Petrovich Golovin,

Duke Sergey Savelich Golovin..."

- Who was not welcome here...
- Hey, hey.

"...shall inherit the estate along
with the serfs bound to it,

in accord with the law and the
most recent census."

What will become of us?

Funnily enough, Polina, you are
part of my inheritance.

Boris... Did Duke Alexey grant me
a manumission certificate as he intended?

He did not.

What was that about?

Sergey Savelich...

I can't see to any such matters now.
I'm not used to that.

Later, Polina. Go do something...
in the kitchen.

Her, in the kitchen?

Sergey Savelich, you squandered your
own estate, now you want to ruin this one?

Legal support is being provided by the
Yamburg notary office, which I represent.

I humbly await the decision
regarding my fate.

Is your mistress home?

I wish I knew who my mistress is.

Polina Petrovna is in the house...

- How dare you talk like that?
- Slip of the tongue. I apologize.

- What's going on here?
- Sergey Savelich is staking his claim.

- Go announce my visit.
- Will do.

Polina Petrovna, I know now is
not the right time for a visit...

Thank you for coming to see me.

Forgive me if I'm being tactless
and dismissive of social etiquette...

...but I couldn't wait.

Whom should I ask for your
hand in marriage?

Think again, Nikita Matveevich.
I have no dowry.

So what?

I'm sure Sergey Savelich will let you
keep the dress you wore at the dance.

It suits you beautifully.

The dress, maybe. I'm not so sure
about the shoes.

The shoes?

Who needs them? I shall demand
your hand from Sergey Savelich.

First, Nikita Matveevich, ask him
for a manumission.

A manumission?

I'm a serf.

Polina Petrovna, I cannot marry a serf.

I understand. But the Duke could
grant me freedom.

Still, it's not possible.

Please forgive me.

Oh, I would love to live in such luxury,
at least for a little while!

I advise you to sell the estate quickly
so as to avoid unnecessary attention.

- Fine. But how do we sell it quickly?
- We shall auction it.

The intendant will give you a report on
the estate's population, profits, and debts.

There wouldn't be any debts.
My uncle led a boring life.

After that, the intendant will give you
an estimated value of the estate,

but please be prepared to sell it at
the auction price, which is likely to be lower.

But that would mean losing money!

Don't forget that in your situation
time is money.

Fine, let it be auctioned.

And, before you sell it, here's
something you should do.

What is it?

Your late uncle's dying wish was to grant
his foster daughter a manumission.

That Polina girl?

Yes. Polina Petrovna Lebedeva.

I don't know... That would mean
giving her freedom and rights.

What if she decides to use her freedom
and rights to act against me?

Polina Petrovna didn't challenge you
or your rights as the inheritor.

She didn't?

All these years.

She, a serf, wore silks and gems,
while I, an aristocrat...

In your position you could be more
benevolent than that.

It is my right as a noble to enforce
my authority over a serf.

I suggest you start preparing for
the auction as befits a notary.

This is much too quick.

Yes, I see that papers are in order.

- Don't worry, Monsieur...
- Duke.

Duke. I'm an experienced auctioneer.

But you will get less money selling
the estate together with the people.

Why sell us at all, Master?
I, for once, would serve you well.

Selling all at once is quick and easy.

I understand.

Easy, you foreign fruit.

I should give him some bird feed
to stop his chirping...

I'm fine, Doctor.

Listen, dear. In your patron's memory...
I owe him my years-long practice...

I have some savings put aside.
And I can take out a loan.

None of the neighbors seem to
come forward...

I'll buy the estate.

Would you see your patients
in Alexey Petrovich's study?

Would Luchik stay in the stables?
He's Alexey Petrovich's gift to me.

Let's hope so.

Do a godly deed and grant freedom
to your late uncle's foster daughter.

No time, esteemed Father.
The auction is about to start,

and I have plenty of other worries.

Who cares about her anyway?

I would smash your stupid head
against the wall, if God forgave me.

Go ahead, I won't resist.

This is terrible, Polina.

I count on God's help.

What does Nikita Matveevich say?
Where is he?

- Everything's changed, Vera.
- No, he won't leave you. I'm sure of that.

- He did.
- No, it can't be. He's noble.

He just couldn't be here.

Look, his father is here. See?
I'll talk to him.

Wait...

Gentlemen!

We begin the auction selling the estate
of the landlord Duke Alexey...

Sorry, Duke Sergey Savelich Golovin.

Land, rural and forested, 870 acres.
Bonded serfs, 240 persons.

A mansion, made of stone, with a tin
roof, fully furnished and decorated.

The starting bid is 20,300 rubles!

- 20,350.
- Doctor, 20,350 rubles going once!

- Any more bids, gentlemen?
- Count Dobromyslov, is our doctor a rich man?

We shall see.

20,350 rubles going twice!

20,500.

Monsieur Dobromyslov,
20,500 rubles going once!

20,500 rubles going twice...

If I were to go on bidding, would you
loan me some money?

I only have my medals, otherwise I'm poor.

A beautiful mansion with a ballroom!
A very rare opportunity, gentlemen!

Count, does Nikita Matveevich plan
to arrive soon? Polina needs his support.

Alas.

20,500 rubles...

- 20,600.
- Doctor!

I'll find the money.

Bravo! What a wonderful decision!

Any other bids?

- Doctor, it's yours.
- I hope so...

20,600 rubles going once!

Doctor, 20,600 rubles going twice!

20,600 rubles going...

30,000.

Monsieur Count Andrey Vasilievich
Krechetsky, 30,000 rubles going once!

30,000 rubles going twice!

30,000 rubles... gone! Sold!

Sold...

Where on earth have you been, child?

Luchik and I went to the river bank.
Alexey Petrovich loved it there.

The table is served. Guests have arrived
for the wake. They're in the park now.

That's good.

Momma Evdokia, do you think
God will let his soul enter Paradise?

There's no doubt about it.
Even his estate is a paradise on earth.

Polina Petrovna! You look very pale
and dramatic.

- Pardon my late arrival.
- That's quite alright, Polina Petrovna.

- We invite you inside.
- No, wait.

Alexey Petrovich loved having
tea here, even in colder weather.

Let's commemorate him, and
then I'll invite you to the table.

Allow me to ask, Polina Petrovna,
where is the Duke's nephew?

He was invited. Fedul, let's begin.

Will Nikita Matveevich not join us?

He didn't want to bother Polina Petrovna.

Right...

- Pour yourself a drink as well.
- Thank you.

I've been a doctor for a long time.

People are born and they die.
It's the way life goes.

But when people like Alexey Petrovich
pass away... life seems to stand still.

The Duke was a very generous man,
kind in words and in deeds.

May his soul rest in peace, and
may God reward his excellence.

I'll drink to that.

What? Serfs drinking with the nobles?

I asked them to join us for the wake.

Who gave you, Miss, the right
to give my serfs orders?

Put it down and go away.

Let him commemorate his former Master.
Andrey Vasilievich, join us all.

I suppose... If he puts down the glass,
Duke Golovin would go straight to hell.

Don't blaspheme here, Count.

Here, in my estate, I could have
a devil on a leash if I want to.

And now I want to do an inspection.
Gather the serfs in the back.

Well, let's have some food.

I'm sorry for waking you up,
but we had an agreement.

- Where's Shadrintsev?
- I don't know who that is.

He and I has a duel last night,
and he shot the bear.

Do you recognise me?

Give me my saber.

You owe me commission.

I recognise you now. You're the bastard
who made me commit an unlawful act.

I have the original of the will.
That's your prison sentence.

Well, I'm a bastard myself.

I won't take more than the agreed sum.

Here's the original of the will.
I recommend that you burn it immediately.

I need fire then.

Do you not have matches?

The landlady hides them so I don't
burn the house down.

I'll find them.

Don't you worry about a thing.

Goodbye then, and I hope to never
do business with you again.

Well, look at you lot.
Is that how you greet your Master?

Here's our butler.

Come closer.

I won't have a limping butler in my house.

This one's pretty.

- She's a house maid.
- Smile at me.

And what do we have in here?
Your old Master's baby?

I have a husband.

The Duke missed a fine opportunity.

Was he useless as a man?

- Where are your guests? Did they leave?
- Yes. You didn't make them feel welcome.

The house serfs are too lazy.
I'll bring my own. They know their place.

Master, please let us continue
doing our duties.

We know everything around here,
and will upkeep the order.

The order?

You get a dozen lashes.

Do it.

Who, me?

- Yes, you.
- Andrey Vasilievich, that's cruel.

I can't do it.

Master, I can't do it.

Who's the horsekeeper here?

That would be me.

In that case you give him a dozen lashes.

Alexey Petrovich never punished anyone!

Polina Petrovna...

You decide among yourselves,
who will give whom a lashing.

Show me who obeys their Master.

Andrey Vasilievich, Stepan is a good,
kind horsekeeper. Have pity on him!

What do you care, Miss?
Your fate should concern you more.

If you are seeking patronage
perhaps you can get it from me.

And if you're seeking something else
you should leave this house.

- Oh God.
- They'll catch and beat her...

- What?
- She turned out to be a serf.

- Don't tell him.
- He'd find out anyway.

Andrey Vasilievich, I wish to buy
Polina Petrovna out, and to free her.

So you can't do any harm to her.

So you, Polina Petrovna, are a serf?

I haven't bought anything for myself
in years, Boris dear.

But what if someone recognises me?

Your manumission certificate is official.
I have your passport here. Don't worry.

What is your desire, Miss?

- A set of table decorations?
- Yes.

I have one made of French white copper.
It's the latest trend.

Grisha, bring it here, quick!

You will like it, you'll see.

- White copper?
- Yes.

You have hands of a peasant.

Miss, wait!

- What did you say to her?
- Nothing.

You're Tatiana Kuznetsova,
one of Duke Golovin's serfs!

Do you not recognise me?

Let's go.

How interesting...

Laughing is inappropriate, Andrey Vasilievich.

Polina Petrovna Lebedeva,
bound resident of the Yamburg county...

So you really are a serf.

The old man Golovin was a kind master.
He even ordered silk slippers for you.

Was your old master kind to you?

I can't hear you.

He was kind.

- I can assume his serfs are kind as well.
- What are you on about?

- We've always respected him.
- We'll see.

Do you miss your old master?

We do.

Miss working in his house?

Go and take what's his.

They won't.

You have ten minutes.
Go before I change my mind.

Have some shame! He used to
forgive you the tributes!

The times have changed now.

And, the new Master said we can.

Fedul, no.

I told you to take what's Golovin's.

These are his things, Master.

On this land, in this house, everything
belongs to me - to Count Krechetsky.

Give them all a lashing.

I'm bringing my family and servants
here tomorrow.

Make sure the house is clean and tidy.

Hey there, Snowflake.

Egor, after you take the hay inside,
bring some fresh water.

Will do.

Where should I take my things?

They're humans too.

They should let you keep your room.

We're just tidying up.

In Russia, when you buy land, you
lose money, not add to your fortune.

I made my father's estate profitable,
and I'll do the same here.

Did Golovin have a groundskeeper?

Yes, but he is useless. This land needs
Efim's firm hand. Did you see the fields?

The Duke hardly used half of his land
to make profit.

Write to your brother and tell him
we've moved.

Is Uncle coming to visit?

- Yes, he is.
- How wonderful!

A big house is expensive to upkeep.
It's a folly.

Anna...

Stepan, let me help you.

They told me you're moving things in here...

Your back must really hurt...

- I'm fine.
- But... You know...

- Fedul, I'm not angry at you.
- You know I did it against my will.

- I didn't take anything.
- I know.

You don't have to tell me that.

Somebody stole the clock
on the day of the auction.

He liked it.

What will happen to the house?

The house? What about us?

I'll go now. I have to wash the tableware.

Mother dear, isn't this house splendid?

Welcome to your new estate, Mistress.

Young Master.

Yes, meine liebe, it's a folly.

Mistress, allow me to show you the
room Andrey Vasilievich chose for you.

How do you like it, old man?

It's a palace, Andrey Vasilievich.
A palace.

What do you say?

It'll be a pleasure to serve you
in this grand house, Master.

And it's got a big kitchen.

Thank you, Master.

That's what I like to hear.
Show Golovin's serfs a good example.

Will do, Master.

Hey Duke? Golovin?

- Where is he?
- Wake up, you devil.

Hi, Shadrinsky. Hi, Zimin.

Hi, Duke.

Yesterday you didn't make your shot.

- That's true, but...
- Where's my pistol?

Gentlemen, I urge you once again
to make peace.

I'm for peace.

No, a duel it is. Unless you have
40,000 to loan me.

Everyone who played yesterday
will be present at tonight's game.

Your choice.

Oh, blimey!

We'll make it all back! I can feel
fortune is on our side tonight!

A will? "I leave everything, including
my land and..."

Gentlemen, I'm coming with you
but I won't be playing.

I took my invitation from the office.

- We're going.
- We're going.

Boris dear, we forgot to pack the icon.

It belongs to the landlady. It was here
when I moved in.

I stayed in this room for nine days,
afraid to be seen.

It helped me keep my spirits up.
I'll take it.

Is this my old dress? My serf dress!
I asked you to burn it!

I couldn't.

- And you hid it from me, too!
- Don't let your past haunt you.

We're leaving it behind.

Forever.

You're right.