September (1996) - full transcript
Verena Steynton is holding a party for her daughter. All the aristocratic families of Strathcroy in the Scottish Highlands are attending, with all their guilty secrets ... Lord Archie Balmerino, a crippled war veteran and his long-suffering wife will be there. Edmund Aird, a wealthy entrepreneur, and his beautiful American wife have been invited. And Pandora, Archie's exotic and mysterious sister, who disappeared from the village 20 years, is returning, under a cloud of suspicion. Only Edmund and her brother know the secret of her flight from home. But the rumors are the flying and the local families feel that Pandora's return can only bring bad luck. When a lifeless body is found in the loch, the tension rises. Why has Pandora come back after so long? What are her motives? And her return already had deadly consequences?
Angus and I
are planning a dance
-for Katy's 21st.
-Oh, yes.
And I'm thinking
of inviting Pandora.
Pandora?
Do you ever hear from Pandora?
Occasionally.
The odd postcard, you know.
Verena Steynton's planning
to invite her to the dance.
What? She can't do that.
If she does, who'd tell Edmund?
Uh, I thought
you might have heard
there's to be
a guest of honor...
Pandora.
Here?
-Look what I've got.
-What's that?
An invitation to a ball.
That must be Verena's
invitation, to the dance.
Then, two more of the same,
one for Lucilla
and another for Pandora
to be forwarded.
I told Verena
it was not a good idea.
What times they were, eh?
You still married to Caroline?
And Pandora buzzing about
like a bee after honey
and then running off.
But then, she was always
a bit of a bad penny.
[Pandora] That's what you
call it, a problem?
Don't you understand, Archie?
I am having a baby.
It's true.
Archie said
she'd never come back.
Well, she is.
Pandora?
Who knows with Pandora?
Oh, Vi,
I do hope there isn't
gonna be trouble.
Where are the horses?
Where are the horses?
-Welcome home.
-Archie. [laughs]
I'm so happy to see you.
And to be back,
it's so wonderful.
[dramatic music playing]
Why did you come back?
After all, you won't be staying
long, will you, Pandora?
Just till the dance, I suppose.
[Constable] All right, lads,
you pack now.
What did you think,
accident, was it?
-No.
-What did they reckon?
[Sergeant] No, they won't say,
difficult to tell at this stage.
One thing's for certain.
It was no accident.
[birds chirping]
[Pandora] I told you
not to call me here.
I don't want you
checking up on me, Carlos.
[Carlos over phone] I'm not
checking up on you.
-I just want to know why.
-Why?
[Carlos] Yes, why?
You know it's dangerous.
-Look, I can handle it.
-[Carlos] Can you, really?
What did you expect to achieve?
-I have things to settle here.
-[Carlos] Pandora,
-you're playing with fire.
-Don't call me again.
-Don't call me again.
-[Carlos] But Pandora, I--
As you wish, but I hope
you're not going to regret it.
Isobel?
Isobel? Is Archie around?
Am I interrupting?
No, of course not.
[gasps] I didn't know
you could do this.
[Archie] Uh-uh.
Do you have others?
Yes, you do.
Oh, Archie.
-Have you sold any?
-No.
Did you try?
-Who would buy them?
-Americans, darling.
Just put them out on display,
you'll make a fortune.
Not at the rate I work.
Find someone to help you.
You could start
a cottage industry.
There's plenty of room
in the stables here.
Oh, not with the nearly
pristine safety regulations,
all kinds of things.
You've got to find a way
to raise money.
Don't be so hopeless.
Archie, whether you...
have one leg or two,
you can't just turn your back
on people who love you.
You speak from experience,
of course.
Well... you have a choice.
I didn't.
Look, Archie,
I really don't want us
to dwell on the past.
Besides,
I'm the last one to preach.
[scoffs]
Which is why I do it so well.
[chuckles]
Good night.
Night.
Good night, Archie.
Dear Archie.
[Archie] Edmund
doesn't love you.
[Pandora] I hate you, Archie.
I hate you, I hate you.
I hate you, Archie.
[breathing heavily]
[siren wailing]
Hold it now!
Hold it, will you?
Now, listen. Kindly tell me
what the hell is going on here.
John. John.
John! For Christ's sake,
get out of here!
Okay. What you're buying
has to last you
for the whole term,
so you better plan carefully,
all right?
-Okay.
-Here you go.
Wow.
I'll pick you up
in half an hour.
[kisses]
[phone ringing]
[Henry] Bye, Mommy.
Hello, Balnaid.
-[Edmund] Virginia.
-[Virginia] Edmund?
Look, there's a crisis out here,
I have to go to New York.
-Oh, when?
-[Edmund] Well, now.
I'm catching a shuttle
flying out of Heathrow
this afternoon.
[sighs]
But... tomorrow?
You're taking Henry
to Temple Hall
-tomorrow.
-Well, I'm, uh...
I'm afraid I can't do that now.
[sighs] Edmund, you promised.
[Edmund]
Well, I have to go New York.
[sighs]
It was the one thing,
I said I couldn't face it,
you accepted that.
Yes, I know, I'm...
I'm sorry.
So, send someone else,
you're the boss.
It is because I am boss
that I have to go.
It's my responsibility.
You have other responsibilities,
Edmund, you promised.
Virginia, be reasonable.
Reasonable?
I never wanted him to go
in the first place.
I will not be reasonable!
[ambient music playing]
You all right, dear?
Everlasting Gobstoppers, please.
[woman] All right.
Uh, that one over there, please.
[woman] Oh, yes.
[Henry] Um...
-and this one here, please.
-[woman] Yes.
-Oh, and one of those, please.
-[woman] Uh-huh.
[Henry] Mommy,
look what I've got.
Great. Honey, um,
your daddy called
-to talk to you.
-What about?
Well...
he's got to go to New York...
today.
-Oh.
-So, he won't be able
to take you to school tomorrow.
Um, I thought...
Oh, Henry, I'll take you, okay?
It's all right.
I wanted this to be a good day.
Damn, Edmund!
Mr. Aird.
You'll be late for your plane.
[classical music playing]
Henry, listen.
It'll be okay, honest.
[sighs] Honey.
Please, stop doing that.
We'll go home,
we'll have a cup--
Hello, Virginia.
How are you?
-Is everything all right?
-Yeah.
I'm just picking Henry up.
-Oh.
-[Henry] I'll walk.
Look, don't be silly.
Come on, Henry.
Come, let's go to the--
Henry, please.
-Henry.
-[Pandora] Henry.
Do you like me
to take you home?
I've got music.
And you could play bears
with my mink coat,
wouldn't that be fun?
Really?
That's not necessary, Pandora.
Come on, Henry.
Henry. Henry.
[Pandora] Don't worry, Virginia.
I'll bring him back,
safe and sound.
[birds chirping]
You're on your own, then.
Edmund's gone to America,
I hear.
Yeah. For a few days
on business.
It must be lonely for you.
I saw Pandora.
That hair looks dyed to me.
And why does she ought to wear
dark glasses for
in this weather?
I'm sorry.
I really don't know
what you're talking about.
[Lottie] Do you, now.
Well, I wouldn't
have been too happy,
if I were in your shoes,
with Pandora back.
Not if your husband's around.
That's why she's here,
of course, still after him.
I don't have to listen to this.
I was there...
outside her bedroom door.
It was dark,
but I could hear all right.
You didn't guess, did you?
He's a cruel fish, Edmund,
just like the rest of them.
They all knew what was going on.
What?
They're all as thick as thieves.
That's why they gave me notice.
I knew too much.
Ugh, you're making all this up.
Why do you think
he's taken himself off?
Panic, I'd say.
Wait till he gets back,
it'll be the same story
-all over again.
-Look.
I don't think that you should
go around spreading lies
-like this, okay?
-I'm no lying.
Ask any of them.
Ask them about the baby.
They didn't need
to kill the baby.
I'd have looked after it.
I said I'll care for the baby.
It could be mine,
but she went rushing
off to London
and got rid of it.
Murderers.
The lot of them.
[dramatic music playing]
[car horn honking]
[dogs barking]
Sorry, we've been gone so long.
Henry, I made you lunch
about an hour ago.
It's already 2:00.
We had lunch in the car.
I had a burger,
a great big one,
and fries,
and strawberry milkshake.
Are you all right, Virginia?
Yeah, I'll be okay.
Henry, why don't you
go upstairs?
Edie's waiting
to say goodbye to you.
Thanks for the lunch.
He actually liked it.
Children have no taste.
Virginia?
You looked like
you should be on your bed.
Do you need some help?
No.
No, thank you.
-Why did you come back?
-What?
After all this time,
why did you come back?
Never could resist
a party, darling.
[birds chirping]
Bye.
[goats bleating]
Just come here
a wee moment, Henry.
Okay.
Yes, that's about right.
Hmm.
-I like your new cardigan.
-Oh.
Your mother brought it back
from London.
It's cashmere, lilac,
I'm keeping it for best.
Lilac, it's nice.
Oh, bother. I need a black pen.
Look at my hand bag,
there's one in there for sure.
Okay.
[ambient music playing]
Thanks.
[classical music playing]
[woman]
Don't you worry, Mrs. Aird.
-He'll be fine.
-All right. Thank you.
-Henry. Come back and visit me
-Mommy.
really soon, okay,
and you will have a great time.
Come along.
Let's get you in
out of the rain.
I love you.
Have a great time.
-Okay?
-Come on. Get the bag.
[classical music playing]
[man] Here you are, sir.
Thank you, Robbie.
Are you sure this
is gonna help my golf game?
[both laugh]
[man] What room
will I put it on, sir?
[man] Oh, it's, uh, 210 or 201.
-And send to the name of Tucker.
-[man] Mr. Tucker, okay.
Tucker? Conrad Tucker.
Virginia?
-Yeah.
-Yeah, Robbie.
-Excuse me, can I just...
-Yes, yes, yes, sir.
-Hi.
-Hi. I don't believe--
I don't believe this.
-Oh.
-Wow.
-Oh.
-What are you doing here?
Um...
I was invited.
Well, that--
so, let's sit down.
I'd love to.
Where have you been
all this time?
Oh, my God.
What has it been, 12 years?
-Wow.
-You look wonderful.
Oh, thank you.
I remember that summer
so clearly.
-Oh, me too.
-The sailing trips, the riding.
Tequila sunrises at sunset.
I think I did this a lot, too.
Oh, midnight barbecues
on the beach.
Dancing, wild dancing
in the terrace.
Oh, yeah.
That was another person, huh?
Hmm? Can I get you a drink?
-Yeah.
-Robbie.
-Yes, sir.
-Gin and tonic.
-Gin and tonic.
-Gin and tonic, sir.
So, what on earth
are you doing in Scotland?
Oh, well, I met this girl
Katy Steynton in London.
And she, uh, heard
that I knew someone up here.
So, she said,
and I can't do her accent.
But she said, you know,
"Come to my birthday party.
Everyone will be there."
-So, here I am.
-You're the sad American.
You're the sad American.
-Excuse me?
-Oh, I-- I'm sorry.
It's just that Isobel
didn't know anything about you,
except that your wife had die--
-Um, I'm sorry.
-It's okay.
Can I ask you about it?
Of course.
Her name was Elizabeth,
she had leukemia.
Anyway, what about you?
-[sighs]
-[Conrad] Do you have a husband?
Yeah.
He's in New York.
I have a son, as well.
How old is he?
Eight.
-His name's Henry.
-Uh-hmm.
And...
this very day,
I have thrown him
into a snake pit
of a boarding school.
-Oh, boy.
-[scoffs]
It's probably the most
awful day of my life.
You know, that summer...
when I went back to the Cape...
your father told me
you'd gone to England.
I couldn't believe it.
Yeah. I never intended to stay.
Then, across a crowded room,
uh, I saw Edmund.
Hmm.
And I'm just like
the song that...
that was it.
Oh, God.
This is just a bad day,
all around.
Why don't you
stay here, tonight?
No... [stammers]
I have to take care of my dogs.
[sighs]
I'll go back with you.
[sighs] Okay.
[classical music playing]
I guess Isobel wouldn't mind
having you a day early.
[Conrad] My gosh, magnificent.
Yeah.
They can't have gone to bed yet.
-It's only... oh.
-Well, it's...
-Later than I thought.
-Uh-hmm.
Didn't you say there's a pub
in the village?
-Oh, they'd be shut by now.
-Oh.
Yeah.
You have to stay the night
at Balnaid.
[Conrad]
Won't that be a problem?
No, no problem at all.
The guestroom beds
are already made up.
No problem.
Hello. Hello.
You see why I had to come home.
-Great dogs, a matching set.
-[laughs]
[dogs barking]
[panting]
[dogs barking]
Hmm.
-All right.
-Yeah. I could live here.
-[Virginia laughs]
-[chuckles]
Hmm.
Oh, thank you, thank you.
Uh-hmm.
To the good old days.
Cheers.
Oh, it's stuffy in here.
[ambient music playing]
[Virginia] You have to take
my word for it.
The view is great.
[Conrad] Uh-hmm.
[Virginia]
Oh, shall I close it?
[Conrad] No, no. Leave it.
Leave it.
It's too good to waste.
[ambient music playing]
[Virginia] So, there's all
the hot water you need.
Um, I'm sorry,
there's no shower.
Scots like to take long baths.
So, these are
your reading lights,
obviously.
Uh, the main light
is by the door and...
will you be okay?
Listen, I want you
to know how--
I wanna thank you because
I needed a friend tonight
-and you were there.
-Virginia, I--
You know,
it's really funny because...
I've been dreaming
about home, you know.
The breeze over the Atlantic.
-Those barbecues.
-That summer...
did you know
I was in love with you?
I'm a different person.
Not to me.
[Virginia exhales]
God, it's like a time warp.
I wanna make love to you.
[ambient music playing]
Don't forget
that the sad American
is coming this morning.
Doesn't anyone know his name?
We'd better wake Pandora or
you'll never get to Edinburgh.
-Oh, morning.
-Good morning.
Good morning.
Breakfast, Pandora.
Oh, black coffee for me,
darling.
I've just been watching
the big breakfast.
It's a revelation.
It's all decidedly odd.
Ah.
-Coffee?
-Thank you, darling.
You won't be long, will you?
-No.
-That's the local rags.
There's absolutely
nothing in it.
Oh, that's what so wonderful,
nothing changes.
Don't be long, Pandora.
"Fury over footpath closure."
Absolute bliss.
So, uh, we'll meet you
at the wine bar, 1:00.
-[woman] Okay.
-Now then,
we're gonna get you a dress
for the dance and that's that.
-No, no.
-I just hope...
She looks like
she's enjoying herself.
Yeah. It's what she wants us
to think anyway.
I ran into Conrad
yesterday evening.
-How do you do?
-Pleasure. Yeah.
Such a coincidence,
We're old friends.
We knew each other
in the States.
So, he spent the night
at Balnaid.
-Ah, a sensible idea.
-Hmm.
Would you like some coffee?
-Um...
-I've got to take
some flower pots
-up to Verena so...
-I'll just, uh,
-get my golf clubs.
-Right.
Was he okay? Henry?
Not really.
I have to go, Archie.
Um, I'll see you tomorrow night.
Yeah. Okay.
-Here, let me have that.
-Oh.
Oh, come on, now.
You're a golfer?
Uh, what course...
[Isobel] I have never in my life
owned a dress like this.
Time you do.
You deserve it.
And what's Archie
wearing to the party?
He used to look
terrific in a kilt.
Oh, he won't wear it anymore.
He says a tin leg on view
is an obscenity.
-He'll wear his dinner jacket.
-Oh, that's too boring.
We have to find him
something brilliant. Let's go.
-[car horn honks]
-Woo.
We can't.
Pandora, you can't.
Someone's reserved it.
Oh, we've got it.
Possession is nine-tenths
of the law.
Look, we can have a cocktail,
and they've got Quiche
and salad.
I hate cocktails, don't you?
-And Quiche.
-[woman] I'm sorry.
I'm afraid
this table is reserved.
Really? Well,
I didn't see a sign anywhere.
You knew perfectly well.
Look, we are dying of thirst,
and Lady Balmerino here
would love to order a bottle
of your very best champagne.
So, do you think perhaps
you could organize that?
Chilled?
[scoffs]
Pandora, you're shameless.
I know, darling.
Did you write
the Lady Balmerino a bit?
You should never underestimate
the power of snobbery.
[Verena] I'll never get tired...
But it's what
you ordered, madam.
Well, can't you pull it in
at the sides
and-- and make it taller,
is that as high as it will go?
I could put it on stilts,
or would you prefer
a hot air balloon?
There's no need to be rude.
-Oh, hello dear.
-Hi.
[Verena] Have you ever
seen such chaos?
Oh, I wanted to ask you a favor.
Mr. Cadwallader,
I expect the canopy to be
the same color as the rest of...
I'll put these flower pots
in the kitchen.
[Verena] All right.
I don't think it's demanding
too much to expect the job
to be done properly.
[Cadwallader]
I'm doing my best, madam.
-[Virginia] Come on.
-[dogs barking]
[growling]
[Virginia]
What's wrong with you?
Come on, you silly, things,
what's wrong?
[gasps]
[dogs barking]
What are you doing here?
You have no right to walk
into my house.
You should lock your doors then.
Please leave.
I thought we'd have a wee word,
a little chinwag.
I don't wanna hear
any more of your lies.
Lies? Ouch.
Why should I tell lies?
The truth is good enough.
You didn't like it
when I called Pandora
-a whore.
-Oh, get out.
You're no better
than a whore yourself.
The vileness
of men and women, the filth.
You are trespassing.
If you don't leave right now,
I am going to call the police.
Why don't you?
I could give them a statement.
A sworn affidavit.
Maybe the press
would like the story.
Lustful practicism
on the aristocracy.
Wife brings a fancy man home
to share a bed with her,
when her husband's away.
I don't even know
what you're talking about.
No?
Bad weather we had last night?
All that rain,
then it cleared up.
When you looked out
of that bedroom window,
it was quite dry and bright.
I could see the two of you
as clear as anything.
-Get out.
-All right, I'm going.
I'm going.
I'll have a word
with your husband
-when he gets back.
-Go.
[classical music playing]
[doorbell rings]
[goats bleating]
Why didn't someone tell me?
You know
what we're like, Virginia.
All of us...
we prefer discretion.
Discretion? For God's sake,
she was pregnant.
Why?
Just tell me what happened.
Edmund hadn't seen her
for years.
He came up
to Archie's wedding and...
there she was.
When they met, it was...
like a sort of explosion.
Fireworks.
I suppose,
we hoped it would...
burn itself out.
But it didn't.
I never heard the full story.
I do know there was
a terrible row with Archie.
And then, she was gone.
Took the car
and ran away to London.
She had an abortion.
I think...
I think she's still
in love with Edmund.
Maybe he feels the same way.
Maybe...
Maybe, um...
Maybe, I'm not enough for him.
Edmund is a true Scot...
keeps things...
bottled up.
I'm sure of one thing.
He loves you.
Surely, you know that.
I'm not sure
about anything anymore.
There's something else, um...
When I took Henry
to Temple Hall yesterday,
afterwards, I stopped
at a roadside hotel and, um...
I met Verena's sad American.
Turns out, I know him.
Knew him, years ago.
-Extraordinary.
-[Virginia] Yeah, well,
we had dinner and...
then he stayed the night
at Balnaid.
Then I took him to Archie's.
But what-- what's the problem?
Well, then...
I went home and I found Lottie
in-- in the kitchen,
and she was raving.
She said that she was
in the garden last night.
And she saw
Conrad and I together.
She was watching us
through the windows.
She ranted on
about lust and fornication.
She called me a whore and, um...
And she said that...
she said that she was
gonna tell Edmund that...
Conrad and I had been together.
That we'd slept together.
Oh, my dear.
Edmund knows Lottie.
He'll know it's all lies.
I...
It's true.
[Archie] They feed
on the heather, mostly.
We burn it off in strips
to encourage the new growth.
The longer heather
gives the birds cover.
[Conrad] Do you still shoot?
[Archie] No,
not very often these days.
Uh, I miss the walking, rather.
[Conrad] Oh.
-[glass shatters]
-[suspenseful music playing]
[Edie] She talks an awful lot
of rubbish, doctor.
You don't want
to believe it all.
She's just unhappy, poor soul.
Mrs. Aird, good of you to come.
What happened?
Lottie had a disagreement
with someone.
It seems a brick was involved.
Edie, my dear.
It's all right.
There's no real harm done.
It's just... She saw Pandora
in Dermots Shop.
[Lottie] ...Should not
close the door
when someone
is speaking to them.
[dramatic music playing]
You lost your leg
in the army?
Falklands War.
Ridiculous quarrel
over a lump of rock
that nobody had ever heard of.
What happened?
We were patrolling
on South Georgia.
We were ambushed.
You're lucky to be alive.
Yes, more so
than some of my chaps.
One of them was there
because of me.
Ridlin Piper.
He was only a lad.
Won first prize
at the Strathcroy Games.
I gave him the cup.
His mother asked me
my advice about him.
I said join the regiment.
He was killed.
[Conrad sighs]
You know, many people would envy
your life here, Archie.
This is a great place to live.
[Archie] Yes, well,
it is in September anyway.
Pandora would tell you
that when we were young...
it was blue skies and sunshine
all summer, and it never rained.
I fear the records
would contradict her.
[Violet] Everyone's coming
to Verena's party.
And, of course,
tomorrow's my birthday picnic
at the Loch.
Won't be the same
without you, Henry.
Edie sends her love.
And there's no need for you
to worry about her now
as Lottie has gone back
to hospital.
We all miss you very much.
And I do hope
you're settling in nicely
at your new school.
Lots of love, grandma.
[door thudding]
Let me out!
Let me out!
Help!
Somebody help me!
[suspenseful music playing]
[Conrad] Bosco, Whisker,
come on, come on.
Come on, come on.
-[Archie] Cheers.
-[Conrad] Thanks.
[bell ringing]
[Pandora]
Is one of those for me?
[Archie] Yes, it is now.
So strange being here.
Thanks.
[Archie groans]
[Archie exhales]
How are you, darling?
-Pan?
-Yes?
About what happened...
No, Archie.
I don't want to talk about it.
It's a long time ago.
But I really do
wanna talk about it.
I-- I let you down,
I lied to you...
about Edmund.
You see, I knew that...
he wasn't happy with Caroline.
And that he would've gone
to the ends of the earth
for you.
Perhaps.
But you are right.
As usual,
I was being selfish.
Besides, an illegitimate baron
in the family...
who'd ever heard
of such a thing.
You know, you have every right
to be bitter.
[sighs] Don't be silly.
Probably all for the best.
I mean, what kind of a mother
would I have made?
[scoffs] Spoiled kitten like me.
You know, nevertheless...
If I had been
more understanding...
You would've kept the baby.
You don't flatter yourself.
If my driving had been better,
I would've kept it anyway.
What?
When I wrapped my car
around a lamppost
on the motorway to London,
I thought, "Goodbye, world."
What I got was a broken wrist.
I lost the baby.
But...
I thought...
Pan...
Did you think I had an abortion?
But your letter implied.
Maybe part of me wanted you
to think that.
I hated you then, Archie.
At least I thought I did.
My God.
Twenty years we've lost.
I thought I'd never
see you again.
[Pandora] Archie...
you're so busy...
remembering
what you've lost, you...
don't have the time
to appreciate what you do have.
Wonderful Croy...
Lucilla, Isobel.
Life is too short
to dwell
on what might have been.
To the future.
[dramatic music playing]
What?
I love you
in that ridiculous hat.
Do you now?
I had such a day,
did all the shopping.
Got everything on your list.
Champagne,
and I bought a new dress
for the dance.
Pandora bought it for me.
She bought you a present
as well, it's on the bed.
Oh, whatever can it be?
[Isobel] Mr. Sinclair
had your measurements.
He helped us choose.
What do you think?
Pandora said you couldn't go
in your dinner jacket.
You'd look like
a part-time waiter.
I found your father's
old smoking jacket
in the attic.
[Archie] Where's your dress?
Oh, I've hidden it away
till Friday.
Pandora wouldn't let me know
how much it cost.
It must've been a lot of money.
Do you think I should've let her
be so extravagant?
[Archie] Oh, she always loved
giving presents.
Do you like them?
What else did you do today?
We had lunch in the wine bar.
Pandora made sure
we had the best table.
What'd you think?
I think you look amazing.
[snickers]
Lady Balmerino,
may I have the honor
of the next waltz?
[dramatic music playing]
Have you anything
which requires
your attention urgently, hmm?
Not that I can think of.
No dinner to cook,
no dogs to feed.
Not immediately.
Then why don't you come to bed?
Archie.
[dramatic music playing]
I haven't said this lately
but...
no one was ever
more loved...
or needed.
[dramatic music playing]
I love you so much.
Shall we?
Now?
Yes, there's just one problem.
What?
How do I get out
of these bloody trousers?
[laughter]
Now, I've got the shirt.
What do I need...
Oh, jumper. Hold on.
What's the problem?
It's only family.
Only family you said?
Father still thinks of me
with ankle socks and pigtails.
And he and grand will be
putting a laser beam
over you to see if you're sound.
Oh, yeah.
Maybe I should take
my new cords.
What are those?
Oh, it's just the usual.
Something for the host, hostess,
and your grandmother.
Aren't you the thoughtful one?
I suppose bachelors
seem to more know
-about these things, eh?
-Absolutely.
I'll get them all sold.
Look, if we don't leave
in one hour sharp,
we're gonna miss that plane.
Come on, move it.
Oh.
I'll have to dash.
I will be back
in time for the picnic.
You're really sure
you can't come to it?
Quite sure.
I've got to get
these flowers done
or Verena will be
in a terrible state.
What...
Why are you going so early?
Oh, just some business.
I'll see you later.
-[Virginia] Get out of there.
-Hey, you're here.
-Great.
-[Alexa] At last.
-[Virginia] Hello, Neil.
-[Neil] And what's this, uh...
Boy scouts
going camping, are we?
No, this is Vi's picnic.
And you're gonna help me load it
into the car.
I'll take the beer. Very good.
Is there anything else
to go down?
[Virginia] Uh, take that,
that'll be great.
[birds chirping]
I'm dying to meet
the mysterious Pandora.
What's she like?
She's a dazzler.
But is she nice?
Dazzlers don't have to be nice.
[Alexa] Oh, Neil.
[cheerful music playing]
[dogs barking]
Grand?
Happy birthday, Grand.
Alexa, darling.
Seventy-eight, isn't it awful?
Grand...
this is Neil.
-Hello, Neil.
-[Neil] Hello.
I've heard a lot about you.
Well, I, uh, better give you
my side of the story then,
haven't I?
Happy birthday, Vi.
Oh.
-Hi.
-Come and meet everyone.
[indistinct chatter]
Hetty, this is Neil.
It's Keating, isn't it, Neil?
[man] Come on, Neil.
[man] Great stance, Neil.
Look at that.
[indistinct chatter]
[man] Wait till the next dance,
all right?
[laughter]
[Pandora] And turn.
-Neil, you're not trying.
-[Neil] This is trying
[indistinct]
I'm sorry, I was supposed
to get those, wasn't I?
My fault, Alexa, I insisted.
And I was just putty
in her hands, wasn't I?
Sorry.
-[woman] Oh.
-[man] What?
You're gonna have
to shave that beard
-as soon as we're home.
-[man] No way, why should I?
[woman] Because
I'm starting to get a rash.
[man laughs]
Yeah, well, uh,
I'll just have to start
kissing in some place
that doesn't show, won't I?
[dramatic music playing]
[Pandora]
I've dreamed of this so often.
It was always here
if you wanted it.
Well, Archie,
I never know what I want
until it's too late.
Right now, I wanna go back
to the party.
Are you coming?
-No, you go.
-Okay.
[Conrad]
Boy, that was a good one.
-Hi.
-Hi.
[Conrad] Is everything okay?
Yeah.
When are you going back?
Oh, I booked a flight
next Thursday.
I wish I was staying longer,
I...
You know, I really wish
that you were coming with me.
Hmm.
I'm sorry, I shouldn't, uh...
I mean, I know I'm making things
difficult for you.
It's just that I thought that...
You know, maybe you might need
to get away...
for a while.
Funny, I was thinking that
myself.
[dramatic music playing]
[Violet] Tell me, Neil...
what do you think of us all?
Terribly establishment
over privileged?
[Neil] [laughs]
Oh, well, I must admit,
you do live
in a fairly grand style.
Old money, old houses,
old names, it's...
[Violet] My father...
was the son of a crofter
from the Hebrides.
[Neil] Really?
[Violet] He ended up
being a soldier.
[Neil] [laughs]
[Violet] My mother was grand.
Rather nice, for all that.
My husband...
my dear Geordie,
was the son
of our gatekeeper.
How funny.
Well, you see,
the Scottish clan system
means that no man
is another man's servant.
Just one of the family.
It's a lot of pride.
Mark you,
he did go and qualify
in Edinburgh
before he asked my father's
permission to marry me.
-[laughs]
-[Neil] Ah, well.
[laughter]
Well, excuse me for a bit.
Oh, yes, of course, run along.
I was lucky I married
the man I loved.
I hope the same thing
can happen to Alexa.
I don't know
who you really are, Neil,
or what you want from life.
But all I ask, if you wish,
that if you do have to hurt her,
you do it now
before it's too late.
Wait a...
[Violet] I hope you're fond
enough of her
to be able to do that.
[Alexa]
Oh! Lunch is ready.
Come on, darling.
Let's go and eat.
I wonder what they've got
for lunch.
-[Alexa] Lots, I hope, lots.
-[Violet] Lots.
Edie sends her love.
And there's no need for you
to worry about her now.
As Lottie has gone back
to hospital.
We all miss you very much.
And I do hope
you're settling in nicely
at your new school.
Lots of love, Grandma.
[dramatic music playing]
[man]
It'll be set up by 9:00.
The lights are where?
No, I need them here
at 6:00 at the latest.
You'd better.
Already, it looks like
a bloody circus.
All right, bye.
[doorbell rings]
Yes?
I'm your mobile disco.
Oh.
Well, I rather think
the young people
will be expecting, uh,
punk and heavy metal.
[man] Look, lady,
what they want is a light show,
a DJ and loud music.
Oh. Would it be very loud?
Oh, very, very loud.
We're talking a 5K rig here.
Trust me.
-5k rig?
-[man] Aye.
[bus engine revving]
[suspenseful music playing]
[indistinct chatter]
Hello?
Hello?
Hello.
you're Mr. Ed.
I'm Neil, I came with Alexa.
-Nice to meet you.
-Dad.
-Hello, darling.
-Hi.
How are you?
-Welcome home.
-And you.
You're back.
Did you meet Neil yet?
Oh, you mean
that stranger in there
with his shoes off
sleeping on my sofa
and helping himself
to my best malt?
Ah, he brought that whiskey
and he's got
-another bottle for you.
-Oh.
He's an excellent guest.
Oh, that's a maybe.
I intend to do
a little checking up on him.
Same old dad.
-[Virginia] How was your flight?
-Hellish.
Delayed take off in New York,
had to run to catch
the Edinburgh flight.
How's Henry?
I hadn't called.
I thought it would be considered
the wrong thing to do.
Here.
Thanks.
[Edmund] So, uh, what else
has been happening?
Lottie Carstairs
is back in the hospital.
[Edmund] Is Edie all right?
Oh, she's fine.
Turns out Lottie
is quite the local historian.
Told me a few old stories.
What stories?
The big picture
was you and Pandora.
[suspenseful music playing]
Look, Edmund.
If you and Pandora
had an affair,
it's all before my time.
But you were married with a kid.
And she was left alone
and pregnant.
So, you don't trust me?
[scoffs] I don't even think
I know you.
You're getting yourself
all worked up.
No, I'm being human, unlike you.
I'm thinking of going away
for a while,
back to the Cape.
When?
In a week.
With Henry away at school,
there's not much reason for me
to be here right now.
-I see.
-The way things seem to be.
So you've, uh,
got it all worked out?
Not really.
You're gonna be meeting
someone tonight.
The American that's staying
with Isobel and Archie.
Turns out, we're old friends.
[bus door hisses]
[bus engine revving]
[suspenseful music playing]
[phone ringing]
-Hello?
-[man] Mrs. Aird,
I'm afraid
we have a little problem.
Ms. Carstairs has disappeared.
Disappeared?
How could
she possibly disappear?
-Hello, Edie?
-[Edie] Hello?
[Violet] It's Vi.
Listen, my dear.
I've-- I just heard
from the hospital.
It seems that Lottie
has disappeared.
-[Edie] Oh, goodness.
-[Violet] Calm down, Edie.
-Where could she be?
-[Violet] Don't worry.
I-- I've had a word
with Edmund,
and I think you should spend
the evening up at Balnaid,
just in case.
[Edie] Oh, dear.
I hope she isn't going
to cause any trouble.
[dramatic music playing]
Oh, I need a slip.
The dress is totally
see-through.
Oh, dad, you look fantastic.
[dramatic music playing]
Neil, Edmund,
and where's Virginia?
Tidying her hair.
Sorry, we're late, but, um...
You have met Conrad Tucker.
How do you do?
How do you do?
[Archie] I'm sure you know
that Conrad's
an old friend of Virginia's.
Oh, I do now.
She tells me you're traveling
back to the States together?
And she's made up her mind.
I didn't know that Virginia
was planning a trip.
Oh.
You're not alone, Archie.
This is a night of surprises.
[Jeff] Edmund.
Oh, Jeff.
Oh, yes.
Yes, that looks better on you
than it ever did on me.
-Yeah, it feels good.
-Good.
Oh, Archie, look, by the way.
I thought you should know.
It seems that Lottie Carstairs
is on the loose.
Oh.
Well, she's not dangerous,
surely.
Well, Vi seems a bit worried,
so Edie's moved into Balnaid.
Vi didn't want to abandon
the, um, cottage.
Edmund.
[Edmund] I say.
[Archie] Well,
if the Americans
could see you now,
we could charge double.
-Drink, darling.
-Oh, definitely champagne.
[indistinct chatter]
[Archie] Oh, good. Oh, good.
Look, here are the girls.
[woman] You all look so good.
Thank you.
[Archie] Hello.
[indistinct chatter]
[Violet] Oh,
here's your champagne, Pandora.
Thank you. Darling,
you look absolutely divine.
-Thank you.
-Divine! Doesn't she?
Archie, did you see her?
[dramatic music playing]
[woman] Yes, very funny.
[dramatic music playing]
[gasping]
[suspenseful music playing]
[indistinct chatter]
[suspenseful music playing]
[grunts]
[siren wailing]
So, my father finally sent
for the young man.
And said, "Donald,
half a dozen young women
are over an area of 20 miles,
are in the family way,
and naming you as the father.
How do you explain this?"
Donald thought for a moment,
and then said,
"Well, so you see,
I have a bicycle."
[laughter]
It's Edie Findhorn.
She says can she have a word
with Mrs. Aird.
And Mrs. Edmund, that is.
She says it's urgent.
[suspenseful music playing]
Oh, Henry.
[Edmund] Hello, Henry.
[grunts]
Good to see you again.
Oh, you poor old soldier.
Oh.
Now, tell us what happened.
[Henry] I thought Edie was dead.
Lottie was in the kitchen
wearing Edie's
best lilac cardigan.
And her lips were all red
like blood
and I thought Edie
was murdered.
-[Edmund] Oh.
-It's all right, what happened?
Then I tripped
and it bled a bit.
Oh.
Well, I'll just let them know
at Croy that all is well.
And I'll give the, uh,
school a call.
[Virginia] Is that where
it was hit?
Yeah.
[Virginia] Oh, you're a trooper.
[indistinct chatter]
Well, positions, everyone.
Katy.
Carry on.
Oh, champagne, lovely.
My dear, how wonderful
to see you.
Now...
[indistinct chatter]
Are you all right?
-Yeah. [chuckles]
-[chuckles]
Why didn't you go to the dance?
No.
No, really, I'll be fine here.
Edie's here to look after me.
[Virginia] Are you sure?
Yeah. I don't have
to go back, do I?
You did well.
I'm proud of you.
[Archie] Probably
better take my arm, Vi.
[indistinct chatter]
-[woman] Come on, everybody.
-[man] I'm all right, you?
You were right, and I was wrong.
Henry is not ready
for boarding school.
I think we should talk.
Edmund, I just don't want to.
No, wait, please.
Please, just...
Well, just listen to me,
would you, please?
I should have told you,
well, ages ago
about what happened.
I, uh...
I hadn't seen Pandora
for years.
And then at Archie's wedding,
there she was.
I saw her coming across the hall
to me at Croy, and she...
She threw her arms around me
and said,
"Edmund, you horrible man,
you got married too.
Why didn't you wait for me?"
And...
I felt I was...
drowning.
When I tried to talk reason
to her, she just put her hands
over her ears...
shut her eyes.
Oh, the same thing happened
when I...
When I found out
that she was pregnant.
She wanted me to leave Caroline
and marry her.
Well... Well, I...
I couldn't do
the right thing, there...
There was no right thing, so...
I ran away.
Some big financial deal
was in trouble in Hong Kong.
So I went there.
And it was while I was away
that Archie had this
awful row with her.
He told her she was being silly,
that I wasn't really
in love with her.
And he was right, I suppose.
Anyway, by the time I got back,
it was all too late.
She got rid of the baby, and...
we never saw each other again.
You were the one
who never made a mistake.
It's nice to know
you're not perfect.
Don't leave me.
[upbeat music playing]
[car horn honks]
[upbeat music playing]
[festive music playing]
Come on, Pandora.
[Isobel] Come on,
change your shoes.
[indistinct chatter]
[festive music playing]
Rector and Mrs. Laxaby
Very dear friends of ours.
Simon, a very dear friend
of my daughter, Katy.
My husband, Angus.
Neil and Jeff.
[festive music playing]
Oh, here they are.
He's all right.
-Fine.
-Oh, thank goodness.
And Lottie?
Oh, it's strange.
Henry was running away from her
when he tripped and fell
and knocked himself out.
And then Lottie ran,
picked him up,
and carried him
to Mrs. Ishak's.
Apparently, she kept on saying
that she just wanted
to have a chat with him,
uh, a wee chinwag.
I've been ordered to round
everyone up for the dancing.
-Oh.
-Good.
Well, come along, mother.
I am sure you can manage
a reel or two.
Oh, thank you, dear,
I'd like to try.
[festive music playing]
[clapping]
This is fun.
Do the Brussels
know this goes on?
[laughter]
[ominous music playing]
[applause]
[indistinct chatter]
[indistinct chatter]
[sighs]
I'm exhausted.
[laughs] Me too.
How's Henry?
Oh, fast asleep by now,
I should think.
What a thing to do,
running away like that.
Yes, it would seem to be
a local tradition.
I'm not gonna talk
about that, are we?
Pandora, listen, listen.
I quite understand
your not forgiving me.
Oh, forgiving?
Sounds very pious.
Edmund, I've hurt an awful lot
of people in my life.
I can't be bothered with it.
Forget it.
That's the answer.
-I behaved like... like a...
-Edmund, no.
Don't blame yourself
for the mess
I've made in my life.
I've always been a disaster
waiting to happen.
The baby.
Please, Edmund...
just let it go.
Leave it.
[Verena] Everyone's having
a good time.
Isn't it marvelous?
-Marvelous.
-[Edmund] Yes.
[Pandora] Well done, Verena.
I'm glad Virginia's
made you happy.
Why did you come back?
Oh.
A whim.
-[Edmund] Hmm?
-An impulse.
The story of my life,
to have some fun, darling.
Why don't you go back
to the party.
-[festive music playing]
-[clapping]
[cheering]
[mellow music playing]
Neil, would you mind
driving me home?
-[indistinct]
-That's right. Thank you.
Should we go?
[mellow music playing]
Can we have a word
about that forestation scheme
of yours sometime?
Now, look, Archie,
I don't wanna push this.
Let's just forget about it.
I've been to see the people
in Edinburgh.
Rather like one or two
of their ideas.
Thought we might talk about it.
I think maybe we should.
Good.
[Pandora] I didn't wanna
break up the party.
But I'm just aching for my bed.
You come to any decisions?
[Neil] About what?
[Pandora] What do you think?
[Archie laughs]
Of course,
I was just speechless.
What?
I was looking for Neil.
Neil? He-- he was here
a minute ago with Pandora.
They'll be here.
[Neil] This family stuff
is a bit hard to take.
[Pandora] No, it's just the herd
protecting the weaker ones.
[Neil] The herd?
Whatever happened
to civilized human beings?
[Pandora] Scotland, darling.
Very primal.
It can be human.
[Neil] We're here.
[sighs]
I'm going straight to bed.
Good night, Neil.
Good night.
Whatever you decide,
tell her.
Don't let it drift.
That's my thought for the day.
Ladies, ladies and gentlemen,
breakfast is served
in the snooker room.
[cheering]
Isabel, Vi...
-Oh, yeah.
-Absolutely.
Should we go through?
[Virginia] Conrad.
[mellow music playing]
[indistinct chatter]
You won't be on the flight
on Thursday.
How'd you know?
Call me psychic.
Edmund's face, yours,
Henry's home.
I'm sorry.
I don't want you to think
that I was using you.
Listen, we were there
for each other
on a bad day.
I'm glad it was you.
Me too.
Where were you?
Kiss me.
Present.
Come on,
I'll get your breakfast.
I was just running Pandora home.
I'm sorry.
Do you like it?
I got Yasmine to reserve it for
me that night at the gallery.
-Thank you.
-Pleasure.
Marvelous.
For you.
-No, no, my dear.
-No, please, take it, I insist.
I'd never be able to face
you again
if I didn't behaved properly.
And, um, believe it or not,
I do mean to be good.
Are we to see more of you then?
Well, I-- I don't know.
I suppose that...
that rather depends
on Alexa.
Vi wants to know
if I'll be coming up again.
Well, if I'm married
into the family,
you'll insist, won't you?
I mean, there'll be, um,
Christmas and
Burns Night,
Vi's birthday--
Neil...
I'm really not sure.
I mean, you and me at
tribal dances on the Grassmoor,
I'd rather shoot myself
in the foot.
[laughs]
[suspenseful music playing]
[gasps]
Oh.
[suspenseful music playing]
[car engine revving]
[suspenseful music playing]
Go boys, out you go.
Go on.
[dog barking]
[officer] Good morning, sir.
Can we have a word please?
What?
No, no, no, no, no.
Of course,
we can't accept terms like that.
Anyway, George, look,
I'm gonna spend a few days here
at home, yeah, with the family.
So, uh, I want you to look
after this.
Get on the next plane
to Malaysia and...
Look, George, I'm gonna have
to call you back, all right?
[dramatic music playing]
[Pandora] Darling, Archie,
frightfully sorry
about all this.
It's just that I haven't
the energy to fight any longer.
Carlos, my doctor
is a kind man,
but he doesn't beat
about the bush.
He says I'm going to die.
Well, aren't we all?
But me rather sooner
because of the cancer.
It's been...
truly wonderful
seeing you all again at Croy.
I've been very sensible
and made a will,
left all my worldly goods
to you.
It's quite a lot.
I'd love it
if you'd use some of the money
to turn the stables
into a workshop
for your beautiful carvings.
It's what she intended
all along.
She came home to die.
I think she came home to see
Croy again.
And to spoil us,
make us laugh.
[dramatic music playing]
[dramatic music playing]
are planning a dance
-for Katy's 21st.
-Oh, yes.
And I'm thinking
of inviting Pandora.
Pandora?
Do you ever hear from Pandora?
Occasionally.
The odd postcard, you know.
Verena Steynton's planning
to invite her to the dance.
What? She can't do that.
If she does, who'd tell Edmund?
Uh, I thought
you might have heard
there's to be
a guest of honor...
Pandora.
Here?
-Look what I've got.
-What's that?
An invitation to a ball.
That must be Verena's
invitation, to the dance.
Then, two more of the same,
one for Lucilla
and another for Pandora
to be forwarded.
I told Verena
it was not a good idea.
What times they were, eh?
You still married to Caroline?
And Pandora buzzing about
like a bee after honey
and then running off.
But then, she was always
a bit of a bad penny.
[Pandora] That's what you
call it, a problem?
Don't you understand, Archie?
I am having a baby.
It's true.
Archie said
she'd never come back.
Well, she is.
Pandora?
Who knows with Pandora?
Oh, Vi,
I do hope there isn't
gonna be trouble.
Where are the horses?
Where are the horses?
-Welcome home.
-Archie. [laughs]
I'm so happy to see you.
And to be back,
it's so wonderful.
[dramatic music playing]
Why did you come back?
After all, you won't be staying
long, will you, Pandora?
Just till the dance, I suppose.
[Constable] All right, lads,
you pack now.
What did you think,
accident, was it?
-No.
-What did they reckon?
[Sergeant] No, they won't say,
difficult to tell at this stage.
One thing's for certain.
It was no accident.
[birds chirping]
[Pandora] I told you
not to call me here.
I don't want you
checking up on me, Carlos.
[Carlos over phone] I'm not
checking up on you.
-I just want to know why.
-Why?
[Carlos] Yes, why?
You know it's dangerous.
-Look, I can handle it.
-[Carlos] Can you, really?
What did you expect to achieve?
-I have things to settle here.
-[Carlos] Pandora,
-you're playing with fire.
-Don't call me again.
-Don't call me again.
-[Carlos] But Pandora, I--
As you wish, but I hope
you're not going to regret it.
Isobel?
Isobel? Is Archie around?
Am I interrupting?
No, of course not.
[gasps] I didn't know
you could do this.
[Archie] Uh-uh.
Do you have others?
Yes, you do.
Oh, Archie.
-Have you sold any?
-No.
Did you try?
-Who would buy them?
-Americans, darling.
Just put them out on display,
you'll make a fortune.
Not at the rate I work.
Find someone to help you.
You could start
a cottage industry.
There's plenty of room
in the stables here.
Oh, not with the nearly
pristine safety regulations,
all kinds of things.
You've got to find a way
to raise money.
Don't be so hopeless.
Archie, whether you...
have one leg or two,
you can't just turn your back
on people who love you.
You speak from experience,
of course.
Well... you have a choice.
I didn't.
Look, Archie,
I really don't want us
to dwell on the past.
Besides,
I'm the last one to preach.
[scoffs]
Which is why I do it so well.
[chuckles]
Good night.
Night.
Good night, Archie.
Dear Archie.
[Archie] Edmund
doesn't love you.
[Pandora] I hate you, Archie.
I hate you, I hate you.
I hate you, Archie.
[breathing heavily]
[siren wailing]
Hold it now!
Hold it, will you?
Now, listen. Kindly tell me
what the hell is going on here.
John. John.
John! For Christ's sake,
get out of here!
Okay. What you're buying
has to last you
for the whole term,
so you better plan carefully,
all right?
-Okay.
-Here you go.
Wow.
I'll pick you up
in half an hour.
[kisses]
[phone ringing]
[Henry] Bye, Mommy.
Hello, Balnaid.
-[Edmund] Virginia.
-[Virginia] Edmund?
Look, there's a crisis out here,
I have to go to New York.
-Oh, when?
-[Edmund] Well, now.
I'm catching a shuttle
flying out of Heathrow
this afternoon.
[sighs]
But... tomorrow?
You're taking Henry
to Temple Hall
-tomorrow.
-Well, I'm, uh...
I'm afraid I can't do that now.
[sighs] Edmund, you promised.
[Edmund]
Well, I have to go New York.
[sighs]
It was the one thing,
I said I couldn't face it,
you accepted that.
Yes, I know, I'm...
I'm sorry.
So, send someone else,
you're the boss.
It is because I am boss
that I have to go.
It's my responsibility.
You have other responsibilities,
Edmund, you promised.
Virginia, be reasonable.
Reasonable?
I never wanted him to go
in the first place.
I will not be reasonable!
[ambient music playing]
You all right, dear?
Everlasting Gobstoppers, please.
[woman] All right.
Uh, that one over there, please.
[woman] Oh, yes.
[Henry] Um...
-and this one here, please.
-[woman] Yes.
-Oh, and one of those, please.
-[woman] Uh-huh.
[Henry] Mommy,
look what I've got.
Great. Honey, um,
your daddy called
-to talk to you.
-What about?
Well...
he's got to go to New York...
today.
-Oh.
-So, he won't be able
to take you to school tomorrow.
Um, I thought...
Oh, Henry, I'll take you, okay?
It's all right.
I wanted this to be a good day.
Damn, Edmund!
Mr. Aird.
You'll be late for your plane.
[classical music playing]
Henry, listen.
It'll be okay, honest.
[sighs] Honey.
Please, stop doing that.
We'll go home,
we'll have a cup--
Hello, Virginia.
How are you?
-Is everything all right?
-Yeah.
I'm just picking Henry up.
-Oh.
-[Henry] I'll walk.
Look, don't be silly.
Come on, Henry.
Come, let's go to the--
Henry, please.
-Henry.
-[Pandora] Henry.
Do you like me
to take you home?
I've got music.
And you could play bears
with my mink coat,
wouldn't that be fun?
Really?
That's not necessary, Pandora.
Come on, Henry.
Henry. Henry.
[Pandora] Don't worry, Virginia.
I'll bring him back,
safe and sound.
[birds chirping]
You're on your own, then.
Edmund's gone to America,
I hear.
Yeah. For a few days
on business.
It must be lonely for you.
I saw Pandora.
That hair looks dyed to me.
And why does she ought to wear
dark glasses for
in this weather?
I'm sorry.
I really don't know
what you're talking about.
[Lottie] Do you, now.
Well, I wouldn't
have been too happy,
if I were in your shoes,
with Pandora back.
Not if your husband's around.
That's why she's here,
of course, still after him.
I don't have to listen to this.
I was there...
outside her bedroom door.
It was dark,
but I could hear all right.
You didn't guess, did you?
He's a cruel fish, Edmund,
just like the rest of them.
They all knew what was going on.
What?
They're all as thick as thieves.
That's why they gave me notice.
I knew too much.
Ugh, you're making all this up.
Why do you think
he's taken himself off?
Panic, I'd say.
Wait till he gets back,
it'll be the same story
-all over again.
-Look.
I don't think that you should
go around spreading lies
-like this, okay?
-I'm no lying.
Ask any of them.
Ask them about the baby.
They didn't need
to kill the baby.
I'd have looked after it.
I said I'll care for the baby.
It could be mine,
but she went rushing
off to London
and got rid of it.
Murderers.
The lot of them.
[dramatic music playing]
[car horn honking]
[dogs barking]
Sorry, we've been gone so long.
Henry, I made you lunch
about an hour ago.
It's already 2:00.
We had lunch in the car.
I had a burger,
a great big one,
and fries,
and strawberry milkshake.
Are you all right, Virginia?
Yeah, I'll be okay.
Henry, why don't you
go upstairs?
Edie's waiting
to say goodbye to you.
Thanks for the lunch.
He actually liked it.
Children have no taste.
Virginia?
You looked like
you should be on your bed.
Do you need some help?
No.
No, thank you.
-Why did you come back?
-What?
After all this time,
why did you come back?
Never could resist
a party, darling.
[birds chirping]
Bye.
[goats bleating]
Just come here
a wee moment, Henry.
Okay.
Yes, that's about right.
Hmm.
-I like your new cardigan.
-Oh.
Your mother brought it back
from London.
It's cashmere, lilac,
I'm keeping it for best.
Lilac, it's nice.
Oh, bother. I need a black pen.
Look at my hand bag,
there's one in there for sure.
Okay.
[ambient music playing]
Thanks.
[classical music playing]
[woman]
Don't you worry, Mrs. Aird.
-He'll be fine.
-All right. Thank you.
-Henry. Come back and visit me
-Mommy.
really soon, okay,
and you will have a great time.
Come along.
Let's get you in
out of the rain.
I love you.
Have a great time.
-Okay?
-Come on. Get the bag.
[classical music playing]
[man] Here you are, sir.
Thank you, Robbie.
Are you sure this
is gonna help my golf game?
[both laugh]
[man] What room
will I put it on, sir?
[man] Oh, it's, uh, 210 or 201.
-And send to the name of Tucker.
-[man] Mr. Tucker, okay.
Tucker? Conrad Tucker.
Virginia?
-Yeah.
-Yeah, Robbie.
-Excuse me, can I just...
-Yes, yes, yes, sir.
-Hi.
-Hi. I don't believe--
I don't believe this.
-Oh.
-Wow.
-Oh.
-What are you doing here?
Um...
I was invited.
Well, that--
so, let's sit down.
I'd love to.
Where have you been
all this time?
Oh, my God.
What has it been, 12 years?
-Wow.
-You look wonderful.
Oh, thank you.
I remember that summer
so clearly.
-Oh, me too.
-The sailing trips, the riding.
Tequila sunrises at sunset.
I think I did this a lot, too.
Oh, midnight barbecues
on the beach.
Dancing, wild dancing
in the terrace.
Oh, yeah.
That was another person, huh?
Hmm? Can I get you a drink?
-Yeah.
-Robbie.
-Yes, sir.
-Gin and tonic.
-Gin and tonic.
-Gin and tonic, sir.
So, what on earth
are you doing in Scotland?
Oh, well, I met this girl
Katy Steynton in London.
And she, uh, heard
that I knew someone up here.
So, she said,
and I can't do her accent.
But she said, you know,
"Come to my birthday party.
Everyone will be there."
-So, here I am.
-You're the sad American.
You're the sad American.
-Excuse me?
-Oh, I-- I'm sorry.
It's just that Isobel
didn't know anything about you,
except that your wife had die--
-Um, I'm sorry.
-It's okay.
Can I ask you about it?
Of course.
Her name was Elizabeth,
she had leukemia.
Anyway, what about you?
-[sighs]
-[Conrad] Do you have a husband?
Yeah.
He's in New York.
I have a son, as well.
How old is he?
Eight.
-His name's Henry.
-Uh-hmm.
And...
this very day,
I have thrown him
into a snake pit
of a boarding school.
-Oh, boy.
-[scoffs]
It's probably the most
awful day of my life.
You know, that summer...
when I went back to the Cape...
your father told me
you'd gone to England.
I couldn't believe it.
Yeah. I never intended to stay.
Then, across a crowded room,
uh, I saw Edmund.
Hmm.
And I'm just like
the song that...
that was it.
Oh, God.
This is just a bad day,
all around.
Why don't you
stay here, tonight?
No... [stammers]
I have to take care of my dogs.
[sighs]
I'll go back with you.
[sighs] Okay.
[classical music playing]
I guess Isobel wouldn't mind
having you a day early.
[Conrad] My gosh, magnificent.
Yeah.
They can't have gone to bed yet.
-It's only... oh.
-Well, it's...
-Later than I thought.
-Uh-hmm.
Didn't you say there's a pub
in the village?
-Oh, they'd be shut by now.
-Oh.
Yeah.
You have to stay the night
at Balnaid.
[Conrad]
Won't that be a problem?
No, no problem at all.
The guestroom beds
are already made up.
No problem.
Hello. Hello.
You see why I had to come home.
-Great dogs, a matching set.
-[laughs]
[dogs barking]
[panting]
[dogs barking]
Hmm.
-All right.
-Yeah. I could live here.
-[Virginia laughs]
-[chuckles]
Hmm.
Oh, thank you, thank you.
Uh-hmm.
To the good old days.
Cheers.
Oh, it's stuffy in here.
[ambient music playing]
[Virginia] You have to take
my word for it.
The view is great.
[Conrad] Uh-hmm.
[Virginia]
Oh, shall I close it?
[Conrad] No, no. Leave it.
Leave it.
It's too good to waste.
[ambient music playing]
[Virginia] So, there's all
the hot water you need.
Um, I'm sorry,
there's no shower.
Scots like to take long baths.
So, these are
your reading lights,
obviously.
Uh, the main light
is by the door and...
will you be okay?
Listen, I want you
to know how--
I wanna thank you because
I needed a friend tonight
-and you were there.
-Virginia, I--
You know,
it's really funny because...
I've been dreaming
about home, you know.
The breeze over the Atlantic.
-Those barbecues.
-That summer...
did you know
I was in love with you?
I'm a different person.
Not to me.
[Virginia exhales]
God, it's like a time warp.
I wanna make love to you.
[ambient music playing]
Don't forget
that the sad American
is coming this morning.
Doesn't anyone know his name?
We'd better wake Pandora or
you'll never get to Edinburgh.
-Oh, morning.
-Good morning.
Good morning.
Breakfast, Pandora.
Oh, black coffee for me,
darling.
I've just been watching
the big breakfast.
It's a revelation.
It's all decidedly odd.
Ah.
-Coffee?
-Thank you, darling.
You won't be long, will you?
-No.
-That's the local rags.
There's absolutely
nothing in it.
Oh, that's what so wonderful,
nothing changes.
Don't be long, Pandora.
"Fury over footpath closure."
Absolute bliss.
So, uh, we'll meet you
at the wine bar, 1:00.
-[woman] Okay.
-Now then,
we're gonna get you a dress
for the dance and that's that.
-No, no.
-I just hope...
She looks like
she's enjoying herself.
Yeah. It's what she wants us
to think anyway.
I ran into Conrad
yesterday evening.
-How do you do?
-Pleasure. Yeah.
Such a coincidence,
We're old friends.
We knew each other
in the States.
So, he spent the night
at Balnaid.
-Ah, a sensible idea.
-Hmm.
Would you like some coffee?
-Um...
-I've got to take
some flower pots
-up to Verena so...
-I'll just, uh,
-get my golf clubs.
-Right.
Was he okay? Henry?
Not really.
I have to go, Archie.
Um, I'll see you tomorrow night.
Yeah. Okay.
-Here, let me have that.
-Oh.
Oh, come on, now.
You're a golfer?
Uh, what course...
[Isobel] I have never in my life
owned a dress like this.
Time you do.
You deserve it.
And what's Archie
wearing to the party?
He used to look
terrific in a kilt.
Oh, he won't wear it anymore.
He says a tin leg on view
is an obscenity.
-He'll wear his dinner jacket.
-Oh, that's too boring.
We have to find him
something brilliant. Let's go.
-[car horn honks]
-Woo.
We can't.
Pandora, you can't.
Someone's reserved it.
Oh, we've got it.
Possession is nine-tenths
of the law.
Look, we can have a cocktail,
and they've got Quiche
and salad.
I hate cocktails, don't you?
-And Quiche.
-[woman] I'm sorry.
I'm afraid
this table is reserved.
Really? Well,
I didn't see a sign anywhere.
You knew perfectly well.
Look, we are dying of thirst,
and Lady Balmerino here
would love to order a bottle
of your very best champagne.
So, do you think perhaps
you could organize that?
Chilled?
[scoffs]
Pandora, you're shameless.
I know, darling.
Did you write
the Lady Balmerino a bit?
You should never underestimate
the power of snobbery.
[Verena] I'll never get tired...
But it's what
you ordered, madam.
Well, can't you pull it in
at the sides
and-- and make it taller,
is that as high as it will go?
I could put it on stilts,
or would you prefer
a hot air balloon?
There's no need to be rude.
-Oh, hello dear.
-Hi.
[Verena] Have you ever
seen such chaos?
Oh, I wanted to ask you a favor.
Mr. Cadwallader,
I expect the canopy to be
the same color as the rest of...
I'll put these flower pots
in the kitchen.
[Verena] All right.
I don't think it's demanding
too much to expect the job
to be done properly.
[Cadwallader]
I'm doing my best, madam.
-[Virginia] Come on.
-[dogs barking]
[growling]
[Virginia]
What's wrong with you?
Come on, you silly, things,
what's wrong?
[gasps]
[dogs barking]
What are you doing here?
You have no right to walk
into my house.
You should lock your doors then.
Please leave.
I thought we'd have a wee word,
a little chinwag.
I don't wanna hear
any more of your lies.
Lies? Ouch.
Why should I tell lies?
The truth is good enough.
You didn't like it
when I called Pandora
-a whore.
-Oh, get out.
You're no better
than a whore yourself.
The vileness
of men and women, the filth.
You are trespassing.
If you don't leave right now,
I am going to call the police.
Why don't you?
I could give them a statement.
A sworn affidavit.
Maybe the press
would like the story.
Lustful practicism
on the aristocracy.
Wife brings a fancy man home
to share a bed with her,
when her husband's away.
I don't even know
what you're talking about.
No?
Bad weather we had last night?
All that rain,
then it cleared up.
When you looked out
of that bedroom window,
it was quite dry and bright.
I could see the two of you
as clear as anything.
-Get out.
-All right, I'm going.
I'm going.
I'll have a word
with your husband
-when he gets back.
-Go.
[classical music playing]
[doorbell rings]
[goats bleating]
Why didn't someone tell me?
You know
what we're like, Virginia.
All of us...
we prefer discretion.
Discretion? For God's sake,
she was pregnant.
Why?
Just tell me what happened.
Edmund hadn't seen her
for years.
He came up
to Archie's wedding and...
there she was.
When they met, it was...
like a sort of explosion.
Fireworks.
I suppose,
we hoped it would...
burn itself out.
But it didn't.
I never heard the full story.
I do know there was
a terrible row with Archie.
And then, she was gone.
Took the car
and ran away to London.
She had an abortion.
I think...
I think she's still
in love with Edmund.
Maybe he feels the same way.
Maybe...
Maybe, um...
Maybe, I'm not enough for him.
Edmund is a true Scot...
keeps things...
bottled up.
I'm sure of one thing.
He loves you.
Surely, you know that.
I'm not sure
about anything anymore.
There's something else, um...
When I took Henry
to Temple Hall yesterday,
afterwards, I stopped
at a roadside hotel and, um...
I met Verena's sad American.
Turns out, I know him.
Knew him, years ago.
-Extraordinary.
-[Virginia] Yeah, well,
we had dinner and...
then he stayed the night
at Balnaid.
Then I took him to Archie's.
But what-- what's the problem?
Well, then...
I went home and I found Lottie
in-- in the kitchen,
and she was raving.
She said that she was
in the garden last night.
And she saw
Conrad and I together.
She was watching us
through the windows.
She ranted on
about lust and fornication.
She called me a whore and, um...
And she said that...
she said that she was
gonna tell Edmund that...
Conrad and I had been together.
That we'd slept together.
Oh, my dear.
Edmund knows Lottie.
He'll know it's all lies.
I...
It's true.
[Archie] They feed
on the heather, mostly.
We burn it off in strips
to encourage the new growth.
The longer heather
gives the birds cover.
[Conrad] Do you still shoot?
[Archie] No,
not very often these days.
Uh, I miss the walking, rather.
[Conrad] Oh.
-[glass shatters]
-[suspenseful music playing]
[Edie] She talks an awful lot
of rubbish, doctor.
You don't want
to believe it all.
She's just unhappy, poor soul.
Mrs. Aird, good of you to come.
What happened?
Lottie had a disagreement
with someone.
It seems a brick was involved.
Edie, my dear.
It's all right.
There's no real harm done.
It's just... She saw Pandora
in Dermots Shop.
[Lottie] ...Should not
close the door
when someone
is speaking to them.
[dramatic music playing]
You lost your leg
in the army?
Falklands War.
Ridiculous quarrel
over a lump of rock
that nobody had ever heard of.
What happened?
We were patrolling
on South Georgia.
We were ambushed.
You're lucky to be alive.
Yes, more so
than some of my chaps.
One of them was there
because of me.
Ridlin Piper.
He was only a lad.
Won first prize
at the Strathcroy Games.
I gave him the cup.
His mother asked me
my advice about him.
I said join the regiment.
He was killed.
[Conrad sighs]
You know, many people would envy
your life here, Archie.
This is a great place to live.
[Archie] Yes, well,
it is in September anyway.
Pandora would tell you
that when we were young...
it was blue skies and sunshine
all summer, and it never rained.
I fear the records
would contradict her.
[Violet] Everyone's coming
to Verena's party.
And, of course,
tomorrow's my birthday picnic
at the Loch.
Won't be the same
without you, Henry.
Edie sends her love.
And there's no need for you
to worry about her now
as Lottie has gone back
to hospital.
We all miss you very much.
And I do hope
you're settling in nicely
at your new school.
Lots of love, grandma.
[door thudding]
Let me out!
Let me out!
Help!
Somebody help me!
[suspenseful music playing]
[Conrad] Bosco, Whisker,
come on, come on.
Come on, come on.
-[Archie] Cheers.
-[Conrad] Thanks.
[bell ringing]
[Pandora]
Is one of those for me?
[Archie] Yes, it is now.
So strange being here.
Thanks.
[Archie groans]
[Archie exhales]
How are you, darling?
-Pan?
-Yes?
About what happened...
No, Archie.
I don't want to talk about it.
It's a long time ago.
But I really do
wanna talk about it.
I-- I let you down,
I lied to you...
about Edmund.
You see, I knew that...
he wasn't happy with Caroline.
And that he would've gone
to the ends of the earth
for you.
Perhaps.
But you are right.
As usual,
I was being selfish.
Besides, an illegitimate baron
in the family...
who'd ever heard
of such a thing.
You know, you have every right
to be bitter.
[sighs] Don't be silly.
Probably all for the best.
I mean, what kind of a mother
would I have made?
[scoffs] Spoiled kitten like me.
You know, nevertheless...
If I had been
more understanding...
You would've kept the baby.
You don't flatter yourself.
If my driving had been better,
I would've kept it anyway.
What?
When I wrapped my car
around a lamppost
on the motorway to London,
I thought, "Goodbye, world."
What I got was a broken wrist.
I lost the baby.
But...
I thought...
Pan...
Did you think I had an abortion?
But your letter implied.
Maybe part of me wanted you
to think that.
I hated you then, Archie.
At least I thought I did.
My God.
Twenty years we've lost.
I thought I'd never
see you again.
[Pandora] Archie...
you're so busy...
remembering
what you've lost, you...
don't have the time
to appreciate what you do have.
Wonderful Croy...
Lucilla, Isobel.
Life is too short
to dwell
on what might have been.
To the future.
[dramatic music playing]
What?
I love you
in that ridiculous hat.
Do you now?
I had such a day,
did all the shopping.
Got everything on your list.
Champagne,
and I bought a new dress
for the dance.
Pandora bought it for me.
She bought you a present
as well, it's on the bed.
Oh, whatever can it be?
[Isobel] Mr. Sinclair
had your measurements.
He helped us choose.
What do you think?
Pandora said you couldn't go
in your dinner jacket.
You'd look like
a part-time waiter.
I found your father's
old smoking jacket
in the attic.
[Archie] Where's your dress?
Oh, I've hidden it away
till Friday.
Pandora wouldn't let me know
how much it cost.
It must've been a lot of money.
Do you think I should've let her
be so extravagant?
[Archie] Oh, she always loved
giving presents.
Do you like them?
What else did you do today?
We had lunch in the wine bar.
Pandora made sure
we had the best table.
What'd you think?
I think you look amazing.
[snickers]
Lady Balmerino,
may I have the honor
of the next waltz?
[dramatic music playing]
Have you anything
which requires
your attention urgently, hmm?
Not that I can think of.
No dinner to cook,
no dogs to feed.
Not immediately.
Then why don't you come to bed?
Archie.
[dramatic music playing]
I haven't said this lately
but...
no one was ever
more loved...
or needed.
[dramatic music playing]
I love you so much.
Shall we?
Now?
Yes, there's just one problem.
What?
How do I get out
of these bloody trousers?
[laughter]
Now, I've got the shirt.
What do I need...
Oh, jumper. Hold on.
What's the problem?
It's only family.
Only family you said?
Father still thinks of me
with ankle socks and pigtails.
And he and grand will be
putting a laser beam
over you to see if you're sound.
Oh, yeah.
Maybe I should take
my new cords.
What are those?
Oh, it's just the usual.
Something for the host, hostess,
and your grandmother.
Aren't you the thoughtful one?
I suppose bachelors
seem to more know
-about these things, eh?
-Absolutely.
I'll get them all sold.
Look, if we don't leave
in one hour sharp,
we're gonna miss that plane.
Come on, move it.
Oh.
I'll have to dash.
I will be back
in time for the picnic.
You're really sure
you can't come to it?
Quite sure.
I've got to get
these flowers done
or Verena will be
in a terrible state.
What...
Why are you going so early?
Oh, just some business.
I'll see you later.
-[Virginia] Get out of there.
-Hey, you're here.
-Great.
-[Alexa] At last.
-[Virginia] Hello, Neil.
-[Neil] And what's this, uh...
Boy scouts
going camping, are we?
No, this is Vi's picnic.
And you're gonna help me load it
into the car.
I'll take the beer. Very good.
Is there anything else
to go down?
[Virginia] Uh, take that,
that'll be great.
[birds chirping]
I'm dying to meet
the mysterious Pandora.
What's she like?
She's a dazzler.
But is she nice?
Dazzlers don't have to be nice.
[Alexa] Oh, Neil.
[cheerful music playing]
[dogs barking]
Grand?
Happy birthday, Grand.
Alexa, darling.
Seventy-eight, isn't it awful?
Grand...
this is Neil.
-Hello, Neil.
-[Neil] Hello.
I've heard a lot about you.
Well, I, uh, better give you
my side of the story then,
haven't I?
Happy birthday, Vi.
Oh.
-Hi.
-Come and meet everyone.
[indistinct chatter]
Hetty, this is Neil.
It's Keating, isn't it, Neil?
[man] Come on, Neil.
[man] Great stance, Neil.
Look at that.
[indistinct chatter]
[man] Wait till the next dance,
all right?
[laughter]
[Pandora] And turn.
-Neil, you're not trying.
-[Neil] This is trying
[indistinct]
I'm sorry, I was supposed
to get those, wasn't I?
My fault, Alexa, I insisted.
And I was just putty
in her hands, wasn't I?
Sorry.
-[woman] Oh.
-[man] What?
You're gonna have
to shave that beard
-as soon as we're home.
-[man] No way, why should I?
[woman] Because
I'm starting to get a rash.
[man laughs]
Yeah, well, uh,
I'll just have to start
kissing in some place
that doesn't show, won't I?
[dramatic music playing]
[Pandora]
I've dreamed of this so often.
It was always here
if you wanted it.
Well, Archie,
I never know what I want
until it's too late.
Right now, I wanna go back
to the party.
Are you coming?
-No, you go.
-Okay.
[Conrad]
Boy, that was a good one.
-Hi.
-Hi.
[Conrad] Is everything okay?
Yeah.
When are you going back?
Oh, I booked a flight
next Thursday.
I wish I was staying longer,
I...
You know, I really wish
that you were coming with me.
Hmm.
I'm sorry, I shouldn't, uh...
I mean, I know I'm making things
difficult for you.
It's just that I thought that...
You know, maybe you might need
to get away...
for a while.
Funny, I was thinking that
myself.
[dramatic music playing]
[Violet] Tell me, Neil...
what do you think of us all?
Terribly establishment
over privileged?
[Neil] [laughs]
Oh, well, I must admit,
you do live
in a fairly grand style.
Old money, old houses,
old names, it's...
[Violet] My father...
was the son of a crofter
from the Hebrides.
[Neil] Really?
[Violet] He ended up
being a soldier.
[Neil] [laughs]
[Violet] My mother was grand.
Rather nice, for all that.
My husband...
my dear Geordie,
was the son
of our gatekeeper.
How funny.
Well, you see,
the Scottish clan system
means that no man
is another man's servant.
Just one of the family.
It's a lot of pride.
Mark you,
he did go and qualify
in Edinburgh
before he asked my father's
permission to marry me.
-[laughs]
-[Neil] Ah, well.
[laughter]
Well, excuse me for a bit.
Oh, yes, of course, run along.
I was lucky I married
the man I loved.
I hope the same thing
can happen to Alexa.
I don't know
who you really are, Neil,
or what you want from life.
But all I ask, if you wish,
that if you do have to hurt her,
you do it now
before it's too late.
Wait a...
[Violet] I hope you're fond
enough of her
to be able to do that.
[Alexa]
Oh! Lunch is ready.
Come on, darling.
Let's go and eat.
I wonder what they've got
for lunch.
-[Alexa] Lots, I hope, lots.
-[Violet] Lots.
Edie sends her love.
And there's no need for you
to worry about her now.
As Lottie has gone back
to hospital.
We all miss you very much.
And I do hope
you're settling in nicely
at your new school.
Lots of love, Grandma.
[dramatic music playing]
[man]
It'll be set up by 9:00.
The lights are where?
No, I need them here
at 6:00 at the latest.
You'd better.
Already, it looks like
a bloody circus.
All right, bye.
[doorbell rings]
Yes?
I'm your mobile disco.
Oh.
Well, I rather think
the young people
will be expecting, uh,
punk and heavy metal.
[man] Look, lady,
what they want is a light show,
a DJ and loud music.
Oh. Would it be very loud?
Oh, very, very loud.
We're talking a 5K rig here.
Trust me.
-5k rig?
-[man] Aye.
[bus engine revving]
[suspenseful music playing]
[indistinct chatter]
Hello?
Hello?
Hello.
you're Mr. Ed.
I'm Neil, I came with Alexa.
-Nice to meet you.
-Dad.
-Hello, darling.
-Hi.
How are you?
-Welcome home.
-And you.
You're back.
Did you meet Neil yet?
Oh, you mean
that stranger in there
with his shoes off
sleeping on my sofa
and helping himself
to my best malt?
Ah, he brought that whiskey
and he's got
-another bottle for you.
-Oh.
He's an excellent guest.
Oh, that's a maybe.
I intend to do
a little checking up on him.
Same old dad.
-[Virginia] How was your flight?
-Hellish.
Delayed take off in New York,
had to run to catch
the Edinburgh flight.
How's Henry?
I hadn't called.
I thought it would be considered
the wrong thing to do.
Here.
Thanks.
[Edmund] So, uh, what else
has been happening?
Lottie Carstairs
is back in the hospital.
[Edmund] Is Edie all right?
Oh, she's fine.
Turns out Lottie
is quite the local historian.
Told me a few old stories.
What stories?
The big picture
was you and Pandora.
[suspenseful music playing]
Look, Edmund.
If you and Pandora
had an affair,
it's all before my time.
But you were married with a kid.
And she was left alone
and pregnant.
So, you don't trust me?
[scoffs] I don't even think
I know you.
You're getting yourself
all worked up.
No, I'm being human, unlike you.
I'm thinking of going away
for a while,
back to the Cape.
When?
In a week.
With Henry away at school,
there's not much reason for me
to be here right now.
-I see.
-The way things seem to be.
So you've, uh,
got it all worked out?
Not really.
You're gonna be meeting
someone tonight.
The American that's staying
with Isobel and Archie.
Turns out, we're old friends.
[bus door hisses]
[bus engine revving]
[suspenseful music playing]
[phone ringing]
-Hello?
-[man] Mrs. Aird,
I'm afraid
we have a little problem.
Ms. Carstairs has disappeared.
Disappeared?
How could
she possibly disappear?
-Hello, Edie?
-[Edie] Hello?
[Violet] It's Vi.
Listen, my dear.
I've-- I just heard
from the hospital.
It seems that Lottie
has disappeared.
-[Edie] Oh, goodness.
-[Violet] Calm down, Edie.
-Where could she be?
-[Violet] Don't worry.
I-- I've had a word
with Edmund,
and I think you should spend
the evening up at Balnaid,
just in case.
[Edie] Oh, dear.
I hope she isn't going
to cause any trouble.
[dramatic music playing]
Oh, I need a slip.
The dress is totally
see-through.
Oh, dad, you look fantastic.
[dramatic music playing]
Neil, Edmund,
and where's Virginia?
Tidying her hair.
Sorry, we're late, but, um...
You have met Conrad Tucker.
How do you do?
How do you do?
[Archie] I'm sure you know
that Conrad's
an old friend of Virginia's.
Oh, I do now.
She tells me you're traveling
back to the States together?
And she's made up her mind.
I didn't know that Virginia
was planning a trip.
Oh.
You're not alone, Archie.
This is a night of surprises.
[Jeff] Edmund.
Oh, Jeff.
Oh, yes.
Yes, that looks better on you
than it ever did on me.
-Yeah, it feels good.
-Good.
Oh, Archie, look, by the way.
I thought you should know.
It seems that Lottie Carstairs
is on the loose.
Oh.
Well, she's not dangerous,
surely.
Well, Vi seems a bit worried,
so Edie's moved into Balnaid.
Vi didn't want to abandon
the, um, cottage.
Edmund.
[Edmund] I say.
[Archie] Well,
if the Americans
could see you now,
we could charge double.
-Drink, darling.
-Oh, definitely champagne.
[indistinct chatter]
[Archie] Oh, good. Oh, good.
Look, here are the girls.
[woman] You all look so good.
Thank you.
[Archie] Hello.
[indistinct chatter]
[Violet] Oh,
here's your champagne, Pandora.
Thank you. Darling,
you look absolutely divine.
-Thank you.
-Divine! Doesn't she?
Archie, did you see her?
[dramatic music playing]
[woman] Yes, very funny.
[dramatic music playing]
[gasping]
[suspenseful music playing]
[indistinct chatter]
[suspenseful music playing]
[grunts]
[siren wailing]
So, my father finally sent
for the young man.
And said, "Donald,
half a dozen young women
are over an area of 20 miles,
are in the family way,
and naming you as the father.
How do you explain this?"
Donald thought for a moment,
and then said,
"Well, so you see,
I have a bicycle."
[laughter]
It's Edie Findhorn.
She says can she have a word
with Mrs. Aird.
And Mrs. Edmund, that is.
She says it's urgent.
[suspenseful music playing]
Oh, Henry.
[Edmund] Hello, Henry.
[grunts]
Good to see you again.
Oh, you poor old soldier.
Oh.
Now, tell us what happened.
[Henry] I thought Edie was dead.
Lottie was in the kitchen
wearing Edie's
best lilac cardigan.
And her lips were all red
like blood
and I thought Edie
was murdered.
-[Edmund] Oh.
-It's all right, what happened?
Then I tripped
and it bled a bit.
Oh.
Well, I'll just let them know
at Croy that all is well.
And I'll give the, uh,
school a call.
[Virginia] Is that where
it was hit?
Yeah.
[Virginia] Oh, you're a trooper.
[indistinct chatter]
Well, positions, everyone.
Katy.
Carry on.
Oh, champagne, lovely.
My dear, how wonderful
to see you.
Now...
[indistinct chatter]
Are you all right?
-Yeah. [chuckles]
-[chuckles]
Why didn't you go to the dance?
No.
No, really, I'll be fine here.
Edie's here to look after me.
[Virginia] Are you sure?
Yeah. I don't have
to go back, do I?
You did well.
I'm proud of you.
[Archie] Probably
better take my arm, Vi.
[indistinct chatter]
-[woman] Come on, everybody.
-[man] I'm all right, you?
You were right, and I was wrong.
Henry is not ready
for boarding school.
I think we should talk.
Edmund, I just don't want to.
No, wait, please.
Please, just...
Well, just listen to me,
would you, please?
I should have told you,
well, ages ago
about what happened.
I, uh...
I hadn't seen Pandora
for years.
And then at Archie's wedding,
there she was.
I saw her coming across the hall
to me at Croy, and she...
She threw her arms around me
and said,
"Edmund, you horrible man,
you got married too.
Why didn't you wait for me?"
And...
I felt I was...
drowning.
When I tried to talk reason
to her, she just put her hands
over her ears...
shut her eyes.
Oh, the same thing happened
when I...
When I found out
that she was pregnant.
She wanted me to leave Caroline
and marry her.
Well... Well, I...
I couldn't do
the right thing, there...
There was no right thing, so...
I ran away.
Some big financial deal
was in trouble in Hong Kong.
So I went there.
And it was while I was away
that Archie had this
awful row with her.
He told her she was being silly,
that I wasn't really
in love with her.
And he was right, I suppose.
Anyway, by the time I got back,
it was all too late.
She got rid of the baby, and...
we never saw each other again.
You were the one
who never made a mistake.
It's nice to know
you're not perfect.
Don't leave me.
[upbeat music playing]
[car horn honks]
[upbeat music playing]
[festive music playing]
Come on, Pandora.
[Isobel] Come on,
change your shoes.
[indistinct chatter]
[festive music playing]
Rector and Mrs. Laxaby
Very dear friends of ours.
Simon, a very dear friend
of my daughter, Katy.
My husband, Angus.
Neil and Jeff.
[festive music playing]
Oh, here they are.
He's all right.
-Fine.
-Oh, thank goodness.
And Lottie?
Oh, it's strange.
Henry was running away from her
when he tripped and fell
and knocked himself out.
And then Lottie ran,
picked him up,
and carried him
to Mrs. Ishak's.
Apparently, she kept on saying
that she just wanted
to have a chat with him,
uh, a wee chinwag.
I've been ordered to round
everyone up for the dancing.
-Oh.
-Good.
Well, come along, mother.
I am sure you can manage
a reel or two.
Oh, thank you, dear,
I'd like to try.
[festive music playing]
[clapping]
This is fun.
Do the Brussels
know this goes on?
[laughter]
[ominous music playing]
[applause]
[indistinct chatter]
[indistinct chatter]
[sighs]
I'm exhausted.
[laughs] Me too.
How's Henry?
Oh, fast asleep by now,
I should think.
What a thing to do,
running away like that.
Yes, it would seem to be
a local tradition.
I'm not gonna talk
about that, are we?
Pandora, listen, listen.
I quite understand
your not forgiving me.
Oh, forgiving?
Sounds very pious.
Edmund, I've hurt an awful lot
of people in my life.
I can't be bothered with it.
Forget it.
That's the answer.
-I behaved like... like a...
-Edmund, no.
Don't blame yourself
for the mess
I've made in my life.
I've always been a disaster
waiting to happen.
The baby.
Please, Edmund...
just let it go.
Leave it.
[Verena] Everyone's having
a good time.
Isn't it marvelous?
-Marvelous.
-[Edmund] Yes.
[Pandora] Well done, Verena.
I'm glad Virginia's
made you happy.
Why did you come back?
Oh.
A whim.
-[Edmund] Hmm?
-An impulse.
The story of my life,
to have some fun, darling.
Why don't you go back
to the party.
-[festive music playing]
-[clapping]
[cheering]
[mellow music playing]
Neil, would you mind
driving me home?
-[indistinct]
-That's right. Thank you.
Should we go?
[mellow music playing]
Can we have a word
about that forestation scheme
of yours sometime?
Now, look, Archie,
I don't wanna push this.
Let's just forget about it.
I've been to see the people
in Edinburgh.
Rather like one or two
of their ideas.
Thought we might talk about it.
I think maybe we should.
Good.
[Pandora] I didn't wanna
break up the party.
But I'm just aching for my bed.
You come to any decisions?
[Neil] About what?
[Pandora] What do you think?
[Archie laughs]
Of course,
I was just speechless.
What?
I was looking for Neil.
Neil? He-- he was here
a minute ago with Pandora.
They'll be here.
[Neil] This family stuff
is a bit hard to take.
[Pandora] No, it's just the herd
protecting the weaker ones.
[Neil] The herd?
Whatever happened
to civilized human beings?
[Pandora] Scotland, darling.
Very primal.
It can be human.
[Neil] We're here.
[sighs]
I'm going straight to bed.
Good night, Neil.
Good night.
Whatever you decide,
tell her.
Don't let it drift.
That's my thought for the day.
Ladies, ladies and gentlemen,
breakfast is served
in the snooker room.
[cheering]
Isabel, Vi...
-Oh, yeah.
-Absolutely.
Should we go through?
[Virginia] Conrad.
[mellow music playing]
[indistinct chatter]
You won't be on the flight
on Thursday.
How'd you know?
Call me psychic.
Edmund's face, yours,
Henry's home.
I'm sorry.
I don't want you to think
that I was using you.
Listen, we were there
for each other
on a bad day.
I'm glad it was you.
Me too.
Where were you?
Kiss me.
Present.
Come on,
I'll get your breakfast.
I was just running Pandora home.
I'm sorry.
Do you like it?
I got Yasmine to reserve it for
me that night at the gallery.
-Thank you.
-Pleasure.
Marvelous.
For you.
-No, no, my dear.
-No, please, take it, I insist.
I'd never be able to face
you again
if I didn't behaved properly.
And, um, believe it or not,
I do mean to be good.
Are we to see more of you then?
Well, I-- I don't know.
I suppose that...
that rather depends
on Alexa.
Vi wants to know
if I'll be coming up again.
Well, if I'm married
into the family,
you'll insist, won't you?
I mean, there'll be, um,
Christmas and
Burns Night,
Vi's birthday--
Neil...
I'm really not sure.
I mean, you and me at
tribal dances on the Grassmoor,
I'd rather shoot myself
in the foot.
[laughs]
[suspenseful music playing]
[gasps]
Oh.
[suspenseful music playing]
[car engine revving]
[suspenseful music playing]
Go boys, out you go.
Go on.
[dog barking]
[officer] Good morning, sir.
Can we have a word please?
What?
No, no, no, no, no.
Of course,
we can't accept terms like that.
Anyway, George, look,
I'm gonna spend a few days here
at home, yeah, with the family.
So, uh, I want you to look
after this.
Get on the next plane
to Malaysia and...
Look, George, I'm gonna have
to call you back, all right?
[dramatic music playing]
[Pandora] Darling, Archie,
frightfully sorry
about all this.
It's just that I haven't
the energy to fight any longer.
Carlos, my doctor
is a kind man,
but he doesn't beat
about the bush.
He says I'm going to die.
Well, aren't we all?
But me rather sooner
because of the cancer.
It's been...
truly wonderful
seeing you all again at Croy.
I've been very sensible
and made a will,
left all my worldly goods
to you.
It's quite a lot.
I'd love it
if you'd use some of the money
to turn the stables
into a workshop
for your beautiful carvings.
It's what she intended
all along.
She came home to die.
I think she came home to see
Croy again.
And to spoil us,
make us laugh.
[dramatic music playing]
[dramatic music playing]