Aristocrats (1999–…): Season 1, Episode 5 - Episode #1.5 - full transcript
Louisa tries to make things right acting as an intermediary between Sarah and the rest of the family. Their brother, the Duke of Richmond, offers Sarah a home and his protection but only on the condition that she leaves William Gordon never to see him again. Sarah agrees and lives a very austere life. She can dine with the family only if there are no visitors and can receive no friends. For her part, Sarah takes it all seriously and seems intent to reform herself, even after meeting a handsome army captain. Emily meanwhile takes an interest in her children's tutor, Mr. William Ogilvie and they begin an affair. Age begins to catch up with many of them. Henry Fox succumbs to old age and Lady Caroline follows him within a year. Fortunately, she and Emily had the opportunity to reconcile in that time. Emily's husband dies and she decides to marry Ogilvie. Her favorite son Edward marries and establishes himself in Ireland though he is something of a radical.
Lt is proposed that you
should undertake...
..the education of my children.
You will live at my
house by the sea.
The world was
beginning to turn...
though we did not know it.
There is no lover, l am certain.
L do nothing but kiss.
No-one objects to that.
To think l have defended you
when, all this time, you were...
You are bad!
L want to do what is right.
This is between you and me.
You knew she had a lover?
- Lf we had been told, we would have come.
- L will not be judged!
Caroline, don't!
We shall see what my
brother has to say.
- Why did you speak to His Grace?
- You must make your choice.
The Duke of Leinster or me?
There is no choice.
Ln rank and privilege
lie the seeds of
vexation and grief.
Everyone thought l
should marry the King.
When it didn't take, you
just wanted me married!
- L didn't.
- L could never be perfect like you.
Come back to the family.
Come back to us, Sarah.
Ls that from Caroline?
Sadly, no.
Do you approve?
As always.
You are Queen of lreland.
We shall be late.
Being Queen of lreland
occasionally allowed me to forget the
rift between myself and Caroline.
The lobsters did not arrive.
There is duck, there are oysters,
there is our excellent beef.
- No mutton, no pork.
- Of course there is mutton and pork.
L fretted with Cook for
an hour this morning.
You ordered fires in every room?
Lf l didn't, it is now too late.
Everyone is here.
- Even William's dancing improves.
- Poor William.
He tries to please.
Did you read my story, Father?
L'll take it to London, Edward.
Lf l have time, l'll read it.
You won't have time.
Good evening.
- Good evening.
- Your Grace.
About the captaincy
for my nephew.
- L am grateful.
- L make no promise.
L'll recommend.
They exaggerate my power.
L recommend appointments,
London appoints.
L press for policies,
London decides.
Lt would be better if all
decisions were made in Dublin.
L have long thought
you too often away.
- Magnificent evening, Your Grace.
- Thank you.
The finest house in the country.
How you must enjoy it.
Lt requires a deal of work.
We are fortunate
indeed to possess it.
The pleasure of such
possessions is ample reward.
Ls there such pleasure
in possession?
L sometimes doubt it.
L was beginning to yearn
for a quieter life.
My brood of children spent most of
their time at our house by the sea.
L visited them as
often as l could.
L felt l was stepping
into another world
where life was natural and free.
Sufficient for dinner?
A few more.
Better too many
than too few, huh?
Come on.
Under the tutelage
of Mr Ogilvie,
the children thrived in
their rural education.
L envied the comparative
simplicity of their lives.
Are there enough for me?
Mama!
Edward, my love.
Mwah!
Father didn't come.
He is delayed in London again.
- We have a fine crop, Your Grace.
- And good workers, l hope.
- Our house prospers.
- Maybe l interrupt the work?
No, your Grace.
Lt's but a trifle.
lt'll soon be done.
Lf you wish to sit?
Lord Henry draws
every second day.
L believe you will
see an improvement.
We make no boasts of Latin, but our
French and English grows apace.
Look, Mama, look.
Edward!
- Did you make it all yourself?
- Mr Ogilvie helped me.
Ah.
L've found a fencing master
that's willing to come.
- Yes?
- Once a week.
At a reasonable rate.
Do you wish to see him?
L'll rely on you.
Lt's a fine room.
Yes.
You will, of course,
dress simply.
Nothing fine or fancy.
You must not attend gatherings
where you will meet young men.
Ln a few years, perhaps,
you may re-enter society.
L will have to learn to
enjoy my own company.
L'm not used to being alone.
Alone?
You have your child.
How long will it last, do you suppose,
this determination of Sarah's to reform?
Why must she reform?
She only did what
everyone else does.
Her offence was to be
discovered doing it.
Everyone does not...
You do not disapprove
of my flirtations.
A little gallantry
is necessary for a man.
Ah, necessary for a man,
but inexcusable in a woman.
Then with whom can a
man have an affair?
She knew the world.
L only wish she had
taken my advice.
Oh, Mother, you are still smarting
because she did not marry the King.
Lf she had, would you still be challenging
the King's authority as you do?
L support all reforms that
check the powers of the Crown.
Yes, l heard something of this
sort in the House yesterday.
You spread bad ideas, Mr Fox.
L speak for Parliament,
- which represents the people.
- The people?
The people don't
know what they want.
So Parliament must guide them.
You should remember where
your interests lie, Mr Fox.
My son does not look to politics
for personal advancement.
Sarah.
- You look well.
- Not too well, l hope.
Ls this not simple enough?
No, no, l did not mean the dress.
L meant your health.
Do you sleep well?
Yes, l sleep well.
And how is baby Louisa?
She begins to walk.
So soon?
She must be very clever.
L think she is.
She knows her red
cup from her blue.
L long to see her.
- Do you stay here in the house?
- We have given her some rooms.
They are comfortable.
Ah, Lord and Lady
Marchmont are here.
- Then l must leave.
- But you've only just arrived.
Ln London, Sarah was
being kept from society.
She seemed willing to reform.
Then an old friend returned from America
to remind her of more intemperate times.
Someone to see you.
Lady Susan!
L've so hoped l would see you ever
since l heard of your return.
You look well.
Very sober, l know.
You must tell me all.
There's nothing to tell. Let me
hear about you. How's Mr O'Brien?
As handsome as ever, thank God.
And who do you meet
now you're back?
Everyone who will see me.
We are inconvenient
women, my dear.
No-one knows how to treat us.
Though they know well
how we should behave.
No doubt they are right.
How is little Louisa?
Oooh!
She's charming!
Like you.
L can't be repentant
for marrying an actor.
But l must repent, l must.
But you have no company here!
What do you do?
L read.
How your mind will improve.
You were very right in imagining that
Lady Lucy would enjoy our haymaking.
L wish you had been
with us to see it.
All the children
remain busy and happy
and beg me to send you
a thousand kisses.
May l interrupt?
Louisa!
L did not know you had returned.
L returned yesterday.
How is Sarah?
She seems satisfied, l think.
Oh, good.
And... our brother?
- He's well.
- Good.
Everyone is well.
You look tired.
L'm not tired.
Just lazy.
Oh, l have to do
these in a week.
Whatever l do, l never
seem to finish.
When l am here, l so
miss the children.
And...
..being by the sea.
Are you fretting of late?
L so miss Caroline.
She still will not write.
L sometimes feel that the
situation is hopeless.
When Louisa returned
from London,
l asked after Sarah
and my brother.
But l could not enquire
after Caroline.
Lf you've been close, the
closeness never dies.
L comfort myself
with that thought.
Oh, they seem so happy.
L wish it could last.
Their childhood happiness
gives you reason for hope.
You're right.
We learn affection in childhood.
Happiness is impossible
without that.
Low in the saddle!
England was preparing for
war with the colonies.
Sarah found a new focus
for her feelings.
Avidly, she followed the
progress of the conflict.
My dear Sarah, the house
is full of soldiers.
My brother has permitted
them to board.
So many, so handsome.
Such a pity they
fight the colonists.
You favour the American rebels?
- Of course.
- The Army is wrong?
These men do their duty.
L cannot blame them for that.
L've just heard that
Bunbury's divorced you.
Yes.
How does it feel to be free?
Thank God l cannot
go back to him.
You didn't consider it?
No.
Louisa and my brother
thought l should.
Emily and Caroline
thought l should not.
How could Louisa?
- L don't think l'd forgive her.
- Well, she has always forgiven me.
My dear, you've changed.
Of course.
L'm older.
L do not claim happiness.
L'm surprisingly cheerful
most of the time.
Are they yours?
They keep me company.
You're an early riser.
So are you.
She met an officer called George Napier,
who seemed conscientious and upright,
stolid rather than dashing.
L've seen you at the house.
L live there.
Why haven't we met?
L do not mix.
L have it - you
disapprove of soldiers.
No.
L admire them.
Lt's a hard life.
Not at the moment.
When the drilling and marching
is over, we are free.
We're offered such entertainment,
we grow quite soft.
- You will be sorry to fight?
- On the contrary, l welcome action.
Lt is, after all,
what l'm trained for.
My wife will be sorry.
She worries?
She will miss the entertainment.
The balls, the outings.
L must hurry back.
My daughter will be awake.
Oh, you have a daughter?
Yes.
She's a great comfort.
Sadly for Sarah, he was married.
But then, so was l.
And l, too, was wondering if marriage
should be a hindrance to desire.
- Do you think l favour Eddie?
- He loves you so much,
it's hard to avoid it.
Mm.
L hope the others will
forgive me if l do.
They find no fault
in their mama.
Lt's so quiet here.
Are you a little
tired, Your Grace?
Would you like me
to read to you?
Thank you.
The New Eloise.
Such a sad story.
L don't know why l
like it so much.
"How curious are the caprices
of love, beautiful Julie.
My heart has more than it
hopes for and still it sighs.
This urgent heart dares
to keep desiring."
We dine quietly this evening.
Will you join us?
Who will be there?
A few officers...
their wives.
L need another for
a table of whist.
You've met George Napier.
L do not remember.
He says he's met you.
L should have known
who you were.
The disgraceful Lady Sarah?
Oh, l didn't mean that.
You're my host's sister.
Do tell me one more time...
My brother has been kind to me.
- So he should be.
- My story is not edifying.
He's your brother nevertheless.
Most people make mistakes.
Do you believe a person may
lose their bad character?
L don't judge on history.
L take as l find.
What made you decide
to join the Army?
My family have long
served the Crown.
L consider myself
exceptionally fortunate.
- l'm good at what l do.
Ls that enough?
Lt is.
Lt is a most lasting
satisfaction.
Then l shall not pity you
when l read of battles.
There'll be so much
to do and think,
there'll be no time for
discomfort or fear.
Of course.
- L'd not thought.
- Afterwards, we shall count the cost.
You may pity us then.
L hate the loss of life.
Lt may seem strange for
a soldier, but so do l.
Your wife tells me you enjoy billiards,
Captain Napier. You'll join me in a game?
Lndeed, Your Grace.
Do you walk early every morning?
The End.
And now it's time for bed.
Oh!
Bed, now.
Will you come up and see
me asleep, Mr Papa?
Lf you make haste, maybe l will.
The sweetest hour of the day.
Good for walking.
Are you coming?
Mr Ogilvie had become
more than a tutor.
He was a friend with whom l could share my
continued tenderness towards my children.
They called him Mr Papa.
Lt was inevitable
that the growing affection between us
would become too powerful to resist.
Mama!
- L don't know what to do.
- What?
There should be 12 men working on the
East Walk and only six have turned up.
Well, you must hire more.
They asked for more money.
Should l pay it?
What would Father say?
Your father is
delayed in London.
L wanted to ask him
about planting flax.
L can't discuss it now.
There are 17 to dinner.
By comparison with life in the company
of Mr Ogilvie and the children,
my duties in Dublin
seemed onerous.
L longed to escape,
to forget.
L thought love like this
was only for the young.
Happy?
France supports the colonists.
Lt will drag out.
Do you think your
regiment might be moved?
There's no word of it.
Lt will be quieter without you.
We will quickly be forgotten.
People will regret
the entertainment.
L will regret...
Going into action,
Captain Napier?
What will you regret?
L will regret you.
You mustn't.
L've fallen in love with you.
L'm sorry.
Lt does no good.
Your Grace.
Captain Napier.
You should not be here.
Your brother has spoken to me.
He has observed the...
..feeling between us...
..and believes you
are persuadable.
Did he condemn my conduct?
There is nothing to condemn.
What did he say?
He insists l leave.
L have transferred to
the 80th Regiment.
Lt sails for New
York next month.
May l call to say goodbye?
Lt is better not.
For the first time in her unhappy
life, Sarah experienced true love.
My own new love, though
furtive, wasjoyous.
For l was unaware that
the future held sorrows.
L learned from Louisa
that Mr Fox was dying.
How much this time?
- 2,000.
- Speak up.
- 3,000.
- Ln a single night?
You promised so
faithfully to stop.
Can you pay so much?
Lt's worth an estate.
Of course they cannot pay.
L don't know how they
dare speak to us.
They break our heart.
L...
l will pay.
Get out!
Get out!
Get out!
You must rest.
L'll stay.
How are you?
Sleepy.
You will improve.
L weary somewhat of life.
Don't.
There is still much
for you to enjoy.
You'll still be next.
L've had a good life.
Haven't you?
Yes.
L have.
Your sister...
..gave me love.
She gave me grandchildren.
And Charles James
gives me success.
He dominates Parliament.
He...
He will be...
a great man.
Like his father.
He will be remembered...
..whilst l...
Sleep now.
You need it.
L...
..hope you find...
..happiness, Sarah.
Lt's what you deserve.
Henry Fox slipped
from life easily,
as if shrugging off
a weary burden.
Caroline herself was now ailing.
She became almost too
ill to mourn him.
And in lreland, l, too, had
grave illness to contend with.
Father! l've been waiting to
ask you about planting...
Send for the doctor.
- Are you all right?
- Go.
Go!
My dearest Jemmy.
So much medicine for gout.
Lt's dropsy,
Your Grace.
What?
Will you excuse us?
Jemmy?
L'm dying, Emily.
No.
No, the doctors are wrong.
They all agree.
Jemmy!
Why did you not tell me?
You know it grieves
me to see you sad.
L'll try to be brave.
L've given you this house
for your lifetime.
- And l've added to your income.
- Sh!
Don't weary yourself with this.
L'm not in pain.
- Oh...
- All my life...
..l've wanted to
give you what l can.
Lt comforts me now in death.
Oh, my dearest Jemmy...
You have given me
everything you could.
Hundreds came to Jemmy's funeral
to pay their last respects.
Lt seemed to me all
lreland mourned him.
Ln my grief,
l had the comfort of a
longed-for reconciliation.
L received a letter
from Caroline.
At last.
Anything you need,
happy to help.
Are they here?
They are coming.
How is the pain?
The laudanum helps.
Quick, help me up.
Lady Louisa Conolly and Her
Grace, the Duchess of Leinster.
Ah, Louisa!
Caroline!
Oh, at last.
Oh!
Dearest sis.
- Caroline, l...
- l should have written long ago.
L didn't want...
Well, the things l said...
Shush.
Shush!
How is she?
Sit there.
Right there.
L have often imagined
you sitting there.
Lmagined me as l was,
much younger.
No.
As you are now.
My best, beloved sister.
L remember the day
we were first all together.
Lt was when Father had decided
to forgive me for eloping.
You, Sarah, were...
..oh, a little child.
What was Father like?
He embraced learning.
He made sure we all did, too.
And excelling.
And collecting.
He collected shells. l remember.
Shells and...
trees and art
and animals.
Oh, the raccoons.
And that enormous lioness.
He loved the lioness.
When she died, he gave
her a royal burial.
Wolves and...
..and armadillos and...
Oh, that chimpanzee.
Such nightmares l had that
the tiger would eat me.
Yes.
Was there such a thing
as a truffle hog?
The truffle hog died.
Father said it had
done it to annoy him.
Annoying Father
was an easy task.
L did it without trying.
Lt is as well that
he did not know me.
No.
- Take it.
- No!
- Take it. lt will ease the pain.
- No!
No!
Ls there nothing
else you can do?
There is no more.
L know l grieved her.
Have l caused this?
L grieved her, too.
L will get up tomorrow.
And l will sit in a chair.
L will have some comfort.
There is comfort in God.
- Would you like me to pray?
- No.
L will not...
die.
Caroline did not die content.
She was unreconciled to death,
to God.
She met them head-on,
only giving up her life when
it was snatched from her.
At least the family was once
again united at the end.
How long will you stay?
L wish to return to my children.
Mr Ogilvie takes care of them.
He sounds like an
exceptional man.
L only wish l could meet him.
L expect you will.
I am going to marry him.
Oh, my dear sister.
You can't.
He's a tutor.
You'll marry him?
But why?
L love him.
And l'm expecting his child.
Oh, Emily.
The scandal!
What will people say?
People will say
that l am a fool.
And worse than that,
an old fool.
They will talk me over and
say what they please.
Most will condemn me.
Few will approve.
But it will not matter because
l shall be in France,
with my children...
..and Mr Ogilvie.
L'm sorry if l surprised you.
You had to know.
L was tired now
and wished to travel
as far as possible
from the grief, the evasion, the
disintegration of all we had known.
Soon after Mr Fox
and Caroline died,
their oldest son
Ste joined them.
Their home became
an empty place.
All the objects she possessed.
Only objects, damn it all.
Oh, don't cry.
The sum of her life.
By no means.
She didn't live for things.
Her life was with him,
not with things.
- L have news from New York.
- Yes?
Everyone rejoices that
they've taken Philadelphia.
And a fever is
raging in the 80th.
- Do we know anyone affected?
- Captain Napier and his wife.
She died.
He, however, did not.
God rest her soul.
Like all of us, Sarah craved
the solace of a calm life.
And, at last, she was close
to achieving a happy one.
She could not forget
George Napier.
She hoped that he would
return from America
with feelings as strong as
those he had left with.
She only had to overcome the
resistance of our brother, the Duke.
Sarah.
You can't become an army wife.
The man has nothing but his pay.
Hundreds of people live
pleasantly on small incomes.
They have not been bred
to such comforts as you.
L can do without comfort.
So you say, but you
have not considered...
Believe me, brother.
L have had both time and leisure
to consider all l need.
You have a comfortable
place to live,
my protection, a refuge
for your daughter.
What else do you want?
A life.
A life with the rabble
following the drum?
Our soldiers hazard
their lives for us.
Do you think it is fair
to call them rabble?
You speak to her, Louisa.
She'll listen to you.
Lt was a time for acceptance
and forgiveness
within the family.
Sarah... why do you suppose Captain
Napier wants to marry you?
For my character alone,
which precisely suits his.
Why do you wish to marry him?
The life he lives is difficult.
For the one thing
l'm certain of.
Yes?
L love him.
An army captain! lt
does not make sense.
L'm sorry to disagree.
But l believe it does.
What?
Ls there any fault
in his character?
Not one that l know.
Their knowledge of one
another has been long. lt
has lasted through
difficulties and distance.
Sarah, if you wish
to marry him...
..l cannot object.
L depended on you, Louisa!
L thought you were wise.
Perhaps overly wise
on occasion, brother.
L'm so glad you approve.
- You would marry him, anyway.
- L would.
Sarah was finally blessed with the
tranquillity and contentment she deserved.
Her husband was a good man.
Ln him, she found the fortitude
and the love to be happy at last
and in the years to come.
We have new curtains.
You approve?
One would think you were
born to be a soldier's wife.
Tell Cook we are ready to eat.
Charles!
George! Lunch!
George Napier was
posted to lreland,
where he and Sarah
started a family.
As the years passed,
their sons grew up
strong and healthy.
We all grew much older.
Pray be seated.
We're invited to
Castletown, my dear.
Oh?
Emily and Mr Ogilvie
are invited, too.
Lt seems Emily has
a surprise for us.
L came home from France
with little thought of the great
changes that would soon engulf us.
My favourite son, Edward,
had also returned,
from America.
- He has been living with lndians.
- Lndians?
- He fished with them, hunted with them.
- With savages?
He says they have none
of our ridiculous wants.
His view is that they have
all the happiness of life.
A view that you agree with,
l suppose, Mr Ogilvie?
Why, l've always said Edward would be
happiest if he were a savage himself.
Edward!
Aunt Sarah.
Captain Napier.
Lord Edward.
He has left the Army,
Captain Napier.
Really?
- Why?
- Not for any cowardly reasons, l'm sure.
You're right, Mr Conolly.
Lt was my conscience
that made me leave.
His heart...
will always rule his head.
The Americans have a right
to their independence.
Ln all conscience, l could no
longer fight against them.
But you liked the
life of a soldier?
L did.
Your mother tells us you
lived with lndians.
With the lroquois, yes.
Was it not dangerous, Edward,
living among savages?
They are the gentlest and
noblest of people, Aunt Louisa.
Lt was more dangerous
being a soldier.
But you have never
feared danger, Edward?
Lf the cause isjust,
Mr Papa, l welcome it.
Nothing worthwhile is
won without a price.
should undertake...
..the education of my children.
You will live at my
house by the sea.
The world was
beginning to turn...
though we did not know it.
There is no lover, l am certain.
L do nothing but kiss.
No-one objects to that.
To think l have defended you
when, all this time, you were...
You are bad!
L want to do what is right.
This is between you and me.
You knew she had a lover?
- Lf we had been told, we would have come.
- L will not be judged!
Caroline, don't!
We shall see what my
brother has to say.
- Why did you speak to His Grace?
- You must make your choice.
The Duke of Leinster or me?
There is no choice.
Ln rank and privilege
lie the seeds of
vexation and grief.
Everyone thought l
should marry the King.
When it didn't take, you
just wanted me married!
- L didn't.
- L could never be perfect like you.
Come back to the family.
Come back to us, Sarah.
Ls that from Caroline?
Sadly, no.
Do you approve?
As always.
You are Queen of lreland.
We shall be late.
Being Queen of lreland
occasionally allowed me to forget the
rift between myself and Caroline.
The lobsters did not arrive.
There is duck, there are oysters,
there is our excellent beef.
- No mutton, no pork.
- Of course there is mutton and pork.
L fretted with Cook for
an hour this morning.
You ordered fires in every room?
Lf l didn't, it is now too late.
Everyone is here.
- Even William's dancing improves.
- Poor William.
He tries to please.
Did you read my story, Father?
L'll take it to London, Edward.
Lf l have time, l'll read it.
You won't have time.
Good evening.
- Good evening.
- Your Grace.
About the captaincy
for my nephew.
- L am grateful.
- L make no promise.
L'll recommend.
They exaggerate my power.
L recommend appointments,
London appoints.
L press for policies,
London decides.
Lt would be better if all
decisions were made in Dublin.
L have long thought
you too often away.
- Magnificent evening, Your Grace.
- Thank you.
The finest house in the country.
How you must enjoy it.
Lt requires a deal of work.
We are fortunate
indeed to possess it.
The pleasure of such
possessions is ample reward.
Ls there such pleasure
in possession?
L sometimes doubt it.
L was beginning to yearn
for a quieter life.
My brood of children spent most of
their time at our house by the sea.
L visited them as
often as l could.
L felt l was stepping
into another world
where life was natural and free.
Sufficient for dinner?
A few more.
Better too many
than too few, huh?
Come on.
Under the tutelage
of Mr Ogilvie,
the children thrived in
their rural education.
L envied the comparative
simplicity of their lives.
Are there enough for me?
Mama!
Edward, my love.
Mwah!
Father didn't come.
He is delayed in London again.
- We have a fine crop, Your Grace.
- And good workers, l hope.
- Our house prospers.
- Maybe l interrupt the work?
No, your Grace.
Lt's but a trifle.
lt'll soon be done.
Lf you wish to sit?
Lord Henry draws
every second day.
L believe you will
see an improvement.
We make no boasts of Latin, but our
French and English grows apace.
Look, Mama, look.
Edward!
- Did you make it all yourself?
- Mr Ogilvie helped me.
Ah.
L've found a fencing master
that's willing to come.
- Yes?
- Once a week.
At a reasonable rate.
Do you wish to see him?
L'll rely on you.
Lt's a fine room.
Yes.
You will, of course,
dress simply.
Nothing fine or fancy.
You must not attend gatherings
where you will meet young men.
Ln a few years, perhaps,
you may re-enter society.
L will have to learn to
enjoy my own company.
L'm not used to being alone.
Alone?
You have your child.
How long will it last, do you suppose,
this determination of Sarah's to reform?
Why must she reform?
She only did what
everyone else does.
Her offence was to be
discovered doing it.
Everyone does not...
You do not disapprove
of my flirtations.
A little gallantry
is necessary for a man.
Ah, necessary for a man,
but inexcusable in a woman.
Then with whom can a
man have an affair?
She knew the world.
L only wish she had
taken my advice.
Oh, Mother, you are still smarting
because she did not marry the King.
Lf she had, would you still be challenging
the King's authority as you do?
L support all reforms that
check the powers of the Crown.
Yes, l heard something of this
sort in the House yesterday.
You spread bad ideas, Mr Fox.
L speak for Parliament,
- which represents the people.
- The people?
The people don't
know what they want.
So Parliament must guide them.
You should remember where
your interests lie, Mr Fox.
My son does not look to politics
for personal advancement.
Sarah.
- You look well.
- Not too well, l hope.
Ls this not simple enough?
No, no, l did not mean the dress.
L meant your health.
Do you sleep well?
Yes, l sleep well.
And how is baby Louisa?
She begins to walk.
So soon?
She must be very clever.
L think she is.
She knows her red
cup from her blue.
L long to see her.
- Do you stay here in the house?
- We have given her some rooms.
They are comfortable.
Ah, Lord and Lady
Marchmont are here.
- Then l must leave.
- But you've only just arrived.
Ln London, Sarah was
being kept from society.
She seemed willing to reform.
Then an old friend returned from America
to remind her of more intemperate times.
Someone to see you.
Lady Susan!
L've so hoped l would see you ever
since l heard of your return.
You look well.
Very sober, l know.
You must tell me all.
There's nothing to tell. Let me
hear about you. How's Mr O'Brien?
As handsome as ever, thank God.
And who do you meet
now you're back?
Everyone who will see me.
We are inconvenient
women, my dear.
No-one knows how to treat us.
Though they know well
how we should behave.
No doubt they are right.
How is little Louisa?
Oooh!
She's charming!
Like you.
L can't be repentant
for marrying an actor.
But l must repent, l must.
But you have no company here!
What do you do?
L read.
How your mind will improve.
You were very right in imagining that
Lady Lucy would enjoy our haymaking.
L wish you had been
with us to see it.
All the children
remain busy and happy
and beg me to send you
a thousand kisses.
May l interrupt?
Louisa!
L did not know you had returned.
L returned yesterday.
How is Sarah?
She seems satisfied, l think.
Oh, good.
And... our brother?
- He's well.
- Good.
Everyone is well.
You look tired.
L'm not tired.
Just lazy.
Oh, l have to do
these in a week.
Whatever l do, l never
seem to finish.
When l am here, l so
miss the children.
And...
..being by the sea.
Are you fretting of late?
L so miss Caroline.
She still will not write.
L sometimes feel that the
situation is hopeless.
When Louisa returned
from London,
l asked after Sarah
and my brother.
But l could not enquire
after Caroline.
Lf you've been close, the
closeness never dies.
L comfort myself
with that thought.
Oh, they seem so happy.
L wish it could last.
Their childhood happiness
gives you reason for hope.
You're right.
We learn affection in childhood.
Happiness is impossible
without that.
Low in the saddle!
England was preparing for
war with the colonies.
Sarah found a new focus
for her feelings.
Avidly, she followed the
progress of the conflict.
My dear Sarah, the house
is full of soldiers.
My brother has permitted
them to board.
So many, so handsome.
Such a pity they
fight the colonists.
You favour the American rebels?
- Of course.
- The Army is wrong?
These men do their duty.
L cannot blame them for that.
L've just heard that
Bunbury's divorced you.
Yes.
How does it feel to be free?
Thank God l cannot
go back to him.
You didn't consider it?
No.
Louisa and my brother
thought l should.
Emily and Caroline
thought l should not.
How could Louisa?
- L don't think l'd forgive her.
- Well, she has always forgiven me.
My dear, you've changed.
Of course.
L'm older.
L do not claim happiness.
L'm surprisingly cheerful
most of the time.
Are they yours?
They keep me company.
You're an early riser.
So are you.
She met an officer called George Napier,
who seemed conscientious and upright,
stolid rather than dashing.
L've seen you at the house.
L live there.
Why haven't we met?
L do not mix.
L have it - you
disapprove of soldiers.
No.
L admire them.
Lt's a hard life.
Not at the moment.
When the drilling and marching
is over, we are free.
We're offered such entertainment,
we grow quite soft.
- You will be sorry to fight?
- On the contrary, l welcome action.
Lt is, after all,
what l'm trained for.
My wife will be sorry.
She worries?
She will miss the entertainment.
The balls, the outings.
L must hurry back.
My daughter will be awake.
Oh, you have a daughter?
Yes.
She's a great comfort.
Sadly for Sarah, he was married.
But then, so was l.
And l, too, was wondering if marriage
should be a hindrance to desire.
- Do you think l favour Eddie?
- He loves you so much,
it's hard to avoid it.
Mm.
L hope the others will
forgive me if l do.
They find no fault
in their mama.
Lt's so quiet here.
Are you a little
tired, Your Grace?
Would you like me
to read to you?
Thank you.
The New Eloise.
Such a sad story.
L don't know why l
like it so much.
"How curious are the caprices
of love, beautiful Julie.
My heart has more than it
hopes for and still it sighs.
This urgent heart dares
to keep desiring."
We dine quietly this evening.
Will you join us?
Who will be there?
A few officers...
their wives.
L need another for
a table of whist.
You've met George Napier.
L do not remember.
He says he's met you.
L should have known
who you were.
The disgraceful Lady Sarah?
Oh, l didn't mean that.
You're my host's sister.
Do tell me one more time...
My brother has been kind to me.
- So he should be.
- My story is not edifying.
He's your brother nevertheless.
Most people make mistakes.
Do you believe a person may
lose their bad character?
L don't judge on history.
L take as l find.
What made you decide
to join the Army?
My family have long
served the Crown.
L consider myself
exceptionally fortunate.
- l'm good at what l do.
Ls that enough?
Lt is.
Lt is a most lasting
satisfaction.
Then l shall not pity you
when l read of battles.
There'll be so much
to do and think,
there'll be no time for
discomfort or fear.
Of course.
- L'd not thought.
- Afterwards, we shall count the cost.
You may pity us then.
L hate the loss of life.
Lt may seem strange for
a soldier, but so do l.
Your wife tells me you enjoy billiards,
Captain Napier. You'll join me in a game?
Lndeed, Your Grace.
Do you walk early every morning?
The End.
And now it's time for bed.
Oh!
Bed, now.
Will you come up and see
me asleep, Mr Papa?
Lf you make haste, maybe l will.
The sweetest hour of the day.
Good for walking.
Are you coming?
Mr Ogilvie had become
more than a tutor.
He was a friend with whom l could share my
continued tenderness towards my children.
They called him Mr Papa.
Lt was inevitable
that the growing affection between us
would become too powerful to resist.
Mama!
- L don't know what to do.
- What?
There should be 12 men working on the
East Walk and only six have turned up.
Well, you must hire more.
They asked for more money.
Should l pay it?
What would Father say?
Your father is
delayed in London.
L wanted to ask him
about planting flax.
L can't discuss it now.
There are 17 to dinner.
By comparison with life in the company
of Mr Ogilvie and the children,
my duties in Dublin
seemed onerous.
L longed to escape,
to forget.
L thought love like this
was only for the young.
Happy?
France supports the colonists.
Lt will drag out.
Do you think your
regiment might be moved?
There's no word of it.
Lt will be quieter without you.
We will quickly be forgotten.
People will regret
the entertainment.
L will regret...
Going into action,
Captain Napier?
What will you regret?
L will regret you.
You mustn't.
L've fallen in love with you.
L'm sorry.
Lt does no good.
Your Grace.
Captain Napier.
You should not be here.
Your brother has spoken to me.
He has observed the...
..feeling between us...
..and believes you
are persuadable.
Did he condemn my conduct?
There is nothing to condemn.
What did he say?
He insists l leave.
L have transferred to
the 80th Regiment.
Lt sails for New
York next month.
May l call to say goodbye?
Lt is better not.
For the first time in her unhappy
life, Sarah experienced true love.
My own new love, though
furtive, wasjoyous.
For l was unaware that
the future held sorrows.
L learned from Louisa
that Mr Fox was dying.
How much this time?
- 2,000.
- Speak up.
- 3,000.
- Ln a single night?
You promised so
faithfully to stop.
Can you pay so much?
Lt's worth an estate.
Of course they cannot pay.
L don't know how they
dare speak to us.
They break our heart.
L...
l will pay.
Get out!
Get out!
Get out!
You must rest.
L'll stay.
How are you?
Sleepy.
You will improve.
L weary somewhat of life.
Don't.
There is still much
for you to enjoy.
You'll still be next.
L've had a good life.
Haven't you?
Yes.
L have.
Your sister...
..gave me love.
She gave me grandchildren.
And Charles James
gives me success.
He dominates Parliament.
He...
He will be...
a great man.
Like his father.
He will be remembered...
..whilst l...
Sleep now.
You need it.
L...
..hope you find...
..happiness, Sarah.
Lt's what you deserve.
Henry Fox slipped
from life easily,
as if shrugging off
a weary burden.
Caroline herself was now ailing.
She became almost too
ill to mourn him.
And in lreland, l, too, had
grave illness to contend with.
Father! l've been waiting to
ask you about planting...
Send for the doctor.
- Are you all right?
- Go.
Go!
My dearest Jemmy.
So much medicine for gout.
Lt's dropsy,
Your Grace.
What?
Will you excuse us?
Jemmy?
L'm dying, Emily.
No.
No, the doctors are wrong.
They all agree.
Jemmy!
Why did you not tell me?
You know it grieves
me to see you sad.
L'll try to be brave.
L've given you this house
for your lifetime.
- And l've added to your income.
- Sh!
Don't weary yourself with this.
L'm not in pain.
- Oh...
- All my life...
..l've wanted to
give you what l can.
Lt comforts me now in death.
Oh, my dearest Jemmy...
You have given me
everything you could.
Hundreds came to Jemmy's funeral
to pay their last respects.
Lt seemed to me all
lreland mourned him.
Ln my grief,
l had the comfort of a
longed-for reconciliation.
L received a letter
from Caroline.
At last.
Anything you need,
happy to help.
Are they here?
They are coming.
How is the pain?
The laudanum helps.
Quick, help me up.
Lady Louisa Conolly and Her
Grace, the Duchess of Leinster.
Ah, Louisa!
Caroline!
Oh, at last.
Oh!
Dearest sis.
- Caroline, l...
- l should have written long ago.
L didn't want...
Well, the things l said...
Shush.
Shush!
How is she?
Sit there.
Right there.
L have often imagined
you sitting there.
Lmagined me as l was,
much younger.
No.
As you are now.
My best, beloved sister.
L remember the day
we were first all together.
Lt was when Father had decided
to forgive me for eloping.
You, Sarah, were...
..oh, a little child.
What was Father like?
He embraced learning.
He made sure we all did, too.
And excelling.
And collecting.
He collected shells. l remember.
Shells and...
trees and art
and animals.
Oh, the raccoons.
And that enormous lioness.
He loved the lioness.
When she died, he gave
her a royal burial.
Wolves and...
..and armadillos and...
Oh, that chimpanzee.
Such nightmares l had that
the tiger would eat me.
Yes.
Was there such a thing
as a truffle hog?
The truffle hog died.
Father said it had
done it to annoy him.
Annoying Father
was an easy task.
L did it without trying.
Lt is as well that
he did not know me.
No.
- Take it.
- No!
- Take it. lt will ease the pain.
- No!
No!
Ls there nothing
else you can do?
There is no more.
L know l grieved her.
Have l caused this?
L grieved her, too.
L will get up tomorrow.
And l will sit in a chair.
L will have some comfort.
There is comfort in God.
- Would you like me to pray?
- No.
L will not...
die.
Caroline did not die content.
She was unreconciled to death,
to God.
She met them head-on,
only giving up her life when
it was snatched from her.
At least the family was once
again united at the end.
How long will you stay?
L wish to return to my children.
Mr Ogilvie takes care of them.
He sounds like an
exceptional man.
L only wish l could meet him.
L expect you will.
I am going to marry him.
Oh, my dear sister.
You can't.
He's a tutor.
You'll marry him?
But why?
L love him.
And l'm expecting his child.
Oh, Emily.
The scandal!
What will people say?
People will say
that l am a fool.
And worse than that,
an old fool.
They will talk me over and
say what they please.
Most will condemn me.
Few will approve.
But it will not matter because
l shall be in France,
with my children...
..and Mr Ogilvie.
L'm sorry if l surprised you.
You had to know.
L was tired now
and wished to travel
as far as possible
from the grief, the evasion, the
disintegration of all we had known.
Soon after Mr Fox
and Caroline died,
their oldest son
Ste joined them.
Their home became
an empty place.
All the objects she possessed.
Only objects, damn it all.
Oh, don't cry.
The sum of her life.
By no means.
She didn't live for things.
Her life was with him,
not with things.
- L have news from New York.
- Yes?
Everyone rejoices that
they've taken Philadelphia.
And a fever is
raging in the 80th.
- Do we know anyone affected?
- Captain Napier and his wife.
She died.
He, however, did not.
God rest her soul.
Like all of us, Sarah craved
the solace of a calm life.
And, at last, she was close
to achieving a happy one.
She could not forget
George Napier.
She hoped that he would
return from America
with feelings as strong as
those he had left with.
She only had to overcome the
resistance of our brother, the Duke.
Sarah.
You can't become an army wife.
The man has nothing but his pay.
Hundreds of people live
pleasantly on small incomes.
They have not been bred
to such comforts as you.
L can do without comfort.
So you say, but you
have not considered...
Believe me, brother.
L have had both time and leisure
to consider all l need.
You have a comfortable
place to live,
my protection, a refuge
for your daughter.
What else do you want?
A life.
A life with the rabble
following the drum?
Our soldiers hazard
their lives for us.
Do you think it is fair
to call them rabble?
You speak to her, Louisa.
She'll listen to you.
Lt was a time for acceptance
and forgiveness
within the family.
Sarah... why do you suppose Captain
Napier wants to marry you?
For my character alone,
which precisely suits his.
Why do you wish to marry him?
The life he lives is difficult.
For the one thing
l'm certain of.
Yes?
L love him.
An army captain! lt
does not make sense.
L'm sorry to disagree.
But l believe it does.
What?
Ls there any fault
in his character?
Not one that l know.
Their knowledge of one
another has been long. lt
has lasted through
difficulties and distance.
Sarah, if you wish
to marry him...
..l cannot object.
L depended on you, Louisa!
L thought you were wise.
Perhaps overly wise
on occasion, brother.
L'm so glad you approve.
- You would marry him, anyway.
- L would.
Sarah was finally blessed with the
tranquillity and contentment she deserved.
Her husband was a good man.
Ln him, she found the fortitude
and the love to be happy at last
and in the years to come.
We have new curtains.
You approve?
One would think you were
born to be a soldier's wife.
Tell Cook we are ready to eat.
Charles!
George! Lunch!
George Napier was
posted to lreland,
where he and Sarah
started a family.
As the years passed,
their sons grew up
strong and healthy.
We all grew much older.
Pray be seated.
We're invited to
Castletown, my dear.
Oh?
Emily and Mr Ogilvie
are invited, too.
Lt seems Emily has
a surprise for us.
L came home from France
with little thought of the great
changes that would soon engulf us.
My favourite son, Edward,
had also returned,
from America.
- He has been living with lndians.
- Lndians?
- He fished with them, hunted with them.
- With savages?
He says they have none
of our ridiculous wants.
His view is that they have
all the happiness of life.
A view that you agree with,
l suppose, Mr Ogilvie?
Why, l've always said Edward would be
happiest if he were a savage himself.
Edward!
Aunt Sarah.
Captain Napier.
Lord Edward.
He has left the Army,
Captain Napier.
Really?
- Why?
- Not for any cowardly reasons, l'm sure.
You're right, Mr Conolly.
Lt was my conscience
that made me leave.
His heart...
will always rule his head.
The Americans have a right
to their independence.
Ln all conscience, l could no
longer fight against them.
But you liked the
life of a soldier?
L did.
Your mother tells us you
lived with lndians.
With the lroquois, yes.
Was it not dangerous, Edward,
living among savages?
They are the gentlest and
noblest of people, Aunt Louisa.
Lt was more dangerous
being a soldier.
But you have never
feared danger, Edward?
Lf the cause isjust,
Mr Papa, l welcome it.
Nothing worthwhile is
won without a price.