01x06 - Episode 6

[bunniefuu]

Is the heart capable of boundless love?

Or as it gives to one, does it take from
another?

Must there always be winners and losers?

Can you still lose?

Even when you think you've won?

And is the game of love ever really
over?

Let me

Leave

it on

suits you

For God's sake, stop fiddling.

Here.

Get out.

Stupid girl. She's hopeless.

Here, let me.

Any word from Papa?

Haven't given him much thought.

Do we think Joe will come skulking back
in time? I can't fathom what possessed

him to leave home at all.

He's all waltzing round the office, bold
as brass.

Poor Frances.

She's done her best, but she's never
managed to tame him.

Of course, you scarcely know them, but
trust me, Frances will be smarting.

Please continue.

Of what were we speaking?

What?

Of how no one knows what goes on inside
a marriage.

Except the two people in it.

I beg to differ.

What you and Soames have is plain for
all to see.

We're off to the park.

Would you care to join us?

That's kind, but I'm meeting June. What
fun.

So lovely that June has a companion her
own age.

Shall we go?

Your wife has a mind of her own.

Isn't that why you married her?

Of course.

I, um, I may have got carried away.

Glad I was spared.

Well, I should leave you in peace.

Move into my club.

No, you don't need to do that. But maybe
you should ask Frances to reconsider

her terms.

Dear Francis, where have you been?

No one's seen you or dear Julian in
weeks.

We've been enjoying the peace and quiet
of home.

Then perhaps you've not heard? Our own
dear Horatio, engaged to young Countess

Avery. Fellow moth enthusiast. Sweet
girl, who matches him in temperament and

rank. And how is Jean?

And so new foresight makes such bold
matrimonial choices.

Shall we see you at the Parker
Barrington?

If you prefer to keep a low profile, I
do understand.

Pure speculation.

But if people are starting to
question...

Where are we going?

You must promise not to tell, because
stones will be furious.

Stones?

Mr. Murray.

Morning,

sir.

Julian, will you be making an appearance
at the gala?

He will indeed, cousin.

In fact, he will be giving the opening
address.

It is, after all, the 50th anniversary
and so highly appropriate for the heir

apparent at this great juncture in our
company's history to lay out his vision

for the future.

As for your marital situation, it is not
ideal.

So mend it, then return home to your
excellent wife who has done absolutely

nothing to merit your desertion and thus
allay any doubt.

about your fitness to lose. Is this
actually something you want?

As in? Did you ever really intend to
retire?

Why would you doubt it? Because you're
still young.

And the fact that you keep pushing me
tells you that I was nowhere near ready

take a back seat. Well, perhaps you're
right.

But having seen you make the right call
when I so spectacularly failed to do so,

I am content with my decision.

It's been a struggle.

But trust me, I have a plan.

Oh, my dear.

You and I understand each other. Always
have.

Knew from the moment we met that you
would be the jewel in our crown.

Our task now is to bring the boy home in
time for the gala.

Leave that to me.

I'd like

to thank you.

For allowing us to what you've done.

It's my pleasure.

No.

Would you excuse me, Pop?

You wouldn't.

Oh, I would. My dear, shall we go?

Need we?

Hmm.

You say you never wanted children.

I also said I wanted to live in a hut in
Tahiti and paint sunsets. What happened

to that plan, eh?

At least I'll get to watch your child
grow up.

I'll have some influence in their life.

Try not to set a bad example.

And to your own children?

I think we both know you still have much
to give.

You seem a little out of sorts.

Perhaps I'm still mourning.

Your father?

My life.

Or rather, the one I was promised.

My dear, need we revisit this?

Paris was a beautiful dream. Which you
led me to believe you shared. But for

reasons beyond our control... We are
here.

And there is much to be grateful for.

There is.

But I cannot pretend it's what I would
have chosen.

I take it you don't expect visitors?

No.

Not as a rule?

I have a question.

Yes.

Why would a gentleman trust the
architect of such squalor with the

build of a country house?

Well, if you're at all familiar with the
creative process... I'm familiar with

the works of great artists.

Then you'll appreciate that chaos can be
the mother of inspiration.

Hmm.

And in your inspired opinion, were a
gentleman

to contemplate the commissioning of a
country house, where would he begin?

You have a visitor.

Waiting in the boardroom.

Harry Faulkner.

Yes? Your father and uncle refused to
offer compensation, so you will cover

losses from funds that I'll provide.

Why would you provide?

Call it a moral obligation.

Your late grandfather and I, we... we
knew his mother.

Who was she? After she fell on hard
times, your grandfather provided a home,

family. A trust for the child, which has
recently matured and was squandered on

your uncle's advice in the Goldmine
debacle.

And the child's father?

I couldn't tell you.

Couldn't or won't?

Kindly make the necessary arrangements.

And while you're at it... Yes?

Your own affairs.

Get a grip on them, dear.

It'll be the making of you.

What a flattering gown, Miss Louisa.

Alas, no.

I was obliged to discontinue our
arrangement.

Service was disappointing.

Oh, you surprise me. I find her
excellent.

Although, tediously, she's now moved to
the back of beyond.

Can't imagine why.

Perhaps she feared condemnation after
her brave confession.

So courageous, indeed.

The cause of fallen women, such a
complex one.

Is it not?

What is

this place?

I believe it's called Robin Hill.

Your experience is limited.

I graduated top of my year.

Youthful enthusiasm is no substitute for
skill.

One certainly wouldn't wish to pay
premium for it. Indeed, one would expect

any fee, however small, would be
gratefully seized upon. Then one would

mistaken. I do not underestimate my
worth, however others may choose to.

So... An uncritical presumption of need.

A commitment to provide unconditional
support so that these women can begin to

help themselves.

As dear Louisa has demonstrated.

And yet, might some of these women
benefit more from an atonement -based

Atonement?

Interesting word.

As you know.

Our aim is never to judge, but to
support.

Whether or not they deserve it.

But I know I speak for many when I say
that to ignore some of the damage done

these women to decent, upstanding
families is an obstacle to many who

to contribute.

Perhaps you should form your own
charity, one that prizes correction and

above indiscriminate handouts.

I wish you luck.

I sense you have your reasons You must
do what you think best

When could you commence?

I'm sorry?

You wish to... Commission some
preliminary drawings so that I may

suitability. At once, if you wish.

You will, however, refrain from
discussing our arrangement with anyone,

particularly my wife.

You understand that this is to be a
surprise?

Of course.

What is it? Tell me.

I was ordered not to say.

By whom?

Simon Forsyte.

What on earth could he have to say?

May I speak with your Mama?

Mama went out.

Oh. Will you come in?

I'll ask Hannah to make some tea.

Yes. But only for a moment.

You like painting?

I do.

But Mama says I must practice more.

Well, these are excellent.

You've really captured the bird's
feathers.

Well, Master, do your good at drawing.

Will you draw us?

No,

no, no.

You go on painting.

Yeah. Much better than Joff.

Maybe keep it.

My mum will love it.

I know something she'd like.

Are you not bursting with joy?

I know it's meant to be a secret, but of
course you know.

Phil's commissioned to build a house for
you and Soames.

But they agreed yesterday.

Sorry, what?

Did Soames not mention that... Oh, my
God.

I'm so sorry.

Phil said it was a secret, but I never
thought from you.

You have to pretend.

When Soames tells you, look surprised,
or he'll be furious with me.

But isn't it just the best of news?

I can get married. You get a beauty
ring, Pat, and...

Is this

your

husband?

No.

Are you coming?

Is this about the commission?

No.

Yes, I hardly know.

Do you have questions?

Many. About the design?

About the site and the purpose.

The site I can answer for, 30 miles from
London, spectacular views, no other

dwelling for miles around.

As for the purpose... Is that not
obvious?

I shouldn't have come. I should be
congratulating you, and June, your

can be sooner.

Yes. I'm glad.

It means the world to her.

I'm sorry to have disturbed you.

Mrs. Forsyte?

Mr. Forsyte, forgive me.

I could pretend to misunderstand your
distress, but who would that serve? It

wrong of me to involve you.

But how can I proceed?

Knowing that what I've been commissioned
to build would effectively be your

prison. That's not the word I used.

It was implied.

And it's not... inaccurate.

then all that remains is to find a way
to make a graceful exit.

What... what do you mean?

That I can't be the one that will alert
your husband and devastate June.

I must make him withdraw of his own
accord.

But June will be distraught, and you
with your first commission.

I'm arrogant enough to believe there'll
soon be another.

I really don't know what to say.

Say absolutely nothing.

Mama!

Close your eyes.

Open

your

eyes.

Do you like it, Mama?

Go and play outside.

Do we have to? Yes, please

Yes. I've brought some preliminary
designs of costings.

Your efficiency bodes well.

Some mistake, surely?

As in several, not too many? To design a
property befitting the status... and

the magnitude of a gentleman such as
yourself. I asked you to build me a

not the Palace of Westminster.

I cannot in all conscience reduce the
scale, and thus the cost, by a single

penny. Then you have done yourself out
of a commission, then.

But, Penny... I was just leaving.

Good day to you both.

Why was he here?

I had thoughts of commissioning a house.

We have a house. Of our own.

Away from these prying, gossiping... Who
do you mean?

Your family has been nothing but kind.

My thought was to remove ourselves from
the city altogether, to the countryside

where we might have room to breathe.

And Mr. Bissini has been unable to
deliver that vision? Unfortunately, yes.

The arrogant young pup has just priced
himself out of the market.

You asked to see me.

Ah, yes.

To see if you've come to your senses.

Or are you still minded to favour your
mistress over your wife?

She's not my mistress.

People make assumptions.

No one knows of our previous attachment.

And now that our connection is
platonic... Despite the fact that you

home.

You know why I left our home.

Because I couldn't agree to cease
contact with my children.

Well, as to that,

I might be willing to reconsider.

We can fit her out.

I give a little.

You give a little.

We both want the same thing.

You.

Home.

In time for the girl.

Harry Faulkner.

Yes? Writing to thank us for reimbursing
his losses.

What?

Did you have something to do with this?

Hardly, did you?

Absolutely not.

Then who?

Then why?

Quite the mystery.

Yes.

I was thinking about that day we met.

It seems an age ago.

And still we barely know each other.

I disagree.

Perhaps it's that we just want such
different things.

Is this about Paris?

Paris is when I first realized.

What?

How...

Unalike we are.

I look forward to seeing what you've
chosen for the gala.

It's important to make an impact.

You should wear your new necklace.

Slightly alarming.

Talk of Joe returning home.

If we can't play the tarnishing the
company reputation card... Thought I

mention, planning to make a splash at
the grand event. So if you'd like me to

give the address?

Next generation rising like salmon to
scale the rapids of opportunity?

Yes, thank you. I'll bear that in mind.

What's it say here?

You treating us to your vision for the
future at our gala.

I can hardly wait.

Care to give us a taster?

Not especially.

Well, let me guess.

Profit is the devil, caution is king,
and if our clients lose money, it's up

us to bail them out. If it's due to us
giving poor advice, then yes. Nothing to

do with their own greed or willful
ignorance. Everything to do with our

obligation to urge them not to put their
eggs in one basket, no matter how

guaranteed the returns or by how much
commission we stand to make.

And to say otherwise is just... Yes?

What is it?

Morally bankrupt.

That's priceless.

Our would -be chair, the most degenerate
member of the firm, presumes to preach

morality to the rest of us. To the man
who knowingly capsized the Durham Mining

Company, thereby ruining their
inventors, including his own future

-law, making his wife -to -be destitute.

She doesn't know, does she?

And this from the man who's conveniently
jilted his wife so he can debauch his

mistress and fawn over his brats.

Is this the type of leadership you're
after?

Napoleon is late.

No, my love, I really think we would be
happier if there was... How is the

garden, Marty?

I heard it was exquisite.

Yes, it was.

I'm very happy.

Quite like the ginger ale, don't you
think?

My scrumptious distraction.

Thank you.

Quite right.

Is Julian proposing to make some sort of
grand entrance?

He'll be here, rest assured.

Exciting.

Where's Joe?

Did he not leave with you? He left ahead
of me.

I thought he'd be here.

Right.

I can't quite believe it.

We're getting married.

Aren't you just thrilled beyond words?

I know Mama has plenty of plans already.

Do excuse me.

I'm so... You get?

Reminds me of one my late husband gave
me.

Haven't worn it in years. We had a
splendid time today.

Oh.

Give me that, Mrs. Hawthorne.

We have so much time.

Our friend says...

Reconsidered the commission.

Reconsidered? Does he not like the
design?

He dislikes the price.

Reduce it.

Cannot be done. Not without detriment to
the plans. What about our plans?

There are other considerations.

Well, think of Irene. How will she feel?
I am thinking of Irene.

I suspect she may not be as keen on the
idea as Soames.

Well, it is true we'd hardly ever see
each other, and it would be just the two

of them.

But our wedding, I can't bear the
thought of having to wait.

Nor I, but, Mr. Bassini, on further
consideration, I believe the site will

me well.

Let us proceed.

I'm sorry?

You will build me a house at Robin Hill.

I knew you'd come.

Well, your father was right. We
shouldn't have doubted you.

And I've been at fault, issuing
ultimatums, forcing you to make a choice

you'd have come to your senses of your
own accord.

Frances... We can salvage this.

Our marriage.

Your ascension. This is our moment.
Frances, I'm sorry.

For everything you worked for,
everything you've done.

You just have a better return.

I do.

And I cannot give it.

Yesterday, it struck me.

Battling with Psalms, fighting to impose
my will on the company.

Well, that's not it.

Never was.

I don't understand.

What are you saying?

Then I'll never cease to love you.

Respect, admire, provide for you.

I'll never return to the phone.

Or this house.

I'm sorry.

That's all right.

You're very kind.

What kind?

It's just... the thought of you being
with...

I won't give up.

I swear it.

There will be no divorce.

Your children will not be legitimized.

You will suffer rejection from the
family.

The firm.

From all of London.

I accept that.

I thought I'd molded you into something
resembling a rational being.

I was mistaken.

So go.

You were once interesting to me.

Now you bore me.

Bye, Francis.

Where is he? Is he coming?

I've been looking all over for the man
of the hour. Where is dear Julian?

I'm afraid he's just been called away.

What such an auspicious day.

How disappointing for you all.

A small inconvenience.

I trust we're more than capable of
enjoying the festivities in his asthma.

Mr. Cole, I wonder if I might call upon
you to transact some business for me.

Yes, of course.

My late father left a property in Camden
which has lain empty for many years.

I propose to donate it to the charity.

Well, that's most generous.

For conversion into suitable
accommodation for needy women.

Of course, I'm no expert, but perhaps
you could advise me in matters legal and

beyond? It would be a pleasure.

Impressive performance.

Isn't that how the higher species
evolve?

By their ability to adapt.

I suspect you and I will work very well
together.

So, Joe's bolted. Shall I step in, say a
few words, hand over to Soames and

passing the torch, all that?

I think on balance, no.

No?

I prefer to do the honors myself.

Pray silence for her illustrious
highness, Mrs. Anne Euphemia Isadora

Forsyte.

Dear friends, no doubt you were
expecting an address from one of the

members of this firm.

Instead, you have me.

Perfectly placed to judge the merits and
the demerits of this formidable clan.

Since my arrival, there have been many
newcomers to the Forsyte ranks.

All of you will have wondered what you
were letting yourself in for.

before becoming foresights in your own
right.

So, what defines this family?

What is a foresight?

A foresight is someone who knows the
value of loyalty

and family and...

We are tenacious.

We are survivors.

And we should never, ever be
underestimated.

Only a fool would underestimate you.

Or you, my love.

Seems a shame to let a prime seat go to
waste. Oh, Monty, you wouldn't dare.

Well, I think I know my own worth,
ready?

Wiggins, move the chair.

This should have been his moment.

You mean your moment.

Eyes on the camera, please.

Holding it still now.

Right.

Mama, Harry Faulkner.

Yes?

It was you who paid him off.

Why would you do that?

My dear boy, let's enjoy the day.

We can speak of these things some other
time. But Mama, who is he?

Do you remember the day you proposed?

Vividly.

You said to me...

If we were unable to make a success of
our marriage, then you would release me.

I cannot imagine seeing any such thing.

I came to finish the painting.

There is no urgency.

I believe there is.

I wish to resume my work as an artist.

An ambition I gave up ten years ago, as
incompatible with the aims of my father

and my wife.

Well, don't mistake me. I've been
blessed. I've had wealth, status, a

wife, an adorable stepdaughter.

And I could have gone on living a
comfortable, privileged half -life if

hadn't walked into that room on June's


And now?

It's done.

I've resigned from the firm, from my
family, from my marriage.

You can't. What are you thinking?

I'm thinking I can no longer lie to her
or to myself.

What are you?

I want to paint.

I want to be a father to our children.

I want to live with you.

We'll be outcasts. We'll be poor.

I cannot give you my name.

But I can give you my love.

If you'll have me.

Do you even need to ask?