The Boy

Apologies, miss.

I didn't know how else to wake you.

The Heelshires had to step out for a moment.

They beg your pardon, miss,

and they ask that you wait in the parlor.

It's like something out of a storybook, isn't it?

Oh, the Heelshires have already taken care of that.

And I put your things inside.

Thanks.

Whoa.

Is anyone up there? Hi.

Is anyone up here?

Hi there.

Sorry.

Believe it or not, I was... I was actually

trying not to scare you.

No, I'm sorry I jumped.

I... I thought I heard someone upstairs.

Are you all right?

Yeah, I'm sorry. It's so stupid.

- Are you Mr. Heelshire? - No.

I know you're not. Yeah.

Uh, no, I'm the grocery boy.

Well, grocery man. You know.

I own the shop, actually.

Okay. I'm Malcolm, by the way.

Hi.

You must be here for the nanny job.

Yeah. Greta Evans.

I've got some groceries to unpack downstairs

if you want to join me.

I could give you a tour of such exotic locations...

Uh, as the pantry and bread bin.

Does that interest you?

Sounds great. Sure. Lead the way.

You're American, yeah?

Yeah. My first trip to the UK.

All right, let me guess.

California, right?

- Montana. In this? - Oh.

Yeah. It goes in the basket.

You know, I'm usually so good at these things.

I've got a touch of the gift.

The gift?

Prognosticator, clairvoyant, whatever you like to call it.

Uh, I had a grandmother that read tea leaves.

My mother read palms, so...

Okay, what do you read?

- Me? - Yeah.

Uh...

Chewing gum.

Okay.

We don't get to choose our gifts, Miss Evans.

Come on, if you'll allow me. Don't be shy.

Allow you to...

Yeah, I'm going to read your gum.

I'm a professional. Trust me.

Okay.

Oh, my God.

All right. Oh. Okay.

Huh.

Interesting teeth marks. Uh...

I see that you're a writer...

From Phoenix, Montana.

It looks like you've come here

to be inspired by the English countryside...

To get away from the hustle and bustle

of your life in the US of A.

No.

- Close. - Um...

Not at all. No.

- Okay, one more try. - Okay.

Okay? Just one.

Ah. Okay.

Okay, I see where we went wrong now.

- It's very obvious now. - Of course.

Um...

I see a dark past.

On the run from someone, are we?

That's what it looks like.

I'll throw it away now.

I'm afraid that was my best attempt at flirting.

Believe it or not, I'm actually

considered charming in this country.

It's okay.

It's amazing that any of us manage

to procreate at all, really.

Bread?

Yeah, in the cupboard behind.

So... Um...

So, what's the family like?

Well, they're nice, you know?

They're very generous.

As good a people as you'll ever hope to meet.

And the son? Brahms?

Brahms.

Oh, he's, um...

Uh...

I'm not sure quite how to explain it, really.

Oh, look.

Mrs. Heelshire...

It's so nice to finally meet you.

Hmm. Where are your shoes?

Uh...

Brahms is very excited to meet you, Miss Evans.

He's never met an American before.

I'm very excited to meet him, too.

I, um...

I was sure I left my shoes right here.

They'll turn up.

It's Brahms. He can be playful.

I assume you brought other shoes.

Yes, I did.

Then let's hurry up.

We've kept them waiting long enough.

Her name is Miss Evans.

So, we want you to be on your very best behavior.

You're looking very smart. You know, I like that tie.

Do you know why I like that tie?

Daddy.

Miss Evans, allow me to introduce Mr. Heelshire.

Miss Evans.

And this is our son, Brahms.

So, you've met Brahms then.

How are you doing, Brahms? Eh?

Now, you take it easy on Miss Evans.

She's traveled a long way just to meet you.

I'll be off then. The bill's on the table.

A pleasure to meet you, Miss Evans.

I hope to see you on my next delivery.

Thank you, Malcolm.

Of course.

It's so nice to meet you, Brahms.

I hope that you and I can be friends.

Daddy, will you take Miss Evans' things

up to her room, please?

Miss Evans, we might as well get started.

I have a lot to show you.

You'll be all alone out here.

Do you think you can manage?

Yeah, of course.

Hmm. Well, we've had a number of potential nannies

come through already.

Brahms has rejected them all,

though they weren't nearly as young or as pretty

as you.

You will wake him at 7:00 each morning

and you will dress him.

Okay.

You'll find his clean clothes behind you.

So, I should...

Wake him up and dress him, Miss Evans.

There's no better way to learn than by doing.

Okay.

Wake up, Brahms.

Well, I don't know about you,

but that certainly wouldn't wake me.

It's time to wake up, Brahms.

He's not a baby, Miss Evans.

You needn't be afraid of hurting him.

Change this stuff...

Excuse me.

Mmm-hmm.

Now, let's show Miss Evans how we get you dressed.

I'd let her do it herself,

but I'm afraid we'd be here all afternoon.

Brahms has three hours of lessons five days a week

and I like to start by reading some poetry.

Do you know any, Miss Evans?

Uh...

I know all the words to Green Eggs and Ham.

Well, it doesn't have to be poetry, of course.

Any of these books will do,

but you must read in a loud, clear voice.

Yes, of course.

Yes, of course.

Excellent.

Next is music appreciation.

Oh, now, Brahms.

You must sit up straight, hmm?

Like a good little boy.

Music, Miss Evans.

I don't know how Brahms

would go on without his music.

It's his world.

Of course, he likes it rather louder than I prefer...

But it gives him so much joy.

I don't dare take it away from him.

We don't throw any food out in this house, Miss Evans.

This is a country house.

Do you know what that means?

No.

It means we are in constant battle

with the outside elements.

Weather, plants, vermin.

Especially vermin, Miss Evans.

And so we take certain measures against them.

Hello, my darling.

Mr. Heelshire will explain the rest of your duties.

Uh, the food goes in here.