The Inheritance (1997) - full transcript
At the lush Evenswood estate in Concord, Massachusetts, Edith Adelon, a beautiful orphan, lives as the paid companion to the daughter of the wealthy Hamilton family, although they regard her as one of their own. Years ago, Henry Hamilton saved Edith from an Italian orphanage at the request of his long-deceased brother. Now, Edith is his daughter Amy's prized friend and confidante. As the Hamiltons await a trio of visitors for the annual Greens Cup horse race, Beatrice Hamilton asks for Edith's help in finding a suitable husband for a cousin, Ida Glenshaw, with one of two visiting eligible bachelors. But when it becomes clear that both the young men have affection for Edith and not Ida, jealousy soon develops, leading to malicious conniving and brutal backstabbing. Despite the growing love between Edith and one of the young suitors, because of their conflicting social classes, the couple is reminded time and again that their love can never be. The Inheritance is a story that centers on an innocent young woman's struggle to make sense of her position within the Hamilton household and in society, and the love she feels for her patrons, as well as for a young man she can never marry.
[music playing]
[hen crowing]
[horse neighing]
[chickens clucking]
[music playing]
It's all right, Selene.
One day you'll fly over the
water like it's nothing,
I promise.
You're looking very
beautiful this morning,
Beatrice Hamilton.
How nice of you to say.
Morning, Miss Amy.
It is, isn't it?
I swear, I don't know
where you put it all!
Did you sleep in today?
No.
I was just out walking.
We get more like a
Hamilton every day.
Now, Emma.
Shut your mouth, Emma.
It's OK, Louis.
She's just teasing.
Did you lose another button?
Bring it up to me later.
I'll sew it back on for you.
Mrs. Hamilton
is asking for you.
And what'll it be today?
Lawn tennis, then a few
hours of poetry reading?
Don't forget that shirt.
Why are you so nasty
to the girl all the time?
It's so hard to be the
companion to a rich girl.
I told you to shut your mouth.
Eddie's one of us.
You ought to
think about things
before letting that nastiness
fly out of your mouth.
Morning.
There you are, Edith.
Please sit down.
So, what are you
and Amy doing today?
I haven't seen her
yet this morning.
Well please encourage her
to get outside, won't you?
Yes.
BEATRICE: Can't be good to
read all the time, can it?
No.
Did you ask to see me?
Oh, my head is in the
ground today, isn't it?
We're expecting a distant cousin
of mine and I am so distracted.
Ida Glenshaw is her name.
Poor dear.
She has lost her parents.
She has been living with two
ancient great aunts, Jane
and Clara.
A rather dure pair, if I recall.
And so I've agreed to help
Ida find a suitable husband.
After all, we'll have the
most eligible bachelor
staying right here
with us for the Green's
Cup, Mr. James Percy.
He's from a very good family.
A little gangly, if I recall.
And then Frederick
Arlington will
be staying over
with the Johnston's,
so two exceptional bachelors.
I would like you to
join us for tea today.
Me join you for tea?
I would like you to
make Ida feel welcome.
I know if you made it
your personal mission,
then of course she would.
Of course, if you
think I could be helpful.
Edith, you're
never anything but.
And perhaps you can
persuade Ida not
to let Mr. Percy's
physical appearance
keep her from considering him.
The terrible truth is,
she has no property
and she is not
getting any younger.
And then it will be Amy's turn.
Our little girl.
And then you'll be gone.
I will?
Oh, Edith, dear,
you're not going
to want to stay here forever.
But I never thought
of leaving Evenswood.
Where would I go?
Well you mustn't worry.
AMY: Whoever would
want to marry me?
I'm not good at anything.
I blurt out embarrassing things
at inappropriate moments.
The art of flirtation is
desperately lost on me.
I can't ride or hunt or dance.
I'm afraid, my dear friend, you
are stuck with me for as long
as you'll have me.
Oh, Amy, you
mustn't judge yourself
by other people's standards.
Your attributes are unique.
But they're there
for all of us to see.
Do you think we'd
get satisfied Mama's
requirement for fresh air?
EDITH: But we've just started.
AMY: Yes, but
Shakespeare waits for us.
Can't we go back
and read some more?
You can read Juliet.
Then you are desperate.
We left Romeo waiting for
her beneath her balcony.
So you're coming
to tea, at last?
I'm so afraid I'm going
to say something stupid.
Ah, that's what tea is for,
to say all the stupid things
you've been saving up.
What is your cousin Ida like?
Ida.
I barely remember her.
Poor thing if she's
to come all this way
to find a suitable husband.
[music playing]
Hello, Ida.
Welcome to Evenswood.
Ida!
Ida, darling!
It's so lovely to have you here.
You remember Amy?
You must be so tired.
You look lovely, though.
Eddie, here's my shirt.
I-- I can't do it
right now, Louis.
A guest has arrived and
I'm expected for tea.
You're having tea
with the Hamiltons?
BEATRICE: Please forgive
my husband, Ida dear.
He's becoming a
contrarian in his dotage.
HENRY: It is just I
have a bee in my Bonnet
about women riding sidesaddle.
Well don't you think
it's rather ironic
that in our concern for the
propriety of the ladies,
we force ladies to risk
their necks that they
should ride astride like men?
But the scandal!
The hunt clubs would
have us arrested
for being a public disgrace.
Well wonderful.
A night in jail would do
us all a world of good.
Maybe we could
discuss something
a little less political.
What?
Perhaps our anticipated
guest, Mr. James Percy.
He doesn't ride
sidesaddle, does he?
I heard his heart
has been broken.
No gossip, child.
The rumor is that James
Percy fell in love with a girl,
desperately.
He was about to ask her
to marry him when he found
out his brother loved her too.
Well he never said
a word, not even
when his brother asked him to
stand for him at their wedding.
This was years ago.
He's never given
his heart again.
How tragic.
It simply means he hasn't
found the right person yet.
Or on the other hand,
maybe no one would have him.
He was rather unattractive.
Looks aren't that important.
Isn't that right, Edith dear?
What do you think of
Mr. Percy's situation?
I think you are right.
A person's face can
change over a lifetime,
but the heart can
stay true forever.
It seems that Mr.
Percy has a very
pure and beautiful heart, one
that would be worth winning.
Well said, Edith dear!
Edith, you're a romantic poet.
EDITH: And that's the
path down to the staples.
In the summertime
it's covered with most
beautiful wildflowers.
And, uh, over there's a path
that leads up to the crags.
If you'd allow me, I'd love
to show it to you one day.
How can I thank you?
You've been so kind, Julie.
Oh.
I-- I just-- I want you
to feel at home here.
We all do.
I mean the Hamiltons and I.
And I see you've become
quite comfortable with them.
My aunts tell me you've been
here since you were an infant.
Mr. Hamilton saved you
from an orphanage in Italy.
Yes.
They've been very kind to me.
I love them as if they
were my own family.
Of course.
A child in such
dire circumstances
could have ended up
anywhere, but you
landed here with all of this,
and access to the best society.
That's not-- I don't
really socialize.
I am just Amy's
companion, that's all.
Shall we continue?
You don't think
about marriage?
Me?
Well you can't be Amy's
companion forever now, can you?
I bet you have some deep
secrets of your own,
being the romantic
poet that you are.
Perhaps when we've
become better friends
you will share them with me.
Excuse me.
Hello, Edith.
I'm going into the
village for Mrs. Hamilton.
I was wondering if
you needed anything?
Are you sure you're
not going to escape
a certain Ida Glenshaw?
Oh, no sir.
She's been very kind.
She's so elegant.
I'm sure Mr. Percy will
be quite taken with her.
Well, yes, as
a matter of fact.
You could get me a box
of cigars, thank you.
Mrs. Hamilton asked me not
to buy you anymore, cigars.
Yes, well never mind that.
How-- how did Selene
do this morning?
He still won't jump the water.
Well you-- you stay with him.
Don't worry, you're
secret's safe with me.
You are incorrigible.
Thank you.
[music playing]
May I?
Sure.
He likes you.
He can be very selective
about who he lets near him.
[music playing]
Thank you.
Here's the shoe, sir.
Twisted nearly in half, he did.
If you don't mind, I'd
like to keep it, sir.
Sir?
Oh.
No I don't mind.
No one will ever believe it.
[music playing]
Ah ha!
Only two?
Two.
Edith, what-- what is it?
You're-- you're-- you're--
you're positively, uh--
[piano music]
Did I scare you?
Yes!
Louis, you shouldn't be here.
Play Chopin.
Don't you ever
get tired of it?
[piano music]
You should have
your own piano, Eddie.
Pianos are expensive, Lewis.
I know.
AMY: Has it really
been five years?
I can't believe how
much you've changed!
You're so different!
You've certainly
changed, as well.
The last time I saw you, you
made me sit in that armchair
until I finished reading
all of "Oliver Twist" aloud.
BEATRICE: Well I warn you, she
hasn't changed nearly as much
as you have.
Well we're delighted that you
can ride in the Green's Cup.
Your invitation is an honor.
And I believe I've just the
horse to do you justice.
HENRY: Well you don't
think we invited you
here for your company, do you?
Oh, Henry!
Though I must warn you,
the locals don't take kindly
to losing to out-of-towners.
And we have years of tradition
to uphold of absolutely
wretched sportsmanship.
Our Ida is quite the
horse-fancier herself,
but she's far too
modest to announce that,
aren't you, my dear?
Perhaps she'll tell
you if you join
them for a picnic tomorrow.
Might you do that, Mr. Percy?
On one condition-- that
you all call me James.
James Percy.
My, what a lovely name that is.
Do people tell you that
absolutely all the time?
[music playing]
HENRY: Not only-- it was--
it was my brother, John,
who blazed the trails.
He loved it up on the crags.
So you must share his
love for the outdoors, then.
Well, no, no, not really.
Far too many bugs and things.
I-- I'm particularly
fond of this sofa.
Papa's adventures come in
the form of endless letters
to various publications.
He's becoming quite
legendary for his opinions.
Oh.
Not the brilliance
of the mind.
You just have a sheer abundance.
Oh, you.
Nasty girl.
The clock persuaded
to join your picnic.
Oh, how did you?
I can never get
Edith to socialize.
Well done, Mrs. Hamilton.
That's very fortunate, you
know, because Edith is the one
who best knows the trails.
Can't we persuade
you to come with us?
Well if anyone could
you could, my darling.
But no, I'm far too
sensible to go walking
uphill for no good reason.
Oh, James.
This is the friend that I've
been telling you so much about,
Edith Adelon.
Well it's you.
You've already met?
Not only that, I'm
already indebted to her.
May I return this to
you now, Miss Adelon?
Oh, thank you.
I see you're healing nicely.
Thanks to your
prompt attention.
It's remarkable that
someone who doesn't socialize
should know so many
people so intimately.
Dear, the time is
getting away from us.
Shall we get going then?
Louis, cook, we'll need you
back as soon as you've set up.
- Yes, ma'am
- I can help you.
No, sir.
I'm fine.
Besides, you'll be too
busy helping the ladies
over logs and raging brooks.
Raging brooks is an oxymoron.
Make sure Amy behaves,
will you please?
Goodbye.
Thank you.
Goodbye.
Goodbye.
Remember when we
were young, Henry?
I thought we still were.
I understand you've been
traveling abroad, James.
Are the parties really
as grand as they say?
Do they last for days?
I was there on business.
I'm afraid the meetings
did last for days.
I can only report that
I'm happy to be home.
This-- this is my true love.
True love?
Does that mean you're
giving up on the human race?
It's far less
complicated, anyway.
If it were up to me, I'd
live with nothing but my wits
out in the wilderness.
A feral animal!
It's just like Thoreau.
Have you read him too?
- Yes.
As a matter of fact, I
just finished reading--
You wouldn't really want
to give up your property,
your horses, and all
the beautiful things
there are to own for nothing?
But you can't
think of it that way.
It wouldn't be for nothing.
He'd possess all
the sky, from here
to the horizon-- all the air
and all the sounds that we don't
even think of listening to.
A person could have all
the money in the world
and couldn't buy any of that.
So you're a naturalist
at heart, Miss Adelon?
That sounds far too
grand for what I am.
It's just all I
know, unlike Ida, who
can appreciate both
the great outdoors
as well as the
pleasures of the city.
I was at the summit
once, and I came
across a rare tagridia pavonia.
By yourself?
Were you terribly frightened?
Tagridia pavonia is a flower.
It's perfectly harmless.
I think I'll
take a little walk.
Oh, let me come with you.
I want to find a
tiger flower too.
So you do enjoy
nature, Miss Glenshaw?
Not in the manner
of Miss Adelon.
Though I do believe what might
occur between a man and a woman
and to be most
natural, Mr. Percy.
Oh!
Oh, look at that!
You've been here before
and you never told me?
Amy, if I told you everything
you'd get bored with me.
Ho, ho, never!
Edith, I want to know
everything you know.
I want to know everything
the whole world knows.
Do you know that Mr.
Percy doesn't mind
discussing philosophy with me?
Oh?
I thought that men were
genetically required to ramble
on within the
confines of athletics
and the bloodlines
of their animals.
But he knows everything!
So you've changed
your opinion of him.
Oh, he makes me see
things in a whole new light.
You'll see.
Amy, be careful.
Is Is that a tiger
flower, Edith?
[screaming]
Edith!
Amy!
Here.
Here, hold on.
Hold on.
I can't!
You must.
Oh, hold on!
Amy!
I'll try and pull you up.
Please, Amy.
- It hurts.
- I know.
Amy.
Amy.
Take hold of my arm.
Take hold of my arm.
Hold on tight.
Help me!
Here we go.
Hold on.
Hold on tight.
I've got you.
I've got you.
Just take small steps.
Is your arm hurt, Miss Adelon?
My scarf!
Miss Adelon, don't.
Don't.
It was my mother's.
I'm afraid it's gone.
We should get back.
All right.
Very slowly.
You were supposed
to look after her.
Poor Amy.
A dislocated shoulder
is extremely painful.
But it heals quickly
once it slips back in.
Oh, good.
You girls are very lucky.
You had no business
climbing the crags.
Thank you very much for
coming so promptly, doctor.
We appreciate it.
It wasn't our Amy's fault.
Oh it wasn't
anybody's fault, Ida.
Edith had been
up there before.
She knew how steep it was.
No!
She saved my life!
She risked her own to do it.
It was terrifying.
I was slipping away, but
Edith wouldn't let go.
If you'd been there then
you would have seen that.
Now, now, now.
Ida's just being
protective, aren't you dear?
The important thing is
that you are both safe.
Mm hm.
I'm so sorry.
Don't be, child.
You saved our precious daughter.
Henry, what can we
do to thank her?
Well I don't know-- yes I do.
She can come to the ball.
What?
Mm hm.
We'll-- we'll
celebrate her heroism.
What do you say?
The Green's Cup ball?
Yes!
- Oh, no.
- Why?
No I-- I-- it would it would
be a break with tradition.
Oh, the devil take tradition!
You'll be with us.
Come on, what do you say?
Do it.
Say you will.
James will be so pleased.
I would interpret that as
a yes, wouldn't you Beadie?
- Yes I would, dear!
- Excellent!
Then that's settled.
Come on.
We'll leave her to
have a little sleep.
Come on girls.
Come on.
Come on.
[ominous music playing]
Lewis.
Have you seen Miss Adelon?
She's by the pond.
Thank you.
[music playing]
I believe this is
yours, Miss Adelon.
You went back to
get this for me?
Thank you!
You're welcome.
[music playing]
Whoa.
[horse neighing]
Quite the rider, Miss Adelon.
May I?
Oh!
Well, I'm afraid riding
is all I'm good at.
I find that hard to believe.
I should think there'd
be a great many things
you'd be good at, Miss Adelon.
Everything else
is such a struggle
of etiquette and propriety.
Out here it's
instinct, not manners.
I ride every morning for
just a taste of that.
And you can leave all matters
of manners and propriety
to others?
I can be sure you're the
only woman out riding
hours before the ball.
I'm afraid it was not the
best idea for me to accept.
Oh, but you must go.
And you must promise
to save a dance for me.
Oh, no.
Oh, no.
But why?
Have I said something
to offend you?
No.
I can't dance.
More modesty.
Not a step?
Not a step.
Come and let me
show you something.
Dancing is just like riding.
It's all instinct
and little counting.
You step forward on your right
foot as I step back on my left,
and we take six steps
to make one revolution.
And--
I can't.
Close your eyes.
Just hear a waltz.
Two, three.
Four, five, six.
One, two, three.
Six.
[music playing]
See?
You're dancing.
And I'm falling.
Are you coming?
Not just yet.
Until this
evening, Miss Adelon.
Ball, is it?
You mixing with the
Hamiltons now, huh Eddie?
Excuse me.
Miss Adelon.
Wouldn't you go if they asked?
They wouldn't ask.
BEATRICE: Henry, have
you seen my-- can't seem
to find my amethyst necklace.
You know the one.
The one Edith--
Argh!
Are you ill?
No, I'm not ill.
I'm defeated.
These trousers have shrunk.
Shrunk?
Yes.
- Well.
- No, don't.
No.
- That's what they do--
They've shrunk.
No, they've shrunk.
[interposing voices]
I mean it's
just-- no it's part.
Just--
Um, are we doing the
right thing, Henry?
What do you mean?
Do you think-- you know, we
will be raising some eyebrows
bringing Edith tonight.
Oh no.
Nonsense, Beadie.
No, no.
These are civilized people.
Besides, they won't
even notice Edith
when I enter in the altogether.
Oh this isn't safe.
Funny woman.
Come on.
No, wait.
Wait.
Wait.
Wait.
Nice amethyst.
You say there's more
where this comes from?
It's too bad your
poor, sickly mother
can't use the stuff anymore.
Well she's old, like I said.
She doesn't go out much.
She'd rather have the
money than the memories, huh?
Something like that.
With enough items
of this quality,
your old, sick mum could have
a whole new life for herself.
That's right.
A new life.
That's what she wants.
EDITH: It's beautiful.
I want you to be
happy tonight, Edith,
just like you've made everyone
else-- even Ida, although
she doesn't always show it.
I don't think Ida
likes me very much.
Oh you mustn't say that.
No, Ida's just a
little high strung.
You know, rather like a mother
was before she got married.
Oh, she'll come around.
Especially now.
Well I understand Mr.
Frederick Arlington is quite
anxious to meet her tonight.
So if Mr. Percy
isn't careful, he's
going to have some
competition for her attention.
What's that face?
I promise you, Ida adore you.
And she's going to need your
help more than ever, now.
Do be patient with her.
HENRY: Oh, Ida, how
delightful you look.
AMY: Pretty.
Thank you.
Oh, that's lovely.
You look lovely,
Miss Glenshaw.
HENRY: Ah, Mrs. Hamilton!
Oh.
AMY: That is beautiful.
[music playing]
Edith!
Edith, you look wonderful.
Thank you.
HENRY: Shall we go?
Let us, then.
[music playing]
- Henry!
- Arliss!
How are you?
- Beatrice!
Arliss!
Oh, you've outdone
yourself again this year.
Oh, so good of you to come!
Oh, wild horse, etc, etc.
You know.
You're not nervous are you?
No!
Well maybe a little.
It's a lot of pomp
and circumstance,
but actually rather few rules.
Try to avoid food caught
in here when you're shaking
hands-- that sort of thing.
Miss Glenshaw.
You are Miss
Glenshaw, aren't you?
I'm Fredricka Arlington.
I've heard so much about you.
You do speak, don't you?
Fredrick Arlington.
What a lovely name.
But you must hear that
absolutely all the time.
Welcome to my uncle's home.
May I?
Ida.
I was going to introduce
her to your nephew,
but I see he's already
quite beaten me to it.
Yes.
Uh, Henry?
Yes, Arliss?
Isn't that your girl?
Which one?
I--I--I suffer an
embarrassment of riches
tonight in that direction.
Come on, let's go
and gorge ourselves
at our girls' expense.
We'll see you later.
[music playing]
Oh, there's Edith!
Come on.
Dance with us.
AMY: Yes!
Come on, Edith.
Just give me your hand.
Ready?
You two dance.
They're rather lovely in
the moonlight, aren't they?
The gardens.
Perhaps we should investigate
them more closely, even
though it is rather secluded.
Should we join the others?
What What would you
think if I said no?
I'm sure a woman
of your breeding
wouldn't want people to
get the wrong impression.
They might even think
she was too eager.
May I?
So, Miss Adelon.
I've barely had the
chance to get to know you.
Would you be so kind as
to dance with me, Edith?
I believe the next
dance's supposed to be mine.
Perhaps the one
after that, my friend.
See, it's just like riding.
Not at all.
Henry.
Hello, Arliss.
I'm ready for my apology.
Your apology for what?
For insulting me and
my family in my own home.
Oh, Arliss.
You put on a lovely party.
Perhaps you've been enjoying
it a little too much.
If it were up to me,
Henry, I'd have you rejected
from the club entirely.
Now there's an
interesting idea,
since it was the Hamiltons
that founded the silly thing
in the first place.
There, you see?
You are behaving just
like your brother.
My brother?
Improper.
Inelegant, common, and mocking.
Tradition is not silly, Henry.
At least he had the decency
to leave the country
if he didn't respect--
John has been dead
for over 20 years.
Please don't speak ill of him.
I need a word with her.
You'll forgive me, won't you?
What?
Look at what you've done.
What happened?
Now you must listen to me.
I can see what are doing,
and it will come to no good.
What did I do?
Of course they're
attracted to you.
You're young and pretty
and why wouldn't you
try to entice them?
Entice?
I'm not blind, Edith.
And I'm not being cruel to you.
I'm merely saving you
from a terrible mistake.
Men like James and Fredrick--
they come from a world
that you know nothing of.
Not really.
You see the dances and
the refined manners,
but not the reality.
That you could never understand.
What mistake?
I don't understand.
I want to help you.
If you were to marry a man like
James, you'd only fail him.
In the end, you would
embarrass him and this kind
family that has taken you in.
I would never harm
any of them, Ida.
You've ruined the
ball with your mockery.
Please don't raise your voice.
And I have not ruined
your, until now,
perfectly pleasant party.
The drama!
Why else bring your help
where she doesn't belong?
You know, Arliss Edith
is one of the most decent
people I have ever known.
And while you're
rummaging in your bag
of traditions,
for God's sake try
to find a little compassion.
Do you believe me now?
You're not one of us, Edith.
And if you care
about this family--
if you care about James
Percy-- you'll stay away.
Stay away from a world
you'll never be a part of.
Not really.
There you are.
You're not leaving, are you?
It's late.
No it isn't.
Not terribly anyway.
Well at least let
me walk you out.
I just want a few
minutes without people.
I don't know where to begin.
Since we met, something's
happened to me.
I've lost all sense
of what my life was.
I have no coherent thoughts.
Well, that's not true.
I have one coherent thought.
The same one over
and over about you.
No.
Please don't do this.
Please just listen.
When I was young I fell
desperately in love.
When it ended, I was broken.
I remained that way.
And so I thought a man
just gets one chance,
just once in a lifetime.
But it isn't true.
Edith, you've proven to
me that I can feel again.
- You mustn't say these things--
- I must!
- To me!
- The words are choking me.
If I don't tell you--
You can't!
Not to me!
Not to me.
[music playing]
IDA: Precious, isn't it?
I believe our dear
Amy is infatuated.
Obviously James finds her
too young to be suitable,
but still I think you
can see the point I was
trying to make the other night.
I wasn't trying to
be cruel, you know.
Thank you, Ida.
We're friends after all.
In fact, I have a
peace offering to make.
I persuaded Aunt Jane to allow
you to go and live with them.
They'll need
someone to feed them
and help them with the house.
It isn't as grand
as this, naturally,
but at least it would solve
a lot of your problem.
And who knows-- a
your situation--
you might even find
a match for yourself.
Someone who is more suitable.
There you are!
The elusive Edith.
Are you joining us at last?
Thank you, Frederick.
Perhaps another time.
Think about it, Edith dear.
Transitions are always hard.
But really, isn't
it only fair to let
Amy find her own companion now?
[ominous music playing]
[horse neighing]
HENRY: Good morning, Arliss.
Henry.
You're not riding.
That means the
terms of the trials
don't apply to your horses?
One of the privileges of
being president of the cup.
Ah.
Besides, my horses'
bloodlines are older
than your family's and mine.
Indeed.
No one questions their
ability to qualify for the race.
Perhaps the same principle
could apply tomorrow.
You wouldn't have to race.
We just give you the cup anyway.
I'll race, Henry.
And you will convey our
condolences to your Mr. Percy,
won't you?
For what reason?
You haven't heard?
No, what? - His
stallion stepped in a hole
and bowed a tendon.
Oh.
Oh, I'm-- I'm
sorry to hear that.
Yes, we hope he's
not too terribly
down in the mouth about it.
- Oh no.
I'm sure he'll be able to
put it into perspective.
After all, it's-- it's
only a horse race!
Henry, you remember
how much my father
revered the Green's Cup?
- Indeed, I do.
Yes.
He was of the opinion
that competition proved
the metal of good breeding.
Horse and man.
Well he particularly loved and
relished testing his theory
against your father and your
brother-- looked forward to it
all year.
So it's a pity you failed
to produce a rider, Henry.
Robbed me of something to look
forward to with the same vigor.
Edith!
Edith, where are you?
Edith!
Could you come here please?
Oh.
What happened?
Come here.
Come with me.
Sit down.
Edith, I want you to help me.
You know, Edith, I have
lived my whole life here
in the company of pompous
morons like Arliss Johnson.
And my whole life
it has irritated me,
and I refuse to believe it.
But now I believe it.
By God, do I believe it.
And, you know, the worst,
the most unforgivable thing
that these people
have done to me?
What?
They robbed me of my brother.
Oh yeah.
That's-- that's why
he left, you know,
because he couldn't
stand the idiocy,
the hypocrisy of this
society-- all the Arliss
Johnsons of this world.
And you know, he thought
I was one of them.
And I was, but not now.
Not anymore.
For years I've-- I've--I've
mouthed seditious ideas.
But I have done nothing.
Now there's something
I want to do.
And you-- you might-- you might
think this is a little silly.
I'd like us to win
the Green's Cup,
and I know Selene can do it.
- Yes, he can!
- Yes?
Good.
But I-- I think you might
have a little trouble with him.
He's a bit of a handful.
No no no.
I'm not going to ride
the stupid animal.
No, you have to ride him.
I can't jump sidesaddle.
Of course.
No.
Astride, you have
to ride him astride.
In fact, you could use
my brother's saddle.
It's probably
still in his trunk.
Women aren't allowed.
Well that's the whole point.
Why the hell aren't
women allowed?
Did you ever hear
anything so stupid?
Why'd you raise your
eyebrows when I said hell?
Last Sunday preacher
said it 17 times.
I counted.
So?
They won't let me.
There are no written rules.
Let me take care of them.
Hm?
Edith.
Oh, Edith, please do it.
Hm?
We'll win.
[music playing]
Lewis?
What are you doing?
Nothing.
What are you hiding?
Show it to me.
Please, Eddie.
Let me see.
You're stealing
from the Hamiltons.
What's happened to you?
- Nothing!
You're stealing!
Stealing?
Did the Hamiltons break
their back day in and day out
to earn Evenswood?
They have of this because
they were born to it.
They don't even know we exist.
That's not true.
They're very good to us.
Open your eyes.
You think you're one of them
but you're not their blood.
You're not family.
They don't care about you,
Eddie-- not like I do.
This should be yours.
Stop it.
I am not a thief,
and neither are you.
What are we going to do?
Don't turn me in.
Oh, Lewis, you
know I would never.
Promise me.
I'll give you my word
if you promise me you
will never do this again, ever.
Do you understand?
Go on, then.
You mustn't be in here.
What were you doing in there?
I was just returning
the necklace Mrs. Hamilton
let me wear to the ball.
By the way, I received
a letter from my aunt.
You haven't forgotten
them, have you?
I fear rejection from
you now would be almost
cruel to the poor old things.
Yes, I understand.
BEATRICE: Are you sure, Edith?
Are you absolutely positive?
Yes.
I can't imagine the
house without you.
I've--I've--I've just
never pictured it.
But you said yourself that
one day I might move on.
I have my own life.
Yes, but not so soon!
I mean, right after
the Green's Cup?
I--I never meant that.
It's so generous of our Edith
to help my unfortunate auntie.
Yes.
I just so hate change.
I--I fear whatever it
brings can't possibly make
me happier than I am right now.
But that's selfish.
You are young.
Change means
something else to you.
So, of course you want to go.
Oh, Edith dear, what
will we do without you?
[music playing]
Now, remember that Selene hasn't
had a chance to see the course
like the other horses.
Now, the water jump
in the toughest.
Sir, I-- I think
this is a mistake.
Nonsense, you'll be fine.
As long as you remember
it's just like dancing.
You can do it.
Edith, I'm so excited for you.
Good luck.
Henry, are you
sure about this?
Don't you trust
me, Mrs. Hamilton?
Yes, but what if Edith
makes a spectacle of herself?
ARLISS: What is this idiocy?
Hello, Arliss.
Henry, you've gone
too far this time.
Are you mad?
You should save
your energy, Arliss.
This girl can ride
rings around you.
This is not permitted.
She's not even family.
I read the rule book.
It says nothing about--
There is no rule book, Henry.
It is tradition.
And this is not croquet.
It's dangerous.
She's riding astride,
which is a disgrace.
And I will not allow it.
I will absolutely not allow it.
You were afraid of
Edith making a spectacle.
Really, Arliss.
No No.
Absolutely not.
Arliss!
If anyone were listening, and
I do believe that everyone is,
it might seem as though you were
afraid of losing to a woman.
Yes.
Oh, let her ride.
What harm could it do?
In fact, if she can't, I won't.
Anyone else like
to weigh in on this?
Stay out of my way.
Do you hear me?
Her blood will be on
your hands, Henry.
This is not her place, and
I'll make no sacrifices.
Edith, keep your
concentration.
We are already proud of you.
Good luck.
Go to it.
Ladies first.
[music playing]
Riders to your marks,
get set [gunshot]
[music playing]
Is Edith all right?
Thoughtful girl,
she's easy to follow.
She's dead last.
[music playing]
Come!
Come on!
A rider's gone down
at the end of the grove.
- Not our Edith!
- No no no.
She's closing in on them.
They're coming to
the double jump.
IDA: The double jump?
From Seems terribly
inappropriate for a lady.
How is our Edith doing now?
She's-- oh, another
rider's gone down.
She's in sixth place.
She crosses the meadow.
Go Edith!
- They're coming to the bridge!
- And Edith?
She's still in sixth place.
Now comes the
biggest test of all.
The water jump.
Selene's never jumped
the water before.
What did you say, father?
I-- I What?
I said, no, she's
having a wonderful time.
[dramatic music playing]
She's done it!
She's cleared the water!
Selene's cleared the water!
Where's Fredrick Arlington?
Where are they now?
Here they come!
They're headed for home!
She's closing in!
[dramatic music playing]
[cheering]
Wonderful!
Edith, you showed them!
You showed them!
Wonderful!
You were wonderful.
JAMES: Edith, I
wanted to congratulate
you after the race, but you
were surrounded by everyone.
And after the other night, I--
I feel I said some things
I shouldn't have said.
No.
Please.
I don't want you to take
back what you said to me.
I play your words over and
over again inside my head.
Why did you run away?
You must understand
that it isn't you.
Everything you do, your
words, your kindness--
But what is it?
Something has made you unhappy.
It's not my
happiness I question.
You and I are very
different, James.
Edith, that
doesn't matter to me.
It matters to me.
I've accepted a new position,
and I'll be leaving Evenswood.
Are you coming to dinner?
Or are you hibernating?
This is-- this is a poem I--
I wrote to John when I was 10.
He-- he took it
to Italy with him.
Look at all this stuff, Beadie.
I was-- I was so angry
with John for dying.
I never looked
through this before.
Why am I such a
stubborn old fool?
So we can all tell you
we love you, despite your
being a stubborn old fool.
Don't be long, dear.
No.
Oh, dear God.
Oh.
Oh!
I thought you were going
to join me for a sherry.
I've changed my mind.
That happens.
[dramatic music playing]
Miss Glenshaw.
I think there's something
you'll want to see.
Pardon?
It's Edith.
She's asked for you.
She took the path
toward the garden.
[dramatic music playing]
The illusive Edith.
Did you follow me here?
Like your obedient dog.
I've been listening to all your
quiet little signals for me.
My God, they're
so subtle I almost
had to read your mind, which
is what you wanted, isn't it?
Someone who knows you better
than you know yourself.
So, now I'm here with
you, as you commanded.
Alone.
I'm terribly
sorry, Mr. Arlington.
I'm afraid you've
misread whatever signals
you think you might have heard.
Did I?
It was their subtlety
that intrigued me.
You could see I have
no use for avert women.
They bore me.
I should be going.
I--
[dramatic music playing]
Please.
I can offer you so
much, if you'll let me.
I can give you the sort of life
you've never even imagined.
Let me.
- Please!
Edith!
Ah!
Have you no respect?
Can't you mind
your own business?
Go!
Now!
Are you hurt?
No.
You are trembling.
Hold my arm.
I was just surprised.
You cut yourself.
It's nothing.
At least allow me
to return the kindness
you once showed me.
Where is the boy?
Are you deaf?
I told you I need my horse!
Now!
Yes, sir.
I'm doing my best, sir.
Well that's not good enough!
What is it?
I'm not sure, sir.
It's Mr. Arlington.
- He'll be on his way.
- Stay out of this!
It's none of your business!
- What has happened?
Nothing.
Mr. Arlington is
no gentleman, sir.
And Edith's been made to suffer
his undignified behavior.
What are you looking at?
Go!
- What have you done to her?
- Nothing.
What have you done to her?
What difference does it make?
She's just a servant.
Call her what you will,
she'll never be our kind.
What did you do to Edith!
What did you do to her!
Nothing!
Sir?
Henry!
Oh, Henry!
[dramatic music playing]
I was just remembering
a gust of wind.
That first moment.
It was summer.
You were so-- you were so young.
If I'd been your father,
I'd have shot me.
You were wearing white
and your hair was--
was tied back so politely.
And then a little--
a little gust of wind
suddenly did what I'd wanted
to do since I first saw you.
It just took-- it took a
little strand of your hair
and just caressed
your face with it.
And I knew then.
That I'd love you forever.
Oh!
That's-- that's what
I'll remember, Beadie.
Beadie, I-- I have
to ask you a favor.
What?
Something-- something
has happened.
I-- I have to talk
to Edith alone.
Edith?
Please don't
ask me to explain.
You ask-- ask Edith to come in.
Yes.
Edith, please come.
You rode magnificently today.
It's in your-- in your
blood, isn't that?
Maybe it is.
I don't know.
Oh.
I should have known.
Know what?
In my In my jacket
there's a leather pouch.
Get it.
Get it.
You know, when-- when I went
to Italy to bury my brother,
he left no-- no letter.
You know, we hadn't-- we
hadn't spoken in years.
And there was no-- no evidence
of-- of-- of his childhood.
There was nothing to remind
him of-- of Evenswood.
All I found was this--
this abandoned infant who
was the daughter of his maid.
I was so taken by her sweetness.
And everyday since
then, I've been
blessed by that same sweetness.
To think I almost
left you there.
Oh.
It's all right.
That was long ago.
You know, I-- I was so angry
with my brother, that I--
I didn't-- I didn't
go through his things.
I robbed you, darling Edith.
I robbed you.
What do you mean?
Open it.
Open.
Who is she?
She's your mother.
This is my mother?
Yes.
Yes.
It's your mother.
She died, though, in
that same epidemic.
I'm so sorry.
I'm so sorry.
You've done nothing wrong.
You saved me.
You raised me as your very own.
I was just a stranger
to your family.
No no no.
My brother John was your father.
What?
Yes.
How could that be?
They were married.
They were married.
It's all there.
And there's more.
Edith, I thank you from my soul.
I beg you to be good
to them because I--
I won't be here, you
know, to help them.
Oh, stop.
You know I will always
take care of them.
I know.
I know.
Please forgive me, Edith.
Please forgive me.
Forgive you?
For what?
You were the only father
I have ever loved.
I love you too, Edith.
I always have.
[music playing]
And today we lay to
rest the mortal remains
of Henry Otis Hamilton.
His spirit, however, remains
alive in all of us here today--
his loved ones, his loyal
wife, Beatrice, Amy, and Edith,
whom he loved for his own.
From this day
forward, for the rest
of our own days on this earth,
we will nourish his spirit,
and keep it alive
with our memories.
AMY: What do we do now?
I didn't know I'd feel scared.
Promise you won't
leave us, Edith.
Promise you'll stay.
EDITH: Yes, of course I'll stay.
BEATRICE: Oh no, I couldn't
bear any more change now.
You know how I feel
about change, Edith.
It doesn't bode well when one
is already perfectly happy.
Right now I want
to just hold on.
Keep things exactly as they are.
[music playing]
JAMES: I can't imagine
how I could have been
blind to it all these weeks.
Tonight I only beg
your forgiveness,
if this has hurt
you, but at last
my senses have returned to me.
I see before me the woman
I've always hoped for,
and it is you.
Yours in devotion, Henry.
I had no idea papa
was so romantic.
He wrote that when
he was very young.
Would you indulge
me with another?
Of course.
My dearest Beatrice.
[piano music playing]
I wish we were
blood relations,
so I could tell you
anything I wanted
and couldn't get mad and leave.
Pretend we are
blood relations.
Then I have a
secret to tell you.
And I'll burst if I don't tell
someone, though I suspect it
won't make you entirely happy.
Promise if it doesn't please
you that you won't let it show.
I'll try.
Well I've known for a while
and have wanted to announce it,
but I don't know how.
You don't have to.
I know.
Did James tell you?
He didn't have to.
It's clear, Amy.
You're perfect for him,
and of course I'll be
happy if you and James marry.
Marry James?
Why would I want to marry James?
I don't want to get married.
Oh, Edith, you
should see your face.
Well then what?
I'm going to go to college.
It's all James and I talk about.
He knows so much
about the world!
I can learn it too, he says.
Why would that
make me unhappy?
Because I'm going
to be leaving you.
I remember once I promised
you I never would,
and now I'm going back on it.
That part is going to
make me very unhappy.
And with papa gone too,
the house will seem--
Edith, say something.
I'm so proud of you.
Will you help me tell mama?
I don't want to
upset her anymore.
Can you convince
her that it's not
a terrible thing to be bookish?
We'll tell her you're
going to change the world
just like your father
would have wanted.
I think she'll be
very proud of that.
But you have to promise
to write every day.
Would it be awfully irritating
if I wrote twice a day?
So, you're really
going back to the city?
Yes.
Sometime tomorrow.
I thought you might just head
off to your beloved wilderness
with nothing but the
clothes on your back.
Unfortunately we don't always
get what we want in life.
Well, I've made
it my personal goal
not to accept that philosophy.
It's too bad we didn't get
to know each other, really.
We'll have to find
another chance.
Actually I think we know more
than enough about each other.
I'm sorry.
I didn't mean to sound harsh.
I think you did.
Forgive me, then.
I think you can't
help yourself.
I think your disappointments
have turned your heart cold,
and it is your cold, dead
heart that says these things.
My heart is neither
dead nor cold-- it's just
none of your business.
But it's somebody
else's, isn't it?
Surely you haven't fallen
for Amy's infatuation?
She's just a child.
You're embarrassing yourself.
Edith.
Of course.
It's in your face.
Edith, the pathetic orphan.
What are you doing here?
Mrs. Hamilton lost
some jewelry, and--
And you think it's here?
How dare you!
We were told to look
everywhere, that's all.
I didn't mean to--
- Get out.
Wait.
Where have you looked so far?
We just started, ma'am.
Tomorrow we're to
look top to bottom.
[dramatic music playing]
You found it?
- Not yet, ma'am.
- Look everywhere.
Be thorough.
We all are, ma'am.
AMY: At least she decided to
enjoy her character for virtue.
It's happened again!
Mother, what is it?
That necklace that your
father gave me as a wedding gift
is gone.
It happened last night.
We're being robbed by
someone who lives amongst us.
Edith, dear,
are you all right?
You look a bit shaken.
Excuse me.
That was rather
odd, wasn't it?
Have you seen Lewis?
Not today.
[dramatic music playing]
Where did you find them?
In your bedroom, Edith.
My bedroom?
I'm sure there's a logical
explanation for this.
Of course, if you could
just tell us what it is.
I don't know.
I don't know how they got there.
You don't think I could've
taken them, do you?
Perhaps she forgot to return
them the night of the ball.
They did look beautiful
around your neck.
No I-- I--
I replaced them the next day.
Remember Ida, you were there.
You saw me coming
out of the bedroom.
Edith, dear, I don't know
what you're talking about.
I wish I did.
Edith, say something.
Why did you walk out so
suddenly this morning?
I thought I might
have known who--
Of course you did.
Who?
I can't say.
Well surely your loyalty
cannot lie elsewhere after all
this family has done for you.
Please forgive me.
I-- I gave my word.
But why would
this other suspect
put the necklace in your room?
BEATRICE: You have to
tell me how this happened.
I can't have a thief
living in my own house.
Edith.
This is tormenting
her, can't you see?
There must be some explanation.
Stop!
Stop the wagon!
Edith, let me help you.
You don't have to
explain anything to me.
I couldn't begin to.
I know you
couldn't betray them.
Edith, let me take
you away from here.
I could make you safe,
and-- and if you let me,
I might even make
you happy again.
You're being a true friend.
Your kindness is far
more than I deserve.
Edith, this isn't the
kindness of a friend you hear.
I'm trying to tell you
that I'm in love with you.
Oh, James, I have
nothing to give you.
Nothing but your
heart, which is more
than I could ever hope for.
Edith, come away with me.
Had you said
these words an hour
ago, I could have told
you that I have loved you
from the moment that I saw you.
But you can't take me
away from the shame
that goes with me now.
Don't you see?
It will follow me no
matter where I go.
Edith.
I have nothing to give you.
Perhaps she needed the money.
Desperation pushes a person
to do a foolish thing.
Shut up, Ida!
Children.
- These are private quarters.
- Here.
Take it.
It's poison to me.
Why?
You'll find one missing.
I already sold it.
See, I told you.
So, you and Edith a
were partners, stealing
from poor Mrs. Hamilton.
No.
Eddie wouldn't steal!
She tried to set me straight!
You were there!
You almost saw me yourself.
I don't know what
you're talking about.
Yeah, you do.
You were talking to Eddie
right outside the Mrs.' room.
She was returning something.
Surely you can't believe him.
A pathetic, common thief.
Ida, you've dug
your hole deep enough.
I think you should
consider a new home.
You're no longer
welcome in ours.
You should have this too.
It's burnt.
Eddie tried to burn it.
As I was running
away, that reminded me
that-- that Eddie's
goodness would haunt
me no matter where I went.
Mother, what is it?
Oh!
Emma, please bring Edith.
Edith, dear, uh,
please sit down.
How did you find that?
We waited for you.
Please leave us.
I, John Otis Hamilton, do give
and bequeath my entire estate
to my only child, my
daughter Edith Adelon
Hamilton, who shall inherit
Evenswood upon the 25th year
of her birth.
- Stop.
Please.
I never wanted you to see that.
You tried to burn it?
Why?
This means that
you and I-- mother,
Edith is our own cousin!
BEATRICE: Yes.
You knew this?
Don't you see?
I already had
everything I wanted.
I had your love and
your confidence.
And I had my home with
you, which is more than I
could have ever dreamed of.
And I thought that
would change things.
And you-- you said yourself
that you didn't want anything
to change, and
neither did I. But now
what difference does
it make, because I've
lost your confidence.
No.
Mother, tell her.
No piece of paper--
My dear, my dear--
Make that go away.
There's There's been a
terrible misunderstanding.
Ida deceived us.
And I accused you unjustly,
and I beg your forgiveness
from the bottom of my heart.
Take this.
It's your inheritance.
Only if you promise that
it will change nothing.
Only if you want it to.
Welcome home, Edith!
Edith!
We really are blood sisters now!
[music playing]
[hen crowing]
[horse neighing]
[chickens clucking]
[music playing]
It's all right, Selene.
One day you'll fly over the
water like it's nothing,
I promise.
You're looking very
beautiful this morning,
Beatrice Hamilton.
How nice of you to say.
Morning, Miss Amy.
It is, isn't it?
I swear, I don't know
where you put it all!
Did you sleep in today?
No.
I was just out walking.
We get more like a
Hamilton every day.
Now, Emma.
Shut your mouth, Emma.
It's OK, Louis.
She's just teasing.
Did you lose another button?
Bring it up to me later.
I'll sew it back on for you.
Mrs. Hamilton
is asking for you.
And what'll it be today?
Lawn tennis, then a few
hours of poetry reading?
Don't forget that shirt.
Why are you so nasty
to the girl all the time?
It's so hard to be the
companion to a rich girl.
I told you to shut your mouth.
Eddie's one of us.
You ought to
think about things
before letting that nastiness
fly out of your mouth.
Morning.
There you are, Edith.
Please sit down.
So, what are you
and Amy doing today?
I haven't seen her
yet this morning.
Well please encourage her
to get outside, won't you?
Yes.
BEATRICE: Can't be good to
read all the time, can it?
No.
Did you ask to see me?
Oh, my head is in the
ground today, isn't it?
We're expecting a distant cousin
of mine and I am so distracted.
Ida Glenshaw is her name.
Poor dear.
She has lost her parents.
She has been living with two
ancient great aunts, Jane
and Clara.
A rather dure pair, if I recall.
And so I've agreed to help
Ida find a suitable husband.
After all, we'll have the
most eligible bachelor
staying right here
with us for the Green's
Cup, Mr. James Percy.
He's from a very good family.
A little gangly, if I recall.
And then Frederick
Arlington will
be staying over
with the Johnston's,
so two exceptional bachelors.
I would like you to
join us for tea today.
Me join you for tea?
I would like you to
make Ida feel welcome.
I know if you made it
your personal mission,
then of course she would.
Of course, if you
think I could be helpful.
Edith, you're
never anything but.
And perhaps you can
persuade Ida not
to let Mr. Percy's
physical appearance
keep her from considering him.
The terrible truth is,
she has no property
and she is not
getting any younger.
And then it will be Amy's turn.
Our little girl.
And then you'll be gone.
I will?
Oh, Edith, dear,
you're not going
to want to stay here forever.
But I never thought
of leaving Evenswood.
Where would I go?
Well you mustn't worry.
AMY: Whoever would
want to marry me?
I'm not good at anything.
I blurt out embarrassing things
at inappropriate moments.
The art of flirtation is
desperately lost on me.
I can't ride or hunt or dance.
I'm afraid, my dear friend, you
are stuck with me for as long
as you'll have me.
Oh, Amy, you
mustn't judge yourself
by other people's standards.
Your attributes are unique.
But they're there
for all of us to see.
Do you think we'd
get satisfied Mama's
requirement for fresh air?
EDITH: But we've just started.
AMY: Yes, but
Shakespeare waits for us.
Can't we go back
and read some more?
You can read Juliet.
Then you are desperate.
We left Romeo waiting for
her beneath her balcony.
So you're coming
to tea, at last?
I'm so afraid I'm going
to say something stupid.
Ah, that's what tea is for,
to say all the stupid things
you've been saving up.
What is your cousin Ida like?
Ida.
I barely remember her.
Poor thing if she's
to come all this way
to find a suitable husband.
[music playing]
Hello, Ida.
Welcome to Evenswood.
Ida!
Ida, darling!
It's so lovely to have you here.
You remember Amy?
You must be so tired.
You look lovely, though.
Eddie, here's my shirt.
I-- I can't do it
right now, Louis.
A guest has arrived and
I'm expected for tea.
You're having tea
with the Hamiltons?
BEATRICE: Please forgive
my husband, Ida dear.
He's becoming a
contrarian in his dotage.
HENRY: It is just I
have a bee in my Bonnet
about women riding sidesaddle.
Well don't you think
it's rather ironic
that in our concern for the
propriety of the ladies,
we force ladies to risk
their necks that they
should ride astride like men?
But the scandal!
The hunt clubs would
have us arrested
for being a public disgrace.
Well wonderful.
A night in jail would do
us all a world of good.
Maybe we could
discuss something
a little less political.
What?
Perhaps our anticipated
guest, Mr. James Percy.
He doesn't ride
sidesaddle, does he?
I heard his heart
has been broken.
No gossip, child.
The rumor is that James
Percy fell in love with a girl,
desperately.
He was about to ask her
to marry him when he found
out his brother loved her too.
Well he never said
a word, not even
when his brother asked him to
stand for him at their wedding.
This was years ago.
He's never given
his heart again.
How tragic.
It simply means he hasn't
found the right person yet.
Or on the other hand,
maybe no one would have him.
He was rather unattractive.
Looks aren't that important.
Isn't that right, Edith dear?
What do you think of
Mr. Percy's situation?
I think you are right.
A person's face can
change over a lifetime,
but the heart can
stay true forever.
It seems that Mr.
Percy has a very
pure and beautiful heart, one
that would be worth winning.
Well said, Edith dear!
Edith, you're a romantic poet.
EDITH: And that's the
path down to the staples.
In the summertime
it's covered with most
beautiful wildflowers.
And, uh, over there's a path
that leads up to the crags.
If you'd allow me, I'd love
to show it to you one day.
How can I thank you?
You've been so kind, Julie.
Oh.
I-- I just-- I want you
to feel at home here.
We all do.
I mean the Hamiltons and I.
And I see you've become
quite comfortable with them.
My aunts tell me you've been
here since you were an infant.
Mr. Hamilton saved you
from an orphanage in Italy.
Yes.
They've been very kind to me.
I love them as if they
were my own family.
Of course.
A child in such
dire circumstances
could have ended up
anywhere, but you
landed here with all of this,
and access to the best society.
That's not-- I don't
really socialize.
I am just Amy's
companion, that's all.
Shall we continue?
You don't think
about marriage?
Me?
Well you can't be Amy's
companion forever now, can you?
I bet you have some deep
secrets of your own,
being the romantic
poet that you are.
Perhaps when we've
become better friends
you will share them with me.
Excuse me.
Hello, Edith.
I'm going into the
village for Mrs. Hamilton.
I was wondering if
you needed anything?
Are you sure you're
not going to escape
a certain Ida Glenshaw?
Oh, no sir.
She's been very kind.
She's so elegant.
I'm sure Mr. Percy will
be quite taken with her.
Well, yes, as
a matter of fact.
You could get me a box
of cigars, thank you.
Mrs. Hamilton asked me not
to buy you anymore, cigars.
Yes, well never mind that.
How-- how did Selene
do this morning?
He still won't jump the water.
Well you-- you stay with him.
Don't worry, you're
secret's safe with me.
You are incorrigible.
Thank you.
[music playing]
May I?
Sure.
He likes you.
He can be very selective
about who he lets near him.
[music playing]
Thank you.
Here's the shoe, sir.
Twisted nearly in half, he did.
If you don't mind, I'd
like to keep it, sir.
Sir?
Oh.
No I don't mind.
No one will ever believe it.
[music playing]
Ah ha!
Only two?
Two.
Edith, what-- what is it?
You're-- you're-- you're--
you're positively, uh--
[piano music]
Did I scare you?
Yes!
Louis, you shouldn't be here.
Play Chopin.
Don't you ever
get tired of it?
[piano music]
You should have
your own piano, Eddie.
Pianos are expensive, Lewis.
I know.
AMY: Has it really
been five years?
I can't believe how
much you've changed!
You're so different!
You've certainly
changed, as well.
The last time I saw you, you
made me sit in that armchair
until I finished reading
all of "Oliver Twist" aloud.
BEATRICE: Well I warn you, she
hasn't changed nearly as much
as you have.
Well we're delighted that you
can ride in the Green's Cup.
Your invitation is an honor.
And I believe I've just the
horse to do you justice.
HENRY: Well you don't
think we invited you
here for your company, do you?
Oh, Henry!
Though I must warn you,
the locals don't take kindly
to losing to out-of-towners.
And we have years of tradition
to uphold of absolutely
wretched sportsmanship.
Our Ida is quite the
horse-fancier herself,
but she's far too
modest to announce that,
aren't you, my dear?
Perhaps she'll tell
you if you join
them for a picnic tomorrow.
Might you do that, Mr. Percy?
On one condition-- that
you all call me James.
James Percy.
My, what a lovely name that is.
Do people tell you that
absolutely all the time?
[music playing]
HENRY: Not only-- it was--
it was my brother, John,
who blazed the trails.
He loved it up on the crags.
So you must share his
love for the outdoors, then.
Well, no, no, not really.
Far too many bugs and things.
I-- I'm particularly
fond of this sofa.
Papa's adventures come in
the form of endless letters
to various publications.
He's becoming quite
legendary for his opinions.
Oh.
Not the brilliance
of the mind.
You just have a sheer abundance.
Oh, you.
Nasty girl.
The clock persuaded
to join your picnic.
Oh, how did you?
I can never get
Edith to socialize.
Well done, Mrs. Hamilton.
That's very fortunate, you
know, because Edith is the one
who best knows the trails.
Can't we persuade
you to come with us?
Well if anyone could
you could, my darling.
But no, I'm far too
sensible to go walking
uphill for no good reason.
Oh, James.
This is the friend that I've
been telling you so much about,
Edith Adelon.
Well it's you.
You've already met?
Not only that, I'm
already indebted to her.
May I return this to
you now, Miss Adelon?
Oh, thank you.
I see you're healing nicely.
Thanks to your
prompt attention.
It's remarkable that
someone who doesn't socialize
should know so many
people so intimately.
Dear, the time is
getting away from us.
Shall we get going then?
Louis, cook, we'll need you
back as soon as you've set up.
- Yes, ma'am
- I can help you.
No, sir.
I'm fine.
Besides, you'll be too
busy helping the ladies
over logs and raging brooks.
Raging brooks is an oxymoron.
Make sure Amy behaves,
will you please?
Goodbye.
Thank you.
Goodbye.
Goodbye.
Remember when we
were young, Henry?
I thought we still were.
I understand you've been
traveling abroad, James.
Are the parties really
as grand as they say?
Do they last for days?
I was there on business.
I'm afraid the meetings
did last for days.
I can only report that
I'm happy to be home.
This-- this is my true love.
True love?
Does that mean you're
giving up on the human race?
It's far less
complicated, anyway.
If it were up to me, I'd
live with nothing but my wits
out in the wilderness.
A feral animal!
It's just like Thoreau.
Have you read him too?
- Yes.
As a matter of fact, I
just finished reading--
You wouldn't really want
to give up your property,
your horses, and all
the beautiful things
there are to own for nothing?
But you can't
think of it that way.
It wouldn't be for nothing.
He'd possess all
the sky, from here
to the horizon-- all the air
and all the sounds that we don't
even think of listening to.
A person could have all
the money in the world
and couldn't buy any of that.
So you're a naturalist
at heart, Miss Adelon?
That sounds far too
grand for what I am.
It's just all I
know, unlike Ida, who
can appreciate both
the great outdoors
as well as the
pleasures of the city.
I was at the summit
once, and I came
across a rare tagridia pavonia.
By yourself?
Were you terribly frightened?
Tagridia pavonia is a flower.
It's perfectly harmless.
I think I'll
take a little walk.
Oh, let me come with you.
I want to find a
tiger flower too.
So you do enjoy
nature, Miss Glenshaw?
Not in the manner
of Miss Adelon.
Though I do believe what might
occur between a man and a woman
and to be most
natural, Mr. Percy.
Oh!
Oh, look at that!
You've been here before
and you never told me?
Amy, if I told you everything
you'd get bored with me.
Ho, ho, never!
Edith, I want to know
everything you know.
I want to know everything
the whole world knows.
Do you know that Mr.
Percy doesn't mind
discussing philosophy with me?
Oh?
I thought that men were
genetically required to ramble
on within the
confines of athletics
and the bloodlines
of their animals.
But he knows everything!
So you've changed
your opinion of him.
Oh, he makes me see
things in a whole new light.
You'll see.
Amy, be careful.
Is Is that a tiger
flower, Edith?
[screaming]
Edith!
Amy!
Here.
Here, hold on.
Hold on.
I can't!
You must.
Oh, hold on!
Amy!
I'll try and pull you up.
Please, Amy.
- It hurts.
- I know.
Amy.
Amy.
Take hold of my arm.
Take hold of my arm.
Hold on tight.
Help me!
Here we go.
Hold on.
Hold on tight.
I've got you.
I've got you.
Just take small steps.
Is your arm hurt, Miss Adelon?
My scarf!
Miss Adelon, don't.
Don't.
It was my mother's.
I'm afraid it's gone.
We should get back.
All right.
Very slowly.
You were supposed
to look after her.
Poor Amy.
A dislocated shoulder
is extremely painful.
But it heals quickly
once it slips back in.
Oh, good.
You girls are very lucky.
You had no business
climbing the crags.
Thank you very much for
coming so promptly, doctor.
We appreciate it.
It wasn't our Amy's fault.
Oh it wasn't
anybody's fault, Ida.
Edith had been
up there before.
She knew how steep it was.
No!
She saved my life!
She risked her own to do it.
It was terrifying.
I was slipping away, but
Edith wouldn't let go.
If you'd been there then
you would have seen that.
Now, now, now.
Ida's just being
protective, aren't you dear?
The important thing is
that you are both safe.
Mm hm.
I'm so sorry.
Don't be, child.
You saved our precious daughter.
Henry, what can we
do to thank her?
Well I don't know-- yes I do.
She can come to the ball.
What?
Mm hm.
We'll-- we'll
celebrate her heroism.
What do you say?
The Green's Cup ball?
Yes!
- Oh, no.
- Why?
No I-- I-- it would it would
be a break with tradition.
Oh, the devil take tradition!
You'll be with us.
Come on, what do you say?
Do it.
Say you will.
James will be so pleased.
I would interpret that as
a yes, wouldn't you Beadie?
- Yes I would, dear!
- Excellent!
Then that's settled.
Come on.
We'll leave her to
have a little sleep.
Come on girls.
Come on.
Come on.
[ominous music playing]
Lewis.
Have you seen Miss Adelon?
She's by the pond.
Thank you.
[music playing]
I believe this is
yours, Miss Adelon.
You went back to
get this for me?
Thank you!
You're welcome.
[music playing]
Whoa.
[horse neighing]
Quite the rider, Miss Adelon.
May I?
Oh!
Well, I'm afraid riding
is all I'm good at.
I find that hard to believe.
I should think there'd
be a great many things
you'd be good at, Miss Adelon.
Everything else
is such a struggle
of etiquette and propriety.
Out here it's
instinct, not manners.
I ride every morning for
just a taste of that.
And you can leave all matters
of manners and propriety
to others?
I can be sure you're the
only woman out riding
hours before the ball.
I'm afraid it was not the
best idea for me to accept.
Oh, but you must go.
And you must promise
to save a dance for me.
Oh, no.
Oh, no.
But why?
Have I said something
to offend you?
No.
I can't dance.
More modesty.
Not a step?
Not a step.
Come and let me
show you something.
Dancing is just like riding.
It's all instinct
and little counting.
You step forward on your right
foot as I step back on my left,
and we take six steps
to make one revolution.
And--
I can't.
Close your eyes.
Just hear a waltz.
Two, three.
Four, five, six.
One, two, three.
Six.
[music playing]
See?
You're dancing.
And I'm falling.
Are you coming?
Not just yet.
Until this
evening, Miss Adelon.
Ball, is it?
You mixing with the
Hamiltons now, huh Eddie?
Excuse me.
Miss Adelon.
Wouldn't you go if they asked?
They wouldn't ask.
BEATRICE: Henry, have
you seen my-- can't seem
to find my amethyst necklace.
You know the one.
The one Edith--
Argh!
Are you ill?
No, I'm not ill.
I'm defeated.
These trousers have shrunk.
Shrunk?
Yes.
- Well.
- No, don't.
No.
- That's what they do--
They've shrunk.
No, they've shrunk.
[interposing voices]
I mean it's
just-- no it's part.
Just--
Um, are we doing the
right thing, Henry?
What do you mean?
Do you think-- you know, we
will be raising some eyebrows
bringing Edith tonight.
Oh no.
Nonsense, Beadie.
No, no.
These are civilized people.
Besides, they won't
even notice Edith
when I enter in the altogether.
Oh this isn't safe.
Funny woman.
Come on.
No, wait.
Wait.
Wait.
Wait.
Nice amethyst.
You say there's more
where this comes from?
It's too bad your
poor, sickly mother
can't use the stuff anymore.
Well she's old, like I said.
She doesn't go out much.
She'd rather have the
money than the memories, huh?
Something like that.
With enough items
of this quality,
your old, sick mum could have
a whole new life for herself.
That's right.
A new life.
That's what she wants.
EDITH: It's beautiful.
I want you to be
happy tonight, Edith,
just like you've made everyone
else-- even Ida, although
she doesn't always show it.
I don't think Ida
likes me very much.
Oh you mustn't say that.
No, Ida's just a
little high strung.
You know, rather like a mother
was before she got married.
Oh, she'll come around.
Especially now.
Well I understand Mr.
Frederick Arlington is quite
anxious to meet her tonight.
So if Mr. Percy
isn't careful, he's
going to have some
competition for her attention.
What's that face?
I promise you, Ida adore you.
And she's going to need your
help more than ever, now.
Do be patient with her.
HENRY: Oh, Ida, how
delightful you look.
AMY: Pretty.
Thank you.
Oh, that's lovely.
You look lovely,
Miss Glenshaw.
HENRY: Ah, Mrs. Hamilton!
Oh.
AMY: That is beautiful.
[music playing]
Edith!
Edith, you look wonderful.
Thank you.
HENRY: Shall we go?
Let us, then.
[music playing]
- Henry!
- Arliss!
How are you?
- Beatrice!
Arliss!
Oh, you've outdone
yourself again this year.
Oh, so good of you to come!
Oh, wild horse, etc, etc.
You know.
You're not nervous are you?
No!
Well maybe a little.
It's a lot of pomp
and circumstance,
but actually rather few rules.
Try to avoid food caught
in here when you're shaking
hands-- that sort of thing.
Miss Glenshaw.
You are Miss
Glenshaw, aren't you?
I'm Fredricka Arlington.
I've heard so much about you.
You do speak, don't you?
Fredrick Arlington.
What a lovely name.
But you must hear that
absolutely all the time.
Welcome to my uncle's home.
May I?
Ida.
I was going to introduce
her to your nephew,
but I see he's already
quite beaten me to it.
Yes.
Uh, Henry?
Yes, Arliss?
Isn't that your girl?
Which one?
I--I--I suffer an
embarrassment of riches
tonight in that direction.
Come on, let's go
and gorge ourselves
at our girls' expense.
We'll see you later.
[music playing]
Oh, there's Edith!
Come on.
Dance with us.
AMY: Yes!
Come on, Edith.
Just give me your hand.
Ready?
You two dance.
They're rather lovely in
the moonlight, aren't they?
The gardens.
Perhaps we should investigate
them more closely, even
though it is rather secluded.
Should we join the others?
What What would you
think if I said no?
I'm sure a woman
of your breeding
wouldn't want people to
get the wrong impression.
They might even think
she was too eager.
May I?
So, Miss Adelon.
I've barely had the
chance to get to know you.
Would you be so kind as
to dance with me, Edith?
I believe the next
dance's supposed to be mine.
Perhaps the one
after that, my friend.
See, it's just like riding.
Not at all.
Henry.
Hello, Arliss.
I'm ready for my apology.
Your apology for what?
For insulting me and
my family in my own home.
Oh, Arliss.
You put on a lovely party.
Perhaps you've been enjoying
it a little too much.
If it were up to me,
Henry, I'd have you rejected
from the club entirely.
Now there's an
interesting idea,
since it was the Hamiltons
that founded the silly thing
in the first place.
There, you see?
You are behaving just
like your brother.
My brother?
Improper.
Inelegant, common, and mocking.
Tradition is not silly, Henry.
At least he had the decency
to leave the country
if he didn't respect--
John has been dead
for over 20 years.
Please don't speak ill of him.
I need a word with her.
You'll forgive me, won't you?
What?
Look at what you've done.
What happened?
Now you must listen to me.
I can see what are doing,
and it will come to no good.
What did I do?
Of course they're
attracted to you.
You're young and pretty
and why wouldn't you
try to entice them?
Entice?
I'm not blind, Edith.
And I'm not being cruel to you.
I'm merely saving you
from a terrible mistake.
Men like James and Fredrick--
they come from a world
that you know nothing of.
Not really.
You see the dances and
the refined manners,
but not the reality.
That you could never understand.
What mistake?
I don't understand.
I want to help you.
If you were to marry a man like
James, you'd only fail him.
In the end, you would
embarrass him and this kind
family that has taken you in.
I would never harm
any of them, Ida.
You've ruined the
ball with your mockery.
Please don't raise your voice.
And I have not ruined
your, until now,
perfectly pleasant party.
The drama!
Why else bring your help
where she doesn't belong?
You know, Arliss Edith
is one of the most decent
people I have ever known.
And while you're
rummaging in your bag
of traditions,
for God's sake try
to find a little compassion.
Do you believe me now?
You're not one of us, Edith.
And if you care
about this family--
if you care about James
Percy-- you'll stay away.
Stay away from a world
you'll never be a part of.
Not really.
There you are.
You're not leaving, are you?
It's late.
No it isn't.
Not terribly anyway.
Well at least let
me walk you out.
I just want a few
minutes without people.
I don't know where to begin.
Since we met, something's
happened to me.
I've lost all sense
of what my life was.
I have no coherent thoughts.
Well, that's not true.
I have one coherent thought.
The same one over
and over about you.
No.
Please don't do this.
Please just listen.
When I was young I fell
desperately in love.
When it ended, I was broken.
I remained that way.
And so I thought a man
just gets one chance,
just once in a lifetime.
But it isn't true.
Edith, you've proven to
me that I can feel again.
- You mustn't say these things--
- I must!
- To me!
- The words are choking me.
If I don't tell you--
You can't!
Not to me!
Not to me.
[music playing]
IDA: Precious, isn't it?
I believe our dear
Amy is infatuated.
Obviously James finds her
too young to be suitable,
but still I think you
can see the point I was
trying to make the other night.
I wasn't trying to
be cruel, you know.
Thank you, Ida.
We're friends after all.
In fact, I have a
peace offering to make.
I persuaded Aunt Jane to allow
you to go and live with them.
They'll need
someone to feed them
and help them with the house.
It isn't as grand
as this, naturally,
but at least it would solve
a lot of your problem.
And who knows-- a
your situation--
you might even find
a match for yourself.
Someone who is more suitable.
There you are!
The elusive Edith.
Are you joining us at last?
Thank you, Frederick.
Perhaps another time.
Think about it, Edith dear.
Transitions are always hard.
But really, isn't
it only fair to let
Amy find her own companion now?
[ominous music playing]
[horse neighing]
HENRY: Good morning, Arliss.
Henry.
You're not riding.
That means the
terms of the trials
don't apply to your horses?
One of the privileges of
being president of the cup.
Ah.
Besides, my horses'
bloodlines are older
than your family's and mine.
Indeed.
No one questions their
ability to qualify for the race.
Perhaps the same principle
could apply tomorrow.
You wouldn't have to race.
We just give you the cup anyway.
I'll race, Henry.
And you will convey our
condolences to your Mr. Percy,
won't you?
For what reason?
You haven't heard?
No, what? - His
stallion stepped in a hole
and bowed a tendon.
Oh.
Oh, I'm-- I'm
sorry to hear that.
Yes, we hope he's
not too terribly
down in the mouth about it.
- Oh no.
I'm sure he'll be able to
put it into perspective.
After all, it's-- it's
only a horse race!
Henry, you remember
how much my father
revered the Green's Cup?
- Indeed, I do.
Yes.
He was of the opinion
that competition proved
the metal of good breeding.
Horse and man.
Well he particularly loved and
relished testing his theory
against your father and your
brother-- looked forward to it
all year.
So it's a pity you failed
to produce a rider, Henry.
Robbed me of something to look
forward to with the same vigor.
Edith!
Edith, where are you?
Edith!
Could you come here please?
Oh.
What happened?
Come here.
Come with me.
Sit down.
Edith, I want you to help me.
You know, Edith, I have
lived my whole life here
in the company of pompous
morons like Arliss Johnson.
And my whole life
it has irritated me,
and I refuse to believe it.
But now I believe it.
By God, do I believe it.
And, you know, the worst,
the most unforgivable thing
that these people
have done to me?
What?
They robbed me of my brother.
Oh yeah.
That's-- that's why
he left, you know,
because he couldn't
stand the idiocy,
the hypocrisy of this
society-- all the Arliss
Johnsons of this world.
And you know, he thought
I was one of them.
And I was, but not now.
Not anymore.
For years I've-- I've--I've
mouthed seditious ideas.
But I have done nothing.
Now there's something
I want to do.
And you-- you might-- you might
think this is a little silly.
I'd like us to win
the Green's Cup,
and I know Selene can do it.
- Yes, he can!
- Yes?
Good.
But I-- I think you might
have a little trouble with him.
He's a bit of a handful.
No no no.
I'm not going to ride
the stupid animal.
No, you have to ride him.
I can't jump sidesaddle.
Of course.
No.
Astride, you have
to ride him astride.
In fact, you could use
my brother's saddle.
It's probably
still in his trunk.
Women aren't allowed.
Well that's the whole point.
Why the hell aren't
women allowed?
Did you ever hear
anything so stupid?
Why'd you raise your
eyebrows when I said hell?
Last Sunday preacher
said it 17 times.
I counted.
So?
They won't let me.
There are no written rules.
Let me take care of them.
Hm?
Edith.
Oh, Edith, please do it.
Hm?
We'll win.
[music playing]
Lewis?
What are you doing?
Nothing.
What are you hiding?
Show it to me.
Please, Eddie.
Let me see.
You're stealing
from the Hamiltons.
What's happened to you?
- Nothing!
You're stealing!
Stealing?
Did the Hamiltons break
their back day in and day out
to earn Evenswood?
They have of this because
they were born to it.
They don't even know we exist.
That's not true.
They're very good to us.
Open your eyes.
You think you're one of them
but you're not their blood.
You're not family.
They don't care about you,
Eddie-- not like I do.
This should be yours.
Stop it.
I am not a thief,
and neither are you.
What are we going to do?
Don't turn me in.
Oh, Lewis, you
know I would never.
Promise me.
I'll give you my word
if you promise me you
will never do this again, ever.
Do you understand?
Go on, then.
You mustn't be in here.
What were you doing in there?
I was just returning
the necklace Mrs. Hamilton
let me wear to the ball.
By the way, I received
a letter from my aunt.
You haven't forgotten
them, have you?
I fear rejection from
you now would be almost
cruel to the poor old things.
Yes, I understand.
BEATRICE: Are you sure, Edith?
Are you absolutely positive?
Yes.
I can't imagine the
house without you.
I've--I've--I've just
never pictured it.
But you said yourself that
one day I might move on.
I have my own life.
Yes, but not so soon!
I mean, right after
the Green's Cup?
I--I never meant that.
It's so generous of our Edith
to help my unfortunate auntie.
Yes.
I just so hate change.
I--I fear whatever it
brings can't possibly make
me happier than I am right now.
But that's selfish.
You are young.
Change means
something else to you.
So, of course you want to go.
Oh, Edith dear, what
will we do without you?
[music playing]
Now, remember that Selene hasn't
had a chance to see the course
like the other horses.
Now, the water jump
in the toughest.
Sir, I-- I think
this is a mistake.
Nonsense, you'll be fine.
As long as you remember
it's just like dancing.
You can do it.
Edith, I'm so excited for you.
Good luck.
Henry, are you
sure about this?
Don't you trust
me, Mrs. Hamilton?
Yes, but what if Edith
makes a spectacle of herself?
ARLISS: What is this idiocy?
Hello, Arliss.
Henry, you've gone
too far this time.
Are you mad?
You should save
your energy, Arliss.
This girl can ride
rings around you.
This is not permitted.
She's not even family.
I read the rule book.
It says nothing about--
There is no rule book, Henry.
It is tradition.
And this is not croquet.
It's dangerous.
She's riding astride,
which is a disgrace.
And I will not allow it.
I will absolutely not allow it.
You were afraid of
Edith making a spectacle.
Really, Arliss.
No No.
Absolutely not.
Arliss!
If anyone were listening, and
I do believe that everyone is,
it might seem as though you were
afraid of losing to a woman.
Yes.
Oh, let her ride.
What harm could it do?
In fact, if she can't, I won't.
Anyone else like
to weigh in on this?
Stay out of my way.
Do you hear me?
Her blood will be on
your hands, Henry.
This is not her place, and
I'll make no sacrifices.
Edith, keep your
concentration.
We are already proud of you.
Good luck.
Go to it.
Ladies first.
[music playing]
Riders to your marks,
get set [gunshot]
[music playing]
Is Edith all right?
Thoughtful girl,
she's easy to follow.
She's dead last.
[music playing]
Come!
Come on!
A rider's gone down
at the end of the grove.
- Not our Edith!
- No no no.
She's closing in on them.
They're coming to
the double jump.
IDA: The double jump?
From Seems terribly
inappropriate for a lady.
How is our Edith doing now?
She's-- oh, another
rider's gone down.
She's in sixth place.
She crosses the meadow.
Go Edith!
- They're coming to the bridge!
- And Edith?
She's still in sixth place.
Now comes the
biggest test of all.
The water jump.
Selene's never jumped
the water before.
What did you say, father?
I-- I What?
I said, no, she's
having a wonderful time.
[dramatic music playing]
She's done it!
She's cleared the water!
Selene's cleared the water!
Where's Fredrick Arlington?
Where are they now?
Here they come!
They're headed for home!
She's closing in!
[dramatic music playing]
[cheering]
Wonderful!
Edith, you showed them!
You showed them!
Wonderful!
You were wonderful.
JAMES: Edith, I
wanted to congratulate
you after the race, but you
were surrounded by everyone.
And after the other night, I--
I feel I said some things
I shouldn't have said.
No.
Please.
I don't want you to take
back what you said to me.
I play your words over and
over again inside my head.
Why did you run away?
You must understand
that it isn't you.
Everything you do, your
words, your kindness--
But what is it?
Something has made you unhappy.
It's not my
happiness I question.
You and I are very
different, James.
Edith, that
doesn't matter to me.
It matters to me.
I've accepted a new position,
and I'll be leaving Evenswood.
Are you coming to dinner?
Or are you hibernating?
This is-- this is a poem I--
I wrote to John when I was 10.
He-- he took it
to Italy with him.
Look at all this stuff, Beadie.
I was-- I was so angry
with John for dying.
I never looked
through this before.
Why am I such a
stubborn old fool?
So we can all tell you
we love you, despite your
being a stubborn old fool.
Don't be long, dear.
No.
Oh, dear God.
Oh.
Oh!
I thought you were going
to join me for a sherry.
I've changed my mind.
That happens.
[dramatic music playing]
Miss Glenshaw.
I think there's something
you'll want to see.
Pardon?
It's Edith.
She's asked for you.
She took the path
toward the garden.
[dramatic music playing]
The illusive Edith.
Did you follow me here?
Like your obedient dog.
I've been listening to all your
quiet little signals for me.
My God, they're
so subtle I almost
had to read your mind, which
is what you wanted, isn't it?
Someone who knows you better
than you know yourself.
So, now I'm here with
you, as you commanded.
Alone.
I'm terribly
sorry, Mr. Arlington.
I'm afraid you've
misread whatever signals
you think you might have heard.
Did I?
It was their subtlety
that intrigued me.
You could see I have
no use for avert women.
They bore me.
I should be going.
I--
[dramatic music playing]
Please.
I can offer you so
much, if you'll let me.
I can give you the sort of life
you've never even imagined.
Let me.
- Please!
Edith!
Ah!
Have you no respect?
Can't you mind
your own business?
Go!
Now!
Are you hurt?
No.
You are trembling.
Hold my arm.
I was just surprised.
You cut yourself.
It's nothing.
At least allow me
to return the kindness
you once showed me.
Where is the boy?
Are you deaf?
I told you I need my horse!
Now!
Yes, sir.
I'm doing my best, sir.
Well that's not good enough!
What is it?
I'm not sure, sir.
It's Mr. Arlington.
- He'll be on his way.
- Stay out of this!
It's none of your business!
- What has happened?
Nothing.
Mr. Arlington is
no gentleman, sir.
And Edith's been made to suffer
his undignified behavior.
What are you looking at?
Go!
- What have you done to her?
- Nothing.
What have you done to her?
What difference does it make?
She's just a servant.
Call her what you will,
she'll never be our kind.
What did you do to Edith!
What did you do to her!
Nothing!
Sir?
Henry!
Oh, Henry!
[dramatic music playing]
I was just remembering
a gust of wind.
That first moment.
It was summer.
You were so-- you were so young.
If I'd been your father,
I'd have shot me.
You were wearing white
and your hair was--
was tied back so politely.
And then a little--
a little gust of wind
suddenly did what I'd wanted
to do since I first saw you.
It just took-- it took a
little strand of your hair
and just caressed
your face with it.
And I knew then.
That I'd love you forever.
Oh!
That's-- that's what
I'll remember, Beadie.
Beadie, I-- I have
to ask you a favor.
What?
Something-- something
has happened.
I-- I have to talk
to Edith alone.
Edith?
Please don't
ask me to explain.
You ask-- ask Edith to come in.
Yes.
Edith, please come.
You rode magnificently today.
It's in your-- in your
blood, isn't that?
Maybe it is.
I don't know.
Oh.
I should have known.
Know what?
In my In my jacket
there's a leather pouch.
Get it.
Get it.
You know, when-- when I went
to Italy to bury my brother,
he left no-- no letter.
You know, we hadn't-- we
hadn't spoken in years.
And there was no-- no evidence
of-- of-- of his childhood.
There was nothing to remind
him of-- of Evenswood.
All I found was this--
this abandoned infant who
was the daughter of his maid.
I was so taken by her sweetness.
And everyday since
then, I've been
blessed by that same sweetness.
To think I almost
left you there.
Oh.
It's all right.
That was long ago.
You know, I-- I was so angry
with my brother, that I--
I didn't-- I didn't
go through his things.
I robbed you, darling Edith.
I robbed you.
What do you mean?
Open it.
Open.
Who is she?
She's your mother.
This is my mother?
Yes.
Yes.
It's your mother.
She died, though, in
that same epidemic.
I'm so sorry.
I'm so sorry.
You've done nothing wrong.
You saved me.
You raised me as your very own.
I was just a stranger
to your family.
No no no.
My brother John was your father.
What?
Yes.
How could that be?
They were married.
They were married.
It's all there.
And there's more.
Edith, I thank you from my soul.
I beg you to be good
to them because I--
I won't be here, you
know, to help them.
Oh, stop.
You know I will always
take care of them.
I know.
I know.
Please forgive me, Edith.
Please forgive me.
Forgive you?
For what?
You were the only father
I have ever loved.
I love you too, Edith.
I always have.
[music playing]
And today we lay to
rest the mortal remains
of Henry Otis Hamilton.
His spirit, however, remains
alive in all of us here today--
his loved ones, his loyal
wife, Beatrice, Amy, and Edith,
whom he loved for his own.
From this day
forward, for the rest
of our own days on this earth,
we will nourish his spirit,
and keep it alive
with our memories.
AMY: What do we do now?
I didn't know I'd feel scared.
Promise you won't
leave us, Edith.
Promise you'll stay.
EDITH: Yes, of course I'll stay.
BEATRICE: Oh no, I couldn't
bear any more change now.
You know how I feel
about change, Edith.
It doesn't bode well when one
is already perfectly happy.
Right now I want
to just hold on.
Keep things exactly as they are.
[music playing]
JAMES: I can't imagine
how I could have been
blind to it all these weeks.
Tonight I only beg
your forgiveness,
if this has hurt
you, but at last
my senses have returned to me.
I see before me the woman
I've always hoped for,
and it is you.
Yours in devotion, Henry.
I had no idea papa
was so romantic.
He wrote that when
he was very young.
Would you indulge
me with another?
Of course.
My dearest Beatrice.
[piano music playing]
I wish we were
blood relations,
so I could tell you
anything I wanted
and couldn't get mad and leave.
Pretend we are
blood relations.
Then I have a
secret to tell you.
And I'll burst if I don't tell
someone, though I suspect it
won't make you entirely happy.
Promise if it doesn't please
you that you won't let it show.
I'll try.
Well I've known for a while
and have wanted to announce it,
but I don't know how.
You don't have to.
I know.
Did James tell you?
He didn't have to.
It's clear, Amy.
You're perfect for him,
and of course I'll be
happy if you and James marry.
Marry James?
Why would I want to marry James?
I don't want to get married.
Oh, Edith, you
should see your face.
Well then what?
I'm going to go to college.
It's all James and I talk about.
He knows so much
about the world!
I can learn it too, he says.
Why would that
make me unhappy?
Because I'm going
to be leaving you.
I remember once I promised
you I never would,
and now I'm going back on it.
That part is going to
make me very unhappy.
And with papa gone too,
the house will seem--
Edith, say something.
I'm so proud of you.
Will you help me tell mama?
I don't want to
upset her anymore.
Can you convince
her that it's not
a terrible thing to be bookish?
We'll tell her you're
going to change the world
just like your father
would have wanted.
I think she'll be
very proud of that.
But you have to promise
to write every day.
Would it be awfully irritating
if I wrote twice a day?
So, you're really
going back to the city?
Yes.
Sometime tomorrow.
I thought you might just head
off to your beloved wilderness
with nothing but the
clothes on your back.
Unfortunately we don't always
get what we want in life.
Well, I've made
it my personal goal
not to accept that philosophy.
It's too bad we didn't get
to know each other, really.
We'll have to find
another chance.
Actually I think we know more
than enough about each other.
I'm sorry.
I didn't mean to sound harsh.
I think you did.
Forgive me, then.
I think you can't
help yourself.
I think your disappointments
have turned your heart cold,
and it is your cold, dead
heart that says these things.
My heart is neither
dead nor cold-- it's just
none of your business.
But it's somebody
else's, isn't it?
Surely you haven't fallen
for Amy's infatuation?
She's just a child.
You're embarrassing yourself.
Edith.
Of course.
It's in your face.
Edith, the pathetic orphan.
What are you doing here?
Mrs. Hamilton lost
some jewelry, and--
And you think it's here?
How dare you!
We were told to look
everywhere, that's all.
I didn't mean to--
- Get out.
Wait.
Where have you looked so far?
We just started, ma'am.
Tomorrow we're to
look top to bottom.
[dramatic music playing]
You found it?
- Not yet, ma'am.
- Look everywhere.
Be thorough.
We all are, ma'am.
AMY: At least she decided to
enjoy her character for virtue.
It's happened again!
Mother, what is it?
That necklace that your
father gave me as a wedding gift
is gone.
It happened last night.
We're being robbed by
someone who lives amongst us.
Edith, dear,
are you all right?
You look a bit shaken.
Excuse me.
That was rather
odd, wasn't it?
Have you seen Lewis?
Not today.
[dramatic music playing]
Where did you find them?
In your bedroom, Edith.
My bedroom?
I'm sure there's a logical
explanation for this.
Of course, if you could
just tell us what it is.
I don't know.
I don't know how they got there.
You don't think I could've
taken them, do you?
Perhaps she forgot to return
them the night of the ball.
They did look beautiful
around your neck.
No I-- I--
I replaced them the next day.
Remember Ida, you were there.
You saw me coming
out of the bedroom.
Edith, dear, I don't know
what you're talking about.
I wish I did.
Edith, say something.
Why did you walk out so
suddenly this morning?
I thought I might
have known who--
Of course you did.
Who?
I can't say.
Well surely your loyalty
cannot lie elsewhere after all
this family has done for you.
Please forgive me.
I-- I gave my word.
But why would
this other suspect
put the necklace in your room?
BEATRICE: You have to
tell me how this happened.
I can't have a thief
living in my own house.
Edith.
This is tormenting
her, can't you see?
There must be some explanation.
Stop!
Stop the wagon!
Edith, let me help you.
You don't have to
explain anything to me.
I couldn't begin to.
I know you
couldn't betray them.
Edith, let me take
you away from here.
I could make you safe,
and-- and if you let me,
I might even make
you happy again.
You're being a true friend.
Your kindness is far
more than I deserve.
Edith, this isn't the
kindness of a friend you hear.
I'm trying to tell you
that I'm in love with you.
Oh, James, I have
nothing to give you.
Nothing but your
heart, which is more
than I could ever hope for.
Edith, come away with me.
Had you said
these words an hour
ago, I could have told
you that I have loved you
from the moment that I saw you.
But you can't take me
away from the shame
that goes with me now.
Don't you see?
It will follow me no
matter where I go.
Edith.
I have nothing to give you.
Perhaps she needed the money.
Desperation pushes a person
to do a foolish thing.
Shut up, Ida!
Children.
- These are private quarters.
- Here.
Take it.
It's poison to me.
Why?
You'll find one missing.
I already sold it.
See, I told you.
So, you and Edith a
were partners, stealing
from poor Mrs. Hamilton.
No.
Eddie wouldn't steal!
She tried to set me straight!
You were there!
You almost saw me yourself.
I don't know what
you're talking about.
Yeah, you do.
You were talking to Eddie
right outside the Mrs.' room.
She was returning something.
Surely you can't believe him.
A pathetic, common thief.
Ida, you've dug
your hole deep enough.
I think you should
consider a new home.
You're no longer
welcome in ours.
You should have this too.
It's burnt.
Eddie tried to burn it.
As I was running
away, that reminded me
that-- that Eddie's
goodness would haunt
me no matter where I went.
Mother, what is it?
Oh!
Emma, please bring Edith.
Edith, dear, uh,
please sit down.
How did you find that?
We waited for you.
Please leave us.
I, John Otis Hamilton, do give
and bequeath my entire estate
to my only child, my
daughter Edith Adelon
Hamilton, who shall inherit
Evenswood upon the 25th year
of her birth.
- Stop.
Please.
I never wanted you to see that.
You tried to burn it?
Why?
This means that
you and I-- mother,
Edith is our own cousin!
BEATRICE: Yes.
You knew this?
Don't you see?
I already had
everything I wanted.
I had your love and
your confidence.
And I had my home with
you, which is more than I
could have ever dreamed of.
And I thought that
would change things.
And you-- you said yourself
that you didn't want anything
to change, and
neither did I. But now
what difference does
it make, because I've
lost your confidence.
No.
Mother, tell her.
No piece of paper--
My dear, my dear--
Make that go away.
There's There's been a
terrible misunderstanding.
Ida deceived us.
And I accused you unjustly,
and I beg your forgiveness
from the bottom of my heart.
Take this.
It's your inheritance.
Only if you promise that
it will change nothing.
Only if you want it to.
Welcome home, Edith!
Edith!
We really are blood sisters now!
[music playing]