Original subtitles

I went to Brighton alone.

One piece of the secret cannot stay buried.

Myself. Yes, dear Alexandra, you. You appear to be staying after all.

Francis would never disgrace this family by granting you a divorce.

Your children will never be Forsythes. Now you have him for the rest of his

life. But you'll never have all of him.

Neither of us will. Why do I fear that if I stay in this marriage, every last

piece of who I truly am will be destroyed?

wishful thinking, to will into being the thing we most

desire.

Because if we could convince ourselves that dark is light,

And perhaps we can make it so.

And wouldn't that be the best for all concerned?

So, a new era dawns.

Does it?

My father and I have been talking, and we believe the time has come to revisit

the matter of succession.

I intend to make a bid for the chair.

Oh, I see.

And obviously that will have consequences for you.

How? Well, the wife of a chairman plays a vital role.

As hostess, as mistress of his social calendar.

Forging connections, cultivating the right people. These are things which

enhance our ability to expand and prosper.

But I haven't the first idea how to... Play that role.

I think you underestimate yourself.

But in any case, you have.

Within our family, the perfect mentor.

He does know you're married.

Which is precisely why he and I can allow ourselves a little harmless banter

Isaac

come in Forgive the cloak and dagger summons. I have a piece of business that

needs to be conducted in private Away from prying eyes, of course How may I

assist I? Wish to rewrite my will

Mrs. Cole.

Mrs. Forsyte.

Frances.

Alicia, please.

I have news.

Of my husband?

No, I wouldn't presume to interpose.

No, this pertains to the Camden House project.

Ah, yes.

My husband, as you know, is treasurer of the development fund and has asked me to

alert you that, in a word, the cupboard is bare.

By which you mean... Unless further funds are raised, the project cannot be

completed. Yes.

Ellen mentioned the costs were rising.

Ah, well.

Who doesn't love a challenge?

So, how to entice potential new benefactors to delve into their pockets?

One feels inclined to go for something fun.

Something frivolous. Oh, yes. I think we'd all appreciate that.

A costume ball, perhaps.

A medieval theme, here at Fitz-Alan Terrace.

That could be arranged.

And soon?

Oh, forgive me, am I intruding? Not in the least.

You know Mrs. Soames-Forsyte? Of course. How are you?

To be truthful, in need of a little advice.

Ah, and we're in need of a little assistance.

Long day?

Endless.

Would you like to claim your reward?

You do know you shouldn't be here.

Well, of course I shouldn't. Mama would have a fit.

Then out of respect of your esteemed mother, I shall walk you downstairs, put

you into a cab and send you on your way home.

Must you be so decent and noble?

Well, I do need to keep in your mother's good books.

Oh, no, John, no, John, no, John, no.

Right, off to bed. I'll read to you shortly.

We have accounts to settle at the grocer's, the Chandler's. Children need

new books and pencils for school.

I have one commission.

Alicia Cole. But beyond that, nothing.

Lady Neville's cancelled, Lady York's cancelled.

Likewise. Sir Frederick Rose regrets that he has decided to go with another

artist for Lady Sophie's portrait.

What can we do?

Live modestly.

Leak out the rest of my savings and try and make an honest living.

How will you get your painting seen?

By swallowing my pride and using any means necessary.

You should all be aware, Irene's been primed to step up.

As in?

Take on a more active role.

Here and in our wider circle.

I've advised her to look to Frances for inspiration.

There could be no finer role model.

Very much.

Because in matters court and social, Frances reigns supreme.

A consummate hostess. Runs that house like clockwork.

No finer role model? Who does he think does all the managing and hostessing in

this house? I imagine he thinks it all happens by itself.

Oh, my dears. I'm quite sure he knows who's responsible.

I should hope so.

Mrs.

Pargeter and the servants.

Oh, Pargeter.

No, she is a marvel.

Excuse me.

Well, Carson.

Far be it from me to mock the afflicted. How are you, Sons?

Content.

Sorry to disappoint.

You haven't.

I don't make a habit of wishing people ill. Why would I?

Habit? Our fathers?

Surely we're free of that particular rivalry. I mean, it's you who stands to

inherit the earth. Perhaps when you're chairman, you'll commission a portrait.

There's a thought.

You weren't introduced at the christening.

Louisa, my cousin, Soames.

How do you do?

Charmed. And my children, Joss and Holly.

Delighted.

Children, why don't you run ahead and get yourself slices?

I'll bear in mind what you said about the portrait.

Good day to you.

I suppose you must put yourself through this torture.

For my sins.

And mine.

Van Muren, do we have any update on our Rand investment?

And a reminder that if funds are not forthcoming by the end of the month...

Then Forsythe & Co.

will have missed its chance.

Yes, yes, yes.

Abominable man.

Seems to take a perverse pleasure in issuing ultimatums. Prospects this good

he can afford to. Yes. All the more imperative that we seize the moment with

Sir Hugo at the, um, Trollops Ball.

The what?

Some ghastly charity event Francis is arranging.

Sir Hugo will be there.

It's too good a chance to miss.

Leave it with me.

So here we are, back where we started.

Thinking in darning, mending and laundering.

But we're not proud.

We can't afford to be.

We've spent almost all our savings.

John!

Forgive me, you're... certain?

That he's forfeited his right to be called my son?

Absolutely.

Have a good evening, Mr. Cole.

And you, Mr. Forsyte.

Are any of the senior Forsythes here?

We're all left for the day, I'm afraid.

May I be of assistance?

I'm trying to trace someone, a client.

Please, take a seat.

I have an address for him in Cavendish Square, but the house is boarded up, and

I wondered if you had another address, abroad perhaps. May I ask the client's

name?

Falconer.

Harry Falconer.

Let me guess.

You're going as Persephone for the costume ball?

Or Ophelia, perhaps?

Oh, I hope not. She made quite the soggy end.

Did I know you were coming?

Your husband summoned me. Ah.

To complain about the delay.

And to go over costings.

But he kept me waiting, so I came up with some fresh air.

Show me.

Violets, honeysuckle, jasmine, cornflowers, daisies, lavender,

geranium.

Forget me not.

Love lies bleeding.

The scent, it's... Intense.

Yes.

Almost. Irresistible.

There you are.

Irene, come inside and look at the plans.

I've told Bassini we'll need a bigger ballroom.

Well, I'm pea green with envy.

Everyone will be looking at you, not me.

Well, blame Soames. It was his idea to push his wife into the spotlight.

Is it? Why?

I think he's proud and wants to show her off. Like a hunting prize.

Forgive me, that was uncalled for.

So, have you decided where you'll go for your wedding, Karen? Of course she

hasn't.

Of course I have. Monsieur Worth.

In Paris.

My love, aren't we getting a little ahead of ourselves?

Robin Hill is nowhere near finished.

The wedding can't be for at least six months.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I must prepare for my own grand entrance.

So frustrating.

All this pointless waiting.

Yes, but there may be some advantages to a delay.

Such as?

More time to get to know your intended?

Make sure that your hopes in his are in alignment?

I already know that. Because after you're married, it's harder to make a

stand for what you want.

Of course, I do see that.

Well, I myself long to be Mrs. Philip Bassini, sooner not later, and to have

you as my maid of honour.

What's this?

Another cancelled commission?

I don't understand. My bankers, they're writing to close my account.

What? Why?

Due to changed circumstances, I am no longer considered a suitable client.

Changed circumstances?

Apparently, the bank has been informed that I've been disinherited.

How could your father do such a thing?

Quite easily.

To teach me a lesson.

But why couldn't he have the decency to tell me himself?

As I understand it, my task is to rob the rich, Soames, and feed the poor

myself.

Now, don't be cross.

Soames has decreed that Irene must learn to be the perfect society hostess.

Don't tell me she agreed.

She has.

Promise me you won't badger her about it.

Badger her?

Me?

And thank you.

For what?

Saving me from such a fate.

I haven't.

But you will, as soon as we're married.

We'll leave all this nonsense behind and live in perfect.

Looking insplent.

All this pomp and posturing and still no electrification.

Thought occurs.

Reminding myself how well pubbies turned out.

Perhaps it's time to extend the franchise?

A man of the world shouldn't be limited to one offshoot.

Shall we, uh, set about it?

What an enticing thought.

Dear friends, on behalf of the fundraising committee, amongst whom I

give particular thanks to Mrs. Alicia Cole.

You're most welcome.

I must thank you for the numerous pledges I've received from many of you

tonight. However, in view of the importance of our mission,

It will be remiss of me not to urge even more of you to consider surrendering

your guineas in support of our aptly named House of Hope and Kindness.

As a military man, I hope you don't expect me to surrender my own mission to

tempt you finally to Frampton Park.

As a military man, I expect you to advance.

Then consider this an ambush.

When does dear Jolyon return?

What a pity you have to rely on a casual acquaintance like my son Hugo to squire

you to the dance.

And brave of you to shoulder all this without your dear husband at your side.

Yes, indeed.

I am heroic, am I not?

Ah, my dear, consider this the start of your education.

Today, our task is to swell the coffers of our charitable family.

Oh, by what means?

Parting as many of these worthies as we can from their gold.

To that end, lord and lady sharing.

He's in tea, she likes to travel. I should start with Darjeeling and move on

to the Champs-Élysées.

Right.

Step in the right direction.

Finally.

By really making the effort. Seriously, Pa?

You sold yourself short.

That's my opinion.

She can harness her talents beyond a pretty face. She might oil the wheels of

your ascendancy.

Like attracts like.

I'd strike while the iron was hot.

So, Hugo, what a pleasant surprise.

About my second invitation in as many weeks.

I think we both know there's an element of intent.

But I'm more than willing to be in such pleasant company.

Would you excuse me?

Can we get the formalities out of the way?

I intend to donate to your cause.

That's more than generous.

Though I should warn you, I shall be calling by regularly to hear of its

progress.

Don't you have more thrilling ventures of your own to pursue?

Your in-laws are plotting to draw me in.

I might oblige them.

Though in truth, speculation holds less attraction for me these days.

Have you been a gambling man?

I was.

But ventured once too often when the stakes were high.

On something other than guineas? No, something far more precious.

Well, steady on for it, eh?

You have me squiffy as a skewled owl.

Nonsense, Monty.

You have the gut capacity of a hawk's head.

Drink up.

You're in luck, Forsyte. I am in excellent humour.

Then allow me to add to your cheer.

How familiar are you with the gold fields of which water's wrapped?

Good to see you.

I trust you've come to your senses.

Reconsidered your impulse to disinherit you?

No impulse, mater.

Dundeed.

And one I stand by entirely.

This is very generous.

Thank you most kindly.

My pleasure.

Well, who could this be?

scouring about like a dutiful hostess.

Believe it or not, I'm enjoying it.

Why would I not believe it?

You can have no idea what my life is like.

I know what I see.

You see what I choose to let you see.

But try to imagine for one moment what it might be like for a woman in my

position. No other family, no other means, a comfortable life, a devoted

husband.

The alternative?

I could suggest one.

Do not.

Why am I not surprised to see you here?

I wondered how long it would take.

No doubt you've learned of my decision. To disinherit me?

Yes. In favor of more worthy Forsythes?

Dune?

Francis? So I take it you're here to remonstrate?

Try and persuade me to reconsider?

Would you like me to?

Should I beg or weep or rage at you?

Sorry, Dad, that's not why I'm here. I came to give you these.

What's this? Papers, contracts, all my stocks and shares.

Everything I've gained from being of Forsyte.

You can keep them. I renounce them. And everything to do with this family.

Including my name.

I think you may find it rather problematic.

Doors will close to you. Doors have closed to me.

Through that of your influence and my wife's.

Life is as threadbare as you could have hoped. I hoped it would teach you a

valuable lesson. It has.

It taught me I made the right decision in choosing Louisa and my children over

you and this poisonous family.

A triumph.

Sir Hugo's agreed to invest.

Frances has raised enough to build an entire village for scarlet women.

And you, my love, you are a marvel.

The compliments I received.

You are becoming an asset beyond my wildest dreams.

To be clear, your apprenticeship with Francis, it's only until your condition

changes for the better.

After that, your sole care should be no one but yourself.

I omitted to mention, a lady came in a few evenings ago. A lady? Yes.

Seeking to trace a client.

I told her we're unable to divulge his private details, so she's written a

letter, and she wondered if we might pass it on.

Probably, yes.

What's the client's name?

Falconer. Harry Falconer.

This lady.

Did she give a name? She didn't.

But I got the impression.

Yes.

That she might be his mother.

Did she leave an address?

I believe she's staying at the Belvedere.

Why don't I take care of this?

Of course.

Joining us?

With your permission, I'd like to announce a major investment.

The Rand Frontier Mining and Gold Company.

Details of which you will find in the document now being distributed.

As majority partner in a consortium newly formed with Sir Hugo Carteret,

this is a major coup for our firm. I'll say. And one which should ensure our

prosperity for decades to come. And I, for one, shall not be complaining about

that.

Further to which word has already got out and several of our former clients

who had gone over to Vickery & Co. More full than.

Are making moves to return.

So I propose that we have a small celebration at the end of the day to

mark the occasion.

Now we've set the tongues wagging.

I'm glad to have given them something to enliven their dreary existence.

It's certainly enlivened mine.

I don't believe that for a moment.

What could your charmed life possibly lack?

Would you excuse me for a

moment?

Of course.

Um, I'll see you at home.

Having much luck?

The fact that I'm here should show you just how much luck I'm having.

Perhaps it's not my place to say. Oh, no, by all means.

London is a cauldron.

And the Beaumont love to take sides.

And many who admire your work will never buy or commission you because of the

loyalty they feel towards me.

And June.

And your father.

And none of it is at my request. I somehow doubt that. But it is the

mountain you must climb.

And under the circumstances.

You might consider a discreet return to Paris.

And we can keep up appearances?

For the sake of the family?

Quite.

Alex? Dear God, Alex.

Where did you go?

Gentlemen, if you would please sign where marked.

Thank you.

May I suggest we adjourn for a modest toast?

Ah, modest be damned.

I'm just curious.

This process I keep hearing about. Forgive me, I haven't quite absorbed the

details. All boils down to basic chemistry.

Lad in Glasgow hit upon it. Brought it to my contact in the Rand.

How exactly does it work?

The surface gold is long gone.

What remains lies deep, deep below.

So the ore is brought up, crushed, then sprayed with a solution which leaches

the gold from the ore, which is then collected.

All above ground.

At a fraction of the cost.

Ingenious. The solution?

Which leeches the gold from the ore? Cyanide.

Cyanide. Will transform all our fortunes.

Believe you me, huh?

I can't quite believe you're real.

The last time I saw you... Was the night before your father sent me away.

with the husband he'd kindly found for me. Falkner.

I remember him chafing at the stage door every night, begging you to be his

mistress. And when your father agreed to pay his debts and provide me with a

dowry... Why would Pa do that?

Your mother?

She absolutely insisted.

Dear God.

I had no idea.

But the price for my consent.

was never to see you again.

So we withdrew from public life.

And Falkner was only too delighted to be presented with a son.

My son?

He was not a credit to you.

He was defiant, loathed his father.

Left home at 16 to seek his fortune abroad.

Do you know where?

Oh, he ceased contact years ago.

And I thought I'd learnt to live with that.

And then your mother wrote.

And I felt his loss.

All over again.

But you... Also have a son.

Who has also caused me grief.

And from whom I am now estranged.

Are you not torn apart?

I will not allow it.

But... To Harry.

Yes? If I could find an address... In the company files.

I could write to him, not as his father, but as an official from the firm.

Establish a connection.

Would you?

Do that for me?

For us both.

Surely it's the least I can do.

What a lot of nonsense, having to witness more posturing from Soames and

Uncle James.

Indeed.

By the way, Sir Hugo?

Yes?

Has he invited you to Frampton Park?

We're all invited.

Well, for form's sake, surely he could hardly invite just you.

Much as he'd like to.

We enjoy each other's company.

But beyond that... Yes?

I'm a married woman.

So there it ends.

Where's your brother?

Taking a nap somewhere.

We should wait for him.

To what end?

He had no involvement in this deal. Success is down solely to Soames. His

own son's a washout. You really think he'd be rushing here to celebrate?

Gentlemen. Ladies.

Thank you for joining us in this small celebration.

I believe we stand on the cusp of a breakthrough the like of which this

company has never seen. Due entirely to the foresight, pardon the pun, of a

young man who I am proud to call my son.

Thank you, Pa. I say all this not to cast dispersions on those who came

before, including our esteemed chairman, who seems absent today.

But... To suggest that no business should stand still. Ah, hear, hear.

And that moving forward... A change of leadership could propel our company to

ever greater heights.

And with dear Irene at my side, what better helpmeet could a man ask for as

he looks ahead to embracing the role?

To helpmeets.

You do realize what your brother is up to?

Conspiring to topple me? Do I care?

You should care.

You owe it to those who went before and those who come after. To safeguard the

Forsyte legacy.

To preserve the purity of our lineage.

How much does that matter, Mater?

You tell me.

I'll give it serious thought, Mama.

And perhaps you should, too.

I think you must say something.

This is hardly the time.

Surely, if only to ask the question. I already know the answer. But you might

be mistaken.

Maybe there's a safe way to operate with... Cyanide.

It's lethal.

There is no safe way.

Well?

What did she say?

In short, we scurry back to Paris in disgrace. She pretends to the rest of

the world that we're still married, and the honor of the Forsytes is thereby

restored.

Which is all that matters.

There is another option.

You could go cap in hand to your father and beg Forsyte and Cole to take you

back. Tempting.

I could beg my wife while I'm at it, ask her for forgiveness, return home, become

a... Respected man of society.

That could work.

You'd salvage your good name, your career as a painter, and if I'm no

longer seen as the breaker of marriages... Your clients might return.

And me and the children and our lives together in this great scheme, where do

we fit?

I could hide you.

And we could meet in secret.

Instead of flaunting ourselves in the face of society.

And in time, it might deign to forgive us.

But we wouldn't forgive us for lacking the courage of our convictions.

I'm proud of our children.

So am I.

So why should we apologize?

We shouldn't.

Then we won't.

What are you doing?

I'm writing to Frances.

Saying what?

I want a divorce.

I hardly dare hope.

But if one day he did return and agree to meet... What would we tell him?

Where would we even begin?

I see it now.

What this is.

You.

Throwing yourself into the fantasy.

I really foresight the perfect wife.

You're not exhausted?

Grinning and bearing and parading about like a trophy on his arm.

All you're doing is delaying the inevitable.

I don't believe so.

You do.

You know what?

Right.

Done.

Cool.

Congratulations.

Thank you.

Nice to see you again.

Thank you.

I appreciate it.

Lovely seeing you again.

My wife.

This is Irene Enforcer.

How are you?

You must be so proud.

Yes. Yes, of course.

Let me say how delighted we are to welcome you to Frampton Park. This

distraction is just what I need. Do you intend to toy with my son's heart? Now

that is such a good question.

Frances was adamant she won't divorce you. I will find a way.

We will be married. You and he seem very thick.

I think we should put it to use.

Expedite the completion of our house.

Let's run away. We could be married in three days. Do you think that I have so

little care for your reputation?

One learns never to expect a second chance.

And now, may I at least hope to see you again? Ask me anything.

Do you still love me?