The Gilded Age (2022) s01e06 Episode Script

1 I only wish we could have gotten here sooner.
Is there anything else we can do? Not at this stage.
You have a list of the passengers in the hospital.
And another of the dead.
Five victims is tragic, of course.
But no women and no children, thank God.
It might have been much worse.
I want to give you something for all that you've done.
For the Red Cross.
Thank you, Mr.
Russell.
We're very grateful, Miss Barton.
Will you be at the next meeting, Mrs.
Russell? I'll quite understand if you'd rather not.
She'll be there.
What should we do now? The wounded are in Pennsylvania Hospital.
You could go there.
The police need to speak with you.
But they can do that back in New York.
Mr.
Russell? Mrs.
Russell? He's from "The Daily Graphic".
They came for pictures of the train.
- But now they've seen you.
- Better let him do it.
Or they might say we were hiding.
Bertha? Five dead doesn't seem very many.
Oh, Agnes.
Think of their families.
Of course, it was negligence on Mr.
Russell's part.
- Is that fair? - He's the captain, isn't he? Or doesn't an officer take responsibility in that class? Of course he'll take responsibility, but it doesn't mean it's his fault.
I do not follow you.
When is the committee meeting at Aurora's? Is it this week? Thursday, but I'm not sure it will happen now.
Why not? Someone she's expecting may not be able to get there after all.
Why are you being so elliptical? Who may not come to the meeting? - Mrs.
Russell.
- Oh.
Heavens, Agnes.
Can we let Marian off the witness stand for ten minutes at least? I had a letter from Cousin Margaret this morning.
She says the opera war is really heating up.
Why does there have to be a war? Why can't the Academy create more boxes for the new people to rent? Because the Academy of Music is one of the last bastions of decency and standards in this city.
We will not patronize any jumped-up opera house, however loud and gaudy it may be.
Metal fatigue and a broken axle? That's impossible.
Not if they weren't new when they were installed.
At some point in the chain, a man did this, and I want to know who.
We're dealing with it.
The public will think we've cut corners, and the result is five innocent deaths.
They'll know we have a killer on our payroll.
And we need to make it clear it isn't me.
The police are doing their best.
Go down to Pinkerton.
I want a couple of his men on the case.
Give them all the help they need.
Keep me up to date with their inquiries.
Of course.
You should go home.
I thought you'd like to see the latest coverage.
We're not too badly damaged on the market, I'm glad to say.
Well, Miss Barton gave a good quote.
She called you "grief-stricken".
I am grief-stricken.
You're also very rich.
And likely to remain so.
Away on your errands, Miss Scott? Miss Brook's Red Cross meeting is today.
I've said I'd go with her.
I'm not sure when we'll be back.
Oh, don't worry.
Do you have any errands you'd like me to run? No, I'm going shopping tomorrow.
What about you, Miss Armstrong? Meaning what? Meaning nothing.
Miss Scott is offering to do us a good turn.
Why? Is she suggesting we can't do our work? I'll be off, Mrs.
Bauer, or I'll keep Miss Brook waiting.
What is the matter with you? She's always trying to set me up as some poor, sad creature who's too old for the work she's employed to do.
You watch.
You'll see it.
You're very quiet.
I'm just thinking about the poor men in the train crash.
Oh, I feel for their wives.
Making dinner, expecting their husbands to be home at any moment.
Suppose the truth is, you never know what's coming next.
So we should try to get the most out of what's happening now.
Sometimes it's hard to be quite sure of what is happening now.
If you mean Mr.
Raikes I like him.
He's a fine lawyer.
He's been kind to me.
Of course, he's handsome.
I feel a "but" coming on.
The things he said in Dansville.
While you listened in the shadows.
He didn't seem to have much of a plan.
That's all.
By the way, after this meeting is over, would you like me to see you home? Why? Where are you going? Lower Manhattan to the "Globe" office.
I'm meeting Mr.
Fortune.
Your writing career is so exciting.
Miss Brook, how nice to see you.
- You remember Miss Scott.
- Of course.
I read your article in the "Globe", Miss Scott.
You were very flattering.
I only hope I did you justice.
Either way, you are welcome at my meeting.
- Mrs.
Fane.
- Miss Barton.
- Marian.
- Aurora.
- Miss Scott.
- Mrs.
Fane.
Excuse me.
I brought my dollar, Miss Ada.
Oh.
How trying it is for you.
No.
I must pay my debt.
Well, if it becomes troublesome, just let me know.
I've asked Mrs.
Russell to join us.
Why? She is the wife of a murderer who has even more blood on his hands now then when he killed my husband.
Mrs.
Morris, you have suffered a great deal, and I am sorry for it.
But I hope you can recognize that this meeting is not the place to address your society squabble.
This isn't a society squabble, since Mrs.
Russell is not in society.
What an interesting moment for me to arrive.
Ladies, ladies.
If Mrs.
Russell will be seated, we will have a show of hands.
All in favor of inviting Mrs.
Russell on the board? I would like to remind you that no one in this city has done more real good for my cause.
So money is the deciding factor here? Yet again.
What a sad and vulgar world we live in.
We're not arranging a debutant ball, Mrs.
Morris.
We're raising money to bring help to people in dire need all over this country.
And because I cannot give as much as Mrs.
Russell, I am to be jettisoned while she is enthroned? How thrilling you make it sound.
Nobody is being jettisoned.
Good luck with your new member and your new set of values.
I do not share your admiration for either.
Shall we all collect a cup of coffee before we regroup? - Oh, yes.
- Yes.
Wonderful idea.
Miss Scott, I am pleased to see you here.
- Thank you for that, Mrs.
Fane.
- It's a pleasure.
Let us hope your article will have interested others in our cause.
Which reminds me, Miss Brook.
Have you made any progress with Mrs.
Chamberlain? I'm calling on her next Thursday.
Oh, my dear.
Are you sure? I was rather hoping that would be forgotten after Mrs.
Russell's generous gift.
No opportunity to raise funds may be forgotten.
And surely no one decent could doubt Miss Brook's motives.
Maybe not.
But there are plenty of people in New York who are not decent at all.
Mrs.
Russell is winning the battle.
The battle, maybe, but not the war.
Not yet.
Now we need a cab.
I'll drop you off at the "Globe" offices.
Where to? Cedar Street in lower Manhattan, please.
And then to 61st Street.
I'll drive you.
Not her.
Aren't you in business to make money, sir? - Step back.
- I will not step back Hyah! How rude.
But it's not unusual.
What was the point of that? Aren't some fights worth having? Not if it's going to make me late for my meeting.
I don't understand.
You've just discovered injustice.
I've lived with it my whole life.
If I spent every day fighting with bigots, I'd never get anything done.
This time, let me hail the cab.
If it stops, that means he'll take me.
All right.
Whoa, there.
Whoa.
I want to apologize for Mrs.
Morris.
She forgot herself.
She's angry, and she blames George.
So naturally, she hates me.
You're very philosophical.
- I've had worse to deal with.
- Of course you have.
I was so sorry to read about the accident.
Isn't it typical? Just as we seem to be getting somewhere.
No one will blame you.
And to prove my point, there was another matter I want to discuss with you.
Mr.
McAllister has written to me.
He said you have made him curious to see your "palace on the Avenue".
Ward McAllister wants me to entertain him - in my own home? - He does.
I wonder if he's told Mrs.
Astor.
I think he will.
But whom could I invite with him? I can't include anyone from his own set.
I don't know them.
Assemble the same group that came here.
He enjoyed himself then.
Why shouldn't he again? But service must be English.
He uses it to frighten newcomers.
Well, it's worked with me.
You'll manage.
But be sure to make it a success.
He won't give you a second chance.
You've essentially done something Parker never thought possible.
What is that? Increased our subscriptions.
Why don't you look happy? Well, probably because I'm in shock.
But how do you know that my article is responsible for this? My agents on the Eastern Seaboard report strong sales and quite a bit of chatter about your piece.
It's not often the colored journalists have access to the likes of Clara Barton.
I have a friend who made the introduction to Miss Barton, and she was very willing to be interviewed.
Well keep up the good work.
I'll do my best.
Does Monsieur McAllister have to follow the English fashion? Might he not welcome a change? Apparently not.
You have a menu in mind? Fish and chips, suet pudding? Or what about boiled beef and carrots? The principal dish will be French.
I think he'll forgive that.
But we will give an English flavor to some of the other courses just for fun.
- You know how to do it.
- As you wish, madam.
However, the service must be entirely in the English style.
I will make a list of suggestions.
Thank you.
But, Church, are you sure you can bring off a luncheon laid and served in the English manner? Why shouldn't we? It is a good deal to take on.
Thank you all very much.
May I make a suggestion, ma'am? Please do.
Are you aware that Mrs.
Van Rhijn's butler across the road is English? And I believe Mrs.
Van Rhijn follows English traditions.
Wouldn't she just? But what are you suggesting? Rather than put Church to the test, why not let Mr.
Bannister solve any problems before they arise? Of course, we'd have to get Mr.
Church to agree.
I'll leave that to you.
But don't give him a choice.
Peggy.
Why didn't you tell me you were coming? Do I need an invitation? No, but they could have prepared something in the kitchen.
And I'd have put off my piano student who'll be here in a moment.
No need.
I can't stay long.
Long enough for me to congratulate you in person on your story? Have you shown it to Father? Yes.
But he didn't read it.
He read it.
But he doesn't wish to encourage you to pursue a career that he thinks is bound to fail.
He's wrong.
I've just come from Mr.
Fortune's office.
He said my article has increased their circulation.
You should tell your father that.
Why? When he doesn't approve of anything I do? We have to get through it.
We're a family, and we must get through it.
Please don't come by 61st Street again and speak with Miss Brook about family matters.
Don't cut us out, Peggy.
I don't wanna cut you out, Mama.
I've never wanted that.
Just your father.
Can we meet without him, then? We'll see.
- How did you get on? - Very well.
I'm now a member of the board with a ringing endorsement from Miss Barton herself.
Mrs.
Morris made no trouble? I wouldn't quite say that.
But Mrs.
Fane, Miss Barton, and Miss Brook - all ganged up against her.
- Ah, Miss Brook.
That's nice.
They know what caused the crash.
One of the axles broke.
How could that be? It was substandard.
All of the axles on the engine were substandard.
Someone in my organization used old and damage axles on the engine, stealing my money as he did so and killing five men in the process.
We must try and control the damage.
The company's taken a bit of a dent, but we seem to be climbing back.
No, I meant the damage to us.
You and me.
Can you manage the papers? Within limits.
Unless it goes to trial.
Because I heard today that Mr.
McAllister wants to come here for luncheon.
What do you think of that? Well, if you're asking, I think the fact that five men are dead and a member of my staff has blood on his hands is a little more important than whether or not the great Ward McAllister comes here for luncheon.
It matters, George.
I've worked for this, and it matters to me - even if it doesn't to you.
- Well, you're right there.
I don't give a rat's ass where Mr.
McAllister breaks his bread.
I'm sorry.
I know what I want, and he can help me to get it.
By the way, he's written to her, Mr.
Baldwin.
You still open Gladys's letters? Always.
Well, give it to her now.
He's accepted the situation, but he writes a little too well.
Then I'll give it to her.
If you go soft on me now, George, we could lose everything we've worked for.
Whom am I going soft about? The dead in the train wreck, or your only daughter? Just please don't be soft.
No one could accuse you of that.
But what's he done wrong? Your mother thinks you're too young for an engagement, that's all.
But it isn't all.
If she said we had to wait a year or something, I'd accept it, but she hasn't.
- I know, and I'm sorry.
- Don't pretend.
You're the one who set out the conditions.
Why do you say that? "Your father has asked for my word that we will not meet again.
Or, if we do, that we should not attempt to speak in any private manner".
Your mother thinks it best.
You're one of the most successful men in the country.
With real estate and steel and copper and coal and oil and railroads that are the envy of the world, and you can't stand up to your wife? I suppose you bought him off.
And if he took it, he wasn't worthy of me.
That's what Mother will say.
Don't be too hard on the boy.
I made it tough for him to refuse.
I just wish I knew the reason.
Because your mother believes that you have more to come than marriage to a banker in Manhattan.
What's wrong with that? Nothing.
It's not special.
Father, I'm not special.
Why can't she see it? I'm ordinary.
I'm just an ordinary person who wants an ordinary life.
No, my darling.
You are not in the least ordinary.
On that point, your mother and I are as one.
You intend to accept a luncheon invitation from Mrs.
Russell? Should I have gone without telling? She could have done that, you know.
These people.
You shut the door, they come in the window.
You shut the window, they come down the chimney.
- They never give up.
- But isn't that a good thing? Why is she entertaining at all? Shouldn't she be in mourning? She wasn't driving the train, Agnes.
Hmm.
So.
She's ensnared Mr.
McAllister and dragged him to her lair? I think he's just coming to luncheon.
She hopes to trap the queen bee.
Now she's caught the drone.
But Lina Astor would never set foot in that house if they laid a trail of gold from the sidewalk, and nor would I.
Will Mr.
Raikes be there? I think so.
I wish I could see what he's done wrong.
I've told you.
He's an adventurer.
I suppose he's worming his way into every ballroom in the city? It's true people invite him, but that's because he's pleasant and popular.
- Everyone likes him.
- Everyone except me.
Be warned, my dear.
He won't need you much longer if he keeps this up.
Any minute now, he'll see his chance and move on to more glittering prizes.
Agnes.
What a horrid thing to say.
You don't know him, Aunt Agnes.
I know his type.
And I am never wrong.
You're wrong this time.
- Marian didn't mean that.
- Yes, she did.
You mark my words.
It will come back to haunt her.
I'll go.
What did Miss Ada want when you went to her yesterday? Nothing much.
I don't suppose it was changing the menus without asking Mrs.
Van Rhijn? That's the drawing room, John.
It was one of the Russell footmen.
I'll take it up.
I should get back to work.
It's for Mr.
Bannister.
Oh, well.
What a surprise.
Hmm.
Mr.
Church wants my advice.
Would I look in whenever it might suit me? And will you go? Oh, I don't think my curiosity can be satisfied in any other way.
Mr.
Bannister.
Aren't you worried by Mis Scott's scribblings? Why? Should I be? Won't she cause talk about Mrs.
Van Rhijn? Not that she'd mean to, of course.
But I do worry.
Of course you do, Miss Armstrong.
I had a message from Mrs.
Fish this morning.
Hmm? She's having a tea party, and she's invited me and Gladys.
How nice.
She calls it a doll's tea party, but she doesn't say if the guests are the dolls or if she provides them.
You will go, but not Gladys.
Why not? You know perfectly well why not.
Mother.
It's a doll's tea party, not an embassy ball.
Besides, Carrie Astor will be there, and the Gardiner sisters and some others whom Gladys ought to know.
I agree.
What harm would it do? Why do you think Miss Astor will be there? She's a favorite of Mrs.
Fish.
Hmm.
Oh, very well.
You know I'm helpless when you all gang up against me.
I'm afraid I've embarrassed you.
On the contrary.
I'm flattered.
But first, I need to know the menu.
What difference does that make? If you were to serve asparagus, for example, you would lay a finger bowl but no cutlery.
The English eat it with their fingers.
Americans do not.
That sort of thing.
Well, the main course will be French.
But the mistress would like to embellish it with some English dishes.
I would value your advice.
I'll send over some suggestions.
Then, when the choice is made, you can lay the table.
I'll inspect it and iron out any irregularities.
- Very good.
- And now I'll take my leave.
What do you think? Let's avoid asparagus.
Wait! Larry, you came.
And you brought your sister.
I'm so happy.
It's very kind of you to invite me.
Nonsense.
Now, come on in.
This is my baby's party, really.
Isn't it, honey? Now, we all pick a doll, and we make sure they have enough to eat and drink throughout the afternoon.
Oh.
Excuse me.
What do we do now? I don't know.
Not pick a doll.
Hello.
Not a good moment? Of course it is.
It's nice to see you.
And is this your sister? Miss Astor, may I present Miss Gladys Russell? We were wondering what we were supposed to do - with the dolls.
- Don't worry.
Mamie gets these wild ideas for her parties, but people pay no attention.
There are normal sandwiches at the end of the room.
Oh, look, there's Billy Drayton.
Will you excuse me? Would you like me to fetch you a cup of tea? - Or something to eat? - No, thank you.
Maybe you'd rather be on your own.
No, I'll be all right in a minute.
The fact is, I have a very difficult mother.
Well, I know what that's like.
Your mother could not possibly be - as difficult as mine.
- No? My mother keeps me under house arrest.
I'm allowed no friends.
God forbid I should speak to a man.
Why has she let you come here? My brother persuaded her.
But she'll regret it, and I'll pay.
Shall I come and visit you? I could bring you a cake with a file in it.
What's your quarrel about? What do you think? A man, of course.
Who's not good enough for you? So she says, but he is.
We're really going to have to shake on that.
What's this? You know what it is.
A salad fork.
We never lay a fork without a knife or a spoon to partner it.
Nor is salad a course on its own.
It is eaten with the entrée or the remove on salad plates which fit the curve of a larger dish.
And what is this? What does it look like, Mr.
Bannister? A spoon for the coffee.
No teaspoon is ever laid on an English table.
If one is needed, it is supplied at the apposite moment.
Mrs.
Russell.
Good day to you.
My maid told me you were here.
This is very kind.
I am pleased to be of assistance.
There are so many snares designed to catch us out.
We have it under control, ma'am.
I'm afraid I've asked too much of you, Church.
It wasn't fair of me.
Mr.
Bannister, for all our sakes, Is there any chance I can prevail on you to take charge? At the luncheon for Mr.
McAllister? Exactly.
On Friday the 18th.
I would be so grateful.
Ma'am, I'm sure we can manage.
I won't be so cruel as to make you try.
What do you say, Mr.
Bannister? Would Mrs.
Van Rhijn ever allow it? I'm afraid there'd be a problem, madam.
I cannot pretend otherwise.
Well, I hope it's a problem that $100 will solve.
$100? I understand I'm asking a lot.
You can rely on me, madam.
Don't give it another thought.
In two days' time, Mr.
Church and I will finalize the setting.
But what position would I occupy? I must be here.
Mr.
Bannister is not familiar with the house.
You can settle that between you.
I do not quite understand how I am to present this to the staff.
Why not tell them the truth, Church? There are some situations where it really can be helpful.
You want me to be the butler? Don't make so much of it, boy.
I want you to serve a perfectly routine luncheon to two elderly ladies.
That is all.
What'll we tell the others? Family business obliges me to be away for a few hours.
It's one luncheon, for heaven's sake.
I'll do it, Mr.
Bannister.
But will you explain to Mrs.
Van Rhijn? Of course.
Better you than me.
I don't see much point in a Lenox Library.
Of course, it's wonderful to find a Gutenberg Bible, even behind glass, but there's nothing you can touch, let alone read.
- They should call it a museum.
- Exactly.
Now I need a cab.
I said I'd be with Mrs.
Chamberlain by 4:00.
What will you tell your aunts when you get home? I'll say I went with you to the Lenox Library, which will be true.
Hmm.
- Mr.
Russell.
- Miss Brook.
Miss Scott, my aunt's secretary.
How do you do? What are you up to in an architect's office? You can't be planning to build another house.
McKim, Mead, and White built our present house, opposite you.
I know.
Are you making changes? Seems very splendid to me.
You know I'll tell you if you won't give me away.
How intriguing.
I'm interested in a career in architecture.
I've been talking to Mr.
White about a job.
I thought you were a banker.
Don't you work for your father? Banking is part of it.
But also railroads, steel, real estate.
Won't that bring you into contact with architects? Not enough.
I want to train properly and build up a practice.
I applaud your enthusiasm, and I envy your freedom.
My freedom may require work.
Oh? And I'd be grateful if you didn't mention this to my parents.
My father's been going through a tough time.
I don't want to make it worse.
I promise, but won't Mr.
White say something? He's going to help me persuade them.
At least, I hope he is.
It's a brave man who contradicts his own clients.
And that is why you must wish me luck.
I do.
Most sincerely.
Now I'll bid you good day.
I'm expected at the office.
He seems nice.
I think he is nice.
Here we are.
I suppose they want money from me.
Mrs.
Russell gave a large sum, and now she has a seat on the board.
You are pure, my dear.
But there will be no seat on the board for me, or every other seat would be empty.
Still, they were clever to send you.
I was the only one who knew you.
You were the only one who would admit it.
It seems very hard that you should be punished in perpetuity.
I suppose you know my story.
I know what they say.
Well, to you I'll confess that what they say is the unvarnished truth.
I was with the husband of another woman while she was still alive.
I broke the rules.
I'm on the brink of breaking them myself.
My aunt's rules, anyway.
Tell me.
There's a man.
Respectable, hardworking.
A successful attorney, in fact.
But my aunts believe him to be an unworthy adventurer who's using me to get ahead.
And you disagree? He doesn't need me to get into society.
He's already there.
And I have no money.
So why would he pursue me if it wasn't true? Well, what do you plan to do? It's so difficult.
We meet for a few stolen moments in the park or the opera.
In other words, you hardly know him, and your aunts are against it.
But what do they know? A great deal about how this city works.
I don't regret my choice, not for a moment, because I knew a great love.
But without it, my path would have been a stony one.
How can I know if it is a great love if I'm not allowed to see him for more than a minute? Then meet him here, and take some time to talk it through.
I will invite him when you tell me.
Why would you do that for me? Because you are the first woman in New York who has shown me any respect since my Augustus died.
Things were different when he was alive, as you can imagine.
But when he was buried, so was my life in this town.
I try to talk with him when we meet, but she watches me like a hawk.
Church said you had a visitor.
Mother, may I present Miss Astor.
Miss Astor, I'm delighted.
Gladys and Larry have spoken of you.
I just looked in to see if Gladys could join a few friends of mine for a luncheon next week.
- Where? - At my mother's house.
On 34th and 5th.
Just a few people.
Well, Gladys isn't out yet.
She will be soon, won't she? This house would be quite perfect for a ball.
Thank you, and don't worry.
She'll have a ball when the time is right.
Maybe we could arrange a quadrille for it? We did that at my party, and people loved it.
You danced quadrilles? No, I mean groups of men and girls rehearsed various dances that they performed before the guests.
With special costumes and everything.
- How charming that sounds.
- Doesn't it? Think what you'd like to dance, Gladys.
Perhaps Miss Astor can help.
Ring down for tea if Miss Astor would like some.
Heavens.
Normally any mention of my debut, and she runs for the hills.
Oh? She seemed to like the idea.
She did.
Will wonders never cease? What sort of family business? Do you have any family here? No, but there are some matters that require legal advice.
And why must it be at lunchtime? Won't the lawyer want to eat some luncheon? Or is he a fasting monk? No.
Then go in the morning, and service our luncheon when we need it.
But he only opens his office from noon to 3:00, ma'am.
And it will take three hours? I fear so.
Bannister is throwing us over to see a lawyer who fasts at lunchtime.
But how interesting.
Is he a Muslim, and is it Ramadan? You'd better go down and send up Armstrong to help me change.
What would we say if a surgeon suddenly flung down his scalpel and went off to see a fasting lawyer? I'm sure he has a reason.
Hmm.
Benedict Arnold had a reason when he tried to sell West Point to the British.
Are you ready to go down, dear? Almost.
Then I'll wait, and we can walk together.
Now, I think you're lunching with Mrs.
Russell tomorrow? Yes.
I just wondered if we could stay off the subject tonight.
Agnes has had a run-in with Bannister, and I'd rather keep the evening smooth.
I won't bring it up.
What's Bannister done? I'm not certain.
He seems to have got involved with some sort of religious lawyer who thinks we're wrong to eat luncheon.
But I may be a bit muddled.
You seem very preoccupied.
You're right, ma'am.
I do have something things on my mind.
Such as? Miss Scott has written an article, and they say it's widely talked of.
I'm just concerned they might trace her back to this house.
I hope this concern has nothing to do with your prejudice against Miss Scott.
Prejudice, ma'am? Please learn to control it.
Why do you say that, ma'am? I will say more.
If you continue to try to make trouble for Miss Scott, I will be angry.
You are warned.
Well, it will have to do.
Thank you, Armstrong.
And learn some charity in the future.
Has Pinkerton really not come up with anything yet? They've come up with a great deal.
They'll have something solid for us soon.
Because we're finalizing the design for the station.
- I know.
- Of course you do.
But I can't have this hanging over me.
They will have something for us, I assure you.
Mr.
Bannister, before you go.
Can it wait? Well, it isn't life and death.
Good.
Then tell me this afternoon.
Well, Mr.
Church, won't you join us? You all have clean gloves? We do, sir.
Only put them on when you are about to enter the dining room, and remove them as soon as you come out.
That's it.
Dismissed.
Is everything ready, monsieur? Ready, if strange.
Why is chilled vichyssoise English? Trust me.
It is.
The Eton mess looks as it sounds.
A mess made by schoolboys.
Good.
I'll check the dining room.
This is intolerable.
This is worse than intolerable.
It's ridiculous.
- Where are you going? - I'll be back in a moment.
You've counted it twice.
I'm sure it's all under control.
That's easy for you to say.
What about gloves? Are you a footman or a butler when it comes to gloves? - Don't worry him.
- No, it's fine.
Mr.
Bannister says I'm to wear the gloves when I serve the food, but not when I pour the wine.
That sounds a bit complicated.
He can manage.
Can't you, Jack? Yes, I can.
I think I can.
Don't let your hands shake when you pour.
Why would it shake? It won't shake, will it? Well, you'd better go in and tell them luncheon's ready.
Miss Brook, if you'd like to come this way.
Tell Mr.
Church, I am - Bannister? - All right? What are you doing here? Mrs.
Russell never mentioned you were coming.
I assume Mrs.
Van Rhijn is in the dark.
Mm-hmm.
Don't worry.
Your secret's safe with me.
Mr.
McAllister, you are most welcome.
An English butler.
That's a good start.
I'm only sorry I'm underdressed.
Sir? Feel I should be in court livery with a periwig and red heels.
And of course, you must join us Mr.
Ward McAllister.
What surroundings, Mrs.
Russell.
We could be at Tsarskoye Selo.
- Ah.
- Yes.
Catherine the Great would feel quite at home here.
In so many ways.
- Mr.
Russell.
- Mr.
McAllister.
How flattering you all are.
You admire the empress? - Do you? - Of course.
She reminds me of Mrs.
Astor.
I suppose your life in New York continues as splendidly as ever? Not at splendid as this house.
But I'm off to the opera again tonight, and I have a ball on Saturday with the Dreesmanns - on Long Island.
- Heavens.
How can I compete with that? Meanwhile, I want to see more of you.
To press my advantage, if I have it.
You've not done badly so far.
- Shall we go in? - Lovely idea.
Thank you so much.
Miss Brook, Mr.
Raikes, Right this way.
Oh, look how pretty Hyacinths and lilac.
At this time of year? Next you will make the blind see and the lame walk.
Come and sit by me.
- What? - What's this? - Oh.
- Wow.
I wanted one just like this.
It's enchanting.
My, my, my.
You have outdone yourself.
Indeed, you have.
It's not too much? My dear Mrs.
Russell.
Nothing is ever too much for me.
Should you be wearing gloves if you're the butler today? Mr.
Bannister told me to wear them when I was serving the food, ma'am.
- Oh.
- You are the butler now, John.
Not Bannister.
Who throws us over on a whim to please an itinerant monk.
Thank you, ma'am.
May we have some more wine? May I have something to eat? Bannister seems to have made things very complicated for you.
Well, don't worry.
We'll report back to him that you've passed your test with flying colors.
We will not give him the satisfaction of thinking he was missed.
This was on the mat.
It's just been delivered, ma'am.
- What? - Agnes? This is too much! Agnes? Don't do anything you'll regret.
May I have some wine now? You can leave your gloves on.
Whoa, whoa, whoa! Bannister.
Do my eyes deceive me? Well, you see Aunt Agnes, what a surprise.
Mrs.
Russell never said you were coming.
She's just looked in to pay her compliments to Mr.
McAllister, haven't you, Aunt Agnes? Mrs.
Van Rhijn.
I think you know everyone.
- You remember Mr.
Raikes? - How could I forget him? Can we persuade you to sit down and join us, Mrs.
Van Rhijn? I expect we've had luncheon rather earlier than you imagined.
You thought we'd still be in the drawing room.
Didn't you, Aunt? I mustn't interrupt your party.
It's so kind of you to look in when I know how busy you are.
I should go.
Marian was right.
I must have misread the clock.
Next time, I hope we can persuade you to stay.
Heads have rolled for less.
A nice surprise, dear Aunt Agnes.
We're all very neighborly here on 61st Street.
Aren't we, Miss Brook? I must come back if your luncheons are always this lively.
Is it a nice place to work? Well, it's new and everything is of the highest quality.
But she is queen of all she surveys.
And quite a demanding queen at that.
I can imagine.
The one you need to win over is Mr.
Russell.
Oh? I've been working on her.
You implied she made all the decisions.
That's true as a rule, but the master loves his daughter.
He'd never agree to any suitor if he didn't think he'd make her happy.
Hmm.
What shall I do? Show him sympathy and loyalty now.
You didn't when he was having his fight with the aldermen, and that counted against you.
I'll write to him about the train crash and how sorry I am.
He's worried about it, of course.
But he seems to be concerned about what the police may discover.
Has he done anything wrong? How should I know? I'm only telling you that he's vulnerable.
And when you're vulnerable, you appreciate support.
I should be going.
Aren't you forgetting something? I haven't forgotten.
But I don't do it for the money.
I'm well aware of that.
You want your revenge for some reason.
But I don't need to know why.
I felt sorry for Aunt Agnes.
Sorry for her and ashamed of myself.
You'd done nothing wrong.
If you'd seen her there.
Alone and surrounded like Custer at Little Big Horn, facing the annihilation of everything she believes.
Why not help her to find a place for herself in the new world? Easier said than done.
- What happens next? - Who knows.
She won't speak to me.
I hear you did well today, John.
Thank you, Mr.
Bannister.
I'm glad you've been told that.
And I'm sorry I gave her the letter.
Not your fault.
But I need to find out who wrote it.
I should talk to Miss Armstrong.
She has an ear for what's going on in the other house.
Don't jump to conclusions.
Would you like some warm milk, ma'am, to calm you down? I allowed myself to act on impulse today, Armstrong.
Something I never do.
To act on impulse Is to make oneself a hostage to ridicule.
I'm sure these betrayals must be very upsetting.
What do you mean, "these betrayals"? Have there been others? It was just something I saw.
I thought you knew.
Knew what? About Mr.
Oscar.
Tell me.
At once.
Mrs.
Russell's maid? Are you sure? Servants in neighboring houses do know each other, madam.
Leave me.
Should I give a message to Mr.
Bannister Never mind Bannister.
What is Bannister to this? So there's nothing more you need? Leave me! Now! I'm going to bed.
I want to thank you for your help today.
I think it was a success, don't you? Thank God for Aurora Fane and Miss Brooks saving us from the wrath of Mrs.
Van Rhijn.
What's that? That's from Clay.
He says they found the man responsible for the axles.
His name is Dixon.
He's the head of the team that built the engine.
- Of course he would be.
- Good.
He's told them I gave the order.
That's ridiculous.
The police say he has proof.
Written proof.