North and South, Book I (1985): Season 1, Episode 5 - Episode #1.5 - full transcript
Having locked Madeline in her room and nearly starving her to death, Justin convinces the doctor that her condition is self-inflicted. The doctor prescribes his own tonic and a daily dose of laudanum which, despite its addictive qualities, will serve to calm her nerves. Madeline is soon a very different woman: submissive and with few words to say, she has little memory of her love affair with Orry and their decision to run off together. Orry and Brett travel to Philadelphia where he wants to give his good friend George Hazard his share of the profits from their cotton mill. Unfortunately, Virgilia is also visiting leading to a confrontation with Orry over slavery. Orry and Brett leave and it will be some time before before he and George see one another. On the train trip home, they are stopped by a group led by abolitionist John Brown. Ashton, now married to James Hontoon, spends a good deal of her time in bed with lovers while her political activist husband is away promoting secession. That movement is gaining ground and war is seen as inevitable should Abraham Lincoln win the forthcoming elections.
I'm glad to see you in
such a lively mood today.
You must be feeling better.
There's nothing wrong with
me, thank you very much.
I just had a touch
of the marsh fever.
But I'm feeling fine
now. Just fine.
Well enough to go riding
today with Forbes LaMotte.
Why, your wedding is
only a few weeks away.
I'd have thought you'd be spending
all your time with James.
After all, he is the
man you're marrying.
Just because I'm
honouring him with the
privilege of marrying
into our family...
doesn't mean I'll
spend my last days
of freedom in his boring company.
You make marriage sound
like a jail sentence.
It won't be that way
for Billy and me.
Billy Hazard is no different
than the rest of them.
You silly fool.
You believe in all those lies
he writes in his letters...
about how he loves you
and wants to marry you?
Why, he said those very words
to me, once upon a time.
You hate Billy because he
wants me now, instead of you.
Brett. That's not true.
I'm trying to protect you.
You're my sister, after all.
Then try to understand
that I love Billy...
and that we are going
to be married soon.
Of course you are.
And we'll have a big family
and a dozen children.
That's 12 more than
I'll be breeding.
You just make sure
that he marries you...
first.
If you can hear me, Mrs LaMotte, I
want you to know I'm
here to help you.
You're safe. Your husband's
here. He's terribly worried.
I'll do all I can, but you
must do everything I ask.
Yes.
You must force yourself to eat.
I've tried everything I could to
persuade her, Doctor,
but she refuses.
Don't you, dear?
I will try to eat...
something...
if the doctor tells me to.
Good. Now, you must follow
my regimen to the letter.
Plenty of rest, hot
tea, some solid
food when you're feeling up to it.
But more importantly...
you must drink some of my celery
tonic every day without fail.
You'll see to it that
she gets her medicine?
I'll spoon-feed it to her myself.
- And this room must be aired out.
- Certainly.
In her delirium, she wouldn't let
anyone in here to
clean it for her.
You'll recover, my dear.
I can't believe it. She's
practically starved herself.
After a week, your wife will be
accustomed to the celery tonic.
Then you may substitute
the other formulation.
The one containing the laudanum?
Yes, from your description of her
behaviour before the
mental collapse...
I consider the treatment
entirely necessary.
I wish there was some other way.
But I just can't think of
anything else to calm her nerves.
I'm afraid of what she
might do to herself
if I'm not here to
watch out for her.
Of course. You understand
there will be symptoms.
Fatigue, signs of early ageing.
All of which can be accountable
to natural causes.
The stress and strain
of normal living.
Mrs LaMotte need never know
she's taken the laudanum.
One more question, Doctor.
How long can this
treatment be continued?
Indefinitely.
But I'm afraid that
after a while she
won't be able to
function without it.
Thank you, Doctor.
Good day, Doctor.
Madeline.
Orry, how nice to see you again.
What's wrong with you? Did you
change your mind about leaving?
I've waited at the chapel
for you every day.
I know it's dangerous
to come here, but
I had to see that
you were all right.
Meet me tomorrow. I have
to know what's wrong.
I'm sorry. It's too difficult.
Justin, I've come about the
invitation to Ashton's wedding.
It's next week, and we hadn't
gotten your reply yet, so...
My apologies.
I've been hoping that Madeline
will be well enough to attend.
Is there anything I can do?
No. She's under a doctor's care.
He says it's nothing serious.
Just a weakness in the blood.
One of those mysterious ailments
that women are heir to.
I think you should go back
into the house now, my dear.
You've been out here long enough.
We hope you'll both
be at the wedding.
It's Sunday after next, remember.
We'll surely try.
Madeline, say goodbye to Orry.
Goodbye, Orry.
Ladies and gentlemen, maintain
your posture, please.
1,001, 1,002, 1,003...
1,004, 1,005.
Thank you.
Would you lovely ladies
excuse me for just a second?
Madeline.
I'm glad you came.
I beg your pardon?
Why have you shut me out? I wish
you'd tell me what I've done.
Have you seen my husband anywhere?
I must find him.
Talk to me. Let me help you.
There's no need.
Then let me see you
again. Just once.
No. That's impossible.
Madeline, I will not give up.
Please leave me alone.
Of course, James expressed to
me his interest in politics.
But to be called upon to help
guide the Secessionist Movement...
I just had no idea I'd be marrying
such a powerful and
influential man.
As his wife, I hope I can only
live up to such an honour.
You'd make a mighty
fine first lady
of the Republic of South Carolina.
Do you agree, Brett?
Of course. That's what you want.
James' happiness is what I want.
If we can get the rest of the
Southern states to secede...
who knows, James?
You may be elected President
of something a lot bigger.
First thing I'd do
is put an end to
those damn Northern abolitionists.
Like that Hazard woman.
Perhaps you have forgotten that
the Hazard family are our friends.
I'm afraid I neglected
to tell you...
that Brett's keeping company
with Virgilia's brother Billy.
We plan to be married.
Well then, please
accept my apology...
and my deepest regret.
Isn't it the most beautiful
little ring you ever saw?
And when the sun
shines, it's just...
I swear I've never seen
anything so beautiful.
Forbes, I thought you'd left.
And without saying goodbye to me.
I'm here to pay you
my final respects...
and to escort you
over to your husband.
James seems unable to escape the
attention of his political allies.
May I?
I wonder if your husband
would be gracious enough...
to let me escort you
to your bedroom...
that is, if you felt a sudden
headache coming on real suddenly.
It would be rude of me
to desert our guests.
You once said that if you married
James, you'd still want me.
Does that hold true?
I never say anything I
don't mean, Forbes.
There's something
I want in return.
Anything.
It involves my sister
and Billy Hazard.
That sure is a crime.
Brett wanting to marry that
Yankee when she can have me.
I might have married Billy if
it weren't for little sister.
And the fact that he caught you
and me in the cotton dock.
He never said anything
about that, did he?
No, but it doesn't mean he won't.
James would divorce
me quicker than
a snake's smile if he found out.
And kill you.
There's a way we can
get rid of him, and
not have anything
to worry about...
if you help me.
What is going on in that
devilish mind of yours?
You'll find out another time.
I refuse to talk business
on my wedding day.
No.
Are you all right?
Must you talk about it?
I'm so embarrassed.
There's nothing to be ashamed of.
This being your first time
and all, it's only natural.
I had no idea it would
be so discomfiting.
You'll learn to enjoy
lovemaking, I promise.
You're not disappointed by my
lack of experience, are you?
On the contrary, I wouldn't
have had it any other way.
I saved myself for you, James.
But you'll have to learn
to be gentle with me...
and let me grow accustomed
to my duty as your wife.
A little patience and
understanding is all I ask for.
I'll try to make it easier on you.
There's no rush now, James.
We have plenty of time for that.
We have our whole lives
ahead of us, James.
Yes, of course. But we won't
have to wait that long, will we?
Our whole lives, James,
dear. Remember that, now.
You go to sleep.
Go on. Good night.
It's as if I weren't even married.
Having to move back
here while James is
off having a gay
time in New Orleans.
If James thought that
I'd stay cooped up
in that miserable,
empty house of his...
with no one to talk to but house
slaves, he was sadly mistaken.
- Orry, take me to New Orleans.
- What?
Out of the question.
Why? I want to spend some
time with my husband.
We didn't even have
a proper honeymoon.
The Secessionist
Movement is obviously
of greater importance to James.
It's important to both of us.
I happen to share his views.
Then you should
realise the danger of
what your husband is advocating...
for South Carolina and
the rest of the states.
He's stoking a fire that
will burn out of control.
Maybe a raging fire's
just what we need
to get people like you
to join our fight.
What is it going to take
to make you understand...
that we need Northern
industry to survive?
A separation of states will
only mean the South's downfall.
What about slavery? Are you
willing to do away with it?
I hardly think so. It
wouldn't look right.
You out there in the fields, side
by side with Mama and Brett.
You're right. You do
belong with your husband.
Then you're going to
take me to New Orleans?
No.
You'll just have to
have to wait for
him at his plantation,
not this one.
Let us not forget, my friends...
we fought the revolution against
tyranny to found this nation.
Will we let the Federal Government
dictate to the state
of South Carolina?
No.
Will we let it dictate
to any sovereign state?
No.
No, my friends, because
states have rights.
Rights to which we
are guaranteed by
the constitution of
the United States.
If the Federal
Government doesn't see
fit to recognise those rights...
I say we form our own country.
♪ Wish that I was in
the land of cotton ♪
♪ Old times there
are not forgotten ♪
♪ Look away, look away,
look away, Dixie Land ♪
♪ In Dixie Land, where I was born
in early on one frosty morning ♪
♪ Look away, look away,
look away, Dixie Land ♪
♪ I wish I was in Dixie. Hooray ♪
♪ In Dixie Land I'll take my stand
to live and die in Dixie ♪
♪ Away, away, away
down South in Dixie ♪
♪ Away, away, away
down South in Dixie ♪
Your speech tonight was an
unqualified success, James.
The crowd rose to their feet
so many times, I lost count.
I consider myself
extremely fortunate
to have heard you
express your views.
Our views, so eloquently.
Thank you, Major Bent.
I'm glad you share our sentiments,
and not those of Jefferson Davis.
Many of us in the military abhor
Davis' cowardly policies.
I will give him credit
for his past heroism.
Past is right. Now all
he wants is peace.
As if there can be such a thing.
If the Union is dissolved...
and a new Southern nation falls
under Davis' leadership...
I'll have no place in either army.
As a Southerner, I could never
bear arms against my homeland.
But I could not support
Jefferson Davis.
That would be a great loss
to the South, Major Bent.
So we must make sure that Mr
Davis is never in a position...
to cost us the services
of men like you.
Good evening, gentlemen. I hope
I haven't kept you waiting.
Your ladies are worth
it, Madam Conti.
I like to think so.
Otille will be available
in half an hour or so.
Perhaps one of the other girls.
Otille is the only one
worth waiting for...
as far as I'm concerned.
These gentlemen are my guests
this evening, Madam Conti.
Gentlemen, make your selection.
You'll excuse me, gentlemen, but
Mary Lou is so new in the field...
she doesn't know how
to fend for herself.
And that's not good
for my business.
You are a generous man, sir.
A man in my position likes
to take care of his friends.
Is this Orry Main?
Yes. Do you know him?
Very well. We were at
West Point together.
Later, he served under
me in the Mexican War.
In fact, he was
decorated for bravery
under my command at Churubusco.
I take it this your wedding
picture, Mr Huntoon?
I'm proud to say so.
My lovely wife there
is Orry Main's sister.
She's beautiful, indeed.
You're a lucky man.
Who is this lady? I
recall seeing her before.
Madeline LaMotte, a close
friend of the family.
That's peculiar. I don't
recognise the name.
Only the face is familiar.
Such beauty would
be hard to forget.
It'll come to me in time.
I'll remember that face.
For now, sir, my congratulations
on your beautiful bride.
Thank you, Major.
- Will it be Suzanne again?
- Yes. Thank you, madam.
Since I must wait for
Otille, madam...
let's share a bottle of
champagne in your office.
I have a sudden desire
to see that room again.
Paul, bring the finest
bottle of champagne.
You've always admired
that painting, Major.
Yes, I have.
Didn't you once tell me
she used to work for you?
She was even more
beautiful than Otille.
And more expensive.
To you, madam.
Your love of beauty is exceeded
only by your love of money.
How true.
Whatever became of the woman?
She died quite a while ago.
She was very special to me.
I was lonely when she left.
But she loved him.
There was nothing I could do.
Who was it that she loved?
A customer...
with slightly less exotic
tastes than yours.
Why are you so curious?
Because the woman
in that portrait...
reminds me...
of someone that I
once loved and lost.
You and I share a
most painful memory.
Please...
tell me about her.
His name was Nicholas Fabray.
He was respected.
Very wealthy man.
When Laurette told me he'd
asked her to marry him...
I couldn't help but laugh.
I told her he didn't have to
marry her to sleep with her.
He'd already paid
for that privilege.
But did they marry?
Yes.
They had a child, a little girl.
The birth was very hard.
She died soon after.
What happened to the child?
Fabray left town soon
after Laurette died.
Took their daughter.
It was the best thing.
Too many people knew
what her mother was.
You mean, what she had been.
Was.
A one-quarter Negress. A quadroon.
Then the child has
nigger blood in it.
Laurette was never that to me.
It is indeed a
tragic story, madam.
A sorry ending to the woman who
inspired that beautiful painting.
Do you know where
the child is today?
She must be a woman now.
I only hope she's kept her secret.
If it ever got out...
Certainly, it's safe
with me, madam.
I assure you of that.
I'm sure Otille's
ready for you now.
Billy's only got a short leave.
You don't suppose we could
miss each other, do you?
No, I don't, Brett.
We haven't even gotten
to Belvedere yet.
We won't see Billy till we catch a
train to Philadelphia
on our way back.
- I guess I'm a little anxious.
- No.
I do know how you feel.
I can hardly wait to
give George his first
share of the profits
from the mill.
It'll be wonderful to see
George and Constance again.
Yes, it will.
Thank you for letting
me come along.
It is more pleasant with a
travelling companion...
as you so astutely
pointed out back home.
Train's due in the station
in five minutes, folks.
Excuse me, sir.
We'll change trains
when we arrive,
and we have a lot of luggage.
Could you possibly find a baggage
man for us in the depot?
Couldn't say.
Maybe you should've brought some
of your slaves to help you out.
I asked you a civil question.
I'll call the car porter.
What is wrong with these people?
We've run into nothing but his
kind since we started this trip.
Is it me? Am I doing
something wrong?
You're speaking with
a Southern accent.
We are in Maryland. We
haven't even left the South.
There are a lot of people here
more Yankee than Southern.
Everything is changed since
we visited the Hazards.
I can feel it.
We're not welcome here any more.
And you still want to marry Billy?
Just as much as you want to
remain friends with George.
I want that, yes.
But can I have it?
$80,000?
I can't believe it, Orry.
I can't wait until Stanley
hears about this.
He told me that mill would
be a cataclysmic disaster.
Sort of like that
train ride North.
Will you relax?
You ran into some ignorant
people on the train.
You know we're not all like that.
Some of us are.
Which reminds me,
my sister's here.
- Virgilia's home?
- Temporarily.
She only comes home when
she needs to. For money.
Thank you.
And supplies for the cause.
She looks like hell.
Is she still living
in Philadelphia?
You mean, is she still
married to Grady?
I think so, although she
hasn't seen fit to tell us.
It must be very difficult for you.
It was terrible for my mother.
I don't think she'll ever get
over Virgilia marrying a Negro.
You? What about you?
I could accept
Virgilia's marriage...
if I understood her
reasons for doing it.
Enough of that. How's Charles?
Is he still down in
Texas, fighting Indians?
No. Past history. He has now
crossed the Rio Grande...
and is chasing some Mexican
bandit named Cortina.
Thank God there's one person
in our two families...
that knows who he's
fighting and why.
Excuse me, darling.
I'm sorry to interrupt you,
but I need a man's opinion.
- Do you like it?
- It's beautiful.
I should say, you have
never looked more lovely.
Thank you, Orry. George bought
it for me. It's from Paris.
I'm going to wear it
at the night of the
first charity ball
at Lehigh Station.
A Charles Worth original.
Now, you don't think it's
a bit too Irish, do you?
It's beautiful.
It looks absolutely
lovely on you, dear.
Thank you. I mean, I know it's a
bit too grand for the occasion...
raising funds for a new
schoolhouse, but I don't care.
George bought it for me,
and you know I love it.
Virgilia, I warn
you. Just this once,
keep your dreadful
opinions to yourself.
- Get out of my way.
- You'll only upset them.
Virgilia, what a surprise.
Hello, Brett.
Hello, Orry.
Virgilia.
I hadn't heard you were visiting.
No wonder. I'm the best-kept
secret in this family.
Do you know that George tried
to lock me away in the attic?
But I managed to escape. I found
this tiny window and crawled out.
Virgilia, please.
You'll all be happy
to hear I'm leaving
in the morning for Chambersburg.
That's right.
To help in the work of
the great John Brown.
- Have you heard of him?
- Who hasn't?
He and his five sons butchered
slavery settlers in Kansas.
He's nothing but a murderer.
I expected you'd say
something like that.
To slander anybody who dares
to do something about slavery.
You should never have
allowed her to stay.
You promised me.
Is planning massacres the way
you're going to help him?
John Brown's the new messiah.
And one day he'll lead your
slaves in a great revolution.
Any man who stands in our way
will die in blood and fire.
And you'll be the first.
We're leaving now. Come on, Brett.
No, Orry. Wait, please.
You are my flesh and blood, but
this time you've gone too far.
Now, I want you out of this house.
No, Mother. Let them go. They
won't listen to the truth.
That's one thing too much
for a Southerner to bear.
The truth?
You don't even know the
meaning of the word.
I'm sick and tired of
taking the blame...
for every wrong that's ever
been done in the South.
And I will not stand here to be
lied to by some,
filthy, twisted...
- Orry, that's enough.
- Crazy woman.
You and your black-breeding farms.
Where do you get such fantasies?
From yellow-back novels?
Does just thinking
about it arouse you?
Is that why you married Grady?
To find out for yourself?
I told you to stop it.
You are an evil man. And evil
sees evil in everything.
But you and your
kind are finished.
I warned you this day would
come, and it's here.
Shut up, and get back to your
nigger husband where you belong.
I think that apologies
are in order.
This time, I will not accept them.
This time, you'll offer
one to all of us.
You are taking her part in this?
I take issue with her
words and her ways...
but my sister's on the right side.
Then we have nothing more
to say to each other.
You're right. We haven't.
Kindly have our luggage delivered
to the Manor House Hotel.
We'll be leaving for home in
the morning. Come on, Brett.
If I didn't know
better, I could swear
he deliberately
provoked Virgilia...
in order to embarrass our family.
Not another word, Isabel.
Not one more word.
I don't believe he did that.
How could he leave and not
apologise for what he said?
You both should have apologised,
as well as Virgilia...
especially Virgilia.
You're the one who
insists we let her in
when she comes
scratching at the door.
I feel so sorry for her, George.
None of her family seems
able to accept her marriage.
Are you sure it's a marriage, and
not just a political statement?
I think she really loves Grady...
like you love me.
I want to believe in that.
I know it's easier to blame
Virgilia for everything...
but it doesn't change
the difference
between Orry's and my beliefs.
Come here, darling.
Orry Main is the best
friend you have.
You've both jeopardised
that friendship...
by quarrelling over what's
wrong in this country.
And you know, it
hasn't solved a thing.
I know that. But my feelings
are just as strong as his.
I'm not advocating Virgilia's
or John Brown's methods...
but I don't believe that a man
should be held in bondage...
simply because his skin is black.
Now, how can I oppose...
everything that Orry stands for...
and still be his friend?
- I love you.
- I love you, too.
Wish me luck.
Orry...
I want to thank you for
letting Brett see me.
I know it wasn't something
you found easy to do.
She told you about what
happened at Belvedere?
That's between you and my
brother, not Brett and me.
- No, Billy, I disagree.
- We want to be married.
You can't withhold your consent
because of what
happened with George.
No, of course not.
But I was and still am unsure
about your marriage...
for the very reasons your
brother and I disagreed on.
You expect us to wait until the
problems of this
country are solved?
That might be a
very wise decision.
And what if we decide to go
ahead and get married...
without your permission?
I don't believe my sister will go
against the wishes of her family.
But, of course, you're
free to ask her.
Thank you. I intend
to do just that.
Excuse me.
Come on.
It's all right. We'll
work it out somehow.
- I'll write to you.
- All right.
Goodbye.
Board. All aboard, please.
Let's go.
Virgilia, what are you doing here?
I'm going back where
I belong, Billy.
What?
All aboard.
It's my life. I should be
the one to decide, not you.
Now you're talking like Ashton.
If you intend to defy me,
you tell me straight out.
No, I won't do that.
At least not while there's still a
chance you might change your mind.
Make sure everybody gets off
the train at the second car.
Just stay where you are.
Ladies and gentlemen, you'll
have to get off the train.
Where are we?
We've been detoured. We're
at Harper's Ferry, miss.
Now, please hurry. They've
already shot one man.
Come on.
Step lively, now.
We're gonna make you slavers
dance to a different tune.
We're here to free the
slaves in Virginia.
I demand to know why we're
being held like this.
One more move, and you won't
be travelling on, slaver.
Put down your gun.
We have no quarrel
with these people.
I take it you are the
leader here, sir.
I am, sir.
And I advise you to use a
more respectful tone...
when speaking to me and my men.
You have the honour of
addressing Captain. Smith...
Commander-in-Chief
of the provisional
government of the United States.
These are members of my staff.
You talk as though
we're at war, sir.
We most certainly are at war.
My men and I came all
the way from Kansas...
to make sure justice prevails...
and to ensure the freedom
of Negroes in the state.
- What will you do to us?
- We mean you no harm.
But the militia must be
convinced of our purpose...
to free the slaves of this state.
When they call for a truce...
then we'll negotiate
for your release.
But I warn you...
if one move is made
against me and my men...
we shoot to kill.
All right, slavers,
into the station house.
You heard the man.
- Move on, ladies.
- Step lively, now.
He's magnificent, isn't he?
Virgilia.
I was taking your advice, Mr Main.
I was going back to
my nigger husband...
but Grady found me first, along
with his brave soldiers.
Don't you see you're in
terrible danger here?
Stay where you are.
We've got orders to shoot
anyone who gives us trouble.
And surely you can guess who
issued those orders, Mr Main.
He may call himself
Captain Smith,
but we know who he is, don't we?
We once talked about the man
who would save this country...
and I am so happy you have finally
met the great John Brown.
Grady, you have to get
her away from here.
Don't you know what's gonna
happen? Listen to me.
I don't wanna hear
nothing from you.
So go on with the others...
before I kill you.
Put the gun down, Grady...
and get Virgilia out of here.
I don't take orders...
from trash like you.
Not any more.
Thousands more, slaves...
just like I was, are
gonna join us here.
The Captain says so.
Anybody try to stop us...
their blood will run
in the streets.
That's right, blood
is going to run.
Grady, don't you see?
You can't win. The
blood will be yours.
Then, white man, I'll
have yours first.
- No.
- Grady, no.
Leave him be.
- Priam.
- Yes, Mr Orry.
You never expected to
see me again, did you?
Priam.
I belonged to his daddy.
But Mr Orry here let me go free.
If it wasn't for him, I'd
be dead these 10 years.
You are with us now. You're a free
man. You don't owe him anything.
Freedom up North just wasn't
what I thought it would be.
Most folks don't treat
Negroes no better.
I've come to the Captain
because I have nowhere to go.
I just got so sick and tired
of running and hiding.
I was just ready to fight
like a man, and die like one.
Captain.
I heard the militia's on its way.
Some of the townsfolk
got guns, too.
Get these people back on the
train. We're moving out.
What about hostages?
We'll take them out
of the town. Move.
We don't have much time.
All right, get those
people back on the train.
- Let's hurry now.
- Move.
Unhand me.
You've got to get back on the
train. There's no place for you.
- No, I'm not leaving you.
- It's too dangerous.
I love you. I want to be with you.
Virgilia, don't.
You've got to let me go.
- Get them logs out of there.
- We haven't got much time.
- Come on, let's go.
- Quick, to the town.
Do a little work.
Get up there.
Grady. Priam. You
better make tracks.
The militia should be almost here.
You heard that. You got to hide.
I'll be back for you later.
No, I'll stay with you and fight.
Virgilia, please.
Please, man, you've got to.
There's some of them renegades.
Ready, aim, fire.
Second squad, advance.
Ready, aim, fire.
First squad, advance.
I'll show you I can fight.
Ready, aim, fire.
Second squad, advance.
At least...
I was a free man for a time.
No, Grady, you're
not going to die.
Always remember...
I love you.
No.
Murderers. You're all murderers.
- Come on.
- Don't you touch my husband.
I'll see you rot in hell first.
You think he's dead, don't you?
He's not dead.
He's free.
- Come on, missy, let's go.
- Come along, madam.
They never should've hung him.
Because while he lived,
he was a lunatic.
Now they've turned
him into a martyr.
Emerson's even
calling him a saint.
I've had nightmares thinking about
that night at Harper's Ferry.
And yet, bad as it seemed...
I feel sorry for those men.
Sorry?
Brett, don't you understand where
he got the support for his raid?
From Northern abolitionists. They
gave him money to arm slaves.
The Marines found hundreds of guns
in his farmhouse where he stayed.
Weapons for the slaves he
thought would join him?
Yes. The South will stand
for a lot of things...
but not for Yankees giving Negroes
guns to murder white men.
Now even the Southerners...
who don't own slaves will
go against the North.
You're talking about a war...
between us...
and people that we love.
I'm afraid there may be
no way to stop it now.
How stupid.
♪ John Brown's body lies
a-mouldering in the grave ♪
♪ But his soul goes marching on ♪
♪ Glory, glory, hallelujah ♪
♪ Glory, glory, hallelujah ♪
♪ His soul goes marching on ♪
♪ He's gone to be a soldier
in the army of the Lord ♪
♪ He's gone to be a soldier
in the army of the Lord ♪
♪ He's gone to be a soldier
in the army of the Lord ♪
♪ His soul goes marching on ♪
♪ Glory, glory, hallelujah ♪
Come on, let's go.
Hello, Virgilia.
Congressman Greene?
It's been a long time
since that night
you made a speech in Philadelphia.
What do you want here?
I've come to take you out. All
the arrangements have been made.
I don't understand.
- You're free to go, my dear.
- No.
No. There was an insurrection
at Harper's Ferry.
I want to stand trial
for my part in it.
As far as the world is
concerned, you had no part.
That isn't true.
Your enemies are not going to
give you the platform of a trial.
They realise now...
that it was a fatal error to
condemn and execute John Brown.
Virgilia, please.
They hear those voices
outside the window, too.
They don't want another martyr
right now, especially not a woman.
Virgilia.
You can't help the
cause, or yourself...
by staying here.
Come with me.
Please.
How did you know where to find me?
You never knew me by
the name I use now.
I admit, you made it difficult.
I'd heard, some time ago,
that you'd taken residence...
with a former slave named Grady...
that you'd helped him
escape from South Carolina.
And then I lost track of you.
Most people did.
Then I read an account of
the raid on Harper's Ferry.
The name Garrison Grady
appeared on a list of the dead.
I wasn't sure if it
was the same Grady.
That first name is very
unusual for a Negro.
He took his name from Garrison,
the great Boston abolitionist.
That thought occurred, so
I made some inquiries.
I asked about the woman
who was questioned...
but not held in Virginia.
And then I heard
that a Mrs Grady...
was being held here in
Washington, incommunicado.
And that's when I found
you at the asylum.
They put me in there so everyone
would think I was crazy.
And are you?
What do you think?
I assumed you used
the name Mrs Grady
to spare your family
embarrassment.
My family?
Those hypocrites?
No, my dear congressman.
Please...
call me Sam.
If you prefer Sam.
I didn't want my family
to know where I was.
Not to spare them embarrassment...
but to keep them...
especially my brother
George, from interfering.
I wanted my day in court.
I understand that.
But the reason for
calling myself Mrs...
is because that's what I am...
and I'm proud of it.
Do you mean to say that
you actually married...
that is to say...
you and Grady took legal vows?
We loved each other.
He was a good, good man.
I'm sure he was.
And he died in a good
cause, a noble cause.
His death will be avenged.
Many people in the North are
already demanding it...
for all the heroes
of Harper's Ferry.
I'm not one of those.
So why did you bother
to get me out?
My dear Virgilia...
you may remember that some
years ago I expressed my...
interest in you.
I do.
When I gave my first
speech, you were
kind enough to
compliment me on it.
I complimented you on
more than your speech...
if you recall.
And I recall reminding you
of your marital status.
Has that changed?
No.
I'm as married as I ever was.
But I'm not asking
you to forget that.
I'm glad you're not.
Sam, I may never get
over Grady's death.
But if I ever do think
about another man...
I would have to think
about another marriage.
Don't make your terms too
hard and fast, my dear.
Meaning what?
Meaning I've lost some value, or
bargaining position,
by marrying Grady?
You know it's not that.
No, I mean that the man
you should be with...
ought to be a man who
can best serve...
your needs.
He may prove to be married.
He may even prove to be me.
I never asked you
for your help, sir.
But someday you might.
And I will be in a
position to help you.
I'm rapidly becoming one of the
most powerful men in Congress...
and I generally get what I want.
I understand.
I'm grateful for the help
you gave me tonight.
Please don't bother to get up.
I prefer to leave on my own power.
And if I do ever need
your help again...
I thank you for telling
me your terms in advance.
Put Abe in the White House.
- Abe's our man.
- Abraham Lincoln for president.
Vote for Lincoln.
You're thinking about
Orry again, aren't you?
You know, George, I just can't
believe the two of you.
Grown men, best friends...
and every time you
argue, neither of
you can bring yourself
to make it up.
George, the longer you wait,
the harder it'll become.
I know that, Constance.
Seeing this has made me
think of Mexico again.
My God, were we ever that young?
Look at this one, smiling.
Somebody tell me what
he's got to smile about?
He knows that Lincoln's
going to be elected.
And if he is, the next marching
that boy does will be off to war.
But you want Lincoln to
be President, don't you?
I'm all for a
Republican victory...
but if he wins the election,
we lose the South.
They've made that very clear.
But we're against the South. We've
helped hundreds of slaves escape.
Yes, but everything that I do is
opposed to what Orry stands for.
That's what makes it so
hard for me to go to him.
And if we go to war, what's wrong
between us will never
be made right.
Orry will be my enemy.
War is killing, Constance,
killing your enemies.
We shouldn't be
thinking about killing.
You and I should be thinking
about life, especially today.
I got some very good news
from Dr McLain today.
I was afraid to tell you. We've
had so many disappointments.
But this time, it's true?
We're going to have a
baby in the spring.
I love you.
And I love you.
And that is what is going
to get us all through this.
After we do that, we must
continue to remind people...
that Gerritt Smith was a
supporter of John Brown.
Do you think that's
wise, Mrs Grady?
I just meant that committing
himself to an asylum after...
It was because he
was afraid he might
be assassinated by
a Southern slaver.
Don't you believe
that Mr Smith will
defeat that Illinois hypocrite?
Of course we do, Mrs Grady.
Lincoln must be defeated.
And Gerritt Smith is
the man to do it.
Lincoln is a coward.
He wants to allow slavery to
continue where it already exists.
That is against everything
that Grady died for.
I know, Mrs Grady. But Gerritt
Smith won't forget it.
I won't let anyone forget.
We will finish what we
began at Harper's Ferry.
- Where have you been?
- I'm only a few minutes late.
Where's my tonic? Give it to me.
I'm supposed to measure it out.
Where's Maum Sally? She wouldn't
have kept me waiting. I need her.
Maum Sally?
She died, Miss Madeline.
Don't you remember?
Good for them.
Our boys are leaving West
Point right and left.
How long before the
war? What's your guess?
No more than a year.
I'm planning to raise a
personal regiment...
which I intend to offer to...
Evening, dear.
Would you care for
some refreshment?
No, thank you.
I don't care for any.
Still a handsome woman.
A bit pale for my taste.
But the change in her
disposition is remarkable.
She seems so much calmer
the last year or so.
Yes. I'm a fortunate man.
Now tell me, what is the news?
What are they saying
in Charleston?
What do you want?
I thought the house
had fallen down.
Just give it time, Brett.
"A house divided...
"cannot stand."
Neither can I.
Didn't I tell you to
stay out of here?
Orry, you can't avoid me forever.
You know what I want
to talk to you about.
I don't want to talk
about Billy Hazard...
or any Hazard.
The entire subject is
distasteful to me.
- And therefore closed.
- No.
I have been waiting for a time
when you would be sober...
and sympathetic, the kind
of brother you used to be.
Now I'm not sure if that will ever
happen. And I can't
wait any longer.
I've had a letter from Billy.
He's coming here to Charleston.
What?
He's been assigned
to Fort Moultrie.
He'll report to Sullivan's
Island in November.
We can be married any
time after that.
I forbid it.
Orry.
I want peace in this family,
and I want your approval...
but now, I'm not even
sure that it matters.
You explain that.
I don't think you're qualified
to make my decisions any more.
Or even your own.
George Hazard was the only
real friend you ever had.
And ever since you quarrelled with
him, you've been mad at the world.
You shut yourself off, you
drink alone, you never smile.
I'm sorry for you, but I'm not
gonna let you ruin my life, too.
Then you intend to
marry Billy Hazard...
and forget about your family?
Family?
Mother's on my side.
And Charles is still Billy's best
friend, even if he
is off in Texas.
It's your blessing that I want.
If Lincoln is
elected, we will soon
be going to war with the Yankees.
All of the Yankees.
If you want to marry one
now, you are a fool.
I'd rather be a fool
than what you are.
Somebody who doesn't care.
I do care.
Then why can't you
understand what we feel?
Is it because you've
never let yourself
be human enough to fall in love?
Whether I love...
or whether I do not love...
is none of your concern.
I pity you.
You're afraid to let a woman
mean something to you.
Brett, I'm sorry.
Maybe you are...
but it doesn't matter.
It doesn't matter at all.
Mr Orry.
Miss Brett, she's gone.
She's gone to Charleston.
Charleston? In the
middle of the night?
Yes, sir.
Miss Brett, she
took four trunks...
and Cuffey to drive her.
- Was she going to a hotel?
- No, sir.
She said she'd be with Miss
Ashton. I mean, Mrs Huntoon.
Miss Brett said she don't
know when she's coming back.
Jed, clean this up and
get the windows open.
Buy a cockade for your bonnet.
Cockade here, sir, for
your bonnet or lapel.
There's the gorilla the Yankees
want to put in the White House.
Save your Southern
way of life. Buy
a cockade for your
bonnet or lapel.
Here he is. Here's gorilla Abe.
Good, you're up.
I am now.
Isn't this the sweetest
hat you ever saw?
You see this here? This is what
makes it a Secession bonnet.
Isn't it sweet?
It's lovely, Ashton,
except for the name.
I'm on my way out now, but I'll
have coffee sent up for you.
It's way past noon. I
won't be back for supper.
I guess we can talk tonight, then.
About Billy and the wedding.
Why, yes, I think we should.
Now, honey...
you're welcome to stay here
as long as you like...
as far as I'm concerned, but...
It's a good thing
James is in Columbia
organising a Secession convention.
Why's that?
So we have time to
make up a story.
We can't tell James that you came
here just to marry Billy Hazard.
I think the last time
they saw each other...
Billy knocked James
down and called
him a custard-faced son of a...
Something or other.
I'm sorry, Ashton.
Maybe I shouldn't
have come to you.
You hush now.
James is an old custard face.
But don't you fret. I'll handle
him, and brother Orry, too.
Dear Ashton.
We'll think of some way to
make Billy feel welcome...
in spite of what some
folks here say about
the Yankee vermin
at Fort Moultrie.
Billy and I know what we face...
in both parts of the country.
But we love each other, so we're
not going to let it matter.
It's your life, little sister.
It's not just mine.
We hope our marriage is gonna
bring our families together again.
Ashton...
you don't still care
for Billy, do you?
Fie. That was just a silly
little infatuation.
I have the marriage I need
to get where I'm going.
And we'll soon have
you married, too.
But right now I've got to run.
I have never seen Charleston
so full of excitement.
I declare, I can hardly
stand it myself.
It was all I could do not
to slap her silly face.
Imagine thinking of
marrying that Yankee.
But, of course, I
pretended to sympathise.
You did?
Naturally, so that I can have
them both where I want them...
when the time comes.
Time for what?
For getting even.
Forbes LaMotte, you
haven't forgotten?
You promised that you'd
help me get even...
with Brett and Billy Hazard.
Now, you know that's the
only reason why I come here.
The only reason?
Maybe not the only reason.
You are a wonderful lover, Forbes.
Not like James.
Even if I wanted to
sleep with James...
he's either too busy, or too
tired, or too far away.
I think he puts all
he's got into politics.
Honey...
James Huntoon doesn't
know what he's got.
Or if he does, he doesn't
know what to do with it.
Let's not talk about him...
or Brett, or that Yankee, either.
Now, don't get previous.
I want to know what
you're prepared to do.
Can't you tell, darling?
I mean, about stopping Brett
from marrying Billy Hazard.
And from that Yankee telling James
about you and me in
the cotton dock.
I've got no objection
about killing Hazard.
Or any other Yankee,
for that matter.
But if he's posted to
that Yankee fort...
and that baboon Lincoln's elected,
there's going to be a war...
and the Yankees in the harbour
will be the first ones to die.
So what's the worry?
I don't like leaving
something so personal
for some old war to take care of.
Of course, I could let him
marry her, and then kill him.
Then I'd have a wealthy widow...
and I'd be rich, no matter
how the war turns out.
Even after she passed
you over for him?
Don't you have any pride, Forbes?
I guess not.
I'll leave the pride...
and the thinking up to you.
Just tell me what you
want, and I'll do it...
like always.
And if the Yankees want
to elect Lincoln...
I say to hell with them.
We can govern ourselves
in the South
better than some
backwoods rail-splitter.
The Yankees want to
free our slaves.
Let them come down
here and try, by God.
We'll give them a Southern
welcome they won't ever forget.
- Lieutenant Hazard?
- At your service.
Lieutenant Mead, this
is Lieutenant Snyder.
We're here to provide you safe
conduct to Fort Moultrie.
It's beginning to feel like
we're on foreign soil.
There are safer tours of duty for
Northern officers these days.
I didn't think it
would be this bad.
This is what Secession
really means, my friends.
That we get to keep what's ours.
Our honour, our pride...
and our slaves.
We want our slaves.
Let the Yankees come down here.
If Abe Lincoln don't like it...
tell him to go back to
Africa, where he came from.
They're ready to fight, and
Lincoln's not elected yet.
We're to hold the
fort, no matter what.
We'd better get back.
I was wondering if I might take a
short leave to visit my fiancée?
She's staying very near
here, on east battery.
I was actually on my way
there, since I arrived early.
Your fiancée is in Charleston?
Yes, sir.
Then you should send
her home at once.
- This is her home.
- She's a Southern girl?
Yes, she is.
And we're to be married
the first chance we get.
That's another
problem, Lieutenant.
As for seeing your
fiancée now, I'm
afraid that's out of the question.
such a lively mood today.
You must be feeling better.
There's nothing wrong with
me, thank you very much.
I just had a touch
of the marsh fever.
But I'm feeling fine
now. Just fine.
Well enough to go riding
today with Forbes LaMotte.
Why, your wedding is
only a few weeks away.
I'd have thought you'd be spending
all your time with James.
After all, he is the
man you're marrying.
Just because I'm
honouring him with the
privilege of marrying
into our family...
doesn't mean I'll
spend my last days
of freedom in his boring company.
You make marriage sound
like a jail sentence.
It won't be that way
for Billy and me.
Billy Hazard is no different
than the rest of them.
You silly fool.
You believe in all those lies
he writes in his letters...
about how he loves you
and wants to marry you?
Why, he said those very words
to me, once upon a time.
You hate Billy because he
wants me now, instead of you.
Brett. That's not true.
I'm trying to protect you.
You're my sister, after all.
Then try to understand
that I love Billy...
and that we are going
to be married soon.
Of course you are.
And we'll have a big family
and a dozen children.
That's 12 more than
I'll be breeding.
You just make sure
that he marries you...
first.
If you can hear me, Mrs LaMotte, I
want you to know I'm
here to help you.
You're safe. Your husband's
here. He's terribly worried.
I'll do all I can, but you
must do everything I ask.
Yes.
You must force yourself to eat.
I've tried everything I could to
persuade her, Doctor,
but she refuses.
Don't you, dear?
I will try to eat...
something...
if the doctor tells me to.
Good. Now, you must follow
my regimen to the letter.
Plenty of rest, hot
tea, some solid
food when you're feeling up to it.
But more importantly...
you must drink some of my celery
tonic every day without fail.
You'll see to it that
she gets her medicine?
I'll spoon-feed it to her myself.
- And this room must be aired out.
- Certainly.
In her delirium, she wouldn't let
anyone in here to
clean it for her.
You'll recover, my dear.
I can't believe it. She's
practically starved herself.
After a week, your wife will be
accustomed to the celery tonic.
Then you may substitute
the other formulation.
The one containing the laudanum?
Yes, from your description of her
behaviour before the
mental collapse...
I consider the treatment
entirely necessary.
I wish there was some other way.
But I just can't think of
anything else to calm her nerves.
I'm afraid of what she
might do to herself
if I'm not here to
watch out for her.
Of course. You understand
there will be symptoms.
Fatigue, signs of early ageing.
All of which can be accountable
to natural causes.
The stress and strain
of normal living.
Mrs LaMotte need never know
she's taken the laudanum.
One more question, Doctor.
How long can this
treatment be continued?
Indefinitely.
But I'm afraid that
after a while she
won't be able to
function without it.
Thank you, Doctor.
Good day, Doctor.
Madeline.
Orry, how nice to see you again.
What's wrong with you? Did you
change your mind about leaving?
I've waited at the chapel
for you every day.
I know it's dangerous
to come here, but
I had to see that
you were all right.
Meet me tomorrow. I have
to know what's wrong.
I'm sorry. It's too difficult.
Justin, I've come about the
invitation to Ashton's wedding.
It's next week, and we hadn't
gotten your reply yet, so...
My apologies.
I've been hoping that Madeline
will be well enough to attend.
Is there anything I can do?
No. She's under a doctor's care.
He says it's nothing serious.
Just a weakness in the blood.
One of those mysterious ailments
that women are heir to.
I think you should go back
into the house now, my dear.
You've been out here long enough.
We hope you'll both
be at the wedding.
It's Sunday after next, remember.
We'll surely try.
Madeline, say goodbye to Orry.
Goodbye, Orry.
Ladies and gentlemen, maintain
your posture, please.
1,001, 1,002, 1,003...
1,004, 1,005.
Thank you.
Would you lovely ladies
excuse me for just a second?
Madeline.
I'm glad you came.
I beg your pardon?
Why have you shut me out? I wish
you'd tell me what I've done.
Have you seen my husband anywhere?
I must find him.
Talk to me. Let me help you.
There's no need.
Then let me see you
again. Just once.
No. That's impossible.
Madeline, I will not give up.
Please leave me alone.
Of course, James expressed to
me his interest in politics.
But to be called upon to help
guide the Secessionist Movement...
I just had no idea I'd be marrying
such a powerful and
influential man.
As his wife, I hope I can only
live up to such an honour.
You'd make a mighty
fine first lady
of the Republic of South Carolina.
Do you agree, Brett?
Of course. That's what you want.
James' happiness is what I want.
If we can get the rest of the
Southern states to secede...
who knows, James?
You may be elected President
of something a lot bigger.
First thing I'd do
is put an end to
those damn Northern abolitionists.
Like that Hazard woman.
Perhaps you have forgotten that
the Hazard family are our friends.
I'm afraid I neglected
to tell you...
that Brett's keeping company
with Virgilia's brother Billy.
We plan to be married.
Well then, please
accept my apology...
and my deepest regret.
Isn't it the most beautiful
little ring you ever saw?
And when the sun
shines, it's just...
I swear I've never seen
anything so beautiful.
Forbes, I thought you'd left.
And without saying goodbye to me.
I'm here to pay you
my final respects...
and to escort you
over to your husband.
James seems unable to escape the
attention of his political allies.
May I?
I wonder if your husband
would be gracious enough...
to let me escort you
to your bedroom...
that is, if you felt a sudden
headache coming on real suddenly.
It would be rude of me
to desert our guests.
You once said that if you married
James, you'd still want me.
Does that hold true?
I never say anything I
don't mean, Forbes.
There's something
I want in return.
Anything.
It involves my sister
and Billy Hazard.
That sure is a crime.
Brett wanting to marry that
Yankee when she can have me.
I might have married Billy if
it weren't for little sister.
And the fact that he caught you
and me in the cotton dock.
He never said anything
about that, did he?
No, but it doesn't mean he won't.
James would divorce
me quicker than
a snake's smile if he found out.
And kill you.
There's a way we can
get rid of him, and
not have anything
to worry about...
if you help me.
What is going on in that
devilish mind of yours?
You'll find out another time.
I refuse to talk business
on my wedding day.
No.
Are you all right?
Must you talk about it?
I'm so embarrassed.
There's nothing to be ashamed of.
This being your first time
and all, it's only natural.
I had no idea it would
be so discomfiting.
You'll learn to enjoy
lovemaking, I promise.
You're not disappointed by my
lack of experience, are you?
On the contrary, I wouldn't
have had it any other way.
I saved myself for you, James.
But you'll have to learn
to be gentle with me...
and let me grow accustomed
to my duty as your wife.
A little patience and
understanding is all I ask for.
I'll try to make it easier on you.
There's no rush now, James.
We have plenty of time for that.
We have our whole lives
ahead of us, James.
Yes, of course. But we won't
have to wait that long, will we?
Our whole lives, James,
dear. Remember that, now.
You go to sleep.
Go on. Good night.
It's as if I weren't even married.
Having to move back
here while James is
off having a gay
time in New Orleans.
If James thought that
I'd stay cooped up
in that miserable,
empty house of his...
with no one to talk to but house
slaves, he was sadly mistaken.
- Orry, take me to New Orleans.
- What?
Out of the question.
Why? I want to spend some
time with my husband.
We didn't even have
a proper honeymoon.
The Secessionist
Movement is obviously
of greater importance to James.
It's important to both of us.
I happen to share his views.
Then you should
realise the danger of
what your husband is advocating...
for South Carolina and
the rest of the states.
He's stoking a fire that
will burn out of control.
Maybe a raging fire's
just what we need
to get people like you
to join our fight.
What is it going to take
to make you understand...
that we need Northern
industry to survive?
A separation of states will
only mean the South's downfall.
What about slavery? Are you
willing to do away with it?
I hardly think so. It
wouldn't look right.
You out there in the fields, side
by side with Mama and Brett.
You're right. You do
belong with your husband.
Then you're going to
take me to New Orleans?
No.
You'll just have to
have to wait for
him at his plantation,
not this one.
Let us not forget, my friends...
we fought the revolution against
tyranny to found this nation.
Will we let the Federal Government
dictate to the state
of South Carolina?
No.
Will we let it dictate
to any sovereign state?
No.
No, my friends, because
states have rights.
Rights to which we
are guaranteed by
the constitution of
the United States.
If the Federal
Government doesn't see
fit to recognise those rights...
I say we form our own country.
♪ Wish that I was in
the land of cotton ♪
♪ Old times there
are not forgotten ♪
♪ Look away, look away,
look away, Dixie Land ♪
♪ In Dixie Land, where I was born
in early on one frosty morning ♪
♪ Look away, look away,
look away, Dixie Land ♪
♪ I wish I was in Dixie. Hooray ♪
♪ In Dixie Land I'll take my stand
to live and die in Dixie ♪
♪ Away, away, away
down South in Dixie ♪
♪ Away, away, away
down South in Dixie ♪
Your speech tonight was an
unqualified success, James.
The crowd rose to their feet
so many times, I lost count.
I consider myself
extremely fortunate
to have heard you
express your views.
Our views, so eloquently.
Thank you, Major Bent.
I'm glad you share our sentiments,
and not those of Jefferson Davis.
Many of us in the military abhor
Davis' cowardly policies.
I will give him credit
for his past heroism.
Past is right. Now all
he wants is peace.
As if there can be such a thing.
If the Union is dissolved...
and a new Southern nation falls
under Davis' leadership...
I'll have no place in either army.
As a Southerner, I could never
bear arms against my homeland.
But I could not support
Jefferson Davis.
That would be a great loss
to the South, Major Bent.
So we must make sure that Mr
Davis is never in a position...
to cost us the services
of men like you.
Good evening, gentlemen. I hope
I haven't kept you waiting.
Your ladies are worth
it, Madam Conti.
I like to think so.
Otille will be available
in half an hour or so.
Perhaps one of the other girls.
Otille is the only one
worth waiting for...
as far as I'm concerned.
These gentlemen are my guests
this evening, Madam Conti.
Gentlemen, make your selection.
You'll excuse me, gentlemen, but
Mary Lou is so new in the field...
she doesn't know how
to fend for herself.
And that's not good
for my business.
You are a generous man, sir.
A man in my position likes
to take care of his friends.
Is this Orry Main?
Yes. Do you know him?
Very well. We were at
West Point together.
Later, he served under
me in the Mexican War.
In fact, he was
decorated for bravery
under my command at Churubusco.
I take it this your wedding
picture, Mr Huntoon?
I'm proud to say so.
My lovely wife there
is Orry Main's sister.
She's beautiful, indeed.
You're a lucky man.
Who is this lady? I
recall seeing her before.
Madeline LaMotte, a close
friend of the family.
That's peculiar. I don't
recognise the name.
Only the face is familiar.
Such beauty would
be hard to forget.
It'll come to me in time.
I'll remember that face.
For now, sir, my congratulations
on your beautiful bride.
Thank you, Major.
- Will it be Suzanne again?
- Yes. Thank you, madam.
Since I must wait for
Otille, madam...
let's share a bottle of
champagne in your office.
I have a sudden desire
to see that room again.
Paul, bring the finest
bottle of champagne.
You've always admired
that painting, Major.
Yes, I have.
Didn't you once tell me
she used to work for you?
She was even more
beautiful than Otille.
And more expensive.
To you, madam.
Your love of beauty is exceeded
only by your love of money.
How true.
Whatever became of the woman?
She died quite a while ago.
She was very special to me.
I was lonely when she left.
But she loved him.
There was nothing I could do.
Who was it that she loved?
A customer...
with slightly less exotic
tastes than yours.
Why are you so curious?
Because the woman
in that portrait...
reminds me...
of someone that I
once loved and lost.
You and I share a
most painful memory.
Please...
tell me about her.
His name was Nicholas Fabray.
He was respected.
Very wealthy man.
When Laurette told me he'd
asked her to marry him...
I couldn't help but laugh.
I told her he didn't have to
marry her to sleep with her.
He'd already paid
for that privilege.
But did they marry?
Yes.
They had a child, a little girl.
The birth was very hard.
She died soon after.
What happened to the child?
Fabray left town soon
after Laurette died.
Took their daughter.
It was the best thing.
Too many people knew
what her mother was.
You mean, what she had been.
Was.
A one-quarter Negress. A quadroon.
Then the child has
nigger blood in it.
Laurette was never that to me.
It is indeed a
tragic story, madam.
A sorry ending to the woman who
inspired that beautiful painting.
Do you know where
the child is today?
She must be a woman now.
I only hope she's kept her secret.
If it ever got out...
Certainly, it's safe
with me, madam.
I assure you of that.
I'm sure Otille's
ready for you now.
Billy's only got a short leave.
You don't suppose we could
miss each other, do you?
No, I don't, Brett.
We haven't even gotten
to Belvedere yet.
We won't see Billy till we catch a
train to Philadelphia
on our way back.
- I guess I'm a little anxious.
- No.
I do know how you feel.
I can hardly wait to
give George his first
share of the profits
from the mill.
It'll be wonderful to see
George and Constance again.
Yes, it will.
Thank you for letting
me come along.
It is more pleasant with a
travelling companion...
as you so astutely
pointed out back home.
Train's due in the station
in five minutes, folks.
Excuse me, sir.
We'll change trains
when we arrive,
and we have a lot of luggage.
Could you possibly find a baggage
man for us in the depot?
Couldn't say.
Maybe you should've brought some
of your slaves to help you out.
I asked you a civil question.
I'll call the car porter.
What is wrong with these people?
We've run into nothing but his
kind since we started this trip.
Is it me? Am I doing
something wrong?
You're speaking with
a Southern accent.
We are in Maryland. We
haven't even left the South.
There are a lot of people here
more Yankee than Southern.
Everything is changed since
we visited the Hazards.
I can feel it.
We're not welcome here any more.
And you still want to marry Billy?
Just as much as you want to
remain friends with George.
I want that, yes.
But can I have it?
$80,000?
I can't believe it, Orry.
I can't wait until Stanley
hears about this.
He told me that mill would
be a cataclysmic disaster.
Sort of like that
train ride North.
Will you relax?
You ran into some ignorant
people on the train.
You know we're not all like that.
Some of us are.
Which reminds me,
my sister's here.
- Virgilia's home?
- Temporarily.
She only comes home when
she needs to. For money.
Thank you.
And supplies for the cause.
She looks like hell.
Is she still living
in Philadelphia?
You mean, is she still
married to Grady?
I think so, although she
hasn't seen fit to tell us.
It must be very difficult for you.
It was terrible for my mother.
I don't think she'll ever get
over Virgilia marrying a Negro.
You? What about you?
I could accept
Virgilia's marriage...
if I understood her
reasons for doing it.
Enough of that. How's Charles?
Is he still down in
Texas, fighting Indians?
No. Past history. He has now
crossed the Rio Grande...
and is chasing some Mexican
bandit named Cortina.
Thank God there's one person
in our two families...
that knows who he's
fighting and why.
Excuse me, darling.
I'm sorry to interrupt you,
but I need a man's opinion.
- Do you like it?
- It's beautiful.
I should say, you have
never looked more lovely.
Thank you, Orry. George bought
it for me. It's from Paris.
I'm going to wear it
at the night of the
first charity ball
at Lehigh Station.
A Charles Worth original.
Now, you don't think it's
a bit too Irish, do you?
It's beautiful.
It looks absolutely
lovely on you, dear.
Thank you. I mean, I know it's a
bit too grand for the occasion...
raising funds for a new
schoolhouse, but I don't care.
George bought it for me,
and you know I love it.
Virgilia, I warn
you. Just this once,
keep your dreadful
opinions to yourself.
- Get out of my way.
- You'll only upset them.
Virgilia, what a surprise.
Hello, Brett.
Hello, Orry.
Virgilia.
I hadn't heard you were visiting.
No wonder. I'm the best-kept
secret in this family.
Do you know that George tried
to lock me away in the attic?
But I managed to escape. I found
this tiny window and crawled out.
Virgilia, please.
You'll all be happy
to hear I'm leaving
in the morning for Chambersburg.
That's right.
To help in the work of
the great John Brown.
- Have you heard of him?
- Who hasn't?
He and his five sons butchered
slavery settlers in Kansas.
He's nothing but a murderer.
I expected you'd say
something like that.
To slander anybody who dares
to do something about slavery.
You should never have
allowed her to stay.
You promised me.
Is planning massacres the way
you're going to help him?
John Brown's the new messiah.
And one day he'll lead your
slaves in a great revolution.
Any man who stands in our way
will die in blood and fire.
And you'll be the first.
We're leaving now. Come on, Brett.
No, Orry. Wait, please.
You are my flesh and blood, but
this time you've gone too far.
Now, I want you out of this house.
No, Mother. Let them go. They
won't listen to the truth.
That's one thing too much
for a Southerner to bear.
The truth?
You don't even know the
meaning of the word.
I'm sick and tired of
taking the blame...
for every wrong that's ever
been done in the South.
And I will not stand here to be
lied to by some,
filthy, twisted...
- Orry, that's enough.
- Crazy woman.
You and your black-breeding farms.
Where do you get such fantasies?
From yellow-back novels?
Does just thinking
about it arouse you?
Is that why you married Grady?
To find out for yourself?
I told you to stop it.
You are an evil man. And evil
sees evil in everything.
But you and your
kind are finished.
I warned you this day would
come, and it's here.
Shut up, and get back to your
nigger husband where you belong.
I think that apologies
are in order.
This time, I will not accept them.
This time, you'll offer
one to all of us.
You are taking her part in this?
I take issue with her
words and her ways...
but my sister's on the right side.
Then we have nothing more
to say to each other.
You're right. We haven't.
Kindly have our luggage delivered
to the Manor House Hotel.
We'll be leaving for home in
the morning. Come on, Brett.
If I didn't know
better, I could swear
he deliberately
provoked Virgilia...
in order to embarrass our family.
Not another word, Isabel.
Not one more word.
I don't believe he did that.
How could he leave and not
apologise for what he said?
You both should have apologised,
as well as Virgilia...
especially Virgilia.
You're the one who
insists we let her in
when she comes
scratching at the door.
I feel so sorry for her, George.
None of her family seems
able to accept her marriage.
Are you sure it's a marriage, and
not just a political statement?
I think she really loves Grady...
like you love me.
I want to believe in that.
I know it's easier to blame
Virgilia for everything...
but it doesn't change
the difference
between Orry's and my beliefs.
Come here, darling.
Orry Main is the best
friend you have.
You've both jeopardised
that friendship...
by quarrelling over what's
wrong in this country.
And you know, it
hasn't solved a thing.
I know that. But my feelings
are just as strong as his.
I'm not advocating Virgilia's
or John Brown's methods...
but I don't believe that a man
should be held in bondage...
simply because his skin is black.
Now, how can I oppose...
everything that Orry stands for...
and still be his friend?
- I love you.
- I love you, too.
Wish me luck.
Orry...
I want to thank you for
letting Brett see me.
I know it wasn't something
you found easy to do.
She told you about what
happened at Belvedere?
That's between you and my
brother, not Brett and me.
- No, Billy, I disagree.
- We want to be married.
You can't withhold your consent
because of what
happened with George.
No, of course not.
But I was and still am unsure
about your marriage...
for the very reasons your
brother and I disagreed on.
You expect us to wait until the
problems of this
country are solved?
That might be a
very wise decision.
And what if we decide to go
ahead and get married...
without your permission?
I don't believe my sister will go
against the wishes of her family.
But, of course, you're
free to ask her.
Thank you. I intend
to do just that.
Excuse me.
Come on.
It's all right. We'll
work it out somehow.
- I'll write to you.
- All right.
Goodbye.
Board. All aboard, please.
Let's go.
Virgilia, what are you doing here?
I'm going back where
I belong, Billy.
What?
All aboard.
It's my life. I should be
the one to decide, not you.
Now you're talking like Ashton.
If you intend to defy me,
you tell me straight out.
No, I won't do that.
At least not while there's still a
chance you might change your mind.
Make sure everybody gets off
the train at the second car.
Just stay where you are.
Ladies and gentlemen, you'll
have to get off the train.
Where are we?
We've been detoured. We're
at Harper's Ferry, miss.
Now, please hurry. They've
already shot one man.
Come on.
Step lively, now.
We're gonna make you slavers
dance to a different tune.
We're here to free the
slaves in Virginia.
I demand to know why we're
being held like this.
One more move, and you won't
be travelling on, slaver.
Put down your gun.
We have no quarrel
with these people.
I take it you are the
leader here, sir.
I am, sir.
And I advise you to use a
more respectful tone...
when speaking to me and my men.
You have the honour of
addressing Captain. Smith...
Commander-in-Chief
of the provisional
government of the United States.
These are members of my staff.
You talk as though
we're at war, sir.
We most certainly are at war.
My men and I came all
the way from Kansas...
to make sure justice prevails...
and to ensure the freedom
of Negroes in the state.
- What will you do to us?
- We mean you no harm.
But the militia must be
convinced of our purpose...
to free the slaves of this state.
When they call for a truce...
then we'll negotiate
for your release.
But I warn you...
if one move is made
against me and my men...
we shoot to kill.
All right, slavers,
into the station house.
You heard the man.
- Move on, ladies.
- Step lively, now.
He's magnificent, isn't he?
Virgilia.
I was taking your advice, Mr Main.
I was going back to
my nigger husband...
but Grady found me first, along
with his brave soldiers.
Don't you see you're in
terrible danger here?
Stay where you are.
We've got orders to shoot
anyone who gives us trouble.
And surely you can guess who
issued those orders, Mr Main.
He may call himself
Captain Smith,
but we know who he is, don't we?
We once talked about the man
who would save this country...
and I am so happy you have finally
met the great John Brown.
Grady, you have to get
her away from here.
Don't you know what's gonna
happen? Listen to me.
I don't wanna hear
nothing from you.
So go on with the others...
before I kill you.
Put the gun down, Grady...
and get Virgilia out of here.
I don't take orders...
from trash like you.
Not any more.
Thousands more, slaves...
just like I was, are
gonna join us here.
The Captain says so.
Anybody try to stop us...
their blood will run
in the streets.
That's right, blood
is going to run.
Grady, don't you see?
You can't win. The
blood will be yours.
Then, white man, I'll
have yours first.
- No.
- Grady, no.
Leave him be.
- Priam.
- Yes, Mr Orry.
You never expected to
see me again, did you?
Priam.
I belonged to his daddy.
But Mr Orry here let me go free.
If it wasn't for him, I'd
be dead these 10 years.
You are with us now. You're a free
man. You don't owe him anything.
Freedom up North just wasn't
what I thought it would be.
Most folks don't treat
Negroes no better.
I've come to the Captain
because I have nowhere to go.
I just got so sick and tired
of running and hiding.
I was just ready to fight
like a man, and die like one.
Captain.
I heard the militia's on its way.
Some of the townsfolk
got guns, too.
Get these people back on the
train. We're moving out.
What about hostages?
We'll take them out
of the town. Move.
We don't have much time.
All right, get those
people back on the train.
- Let's hurry now.
- Move.
Unhand me.
You've got to get back on the
train. There's no place for you.
- No, I'm not leaving you.
- It's too dangerous.
I love you. I want to be with you.
Virgilia, don't.
You've got to let me go.
- Get them logs out of there.
- We haven't got much time.
- Come on, let's go.
- Quick, to the town.
Do a little work.
Get up there.
Grady. Priam. You
better make tracks.
The militia should be almost here.
You heard that. You got to hide.
I'll be back for you later.
No, I'll stay with you and fight.
Virgilia, please.
Please, man, you've got to.
There's some of them renegades.
Ready, aim, fire.
Second squad, advance.
Ready, aim, fire.
First squad, advance.
I'll show you I can fight.
Ready, aim, fire.
Second squad, advance.
At least...
I was a free man for a time.
No, Grady, you're
not going to die.
Always remember...
I love you.
No.
Murderers. You're all murderers.
- Come on.
- Don't you touch my husband.
I'll see you rot in hell first.
You think he's dead, don't you?
He's not dead.
He's free.
- Come on, missy, let's go.
- Come along, madam.
They never should've hung him.
Because while he lived,
he was a lunatic.
Now they've turned
him into a martyr.
Emerson's even
calling him a saint.
I've had nightmares thinking about
that night at Harper's Ferry.
And yet, bad as it seemed...
I feel sorry for those men.
Sorry?
Brett, don't you understand where
he got the support for his raid?
From Northern abolitionists. They
gave him money to arm slaves.
The Marines found hundreds of guns
in his farmhouse where he stayed.
Weapons for the slaves he
thought would join him?
Yes. The South will stand
for a lot of things...
but not for Yankees giving Negroes
guns to murder white men.
Now even the Southerners...
who don't own slaves will
go against the North.
You're talking about a war...
between us...
and people that we love.
I'm afraid there may be
no way to stop it now.
How stupid.
♪ John Brown's body lies
a-mouldering in the grave ♪
♪ But his soul goes marching on ♪
♪ Glory, glory, hallelujah ♪
♪ Glory, glory, hallelujah ♪
♪ His soul goes marching on ♪
♪ He's gone to be a soldier
in the army of the Lord ♪
♪ He's gone to be a soldier
in the army of the Lord ♪
♪ He's gone to be a soldier
in the army of the Lord ♪
♪ His soul goes marching on ♪
♪ Glory, glory, hallelujah ♪
Come on, let's go.
Hello, Virgilia.
Congressman Greene?
It's been a long time
since that night
you made a speech in Philadelphia.
What do you want here?
I've come to take you out. All
the arrangements have been made.
I don't understand.
- You're free to go, my dear.
- No.
No. There was an insurrection
at Harper's Ferry.
I want to stand trial
for my part in it.
As far as the world is
concerned, you had no part.
That isn't true.
Your enemies are not going to
give you the platform of a trial.
They realise now...
that it was a fatal error to
condemn and execute John Brown.
Virgilia, please.
They hear those voices
outside the window, too.
They don't want another martyr
right now, especially not a woman.
Virgilia.
You can't help the
cause, or yourself...
by staying here.
Come with me.
Please.
How did you know where to find me?
You never knew me by
the name I use now.
I admit, you made it difficult.
I'd heard, some time ago,
that you'd taken residence...
with a former slave named Grady...
that you'd helped him
escape from South Carolina.
And then I lost track of you.
Most people did.
Then I read an account of
the raid on Harper's Ferry.
The name Garrison Grady
appeared on a list of the dead.
I wasn't sure if it
was the same Grady.
That first name is very
unusual for a Negro.
He took his name from Garrison,
the great Boston abolitionist.
That thought occurred, so
I made some inquiries.
I asked about the woman
who was questioned...
but not held in Virginia.
And then I heard
that a Mrs Grady...
was being held here in
Washington, incommunicado.
And that's when I found
you at the asylum.
They put me in there so everyone
would think I was crazy.
And are you?
What do you think?
I assumed you used
the name Mrs Grady
to spare your family
embarrassment.
My family?
Those hypocrites?
No, my dear congressman.
Please...
call me Sam.
If you prefer Sam.
I didn't want my family
to know where I was.
Not to spare them embarrassment...
but to keep them...
especially my brother
George, from interfering.
I wanted my day in court.
I understand that.
But the reason for
calling myself Mrs...
is because that's what I am...
and I'm proud of it.
Do you mean to say that
you actually married...
that is to say...
you and Grady took legal vows?
We loved each other.
He was a good, good man.
I'm sure he was.
And he died in a good
cause, a noble cause.
His death will be avenged.
Many people in the North are
already demanding it...
for all the heroes
of Harper's Ferry.
I'm not one of those.
So why did you bother
to get me out?
My dear Virgilia...
you may remember that some
years ago I expressed my...
interest in you.
I do.
When I gave my first
speech, you were
kind enough to
compliment me on it.
I complimented you on
more than your speech...
if you recall.
And I recall reminding you
of your marital status.
Has that changed?
No.
I'm as married as I ever was.
But I'm not asking
you to forget that.
I'm glad you're not.
Sam, I may never get
over Grady's death.
But if I ever do think
about another man...
I would have to think
about another marriage.
Don't make your terms too
hard and fast, my dear.
Meaning what?
Meaning I've lost some value, or
bargaining position,
by marrying Grady?
You know it's not that.
No, I mean that the man
you should be with...
ought to be a man who
can best serve...
your needs.
He may prove to be married.
He may even prove to be me.
I never asked you
for your help, sir.
But someday you might.
And I will be in a
position to help you.
I'm rapidly becoming one of the
most powerful men in Congress...
and I generally get what I want.
I understand.
I'm grateful for the help
you gave me tonight.
Please don't bother to get up.
I prefer to leave on my own power.
And if I do ever need
your help again...
I thank you for telling
me your terms in advance.
Put Abe in the White House.
- Abe's our man.
- Abraham Lincoln for president.
Vote for Lincoln.
You're thinking about
Orry again, aren't you?
You know, George, I just can't
believe the two of you.
Grown men, best friends...
and every time you
argue, neither of
you can bring yourself
to make it up.
George, the longer you wait,
the harder it'll become.
I know that, Constance.
Seeing this has made me
think of Mexico again.
My God, were we ever that young?
Look at this one, smiling.
Somebody tell me what
he's got to smile about?
He knows that Lincoln's
going to be elected.
And if he is, the next marching
that boy does will be off to war.
But you want Lincoln to
be President, don't you?
I'm all for a
Republican victory...
but if he wins the election,
we lose the South.
They've made that very clear.
But we're against the South. We've
helped hundreds of slaves escape.
Yes, but everything that I do is
opposed to what Orry stands for.
That's what makes it so
hard for me to go to him.
And if we go to war, what's wrong
between us will never
be made right.
Orry will be my enemy.
War is killing, Constance,
killing your enemies.
We shouldn't be
thinking about killing.
You and I should be thinking
about life, especially today.
I got some very good news
from Dr McLain today.
I was afraid to tell you. We've
had so many disappointments.
But this time, it's true?
We're going to have a
baby in the spring.
I love you.
And I love you.
And that is what is going
to get us all through this.
After we do that, we must
continue to remind people...
that Gerritt Smith was a
supporter of John Brown.
Do you think that's
wise, Mrs Grady?
I just meant that committing
himself to an asylum after...
It was because he
was afraid he might
be assassinated by
a Southern slaver.
Don't you believe
that Mr Smith will
defeat that Illinois hypocrite?
Of course we do, Mrs Grady.
Lincoln must be defeated.
And Gerritt Smith is
the man to do it.
Lincoln is a coward.
He wants to allow slavery to
continue where it already exists.
That is against everything
that Grady died for.
I know, Mrs Grady. But Gerritt
Smith won't forget it.
I won't let anyone forget.
We will finish what we
began at Harper's Ferry.
- Where have you been?
- I'm only a few minutes late.
Where's my tonic? Give it to me.
I'm supposed to measure it out.
Where's Maum Sally? She wouldn't
have kept me waiting. I need her.
Maum Sally?
She died, Miss Madeline.
Don't you remember?
Good for them.
Our boys are leaving West
Point right and left.
How long before the
war? What's your guess?
No more than a year.
I'm planning to raise a
personal regiment...
which I intend to offer to...
Evening, dear.
Would you care for
some refreshment?
No, thank you.
I don't care for any.
Still a handsome woman.
A bit pale for my taste.
But the change in her
disposition is remarkable.
She seems so much calmer
the last year or so.
Yes. I'm a fortunate man.
Now tell me, what is the news?
What are they saying
in Charleston?
What do you want?
I thought the house
had fallen down.
Just give it time, Brett.
"A house divided...
"cannot stand."
Neither can I.
Didn't I tell you to
stay out of here?
Orry, you can't avoid me forever.
You know what I want
to talk to you about.
I don't want to talk
about Billy Hazard...
or any Hazard.
The entire subject is
distasteful to me.
- And therefore closed.
- No.
I have been waiting for a time
when you would be sober...
and sympathetic, the kind
of brother you used to be.
Now I'm not sure if that will ever
happen. And I can't
wait any longer.
I've had a letter from Billy.
He's coming here to Charleston.
What?
He's been assigned
to Fort Moultrie.
He'll report to Sullivan's
Island in November.
We can be married any
time after that.
I forbid it.
Orry.
I want peace in this family,
and I want your approval...
but now, I'm not even
sure that it matters.
You explain that.
I don't think you're qualified
to make my decisions any more.
Or even your own.
George Hazard was the only
real friend you ever had.
And ever since you quarrelled with
him, you've been mad at the world.
You shut yourself off, you
drink alone, you never smile.
I'm sorry for you, but I'm not
gonna let you ruin my life, too.
Then you intend to
marry Billy Hazard...
and forget about your family?
Family?
Mother's on my side.
And Charles is still Billy's best
friend, even if he
is off in Texas.
It's your blessing that I want.
If Lincoln is
elected, we will soon
be going to war with the Yankees.
All of the Yankees.
If you want to marry one
now, you are a fool.
I'd rather be a fool
than what you are.
Somebody who doesn't care.
I do care.
Then why can't you
understand what we feel?
Is it because you've
never let yourself
be human enough to fall in love?
Whether I love...
or whether I do not love...
is none of your concern.
I pity you.
You're afraid to let a woman
mean something to you.
Brett, I'm sorry.
Maybe you are...
but it doesn't matter.
It doesn't matter at all.
Mr Orry.
Miss Brett, she's gone.
She's gone to Charleston.
Charleston? In the
middle of the night?
Yes, sir.
Miss Brett, she
took four trunks...
and Cuffey to drive her.
- Was she going to a hotel?
- No, sir.
She said she'd be with Miss
Ashton. I mean, Mrs Huntoon.
Miss Brett said she don't
know when she's coming back.
Jed, clean this up and
get the windows open.
Buy a cockade for your bonnet.
Cockade here, sir, for
your bonnet or lapel.
There's the gorilla the Yankees
want to put in the White House.
Save your Southern
way of life. Buy
a cockade for your
bonnet or lapel.
Here he is. Here's gorilla Abe.
Good, you're up.
I am now.
Isn't this the sweetest
hat you ever saw?
You see this here? This is what
makes it a Secession bonnet.
Isn't it sweet?
It's lovely, Ashton,
except for the name.
I'm on my way out now, but I'll
have coffee sent up for you.
It's way past noon. I
won't be back for supper.
I guess we can talk tonight, then.
About Billy and the wedding.
Why, yes, I think we should.
Now, honey...
you're welcome to stay here
as long as you like...
as far as I'm concerned, but...
It's a good thing
James is in Columbia
organising a Secession convention.
Why's that?
So we have time to
make up a story.
We can't tell James that you came
here just to marry Billy Hazard.
I think the last time
they saw each other...
Billy knocked James
down and called
him a custard-faced son of a...
Something or other.
I'm sorry, Ashton.
Maybe I shouldn't
have come to you.
You hush now.
James is an old custard face.
But don't you fret. I'll handle
him, and brother Orry, too.
Dear Ashton.
We'll think of some way to
make Billy feel welcome...
in spite of what some
folks here say about
the Yankee vermin
at Fort Moultrie.
Billy and I know what we face...
in both parts of the country.
But we love each other, so we're
not going to let it matter.
It's your life, little sister.
It's not just mine.
We hope our marriage is gonna
bring our families together again.
Ashton...
you don't still care
for Billy, do you?
Fie. That was just a silly
little infatuation.
I have the marriage I need
to get where I'm going.
And we'll soon have
you married, too.
But right now I've got to run.
I have never seen Charleston
so full of excitement.
I declare, I can hardly
stand it myself.
It was all I could do not
to slap her silly face.
Imagine thinking of
marrying that Yankee.
But, of course, I
pretended to sympathise.
You did?
Naturally, so that I can have
them both where I want them...
when the time comes.
Time for what?
For getting even.
Forbes LaMotte, you
haven't forgotten?
You promised that you'd
help me get even...
with Brett and Billy Hazard.
Now, you know that's the
only reason why I come here.
The only reason?
Maybe not the only reason.
You are a wonderful lover, Forbes.
Not like James.
Even if I wanted to
sleep with James...
he's either too busy, or too
tired, or too far away.
I think he puts all
he's got into politics.
Honey...
James Huntoon doesn't
know what he's got.
Or if he does, he doesn't
know what to do with it.
Let's not talk about him...
or Brett, or that Yankee, either.
Now, don't get previous.
I want to know what
you're prepared to do.
Can't you tell, darling?
I mean, about stopping Brett
from marrying Billy Hazard.
And from that Yankee telling James
about you and me in
the cotton dock.
I've got no objection
about killing Hazard.
Or any other Yankee,
for that matter.
But if he's posted to
that Yankee fort...
and that baboon Lincoln's elected,
there's going to be a war...
and the Yankees in the harbour
will be the first ones to die.
So what's the worry?
I don't like leaving
something so personal
for some old war to take care of.
Of course, I could let him
marry her, and then kill him.
Then I'd have a wealthy widow...
and I'd be rich, no matter
how the war turns out.
Even after she passed
you over for him?
Don't you have any pride, Forbes?
I guess not.
I'll leave the pride...
and the thinking up to you.
Just tell me what you
want, and I'll do it...
like always.
And if the Yankees want
to elect Lincoln...
I say to hell with them.
We can govern ourselves
in the South
better than some
backwoods rail-splitter.
The Yankees want to
free our slaves.
Let them come down
here and try, by God.
We'll give them a Southern
welcome they won't ever forget.
- Lieutenant Hazard?
- At your service.
Lieutenant Mead, this
is Lieutenant Snyder.
We're here to provide you safe
conduct to Fort Moultrie.
It's beginning to feel like
we're on foreign soil.
There are safer tours of duty for
Northern officers these days.
I didn't think it
would be this bad.
This is what Secession
really means, my friends.
That we get to keep what's ours.
Our honour, our pride...
and our slaves.
We want our slaves.
Let the Yankees come down here.
If Abe Lincoln don't like it...
tell him to go back to
Africa, where he came from.
They're ready to fight, and
Lincoln's not elected yet.
We're to hold the
fort, no matter what.
We'd better get back.
I was wondering if I might take a
short leave to visit my fiancée?
She's staying very near
here, on east battery.
I was actually on my way
there, since I arrived early.
Your fiancée is in Charleston?
Yes, sir.
Then you should send
her home at once.
- This is her home.
- She's a Southern girl?
Yes, she is.
And we're to be married
the first chance we get.
That's another
problem, Lieutenant.
As for seeing your
fiancée now, I'm
afraid that's out of the question.