Beecham House (2019) s01e02 Episode Script

Welcome to Delhi, sahib, it is an honour to meet you.
Did you see the child? It is not fully European.
John Beecham, friend or foe? He is an agent of The Company.
I wish only to trade honourably.
Please, grant me a licence.
I believe you are the first Englishman Miss Osborne has seen in many months.
Captain Samuel Parker? I am in great need of a trustworthy partner.
Why are you holding that child? He looks native.
Mother, this is August Beecham your grandson.
I should like to see Daniel and I pray he is still at least the son I recognise.
I did hear reports he's on a Company expedition in Kannauj.
That's only a ride away from Delhi.
Lady Sahibah, I'm going to give you a bath.
No! Ba-Baadal, Baadal! Come here this instant! It will be fixed, Mrs Beecham, I'm sure.
- What is wrong, Mrs Beecham-sahibah? - Everything.
The water is dark brown, the towels are too thin.
What if I slip and crack my skull? I have fresh water here, ma'am.
- I'll bring fresh towels right now.
- Yes.
This is, this is no way for a lady to bathe.
We must try.
- Baadal.
- Ma'am.
- Baadal! What, what is that? - Stand back, ma'am, be careful.
It's poisonous.
- A scorpion.
- Well, get it out.
Go! - Move.
- Oh.
- Oh! - No.
Take it, get, get Ah-ha-ah.
Thank you, Ram Lal, please inspect my room every hour.
I do not want to die in India from a tropical insect bite.
- Ooh! - Yes, Mrs Beecham-sahibah.
Stop this! This is idiocy! They do not have the taxes to pay! Sir, you must stop this, you've gone too far! Leave! - Good morning.
- Good morning, General.
- Good morning.
- Good morning.
I had a special delivery from France.
It arrived by boat this morning, Along with my Cognac.
This is too kind, General Castillon.
But I know your penchant for French perfume only too well.
Have you had any word from your brother? My colleagues have had no sightings of him.
So, what will you do? Will you still return to England? No, I feel quite content here at present.
What has changed? Perhaps the presence of more English people has made me feel less homesick.
I must warn you about John Beecham.
He may not be all that he appears.
I appreciate your concern, General, but if John Beecham is a dangerous man, why did he bring his elderly mother to live with him in India? Look, are you sure this ghastly treatment is going to work on these bites? Bindu insists that turmeric will soothe your discomfort.
You must try this mulligataw mulliga tawny.
How can I eat when I am so worried? When is John returning? I need to speak to someone who understands English.
We understand English, Mrs Beecham-sahibah.
I-I do not even know what to call you, dear.
Chanchal.
Hm? You see, we need to start doing things differently now I shall be running the household.
So, from now on, I shall call you - Channing.
- Channing? Yes, and you Bindaloo.
I-I shall call you Beatrice.
- Bea-trick? - No, no, Beatrice.
Ss-ss.
And, er, you shall be Barton.
I will be of assistance, however you wish to address me, Mrs Beecham-sahibah.
Please do not be upset, I will take care of you.
Well, thank you, that, that is kind of you.
The British have struck their first tentpole at Kannauj.
That's right next to the Emperor's land.
Are you certain? I am afraid so.
It is a clear provocation.
They can only be inspecting the region in order to plan an attack.
The British annexation of India marches closer to us every day.
We must inform the Emperor.
And bring it to a halt.
If Lieutenant Beecham is in contact with the Company he will pay a severe price.
Gentleman, I'm Captain Parker.
I need to know the whereabouts of Ensign Daniel Beecham.
Beecham? He was shot.
At this very moment, I would wager he has no idea of his own whereabouts.
Speak clearly.
What is your meaning? He's on sickness leave.
He's recuperating.
You have a medical bay here? He's at his second home, very likely between the thighs of an Indian dancing girl.
What is it about this strange land that draws my sons here, instead of coming home to England and me? Your sons are like many.
Great fortunes are here for the taking.
It was very considerate of John to prepare this chapel for you.
But now that John has made his fortune, he should marry you, return with his wealth and bring August up as an English gentleman back home.
There is nothing to keep him in India.
I apologise, I do hope I'm not disturbing your prayers.
It's a pleasure to see you again, Mrs Beecham.
And you, Miss Woodhouse.
How well do you know my son? Mr Beecham and I are recently acquainted, but he was kind enough to invite me to come to the chapel whenever I wanted to pray.
And what do you know of the child's mother? Mr Beecham has not discussed such private matters with me.
Private matters? I see.
It is better you direct your questions to Mr Beecham himself, ma'am.
Oh.
Eh, Baadal-bai, looking very smart, huh? But you're only going to the bazaar, no? I'm just going to buy some provisions for the house.
How long has Chanchal kept you waiting? Baadal, thank you.
It is so kind of you to take me to the bazaar.
It is my great pleasure, Chanchal-bai.
I've been dreaming of gulab jamuns all night.
Huh, hawker food.
Anything to take away the taste of the bland food in this house.
At least it will be edible.
Who is this? Baisa.
Baadal, don't just stand here.
Baisa is an honoured guest of Beecham-sahib.
- Go.
- Of course, Chanchal-bai.
So many trunks.
Maybe this is Beecham-sahib's wife? Go get the luggage.
Bow! Paay lagu, baisa.
Barton? Where is Bart where is everybody? - Water, water - I feel oh.
My, my, my, my .
.
what do we have here? Take me to Agastya.
Agastya? Could this be could this be August's mother? Oh.
Well, she's acting like the lady of the manor already.
Precious Agastya beautiful boy.
You've already endured so much.
Baisa Mr Beecham-sahib does not let Agastya leave the nursery without his permission.
Ram Lal I know what is best for Agastya.
He will stay with me.
Very well.
We will find you a room.
Barton? Barton?! It's impossible to get his attention.
Barton?! BARTON?! I have just settled Agastya.
I would appreciate it if you'd kindly keep your voices down.
Oh-hoo.
Young lady, why do you insist on calling him by another name? Agastya is sleeping, he requires his rest.
I am John Beecham's mother, Henrietta Beecham, and August's grandmother, and mistress of this house now.
This is Miss Osborne, a Governess.
And Miss Woodhouse, a family friend.
Mrs Beecham, I note your position.
Miss Osborne, he is not in need of an English Governess.
Oh.
Have you ever - I - Oh, perhaps you should rest, Mrs Beecham, you look faint.
The Indian heat cannot be underestimated.
Nor could that intolerable woman! That behaviour will not do! When my son returns, we will have words! Miss Osborne, clearly, you know even less than I.
I'm sure you have work to be getting on with, so good day.
Daniel?! Daniel? Sahib you want woman? - We have all types.
- Daniel?! You want a boy? You, come 'ere.
Sahib, don't disturb.
Come.
Chello.
Chello.
Chello.
Chello! Hey.
Oi.
Oi! There are enough harlots for everyone! What are you doing here? I'm here for you.
After all this time? I thought you were dead.
I wrote to you many times when Mother told me you were in Calcutta, but you never responded.
I was in Mysore, in bloody battles with Tipu Sultan.
I would have appreciated a brother's concern then.
- Now it's too late.
- Daniel.
Oi, Daniel, Daniel.
Daniel! I'm sorry.
You have any idea how hard it was to discover the brother I admired, had disappeared without so much as a word? Forgive me.
I had to get as far away from the Company as possible.
But it's different now.
Mother is here.
Mother is in India? Raah-e-door-e-ishq mein rota hai kya aage aage dekhiye hota hai kya.
Highness, Lieutenant Beecham has been seen in Kannauj communicating with Company forces, and he has a brother serving in the camp there.
And yet he claims that his connections with the Company - have been severed.
- Indeed.
And he has been joined by another colleague from the Company, a Captain Samuel Parker.
I understand Captain Parker has been discharged, but it could be a ruse.
Does the Company no longer tend to its soldiers' wounds? They spend a great deal more on gunpowder than they do on physicians.
What were you doing in Kannauj? Exploratory expedition.
The Company must expand its territory if it wishes to grow.
You sound like a Company man.
- I am a soldier.
- You are a man.
Your actions are your own.
I'm tired of it all.
Have you seen the British cemeteries in Calcutta? They say most soldiers die before seeing two monsoons, I've lasted three.
I'm on borrowed time, brother.
So I plan to enjoy the simpler pleasures of life while I can.
Who's there? It is Violet, Mrs Beecham.
What are you going to do when when the opium runs out? Please, leave me after such a distressing afternoon, Violet.
If my son married that woman without so much as informing his mother, I I do not know what I will do.
Why do you suddenly care so much about your brother? Your feigned concern insults us both.
He's quite a character.
He's irresponsible.
When I look at him .
.
I just see our father.
God forbid, he ends up like him .
.
in some convicts' colony in Australia.
How does a soldier afford this? ~ It seems you've prospered since leaving the Company.
Sahib, Mrs Beecham-sahibah is most upset.
Oh, what has happened, now? Baadal, this is my brother, Daniel.
- Brother? - Please, take him upstairs to my chambers and bring some hot water.
He has a wound that needs attending to.
We must make him presentable before he meets Mother.
- Please send for the hakim.
Make haste.
- Of course.
Please.
Samuel.
You have gone beyond the duty of a friend.
I owe you my life.
John Beecham, I forbid you to leave this house again.
Who is this woman? Her, her rudeness knows no bounds.
- Mother - No, I cannot live like this.
- Is she August's mother? - Mother, what are you talking about? She was rude to Miss Osborne as well.
Mr Beecham, your mother has had a trying time since your departure.
She acts like a princess who's ruling the roost.
This Bai-saab's airs and graces have made me most ill at ease.
Where is she? Sahib, I cannot challenge her authority without you, sir.
I understand, Ram Lal.
Where is August? Agastya is safe with me.
We must speak in private.
Miss Woodhouse, please escort my mother to her room.
Mother, I will speak with you shortly.
Chandrika .
.
why have you come here? If anybody sees you or knows you're here, it could ruin everything.
I took the utmost care not to be seen.
You know you shouldn't have come.
I needed to see him.
You're putting him in danger! I'm simply carrying out my duty, I had to know he is safe.
You know his safety is all that matters to me! I wish Agastya to sleep with me.
August will sleep in the nursery.
Ram Lal, Chanchal and Maya are serving him very well.
It was agreed.
- My intention is - We had intruders here .
.
a few nights ago.
How .
.
how have you been? It has not been easy.
I did not come only for Agastya .
.
I wanted to see you too.
- Mother? - Oh.
- How is she? - I have done my best, - but the challenges are proving difficult for her.
- Mm.
I, on the other hand, am adapting well and intend to bring her to see Hindustan as you do.
I am very grateful.
Mother Mother, your eyes, they appear to be irritated, are you feeling unwell? Well, how can you blame me? My last home was full of secrets.
I fear my nerves will not tolerate the same here.
- Mother, I understand this is very - Look, who is that woman, son? You cannot expect me to share a home with a stranger.
Mother, she has August's best interests at heart.
Come with me.
- Oh.
- I have something to show you, that I think will cheer your spirits immensely.
Where are you taking me, John? My heart may not withstand another revelation.
Daniel? Oh, my my poor boy, what has become of you? I am a soldier, Mother, I've survived much worse.
But it is a blessing to feel your arms after such an age.
Ohhhh, no.
- Mother.
- Mother.
Is it? It cannot be Violet Woodhouse.
I came as a companion to your mother.
It is gratifying to see that you're still getting into trouble.
A kiss would help take the pain away.
Certainly not! I would have hoped you'd become a gentleman by now.
What fun would that be? The world is not in need of another dry sponge.
Oh, I dreamt of this moment, but I-I never imagined it would be in a place like this.
My two handsome, brave sons, may God bless you .
.
and my poor grandson.
Grandson? This is August, my son.
Your son? You were married without telling us? - No-one can know he has fathered a native child.
- Mother, stop.
August Daniel Beecham .
.
this is your uncle.
- You named him after me? - I have but one brother.
And here is the first of the next generation of Beechams.
John, do you have an association with this Margaret Osborne? For a Governess, she appears to think very highly of herself.
She seems to have made herself very much at home in your house.
Miss Osborne was here? Mother, did you offend her in any way? Not at all.
It is her, your Indian ladyship, who addressed her in a most ill-mannered way.
Mother, I must leave you and attend to her.
Daniel, I am sure you have much to catch up on.
An English governess, an Indian ladyship and a native baby.
John, you are a rogue after all.
It is not as you think it.
I am beginning to understand your abandonment of me now.
Have you decided on a gift for the empress? I must admit, I am perplexed as to what to offer an empress who has everything.
You appreciate art and craftsmanship, she appreciates wonder.
Choose an item that will excite her imagination.
Ah, the insurrectionists.
Good day, Miss Roshanara.
Miss Osborne.
Hello, Mr Beecham.
Er, forgive my boldness, Miss Osborne, but I took these from my library.
I thought that you might find them interesting.
Thank you, Mr Beecham, that is .
.
most thoughtful of you.
I came to ensure that you had not been offended at my house.
I had an unfortunate encounter with a disrespectful guest at your residence.
She made it clear she considers me far beneath her.
Chandrika.
She has taken full ownership of your son.
Is she his mother? I apologise for her rudeness.
She was not alone.
Your mother made it clear she disapproves of me.
Well, she does not know you.
That is of no consequence to her.
Apparently, she looks down on women who are in employment.
I am sure that you have misunderstood her.
She has a blunt manner, but she possesses no malice.
Mr Beecham, I may not have riches or name, but I feel most ill at ease.
Your mother has made me feel unwelcome in your house.
Miss Osbourne .
.
you are always welcome in my house, you have my word.
Until you can be completely honest with me, I don't know what your word counts for.
I bid you good day.
Good morning.
It is Chanchal, yes? Yes, sahib.
Chanchal, I wonder if you could help me? I have an injury which is giving me a lot of pain.
Could you please assist me with the stairs? It's like climbing the Himalayas on my own.
Of course, sahib.
Oof.
Thank you.
Thank you, Chanchal, you are a saver of lives.
I must go, sahib.
Too many flies.
Daniel, sahib breakfast will be served.
Mrs Beecham-sahibah is on her way.
I'll be there in a minute.
I would like some fresh milk.
Thank you, Baadal.
Compliments to Chef Mool Chand.
Barton, get me the marmalade I brought from London.
Yes, Mrs Beecham-sahibah.
Barton? Indian names are impossible to pronounce.
That is insulting, Mother.
You wouldn't much care for it if someone suddenly changed your name.
I wouldn't mind if I had a name that made no sense.
How long are you allowed to stay on leave? Yes, how long are you with us? I have never wanted a wound to heal slower.
But I am a Company man.
They own me.
The decision it out of my hands.
I wish you would wear proper clothing, son, you look like a native.
These pyjamas are comfortable.
You really should try some, Mother, you'll be much cooler.
Mmm.
A sensible dress is all I need.
What the ladies wear here is appalling.
Hm? Look, they feel no shame in showing off their midriffs.
But that is what makes them so alluring.
There is nothing more beautiful than the almond eyes and delicate bare waist of an Indian woman.
Daniel Beecham, you are in the company of a lady.
Daniel only knows one way to speak from his heart.
His honesty is refreshing.
Thank you, Miss Woodhouse.
Honesty? That is scandalous talk from one who is old enough to know better.
The truth is there are so few British women here, Englishmen are forced to take Indian wives and mistresses.
It is the modern way.
Well, it is not God's way.
It is high time for you and your brother to marry decent English women at once.
Thankfully, Violet is an excellent marriage prospect for John.
She has the qualities of a good wife and mother to August.
And are you agreeable to this notion, Miss Woodhouse? Why on earth would you wish to marry the dullest man in Delhi? I should be delighted.
Should I be asked.
What a precious thing to sleep so soundly.
He has not a care in the world.
He is blessed with so many praying for his safety and good health.
Do you ever miss home? Yes, sahib, very much.
Do you think that it is wrong for one to wish to let go of the past? If I may say, sahib, sometimes we must let go of the memory of those we hold dear.
I find that I am not able to do that.
Good afternoon, Miss Osborne.
Mr Beecham.
You must excuse my appearance.
Roshanara and I have been swimming in the river.
You look, er .
.
you look enchanting.
Since our last meeting, I have been able to think of little else.
I cannot bear to think that you would not feel welcome in my house, because your very presence there would make me very happy indeed.
I cannot speak of August's mother, it would .
.
compromise his safety, but I can swear before you now that I am all he has.
And I would very much like you .
.
to be a friend to our family.
I have longed for you to speak openly since we met.
But I am finally able to afford my passage home.
England? Why do you stay here, John? Why not come back home? I cannot return home.
Everything I live for is here now.
But your past seems to invade your present in a most unsettling way.
Delhi will give me the break from the past and its heartache.
And you .
.
your friendship, gives me hope of a brighter future.
Please do not leave.
Miss Osborne, come, you promised to hear my piano recital.
Yes, of course, Roshanara.
Mr Beecham, you'll have to excuse me.
We must proceed urgently with the trading licence.
There will be no future for us here if I cannot provide for my family.
As soon as the license is secured, there's many a hungry nabob back home drooling to gobble up Eastern treasures.
If we reward the artisans well, they will reserve their finest items for us.
Our business will flourish.
I have made a decision about the offering for the empress.
Excellent.
Is it the perfect gift? Leonardo da Vinci made a mechanical lion and presented it to the King of France.
We will present an automaton.
But what are they exactly? Moving sculptures.
Om sahana vavatu Saha nau bhunaktu Saha viiryam karavaavahai Tejasvi nau What is happening? What in heaven's name are you doing? It is late.
Prayers will settle him.
Yes, but he likes hymns.
So I shall sing to him in my chamber.
I think it is best he remain with me.
Are you saying you know what is better for the child - than his own grandmother? - Please, Mrs Beech - Ssh! I know an Arab artist who knows the secret of automata.
We could persuade him to cast one in silver.
Better still gold.
No cost is to be spared for the empress.
Sir, I think you should come upstairs.
Excuse me, Samuel.
You are disturbing Agastya.
You have done nothing but disturb this house since your arrival! She has the baby, sahib.
You do not even know him.
You are rude and deceitful.
- I will not have you take charge of my grandson! - Mother.
What is happening? I cannot remain in this house with someone so disrespectful! You have to tell me the truth about this woman.
Who is she? Chandrika .
.
is August's aunt.
But no-one can know that she is here.
I am a widower.
And I know that August's mother would have wanted her sister to help raise him.
- But, son - No.
No, Mother.
Hey.
All of the people that I love in the world are in this room.
We will stay here in Delhi and make a life together.
We have no other choice.