Original subtitles

¶

¶

I, Olivia Winfield Foxworth,

do declare this to be my last will and testament.

Some may have an idea of who I was.

A wife. A mother.

The grandmother.

A monster.

I only ask that you withhold final judgment

until you know the true story.

And knowing the truth, judge me if you dare.

And so now at long last...

This is my story.

"A seven letter word for righting a wrong."

Correct.

No.

Revenge.

That's it.

My mother always said

the only thing that takes longer than forgiveness is revenge.

And she was right, it's now made me late.

To be continued in the evening.

¶

Yes, work.

It was unusual for a woman at the time.

[train horn blowing]

You're late.

Sorry Father.

I flagged inconsistencies between ports of entry and exit.

We should confirm our bid by tomorrow.

Oh, thank you, dear.

And could you take a look at this?

Mm-hmm.

Expansion into the Mediterranean?

It's currently a war zone.

Wars end.

And when they do, there will be opportunities.

I'll read tonight and get back to you in the morning.

Perhaps you could read this afternoon.

An associate from Virginia will be dining at the house tonight.

It's his proposition. I'd like you to join us.

Very well.

He happens to be... unattached.

Am I wanted at dinner for my professional perspective

or for another of your failed attempts at matchmaking?

If your business acumen happens to attract a suitor

it's no fault of mine.

But it never has before.

I think I'll dine in my room tonight.

Well, your loss.

One cannot lose something one has never possessed.

He's a Foxworth.

Sole heir to the Foxworth mining fortune.

The Malcolm Foxworth?

Yes.

What would he want with me?

Olivia, darling.

Father, I'm fine.

I'm happy.

The time for romance has long passed me by.

Olivia, your mother always wanted you to find a husband.

What time?

Olivia, my darling.

I'd like you to meet an associate of mine from Virginia.

I'm proud to present my daughter, Olivia Winfield.

Olivia, Mr. Malcolm Neil Foxworth.

[deep sigh]

Charmed, Miss Winfield.

The feeling is quite mutual, I'm sure.

[doorbell rings]

Who would be calling at this hour?

Mr. John Amos.

Cousin Amos.

How good of you to join us, and on such short notice.

Amos, my boy. Always good to see you.

Meet an associate of mine, Mr. Malcolm Foxworth.

How do you do?

Exceedingly well.

Amos: Bless us, O Heavenly Father,

for these thy gifts which we are about to receive.

All: Amen.

Thank you, Amos.

My cousin here is getting his doctorate in theology.

Are you a religious man yourself, Mr. Foxworth?

I believe the religion, much like wealth and emotion,

is food for personal thought, not for the dinner table.

You keep a lovely home, Miss Winfield.

I am fortunate enough to live in a lovely home, Mr. Foxworth,

but I do not keep it.

I work with my father at our office downtown.

Keeping the books.

Keeping them from whom?

[chuckles]

Cousin Olivia and my uncle are partners in business.

God did not give me a son,

but fortune has given me something far greater.

Thank you, Father.

For how long do we have the pleasure

of hosting you in our city?

I return to Foxworth Hall tomorrow.

That is my home in Virginia.

How terribly sad.

For us all.

I suppose we should get down to it then.

You're here to discuss business, are you not?

Are you actually suggesting

purchasing the merchant marine fleet?

Once the war comes to an end, yes.

Postwar economies quickly turn.

It's history.

It's predatory.

Surely taking advantage of a nation

in need of healing isn't appropriate.

Healing is the business of nurses.

Business is the business of men.

Perhaps today.

But when women get the vote,

business will be the business of he or she who is most qualified.

And your qualifications exceed those of my own?

I would never be so presumptuous as I know so little of you.

Well, perhaps we should endeavor to change that.

May I call on you tomorrow?

Have you forgotten that you're returning

to Foxworth Hall in the morning?

Well, plans can change.

Much like ideas.

Wouldn't you agree, Miss Winfield?

Olivia: For the first time in my life I could not read,

because for the first time the romance in my real life

eclipsed that of the stories on the pages.

Miss Winfield, you look lovely.

For you.

For your work.

Perhaps we could talk more about what it is that you do on a walk.

With your permission, of course.

Thank you for asking, Mr. Foxworth.

But you do not need anyone's permission but my own.

And you have it.

So, what do people make of it?

Oh, come now, you must know it is somewhat unorthodox

for a woman and her father to be partners in business.

You don't say.

Do you enjoy challenging conventions?

Quite the contrary.

I'd enjoy if I didn't have to.

People make a fuss until they get into the work.

Once I prove myself, it gets easier.

I hope you don't find me presumptuous,

but I put in a call to the club.

We have a table for dinner.

Not at all.

Do you have a large family?

I picture relatives overstaying their welcome.

Raucous holiday dinners out in the country.

Not at all.

My father has been traveling in retirement

and my mother passed when I was five.

So, now it's just me.

I'm sorry. You were just a boy.

It made me a man.

Not half bad for the city.

Ahh. A country imperialist.

Mock me all you want

but we breed our own line of sheep at Foxworth Hall.

Best lamb you have ever tasted.

Tell me about it, your home.

This Foxworth Hall you speak of with such affection.

It is more than a home.

It is my family's history and its future.

What do you see for that future?

An empire.

An empire it is then.

It's a letter.

You wrote it but forgot to sign.

Did I?

Indeed.

Last night in fact.

It seems you had some questions

for Mr. Foxworth's business colleagues in Virginia.

His family, his background, his character.

It so happens you were really quite curious.

And why might I be so curious?

Because if the letter came from me, I wouldn't get a response.

But from you, a distinguished gentleman...

Olivia.

I know more about his house than I do about his flesh and blood.

Everybody has secrets.

Please, Father.

I need to know what I'm getting myself into.

Mr. Malcolm Foxworth.

¶

Olivia: But it was too late.

I was already in.

I was the Countess Ellen Olenska on the arm of Mr. Archer,

only he knocked on the door in the end.

I was Elizabeth Bennet with Mr. Darcy,

only without the annoying sisters.

I was Jane Eyre capturing the heart of Mr. Rochester,

only without ghosts in the attic.

We have received a response to your inquiry.

Olivia: I was fooling myself.

This just confirms everything we know.

The business, Foxworth Hall.

Mmmhmm. Keep reading.

-His mother. -Hm.

It appears she did not die when he was a boy.

Why would anyone lie about such a thing?

And if one would lie about their own mother...

What else might he be hiding?

Hmm.

[doorbell rings]

It's him.

Not a word.

As I am not often courted,

the steps to the dance we've been doing

aren't always familiar.

And I'm not as trusting as others you may have pursued.

Which is why I inquired as to your family's history.

I see.

It has come to my attention that your mother did not die

when you were a child.

In fact, I understand she died quite recently.

I am very sorry for your loss, however...

There is nothing to be sorry about.

And I never should have misled you.

When I was five years old,

my mother abandoned my father and me.

I never heard from or about her again

until I learned of her death not long ago.

When I said my mother died when I was a boy,

I wasn't lying.

She did die.

At least to me.

How horrid of me to have doubted you.

I'm sure you can never forgive me, deservedly so.

There is nothing to forgive.

It is exactly that inquisitive nature

that I find so intriguing.

When I learned of my mother's death

I realized that life is long when one is alone,

and the price one pays for happiness

is time's quick passage.

And upon meeting you, I lost all track of time.

Has it been a week, a month, a moment, or a lifetime?

Let's make it a lifetime, Olivia.

¶

Oh.

Will you marry me?

I am offering you my heart.

A heart that will surely break if you don't say something.

Anything.

Yes.

Yes!

[laughs]

Olivia: Could it really be true?

I was to have all this.

A home of my own.

A husband of my own.

[knocking at door]

-[gasps] -Excuse the interruption.

Ah, Amos.

I know it's terribly improper of me to intrude.

Oh, nonsense.

Do come in.

A little something for your special day.

"Eternally united." How lovely.

You and Mr. Foxworth, of course.

I hope this reminds you to keep up our correspondence

once you've settled into your new life in Virginia.

As if I'd need reminding. Thank you.

Are you sure this is what you want?

To marry Mr. Foxworth?

It is.

Ah, there's my darling daughter.

I was just leaving.

Thank you, again.

You look radiant.

[laughs] Can you believe it? Me, a bride.

Now being a bride and being a wife

are two very different things.

People will look at you differently.

Your husband will look at you differently.

But you must never look at yourself differently.

You must never forget who you are.

You have everything you need right here.

Let your heart be your compass.

But if you should ever lose your way...

From the man who always taught me to study religion

but not espouse it.

No, not from me.

From your mother.

She always wanted you to have it.

And I thought well, if not now then when?

[sighs]

You look just like her.

[tearfully] I wish she were here.

[wedding march plays] ¶

¶

Olivia: Like many women in love,

I never realized that the blue sky I saw above

was soon to turn a dark shade of grey.

I can't make out a thing. It's so very dark.

You'll get used to it.

Foxworth Hall does not have the electric light.

Well, that's romantic, I'm sure.

As is Venice, so I hear.

For our honeymoon.

After the wedding party, of course.

Yes, of course.

We'll discuss our travel plans

once you acclimate yourself to your new job.

I hardly think being mistress of the house constitutes a job.

Oh, you haven't seen Foxworth Hall yet.

It is your domain now to run and manage as you like.

But I assure you it will require your full-time supervision.

Do you understand?

Welcome to Foxworth Hall.

¶

¶

¶

Good evening, Mr. Foxworth.

Mrs. Foxworth.

Good evening.

It's late.

You must want to retire.

Malcolm: You will be shown to your room.

Much awaits you here.

¶

This is Nella.

She'll see to whatever you may require.

It's a pleasure to meet you.

Right this way, Mrs. Foxworth.

¶

¶

I hope you find everything to your liking.

Thank you...

-Nella. -Nella.

If you need anything, anything at all.

Ring for me.

Olivia: My wedding night.

I was too young when my mother died for her to prepare me

for the momentous occasion.

But I had an idea of what was to happen.

Lord knows I'd read enough books.

But nothing could have prepared me

for what did happen.

Nothing.

He never came.

¶

When will Mr. Foxworth be arriving?

Mr. Foxworth already left for town.

He had an early business meeting.

Of course.

How silly of me. I must have forgotten.

If you've finished, Mr. Foxworth requested I show you something.

I couldn't ask for a more perfect wedding gift.

Malcolm knows I have a passion for reading.

I'm sure you do.

This way, Mrs. Foxworth.

[door creaks open]

This is what Mr. Foxworth wished for me to show you.

Your office.

Mr. Foxworth would like you to conduct the business

of Foxworth Hall from here.

He said you may begin immediately.

Would you like to take me on a tour of the house?

Oh, Mr. Foxworth doesn't like people roaming about.

I would hardly say his wife qualifies as "people."

My apologies, Mrs. Foxworth.

Quite all right.

Please.

Share with me some of the family's history.

Have you worked here long?

My mother was employed here.

Foxworth Hall has been my home since birth.

I was raised here alongside Mr. Garland Foxworth,

your new father-in-law.

Then you are perfectly suited to be my guide.

Please.

How am I to conduct the business of Foxworth Hall

if I'm not acquainted with it myself?

But I am afraid I'm needed in the kitchen.

Well then...

You should get to it, shouldn't you?

If you'll excuse me.

Nella.

Yes, Mrs. Foxworth.

I seem to be on a tour without a guide.

Will you show me around my new home?

Is it always so dark in here?

I suppose I'm used to it.

My father always says that someone's home

is a window into their soul second only to their eyes.

I hope that's not true.

I only meant, well, because my home is rather modest.

A virtue that perhaps the Foxworths could've used

a little more of, no?

So, who were they?

Well, the first Mr. Foxworth made his fortune in mining.

I know all about that.

I want to know who they were.

What made them smile.

How they passed their time.

I really can't say.

Because you don't know or because you won't tell me?

A mystery I will have to solve myself then.

Someday your portrait will hang on these walls.

Well, I'll be sure to smile in mine.

I hope you do.

I had a dull house back in New London

that felt more alive than these halls.

Where's the color? Where's the life?

Mr. Foxworth likes us to keep everything just as it is.

I think I'm already lost.

Foxworth Hall has a way of doing that to people.

This is the East Wing. It's rarely used these days.

What's that?

A lock on the outside of a bedroom door.

Is this where you keep the misbehaved guests?

¶

We don't go there!

And why not?

Mr. Foxworth says it's off limits.

And it may very well be but surely not to me.

Or to you, as long as you're with me.

I really shouldn't.

Please?

Very well.

Thank you for the tour.

Be careful up there.

[door creak opens]

¶

Olivia: I had finally found it.

The place where families hide their stories and their secrets.

The attic.

Olivia: Attics are where memories go to die.

I should've let them rest in peace.

But I was young and naive and I wanted answers.

[rat squeaking]

[gasps]

¶

¶

Olivia: The history of my new family.

Untouched for who knows how long.

Or so I thought.

No dust.

He was there recently, which means that was her,

Malcolm's mother, Corrine Foxworth.

[rats squeaking]

[gasps]

[rats squeaking]

Ah, ah, ah, ah!!!

On that day I made a promise to myself.

¶

[door slams]

I promised never to return to the attic again.

It was a promise I'd keep for nearly 30 years.

¶

Who gave you permission to come in here?

[gasps]

Oh, it's you.

Get out!

Now!

I was exploring the attic when I fell

and I suppose I was disoriented because I...

My mother's personal possessions are in the attic.

They are not to be disturbed.

-I didn't know. -Do you understand?

Excuse me?

Do you understand?

Yes, I understand.

But why?

I understand you keeping her things in the attic

but her room.

That's it, isn't it?

You've never touched it, have you?

Some things should be left as they are.

What kind of person was she?

Frivolous.

Self-indulgent.

Narcissistic.

Beautiful.

I'm assuming you saw her picture.

And what did you think?

She was beautiful, you're right.

So beautiful.

Did you see her clothes?

Did you touch them?

How did they feel?

I'm not sure what you mean?

How did they feel?

They felt... lovely.

Would you like to see her room? Properly this time.

We spent many wonderful days in this room.

In your mother's bedroom.

My father was away on business much of the time

and so my mother and I,

we only had each other for companionship.

That is we did, up until her 22nd birthday

and I woke up to come give her her birthday gift.

A music box.

And she was gone.

I thought you said she left when you were five.

She did.

That would mean she was very... young.

She used to sit here and put on her makeup

before she was dressed.

And I would sit right here and watch,

and tell her when it was just perfect.

[sighs]

I am so glad you don't wear makeup.

I actually do.

My mother always told me

if people can tell you're wearing it then you're wearing it wrong.

Take it off.

Take it off.

I want to see you.

You won't be anything like her, will you?

You see? Just perfect.

What are you doing?

I thought that's what wives do.

Please return to your room.

Do you understand?

Olivia: I had experienced many bad feelings throughout my life.

Self-loathing, guilt, insecurity.

But never before had I felt this.

Shame.

Sir, a telegram for you.

The war has ended.

Perhaps this is a sign of good things to come.

Olivia: Perhaps it was.

A new beginning in a new place.

Wonderful news, sir.

Now, I beg your pardon,

but we still need to confirm the menu for the wedding party.

Proceed as I instructed.

Mrs. Steiner.

I didn't dismiss you.

As you said, this house and its daily business

is my responsibility now.

And our wedding party will be in this house.

This is about more than just our wedding.

This is about how we are seen.

It is about the community

understanding that they have a new mistress.

Well then, who better to help them understand

than the new mistress herself?

You can trust me.

Well, I am already late for work.

Very well.

All eyes will be upon us.

We must not disappoint.

Spare no expense.

I will be changing the menu, among other things.

Olivia: And so I began.

Two weeks.

Two weeks to plan my own wedding party.

Two weeks to prove that I knew how to be a wife.

Bigger, I think.

Mrs. Foxworth...

We have never had such robust displays of opulence

at this house.

Excellent.

Then I'm on the right path.

While the path may be correct, it's the destination I question.

A certain amount of restraint is necessary to maintain decorum.

While I do so appreciate your counsel,

Mr. Foxworth said himself not to disappoint.

Yes, but I really must urge caution.

If you must, Mrs. Steiner, than I must ask your leave.

But we still have much to plan.

I am well aware.

I will be planning it, without you.

You are excused.

Nella?

What do you think of orchids?

They're lovely, Mrs. Foxworth.

I quite agree. Join me Nella.

¶

A telegram for Mrs. Foxworth.

Thank you.

¶

You did it.

We did it.

Are you ready?

I am.

[subdued chatter]

¶

¶

¶

I give you all my dear wife, Mrs. Malcolm Neil Foxworth.

Guests: Cheers!

[waltz plays] ¶

¶

What are you wearing?

It's new, do you like it?

You look like a common prostitute.

[gasps]

I wanted to look nice for you.

All the other women are wearing dresses like this nowadays.

That is precisely why I did not marry one of these other women.

Your job is not to blend in. Your job is to stand out.

To set an example to the community.

I was trying.

And flowers, Olivia. Dear god.

Orchids in Virginia? It's gauche.

You said to spare no expense.

Within the boundaries of propriety.

Olivia: I wanted to close my eyes,

bury myself in the dark earth and die.

Short of that, I just wanted the party to end.

Three hours later, it did.

[sobbing]

Come with me.

Olivia: What kind of man had I married?

A monster, it turns out, and not a man at all.

Lie down.

[panicked breathing]

Please, please... not the...

[screams]

[grunts]

[knocking at door]

[gasps]

Good morning, Mrs. Foxworth.

A change in plan for today. I'll be visiting my father.

It seems I've made the gravest of miscalculations

in the most important decision of my life.

How long will you be staying?

Indefinitely.

I am off to the office.

I trust you slept well?

Very.

Well, I will see you tonight.

Your bags are in the car and I'll meet you out front.

Thank you.

¶

[gasps] It's him!

He's coming back!

That's not him.

Amos?

What are you doing here?

Looking for you. You've had me worried.

Whatever about?

You never responded to my telegrams.

I never received any.

What is it? What's wrong?

It's your father.

I'm so sorry.

His cold quickly turned to pneumonia.

There was nothing to be done.

I'll return with you.

I'll have to take care of the house,

settle his business affairs.

That won't be necessary.

Of course it is.

Olivia, there is no house or business to return to.

When I couldn't reach you, your father's debtors came to me.

What debt?

I learned that he hid certain unfortunate realities from you.

Your father was deep in debt. The house, the business.

It was all taken upon his death.

No. That's not possible. It's simply not possible.

I managed to save a few of your things.

I had the servants take them to your room.

What am I going to do now?

God's loving grace gave you a new home

and a new family before your old one was taken.

I am truly blessed.

¶

Thank you for coming.

I wish it were under happier circumstances.

Next time it will be.

And I promise to be a better correspondent.

Nella, will you tell Mrs. Steiner that I'll be

picking up my own mail from the post office from now on?

Yes, ma'am.

Your father, he's here with you. He must be so proud.

His daughter, mistress of this great house.

[engine rumbles]

Olivia: But I knew he wasn't there with me.

I knew I was alone.

What I didn't know was how I would survive.

¶

¶

¶

I'm pregnant.

Corrine.

What?

That's her name.

And if it's a boy?

It's not.

Olivia: It was 1919, a time when husbands

could legally do as they wished with their wives' bodies.

As much as I wanted to run away, I was trapped.

And so I focused on what was good.

I was having a child.

¶

[screaming in pain]

You're doing well.

All right, push!

[screaming in pain]

[laughs]

Congratulations!

You have a son.

Is he healthy?

He's perfect.

[laughs]

[baby crying]

Well?

It's a boy.

And how soon can we try again for a girl?

Olivia: Freedom was no longer an option.

And so I soon learned to want something else.

A home for my child.

Nella?

Let's begin.

Olivia: Foxworth Hall was made of cold stone and dark wood,

but that didn't mean I couldn't redecorate it

with warmth and love.

A list of candidates for the governess.

No, thank you.

I'll be raising my son, myself.

Do as you want with him. But our daughter will be mine.

Olivia: Despite the dark shadow of my husband,

there was still light to be found.

Yes, I was once again expecting.

Another child, another chance for hope.

Yes. She'll do just fine.

Do you happen to have others in different breeds and colors?

Mrs. Foxworth, look!

And hope was all around if you knew where to look.

[laughs] It's happening!

[screaming in pain]

That's it. There we go.

There we go.

[screaming in pain]

[laughing]

[baby crying]

Do we have a girl?

You have a son.

Another healthy son, Mr. Foxworth.

Congratulations.

I'm sorry to tell you this,

but you won't be able to bear more children.

Huh.

Of course, you would deny me the one thing that I want.

And so it was only to be Joel, Mal, and me.

But oh, how I loved them.

[parrot squawking]

Olivia: As much as I wanted more children,

I felt myself lucky to have two perfect boys.

And if we had to live in a prison,

I made that prison a palace.

My father and his new bride will be returning to Foxworth Hall.

New bride?

Apparently so.

Did you not know he was to be married?

This new wife of his, she is not the mistress of this house.

You are.

What difference does it make who is the senior Mrs. Foxworth?

All the difference.

I assure you.

Now, I am the master of this house which makes you...

The mistress.

So you understand.

Do you understand?!

I do.

Good.

¶

Remember who you are.

Wait. Are you Olivia or am I?

Malcolm, my boy.

[chuckles]

Malcolm.

Ah, Mrs. Steiner.

Aren't you a sight for sore eyes.

Always good to have you home, Mr. Foxworth.

[chuckles] Good to be home.

Alicia.

Come say hello to your stepson, Malcolm.

Malcolm, your stepmother, Alicia.

Now, I know what you're thinking.

You didn't know that we were with child.

This is Mrs. Foxworth. Mrs. Malcolm Neil Foxworth.

Olivia.

Olivia, welcome to our family.

I... why didn't you tell me he was married?

Simply I had no idea, my love.

[chuckles]

He wrote only of business.

Well, not only are you married

you've also made me a grandfather.

Why didn't you tell me?

Isn't it amusing how one's priorities

reveal themselves in the most unusual ways.

Yes. Well, it seems we have both failed

to disclose certain details.... about personal affairs.

Mrs. Foxworth.

Both: Yes?

Dinner will be served shortly.

How do you two do it?

Excuse me?

Sit so far apart from one another?

[chuckles]

We're still on our honeymoon.

When we've been married as long as they have

we'll be sitting in separate rooms.

Never.

[laughs]

Where exactly did you go for your honeymoon?

I promised my bride a world tour,

and a world tour she got. Six continents.

Nearly two years.

How nice.

Following through on promises of travel.

It's a long time to be away from one's responsibilities.

-Take it from an old man. -You are not old.

Life is too short to be focused solely on responsibilities.

And too long to bear the burden

of another's mishandling of them.

Well, like everything else in life,

is moderation not the key?

Wise beyond her years, is she not?

Yes. Well, you will have to tell us all about it.

Your trip that is.

Oh, we wouldn't want to bore you with the details.

Oh, on the contrary. We want to listen.

Don't we, Olivia?

As long as you will be the one who tells it.

Oh, how sweet.

Well, let's hear it, perhaps over dessert.

Alfresco?

What a wonderful idea.

See to it that the servants bring dessert to the veranda.

Understand?

Yes.

"Sit down please, sir." The gondolier pleaded.

You know your father,

he'd had a great deal of wine

and thought he could walk a tightrope.

I simply wanted to navigate.

And then what do you think happened?

He fell in.

Well yes, exactly that.

He fell in and it was complete chaos all around.

[Garland laughs]

Have you ever been to Venice?

I'm afraid not.

Oh, but you must go.

You can't stay locked up in this castle.

Are you keeping your princess locked in the tower?

You do not yet know my wife. She is no princess.

Then a queen.

Shall we my love? Hmm?

I think it might be time to head to Bedfordshire.

Mrs. Steiner will show you to your rooms.

Oh, that won't be necessary. We'll be sharing.

Sharing what?

We'll be staying in the same room.

Really, father?

Oh, don't be such a bore, son.

I just couldn't bear to be away from him all night.

Well, then it's settled.

Thank you so much for a lovely evening.

I cannot wait to do it all over again tomorrow.

Olivia: Their joy only reminded me of my pain.

A pain that would be there tomorrow

and all the days after that.

Olivia: Even in the darkest of nights,

there was the promise of light to come.

So, I focused on that light, my children.

I hope it's okay.

They're just so beautiful.

It's fine.

I don't want to be, Mrs. Foxworth.

Not, not in that way, at least.

You are mistress of this house and thank goodness you are,

because I could never do it.

I am overwhelmed just thinking about it.

The only thing I ask of you is your friendship.

I've only been here a day and I am already lonely.

Well, it took you a day longer than it took me when I arrived.

I suppose I could use a friend as well.

Then it's settled.

We're in this together. The two Mrs. Foxworths.

A word of advice.

Malcolm absolutely loathes hydrangeas.

-Oh. -Let's cut a few more.

¶

What are these doing here?

Olivia, you know how I feel about this.

I thought you understood.

I brought them in.

I can take them away if you'd like.

No.

Maybe they're not so bad

when someone with an eye for beauty picks them.

Olivia: As my affection for my stepmother-in-law grew,

so did my husband's interest in his stepmother.

But things were soon to change.

[screaming in pain]

One more. One more.

[screaming in pain]

Congratulations.

You have a son.

Congratulations, ma'am.

Oh.

Garland!

It's a boy. A perfect boy.

Oh, my son.

My Christopher. Why look at you.

[laughing]

Oh my love, my love.

I'll give you two some time.

As a family.

Thank you for everything.

Mrs. Foxworth, do you have a moment?

What is it, Nella? Is there something wrong?

It's the other Mrs. Foxworth.

I see how fond of her you've become.

Yes. It's good to have a friend, another friend.

She's recovered so beautifully

after the birth of Christopher last year.

Yes.

That is the natural course of things.

Is there something I can help you with?

Mr. Foxworth enjoys beautiful things.

Houses.

Art.

Women.

Like I said. The other Mrs. Foxworth,

she's returned to her old self so quickly.

-Look out for her. -I will.

¶

It's even worse in here.

Are Virginia summers always this hot?

Foxworth Hall is uniquely positioned

as an inferno in the summer and an icebox in the winter.

Yet another of its remarkable gifts to us.

Well, I just put Christopher down for his nap.

Would you like to go for a swim in the lake?

You go and cool off for us both.

I'd like to finish up here.

Of course.

¶

¶

[knocking at door]

Come in, Nella.

Good evening, Mrs. Foxworth.

I'll be helping you until we find Nella's replacement.

What are you talking about? Where has she gone?

Why Mr. Foxworth asked her to leave.

Did he?

And why might he have done that?

I couldn't say, Mrs. Foxworth.

Interesting how you're suddenly at a loss for words

when they usually come so very easily to you.

Malcolm?

[Alicia screaming] No!

What happened?

Whatever it is, it's none of your concern.

[Alicia sobbing hysterically]

Oh, my god!

[sobbing] Call the doctor! Call the doctor!

[sobbing] Oh my god, my love.

I'll call.

What happened?

[sobbing] My love, please wake up. Please. Don't leave me.

¶

Hopefully, we'll have some answers for the poor woman

after the autopsy.

The thing is, Doctor.

Well, Mrs. Foxworth has already been through so much.

I don't think she could handle the idea of an autopsy.

You see, would you be so kind

not to put her through even more trauma?

I'm sure Mr. Foxworth and I would find a way

to show our appreciation to your hospital.

I hear they're raising money for a new emergent patient area.

Certainly.

-Thank you. -Thank you.

-Good night, Mrs. Foxworth. -Good night.

Olivia.

Olivia: And so Foxworth Hall claimed its first victim.

The only question was, who would be next?

After a few months, it appeared to be Alicia.

If you won't touch your food downstairs

I thought maybe you'd consider breakfast in bed.

Just a few more days of quiet, please.

It's been over four months of quiet.

Olivia. My husband is dead.

But your son is not.

He needs you.

You don't understand.

No, I don't.

And I can't unless you tell me.

Help me understand.

[whispering] You must know.

Surely you sensed it.

Must I say it?

Malcolm attacked me.

He came in here and he forced himself on me.

I tried to resist but he wouldn't stop.

He just tore my nightgown when Garland walked in.

Garland swung at Malcolm but he was no match for him.

But pinned him up against the wall and...

held him there.

You know what happened next.

I'm sorry.

Truly.

But it's over now.

Let's never speak of it again.

It's not over.

Malcolm's visits, they didn't stop.

After Garland's death, Malcolm has come to you?

He told me if I resisted he would hurt Christopher.

And then he would become different.

Before he forced himself on me,

I know this sounds strange, but...

[whispering] He would take you to his mother's room?

[whispering] Yes.

[crying] You should go.

What?

You are my friend, Alicia

and it pains me to say this... but go.

You have the freedom to leave this place.

Take your son and your inheritance and start over.

You're young and beautiful and rich.

It's not too late for you.

But it is too late.

I'm pregnant.

¶

It's his, Olivia.

It's his.

¶

¶

[parrot squawks]

[sobbing]

[panicked breathing]

[frantic orchestral music] ¶

Olivia: The only man who ever loved me once told me

that everything I need is in my heart.

It was my compass.

In that moment I finally knew where it was pointing me.

I need a knife.

Olivia: I wanted to cut his throat.

[grunts]

[breathing heavily]

Olivia: But since that wasn't an option,

I had another plan.

We'll be having this for dinner.

And I need a horse.

Not to kill, to ride.

[knocking at door]

[gasps] Mrs. Foxworth!

Are you all right?

Oh.

Yes.

Don't worry, it's not mine.

Nella, I need your help.

I don't have time right now to explain everything.

But you were treated very poorly and for that I'm truly sorry.

Will you come to Foxworth Hall tomorrow morning?

Please?

Yes.

Thank you. Thank you.

[exhales]

It's okay. She's gone.

Why did you never tell her about me?

Well, I didn't want to hurt her. She's my friend.

She's not your friend, Mama.

And you're not going back to that place.

Mind your mouth, Celia.

Mrs. Steiner, this lamb was perfection.

Tell Cook she has outdone herself.

I was hoping you'd like it.

Olivia: I gave him his prized lamb.

Before I took everything else.

It is a pity Alicia didn't join us this evening.

Did she say why?

I don't think she'll be joining us for some time.

Mourning. It's a process.

[thunder rumbles]

Well... I will be in the library working.

I would prefer not to be disturbed.

Do you understand?

Oh, I certainly do.

Malcolm: Olivia!!!

¶

[thunder rumbling]

You called?

What the hell is your desk doing here?

I've made some changes.

This is my house and I will not tolerate such insolence.

What do you think you're doing?

I'm having a drink.

But what have you been doing?

And why have you been doing it?

Let's start at the beginning, shall we?

What is this all about?

It's about how we move forward.

If we move forward.

Please, sit.

[thunder rumbles]

Excellent.

Now...

Why did you marry me?

Oh, don't be ridiculous.

Oh, we passed ridiculous long ago.

If all you wanted in a wife was a member of your staff to abuse,

you could've picked someone easier to silence.

So, why did you marry me?

Fine.

I wanted a woman with a mind to manage the house

and a body to produce healthy offspring.

Sadly my observations of your talents were only half correct.

Two children, both boys, and weak boys at that.

Now is that all?

No.

It will be here in nine months.

Excuse me?

Your child.

The child you are having with your stepmother.

-Alicia? -She's pregnant.

Yes. Congratulations.

You're the father and the stepbrother.

It's all a bit confusing, really.

How wonderful.

How odd of you to say that.

It is a girl. I know it.

It's a bastard is all we know.

Oh wait, I apologize. That's not all we know.

We know you have your father's blood on your hands.

This conversation is over.

Oh, Malcolm, this conversation is just beginning.

[thunder rumbles]

Your stepmother is only in the early stages of her pregnancy.

It will be impossible to maintain appearances

by saying the child is Garland's.

We send her away for a year

and no one will be able to tell how old the child is

when they return.

I would.

I'd be able to tell.

You wouldn't.

Well, I wouldn't tell that secret

because that would make me look bad.

A woman who permits her husband to sleep with his stepmother?

Ghastly, really.

I thought you knew me better than that.

But I would tell everyone about how Garland died.

About how you killed him.

You lie.

You attacked his wife. He found you.

You held him against a wall

until he could no longer breathe.

He had a heart attack.

He had a heart attack because I decided he did

when I convinced the good doctor not to perform an autopsy.

What do you want?!

I want to destroy you.

I want to ruin your business, your reputation, your name.

But I can't do that, can I?

I have the unfortunate privilege of sharing that name.

A stain on you, is a stain on me.

You should be grateful.

[thunder rumbles]

Alicia's bags will be packed

and she'll be sent away for all the servants to witness.

Once night falls, Alicia will return.

We'll keep her here in seclusion in the East Wing

for the duration of her pregnancy.

The servants will not be permitted anywhere near her.

And while we're on the subject of servants,

Nella will be returning.

Why?

Because I like her.

Excellent. I'm glad you agree.

After all, I'll be needing her help when I'm with child.

Excuse me?

I thought you would've caught on by now.

We'll announce to the staff the happy news that I'm expecting.

I'll pretend to be pregnant both in the house and in public.

When Alicia's child is born

we will keep it and raise it as our own.

No one will be the wiser.

And Alicia?

Your stepmother will be sent away

along with young Christopher and her inheritance,

which you will double immediately following the birth.

How da...

Did I say I was done?!

You will not be permitted in the East Wing

for the duration of your stepmother's confinement.

If news of you breaking this rule comes to my attention

the agreement is off.

I tell everyone the truth.

You wouldn't.

Oh, Malcolm, I would.

I would burn this place to the ground.

[thunder rumbles]

Now is that all?

Just one more thing.

Tomorrow you will set up trusts for the boys.

Two million dollars.

Each.

The trusts will be theirs to do with as they please

so they may be free of you and this godforsaken house.

[glass shatters]

[gasps]

That temper!

Now, I see how you must have driven your mother

to run away all those years ago.

How dare you?!

You raped me. How dare you?

I won't do it.

Oh, but you will.

Do you understand?

That's not good enough.

Do you understand?!

I do!

[breathing heavily]

["O Fortuna" plays] ¶

[thunder rumbles]

¶

Olivia: I could not tell my story during my life.

But now in death, in my will,

I am finally free to do as I choose.

And so this is my tale of lust, murder, love, and deceit.

Judge if you may but always remember.

God may shine his light but you may not see it

if the Devil looms overhead, casting its shadow over you.

[thunder rumbles]

The Devil, or Foxworth Hall.

Would my story have ended here

I believe I could've found happiness.

But it did not end here.

It was, in fact, only just the beginning.

After all, the best kind of revenge takes time.

[thunder rumbles]

¶

¶

¶

¶