The Gilded Age

Surely it's a hearing, not a trial.

It is true, there will be no jury to persuade,

only a judge.

But if the judge finds that you should go for trial,

then that will not augur well.

So if we lose at this stage,

then we are likely to lose again.

- Things do not look good. - Who's side are you on?

Our job is to prepare Mr. Russell

for the questions he will be asked.

Now, what else is there to know about Dixon?

Have we looked under every rock?

I'm not sure what there is to say.

He leads the team that built the engine.

A classic middle manager.

Has he been living above his means?

Has he been stealing to pay for it?

There must be other frauds hidden in his figures.

They haven't found anything yet.

But you've looked through his bank statements?

It cost a bit of money, but we have.

So the long and the short of it is,

you are all here to represent my interests,

but you have come up with absolutely nothing!

Put more detectives on it.

Talk to Pinkerton himself. Do whatever it takes.

But you must give me something to work with.

- Monsieur, quick. She's on her way there now.

Where is Mr. Church? - I'm here. What is it?

The mistress is on her way to the ballroom.

- She's ten minutes early. - I can't help that.

Come on.

We'll take out the piano and build the podium

for the band in this alcove.

Who will make that?

It's already made and stored in the basement.

See it's set up while we're away.

Yes, ma'am.

Now, we'll be in Newport for ten days.

And when I get back, I want to see the menus

for the buffet supper at midnight

and breakfast for the stayers at 6:00.

I'll have them ready.

Church, do you have any questions?

Everything's under control, ma'am.

And the dresses for the quadrille?

I'm managing that.

Won't the girls need fittings?

- Of course, but don't worry. I've written to their mothers.

That's all for now.

Very good, ma'am.

What about my dress to change into

when the quadrille is done? - What about it?

Don't you want to know what I'd like?

- No need. It's already ordered.

They have your measurements, and they'll fit it

when we're back in New York.

I know Mrs. Fish.

Why don't I propose myself and join you there?

She won't mind.

Wouldn't you like me to come?

Of course.

I should get started, or we'll miss the train

she wants us to catch.

What's the matter?

Larry Russell told me that his mother and sister

are going to be in Newport at the same time as me.

So you're still determined on her?

I am.

And bumping into her at Newport would be perfect.

John, be reasonable.

What did you think would happen?

That doesn't mean that I want it to happen.

I want what's best for you.

And you should want what's best for me.

The difference is, I love you.

- For Christ's sake.

Where do you think we are? - But I do.

And I don't see why we can't just carry on as before.

Because I don't have enough money

for the way I want to live.

And because behavior which attracts no gossip

in the young man starts to make people wonder

as we get older.

I can't have that.

Are you finished, messieurs?

Yes. I think we probably are.

Where's Mr. Bannister?

In the dining room.

Do you think he might let me go early today?

I doubt it.

An afternoon off means an afternoon off.

Cousin Oscar.

Are you here for luncheon? - I had an early lunch.

I just looked in to see Mama. - Oh.

Larry Russell and I are catching

the ferry and train to Newport.

Well, I'll come and see you off.

Good day, Mr. Russell.

- Hello, Miss Brook. It's nice to see you.

But I'm afraid I must tear your cousin away

or we'll be late.

I gather you're off to Newport?

Father can't get away,

but Oscar and I are joining Mrs. Fish,

while Mother and Gladys are coming tomorrow

to stay with the McAllisters. - Mr. Larry.

Mr. Clay sent these papers for Mr. Russell.

It's important that he have them as soon as possible.

I'll see that he gets them.

- Who was that? - My father's stenographer.

She helps his secretary, Mr. Clay.

Let me just give these to Church.

Did you know Gladys was going to be there

when you accepted?

I can't remember.

Thank you.

Mind you look after your sister.

- You're right. Oscar's a determined suitor.

But he'll have to get past my mother,

and he'll need all this tricks to do that.

- I can believe it. Have a good time.

Miss Brook.

So it's beautiful there, no matter what.

Aurora, when did you get here?

One minute ago.

Aurora's going to Newport tomorrow.

Oh, how funny.

I've just been talking about Newport with Larry Russell.

He and Oscar are on their way to stay with Mrs. Fish.

Why does everyone have to go to Newport now?

What's wrong with Saratoga Springs?

It was very fashionable when I was a bride.

Exactly.

Every summer we talk about taking a house there,

but we never do.

And now Mr. McAllister's asked me up for ten days.

You can't be going alone to stay with Mr. McAllister?

I'd be safe as brandy if I were.

Even so.

Larry told me he's invited Mrs. Russell and her daughter.

Must I hear of the Russells

in every sentence anyone utters?

And Mrs. McAllister will be there.

Has Mrs. Russell accepted?

Can you doubt it?

She's muscling into New York.

She was bound to jam her foot in the door of Newport.

Mrs. Astor has finished renovating Beechwood,

so she'll be spending her summers there

from now on. - How do you know?

I do read the papers, Agnes.

I don't live at the bottom of an oubliette.

You just talk as if you do.

Are you staying for luncheon, my dear?

I can't, Aunt Agnes.

I've told John he can leave early,

so I'll be dealing with the coffee.

You might ask John for some tips on how he served it

when he took over from you that time.

He managed things so efficiently.

Yes, ma'am.

All our staff seem to have

pressing engagements outside this house.

Servants must have a life, Aunt Agnes.

Why?

Marian?

What is it?

I don't want to be one of those awful best friends

who delights in bringing unwelcome news.

Go on.

I worry about your Mr. Raikes.

He isn't "my" Mr. Raikes, exactly.

Well, if it isn't, then I'm glad.

He seems to be everywhere these days.

You know, we were in the same party

when Edison turned on his lights.

He told me.

I just worry for you.

- Please don't. - Marian, are you coming?

Now I'd better go in.

I'll see you when you get back from Newport.

Enjoy yourself.

Put it there, and be off with you.

Mr. Bannister says he'll manage the coffee.

- Where are you going? - Nowhere in particular.

I should get changed.

Why would he have flowers

if he's not going anywhere special?

Can you explain that? - I can.

He's not telling the truth.

But it's his business, not ours.

So we leave him to it.

Thank you.

What's he doing in the basement

if he's come to call?

Bridget can help you.

Is Miss Scott anywhere about?

Oh, you're here for Miss Scott?

She's upstairs in her room.