Belgravia (2020–…): Season 1, Episode 1 - Episode #1.1 - full transcript
THEME MUSIC PLAYS
'It was certainly a city
right at the centre of things,
'brim-full of tourists,
bustling with activity.
'And no-one would have guessed
that the Emperor Napoleon
'was on the march
'and might encamp by the edge
of the town at any moment.
'But then, the past,
as we have been told so many times,
'is a strange country.'
Do come on.
I'm going as fast as I can, Miss.
Don't be so feeble. Hurry!
Can I help you ladies?
I am here to see my father,
Mr Trenchard.
You stay here.
KNOCKS
Who the devil
has come to interrupt me...
Captain Cooper, you must excuse me.
That's all very well, Trenchard...
Trenchard?
Mr Trenchard.
But we must have the flour
by tonight.
And I promise
I will do my level best, Captain.
Now, if you'll just wait outside
for a moment.
DOOR BANGS
Have you got them?
Three. One for you, one for Mama
and one for me.
I suppose Lord Bellasis will
be dining there, before the ball?
She is his aunt.
Of course.
Edmund says there's to be a supper
sometime after midnight.
Don't call him Edmund
to anyone but me.
Now go to your mother.
She'll need every minute to prepare.
It's too late to have anything made.
But not too late to have things
brought up to scratch.
She won't want to go.
She will, because she must.
Well... when shall we tell her
the rest of it?
Not yet.
It must all be properly managed.
We must take our lead from him.
Now go.
And send that blithering idiot
back in.
We won't know a soul there.
Papa knows these people.
He'll know officers who come to his
place of work to give him orders.
And they will be very surprised
to find they're sharing a ballroom
with a man who supplies their men
with bread and ale.
I hope you won't take this tone
with Lord Bellasis.
Beware of castles in the air,
my darling.
Of course, you won't believe him
capable of honourable intentions.
He is the eldest son of an earl,
my child.
He cannot choose his wife
to suit his heart.
You have enjoyed a flirtation that
has harmed neither of you, so far,
but it must end,
before there is damaging talk,
Sophia,
or you will be the one to suffer.
And it doesn't tell you anything?
That he has secured us
invitations to his aunt's ball?
It tells me
that you're a lovely girl
and he wishes to please you.
He couldn't have managed it
in London,
but in Brussels
everything is coloured by war.
And so, the normal rules
do not apply.
You mean that by the normal rules
we are not acceptable as company
for the Duchess's friends?
That is exactly what I mean
and you know it to be true.
Papa would not agree.
Your father has travelled a long way
and so he does not see
the natural barriers
that will prevent him
from going much further.
Be content with who we are.
Your father has done well.
Don't look down on us.
You're the one who looks down.
The schoolmaster's daughter
who was too good
for her market trader husband.
I don't look down on anyone!
Least of all your father.
I do not care to place myself
in situations
I don't feel comfortable.
You see, that to me,
is another kind of snobbery!
Am I too early, Ma'am?
No, no, Ellis. Come in.
We're finished here, aren't we?
If you say so, Mama.
DOOR BANGS
We've been asked
to the Duchess of Richmond's ball.
Never!
That is, we should make a decision
about your gown, Ma'am.
I'll need some time,
if it's to be just so.
Miss Sophia seems, um...
excited.
I expect Lord Bellasis
arranged the tickets for the ball?
It may have been
the Duke of Wellington.
Mr Trenchard
is a great favourite of his
and the ball
is being given in the Duke's honour.
Yes. That must be it, ma'am.
She told you, then? He's done it.
Thank you, Ellis.
If you could come back later.
What a chance it is.
The Duke himself will be there.
Two dukes, for that matter.
My commander
and our hostess' husband.
Reigning princes, too.
James Trenchard, who started
at a stall in Covent Garden,
must get himself ready
to dance with a princess.
You will do no such thing.
You would embarrass us both.
We'll see.
I mean it.
It's bad enough
that you encourage Sophia.
Anne, I believe the boy is sincere.
I'm sure of it, in fact.
You are nothing of the sort.
Lord Bellasis, himself,
might even think he's sincere.
He is not his own master
and nothing proper can come of it.
MARCHING OUTSIDE
How strange that we should
be discussing a ball
when we're on the brink of war.
How ridiculous.
I don't agree.
With that, or about Lord Bellasis.
Just know this,
if Sophia comes to any harm
through this nonsense
I will hold you
personally responsible.
Very well.
And as for blackmailing him into
begging his aunt for invitations,
I feel so humiliated.
Anne, you won't spoil this.
I won't allow you to.
I don't need to.
It will spoil itself.
I hope this isn't a mistake.
CHUCKLES
Too late for that sort of talk.
What's so funny?
Only that we came to Brussels
to escape Society
and now we appear
to be giving the ball of the season.
The Duke insisted.
He said we needed to show
that nothing Boney could do,
could rattle the British.
Edmund! You're the very first.
How nice.
I thought I'd come early
to lend you support.
I must say, Aunt, you've made these
dreary rooms feel very splendid.
No-one would know people were
choosing which coach to buy in here,
only a few months ago.
Mr and Mrs James Trenchard.
Miss Sophia Trenchard.
You've not invited the Magician?
What do you mean?
He's Wellington's main supplier.
What's he doing here?
The Duke of Wellington's victualler?
I've invited a merchant supplier
to my ball?
My dear aunt, you've invited
one of the Duke's most loyal helpers
in his fight for victory.
You have tricked me, Edmund.
And I do not like
to be made a fool of.
I hope your mother
isn't going to be cross with me.
This is good of you, Duchess.
Not at all, Mrs Trenchard.
I gather you've been
so kind to my nephew.
It's always a pleasure
to see Lord Bellasis.
All those young men,
so far from home, poor things.
Well, if it isn't our Magician.
Good evening, um, your, um,
Great, Great, um...
..Duke.
May I present my daughter, Sophia?
Miss Trenchard,
may I escort you into the ballroom?
I thought you'd never get here.
Don't be silly. We're very early.
An hour away from you
is like a lifetime.
You read that in a book.
WHISPERS:
Can Edmund really be serious?
The mother isn't too ridiculous,
the father is simply grotesque.
I'll talk to Edmund later on.
Wait until the ball is over
and the girl is gone.
And pray Caroline never finds out
I invited her here.
His Royal Highness,
the Prince of Orange.
STRING ORCHESTRA PLAYS
INDISTINCT CHATTER
Why don't you call him Your Grace?
Your Grace is for servants
and officials.
Not for a private party.
But I've always called
the Duke of Wellington Your Grace.
Because you are his victualler.
Then I shouldn't do it tonight?
If you hadn't
procured our invitations,
you wouldn't be
in this invidious position now.
What brings the Magician
here tonight?
Er, the Duchess invited us.
Did she, indeed?
And has the evening
been enjoyable so far?
Oh, yes, Your Grace.
But there has been
a good deal of talk
about the advance of Bonaparte.
Well, that's why we're so late.
It looks as if
we'll be off tomorrow.
Am I to understand,
the charming lady is Mrs Trenchard?
Your calm is very reassuring, Duke.
Ponsonby.
Are you acquainted
with the Magician?
I spend a good deal of time
outside Mr Trenchard's office,
waiting to plead the cause
of my men.
Mrs Trenchard,
may I present Sir William Ponsonby?
Ponsonby,
this is the Magician's wife.
I hope he's kinder to you
than he is to me.
BAGPIPES PLAY
A splendid touch, Duchess.
My father did raise
the Gordon Highlanders after all,
so how could
their Commanding Officer refuse?
How indeed?
BAGPIPES CONTINUE TO PLAY
APPLAUSE, PRAISE
Have some, if you'd like to.
My mother is coming
to break us apart.
Why is she so against me?
She's convinced nothing good
can come of it.
Well, then we shall prove her wrong.
You mustn't let Sophia
monopolise you, Lord Bellasis.
You must have many friends here
who would be glad of the chance
to hear your news.
Never fear, Mrs Trenchard.
I am where I want to be.
That is all very well, my lord.
But Sophia
has a reputation to protect
and the courtesy of your attention
may be putting it at risk.
I wish you would give me credit
for a little sense, Mama.
I wish I could.
My lords, ladies and gentleman,
supper is served.
HORSE HOOVES CLATTER
INDISTINCT DISCUSSION
You, Magician. Come with us.
Your Royal Highnesses, your Graces,
my Lords, ladies and gentlemen,
much as I regret to interrupt the
Duchess' wonderful entertainments,
I must ask those of you in uniform
to prepare to leave.
The moment is almost upon us.
PANICKED CONVERSATION
May we have the room for a moment?
Ponsonby, you have the map?
I do indeed.
Orange has had a message
from Baron Rebecque.
Bonaparte has pushed up the road
from Charleroi to Brussels
and he's getting nearer.
I've given orders for the army
to concentrate at Quatre Bras,
but we shall not stop him there.
You may.
You have some hours before daylight.
If I do not,
then I shall have to fight him here.
At Waterloo.
I shall need your help, Magician.
We will not fail
for lack of supplies.
You're a bright man, Trenchard.
You must use your talents well
when the wars are done.
I believe you have the potential
to go far.
Your Grace is very kind.
But don't be distracted
by the gewgaws of society.
You're cleverer than that,
or should be.
Enough.
Let us get ready.
I must go to the depot.
I'll put you and Sophia
in the carriage and I'll walk.
Is it the final struggle?
I think so.
We've told ourselves every skirmish
was the last battle for years,
but this time I truly believe it is.
Where is Sophia?
At least no-one will remember
their folly and indiscretion.
Just bring her to the door, my dear,
whilst I fetch the shawls.
Don't be silly, my darling,
nothing can happen to us,
we are the luckiest couple alive!
We're the most in love.
And when I get back,
we'll laugh at your fears
and make merry. I give you my word.
And no gentleman
would break his word.
Precisely.
Sophia...
Take care of her.
PANICKED COMMOTION
SOLDIERS SHOUT ORDERS
What is it? You knew he must go.
It's not that.
My dear, you must control yourself.
Come with me. Quickly.
Go now. I will return when I can.
GUNFIRE
GLASSES RATTLE
DOGS BARK
How long can it go on?
Until one side is victorious.
But I don't believe
it can last much longer now.
If Papa had sent news,
you'd tell me, wouldn't you?
Of course, but he'll be far too busy
to think of us.
If Napoleon wins, should we escape
before his troops sack the city?
Oliver, dear,
will you run and fetch Mama a shawl?
You mustn't frighten him.
How can you be so calm?
What option is open to me?
I want to run into the street
and scream.
Be my guest.
I doubt anyone would notice.
But while you're there...
just pray they come home safe.
PLAYS MOURNFUL TUNE
HORSES NEIGH, CHATTER OUTSIDE
SOBS
I was beginning to wonder if
I was ever going to see you again.
We've done it.
Boney's on the run.
I say again, thank God.
There's more news.
Not everyone
came through the fighting.
So I should imagine, poor souls.
The Duke of Brunswick is dead.
Lord Hay, Sir William Ponsonby...
Oh.
Well, we should pray for them.
I feel our presence there that night
ties us to them all.
Indeed.
Indeed...
There is another casualty that...
..you won't have
to imagine a link with.
Viscount Bellasis.
Don't say so. Do not say so.
Are they sure?
I went to the battlefield.
After the fighting was finally over.
And a very awful sight it was, too.
Bodies everywhere,
groans from the wounded...
..scavengers
picking at the corpses...
Why did you go?
Business.
Why do I ever do anything?
I had to quantify
what had been lost.
I heard Bellasis
was on the list of fatalities.
I asked to see him. So...
..yes, I'm sure.
How is Sophia?
A shadow of herself since the ball.
No doubt dreading the very news
which now we must take her.
I will tell her.
I, I think it must be me.
I am her mother.
No. I will tell her.
You can go to her afterwards.
Where is she?
In the garden.
HOOVES CLATTER
Mrs Trenchard.
The Duchess of Bedford
is expecting me.
Mrs James Trenchard.
Mrs Trenchard,
how good of you to come.
The Duke tells me that Mr Trenchard
was most anxious that you should.
The Duke has always been good
to Mr Trenchard, Duchess.
Now, do you know anyone here?
Please don't worry.
I shall manage perfectly.
I am so interested
by your invention of afternoon tea.
It does seem to have taken wing.
Your Grace.
Please excuse me?
INDISTINCT CHATTER
Thank you.
Oh! Well saved.
Really,
what is this new-fangled tea?
It's not that I dislike
a light nuncheon
to carry one through to dinner,
but why can't one sit at a table?
I think the point
is that one isn't trapped.
We can all move about
and talk to whom we like.
Well, I'd like to talk to you.
Mrs Trenchard, let me introduce you
to Mrs Carver and Mrs Shute.
They are so anxious to know you.
Aren't you going to introduce me?
This is
the Dowager Duchess of Richmond.
May I present Mrs James Trenchard?
And now, please let me introduce you
to Mrs Carver and Mrs Shute.
Don't snatch her away.
I think I know Mrs Trenchard.
You've a wonderful memory, Duchess.
I would have thought
I was changed past all recognition,
but you're right, we have met.
I was at your ball, in Brussels,
before Waterloo.
You were at the famous ball?!
I was.
But I thought you had only lately...
I must see
if everyone has what they want.
I remember you well.
I'm impressed, if you do.
Of course, we didn't really
know each other, did we?
No.
My husband and I
were wished upon you.
I remember. My late nephew
was in love with your daughter.
Perhaps.
She was certainly in love with him.
How is your daughter these days?
You see, I remember,
she was a beauty.
What became of her?
Like Lord Bellasis, Sophia is dead.
Not many months after the ball.
So, she never married?
No. She never married.
I'm sorry.
Truly.
Funnily enough,
I remember her quite well.
A real beauty.
Do you have other children?
Oh, yes.
A son, Oliver, but...
But Sophia
was the child of your heart.
I know we're
supposed to support the fiction
that we love
all our children equally...
Oh, I don't even try.
I am fond of some of my children,
on reasonably good terms
with most of the rest,
but, I have two I actively dislike.
CHUCKLES
How many are there?
14.
Heavens.
So, the Richmond dukedom is safe.
It would seem so.
Well, I have stayed too long
and I will pay for it.
I've enjoyed our talk,
Mrs Trenchard,
as a nice reminder
of more exciting times.
But I suppose this is the advantage
of the pick-up, put-down tea.
We may go when we please.
I wish you and your family well,
my dear...
..whatever sides
we may once have been on.
I say the same to you, Duchess.
SOFT MUSIC PLAYS
You had a lot to say to my sister.
Our hostess tells me that you
were at the famous ball in Brussels.
I was, Lady Brockenhurst.
Yes. I am Lady Brockenhurst.
And you are Mrs Trenchard, I think.
I'm flattered you've heard of me.
I certainly have.
These are too delicious to resist.
It feels strange
to eat at this time,
but I suppose we will still
want dinner when it comes.
Please...
Tell me, why were you at the ball?
Did you know
my sister and her husband?
No. Not really.
I'd always heard of you both
as the Duke of Wellington's
victualler and his wife.
Seeing you here today,
I wonder if I was misinformed.
No. The report was accurate enough.
Is Mr Trenchard still supplying
foodstuffs to his customers?
He... must be very good at it.
He went into partnership
with Mr Cubitt and his brother,
when we returned from Brussels.
He manages their projects.
The great Thomas Cubitt? Heavens.
I assume he was no longer
a ship's carpenter by that time?
You're right.
He started as a carpenter,
but he devised
a new method for building.
He undertook to employ
all the different trades involved,
bricklayers, plasterers.
So, the people he worked for...
Had only to give the commission.
He and his brother
saw to everything.
Very impressive.
They were building
the London Institution
in Finsbury Circus
when they met Mr Trenchard.
I remember
the Institution being opened.
We find it magnificent.
After that,
they worked on Tavistock Square
and various other ventures.
Until they built Belgravia.
This spangled city for the rich,
where we all live now.
Well, what a story.
You are a woman of the New Age,
Mrs Trenchard.
I hope I do not offend you.
Not in the least.
As for why we were at the ball...
..we were friendly
with a favourite of your sister
and he got us invited.
And, who was this favourite?
Might I have known him?
Come, Mrs Trenchard,
don't be bashful. Please.
You knew him very well.
It was Lord Bellasis.
And you? Did you know my son well?
Mrs Trenchard,
would you like to come and meet...
Forgive me, my dear,
Mrs Trenchard and I are talking.
So, you were saying?
Only that my daughter knew
Lord Bellasis better than we did.
Brussels was quite a hothouse
at that time.
We none of us knew what was coming.
The enslavement of England,
or a British victory.
The uncertainty created
an atmosphere that was...
..heady, wild and exciting.
And the knowledge
must have hung in the air
that some of those smiling,
young men would not be coming home.
Yes.
They must have enjoyed it...
..the glamour and the danger,
because danger is glamorous
when you're young.
So, where is she now?
Sophia died.
Now that I did not know.
It was quite soon after the battle,
so a long time ago now.
I'm so sorry.
Everyone claims to understand
what you're going through, but I do.
And I've learned
that it never goes away.
Oddly, I find that comforting.
They say misery loves company.
And perhaps it does.
Hmm.
So, you remember Edmund?
Very well.
He would come to the house
with the other young people.
He was very popular, charming.
Good-looking and funny as could be.
Oh, yes. All that and more.
Do you have other children?
I'm so sorry.
I remember now, you do not.
Please forgive me.
No. When we go,
there will be nothing left of us.
Not a trace.
But we are proud of Edmund still.
Of course you are.
CLOCK CHIMES
I'm going now, Mrs Trenchard.
I've enjoyed our talk
more than I anticipated.
Who told you I'd be here?
No-one. I...
I asked our hostess who it was
speaking with my sister
and she told me your name.
I was curious.
I've spoken of you and your daughter
so many times,
it seemed a shame
to miss the chance of a meeting.
I hope you're not sorry.
I'm glad.
You've made me feel
like I've seen him again...
..dancing and flirting
and having fun in his last hours.
I like to think of that.
I will think of that.
So, thank you.
What was Mr Wilkie like?
Civil enough.
A year after he painted my portrait,
he painted the young Queen
at her first Council meeting.
You'd have to pay twice
what I gave to get him now.
DOG WHINES
You only encourage her to beg.
Mama, you know I was alone
all afternoon?
I'm sure there are plenty of things
that could use your attention.
That's not the point.
What I mean is I could have
easily accompanied you
if I'd been told
where you were going.
But you weren't invited.
What difference does that make?
Most women would have replied
saying they'd be happy to accept
and they'll bring their daughter.
You're not my daughter.
She is your daughter-in-law, Mother,
which would mean the same
as daughter in any other house.
I don't think I would be justified
in taking someone, anyone,
to the house of a woman
I barely know.
A Duchess you barely know
and I don't know at all.
So, who was there?
Anyone interesting?
I talked to the old
Duchess of Richmond.
We reminisced about our time
in Brussels at the ball.
Oh, yes?
Her sister was there, too.
You mean the mother of...
Yes.
Did you speak with her?
Yes.
And what did she say?
I'll tell you later.
We mustn't bore Oliver and Susan.
I'm only bored,
because I wasn't there.
I didn't see you
at the office today, Oliver.
I didn't come in.
Why not?
I went to inspect the work
at Chapel Street.
Why have you made the houses
so small?
Won't it put a dent in the profits?
When you develop an area,
you must build
for the whole picture.
You can't only have palaces.
You must house the supporters
of the princes
who live in the palaces,
their clerks and managers
and upper servants.
Then there must be a mews
for the coaches and coachmen.
They all take space,
but it is space well used.
Have you given any more thought
to where we might live, Father?
Well,
I'd be happy to give you the pick
of anything empty in Chester Row.
Aren't they a little poky?
She's right.
They're too small for entertaining
and I suppose I have
a position to keep up, as your son.
They're less poky than the first
house I shared with your mother.
I have been brought up differently
from the way you began your lives.
If I have grander expectations,
it is you who have given them to me.
Well, well.
We seem to be failing
on every count tonight.
We'll be at Glanville next month.
I hope you'll come down.
Perhaps you might stay
for a week or two?
We will if we can.
It's such a way.
Well, what about you, Oliver?
You've always loved Glanville.
That is true.
But I'm, er, I'm afraid
Susan is not a good traveller.
I'm ashamed to admit it,
but he's right.
Two hours in a carriage
and it takes me a day to recover.
So, three days in a carriage
must be a trial, indeed.
I hate to disappoint you
when I know you love it so.
I suppose I feel
I brought it back to life.
And in return,
the house brought me back to life.
After Sophia's death, you mean?
I'm going up.
Don't stay too long over your port.
The servants need to get in.
Can't you control her?
Apparently not.
"Not Chester Row," she says,
as if he'd threatened her
with cholera.
"It's much too poky
for fine folks like we."
And you should have seen
the look the Master got
when he suggested
Mr Oliver did a hand's turn!
LAUGHS
I hope there's nothing untoward
on display in this room.
No, Mr Turton.
Mr and Mrs Trenchard pay our wages
and for that,
they are entitled
to be treated with respect, Morris.
Yes, Mr Turton.
Of course, they're not
what they like to pretend,
it's only the more obvious
when they're alone.
Mr Trenchard is respectable, polite
and honest to deal with, Mr Turton.
Mr Myles is the Master's valet,
Mr Turton, so he must know.
I've known far worse in households
headed by a coronet.
I don't like to disagree, Mr Myles,
but my sympathies
are with Mr Oliver.
They've brought him up
as a gentleman,
but now they seem to resent him
for wanting to be one.
Why should Mr Oliver
ask for houses and estates
that are grander than his parents'?
What's he done to earn them?
That's what I'd like to know.
Gentlemen don't earn their houses,
Mr Myles.
They inherit them.
I agree.
Why shouldn't Mrs Oliver
have a decent house to entertain?
She's brought enough money
to the table.
It's illogical for the Master
to force them to live
in a rabbit hutch.
I'm sorry to say it, Miss Speer,
and I'm glad you think her
a good employer,
but I find Mrs Oliver
very hard to please.
She's got a point.
You'd think she was
an Infanta of Spain
with all her airs and graces.
But I've never had any trouble
with the Mistress.
She's straightforward
and I've no reason to complain.
I am glad to hear it.
We must feel some sympathy
for the Master.
It's hard to get the trick of it
in a single generation.
I agree with you there, Miss Ellis.
We don't see these things
in the same way, Mr Turton,
we'll have to agree to differ.
Of course you can't tell her!
What are you talking about?
But when she said,
"There'll be nothing left of us."
You'd have been
as touched as I was.
What, so you'd like the idea
that Sophia should be remembered
as a... as a harlot?
I would ask her to keep the secret.
Of course I couldn't force her,
but...
..do we have a right to hide from
her that she has a grandson?
We've hidden it for more than
a quarter of a century.
I forbid it.
I will not have the memory
of our daughter defaced.
Certainly not by her own mother.
And get that dog off the bed!
What is it?
I'm going to have a child.
What?
When?
The end of February, I think.
Don't you know?
The end of February.
Do I have Lord Bellasis
to thank for this?
SCOFFS
You foolish, stupid, stupid fool.
How did it happen? How...
how could you have let it happen?
I thought we were married.
Didn't you know
you needed your father's permission
for it to be legal?
You're only 18!
Papa gave his permission.
Your...
your father knew?
He knew that Edmund
wanted to marry me
before he went back to the fighting
and he gave permission.
Edmund found a parson to marry us
in a little chapel near the city.
I now pronounce you man and wife.
May we kiss?
With my blessing.
Are we truly married?
Most definitely.
Then we left
and went back to his lodgings.
That's when it happened.
I assume the ceremony was false?
I never suspected it,
not for a moment.
Edmund spoke of his love
and our future,
right up until the moment
we were leaving his aunt's ball
on the night of the battle.
So, when did you find out?
As we came out into the street...
there was a group
of mounted officers,
in the uniforms of
the 52nd Light Infantry,
Edmund's regiment...
And?
One of them was the parson
who had married us.
He was a soldier.
A friend of Edmund's, who turned
his collar round to deceive me!
Now I understand what put you
in such a state that night.
I thought it was simply
Lord Bellasis
leaving for the battle.
The moment I saw the man
I knew I'd been duped.
I was not heading
for a golden future.
I was a stupid girl
who'd been used as a streetwalker.
I suppose I clung to the idea
that Edmund might explain,
but he was killed
before he had the chance.
When did you know you were
carrying his child?
I wouldn't admit it at first.
I was like a mad woman.
I took foolish remedies,
I gave a gypsy a sovereign
for what I'm sure was sugar water.
But they all failed.
I am still enceinte.
What have you told your father?
He knows I was tricked.
I told him that morning
he brought me the news
of Edmund's death.
But he thinks I got away with it.
We must go north, out of sight,
while James makes arrangements
for the child.
I'll have a story ready by tomorrow,
but...
..tonight I will speak
with your father.
Don't be too hard on him.
It was his dream as much as mine.
You are a young girl.
You're supposed to have dreams.
He's a parent.
He is your father, for God's sake!
He should have protected you
from believing them!
PANTS
BABY SCREAMS
Mrs Casson, you're back.
I'm afraid the baby
came very quickly,
not long after you set out.
Is it healthy?
Seems to be.
But, Mrs Casson...
..we can't stop the bleeding.
I'm here. Tell me what I can do.
Have you seen him?
The doctor says he's very healthy
and spry, my darling,
but now we must concentrate on you.
Look after him, won't you?
Well, we'll look after him together.
Promise me, Mama.
Whoever takes him in,
make sure they love him.
Let's talk about all that
when you are well and rested.
Give my best love to Papa
and try not to blame him.
Not for any of it. Please.
And remember me.
Oh, my darling child...
..as if I would not think of you
every day of my life.
But now, you need to rest
and when you wake...
Sophia...
..oh...
oh, dearest one.
Sophi-Sophia!
I'm afraid it is over, Mrs Casson.
I'm afraid it is finished.
SOBS
BABY CRIES
Subtitles by ITV SignPost
'It was certainly a city
right at the centre of things,
'brim-full of tourists,
bustling with activity.
'And no-one would have guessed
that the Emperor Napoleon
'was on the march
'and might encamp by the edge
of the town at any moment.
'But then, the past,
as we have been told so many times,
'is a strange country.'
Do come on.
I'm going as fast as I can, Miss.
Don't be so feeble. Hurry!
Can I help you ladies?
I am here to see my father,
Mr Trenchard.
You stay here.
KNOCKS
Who the devil
has come to interrupt me...
Captain Cooper, you must excuse me.
That's all very well, Trenchard...
Trenchard?
Mr Trenchard.
But we must have the flour
by tonight.
And I promise
I will do my level best, Captain.
Now, if you'll just wait outside
for a moment.
DOOR BANGS
Have you got them?
Three. One for you, one for Mama
and one for me.
I suppose Lord Bellasis will
be dining there, before the ball?
She is his aunt.
Of course.
Edmund says there's to be a supper
sometime after midnight.
Don't call him Edmund
to anyone but me.
Now go to your mother.
She'll need every minute to prepare.
It's too late to have anything made.
But not too late to have things
brought up to scratch.
She won't want to go.
She will, because she must.
Well... when shall we tell her
the rest of it?
Not yet.
It must all be properly managed.
We must take our lead from him.
Now go.
And send that blithering idiot
back in.
We won't know a soul there.
Papa knows these people.
He'll know officers who come to his
place of work to give him orders.
And they will be very surprised
to find they're sharing a ballroom
with a man who supplies their men
with bread and ale.
I hope you won't take this tone
with Lord Bellasis.
Beware of castles in the air,
my darling.
Of course, you won't believe him
capable of honourable intentions.
He is the eldest son of an earl,
my child.
He cannot choose his wife
to suit his heart.
You have enjoyed a flirtation that
has harmed neither of you, so far,
but it must end,
before there is damaging talk,
Sophia,
or you will be the one to suffer.
And it doesn't tell you anything?
That he has secured us
invitations to his aunt's ball?
It tells me
that you're a lovely girl
and he wishes to please you.
He couldn't have managed it
in London,
but in Brussels
everything is coloured by war.
And so, the normal rules
do not apply.
You mean that by the normal rules
we are not acceptable as company
for the Duchess's friends?
That is exactly what I mean
and you know it to be true.
Papa would not agree.
Your father has travelled a long way
and so he does not see
the natural barriers
that will prevent him
from going much further.
Be content with who we are.
Your father has done well.
Don't look down on us.
You're the one who looks down.
The schoolmaster's daughter
who was too good
for her market trader husband.
I don't look down on anyone!
Least of all your father.
I do not care to place myself
in situations
I don't feel comfortable.
You see, that to me,
is another kind of snobbery!
Am I too early, Ma'am?
No, no, Ellis. Come in.
We're finished here, aren't we?
If you say so, Mama.
DOOR BANGS
We've been asked
to the Duchess of Richmond's ball.
Never!
That is, we should make a decision
about your gown, Ma'am.
I'll need some time,
if it's to be just so.
Miss Sophia seems, um...
excited.
I expect Lord Bellasis
arranged the tickets for the ball?
It may have been
the Duke of Wellington.
Mr Trenchard
is a great favourite of his
and the ball
is being given in the Duke's honour.
Yes. That must be it, ma'am.
She told you, then? He's done it.
Thank you, Ellis.
If you could come back later.
What a chance it is.
The Duke himself will be there.
Two dukes, for that matter.
My commander
and our hostess' husband.
Reigning princes, too.
James Trenchard, who started
at a stall in Covent Garden,
must get himself ready
to dance with a princess.
You will do no such thing.
You would embarrass us both.
We'll see.
I mean it.
It's bad enough
that you encourage Sophia.
Anne, I believe the boy is sincere.
I'm sure of it, in fact.
You are nothing of the sort.
Lord Bellasis, himself,
might even think he's sincere.
He is not his own master
and nothing proper can come of it.
MARCHING OUTSIDE
How strange that we should
be discussing a ball
when we're on the brink of war.
How ridiculous.
I don't agree.
With that, or about Lord Bellasis.
Just know this,
if Sophia comes to any harm
through this nonsense
I will hold you
personally responsible.
Very well.
And as for blackmailing him into
begging his aunt for invitations,
I feel so humiliated.
Anne, you won't spoil this.
I won't allow you to.
I don't need to.
It will spoil itself.
I hope this isn't a mistake.
CHUCKLES
Too late for that sort of talk.
What's so funny?
Only that we came to Brussels
to escape Society
and now we appear
to be giving the ball of the season.
The Duke insisted.
He said we needed to show
that nothing Boney could do,
could rattle the British.
Edmund! You're the very first.
How nice.
I thought I'd come early
to lend you support.
I must say, Aunt, you've made these
dreary rooms feel very splendid.
No-one would know people were
choosing which coach to buy in here,
only a few months ago.
Mr and Mrs James Trenchard.
Miss Sophia Trenchard.
You've not invited the Magician?
What do you mean?
He's Wellington's main supplier.
What's he doing here?
The Duke of Wellington's victualler?
I've invited a merchant supplier
to my ball?
My dear aunt, you've invited
one of the Duke's most loyal helpers
in his fight for victory.
You have tricked me, Edmund.
And I do not like
to be made a fool of.
I hope your mother
isn't going to be cross with me.
This is good of you, Duchess.
Not at all, Mrs Trenchard.
I gather you've been
so kind to my nephew.
It's always a pleasure
to see Lord Bellasis.
All those young men,
so far from home, poor things.
Well, if it isn't our Magician.
Good evening, um, your, um,
Great, Great, um...
..Duke.
May I present my daughter, Sophia?
Miss Trenchard,
may I escort you into the ballroom?
I thought you'd never get here.
Don't be silly. We're very early.
An hour away from you
is like a lifetime.
You read that in a book.
WHISPERS:
Can Edmund really be serious?
The mother isn't too ridiculous,
the father is simply grotesque.
I'll talk to Edmund later on.
Wait until the ball is over
and the girl is gone.
And pray Caroline never finds out
I invited her here.
His Royal Highness,
the Prince of Orange.
STRING ORCHESTRA PLAYS
INDISTINCT CHATTER
Why don't you call him Your Grace?
Your Grace is for servants
and officials.
Not for a private party.
But I've always called
the Duke of Wellington Your Grace.
Because you are his victualler.
Then I shouldn't do it tonight?
If you hadn't
procured our invitations,
you wouldn't be
in this invidious position now.
What brings the Magician
here tonight?
Er, the Duchess invited us.
Did she, indeed?
And has the evening
been enjoyable so far?
Oh, yes, Your Grace.
But there has been
a good deal of talk
about the advance of Bonaparte.
Well, that's why we're so late.
It looks as if
we'll be off tomorrow.
Am I to understand,
the charming lady is Mrs Trenchard?
Your calm is very reassuring, Duke.
Ponsonby.
Are you acquainted
with the Magician?
I spend a good deal of time
outside Mr Trenchard's office,
waiting to plead the cause
of my men.
Mrs Trenchard,
may I present Sir William Ponsonby?
Ponsonby,
this is the Magician's wife.
I hope he's kinder to you
than he is to me.
BAGPIPES PLAY
A splendid touch, Duchess.
My father did raise
the Gordon Highlanders after all,
so how could
their Commanding Officer refuse?
How indeed?
BAGPIPES CONTINUE TO PLAY
APPLAUSE, PRAISE
Have some, if you'd like to.
My mother is coming
to break us apart.
Why is she so against me?
She's convinced nothing good
can come of it.
Well, then we shall prove her wrong.
You mustn't let Sophia
monopolise you, Lord Bellasis.
You must have many friends here
who would be glad of the chance
to hear your news.
Never fear, Mrs Trenchard.
I am where I want to be.
That is all very well, my lord.
But Sophia
has a reputation to protect
and the courtesy of your attention
may be putting it at risk.
I wish you would give me credit
for a little sense, Mama.
I wish I could.
My lords, ladies and gentleman,
supper is served.
HORSE HOOVES CLATTER
INDISTINCT DISCUSSION
You, Magician. Come with us.
Your Royal Highnesses, your Graces,
my Lords, ladies and gentlemen,
much as I regret to interrupt the
Duchess' wonderful entertainments,
I must ask those of you in uniform
to prepare to leave.
The moment is almost upon us.
PANICKED CONVERSATION
May we have the room for a moment?
Ponsonby, you have the map?
I do indeed.
Orange has had a message
from Baron Rebecque.
Bonaparte has pushed up the road
from Charleroi to Brussels
and he's getting nearer.
I've given orders for the army
to concentrate at Quatre Bras,
but we shall not stop him there.
You may.
You have some hours before daylight.
If I do not,
then I shall have to fight him here.
At Waterloo.
I shall need your help, Magician.
We will not fail
for lack of supplies.
You're a bright man, Trenchard.
You must use your talents well
when the wars are done.
I believe you have the potential
to go far.
Your Grace is very kind.
But don't be distracted
by the gewgaws of society.
You're cleverer than that,
or should be.
Enough.
Let us get ready.
I must go to the depot.
I'll put you and Sophia
in the carriage and I'll walk.
Is it the final struggle?
I think so.
We've told ourselves every skirmish
was the last battle for years,
but this time I truly believe it is.
Where is Sophia?
At least no-one will remember
their folly and indiscretion.
Just bring her to the door, my dear,
whilst I fetch the shawls.
Don't be silly, my darling,
nothing can happen to us,
we are the luckiest couple alive!
We're the most in love.
And when I get back,
we'll laugh at your fears
and make merry. I give you my word.
And no gentleman
would break his word.
Precisely.
Sophia...
Take care of her.
PANICKED COMMOTION
SOLDIERS SHOUT ORDERS
What is it? You knew he must go.
It's not that.
My dear, you must control yourself.
Come with me. Quickly.
Go now. I will return when I can.
GUNFIRE
GLASSES RATTLE
DOGS BARK
How long can it go on?
Until one side is victorious.
But I don't believe
it can last much longer now.
If Papa had sent news,
you'd tell me, wouldn't you?
Of course, but he'll be far too busy
to think of us.
If Napoleon wins, should we escape
before his troops sack the city?
Oliver, dear,
will you run and fetch Mama a shawl?
You mustn't frighten him.
How can you be so calm?
What option is open to me?
I want to run into the street
and scream.
Be my guest.
I doubt anyone would notice.
But while you're there...
just pray they come home safe.
PLAYS MOURNFUL TUNE
HORSES NEIGH, CHATTER OUTSIDE
SOBS
I was beginning to wonder if
I was ever going to see you again.
We've done it.
Boney's on the run.
I say again, thank God.
There's more news.
Not everyone
came through the fighting.
So I should imagine, poor souls.
The Duke of Brunswick is dead.
Lord Hay, Sir William Ponsonby...
Oh.
Well, we should pray for them.
I feel our presence there that night
ties us to them all.
Indeed.
Indeed...
There is another casualty that...
..you won't have
to imagine a link with.
Viscount Bellasis.
Don't say so. Do not say so.
Are they sure?
I went to the battlefield.
After the fighting was finally over.
And a very awful sight it was, too.
Bodies everywhere,
groans from the wounded...
..scavengers
picking at the corpses...
Why did you go?
Business.
Why do I ever do anything?
I had to quantify
what had been lost.
I heard Bellasis
was on the list of fatalities.
I asked to see him. So...
..yes, I'm sure.
How is Sophia?
A shadow of herself since the ball.
No doubt dreading the very news
which now we must take her.
I will tell her.
I, I think it must be me.
I am her mother.
No. I will tell her.
You can go to her afterwards.
Where is she?
In the garden.
HOOVES CLATTER
Mrs Trenchard.
The Duchess of Bedford
is expecting me.
Mrs James Trenchard.
Mrs Trenchard,
how good of you to come.
The Duke tells me that Mr Trenchard
was most anxious that you should.
The Duke has always been good
to Mr Trenchard, Duchess.
Now, do you know anyone here?
Please don't worry.
I shall manage perfectly.
I am so interested
by your invention of afternoon tea.
It does seem to have taken wing.
Your Grace.
Please excuse me?
INDISTINCT CHATTER
Thank you.
Oh! Well saved.
Really,
what is this new-fangled tea?
It's not that I dislike
a light nuncheon
to carry one through to dinner,
but why can't one sit at a table?
I think the point
is that one isn't trapped.
We can all move about
and talk to whom we like.
Well, I'd like to talk to you.
Mrs Trenchard, let me introduce you
to Mrs Carver and Mrs Shute.
They are so anxious to know you.
Aren't you going to introduce me?
This is
the Dowager Duchess of Richmond.
May I present Mrs James Trenchard?
And now, please let me introduce you
to Mrs Carver and Mrs Shute.
Don't snatch her away.
I think I know Mrs Trenchard.
You've a wonderful memory, Duchess.
I would have thought
I was changed past all recognition,
but you're right, we have met.
I was at your ball, in Brussels,
before Waterloo.
You were at the famous ball?!
I was.
But I thought you had only lately...
I must see
if everyone has what they want.
I remember you well.
I'm impressed, if you do.
Of course, we didn't really
know each other, did we?
No.
My husband and I
were wished upon you.
I remember. My late nephew
was in love with your daughter.
Perhaps.
She was certainly in love with him.
How is your daughter these days?
You see, I remember,
she was a beauty.
What became of her?
Like Lord Bellasis, Sophia is dead.
Not many months after the ball.
So, she never married?
No. She never married.
I'm sorry.
Truly.
Funnily enough,
I remember her quite well.
A real beauty.
Do you have other children?
Oh, yes.
A son, Oliver, but...
But Sophia
was the child of your heart.
I know we're
supposed to support the fiction
that we love
all our children equally...
Oh, I don't even try.
I am fond of some of my children,
on reasonably good terms
with most of the rest,
but, I have two I actively dislike.
CHUCKLES
How many are there?
14.
Heavens.
So, the Richmond dukedom is safe.
It would seem so.
Well, I have stayed too long
and I will pay for it.
I've enjoyed our talk,
Mrs Trenchard,
as a nice reminder
of more exciting times.
But I suppose this is the advantage
of the pick-up, put-down tea.
We may go when we please.
I wish you and your family well,
my dear...
..whatever sides
we may once have been on.
I say the same to you, Duchess.
SOFT MUSIC PLAYS
You had a lot to say to my sister.
Our hostess tells me that you
were at the famous ball in Brussels.
I was, Lady Brockenhurst.
Yes. I am Lady Brockenhurst.
And you are Mrs Trenchard, I think.
I'm flattered you've heard of me.
I certainly have.
These are too delicious to resist.
It feels strange
to eat at this time,
but I suppose we will still
want dinner when it comes.
Please...
Tell me, why were you at the ball?
Did you know
my sister and her husband?
No. Not really.
I'd always heard of you both
as the Duke of Wellington's
victualler and his wife.
Seeing you here today,
I wonder if I was misinformed.
No. The report was accurate enough.
Is Mr Trenchard still supplying
foodstuffs to his customers?
He... must be very good at it.
He went into partnership
with Mr Cubitt and his brother,
when we returned from Brussels.
He manages their projects.
The great Thomas Cubitt? Heavens.
I assume he was no longer
a ship's carpenter by that time?
You're right.
He started as a carpenter,
but he devised
a new method for building.
He undertook to employ
all the different trades involved,
bricklayers, plasterers.
So, the people he worked for...
Had only to give the commission.
He and his brother
saw to everything.
Very impressive.
They were building
the London Institution
in Finsbury Circus
when they met Mr Trenchard.
I remember
the Institution being opened.
We find it magnificent.
After that,
they worked on Tavistock Square
and various other ventures.
Until they built Belgravia.
This spangled city for the rich,
where we all live now.
Well, what a story.
You are a woman of the New Age,
Mrs Trenchard.
I hope I do not offend you.
Not in the least.
As for why we were at the ball...
..we were friendly
with a favourite of your sister
and he got us invited.
And, who was this favourite?
Might I have known him?
Come, Mrs Trenchard,
don't be bashful. Please.
You knew him very well.
It was Lord Bellasis.
And you? Did you know my son well?
Mrs Trenchard,
would you like to come and meet...
Forgive me, my dear,
Mrs Trenchard and I are talking.
So, you were saying?
Only that my daughter knew
Lord Bellasis better than we did.
Brussels was quite a hothouse
at that time.
We none of us knew what was coming.
The enslavement of England,
or a British victory.
The uncertainty created
an atmosphere that was...
..heady, wild and exciting.
And the knowledge
must have hung in the air
that some of those smiling,
young men would not be coming home.
Yes.
They must have enjoyed it...
..the glamour and the danger,
because danger is glamorous
when you're young.
So, where is she now?
Sophia died.
Now that I did not know.
It was quite soon after the battle,
so a long time ago now.
I'm so sorry.
Everyone claims to understand
what you're going through, but I do.
And I've learned
that it never goes away.
Oddly, I find that comforting.
They say misery loves company.
And perhaps it does.
Hmm.
So, you remember Edmund?
Very well.
He would come to the house
with the other young people.
He was very popular, charming.
Good-looking and funny as could be.
Oh, yes. All that and more.
Do you have other children?
I'm so sorry.
I remember now, you do not.
Please forgive me.
No. When we go,
there will be nothing left of us.
Not a trace.
But we are proud of Edmund still.
Of course you are.
CLOCK CHIMES
I'm going now, Mrs Trenchard.
I've enjoyed our talk
more than I anticipated.
Who told you I'd be here?
No-one. I...
I asked our hostess who it was
speaking with my sister
and she told me your name.
I was curious.
I've spoken of you and your daughter
so many times,
it seemed a shame
to miss the chance of a meeting.
I hope you're not sorry.
I'm glad.
You've made me feel
like I've seen him again...
..dancing and flirting
and having fun in his last hours.
I like to think of that.
I will think of that.
So, thank you.
What was Mr Wilkie like?
Civil enough.
A year after he painted my portrait,
he painted the young Queen
at her first Council meeting.
You'd have to pay twice
what I gave to get him now.
DOG WHINES
You only encourage her to beg.
Mama, you know I was alone
all afternoon?
I'm sure there are plenty of things
that could use your attention.
That's not the point.
What I mean is I could have
easily accompanied you
if I'd been told
where you were going.
But you weren't invited.
What difference does that make?
Most women would have replied
saying they'd be happy to accept
and they'll bring their daughter.
You're not my daughter.
She is your daughter-in-law, Mother,
which would mean the same
as daughter in any other house.
I don't think I would be justified
in taking someone, anyone,
to the house of a woman
I barely know.
A Duchess you barely know
and I don't know at all.
So, who was there?
Anyone interesting?
I talked to the old
Duchess of Richmond.
We reminisced about our time
in Brussels at the ball.
Oh, yes?
Her sister was there, too.
You mean the mother of...
Yes.
Did you speak with her?
Yes.
And what did she say?
I'll tell you later.
We mustn't bore Oliver and Susan.
I'm only bored,
because I wasn't there.
I didn't see you
at the office today, Oliver.
I didn't come in.
Why not?
I went to inspect the work
at Chapel Street.
Why have you made the houses
so small?
Won't it put a dent in the profits?
When you develop an area,
you must build
for the whole picture.
You can't only have palaces.
You must house the supporters
of the princes
who live in the palaces,
their clerks and managers
and upper servants.
Then there must be a mews
for the coaches and coachmen.
They all take space,
but it is space well used.
Have you given any more thought
to where we might live, Father?
Well,
I'd be happy to give you the pick
of anything empty in Chester Row.
Aren't they a little poky?
She's right.
They're too small for entertaining
and I suppose I have
a position to keep up, as your son.
They're less poky than the first
house I shared with your mother.
I have been brought up differently
from the way you began your lives.
If I have grander expectations,
it is you who have given them to me.
Well, well.
We seem to be failing
on every count tonight.
We'll be at Glanville next month.
I hope you'll come down.
Perhaps you might stay
for a week or two?
We will if we can.
It's such a way.
Well, what about you, Oliver?
You've always loved Glanville.
That is true.
But I'm, er, I'm afraid
Susan is not a good traveller.
I'm ashamed to admit it,
but he's right.
Two hours in a carriage
and it takes me a day to recover.
So, three days in a carriage
must be a trial, indeed.
I hate to disappoint you
when I know you love it so.
I suppose I feel
I brought it back to life.
And in return,
the house brought me back to life.
After Sophia's death, you mean?
I'm going up.
Don't stay too long over your port.
The servants need to get in.
Can't you control her?
Apparently not.
"Not Chester Row," she says,
as if he'd threatened her
with cholera.
"It's much too poky
for fine folks like we."
And you should have seen
the look the Master got
when he suggested
Mr Oliver did a hand's turn!
LAUGHS
I hope there's nothing untoward
on display in this room.
No, Mr Turton.
Mr and Mrs Trenchard pay our wages
and for that,
they are entitled
to be treated with respect, Morris.
Yes, Mr Turton.
Of course, they're not
what they like to pretend,
it's only the more obvious
when they're alone.
Mr Trenchard is respectable, polite
and honest to deal with, Mr Turton.
Mr Myles is the Master's valet,
Mr Turton, so he must know.
I've known far worse in households
headed by a coronet.
I don't like to disagree, Mr Myles,
but my sympathies
are with Mr Oliver.
They've brought him up
as a gentleman,
but now they seem to resent him
for wanting to be one.
Why should Mr Oliver
ask for houses and estates
that are grander than his parents'?
What's he done to earn them?
That's what I'd like to know.
Gentlemen don't earn their houses,
Mr Myles.
They inherit them.
I agree.
Why shouldn't Mrs Oliver
have a decent house to entertain?
She's brought enough money
to the table.
It's illogical for the Master
to force them to live
in a rabbit hutch.
I'm sorry to say it, Miss Speer,
and I'm glad you think her
a good employer,
but I find Mrs Oliver
very hard to please.
She's got a point.
You'd think she was
an Infanta of Spain
with all her airs and graces.
But I've never had any trouble
with the Mistress.
She's straightforward
and I've no reason to complain.
I am glad to hear it.
We must feel some sympathy
for the Master.
It's hard to get the trick of it
in a single generation.
I agree with you there, Miss Ellis.
We don't see these things
in the same way, Mr Turton,
we'll have to agree to differ.
Of course you can't tell her!
What are you talking about?
But when she said,
"There'll be nothing left of us."
You'd have been
as touched as I was.
What, so you'd like the idea
that Sophia should be remembered
as a... as a harlot?
I would ask her to keep the secret.
Of course I couldn't force her,
but...
..do we have a right to hide from
her that she has a grandson?
We've hidden it for more than
a quarter of a century.
I forbid it.
I will not have the memory
of our daughter defaced.
Certainly not by her own mother.
And get that dog off the bed!
What is it?
I'm going to have a child.
What?
When?
The end of February, I think.
Don't you know?
The end of February.
Do I have Lord Bellasis
to thank for this?
SCOFFS
You foolish, stupid, stupid fool.
How did it happen? How...
how could you have let it happen?
I thought we were married.
Didn't you know
you needed your father's permission
for it to be legal?
You're only 18!
Papa gave his permission.
Your...
your father knew?
He knew that Edmund
wanted to marry me
before he went back to the fighting
and he gave permission.
Edmund found a parson to marry us
in a little chapel near the city.
I now pronounce you man and wife.
May we kiss?
With my blessing.
Are we truly married?
Most definitely.
Then we left
and went back to his lodgings.
That's when it happened.
I assume the ceremony was false?
I never suspected it,
not for a moment.
Edmund spoke of his love
and our future,
right up until the moment
we were leaving his aunt's ball
on the night of the battle.
So, when did you find out?
As we came out into the street...
there was a group
of mounted officers,
in the uniforms of
the 52nd Light Infantry,
Edmund's regiment...
And?
One of them was the parson
who had married us.
He was a soldier.
A friend of Edmund's, who turned
his collar round to deceive me!
Now I understand what put you
in such a state that night.
I thought it was simply
Lord Bellasis
leaving for the battle.
The moment I saw the man
I knew I'd been duped.
I was not heading
for a golden future.
I was a stupid girl
who'd been used as a streetwalker.
I suppose I clung to the idea
that Edmund might explain,
but he was killed
before he had the chance.
When did you know you were
carrying his child?
I wouldn't admit it at first.
I was like a mad woman.
I took foolish remedies,
I gave a gypsy a sovereign
for what I'm sure was sugar water.
But they all failed.
I am still enceinte.
What have you told your father?
He knows I was tricked.
I told him that morning
he brought me the news
of Edmund's death.
But he thinks I got away with it.
We must go north, out of sight,
while James makes arrangements
for the child.
I'll have a story ready by tomorrow,
but...
..tonight I will speak
with your father.
Don't be too hard on him.
It was his dream as much as mine.
You are a young girl.
You're supposed to have dreams.
He's a parent.
He is your father, for God's sake!
He should have protected you
from believing them!
PANTS
BABY SCREAMS
Mrs Casson, you're back.
I'm afraid the baby
came very quickly,
not long after you set out.
Is it healthy?
Seems to be.
But, Mrs Casson...
..we can't stop the bleeding.
I'm here. Tell me what I can do.
Have you seen him?
The doctor says he's very healthy
and spry, my darling,
but now we must concentrate on you.
Look after him, won't you?
Well, we'll look after him together.
Promise me, Mama.
Whoever takes him in,
make sure they love him.
Let's talk about all that
when you are well and rested.
Give my best love to Papa
and try not to blame him.
Not for any of it. Please.
And remember me.
Oh, my darling child...
..as if I would not think of you
every day of my life.
But now, you need to rest
and when you wake...
Sophia...
..oh...
oh, dearest one.
Sophi-Sophia!
I'm afraid it is over, Mrs Casson.
I'm afraid it is finished.
SOBS
BABY CRIES
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