The Making of a Lady (2012) - full transcript

Oh!

- Mrs. Parke.
- Oh!

Oh, Miss Fox Seton, I didn't see you there.

I just wanted to say,
it's my day with Lady Maria.

I'll get the money from her.
She owes me for four weeks.

- We'll want flowers in the hall.
- Mm-hmm.

A pre-dinner quartet.

Actually, no.
No, we don't need them.

It's an unnecessary expense.

On the subject of expenses...

My nephew is an unattached marquis.



People will come, music or not.

Emily.

Let me organize tea.

Oh, dear, how kind you are.

You met her the last time
you were back from India.

I remember.

She turns her hand to everything.

I'm thinking of taking her on
as my secretary,

a permanent position.

Well, what would she do, exacfly?

She can write my letters,
organize my diary.

Oh, Miss Fox Seton,
how nice to see you again.

How long are you on leave
from the army, Lord Walderhurst?

For good, I hope.



I'm getting too old
for these sorties abroad.

Where is the list
for the dinner party, Emily?

The most interesting girl's
at the top... Annabelle Rivers.

American... money.

Yes. Um...

What about Agatha Slade?

I didn't even know you'd met her.

I saw a portrait of her at
the National Portrait Gallery.

- Well...
- I saw that, too.

She's very fine.

Isn't she?

Well, they are a good family.

We ought to get an invitation
to them straightaway.

I'll go now.

They live in Chelsea.

It's rather a long ways.

Emily doesn't mind, do you, dear?

I'd be delighted.

Well?

Has she paid you?

No.

I don't know what I'm going
to say to Mrs. Parke.

You've got to ask the old lady outright.

People take advantage of you.

She's thinking of taking me on.

A proper position.

As her secretary.

I'd get a steady wage.

Oh, miss, you wouldn't have to worry, then.

That's wonderful.

Jane?

What is it?

Would you live in her house, then?

Maybe.

Why?

Mrs. Parke's selling up.

I was hoping we could look
for somewhere together.

Selling up?

With the money I make,

I won't find somewhere
respectable like this.

Oh, Jane.
When does she want us out?

Soon, that's the thing.

You've got your Lady Maria.

You're all right.

I need two more quail from Lascars.

And Pond's Cream from the pharmacy.

Oh, and as you're there,

there's a prescription to be
picked up on my account.

I need it to be delivered to this address.

- Ohh!
- It's all right.

I'm looking for Captain Osborn.

Thank you.

We have a house in Manhattan,

but it bakes in the summer, so
we go to Newport, Rhode Island.

I'm very sorry.

Dinner is ready, Lady Maria.

Emily, this is Agatha Slade.

Agatha's mother is indisposed.

So you'll take her place at dinner.

Me?

Good evening.

My nephew, Lord Walderhurst.

The placement cards
are in the bureau, Emily.

Write yourself one.

And...

Smarten you up.

Miss Rivers.

Tell me about Rhode Island
at this time of year.

Oh, it's quite beautiful, the weather!

Miss Fox Seton.

Lord Walderhurst!

I, uh...

I can't bear the American girl.

Please, uh...

help me change the names, quickly.

Thank you.

Oh.

Oh, my! Oh!

I've got this one.

Oh.

Uh, are you enjoying the season?

The dresses are fun.

And I like some of the dances.

But the people are so boring and old.

Sir...
I didn't mean you.

Oh, don't worry, Miss Slade.

I know exactly what you meant.

The Slade child's insipid!

She's just. .very young.

Unlike the Rivers girl.

If you'd sat next to her,
you might have seen her charm.

I don't like the girl,
and I'm not going to marry her.

Well...
one of the others, then.

Who cares who it is?

But it's your duty to marry
again and get an heir.

Thank you for this evening, aunt

Good night.

Walderhurst!

What possessed you to change the placement?

You should have discussed it with me first.

I'm so sorry.

I'm going to employ a permanent secretary.

Full-time.

So I won't need you anymore.
Your wage.

Oh, and, Emily...

My shawl.

Miss Fox Seton.

I'm sorry about dropping you
into the middle of that.

How are you getting home?

Walking.

Let me accompany you.

How long have you lived here?

Since I came to London.

The woman I lodge with is
a kind, respectable person.

As are many of her neighbors.

My aunt says that you have

well-placed relations in Yorkshire.

An aunt and uncle.

- Yes.
- So...?

My aunt and uncle have
a great deal of children.

They helped me with my education

but they were unable to do more.

And your parents?

My father was an engineer.

Not grand or rich,

but...

my mother fell in love with him.

Her family cut her off.

He was killed, an accident in a factory.

She died two years later.

I'm sorry.

I was very young when it happened.

I rather envy you.

No family or ties.

Responsible to nobody,
properly independent.

What's so amusing?

Believe me, independence can be wearing.

You do not have to
accompany me any further.

I'm sorry, I've offended you.

No. I...

I'm just fatigued.

There's someone to see you!

Your situation is difficult,

and so is mine.

As you know, I have to marry
for the sake of the family.

Now, I need a sensible woman,
intelligent enough to understand

what marriage to me would require.

Someone who gains mutual benefit
from the arrangement.

You'll find a wife, Lord Walderhurst.

Someone who you properly esteem.

Will you marry me?

Don't tease me, please.

No. I...

I've been thinking about this all night.

You know what I need from this marriage,

not like with these other girls.

You're pragmatic, you would
require little from me...

I'm not a difficult man.

A little stuck in my ways, maybe,

but not demanding or cruel
or... or even unpleasant,

I don't believe.

I'd leave you alone.

You'd have wealth and you'd
have true independence.

No.

Here.

Um...

If I may say...

what are your options?

It wouldn't be right.

Why not?

I always imagined that I'd marry for love.

Love is all very good.

What about security?

Ooh!

The roads are bad around here.

How far is the house
from the nearest village?

10 miles.
We're rather isolated.

You don't mind, do you?

Oh, no.

This is Palstrey.

When I've been away
and I come back like this,

it feels like time has stood still.

This is my butler, Mr. Litton,
and my housekeeper, Mrs. Litton.

Miss Fox Seton is to be your new mistress.

I'm sure you'll make her very welcome.

Well...

Ladyship.

This way.

With this ring, I thee wed.

With my body, I thee worship.

And with all my worldly goods,

I thee endow.

Thank you very much.

Sir.

Who are they?

My cousin, Captain Osborn,
and his new wife.

Your aunt asked me
to deliver medicine to him.

So this is Palstrey's new mistress.

Congratulations.

Hello, Alec.

Mrs. Osborn.

Please call me Hester.

I hear you've been an exceptional nurse.

You've been ill, Captain Osborn?

Malaria.
It's passed.

Well, congratulations again, sir.

You didn't tell me you'd invited them.

You didn't tell me you'd paid
for his medicine.

I did, too.

Alec could bleed a stone dry.

Was Captain Osborn in the regiment?

All the men in the family
join the regiment.

Till he became ill?

He's no longer fit for duty.

What will he do now?
Is he seeking other employment?

The truth is, my nephew is spoiled.

He's lived in the expectation of plenty.

If Walderhurst has no children,

Alec is the heir to Palstrey.

The house, the titles, everything.

Well, it won't do,

of course, what with his malaria and...

this wife that he's chosen to bring home.

It seems to be a family trait,
choosing unsuitable wives.

So, you see how important it is
that you do your duty?

Gentlemen.

A toast.

Sweethearts and wives!

Sweethearts and wives!

Well...

That went off well.

You look...

very beautiful

in that dress.

I liked your cousin and his wife.

Indeed.

And I feel for them.

Their circumstances are difficult.

Alec has brought much of it upon himself.

When I went to deliver the medicine,

the place where they were living
was horrible.

Don't concern yourself with it, please.

Now, I'm sure you need to rest.

I'll see you at dinner.

Mrs. Litton,
which way to my room?

This way, Ladyship.

I must say, I am
domestic-minded, Mrs. Litton.

I'm looking forward to the challenges

of running such a large establishment.

This is you, Ladyship.

Thank you.

Poor thing.

It's injured.

Oh.

It's all right, I got ya.

They get trapped in the chimney sometimes.

Take him to one of the girls,
see what we can do for him.

I'm sorry; I forget the effect
this house has on people

when they first come here.

The room does have its charms, though.

It's a secret priest hole.

The Walderhurst family hid in here

while Parliamentary troops
searched the house

during the Civil War.

And the only air is from that grille.

And the priest hole links the two bedrooms.

The air's very close in here.

Yes.

No, thank you.

Th-the water is deep in
some places, shallow in others.

The shelves are treacherous.

There are sinkholes.

I insist all my staff learn how to swim.

I'm afraid...

I don't know how to swim.

I'll teach you.

Checkmate.

How did you learn to play like that?

Your aunt taught me.

I had to let her win.

I'm Sorry.

No, I just wasn't expecting it.

We should change for dinner.

Better to not keep
Mrs. Litton waiting.

You know, I've been t'inkin',

perhaps we ought to ask her if
she'll do a bit of darnin'.

Good morning.

Ladyship.

I'm sorry to disturb.

Mr. Litton,
where has Lord Walderhurst gone?

Ashbourne.

And then he's inspecting the
estate for the rest of the day.

He said to tell you he'd be back
late afternoon.

Well, then, this is a good day
for you and I

to explore the house,
Mrs. Litton.

Oh, not today.
It's my laundry day.

I could help you.

No need to bother yourself.

Emily. What are you...
what are you doing here?

Wh-what is this place?

Come on, we should go back.

There's something important
I have to tell you.

There's famine in India.

The regiment is in dire need of senior men.

You're not going back there, are you?

You are going back.

If the Indian people mutiny,
the regiment will require

every experienced officer they can find.

You've only just got back.

You told me you were...
taking retirement.

This is about family honor.

You do understand, don't you?

Take me with you, then.

That's not possible.

I'm sorry.

James.

What?

Your first wife...

do you mind if you tell me about her?

She was a childhood friend.

We grew up together.

I haven't forgotten her.

But I no longer mourn for her.

That's it!

Whoo!

Now, kick your legs.

Kick your legs.

That's it, a little more.

I can't, James.

Isn't it beautiful?

Wonderful.

Come on, more swimming.

I'm doing it.

Thank you, sir.

Are you going today?

Now?

You're going now?

I'm sending this to my bank to instruct

that you can take out
any money you require.

I know that we have
started our married life

in an unusual fashion,

but I...

I hope and I believe that we...

we have grown to enjoy...
one another's company.

You're left-handed.

Yes. I write everything
upside down and back to front.

You realize this is the first
time I've seen your handwriting?

- I have a favor to ask you.
- Anything.

A friend of mine, from London, Jane...

I would like her to come here

to be my lady's maid.

Of course.
Contact her immediately.

In the meantime, let the Littons guide you.

He knows me

and the house... he's loyal.

Will you write to me?

"Dear James, I hope
this letter finds you well

in India.

All is well at Palstrey.

But we miss you.

I miss you."

Ladyship, there are visitors.

Please forgive the intrusion.

We got the letter and decided
to come immediately.

My cousin's been worrying about you.

"Alec, while I'm away in India,

can you ensure that all is well at Palstrey

and that my new wife
wants for nothing?"

How kind of him.

How are you faring?

Well, thank you.

But we have been quiet
since Lord Walderhurst left.

It is good to have company.

The Osborns are staying for lunch.

Tell Mrs. Litton, please.

Humph.

I see Litton's lost none of his charm.

Sorry.

He's rather a rule unto himself.

He's known me since I was a child.

He still talks to me
like I'm in knickerbockers.

I hope he treats you with more respect.

Oh, yes.

I think we'll have
another one of these, Litton.

Mm-hmm.

Oh, and, Litton...

Thank you.

Close the door after you, will you?

Ha ha!
Alec, you are awful!

If you let him get the
upper hand, you're in trouble.

He's a bully.
Always has been.

He was vile to me when I first
came to live here

and messed up his precious house.

I felt the back of his hand,
I can tell you.

But I want to forget about those times.

Here I am with my beautiful wife

who doesn't mind where I bring mud in.

And you...

a wonderful addition to the family.

To us.

- To us.
- To us.

Ohh!

Victory!

Finally, we got there in the end.

We must go.

We're staying in Ashbourne.

Don't want to risk the road at night.

Stay.

It would be so lovely for me.

I'll get your suitcases
collected from the village.

1, 2, 3...

4...

Emily, I can see you peeking.

6...

Last one to find me is a sardine!

8, 9...

47! 48!

49!

50!

Beautiful.

Aren't they?

It's one of the things I miss most

about being in the regiment.

When you hold a gun,
people treat you with respect.

This is a nice piece.

Try it.

Put the cartridges...

in these cylinders...

You look between the barrels.

That's how you aim.

Now all you have to do
is press the trigger.

My uncle...

James' father...

taught me how to shoot when I was a boy.

Did James warn you off me?

No. Of course not.

I never expected to get Palstrey.

I always knew he'd remarry at some point

and produce heirs.

Though how he expects to with
an ocean between you, God knows.

Jane!

Miss.

You came!

I'd almost given up on you.

So, you were a dresser in the theater?

Yes.

At the Theatre Royal in Drury Lane.

Jane has worked for some
very well-known actresses.

I'm sure she has,

but Palstrey is never the less
rather a change.

I just want to be with Miss Fox Seton.

I mean, Lady Walderhurst.

I just want to serve her.

It's so lovely to have you here.

Especially as Lord Walderhurst is absent.

I know he is, miss.

It's the Illustrated London News.

"Lord James Walderhurst

docks in Bombay and returns to his regiment

to bring succor
and encouragement to his men."

Well, isn't that wonderful news?

Come on, I dare you!
Let's go further out.

No, I won't.

You can't swim, can you?

Your cousin was teaching me,
but I'm still rather nervous.

You're very brave to go in at all.

I've been reading about India

and how disease almost
inevitably follows famine.

Is it true?

I'm afraid so.

Alec, is he in danger?

He shouldn't have gone.

Then he is.

Not so soon after marrying you.

Walderhurst has a strong constitution.

He'll come back.

I can see one!
Do come in!

Mr. Litton's a strange
old stick, isn't he?

What's he doing being a butler
in a grand place like this?

His family has always worked here.

As for Mrs. Litton,
she's not exactly friendly.

But the girls are nice enough.

Jane, I think I might be pregnant.

I feel different, and I haven't
had my monthly bleeding.

Oh, miss!

You mustn't tell anyone until I'm sure.

It's all right.

It's a dream.
It's a terrible dream.

Calm down.

It's just a dream.

Captain Osborn's temperature is very high.

Is he going to make us all poorly?

This wouldn't be happening if
you'd not invited them to stay.

That's enough, Mr. Litton!

Go to the icehouse and get
as much ice as you can.

Mabel and Ivy will help you.

Well, hurry up!

How is he?

Every time it takes him, it gets worse.

What if he dies?

What Will I do?

Surely the regiment...

The reason the regiment
dismissed him was me.

If anything happens to Alec,
you must stay here with me.

You're so good to me.

I hope you don't mind,

but I've asked my old ayah,
Ameerah, to come down here.

She's a marvelous nurse

and I know she'll make Alec better.

Go back to bed, Memsahib.

Hester...

Mr. Osborn is not himself.

I will not leave him alone with her.

Alec.

Alec! Alec!

Make it tighter.

Mabel's threatening to leave.

She thinks Captain Osborn

is going to come kill us in our beds.

He's a danger to himself, not to us.

I'll talk to Mabel.

Jane, you're so clever.
I'm not showing at all.

When are you going to tell people?

Not till Captain Osborn gets better.

Now's not the time...

Ameerah, I didn't see you there.

What can I do for you?

Captain Osborn is awake.

You mean he's...

More himself.

Oh, that's wonderful news.

Miss Hester asked for a book
to read to him.

Take this.

Mabel and Ivy think she's a witch.

Mr. Litton doesn't help.

He's always saying his lordship
wouldn't want the Osborns here.

He's quite wrong.

Look.

"Alec, while I'm away in India,

can you ensure that all is well at Palstrey

and that my new wife wants for nothing?

J. Walderhurst."

Show this to him.

He thinks he knows Lord Walderhurst

upside down and back to front.

Lordship this and Lordship that.

"Upside down and back to front"?

Upside down and back to front...

You don't mind if I borrow
one of your horses, do you?

No one rides that horse but his lordship.

If he's well enough to ride,
he's well enough to leave.

Lord Walderhurst asked me
to look after you.

They must leave.

They must go.

We'll go.
The old man hates us.

Hester, I need to talk to you about"

about this.

Lord Walderhurst didn't write it, did he?

The bailiffs were hounding us for money.

We thought if we could
stay here for a time,

things might get better.

It is impossible to survive
on Alec's income.

Is it any surprise that
sometimes dark moods take him?

Don't judge him.

He's not himself.

And I love him so much.

We'll go.

We'll leave.

No.

Let me think.

Let me work something out.

Oh.

My father used to bring me up here.

He enjoyed the solitude.

So do I.

You shouldn't wander all over
the estate on your own.

I came up here for a reason.

Hester has told me
of your financial situation.

Has she?

Alec, I was thinking you
and Hester could live here.

It could solve everything.

Of course, I don't know
what your plans are.

They certainly don't include
squatting in a hovel like this!

There's going to be a storm.

Come on, I'll take you back.

I'd rather walk.

- I'll take you back.
- Alec!

Alec, stop!
You have to!

I'm pregnant!

- What happened?!
- She was on the horse with me!

- She fainted.
- Give her to me.

My baby...
Is it... harmed?

Your baby?

Her ladyship is expecting!

Emily, I'm so sorry, I never
thought you were with child.

I would never have put you on a horse.

I must get Dr. Lawrence.

Dr. Lawrence
is an old country quack.

We need someone from London.

There's no need.
Ameerah will know what to do.

I'll take that to my mistress.

What is it?

It's just cinnamon and milk.

How does she know what's right for a baby?

I'll go to the
village to fetch Dr. Lawrence.

We must take care of this child.

Well, go on, get that up to her ladyship.

Captain Osborn.

I'm just taking this up to my mistress.

She's very lucky to have you, Jane.

"Dear James, I am pregnant,

which is a great surprise.

I am very pleased.
I know it is what you wanted.

Your loving Emily."

You're up.

Mm.

I woke early.

And you're dressed.

I've spent many years dressing myself.

I've hardly forgotten how to do it.

I've written to Lord Walderhurst
to tell him about the baby.

And now I'm going to walk to
the post box and post it myself.

Miss...
are you sure you're well enough?

I've never felt better.

Good boy.

Mrs. Litton?

Ladyship.

Where are you going?

To stay with my daughter.

I can't be here.

Not now.

I understand how hard this is for you.

But if you could just stay until I find

a new butler and housekeeper.

I can't.

Mr. Litton is so much
a part of this old place.

Everything reminds me of him.

What will I do without you?

Mabel and Ivy are leaving, too.

What?

I tried to persuade them
to stay on, but they won't.

They're scared.

I'm sorry, ladyship.

I truly am.

"Mr. Litton died
in such strange circumstances.

I wish you were here to help.

Your loving Emily."

This is an advertisement I've written

for a housekeeper and maids.

Alec will ride into Ashbourne
with it today.

He can take that, too.
Why not?

Let me do it.

You should be in bed.
Caught a cold that day.

Why was Mr. Litton out there
in the cart?

What was he doing?

Who knows?

Where is Alec?

Shooting pheasant in the wood.

Good morning, Jane.

This tastes a little different.

Checkmate.

Let's play a decider.

If you don't mind, I might go to bed.

Of course.

Are you quite well?

I just stood up too quickly.

Sit down.

Ameerah, help me lock the doors.

Why are we locking the doors?

I don't see the need.

We have no servants.

Anyone could walk in.

You wouldn't want that, would you, Emily?

Emily.

I thought you were resting.

I heard something.

Or I thought I did.

Was it the post?

No.

No post.

Why is he not replying to my letters?

He asked me to write to him.

Emily.

I've been thinking.

You shouldn't be on your own at night.

What if you were taken ”I
and nobody heard you call out?

You haven't been yourself.

I am quite myself.

No, Emily.

You're not.

We should move into the room next to yours.

I won't allow it.
That is Lord Walderhurst's room.

That's what he would want.

I know my cousin.

He would do anything

to make sure that the baby
and you keep well.

It's just an Indian dish.

Oh, Emily!

I shouldn't have let them go next-door.

I can hardly breathe as it is.
Everywhere I am, they are.

One of them, always, watching me.

No, miss, they're looking
after you... it's sensible.

He makes everyone do what he wants.

You're not well.
Let's get into bed.

Take this, go on.

He's in control
now that Mr. Litton...

I don't know why you don't
trust him, he's a good man!

Oh, no, no...

Jane.

Jane!

I'm on my own in this big old house.

Stuck in the middle of nowhere.

There was a telegram
for her in the village.

Who's it from?

Who do you think?

"My ship has docked in Southampton.

Returning all speed...
Walderhurst."

Why?

I don't know.
But he is.

Emily suspects.
I'm sure she does.

Ameerah thinks she's stopped
drinking the tonic,

otherwise the baby would be gone by now.

We'll make our excuses and leave.

I'm not leaving this house!

It's mine.

It's not.

We tried.

We failed.

There's two of them and three of us.

Don't worry about Jane,
she'll do what I say.

What are you talking about?

- We must do it now.
- No.

I won't do this.

You won't help me?

Let me go!

Please!
Please, Alec!

Now, you listen to me!

I've given up everything for you!

And if we don't see
this through, we will hang

for Litton's death.

Hang!
You understand me?

We need to put an end to her tonight.

- Do you understand?!
- Yes!

Alec, wait.

Wait!

Why are we stopping?

The mare's lame, sir.

There's a coach house a mile back.

We could stay the night,

find a change of horses.

Will that be all, your ladyship?

I need to talk to you.

Lord Walderhurst is back in the country.

Captain Osborn tried to burn it.

- I retrieved it.
- Burn it? Why?

He wants to be master here.

He will do anything to achieve it.

I believe he killed
Mr. Litton.

They're planning something...

terrible...

against me tonight.

We must go.
Leave now.

- He'll follow us.
- Then what are we going to do?

Let me go to the village,
and I'll get help.

What is it?

Rabbit.

You're not eating?

I don't feel well.

What did she say?

What?

She says that Jane is not
helping in the kitchen.

Jane's ill.

She's in bed.

Your maid is not in her bedroom.

How strange.

She must have left the house
under some delusion.

She must have.

Don't worry, she's on foot.

She can't have gone far.

I'll bring her back.

Ameerah will stay in the house
to look after you and Hester.

I think I shall go to bed now.

Come out!

It will be better for you if you come out!

Stop her!

Jane!

Jane!

Aaah!

Aaah!

Hester!

Help me!

I can't.

Aaah!

Aaah!

I know you're in here, Jane.

You don't need to be afraid of me.

Uggh!

Keep away from me!
Away or I'll shoot.

I mean it.

I will.

Uggh!

You won't feel nothing.

It is a good death.

Lord Walderhurst!

Where is Emily?
Why are you here?

She's...

Who is that?

My servant. We have all been
looking after Emily.

Is she ”I?

Tell me.

I'm sorry, your lordship,
but the Memsahib is dead.

She had a fever of the blood.

We tried everything to make her better.

But today she passed.

What the hell happened to you?
You're bleeding, for God's sake.

I fell.

Alec's gone to Ashbourne to make

the funeral arrangements.

Come into the drawing room.

It's my fault.

It's all my fault.

Where is she?

I want to... I need to...

I need to see her.
Where is she?

I'm so sorry.

There's nothing to be sorry for.
You were a friend to her.

What?

What is it?

She's upstairs.
You can still save her.

Get away from her!
Get away!

Emily!

Oh, my God.

Don't look.

Alec is dead.

I've sent Hester and her servant
back to India.

No one will harm you ever again.

I shouldn't have left you.

I shouldn't have left you.

Emily, Emily, I need you to understand

why I couldn't take you with me.

I lost everyone I've ever loved out there.

My wife Elizabeth died in childbirth.

The baby lived for a month.

We did everything we could

to take care of him.

One morning I found him

in his cot...

It was unbearable.

I'd only just found you.

I couldn't bear...

to lose you, too.

I am so, so sorry.

But I'm most sorry...

that I never told you how I felt about you.

I felt it always.

From the moment I first saw you
in my aunt's house

and I brought you here...

I loved you.

I loved you, but still...

I didn't tell you.

I don't know why.

Emily?

- Emily?
- You came back.

Emily!

Oh, my darling!

I've got them.
What shall I do with them?

Eat them up!
Grrrr!

1...

2...

3...

4!

5...

6...

7...

8...

9...

10...

Coming!

We're coming!