Aristocrats (1999–…): Season 1, Episode 4 - Episode #1.4 - full transcript
William Ogilvie arrives in Ireland to act as teacher for Emily's children. Sarah has developed a reputation while staying in Paris and both scandal and gossip ensue. Lady Caroline does her best to ensure that Emily hears nothing of it. Sarah is unhappy however and feels guilty over her behavior but it doesn't prevent her from having an affair with William Gordon with whom she has fallen deeply in love. She becomes pregnant by him and confides in Caroline whose advice is that she tell no one. Sarah's husband is willing to put her indiscretion in the past provided she gives up her lover. She doesn't do so and runs off with Gordon. The youngest of the Lennox sisters, Cecelia, goes to England to help Sarah with her child but she is not well. Sarah's indiscretions lead to a wedge being driven through the family, thereby tainting Cecelia's reputation and whose health takes a turn for the worse.
L worry l will disappoint you.
You will not disappoint me.
L might have taught her
more before she left.
She was so innocent.
- Lady Sarah, we trust we find you well.
- Yes, Your Majesty.
Should one marry without love?
L think it is better
to be in love.
We see little of each other.
- Ls this a complaint, my lady?
- Course not.
L'm perfectly happy
and extremely lucky.
Thank you, Cecelia.
- Whom shall we have?
- Monsieur Rousseau.
After George died, l resolved l would no
longer lose any of my children to England.
I am going to ask Monsieur
Rousseau to teach the children.
L'm not convinced
he's a good idea.
Lt's too late to change.
The letter is sent.
You wager like a Frenchwoman.
We are in France. So, tonight, l
choose to be like the French.
You will permit me to visit you
- when l come to England?
- You may visit my brother.
L would not expect of him
what l hope for from you.
Who are you?
William Ogilvie.
Who might you be?
L'm Edward.
Thank you for coming.
L was just becoming acquainted with Lord
Edward, Your Grace. ls that not so?
The acquaintance has proved
profitable, thus far.
You must run along now, Edward.
Sit down, Mr Ogilvie.
Sorry l'm not Monsieur
Rousseau, Your Grace.
You are a good classical
scholar, Mr Ogilvie.
A mathematician and
a French speaker.
That is so, Your Grace.
Which of these subjects is most
important, in your opinion?
None of them, Your Grace.
Perhaps you will explain.
Ln my opinion, Your
Grace, we should not
encourage young people
to emulate the parrot.
The subject can be absorbed and
repeated without understanding.
Therefore, subjects
are of no importance.
Our children must learn...
..if they are to mix in a world
where learning is prized.
Certainly, Your Grace.
You are teaching in Dublin.
Do your students do well?
Their abilities are
varied and the number
large, but l am satisfied
with their progress.
Are their parents satisfied?
L can give you testimonials
to that effect.
Lf subjects are not important,
Mr Ogilvie, what is?
The young person is
important, Your Grace.
The business of books has its place, but
there are other things to consider.
Such as?
A healthy life.
There should be exercise and sport,
and a knowledge of the earth.
And you consider this...
..part of their schooling?
Every child should
dig and plant.
Lt is a considerable pleasure, Your Grace,
to admire the fruits of one's own labour.
L would have no child
grow up without it.
L see.
Lt is proposed that you should undertake
the education of my children.
You will live at my
house by the sea.
How many children, Your Grace?
Nine.
William is completing his
education in France.
And George is to
join the army...
My son...
My son George...
..he's dead.
L know, Your Grace.
Excuse me.
Allow him the tribute
of your grief.
Lf your house is by the sea...
..perhaps l might teach
your children to swim.
How should he be treated? Should
l consider him a servant?
He's not like an ordinary tutor.
But he's not a gentleman.
He's not nobly born, but he is...
educated.
So, what one has not been given by
birth, one may acquire through effort.
Even gentility.
This may be true, Louisa, but it
does not tell me what l should do.
About what?
About candles.
Tallow or wax?
You worry about candles?
L want everything to be right.
This must go well.
L had the leisure to trouble
myself with domestic niceties.
Ln London, Caroline would have welcomed
a life of such trifling concerns.
How can we stop people
talking about Sarah?
Paris was a mistake.
She must return home.
You think that will
stop people talking?
Louisa is arriving soon from
lreland, with Mr Conolly.
L mean, Sarah always
listens to her.
We must ensure she returns.
Yes, my love.
Caroline chose not to inform me, as yet,
of her anxieties regarding our sister.
Ln the forlorn hope that scandal and
gossip would no longer pursue her,
Sarah was encouraged to return to London in
the company of my brother and his wife -
the Duke and Duchess
of Richmond.
- So there's five of you?
- Yes.
And, are they all like you?
No.
Caroline is clever.
Emily is a mother to me.
Louisa is an angel.
And Cecelia is a child.
And what are you, Lady Sarah?
L think l am a disappointment.
Whisper.
How does a Frenchman make love?
L do nothing but kiss.
No-one objects to that.
He follows you from
France, for kisses?
A fashion for flirtation.
L hear that nobody knows if
she's serious or scandalous.
Lf she wants a lover, or
is pleased to be a wife.
There is no lover, l am certain.
L should not condemn
her, whatever she did.
She will not need your approval, Selwyn.
She is young and follows fashion.
By gambling, as if
she were born to it?
She has no idea of doing wrong.
The fair sex never have. They
wait for us to corrupt them.
Our sister was teetering on
the edge of a precipice.
Half throwing herself over,
half willing herself back.
- You give me nothing.
- You do not understand.
You promise one thing
and do another.
L have a husband.
Whom you love?
This is England.
L was allowed to
choose my husband,
therefore the crime of deceiving
him would not be forgiven.
You tell him about our meetings?
No.
L did not think so.
You take the guilt...
..and refuse the pleasure.
Come.
Louisa, my dear, l am
so glad you've come.
Hello, Thomas.
Sarah!
L must speak with you.
What is it?
Have you ever done something...
..for which you
were truly sorry?
Why should someone do anything if
one knows it will make them sorry?
Lt simply happens. One
cannot help oneself.
Cannot help oneself?
Of course one can.
When l was in Paris...
..l often forgot
that l was married.
L forgot it for days on end.
But Mr Bunbury was with you.
Does not that make it worse?
You were so busy
with amusements.
L did not behave as l should.
You expect too much of yourself.
You are entitled to
a little diversion.
A little diversion?
Lf that were all...
This is enough.
You are worn out.
You imagine you do
every wrong thing.
Your family know you better.
Please.
L must tell you. l...
- l am so unhappy.
- Oh, no, no, no, no.
Now, that l will not allow. You
have everything you could want.
You owe it to
yourself to be happy.
Will you be dissatisfied,
when we all love you?
L do not know why you do.
Because...
Because you are the dearest
heart in all the world.
Lf you are sad, it
afflicts us all.
Lt must feel comfortable
to be always good.
Do you have a moment?
- May l speak with you?
- Lf you wish.
- What are you doing?
- My accounts.
May l help?
You can, by spending less.
L have been extravagant, l know.
But...
l do not need a large
income to be happy.
L could do as well
on a little, if...
if l... if l lived a
different sort of life.
Lndeed.
L would be much obliged if...
Will you tell me...
..are you content with our life?
Ls it what you expected?
What do you mean, my lady?
Ls there anything
you would change?
Do you complain of
me to your family?
No.
Of course not.
L would not like your brother
to think me unkind to you.
When we married...
..did you consider
yourself to be...?
Were you in love?
As much as you were, l imagine.
My sister's activities
were by now so well
known that news of them
reached me in lreland.
L wrote to her,
counselling caution.
She hears stories from London.
She asks me to take care.
Lord William! Sarah, l
must introduce you.
Lord William is dying to
make your acquaintance.
Your Grace.
Lord William Gordon,
Lady Sarah Bunbury.
L've heard so much
about you, Lady Sarah.
You must not believe
what people say.
Oh, l believe every word.
That is why l
desire to meet you.
- Let me see your eyes.
- L prefer to hide.
But l... prefer to see.
- Lt's not worth your trouble.
- L will be the judge of that.
- Do you know what you want?
- All too well.
- L want you.
- You are mad.
- Not yet, but it's likely that l will be.
- Nonsense.
Have you not heard? Some of
my family are locked up.
Really?
Truly.
An uncle in a madhouse,
a brother at home.
You must take me now,
while l have my wits.
- Do you think l have quite lost my senses?
- Not yet, but you will.
Oh, who are you writing to?
Emily. She's heard
stories about Sarah.
- L tell her not to pay any attention.
- Humph!
Charles James.
Why are you wearing
your coat inside out?
Lt's the newest fashion.
The fashion for gamblers.
You turn your coat
to turn your luck.
A wager or two, that's all.
One or two? You never
accept any limits.
You don't understand. A
gentleman never backs down.
And l have a
reputation to uphold.
You promised to stop,
yet still you go on.
You did not bring me up to
hide at home like a mouse.
Lt seems l brought you
up to break my heart.
- Good evening, Father.
- Charles James.
What do we do now?
Prepare to pay.
Our fashionable world had no objection to
affairs, as long as they remained discreet.
But Sarah it seemed was,
by now, beyond discretion.
Can you direct me to Perdition?
Straight on, my lord.
The way you were going.
L warn you,
l'll take you with me.
That's my husband's.
Where are his shoes?
- What?
- L suit his dressing gown.
L'll fill his shoes.
- L'll have his wife.
- You are bad.
Of course.
L'll come to a bad end.
How long can you stay this time?
As long as he's away.
Lt won't be long enough.
Lt never is.
We could meet again, in secret.
Skulking around like
badgers in the night.
Lt's that or nothing.
What can we do?
L could shoot your husband.
Or l could shoot myself.
Don't.
Or maybe, l should
shoot us both.
Then you'd be free.
L don't want to be free.
We'll find a way.
You must think.
Sarah!
Oh, my dear, such
wonderful news.
L was pleased at first, at
the thought of the child.
Well, of course you were.
We're all so happy for you.
L have something to tell you.
L should have spoken before.
Well...
..come and sit down.
You're making me nervous.
What is the matter?
L cannot meet you,
speak to you...
..and not tell you the truth.
Ls it your health?
I am as healthy as a pig.
Well, then, you worry too much.
- You've been under so much strain recen...
- William Gordon...
..is the father of my child.
Lord William Gordon?
You have... met him in secret?
- Alone?
- L've wanted to tell you so often.
L can't bear it. How could you?
Lt's contrary to all
you have been taught.
L know.
L should not have.
- You do not need to tell me.
- To think l have defended you,
when all this time you were...
Do you not know
what harm you do?
L know.
L'm sorry.
Does your husband know?
L think he must.
He's said nothing,
but he never does.
Sarah, listen.
You must not tell him.
You must not tell anyone.
Not him and not the family.
This is between you and me.
- You think l should stay with him?
- Yes, l certainly do!
- And Lord William?
- You must forget him!
L deserve to be miserable.
L know it.
Well, you will recover
from this madness.
L want to do what is
right, but l can't.
Sarah, you must go home...
..and be happy with your
husband and your baby.
This never happened.
We will not speak of it again.
I am so sorry.
L cannot bear it.
L see nothing ahead
but disaster.
You will be beggared.
And we will be disgraced.
Don't cry.
Please don't cry.
And the child?
Do you think of your child?
L was delighted to hear
that Sarah was with child.
Caroline chose not to disclose
the identity of the real father.
Wonderful. How is she?
She is well and pleased
and... hopes for a girl.
May l go help her mind it?
Lt would make her
mighty pleased.
But are you well enough again?
You must not be anxious.
My health is good.
L expect l worry too much.
L'm very good with babies.
By agreeing to let Cecelia go to
England to help Sarah with her child,
l allowed our youngest sister to
become embroiled in the unhappiness
that Sarah cast about
her wherever she went.
Cecelia was caught
up in circumstances
that she did not understand
and could not control.
You know that she is not yours?
Of course l know.
Living as we do, the child
is clearly not mine.
You knew that l
had been in love.
Lord William Gordon has
haunted our house.
Ls he what you mean by love?
L do not understand why
you still want me.
L married you.
And that is that.
- When l think of Lord William...
- Please don't.
Did l refuse you any kindness?
Did l betray you in any way?
You cannot reproach me more
than l reproach myself.
L did not come here
for reproaches.
L have given this much thought.
- Are you cold enough to think?
- L have had enough time for it.
Lt's fortunate the
child is a girl.
As she cannot inherit the estate, no
injustice will be done to my family.
You'll acknowledge
her as your own?
Such things have
happened before.
We can put this
affair in the past.
One more thing.
- That is?
- You will give up Lord William.
Even my forbearance has limits.
What is it?
L'm not hungry.
- Where are you going?
- L thought l heard the baby cry.
Sarah seemed determined
on her own destruction.
She was heedless of the effect her
behaviour would have on anyone else.
Not least on Cecelia,
whose reputation would be tainted by her
association with her adulterous sister.
The scandal was out and the truth was there
for the gossips to make the most of.
Your Grace.
You must pack my heavy cloak, the sky
blue silk and the green day gown.
Lmmediately.
No, wait! Your Grace,
we must go to London.
My brown boots and his
lordship's greatcoat.
- For what reason, my dear?
- Sarah is ruined.
She's in love with a madman.
We're a story to
scandalise grocers.
Not only grocers.
We scandalise peers.
We fill them with envy.
They say you are Antony
and l am Cleopatra.
A great epic romance.
A great epic romance...
Cecelia should return to lreland. You
should have sent her to us long before.
No blame is attached
to her name.
No blame? She was in the house
from which Sarah eloped.
- She did not know.
- L know she did not know.
Who else but us will believe it?
- L have done everything to protect her.
- We know.
- We don't doubt that...
- l have guarded her good health.
L have looked after her name. Do
you think to suggest l don't?
- You cannot protect her now.
- Not if she stays here.
She should come with us.
She is not strong
enough to travel.
L feel perfectly
well, l promise.
She stays with me.
l have that right.
To take her to
lreland is unwise.
Unwise?
To send her home? To where her
father entrusted her childhood?
He chose wisely when he
sent your sisters to us.
What do you mean by that?
We were never careless of
his trust in our affection.
My lord, take care what you say.
Your affection?
The results can be seen
in Louisa's marriage.
And how dare you mention my father's will!
Lt was unjust and wrong.
He didn't mean to...
l have done
everything for Sarah.
L begged her to leave Lord Gordon
and go back to her husband.
L pleaded with her.
Nobody could do more than l did.
You knew she had a lover?
Why did you not tell me?
You were not here.
Lf we had been told, we would have come.
We should have been told!
Oh, God, l haven't slept for days because
of this! You will not judge my decision!
L say what l see.
You have no monopoly of concern.
We shall see what my
brother has to say.
- Caroline, don't.
- L will not be judged.
L beg you, please.
Your Grace, will
you see me abused?
The Duke of Leinster believes
l do not love my sisters.
L believe nothing could be
further from the truth.
There was no intention
of giving offence.
Such a pity you spoke
when you shouldn't.
Lt is not for you to judge.
Since my motives are questioned,
l will take my leave.
Emily, bring him back.
Why did you speak to His Grace?
I am entitled to.
You forced him to
choose between us.
Lt is clear in what light
your husband regards me.
You forced our brother
to takes sides.
You take sides against me.
You do not love me.
L do.
I am shocked at your
lack of affection.
You ask too much.
You must make your choice:
the Duke of Leinster or me.
There is no choice.
Jemmy?
Lt's a bad business.
L wouldn't have believed it.
They were so close.
The whole family is divided.
Cup of tea? Set you to rights.
What can be done?
Damned if l know.
Perhaps time will heal.
L'm sure it will.
Your sister has not written.
She will not write to me...
..or speak to me again.
Caroline raged against us
after Sarah's elopement.
The old wound of our
father's will had reopened
and, once again, l had
taken my husband's side.
The silence between us felt
as permanent as death.
How do you wish to
spend the evening?
L think, in fact,
l'll retire to bed.
Henry, are you ill?
L grow old, my love.
L apologise.
Out! Out! Get out, l said!
With infinite surprise, we
met the charming Lady S.
Enjoyed her...
simple hospitality.
Observed, with pleasure, her and
Lord William's reciprocal passion,
still... still... still...
Still visibly glowing in
its primitive ardour.
Primitive.
Good.
Good.
Shall l write to Louisa?
To tell her what?
Of your great happiness?
I am happy.
Lndeed?
L do not know why you
will not believe me.
Lf you declare yourself to be
happy, then it must be so.
Ln that case, l am happy...
..for l love you exceedingly.
L wish you would not repeat it.
That l love you?
Every time l hear it, l
believe it a little less.
Well, how else can
l convince you?
You could cease to
lament your sisters.
L merely remember them.
At every hour of the day.
Lf you wish, l will not
speak of them again.
Caroline is still angry. She writes to
me, but she will not write to Emily.
She is even at odds
with our brother.
- L can't abide all this argument.
- L pray about it every day.
Lf l might get Sarah to see
the error of her ways...
Can't rely on Sarah.
Changes her mind as
fast as you'd wink.
You think she's
beyond redemption?
L didn't say so.
L'm sorry, Tom.
Lt's just that it makes
me so miserable.
The worst thing about it: l can't
stand it when you're miserable.
L consulted with Mr
Conolly, who felt assured
it was proper for
me to speak to you.
- Always so dutiful.
- Lt is a quality which wears well.
Mr Conolly is a lucky man.
She would return to us if she could.
L feel sure...
- She chose her path, now she must
stick to it. LOUlSA: She's written.
She wrote to you?
Many times. She's very unhappy.
L suppose we cannot
wish her otherwise.
- Has Lord William left her?
- There is no question of that.
Lt is her conscience
which torments her.
L see how it is. The
pleasure fades.
- She seeks our support and forgiveness.
- No-one will be able to know her again.
Brother, there must be a way.
Lf l could assure you of her
heartfelt remorse and repentance...
Remorse? Sarah?
Your Grace, you will allow
my sister to speak.
L do not despair of Sarah.
l cannot.
But how can she leave him
if she has nowhere to go?
Every family in crisis
has its saving angel,
and Louisa was ours,
keeping the trust of us all.
How is Emily?
She is well.
Tell her l miss her.
L shall do so.
- Lord William is not here.
- He likes to walk.
Sometimes for hours.
L spoke to our brother.
He is concerned to
do what's right.
Lf he never wanted to see me
again, l would not be surprised.
He has certain conditions.
What does he say?
You may return to
his protection.
He will care for you
and baby Louisa.
You will live quietly,
not moving in society.
Not meeting anyone, save
family and servants.
L have no desire to
move in society.
L would hate it of all things.
You may dine with the family,
when they dine alone.
Yes.
You must leave Lord William
and forsake all contact.
He is my child's father.
Our brother does not want
you to see him again.
Never?
He asked me to make
his wishes clear.
He has not forgiven me.
He will, once he knows
you've changed.
L have changed.
Once l believed in happiness.
Now l know l will
never be happy again.
You may not be happy but,
in time, you'll be content.
Will l?
How convenient!
At least you'll no longer
cause pain to us all.
You have always known
what l should do.
Everyone thought l
should marry the King.
And when it didn't take, you
just wanted me married.
- L didn't.
- L could never be perfect, like you.
No-one is naturally good.
- We have to try.
- You believe l have never tried?
You think it's easy for me?
L tried to tell you.
L asked for your help.
Neither you nor Caroline
wanted to hear.
L didn't mean to hurt you.
Nobody in the family has
ever meant to hurt you.
Come back to us, Sarah.
Come back to the family.
L'm sorry.
Sssh!
L... bring you all this trouble.
No.
L cause you grief.
L should have stopped Sarah.
Ssssh! You couldn't.
Ls there anything that you want?
Ls there anything l can get you?
Can l...
Can l see... Emily?
Cecelia?
Cecelia?
Oh, no.
Contrite, but blameless to
the last, Cecelia died.
Her death should have brought us
together again, but it did not.
Not for years.
You may still change your mind.
You do not truly wish it.
Lt is your choice.
Sssh!
L will miss her.
- L'm sorry.
- Sorry?
Sorry you ever met me?
Goodbye, Sarah.
You will not disappoint me.
L might have taught her
more before she left.
She was so innocent.
- Lady Sarah, we trust we find you well.
- Yes, Your Majesty.
Should one marry without love?
L think it is better
to be in love.
We see little of each other.
- Ls this a complaint, my lady?
- Course not.
L'm perfectly happy
and extremely lucky.
Thank you, Cecelia.
- Whom shall we have?
- Monsieur Rousseau.
After George died, l resolved l would no
longer lose any of my children to England.
I am going to ask Monsieur
Rousseau to teach the children.
L'm not convinced
he's a good idea.
Lt's too late to change.
The letter is sent.
You wager like a Frenchwoman.
We are in France. So, tonight, l
choose to be like the French.
You will permit me to visit you
- when l come to England?
- You may visit my brother.
L would not expect of him
what l hope for from you.
Who are you?
William Ogilvie.
Who might you be?
L'm Edward.
Thank you for coming.
L was just becoming acquainted with Lord
Edward, Your Grace. ls that not so?
The acquaintance has proved
profitable, thus far.
You must run along now, Edward.
Sit down, Mr Ogilvie.
Sorry l'm not Monsieur
Rousseau, Your Grace.
You are a good classical
scholar, Mr Ogilvie.
A mathematician and
a French speaker.
That is so, Your Grace.
Which of these subjects is most
important, in your opinion?
None of them, Your Grace.
Perhaps you will explain.
Ln my opinion, Your
Grace, we should not
encourage young people
to emulate the parrot.
The subject can be absorbed and
repeated without understanding.
Therefore, subjects
are of no importance.
Our children must learn...
..if they are to mix in a world
where learning is prized.
Certainly, Your Grace.
You are teaching in Dublin.
Do your students do well?
Their abilities are
varied and the number
large, but l am satisfied
with their progress.
Are their parents satisfied?
L can give you testimonials
to that effect.
Lf subjects are not important,
Mr Ogilvie, what is?
The young person is
important, Your Grace.
The business of books has its place, but
there are other things to consider.
Such as?
A healthy life.
There should be exercise and sport,
and a knowledge of the earth.
And you consider this...
..part of their schooling?
Every child should
dig and plant.
Lt is a considerable pleasure, Your Grace,
to admire the fruits of one's own labour.
L would have no child
grow up without it.
L see.
Lt is proposed that you should undertake
the education of my children.
You will live at my
house by the sea.
How many children, Your Grace?
Nine.
William is completing his
education in France.
And George is to
join the army...
My son...
My son George...
..he's dead.
L know, Your Grace.
Excuse me.
Allow him the tribute
of your grief.
Lf your house is by the sea...
..perhaps l might teach
your children to swim.
How should he be treated? Should
l consider him a servant?
He's not like an ordinary tutor.
But he's not a gentleman.
He's not nobly born, but he is...
educated.
So, what one has not been given by
birth, one may acquire through effort.
Even gentility.
This may be true, Louisa, but it
does not tell me what l should do.
About what?
About candles.
Tallow or wax?
You worry about candles?
L want everything to be right.
This must go well.
L had the leisure to trouble
myself with domestic niceties.
Ln London, Caroline would have welcomed
a life of such trifling concerns.
How can we stop people
talking about Sarah?
Paris was a mistake.
She must return home.
You think that will
stop people talking?
Louisa is arriving soon from
lreland, with Mr Conolly.
L mean, Sarah always
listens to her.
We must ensure she returns.
Yes, my love.
Caroline chose not to inform me, as yet,
of her anxieties regarding our sister.
Ln the forlorn hope that scandal and
gossip would no longer pursue her,
Sarah was encouraged to return to London in
the company of my brother and his wife -
the Duke and Duchess
of Richmond.
- So there's five of you?
- Yes.
And, are they all like you?
No.
Caroline is clever.
Emily is a mother to me.
Louisa is an angel.
And Cecelia is a child.
And what are you, Lady Sarah?
L think l am a disappointment.
Whisper.
How does a Frenchman make love?
L do nothing but kiss.
No-one objects to that.
He follows you from
France, for kisses?
A fashion for flirtation.
L hear that nobody knows if
she's serious or scandalous.
Lf she wants a lover, or
is pleased to be a wife.
There is no lover, l am certain.
L should not condemn
her, whatever she did.
She will not need your approval, Selwyn.
She is young and follows fashion.
By gambling, as if
she were born to it?
She has no idea of doing wrong.
The fair sex never have. They
wait for us to corrupt them.
Our sister was teetering on
the edge of a precipice.
Half throwing herself over,
half willing herself back.
- You give me nothing.
- You do not understand.
You promise one thing
and do another.
L have a husband.
Whom you love?
This is England.
L was allowed to
choose my husband,
therefore the crime of deceiving
him would not be forgiven.
You tell him about our meetings?
No.
L did not think so.
You take the guilt...
..and refuse the pleasure.
Come.
Louisa, my dear, l am
so glad you've come.
Hello, Thomas.
Sarah!
L must speak with you.
What is it?
Have you ever done something...
..for which you
were truly sorry?
Why should someone do anything if
one knows it will make them sorry?
Lt simply happens. One
cannot help oneself.
Cannot help oneself?
Of course one can.
When l was in Paris...
..l often forgot
that l was married.
L forgot it for days on end.
But Mr Bunbury was with you.
Does not that make it worse?
You were so busy
with amusements.
L did not behave as l should.
You expect too much of yourself.
You are entitled to
a little diversion.
A little diversion?
Lf that were all...
This is enough.
You are worn out.
You imagine you do
every wrong thing.
Your family know you better.
Please.
L must tell you. l...
- l am so unhappy.
- Oh, no, no, no, no.
Now, that l will not allow. You
have everything you could want.
You owe it to
yourself to be happy.
Will you be dissatisfied,
when we all love you?
L do not know why you do.
Because...
Because you are the dearest
heart in all the world.
Lf you are sad, it
afflicts us all.
Lt must feel comfortable
to be always good.
Do you have a moment?
- May l speak with you?
- Lf you wish.
- What are you doing?
- My accounts.
May l help?
You can, by spending less.
L have been extravagant, l know.
But...
l do not need a large
income to be happy.
L could do as well
on a little, if...
if l... if l lived a
different sort of life.
Lndeed.
L would be much obliged if...
Will you tell me...
..are you content with our life?
Ls it what you expected?
What do you mean, my lady?
Ls there anything
you would change?
Do you complain of
me to your family?
No.
Of course not.
L would not like your brother
to think me unkind to you.
When we married...
..did you consider
yourself to be...?
Were you in love?
As much as you were, l imagine.
My sister's activities
were by now so well
known that news of them
reached me in lreland.
L wrote to her,
counselling caution.
She hears stories from London.
She asks me to take care.
Lord William! Sarah, l
must introduce you.
Lord William is dying to
make your acquaintance.
Your Grace.
Lord William Gordon,
Lady Sarah Bunbury.
L've heard so much
about you, Lady Sarah.
You must not believe
what people say.
Oh, l believe every word.
That is why l
desire to meet you.
- Let me see your eyes.
- L prefer to hide.
But l... prefer to see.
- Lt's not worth your trouble.
- L will be the judge of that.
- Do you know what you want?
- All too well.
- L want you.
- You are mad.
- Not yet, but it's likely that l will be.
- Nonsense.
Have you not heard? Some of
my family are locked up.
Really?
Truly.
An uncle in a madhouse,
a brother at home.
You must take me now,
while l have my wits.
- Do you think l have quite lost my senses?
- Not yet, but you will.
Oh, who are you writing to?
Emily. She's heard
stories about Sarah.
- L tell her not to pay any attention.
- Humph!
Charles James.
Why are you wearing
your coat inside out?
Lt's the newest fashion.
The fashion for gamblers.
You turn your coat
to turn your luck.
A wager or two, that's all.
One or two? You never
accept any limits.
You don't understand. A
gentleman never backs down.
And l have a
reputation to uphold.
You promised to stop,
yet still you go on.
You did not bring me up to
hide at home like a mouse.
Lt seems l brought you
up to break my heart.
- Good evening, Father.
- Charles James.
What do we do now?
Prepare to pay.
Our fashionable world had no objection to
affairs, as long as they remained discreet.
But Sarah it seemed was,
by now, beyond discretion.
Can you direct me to Perdition?
Straight on, my lord.
The way you were going.
L warn you,
l'll take you with me.
That's my husband's.
Where are his shoes?
- What?
- L suit his dressing gown.
L'll fill his shoes.
- L'll have his wife.
- You are bad.
Of course.
L'll come to a bad end.
How long can you stay this time?
As long as he's away.
Lt won't be long enough.
Lt never is.
We could meet again, in secret.
Skulking around like
badgers in the night.
Lt's that or nothing.
What can we do?
L could shoot your husband.
Or l could shoot myself.
Don't.
Or maybe, l should
shoot us both.
Then you'd be free.
L don't want to be free.
We'll find a way.
You must think.
Sarah!
Oh, my dear, such
wonderful news.
L was pleased at first, at
the thought of the child.
Well, of course you were.
We're all so happy for you.
L have something to tell you.
L should have spoken before.
Well...
..come and sit down.
You're making me nervous.
What is the matter?
L cannot meet you,
speak to you...
..and not tell you the truth.
Ls it your health?
I am as healthy as a pig.
Well, then, you worry too much.
- You've been under so much strain recen...
- William Gordon...
..is the father of my child.
Lord William Gordon?
You have... met him in secret?
- Alone?
- L've wanted to tell you so often.
L can't bear it. How could you?
Lt's contrary to all
you have been taught.
L know.
L should not have.
- You do not need to tell me.
- To think l have defended you,
when all this time you were...
Do you not know
what harm you do?
L know.
L'm sorry.
Does your husband know?
L think he must.
He's said nothing,
but he never does.
Sarah, listen.
You must not tell him.
You must not tell anyone.
Not him and not the family.
This is between you and me.
- You think l should stay with him?
- Yes, l certainly do!
- And Lord William?
- You must forget him!
L deserve to be miserable.
L know it.
Well, you will recover
from this madness.
L want to do what is
right, but l can't.
Sarah, you must go home...
..and be happy with your
husband and your baby.
This never happened.
We will not speak of it again.
I am so sorry.
L cannot bear it.
L see nothing ahead
but disaster.
You will be beggared.
And we will be disgraced.
Don't cry.
Please don't cry.
And the child?
Do you think of your child?
L was delighted to hear
that Sarah was with child.
Caroline chose not to disclose
the identity of the real father.
Wonderful. How is she?
She is well and pleased
and... hopes for a girl.
May l go help her mind it?
Lt would make her
mighty pleased.
But are you well enough again?
You must not be anxious.
My health is good.
L expect l worry too much.
L'm very good with babies.
By agreeing to let Cecelia go to
England to help Sarah with her child,
l allowed our youngest sister to
become embroiled in the unhappiness
that Sarah cast about
her wherever she went.
Cecelia was caught
up in circumstances
that she did not understand
and could not control.
You know that she is not yours?
Of course l know.
Living as we do, the child
is clearly not mine.
You knew that l
had been in love.
Lord William Gordon has
haunted our house.
Ls he what you mean by love?
L do not understand why
you still want me.
L married you.
And that is that.
- When l think of Lord William...
- Please don't.
Did l refuse you any kindness?
Did l betray you in any way?
You cannot reproach me more
than l reproach myself.
L did not come here
for reproaches.
L have given this much thought.
- Are you cold enough to think?
- L have had enough time for it.
Lt's fortunate the
child is a girl.
As she cannot inherit the estate, no
injustice will be done to my family.
You'll acknowledge
her as your own?
Such things have
happened before.
We can put this
affair in the past.
One more thing.
- That is?
- You will give up Lord William.
Even my forbearance has limits.
What is it?
L'm not hungry.
- Where are you going?
- L thought l heard the baby cry.
Sarah seemed determined
on her own destruction.
She was heedless of the effect her
behaviour would have on anyone else.
Not least on Cecelia,
whose reputation would be tainted by her
association with her adulterous sister.
The scandal was out and the truth was there
for the gossips to make the most of.
Your Grace.
You must pack my heavy cloak, the sky
blue silk and the green day gown.
Lmmediately.
No, wait! Your Grace,
we must go to London.
My brown boots and his
lordship's greatcoat.
- For what reason, my dear?
- Sarah is ruined.
She's in love with a madman.
We're a story to
scandalise grocers.
Not only grocers.
We scandalise peers.
We fill them with envy.
They say you are Antony
and l am Cleopatra.
A great epic romance.
A great epic romance...
Cecelia should return to lreland. You
should have sent her to us long before.
No blame is attached
to her name.
No blame? She was in the house
from which Sarah eloped.
- She did not know.
- L know she did not know.
Who else but us will believe it?
- L have done everything to protect her.
- We know.
- We don't doubt that...
- l have guarded her good health.
L have looked after her name. Do
you think to suggest l don't?
- You cannot protect her now.
- Not if she stays here.
She should come with us.
She is not strong
enough to travel.
L feel perfectly
well, l promise.
She stays with me.
l have that right.
To take her to
lreland is unwise.
Unwise?
To send her home? To where her
father entrusted her childhood?
He chose wisely when he
sent your sisters to us.
What do you mean by that?
We were never careless of
his trust in our affection.
My lord, take care what you say.
Your affection?
The results can be seen
in Louisa's marriage.
And how dare you mention my father's will!
Lt was unjust and wrong.
He didn't mean to...
l have done
everything for Sarah.
L begged her to leave Lord Gordon
and go back to her husband.
L pleaded with her.
Nobody could do more than l did.
You knew she had a lover?
Why did you not tell me?
You were not here.
Lf we had been told, we would have come.
We should have been told!
Oh, God, l haven't slept for days because
of this! You will not judge my decision!
L say what l see.
You have no monopoly of concern.
We shall see what my
brother has to say.
- Caroline, don't.
- L will not be judged.
L beg you, please.
Your Grace, will
you see me abused?
The Duke of Leinster believes
l do not love my sisters.
L believe nothing could be
further from the truth.
There was no intention
of giving offence.
Such a pity you spoke
when you shouldn't.
Lt is not for you to judge.
Since my motives are questioned,
l will take my leave.
Emily, bring him back.
Why did you speak to His Grace?
I am entitled to.
You forced him to
choose between us.
Lt is clear in what light
your husband regards me.
You forced our brother
to takes sides.
You take sides against me.
You do not love me.
L do.
I am shocked at your
lack of affection.
You ask too much.
You must make your choice:
the Duke of Leinster or me.
There is no choice.
Jemmy?
Lt's a bad business.
L wouldn't have believed it.
They were so close.
The whole family is divided.
Cup of tea? Set you to rights.
What can be done?
Damned if l know.
Perhaps time will heal.
L'm sure it will.
Your sister has not written.
She will not write to me...
..or speak to me again.
Caroline raged against us
after Sarah's elopement.
The old wound of our
father's will had reopened
and, once again, l had
taken my husband's side.
The silence between us felt
as permanent as death.
How do you wish to
spend the evening?
L think, in fact,
l'll retire to bed.
Henry, are you ill?
L grow old, my love.
L apologise.
Out! Out! Get out, l said!
With infinite surprise, we
met the charming Lady S.
Enjoyed her...
simple hospitality.
Observed, with pleasure, her and
Lord William's reciprocal passion,
still... still... still...
Still visibly glowing in
its primitive ardour.
Primitive.
Good.
Good.
Shall l write to Louisa?
To tell her what?
Of your great happiness?
I am happy.
Lndeed?
L do not know why you
will not believe me.
Lf you declare yourself to be
happy, then it must be so.
Ln that case, l am happy...
..for l love you exceedingly.
L wish you would not repeat it.
That l love you?
Every time l hear it, l
believe it a little less.
Well, how else can
l convince you?
You could cease to
lament your sisters.
L merely remember them.
At every hour of the day.
Lf you wish, l will not
speak of them again.
Caroline is still angry. She writes to
me, but she will not write to Emily.
She is even at odds
with our brother.
- L can't abide all this argument.
- L pray about it every day.
Lf l might get Sarah to see
the error of her ways...
Can't rely on Sarah.
Changes her mind as
fast as you'd wink.
You think she's
beyond redemption?
L didn't say so.
L'm sorry, Tom.
Lt's just that it makes
me so miserable.
The worst thing about it: l can't
stand it when you're miserable.
L consulted with Mr
Conolly, who felt assured
it was proper for
me to speak to you.
- Always so dutiful.
- Lt is a quality which wears well.
Mr Conolly is a lucky man.
She would return to us if she could.
L feel sure...
- She chose her path, now she must
stick to it. LOUlSA: She's written.
She wrote to you?
Many times. She's very unhappy.
L suppose we cannot
wish her otherwise.
- Has Lord William left her?
- There is no question of that.
Lt is her conscience
which torments her.
L see how it is. The
pleasure fades.
- She seeks our support and forgiveness.
- No-one will be able to know her again.
Brother, there must be a way.
Lf l could assure you of her
heartfelt remorse and repentance...
Remorse? Sarah?
Your Grace, you will allow
my sister to speak.
L do not despair of Sarah.
l cannot.
But how can she leave him
if she has nowhere to go?
Every family in crisis
has its saving angel,
and Louisa was ours,
keeping the trust of us all.
How is Emily?
She is well.
Tell her l miss her.
L shall do so.
- Lord William is not here.
- He likes to walk.
Sometimes for hours.
L spoke to our brother.
He is concerned to
do what's right.
Lf he never wanted to see me
again, l would not be surprised.
He has certain conditions.
What does he say?
You may return to
his protection.
He will care for you
and baby Louisa.
You will live quietly,
not moving in society.
Not meeting anyone, save
family and servants.
L have no desire to
move in society.
L would hate it of all things.
You may dine with the family,
when they dine alone.
Yes.
You must leave Lord William
and forsake all contact.
He is my child's father.
Our brother does not want
you to see him again.
Never?
He asked me to make
his wishes clear.
He has not forgiven me.
He will, once he knows
you've changed.
L have changed.
Once l believed in happiness.
Now l know l will
never be happy again.
You may not be happy but,
in time, you'll be content.
Will l?
How convenient!
At least you'll no longer
cause pain to us all.
You have always known
what l should do.
Everyone thought l
should marry the King.
And when it didn't take, you
just wanted me married.
- L didn't.
- L could never be perfect, like you.
No-one is naturally good.
- We have to try.
- You believe l have never tried?
You think it's easy for me?
L tried to tell you.
L asked for your help.
Neither you nor Caroline
wanted to hear.
L didn't mean to hurt you.
Nobody in the family has
ever meant to hurt you.
Come back to us, Sarah.
Come back to the family.
L'm sorry.
Sssh!
L... bring you all this trouble.
No.
L cause you grief.
L should have stopped Sarah.
Ssssh! You couldn't.
Ls there anything that you want?
Ls there anything l can get you?
Can l...
Can l see... Emily?
Cecelia?
Cecelia?
Oh, no.
Contrite, but blameless to
the last, Cecelia died.
Her death should have brought us
together again, but it did not.
Not for years.
You may still change your mind.
You do not truly wish it.
Lt is your choice.
Sssh!
L will miss her.
- L'm sorry.
- Sorry?
Sorry you ever met me?
Goodbye, Sarah.