0:01:28 > 0:01:30There - that's better.
0:01:38 > 0:01:40Wretched weather we're having, Mrs Arbuthnot.
0:01:41 > 0:01:43Yes.
0:01:43 > 0:01:46Not so many members dropping into the club nowadays.
0:01:46 > 0:01:48I expect it's the rain what keeps them at home.
0:01:48 > 0:01:51Yes. It's very nice and cheerful when you get here, though.
0:01:51 > 0:01:55That's what I was saying to a friend of mine only the other day. I said...
0:01:55 > 0:01:57DOOR OPENS
0:01:58 > 0:01:59Excuse me just a moment.
0:02:03 > 0:02:07- Oh! My, what a day, Mrs Hawkins. - Isn't it, though, Mrs Wilkins?
0:02:07 > 0:02:09- Let me help you off with your things. - Thank you.
0:02:09 > 0:02:12Give me your coat. I'll hang it up.
0:02:15 > 0:02:16Quite a complement,
0:02:16 > 0:02:18your coming to the club on a day like this.
0:02:18 > 0:02:21- Well, it's such a nice day.- What?
0:02:21 > 0:02:23I mean, it's such a nice day to be sociable in.
0:02:23 > 0:02:26- Well, yes - oh, I'm sorry. - Thank you, my shoe.
0:02:26 > 0:02:28You're always so kind.
0:02:28 > 0:02:31Running a club is a life's work, Mrs Wilkins.
0:02:31 > 0:02:33I'm sure it is, Mrs Hawkins.
0:03:16 > 0:03:17It's still here.
0:03:20 > 0:03:23Oh, wouldn't it be wonderful, if one could?
0:03:23 > 0:03:25Have you seen this?
0:03:26 > 0:03:29"To those who are looking for wisteria and tranquillity,
0:03:29 > 0:03:31"sunshine and content,
0:03:31 > 0:03:35"small Italian castle on the shores of the Mediterranean to let,
0:03:35 > 0:03:37"furnished, for the month of April.
0:03:37 > 0:03:40"Eight beds, £60. Necessary servants remain.
0:03:40 > 0:03:43"AG Barker, Agent, 4 Brunton Place."
0:03:45 > 0:03:46Isn't it a miracle?
0:03:46 > 0:03:50I mean, this advertisement about wisteria and sunshine,
0:03:50 > 0:03:52on a day like this.
0:03:52 > 0:03:54It's such a miserable day.
0:03:54 > 0:03:56But there's no use wasting one's time
0:03:56 > 0:03:58thinking about such things.
0:03:58 > 0:03:59Oh, but there is!
0:03:59 > 0:04:02Even considering them is worthwhile it itself,
0:04:02 > 0:04:05and sometimes, I believe - I really do believe -
0:04:05 > 0:04:07that when one considers hard enough, one gets things.
0:04:09 > 0:04:13- Oh...why don't we try to get it? - Get it?- Yes.
0:04:13 > 0:04:16- How do you mean, "get it"?- Take it.
0:04:16 > 0:04:17Take it?
0:04:17 > 0:04:19Rent it, hire it, have it.
0:04:19 > 0:04:21Do you mean you and I?
0:04:21 > 0:04:24Between us - we could share,
0:04:24 > 0:04:26then everything would only cost half as much.
0:04:26 > 0:04:27You look so...
0:04:29 > 0:04:32You look as if you wanted it just as much as I do.
0:04:32 > 0:04:34As if you ought to have a rest
0:04:34 > 0:04:36and have something happy happen to you.
0:04:36 > 0:04:38But we don't know each other!
0:04:38 > 0:04:39But think how well we would,
0:04:39 > 0:04:41if we went away together for a month.
0:04:42 > 0:04:45I've saved up for a rainy day and, I expect, so have you.
0:04:45 > 0:04:47And this is the rainy day!
0:04:47 > 0:04:48Tea is ready, ladies.
0:04:48 > 0:04:51Oh, do you two ladies know each other?
0:04:51 > 0:04:53- No.- Mrs Wilkins, this is Mrs Arbuthnot.
0:04:53 > 0:04:55Mrs Arbuthnot, Mrs Wilkins.
0:04:55 > 0:04:57- How do you do? - How do you do?
0:04:59 > 0:05:01- Shall we have tea?- Yes.
0:05:04 > 0:05:06Wisteria. Sunshine.
0:05:12 > 0:05:14After a bit, everyone needs a holiday -
0:05:14 > 0:05:17needs to get away from problems and troubles.
0:05:18 > 0:05:21Oh, yes, and husbands and habits and homes and dinners
0:05:21 > 0:05:23and let them fend for themselves.
0:05:23 > 0:05:25Even troubles will fend for themselves,
0:05:25 > 0:05:27if you let them alone long enough.
0:05:27 > 0:05:28But wouldn't it be wrong
0:05:28 > 0:05:32to spend one's nest egg for one's own pleasures?
0:05:32 > 0:05:34My husband often says...
0:05:34 > 0:05:36You are very lucky to have a nest egg.
0:05:36 > 0:05:38You never know when you'll need it.
0:05:38 > 0:05:40Yes, dear. You're quite right.
0:05:40 > 0:05:43Thrift - how many times have I told you
0:05:43 > 0:05:47that thrift is the foundation of an honourable life?
0:05:48 > 0:05:51Unless it gets into the food -
0:05:51 > 0:05:53that's bad housekeeping.
0:05:53 > 0:05:57And what Henry says about money is rather impressive.
0:05:59 > 0:06:02Oh...but compared to what we'd get out of it,
0:06:02 > 0:06:04the money's just a trifle.
0:06:05 > 0:06:09Isn't it odd - what Henry says about trifles is impressive, too.
0:06:11 > 0:06:13The matter of a pipe in its proper place
0:06:13 > 0:06:15may seem a trifle,
0:06:15 > 0:06:19but it's trifles that make or mar.
0:06:19 > 0:06:22Our senior partner, Mr Ogilvy, said to me today,
0:06:22 > 0:06:27"Arbuthnot, you've a natural flair for trifles."
0:06:27 > 0:06:29It was in connection with an action for damages.
0:06:29 > 0:06:32A dog belonging to one of our clients bit a man.
0:06:32 > 0:06:33Our client was ready to settle.
0:06:33 > 0:06:37"Ah, let's look for trifles", said I.
0:06:37 > 0:06:41"Was the dog provoked? Was the bite instigated?"
0:06:41 > 0:06:43It was - the victim, a boy,
0:06:43 > 0:06:46had attempted to deprive the dog of his bone.
0:06:46 > 0:06:49How wonderful, dear. And you won your case?
0:06:50 > 0:06:51That's beside the point -
0:06:51 > 0:06:54I didn't come home to discuss complicated points of law,
0:06:54 > 0:06:58I was merely making an observation on the value of trifles.
0:07:04 > 0:07:08You're good - you're too good, that's what's the matter.
0:07:08 > 0:07:12I can see that you've been good for years and years.
0:07:12 > 0:07:14That's why you look so unhappy.
0:07:14 > 0:07:16I'm sure it's wrong to go on being good for so long
0:07:16 > 0:07:18that one gets miserable.
0:07:18 > 0:07:21But what would your husband say, if you went away?
0:07:23 > 0:07:26Oh, er...he wouldn't know.
0:07:26 > 0:07:29He, er...he wouldn't even know that I'd gone.
0:07:29 > 0:07:32You mean he...? Oh, I'm sorry.
0:07:32 > 0:07:34Oh, no, no, it isn't...
0:07:34 > 0:07:35He...
0:07:36 > 0:07:38My husband wrote that book.
0:07:38 > 0:07:42Oh - but isn't you name Wilkins?
0:07:42 > 0:07:43This is by Ferdinand Arundel.
0:07:43 > 0:07:46- That's his pen name.- Oh.
0:07:46 > 0:07:48It's all my fault, really.
0:07:48 > 0:07:50He was quite content, just where he was,
0:07:50 > 0:07:52in the research department of the British Museum.
0:07:53 > 0:07:56He'd been preparing a paper on French court life
0:07:56 > 0:07:57for the ladies' fortnightly club,
0:07:57 > 0:08:02and...and I suggested the most exciting idea to me.
0:08:02 > 0:08:04I rushed right down to the British Museum, and...
0:08:06 > 0:08:10But the museum wouldn't like my writing that sort of book.
0:08:10 > 0:08:14The museum needn't know - you could use a pen name.
0:08:14 > 0:08:17Writing memoirs about dead women isn't my forte.
0:08:17 > 0:08:19I...
0:08:19 > 0:08:23Pompadour and Du Barry aren't dead. They're daily influences.
0:08:23 > 0:08:24Ask any woman.
0:08:27 > 0:08:28BOOK THUDS ON FLOOR
0:08:32 > 0:08:35HE TUTS
0:08:38 > 0:08:41You see? The museum wouldn't like it.
0:08:41 > 0:08:43But dear, I told you,
0:08:43 > 0:08:45the museum needn't know anything about it.
0:08:45 > 0:08:48I've thought about the most beautiful pen name for you -
0:08:48 > 0:08:49- Ferdinand Arundel.- What?
0:08:55 > 0:08:57But I don't like writing anything
0:08:57 > 0:09:00that I can't publish under my own name.
0:09:00 > 0:09:02Mellersh Wilkins, that's a good name.
0:09:02 > 0:09:06But dear, you'd be Mellersh Wilkins just the same.
0:09:20 > 0:09:24He, um...he wasn't Mellersh Wilkins, though.
0:09:24 > 0:09:26He had an enormous success.
0:09:27 > 0:09:31He became Ferdinand Arundel in fact, as well as in fancy.
0:09:31 > 0:09:34His books sold by the thousands - women, chiefly.
0:09:34 > 0:09:38I didn't realise how quickly a man could take an adoring public
0:09:38 > 0:09:39to his bosom.
0:09:39 > 0:09:41You mean he changed?
0:09:41 > 0:09:45Well, I...I've seen so little of him in the past six months.
0:09:47 > 0:09:51At first, he'd forget to come home to dinner, occasionally.
0:09:51 > 0:09:54After a bit, he even forgot to come home at night.
0:09:56 > 0:09:58And then...one day, I came home,
0:09:58 > 0:10:01and, um...found him packing his things.
0:10:03 > 0:10:06Mellersh! Are you going away?
0:10:06 > 0:10:10Oh, eh...why, no. Just some things that I've...
0:10:10 > 0:10:12I haven't told you -
0:10:12 > 0:10:15I've taken a studio near the museum, you know.
0:10:15 > 0:10:18Just some work rooms where I can write
0:10:18 > 0:10:20any hour of the day or night.
0:10:20 > 0:10:22You never disturb me, and I'd love helping you.
0:10:22 > 0:10:26But you see, it's simpler if I have my own place.
0:10:26 > 0:10:29I do some of my best thinking at night.
0:10:29 > 0:10:32But darling, everything is so much brighter here now -
0:10:32 > 0:10:37the scarlet curtains, the new desk, the new sofa.
0:10:37 > 0:10:39I know, but for the next few months,
0:10:39 > 0:10:42I must give up everything to my work, I've...
0:10:42 > 0:10:45I've become a martyr to my reputation.
0:10:45 > 0:10:47That may be difficult for you to understand,
0:10:47 > 0:10:50but I'm really doing it all for you.
0:10:50 > 0:10:53Yes, dear, of course. You have work to do.
0:10:53 > 0:10:56That's the trouble with me, I suppose -
0:10:56 > 0:10:58you were my work.
0:10:59 > 0:11:02Oh, but Lottie, it's only temporary -
0:11:02 > 0:11:04I'm not going away, really.
0:11:04 > 0:11:09I shan't even say goodbye, just...toodle-oo!
0:11:10 > 0:11:11Toodle-oo.
0:11:16 > 0:11:19I suppose everyone feels lost, some time or other.
0:11:21 > 0:11:24You know, I think women keep on trying to face things
0:11:24 > 0:11:26that don't get any better for being faced.
0:11:26 > 0:11:29And when you try for too long to solve problems,
0:11:29 > 0:11:31you get all knotted up with them.
0:11:31 > 0:11:33Let's just untangle ourselves
0:11:33 > 0:11:35and let our problems untangle themselves
0:11:35 > 0:11:38and they will, if we just go away and let them alone.
0:11:38 > 0:11:41Oh, it would be beautiful.
0:11:41 > 0:11:42But...
0:11:42 > 0:11:45Do you ever see things, in a kind of a flash,
0:11:45 > 0:11:46before they happen?
0:11:46 > 0:11:47Never.
0:11:47 > 0:11:53I do - it's funny, but I see us both, you and me,
0:11:53 > 0:11:56in April, in a medieval castle in Italy.
0:11:56 > 0:11:58Oh, but mightn't it be too expensive?
0:11:58 > 0:12:02With £60 for the castle and the cost of food and servants
0:12:02 > 0:12:04and the railway fare and all...
0:12:04 > 0:12:09The advertisement said eight beds - we can't lie in all of them, can we?
0:12:09 > 0:12:12Let's advertise for two other women to share with us.
0:12:12 > 0:12:15There must be thousands - oh, hundreds of thousands of women -
0:12:15 > 0:12:16who need it just as much as we do.
0:12:17 > 0:12:20A castle in Italy.
0:12:20 > 0:12:23I was just wondering about Henry.
0:12:23 > 0:12:27Oh, tell him...tell him you're going as my guest.
0:12:27 > 0:12:30He can't help liking that, it's so thrifty.
0:12:32 > 0:12:34I needn't tell Mellersh anything.
0:12:36 > 0:12:39Oh, it's so wonderful and clear and accomplished already.
0:12:39 > 0:12:42We just advertise for the women, see the agent,
0:12:42 > 0:12:45and in a week, we're leaving this wretched, drab London
0:12:45 > 0:12:48for our enchanted April in Italy.
0:12:50 > 0:12:52HORN HONKS
0:12:53 > 0:12:55I don't know exactly what will happen
0:12:55 > 0:12:58if Henry finds out I've spent my nest egg.
0:12:59 > 0:13:02He was so pleased when I told him I was going as your guest.
0:13:02 > 0:13:05Just let him stay pleased, dear, until the proper time.
0:13:06 > 0:13:08Besides, you won't have to spend all of your nest egg, now,
0:13:08 > 0:13:12- with Mrs Fisher and Lady Caroline sharing with us.- No.- No.
0:13:14 > 0:13:18It's going to be a real privilege to act as hostess at a castle.
0:13:18 > 0:13:20After all, Mrs Brockwell Templeton Fisher
0:13:20 > 0:13:22and Lady Caroline Dester...
0:13:22 > 0:13:27Well, one wouldn't ordinarily run into them at Hampstead, would they?
0:13:27 > 0:13:28Decidedly not.
0:13:31 > 0:13:34It doesn't seem possible we're actually on our way.
0:13:36 > 0:13:39That agent made everything so easy for us, didn't he?
0:13:39 > 0:13:42It hardly seems necessary to stop off in Paris to buy clothes.
0:13:43 > 0:13:46I somehow feel that in San Salvatore,
0:13:46 > 0:13:47I shan't need any clothes.
0:13:49 > 0:13:50Oh...
0:13:50 > 0:13:53Really, I'm getting more frightened every moment.
0:13:53 > 0:13:55I'm only frightened because I'm so happy.
0:13:57 > 0:13:58Oh!
0:14:09 > 0:14:12HE SPEAKS IN ITALIAN
0:14:18 > 0:14:20Oh, this can't be the way to San Salvatore!
0:14:20 > 0:14:23But the young man at the station took charge of us so confidently.
0:14:23 > 0:14:25Yes, I know, but where is he taking us?
0:14:25 > 0:14:29- Well...we're in God's hands. - I'm afraid so.
0:14:33 > 0:14:34San Salvatore?
0:14:34 > 0:14:36Si, si, San Salvatore.
0:14:36 > 0:14:38Well, keep your eye on the road!
0:14:38 > 0:14:39LOTTIE YELLS
0:14:46 > 0:14:47CROWD SHOUTS IN ITALIAN
0:14:47 > 0:14:49LOTTIE SCREAMS
0:14:49 > 0:14:52- No...- No... - San Salvatore.
0:14:52 > 0:14:53Si, si, San Salvatore.
0:14:53 > 0:14:55Oh, this can't be San Salvatore.
0:14:55 > 0:14:57Si, si! San Salvatore.
0:14:59 > 0:15:00Si, si, San Salvatore!
0:15:03 > 0:15:06- San Salvatore? - Si, si, San Salvatore!
0:15:06 > 0:15:09Si, si, San Salvatore!
0:15:09 > 0:15:11Rose, ought we to pay him?
0:15:11 > 0:15:14Well, not if we're going to be robbed and murdered.
0:15:14 > 0:15:15Robbed and...? Oh...!
0:15:18 > 0:15:20LOUD CHATTER IN ITALIAN
0:15:34 > 0:15:37Persino, signore, siamo a San Salvatore.
0:15:41 > 0:15:43How do you do?
0:15:43 > 0:15:45ALL: Benvenuti a San Salvatore!
0:15:48 > 0:15:50- Benvenuti, signore. - Per lei, signora.
0:15:50 > 0:15:52Oh, the wisteria - Rose!
0:15:52 > 0:15:55E un gran piacere e onore
0:15:55 > 0:15:59di ricevere due tale bellissime signore a San Salvatore.
0:15:59 > 0:16:01- Si, si, signore. - Thank you.
0:16:01 > 0:16:02Oh...
0:16:04 > 0:16:06Grazie! Oh...
0:16:06 > 0:16:08- Ha parlato italiano! - Si! Andate!
0:16:09 > 0:16:11CROWD CHATTER EXCITEDLY IN ITALIAN
0:16:24 > 0:16:27- This is Francesca, the housekeeper. - How do you do?
0:16:27 > 0:16:28Piacere, signore.
0:16:28 > 0:16:29My name is Domenico.
0:16:29 > 0:16:31I'm the gardener and everything - I do everything!
0:16:31 > 0:16:34I do everything to please the beautiful ladies.
0:16:34 > 0:16:38Francesca, show the noble English ladies to their rooms.
0:16:38 > 0:16:41Domenico, I shall be hostess here.
0:16:41 > 0:16:43We're expecting two more ladies tomorrow.
0:16:43 > 0:16:45In the morning, I'll go over the place
0:16:45 > 0:16:48and select and arrange their rooms for them.
0:16:48 > 0:16:51Ah, but they are here, the two signoras inglese.
0:16:52 > 0:16:56- The two other ladies are here? - Si, si, signore, si!
0:16:56 > 0:16:58Si, they come today -
0:16:58 > 0:17:01they are asleep this minute in the two biggest bedrooms
0:17:01 > 0:17:04and they also take the big sitting room.
0:17:04 > 0:17:06And for you two ladies,
0:17:06 > 0:17:10they pick out two very nice, little, small bedrooms
0:17:10 > 0:17:14and one very nice, little, small sitting room.
0:17:14 > 0:17:16FRANCESCA SPEAKS IN ITALIAN
0:17:35 > 0:17:37BIRDS CHIRP
0:18:18 > 0:18:20Buongiorno, signora!
0:18:20 > 0:18:21Oh!
0:18:23 > 0:18:26Good morning, Domenico, Francesca!
0:18:27 > 0:18:31Viva Italia! Viva San Salvatore!
0:18:31 > 0:18:34THEY REPLY IN ITALIAN
0:18:34 > 0:18:38Oh, thank you, thank you!
0:18:38 > 0:18:41FRANCESCA SPEAKS IN ITALIAN
0:18:45 > 0:18:46Lottie?
0:18:51 > 0:18:52Good morning, dear.
0:18:56 > 0:18:57Oh...
0:18:57 > 0:19:00Lottie, what are you seeing now?
0:19:03 > 0:19:06Were you ever in your life so hungry?
0:19:06 > 0:19:08THEY LAUGH
0:19:08 > 0:19:12I'm starved! Get dressed. Let's hurry.
0:19:12 > 0:19:13I must get down and see that breakfast
0:19:13 > 0:19:14is all ready for the others.
0:19:14 > 0:19:16But darling,
0:19:16 > 0:19:19isn't it going to be an awful bother for you, being hostess?
0:19:19 > 0:19:21Oh, no - I'm going to love it.
0:19:27 > 0:19:30- Would you like hot water in your coffee?- No, thank you.
0:19:30 > 0:19:34Robert Browning always took hot water in his coffee.
0:19:34 > 0:19:37Why, it's like taking the bread out of one's mouth.
0:19:37 > 0:19:40We all agreed that you were to be the hostess.
0:19:40 > 0:19:43- Well, I... - Sh...come on.
0:19:47 > 0:19:49- Good morning!- Good morning.
0:19:49 > 0:19:52How do you do? I can't get up, on account of my stick.
0:19:52 > 0:19:55It's so disappointing, finding you here.
0:19:55 > 0:19:56Eh?
0:19:56 > 0:19:59Oh, oh, I mean...no.
0:19:59 > 0:20:02I meant we wanted to choose the nicest rooms for you
0:20:02 > 0:20:05and give you such a welcome.
0:20:05 > 0:20:08I chose the nicest room yesterday. At least, I think it was the nicest.
0:20:08 > 0:20:12It looks two ways. I adore a room that looks two ways.
0:20:12 > 0:20:15Well, we...we wanted to make it so pretty for you, with flowers.
0:20:15 > 0:20:18Oh, Domenico did that - I told him directly when I got here.
0:20:18 > 0:20:20Oh.
0:20:20 > 0:20:21Well...
0:20:23 > 0:20:26- Good morning, Francesca. - Buongiorno, signora.
0:20:26 > 0:20:27- Buongiorno, signora.- Good morning.
0:20:29 > 0:20:33- Will you have some coffee? - Yes, thank you. Will you?
0:20:33 > 0:20:36- No, thank you. I have some. - Oh...
0:20:38 > 0:20:40Well, won't you have some more?
0:20:40 > 0:20:42No, thank you.
0:20:42 > 0:20:45At the present moment, my cup is filled with coffee.
0:20:46 > 0:20:49- Will you have an orange? - No, thank you.
0:20:49 > 0:20:51- Won't you?- No.
0:20:51 > 0:20:54I don't eat fruit at breakfast.
0:20:54 > 0:20:56Alfred Tennyson did not eat fruit at breakfast,
0:20:56 > 0:20:58nor did Thomas Carlyle.
0:20:58 > 0:21:01I have had the honour of breakfasting with both -
0:21:01 > 0:21:03that is why I am at San Salvatore.
0:21:03 > 0:21:06Oh, I don't understand - they aren't buried here, are they?
0:21:06 > 0:21:09Their place of interment is of no consequence whatever!
0:21:09 > 0:21:11They are immortal.
0:21:11 > 0:21:14I came down here to sit the sun and remember them...
0:21:14 > 0:21:16as economically as possible.
0:21:16 > 0:21:19Thomas Carlyle himself was a very thrifty man.
0:21:19 > 0:21:21I came down to forget them.
0:21:21 > 0:21:23Whom? Tennyson?
0:21:23 > 0:21:24Men - living or dead.
0:21:26 > 0:21:29Thomas Carlyle's remedy for adolescent philosophies
0:21:29 > 0:21:31was invariably the same -
0:21:31 > 0:21:32castor oil.
0:21:32 > 0:21:33Did he die of it?
0:21:37 > 0:21:38Cream?
0:21:38 > 0:21:40Yes, thank you. Will you?
0:21:40 > 0:21:41No, thank you!
0:21:43 > 0:21:46There were two beds in my room, filling it up unnecessarily.
0:21:46 > 0:21:49I had one taken out. It's very much more comfortable.
0:21:49 > 0:21:51Oh, that's why there are two beds in my room.
0:21:51 > 0:21:53I gave no directions as to its disposal -
0:21:53 > 0:21:55I merely asked Francesca to remove it.
0:21:55 > 0:21:57But I have two beds in my room as well.
0:21:57 > 0:21:59I had an extra bed removed, too.
0:21:59 > 0:22:01I think it's foolish to have more beds in a room
0:22:01 > 0:22:03than there are occupiers.
0:22:03 > 0:22:05But we haven't our husbands here, either -
0:22:05 > 0:22:07can't we have them taken away?
0:22:07 > 0:22:10Beds cannot be removed from one room after another.
0:22:10 > 0:22:12They must remain somewhere.
0:22:14 > 0:22:15I see him!
0:22:15 > 0:22:18- See whom?- Henry!
0:22:18 > 0:22:19Lottie!
0:22:19 > 0:22:23Oh, it's such a different Henry, Rose - it's amazing!
0:22:24 > 0:22:27I see him in that other bed.
0:22:27 > 0:22:29May I see whom you see so clearly
0:22:29 > 0:22:32in the extra bed in Mrs Arbuthnot's room?
0:22:32 > 0:22:34Why, her husband, of course - Henry Arbuthnot.
0:22:39 > 0:22:41- Shall we go?- Let me help you up...
0:22:41 > 0:22:44No, no, thank you. I can manage very well myself,
0:22:44 > 0:22:47it's only sometimes my stick prevents me.
0:22:57 > 0:23:01That woman must be - she SHALL be - curbed!
0:23:03 > 0:23:08- Lottie, do you really see Henry? - Oh, I do see him.
0:23:08 > 0:23:13I see him transformed and shining, just as you are now.
0:23:13 > 0:23:15Look at yourself, Rose!
0:23:15 > 0:23:17You're a different woman - it's like magic.
0:23:17 > 0:23:18Look at Mrs Fisher.
0:23:20 > 0:23:22Just now, I saw inside her.
0:23:22 > 0:23:23She's going to be happy.
0:23:24 > 0:23:28Well, Mrs Fisher doesn't seem very happy now.
0:23:28 > 0:23:30Of course, when we decided to share the castle with them,
0:23:30 > 0:23:32we wanted to save money,
0:23:32 > 0:23:34and then we thought too we'd make them happy.
0:23:34 > 0:23:37But if they're going to be happy by making it more difficult for us,
0:23:37 > 0:23:41like...like being hostess and moving beds...
0:23:41 > 0:23:46She'll change. I see her changing now.
0:23:46 > 0:23:50She'll leave off being ossified and go all soft
0:23:50 > 0:23:52and able to stretch - you'll see.
0:23:55 > 0:23:57- Coffee, Lottie?- Oh, yes - thank you.
0:23:57 > 0:23:59Place it across the entrance, Domenico.
0:23:59 > 0:24:01But then nobody can come in, signora.
0:24:01 > 0:24:03That is precisely the purpose I wish to achieve!
0:24:03 > 0:24:05But the ladies, they come to visit, they cannot push...
0:24:05 > 0:24:08They will not wish to push, under the circumstances.
0:24:08 > 0:24:10I did not come here to be gregarious
0:24:10 > 0:24:13and I shall take the same protective measures in my sitting room.
0:24:13 > 0:24:14Si, si, signora.
0:24:16 > 0:24:18I came here to be alone and to remember.
0:24:20 > 0:24:24Ah...in this very bay, Shelley was drowned.
0:24:24 > 0:24:27Signora, drowned! Who?
0:24:27 > 0:24:31There is no occasion for alarm - this happened a century ago.
0:24:31 > 0:24:36Oh...this Shelley, he was friend of yours, signora?
0:24:36 > 0:24:38That will do, Domenico!
0:24:38 > 0:24:39Oh, si, si, signora.
0:24:41 > 0:24:43I must let Henry know I got here safely.
0:24:43 > 0:24:46Oh, this is lovely stationary.
0:24:46 > 0:24:49Look, Lottie. It has a crest on it.
0:24:51 > 0:24:54It's very Italian, isn't it?
0:24:54 > 0:24:56What do you suppose it is?
0:24:56 > 0:24:57I think it's a vulture.
0:24:58 > 0:25:02Oh, there's a monogram under it - BTF?
0:25:02 > 0:25:03No, it isn't an F.
0:25:03 > 0:25:05No, I think it's another B.
0:25:05 > 0:25:08Oh, of course, Briggs - that's the name of our landlord.
0:25:08 > 0:25:11It's not a B - it is a decided F.
0:25:11 > 0:25:14Oh, Mrs Fisher - do come in. Isn't this the loveliest room?
0:25:14 > 0:25:15We've just discovered it.
0:25:15 > 0:25:18I should have thought you could have seen this is MY sitting room.
0:25:18 > 0:25:20That is MY notepaper with MY crest on it.
0:25:20 > 0:25:24It is not a vulture - it is an eagle, flying into the sun.
0:25:24 > 0:25:25Oh, I'm very sorry.
0:25:25 > 0:25:27- And that pen...- Is yours.
0:25:27 > 0:25:29It was presented to me by Mr Gladstone.
0:25:29 > 0:25:32- I'm really very sorry. - It's quite natural, dear.
0:25:32 > 0:25:34- I'm an old woman.- Of course.
0:25:34 > 0:25:37And I need a room for myself.
0:25:37 > 0:25:39I cannot get about on account of my stick.
0:25:39 > 0:25:41Since you get about, you have to sit.
0:25:41 > 0:25:43And so why should I not sit quietly and undisturbed?
0:25:43 > 0:25:45Oh, we hadn't the slightest wish to.
0:25:45 > 0:25:47Oh, no - we're only too glad for you to have this room,
0:25:47 > 0:25:48if it makes you happy.
0:25:48 > 0:25:51I have already taken it and I am happy.
0:25:51 > 0:25:54I intend to barricade it and I shall be happier.
0:25:54 > 0:25:56We didn't know about it, that's all.
0:25:56 > 0:26:00If we had, we wouldn't have come in...until you invited us.
0:26:01 > 0:26:05I expect you will, soon. Come, Rose.
0:26:10 > 0:26:14You may even go so far as to ask us to use your pen,
0:26:14 > 0:26:16if you knew we didn't have one.
0:26:34 > 0:26:35Ah!
0:26:45 > 0:26:46Ah!
0:26:51 > 0:26:54Good girl, good girl! Never thought it of her.
0:26:54 > 0:26:55Really helping.
0:26:58 > 0:26:59- Thalia.- Yes, sir?
0:26:59 > 0:27:02What would you say if I told you I was going south?
0:27:02 > 0:27:05- Touch of gout, sir? - Nothing of the sort!
0:27:05 > 0:27:07Italy...
0:27:07 > 0:27:10I need a rest - devilishly difficult things always popping up.
0:27:10 > 0:27:12A man needs a holiday.
0:27:12 > 0:27:15- Thalia, pack my bags.- Yes, sir.
0:27:18 > 0:27:20Lady Caroline!
0:27:20 > 0:27:23This is more than a pleasure - it is a...
0:27:24 > 0:27:25No, no, that won't do.
0:27:27 > 0:27:32Lady Caroline, I need hardly say that this meeting, uh,
0:27:32 > 0:27:35to, uh....between, uh...
0:27:35 > 0:27:37Bah!
0:27:41 > 0:27:42Lady Caroline.
0:27:45 > 0:27:48To anyone in whose veins flows the blood of England...
0:27:49 > 0:27:51..the name Dester...
0:27:52 > 0:27:55This applies also to you, Mrs Fisher, of course.
0:27:55 > 0:27:56Uh...
0:27:59 > 0:28:00I need a rest.
0:28:26 > 0:28:30I've been walking in the lower garden and watching the sea.
0:28:30 > 0:28:32I feel quite heady from it,
0:28:32 > 0:28:34as though I've been drinking some of that wine.
0:28:34 > 0:28:37Oh, the beauty of this place!
0:28:37 > 0:28:39And the thought that I'm away from...
0:28:39 > 0:28:42Well, after all, one's whole idea in coming down here
0:28:42 > 0:28:45was to get away from things, wasn't it?
0:28:45 > 0:28:46And from people.
0:28:46 > 0:28:48And from one's husbands.
0:28:49 > 0:28:54- Husbands?- Well, I really think of Mellersh as plural.
0:28:54 > 0:28:55Mellersh?
0:28:55 > 0:28:56That's my husband.
0:28:56 > 0:28:59Of course, there was only one of him when I married him.
0:28:59 > 0:29:03But then he became two, almost overnight.
0:29:04 > 0:29:06There may be more of him by now.
0:29:06 > 0:29:08But I can't bother about that here.
0:29:09 > 0:29:10That's why I came away, really.
0:29:10 > 0:29:12I should think you would.
0:29:12 > 0:29:15I just couldn't stand his multiplying all by himself.
0:29:16 > 0:29:18He sounds quite interesting.
0:29:18 > 0:29:24I don't know...I can't quite see him as clearly as I see Henry.
0:29:26 > 0:29:28Would you like a little wine?
0:29:28 > 0:29:30Oh, no, thank you - oh, dear, no!
0:29:30 > 0:29:34No, I feel just a little drunk as it is.
0:29:34 > 0:29:37Drunk with freedom from...
0:29:37 > 0:29:38Family affection?
0:29:40 > 0:29:42The want of family affection.
0:29:42 > 0:29:45That wouldn't be so bad. It would give one room.
0:29:45 > 0:29:46Oh, no, it's quite dreadful.
0:29:46 > 0:29:48It's like having no clothes on.
0:29:48 > 0:29:50Oh, but I like that.
0:29:50 > 0:29:54But in a bitter, cold wind? To have nothing on,
0:29:54 > 0:29:56to know that there never will be anything?
0:29:56 > 0:29:59You just get colder and colder until, finally, you...
0:30:00 > 0:30:01Finally, you die of it.
0:30:03 > 0:30:05That's what it's like to live with someone who doesn't love you.
0:30:07 > 0:30:08But...didn't he?
0:30:08 > 0:30:11I don't know - he showed no signs of it.
0:30:11 > 0:30:15But then, he was just beginning to multiply.
0:30:20 > 0:30:22Mrs Bristed-Lee,
0:30:22 > 0:30:24I presume Lady Caroline will be here this afternoon?
0:30:24 > 0:30:27I don't know. I sent her an invitation.
0:30:27 > 0:30:30Oh. I telephoned two or three times, but I got no answer.
0:30:30 > 0:30:33She's probably made one of her impulsive jaunts
0:30:33 > 0:30:34into retirement.
0:30:34 > 0:30:35Yes.
0:30:36 > 0:30:38Oh, Mr Arundel?
0:30:38 > 0:30:41I've often wondered what made you write about Du Barry
0:30:41 > 0:30:44instead of, well, uh...
0:30:44 > 0:30:46- Instead of the Duke of Wellington. LAUGHING:- Yes.
0:30:46 > 0:30:47- LAUGHING:- Yes.
0:30:47 > 0:30:51Well, it's...it's very difficult indeed to trace
0:30:51 > 0:30:53the origin of an idea.
0:30:54 > 0:30:59I...I well remember where I received my first command -
0:30:59 > 0:31:00the command, it seemed,
0:31:00 > 0:31:03to write the memoirs of that remarkable woman.
0:31:03 > 0:31:06Oh, Mr Arundel, please go on.
0:31:06 > 0:31:09I...uh? Oh...
0:31:09 > 0:31:11Yes, it was a moonlit evening,
0:31:11 > 0:31:13while walking in the gardens of Versailles,
0:31:13 > 0:31:15the gardens where Du Barry walked.
0:31:15 > 0:31:18Gazing up at the palace of the great French kings,
0:31:18 > 0:31:24I realised, suddenly, how women inspire men -
0:31:24 > 0:31:27not only ordinary men but kings.
0:31:29 > 0:31:30Am I missing something?
0:31:30 > 0:31:33I expected to see Lady Caroline with you.
0:31:33 > 0:31:34You're almost inseparable.
0:31:34 > 0:31:37Lady Caroline has disappeared completely, bag and baggage.
0:31:37 > 0:31:40I understand she's going to be away for the entire month of April.
0:31:41 > 0:31:45Oh...I see.
0:31:45 > 0:31:48For the entire...month of April.
0:31:53 > 0:31:57Oh, don't move! Hold it just a minute, will you, please?
0:31:57 > 0:32:00Just like that, in that light. Yes...thank you.
0:32:00 > 0:32:02Oh, that's charming. Charming.
0:32:02 > 0:32:04Now, look up, will you?
0:32:04 > 0:32:08Not at the ceiling, but through it - yes, that's right, that's right.
0:32:08 > 0:32:11Oh, that's lovely. Thank you - thank you very much.
0:32:11 > 0:32:14- My name's Briggs. I'm your landlord.- Oh!
0:32:14 > 0:32:16I was on my way to Rome and I thought that I'd stop in
0:32:16 > 0:32:19just to see that your weren't walking on my lilies.
0:32:19 > 0:32:21Oh...oh, how very nice of you.
0:32:21 > 0:32:25Is it? Is it, really? Thank you, thank you.
0:32:25 > 0:32:27Yes, I'm staying at the inn, you know.
0:32:27 > 0:32:29But, oh...I do wish that...
0:32:29 > 0:32:31Oh, but of course - you must stay right here.
0:32:31 > 0:32:33No, no, I didn't mean that.
0:32:33 > 0:32:36What I was going to say was I wish you'd let me paint you.
0:32:38 > 0:32:39Paint me?
0:32:39 > 0:32:40Yes, of course.
0:32:42 > 0:32:47Oh...! Oh, but...nobody ever wanted to paint me before.
0:32:47 > 0:32:51Haven't they? Haven't they, really? Well, I can't understand it.
0:32:51 > 0:32:54Do you know, for the first time in months,
0:32:54 > 0:32:57I feel the divine fire upon me.
0:32:57 > 0:32:58Why, I'd even try to pain Smithers.
0:33:00 > 0:33:04- Smithers?- Yes - he's my butler. His father was with Browning.
0:33:04 > 0:33:07Did I hear Robert Browning's name?
0:33:07 > 0:33:09Oh, Mrs Fisher - this is Mr Briggs, our landlord.
0:33:09 > 0:33:12Delighted - delighted, young man.
0:33:12 > 0:33:16San Salvatore has done my rheumatism a great deal of good.
0:33:16 > 0:33:18Naturally, any improvement in the body
0:33:18 > 0:33:20communicates itself to the spirit.
0:33:20 > 0:33:21Charmed, charmed.
0:33:21 > 0:33:24I shall tell Francesca that you will be here for dinner
0:33:24 > 0:33:26and to spend the night.
0:33:26 > 0:33:28Why, you've burst your cocoon!
0:33:29 > 0:33:31Oh...
0:33:31 > 0:33:33Splendid, splendid!
0:33:33 > 0:33:35You mean to say that you two ladies only met a week ago?
0:33:35 > 0:33:37Well, it's most unusual.
0:33:37 > 0:33:41I...I see nothing unusual about it.
0:33:41 > 0:33:42Did you expect us to quarrel?
0:33:43 > 0:33:45I'll tell Francesca.
0:33:48 > 0:33:49SHE CLEARS HER THROAT
0:33:52 > 0:33:53Oh, no, really - thank you.
0:33:53 > 0:33:56But I couldn't dream of putting you to all that trouble.
0:33:56 > 0:33:57I insist upon going back to the inn -
0:33:57 > 0:33:58they expect it of me.
0:34:00 > 0:34:04You know, it's so like coming home, to find you here.
0:34:04 > 0:34:07But you're not accustomed to finding me here, are you?
0:34:07 > 0:34:10No...no, unfortunately.
0:34:10 > 0:34:13But it's always been my idea of really coming home.
0:34:15 > 0:34:19Oh, my...it's so nice to be praised to one's face.
0:34:22 > 0:34:26No, it isn't the castle at all - that's all poppycock.
0:34:26 > 0:34:27It's Lottie.
0:34:27 > 0:34:31Well, she swept me right out of the Hampstead Housewives' Club
0:34:31 > 0:34:33and into San Salvatore.
0:34:33 > 0:34:36Nobody ever did anything like that to me before.
0:34:36 > 0:34:39That was long before she even saw the castle, wasn't it?
0:34:39 > 0:34:43Mm, well - 'tis no castle that's ever got me into the mood
0:34:43 > 0:34:45for trying to do this sort of thing.
0:34:48 > 0:34:50Domenico! Domenico! Domenico!
0:34:50 > 0:34:53THEY YELL IN ITALIAN
0:34:58 > 0:35:01Benvenuti! Welcome to San Salvatore!
0:35:05 > 0:35:06Presto, presto, presto!
0:35:06 > 0:35:09Si, come...come.
0:35:16 > 0:35:18Signor, they want money.
0:35:18 > 0:35:20Oh, yes, of course.
0:35:20 > 0:35:23Here you are - divide this among you.
0:35:25 > 0:35:28Never mind all this fuss - show me to my room.
0:35:28 > 0:35:29Si, signor.
0:35:36 > 0:35:38Where is Mrs Arbuthnot?
0:35:38 > 0:35:40This will be a pleasant surprise to her.
0:35:41 > 0:35:44Oh, Henry! This is such a pleasant surprise!
0:35:44 > 0:35:47I knew it would be - I was saying as much to the natives.
0:35:48 > 0:35:53My dear, how charming you look! You've blossomed out!
0:35:53 > 0:35:55Well, well, well...
0:35:55 > 0:35:58Brava, brava!
0:35:58 > 0:36:01You've evidently been telling them about me.
0:36:01 > 0:36:03Thank you, my friends.
0:36:04 > 0:36:07- Our room is on the next floor, dear. - This way, please.
0:36:11 > 0:36:14MAIDS SPEAK IN ITALIAN
0:36:14 > 0:36:17I'd like a hot bath at once, my dear. Will you arrange for it?
0:36:17 > 0:36:19Domenico will have to see to that, dear -
0:36:19 > 0:36:21it's rather...elaborate.
0:36:21 > 0:36:24Elaborate? What's elaborate about a bath?
0:36:24 > 0:36:25Nothing, dear.
0:36:29 > 0:36:33Domenico, Mr Arbuthnot wishes a hot bath, immediately.
0:36:33 > 0:36:35A bath?
0:36:35 > 0:36:39Yes, and plenty of hot water - I want to sit in it and soak.
0:36:39 > 0:36:41HE LAUGHS
0:36:41 > 0:36:45Signor wants a bath in the bathtub?
0:36:45 > 0:36:46Where else would I want it?
0:36:46 > 0:36:48Yes, Domenico - in the bath downstairs.
0:36:48 > 0:36:51FRANCESCA WHISPERS
0:36:51 > 0:36:56Signor, I recommend a sponge bath in the room, right here.
0:36:57 > 0:37:00Sponge bath? Rubbish! I want a bath!
0:37:00 > 0:37:04- An Englishman's bath, a bath in a bathtub!- Yes, dear.
0:37:04 > 0:37:08What's all this fuss about a man's having a bath in a bathtub?
0:37:09 > 0:37:11- Si, si, signor.- Si, si, signor.
0:37:11 > 0:37:12THEY SPEAK IN ITALIAN
0:37:16 > 0:37:21Lady Caroline Dester and Mrs Fisher are still here, I suppose?
0:37:21 > 0:37:23Yes...oh, yes, dear.
0:37:23 > 0:37:26Very good associations. Very good.
0:37:26 > 0:37:29Naturally, I want to look my best.
0:37:29 > 0:37:31One mustn't let an opportunity like this go by.
0:37:31 > 0:37:34Never mind, my dear - this is a holiday.
0:37:34 > 0:37:36Oh...are you going to be here long, dear?
0:37:36 > 0:37:38I'm going to stay the rest of the month
0:37:38 > 0:37:42- and accompany you all back to London, my dear.- Oh...how nice.
0:37:42 > 0:37:44Well, your bath will be ready,
0:37:44 > 0:37:46as soon as they get the water hot, dear.
0:37:46 > 0:37:48L'acqua, l'acqua , presto, presto!
0:37:48 > 0:37:51THEY SHOUT IN ITALIAN
0:38:03 > 0:38:05Presto, presto, presto!
0:38:14 > 0:38:16- Domenico, Domenico!- Si, si, si...
0:38:19 > 0:38:21SHE SPEAKS IN ITALIAN
0:38:23 > 0:38:28You must not turn off the water while the fires is burning,
0:38:28 > 0:38:31or the boiler, she'll go...pfft!
0:38:31 > 0:38:33Ah, capito!
0:38:33 > 0:38:36THEY CHATTER IN ITALIAN
0:39:10 > 0:39:12THEY OFFER ADVICE IN ITALIAN
0:39:25 > 0:39:27E caldo!
0:39:42 > 0:39:44DOMENICO KNOCKS ON THE DOOR
0:39:47 > 0:39:50The hot bath is now ready in the bathtub, signor.
0:39:50 > 0:39:51Very good!
0:39:51 > 0:39:53FRANCESCA SPEAKS IN ITALIAN
0:39:58 > 0:39:59Sh, sh...!
0:40:01 > 0:40:04Is this a public ceremony of some sort?
0:40:04 > 0:40:06I'm not laying a cornerstone, you know,
0:40:06 > 0:40:09or christening a battleship - I'm taking a bath.
0:40:09 > 0:40:10Si, si, signor.
0:40:12 > 0:40:14Da qui. Da qui, signore.
0:40:24 > 0:40:26Beastly-looking contrivance,
0:40:26 > 0:40:29but I suppose it furnishes the hot water.
0:40:36 > 0:40:38Well, my good woman, you may go now.
0:40:38 > 0:40:41Non posso, signore. Devo guardare il rubinetto.
0:40:42 > 0:40:43What?!
0:40:43 > 0:40:47Look here, take her out with you, my good fellow.
0:40:47 > 0:40:51No, signor - I must stay here and watch the gauge.
0:40:51 > 0:40:54Watch?! You'll do nothing of the sort!
0:40:54 > 0:40:56- Out you go! - No, no, signore!
0:40:56 > 0:40:58Get out!
0:40:58 > 0:41:01FRANCESCA SHOUTS FRANTICALLY
0:41:03 > 0:41:06Weird people, watching me take a bath...
0:41:10 > 0:41:13Beastly inefficiency - left this running.
0:41:18 > 0:41:21THEY CHATTER IN ITALIAN
0:41:23 > 0:41:26Having a woman in the bathroom with you -
0:41:26 > 0:41:28even if her back is turned!
0:41:44 > 0:41:45Ah...
0:41:50 > 0:41:53After hearing your translation of the word "pericoloso",
0:41:53 > 0:41:56I've resolved on sponge baths for all of April.
0:41:56 > 0:41:59Oh, I'm sure Domenico will explain everything to Henry.
0:42:00 > 0:42:03I don't know why San Salvatore makes me so drowsy,
0:42:03 > 0:42:06because I was drowsy in London, too.
0:42:06 > 0:42:08I thought I was the traffic noises there.
0:42:11 > 0:42:15Oh, everything is so quiet here, so tranquil.
0:42:15 > 0:42:16THEY CHATTER IN ITALIAN
0:42:16 > 0:42:17BOOM!
0:42:17 > 0:42:19SCREAMING
0:42:19 > 0:42:21BOILER HISSES
0:42:23 > 0:42:24Signor!
0:42:26 > 0:42:27What is this?!
0:42:31 > 0:42:33HE COUGHS AND SPLUTTERS
0:42:37 > 0:42:41Ah...Lady Caroline Dester, I presume.
0:42:41 > 0:42:42Yes.
0:42:42 > 0:42:46My name is Arbuthnot - Henry Arbuthnot.
0:42:46 > 0:42:49The husband of Mrs Arbuthnot.
0:42:49 > 0:42:51- How do you do?- Charmed.
0:42:52 > 0:42:54Lady Caroline,
0:42:54 > 0:42:57to anyone in whose veins flows the blood of England,
0:42:57 > 0:42:58the name Dester...
0:43:00 > 0:43:03Oh! I may say that this applies to you also, Mrs Fisher.
0:43:03 > 0:43:07You are Mrs Brockwell Templeton Fisher, I presume?
0:43:07 > 0:43:09I am Henry Arbuthnot.
0:43:10 > 0:43:13I was just saying to your charming companion here
0:43:13 > 0:43:16that to anyone in whose blood flows the veins of England,
0:43:16 > 0:43:20the name Dester...and Fisher...
0:43:20 > 0:43:23Are you aware of the state of your apparel, sir?
0:43:24 > 0:43:28Oh, I beg your pardon! I beg your pardon!
0:43:28 > 0:43:30A trifling mishap in the bathroom.
0:43:30 > 0:43:33Great pleasure, I assure you, great pleasure.
0:43:33 > 0:43:35Pardon me. Pardon me...
0:43:37 > 0:43:40Italy is not what it was in Browning's time.
0:43:40 > 0:43:41Henry!
0:43:44 > 0:43:48My dear, I am convinced that a bath in Italy
0:43:48 > 0:43:50is somewhere between a public function
0:43:50 > 0:43:52and an eruption of Vesuvius.
0:43:54 > 0:43:57Domenico! Bring a sponge bath to my room.
0:43:59 > 0:44:05- Oh, signor!- Sono cosi contenta... - Bene, bravo, bravo!
0:44:14 > 0:44:15HORN HONKS
0:44:19 > 0:44:23Oh - good evening, Mr Arundel. Lady Caroline isn't at home.
0:44:23 > 0:44:25Yes, I know, Martha. I just came to get her address.
0:44:25 > 0:44:28- Won't you come in, sir? The housekeeper has it.- Thank you.
0:44:33 > 0:44:37The first Sir Richard Dester, if I remember correctly,
0:44:37 > 0:44:40was killed during the Second Crusade.
0:44:40 > 0:44:44Then there was Sir Humphrey Dester in the reign of Henry VIII.
0:44:44 > 0:44:47Sir Humphrey was in great peril of losing his estates
0:44:47 > 0:44:50through the disfavour of his sovereign.
0:44:50 > 0:44:54If I may be so bold to suggest, he was saved from that misfortune
0:44:54 > 0:44:56through a member of my own profession -
0:44:56 > 0:44:59a solicitor of great repute, Sir John Harrington.
0:44:59 > 0:45:00HE CLEARS HIS THROAT
0:45:01 > 0:45:04You will pardon me, Lady Caroline,
0:45:04 > 0:45:09a little modest pride in what I may call a "colleague" of mine
0:45:09 > 0:45:14who had the honour of being of service to one of the Desters.
0:45:16 > 0:45:17HE BLOWS HIS NOSE LOUDLY
0:45:19 > 0:45:20Ah...
0:45:21 > 0:45:25And oh, Lottie - he took his explosion magnificently.
0:45:25 > 0:45:28It just isn't the same Henry at all.
0:45:28 > 0:45:30It's San Salvatore.
0:45:30 > 0:45:33And he was so nice about it that I told him about the nest egg.
0:45:33 > 0:45:35How did he take that explosion?
0:45:35 > 0:45:36Beautifully.
0:45:38 > 0:45:39You see?
0:45:40 > 0:45:44I have now covered the first three centuries of the Desters,
0:45:44 > 0:45:47which brings us up to the 18th century -
0:45:47 > 0:45:49at that time,
0:45:49 > 0:45:53there emerged in the illustrious annals of your family
0:45:53 > 0:45:54Lord Oswald Dester,
0:45:54 > 0:45:57Lord of the Privy Seal under James II.
0:45:58 > 0:46:00At the expulsion of James
0:46:00 > 0:46:03and on the ascension of William and Mary,
0:46:03 > 0:46:07Lord Oswald found himself in considerable disfavour.
0:46:07 > 0:46:09Again, a solicitor came to the rescue.
0:46:09 > 0:46:13It may be more than a coincidence, my dear Lady Caroline,
0:46:13 > 0:46:15that this gentleman's name was Arbuthnot -
0:46:15 > 0:46:17the Northumberland Arbuthnots.
0:46:18 > 0:46:20A distant branch of my family.
0:46:22 > 0:46:26Lord Oswald found himself in the Tower of London.
0:46:26 > 0:46:29One day, he walked to the window.
0:46:29 > 0:46:34He was looking out of the window, precisely as I am now,
0:46:34 > 0:46:38but on a scene, if I may say so, quite different.
0:46:38 > 0:46:40Yes, quite different.
0:46:40 > 0:46:44The scene which he witnessed and which I am about to describe
0:46:44 > 0:46:45will hold you enthralled.
0:46:45 > 0:46:50Sailing up the storied Thames was a barge,
0:46:50 > 0:46:55with a canopy of peacock blue, something the colour of this -
0:46:55 > 0:46:56what do you call this flower?
0:47:05 > 0:47:09Oh, don't...don't move. Hold it, will you?
0:47:09 > 0:47:12Would you mind standing there just for one minute in that light for me?
0:47:12 > 0:47:13Oh, yes, it's lovely. It's charming.
0:47:13 > 0:47:15Come a little nearer the edge for me?
0:47:15 > 0:47:18That's charming - oh, yes. Now, look up, will you?
0:47:18 > 0:47:19Or down - any way you like.
0:47:19 > 0:47:24I take it you're one of my tenants? In that case, I'm your landlord.
0:47:24 > 0:47:25My name is Briggs.
0:47:25 > 0:47:28Yes, I know. You're on your way to Rome
0:47:28 > 0:47:31and you stopped off to see if we weren't walking on your lilies.
0:47:31 > 0:47:35Quite right. Were you? They'd adore it.
0:47:35 > 0:47:37- Are you sure?- Certain.
0:47:37 > 0:47:42- Oh, I wish you'd let me paint you. - Me?- Yes, yes, of course.
0:47:42 > 0:47:45You know, it's most unaccountable, but for the first time in months,
0:47:45 > 0:47:47the divine fire is upon me.
0:47:47 > 0:47:51- I'd even try to paint Smithers. - Smithers?- Yes, he's my butler.
0:47:51 > 0:47:53His father was with Tennyson.
0:47:53 > 0:47:55Haven't you made a mistake?
0:47:55 > 0:47:57Oh, no doubt, but why do you say that?
0:47:57 > 0:47:59You were painting Lottie Wilkins yesterday.
0:47:59 > 0:48:02Amazing woman! You know, she asked me to dinner.
0:48:02 > 0:48:04Unfortunately, I was compelled to decline
0:48:04 > 0:48:06because they were waiting for me at the inn.
0:48:06 > 0:48:08But...I'm free tonight,
0:48:08 > 0:48:11if you've got any ideas on the subject.
0:48:11 > 0:48:16Well, why don't you come for dinner? After all, it is your house.
0:48:16 > 0:48:19Quite right. Yes - of course, you merely rent it.
0:48:19 > 0:48:21I never would have thought of that myself.
0:48:21 > 0:48:23Amazing!
0:48:23 > 0:48:26Well, I've got to go back to the inn and dress.
0:48:26 > 0:48:28See you tonight!
0:48:28 > 0:48:29SHE LAUGHS
0:48:34 > 0:48:37CROWD CHATTERS IN ITALIAN
0:48:45 > 0:48:46Give me a push!
0:49:00 > 0:49:02Paga, signore.
0:49:02 > 0:49:05No, I refuse to pay for this outrage.
0:49:05 > 0:49:08I mean, I could have walked the whole distance
0:49:08 > 0:49:10and done it in much better time.
0:49:10 > 0:49:12I practically walked the whole distance as it is.
0:49:12 > 0:49:15CROWD SHOUT ANGRILY
0:49:17 > 0:49:18What's that?
0:49:18 > 0:49:23I presume another unfortunate has suggested a bath in the bathtub.
0:49:30 > 0:49:33I'll pay you your money, but it's still an outrage.
0:49:33 > 0:49:36Grazie! Grazie, signore, grazie!
0:50:00 > 0:50:03Caroline, you know why I came.
0:50:03 > 0:50:05I know how you came.
0:50:05 > 0:50:07I hope you won't be too angry with me.
0:50:07 > 0:50:09What are you doing here?
0:50:09 > 0:50:14Why, I have absolutely no excuse - I couldn't help myself.
0:50:14 > 0:50:16Help yourself? From what?
0:50:16 > 0:50:19I was passing through on my way to Rome
0:50:19 > 0:50:21and I got off at Missaglia to see how you were.
0:50:21 > 0:50:23I had to come.
0:50:23 > 0:50:25Didn't they tell you I was taking a rest cure?
0:50:25 > 0:50:31I assumed as much...or, rather, I didn't assume anything.
0:50:31 > 0:50:35I just came. I started out early this morning to come here,
0:50:35 > 0:50:37but each time, I lost my courage.
0:50:38 > 0:50:42So, eventually, you relied on the donkey.
0:50:43 > 0:50:45I'm sorry, Ferdinand.
0:50:47 > 0:50:49Dinner's at seven.
0:50:49 > 0:50:50Come and sit down.
0:50:55 > 0:50:56Tell me how everybody is.
0:50:56 > 0:50:58You're really asking me to dine with you,
0:50:58 > 0:51:00in these travelling clothes?
0:51:00 > 0:51:01Of course.
0:51:08 > 0:51:11I suppose you'll be going out to Missaglia to take the night train.
0:51:11 > 0:51:15Well, I...I might wait over and go on tomorrow.
0:51:15 > 0:51:17Or the next day.
0:51:17 > 0:51:20But tell me about yourself. Let me look at you.
0:51:20 > 0:51:23London's been beastly without you.
0:51:23 > 0:51:28- Are you here alone? - No. There are three other ladies.
0:51:28 > 0:51:30Oh - friends of yours? People I know?
0:51:30 > 0:51:35- Strangers. You'll like them. One of them in particular.- Really?
0:51:35 > 0:51:39Yes - I'm fonder of her than I've been of anyone in years.
0:51:39 > 0:51:41Hm...I envy her.
0:51:41 > 0:51:44You should guess which of them it is when you see them at dinner.
0:51:44 > 0:51:46I'll tell Domenico you're staying.
0:51:48 > 0:51:51- You can wait in the living room while I brush up.- All right.
0:51:56 > 0:51:58I'm really very proud of you, my dear.
0:52:00 > 0:52:03You've been most helpful, most helpful.
0:52:03 > 0:52:05Oh, I'm so glad, dear.
0:52:05 > 0:52:09Thanks to you, I was able to convince Lady Caroline that I'm her man.
0:52:09 > 0:52:10Oh, Henry - really?
0:52:10 > 0:52:14I had the honour of pointing out to her this afternoon -
0:52:14 > 0:52:16quite eloquently, if I may say so -
0:52:16 > 0:52:19some of the glories of her family
0:52:19 > 0:52:21with which she herself was not familiar.
0:52:21 > 0:52:26She was deeply moved - so moved, in fact, that she withdrew abruptly
0:52:26 > 0:52:28in order to conceal her emotion.
0:52:30 > 0:52:32I was tactful enough not to try to detain her.
0:52:33 > 0:52:36I flatter myself I have some understanding
0:52:36 > 0:52:38of the sensibilities of women,
0:52:38 > 0:52:41especially of women of the nobility.
0:52:41 > 0:52:43Ah...thank you, my dear.
0:52:54 > 0:52:56Mellersh, darling.
0:52:57 > 0:53:01You remember, a long time ago, you used to tell me
0:53:01 > 0:53:04that my hair was like acacia blossoms in the evening?
0:53:35 > 0:53:37Mellersh!
0:53:37 > 0:53:38Oh...!
0:53:42 > 0:53:43Mellersh?
0:53:45 > 0:53:46Mellersh...
0:53:54 > 0:53:55Lottie!
0:53:57 > 0:53:58Oh...!
0:54:00 > 0:54:01I knew you'd come.
0:54:03 > 0:54:06In my very heart, I always, always knew you'd come.
0:54:11 > 0:54:13We're all here, now.
0:54:13 > 0:54:15You and I and...
0:54:17 > 0:54:19Oh, do you remember, Mellersh,
0:54:19 > 0:54:21how, a long time ago, you used to say
0:54:21 > 0:54:24that I had hair like acacia blossoms in the evening?
0:54:24 > 0:54:26Of course. Of course, dear.
0:54:26 > 0:54:28You must have flown to me
0:54:28 > 0:54:31the very instant you got my telegram.
0:54:31 > 0:54:33Telegram? Oh, yes...
0:54:33 > 0:54:36- The very instant! - Yes, the very instant.
0:54:36 > 0:54:40How quickly it flew to you - almost as fast as my thoughts.
0:54:40 > 0:54:45And how quickly you came - almost as fast as my heart beats.
0:54:48 > 0:54:54Oh, hold me close, close as you can, for all the empty days.
0:54:54 > 0:54:56There won't be any more of them, will there?
0:54:58 > 0:55:01Tonight, we'll walk under the stars, among the acacias,
0:55:01 > 0:55:05and you'll tell me again how like them my hair is, won't you?
0:55:05 > 0:55:08- Of course...- And then tomorrow, we'll walk by the sea,
0:55:08 > 0:55:13where I've walked so often, remembering you as were,
0:55:13 > 0:55:17and as I so wanted you to be again...and as you are now.
0:55:17 > 0:55:19Yes, dear.
0:55:19 > 0:55:22We'll have the whole month of April together,
0:55:22 > 0:55:25and it will be really enchanted, won't it?
0:55:28 > 0:55:31As I was saying to Mrs Fisher this afternoon,
0:55:31 > 0:55:35there's no position in this world altogether immune
0:55:35 > 0:55:36to the vicissitudes of fate.
0:55:38 > 0:55:42Unfortunately, she was compelled to withdraw for her afternoon nap.
0:55:42 > 0:55:44I was on the verge of explaining to her
0:55:44 > 0:55:47that the only sure bulwark against misfortune
0:55:47 > 0:55:50is the counsel and loyalty of a conscientious solicitor,
0:55:50 > 0:55:53whose first duty, my dear, is to his clients.
0:55:54 > 0:55:58She saw him here - oh, Lottie!
0:55:59 > 0:56:01Rose, darling, he's here! This is Mellersh.
0:56:01 > 0:56:04He came, he flew the very instant he got my telegram!
0:56:04 > 0:56:07- This is Rose Arbuthnot. - How do you do?- How do you do?
0:56:07 > 0:56:09Well, well! Let me congratulate you on this happy reunion.
0:56:09 > 0:56:10Oh, thank you.
0:56:10 > 0:56:12I am Henry Arbuthnot -
0:56:12 > 0:56:16welcome to San Salvatore, Mr Mellersh.
0:56:16 > 0:56:18You'll find the place perfectly charming,
0:56:18 > 0:56:20perfectly charming people.
0:56:20 > 0:56:22I don't suppose you, as yet, have had the pleasure
0:56:22 > 0:56:25of meeting Mrs Brockwell Templeton Fisher?
0:56:25 > 0:56:30- No...- And Lady Caroline Dester, of whom, no doubt, you've heard.
0:56:30 > 0:56:33- They'll be down directly. - Did someone mention my name?
0:56:33 > 0:56:37Why, Lottie - who is this charming but bewildered young man
0:56:37 > 0:56:38at your side?
0:56:38 > 0:56:40Oh, Phoebe, this is Mellersh.
0:56:40 > 0:56:43- Delighted, delighted, young man. - Thank you.
0:56:43 > 0:56:45Not unlike Darwin in appearance -
0:56:45 > 0:56:47but, I hope, with none of his nonsense.
0:56:47 > 0:56:51Where is that charming guest, our landlord?
0:56:51 > 0:56:53Not guest tonight, but host.
0:56:53 > 0:56:56I've just been talking over the wines with Francesca.
0:56:56 > 0:56:59Young man, on this gala occasion, I must claim the privilege of age
0:56:59 > 0:57:01and insist that this is my dinner.
0:57:01 > 0:57:04Oh, Henry, how lovely, how thoughtful of you!
0:57:04 > 0:57:06- Gala occasion? - Of course, of course.
0:57:06 > 0:57:10By the way, you haven't met Mrs Wilkins' husband, Mr Mellersh.
0:57:10 > 0:57:14- He's just arrived in San Salvatore. - Husband?
0:57:14 > 0:57:18Oh...I didn't tell you about Mellersh, did I?
0:57:18 > 0:57:19No, no...
0:57:19 > 0:57:21Oh, charmed, charmed.
0:57:21 > 0:57:24- I congratulate you, Mr Mellersh. - Thank you.
0:57:24 > 0:57:27Oh...oh, I shall paint you both.
0:57:27 > 0:57:30I see no reason for excluding the rest of us?
0:57:30 > 0:57:33Excellent idea, Mrs Fisher - excellent.
0:57:33 > 0:57:36I've always had rather a special fondness
0:57:36 > 0:57:37for the group paintings.
0:57:37 > 0:57:40But we're not all here - Lady Caroline isn't down yet.
0:57:42 > 0:57:45You know, I can't account for it,
0:57:45 > 0:57:50but for the first time in months, I feel the divine fire upon me.
0:57:50 > 0:57:52Shall I go up and call Lady Caroline?
0:57:52 > 0:57:54Oh, no, no, I wouldn't.
0:57:54 > 0:57:56I don't think that Mr Briggs could paint us, anyway.
0:57:56 > 0:57:58I mean, before dinner.
0:57:58 > 0:58:00Domenico, my paints, my canvas!
0:58:00 > 0:58:04The subject of the celebrated painting I was referring to,
0:58:04 > 0:58:08as I remember, was Abraham with his wives and his...
0:58:08 > 0:58:10MELLERSH MURMURS SOMETHING
0:58:10 > 0:58:13..his wives and his herds and flocks.
0:58:13 > 0:58:17And whom do you suggest for the herds and the flocks
0:58:17 > 0:58:19in the present case, Mr Arbuthnot?
0:58:19 > 0:58:23- Ah... - Yes, well, I'm really very hungry.
0:58:23 > 0:58:26Could we postpone this till another time?
0:58:26 > 0:58:30Yes, charming, a very good idea. I congratulate you, Mr Mellersh.
0:58:30 > 0:58:32Il pranzo e pronto.
0:58:32 > 0:58:34Dinner.
0:58:34 > 0:58:37- Shall we go in? - But Lady Caroline isn't here yet.
0:58:37 > 0:58:38Oh...
0:58:38 > 0:58:40MRS FISHER: Oh, we never wait for her.
0:58:40 > 0:58:42- She comes down when she pleases. - Oh, oh, I see...
0:58:42 > 0:58:44- My dear?- Oh, Henry.
0:58:45 > 0:58:49My dear, as your husband is host, he will sit at the head of the table.
0:58:49 > 0:58:50- Oh!- Mr Arbuthnot.
0:58:52 > 0:58:53Mr Briggs, there.
0:58:53 > 0:58:56Lottie, would you mind sitting there?
0:58:56 > 0:58:57Mr Wilkins here.
0:58:57 > 0:58:59I shall sit on your right.
0:58:59 > 0:59:04Oh, it's...it's so nice, being hostess.
0:59:05 > 0:59:07I wish to propose a toast
0:59:07 > 0:59:10to the happy reunion of the Wilkins family
0:59:10 > 0:59:13we've all had the pleasure of witnessing in this enchanting place.
0:59:13 > 0:59:15Here, here!
0:59:15 > 0:59:21- Oh...oh! Thank you. - Oh, yes, thank you.
0:59:21 > 0:59:24Mr Wilkins, I believe a response is in order.
0:59:24 > 0:59:27Oh...a response? Eh...
0:59:27 > 0:59:31A whole speech is in order, if you are so inclined, Mr Mellersh.
0:59:31 > 0:59:33I'm not averse to a bit of dinner oratory -
0:59:33 > 0:59:35very good custom.
0:59:35 > 0:59:39Darling, you might tell them about Du Barry.
0:59:39 > 0:59:42Eh...oh. Du Barry...yes.
0:59:42 > 0:59:45Ladies and gentlemen,
0:59:45 > 0:59:50I...of course, I wrote the memoirs of Du Barry.
0:59:50 > 0:59:52I mean, when I...when...my...
0:59:52 > 0:59:56First, it came to me in the gardens of Versailles,
0:59:56 > 1:00:02eh...when I was walking through the....we...I...
1:00:02 > 1:00:05LADY CAROLINE: Domenico, have they all gone into dinner?
1:00:05 > 1:00:06- DOMENICO:- Si, si, signora.
1:00:09 > 1:00:10Thank you.
1:00:11 > 1:00:13LAUGHTER AND APPLAUSE
1:00:16 > 1:00:19There you all are, having a pleasant dinner without me.
1:00:22 > 1:00:24Well, I see you've become acquainted with everybody
1:00:24 > 1:00:27since I deposited you in the living room.
1:00:27 > 1:00:28Yes, I...
1:00:30 > 1:00:35Oh - then you...you knew that... that my husband was here.
1:00:39 > 1:00:42Yes - I met your husband when he arrived,
1:00:42 > 1:00:43at the end of the path.
1:00:47 > 1:00:51You met him at the end of the path.
1:00:51 > 1:00:55And I met him at the hearthside.
1:00:55 > 1:00:59That's really the end of the path, isn't it?
1:01:08 > 1:01:11Will you excuse me, please?
1:01:32 > 1:01:35You know, as long as you invited me to dinner,
1:01:35 > 1:01:37I do think you might have been down to meet me.
1:01:37 > 1:01:40If you'll just excuse me, please.
1:01:44 > 1:01:50Ah, well, speaking of oratory, I'm reminded, as I remember,
1:01:50 > 1:01:54of an incident which will amuse you vastly when you hear it...
1:01:54 > 1:01:56CHATTER AND LAUGHTER
1:01:57 > 1:02:01Lottie...Lottie, listen to me.
1:02:01 > 1:02:03Please don't be angry.
1:02:03 > 1:02:06It's all been...I've been so...
1:02:06 > 1:02:08I don't know what you're thinking,
1:02:08 > 1:02:10but whatever you're thinking, it isn't true.
1:02:10 > 1:02:14- Oh, but it is true. - What do you mean?
1:02:14 > 1:02:16That I love you.
1:02:16 > 1:02:21Oh...you're lovely, darling. Lovelier than you've ever been.
1:02:21 > 1:02:24And your hair is like acacia blossoms.
1:02:24 > 1:02:25SHE GASPS
1:02:25 > 1:02:27Do you know, Mr Arbuthnot,
1:02:27 > 1:02:31in that light, for a moment, you looked like Robert Browning.
1:02:31 > 1:02:35- I do? - You did...for a moment.
1:02:35 > 1:02:36In that light.
1:02:38 > 1:02:40THEY LAUGH
1:02:43 > 1:02:44What's that?
1:02:46 > 1:02:49- It's the Briggses.- The Briggses?
1:02:50 > 1:02:52I see them as the Briggses.
1:02:54 > 1:02:58And I see us as the Arundels.