- 7 hours ago
Seeking Persephone S01E01 (2026)
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00:21We're with Anna, Artemis.
00:23I don't know why we have to do this.
00:26Because we like to eat.
00:27But we only pay pennies.
00:29Things that keep our family from dire straits.
00:31I do not enjoy washing the neighbourhood's laundry any more than you do, but being upset
00:35about it won't change our situation.
00:51Open the door, sweetheart.
00:52I have had an atrocious day, now I have to open the door.
00:56I'm sorry you've suffered so much.
00:58I fear you'll simply have to continue in your wretched state a bit longer.
01:02I will open the door, but do not be surprised if I lie in the floor and die.
01:06I will be many things if that happens, my sweet little Artemis.
01:09But above all, I will not be surprised.
01:13She has died far less than this in the past.
01:20Yes.
01:24Yes.
01:29Yes.
01:34Yes.
01:44I was father wondering again.
01:54Daphne.
01:56Daphne.
01:57Daphne.
01:57Daphne.
02:14Daphne.
02:18Daphne.
02:20Daphne.
02:32Daphne.
02:33Daphne.
02:34Daphne.
02:36Daphne.
02:45Daphne.
02:47Daphne.
02:50Daphne.
02:57Daphne.
03:05Daphne.
03:07Daphne.
03:08Daphne.
03:08Daphne.
03:13Daphne.
03:25Daphne.
03:27Daphne.
03:27Daphne.
03:28Daphne.
03:28Daphne.
03:28Daphne.
03:29Daphne.
03:30Daphne.
03:31Daphne.
03:36Daphne.
03:38Daphne.
03:40Daphne.
03:42Daphne.
03:43Daphne.
03:44Daphne.
03:47Daphne.
03:48Daphne.
03:48Daphne.
03:49Daphne.
03:55Daphne.
03:57but want to continue hoping are possible, like having money enough and happiness, falling in love.
04:04I want you to have all of those things, Athena. You must have dreams too. Certainly I do.
04:11Artemis's spirits not being dampened by the heaviness of life.
04:14Daphne finding a friend who hopes to feel seen and cared about.
04:18Evander and Linus returning home to us whole.
04:22I just laughed and guaranteed for too much shipment in the Navy during all time.
04:26I should have done more to keep them home and safe.
04:28There's nothing more you could have done.
04:30I could have taken in more laundry or reduced my portions at mealtimes.
04:33I could have gone without fires in my room.
04:34And it likely still would not have been enough.
04:38I suppose that is my version of hoping for impossible things.
04:43None of the hopes that you've mentioned have been a dream for yourself.
04:47Seeing this family happy is dream enough for me.
04:52Fetch Daphne and Artemis and take them to the kitchen.
04:55I do not know how frustrating he might be this time.
05:02Have you received a letter?
05:08We have a very significant problem.
05:11What has happened, Papa? Evander? Linus?
05:15Oh no, I haven't heard anything about your brothers.
05:21I have, however, received the most befuddling letter.
05:31You, my dear, have received an offer of marriage.
05:35A what?
05:36An offer from an incredibly wealthy gentleman with an old and prestigious title.
05:52Good heavens.
05:54Good heavens.
05:57What I cannot fathom is why the Duke is settled on you.
06:02They cannot even be remotely acquainted with our family.
06:05The Duke?
06:07Of course, dear. The Duke of Kilda.
06:10The Duke of Kilda has asked for my hand in marriage.
06:14Quite specifically.
06:18I do not believe a word of it.
06:20After all, I do not know his grace.
06:22Or any grace for that matter.
06:33Mr. Lancaster.
06:35I am requesting the hand of your eldest daughter in marriage.
06:39I am prepared to settle upon your three remaining daughters 20,000 each for their dowries and
06:4550,000 upon yourself for the sake of your sons.
06:49The ceremony will take place October the 1st at the Fulston Chapel.
06:53Please reply as to your intentions.
06:57Yours, etc.
07:00Kilda.
07:02It is certainly not the most romantic nor flattering of proposals, to be sure.
07:07The ceremony will take place.
07:09There is not the slightest acknowledgement.
07:11The unforeseen offer might be declined.
07:15This offer amounts to more than a hundred thousand pounds.
07:28What is the Duke of Kilda like?
07:31Like?
07:34Well, I couldn't say I have not met the current Duke.
07:38What was his father like?
07:39Huh?
07:43Dull as dishwater.
07:47But his mother is like to so.
08:06One hundred thousand pounds?
08:08I can hardly comprehend such a sum.
08:12It is more than five hundred years worth our current income.
08:16It is more than five times the income of the Duke of Sussex and he is son of the king.
08:20Good heavens!
08:21We would have food enough to eat.
08:23We would not need to wash laundry for pennies.
08:27The boys could soon leave the navy and return home.
08:31All of your impossible dreams would suddenly be entirely possible.
08:35This would not merely save our family, it would save generations of our family.
08:39The Duke of Kilda might be prone to anger or unkindness.
08:44What if he mistreats you?
08:45What if being married to him makes you miserable for the rest of your life?
08:48It is also possible he will be kind and considerate.
08:52You don't know anything about him?
08:55Only that he clearly has a tremendous amount of money and wishes to marry me.
08:59He gave no indication why.
09:00You needn't simply accept this offer.
09:02One may yet come from someone that you at least know won't treat you abominably.
09:06There will be no other offers.
09:08If I do not accept this one, our family will sink further.
09:12Even the simple hopes we currently have will be out of reach.
09:15Then all of your hopes will be snatched away.
09:17This family's happiness is worth every sacrifice.
09:20Isn't your happiness worth something as well?
09:23Artemis has always told the tale of Hades and Persephone quite accurately.
09:27Persephone doesn't get to be happy.
09:30What do you mean to accept the Duke's offer?
09:52Who invited all of these people?
09:55I did.
09:57It is not every day my poor boy takes a bride.
10:01This was supposed to be a quiet ceremony.
10:04I do not believe Miss Lancaster has invited anyone beyond her own immediate family.
10:09I did not intend to cause awkwardness, Adam.
10:12I only wish to celebrate.
10:27I wonder if the chit will actually turn off.
10:29Try to resist the urge to run through any of the wedding guests.
10:39What the devil is she?
10:41Another five minutes and I'll go retrieve for myself.
10:58When is this going to start?
10:59Oh, I'm hungry.
11:01Artemis.
11:02It's okay, you'll be fine.
11:11It's time to come after all.
11:52Dearly beloved, we are gathered here together in the sight of God and the face of this congregation
11:58to join together this man and this woman in holy matrimony, an honorable estate instituted of God in the time
12:07of man's innocence,
12:09signifying unto us the mystical union betwixt Christ and his church.
12:14Therefore, if any man can show any just cause why they should not lawfully be joined together, let him speak,
12:23or else hereafter forever hold his peace.
12:28Do you ship lost in my kingdom?
12:34Go on.
12:36Who giveth this woman to be married to this man?
12:49Apparently I give it myself.
12:55Take her right hand in yours.
13:04I, Adam Richard Boyce, Duke of Kilda, Marquess of Faust and Earl of Faust and Vicampaness, Baron Faust and Baron
13:08Whiteley,
13:09take thee to be my wedded wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse,
13:13for richer, for poorer,
13:14in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish till death do us part according to God's holy ordinance,
13:18and thereto I plight thee my troth.
13:27I, Persephone,
13:28Ridiculous.
13:33Lancaster,
13:36do,
13:41do take thee to be my wedded husband,
13:44to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and
13:51health,
13:52to love and to cherish till death do us part according to God's holy ordinance,
13:59and thereto I give thee my truth.
14:02Is that everything?
14:03Not usually.
14:05Can it be?
14:06I suppose all the truly essential bits have been seen to.
14:11Those whom God has joined together,
14:13let no man put asunder.
14:17To the castle, then.
14:41To the castle, then.
15:09Is your name really Persephone?
15:12It is.
15:14Did you not think to ask?
15:18What are your parents thinking, choosing a name like that?
15:23My father is a scholar.
15:24He's particularly fond of Greek mythology.
15:27Entirely too fond, it doesn't seem.
15:30Are the rest of your siblings similarly afflicted?
15:32In what way afflicted?
15:34What absurd names did your parents assign the other members of your family?
15:38Athena is just younger than I.
15:40Founder is 14, Linus 13.
15:43Daphne will be 12 toward the end of the year.
15:45The youngest is Artemis.
15:47Fate save us from short-sighted scholars.
15:50Do you have a middle name?
15:52I do.
15:53I suppose it is entirely too much to hope that it is something common.
15:58Ifegenia.
16:01Persephone Ifegenia.
16:03Did no one ever call you anything else?
16:06Only Miss Lancaster.
16:08I cannot call you that.
16:10I suppose I will have to consign myself to Persephone.
16:13It would seem so.
16:18You, of course, will call me Kilda.
16:20I will not call you Kilda.
16:21Everyone calls me Kilda.
16:22Kilda?
16:23It sounds as though I am accusing you of a crime.
16:28You would no doubt prefer Agamemnon, or Apollo, or something along that vein.
16:34Magvapar certainly would.
16:36Would you propose to call me then?
16:38Adam?
16:39No one calls me Adam.
16:41No one?
16:42Certainly your family and closest friends would.
16:46Harry does.
16:48Who is Harry?
16:49A friend.
16:51One who allows himself far too much freedom.
17:19To be a police officer and security.
17:20To be a police child in any safe labor group.
17:34If in the police立复, take a new office to take a new lifeommade.
17:35So that comes in with the daughter of Paul's休息, try to suffer the teaching of my death.
17:35So that would, could be a dziękiкий'rší of happiness.
17:35I can't add that.
17:35To be a police officer and resignation to the efficiencies in a situation where I can do all that before.
17:36People will always go there and hear and feel about plus this way.
17:36No one has happened tonight, ori is sorry to ask that I could do in my job.
17:57Calling me Adam will be fine, but Stephanie?
18:14Mrs. Barton, the butler, Mrs. Smithson, the housekeeper, Duchess of Kildare.
18:41Mrs. Smithson, we'll see to whatever you need.
19:05I'm likely meant to be shown all of the castle, but I would very much like to rest.
19:11Perhaps you could simply point out the rooms I need to know today and save the rest for tomorrow?
19:15Of course, your grace.
19:23The drawing room, a favourite of Queen Elizabeth, when she stayed at Fauston Castle in 1580.
19:34Do members of the royal family still visit Fauston?
19:38Heavens no, they wouldn't dare.
19:42This is the Grand Banquet Hall, which has hosted feasts for some of the most significant and influential people in
19:50the kingdom over the past 500 years.
19:54I believe your family will be dining in here this evening.
20:00Is that a gibbet?
20:03And stocks.
20:04Was there no room in the dark, Forboding Dungeon?
20:07There's ample room, your grace, but the duke says display in weapons makes them more effective.
20:19All of the family bedchambers are on this floor.
20:23This is your bedchamber, your grace.
20:27Is there anything else you wish for me to do, your grace?
20:30Not for a moment.
20:31The bell pull is beside the fireplace, should you require anything.
21:24This is never going to work.
21:25This is never going to work.
21:42I just saw your man of business leaving the castle.
21:46What did you do to him?
21:48I fired him.
21:50Again.
21:52How many times have you fired the poor man?
21:54Six.
21:56Seven.
21:57Every time he sulks away like a lily-livered coward.
22:03You didn't pull your pistol on him this time, did you?
22:05I have never pulled a pistol on Josiah Jones.
22:09I may have held an ebbe to his throat once or twice, but he's never in any real danger.
22:15Well, perhaps his fear has something to do with your less than pristine reputation, Adam.
22:19Rumor has it you've run through a few men in your time.
22:22Rumor has it I've done quite a few things.
22:25And you wonder why Jones thinks the worst whenever you're angry with him.
22:29I always reinstate his employment and he never makes the same mistake twice.
22:40Sir, what was his transgression this time?
22:42Hmm?
22:43No, no.
22:43Don't tell me.
22:45Smiled too much while discussing the estate investments.
22:54He recommended a means of preventing my distant cousin from one day inheriting Fauston.
23:00Ah, Jones was the one who suggested you marry him.
23:05He knew of a penniless family in Shropshire with an eldest daughter of the appropriate age who had no other
23:12prospects.
23:13His enthusiastic recommendation has proven intolerably stupid.
23:19The stupidest sitting in one's bookroom with one's friend on one's wedding night.
23:24Because that, Adam, is a level of idiocy far and above ordinary stupidity.
23:29I stood through the wedding and just spent an interminable dinner with my flock of new sisters-in-law.
23:37Did they stare at you?
23:40It would have been understandable, you know, having not been warned.
23:43I ought to have written then.
23:44Hmm?
23:45Perhaps I could have included a postscript with the proposal.
23:48By the way, I have a mutilated face you'll be forced to look at day in and day out for
23:54the rest of your life.
23:55Hope that's not a problem.
23:59Hmm.
24:01Perhaps not those precise words.
24:03She wasn't exactly forthcoming either.
24:05I will have you know.
24:07I forgot to mention something important.
24:09Another husband, perhaps.
24:12Extraneous limb.
24:13Her name is Persephone.
24:18A man ought to know a thing like that about his future wife.
24:22Persephone Iphigenia.
24:24Oh, what an inexcusably ridiculous thing to call a child.
24:37I had the chance to speak briefly with your new bride, Adam.
24:42She was...
24:44delightful.
24:46Perhaps a little quiet.
24:48But that is to be expected considering the upheaval in her life.
24:52I'll confess.
24:54I had expected someone rather...
24:56long in the tooth.
24:58Rather...
24:59long in the face.
25:01In all honesty.
25:02So had I.
25:04But she's a fetching thing.
25:07Young and...
25:09quite pretty.
25:13Oh.
25:17You...
25:18expected someone desperate.
25:21And...
25:22ugly.
25:23And undesirable.
25:27Instead, your bride turned out to be a vast deal more than possible.
25:32Not quite what you'd bargain for, I guess.
25:36A lady who was too intolerable to have any other options would be...
25:39content with...
25:40a curmudgeon in a drafty castle in the wilds of Northumberland.
25:43And now, because she is young...
25:47and fine-looking...
25:48seems to be good-natured and potentially...
25:51enjoyable company...
25:53the poor girl is upstairs...
25:56alone...
25:57probably wondering what she's done wrong...
25:59while you...
26:01are down here brooding.
26:04Adam...
26:06you are completely bacon-brained.
26:08I should call you out for that.
26:11You...
26:12come out tonight.
26:13I'm tired.
26:18Call me out tomorrow, would you?
26:20I ought to lock you in the dungeon.
26:21You should.
26:23No point having a dungeon if no one's ever consigned to suffering it.
26:28Good night, Adam.
26:29Good night.
26:30Your song shows loud.
26:35And Adam...
26:36What?
26:38Give the poor girl a chance.
26:40It's not her fault you've ended up with every man's idea of a perfect wife.
27:35Are you going to be lonely without us, Persephone?
27:38Are you going to be lonely without us?
27:39You're going to be lonely without us.erobly.
27:42But you will have
27:42each other. So you are unlikely
27:45to be lonely. I do not know...
27:48anyone will remember to talk to you when you are not here.
27:52I'm certain everything will be fine
27:55You don't need to worry about us
27:59Write and tell me about all the things you're reading
28:09I love you
28:10I love you too
28:13Hey, Kaze
28:15I do not want to go
28:16Let me speak with her
28:23Oh, my dear girl, you're crying
28:25He did not make you stay here
28:28No one is making me stay here, dearest
28:31Boston Castle is my home now
28:33I will send you letters
28:35Perhaps with the gimme under the seal
28:37You could come here
28:38We could explore the castle together
28:41He won't let me
28:43Of course, you know
28:44We will have grand adventures
28:48Perhaps there is a tower room
28:50Where we can imagine all sorts of wonderful stories
28:53The way we always did at home
28:54Do you promise?
28:56I promise
28:58Who will take care of me when you're gone?
29:01Papa will engage a governess
29:03For both you and Daphne
29:05A companion for Athena when you're all in town
29:08Will you visit us there?
29:11Of course
29:12Daphne?
29:13Yes, my dear?
29:15We will take care of you
29:16We will be happy even though we're gone
29:24Oh, Will
29:28When have you known me to be unhappy?
29:30Then I will be happy too
29:32But if I don't leave now
29:33I will cry again
29:34And I do not want to cry anymore
29:36Then let us promise each other
29:39Not to cry
29:41Yes
29:42Good
29:43I will see you soon
29:44Be good for Papa
29:46I will
29:47I love you, dearest
29:49I love you too, Persephone
29:51You're the best mama I've ever had
29:57Go away
29:57Oh, God
29:58I love you, man
30:17I love you, man
30:18I love you, man
30:28I thought you weren't supposed to cry.
30:33Artemis is crying as well, I'm certain of it.
30:36Then why make the promise?
30:38To lessen her pain.
30:42If my sister knew I was crying, it would break her heart.
30:46But you know she is crying.
30:51I know her better than she knows me.
31:00Best momo she ever had.
31:22Best momo she ever had.
31:31Best momo she ever had.
31:35Best momo she ever had.
31:39Best momo she ever had.
31:41Best momo she ever had.
31:41Best momo she ever had.
31:41Best momo she ever had.
31:41Best momo she ever had.
31:41Best momo she ever had.
31:42Best momo she ever had.
31:43Best momo she ever had.
31:44Best momo she ever had.
31:45Best momo she ever had.
32:0924 hours into this ill-conceived marriage and my wife is already in the back of a guard
32:15and sobbing
32:27how long until your marriage did mother start crying
32:37and when did that stop making you feel like a monster
32:45you
32:57you
33:00you
33:01you
33:37Good evening.
33:39Are you feeling well, child?
33:42I am excessively tired.
33:45Do not fret yourself over dinner, dear.
33:48I'll have a tray sent to your room.
33:50You rest.
34:38You told me you'd call me out today.
34:40Never did.
34:42I've decided to shoot you first thing in the morning.
34:45Go to sleep so I can load my pistols in peace.
34:49Your mother said the new Duchess was indisposed this evening.
34:53Any idea what you meant by that?
34:55As mother said, she was indisposed.
34:59She wouldn't be the first person to hide from you.
35:01She?
35:02You mean Persephone?
35:03Well, I certainly don't mean your mother.
35:05You could shoot a man dead in the drawing room and she'd just smile indulgently and say,
35:08My poor boy.
35:10Yes, and the woman will still be calling me that when I'm 80.
35:12When you're 80, she'll be dead.
35:14Oh, shut up, Harry.
35:17Is there any chance Persephone's locked in the dungeon?
35:21I am not a monster.
35:23And she chose to accept me.
35:25Ah, yes.
35:26But without the benefit of the rather ingenious postscript you composed last night.
35:30I don't think she realized...
35:31You think I've made her miserable already?
35:34She took this morning's farewells particularly hard.
35:38You ought to have insisted her family stay longer.
35:40So I'm the villain, am I?
35:44I wouldn't be surprised if you never saw the poor woman again as long as you lived.
35:47In a place as enormous as this pile of rock.
35:51She could avoid you for years.
35:57Where are you going?
36:00My wife is indisposed.
36:02I'm going to see for myself that she is well.
36:05Adam.
36:06I am not going to hurt the blasted woman.
36:11You know me better than that.
36:31What?
36:31What?
36:46How about you?
36:53Good question.
36:54How about you?
37:01I don't know.
37:29Oh, forgive me, Your Grace.
37:32I'm attempting to find the breakfast room.
37:35Please tell me you know how to reach it from here.
37:37I got lost a few times when I first started working here.
37:40Fauston Castle is quite a big place.
37:43Enormous.
37:44New arrivals really ought to be provided with a map.
37:48This way, Your Grace, and I'll not tell anyone you were lost.
37:53Mother, explain to Harry that you're not leaving Fauston Castle because I forced you to do so.
37:57It seems to think that I drive every person who ever comes here away with a scythe in one hand
38:01and a flaming torch in the other.
38:04A regular one-person blood-dusty mob.
38:07That's what you are.
38:09You really ought to think about employing pitchforks when you...
38:13Persephone, come, break your fast, dear.
38:18Kidneys, eggs?
38:20Yes, please.
38:21Harry, will you please?
38:22I will prepare a plate for her mother.
38:24You need an inconvenience yourself.
38:27Please.
38:53Should I sit somewhere else?
38:55No, you can stay where you are.
38:58Will you be coming to town at Christmas time?
39:01I never go to town until absolutely necessary.
39:04You must convince my poor boy of the delights of London.
39:08I have never been to London.
39:11Well, then you absolutely must come as soon as possible.
39:15I shall positively love taking you round town and introducing you to just everyone.
39:22I'm certain you can pack quickly, Adam, and I could delay my departure by a day or so, and we
39:26could all...
39:27I shall be forced to take her in the spring, as it is.
39:30Forced?
39:32The season is such fun.
39:34How can you say forced?
39:36I despise London.
39:38But the Queen will be vexed if Persephone is not presented, and there is one bother I could do without.
39:42Thus, I shall be forced to town.
39:46Do not let him burden you with even the tiniest amount of guilt, Your Grace.
39:49By spring, he will have gone months without insulting members of the Cabinet or any of the royal family,
39:54and will be itching for the opportunity.
39:58That is good to know.
40:00I suppose, as a good friend of the family, I ought to remain here indefinitely,
40:03and offer my insights into your grumbly husband.
40:07That is simply the sort of selfless person I am.
40:11Even selfless people can be thrown from the south parapet.
40:17I am beginning to suspect, Adam, that you do not like me very much.
40:20I will simply have to ponder the sorrow of this realisation.
40:26Your Grace.
40:29Your Grace.
40:33Your Grace.
40:37This could be confusing.
40:40You really ought to think of names for the three of you.
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