The Monster Beneath Us

Who is there?

Mrs. Gray, Milord.

Oh.

What do you want?

Afternoon tea is ready.

I don't want it.

But sir, you haven't eaten in days.

I'm not hungry.

Milord, I must insist,

otherwise perhaps a visit from Father Steven

or the physician.

Why?

I'm perfectly well.

Pardon my frankness, sir,

but you don't seem well.

This has been going on for weeks.

Something must be troubling you.

Something is.

You.

Leave me, Mrs. Gray.

No more.

I won't have it anymore!

This has to stop!

You hear me?

Stop!

Stop. Please.

Stop.

It's not in my head.

It's not.

I won't allow it!

No more!

Stop it!

Fine.

You win.

I'm sorry, Charlie.

This is it, Mother.

Yes, this is it.

Lady Abbington.

Welcome to Dolorige Manor.

It is so big.

There's more space in the country

than there is in London.

Father wanted us to live here

forever?

That was his hope. Yes, but...

things change.

Where are the rest of the staff Mrs. Gray?

They were dismissed, Milady.

Only myself and the grounds man left

to look after the household.

Oh, for what reason?

His lordship did not make me privy

to that information, ma'am.

Well, that will make things easier

once the estate is sold.

You're planning to sell?

Of course.

Oh, please understand it's nothing personal, Mrs. Gray.

It's a financial decision.

Well, the Manor, it's been in the family for generations.

Apologies, Milady. That were out of turn.

As I was saying, things change.

Is there somewhere I can put my flowers?

Certainly. The parlor room will do nicely.

Follow me.

However long you reside at Dolorige Manor,

it is my duty to make you feel at home.

I shall prepare some tea.

You must be thirsty after your long journey.

No, really, there's no...

Some sandwiches too, perhaps.

What filling would be preferable, young Master?

Um, cheese, please.

Very good. I'll see to it.

Pardon me.

Why is it so quiet in here?

Well, it's a large empty house.

I don't think anyone besides Mrs. Gray

has been in here since your father...

You can say it, Mother.

Since Father died.

Is this where it happened?

What?

Where father died.

Was it in here?

No, no, it wasn't in here.

I can put my flowers here, then.

That's better.

Quite.

Hello?

Come out, kitty, kitty.

Come on.

It's okay. I'm not going to hurt you.

That's it.

Out you come.

You don't need to be afraid.

Are you...

Master Charles!

I have to go.

Here, have this.

So you're not all alone in the dark.

Bye.

Coming!

Do I have to?

Yes, Charlie. Your education is of the utmost importance.

But why can't I just go to school

like I used to?

We can't afford your boarding school

at the moment.

The only money we have left is what your father left us.

So, until we leave here,

you'll have to settle for tutoring.

Besides, don't you want to spend time with your dear mother?

I suppose.

There will be other children at tutoring.

Yes, of course.

Mrs. Gray's relatives

and the grounds man's children or the like.

You'll find out today, I expect.

Are you ready?

I think so.

Mm. Of course you are.

Hello, there.

You must be Charles.

Hello.

And that must make you...

Grace Abbington.

Wonderful to meet you, Lady Abbington.

My name is Ms. Hawthorn.

I will be tutoring Charlie.

So I've heard.

And how are you settling in?

Just fine.

Hello?

Is anyone there?

It can't have been.

I don't care much for Latin,

but Ms. Hawthorn says we only have to do a few lessons a week.

What did you do today, Mother?

Oh, I organized your father's study.

Hmm.

Was it dreadfully dusty?

Father was never very good at tidying, was he?

Can I see it?

What?

Father's study.

I would like to see.

Tomorrow, of course.

I suppose.

Mother, are you unhappy?

Pardon?

If you wish to share your thoughts,

Ms. Hawthorn says I'm a good listener.

Thank you, Charlie. But I'm perfectly content with my book.

You certain?

I am.

I'm hungry.

It's rather late for a snack, Charlie.

How about if I had an apple?

Very well.

You can fetch one from the kitchen.

But you must take it upstairs

and get ready for bed.

I will.

I'll be up in a few moments to say goodnight.

Charlie?

Charlie?

Charlie?

For goodness' sake.

It's all right. You have it all.

I brought it for you.

That's it.

Do you like it?

Hmm.

What are you doing down here, Charlie?

I was just sitting.

Who were you talking to?

Is something the matter, Mother?

No, I'm not sure why you're down here.

I told you to go upstairs and get ready for bed.

-I just came... -No excuses.

Come upstairs, please.

Could I just...

I won't ask again, Charles.

Yes, Mother.

You shouldn't be coming down here.

It's freezing.

I think I know why Father liked it here.

Oh?

So quite.

It's not so busy like London.

There is always so much to see

when we go on our walks with Miss Hawthorn.

Is that so?

Thank you, Mrs. Gray.

And what do your peers make of Ms. Hawthorn's walks?

I don't know.

What do you mean?

I haven't really asked.

I don't really enjoy spending time with them.