18th-century England and Ireland viewed through the eyes of four beautiful high-born sisters - Caroline, Emily, Louisa, and Sarah Lennox, great-granddaughters of a king, daughters of a cabinet minister, and wives of politicians and peers.
#perioddrama #costumedrama #BenDaniels #TobyJones #AlunArmstrong #Anne-MarieDuff #TobyJones #SerenaGordon #JodhiMay
#perioddrama #costumedrama #BenDaniels #TobyJones #AlunArmstrong #Anne-MarieDuff #TobyJones #SerenaGordon #JodhiMay
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TVTranscript
00:01I worry I will disappoint you.
00:03You will not disappoint me.
00:05I might have taught her more before she left.
00:07She was so innocent.
00:10Lady Sarah, we trust we find you well?
00:12Yes, Your Majesty.
00:13Should one marry without love?
00:16I think it is better to be in love.
00:18We see little of each other.
00:20Is this a complaint, my lady?
00:21Of course not.
00:22I'm perfectly happy and extremely lucky.
00:25Thank you, sir.
00:27What shall we have, Monsieur Rousseau?
00:30After George died, I resolved I would no longer lose any of my children to England.
00:36I'm going to ask Monsieur Rousseau to teach the children.
00:39I'm not convinced he's a good idea.
00:41It's too late to change.
00:43The letter is sent.
00:45You wager like a French woman.
00:46We are in France.
00:48So tonight, I choose to be with French.
00:51You will permit me to visit you when I come to England?
00:54You may visit my brother.
00:56I would not expect of him what I hope for from you.
01:00Who are you?
01:14William Ogilvy.
01:16Who might you be?
01:19I'm Edward.
01:19Thank you for coming.
01:45I was just becoming acquainted with Lord Edward, Your Grace.
01:48Is that not so?
01:51The acquaintance has proved profitable thus far.
01:56You must run along now, Edward.
01:58Sit down, Mr. Ogilvy.
02:10I'm sorry I'm not Monsieur Rousseau, Your Grace.
02:12You are a good classical scholar, Mr. Ogilvy, a mathematician and a French speaker?
02:23That is true, Your Grace.
02:24Which of these subjects is most important, in your opinion?
02:29None of them, Your Grace.
02:31Perhaps you will explain.
02:41In my opinion, Your Grace, we should not encourage young people to emulate the parrot.
02:47The subject can be absorbed and repeated without understanding.
02:52Therefore, subjects are of no importance.
02:55Our children must learn.
02:56If they are to mix in a world where learning is prized...
03:01Certainly, Your Grace.
03:07You are teaching in Dublin.
03:08Do your students do well?
03:10Their abilities are varied, and the number large, but I am satisfied with their progress.
03:15Are their parents satisfied?
03:17I can give you testimonials to that effect.
03:27If subjects are not important, Mr. Ogilvy, what is?
03:34The young person is important, Your Grace.
03:38The business of books has its place, but there are other things to consider.
03:43Such as?
03:43A healthy life.
03:46There should be exercise and sport, and a knowledge of the earth.
03:52And you consider this part of their schooling?
03:58Every child should dig and plant.
04:01It is a considerable pleasure, Your Grace, to admire the fruits of one's own labour.
04:07I would have no child grow up without it.
04:11I see.
04:13It is proposed that you should undertake the education of my children.
04:31You will live at my house by the sea.
04:35How many children, Your Grace?
04:39Nine.
04:39I mean, William is completing his education in France, and George is to join the army.
05:00My son.
05:01My son, George.
05:08He's dead.
05:09I know you, Grace.
05:16Excuse me.
05:20Allow him the tribute of your grief.
05:23If your house is by the sea, perhaps I might teach your children to swim.
05:35How should he be treated?
05:52Should I consider him a servant?
05:56He's not like an ordinary tutor.
05:58But he's not a gentleman.
06:00He's not nobly born, but he is educated.
06:06So, what one has not been given by birth, one may acquire through effort, even gentility.
06:13This may be true, Louisa, but it does not tell me what I should do.
06:16About what?
06:20About candles.
06:24Tallow or wax.
06:27You worry about candles.
06:31I want everything to be right.
06:33This must go well.
06:40I had the leisure to trouble myself with domestic niceties.
06:45In London, Caroline would have welcomed a life of such trifling concerns.
06:52How can we stop people talking about Sarah?
06:57Paris was a mistake.
06:59She must return home.
07:00You think that will stop people talking?
07:08Louisa is arriving soon from Ireland with Mr Connolly.
07:12Miss Sarah always listens to her.
07:15We must ensure she returns.
07:19Yes, my love.
07:21Caroline chose not to inform me, as yet, of her anxieties regarding our sister.
07:27In the forlorn hope that scandal and gossip would no longer pursue her, Sarah was encouraged to return to London in the company of my brother and his wife, the Duke and Duchess of Richmond.
07:42So there's five of you?
07:44Yes.
07:46And are they all like you?
07:48And what are you, Lady Sarah?
07:54And what are you, Lady Sarah?
08:10I think I am a disappointment.
08:25Whisper.
08:29How does a Frenchman make love?
08:34I do nothing but kiss.
08:36No one objects to that.
08:43He follows you from France.
08:46Forgiveness.
08:56Fashion for flirtation?
08:57I hear that nobody knows if she's serious or scandalous, if she wants a lover or is pleased to be your wife.
09:04There is no lover, I am certain.
09:07I should not condemn her, whatever she did.
09:10She will not need your approval, Selwyn.
09:12She's young and follows fashion.
09:15By gambling, as if she were born to it?
09:18She has no idea of doing wrong.
09:21The fur sex never have.
09:23They wait for us to corrupt them.
09:25Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha!
09:33Our sister was teetering on the edge of a precipice.
09:38Half throwing herself over, half willing herself back.
09:42You give me nothing.
10:13You do not understand.
10:15You promise one thing and do another.
10:17I have a husband.
10:19Whom you love?
10:22This is England.
10:24I was allowed to choose my husband.
10:27Therefore the crime of deceiving him would not be forgiven.
10:30You tell him about our meetings?
10:33No.
10:34I did not think so.
10:38You take the guilt.
10:39I refuse the pleasure.
10:43Come.
10:44Come.
10:46Louisa, my dear, I am so glad you've come.
11:16Hello, Thomas.
11:18Sarah.
11:26I must speak with you.
11:28What is it?
11:29Have you ever done something for which you were truly sorry?
11:47Why should someone do anything if one knows it will make them sorry?
11:53It simply happens.
11:55One cannot help oneself.
11:57Cannot help oneself?
11:59Of course one can.
12:01When I was in Paris, I often forgot that I was married.
12:11I've forgot it for days on end.
12:14But Mr Bunbury was with you.
12:16Does not that make it worse?
12:19You were so busy with amusements.
12:21I did not behave as I should.
12:24You expect too much of yourself.
12:27You are entitled to a little diversion.
12:29A little diversion?
12:33If that were all.
12:35This is enough.
12:36You are worn out.
12:39You imagine you do every wrong thing.
12:40Your family know you better.
12:45Please.
12:47I must tell you, I am so unhappy.
12:52Oh, no, no, no, no.
12:53Now, that I will not allow.
12:55You have everything you could want.
12:57You owe it to yourself to be happy.
12:58Will you be dissatisfied when we all love you?
13:04I do not know why you do.
13:06Because.
13:08Because you are the dearest heart in all the world.
13:15If you are sad, it afflicts us all.
13:24It must feel comfortable to be always good.
13:28Do you have a moment?
13:44May I speak with you?
13:45If you wish.
13:50What are you doing?
13:51My accounts.
13:54May I help?
13:55You can.
13:57By spending less.
14:02I have been extravagant, I know.
14:04But.
14:06I do not need a large income to be happy.
14:08I could do as well on a little if, if I, if I lived a different sort of life.
14:17Indeed.
14:21I would be much obliged if.
14:25Will you tell me?
14:29Are you content with our life?
14:30Is it what you expected?
14:37What do you mean, my lady?
14:40Is there anything you would change?
14:42Do you complain of me to your family?
14:45No.
14:47Of course not.
14:49I would not like your brother to think me unkind to you.
14:51When we married, did you consider yourself to be, were you in love?
15:12As much as you were, I imagine.
15:14My sister's activities were by now so well known, that news of them reached me in Ireland.
15:38I wrote to her, counselling caution.
15:41She hears stories from London.
15:45She asks me to take care.
15:51Lord William!
15:52Sarah, I must introduce you.
15:54Lord William is dying to make your acquaintance.
16:00Your Grace.
16:02Lord William Gordon.
16:03Lady Sarah Bunbury.
16:05I've heard so much about you, Lady Sarah.
16:08You must not believe what people say.
16:11Oh, I believe every word.
16:13That is why I desire to meet you.
16:41Let me see your eyes.
16:42I prefer to hide.
16:44But I prefer to see them.
16:47It's not worth your trouble.
16:48I will be the judge of that.
16:49Do you know what you want?
16:51All too well, I want you.
16:54You are mad.
16:57Not yet, but it's likely that I will be.
16:59Nonsense.
17:00Have you not heard?
17:01Some of my family are locked up.
17:03Really?
17:04Truly.
17:05Truly.
17:06An uncle in a mad house.
17:07A brother at home.
17:10You must take me now while I have my wits.
17:12Do you think I have quite lost my senses?
17:15Not yet.
17:16But you will.
17:17Oh, who are you writing to?
17:29Emily.
17:31She's heard stories about Sarah.
17:33I tell her not to pay any attention.
17:37Charles James?
17:39Why are you wearing your coat inside out?
17:42It's the newest fashion.
17:44The fashion for gamblers.
17:45You turn your coat to turn your luck.
17:47A wager or two, that's all.
17:48One or two?
17:50You never accept any limits.
17:51You don't understand.
17:53A gentleman never backs down.
17:55And I have a reputation to uphold.
17:57You promised to stop, yet still you go on.
17:59You did not bring me up to hide at home like a mouse.
18:03It seems I brought you up to break my heart.
18:05Oh.
18:06Oh.
18:07Good evening, Father.
18:09Charles James?
18:11What do we do now?
18:17Prepare to pay.
18:19Our fashionable world had no objection to affairs as long as they remained discreet.
18:44But Sarah, it seemed, was by now beyond discretion.
18:50Can you direct me to perdition?
18:53Straight on, my lord.
18:54The way you were going.
18:58I warn you.
19:00I'll take you with me.
19:02That's my husband's.
19:20Where are his shoes?
19:22What?
19:22I suit his dressing gown.
19:25I'll fill his shoes.
19:28I'll have his wife.
19:29You are bad.
19:31Of course.
19:33I'll come to a bad end.
19:41How long can you stay this time?
19:42As long as he's away.
19:53It won't be long enough.
19:56It never is.
20:02He'd meet again.
20:04In secret.
20:05Skulking around like badgers in the night.
20:13It's that or nothing.
20:16What can we do?
20:17I could shoot your husband.
20:23Or I could shoot myself.
20:25I ain't.
20:26Or maybe.
20:28I should shoot us both.
20:31Then you'd be free.
20:34I don't want to be free.
20:39We'll find a way.
20:41You must think.
20:47Sarah.
20:52Oh.
20:53My dear.
20:54Such wonderful news.
20:56I was pleased at first.
20:57At the thought of the child.
20:59Well.
20:59Of course you were.
21:00Oh.
21:01We're all so happy for you.
21:05I have something to tell you.
21:08I should have spoken before.
21:11Well.
21:13Come and sit down.
21:15You're making me nervous.
21:17What is the matter?
21:20I cannot meet you.
21:23Speak to you.
21:26And not tell you the truth.
21:28Is it your health?
21:30I am as healthy as a pig.
21:33Well then you worry too much.
21:35You've been under so much strain.
21:37William Gordon.
21:39Is the father of my child.
21:45Lord William Gordon.
21:47You have met him in secret.
21:53Alone.
21:53I have wanted to tell you so often.
21:57I can't bear it.
21:58How could you?
21:59I mean it is contrary to everything you have been taught.
22:01I know.
22:03I should not have.
22:06You do not need to tell me.
22:07To think I have defended you when all this time you were...
22:09Do you not know what harm you do?
22:14I know.
22:17I'm sorry.
22:23Does your husband know?
22:27I think he must.
22:29He said nothing but he never does.
22:32Sarah, listen.
22:40You must not tell him.
22:44You must not tell anyone.
22:46Not him and not the family.
22:48This is between you and me.
22:50You think I should stay with him?
22:54Yes, I certainly do.
22:55Lord William.
22:56You must forget him.
23:02I deserve to be miserable.
23:06I know I do.
23:07Well, you will recover from this madness.
23:12I want to do what is right.
23:15But I can't.
23:16Sarah, you must go home.
23:19And be happy with your husband and your baby.
23:24This never happened.
23:27We will not speak of it again.
23:33I'm so sorry.
23:37I cannot bear it.
23:42I see nothing ahead but disaster.
23:47You will be beggared.
23:50And we will be disgraced.
23:55Don't cry.
23:58Please don't cry.
24:04And the child.
24:06What do you think of your child?
24:08What do you think of your child?
24:08Do you think of your child?
24:21No.
24:28I was delighted to hear that Sarah was with child.
24:31Caroline chose not to disclose the identity of the real father.
24:37Wonderful.
24:38How is she?
24:40She is well and pleased and hopes for a girl.
24:47May I go help her mind it?
24:50It would make her mighty pleased.
24:54But are you well enough again?
24:56You must not be anxious.
24:58My health is good.
25:03I expect I worry too much.
25:06I'm very good with babies.
25:07I'm very good with babies.
25:07By agreeing to let Cecilia go to England to help Sarah with her child,
25:24I allowed our youngest sister to become embroiled in the unhappiness that Sarah cast about her wherever she went.
25:44Cecilia was caught up in circumstances that she did not understand and could not control.
25:53You know that she is not yours?
26:05Of course I know.
26:07Living as we do, the child is clearly not mine.
26:10But you knew that I had been in love?
26:13Lord William Gordon has haunted our house.
26:15Is he what you mean by love?
26:17I do not understand why you still want me.
26:24I married you, and that is that.
26:27When I think of Lord William...
26:29Please don't.
26:32Did I refuse you any kindness?
26:35Did I betray you in any way?
26:37You cannot reproach me more than I reproach myself.
26:40I did not come here for reproaches.
26:42I have given this much thought.
26:44Are we cold enough to think?
26:45I have had enough time for it.
26:47It's fortunate the child is a girl.
26:53As she cannot inherit the estate, no injustice will be done to my family.
26:57You would acknowledge her as your own.
26:59Such things have happened before.
27:01We can put this affair in the past.
27:14One more thing.
27:16That is?
27:16You will give up, Lord William.
27:19Even my forbearance has limits.
27:21What is it?
27:41I'm not hungry.
27:42I'm hungry.
27:46Where are you going?
27:47I thought I heard the baby cry.
27:49I heard the baby cry.
27:49I heard the baby cry.
27:50I don't know.
28:20I don't know.
28:50I don't know.
28:52I don't know.
28:54I don't know.
28:56I don't know.
28:58I don't know.
29:00I don't know.
29:02I don't know.
29:04I don't know.
29:06I don't know.
29:08The scandal was out, and the truth was there for the gossips to make the most of.
29:13Your Grace, you must pack my heavy cloak, the sky blue silk, and the green day gown.
29:18Immediately.
29:20No, wait.
29:21Your Grace, we must go to London.
29:23My brown boots and his lordship's great coat.
29:25For what reason, my dear?
29:26Sarah is ruined.
29:28She's in love with a madman.
29:35We're a story to scandalize grocers.
29:38Not only grocers.
29:41We scandalize peers.
29:44We fill them with envy.
29:47They say you are Antony and I'm Cleopatra.
29:50A great, epic romance.
29:58A great, epic romance.
30:02Cecilia should return to Ireland.
30:05You should have sent her to us long before.
30:07No blame is attached to her name.
30:09I saw to that.
30:10No blame?
30:11She was in the house from which Sarah eloped.
30:13She did not know.
30:15I know she did not know.
30:17Who else but us will believe it?
30:18I have done everything to protect her.
30:20We know.
30:21We don't doubt that...
30:23I have guarded her good health.
30:24I have looked after her name.
30:26Do you think to suggest I don't?
30:28You cannot protect her now.
30:30Not if she stays here.
30:32She should come with us.
30:34She is not strong enough to travel.
30:35I feel perfectly well.
30:37I promise.
30:40She stays with me.
30:41I have that right.
30:42But to take her to Ireland is unwise.
30:45Unwise?
30:47To send her home.
30:48To where her father entrusted her childhood.
30:51He chose wisely when he sent your sisters to us.
30:54What do you mean by that?
30:55We were never careless of his trust in our affection.
30:58My lord.
30:59Take care what you say.
31:01Your affection.
31:03The results can be seen in Louisa's marriage.
31:07How dare you mention my father's will.
31:10It was unjust and wrong.
31:13He didn't mean to.
31:14I have done everything for Sarah.
31:17I begged her to leave Lord Gordon and go back to her husband.
31:22I pleaded with her.
31:23Nobody could do more than I did.
31:25You knew she had a lover.
31:32Why did you not tell me?
31:35You were not here.
31:39If we had been told we would have come.
31:41We should have been told.
31:42Oh, God, I haven't slept for days because of this.
31:46You will not judge my decision.
31:48I say what I see.
31:49You have no monopoly of concern.
31:54We shall see what my brother has to say.
31:57Caroline, don't.
31:59I will not be judged.
32:07I beg you.
32:08Please.
32:09Your Grace, will you see me abused?
32:12The Duke of Leinster believes I do not love my sisters.
32:16I believe nothing could be further from the truth.
32:18There was no intention of giving offence.
32:22Such a pity you spoke when you shouldn't.
32:25It is not for you to judge.
32:28Since my motives are questioned, I will take my leave.
32:41Emily, bring him back.
32:43Why did you speak to his grace?
32:50I am entitled to.
32:52You forced him to choose between us.
32:54It is clear in what light your husband regards me.
32:58You forced our brother to take sides.
33:02You take sides against me.
33:05You do not love me.
33:07I do.
33:11I am shocked at your lack of affection.
33:17You ask too much.
33:21You must make your choice.
33:24The Duke of Leinster.
33:27Or me.
33:28There is no choice.
33:42Jenny?
33:42Jenny?
33:42It is a bad business.
33:57I would not have believed it.
33:59It was so close.
34:01The whole family is divided.
34:03Cup of tea.
34:15Set you to rights.
34:25What can be done?
34:26Time divino.
34:27Perhaps time will heal.
34:34I am sure it will.
34:35I am sure it will.
34:57Your sister has not written.
35:20She will not write to me.
35:23Or speak to me again.
35:24I am sure it will.
35:27Caroline raged against us after Sarah's elopement.
35:35The old wound of our father's will had reopened.
35:38And once again, I had taken my husband's side.
35:42The silence between us felt as permanent as death.
35:47How do you wish to spend the evening?
35:50I think, in fact, I will retire to bed.
35:55Henry, are you ill?
35:56I grow old, my love.
36:01I apologise.
36:02I apologise.
36:02Out!
36:07Out!
36:07Out!
36:08Get out, I said!
36:10Out!
36:12Out!
36:12Get out, I said!
36:16With infinite surprise, we met the charming lady S.
36:29Out! Out! Get out, I said!
36:41With infinite surprise, we met the charming Lady S.
36:45Enjoyed her simple hospitality.
36:49Observed with pleasure her and Lord William's reciprocal passion,
36:53still, still, still, still visibly glowing in its primitive ardour.
37:00Primitive. Good!
37:03Good!
37:21Shall I write to Louisa?
37:23To tell her what?
37:25Of your great happiness?
37:26I am happy.
37:29Indeed.
37:32I do not know why you will not believe me.
37:35If you declare yourself to be happy, then it must be so.
37:43In that case,
37:44I am happy.
37:50For I love you exceedingly.
37:52I wish you would not repeat it.
37:58But I love you.
38:01Every time I hear it, I believe it a little less.
38:05Well, how else can I convince you?
38:07You could cease to lament your sisters.
38:08I merely remember them.
38:12At every hour of the day.
38:13If you wish, I will not speak of them again.
38:30Caroline is still angry.
38:31She writes to me.
38:32She writes to me, but she will not write to Emily.
38:34She's even at odds with our brother.
38:36You can't abide all this argument.
38:38I pray about it every day.
38:40If I might get Sarah to see the error of her ways.
38:44You can't rely on Sarah.
38:46It changes her mind as fast as you'd wink.
38:48You think she's beyond redemption?
38:50I didn't say so.
38:52I'm sorry, Tom.
38:56It's just that it makes me so miserable.
38:59The worst thing about it.
39:01I can't stand it when you're miserable.
39:08I consulted with Mr. Connolly,
39:10who felt assured it was proper for me to speak to you.
39:12Always so dutiful.
39:14It is a quality which wears well.
39:17Mr. Connolly is a lucky man.
39:22She would return to us if she could.
39:24I feel sure.
39:24She chose her path.
39:26Now she must stick to it.
39:28She's written.
39:29She wrote to you.
39:30Many times.
39:32She's very unhappy.
39:33I suppose we cannot wish her otherwise.
39:36Has Lord William left her?
39:37There is no question of that.
39:41It is her conscience which torments her.
39:43I see how it is.
39:44The pleasure fades.
39:46She seeks our support and forgiveness.
39:52No one will be able to know her again.
39:55Brother, there must be a way.
39:59If I could assure you of her heartfelt remorse and repentance...
40:02Remorse?
40:03Sarah?
40:03Your Grace, you will allow my sister to speak.
40:07I do not despair of Sarah.
40:10I cannot.
40:11But how can she leave him if she has nowhere to go?
40:16Every family in crisis has its saving angel.
40:41And Louisa was ours.
40:44Keeping the trust of us all.
40:50How is Emily?
41:00She is well.
41:03Tell her I miss her.
41:04Lord William is not here.
41:12Lord William is not here.
41:14He likes to walk.
41:17Sometimes for hours.
41:23I spoke to our brother.
41:24He is concerned to do what's right.
41:31If he never wanted to see me again, I would not be surprised.
41:35He has certain conditions.
41:36What does he say?
41:52You may return to his protection.
41:55He will care for you and baby Louisa.
41:59You will live quietly.
42:01Not moving in society.
42:02Not meeting anyone, save family and servants.
42:07I have no desire to move in society.
42:11I would hate it, of all things.
42:15You may die with the family when they die alone.
42:18Yes.
42:21You must leave Lord William.
42:23And forsake all contact.
42:25He is my child's father.
42:26Our brother does not want you to see him again.
42:29Never.
42:29Never.
42:32He asked me to make his wishes clear.
42:41He has not forgiven me.
42:43He will, once he knows you've changed.
42:45I have changed.
42:47Once I believed in happiness.
42:51Now I know I will never be happy again.
42:52You may not be happy, but in time you'll be content.
42:56Will I?
42:58How convenient.
43:00At least you'll no longer cause pain to us all.
43:03You have always known what I should do!
43:07Everyone thought I should marry the king.
43:09And when it didn't take, you just wanted me married!
43:12I didn't!
43:12I could never be perfect like you.
43:16No one is naturally good.
43:19We have to try.
43:20You believe I have never tried?
43:23You think it's easy for me?
43:28I tried to tell you.
43:32I asked for your help.
43:33Neither you nor Caroline wanted to hear.
43:43I didn't mean to hurt you.
43:48Nobody in the family has ever meant to hurt you.
43:51Come back to us, Sarah.
44:03Come back to the family.
44:10I'm sorry.
44:16I'd bring you all this trouble.
44:19No.
44:21I'd cause you grief.
44:26I should have stopped Sarah.
44:28Shh.
44:29You couldn't.
44:36Is there anything that you want?
44:40Is there anything I can get you?
44:47Can I...
44:48Can I see...
44:50Emily?
44:51Emily?
44:51Emily?
44:52Emily?
44:52Just stay again.
45:22Oh, dear.
45:29No.
45:35Oh, no.
45:43Contrite but blameless to the lost, Cecilia died.
45:48Her death should have brought us together again, but it did not.
45:53Not for years.
45:56No!
46:19You may still change your mind.
46:24You do not truly wish it.
46:27It is your choice.
46:29I will miss her.
46:37I'm sorry.
46:39Sorry.
46:41Sorry you ever met me.
46:45Goodbye, Sarah.
46:46Goodbye, Sarah.
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