Original subtitles

It's the summer of 1819. Annabelle Elliott is visiting her dear friend Beatrice Moreland's estate in Westonshire. Beatrice's family is away on a health sabbatical to the seaside. This time together is bittersweet, as this is the last summer before they debut in next year's debutante season.

Annabelle and Beatrice are seizing these last moments of freedom before their mothers engineer their every waking moment.

I truly doubt what this summer has been.

Last night's stolen sherry bottle?

Yes, but as Aunt Harriet did not catch us, my parents will probably assume that she is the sherry swindling culprit.

Still in need of a little excitement.

I am just relieved to have this respect for my mother's relentless engineering efforts.

I love my posture.

Well, I'm in need of some diversions.

If only my parents had not postponed Catherine's visit.

It's a possibility that Catherine won't be able to visit us here at Ashford.

Are we still lamenting about this, Beatrice?

Your parents did not cancel the Dansby's visit.

Just requested it be delayed a fortnight.

Where did my embroidery go?

No wonder.

With a steady string of dull moments,

such as this,

that I would long for more company and adventure,

go berry picking with me.

Meet me by the gate.

These strawberries will be perfect for jam.

Miss Beatrice, did you or did you not send a letter to Mrs Dansby asking that she postpone her visit here to Ashford?

I wrote to Catherine and explicitly said that it may be better if they waited a fortnight.

However, if that wasn't possible...

Beatrice, you didn't.

They probably won't be visiting here anyway.

Why would she spend one second of her honeymoon in this provincial place?

Miss Dansby said she finds this countryside refreshing.

She informed me of the sentiment when she arrived here an hour ago.

We should not be hosting while the Moorlands are away.

Your parents were quite clear.

They even brought a friend with them on this visit.

An unmarried man.

What impropriety.

It is so lovely to meet you.

This is my husband, Mr Philip Dansby.

How do you do?

Fine, thank you.

It's a pleasure to meet you.

And our cherished friend, Graf Wilhelm Wittenbach.

This is the happiest of occasions.

Mrs Harriet here has been the most gracious host.

I have apologized profusely that we simply cannot postpone our visit here.

Well, I'm afraid that the tight traveling schedule is my fault.

I simply couldn't pass up the opportunity to travel with my old friend here.

It's not every day that one gets to travel with a count.

Shall we have tea?

Yes, yes, I will see to the tea.

Kara never hears the bell.

Please, have a seat.

How long will you be visiting?

Only for three nights.

We have a steamship to catch.

That isn't nearly long enough.

It seems more than adequate.

Just enough time to get all the mud off our boots and carriage.

Beatrice makes haste to be alone with her dearly missed friend.

Tender exploitation of youth has grown into longing and desire.

Opportunity has indeed been seized.

I think of you whenever I'm here.

I remember that summer here very fondly.

I also remember how we practiced our kisses.

It seems like yesterday, and yet it also feels like so long ago.

And now you're married.

Indeed.

But I still want us to remain close.

Very close.

Here you are.

Thank you ever so much.

A coffee with a bar of tea?

No, thank you.

I prefer stronger drinks.

Yes, that's what I'm looking for.

The sherry bottle.

But I couldn't locate it.

Excuse me.

I was talking about coffee.

I see.

I will fetch some.

The English do make the best tea.

But I think I'd like a little milk with mine, if you'll excuse me.

Is this your first visit here, Count Finbach?

No.

My mother has family here.

Where do they reside?

The city.

Of course.

I saw your light on and wanted to say goodnight.

I'm writing a letter to Elizabeth.

If I don't correspond with my sister weekly, I will never hear the end of it when I get home.

At least this week you have news for her.

True.

Although I am being deliberately vague about where your guest resides,

as my mother would fetch me at once if she knew there was an unmarried man in residence.

I think we are safe from gossip here.

Indeed.

I'm trying to find the right words to describe His Highness, the Count.

Count Graf Wittenbach.

Prideful stuffed shirt, perhaps?

Or handsome, but an egotistical stick in the mud?

Exactly.

It's rather vexing to have so much in common with someone I simply can't abide.

He does seem to be the most unmitigated and comprehensive ass.

True.

He is boorish.

Goodnight, dear friend.

Good night.

Do not stay up too late.

Sleep well.

Intrusive thoughts.

Of your soft skin.

Your sweet mouth.

And I have longed for your return.

I feel so good.

Feel good?

Yeah.

I will check it.

A little faster.

Faster?

Yeah, like that.

How do you feel?

I feel great.

I missed you so much.

Worshipping your body.

Watching you mold.

It sounds like a monster's soul.

The warm summer days pass quickly as Annabel and Beatrice are swept up in the arrival of guests at Ashford Manor.

Meddling mothers and the next year's social season are far from their thoughts.

Propriety is set aside as temptations run rife at the manor.

Good morning, Miss Annabel.

I was looking to borrow an ink pot.

Help yourself.

There's one on the desk over there.

I will have to give Frau Harriet some notes on her translation.

Glückseligkeit ist nicht ein Ideal der Vernunft, sondern der Einbildungskraft.

She translated Einbildungskraft as preoccupation, but it's more like imagination.

Noted.

Unfortunately, my German is lacking due to the rather rudimentary education afforded to women.

I apologize for the offense.

I did not know that this was a problem.

I did not know that this was your translation.

I didn't know that young women read Immanuel Kant.

Indeed, I haven't met any.

I assure you, sir, ladies can read on a variety of topics.

Our attention is not limited to parties and polygames.

Entschuldigung.

Excuse me, I have matters to attend to.

The ink pot?

Sir?

Ja.

The ink.

I find food always tastes better when consumed outdoors.

I'm not sure this kind of dining is good for one's digestion.

Well, it suits me.

Me too, Miss Beatrice.

The only thing missing now is some entertainment.

Wilhelm, won't you regale the ladies with some of your adventures from the continent?

I really do not think any of my adventures would amuse the young ladies.

Are you enjoying Westentra, sir?

It seems perfectly adequate.

However, plagued with Mücken, it's hard to find refuge from these tiny creatures.

I'm sure this country seems rustic, and that's written to some, but it has its charms.

I find arms in the many great halls and galleries of Europe.

Wilhelm, you really can be such a snob.

Nature is beautiful because it looks like art.

And art can only be called beautiful if you're conscious of it as art.

While yet, it looks like nature.

Ah, Kant.

Lovely translation, Liebster.

Touché, Miss Annabel.

How was your evening, my dear? I missed you in our bed.

It was quite the experience.

Was it all that you had hoped and imagined?

Yes, but better. It was beautifully soft and slow.

Exquisite. You must tell me all.

My note had her meet me in the upstairs sitting room.

I took my time when dressing her.

Her skin is so soft.

Like fine silk.

The allure was intense.

We had to stop and remember to take it slow.

No. Don't stop.

My mouth explored every inch of her body.

The taste of honey and the sweet sounds of her moans are indescribable.

I stroked her until she yielded.

Ever so gently.

To my touch.

I hope we can find some more time to be alone together.

I do too, but I have a confession to make.

Go on.

I shared the details of our encounter last night with Philip.

I am terribly sorry.

He knew I was longing to see you.

You discussed your desire for me with your husband?

It must seem like a strange union to outsiders.

But Philip and I don't have any secrets.

And we both believe in sharing our love freely.

I see.

I think.

What an uncommon arrangement.

Well, neither he nor I long to be common.

However, I do feel guilty for betraying your confidence.

I forgive you.

You've bested me again, my love.

Beatrice.

May I come in?

Of course.

I thought it might be nice to spend a little time with the both of you.

Please, have a seat.

Thank you.

I was longing for excitement and adventure.

And you two arrived.

I will miss you both terribly when you depart.

And we you.

Are you certain?

Quite so.

You've been a treat.