♪ ♪ Does he know about the children?

No.

You understand he never can.

♪ ♪ IRENE: When we lived in Paris, we used to picnic by the Seine.

You were happy there?

I cannot imagine a life without you.

JAMES: I will insist it be brought before the board.

In the meantime, we build a case against Jo.

Who is their father?

LOUISA: Better to find my own means to provide for my children.

PHILIP: Philip Bosinney.

Buccaneer.

FRANCES: We can put all of this behind us and go on as before.

I can't go on as before.

♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ANN: How to define a Forsyte?

By the secrets we keep shall you know us.

By the little lies we tell.

♪ ♪ By the choices we make, which echo down the generations.

Choices which will come back to haunt us until one of us decides to change the story.

Hm.

♪ ♪ Believe me, this will pass.

And we'll come through it stronger and more devoted than ever.

I believe you.

(chuckles) ♪ ♪ My concern is this.

Now he knows about the children, will he be able to forget them again?

LOUISA: Jos.

(groans) (coughs) ♪ ♪ (coughs) You need fresh air, hm?

I wish I could take you to the seaside.

HOLLY: I know where I'd like to go.

To a magic place, where all the streets are made of water.

JOS: Where the poor servant girl met the prince.

(chuckles) (Cyril barking in distance) (sighs) So, at the next board meeting, I propose to introduce the subject of my nephew's unfitness to be chair.

Mm.

Not just in temperament, but in behavior.

As in... Any action that might bring the firm into disrepute.

This being the case, not only can he be said not to be chair material, he should be expelled from the company altogether.

You're not the first to sow wild oats in your youth.

But there's no need to pay for those mistakes with your career.

They're not mistakes, Dad.

They're my actual flesh and blood.

And that's important.

An heir is important, something you currently lack.

But for the present, when your succession is about to be challenged-- oh, I am well aware of James's maneuverings-- it is imperative that we keep this matter a secret.

Your father and I have been wondering, is there a case for offering some inducement?

Inducement?

For the young lady in question.

To ensure her silence.

Her silence is not in doubt.

But, if she could be persuaded to leave London... What?

...set up home and business elsewhere... Suitably funded, of course.

So she's expected to uproot her life, and that of her children, for my convenience?

When she's made it abundantly clear she wants no further contact?

And you trust her?

Completely.

You are not proposing some kind of public statement?

About the children?

Well, how would that benefit any of us?

No, I intend to honor her wishes.

Whilst deciding how to discharge my financial obligation to her.

Which will be my decision.

No one else's.

♪ ♪ Are we sure he's the father?

Mm-hmm.

Why else would he be at her shop?

And there was that business in Italy with the lady's maid.

And there we have it.

The thing to tip the scales against him.

But let's keep this to ourselves for now.

Do I think I'd be the better chair?

Of course.

Do I need to stoop to scheming to achieve it?

Mm.

You can leave all that to me.

(footsteps retreating) (birds chirping, audio distorts) ♪ ♪ CLARISSA: Irene.

(normal audio resumes) I've got another note from Mr.

Forsyte.

(clears throat) ♪ ♪ (chuckles) (bell tolling in distance) (exhales) (breath trembles) So, if you loved her, why did you marry Mama?

Because your mother was-- is-- an incredible woman.

Cultured, caring, kind.

And I valued that.

(sniffs) In those early days after Venice, I was sometimes a little lost.

♪ ♪ And had you known about her situation... (inhales) ...what would you have done?

(whispers): I can't answer that.

You just did.

June, wait.

(sniffs) (sniffling) (kisses) ♪ ♪ (sighs) Give her time.

I don't underestimate the pain this has caused.

But I am here.

And I have no plans to be elsewhere.

♪ ♪ Then all shall be well.

(exhales) ♪ ♪ (chirping, quacking) You came.

Did you doubt it?

Forgive me.

Yesterday, I was overwhelmed.

I failed to observe the proper formalities.

(chuckles) Allow me to make amends.

(gasps) Miss Heron, you have made me the happiest of men.

Would you do me the honor of wearing this ring?

(gasps) ♪ ♪ (exhales) You dislike it?

No-- no, how could I?

It's just... (stammering) I mean, is this happening to me, when there must be so many more suitable women of your own station?

Very many.

Eminently suitable.

All art and polish and impeccable breeding.

Whereas you are all nature.

And to me, that is perfection.

♪ ♪ May I now have the honor of introducing you to my family... ...my love?

(both laughing) (laughing): Yes.

♪ ♪ (Chopin's "Raindrop" prelude playing) (piece continues) (Jolyon playing high section) (opening melody resumes) (both chuckle) (last note holds) Mama was always fond of that one.

She was a fine woman.

Not a first love, but a lasting one.

MONTY: So, it's a full turnout tomorrow?

What's this?

WINIFRED: Epsom Races.

Monty's horse is running.

What could possibly go wrong?

What shall I wear?

I need to cut quite the dash when I strut into the ring with Lady Peaches.

Isn't that the groom's job?

When one's nurtured a nag as I have, one feels a bond, a connection.

You don't think of mounting her yourself, then?

(chuckles) Do you know, the thought had occurred, but the 2:30 at Epsom, is that the place to make one's debut?

WINIFRED: I thought I'd wear my peach hat, in homage to Monty's horse.

But if it doesn't win... Well, I believe by the end of tomorrow, we'll have something to celebrate.

And to that end, I'll be bringing a guest.

Anyone we know?

Wouldn't wish to spoil the surprise.

Well, hardly a surprise!

Mm, a guinea on Miss Carteret?

(others laugh) (softly): If you've a guinea to waste.

♪ ♪ ANN: It's always a blow to realize that someone you love is not perfect.

Of course you want him to be.

But he's fallen short.

And I can't forgive him.

Parents disappoint their children.

(sighs) Children disappoint their parents.

(chuckling): Mine have a talent for it.

Even now, I suspect that your Uncle James is harnessing your father's imperfections to use against him.

And you may say, "Quite right."

Whereas I would say, "Let he who is without sin cast the first stone."

Chin up, my dear.

Tomorrow's race should cheer your spirits.

(exhales) ♪ ♪ Yes, Peaches!

Do it!

Come on, Peaches!

Told you!

Let's go!

(cheers continue) Let's go, Peaches!

Come on, Lady Peaches!

(cheering) Come on, Lady Peaches!

Yes, Lady Peaches, come on!

♪ ♪ Go on!

Go on!

Yes!

♪ ♪ No!

No, no, no!

WINIFRED: No!

MONTY: No!

Go!

Go!

Go!

Peaches!

(audio distorts, horses neigh) ♪ ♪ No!

♪ ♪ No!

(horses snorting) (horn blows) (horse neighing) (normal audio resumes) No!

No!

Oh, it was so close.

So close.

So close.

You donkey!

(exhales) (people talking and laughing in background) MONTY: Damn it!

I've been sold a pup.

A turkey, a clunker, a veritable dud.

But she did so well, Monty.

She almost won.

(people talking, music playing in background) (stumbles) They need to fix that.

JO: How's Alicia?

If you value your life, never ask if she's feeling tired or would like a chair.

(chuckles) Oh, no, she already made that clear.

"I'm with child, Jo.

I'm not an invalid or an imbecile."

(laughs) (talking in background) How are things with Frances?

Let's just say my connections with Louisa have consequences neither of us reckoned with.

And the implications are, frankly, severe.

(people talking and laughing in background) (music continues) So, does Soames propose to join us, or is he keeping his intended under lock and key?

(chuckles) Ah, Miss Carteret.

Pa would've been proud to think we'd achieve nobility in three generations.

(music ends) (people applauding in background) ♪ ♪ Just to alert you, I haven't broached any of our plans with the family, so forgive me if I'm deliberately vague.

Of course.

(chuckles) SOAMES: Ah.

(chuckles) Miss Heron, Mrs.

Heron, my family.

How do you do?

Forgive me, I fear we're a formidable prospect.

Oh, not at all-- I'm delighted to make the acquaintance of such a distinguished family.

SOAMES: Mm.

And there'll be ample opportunity for deepening that acquaintance, as Miss Heron has done me the honor of agreeing to be my wife.

(chuckles) Uh... (chuckles) ♪ ♪ JOLYON: Congratulations.

SOAMES: Thank you.

Our wedding will shortly take place by special license, after which we depart for Europe.

JUNE: On your honeymoon?

How thrilling.

Where will you go?

(inhales) Tradition dictates that must remain a secret.

Heron, you say?

Do we know that name?

Who are your people, my dear?

Uh, no one of consequence-- my father was a professor and my mother... SOAMES: Oh, could we please not subject Miss Heron to the Spanish Inquisition?

ANN (chuckling): No, no, no, indeed.

That function belongs to me.

(chuckling) The customary formalities?

Yes, of course.

♪ ♪ Shall we?

♪ ♪ It's all right.

(softly): Oh, my.

I thought it best to get the ordeal out of the way as soon as possible.

(chuckles) As to the wedding itself, you must say if a fortnight from now is too soon.

A fortnight?

Well, surely, the sooner we arrive in Paris... (laughs) ♪ ♪ (exhales) (softly): I... MONTY: Well, well.

♪ ♪ (panting) Your mother is seriously displeased.

Why wasn't she consulted?

And the haste!

How long have you known this girl?

Long enough.

She seems rather lovely.

Oh, Emily!

She is.

You'll like her.

You must be fearfully in love.

In love?

What the deuce does that mean?

It means everything, trust me.

♪ ♪ This is not the match we were expecting.

No, I see that.

And to take the plunge now, when, when Jo's dug himself a hole?

We have a clear shot at the chairmanship, and you're about to go gallivanting off round the continent?

Perhaps we should just leave Jo to it.

(scoffs) Are you serious?

(chuckles) (kiss) (footsteps retreating) The insanity of it.

I think I rather envy him.

How?

Daring to follow his heart.

Did you?

Did I?

For God's sake, Emily.

What sort of a question is that?

Come along, pudding.

Shall we retire?

(Cyril grunts) ♪ ♪ Well, that was sheer purgatory.

(sighs) Absolute hell.

Grinning like fools, as if our whole lives were not on the rack.

I know what makes this even worse.

We always wanted children of our own.

Yes.

Somehow that never happened.

Now to know that you have children with another... ♪ ♪ The last thing I ever wanted was to cause you pain.

(voiceover): We must protect June as much as we can from all this.

♪ ♪ (chuckles) ♪ ♪ (audio distorts, Irene breathing) ♪ ♪ (normal audio resumes) You're not wearing that, are you?

I mean, the Forsyte ladies will never approve.

Is it not sufficiently modish?

(chuckles) My concern is that you don't embarrass yourself.

You're stepping so far outside your milieu... I thank you for your concern.

But I can only start as I mean to go on.

By doing what feels right.

(exhales) For me.

♪ ♪ (people calling in background) WINIFRED: So, I was thinking crimson.

Or burgundy.

My husband says, "Don't be extravagant," which is rich coming from him, when he outspends his allowance every month and then blames me because he has no profession.

It's hardly my fault my father and uncle won't give him a role in the company.

And it's not as if I haven't hinted at it countless times.

They just keep saying, "We have a reputation to uphold at Forsyte and Co."

Forsyte?

But your name's... Dartie, yes, by marriage.

Forsyte by birth.

You know my cousin-in-law, Mrs.

Frances Forsyte?

Yes, yes.

I, uh, I should perhaps warn you, I'm snowed under with orders.

It, it could be months before your gown is ready.

In which case, I'd quite understand if you wished to go elsewhere.

WINIFRED: Elsewhere?

I should think not!

And her tone!

Almost as if she was wishing me gone.

And why would that be?

Thank your cousin Jo.

What?

And his not-so-gilded youthful escapades.

♪ ♪ I congratulate you, cousin.

Miss Heron seems an excellent choice.

Thank you.

Perhaps one's reached an age where one is free to make a choice without succumbing to family pressures.

(chuckles) One lives in hope.

WINIFRED: Jo?

Fathered the dressmaker's children?

Well, well, well.

The dirty dog!

(laughs) How appalling!

But it does play into our hands.

WINIFRED: How so?

He wouldn't be the first to father children out of wedlock.

Hm-- for our purposes, it serves us to portray him as a libertine.

The callous seducer, the neglectful father.

I mean, any of these could be said to jeopardize the reputation of the firm.

But it happened before he and Frances met.

Some might call it a youthful indiscretion.

Well, they'd be wrong.

Such behavior is... Yes, Monty?

What is it?

(clears throat softly) (softly): I might look in at my club.

(couch creaking) JAMES: Does he perform any useful function?

He could, given a chance.

(Cyril barking in distance) If this is yet another bid to give him a role... WINIFRED: Not a role.

A seat on the board.

(scoffs) You are joking?

The board meets tomorrow, yes?

And your plan is to expel Jo from the company.

Do you have a majority?

Are you sure you couldn't use an extra vote?

Well... Monty's your man.

He's entirely without scruples.

He'll vote whichever way you tell him to.

(people talking in background) ♪ ♪ MAN: Excuse me.

MAN: Ladies and gentlemen, please take your seats... Oh, I'm so sorry.

...and welcome esteemed lecturer and philanthropist Mrs.

Ellen Parker Barrington.

You believe you have no voice.

I believed the same.

I've been confused, ignored, disrespected in my time.

Oh, but trust me, I'm under no illusion.

It is my wealth, my standing, which now confers power, commands respect, demands attention.

My late husband owned woolen mills in the North, once viewed his workers as commodities.

Expendable.

But he was brought to see them as precious human souls, worthy of respect, of dignity, of proper recompense.

So, change is possible.

And I owe those who have not been as fortunate as I to challenge ignorance and injustice wherever I see it.

I invite you... ...to do the same.

(audience exclaiming and applauding) (people talking in background) PHILIP: Miss Renegade.

(chuckles) Mr.

Buccaneer.

What brings you here?

The same as you.

A wish for rational argument?

A disgust for inequality.

Would you, would you care for some cake?

(both chuckle) (chuckles) Thank you.

So, you're an architect.

How splendid.

I should introduce you to my family.

They'll be terribly impressed.

I doubt it-- I'm a Modernist.

In my experience, the moneyed classes are highly conservative in their tastes.

Now you, I suspect, are a radical.

Well, I like to think I have an open mind.

Why else would you be here, unchaperoned?

Hm.

I don't care a fig for such nonsense.

I suspect your mother does.

And what she doesn't know can't hurt her.

Do you have a card?

In case any of my family should at some point require your services?

You and I both know how unlikely that is.

(sighs) Hm!

Culver Street?

Hardly an illustrious address-- and it's a garret.

Oh, I adore garrets.

♪ ♪ (horses neighing, bell tolling in distance) (people talking in background) "Proposal to admit Montague Dartie to the board"?

I don't expect you to like it.

He's an imbecile.

But if we're to get the votes we need... ISAAC: Last-minute addition to the agenda.

Item five.

"Reputational Risk and Remedial Action."

So here we are.

Here we are.

Let battle commence.

♪ ♪ (exhales) A large brandy and the day's papers.

Chop-chop!

Item number four, the proposed election of Montague Dartie to the board.

Proposer.

Seconded?

All those in favor.

And those against?

♪ ♪ (sighs) Montague Dartie is elected to the board.

I suppose you should let him in.

(door opens) ♪ ♪ To those who voted in my favor, good choice.

(claps) To any who voted against... All right.

Item five.

"Reputational Risk and Remedial Action."

Yes.

I'm afraid there have been alarming rumors implicating one of our own, which, should they reach the ears of our more eminent clients, could lead them to take their business elsewhere.

What rumors are these?

Concerning a senior partner debauching a serving maid.

JO: That is not what happened.

That is not who she was and those are not the circumstances.

JAMES: And for those of you as yet in the dark, my nephew.

I had a relationship prior to my marriage with a young woman I met in Venice.

Some days ago, I learned that when we parted, she was with child.

Twins, to be precise.

Now ten years of age, living with their mother in London.

And distasteful as some of you doubtless may find it... SWITHIN: Distasteful?

Try scandalous!

Inexcusable.

SOAMES: What we can't ignore is that many of our clients will find such a liaison distasteful.

But of course they will!

Because such things have never happened in respectable families.

SWITHIN: Good Lord.

What on earth?

And it'll be the first misstep that this family has ever made.

Mama, for goodness' sake.

JOLYON: Gentlemen.

Please.

(door closes) May I ask what brings you here today?

Curiosity?

This is most irregular.

We do not admit ladies into the inner sanctum.

Oh, the inner sanctum?

That solely exists because I paid for it?

Can I not see what my marriage settlement bought?

Mater, the matter in hand... JAMES: Concerns the irrevocable damage to company reputation should Jo remain within its ranks.

We are inviting him to step away for the good of the family name.

Oh, the good of the family name.

Ah.

(chuckles) Our sainted family.

Devoid of scandal, closets... ...skeletal remains.

JAMES: Yes, but the effect, the damage to our reputation... JOLYON: There will be no damage!

The matter can be hushed up and the girl paid off.

Please, allow me to deal with this!

(clears throat softly) If we could be certain of the girl's discretion, we could agree to turn a blind eye, but... (chuckles) MONTY: Though I trust he's not expecting any settlement to come out of company funds.

(inhales): Oh, no... Rest assured, I've no intention of asking anyone here to take responsibility for my obligations.

The fact remains I have two children.

Of whom I'm not ashamed.

Nor of myself.

(exhales softly) (door closes) JAMES: Well, you heard him.

No remorse.

Disappointing.

Has to go.

(inhales) With regret, I propose that Jolyon Forsyte be expelled from the company.

All those in favor.

(people talking in background) It's, it's fine, um, thank you.

Thank you, ma'am.

Why are you here?

I'm not content with how we left things.

More is due to you and the children.

Nothing is due-- we are content.

Do you think you have the right to deprive them by refusing my support?

Deprive them?

Did they look deprived?

Well, no, that's not what I meant.. Can I not want them to have a better life?

Have you given the slightest thought to how my life has been since we parted?

(crowd cheering and applauding in background) No, I can only imagine.

Can you?

A girl, two infants, no one to turn to.

Gradually, to take a fierce pride in knowing that she could provide.

To have raised two beautiful souls single-handed.

(cheering and applauding, children laughing) Why would I, why would they need any more than what we have?

(children laughing) Mama, will you come?

There's jugglers!

Will you come?

I... (children laughing) Whoa, hang on!

JOS: Faster, faster!

(crowd cheers and applauds) (street organ playing) (people talking, cheering in background) (crowd cheers and applauds) (organ continues) ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ (both laughing) They're beautiful.

They are.

If you had told me, I would've come for you.

Your family would have cut you off.

You'd be living in disgrace.

And knowing all of that, I still would have come.

It wasn't to be.

No, it wasn't.

Goodbye, Jo.

♪ ♪ (door closes) ♪ ♪ (knocks) ♪ ♪ (sniffling) (footsteps approaching) Miss Renegade.

Can I be of assistance?

No one can.

Well, can I at least offer you some cocoa?

I find that cocoa is the answer to most ills.

Even a stepfather with feet of clay.

He's utterly betrayed me.

I can see it must seem that way.

If you'd seen him, with them... ...smiling adoringly... ...as if I didn't even exist.

(chuckles) You exist to me, Miss Renegade.

I do?

I see you.

Clear as day.

I should go.

I really shouldn't be here at all.

Well, I'm glad you were.

♪ ♪ (footsteps retreating) (carriage stops, horse nickers) ♪ ♪ (knock at door) ANN: Come.

(clock chiming hour in distance) (door closes) I've brought Miss Heron to see you.

I congratulate you.

Thank you, Grandmama.

For catching them all unawares.

(chuckling) But not you.

The Carteret girl was too obvious.

Not your type at all.

(chuckles) Bring her to me.

(footsteps approaching) I just spoke to your father.

Don't you want to know how it went?

The vote?

(sighs) I can guess.

In your favor.

How?

You're not to be expelled, so the chairmanship can now be yours.

You must see what this now affords us.

A golden opportunity.

For you to recommit?

To your family?

The firm?

Our life together?

♪ ♪ I do see that.

My commitment to you and June is absolute.

ANN: So tell me, my dear.

Are you prepared?

For what?

The Forsyte family.

Are you aware of its peculiarities?

Everyone has been welcoming.

And Soames?

What do you know of him?

What can you tell me?

♪ ♪ Soames has never loved before.

That he does so now is significant.

You will want for nothing.

You'll be mistress of all you survey.

My wants are modest.

And what are those wants?

To love and be loved.

To trust and be trusted.

To... (chuckles): ...dance.

(laughs): And it will be a dance.

(both laugh) Whether the pavane or a tarantella... Or a pas-de-deux?

(both chuckle) And you?

Are you in love?

Oh.

(laughs) I have tremors, my pulse races, and I feel faint.

Some poets call that love.

What would you call it?

A prelude.

To something deeper.

I hope you find it.

(chuckles softly) (footsteps approaching) I trust she wasn't too fierce.

(laughs) She was kind.

You didn't mention Paris?

Should I have done?

Time enough to address that when we're there together, planning our future.

To our wedding day.

(chuckles) ♪ ♪ (birds chirping, bell ringing in distance) FRANCES: So, do we think this wedding is a love match?

How can anyone not marry for love?

Because love is only part of what makes a marriage.

Respect, patience, belief.

These also matter.

And that's what you had with Papa?

♪ ♪ Have.

Still.

♪ ♪ (bell tolling, organ playing "Eventide") This could have been the event of the season, rather than some low-key, hole-in-the-corner travesty.

I just wish it hadn't come so soon.

Soon, Emily?

You've had him at home his entire life.

(organ continues) It's just the thought of losing him to someone we don't really know, who might wish to keep him all to herself.

Yes, well, that's the least of it.

(footsteps approaching) Instead of idling around Europe, he could be here, planning our next strategy.

(organ continues) Do you like it, Mama?

Monty assures me it cost the Earth.

MONTY: Nothing's too good for my Freddie.

And a man of business can afford such trifles.

(organ continues) (softly): Lord help us.

(footsteps approaching) ♪ ♪ For Heaven's sake, Irene, the carriage will be here any minute.

I hope I'm as blessed as they were.

(exhales) Can you ever doubt it?

I mean, the resources at Mr.

Forsyte's disposal.

His willingness to uproot his entire existence for your sake.

I meant, theirs was a love match.

And yours is...?

I don't yet know what to call it.

He told me it would be "all that I dreamt of and more."

Then I suggest you count your blessings and get dressed.

♪ ♪ (organ playing) Mama.

(organ continues) (organ stops) ♪ ♪ (clears throat) ♪ ♪ (watch ticking, others talking in background) (lid snaps) ♪ ♪ (softly): Perhaps she's had a change of heart.

If she has any sense.

WINIFRED: Mama, where is she?

I, I don't know.

(clears throat) (ticking continues) (door opens) ♪ ♪ (chuckles) ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ (guests cheering, laughing) (birds chirping) You've taught me a valuable lesson.

Which is?

To trust no one but myself.

To think for myself.

To do only what my heart tells me.

What does it tell you?

That true love is what matters.

A meeting of minds.

A conjunction of souls.

That is what matters.

Good.

We agree.

(footsteps retreating) ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ (chuckles) You see?

It wasn't that hard.

Deciding to move on.

From them.

That wasn't what I said.

♪ ♪ It was implied.

I said my commitment to you is beyond doubt.

But to suggest that I have moved on from them would be to deny that any of it mattered.

Well, of course, I accept that you were once fond of her.

I wasn't fond, Frances.

My children were conceived with love.

♪ ♪ Then let us be clear.

That "love," as you call it, has no place in this house.

So kill it.

Once and for all.

Or face the consequences.

Thank you.

For what?

Showing me a life and a man that I never knew existed till I met you.

(exhales) ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ SOAMES: You haven't led me astray, you've set me free.

You are the man for the job.

FRANCES: I believe he will ask for her hand.

Is there any reason I shouldn't consent?

Yes, I believe there is.

ELLEN: I have a favor to beg.

It would involve a risk.

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♪ ♪