Original subtitles

I consider Adam my brother.

He is so hostile towards you.

Adam is hostile toward everyone.

Don't you even want to see her try?

I've seen enough people quit in my lifetime

without witnessing the same thing again.

I think she'll surprise you.

I am attempting to find my place here

and claim a degree of equanimity with my new husband.

I am for Hawick in the morning.

Is something the matter with Harry?

He's taken exceedingly ill

at an inn between here and Hawick.

What are you intending to do?

Go retrieve him, of course.

Why did you not allow a physician to be summoned?

This gentleman is clearly ill.

I ain't running a charity, guv.

Here's hoping we can do business again in the future.

We will.

He is so confusing.

All part of his charm, Persephone.

What in the blazes is wrong with me?

This has arrived for you as well.

Persephone?

Evander is dead.

Harry was as impertinent as ever

when I saw him an hour or so ago.

Take that as an indication that he is recovering.

I received a letter from my sister today.

Which one?

Artemis.

The youngest?

Yes.

She dislikes her governess,

but not for any legitimate reason.

She feels weighed down

by the continued state of mourning around the house.

And she has asked, again, to be able to come here to visit.

I suggested spring or summer.

Of course, nothing has actually been planned.

We'll have to go to London in the spring.

After enduring Society and the Season,

it will be good to return here where it's quiet.

Yes.

It is decidedly quiet.

How are you feeling?

Mm, much improved.

Being away from the Boar and Dagger

has contributed greatly to my welfare.

Then you'll be pleased to know

it will not be a source of misery any longer.

It is to be shuttered immediately.

- Shuttered? - Mm.

A closer look at Smith's history and practices

made closing the place absolutely necessary.

Any man who would withhold food, warmth, medical aid,

even the ability to send for help

when a person is in distress,

and has done so time and again,

ought not be running an inn.

Mm.

First you rush to the rescue,

then you vanquish the villain who tortured me.

Watch yourself, Adam.

People will begin to think you care.

Shut up, Harry.

Barton!

What is that infernal noise?

I believe that would be described

as lively conversation, Your Grace.

And who is responsible for such lively conversation?

Mrs. Pointer.

No doubt the vicar is here as well.

No doubt.

Are you feeling quite yourself today, Barton?

I assure you

I-I feel better than I have in years, Your Grace.

It sounds as though Falstone is infested with birds.

A full tea?

I believe cook was exceptionally excited

at the prospect of preparing a tea tray once more.

It's been a while, Your Grace.

How is it, Barton, that the vicar and his wife

came to be in my drawing room?

I do not recall altering the requirement

that all guests be informed that I am not at home.

The vicar was quite specific about seeing Her Grace.

When I presented the duchess with Mr. Pointer's card,

I thought she'd actually run down the stairs,

she was so pleased to have callers.

How long have the Pointers been here?

Only a few minutes, Your Grace.

Well, a few minutes is more than most get.

Thank you.

Of course.

Would you like a cup of tea, Adam?

No.

It is a pleasure to see you again, Your Grace.

I doubt that.

What, precisely, is the reason for your visit here?

Social call, of course.

Of course?

When, in the 15 years that you've served as vicar,

has Falstone Castle ever received visitors?

Not once, Your Grace.

Not once.

What has led you to believe that that has changed?

Wishful thinking?

There will be no callers at Falstone Castle.

Not today, not in the future.

Falstone Castle is not receiving, Your Grace?

Or you are not receiving?

It is the same.

Forgive me, it is not.

Thank you for your hospitality, Your Grace.

Ah.

Do come again.

Thank you for...

I will see you on Sunday.

Do not lose hope.

Happiness can be found even in dark times.

Persephone doesn't get to be happy.

That is the ending of the myth,

according to my youngest sister.

Ah, but it is the ending of the tale

according to you that matters most.

You might as well stay and finish your tea.

Cook will be offended if the tray is sent back untouched.

Do sit, dear, and do try the lemon cake.

Thank you.

Pardon.

Are you sure you wouldn't care for some tea?

I didn't know I was supposed to turn them away.

They might as well finish their tea.

I thought no one wanted to meet me.

I doubt anyone in the neighborhood

even made the attempt.

So I could go visit the neighbors.

No.

No, they may attempt to return the favor.

- But I- - I will not have

Falstone Castle overrun with people.

Of course not.

Thank you for allowing the Pointers to remain.

I have been enjoying their visit.

You, of course, will owe Mrs. Pointer a visit.

I understand she entertains half the county

on a regular basis.

I could meet the neighbors that way, then?

If you want to.

Who else was at the vicarage?

Mrs. Milston and her daughter,

Lady Hettersham, Miss Greenburrough.

Mm, what did you think of our resident spinster?

She was very quiet,

so I was not able to form much of an opinion of her.

Persephone.

It's for me?

You should read it.

"Your Grace, Lord Barham, First Lord of the Admiralty,

has relayed to me your inquiries

regarding two midshipmen aboard the HMS Triumphant.

Evander Lancaster, as you have been informed,

succumbed to injuries sustained at Trafalgar and,

as with most lost at that time,

has been buried in a cemetery on Gibraltar

alongside his fallen shipmates."

Go on, Persephone.

It's not bad news.

"Midshipman Linus Lancaster

sustained only minor wounds in that battle

and remains aboard the Triumphant.

He will, as requested, be granted shore leave

when we return to home port."

The other missive is from Linus.

Linus has written to me?

Mm-hmm.

I don't know how you managed this, Adam.

You needed answers.

I simply ensured you receive them.

This is by far the kindest thing

any person has ever done for me.

Adam, thank you so, so much.

You do that very well.

I just kissed Persephone.

Mm, I noticed.

And, um,

I think Persephone noticed as well.

Which is a good thing, really.

If she hadn't even realized you were kissing her,

one would begin to wonder about your technique.

Oh, shu-

I know, "Shut up, Harry."

They're getting louder.

Thank you for my letter, Adam.

Linus sounds happy.

He didn't mention Evander, which worries me a little.

It was always his way to avoid topics that were upsetting.

But he did promise to keep writing.

You don't like it when I thank you

for the things that you do,

but I really am grateful.

If only you could do something about the wolves.

Persephone?

Persephone.

W-What happened?

You were thrown from your horse.

Are you hurt? Can you sit up?

Uh, I don't know.

Let me help you.

Careful.

Does anything hurt?

You asked me that already.

A person can be killed being thrown from a horse.

Until I'm certain you are not hurt,

I'm going to keep asking you questions.

What happened?

I can't explain it, Yer Grace.

It's almost like something spooked the horse.

We are fortunate she didn't come to serious harm.

Yes, Yer Grace.

Your abigail can have a hot bath prepared.

That should help with any stiffness.

There really is no need for this much fuss.

When you're too stiff to come down for dinner,

you'll disagree.

Careful.

There you are.

That is very kind of you, Adam.

You've been thrown from a horse, Persephone.

Any decent gentleman would be concerned.

I can have the kitchen send up a tray

if you would rather not come down for dinner.

I really am feeling fine already.

I think I was more startled than anything else.

When I'm a little more sure of myself,

might I come riding with you and Harry?

Atlas can't keep pace with Zeus.

Couldn't you rein Zeus in a little?

Or let me join you at the end of your ride,

when Zeus has slowed down?

Zeus is impatient.

He might make Atlas nervous.

Couldn't I at least try?

I would rather you not take that chance.

But you would be there.

Yes, but, but that is no guarantee that...

I'm sorry.

No.

I, Adam.

Ridiculous!

It is too blasted quiet in here.

What the blazes is taking so long?

So you are awake.

Adam!

Are you stiff from your fall?

Does it hurt to walk?

They are loud tonight.

How long do you plan to sit at that window

and worry about wolves?

Until they stop.

You should've come in when they first started.

Come in?

And curled up on the bed wrapped up in that blanket.

You knew?

I...

I thought you were asleep.

Asleep?

Oh, I can't sleep.

You've ruined the room for me.

What do you mean, I've ruined it?

My bedchamber used to be quiet.

And then you started coming in

and making all those noises while you're sleeping.

I make noises?

And you move constantly.

Loud noises?

What, no.

No, like a puppy.

Little noises.

And that doesn't bother you?

I've grown used to it.

I don't want to bother you.

You won't.

The wolves don't worry me as much in your bedchamber.

Are they quieter in here?

No.

The way I've figured it,

if the pack ever actually makes it into the castle,

they'll eat you first.

Good night, Adam.

Good night, Persephone.

Adam?

Yes?

Why did you decide to get married?

At the time it seemed like a good idea.

Does it now?

Mrs. Adcock said you would.

Said I would what?

Regret marrying me.

When I visited the vicarage several days ago,

Mrs. Adcock said that most gentlemen who pay for a wife

regret the purchase in the end.

It was blatantly obvious

she was referring to our marriage settlement.

Mrs. Adcock had mentioned

her sizable dowry at least a dozen times,

so I happened to ask Lady Hettersham,

loudly enough for Mrs. Adcock to hear,

whether or not it seemed odd

that some ladies found it necessary

to offer money to a prospective bridegroom

in order to bring him up to scratch.

No gentleman would accept a horse so ill-recommended

that he had to be bribed to accept it.

I thought Mrs. Adcock's tea would come flying out her ears,

she looked so livid.

Well, you compared her to a horse?

I doubt even I could produce such a cutting retort.

Well done, Persephone.

I have not pulled caps with anyone in years.

I'm not ashamed to admit that I enjoyed it.

I felt like a regular warrior.

Perhaps before I next call at the vicarage,

I should try on one of the suits of armor for size.

I could check the armory for a jousting lance

and simply unseat my adversary

as she rides up to the vicarage.

I would be the terror of the neighborhood.

Well, if it comes to full combat, let me know.

I'm rather handy with a crossbow.

Maybe Harry could be our page,

and we could go conquer Adcock Manor.

Oh, Harry would make an abysmal page.

But he might, he might be trusted with a battle ax though.

We would make a wonderfully fearsome team.

You see, Adam, marriage to me

might not be such a terrible thing for you after all.

Steady.

Steady.

Are you wishing to ride today, Yer Grace?

- Steady. - Is Alibi still unhappy?

You said he doesn't like the cold.

Oh, it's not just the cold.

He was treated badly before.

Doesn't trust people.

Figures they treated him bad before,

they'll treat him bad again.

But no one here would ever hurt him.

Nah, it doesn't matter.

He'll not give anyone a chance to.

He'll fight you 'till holy perdition that one.

It seems like a lost cause.

Why keep trying?

Ah, there's no lost causes, Yer Grace.

Every creature needs someone who could save 'im,

if they'd only try.

There's many who're hoping you're the sort who tries.

This poor creature seems so angry.

More afraid than furious.

Been afraid for years.

Why? What happened?

Got torn apart and left behind.

Decided to bite before anyone bit first.

If nobody gets close, nobody can hurt him.

Welcome back.

Good morning to you, Persephone.

Good morning.

Good morning, Adam.

Good morning.

Are you wanting to ride?

I was thinking about it.

If you do, I fear we'll be forced to postpone our siege.

You two are planning a siege?

Why do I get the feeling

my presence is not particularly appreciated just now?

I would think, Harry, that you'd feel that way often.

If you go now, you'll have plenty of time to pack.

But you'll miss me.

I never miss anyone.

Mm.

"Your name is on the lips of every member of the ton.

Some are saying that Persephone has left you already."

Thank you, Mother.

Adam?

May I talk with you for a moment?

Mrs. Smithson skipped this room when she gave me my tour.

I haven't ever been in here.

No one ever comes in this room.

I am overstepping myself?

No. No.

Who is this you're standing beside, Adam?

My father.

I thought he must be.

You look very much like him.

Do I?

You have the same eyes.

And there is something similar about your mouth

and the shape of your face.

And, of course, you both have dark hair.

I suppose there is a resemblance.

Your nose is your mother's.

I noticed that when I first saw the two of you together.

Are you like him in other ways?

My father?

Mm.

I hope so.

You wanted to speak to me about something?

Ah.

The Triumphant will make port the last week of November.

Linus will be granted three weeks' shore leave.

Isn't that wonderful?

Yes.

The Triumphant will be docking at Newcastle.

I could be there and see him

before he departs for Shropshire.

Be there? In Newcastle?

I wouldn't be gone more than a day or two.

Of course, I would want to see him off as well,

which would mean going back

when the Triumphant sets out again.

You cannot go.

Please, Adam.

It, it would only be a few days.

I, I need to see him for myself,

I need to know that he is well and whole,

to have even a moment with the only brother I have left.

This is important to me, Adam.

Things of importance to me should matter.

What if he came here?

But you don't allow visitors.

It makes more sense

than you journeying to Newcastle twice.

Linus could come to Falstone

before going to see your family.

Do you mean it?

I don't say anything I don't mean.

It wouldn't be too much of an imposition?

No.

I'd very much like to meet the boy myself.

Really?

Linus might make a great addition to our siege.

Harry would probably faint dead away

at the first battle cry.

Thank you, Adam.

Why don't you ever leave?

Good afternoon to you too.

Answer the question.

Is this a pointed interrogation

or of an intellectual discussion?

Intellectual discussion.

Why do I never leave?

Because I like Falstone.

- Why? - Free food.

I'm in earnest, I need you to be as well.

The food is nothing to disregard.

Cook is a miracle worker.

Aside from that, Falstone is familiar.

It's comfortable.

So you feel the same way about the house in London?

You spend a lot of time there as well.

And you've come with me to Kent a few times.

This is a pointed interrogation, isn't it?

Look, if you were trying to tell me

to make myself scarce now that you're married,

I completely understand.

No, it's not that at all.

Then what is it?

I want to know

why you've stayed around all these years.

We're friends, Adam.

Friends don't just jump ship.

I think your answer about the food was more honest.

Did it ever occur to you

that I sincerely consider you a friend?

My

Best friend, in fact.

Because of Harrow?

It may have started that way.

You saved my skin,

so I worshiped you for a while,

like an idol who could ward off evil spirits, I suppose.

But then ,

then you landed me a facer

for something stupid I did or said.

I remember that fight well

but not what we were scuffling over.

And we were sent down.

My parents were away, so we came here.

In those two weeks of our expulsion,

I met Adam Boyce, the Duke of Kielder.

Still scared the guts out of me.

But Adam Boyce was just a boy like me.

Why this sudden interest

in our colorful childhood?

Looks frigid out there, doesn't it?

It does.

Persephone looks cold, Adam.

You should go and keep her warm.

Keep her-

The fact that my suggestion confuses you

does not bode well,

my friend.

It didn't...

It didn't confuse me.

She is lonely in this empty castle.

Just as mother was.

Persephone.

I heard them, Adam!

The wolves, they're inside Falstone!

They are still outside the castle walls.

But they're so loud. They sound so much closer.

They are not inside the castle walls, Persephone.

Are you certain?

Absolutely.

Have tea sent up to my book room.

Yes, Your Grace.

I know I shouldn't be so afraid of them,

but the howling sends chills through me.

I will have my steward check on the pack,

so you can breathe more easily.

I had always been told

that there were no more wolves in England.

Our pack is descended

from the last of the wolves that roamed the area

and the wild dogs that called the forest home.

Are they less vicious than true wolves, then?

They are more wolf than anything else.

But they always give the castle a wide berth.

I think,

I think we should hold a ball.

A ball?

Unless you don't want to.

I assumed you wouldn't want to.

It would mean a lot of people in the castle.

Every bride should have a ball.

We are still in mourning.

I think a wedding ball would be permissible.

Do you mean...

You don't say things you don't mean.

No.

No, I don't.

Yes, Adam.

We should host a ball at Falstone.

Adam suggested it?

Adam?

As in the Adam I know?

I am as surprised as you are.

He's been doing a lot of uncharacteristic things lately.

Barton says Cook is in tears.

What did you do to her?

I didn't do anything to her.

She's informed about the upcoming ball.

She's that upset about it?

She's that pleased about it.

She's been reduced to weeping at the kitchen work table.

How has the rest of the staff reacted?

Mrs. Smithson is rushing about

as though the ball is this evening

instead of three weeks from now.

And Barton has simply begun grinning

when he thinks I'm not looking.

Three weeks from now?

But, Adam, Linus is coming in three weeks' time.

Please tell me you haven't changed your mind

about his visit.

Of course not, Persephone.

He can be here for the ball.

Why the sudden urge to entertain, Adam?

First you invite Persephone's brother.

And the ball will bring every family of consequence

in the northern half of England

to Falstone at the same time.

That is precisely the sort of thing

that makes you miserable.

I don't want you to be miserable.

I will not be miserable.

You'll simply make the rest of us miserable.

Perhaps you should put an end to the entire thing

and save us the suffering.

Shut up, Harry.

Harry is not nearly persuasive enough

to convince me to cancel Linus's visit.

There's no need to worry over that.

But there is.

You tell me to trust you, but I don't know that I can.

There is so much I don't know about you, Adam.

So much I don't understand.

And that frightens me.

I frighten you?

That isn't what I said.

It really isn't.

Shut up, Harry!

I am happy to see I'm a unifying force.

At the moment, Harry Windover,

you are a frustrating force.

Harry, now would be a perfect opportunity

for a timely exit.

Hint taken.

I have faults, Persephone, like any other man,

but I am not a liar.

I was raised by a man

who valued honesty and loyalty

and keeping one's word.

Now I've promised you

that your brother will visit you here

and that Falstone Castle will host a ball,

and no one, not Harry, not anyone else,

will browbeat me into going back on that promise to you.

On any promise to you.

I want to believe that.

And your happiness does matter.

You should believe that too.

I'm beginning to.

Afternoon.

You look a bit unwell, poor boy.

I'm fine.

I was just telling Persephone of all the wonderful balls

we used to have here at the castle.

Even the London papers

were full of every detail of the evening;

who attended, the decorations, the menu.

Falstone balls were positively legendary.

I am certain our ball will be far less elaborate.

But that's why I rushed back.

It could be extraordinary.

A few changes to the menu,

perhaps a more dramatic decorating scheme.

It is enough that there will be people here.

That should be plenty to fill the London papers

with pages of shocked commentary.

The castle's always been more pleasant

when it's been festive.

Mrs. Smithson and I have discussed the menu

and the preparations.

I am quite satisfied with what we've chosen.

Mm, satisfied and pleased are not the same thing.

You'll be desperate to leave before long

if something's not done to liven the place.

We are holding a ball, mother.

That has always been enough festiveness

for you to return to Falstone.

It sounds to me like it's hardly a ball.

I, I suppose the arrangements

could be made a little more extensive.

Oh, I sound just like father.

I assure you both,

I am satisfied and pleased with our current arrangements.

They suit my preferences.

You really must let me help with future entertainments.

We could hold ever so many, both here and in London.

You'll have far too much fun to be unhappy.

Will you please excuse me?

All of the balls you held for mother

weren't enough to keep her here,

so why the blasted blazes am I trying the same approach?

Dukes don't need people, you said.

We're better off without her.

Persephone will leave too in the end. Everyone does.

You will hurt your hand

if you keep doing that.

Go eat your dinner, Persephone.

I intend to.

On the desk will be fine.

I'm not hungry.

Perhaps not, but I am.

Thank you.

Mother-

Is taking her meal with Harry.

I am eating here.

No one eats in this room.

You would rather I starve?

If you are truly on the verge of expiring,

then by all means, take some nourishment.

Blast it.

It does smell good, doesn't it?

What a shame you aren't hungry.

Is that a hint, Persephone?

A hint?

You are trying to convince me to join you.

This is for me.

If you want something,

you will have to send to the kitchen for it yourself.

You plan to eat an entire chicken?

It is not an entire chicken.

And not such a very large one, at that.

In fact, it is a very good thing

there is plenty to go with it.

Otherwise I would be in very real danger of wasting away.

You didn't expect me to eat an entire chicken, did you?

Thank you for the dinner, Persephone.

Thank you for allowing the ball.

For inviting Linus to visit.

It is nice having something to look forward to.

Would you like having more balls and entertainments?

I would, now and then.

But I miss my family more than I miss company.

They are so very far away.

It sometimes feels as though I'll never see them again.

They may very well go to London for the Season.

You could see them there.

You could see a lot of people there.

That should tide you over for a while.

I will have to get my fill then, I suppose.