Fanny Hill (2007–…): Season 1, Episode 2 - Episode #1.2 - full transcript

ESTHER: Fanny Hill?

How should you like to come down
to London with me

and seek your fortune there?

What I'm looking for today
is a nice, well-mannered girl

dainty enough
to wait on the gentlemen.

You be a good girl,
and you'll be well rewarded.

So the gentleman will pay
Mrs. Brown to be my sweetheart?

Perhaps we will meet again
one day.

Madam, I truly believe
I've met the love of my life.

[ Both laughing ]

- CHARLES: Will you marry me?
- FANNY: Oh, yes!



Out of my house,
the pair of you!

Every penny I have
comes from my father.

Then I think you must
go back to him, Charlie.

Perhaps he's being kept there
against his will.

He wouldn't leave me.
I'm carrying his child.

He's on a ship
bound for the West Indies.

That's where Charlie is.

Then what am I to do?!

I remember you.

I am glad to hear it.

FANNY:
Time, that great comforter,

did begin to ease the violence
of my suffering

over the loss of my lover
and my baby.

My health returned to me,
and although still despairing,



I was intrigued
why this near stranger

had walked back into my life.

This is my proposal.

I will pay all your debts

and set up an establishment
for you here

with a maid of your own

and a man to drive you about
as you require.

I will visit you
two or three times a week

and spend the night with you.

The rest of your time
is your own,

though you will not take
any other lovers.

JONES: There now, Fanny.

What a lucky young woman
you are.

And if I say no?

Doesn't bear thinking of,
my dear.

Then...

...I accept.

Good.

I believe you will have no cause

to repent your knowledge of me,
Fanny.

- Sorry, milady.
- No harm done.

I knew him only as Mr. H.

I cannot say his real name.

He was a very wealthy man,
the brother of an earl.

The first time I lay with him,
I felt nothing.

I was too full
of shock and grief.

Had anyone ever told me

I should've known
any man but Charles,

I would've spat in his face.

But our virtues and our vices

depend too much
on our circumstances.

The second time,

I was determined still
to feel nothing,

meaning to preserve a sort of
faithfulness to Charles.

But Mr. H. was too patient
and too skillful for me,

and I'm ashamed to say
my body betrayed me.

[ Moaning ecstatically ]

And so I learned the extremes
of sensual delight

need have nothing to do
with true love.

A cruel lesson for a girl
with a romantic disposition.

But I think many women
may have made

that bittersweet discovery
for themselves.

Now I was truly learning to be

a woman of pleasure.

[ Fanny and Mr. H. laughing ]

- [ Slurps ]
- Mmm.

FANNY: [ Sighs ]

I suppose you've had a great
many women in your time.

I have, Fanny, though none
more delightful than you.

I don't love you, you know?
And I shall never do.

My love belongs to me husband.

I know that.

Does it make you angry?

It amuses me, Fanny, that I make
so free with your body,

yet not have your heart.

Do you think me very wicked?

Not at all.

You are what you are,
and it pleases me.

You are exactly
what I should wish you to be.

Will you teach me things?

I thought I already had taught
you a thing or two, Fanny.

No, not that sort of thing.

I mean the things
that gentlemen know,

like poetry and history
and music

and how to speak well.

Why would you want to know
such things?

So that I can be
a better companion to you.

Mm.

And for their own sake.

I thought young women
were only interested

in fine silks and jewelry.

Oh, you can give me those too
if you like.

You shall have both.

And in the months that followed,

he was as good as his word.

MR. H: "They that have power
to hurt and will do none..."

"They that have power to hur'
and will do none..."

- "Hurt."
- "Hurt."

BOTH: "That do not do the thing
they most do show,

who, moving others,
are themselves as stone...

FANNY: ...unmoved..."

- MR. H.: "Unmov-ed."
- "Unmov-ed."

"Unmov-ed...

BOTH: ...cold,
and to temptation slow.

MR. H.: They rightly
do inherit heaven's graces...

And husband nature's riches
from expense.

MR. H.: They are the lords
and owners of their faces,

others but stewards
of their excellence."

MR. H.: [ Moaning ]

[ Exhales slowly ]

Lord, but I love you, Fanny.

Do you know what hell it is
to own your body

but not your heart?

I thought it amused you.

Not anymore, Fanny.

Not anymore.

Despite his generosity
and his considerable talents

and endowments,

I could not offer him
the love he found for me.

Whatever my body now allowed,

my heart remained true
to another.

Charles was always
in my thoughts.

I would visit the places
we had been together,

as a sort of pilgrimage,

and sometimes I even thought
I saw him in the street.

Thank you, William.

- Oh, miss, uh...
- What is it, William?

Um...

Nothing, miss.

MR. H.:
[ Grunting rhythmically ]

[ Grunting stops ]

Oh, miss!

How could you?!

A passing whim.

A little relief
from my torment, Fanny.

I'm surprised you're angry.

Caring nothing for me as you do,
you can hardly be jealous.

But I was.

Or, rather, I was piqued

that he should treat me
with such contempt.

I resolved that I should have

a little private revenge
upon him.

William?

Come quickly!

What is it, miss?

Oh, William, I have
such a cramp in my calf.

Shut the door
and come over here.

Uh, what shall I do, miss?

Why, rub it, William.
What else?

Take off my shoe and stocking.

[ Breathing heavily ]

Now chafe it with your hands.

Like -- Like this, miss?

Slower.

Squeeze harder.

[ Laughing ] Oh!

I begin to feel a little relief.

Go higher, William.

That's it.

[ Chuckles ]

A little higher again.

Ohh! William.

What's this?

I'm sorry, miss.
I can't help meself.

Oh, William,
I think you love me.

Oh, but I do, miss,
and that's a fact.

Sweet William, I think you need
a little relief as well.

Shall we let the monster out?

Miss, but what if
me master comes?

It's not his day to visit.

Now let's see what treasures
you're hiding there.

[ Gasping ]

I saw, with wonder and surprise,

not the plaything of a boy
nor the weapon of a man,

but a positive maypole

that would have done credit
to a young giant.

Such a breadth
of animated ivory.

In short, it stood an object

of terror and delight,

and with no little trepidation

I guided the furious
battering ram into my...

Oh, it is so hard to find
a dainty way of putting it,

and I never cared
for coarse language.

I guided it into my palpitating

and pleasure-thirsty channel.

There.

Oh! William!

Oh, miss!
Oh, it feels lovely.

- Sweet William!
- Sweet miss!

[ Both panting ]

WILLIAM:
[ Exhales slowly ]

[ Door closes ]

FANNY: Oh, Lord.

Well, William, what have you
to say for yourself?

I'm -- I'm very, very sorry,
sir.

I don't know what came over me.

It was like there was
this wild beast inside me.

One minute, I was chafing
her leg like she asked me to,

and the next --
and I don't know how it was --

I was on her, and I was in her,
and I was up her.

Like a ram in rut.

And I'm very, very sorry, sir,
and it won't happen again.

Indeed it will not!
Damn your impudence!

I've a good mind
to have you flogged

and thrown naked in the gutter!

I beg you, sir,
don't be too harsh on him.

It was all my doing.

I wanted to get back at you
for you know very well what.

William would never
have laid a finger on me

if I hadn't encouraged him.

In fact, I confess.
I downright seduced him.

I take all the responsibility,
my dear, dear sir,

and I will bear
all the punishment.

Will you, indeed?

That is fair and honest
in you, Fanny.

William, I propose
to treat you kindly,

but you cannot remain
in my service

after this -- this insult
to my dignity.

I will send you
back to your father,

bid him take care of you
lest you run amok

amongst the girls
in the village.

Go and pack your box.

Sir.

Thank you, sir.

- I am very, very sorry --
- Get out.

- Bye, miss.
- Out!

[ Door closes ]

Fanny, what have you done?

Come here.

Don't be horrid to me.

I did no more than you did.

What's sauce for the goose is
sauce for the gander, isn't it?

You hurt my pride.

Your pride?
The pride of a whore?

Fanny, you have hurt
a good deal more than that.

Do you not realize?

I cannot possibly
continue with you after this.

Why not?

We're square now.

Do you think I did
any worse than you did?

You really mean it, don't you?

I do, Fanny.

Don't cast me off.

Haven't I been good to you till
this little bit of silliness?

You have been good to me.

You have been all I ever desired
in a woman.

I always knew I should
never have your heart,

but I did think you had
a little respect for me, Fanny.

I do.

I didn't like you at first.

But I came to respect you
and almost love you.

Truly.

And you have taught me so much
about the art of love

and poetry and philosophy

and elevated conversation

so I can near enough
pass as a lady.

Indeed, you nearly can.

I think you love me too much
to cast me off.

Then you are wrong.

It is because I love you
too much that I do.

So let's make an end of it.

I will pay
your outstanding bills

and 50 guineas over.

You have today to pack you box
and leave this house.

I never want to see you again.

Very well.

If that's what you want.

Don't think I'll fret.

I did my crying when I lost
my true love, Charles.

I shan't be shedding
any tears over you.

And you needn't fear
that you have ruined me,

because I shall do very well.

I'm sure you will, Fanny.

But I didn't see
how I was going to manage it.

After being spoiled
and pampered by Mr. H.,

how could I go back
to being poor and honest?

But then I remembered Esther
and Mrs. Cole.

Perhaps, after all, I could
find myself a place there.

[ Clears throat ]

Here you are at last, my dear.

We've been expecting you,
and you are very welcome.

Mrs. Cole, I've come
to throw myself on your mercy.

Oh, there's no need to explain.

We've heard all about it,
haven't we, dear?

I said to Esther there'd
always be a place for you here.

I must tell you, I have no
skills in the millinery, ma'am.

I can do plain sewing
and a little embroidery

but nothing fancy.

Oh, you're still
such a simpleton, Fanny.

Don't you know you're sitting on
your livelihood, same as I am?

That's enough, Esther.

You know I don't like
course talk,

especially at the front
of the house.

I, um -- I think I should
tell you, Fanny, that --

May I call you Fanny? --

that millinery is only part
of what we do here.

If, um...

If you would care to inspect...

- [ Man moans ]
- [ Woman laughs ]

No, I'm not sure
that I care to, ma'am.

Oh, just a little peep.

[ Women giggling ]

[ Slap ]

- [ Man moans ]
- [ Woman laughs ]

FANNY: [ Gasps ]

This way.

Perhaps this will be
more to your liking.

Would you care
to sit down, my dear?

You're looking very pink
in the cheeks.

I won't do it.

I've been used to something
better than this.

Well, perhaps you have.

You have been the mistress
of a great man.

But have you found another
to take his place?

Not yet.

Think of this
as a temporary stratagem.

Spend a little time on your back

to get back on your feet,
so to speak.

What must I do?

Nothing you don't care to do,
my dear.

You'll find my house
vastly superior to Mrs. Brown's.

- Only gentlemen of quality.
- That's what you all say.

Make inquiries, Fanny,

and you'll find that every word
I speak is truth.

Now...

How should you like to be
a virgin again, Fanny?

Very well, ma'am,
if it could be managed.

But I hope you don't
intend to sacrifice me

to some foul-breath-wheezing
old monster.

No, thank you very much.

Is that what happened to you
at Mrs. Brown's?

Nothing like that
will happen to you here.

No.

The young man
I have in mind for you

is as sweet and fresh
as a little lamb.

He has been privately tutored
in the country,

hardly laid eyes on a girl.

But now his father has decided
it's time

he completed his education,
so to speak.

He wants a young, fresh country
girl for his son's first time.

Do you think you could
play the part?

Fanny, my dear,
this is Mr. Harding.

And this is the honorable
Master Percival Harding.

He'll be a lord one day.

Come and sit with the honorable,
Fanny -- don't be shy --

while I speak to his father.

You may take her hand,
if you wish, Master Percival.

You are quite sure, sir,
you wouldn't rather have

one of my more experienced
young ladies for your son?

Oh, I don't want
the boy corrupted.

A-And I don't want him
infected, either.

That little girl
looks very well,

and I'm sure she knows, um,
what goes with what.

But they are both of them
so bashful.

I hardly know
how they will manage.

Perhaps if you or I --

or both of us --

were to stay here with them
and give them a little help

and guidance
as to what goes where.

Fanny is such an innocent.

Well, the notion does have
a certain piquancy.

But I think we can
safely let nature

take its course, Mrs. Cole.

Perhaps we can.

- Shh.
- Yes.

Be gentle
with my little Fanny, sir.

I had no anxiety about
Master Percival's gentleness.

He was as timid
as a little rabbit.

The difficulty was, how was
I to get him to do anything,

given that I was supposed to be
as innocent as he was?

Are we going to be
sweethearts now?

Should you like to be
my sweetheart?

Do you -- Do you know
what sweethearts do?

My father said it's all the same
as any other animal --

dog and a bitch, cow and a bull.

And have you really seen them
doing what they do?

Would you like to try it?

It looks so very rough and rude.

And surely it must hurt.

The bull has
a great, steaming red thing

that goes into the cow.

And does the cow enjoy it?

I don't know.

I have a thing.

But it's quite small and white.

May I see it?

Mrs. Cole said that
if we liked each other,

we should take off
all our clothes

and get into bed
and hold each other close

and that nature
would take its course.

Would that be a good notion,
do you think?

But there is no bed here.

I think if we go through
that door there,

we may find one.

Shall we try it?

I was aware that I was sounding

less and less like a timid maid,

but I was anxious to proceed
to the main business

and see whether the little
white thing of which he spoke

would be sturdy enough
to effect an entrance.

But as Mrs. Cole said,

nature is a wonderful teacher.

Hold me tight, Percy.

Oh, how lovely and warm.

Will you give me a kiss, Percy?

Is it time to climb
on your back now, Fanny?

[ Sighs ]

Think we may do it
face-to-face.

How shall we do that?

Like this.

Suppose I lift my leg like this

and put my other one...

Come on, my son!

[ Gasps ]

It's in!
It's in!

Oh, well done!
Well done!

[ Laughter ]

Ha!

Fanny, my dear,
I am delighted with you.

You have played your part
so well

that young Master Percival

is head over heels
in love with you,

and his father too.

He was so anxious to see his son
acquit himself well.

Indeed, Mrs. Cole, when I first
saw his poor little dart...

Ha!

...I was a little anxious.

But he rose to the occasion
so quickly and so often,

I confess I'm half in love
with him myself.

The father wanted you to have
this little present, Fanny,

over and above the fee agreed.

And he has requested a weekly
appointment for his son

and another for himself
on the same terms.

Oh, Fanny.

I do hope you'll decide to stay
with us some little while.

Well, having at present
nowhere else to go...

You won't regret it,
Fanny my dear.

[ Smooches ]

[ Door opens ]

Mrs. Cole and her girls were
a very merry little family,

and I warmed to them,

but I could not help
reflecting at the same time.

Here we all were, all young,

all of us with the bloom of
youth and beauty still on us,

and I wondered what would become
of us all.

Age and experience will stand
you well in most professions,

but not this one.

We're like actresses
on the stage.

Our days in the sunshine
are brilliant but short --

a little longer than
the mayfly's, but not much.

But for now, all was tenderness
and good humor,

and Mrs. Cole arranged
a little ball

to welcome me
into the fellowship

and make the acquaintance

of some of her more favored
and generous clients.

Ladies and gentlemen,
honor your partners.

[ Mid-tempo music plays ]

[ Laughter ]

[ Rhythmic clapping ]

[ Moaning ecstatically ]

In that merry rout,
that melting pot,

that salmagundi of heated flesh,

I gave myself wholly up
to pleasure,

for Mrs. Cole's motto was,

"Do was thou wilt shall be
the whole of the law."

We were all as deep

in the pleasures of the flesh
as each other,

so there was no one to point
the finger of accusation.

But though Mrs. Cole claimed
that we had re-created

the innocent pleasures
of the Garden of Eden,

before sin and death
came on the scene,

in the midst of it all
I sometimes felt

a little private pang
of conscience

when I thought
of what I had been

and what I was now --

common whore, to put it plainly,

a vehicle for hire.

And the life
of even a common whore

can have its complications.

Fanny.

Why, Percy.
Have you mistook the day?

You're not expected
until Thursday.

I had to come, Fanny.

- You must learn patience.
- Please, Fanny.

I'm in torment.

Mrs. Cole, would you,
as a special favor?

Just this once, my dear.

You may take him through.

PERCY: [ Moaning ]

[ Exhales sharply ]

[ Breathing heavily ]

Why, Percy,
what's brought this on?

Where's the fire?

Are you truly my sweetheart?

You know I am.

Then why can I not
see you every day?

Because Mrs. Cole
wouldn't like it, darling.

Then leave her house
and come and live with me.

You couldn't afford me, Percy.

Besides, I have to think
of my other sweethearts.

I hate them!
I hate you for having them.

My father too.

Oh, Percival, don't be sad.

You are my dearest love, truly.

And I suppose you say
the same to them.

Some of them, yes.
The softer ones like you.

I see it now.

You're nothing but a whore.

And what if I am?

I've been
a very good whore for you.

If you don't care for it now,
then you can go your own way.

See if I care.

Plenty more fish in the sea
besides you.

Well, go on, then.

Go and find yourself
a nice, highborn lady,

and see if you like her
better than me.

I can do very well without you.

You made me love you.

And now you break my heart.

There, there.

What was I supposed to do?

Am I to blame
if he fell in love with me?

[ Door slams ]

[ Sighs ] Silly boy.

[ Door opens ]

[ Door closes ]

Louisa, Mr. Walters
is here for you.

Fanny, my dear, would you care
to step out for me

and pick up a basket of fruit

for yourself
and the rest of the girls?

Gladly, ma'am.

- Then take my purse.
- [ Coins clinking ]

I think I can trust you
not to run away with it.

FANNY:
Indeed you can, ma'am.

You've been very kind and very
good to me, so you have.

I just want you
to be happy here, Fanny.

[ Smooches ]

WOMAN:
Flowers! Flowers!

Nosegay? Nosegay?

WOMAN #2: Lovely plump chickens!
Come and get them!

Lovely plump chickens
here today.

[ Chickens clucking ]

Fresh chickens here today!
Come on! Come and get them!

- FANNY: Good afternoon.
- Afternoon, ma'am.

I'll take a dozen apples,
six of those pears,

and two pounds of cherries,
if you please.

Very good, miss.

You are f-fond of fruit.

Isn't all for me, sir.

Who, then?

I work in a milliner's.

There are several other girls
besides me and my mistress.

And you are all fond of fruit.

We are, sir.
Are not you?

I have but little appetite
for anything these days.

But I'll pay for your fruit
if you let me walk you home.

No need for that, sir.

The p-paying
or the w-walking home?

Neither, sir.

I'd have you know
I'm a respectable girl.

I'm sure you are,
and I'm glad to hear it.

Might I know your name?

I don't want to give offense,

but it's none
of your business, sir.

No, indeed.

But I should like to make it so.

If you won't let me
walk you home,

then let me follow you
at a respectful distance.

I should like the make the
acquaintance of your mistress

so that we might be
p-properly introduced.

Well, sir,
if you put it like that,

I don't see how I can stop you.

Mrs. Cole, a gentleman spoke
to me and followed me home.

I couldn't very well stop him.

He said he wanted
to make your acquaintance.

Here he comes now.

I hope I haven't done wrong,
Mrs. Cole.

Does he know the truth
about this house?

I don't think so.

Very well, dear.
Leave it to me.

[ Door opens ]

Good day, sir.

Madam.

May I speak with you about
a matter of private business?

Certainly, sir.

Would you care to come through
to the parlor?

Really, Mr. Norbert,
you astonish me.

My Fanny is a good girl

and one of my best
little seamstresses

and -- and as dear to me
as my own daughter.

Mrs. Cole, she has
struck a bolt into my heart.

Am I to understand that you are
asking for her hand in marriage?

I know what sort of house
you keep here.

Have I not wasted my inheritance

in places such as this
all over Europe?

And now, ma'am,
I beg your kind indulgence

to end my days here.

I don't expect to live long,
and I wish to die h-happy.

My dear sir,
this is not a hospital.

Aware of it, ma'am.

And your humble servant
is no pauper.

Oh?

I have £1,000 left
of my patrimony.

I think that will see me out
with something to spare.

I want to come and live here
with you and your girls.

I confess, I'm too debilitated
to do them much damage,

though I entertain the hope
that o-once more before I die,

I shall be able to scale
Cupid's summit.

So you wish to...

To -- To take meals with you all
and chat,

and be affectionate
and friendly, nothing more.

- Mrs. Cole?
- Yes, my dear?

If conversation and company
is all he wants,

I should be glad to give him
his chance of happiness.

Well said, my little angel.

I thank you from the heart
for your k-kind words.

Mrs. Cole?

Well, what can I say?

I believe you have charmed us,
Mr. Norbert.

And so Mr. Norbert came to be
part of our little society,

privy to all our little secrets.

I said, "Oh, sir, there's
nothing to be shy about,"

and he said,
"It's rather small, Harriet."

And I said,
"Oh, size don't matter.

I'm sure it's a pretty one.

Shall we get it out
and have a look?"

Get it out?
I was hard put to it to find it.

[ Laughter ]

But there it was at last,
this tiny little thing.

It was like a little wren
peeping out of a bush.

"Oh, Mr. Barville,
what a monster," I said.

[ Laughter ]

Barville?
He was at school with me.

Liked to be whipped.

He still does.
Esther's your girl for that.

ESTHER:
I am, Mr. Norbert.

Just say the word
anytime you want to have

a little conversation
with Mr. Birch.

Y-Y-You're very kind, my dear,
but my constitution,

wouldn't withstand anything
s-so frisky.

[ Laughter ]

Simply to be here
in your company,

listen to your tales,
is bliss enough for me.

I'm -- I'm -- I'm curious
to know

how all you delightful creatures
came to live here.

You, Louisa, by what steps
did you come here?

My story is not
such a happy one, sir.

I ran away from home
when I was only 15.

Life was very hard
and work was scarce.

Think I should've wasted away
or gone mad but for Esther here.

Found me and brought me here
to Mrs. Cole.

I don't know what I've done to
deserve such kindness, indeed.

There, there, now, Louisa.

And Fanny?

Oh, I came to London
with a friend

who cruelly deceived me

and left me to the mercy
of a bawd called Mrs. Brown.

I met my sweetheart
at Mrs. Brown's.

He took me away
and we were very happy

till his father parted us.

I don't think I shall
ever be truly happy

till I find him again.

But till now,
this is as good a place as any.

[ Up-tempo music playing ]

Oh! [ Panting ]

NORBERT: [ Coughs ]
Fanny.

[ Coughing ]

So do we have only each other
for company this evening?

Yes, sir.

A party of officers came in, and
the girls are kept very busy.

But I swore I wouldn't see you
left on your own.

You're a good girl, Fanny.

And I thought
that perhaps tonight

you might tell me
a little of your life

without the others by
to giggle and poke fun.

No, no, no, no, Fanny.

- It's not a pretty tale.
- I should like to hear it.

Were you ever in love, sir?

I-I was, Fanny.
I believe I was.

There was a little maid
on our home farm.

Annette.

Took my fancy, and I took hers,

and we took
each other's maidenheads.

And she told me she loved me
more than life itself.

And you loved her too?

I did.
I think I did.

But damn fool that I was...

What, sir?
What happened?

I let her go.

She was lovely I thought,

but there would be
many more like her.

There were not.

Did you ever see her again, sir?

[ Coughs ] Sometimes
when the lights are low,

late at night,
in a place such as this,

sometimes I think I've seen her.

Or seen her double.

Sometimes, Fanny, you remind me
of my lost love.

Do I, sir?

That was why I followed you home
that first day.

And now that
I've got to know you...

...w-will you let me try, Fanny?

NORBERT: [ Moaning ]

Annette!

Annette!

Oh! Oh!

FANNY: Ohh!

There.

Well done, Mr. Norbert.

Mr. Norbert?

Oh, Lord.

Mrs. Cole?

Mrs. Cole!

Mrs. Cole!

It had all been too much
for Mr. Norbert.

It was a strange and eerie
sensation to be lying there

with the dart of a dead man
lodged inside of me.

But nonetheless, I was proud
to have played my part

in enabling him
to die a happy man.

Whether his soul
went to heaven or hell,

I leave to others to determine.

I was now something
of a heroine at Mrs. Cole's.

Here's a toast -- to Fanny.

For conjuring a cockstand
from a dying man.

[ Laughter ]

To Fanny!

- To Fanny!
- To Fanny!

[ Laughter ]

You think yourself

quite the Queen of the May now,
Fanny Hill.

Not at all, I assure you.

You were ever one
to give yourself airs

and think yourself better
than the next girl.

Not I, Esther, truly.

I think you forget who it was
that brought you to London.

Aye, and left me to the tender
mercies of Mrs. Brown.

Well, you done yourself
very well out of it.

I don't want to quarrel, Esther.

I am quite prepared to let
bygones be bygones if you are.

I'll wonder if you'll say that

when you've met
my latest gallant, Fanny.

Why?
Who is he?

Wouldn't you like to know?

[ Laughter ]

No, indeed, sir.

How am I to choose
between two such stallions?

I heard of a girl who could ride
two horses at once,

but she was in a traveling fair.

Come, sirs.

It disturbed me
to see my old lover again.

I didn't care to have my new
territory invaded by my past.

But when he came to me later,

I was ready
to do battle with him.

Well, Fanny.

I hope I find you well.

Very well, as you see.

And anybody's now.

Anybody I fancy.

And for a price
and very much sought after.

So I hear.

I wonder,

do you still read poetry, Fanny?

ESTHER:
There you are!

I'm so sorry
to have neglected you.

Thank you
for looking after him, Fanny.

But really you need not
have troubled yourself.

I wonder you were so silly
as to court his anger, Fanny.

Well, he's so generous
and such a passionate lover.

I'm glad he pleases you, Esther.

Oh, he does.

But not, I think,
as much as I please him.

[ Chuckles ]

We had a laugh the other night
when he was speaking of

a silly little country wench
he used to keep,

who was so innocent

she hardly knew a St. George
from a gamahuche.

Now, I wonder
who that could've been.

Perhaps it was me, Esther.

Do you know, I believe it was.

Well, he's learned
his lesson now.

He tells me 50 times a day
he's so much better off with me.

Does he?

Well, you may tell him from
his silly little country wench,

I'm very happy
he has found his true love.

- For I want none of him.
- No, I shall not.

I shall tell him
what everybody knows --

that you can't bear
to see me with him

and you wish you had him back.

[ Indistinct conversations ]

FANNY:
Stallion, sir, aren't you?

[ Laughing ]

Yes, well, needs looking to.

Allow me.

Unhand this lady, sir.

Damn you, sir,
I'll do no such thing.

Unhand her, I say!

Shall we stop
playing this game, Fanny?

- What game, sir?
- You know very well what game.

Trying to torment one another.

Trying to
make each other jealous.

- Is that what we're doing?
- Enough of this!

Come back to me, Fanny.
I miss you.

There.

Let all be forgiven.

I want you back.

I'm sorry.
It's too late for that now.

I'm happy where I am.

Listen to me, Fanny.

I love you.
I cannot live without you.

- I am begging you!
- I don't want your love.

You know who I love,
and I'd never love you.

I'd rather be an honest whore
and keep my feelings to myself.

Then be damned to you!

Be damned to you
for the sly, conniving,

cozening little whore
that you are!

I thought you were different
from the rest of them.

I even thought to raise you
from the gutters and the stews

and make a fine lady of you!

But I see you'd rather
wallow in the filth!

Damn you, Fanny!

Be damned to you
and your whole rotten crew!

I'll see the whole gang of you
rot in hell!

- Oh!
- Oh!

[ Door opens ]

[ Door slams ]

His words had wounded me,

but I knew his wound
was the greater.

Nothing he said
could touch my heart,

and all his words
came from jealousy and love.

Indeed, I felt sorry for him,

but not sorry enough
to take him back.

I felt happy and secure
at Mrs. Cole's,

which had become
almost a family to me.

[ Ecstatic moaning ]

COLE: I said to the gentleman
who came to the shop, I said,

"Are you interested
in fancy goods?"

to which he replied,
"The fancier, the better."

Ma'am! Ma'am!
It's the watch!

We will have entry
by order of the justice.

This is outrageous!

By order of His Worship, you're
all to go before the justice

on account of evidence laid

that you keep
a bawdyhouse here, Mrs. Cole,

and a stable
of notorious whores --

Fanny Hill, Louisa Martin,

Harriet Blackstone,
Esther Davies.

Bar the doors in!
None of them leave!

- Line them up.
- [ Indistinct shouting ]

In truth, sir, I run a humble
millinery business here.

Could we not come
to some agreement?

Unhand me, sir!

Tell your men to take
their filthy paws off my girls.

- WOMAN: What are you doing?
- OFFICER: All of you!

[ Woman gasps ]

[ Gasps ]

Take her to the magistrate.

And the rest.

OFFICER: You heard.

Get them out of my sight.

[ Indistinct shouting ]

I have never known
such rudeness in my life.

WOMAN: Esther!

MAN: There's been
a misunderstanding!

I'm a visitor here!

Unhand me!
How dare you?!

WOMAN: Oh, Mrs. Cole!

[ Indistinct shouting ]

Mrs. Cole had shielded me
to the end,

disguising my escape.

Now, indeed, I was alone.

I had nothing, and there was
not a soul to help me.

Go on! Go on!
Get off here!

Come here!

Let me go, sir.
Let me go!

Girl, I've been at sea
these three months together.

I long for a bit of company.

Damn your eyes, sir!

Do you take me
for a common street girl?

I'll take you
any way you like, my dear.

Now I knew what it was to be
a creature of the street,

at everybody's mercy.

[ Sobbing ]

How had I come to this, who
thought so highly of myself?

Help!

Yet, in my heart,
I knew in essence

it was no different from
my gay life at Mrs. Cole's.

The characters and the scenery
might be different,

but I was playing the same part.

[ Sobbing ]

I longed to leave it all behind
and find my way home.

But what was home to me now?

Help. Help me!

[ Grunting ]

FANNY:
What is it, sir?

Footpads robbed me.

I [Gasping]

I -- I can't catch my breath.

Please, miss, I beg you.

Let me, sir.

Thank you.
You're very kind.

Now, if I help you,
can we get you home, sir?

[ Man groaning ]

Oh!
It's not far.

Anthony?

Polly?

POLLY: Sir?

Take my cloak, would you?

What happened to you, sir?

Now, my dear young lady, let
Polly help you tidy up a bit,

and then you must take
a little supper with me,

and I'll send you home
in my own carriage.

It was a strange thing,

but from the moment I came
into Mr. Goodyear's house,

I felt at peace.

Thank you.
Thank you.

Hope your family aren't anxious

about you being from home
so late at night.

My dear girl, what is it?

I have no family, sir,
nor any home.

My husband died
not two months back,

and being unable
to pay the rent,

I was turned out of my lodging
without a penny.

What a shocking thing.

Indeed, it's tantamount

to driving a virtuous
young widow into sin.

Ah?

Well, how else can a destitute
young woman live these days

but by selling her body?

I would never do that, sir.

I would rather starve.

It pained me to tell a fib
to this good old man,

but I feared that the truth
might shock him,

and I would find myself
back on the streets again.

Well, there are
no two ways about it.

One good turn deserves another.

You must stay here with me
at my expense

until you have found your feet.

And what shall I call you?

My name is Fanny.
Fanny Hill.

You are very welcome, Fanny.

It didn't take long.

Within two weeks,
I was appointed housekeeper

and given keys to every chest
and cupboard in the house.

I could've robbed him and
run off with all his riches,

but he trusted me,

and I was beginning to find
that virtue has its pleasures

as well as vice.

There you are, sir.

Fanny?

- I was wondering, Fanny...
- Yes, sir?

You have brought such light
into my life,

I would be happy if you would
live it out with me,

only as my companion.

Thank you, sir.

And so for three months

I endeavored to deserve
the love he bestowed on me.

I was proud and happy to know
that he wanted me for myself

and not my body.

I had not known that
since I was a little girl.

Sadly, it was not to last.

He died as he lived,
peacefully and quietly.

I know he was happy, and I was
genuinely sorry to lose him.

He left me everything.

I was now
a very wealthy young woman.

I left London for the north,
for my native Lancashire,

for it seemed the only place
that I could belong.

I had no idea what my life
would lead to

or what would be waiting for me
around the next corner.

MAN: Stop!

Stop!

Stop the carriage, I say!

Whoa there!

Ho! Ho!

Stop the carriage.

MAN:
Hold it there, sir!

[ Horse neighs ]

Charles!

Fanny, my love.

If you knew how long
I've been searching.

We repaired to the nearest inn,
and he told me his story.

I thought I'd never
see you again, Fanny.

I was kidnapped by my father,

press-ganged by him,

forced to work
on his plantations.

I managed to get away,

but we were wrecked
on the Irish coast

and I lost everything I had.

But I found you.

I found you.

You won't love me anymore.

You know nothing
of what has happened to me.

Shh. I do.

I've learned a lot
in looking for you.

You are not to blame.

What else were you meant to do
in the circumstances?

Let's put the past behind us

and marry
as we once intended to.

Y-You don't have to.

I would be happy
to be your mistress.

But I will only be happy
if you are my wife.

[ Gasps ] Oh, Charlie.

CHARLES: I love you.

And so we renewed our love
in the most delightful way.

And there you have it.

We purchased a fine house and
live very happy in it so far.

As to the moral of my story,
must stories have morals?

It seems to me
life is very complicated,

and we must all get through it
the best we can.

Virtue is always preferable
to vice,

but we can't always choose,
can we?