Sanditon (2019) s02e04 Episode Script

Still persisting
with your sugar boycott?
Are you not biting
the hand that feeds you?
It seems Mr. Colbourne
is a better man
than I'd given him credit for.
He is just grieving
his late wife.
Her name was Lucy.
Colbourne stole her from me.
And then he destroyed her.
The Army are running up
vast amounts of credit.
The shopkeepers
are up in arms.
Captain Carter spoke
of his brave actions at Bidassoa.
Did he now?
Colonel.
May I beg a moment
of your time later?
I have an important matter
to discuss.
Of course, Captain.
What was so important?
I shall require
his permission, Fraser,
if I am to ask
for Miss Heywood's hand.
Look, Charlotte.
Do you suppose my captain
is among them?
Your captain?
He is mine.
His letters leave no room
for doubt.
And I am his.
How can you be certain?
After so brief
an acquaintance?
I know he has the soul
of a poet.
And he's handsome and brave;
a man who saved 50 soldiers
from drowning.
Yes, you have mentioned it,
but
Sometimes it's hard to gain a sense
of a man's true character.
One may form an impression,
and then
hear something
which counteracts it.
Charlotte?
Yesterday, Colonel Lennox
told me something
deeply troubling
about Mr. Colbourne.
- I don't know what to make of it.
- You can surely trust the colonel.
You returned home late
last night, my dear.
I'd gone to bed.
Did you manage to settle matters
with the colonel?
Well, actually, I found him rather busy
and surrounded by his men.
He invited
me to join them for,
for a drink, so, uh,
well, it hardly seemed
the right moment
to bring it up.
Perhaps I should have come.
For moral support.
Yes, I rather wish you had,
Arthur.
We cannot let
the poor shopkeepers
- go unpaid for another day.
- No, quite right, my dear.
I, I shall summon the colonel
this morning and, uh,
demand he does
the honorable thing.
That's the spirit!
I don't understand why we had to run
all the way here.
- I just need to speak to them.
- I need to speak to them first.
Really?
I've had word
from my father's lawyer.
He's discovered what Sidney
was doing in Antigua.
Not a word
of this to anyone.
And you'll keep an eye out
for anything
that could be of use to me.
Of course, sir.
The man claimed
he was a relative
of my father's.
He argued that because
of my maternity,
I was unfit to receive
my inheritance.
Questioned my moral character,
and that of my mother.
Who is this
- odious man?
- We've yet to learn his name.
But mercifully, his suit failed
in the Antiguan courts.
If only because
of your brother's efforts.
Dear Sidney.
If there is one relative
who believes I am unworthy,
who's to say there won't be
a dozen more?
Then you
must prove them wrong.
In how you live your life,
in, in how you conduct yourself.
You are suggesting the fault
lies with me?
Were I white and a man,
who would question my legitimacy?
I am afraid there
will always be those
who seek to undermine you,
my dear.
We are merely asking you
not to fuel the fire.
Has Dr. Fuchs' tincture
had any discernible effect?
- It's rather too soon to tell.
- Goodness me.
there is no sight more moving
than a new mother
with her child.
So I'm told.
- How is he?
- Beautiful.
as well as the Denham chin,
he appears to have
the Denham voice:
not afraid to ask
for what he wants.
I suspect he is hungry.
Indeed.
Martha?
I've given instructions
for the groundskeeper's cottage
to be cleared.
It's been unoccupied
for a few years,
so it's a little damp,
but it'll do,
until we find somewhere
more permanent to put you.
It is kind of you to think
of us at all.
And I'd prefer you
to be ensconced there
as soon as possible,
because,
tomorrow
is my annual garden party.
And much as it pains me
to have
my grounds trampled on,
it is the highlight of the season.
Don't worry, Aunt,
we shall remain invisible.
I'm glad we understand
each other.
Has anything come for me?
No
still nothing, I'm afraid.
I'm sure you'll hear from
Lord Babington soon enough.
Mrs. Wheatley?
What are you doing?
- If your uncle hears you
- It was he who unlocked it.
He who had it tuned.
Well
That is unexpected.
But welcome.
Now we can have dancing lessons.
Yes!
I thought I commissioned
a painting, not a sketch.
I have to discover
who you are first,
before I can commit
to the canvas.
Perhaps we could try you
Seated.
I prefer to stand.
Of course.
As befits
your position in society.
Gracious!
I hope you're
not shocked, Miss Hankins.
By no means, sir.
Were Adam and Eve not naked
in the Garden of Eden,
baring all before God?
One might say
this is the Lord's true vision
- of us.
- Don't give
the artist any ideas.
I'm not asking you
to bare your skin,
Miss Lambe,
but to bare your soul.
You
offer me Miss Lambe.
But I wish to find Georgiana.
You will address me
as Miss Lambe.
Here are some socks
to keep him warm.
It is not like you to show me
such generosity, Esther.
They're not for you,
they're for George.
Since you lack the means
to provide for him.
What does he want now?
The nurse only just fed him.
Martha?
Will you take the child
for a walk?
- I cannot bear that noise.
- Or I could take him.
No.
No, you are so stiff,
I might as well
- be drawing Lady Denham.
- Then perhaps you should.
I am looking for passion!
Emotion, honesty!
Not some stale,
lifeless rendering.
Tell me something true
about yourself.
What?
Your childhood.
A happy memory.
Talk of your father,
- your mother.
- They are both dead.
What did you dream
of last night?
That is none
of your concern.
There.
That is something.
Your mask slipped.
Come, Miss Hankins.
We're leaving.
Two, three, four-- turn.
One, two,
three, four.
Good.
Four, and
One.
Two.
Three.
Four.
One.
Two
And a one, two, three,
four, five, six,
seven, eight, a one.
Two, three, four, five, six
Seven, turn
Mr. Colbourne.
I was trying to teach
Miss Markham the cotillion,
but, uh
We need a gentleman.
No.
I won't be persuaded to dance,
I'm afraid.
Not under
any circumstances.
Augusta, I have decided
that you and I should attend
Lady Denham's garden party tomorrow.
You have complained
long enough
that you wish to be
introduced to society.
Well, here is your chance.
I shall also be attending.
Then my dread of the occasion
has somewhat lessened.
But,
what am I going to wear,
Uncle?
There are wardrobes full
of your aunt's dresses
in the East Wing.
Perhaps you might find something
that fits you there.
I shall leave you ladies
to your cotillion.
Is that my child?
You swore you had nothing
to do with him.
Him?
I have a son?
May I see him?
Please, Esther.
Even just for a moment.
But he is handsome.
There can be no denying
that he's mine.
My son.
How strange it is
to say those words.
Thank you, Esther.
Truly.
It is done, Fraser.
I have the blessing
of our commanding officer.
You can't do this.
Why not?
I love her, she loves me.
I've heard you say that before
More than once.
This is not the same--
she's different.
But you are not.
You are the same Carter
who fell in love with all those
other girls in all those other towns.
Can a young man not grow up
and realize the qualities
he requires in a wife?
How about the qualities
a wife may require in a husband?
- Such as honesty.
- Fraser
You have wooed her
under false pretenses.
A little aggrandizement
of my past.
Damn it, man,
you have lied to her!
Lies which will make no odds
to our future happiness.
And if she were to find out?
And why should she have to?
He fell asleep in my arms.
Will you take him?
You can place him in his crib.
The only time I've seen you hold
him is in front of Lady Denham.
It's almost as if
you're playing the role of mother
for her benefit alone.
Just because I am not fussing
and cooing over him as you seem to be.
How can you not?
Look at him, Clara.
He's perfect.
If he were mine,
I would never let him go.
Esther?
Don't you realize
how lucky you are?
Do you know what some women
would give to have a child?
Yet you barely even look at him.
When he was born, you wept.
Now I understand why.
How cruel fate can be.
This is an initial plan
for the barracks.
You can see the quarters are
more than generous.
And the mess area?
Virtually a banquet hall.
Most impressive, Mr. Parker.
Yes.
But, uh
That is not the only reason
that I invited you here, Colonel.
I'm certain it's an oversight,
but evidently your company
has been running up rather
a lot of credit
across town.
The mess dinner, for instance,
has yet to be paid for.
A sizeable amount.
Now, we really
can't have our shopkeepers
going out of business,
as I'm sure you will agree.
Come now.
Every gentleman has his debts,
don't they, Tom?
But it's rather bad form
to bring them up.
Perhaps you might pour us
a drink instead.
And tell me.
What of Miss Heywood?
Has she reconsidered
her position with Mr. Colbourne?
No.
I believe she is there even
as we speak.
It's a great shame.
I hoped by now she might
have seen sense.
It's the thing
I remember best about my aunt.
Her beautiful dresses.
She was always so elegant,
but this,
this is my favorite.
I remember her wearing it
toa ball in London
with my mother and father.
And Mr. Colbourne?
He rarely came
to London with her.
He's always been solitary.
How do I look, Miss Heywood?
Like a lady.
I fear it won't fasten.
I'm not as slender
as Aunt Lucy was.
You're not wearing the right
undergarments, that's all.
Miss Heywood.
- Do you think I'm ready?
- For what?
Society.
I know I can be ill-mannered
and, and disagreeable.
What if I give a poor account
of myself?
You won't.
I have every faith in you.
Anyway, it is your job
to ready me for society,
so if I am not,
then the blame lies with you.
Although I'm almost certain
my uncle will change his mind.
I won't believe it
until we're there.
What are you doing?
This is my mother's dress.
So,
in a way, it's like
I'm hugging her,
isn't it?
Yes, Leo.
I suppose it is.
Such grandeur, Lady Denham.
What
a magnificent buffet table.
Yes, how typically generous
of you this is.
Don't remind me.
If I dwell too long
on what this is costing,
I get palpitations.
Lady Babington.
Afternoon, miladies.
Has your nephew arrived yet,
Lady Denham?
No, he was not invited.
Oh, dear.
I hope I do not detect
some
- family discord.
- Not in the least.
We're as close
as Cain and Abel.
Miss Lambe.
How honored we are
to have the richest woman
in Sanditon among us.
'Tis kind of you to invite me,
milady.
I insist you enjoy yourself.
You must avail yourself
of all the entertainments.
And the food, of course.
I had a cake made specially.
How thoughtful.
She must have forgotten
the sugar boycott.
How unfortunate.
- She did not forget.
- Try not to rise to it,
my dear.
I think I spy my captain.
Why must Lady Denham
- be so spiteful?
- She's trying to put me in my place.
She thinks me a hypocrite.
It's hardly hypocritical
to stand up for what's right.
I am all too aware of the
suffering my fortune represents.
That's exactly
why I cannot stay silent.
Who is that man?
It is Mr. Colbourne.
That is Mr. Colbourne?
Are these gardens
not magnificent?
Not as magnificent
as the company which adorns them.
But you do not have a drink.
We must remedy that at once.
He is always so attentive.
He reminds me of a puppy
I once had.
What does it take to make
a man so cynical, Captain?
Have you never known
tender feelings of your own?
Absolutely not.
I am a typical soldier;
spartan, coarse, uncouth.
I suspect there is a beating heart
somewhere beneath that uniform.
You will search in vain.
There is someone.
- I knew it-- what is her name?
- I cannot say.
Then
Tell me, what is she like?
She's a rare creature indeed.
Delicate, yet strong.
Guileless, yet wise.
But in truth,
I am quite undone
in her company.
- Does she know of your feelings?
- No, no, no.
No good could come of that,
Miss Heywood.
Her heart belongs elsewhere.
Besides,
I know she could never
look on me with tenderness.
I believe the right person
is out there for all of us.
Happily, I have found mine.
Miss Heywood.
Mr. Colbourne.
What an unexpected pleasure.
Lady Denham.
My niece,
Miss Augusta Markham.
She's a pretty little thing.
I'd keep her away from the soldiers
if I was you.
I fully intend to.
I hope you're going to enter
the archery competition.
Your late father won the Silver Arrow
three years running.
I'm nothing like my father.
No, well, that's a relief.
It will save me
a fortune in wine.
Miss Markham.
You look so elegant.
And, well, you look nothing
like a governess.
That's high praise indeed,
coming from Augusta.
Lady Denham.
Colonel Lennox.
You are most welcome.
Thank you, milady.
Are you having a pleasant day?
Very pleasant, thank you.
We've been very lucky
with the weather.
I should congratulate you
on a
Please excuse me.
I'm so glad the colonel visited
this morning.
I trust he agreed
to settle the debts.
Well, he hasn't
exactly said so, my dear.
Not in so many words.
Mr. Colbourne.
Miss Heywood.
I wasn't aware
that you and my governess
were acquainted.
I would presume Miss Heywood
to be a friend.
Would you indeed?
Excuse me.
You chose not to heed
my warning, I see.
Is it not possible
he has changed?
I very much doubt it.
But for your sake,
I shall try to be civil.
May I come in?
Absolutely not.
Then,
I shall have to say it out here.
Clara Brereton,
will you marry me?
It was a mistake
for us to come.
I had no idea you and that man
were so intimately acquainted.
- Whatever the history between
- What do you know of our history?
Only that there is
clearly some animosity.
But if Colonel Lennox
can have the grace
to set that aside
for one afternoon,
surely you can do the same.
For Miss Markham's sake,
if nothing else.
Very well.
We will stay a short while,
but we shall keep our distance.
You have been refusing
to acknowledge the child as yours.
- What changed all of a sudden?
- I became a father.
I do not want my son
growing up a bastard.
In poverty, hidden away
in some damp cottage.
I want to make him respectable.
If we marry,
he becomes a Denham.
With you disinherited,
he is the next male heir.
It's the kindest thing
we can do for him.
For him?
And I suppose we would
also benefit as a result.
Huh, you've not considered Esther.
Even if we were to marry,
the bulk of Lady Denham's
inheritance would still go to her.
Don't you worry about Esther.
I'm taking care of her.
I've held it every year.
Uh, did you know, Charlotte,
that the, uh, the colonel
- faced Napoleon himself at Waterloo?
- I hardly faced him alone, Mr. Parker.
Well, he can hardly be
that intimidating.
I hear he only stands this high.
Yes, he was diminutive,
but a shrewd strategist.
It must have been
a bloody battle.
Battle is always bloody.
And yet
the greatest humanity
to be found in it,
for one must
count on one's men.
Such as Captain Carter.
- I believe he fought by your side?
- Captain Fraser, you mean.
No, Captain William Carter?
You are mistaken, Miss Heywood.
Captain Carter is just a boy.
He's not yet been
anywhere near a battlefield.
Captain!
Would you take a shot?
Perhaps later.
My dear Alison,
would you care
to take a walk?
- There is something I must ask you.
- Of course.
Carter.
The men are waiting for you
to take up the bow.
You may have my turn,
Fraser.
I'm not half
the archer you are.
I would love to see you
loose an arrow.
Our walk can wait a couple of
minutes, can it not?
Very well.
And then we will remove
ourselves from this company.
He wishes to speak to me alone.
I hope I have not mistaken
his intent.
Are you not happy for us,
Captain?
Would that I could be,
Miss Heywood,
and yet
my conscience compels me
to urge caution.
I fear you are letting your
experience cloud your judgment.
I understand
your heart has suffered,
but that is no reason
to doubt true love.
Can you call it true,
Miss Heywood?
When he barely understands
who you really are?
You are not
this overly refined girl
you pretend to be.
You are a farmer's daughter.
You are saying
a farmer's daughter
is not worthy of becoming
an officer's wife?
I knew you were brutish,
Captain.
But I didn't know
you were heartless.
I know her weaknesses
better than anyone.
The truth about Esther is,
deep down,
she believes
she's unlovable.
So, if she starts to believe
that Babington had abandoned her,
she would lose all reason.
And our aunt is not going
to leave her money to
to someone whose faculties
are in doubt.
Babington loves her.
Why would he abandon her?
It's tragic, really.
Once he discovered that she
couldn't provide him with an heir,
he lost all interest.
He hasn't written
to her in weeks.
- How do you know she
- I didn't.
Though I had my suspicions.
Thank you for confirming it.
She doesn't deserve this.
She's been kind to me.
Your friendship
is very touching.
But rest assured,
she bears no love for you.
All these presents and
ministrations are about power.
Soon enough,
she'll get bored or,
worse, resentful,
because you have something
she so desperately wants.
Then she'll push you aside,
because it'll be too painful.
She will want you out
of Lady Denham's favor entirely.
Then where will you be,
Clara?
This cottage
will feel like a palace.
I cannot be long,
Captain Carter
waits for me.
I fear Captain Carter
has been less than honest
with you.
What do you mean?
The colonel said
he was not at Bidassoa.
He said he's never seen
battle of any kind.
Of course he was.
There were so many men there--
the colonel is misremembering.
I do not think so.
I know my William,
and I know that he's not a liar.
You and Captain Fraser are
just jealous of what we have.
I'm not going to let two bitter
loveless cynics spoil my happiness.
Alison, you cannot
Three loveless cynics.
Alison.
Miss Heywood.
You seem perturbed.
My sister will
not listen to reason.
If she finds the truth
inconvenient,
she just disregards it.
Well, in my experience,
a young woman's opinion,
once formed,
is very hard to alter.
It's been a decade since I've found
myself in occasions such as this.
I fear I've lost whatever
social graces I once owned.
Perhaps you can remind me
how to hold a conversation.
I thought you had employed me
to teach the girls, Mr. Colbourne,
not you.
I believe you have a rival.
For the archery competition,
I mean.
Bravo, Miss Heywood.
Good shot, Miss Lambe.
Wasn't it, Charles?
I dare not disagree, given that
Miss Lambe is holding a mallet.
Charles tells me
that your sitting was
less than
successful.
To put it mildly.
The fact is, Arthur, you are
entirely yourself at all times.
That is such a rare
and glorious thing.
I know exactly
who I am, Mr. Lockhart.
I hardly need you to tell me.
Tremendous effort, sister!
Were the aim to propel the ball
to the farthest reaches of the garden,
you would be a clear winner.
Tom, perhaps you should
introduce me to Mr. Colbourne.
Mary, no.
- The poor man is all on his own.
- But Mary, I
Mr. Colbourne.
May I introduce
my wife, Mary Parker?
Mrs. Parker.
Delighted to meet you,
Mr. Colbourne.
Tell me, Mr. Parker,
was it your idea
to bring the military
to Sanditon?
I cannot take credit for it,
but I happily agreed to it.
In fact, I am in the process
of negotiating a permanent barracks
with Colonel Lennox.
Is that not right, Colonel?
Negotiating is
rather overstating the case.
I'm yet to be convinced
that permanent barracks
are a good idea.
- Take your hands off her!
- He's trying to help.
- Augusta?
- Augusta?
- Augusta!
- Augusta!
Why did you lace it so tightly?
I wanted gentlemen
to think me pretty.
I wanted to look womanly.
, I know how foolish that sounds.
Being able to breathe
is rather more important.
There
is a gentleman
who finds you pretty.
You must have noticed.
Colonel Lennox.
Yet
I cannot tell if you
welcome his attention.
It's time to cut my cake.
Mr. Parker,
I remember how keen you were
to cut my pineapple.
Perhaps you would like
to do the honors.
I regret that I cannot.
You would offend your hostess
for the sake of this
for the sake of this
absurd sugar boycott?
When will we hear
the end of it?
When every last slave
is freed, milady.
milady.
I know you believe me
a hypocrite
because I am a beneficiary
of the very trade I seek to boycott.
But I cannot change the past.
All I can do
is speak
for those who cannot.
The fact is,
anyone who buys sugar
perpetuates this evil trade.
So,
if you are not troubled
by the thought of men
and women toiling all day
to harvest your sugar,
then by all means,
enjoy your cake.
But I must decline.
This is absurd.
She is the very image
of her aunt.
When she was in my arms,
it was as if Lucy had come back to me.
My dear Alison.
There is a question
I am burning to ask you.
Indeed,
the rest of my life
may depend upon your answer.
Then ask it.
Would you do me the honor
of becoming my wife?
Yes, William!
The answer is yes!
Alison!
Alison!
Here!
- I can't, I cannot swim!
- Take the oar!
Take, take the oar!
Take the oar!
Help!
Alison!
Help! Help!
Help!
Someone, please!
Help!
Alison!
There
is the passion
that I've been looking for.
How I should love to capture
your expression at this very moment.
I assume you have a pencil,
paper?
Always.
Very well, then.
But not here.
I don't want an audience.
Why was it you?
Why did William
not try to save me?
Colonel Lennox?
It's almost time for me
to present the Silver Arrow.
And you have yet
to take up the bow.
Will you not show your men
how it is done?
With pleasure, milady.
We must find you
a worthy adversary.
Mr. Colbourne.
Would you consider some sport?
Will you take up
the bow against me?
No.
Thank you.
That's rather
ungracious of you, Mr. Colbourne.
Are you afraid the colonel
might show you up?
Why will you not just
address the matter?
What is this hold
he has over you?
I've a good mind to speak to him
myself. - No.
Uh, thank you, Mary, no.
Uh, better he and I
resolve things ourselves.
Uh
I need to go and seek out Arthur.
I think he's by the drinks.
A fine start, Colonel.
Mr. Colbourne,
you'll be lucky to match it.
I spoke too soon.
This will be
a fight to the death.
Aunt.
Edward!
What is the meaning of this?
- How dare you turn up uninvited!
- Forgive me, Aunt--
I couldn't wait a moment longer
to share my good news with you both.
Clara's agreed to do me
the great honor
of becoming my wife.
You cannot swim.
- You would have let me drown.
- No, no.
- When Captain Fraser arrived,
I was just about to dive in - Stop!
No more lies!
Charlotte was right.
You were never at Bidassoa,
were you?
Was he?
It is not my place to say.
Was any of it true?
My feelings for you are true.
You are nothing but a coward.
And I'm nothing but a fool.
And you.
You knew,
and you said nothing.
What are you thinking?
We are thinking of our son.
This will make him respectable,
bring him security.
I grew up with Edward.
I would not wish him upon
my worst enemy.
If your concern is really for the child,
you should be pleased.
He will not be a bastard.
He may take the Denham name.
And the Denham money?
Our aunt will see through
this sham, just as I do.
You have Edward quite wrong.
He is not the man he was.
He has become considerate.
Honorable.
Martha!
Martha!
Where is she?
He needs feeding, Clara.
Then he will have to wait.
Your child needs his mother.
Don't you see?
I cannot be his mother!
All the things a mother is
I am not.
It occurs to me
Why should we men
have all the fun?
I nominate Miss Heywood
to take my final shot.
Thank you, Colonel,
but this contest is between
you and Mr. Colbourne.
I insist.
Mrs. Parker,
I cannot find Miss Lambe.
She is nowhere to be found.
Otis Molyneux.
That is who I dreamed
of last night.
Who is he?
The only man
I have ever loved.
It was him
who introduced me
to the sugar boycott.
But we parted badly.
He let me down.
Perhaps that is why
I'm reluctant
to lower my guard.
To let myself be seen.
So why do you
still dream of him?
Because I have no one else
to dream of.
Miss Lambe!
We have been looking for you
everywhere!
And now you have found me.
What are you so afraid of?
I am scared
to let myself love him.
What it would mean,
for both of us.
Look at him, Clara.
Bring him close.
Offer yourself to him.
He will find you.
You are a better woman
than you think.
You must make the tension tight,
keep it strong.
This is not the first time
I've used a bow.
Heavens.
Well played, Miss Heywood.
I am lucky
to have you on my side.
Why should the colonel
gain an unfair advantage?
Miss Heywood,
would you do me the same honor?
Well, Colonel Lennox
is the winner,
but I'm not sure this counts.
Never mind,
Mr. Colbourne.
You know what they say:
all's fair in love and war.
But then, I've known both
and you've known neither.
We're leaving.
Mr. Colbourne!
You are not to spend another minute
in that man's company.
That is not your decision to make.
You are my governess--
I forbid it!
You might pay my wages,
but I am not yours to order about.
You do not own me.
One of us deserves
to find happiness.
Colonel Lennox is a good man.
You changed your hair.
This is how
I wish to be seen.
There is more
to Alexander Colbourne
than you can possibly imagine.
I must know who you are.