North and South, Book II (1986): Season 1, Episode 5 - Episode #1.5 - full transcript

Well, lookie here,
you're only half-dead.

You can still work.

Get up, Hazard.

You got to quit being so
shiftless and lazy. Get up.

Come on.

My, my.

Lookie here.

Our general done dug
himself a hole.

Just like a rat.

Do you think you're gonna
escape like those others?

Well, think again, scum.



You're going down in
a hole, all right,

but it's gonna be six-feet deep.

- Chain him up.
- Come on.

Till I decide how we gonna stop
him from digging rat holes.

I got kegs of gunpowder...

hidden underneath this floor.

The very next man...

who tries to escape...

I'm gonna blow you all to hell.

Merry Christmas.

It's a little early,
but what the hell?

Charles.

Had a three-day leave, heard
you were in Richmond.

So where are we having
dinner tonight?



We got a lot to catch up on.

Sit.

Sure is great to see you alive.

I didn't wanna believe it when
I saw you listed as missing.

I landed in a field
hospital. I was lucky.

Your friend George
wasn't so lucky.

- What do you mean?
- Mosby.

Rode into camp the other day to

report on his
guerrilla activities.

I heard him tell
Hampton he'd captured

a Yankee general on
one of his raids.

Turns out it was George.

- Where is he?
- Libby Prison.

He could die there. That
place is a disgrace.

There's nothing you can do.

No more prisoner exchanges,
so you can't go to Davis.

- Besides, he's the enemy.
- What?

Charles...

that man was my best friend.

What's wrong with you?

- Nothing.
- What do you mean, nothing?

I am gonna get him out of there,
and you're gonna help me.

I don't feel too
kindly about Yankees.

None of us do, but I owe him.

Up to you, general.

Thank you.

Well, you can't see General
Winter. He's gone on leave.

You'll address me as "sir" and
tell me who's in charge...

- in the general's absence.
- Yes, sir.

Captain Turner's in charge
right now, sir. But he's...

He ain't here right now neither.

If he's derelict in his duty...

he will suffer the consequences.

In the meantime you're to
deliver to me a prisoner...

by the name of General
George Hazard.

But it's the middle
of the night, sir.

And Captain Turner,
he wouldn't like it.

I don't give a damn what
Captain Turner wouldn't like.

I've got orders to
take this prisoner for

interrogation. That's
what I mean to do.

You have him brought
here to me now.

Yes, sir.

This man's condition
is an outrage.

Get his chains off him.

Now.

I intend to report this entire

detachment for gross
neglect of duty.

- What the hell's going on here?
- They got orders to take him.

Over my dead body. Whose orders?

I would suggest you read
this and snap to, captain...

before I have you
relieved of command.

I never heard of no General Canby.

I want this confirmed before
I hand over the prisoner.

You don't have the authority, so
out of our way, we're leaving.

I already told you,
it's over my dead body.

Stop those men. Grab them.
They killed Major Turner.

George, you all right?

- Relax.
- God.

I couldn't have lasted much
longer in there, Orry.

You saved my life.

Thank you.

Both of you.

Don't get yourself
shot on the way home.

- Careful.
- You got food...

a blanket, some of my old clothes.

Follow the current
as far as you can...

then head north. You're bound
to run into some Union troops.

- Will you do me another favour?
- What's that?

Tell Jeff Davis that
if he stops the war...

I'll buy the champagne.

You best make that
offer to Mr Lincoln.

It'll be light soon. Let's go.
I'm not sure we lost the guards.

He's gonna be all right.

We kill Yankees by the hundreds...

and save one man.

It doesn't make any sense.

Compassion still makes sense.

Oh, Mummy, I love
the way you sing.

Well, I love you.

And you know what?
You've been so good...

I think you can open another
present before you go to bed.

Well, why don't you sit here...

Stanley. They're beautiful.

What a surprise.

Mother.

Aren't they magnificent?

They're lovely, Isabel.

Constance.

Very pretty.

I shall wear these in
Philadelphia on New Year's Eve.

Thank you, my darling.

I should've waited and given
it to you in private.

Nonsense.

I'm not going to let their moods
ruin this special evening.

We have every right to
enjoy our good fortune.

- Mother, are you all right?
- Oh, I'm fine.

It's lovely to see
Hope enjoying herself.

I just keep thinking
of Billy and George.

It doesn't seem like
Christmas without them.

No, it doesn't.

You know, sometimes
I wonder if I can

survive another day
without George.

Oh, but, Mother, think how
difficult it must be...

for those families whose loved
ones will never be coming home.

I can't believe Clarissa is in
the midst of that fighting.

Every night I pray for the Mains
just as I pray for our family.

How can we sing about peace on
Earth, good will toward men...

after four years of war?

Dear God, how much
longer must this go on?

If General Grant takes Petersburg,

it might be over
before we know it.

I know.

I know.

Merry Christmas, Edward.

Oh, George.

Oh, it's really you.

Constance.

Hello, Brett.

It's Mrs Hazard to you.

Heard about your troubles...

so I thought I'd come over
and see if I could help.

Things seem to be a
little lean around here.

We're doing just fine.

That's no way to talk to the man
who could be your salvation.

I got food.

We have enough.

I figured you for the sensible.

Surely you know what a dangerous
situation you all are in.

Three women alone.

If we can come to
some arrangements, I

can make sure nobody
bothers you...

not even Yankees,
who I figure will

be harder on South Carolina...

seeing as we started the war.

You're nothing but trash,
like those squatters.

We're not leaving, no
matter what you do or say.

Shake the tree, and
all the fruit you

want will fall right in your lap.

Time's on my side, missy.

You get on out of
here, Salem Jones...

or this other barrel's
gonna blow your head off.

You wouldn't do that, Semiramis.

Wouldn't I?

I've hated you ever since
I was a little girl.

Now get on out of here.

Leave the horse.

They could head
straight for Richmond

or turn and attack Lee's flank.

Even if Fitz Lee could concentrate
all three of his brigades...

I'm not sure he could stop them.

We can jump a couple of scouts,
find out where they're heading.

Charlie, I haven't been on my feet
two hours the last three days.

This old nag is
wind-broke as I am.

How the heck are we
gonna stop them?

That's too bad.

Who said the Lord isn't a Rebel?

Now, don't get carried
away, we need

at least one alive.
Aim for the legs.

Sorry, captain. Reckon
my aim was high.

Sheridan's cavalry, right?

You don't have much of a choice.

We got miles to
reach your point. I

estimate two divisions,
maybe three.

Which is it?

Three.

Bound where?

It's bad enough you Yankees
burned Beaver Dam stakes...

and our supply warehouse.
Don't try my patience.

Bound where?

Where?

Richmond.

Much obliged.

He was just reaching over
because he was thirsty.

If he had been pulling a gun,
better my mistake than me dead.

Charlie.

You really are something.

Cool as a block in an icehouse.

You're some kind of
killing machine.

The absolute sure-fire best.

We got to find Fitz Lee.

You take the turnpike,
I'll go across country.

One of us is sure to get through.

Top of the morning.
Merry Christmas.

And to you, Mr Beaudeen.

I don't suppose it's quite so
merry in Savannah with Sherman.

He'll be marching
into Charleston next.

Some of the women
are leaving town.

Well, what brings you
out this way so early?

Just my usual desire to
look at your pretty face.

And to bring you this.

That's very kind.

Now, you can take it.
Feel no obligation.

It's really not for
you. It's for them.

It's gold.

Earned with the sweat of my brow.

I'd just waste it. I figured you
could use it for whatever...

Miss Madeline.

The soldiers picked up Michael
and some of the other boys.

- Where did they take them?
- I don't know.

They said they was needed. Too
many soldiers getting killed.

We have to find them.
They're children.

How long ago?

About two hours. Miss
Madeline, I'm so scared.

Don't worry about it. We'll
do our best to get them back.

Yes, sir. We'll get
that right away.

Yes, sir.

I found out where they been taken.

Where?

Don't worry about it right now.
Go home and wait for me there.

- Rafe. I would like to help.
- You can't.

Just do like I tell you. It
may already be too late.

Come on, look alive, look alive.

Boy, I bet you wish you was back
on that plantation, don't you?

Come on, deeper.

Come on. Move that dirt, darkies.

Come on. Look alive, there.

Don't dig that tree out.

You better look sharp there, boy.

Gonna throw your
carcass to Sherman.

It may be your carcass, sergeant.

Just who are you, huh?

These are orders
from your captain to

take these boys back
to my plantation.

Your plantation?

Food is the lifeline of the
Confederacy, sergeant.

We've got to feed
Johnston's troops

if we expect them to stop Sherman.

Just who's gonna finish
digging these rifle pits?

Neither you nor your men look
helpless to me, sergeant.

That ain't work for white men.

You read your orders
and do your duty.

My duty is to get my share.

I know all about your Captain
Farley and his little pay-offs...

You see this here order, it ain't
worth the paper it's written on.

You get the boys
in the waggon, and

I'll see that you're
taken care of.

All right, let's go. All you boys,
get in this here blasted waggon.

Be quick about it.

Come on, move it.

I only pay once.

They're safe now. I left Michael
with his mother about an hour ago.

Oh, thank God.

How did you find out
where they were?

Captain Farley wanted cold, hard
cash, and a lot of it, I'm afraid.

You bribed an officer?

Well, I had no choice.

If you had been arrested, we'd
all have been in jeopardy.

What should I have done?
Something more honourable?

You've got to wake up,
Madeline. Honour's dead.

It's been killed in the war.

From now on, there are
only transactions.

Perhaps.

For you, that's the way you live.

That's right, madam...

to survive.

Well, some things are more
important than survival.

Like what, Madeline? I left the
army rather than go on killing...

innocent human beings in a cause
already doomed from the start...

by the stupidity of too
many of its leaders.

I don't want to hear that.

I refuse to be a fool.

I found a better way of
attacking a Yankee position...

and when I returned, I was accused

by my commander of
insubordination.

If that makes me some kind
of a scoundrel, so be it.

I didn't mean to...

You saved Michael's life...

and I thank you for that.

Madeline, there's so
much I want to tell you.

It's late.

I am...

I am grateful.

Please believe me.

Your servant, madam.

I thought you told me you'd never
touch any of Justin's money.

Now, if you're prepared
to do that, at

least make life
more comfortable...

for you and your
child. Don't keep...

if the money is mine...

then I'm entitled to
spend it as I see fit.

Uncle Miles...

Justin never did one good thing
for anyone in his entire life.

So let's just call
this poetic justice.

When his money's gone,
then I'll sell the house.

I'm not even sure I could
find a buyer right now.

Let alone get a good price.

Even if I have to sell
the house at a loss...

there should still be enough
to help a great many people.

Now, I understand your wanting
to help these people...

that have been displaced
by the war, but

you can't bankrupt
yourself to do it.

And what about your son, Madeline?

That house should be his someday.

Thousands have been
driven from their homes.

Slaves, freed
Negroes, poor whites.

They have no food, no
money. They have no hope.

I can't just stand by and
watch women and children die.

I hope my son will
understand that one day...

when he's old enough.

You're giving away
everything you have.

I would give more if I had it.

Uncle Miles, you can't
imagine the suffering.

All right, my dear.

It's obvious you're going to do
this whether I agree or not.

If Justin's money
isn't sufficient,

I'll find a way to sell the house.

Thank you, Uncle Miles.

Thank you. I knew
you'd understand.

- I have a surprise for you.
- What?

- Oh. I love surprises.
- I know you do. Open it up.

Well, this looks familiar.

I had the tailor repair it.

I want my husband
going back on duty

looking like the general he is.

Oh, thank you. That's very sweet.

And as it just so happens...

I have a little gift for you too.

You do?

- Oh, George, it's beautiful.
- Do you like it?

I love it.

I had Stanley pick it up for me...

in Philadelphia on
his last trip there.

Oh, thank you.

You know, it's been so wonderful
having you home these past weeks.

I hate to think of you
leaving again so soon.

I don't think that Grant
will let this deadlock...

drag on much longer.

It's got to end soon.

But I am afraid that Lee will
fight on to the bitter end...

along with all his men.

I know.

You're worried about
Orry again, aren't you?

Yes.

Our little reunion while out on
patrol a couple of years ago...

wasn't as pleasant as I might
have led you to believe.

What do you mean?

Well, at first, it was
like nothing had changed.

It was just so good
to see him again.

But it became obvious to me that
the war had done something...

to that sense of understanding
that we always seemed to share.

By the time we said goodbye, we
were acting just like enemies.

Oh, George.

And when he broke
me out of prison...

it was more like he was...

repaying an old debt instead
of an act of friendship.

Darling...

I love Orry as much as you do.

And I know the kind of man he is.

He would never turn his back
on you or your friendship.

- Captain Bradley.
- Yes, madam.

I'm Constance Hazard.

The maid told me you're
here to see my husband.

I'm on General
Hazard's staff, madam.

I have some rather urgent
business with him.

I see.

Well, why don't you wait in the
library and I'll get him for you.

This isn't an official
visit, general,

but I wanted to warn
you ahead of time.

I'd rather discuss
this in private, sir.

Unless it involves military
secrets, captain...

I have nothing I wanna
hide from my wife.

Sir...

from what I've been
able to find out...

the war department has had
complaints for almost two years...

about defective weapons...

made by Axol Iron Works.

Do you know anything
about such a company?

No, I've never heard of them.

A formal investigation wasn't
started until recently.

They found that Axol
Iron is a front

for another arms manufacturer:

Hazard Iron.

That's ridiculous.
George would never

have anything to do with that.

They verified that these cannons
were made from cheap metals...

which caused some of them to
explode after prolonged use.

I'm afraid some soldiers
on the gun crews...

have been killed as a result.

- Oh, my God.
- But everybody knows...

that while George was away,
Stanley ran the company.

The general's signature appears on

several incriminating documents...

which connect the two companies.

Then someone forged his signature.

It had to be somebody
from the inside.

Unfortunately, you're going
to have to prove that, sir.

I don't believe this. My
husband risked his life...

and endured great
hardship in prison.

How can his own government
accuse him of such a crime?

Madam, I feel the same way,
or I wouldn't be here.

But I'm afraid all the evidence
seems to be against you, general.

Captain...

you said this was an
unofficial visit.

How much time do I have
to prove my innocence?

I'm afraid they'll
be swearing out a

warrant for your
arrest within hours.

Well, can't you delay it?

I wish I could. I just
found out this morning.

What else can you
tell us, captain?

There seems to be a
man named Morgan.

Although there's no solid
evidence against him...

they suspect he's involved
in selling cheap metals...

- to more than one foundry.
- You know where I can find him?

He does most of his
business out of

a tavern outside Philadelphia...

called Dillards.

By next Tuesday.

No, I can't...

- that I had ever seen.
- When we first...

I'm gonna use them again.

- Now, I'm gonna use them again.
- When we...

- He's got a good...
- Full waggon.

Boy, that's one way.

Which one's Morgan?

Morgan? Who are you?

- Why don't you...
- That's what I told him.

Never you mind.

Just point him out to me.

You Morgan?

- If I am?
- I'd like some straight answers.

Do you have business
with Hazard Iron?

I don't know what
you're talking about.

You've been selling inferior
metals through a dummy company.

You can't prove anything.

I wanna know who your contact is.

Who the hell are you?

My name is George Hazard,
you miserable scum.

A lot of good men have
died because of you.

You're coming with me, you're
gonna tell them everything...

and you're gonna spend
your life in prison.

Along with you and your
brother, General Hazard.

He's broke his neck. He's dead.

Stanley.

I just talked to Morgan. He
connected you with Axol Iron.

I don't wanna believe
this, Stanley.

George...

Just tell me it isn't true.

You're my brother.

I have trusted you
with everything.

How could you do this?

Stanley, don't tell him anything.

Don't you realise
what you've done?

There's been an investigation.
They're going to arrest George.

Whatever trouble he's
in, it's his doing.

Enough.

I have always given you
everything you've wanted.

Now, I will not
sacrifice my brother.

George...

I had no idea this would
happen with those cannons...

and when I found out,
it was too late.

Our whole business was
at stake, our future...

What about our future, Stanley?

You have not only befouled
this family's reputation...

you have probably
destroyed Hazard Iron.

Which is nothing compared
to the senseless killing...

of who knows how
many Union soldiers.

- George...
- You miserable traitor.

Please forgive me.

You must take full responsibility,
as will this company...

to the families of
those dead soldiers.

Undoubtedly, that means
long prison terms...

for both you and Isabel.

I've done nothing illegal.

My signature was not
on those documents.

Apparently you haven't
heard your husband, dear.

It's over, Isabel.

If you can find the courage
to own up to your actions...

you might find some self-respect.

I'll cooperate.

When are we gonna get rid
of Jeff Davis already?

You're unusually
impatient today, Ashton.

I told you those
things take time...

and they take money.

We have a definite
lack of the latter.

Well, I've already
given you all of mine.

There is someone who has just

promised an enormous
contribution...

but I'm afraid he wants
something more in return...

other than mere participation
in our new government.

- What does he want?
- Thomas Drummond.

Has always had his eye on you.

That old fool? Every
time he sees me,

he looks down my dress and drools.

Exactly.

You can't mean he...?

Why, that is the most
ridiculous thing I ever heard.

What's so ridiculous?

All you have to do is spend
one night with him...

and $15,000 in gold is ours.

- You can't mean that.
- Of course I do.

He knows that you
and I are friends.

Friends?

- We love each...
- I don't recall mentioning love.

Love would be the worst thing for

us. We're equals, we are partners.

Love would just get in the
way of everything we want.

But as I was saying before
I was interrupted...

we love each other's
strength and power.

So then you'll do it?

Why wouldn't I? After all, it
only makes us that much closer...

to what we want.

I knew I could count on you.

I had no idea you thought
me attractive, Mr Drummond.

Otherwise, I would have
come here long before this.

You do me an honour, Miss Ashton.

On the contrary, sir...

you do me...

and our cause the honour.

Your donation, sir,
was so generous...

that I felt that I
had to repay you...

in the only way I know how.

Ashton?

Yes, James?

It's all right, Ashton.

You're right, James.

You must be joking.
You don't really

expect to celebrate here, do you?

Couldn't think of a
more appropriate place.

But everybody says it's
unsafe to leave the city.

Now, where is your spirit of

adventure, Ashton?
Come on. Get down.

I'm tired of playing games.
What is it you wanna show me?

Now you just be patient.

Why, the army would
just be furious

if they knew anything about this.

How'd you get so many guns?

Along with my military expertise,
I have developed quite a flair...

for raising money.

This was all bought...

with cash donated by
supporters of our cause.

Like Drummond?

Exactly.

Men whose ambition exceeds
their intelligence.

I still need another shipment,
so I have arranged for this...

with a profiteer down
in South Carolina.

He gets his guns from
a man in Barbados.

I will be leaving
for Charleston...

tomorrow.

How long will you be gone?

You won't have too
long to pine for me.

We have to move against Mr
Davis in two weeks or so...

otherwise it'll be too late.

I just want to make sure that...

we kill Mr Davis...

and every one of his
loyal followers.

Including my brother?

Especially your brother.

I haven't forgotten the injuries
to which I owe Mr Main.

We're gonna have a
little time for us.

Not here.

Yeah, here. Right now.

Line never ends, does
it, Miss Madeline?

There seems to be three times the
amount of people we started with.

How you gonna keep this up?
You can't feed everybody...

in the whole South.

I'll do what I can for
as long as I can.

Food costing the way
it does, I don't

see how we gonna keep this up.

Excuse me, madam.

Look, I know that you must
nearly be out of cash by now.

You've been feeding these
people for months.

You've also got a little
baby to think of.

Now, I have a little money and
some good connections in town.

I could help you get food and

medicines, maybe some
men to drive you.

In exchange for what?

Well, that's entirely up to you.

Well, I appreciate your
help, Mr Beaudeen.

I really do.

But that's as far as it goes.

If you can find food or medicine,
please bring it to the camp.

Yes, madam.

Why don't you eat now, darling?

I must confess, I
never expected to

find a buyer for
your house so soon.

They certainly offered
a fair price.

Under the circumstances,
more than generous.

However, there was one term
the buyer insists upon...

that I couldn't accept
without your consent.

My consent?

Well, he insists the
sale be anonymous.

Well, is there anything
wrong with that?

No, not at all.

Then sell it. I need the money.

Then you may consider the
sale closed, my dear.

The war has certainly
taken its toll.

The supplies we received only
yesterday have almost gone.

Goodbye.

Beaudeen, the...

Good Lord, man, I told you to
stay away from here today.

I've been avoiding
danger too long to

be caught by an
unsuspecting woman.

- Did she accept?
- Of course.

She's all obsessed with
this refugee work of hers.

Now she'll have means
to continue it.

Until it ruins her, I'm afraid.

A woman like her can
never be ruined.

And in the end, I'll see to
it she gets her house back.

I really don't want
the damn thing.

Well, why didn't you
just give her the money?

Because she'd never take it.

Even though it does come
out of the pockets...

of some of Charleston's
most respected families.

Well, now, wait a minute.
You... Surely not stolen?

Oh, no. It's earned quite honestly

right down at the
Stars and Bars Inn.

If she knew the money
came from gambling...

But she never will. You'll
have the money tomorrow.

So congratulate
yourself, Mr Colbert.

It's not every day that a lawyer
helps a scoundrel help a lady.

I realise, Mr Bent, that you and

your mercenaries
need these guns...

but that price I quoted
last month was before...

the misfortunes of our Confederacy

caused the further
downward plunge...

in the value of paper money.

You cannot just double the price.

A deal, sir, is a deal.

I suggest you keep
your voice down, sir.

Some patriotic fools are so upset
about the Yankee occupation...

that they might be inclined
to stretch our necks...

if they knew what nefarious

business we were
about to conclude.

Now, you're just gonna have
to accept my offer as is...

because that's all I brought.

You're fortunate, Mr Bent, that
my contact in the Barbados...

is willing to accept
10 percent in gold.

I would suggest that
you close this deal...

before the price
of a loaf of bread

goes to $100 and
rifles to 1000 each.

I would say you have 24 hours
before the price goes up again.

How am I supposed to raise
that kind of cash here...

with all the Yankees
snooping around?

A clever man such
as yourself should

be able to think of something.

You have a way with the ladies.

Why don't you charm our
local heiress, Mrs Picard?

Heiress?

Someone must have
left her a fortune.

She's been feeding
every white trash,

refugee and ex-slave
for miles around.

They call her "The Angel Lady."

Well, then perhaps this
angel might be persuaded...

to be generous to
my cause as well.

I have heard she's desperate
for food for her camp.

Where might I find this
paragon of generosity?

Apparently, she lives in a seedy
boarding house near here...

something consistent
with her eccentricities.

There's barely a
handful of cornmeal

left for each child,
and no milk at all.

You've done everything
you can, Madeline.

You can't create food
if there isn't any.

I have money left
from the sale, but

there's nothing to
buy. I've tried.

Since Sherman is already
marching north,

trying to trap Johnston and Lee...

between himself and Grant, it
should all be over very soon now.

Will it, Rafe?

Or will things just be worse
when the war is over?

I don't know.

I just know that I can't
stand to see you like this.

- Madeline, I love you.
- Rafe.

I've never said that to anyone
before in my life, but it's true.

Please, don't.

Why? I know you at
least care for me.

I do.

But I can't let it be
anything more than that.

You can't or you won't?

You almost guessed the
truth once before.

I'm not a widow. My
husband is still living.

Do you still love him?

Oh, please, don't ask
me any more questions.

Just believe me, I can
never be what you want.

We should be together.
You feel the same.

No.

A part of me would
always belong to him.

You'd come to hate me for it.

- Madeline, I...
- I'd only end up hurting you.

I couldn't live with
myself if I did.

I'm sorry, Rafe.

Please take me home.

Well, Mr Beaudeen, how
nice to see you again.

Miss Shoup.

Mrs Picard, another
gentleman called...

while you were away.
He left his card.

Said he'd be at the Mills house.

Do you know the man?

What?

No.

Someone I once knew did.

He seemed like a real gentleman.

He said he could call
whenever it was convenient.

"The sooner the better"
were his exact words.

If you'd like for me to send a...?

I appreciate your interest...

but I'll take care of it.
Thank you again, Mrs Shoup.

Would you like me to find out
what this gentleman wants?

No, that won't be necessary.

Thank you for escorting me home.

And for your kindness.

Good day, sir.

It will be a good day, madam, when
you change your mind about us.

I won't give up.

Miss Sinclair?

Well, that was my stage
name. It's Mrs Wescott now.

I need to speak to you.

It's very important.

Come in.

I saw you play
Cordelia in King Lear.

I was 17, but I've
never forgotten it.

You couldn't have been
more than 17 yourself.

I wasn't. I'm surprised that
you remembered me. Thank you.

It's been a very long time since
anyone's mentioned my acting.

I gave it up years
ago when I married.

Is that your husband?

Yes. Robert was
killed at Gettysburg.

Oh, I'm so sorry.

What was it you want to talk
to me about, Mrs Picard?

I would like to hire you...

as an actress.

Who'd want to mount a
theatrical production now...

- with Charleston occupied?
- Well, it's not a play, exactly.

Your services would only be
required for one evening...

and I will pay you...

what I can afford.

Do you want me to break
the law in some way?

Oh, no. No.

I need to find out why
someone wants to see me.

But I must warn you there
is a risk involved.

I will provide you with
all the protection I can.

But if you're the actress
I believe you are...

you won't need it.

You intrigue me, Mrs Picard.

And I haven't been intrigued by
anything since my husband died.

What part do you want me to play?

Me.

Wait here.

- You're to wait in here, sir.
- Thank you.

- Mr Bent?
- Mrs Picard.

- Please, sit down.
- Thank you.

I've always been fascinated
by women who wear veils...

especially when the
face behind the

veil is as beautiful as yours is.

You flatter me, sir.

A woman in my position
needs to be careful...

about revealing herself.

Great wealth must be
handled with great care.

I understand that you need
more food for your refugees.

That is correct.

I think I can help
you in that regard.

But that is just one of the
reasons I wanted to meet you.

A woman such as yourself, doing so

much to help the poor
of Charleston...

is demonstrating a rare
kind of patriotism.

Thank you for the
compliment, but...

You could help even more.

A very small part of
your fortune could

ensure the well-being
and safety...

of every refugee in the South.

How is that, Mr Bent?

Help me put the
government into the

hands of one who can win the war.

Go on.

If the South is destroyed, all
your efforts to help the poor...

would be crushed as well.

Now, a woman of your
obvious intelligence...

must see that the
disastrous policies...

of Jefferson Davis...

have put the Confederacy in
the perilous position...

it is in today. The
Yankees in Charleston...

and the Yankees at the
gates of Richmond.

It is tragic.

If, on the other hand,
we were led by a man

of political and
military brilliance...

who also had an iron will...

we could still force the
Union to its knees.

I never thought of it like that.

But of course. You're right.

Mrs Picard...

you could be a great
inspiration...

for a great revolution that
I'm more than ready to lead.

I'd like to think about what
you've told me for a day or two.

It's all so overwhelming.

I have a large
company of dedicated

men waiting in the wings.

We are short of supplies.
Time is of the essence.

I don't think I can wait
that long for an answer.

Tomorrow morning at the latest?

I'll see that you
get one. Quickly.

Thank you.

I have the feeling we have
met somewhere before.

Impossible, sir.

I'd certainly remember
a man like you.

Well, then I'll call on you
again tomorrow morning.

For your answer.

Appalling man. I wasn't
sure he'd actually leave.

I'm sorry you had
to go through that.

I was afraid he might recognise
me. I have reason to believe...

he knows what I look like.

He almost seemed to recognise me.

What if he's seen me on the stage?

It's too dangerous. You
can't see him again.

The way he talked, he intends on
overthrowing President Davis.

And he wants you to finance it.

Orry was right. Elkanah
Bent has to be stopped.

I'm going to try to hire a rider
to take a message to Richmond.

Your fee.

Use the money for
your children. Think

of it as a benefit performance.

Thank you.

Your Robert would have been
very proud of you tonight.

Why did you hire that actress?

She was a lovely Juliet once,
but I didn't believe her...

in the role of Mrs Picard.

You, however, fit the role
perfectly... Mrs Picard.

I'm not gonna let you go
till I've seen your face.

I know why you've been
trying to hide it from me.

Now, let's see what's
under your veil.

Rafe.

Firearm. Get some help.

He's got a gun.

Somebody get the man with the gun.

Rafe. Get a doctor.

Yes, madam.

I do love you.

I know. I know.

Tell me you love me.

I love you.

Come on, let's tear it down.

Hey, boy.

Get it out of here.

Get over here.

Did the bleeding stop?

These herbs are gonna heal it.

Ezra.

- Drink this. It's gonna help.
- Thank you, Miss Brett.

Sorry about what happened.

Tomorrow I start on a new wheel.

Don't you worry about that.

You need another pair of hands?

I could use them, Semi.

Well, seems like you're
gonna be all right, Ezra.

I thought he was the handsomest
man that ever lived.

Still do.

This was the gown I
wore when we met.

It was an April cotillion.

"May I have the pleasure of the
next dance, Miss Clarissa?"

I didn't hesitate a bit.

And before I knew it,
I was in his arms.

Oh, Mama.

After we danced, he bowed to me...

and said I looked as young and
lovely as a spring morning.

Your father wasn't
always that sentimental.

But the way he said it
came right from his heart.

Oh, Tilley.

What happened to all our dreams?

You made us all feel so safe.

- Oh, Brett.
- Mama.

I'm sorry. I'm sorry.

- Where you going, Jimmy?
- Home, major.

- It's over.
- No, it's not.

You're deserting.

We're beat, Charlie.
Can't you see that?

Grant's got us bottled up in

Petersburg and he's
gonna stomp us...

until there's more blood in
the trenches than rain water.

You know Richmond
can't hold out much

longer. There's no
more need in dying.

I'm sick of it. I
can't take no more.

I've slept in the
mud for four years.

I've eaten slop day after day.

I don't know if my wife and
children are alive or dead.

So I'm going home, major.

You can shoot me if you want to.

I'd rather die than
keep on this way.

You've changed, Charlie.

If I was you...

I'd take a real hard
look at myself...

before I started in
on the rest of us.

Been so long.

How are you, Washington?

I've been better, Captain Charles.

Where's Boz?

A few weeks ago I was visiting
neighbours who had a sick child.

While I was gone, a party
of Union soldiers came by.

Boz wouldn't let them have
my mare and colt, so...

they shot him.

I was down by the river
when I heard the shot.

When I got back, they
were riding away.

My boy was...

My boy was...

Damn it.

- Are you all right?
- It's my fault, Miss Augusta.

I startled him. I'm
fine. I'm fine.

Sorry, sir.

Hope I didn't burn you none.

- I'm sorry, Washington.
- Yes, sir. Yes, sir.

Last thing I wanted to do
was hurt his feelings.

I'm not fit...

- to be around decent people.
- It's not you. It's the war.

I don't know when I
can see you again.

Don't.

Why did you come back here?

I don't know.

Nothing makes any sense any more.

Let me help you.

It's too late.

I appreciate what you've done, Mr
Huntoon, especially on your own.

We've had our
differences, but we're

both loyal to the same cause.

Oh, Orry, so good
to see you again.

Mr President.

I believe you know Mr Huntoon.

He's brought me some extraordinary
information about illegal guns.

I felt you would know
best how to deal with it.

What the hell are you doing here?

You are interfering
with a meeting of

crucial significance
to our future.

I have to talk to you.

I do not care if you
have to talk to me.

You're acting with blatant
disregard to our plans.

Listen to me, El. It's too

dangerous. We could
lose everything.

Why don't we sell
this to a profiteer

and get out before it's too late.

You're starting to sound
just like your husband.

- It is not too late.
- Everybody knows...

the Confederacy is dead.

The Confederacy will flourish
under my presidency...

after we have destroyed the
enemy. All my enemies.

- Elkanah.
- You get out of here right now.

- I have every right to be here.
- Don't you dare disobey me.

And don't you dare talk to me
like I'm one of your lackeys.

Now you can't leave.

I'll hide in the back.

You stay there. Keep
your mouth shut.

Had a devil of a time
finding the place.

So would somebody else, I hope.

I'm sure you can understand the
absolute necessity for secrecy.

Dear God. Where did
you get all this?

I do have a number of
prominent backers, sir.

You got enough weapons
here for a regiment.

James...

It's time for us to
make history together.

Now, we're gonna chop the head
of the snake right off...

and we are gonna make
sure the cut is clean.

Now, in order to do that,
we need more guns.

We need more ammunition.
We need your help, sir.

You'd said there'd be no violence.

Now, you listen to me.

In order to assure the absolute
security of our new government...

we have got to kill...

Jefferson Davis.

You'd really do that?

Any and every officer who refuses
to pledge allegiance to me...

or to you...

will be executed...

starting with Brigadier
General Orry Main.

You're the one that's
gonna die, Bent.

Main.

You set me up, didn't you?

I may be a fool, Bent,
but I am not a killer...

nor a traitor.

Someone had to stop you.

You stop me?

You couldn't even stop your
wife from sleeping with me.

Ashton.

You fool. You've
ruined everything.

Ashton, you and Bent. You didn't
have the courage to leave me.

You had to make a fool of me.

I've waited half my life for this,
Main, ever since West Point.

Every time you meddled
in my affairs.

Every time you injured me.

Always knew I'd have this moment,
when you'd be at my mercy.

- It's over, Ashton. It's over.
- Damn you.

No. No.

No.

No.

El, don't go in there. There's
nothing you can do any more.

My empire.

I'm gonna save my empire.

God.

It was like Judgement Day.

Like it says in the Bible:

All sinners shall burn
in everlasting fire.

I'm a sinner too.

I'm gonna burn in hell
with you, Elkanah.

Stop it, Ashton. Nothing
happened to you.

But it will.

I've done...

terrible things.

I tried to have Billy killed...

and I got rid of a baby...

before I got married.

- Madeline.
- Madeline?

What did you do to her?

What did you do to her?

Ashton.

Tell me. You tell me,
or I will kill you now.

I didn't hurt her, I...

I made her go away
from Mont Royal.

Made her go away? How?

How?

Elkanah...

he had a picture of her mother.

She was a black whore
in New Orleans.

And when I told her...

I told her that Mother would
die if anyone found out.

Damn you, Ashton.

Where is she?

Where is she? Where is she?

I don't know.

I swear, I don't know.

Get away from me.

Get out of my sight.

Get her out of my sight.

I don't ever want
to see her again.

Get away from me.

Forgive me, James.

It's too late, Ashton.

It's too late.

Get away from me.