Oh, look at them! Young, happy, in love…
Who doesn't enjoy a good love story?
That moment when you look into their eyes and everything else fades away.
Along with their flaws. And all you want to do is--
Oh, forgive me if you thought this was one of those love stories.
Well, it is, but they're not our main characters.
Or, at least, not the only ones.
She is the main character in our tale,
the chaperone.
Elena Bianda, at your service.
And yes, this is my story.
So I suppose I should be the one to tell it.
Of course. Take it from here, Miss Bianda.
Very well, then. Let us start at the beginning.
I'm not a servant, if that's what you're thinking.
I can read and write.
I received a thorough education, but above all, I have good judgment.
That's why I'm the city's finest chaperone.
But I'm not the only one.
Some call us "companions."
-YOUNG LADIES -CHAPERONES
Well-to-do parents pay me to advise their daughters on matters of the heart,
to protect their virtue, and mainly, to help them find the perfect suitor.
SUITORS
Too old.
Far too young.
A lout.
He's perfect,
if you're willing to marry his mother.
No.
Make no mistake.
I adore love stories. Especially ones with happy endings.
-I do. -I do.
I do.
He does.
Cheers! Hurrah!
But the downside to my job is that if I do it well,
it's over.
FAMILY OF ANTONIO BIANDA
To be honest, I could really use your advice.
I'm not doing so well.
A widowed father. Three daughters.
It's not that I'm happy about their misfortune,
but there are three sisters.
Three of them.
I'd have work for years to come. This is an opportunity I can't pass up.
Fifty pesetas, and we'll call it even.
Hail Mary, most pure.
Conceived without sin.
Forgive me, Father, for I have sinned.
Don't give me that look.
These are desperate times.
Respectable family.
THE MENCÍAS
Well-mannered young women.
AGE 20 AN ANGEL
They lost their mother a year ago.
It's time for them to get back out there.
And I will see to it.
AGE 18 BOOKWORM
AGE 14 STRANGE LITTLE CRITTER
Now I need to stick to the Basic Handbook for Good Companions
to avoid making mistakes.
Because just one mistake can ruin your life.
Even if he's the finest mistake you've seen in ages.
I suppose you already know where this story is going.
Whenever was there ever a love story without a struggling heroine?
Admit it. You can't wait to see what happens.
MY HEART!
THE LADY'S COMPANION
LESSON I NEVER FALL IN LOVE
Miss…
-Elena Bianda. -Bianda. Elena Bianda.
You certainly come with many fantastic references.
Aren't you a bit young to be a chaperone?
And you're quite young to have three daughters.
You're not Don Pedro Mencía.
Santiago Torres. Pleased to meet you.
Take a seat.
Don Pedro has tasked me with drawing up a shortlist of candidates.
-There are others? -You hoped to be the only one?
I just hope to be the best.
I assume you know about the family, then.
I have some idea about them.
So, tell me, do you enjoy reading?
-I read whenever I can. -I don't mean the Bible.
Neither do I.
What's the last thing you read?
Moby Dick. But before that, Doña Perfecta.
I enjoy reading any genre, as long as it's good literature.
"Good"? That depends on who you ask.
I had no idea I was being interviewed by a literary critic.
You know, I've seldom come across a lady so fond of sarcasm. It's a rare thing.
-You must have misunderstood me. -Is that so?
I almost thought you were taking me for a fool.
I could say the same about you. Although I take it you meant no harm.
So, how will you handle three young ladies with that temperament of yours?
Check.
I'm not sure.
With your invaluable help?
-Don Pedro. -Santiago, what are you doing here?
Oh, nothing.
I was looking for you and bumped into Miss Bianda.
I'll leave you two alone. You have important matters to discuss.
Miss Bianda.
Pardon me, Miss Bianda.
That was likely my daughters' doing.
My godson's their favorite pawn.
Shall we step outside?
Of course.
She's not an old maid. She carries herself well.
Considering she's… Hey!
…the city's best chaperone, she's not that old.
If she's not clever, she's of no use to us.
She's certainly clever.
All that's left is for your father to approve.
Until very recently, I spent much of my time away for work,
traveling throughout Europe and Africa.
My wife saw to the care of our home and daughters.
I understand. I'm truly sorry, Mr. Mencía.
At times like these, it's important they have someone to confide in.
There are matters a young woman cannot discuss with her father.
There are certain secrets daughters cannot share out of modesty.
It's only natural. It's the way it has to be.
-It's important that I earn their trust. -And how will you earn mine?
Half of the city's chaperones are eager to work in this house.
I lost both my parents.
See you tomorrow, Miss Bianda.
Be on time.
Three daughters.
A long-term position. Congratulations.
I'm sorry that you didn't get a chance to interview, Alicia.
Don't fret. I'll have no shortage of work.
I just hope the Mencías won't give you trouble.
Trouble?
They're delightful young ladies.
Indeed. Absolutely delightful.
Elena!
Let's go!
I hope he didn't see me. Because if he finds me, I'm done for.
Miss Bianda, how are you?
If you want to leave, I suggest using the gate, not the brick pillar.
I heard you got the position.
It's odd. You have the same poor taste in literature as my friends.
Yes, well, I wouldn't know about that. I suppose.
I thought today would be a good day,
but it certainly hasn't been.
Our entire lives depend on finding a new family.
You're early.
Excuse me?
You were told to be here at eight o'clock sharp.
In this house, eight o'clock means eight o'clock.
Not five past eight or five minutes to eight.
Wait here until eight o'clock.
Do you have the time?
I'll say this just once.
You are to be up at 7:30 in the morning.
It's when the staff gets to work.
You'll have half an hour to get ready
since the Mencía ladies come downstairs for breakfast at eight.
You will have breakfast with them until 8:30,
and then I will take over for their education and instruction.
You, clearly, shall stay out of the way.
Your room.
It adjoins Miss Cristina's.
Since she's the eldest, she'll be your first priority.
These young ladies are unlike any others you've served.
"Accompanied," if you would.
The Mencía name is now as though it were your own.
The future of young ladies rests with you.
I hope you are fit for the task.
Because if you're not,
I will take it upon myself to inform Don Pedro.
I am the person he trusts most in this house.
I can assure you… that is not going to change.
My life is becoming more complicated.
First the carriage, and now Doña Angustias.
Miss Bianda!
Get out of there this instant!
Is that any way to greet Miss Bianda?
Apologize to her, or I'll--
Leave us.
If you would.
What? Are you going to punish me? Over a silly practical joke?
A practical joke made in poor taste!
And the best one ever played on me. I can't imagine the look on my face.
I will not allow this kind of behavior!
I'm far too young to have a heart attack, yes?
So I trust this will never happen again!
And you're too young for me to find you a husband.
So I think it's in both our interests to be friends.
You're even worse than Doña Angustias!
It's best that she not find out.
-Yes. -No.
-Yes. -No!
Certain jokes go too far.
I agree. Carlota deserves a reprimand and punishment.
For giving her a fright? Cristina.
Angustias, leave us. I'll handle it.
Behave yourselves.
Why do you always defend her?
-Because it was nothing! -That's what I said.
It was disrespectful to Miss Bianda.
-It's fine. -Forgive us.
Forgive my older sister. Lately, she thinks she's in charge.
-I just worry about you both! -Well, don't. You're not Mom.
Forgive us. And welcome.
Welcome.
I know what you're going to say. The Mencía sisters keep me up at night.
I admit my first day wasn't a grand success…
but that's not the only reason.
Did you hear that?
Where are you off to?
I was just going out for some fresh air, Miss Bianda.
It's too cold out to go about so improperly.
You should go back to bed.
I've spoiled her plans,
but I can't afford a scandal.
Young lady!
Their behavior yesterday was shameful.
Your daughters need discipline.
I doubt that young lady can provide it.
That confirms it.
She's stern and a spy.
No need to worry, Angustias. As I said, this is a trial period.
We'll see how she does tonight.
-Tonight? -If she doesn't…
What's happening tonight?
I will personally handle her dismissal, sir.
Very well.
-Angustias! -What are you doing there, you busybody?
Merely a coincidence. That's all.
Or are you just naturally distrustful?
That's a rhetorical question. I already know the answer.
Good day.
Good morning.
Fantastic.
Just what we needed, a calm and peaceful breakfast.
-Don't worry, my sister-- -You're a pain!
-And you're a bore, Cristina! -What does it matter if I'm a bore?
Laugh. Come on, let's have a good laugh.
Good morning, Don Pedro.
Excuse us. We were having a good laugh.
You have amusing daughters.
Angustias told me they didn't give you the warmest welcome.
Just the usual bickering among sisters. I've seen it in many households.
But your daughters truly seem like little angels.
Doña Angustias is expecting you for lessons.
-She's not in a good mood today. -When is she ever?
Please excuse us.
Let's go.
Now that we're alone, I'd like to discuss an important matter with you.
Here comes the surprise.
Please, go on.
Tonight, the Ortegas are hosting a party at their home.
I think it's about time my daughters resumed their social lives.
Particularly Cristina.
It's a chance for her to meet up with the young man who's courting her.
Are you referring to your godson, Mr. Torres?
Santiago?
No. Good heavens, no.
Ah, I apologize.
Her suitor is Eduardo Espinosa de Monier.
Do you know him?
Of course. He's a polite, handsome young man from a good family.
He's a fine match.
My wife was their go-between.
But she wasn't sure of their feelings.
Rest assured, Don Pedro, I will take care of Miss Cristina.
Good afternoon, miss.
How about this for tonight?
I fear I can't go.
It seems like the pain won't go away. You'll miss her all your life.
But you can choose to miss her lying in bed at home,
fighting with your sisters, and letting life pass you by,
or you can live it.
What would your mother say if she were here?
She loved parties.
She wouldn't want you to spend the best years of your life lying in bed,
being a mother to your sisters.
You need to go out.
Smile. Enjoy yourself.
And allow the handsome young man who sent you this note to escort you.
Isn't that what life's about?
I'd give anything to see you come down those stairs every day of my life.
It's been ages since I've seen you smile like this.
She's partly responsible. She's my chaperone, Elena Bianda.
Pleasure to meet you.
Tonight, you'll be just another guest. We'll be on our best behavior.
Trying to win over the chaperone. How subtle, Mr. Espinosa.
You may have whatever you like for dinner.
Is there any hemlock in the pantry?
-I suppose she wanted to come along. -That's right.
We'd better be off if we want to arrive on time.
If it weren't for me, you'd have your hands full tonight.
Why do men pay more attention to a woman who's already spoken for?
Santiago?
Cristina. Eduardo.
I thought even newshounds can take a night off.
Weren't you taught to enjoy life?
-Like those who live off of fortunes? -You work because you want to.
Well, he cannot bear to be idle. What's today's article about?
The Duke and Duchess of Fernán Núñez are hosting yet another party…
How many carriages do you think could fit in here?
It's a tough job, counting carriages.
All the better. I'll invite this young lady to dance.
Miss Bianda, if you'll allow me.
Lovely to see you, Cristina.
You and Eduardo are old friends, isn't that right?
Just acquaintances.
Bianda, do you have any family?
Why do you ask?
Out of curiosity.
Why don't you answer?
I'm just surprised you're so interested in my life.
And I'm surprised a chaperone should be so skilled in debate.
Are you upset a woman out-talked you, or that you're not all that clever?
Are you ever going to give me a straight answer?
You must tell me how you found out about my friends' reading habits.
What do you mean?
Nothing.
I see you enjoy being well-informed while going about unnoticed.
Rather like yourself, it seems.
You take notes while everyone else is having fun.
Some are born to be characters in novels. Others are born to write them.
-I hope you're at least a good writer. -Hey…
Excuse me.
I may be a dreadful literary critic, but I'm a decent writer. I promise.
We'll see. I haven't read your novel.
And now, if you'll excuse me…
How's your first party with the Mencías?
I'd say it's off to a wonderful start. The young man is quite dashing.
It's not our job to fall in love.
It's not about love. It's about finding them a good husband.
We must accept it. We're all going to end up as spinsters.
It's better than wallowing in self-pity, Adelita.
I don't know about you, but I don't want to end up on the streets.
The way you looked at him, it'll be hard for you not to.
I'll get juice. Want some?
-No. -No.
Thanks for the information on the Mencías.
You will tell me how you got the position, won't you?
I told him that I lost my family.
You told a lie.
-But that's not the worst of it. -Ah.
Gabriel is here.
Here? Where, exactly?
I saw him the other day while leaving the Mencía house. He's in town.
What a coincidence.
If he finds out I'm here--
If who finds out?
Alicia, it's rude to butt into other people's conversations.
Relax. I just came to say hello
and ask how things are going with the Mencías.
Quite splendidly.
-I'm glad to hear that. -Sure.
Fortunately, I was selected in my last interview. I'm chaperoning now.
Alba de Ibáñez.
A young lady with quite low standards, isn't she?
As for the Mencía sisters…
Cristina is lovely.
Although Sara… is an unusual young lady.
One of the best with a fan.
Three sisters,
three times the work.
-He didn't step on your toes. -He's charming.
And very handsome.
You know what they say about men who can dance.
No, what do they say?
Don't listen to them. Girls nowadays have very improper ideas.
Doña Paquita, you only hear what you want to hear.
And look how well it's worked out. You should learn from me.
I ought to go.
Eduardo is waiting to take a stroll with me.
A romantic stroll. How lovely!
Enjoy yourselves!
-Though being by yourselves… -I'll chaperone.
-Naturally. -I expected nothing less.
Thank you, Esther, for recommending the best chaperone in the city.
Anything for a good friend. Isn't that right, Josefina?
Of course. Anything.
Elena!
It's Miss Sara. You asked me to keep an eye on her.
I can't find her.
What?
You can't handle three of them. You see?
Is something wrong?
No. Just personal matters.
-Would you like us to come with you? -No. Everything is fine.
You can trust me.
It'll just be a few minutes.
-Do you remember? -What are you doing?
Have you met Dr. Aguilar?
Yes. Last night, near your coach.
I apologize for the misunderstanding. I know it's not the best way…
You see, I treated her mother before…
Well, I saw how Sara took care of her.
I saw her thirst for knowledge.
Frankly, it would be… a waste not to nurture that talent and dedication.
Ah, I take it that you're her tutor, then.
Exactly. I'm her tutor.
Thank you very much, Doctor. You may go.
I'll see you the day after tomorrow.
Very well.
Please don't tell anyone.
Do you want people to think you're a trollop?
Rather than knowing I'm studying medicine?
Every family needs a black sheep, right?
-It's almost an institution. -So why are you hiding it?
Well, because my father wouldn't allow me to.
And I need his permission to enroll in medical school.
But I thought that maybe, if I pass the entrance exam…
I might change his mind.
I just need you to cover for me for a few days.
All I'm asking is to be allowed to choose my own path.
You see?
Is everything all right?
As it should be, Don Pedro.
-Time to go home, then. -Why don't you two go ahead?
Miss Cristina, Eduardo, and I will go later.
It's good for them to be seen together.
Thank you, Miss Bianda. Shall we?
-I can explain. -This is quite clear.
-Elena. -Keep quiet.
-Is everything okay? -Yes. A perfect party.
Oh? You weren't leaving, right?
No. I was just getting some fresh air.
Where's Miss Cristina? Did you leave her unattended?
I thought I saw her with her suitor. They looked awfully cozy.
-Let's not add fuel to the-- -Fire!
Fire!
Help! Fire!
Elena!
No, Elena, no.
Away from the bush.
Are you okay?
You were nearly burned, dear.
The important thing is that no one was hurt.
And nobody found out what happened.
But I did, and that's enough.
What were you thinking?
About not being a mother to my sisters and just being myself.
About being happy for a moment.
You told me yourself, "Live!"
I was talking about dancing, not this.
It was an act of pure and sincere love.
I suppose you'll be getting married.
For your reputation and mine.
Imagine if this got out.
And I thought your sister would be the troublemaker.
-I'm sorry. -Don't be sorry.
I have no regrets.
I'll ask for your hand. We'll wed and be happy.
I love you.
I'm still here.
ONE MONTH LATER
No, these aren't for a funeral.
Today is an important day. I've never been so happy about a proposal.
No.
-No! -Aren't you staying for the proposal?
-I can't. -It's the happiest day of my life.
Miss Bianda, help me convince him.
If you can't, then I doubt I can.
She's right. I've tried to put it off--
I don't believe you. Why can't you postpone?
Well, Cristina, to be honest, I can't stay because I wouldn't be able…
to say no to my boss.
Because a job comes with a lot of responsibility, and…
I'm sorry, but I have to go.
I thought he'd say something else.
Do you like them?
They're gorgeous.
I'm so nervous.
It will be just perfect.
What's the plan for tonight?
A coachman will be waiting for you after the proposal.
But you need to be back before midnight.
Your father will return around that time. I'll leave the door open.
Thank you.
Are you serious?
Why can't I wear black?
It's a proposal, not a funeral.
Isn't it the same thing?
It's fine, but no practical jokes.
Miss Bianda, I'm curious about your methods.
How do you cheer up a girl who's constantly sobbing--
Do you require my services? I'm the best, but I can't work miracles.
Work miracles? By the Blessed Mother.
Didn't you stay for the proposal?
I can't take it anymore, Juana.
It's over.
You know what they say, dear.
When one story ends, another begins.
Come on.
On my cue, start playing.
Maybe something happened to him.
For his sake, I hope so.
I'm sure he'll arrive shortly.
Here he comes!
He's arriving.
This is a welcome fit for a king.
I have a message for Miss Cristina Mencía!
Stop!
Who's going to pay me for this delivery?
"Miss Mencía, I regret having given you false hopes."
"I'm leaving for Paris at once. Don't look for me."
"Our union cannot happen. I regret any trouble this may have…"
Sweetheart, open the door.
We just want to talk.
Maybe she'll throw herself out the window.
And get covered in blood? No.
-Cristina. -Drown herself in the river?
-Out of style. -Open the door.
Cristina!
May I?
Miss, it's perfectly normal for you to feel this way.
Your family will always be here for you. I will too.
And so will Doña Angustias.
You don't have to talk if you don't want to.
I'm good at being silent company.
With poison.
That's better. Not as messy.
I won't ask how you're doing.
-You have your whole life ahead of you-- -I ought to have had my monthly cycle.
It's usually like clockwork.
I'm with child.
If anyone finds out, I'm done for.
What am I to do?
What are we to do?
No one ever tells you what to do in moments like these because,
honestly, you never think that it can happen to you.
All I know is there are two lives in jeopardy,
hers and mine.
Miss Bianda, I warn you that this has only just begun.
Shall I take over?
No!
You think you can handle this?
Subtitle translation by: Meredith Cannella