The Draughtsman's Contract

0:00:02 > 0:00:07# At last the glittering Queen of night

0:00:07 > 0:00:13# With black caress kills off

0:00:13 > 0:00:18# Kills off the day. #

0:00:19 > 0:00:23Mr Chandos was a man who spent more time with his gardener

0:00:23 > 0:00:28than with his wife. They discussed plum trees ad nauseam.

0:00:29 > 0:00:33He gave his family and his tenants cause to dread September.

0:00:33 > 0:00:36They were regaled with plums until their guts rumbled like thunder

0:00:36 > 0:00:39and their backsides ached from overuse.

0:00:39 > 0:00:43He built the chapel at Fovant, where the pew seats are of plumwood

0:00:43 > 0:00:45so the tenants still have cause to remember Chandos

0:00:45 > 0:00:49through their backsides on account of the splinters.

0:00:49 > 0:00:57# At last the glittering Queen of night

0:00:57 > 0:01:02# With black caress kills off

0:01:02 > 0:01:07# Kills off the day. #

0:01:07 > 0:01:10Some years ago, two gentlemen went back to Amsterdam

0:01:10 > 0:01:13saying that Allhevinghay was just like home.

0:01:13 > 0:01:18There was so much water, so many ornamental ponds, so many canals,

0:01:18 > 0:01:22so many sinks and basins. There was even a wind pump.

0:01:22 > 0:01:27What they hadn't realised was my father had made his land

0:01:27 > 0:01:32into a pattern of reservoirs because he was terrified of fire.

0:01:32 > 0:01:35There was even a room under the front stairs

0:01:35 > 0:01:40that housed 200 buckets, all of them filled with water.

0:01:40 > 0:01:43I know because whenever I was taken short

0:01:43 > 0:01:49my brothers and I used to rush in there and use them, haha!

0:01:49 > 0:01:52Those buckets were filled before my mother died.

0:01:52 > 0:01:54I expect them to be still there,

0:01:54 > 0:01:59with the same water of thirty years ago I shouldn't wonder,

0:01:59 > 0:02:02mixed with a little of myself, of course.

0:02:02 > 0:02:07I used to pee like a horse. I still do.

0:02:07 > 0:02:11# For those that walk

0:02:11 > 0:02:18# That walk with hopeful step

0:02:18 > 0:02:23# In garden, in garden

0:02:23 > 0:02:29# In garden, love to find. #

0:02:29 > 0:02:33At Southampton, there's a house I've admired because from the side it looks so flat.

0:02:33 > 0:02:36It is of white Portland stone and, on a cloudy day,

0:02:36 > 0:02:39it looks as though it might be attached to the sky.

0:02:39 > 0:02:42- Especially in the evening. - Its owner is a Miss Anterim.

0:02:42 > 0:02:43She is a lady without a husband.

0:02:43 > 0:02:46From the side, she is a lady without significance.

0:02:46 > 0:02:50Maybe that is why, unlike her house, the lady is unattached.

0:02:50 > 0:02:53What with one flatness and another, Mr Neville,

0:02:53 > 0:02:57- as a painter and as a draughtsman... - You could be entertained, it seems.

0:02:57 > 0:03:00BOTH: Especially in the evening, from the side.

0:03:00 > 0:03:07# For those that walk, that walk. #

0:03:07 > 0:03:10It is said that the Duc de Courey invited his water mechanic

0:03:10 > 0:03:13to the top of an elaborate cascade he had built

0:03:13 > 0:03:16and asked him if he could build such a marvel for anyone else.

0:03:16 > 0:03:19The man, after offering various thanks and pleasantries,

0:03:19 > 0:03:23finally admitted that with sufficient patronage he probably could.

0:03:23 > 0:03:26The Duc de Courey pushed him gently in the small of the back

0:03:26 > 0:03:30and the wretched man plummeted to a watery death.

0:03:30 > 0:03:34# Their hope to find success

0:03:34 > 0:03:38# They're sure to make. #

0:03:38 > 0:03:42Now, Mr Noyes, do you have a ribald piece of gossip for me?

0:03:42 > 0:03:44Madam, I'm here to fulfil a role as entertainer.

0:03:44 > 0:03:47I'm sure that sooner or later I could find something for you.

0:03:47 > 0:03:51Then you're here on merit, a characteristic the rest of the company does not share,

0:03:51 > 0:03:54being here merely to express confidence in one another's money.

0:03:54 > 0:03:57- You are one of the company. - My meretricious conduct

0:03:57 > 0:04:01in the company of Mr Seymour has been my invitation.

0:04:01 > 0:04:05I am strictly not of the company but a part of its property.

0:04:05 > 0:04:08Since that is what the company is here to discuss and to revel in,

0:04:08 > 0:04:12you should be well favoured. I would well favour you myself

0:04:12 > 0:04:15above two parterres and a drive of orange trees.

0:04:15 > 0:04:18You are not extravagant in your compliments, Mr Noyes.

0:04:18 > 0:04:20As yet, I'm not wealthy enough to offer you more

0:04:20 > 0:04:24but I intend to be so soon. In the present company of 13 that owns a fair slice of England,

0:04:24 > 0:04:27two parterres and a drive of orange trees is a beginning,

0:04:27 > 0:04:30and being a lady of the Italian fashion,

0:04:30 > 0:04:33madam, you will appreciate the value of oranges.

0:04:33 > 0:04:36They smell so sweet. They are so invigorating.

0:04:36 > 0:04:44# The very statues breathe. #

0:04:44 > 0:04:48Do you think your father will ask Mr Neville to draw the house?

0:04:48 > 0:04:51Why not improve Mr Neville's chances, and yours,

0:04:51 > 0:04:54by inviting Mr Neville yourself?

0:04:54 > 0:04:57That is a too imaginative stratagem for me.

0:04:57 > 0:05:00Your father would find it uncharacteristically bold.

0:05:00 > 0:05:03Then you could surprise him, and perhaps surprise Mr Neville as well.

0:05:03 > 0:05:06And if that frightens you, Mother,

0:05:06 > 0:05:08we could lay the blame on Mr Neville.

0:05:08 > 0:05:11I hold the delight or despondency of a man of property

0:05:11 > 0:05:15by putting his house in shadow or in sunlight.

0:05:15 > 0:05:18Even possibly I have some control over the jealousy

0:05:18 > 0:05:23or satisfaction of a husband by depicting his wife, sir,

0:05:23 > 0:05:25dressed or undressed.

0:05:25 > 0:05:30Mrs Clement asked me if I had a wife, which has a ring of impertinence.

0:05:30 > 0:05:33She knows I have a garden, how come she does not know I have a wife?

0:05:33 > 0:05:36Perhaps because you boast of one and not the other.

0:05:36 > 0:05:39But I suspect a sense of modesty is an impertinence

0:05:39 > 0:05:41to such a lady as Mrs Clement.

0:05:41 > 0:05:45Your mother takes a sense of modesty an unprecedented distance.

0:05:45 > 0:05:47Why doesn't she come out more? She frets in the shadows.

0:05:47 > 0:05:49She does not fret, Father,

0:05:49 > 0:05:53or if she does you well know the cause is your indifference.

0:05:53 > 0:05:56A house, a garden, a horse, a wife, the preferential order.

0:05:56 > 0:05:57Nonsense!

0:05:57 > 0:06:02I am anxious, Mr Neville, that you should draw my husband's estate.

0:06:02 > 0:06:04Why is that, madam?

0:06:04 > 0:06:08My husband is a proud man, who is delighted to be associated

0:06:08 > 0:06:10with every brick and every tree of his property

0:06:10 > 0:06:14at every moment of his waking life. And no doubt in his dreams as well,

0:06:14 > 0:06:17though I've not been too well acquainted with his dreams, since...

0:06:17 > 0:06:21With such an excellent relationship with his property,

0:06:21 > 0:06:24he surely, having the real thing, does not need a copy.

0:06:24 > 0:06:26I do not take well to young men who preen.

0:06:26 > 0:06:29Their vanity usually outweighs their prowess.

0:06:29 > 0:06:31Mr Neville has prowess enough.

0:06:31 > 0:06:34Enough to charm where he cannot impress. And he can charm

0:06:34 > 0:06:39- and impress the wives of rich men. - That's not so uncommon, Mr Seymour.

0:06:39 > 0:06:42You come with me to Southampton tomorrow.

0:06:42 > 0:06:45I'll show you how to impress a lady with a good drawing on.

0:06:45 > 0:06:50My father's property, Mr Neville, is a little more forward than humble.

0:06:50 > 0:06:53And since humility in a building is not antithetical to you

0:06:53 > 0:06:57perhaps I can prevail on you to draw my father's house?

0:06:57 > 0:07:00Ah, the same proposition from a different quarter.

0:07:00 > 0:07:03A concerted effort naturally intrigues me but I feel,

0:07:03 > 0:07:06madam, things being as they are, may I be bold?

0:07:06 > 0:07:10I do not think that you or your mother could afford my services.

0:07:10 > 0:07:13Why not enjoy our patronage?

0:07:13 > 0:07:15Come and walk in Mr Herbert's garden tomorrow.

0:07:15 > 0:07:18Madam, I cannot say I would not be delighted,

0:07:18 > 0:07:22but I fear, despite your persistence that I have work to do up and beyond

0:07:22 > 0:07:25this coming apple season and will be in the service of Lord Charborough

0:07:25 > 0:07:28until next year's apples have all been drunk as cider.

0:07:33 > 0:07:37Your mother is excessively keen to have this house down on paper.

0:07:37 > 0:07:39Or perhaps it is you that is keen

0:07:39 > 0:07:42and your mother is merely your surrogate?

0:07:42 > 0:07:46I admit, Mr Neville, to being a supplicant on my mother's behalf

0:07:46 > 0:07:50but she does not want it for herself but for her husband.

0:07:50 > 0:07:53The supplication then has a long and diverse path.

0:07:53 > 0:07:55I am flattered.

0:07:55 > 0:07:58But may not Mr Herbert himself do his own commissioning?

0:07:58 > 0:08:02The point of the exercise, Mr Neville, is to avoid that one thing.

0:08:02 > 0:08:07You are to be the instrument of a hopeful reconciliation.

0:08:07 > 0:08:13Mr Neville, how can I persuade you to stay with us at Compton Anstey?

0:08:13 > 0:08:15You cannot, madam.

0:08:17 > 0:08:21But you can be bought, Mr Neville. How much will it cost?

0:08:21 > 0:08:24More than you can afford, madam.

0:08:24 > 0:08:26But I must confess my prime reason is indolence.

0:08:26 > 0:08:30I increase my price in proportion to my expectation of pleasure.

0:08:30 > 0:08:32I do not expect great pleasure here, madam.

0:08:44 > 0:08:47Madam, I'm to leave very early in the morning for Southampton.

0:08:47 > 0:08:50I've come to take my leave of you now.

0:08:51 > 0:08:54Do not order the hay to be cut.

0:08:54 > 0:08:58Do not leave the estate and do not drink my claret.

0:08:58 > 0:09:00And do not expect me back until I'm ready,

0:09:00 > 0:09:03which at the very least will be 14 days.

0:09:03 > 0:09:05Good night, madam.

0:09:05 > 0:09:09# She loves and she confesses... #

0:09:09 > 0:09:13I have decided that it is most important that you stay here

0:09:13 > 0:09:16to make for me 12 drawings of my husband's estate.

0:09:16 > 0:09:19My husband is to go to Southampton for at least 12 days.

0:09:19 > 0:09:22- Will that be enough time for you? - First, madam, you make a demand

0:09:22 > 0:09:25suggesting we haven't discussed the proposition.

0:09:25 > 0:09:27Second, you increase your demand by 12.

0:09:27 > 0:09:30Third, you add to the proposition a time limit.

0:09:30 > 0:09:32And fourth, you expect me to start at once.

0:09:32 > 0:09:34Four factors, Mr Neville, you have convinced us

0:09:34 > 0:09:38are well within your talents and capabilities.

0:09:39 > 0:09:41Your terms are exorbitant.

0:09:45 > 0:09:47So must mine be.

0:09:47 > 0:09:53# She loves and she confesses to

0:09:53 > 0:09:59# There is then at last no more to do. #

0:09:59 > 0:10:03The conditions of the agreement, Mr Noyes, are my services

0:10:03 > 0:10:07as draughtsman for 12 days for the manufacture of 12 drawings,

0:10:07 > 0:10:10of the estate and gardens, parks and outlying buildings

0:10:10 > 0:10:13of Mr Herbert's property.

0:10:13 > 0:10:17The sites for the 12 drawings to be chosen at my discretion,

0:10:17 > 0:10:20though advised by Mrs Herbert.

0:10:20 > 0:10:25For which, Thomas, I am willing to pay £8 a drawing,

0:10:25 > 0:10:30to provide full board for Mr Neville and his servant, and...

0:10:32 > 0:10:33And, madam?

0:10:36 > 0:10:38And to agree to meet Mr Neville in private

0:10:38 > 0:10:41and to comply with his requests concerning his pleasure with me.

0:11:06 > 0:11:11'Curriculum for the Execution of the Drawings at Compton Anstey.

0:11:11 > 0:11:16'For drawing number one, from 7 o'clock until 9 o'clock in the morning,

0:11:16 > 0:11:19'the whole of the back of the house, from the stable block

0:11:19 > 0:11:22'to the laundry garden, will be kept clear.'

0:11:37 > 0:11:41'No person shall use the main stable yard gates whatsoever,

0:11:41 > 0:11:45'and no person shall use the back door or interfere with the windows

0:11:45 > 0:11:47'or furniture of the back part of the house.'

0:12:00 > 0:12:06A is for apricot. M is for marilla.

0:12:10 > 0:12:14C is for citrona. Citrona.

0:12:14 > 0:12:20- A is for ananas. A-nan-as.- Ananas.

0:12:20 > 0:12:23P is for pineapple.

0:12:23 > 0:12:28'For drawing number two, from 9 o'clock in the morning

0:12:28 > 0:12:31'until 11 o'clock, the lower lawns of the house,

0:12:31 > 0:12:34'including the formal garden, will be kept clear.

0:12:34 > 0:12:37'No window in the upper part of the house will be opened,

0:12:37 > 0:12:39'closed, or otherwise disturbed.'

0:13:04 > 0:13:06Your Mr Neville, Sarah,

0:13:06 > 0:13:09has the God-like power of emptying the landscape.

0:13:09 > 0:13:13It is a wonder the birds still sing.

0:13:13 > 0:13:17If they stopped, I doubt Mr Neville would appreciate the difference.

0:13:17 > 0:13:20His attitude to nature is strictly material.

0:13:20 > 0:13:26Thomas, why is Mr Neville interested in my sheets?

0:13:26 > 0:13:30Madam, he's to draw them wet outside the laundry.

0:13:30 > 0:13:34- Wet? Why does he want them wet? - Madam, I cannot answer you that.

0:13:34 > 0:13:37Perhaps he has fond memories of being a baby.

0:13:44 > 0:13:50'For drawing number three, from 11 o'clock in the morning until 1 o'clock,

0:13:50 > 0:13:53'the back and north side of the house will be kept clear.'

0:13:56 > 0:13:59'This area, that is used as a place for drying linen,

0:13:59 > 0:14:02'will be left as asked for, on an arrangement

0:14:02 > 0:14:05'made between the draughtsman and the laundress,

0:14:05 > 0:14:08'who will take full responsibility for the disposition of the linen.'

0:14:21 > 0:14:24Madam, I am delighted to see that

0:14:24 > 0:14:27you've loosened your clothing as I requested.

0:14:30 > 0:14:33When your husband had the pear trees grafted,

0:14:33 > 0:14:37- do you know if he asked for the advice of Mr Seymour's gardener? - Er...

0:14:40 > 0:14:42Sorry, madam. You do not speak very loud.

0:14:42 > 0:14:45- We... - SHE CHOKES AND COUGHS

0:14:45 > 0:14:48- We do not know Mr Seymour's gardener...- I see.

0:14:48 > 0:14:51- ..Mr Neville. - The trees have been poorly cared for.

0:14:51 > 0:14:56The angle between the branches... and the main trunk is too steep.

0:14:56 > 0:14:59But the original work is good.

0:14:59 > 0:15:02And what of the pears themselves,

0:15:02 > 0:15:04in season?

0:15:04 > 0:15:06Are they presentable?

0:15:06 > 0:15:07SHE SIGHS

0:15:10 > 0:15:12SHE SPEAKS GERMAN

0:15:52 > 0:15:53'For drawing number four,

0:15:53 > 0:15:56'from two o'clock until four o'clock in the afternoon,

0:15:56 > 0:16:00'the front of the house that faces west will be kept clear.

0:16:00 > 0:16:02'No horses, carriages or other vehicles

0:16:02 > 0:16:04'will be allowed to be placed there

0:16:04 > 0:16:08'and the gravel on the drive will be left undisturbed.

0:16:09 > 0:16:11'No coals are to be burned that will issue smoke

0:16:11 > 0:16:13'from the front of the house.'

0:17:06 > 0:17:08And hurry up!

0:17:20 > 0:17:23'For drawing number five,

0:17:23 > 0:17:27'from four o'clock in the afternoon until six o'clock in the afternoon,

0:17:27 > 0:17:31'the hilltop prospect of the estate to the north of the house

0:17:31 > 0:17:34'will be kept clear of all members of the household staff

0:17:34 > 0:17:35'and farm servants.

0:17:35 > 0:17:37'Such animals as are presently grazing in the fields

0:17:37 > 0:17:39'will be permitted to continue.'

0:17:45 > 0:17:47- Good day, Mr Neville.- Mr Talmann.

0:17:50 > 0:17:54Ah, I see you have selected a fine view for my son to inherit.

0:17:54 > 0:17:56I prefer, for the moment at least,

0:17:56 > 0:17:58to regard the view as the property of Mr Herbert.

0:17:58 > 0:18:01Thomas.

0:18:01 > 0:18:05See that Clarissa does not go to the laundry around noon.

0:18:05 > 0:18:08'And come to my withdrawing room

0:18:08 > 0:18:11'this afternoon with some ink.

0:18:11 > 0:18:15'I want to send to Mr Herbert, to know by which road

0:18:15 > 0:18:17'he intends to return.'

0:18:23 > 0:18:28Is it your intention to continue to stand there, Mr Talmann?

0:18:28 > 0:18:33I can see the view very adequately from here, Mr Neville. Thank you.

0:18:38 > 0:18:41Will you be wearing the same clothes tomorrow?

0:18:41 > 0:18:43Why?

0:18:45 > 0:18:47I have not decided.

0:18:47 > 0:18:49HE WHISTLES

0:18:51 > 0:18:53It depends on my servants. Is it important?

0:18:57 > 0:18:59Maybe I will.

0:19:04 > 0:19:06'For drawing number six,

0:19:06 > 0:19:09'from six o'clock in the evening until eight o'clock,

0:19:09 > 0:19:13'the lower lawn of the garden by the statue of Hermes will be kept clear

0:19:13 > 0:19:17'of all members of the household, staff, horses and other animals.'

0:19:17 > 0:19:20Philip, go and ask those people to move.

0:19:20 > 0:19:23Ask them nicely, smile.

0:19:23 > 0:19:25Don't trot.

0:19:56 > 0:20:00LAUGHTER

0:20:00 > 0:20:01MURMURED CONVERSATION

0:20:02 > 0:20:05Oh, go away!

0:20:06 > 0:20:08Where? Really?

0:20:10 > 0:20:13Not that I know.

0:20:24 > 0:20:28'Mr Lucas was a man whose enthusiasms were divided equally

0:20:28 > 0:20:32'between his garden and his children. Whenever his wife conceived,

0:20:32 > 0:20:35'Mr Lucas planted fruit trees.

0:20:35 > 0:20:38'His wife seldom came to a successful labour.

0:20:38 > 0:20:41'Those children she was blessed with died before weaning.

0:20:41 > 0:20:44'Mr Lucas threatened to cut his trees down, but never did.'

0:20:44 > 0:20:47To date, there are 11 trees in his fruit garden

0:20:47 > 0:20:50and he knows them all by their Christian names.

0:20:50 > 0:20:51The English are not blessed

0:20:51 > 0:20:54with the most appropriate fecundity at the moment.

0:20:54 > 0:20:57They can raise colonies, but not heirs to the throne.

0:20:57 > 0:21:00It depends, Mr Talmann, which colonies you are speaking of.

0:21:00 > 0:21:04Some of England's oldest colonies have heirs in plenty.

0:21:04 > 0:21:05Ah, Mr Neville.

0:21:05 > 0:21:08Do we have an indication of Scottish sympathies?

0:21:08 > 0:21:13Madam, you would be reading far too much into what is simply a statement of fact.

0:21:13 > 0:21:16If the best Englishmen are foreigners, Mr Neville,

0:21:16 > 0:21:20and that seems to me to be a simple statement of fact,

0:21:20 > 0:21:24then the best English painters are foreigners too.

0:21:24 > 0:21:28There's no English painter worthy of the name.

0:21:28 > 0:21:30Would you agree, Mr Neville,

0:21:30 > 0:21:35that to be an English painter is a contradictory term?

0:21:35 > 0:21:38Then Mr Herbert shows some sense in encouraging Mr Neville.

0:21:38 > 0:21:42Mr Herbert, madam, as we all know, is full of contradictions.

0:21:42 > 0:21:44Contradictory enough to invite you into this house.

0:21:44 > 0:21:47Despite his being a man without airs and graces.

0:21:47 > 0:21:51But not privy to whom his wife welcomes into his house, madam.

0:21:51 > 0:21:53When my father is away, Louis,

0:21:53 > 0:21:56my mother is at liberty to run his house as she feels fit.

0:21:56 > 0:21:59And she has seen fit to invite Mr Neville.

0:21:59 > 0:22:02- A gracious speech, Mrs Talmann.- To hide all manner of inconveniences.

0:22:02 > 0:22:06- How is that, sir?- It is apparent from our meeting this afternoon,

0:22:06 > 0:22:10that your presumptory regime not only extends to confining the household

0:22:10 > 0:22:12like animals in reservations,

0:22:12 > 0:22:15but directing us as to whether or not we should wear a coat,

0:22:15 > 0:22:20- carry a walking-stick or whistle. - When I met you in the garden, you were doing all those things.

0:22:20 > 0:22:22If you intend being there tomorrow,

0:22:22 > 0:22:25I would wish you to dress and to behave in the same way.

0:22:25 > 0:22:29However, it's beyond my power to describe a whistle pictorially,

0:22:29 > 0:22:33whether it comes from an Englishman or from a German dressed as an Englishman.

0:22:33 > 0:22:36And what do you do about the birds, Mr Neville?

0:22:36 > 0:22:38If you ignore their song, you can't prevent them

0:22:38 > 0:22:40from flying across the field of your vision.

0:22:40 > 0:22:44The prospect of 12 fine-weather days with clear skies

0:22:44 > 0:22:47and sharp shadows is an excellent proposition,

0:22:47 > 0:22:49but not to be guaranteed.

0:22:49 > 0:22:53So I am naturally anxious that time should not be wasted.

0:22:53 > 0:22:55It would assist me greatly therefore

0:22:55 > 0:22:59if my instructions, which have been given great consideration,

0:22:59 > 0:23:00should be observed.

0:23:00 > 0:23:05I'm painstaking enough to notice quite small changes in the landscape.

0:23:05 > 0:23:10Once started, I make that a committal, madam. Whatsoever ensues.

0:23:10 > 0:23:12And I think you can surmise

0:23:12 > 0:23:17that it's an attitude from which I obtain great satisfaction

0:23:17 > 0:23:19and some entertainment.

0:23:53 > 0:23:56Thomas,

0:23:56 > 0:23:59can you remember, when Mr Herbert had his clothes packed,

0:23:59 > 0:24:01whether he took his French boots?

0:24:09 > 0:24:12How is it, Mr Neville, that you've contrived

0:24:12 > 0:24:14to make the garden so empty of people?

0:24:14 > 0:24:17The authority for these drawings, Mr Talmann, comes from Mrs Herbert.

0:24:17 > 0:24:22Do you think she is a woman who enjoys having a crowd of people kick her gravel around

0:24:22 > 0:24:25or move her earth like a pack of dogs in a herb garden?

0:24:25 > 0:24:28I would seek peace and quiet in a garden...

0:24:28 > 0:24:31and noise and excitement at a carnival.

0:24:31 > 0:24:33Carnem levare.

0:24:34 > 0:24:36So Mr Neville, you would reserve your revelries

0:24:36 > 0:24:40for a religious occasion. And what of Gethsemane?

0:24:40 > 0:24:44A wild sort of garden I shouldn't wonder.

0:24:44 > 0:24:49There would be no geometric paths and no Dutch bulbs.

0:24:49 > 0:24:53We have a Cedar of Lebanon and a Judas tree.

0:24:54 > 0:24:56Perhaps we could cultivate a Tree of Heaven?

0:24:56 > 0:24:58The gardens of England are becoming jungles.

0:24:58 > 0:25:00Such exotics are grossly unsuitable.

0:25:00 > 0:25:04If the Garden of Eden was planned for England, God would have seen to it.

0:25:04 > 0:25:08The Garden of Eden was originally intended for Ireland.

0:25:08 > 0:25:11For it was there that St Patrick eradicated the snake.

0:25:11 > 0:25:14The only useful eradication in Ireland

0:25:14 > 0:25:18was performed by William of Orange four years ago on my birthday.

0:25:18 > 0:25:20And happy birthday to you, Mr Talmann.

0:25:20 > 0:25:23If you are not too old to receive presents

0:25:23 > 0:25:27perhaps the gardener and I can find a snake for your orangerie.

0:25:28 > 0:25:30What?

0:25:30 > 0:25:32- Good day to you, Mr Neville. - Good day, madam.

0:25:44 > 0:25:46Philip.

0:26:06 > 0:26:10I see the company is assembled. And what are we to be spectators of?

0:26:10 > 0:26:15You must not be surprised. We are here at your request.

0:26:15 > 0:26:19I did not request an audience, nor a dinner on the grass.

0:26:19 > 0:26:22Perhaps we are to applaud the view.

0:26:22 > 0:26:26The scribbler is never satisfied. He is as insatiable as a...

0:26:26 > 0:26:28You said that Mr Talmann should be here,

0:26:28 > 0:26:30dressed as you asked and carrying a gold-topped cane.

0:26:30 > 0:26:33We have taken you at your word.

0:26:33 > 0:26:37There was another instruction, but conveniently I have forgotten it.

0:26:37 > 0:26:40- Whistling, Sarah. - So much for convenience.

0:26:40 > 0:26:44You do not catch me in the best of tempers wearing yesterday's clothes.

0:26:44 > 0:26:46I give you 20 minutes only.

0:26:46 > 0:26:48I have a horse to exercise.

0:26:48 > 0:26:50Then, sir, please take your place.

0:26:50 > 0:26:54I will take a walk. Come with me, Maria. We have a dog to exercise.

0:27:02 > 0:27:07A little to the left, if you please. And puff out your cheeks.

0:27:07 > 0:27:11- Why should I do that? - Because last time you were whistling.

0:27:11 > 0:27:16A tune perhaps not readily recognisable even by its own composer.

0:27:18 > 0:27:20Look, madam.

0:27:20 > 0:27:23This man has no head.

0:27:23 > 0:27:25A typical German characteristic.

0:27:25 > 0:27:29Mr Neville, you're talking about my son-in-law.

0:27:29 > 0:27:31By the grace of God, madam,

0:27:31 > 0:27:35you are to have a grandson by him, some day.

0:27:35 > 0:27:38Is that not a better thing to talk of?

0:27:39 > 0:27:42And you mock my money and my person to draw caricatures.

0:27:44 > 0:27:46With my memory, pictures in the house,

0:27:46 > 0:27:50and your knowledge of the subject, I intend to place the head of Mr Herbert

0:27:50 > 0:27:53on these shoulders,

0:27:53 > 0:27:58as an appropriate acknowledgement of your husband and his property.

0:27:58 > 0:27:59If he should return.

0:28:01 > 0:28:03Why, madam, what a strange thing to say.

0:28:04 > 0:28:07If he should return home to me.

0:29:10 > 0:29:12So...

0:29:14 > 0:29:17..I am grieving

0:29:17 > 0:29:20because Mr Herbert is away.

0:29:24 > 0:29:26Yes, Mother.

0:30:51 > 0:30:54The contract is void, Mr Neville.

0:30:54 > 0:30:56I cannot meet you again.

0:30:56 > 0:31:00Mrs Herbert, sit here. Move your head into the shade.

0:31:08 > 0:31:11Do you not think the gardeners have excelled themselves?

0:31:15 > 0:31:18You should not continue to draw, Mr Neville.

0:31:18 > 0:31:21I no longer feel able to continue the terms of our contract.

0:31:21 > 0:31:23The fee is yours, as is the hospitality.

0:31:23 > 0:31:26I was about to say that despite all my satisfaction

0:31:26 > 0:31:30at the prospect of continuing the commission under such delightful circumstances,

0:31:30 > 0:31:32the peak of my delight, madam,

0:31:32 > 0:31:36is obtained in those short minutes when we are together.

0:31:36 > 0:31:38I would regret losing them.

0:31:39 > 0:31:41Besides, I do not need to remind you

0:31:41 > 0:31:44that the contract was made between two people.

0:31:44 > 0:31:47It will take the consent of BOTH signatories to make it void.

0:31:49 > 0:31:52And now, madam, I feel that from this position I cannot adequately

0:31:52 > 0:31:54see what I'm supposed to be seeing

0:31:54 > 0:31:58and I must therefore request you find some other resting place.

0:31:58 > 0:31:59At least until four o'clock

0:31:59 > 0:32:02when our next meeting is to be consummated as arranged.

0:32:15 > 0:32:17Madam, who is this child who walks the garden

0:32:17 > 0:32:19with such a solemn look on his face?

0:32:19 > 0:32:22That is my husband's nephew, Mr Neville.

0:32:22 > 0:32:25He attracts servants like a little midget king.

0:32:26 > 0:32:28What is his patrimony, madam?

0:32:28 > 0:32:31His father was killed at Ausbergenfeld.

0:32:31 > 0:32:34His mother became a Catholic. My husband brought him to England.

0:32:34 > 0:32:36To be reared as a little Protestant.

0:32:36 > 0:32:39He was an orphan and needed to be looked after.

0:32:39 > 0:32:42An orphan, madam, because his mother became a Catholic?

0:32:46 > 0:32:50BELLS TOLL

0:33:04 > 0:33:07Philip, find out what's happening.

0:33:15 > 0:33:19Mr Neville, sir, I'm sorry about the coat.

0:33:19 > 0:33:21It was not I that put it there.

0:33:21 > 0:33:23Is that so, madam?

0:33:23 > 0:33:25Then who did?

0:33:25 > 0:33:27I'll ask.

0:33:27 > 0:33:29No, don't ask. Leave it there.

0:33:29 > 0:33:33Someone's getting careless. The garden is becoming a robe-room.

0:33:33 > 0:33:36I wonder what they keep in their clothespress. Plants perhaps?

0:33:40 > 0:33:43Who will be your husband's direct heir after you?

0:33:43 > 0:33:47A future grandson, Mr Neville, though not after me.

0:33:47 > 0:33:52Mr Herbert does not believe in a woman owning property.

0:33:52 > 0:33:54And what about your daughter and her husband?

0:33:54 > 0:33:57They would be guardians on a grandson's behalf.

0:33:57 > 0:33:59Do you intend to study legal matters?

0:33:59 > 0:34:04You must forgive my curiosity, madam, and open your knees.

0:34:04 > 0:34:09To have possession of my person is not an excuse to be privy to my husband's will.

0:34:09 > 0:34:11Your loyalty is exemplary, madam,

0:34:11 > 0:34:16but what will happen to the estate if your daughter has no heirs?

0:34:16 > 0:34:19I do not like to think of it.

0:34:19 > 0:34:21The estate was my father's.

0:34:21 > 0:34:24Mr Herbert obtained it through marriage to me.

0:34:31 > 0:34:34It is imperative, Augustus, that in representing me,

0:34:34 > 0:34:36you ask of yourself the very best.

0:34:36 > 0:34:40And you do not fraternise with whomsoever you choose.

0:34:40 > 0:34:44And chasing sheep is a tiresome habit best left to shepherds.

0:34:44 > 0:34:48If Mr Neville chases sheep he is not to be emulated.

0:34:48 > 0:34:50Drawing is an attribution worth very little

0:34:50 > 0:34:52and in England worth nothing at all.

0:34:52 > 0:34:58If you must scribble, I suggest that your time would be better spent in studying mathematics.

0:34:58 > 0:35:03I will engage a tutor and, who knows, one day you, Augustus,

0:35:03 > 0:35:06may add the Talmann name to the Royal Society.

0:35:07 > 0:35:09Augustus.

0:35:12 > 0:35:14Your tutor of course must be German.

0:35:14 > 0:35:17There are far too many English influences on your life as it is.

0:35:32 > 0:35:36Mr Neville is our resident draughtsman.

0:35:36 > 0:35:39He is making drawings of Mr Herbert's house and estate.

0:35:39 > 0:35:42I've heard of your prowess, Mr Neville. I've heard more than that.

0:35:42 > 0:35:44I hear you're not a conventional man.

0:35:44 > 0:35:49Mr Neville has planned his stay here like an officer in a hostile billet.

0:35:49 > 0:35:51We have orders to appear and disappear,

0:35:51 > 0:35:54to wear cocked hats, eat meals in the open air

0:35:54 > 0:35:56and to prepare furniture for inspection.

0:35:56 > 0:35:57And yet, Louis,

0:35:57 > 0:36:01I hear that you're not averse to exchanging exercise

0:36:01 > 0:36:04on a new horse for standing to attention in the hot sun

0:36:04 > 0:36:06like a halberdier.

0:36:06 > 0:36:09What control you must exercise, Mr Neville.

0:36:09 > 0:36:13It sounds as if you might be better employed as a military man

0:36:13 > 0:36:16rather than as someone who merely draws a landscape.

0:36:16 > 0:36:19Mrs Herbert, whatever is the price you must pay

0:36:19 > 0:36:22to capture this general who leads the wheat by the ear.

0:36:22 > 0:36:25Mrs Herbert pays no price she cannot afford.

0:36:25 > 0:36:29Thanks to her generosity, I am permitted to take my pleasure

0:36:29 > 0:36:32without hindrance on her property.

0:36:32 > 0:36:36And to enjoy the maturing delights of her country garden.

0:36:36 > 0:36:39And, gentlemen,

0:36:39 > 0:36:41there is much there to be surprised at

0:36:41 > 0:36:44and applauded.

0:36:44 > 0:36:46THEY APPLAUD

0:37:52 > 0:37:53Board!

0:38:23 > 0:38:27- Good afternoon, Mr Talmann. - Good afternoon, Mr Neville.

0:38:27 > 0:38:30You are late. I heard the clock strike four some minutes ago.

0:38:30 > 0:38:32That is indeed true. I met Mr Porringer.

0:38:32 > 0:38:37I'm becoming his taster of victuals. Does the same thing happen to you?

0:38:37 > 0:38:39Today, it was raspberries.

0:38:39 > 0:38:41I congratulate you on today's raspberries

0:38:41 > 0:38:43but not on yesterday's damsons.

0:38:43 > 0:38:46They were tasteless, "geschmacklos".

0:38:46 > 0:38:47Like your coat, Mr Talmann.

0:38:47 > 0:38:51There is no way that I was going to wear that coat a third day.

0:38:51 > 0:38:54We are indeed losing the novelty of this situation.

0:38:54 > 0:38:57First I was graced with the presence of Mrs Talmann,

0:38:57 > 0:38:59two servants, a maid and a meal on silver-plate.

0:38:59 > 0:39:02Now what have we? Yourself dressed in the wrong clothes.

0:39:02 > 0:39:06Mr Neville, enough. Your enthusiasm for complaint knows no limit.

0:39:06 > 0:39:09For a fee of £8, your impertinence is too expensive.

0:39:09 > 0:39:11Would you have me be impertinent for nothing?

0:39:11 > 0:39:16For nothing, I would have you run off my property. Good day!

0:39:16 > 0:39:19Your property, Mr Talmann?

0:39:19 > 0:39:22Mr Talmann, you've forgotten your riding-boots.

0:39:22 > 0:39:26They are not mine, Mr Neville.

0:39:26 > 0:39:28I felt sure that they were yours.

0:39:51 > 0:39:54Why doesn't your husband have the moat cleaned out?

0:39:54 > 0:39:57He doesn't like to see the fish. Carp live too long.

0:39:57 > 0:40:00They remind him of Catholics.

0:40:00 > 0:40:03Besides from his window, the duckweed could be mistaken for lawn.

0:40:03 > 0:40:06Can he swim?

0:40:06 > 0:40:08I've never seen him swim.

0:40:58 > 0:41:00Good morning, Mrs Herbert.

0:41:02 > 0:41:05This morning I'm progressing well.

0:41:05 > 0:41:07I am beginning to enjoy myself.

0:41:07 > 0:41:10Madam, would you be so good as to sit?

0:41:20 > 0:41:24It's a little chilly perhaps, but I think you tremble too much.

0:41:25 > 0:41:29It is not easy for me this way to use your person as I would like to.

0:41:29 > 0:41:30Madam, would you stand?

0:41:35 > 0:41:41The ladder, as you can see, has now become a meretricious vertical.

0:41:41 > 0:41:43But I forgive you for standing it there.

0:41:43 > 0:41:48What use have I for the ladder, Mr Neville? It does not go anywhere.

0:41:51 > 0:41:54Madam, would you be so good as to kneel?

0:42:17 > 0:42:18Kneel, madam.

0:42:23 > 0:42:27If you have any influence over your son-in-law,

0:42:27 > 0:42:30can I suggest that he travel over to Mr Seymour's

0:42:30 > 0:42:32to see what can be done with limes

0:42:32 > 0:42:34by doing as little as possible.

0:42:37 > 0:42:39Limes, madam,

0:42:39 > 0:42:40can smell so sweet.

0:42:43 > 0:42:46Especially when they are allowed to bloom without hindrance.

0:42:48 > 0:42:50And it will shortly be time to bloom.

0:42:53 > 0:42:57Is it true you would wish to see Mr Herbert dead?

0:42:57 > 0:42:59I've no great love for Mr Herbert.

0:42:59 > 0:43:03- Goodness, Mr Neville, a provocative question.- Then why stay?

0:43:03 > 0:43:06Mr Noyes has a great attachment to my mother, Mr Neville.

0:43:06 > 0:43:09I'm employed by Mr Herbert as Estate Manager.

0:43:09 > 0:43:12Mr Herbert is often away and I can make myself useful to Mrs Herbert.

0:43:12 > 0:43:15In more ways than one, I presume.

0:43:15 > 0:43:17But is it not that way which is most important?

0:43:17 > 0:43:21Your questions are far too imprudent and provocative in this company.

0:43:21 > 0:43:23You would rather I asked them behind your back?

0:43:23 > 0:43:28Mr Noyes' position in this house is well known to us all, Mr Neville.

0:43:28 > 0:43:32It is a difficult position.

0:43:32 > 0:43:34I'm surprised that you all concur in it.

0:43:34 > 0:43:37The organisation of this house is Mr Herbert's affair.

0:43:37 > 0:43:40My father and Mr Noyes were once great friends.

0:43:40 > 0:43:42And then?

0:43:42 > 0:43:45My mother was at one time promised to Mr Noyes.

0:43:45 > 0:43:48Ah, your position, Mr Noyes, is then a consolation.

0:43:48 > 0:43:52You overstep your privileges being a guest in Mrs Herbert's house.

0:43:52 > 0:43:55Sit down, Mr Noyes. I merely pursue an enquiry.

0:43:56 > 0:43:59It may help me understand what is happening in the garden.

0:44:20 > 0:44:24That shirt, Mr Neville, is prominent enough in your drawing.

0:44:25 > 0:44:28Would it be possible to disguise its presence?

0:44:28 > 0:44:34Madam, I try very hard never to distort or to dissemble.

0:44:35 > 0:44:39- Would that always be your method of working?- It would.

0:44:39 > 0:44:42Well...

0:44:42 > 0:44:45let me make a little speech.

0:44:45 > 0:44:49In your drawing of the north side of the house,

0:44:49 > 0:44:53my father's cloak lies wrapped around a figure of Bacchus.

0:44:53 > 0:44:58In the drawing of the prospect over which my husband turns an appreciative gaze,

0:44:58 > 0:45:03you will have noticed that there is unclaimed a pair of riding boots.

0:45:03 > 0:45:06In the drawing of the park from the east side,

0:45:06 > 0:45:09it is possible to see leaning against my father's wardroom

0:45:09 > 0:45:12a ladder usually put to use for the collecting of apples.

0:45:12 > 0:45:14And in the drawing of the laundry,

0:45:14 > 0:45:18there is a jacket of my father's slit across the chest.

0:45:19 > 0:45:22Do you not think that before long you might find the body

0:45:22 > 0:45:24that inhabited all those clothes?

0:45:24 > 0:45:27I am thinking very hard about the drawing you've left out.

0:45:27 > 0:45:31- And you, madam, were IN that drawing.- Are you sure?

0:45:31 > 0:45:35The sound of you was in the drawing. You were playing the spinet.

0:45:35 > 0:45:40I thought that we had discussed the pictorial equivalents of noise without conclusion.

0:45:40 > 0:45:44Perhaps it was not me playing the spinet. Have you thought of that?

0:45:44 > 0:45:45Then who was it?

0:45:45 > 0:45:50You see, you are already beginning to play the game rather skilfully.

0:45:50 > 0:45:53Four garments and a ladder do not lead us to a corpse.

0:45:53 > 0:45:56Mr Neville, I said nothing about a corpse.

0:45:58 > 0:46:01Madam, you are ingenious.

0:46:01 > 0:46:04It is as if you had planned it.

0:46:04 > 0:46:06Your father is in Southampton.

0:46:06 > 0:46:09He would not miss his clothes or notice the ladder.

0:46:09 > 0:46:12Is my father in Southampton, Mr Neville?

0:46:12 > 0:46:14My mother told you that.

0:46:14 > 0:46:17And you must realise that she is a lady of few words

0:46:17 > 0:46:21and not incapable of a few stratagems.

0:46:21 > 0:46:24Haven't you thought how hard she persuaded you to be her draughtsman

0:46:24 > 0:46:27to draw her husband's house while her husband was away?

0:46:27 > 0:46:29Her explanation can be supported.

0:46:29 > 0:46:33Perhaps you have taken a great deal on trust.

0:46:33 > 0:46:38I look forward to the purpose and outcome of this ingenuity.

0:46:38 > 0:46:43My last six drawings will be redolent of the mystery.

0:46:43 > 0:46:46I will proceed step by step to the heart of the matter.

0:46:46 > 0:46:50Perhaps to the heart of my father, Mr Neville?

0:46:50 > 0:46:53Lying crimson on a piece of green grass?

0:46:53 > 0:46:56What a pity that your drawings are in black and white.

0:46:56 > 0:46:57You rush ahead.

0:46:57 > 0:47:00The items are innocent.

0:47:00 > 0:47:02Taken one by one, they could so be construed.

0:47:02 > 0:47:06Taken together, you could be regarded as a witness to misadventure.

0:47:06 > 0:47:08Misadventure, madam?

0:47:08 > 0:47:13- What misadventure? There is no misadventure.- More than a witness.

0:47:13 > 0:47:16An accessory to misadventure.

0:47:16 > 0:47:18Madam, you are fanciful.

0:47:18 > 0:47:23Mr Neville, I have grown to believe that a really intelligent man

0:47:23 > 0:47:26makes an indifferent painter.

0:47:26 > 0:47:29For painting requires a certain blindness.

0:47:29 > 0:47:34A partial refusal to be aware of all the options.

0:47:34 > 0:47:38An intelligent man will know more about what he is drawing than he will see.

0:47:38 > 0:47:44In the space between knowing and seeing, he will become constrained.

0:47:44 > 0:47:47Unable to pursue an idea strongly.

0:47:47 > 0:47:50Fearing that the discerning, those who he is eager to please,

0:47:50 > 0:47:54will find him wanting if he does not put in not only what he knows,

0:47:54 > 0:47:57but what they know as well.

0:47:57 > 0:47:58You, Mr Neville,

0:47:58 > 0:48:01if you are an intelligent man and thus an indifferent painter,

0:48:01 > 0:48:05will perceive that a construction such as I have suggested

0:48:05 > 0:48:08could well be placed on the evidence contained in your drawing.

0:48:08 > 0:48:14If you are, as I have heard tell, a talented draughtsman,

0:48:14 > 0:48:20then I imagine that you could suppose the objects I have drawn your attention to

0:48:20 > 0:48:24form no plan, stratagem or indictment.

0:48:24 > 0:48:26Indictment, madam?

0:48:28 > 0:48:29You are ingenious.

0:48:29 > 0:48:33I am allowed to be neither of the two things I wish to be at the same time.

0:48:34 > 0:48:39I propose, since I am in a position to throw a connecting plot

0:48:39 > 0:48:42over the inconsequential items in your drawing,

0:48:42 > 0:48:45an interpretative plot that I could explain to others

0:48:45 > 0:48:47to account for my father's disappearance.

0:48:47 > 0:48:50There is no word now of my father arriving in Southampton.

0:48:52 > 0:48:57I propose that we could come to some arrangement

0:48:57 > 0:49:01that might protect you

0:49:01 > 0:49:03and humour me.

0:49:03 > 0:49:06I suggest that we come to a similar arrangement

0:49:06 > 0:49:08as you have struck with my mother.

0:49:10 > 0:49:13I would like you now to accompany me to the library

0:49:13 > 0:49:15where I know that Mr Noyes is waiting for us.

0:49:39 > 0:49:43'And for each remaining drawing to agree.

0:49:43 > 0:49:46'And for each remaining drawing to agree.

0:49:46 > 0:49:50'To meet Mrs Talmann in private.

0:49:50 > 0:49:52'To agree to meet Mrs Talmann in private.'

0:49:52 > 0:49:58And to comply with her requests concerning her pleasure with me.

0:49:59 > 0:50:04And to comply with her requests concerning her pleasure with me.

0:50:12 > 0:50:14'Drawing number seven.

0:50:14 > 0:50:16'From seven o'clock in the morning until nine,

0:50:16 > 0:50:19'the front prospect of the house will be kept clear of

0:50:19 > 0:50:23'members of the household, household servants, horses and carriages.

0:50:25 > 0:50:28'Drawing number eight.

0:50:28 > 0:50:30'From nine o'clock in the morning until 11,

0:50:30 > 0:50:33'the gardens in front of the bath house building will be kept clear.

0:50:33 > 0:50:37'No coals will be burnt to cause smoke to issue from the bath house chimney.'

0:51:01 > 0:51:04'From 11 o'clock in the morning until one,

0:51:04 > 0:51:07'the yew tree walk in the centre of the lower garden

0:51:07 > 0:51:11'will be kept completely clear of all members of Mr Herbert's family,

0:51:11 > 0:51:13'his household staff and animals.'

0:51:49 > 0:51:51It is time, Mr Neville.

0:51:56 > 0:51:59'From two o'clock in the afternoon until four,

0:51:59 > 0:52:02'the back of the house and the sheep pasture on the eastern side

0:52:02 > 0:52:07'will be kept free of all members of the household and farm servants.'

0:52:33 > 0:52:35The reason I suggested you come here

0:52:35 > 0:52:38is because I have borrowed this painting from the house.

0:52:38 > 0:52:40Madam, would you stand?

0:52:44 > 0:52:48Are you not intrigued by it?

0:52:48 > 0:52:50I confess I have paid it little attention.

0:52:56 > 0:53:01Your husband surprises me with his eccentric and eclectic taste.

0:53:01 > 0:53:04Whilst most of his peers are content to collect portraits,

0:53:04 > 0:53:08mostly of an edifying family connection, Mr Herbert seems to collect anything.

0:53:09 > 0:53:13Perhaps he has eye for optical theory.

0:53:13 > 0:53:16Or the plight of lovers.

0:53:16 > 0:53:20Or the passing of time.

0:53:20 > 0:53:22What do you think?

0:53:22 > 0:53:25Perhaps, madam, he has -

0:53:25 > 0:53:28and I would stand by him in this -

0:53:28 > 0:53:31an interest in the pictorial conceit.

0:53:32 > 0:53:35Can you see why your husband had reason to buy it?

0:53:35 > 0:53:37It's of a garden. That is probably reason enough.

0:53:37 > 0:53:41True, but what of the events that are happening within it?

0:53:43 > 0:53:46Shall we peruse it together?

0:53:46 > 0:53:51Do you see, madam, a narrative in these apparently unrelated episodes?

0:53:51 > 0:53:56There is drama, is there not, in this overpopulated garden.

0:53:56 > 0:53:59What intrigue is here?

0:53:59 > 0:54:03Do you think the characters have something to tell us?

0:54:04 > 0:54:07Would you know, madam, if your daughter...

0:54:07 > 0:54:10had any particular interest in this painting?

0:54:11 > 0:54:14Madam, could you put a season to it?

0:54:14 > 0:54:17Madam, do you have an opinion?

0:54:21 > 0:54:23What infidelities are portrayed here?

0:54:30 > 0:54:35Do you think that murder is being prepared?

0:54:42 > 0:54:45Did you hear that a horse had been found at Strides

0:54:45 > 0:54:48which is about three miles from here on the road

0:54:48 > 0:54:51that if followed long enough could lead you to Southampton.

0:54:51 > 0:54:54I will stay dressed, Mr Neville, you will not.

0:54:54 > 0:54:57Mr Clarke says the horse has been badly treated.

0:54:57 > 0:55:02It could be said that all roads can lead to Southampton if the traveller on horse is ingenious enough.

0:55:02 > 0:55:06I've heard of a horse that found its way to Dover.

0:55:06 > 0:55:09Boarded a ship taking hay to Calais.

0:55:09 > 0:55:12The French, madam, do not treat horses kindly.

0:55:12 > 0:55:15They eat them.

0:55:15 > 0:55:19Was your horse partly eaten, madam? May I leave my hat on?

0:55:19 > 0:55:23Your chair looks insignificant out there, Mr Neville.

0:55:23 > 0:55:27What significant assumption are we to make, madam,

0:55:27 > 0:55:33of a wounded horse belonging to your father found on the road to Southampton?

0:55:33 > 0:55:38The first assumption is that the horse has no business being there without my father

0:55:38 > 0:55:41and why is it wounded?

0:55:41 > 0:55:43And what does that imply for my father?

0:55:43 > 0:55:46And the second assumption will no doubt implicate me

0:55:46 > 0:55:51since a saddle-less horse has now found its way into this morning's drawing.

0:55:51 > 0:55:58Mrs Talmann, why don't you now leave the window and come to the basin?

0:55:58 > 0:56:01Don't worry, your position of superiority won't be diminished.

0:56:01 > 0:56:03I will still have to look up to you.

0:56:07 > 0:56:11Since I have taken valuable time to fill this basin with a little water,

0:56:11 > 0:56:14why not share it with me?

0:56:23 > 0:56:25DOG WHIMPERS

0:56:39 > 0:56:42You have a curious mole, Mrs Herbert

0:56:42 > 0:56:45and it is ideally placed.

0:56:45 > 0:56:48Does your gardener catch moles, Mrs Herbert?

0:56:48 > 0:56:52No, he says they are to be encouraged for good luck

0:56:52 > 0:56:54and the destruction of one's enemies.

0:56:54 > 0:56:56They trip up horses, Mrs Herbert.

0:56:56 > 0:57:00You will not persuade Mr Porringer to persecute them.

0:57:00 > 0:57:05- A curious man and ideally placed. - Ideally placed for what?

0:57:05 > 0:57:08Why, for persuading a fine white horse from Southampton

0:57:08 > 0:57:10to go lame in the leg.

0:57:14 > 0:57:19You have nothing to fear from Mr Porringer, Mr Neville.

0:57:19 > 0:57:21He watches you for his own amusement.

0:57:21 > 0:57:24As I do you, madam.

0:57:24 > 0:57:27You seem nonetheless to be curiously keen to protect your gardener.

0:57:27 > 0:57:32It is not you, madam, but his breeches that are his best defence.

0:57:32 > 0:57:34A man in red breeches could scarcely be considered

0:57:34 > 0:57:37an inconspicuous conspirator, madam.

0:57:37 > 0:57:41Unlike that other fool who behaves like a statue when you least expect.

0:57:54 > 0:57:58Away from the house, Mr Neville,

0:57:58 > 0:58:00I feel I grow smaller in significance.

0:58:02 > 0:58:06Madam, what signifies, does not grow smaller for me.

0:58:06 > 0:58:10Your significance, Mr Neville is attributable to both innocence

0:58:10 > 0:58:13and arrogance in equal parts.

0:58:13 > 0:58:16You can handle both with impunity, Mrs Talman.

0:58:16 > 0:58:21But you will find that they are not symmetrical.

0:58:21 > 0:58:24You will find that one weighs heavier than the other.

0:58:26 > 0:58:30Which do you think is the heavier, Mrs Talman?

0:58:30 > 0:58:34Your innocence, Mr Neville is always sinister.

0:58:34 > 0:58:39So I will say that the right one is the heaviest.

0:58:39 > 0:58:41Madam, your dexterity is admirable.

0:58:44 > 0:58:49- You spend too much time with Mr Neville.- How is that?

0:58:49 > 0:58:51The man is a pariah.

0:58:51 > 0:58:55He eats like a vagrant and dresses like a barber.

0:58:55 > 0:58:58What compliments. I think he would be amused.

0:58:58 > 0:59:03As for his servant, he looks like a fleece with a foot disease.

0:59:03 > 0:59:06Do you not think Mr Neville is knowledgeable?

0:59:06 > 0:59:09About what?

0:59:09 > 0:59:11About what, madam?

0:59:13 > 0:59:16Madam, I could take your silence as provocation.

0:59:16 > 0:59:19And why, sir, should I wish to provoke you?

0:59:19 > 0:59:22To excite me to think that you might wish to compliment Mr Neville

0:59:22 > 0:59:24with more than praise for his knowledgability.

0:59:24 > 0:59:28The complexity of your speech does you credit, Louis, but it far exceeds

0:59:28 > 0:59:31the complexity of any relationship I might have with Mr Neville

0:59:31 > 0:59:33which is indeed very simple.

0:59:33 > 0:59:37He's a paid servant of my mother's, bound by a contract.

0:59:37 > 0:59:41That is all. I'm encouraged by my mother to see him honour it.

0:59:41 > 0:59:44Is his pleasure in your encouragement so necessary?

0:59:44 > 0:59:47Although Mr Neville has qualities,

0:59:47 > 0:59:51he is neither as intelligent nor as talented as he thinks.

0:59:51 > 0:59:54Both characteristics you have observed from the start, Louis.

0:59:54 > 0:59:57Though I admit more by prejudice than by observation.

1:00:07 > 1:00:11I understand that you will be leaving us tonight, Mr Neville.

1:00:11 > 1:00:15With Mrs Herbert's permission, I will be leaving after the arrival of Mr Herbert

1:00:15 > 1:00:19and after he has passed an opinion on the drawings of his house.

1:00:19 > 1:00:23If my servant has obtained a vehicle, I will be leaving in the morning.

1:00:23 > 1:00:28And, of course, Mr Neville, the sooner the better, as you expected me to say.

1:00:28 > 1:00:31You, sir, have acquainted me with your opinion on drawing

1:00:31 > 1:00:34on horticulture, the Roman church, childbearing

1:00:34 > 1:00:37the place of women in English life, the history and politics of Lubeck

1:00:37 > 1:00:39and the training of dogs.

1:00:39 > 1:00:45So I am in a fair position to anticipate your opinions as to my departure.

1:00:45 > 1:00:48Is Radstock to greet you with such devoted hospitality?

1:00:48 > 1:00:53Mr Talmann, sir, I have been treated with as great hospitality

1:00:53 > 1:00:55as I could wish for in Mrs Herbert's house.

1:01:05 > 1:01:09Your drawings are full of the most unexpected observation, Mr Neville.

1:01:09 > 1:01:12Looking at them is akin to pursuing a complicated allegory.

1:01:12 > 1:01:15- Are you sure this ladder was there?- Indisputably.

1:01:15 > 1:01:18- And what's this? It looks like... - Whatever it is, it was there.

1:01:18 > 1:01:21- Mrs Talmann will confirm it. - How is that?

1:01:21 > 1:01:23How will my wife confirm it?

1:01:23 > 1:01:27Mr Neville is probably too encompassing in his statement.

1:01:27 > 1:01:30I can, however, confirm the sighting of a ladder.

1:01:30 > 1:01:33- It is propped against my father's withdrawing room. - It is indeed madam.

1:01:33 > 1:01:35You have an exact knowledge.

1:01:35 > 1:01:40As exact a knowledge as though, madam, you had placed it there yourself, would you say?

1:01:40 > 1:01:42Mr Neville, if ever I had such a mind to,

1:01:42 > 1:01:46I would have found it impossible to have lifted it.

1:01:46 > 1:01:48It would have taken two men.

1:01:48 > 1:01:52Stop! Away!

1:01:56 > 1:01:58What do you want, Mr Clarke?

1:01:58 > 1:02:00Can you come with me, sir? It's important.

1:03:02 > 1:03:04It is most important that I speak with you.

1:03:04 > 1:03:07- I cannot now, Thomas. - I am in a position to insist.

1:03:07 > 1:03:10After what has happened, I refuse to speak to you now.

1:03:10 > 1:03:14Take care of affairs yourself or, in the last resort, ask Mr Talmann.

1:03:14 > 1:03:16Telling Mr Talman what is on my mind will not help you.

1:03:16 > 1:03:18What do you mean?

1:03:18 > 1:03:22I am sure I'm shortly to be accused of the murder of your husband

1:03:22 > 1:03:26and I'm determined to confront that eventuality well protected.

1:03:26 > 1:03:30- And who will accuse you?- Firstly, I think will be your son-in-law,

1:03:30 > 1:03:32abetted and witnessed probably by his servants.

1:03:32 > 1:03:35- How can that be? - I need your assistance.

1:03:35 > 1:03:40To what end? If my son-in-law believes that you're guilty of the murder of Mr Herbert.

1:03:42 > 1:03:44Leave me.

1:03:46 > 1:03:48- Maria!- Calling your servants is not going to help.

1:03:48 > 1:03:52- What do you mean? Maria! - I mean the draughtsman's contract.

1:03:52 > 1:03:55What of it? Maria, call Mr Talmann.

1:03:55 > 1:03:58I mean your contractual obligations to Mr Neville.

1:03:58 > 1:04:03- What of them?- Madam, you are disingenuous beyond words.

1:04:03 > 1:04:07Maria, don't bother to call Mr Talmann. Fetch me instead a...

1:04:07 > 1:04:09Fetch me nothing. I'm not thirsty just at present.

1:04:17 > 1:04:20Now... Mr Noyes, what are you inferring?

1:04:20 > 1:04:23I am to be unjustly and unscrupulously accused

1:04:23 > 1:04:26- of the murder of your husband. - On what grounds?

1:04:26 > 1:04:29That I was the most likely person to have done it.

1:04:29 > 1:04:32That I was the only person, except your servants,

1:04:32 > 1:04:35to know of Mr Herbert's return on Friday.

1:04:35 > 1:04:38That I am culpable because of my known feelings towards your husband.

1:04:38 > 1:04:40That is ridiculous, there was...

1:04:40 > 1:04:43And I am the only person in the group of people you are about to mention

1:04:43 > 1:04:46who was not at home awaiting the arrival of Mr Herbert.

1:04:46 > 1:04:49And, further, because of my known feelings towards you.

1:04:52 > 1:04:54Is all that sufficient reason?

1:04:54 > 1:04:58There is more. Mr Herbert's study is mysteriously littered

1:04:58 > 1:05:01with papers and my gloves are there.

1:05:01 > 1:05:04Now against this conspiracy, I need your protection...

1:05:04 > 1:05:07and more.

1:05:09 > 1:05:11If you're guilty, Thomas, you shall have neither.

1:05:11 > 1:05:15With Mr Neville's contract, madam, I shall have them both.

1:05:15 > 1:05:18For your protection and for 700 guineas,

1:05:18 > 1:05:21I will trade you the contract of your infidelities.

1:05:22 > 1:05:26I have no money. 700 is a calculated sum.

1:05:30 > 1:05:33I will trade you the contract for the drawings.

1:05:33 > 1:05:38You have 12 drawings and Mr Neville has a reputation.

1:05:38 > 1:05:40What, for 12 drawings executed privately?

1:05:40 > 1:05:44Consider, madam. The drawings could be construed as an embarrassment to you.

1:05:44 > 1:05:50And the original purpose and significance of the drawings, as a gift to your husband, is absolved.

1:05:50 > 1:05:55Those drawings, Mr Noyes, have cost me too much already.

1:05:55 > 1:05:57They may cost you a great deal more.

1:05:57 > 1:06:00They may cost you possibly everything.

1:06:00 > 1:06:03An adulteress with a dead husband is no reputation to relish.

1:06:03 > 1:06:05And Mr Neville?

1:06:05 > 1:06:08What of Mr Neville? He's gone to Radcot.

1:06:08 > 1:06:11- What part is he in this stratagem? - He is not part of my stratagem.

1:06:11 > 1:06:15He could be party to a future arrangement with the same intent.

1:06:15 > 1:06:21You paid him a fee, madam, and you offered him full board on your property during the commission.

1:06:21 > 1:06:24To the prying eye that is as much as he is usually worth.

1:06:24 > 1:06:26With the contract in your hand and destroyed

1:06:26 > 1:06:29why should the world think you have offered him more?

1:06:32 > 1:06:34- Where is that contract now? - I have it here.

1:06:34 > 1:06:39- Where are the drawings? - What would be said if I no longer had the drawings?

1:06:39 > 1:06:41That you destroyed them.

1:06:41 > 1:06:44For without your husband they were valueless to you.

1:06:44 > 1:06:46What would happen if it were known that they were for sale?

1:06:46 > 1:06:49Your stratagem is weak.

1:06:49 > 1:06:52That you sold them in order to afford a memorial to your husband

1:06:52 > 1:06:55or alternatively, that you sold them in order to rid the house

1:06:55 > 1:06:58of something which pains you each time you look at them.

1:07:01 > 1:07:05You once asked me if I could supply you with a ribald piece of gossip.

1:07:05 > 1:07:09And I remember your friendly gesture at the time.

1:07:09 > 1:07:12Madam, you Romans know how to be charitable.

1:07:16 > 1:07:19I can supply you with a little more than gossip.

1:07:19 > 1:07:21I am in a position to invite you

1:07:21 > 1:07:25to help me elaborate and decorate such an item. An entertaining item.

1:07:25 > 1:07:27We need not work too hard

1:07:27 > 1:07:30for the rump of the matter has been well laid.

1:07:30 > 1:07:34What real benefit do you think I might gain from this exercise?

1:07:34 > 1:07:39Amusement and a certain delight in a symmetrical stratagem.

1:07:39 > 1:07:42And the satisfaction that our betters might be discomforted.

1:07:42 > 1:07:47And who knows, perhaps two parterres and a grove of orange trees.

1:07:47 > 1:07:50If Mrs Herbert is generous.

1:07:50 > 1:07:52And why Mrs Herbert?

1:07:52 > 1:07:56Because I think you will find she is mistress of strategy.

1:07:56 > 1:08:00If you do not benefit from her directly, I think, by and by, if you wait a few years,

1:08:00 > 1:08:04then you will achieve them from me as a token of my esteem.

1:08:04 > 1:08:06From the same source?

1:08:06 > 1:08:09Madam, I think you have understood me.

1:08:11 > 1:08:14A monument would need a designer. Would a certain pecuniary draughtsman

1:08:14 > 1:08:17be eager to sign another contract?

1:08:17 > 1:08:19As far as I am aware, the idea is Mrs Herbert's.

1:08:19 > 1:08:22Though the expenses might be laid at Mr Neville's door.

1:08:22 > 1:08:25- An about face.- It is his drawings that are to be sold.

1:08:25 > 1:08:28Not more of his talent.

1:08:28 > 1:08:31By Mr Neville's growing reputation, 12 drawings could be profitably sold

1:08:31 > 1:08:34to furnish a more solid and enduring monument.

1:08:34 > 1:08:38It is said that Mr Neville is to be invited to The Hague.

1:08:38 > 1:08:41If I had the wherewithal, I would advance Mrs Herbert

1:08:41 > 1:08:47100 guineas straightaway for capital audacity for bravura in the face of grief.

1:08:47 > 1:08:51Mr Herbert is no especial excuse for such generosity.

1:08:51 > 1:08:54But how publicly directed is the gesture?

1:08:54 > 1:08:56How could posterity doubt her affection?

1:08:56 > 1:09:00- Just so.- I shall offer 300 guineas. Not my own money, you understand.

1:09:00 > 1:09:03My father-in-law's. He can afford it.

1:09:03 > 1:09:06He collects, has no perspicacity, no knowledge.

1:09:06 > 1:09:09I shall tell him that they are Italian.

1:09:09 > 1:09:12Guido Reni. Modesta.

1:09:12 > 1:09:16He shall hang them in the darkroom and they shall never be seen again.

1:09:16 > 1:09:20That is a pity, for they are full of illuminating details.

1:09:20 > 1:09:23Mr Neville moves forward in Mrs Herbert's susceptibilities

1:09:23 > 1:09:26like a man pressing a life-work by slow stages.

1:09:26 > 1:09:30Would there perhaps be an idea in Mr Neville's imagination

1:09:30 > 1:09:33for a certain contract to cap them all?

1:09:33 > 1:09:35On horseback, a dashing St George

1:09:35 > 1:09:37looking like a Jacobite with...

1:09:37 > 1:09:40With a palette for a shield and quiver full of brushes

1:09:40 > 1:09:42and a pen held crosswise in his teeth.

1:09:42 > 1:09:45With ink-stained fingers.

1:09:45 > 1:09:48- What is in his fingers? - Unmentionable.

1:09:48 > 1:09:52- Another pen?- It's like a pen.

1:09:52 > 1:09:54- Is it a pen?- A little pen.

1:09:54 > 1:09:57The pen is mightier than the sword.

1:09:57 > 1:10:01We will forward 400 guineas to this scabrous monument to a pen.

1:10:01 > 1:10:04And our receipt will be Mr Neville's drawing in the bath-house.

1:10:04 > 1:10:07- The one with the little dog. - Wagging its tail.

1:10:08 > 1:10:12Mrs Herbert does well to sell them. How much will they bring?

1:10:12 > 1:10:14They are worth what those who buy them wish to pay.

1:10:14 > 1:10:18Mr Seymour has tentatively offered 400 guineas.

1:10:18 > 1:10:21I am inclined to think that he makes his offer generous

1:10:21 > 1:10:26to Mrs Herbert in order to interest her in a larger and a grander sale.

1:10:26 > 1:10:30- What other sale? - Why, of course, of the house.

1:10:30 > 1:10:32That was very forward of him.

1:10:32 > 1:10:35I tested his ambition by suggesting that he might buy

1:10:35 > 1:10:37a set of distinguished drawings of it.

1:10:37 > 1:10:41Either way is a useful way to help Mrs Herbert

1:10:41 > 1:10:44to a more profitable bargain and thereby to help her

1:10:44 > 1:10:48demonstrate her loss in the knowledge that a larger sum would make

1:10:48 > 1:10:50for a larger monument for her husband.

1:10:50 > 1:10:53Mr Herbert, one way or another, stands to benefit

1:10:53 > 1:10:57by Mr Neville's industry. As do we all, sir.

1:10:57 > 1:11:00I fail to see, for a start, my benefit, or for that matter, yours.

1:11:00 > 1:11:03Mr Talmann, you are disingenuous.

1:11:03 > 1:11:07You, sir, as by your leave your future son's future guardian

1:11:07 > 1:11:11stand in an enviable position. Consider the neatness of it.

1:11:11 > 1:11:14The estate would have an endurable memorial

1:11:14 > 1:11:17which is part of the landscape, instead of 12 perishable items

1:11:17 > 1:11:19which are mere representations of it.

1:11:19 > 1:11:23I fail to see why Mr Seymour's presumption should gain him a part of my son's inheritance.

1:11:23 > 1:11:28- Maybe there, again, Mr Seymour will be doing you a favour. - What do you mean?

1:11:28 > 1:11:31By taking away the possibility of your son ever seeing them -

1:11:31 > 1:11:33when you have one, as I'm sure you will.

1:11:33 > 1:11:36Why should he not see them?

1:11:36 > 1:11:40Because he might perceive the allegorical evidence in them

1:11:40 > 1:11:43which you might be stubborn enough to deny.

1:11:43 > 1:11:48Mr Neville had no use for allegory and I am unlikely to miss what my son would appreciate.

1:11:48 > 1:11:51An allegorical meaning that might involve his mother.

1:11:51 > 1:11:55What? My wife? How is that?

1:11:55 > 1:12:02It is fancifully imputed, sir, that Mr Neville saw you as a deceived husband.

1:12:05 > 1:12:08How was I deceived?

1:12:14 > 1:12:18(SHOUTING) I've been convinced, Sarah, that you have been deceiving me!

1:12:18 > 1:12:20- What is the matter with your voice? - Damn my voice!

1:12:20 > 1:12:24If you did, it would scare me less. What's the matter with your face?

1:12:24 > 1:12:27- Your face, Louis, is very red. - No redder than your backside

1:12:27 > 1:12:30when Mr Neville had finished with it!

1:12:32 > 1:12:36When your speech is as coarse as your face, Louis,

1:12:36 > 1:12:40you sound as impotent by day as you perform by night.

1:12:40 > 1:12:42Night and day, your behaviour has been coarse

1:12:42 > 1:12:45and is now down in corresponding black and white

1:12:45 > 1:12:49for all the world to peer at, whether the sun shines

1:12:49 > 1:12:51or the wind blows, hot or cold.

1:12:51 > 1:12:55Your speech, Louis, is becoming meteorological.

1:12:55 > 1:12:58- Explain your conceit.- It is no conceit, but Mr Neville's drawings.

1:12:58 > 1:13:02I was sure you believed Mr Neville incapable of complicated meaning.

1:13:02 > 1:13:06- What has he done now? - It is mostly what he has undone.

1:13:06 > 1:13:08It seems to be your person!

1:13:08 > 1:13:11I have no control over Mr Neville's drawings.

1:13:11 > 1:13:13He draws what he pleases.

1:13:13 > 1:13:16He is not paid to draw for his own pleasure, nor for yours.

1:13:16 > 1:13:20- What makes you think he has done that?- The way it looks.- How does it look?- The way the world sees it.

1:13:20 > 1:13:24The world! There cannot be that many people who have seen these drawings.

1:13:24 > 1:13:27Who are these people that represent the world?

1:13:27 > 1:13:30- Seymour, Noyes, the Poulencs. - What do they see?

1:13:30 > 1:13:34Enough to delight them, to exercise their tongues, to discuss patrimony.

1:13:34 > 1:13:39Or the lack of it. They see then what they have long been searching for.

1:13:39 > 1:13:42- Do you think?- And that means?

1:13:42 > 1:13:46An opportunity to braid you for not producing an heir.

1:13:49 > 1:13:51Woman, it takes two.

1:13:51 > 1:13:54It does indeed, sir.

1:13:54 > 1:13:57You amaze me.

1:13:57 > 1:14:00- What has that to do with Mr Neville? - I could ask you that...- You did not!

1:14:00 > 1:14:03- You asked Mr Noyes. - It was he who pointed it out to me.

1:14:03 > 1:14:06With his long nose he could point you in any way he wishes.

1:14:06 > 1:14:10Madam, you'll look at those drawings and you'll explain to me

1:14:10 > 1:14:13why a ladder is placed under your window

1:14:13 > 1:14:16and why your revolting little dog is outside the bath-house

1:14:16 > 1:14:20and why your walking-clothes casually decorate the bushes of the yew-walk.

1:14:20 > 1:14:25Your inventory, Louis, is unlimited like you long, clean, white breeches.

1:14:25 > 1:14:28But there is nothing of substance in either of them.

1:14:34 > 1:14:36Let me ask you.

1:14:36 > 1:14:39Perhaps you can explain what your boots were doing in the sheep field.

1:14:39 > 1:14:42- They were not my boots. - Why was your undershirt idling

1:14:42 > 1:14:45- on a hedge near the statue of Hermes?- It was not my shirt!

1:14:45 > 1:14:49Can you not see the drift of this domestic inquisition?

1:14:49 > 1:14:51You are answering me as I could answer you.

1:14:51 > 1:14:54You cannot deny it is your dog!

1:14:54 > 1:14:57And whereas, with your final accusation.

1:14:57 > 1:15:00You pursue the ambiguity of an abandoned sunshade.

1:15:00 > 1:15:05You are complete on paper in a borrowed hat and a borrowed coat

1:15:05 > 1:15:09and a borrowed shadow, I shouldn't wonder.

1:15:09 > 1:15:13Posing with your knees tucked in and arse tucked out

1:15:13 > 1:15:15and a face like a Dutch fig

1:15:15 > 1:15:19and a supercilious Protestant whistle, I shouldn't wonder,

1:15:19 > 1:15:23on your supercilious smug lips.

1:15:23 > 1:15:28And Louis, you have always said that Mr Neville has no imagination.

1:15:28 > 1:15:31He draws what he sees.

1:15:31 > 1:15:35Whose patrimony were you aping then? My father's?

1:15:36 > 1:15:40The world knows that he is dead

1:15:40 > 1:15:44and is not certain who killed him.

1:15:44 > 1:15:46The world might peer at those drawings.

1:15:46 > 1:15:48and ask what conspiracy of inheritance

1:15:48 > 1:15:50did Mr Neville have for you?

1:15:53 > 1:15:55You are disreputable, madam.

1:15:57 > 1:16:01You side with a tenant-farmer's son against your husband.

1:16:03 > 1:16:08You have married the grandaughter of an army victualler.

1:16:08 > 1:16:12There is nothing that I have said that suggests I side with Mr Neville.

1:16:12 > 1:16:15I hope you will agree that he has been useful to us all.

1:16:15 > 1:16:18What have you done with his drawings?

1:16:18 > 1:16:21I've bought them for 600 guineas and plan to destroy them.

1:16:21 > 1:16:23It would be a pity to destroy them.

1:16:23 > 1:16:28You are concerned that posterity will know of your duplicity!

1:16:28 > 1:16:30Louis...

1:16:30 > 1:16:33they contain evidence of another kind.

1:16:33 > 1:16:37A kind more valuable than that seized upon by those titillated

1:16:37 > 1:16:40by a scandal that smears your honour.

1:16:40 > 1:16:45Evidence that Mr Neville may be cogniscent to the death of my father.

1:17:30 > 1:17:32Good morning, madam.

1:17:32 > 1:17:34Mr Neville!

1:17:34 > 1:17:39- Good morning, sir.- Good morning.

1:17:39 > 1:17:43Though the summer suddenly seems past and the weather less than good.

1:17:43 > 1:17:48What has brought you back to Anstey? I thought our humble estate had seen the last of you.

1:17:48 > 1:17:51I am staying at Radstock with the Duke of Lauderdale

1:17:51 > 1:17:54and have come at the invitation of Mr Seymour

1:17:54 > 1:17:57to find that curiously he is out and most of his house is shut up.

1:17:57 > 1:18:03Mr Seymour, I understand, is in Southampton with my husband.

1:18:03 > 1:18:07The funeral was three days ago and they are discussing property.

1:18:07 > 1:18:10It would seem then that my visit is poorly timed.

1:18:10 > 1:18:13May I ask after the health of your mother?

1:18:14 > 1:18:18Although my mother was understandably disturbed by my father's death,

1:18:18 > 1:18:24she is now, from the knowledge that her affection for my father can never be reciprocated, at ease.

1:18:24 > 1:18:30- And what of yourself, madam? - I am very well, Mr Neville. And we are thriving.

1:18:30 > 1:18:36Mr Van Hoyten is to consider for us a new management of the grounds in an entirely fresh approach.

1:18:36 > 1:18:43He has come at our request to soften the geometry that my father found to his taste,

1:18:43 > 1:18:48and to introduce a new ease and complexion to the garden.

1:18:48 > 1:18:51Mr Van Hoyten has worked in The Hague,

1:18:51 > 1:18:55and he has presented Mr Talmann with some novel introductions

1:18:55 > 1:18:58which we will commence next spring.

1:18:58 > 1:19:00He is a draughtsman, too.

1:19:00 > 1:19:04HE SPEAKS DUTCH

1:19:12 > 1:19:14HE SPEAKS DUTCH

1:19:36 > 1:19:40Mr Neville has come, Mother, as we both believed he might.

1:19:40 > 1:19:43And he has brought with him a rare gift from Radstock.

1:19:43 > 1:19:46Three pomegranates from Lauderdale's gardener,

1:19:46 > 1:19:49reared in English soil, under an English sun.

1:19:49 > 1:19:52But with the help, madam, of 100 panes of glass

1:19:52 > 1:19:54and half a year's supply of artificial heat.

1:19:54 > 1:19:57Thank you, Mr Neville.

1:19:57 > 1:20:00We must see what we can do for you in return.

1:20:00 > 1:20:04I was about to take Mr Van Hoyten to the river.

1:20:04 > 1:20:08He has plans to make a dam and flood the lower field.

1:20:08 > 1:20:10I will no doubt see you later, Mr Neville.

1:20:15 > 1:20:17Flooded fields, madam?

1:20:17 > 1:20:20Do you intend to join Anstey to the sea?

1:20:20 > 1:20:23We are to have an ornamental lake.

1:20:23 > 1:20:26My son-in-law has ambitions for his countrymen.

1:20:26 > 1:20:30It is probably you that has opened his eyes to the possibilities of our landscape.

1:20:32 > 1:20:37Why is this Dutchman wagging his arms about? Is he homesick for windmills?

1:20:37 > 1:20:38SHE LAUGHS

1:20:38 > 1:20:44Who knows? He's a man with new ideas. New ideas demand new methods, perhaps.

1:20:44 > 1:20:46How was Radstock?

1:20:46 > 1:20:51Fine enough, madam, but dull after the excitements of Anstey.

1:20:51 > 1:20:54Ah! Have you now come here to renew those excitements?

1:20:54 > 1:20:58- Madam, that would be presumptuous. - It would indeed, sir.

1:20:58 > 1:21:01All contracts have been honoured

1:21:01 > 1:21:03and the body has been buried.

1:21:03 > 1:21:05Madam, that was blunt.

1:21:05 > 1:21:10I remember, sir, that you were blunt in your dealings with me.

1:21:10 > 1:21:15I was glad to see Mrs Talmann and in all truth, put as much a possibility as I could

1:21:15 > 1:21:19to see that a meeting with yourself might occur.

1:21:19 > 1:21:21I was curious to see the house and gardens again.

1:21:21 > 1:21:25To see what appearance they'd put on after this week of changing weather.

1:21:25 > 1:21:29But I admit, madam, that it was out of curiosity to see you

1:21:29 > 1:21:33that was behind the reason for my wishing to be invited to Mr Seymour's house.

1:21:33 > 1:21:41Curiosity does not sound a very respectful reason to visit a lady. Even one you've had the pleasure of.

1:21:41 > 1:21:45And is it really myself that is the centre of your interest and not my daughter?

1:21:45 > 1:21:49- Yes, madam.- Oh, how's that?

1:21:50 > 1:21:54My former contractual obligations tied us together to MY advantage,

1:21:54 > 1:21:59and at your husband's death, it was again I who gained and you who lost.

1:21:59 > 1:22:02Very confident of that, Mr Neville.

1:22:02 > 1:22:07I must confess that in losing, you have excited my curiosity further.

1:22:07 > 1:22:09SHE SIGHS

1:22:09 > 1:22:13How do you imagine my losses, Mr Neville?

1:22:13 > 1:22:17Humiliations, madam. Each one exceeding the other.

1:22:17 > 1:22:21Is losing a husband a humiliation, Mr Neville?

1:22:48 > 1:22:54Madam, in making my arrangements here I concluded with the possibility of 13 sites,

1:22:54 > 1:22:58one of which had to be rejected to comply with the 12 drawings as commissioned.

1:22:58 > 1:23:02The site that was rejected was, as you will recall,

1:23:02 > 1:23:06to the south of the house and included the monument to the horse.

1:23:06 > 1:23:10It is the site where your husband's body was found.

1:23:10 > 1:23:16It was that irony that was uppermost in enquiring minds at the discovery of Mr Herbert's body.

1:23:16 > 1:23:20The 13th site was rejected for no clear reason.

1:23:20 > 1:23:26It contained no view of the house, then that was true of several other of the drawings.

1:23:26 > 1:23:29Possibly, it was the least characteristic of the garden's viewpoints,

1:23:29 > 1:23:33and was most powerful at the least advantageous times of day.

1:23:33 > 1:23:39And that is why, madam, with your permission, I would like, if I may

1:23:39 > 1:23:43to attempt to accomplish that drawing this afternoon.

1:23:43 > 1:23:46That is, if you have no objection.

1:23:46 > 1:23:50Mr Neville, your approach is full of hesitant pleasantries.

1:23:50 > 1:23:54Madam, that is because I am still unable to fully judge

1:23:54 > 1:23:56your present feelings as to past events.

1:24:13 > 1:24:16Mr Neville, suffice it to say that the object of my life has changed.

1:24:16 > 1:24:19I am a widow, whereas I was a wife.

1:24:19 > 1:24:23It could be construed that I was a widow whilst being a wife.

1:24:23 > 1:24:28I've only exchanged a false position that made me unhappy for a true position

1:24:28 > 1:24:31that has left me without any emotion.

1:24:32 > 1:24:36Mr Neville, I propose to eat

1:24:36 > 1:24:40and I propose that you should eat with me.

1:24:40 > 1:24:46When we are ready, I will show, along with my gardener, Mr Porringer,

1:24:46 > 1:24:49what we at Anstey are capable of cultivating.

1:24:49 > 1:24:53It will be by way of returning your gift in kind.

1:24:53 > 1:24:58And, who knows? It may be that we could revive one more time

1:24:58 > 1:25:01a liaison, outside of a contract

1:25:01 > 1:25:05to our mutual satisfaction.

1:25:07 > 1:25:11And then you must accomplish your 13th drawing. Is all that acceptable to you?

1:25:11 > 1:25:14Madam, it is as if you'd planned it.

1:25:14 > 1:25:18I'm surprised...delighted.

1:25:18 > 1:25:20Madam, I am overwhelmed.

1:25:20 > 1:25:25Mr Neville, I will take all three states of your satisfaction into consideration.

1:25:25 > 1:25:30I have quite legitimately, a freedom to exploit

1:25:30 > 1:25:33and I might as well exploit it with you,

1:25:33 > 1:25:36considering our past experience.

1:26:23 > 1:26:25Pomegranate, Mr Neville.

1:26:25 > 1:26:29Gift of Hades to Persephone.

1:26:29 > 1:26:32Madam, my scholarship is not profound.

1:26:32 > 1:26:38Unusual of you, Mr Neville, to profess to an ignorance of a subject

1:26:38 > 1:26:40which before you would be anxious to have us believe

1:26:40 > 1:26:43was an essential prerequisite to an artist's vocabulary.

1:26:43 > 1:26:48Maybe, madam, I am hesitating to acknowledge an unintended allusion.

1:26:48 > 1:26:54- SHE SIGHS - By eating the fruit of the pomegranate, Mr Neville,

1:26:54 > 1:26:58Pluto kept Persephone in the Underworld.

1:26:58 > 1:27:02- A symbolic fruit, Mrs Herbert. - And you've brought me three.

1:27:02 > 1:27:06That was all, madam, that Mr Clancy would spare me.

1:27:06 > 1:27:10Maybe Mr Clancy is a contriver of allusions.

1:27:10 > 1:27:14How is that, Mrs Herbert? Are you acquainted with the man?

1:27:14 > 1:27:18Having been tricked into eating the fruit of the pomegranate,

1:27:18 > 1:27:24Persephone was forced to spend a period of each year underground.

1:27:24 > 1:27:28During which time, as even Mr Porringer will tell you,

1:27:28 > 1:27:33Persephone's mother, the goddess of fields of gardens and of orchards,

1:27:33 > 1:27:37was distraught, heartbroken.

1:27:38 > 1:27:40She sulks...

1:27:40 > 1:27:47and she refuses, adamantly refuses, to bless the world with fruitfulness.

1:27:47 > 1:27:53My Mr Porringer and your Mr Clancy try hard

1:27:53 > 1:27:57to defeat the influence of the pomegranate,

1:27:57 > 1:28:01by building places like these.

1:28:01 > 1:28:03Don't you think?

1:28:03 > 1:28:08And having built them and stocked them and patiently tended them,

1:28:08 > 1:28:11what do they grow?

1:28:11 > 1:28:14Why...the pomegranate!

1:28:14 > 1:28:18And we are turned full circle again.

1:28:18 > 1:28:22Certainly a cautionary tale for gardeners, madam.

1:28:22 > 1:28:26And for mothers with daughters, Mr Neville.

1:28:26 > 1:28:28But who knows, madam?

1:28:28 > 1:28:33Pomegranates grown in England might not have such unhappy allegorical significance.

1:28:33 > 1:28:35DOOR SLAMS

1:28:35 > 1:28:40Plants from the hothouse, according to Mr Porringer, are seldom fertile.

1:28:40 > 1:28:45Fertile enough, Mrs Talmann to engender felicitous allusions

1:28:45 > 1:28:47if not their own offspring.

1:28:47 > 1:28:50- And, of course, there are more. - More of what, madam?

1:28:50 > 1:28:56We well know your delight in the visual conceit.

1:28:56 > 1:29:01The juice of the pomegranate may be taken for...

1:29:03 > 1:29:04..blood.

1:29:04 > 1:29:09And in particular the blood of the newborn.

1:29:09 > 1:29:12And of murder.

1:29:12 > 1:29:15Then thanks to your botanical scholarship,

1:29:15 > 1:29:19you must find it cruelly apt that I was persuaded to bring such fruit.

1:29:19 > 1:29:23Mr Neville, I suspect that you were innocent in the insight,

1:29:23 > 1:29:26as you have been innocent of much else.

1:29:26 > 1:29:29HE GASPS Innocent, madam?

1:29:29 > 1:29:32By impute I was convinced you thought me guilty,

1:29:32 > 1:29:36certainly of opportunism, probably of murder.

1:29:36 > 1:29:42What I do think you guilty of, I do not at all reproach you for.

1:29:42 > 1:29:49In our need of an heir, you may very likely have served us well.

1:29:51 > 1:29:53Madam?

1:29:55 > 1:29:58We had a contract, did we not?

1:30:01 > 1:30:06You do not think I would have signed so much for pleasure alone?

1:30:11 > 1:30:15- Madam, that was ingenious.- No.

1:30:15 > 1:30:19Since when has adultery been ingenious?

1:30:19 > 1:30:23Mr Neville, you are ridiculous.

1:30:37 > 1:30:42And why should you have murdered Mr Herbert? For what reason?

1:30:42 > 1:30:45Mr Talmann believes I had reason enough.

1:30:45 > 1:30:49Yes, Mr Talmann is in Southampton still trying to find, or invent,

1:30:49 > 1:30:52some responsibility for you in the matter.

1:30:52 > 1:30:56He will not forgive your indiscretion with Sarah.

1:30:56 > 1:31:01But he won't disown his wife, for then he would lose Anstey.

1:31:01 > 1:31:04I am sure that Mr Talmann is not in Southampton

1:31:04 > 1:31:08for did I not see him on the carriage drive here this afternoon?

1:31:08 > 1:31:11I think not. He is in Southampton, with Mr Seymour.

1:31:11 > 1:31:15I do not think that Mr Seymour can be in Southampton.

1:31:15 > 1:31:19For he stopped my servant this morning at Radstock to ask after me.

1:31:19 > 1:31:22And on the understanding that I had some hope of seeing you

1:31:22 > 1:31:25was according to my servant, more than pleased.

1:31:25 > 1:31:28I am convinced that we will see him this afternoon.

1:31:28 > 1:31:34I confess, I am surprised, Mr Neville, if that is the case. I will enquire.

1:31:38 > 1:31:43Sarah, ask Mr Porringer to get Mr Neville a chair.

1:31:43 > 1:31:49He intends to make a drawing for me in the garden, by that horse.

1:31:49 > 1:31:55And, Sarah, ask Mr Porringer to bring Mr Neville a pineapple.

1:31:55 > 1:31:57A small one, they're sweeter.

1:31:57 > 1:32:03- You would care to try a pineapple, would you not? - Madam, I would be delighted.

1:32:24 > 1:32:28Good evening, Mr Neville.

1:32:28 > 1:32:30Good evening, sir.

1:32:30 > 1:32:34And why, Mr Neville, do we find you here so late?

1:32:34 > 1:32:38Surely the light is now too poor to see adequately.

1:32:38 > 1:32:41- That is true. I am finished.- Good.

1:32:41 > 1:32:45Perhaps I could see it?

1:32:45 > 1:32:47If we had light, that might be possible.

1:32:47 > 1:32:51I'm sure we can find some light.

1:33:08 > 1:33:10But it is not finished, Mr Neville.

1:33:10 > 1:33:14No, Mr Talmann, it is not.

1:33:14 > 1:33:17You may successfully hide your face in the dark

1:33:17 > 1:33:20but in England it is not easy for you, surely sir, to hide your accent.

1:33:20 > 1:33:23I did not think to hide my identity for long, Mr Neville,

1:33:23 > 1:33:26which even in the eyes of the English is no special crime

1:33:26 > 1:33:29compared with the identity you care to assume with such ease.

1:33:29 > 1:33:33- And what identity might that be? - The identity of a man of some little talent

1:33:33 > 1:33:37some dubious honour, a proper dealer in contracts.

1:33:37 > 1:33:42The identity of a man with an eye to the improper pursuit of dishonour to others.

1:33:42 > 1:33:44You talk, Mr Talmann, like one who has learnt abroad

1:33:44 > 1:33:49an archaic way of speaking that became unfashionable when my grandfather was a young man.

1:33:49 > 1:33:53My speech is in no way dependable on your view of fashion.

1:33:53 > 1:33:57We all know that in the field of deeds and of talent you in your field are an innovator.

1:33:57 > 1:34:00That must be some sort of flattery, Mr Talmann.

1:34:00 > 1:34:03Have your companions also come to flatter?

1:34:03 > 1:34:06We have come merely as curious observers, Mr Neville,

1:34:06 > 1:34:09to wonder why, after so much has happened, you return to continue

1:34:09 > 1:34:13to fix Mr Herbert's property on paper and chose to draw this particular site?

1:34:13 > 1:34:16I might be inclined to answer those questions, Mr Seymour,

1:34:16 > 1:34:22if I didn't feel that the truthful answers I would give would in no way be of interest to you.

1:34:22 > 1:34:28It is our belief, Mr Neville, that in returning here you are seeking a codicil to your original contract.

1:34:28 > 1:34:31A codicil of a more permanent nature than the last one.

1:34:31 > 1:34:36- A lasting contract with a widow. - You speak, of course, Mr Talmann, like a disinherited man.

1:34:36 > 1:34:39Uninterested in painting or draughtsmanship.

1:34:39 > 1:34:43Uninterested even in the prospect of the estate you covet from this position.

1:34:43 > 1:34:47An ideal site for a memorial, perhaps.

1:34:47 > 1:34:50Do you think Mr Herbert would have appreciated the prospect of his estate?

1:34:50 > 1:34:54As a landowner yourself, Mr Seymour, I leave you to judge.

1:34:54 > 1:34:57For a man of property it is a view that might be enviable.

1:34:57 > 1:35:02Though I think you're wrong to ascribe those enviable thoughts to me.

1:35:02 > 1:35:07Perhaps they should be ascribed to my friend Mr Noyes who is, I think, standing beside me.

1:35:07 > 1:35:09A custodian of contracts.

1:35:09 > 1:35:13A man who was given custody of private agreements in black and white.

1:35:13 > 1:35:20And how do you feel, Mr Neville, that Mr Herbert felt about these black-and-white contracts?

1:35:20 > 1:35:24As his agent, his bailiff, his notary his one-time friend,

1:35:24 > 1:35:27the close, though not close enough confidant of his wife.

1:35:27 > 1:35:30I would have thought you would be the best person to answer that.

1:35:30 > 1:35:36It is curious that you persist in asking me questions which you are the most suitably situated to answer!

1:35:36 > 1:35:41It has occurred to me that you, Mr Noyes, might have advanced Mr Herbert the information

1:35:41 > 1:35:44that was so discretionally set down in black and white.

1:35:44 > 1:35:49Whether he could have appreciated what it stood for is another matter. He was blind to so much.

1:35:49 > 1:35:51Certainly blind to considerable unhappiness.

1:35:51 > 1:35:56Your understanding of Mrs Herbert's unhappiness could in no way be considered profound or relevant.

1:35:56 > 1:36:00I had access to some considerable observation of her state of mind.

1:36:00 > 1:36:04You won't forget that I was helped in that respect by her daughter, your wife, sir.

1:36:04 > 1:36:10And was persistently persuaded by both ladies to undertake the commission in the first place.

1:36:10 > 1:36:15And they persuaded you, sir, with a view that you might reconcile differences and not plunder them.

1:36:15 > 1:36:19I am in no way responsible for Mr Herbert's death.

1:36:19 > 1:36:24The affair is a mystery to me, though I have suspicions Mr Talmann, Mr Seymour, Mr Noyes,

1:36:24 > 1:36:28and if they were here, indeed of Mrs Herbert herself and Mrs Talmann.

1:36:28 > 1:36:33Ladies who both after all entered willingly into their contracts.

1:36:33 > 1:36:37Is that why, Mr Neville, you have just abused Mrs Herbert further?

1:36:40 > 1:36:41Ah...

1:36:43 > 1:36:45What a pity.

1:36:45 > 1:36:47That was clever.

1:36:48 > 1:36:53We now have a contract with you, Mr Neville

1:36:53 > 1:36:57and under conditions of our choosing.

1:36:57 > 1:37:01The contract concerning our present pleasure has three conditions.

1:37:01 > 1:37:05It would be best served when you have removed your finery.

1:37:05 > 1:37:07Take off you hat, sir.

1:37:07 > 1:37:08HE SCOFFS

1:37:08 > 1:37:13My hat, gentlemen, has no contractual obligations with anyone.

1:37:13 > 1:37:14THUDDING

1:37:19 > 1:37:21The contract's first condition, Mr Neville,

1:37:21 > 1:37:27and there's no need to write it down for you will never see it, is to cancel your eyes.

1:37:27 > 1:37:30HE SCREAMS IN PAIN

1:37:30 > 1:37:34Since we have now deprived you of your access to a living,

1:37:34 > 1:37:37this shirt on your back will be of no value to you.

1:37:37 > 1:37:43- It may well dress a scarecrow to frighten the crows. - Or be scattered about an estate

1:37:43 > 1:37:46as ambiguous evidence of an obscure allegory.

1:37:46 > 1:37:50BOTH: And the third condition of your contract, concomitant to the other two...

1:37:50 > 1:37:53- and legally binding... - And efficiently undertaken -

1:37:53 > 1:37:55For what is a man without property...

1:37:55 > 1:37:56and foresight? -

1:37:56 > 1:37:58BOTH: is your death!

1:40:59 > 1:41:02Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd

1:41:02 > 1:41:05E-mail subtitling@bbc.co.uk