There are many things a chaperone must learn.
For example, speaking without saying anything.
I love you.
Please go away.
I hate you.
That's no problem for the Mencías.
But back in my day, I was much better, though.
I could read every single sign.
Except for this one.
What were the chances of her getting pregnant from that one time?
The physiology of reproduction throughout a woman's lifetime
is oftentimes compared to a certain kind of wave…
…that rises from sterility to the highest level of fertility
and falls back to a state of sterility.
To sum up Mr. Duncan's words,
if you're young and don't use contraception
because it hasn't been invented yet,
the odds… are high.
And that's how 15 minutes of pleasure
can turn into a lifelong little angel-faced mistake.
So, what can be done? Right, yeah, I know.
Almighty Father, I ask forgiveness of you…
But if God exists, he has better things to do.
This tragedy can't be fixed with prayer.
Dolls away!
She has an impressive aim, right?
I just hope she's not practicing to commit a crime.
I've been doing it for years. It helps me loosen up.
Hmm. The doll part is new, though, I imagine.
Miss, if you don't want to keep the baby, I can help you.
What? No! What made you think of that?
Dolls away!
Oh, right.
I see what made you think of that, but no.
I don't need them anymore is all.
If you're tired of destroying your whole childhood, may I have a go?
No.
Will anybody ever let me have some fun?
I've always wanted to be a mom, but in a certain order.
First, the groom, then the wedding, and then the baby.
Dolls away!
Unfortunately, that order can't be changed now.
But we are able to avoid an accidental death.
I like my life the way it is.
I don't want to lose my father or hurt my sisters.
Do you know how terrible that would be?
I have an idea.
-I need to talk to Eduardo. -Eduardo told you he's in Paris.
His letter was very clear.
Eduardo loves me, okay? I'm sure of his feelings for me.
Miss Cristina, it's not a good idea.
Trust me.
Mainly because I've already tried.
Good afternoon. I'd like to speak to Mrs. Espinosa.
Sure, this way, please.
It didn't go as expected.
What do you mean, he's engaged?
He'll be married soon.
So you'll go ahead and tell that floozy miss to forget about my son
and stay away.
I won't let her ruin his engagement.
Yes, I agree with you. Eduardo's a rat.
But it's best if she doesn't know the details.
That way, we avoid further tragedies.
Miss Cristina, you're a good person.
But we all make mistakes. Eduardo doesn't deserve you.
Leave me. I'll talk to my father. I'll tell him this was--
Don't you worry.
I have a plan
THE LADY'S COMPANION
LESSON 2: DO NOT TELL LIES
And I refer to the scriptures themselves,
when I say that, among all sins, this is the most depraved.
Corinthians, Chapter Six.
So flee! Flee right now from fornication!
Lust blinds us!
It clouds our judgment!
-It makes us ungodly! -Poor thing.
She's very upset. I can tell. After all she's been through.
Such an ordeal.
He makes Judas look like a saint.
Really?
You know I don't like to badmouth anyone, right?
-But can I trust you with a secret? -Of course.
-He's in debt. -He's in debt?!
He's in debt. Debt. Yeah.
He was about to propose, and it turns out he's short on cash.
Of course, with all the gambling and the drinking…
To make it worse, she's not the first one he's tried it with.
-Oh no. -That man is a menace.
Miss Cristina has no idea how lucky she is to have Elena.
Yeah, right. Elena's truly heaven-sent.
I'd never think that of Eduardo.
Oh my goodness.
Imagine what poor Cristina must be going through.
Hey, maybe I could throw a big party for my birthday, right?
To help Cristina get over this as soon as possible.
That's a splendid idea.
"The best present I could receive on this special day
is your presence."
"The festivities will take place at the gardens of the Zapico family."
"Come celebrate with us."
"It's not every day that a 19-year-old celebrates her birthday."
"Signed, Esther Zapico."
A birthday party?
I can't go. I simply can't face all those people.
It was bad enough during mass.
I should go confess to Don Gregorio.
No, no, no, no.
You've already prayed.
You've repented. I can vouch for it. This has to stay between you and God.
But I just can't! Especially after saying all those terrible things about Eduardo.
What would you prefer? That everyone draw their own conclusions?
No.
I just can't believe how unlucky I am, you know?
It was only one time.
Once!
And now I'm wrapped up in all this.
Would you like me to explain my theory about fertility and the probability of--
Mr. Duncan, this is clearly not the best moment.
There's no use crying over spilled milk. You have to go to the party.
You have to smile.
-Forget about it for now. -Come on.
We have a little surprise for you.
Pascual! Where are you hurrying off to?
-Let go, María Antonia! I'll be late! -But you must stay longer!
-No! -What the hell?
You're getting married!
No! I'm not that desperate.
In that case… where are you going?
To jump into the canal.
I'm done with this tragicomedy!
-No. -But why? You love when we do improv!
-Cristina! We wanted to make you laugh. -You should've come to the proposal!
-I had to work! -Excuses!
-Cristina, I had to work. -I thought writers were sensitive.
But I guess that's not true. You're a selfish narcissist, like all men.
I'll fetch the shotgun!
Looks like I caused the fire today.
What have I done wrong, Miss Bianda?
Isn't it obvious?
Your "Pascual" was very overacted.
You're not a very good actor.
If you're gonna kick me while I'm down, just go away.
Hmm?
Do you know what marriage means to a young lady?
Her whole life revolves only around marriage.
"If you're not well-mannered, you'll never find a good husband."
"If you're not pious and selfless,
if you don't look pretty, you'll never find a good husband."
-Eduardo wasn't a good husband. -We can agree on that.
But when it comes down to it, any husband is better than no husband.
Unfortunately.
Don't worry. Human beings tend to take out their frustrations
on the people they love the most.
So, I guess
there's a chance Cristina hates all men, right? Rightfully so.
If you wear a suit or a bowler hat, you'll be on her hate list.
But she'll get over it.
So this is the power of chaperones, huh?
I guess you're experts on the quirks of human emotion.
They also say that about writers.
No.
We writers are merely striving.
I'm sure the two of you will make amends, Mr. Torres.
Are you all right, miss?
No. But I'm tired of feeling sorry for myself.
I should get ready for the party.
Esther would never forgive me if I didn't go.
All right. That's the attitude.
And tell my sisters that I expect them to join me.
Absolutely. It'll be easier together, I'm sure.
By the way, where is Sara? I haven't seen her all morning.
Gentlemen, you have one hour.
Begin.
Were you outside?
Well, you see, Doña Angustias, I did go outside because--
Because she was buying a present for Miss Zapico.
Alone? She went alone?
Doña Angustias, we both went. Together.
Why did you come back separately?
Because Miss Sara went to the stable to see Trafalgar.
That's right, Doña Angustias. You know how much I adore that horse.
Angustias, as much as I love trivial chitchat and interrogations,
the young lady must get dressed for the birthday party.
You do realize that's not your responsibility, right?
You're wasting your time.
That's what maids are for.
Oh, Angustias, you are just so considerate.
Thank you so much.
But if I'm taking on extra tasks,
it's because I like to dedicate my life to this family,
just like you constantly say.
And now, if you'll excuse me.
You can smile all you want.
I know you're hiding something.
Many things. As are you, I presume.
The thing is, I usually tell the truth to my friends.
Let me know if you're in need of one.
We'll see what we can do.
My books!
I lent them to your sister. Thanks for returning them.
I didn't know you were so interested in biology,
anatomy, and pathological science.
All right. Yes, I am studying to become a doctor.
Okay. And how long has it been?
Six months.
Doctor Aguilar's been helping me. Today I had my entrance exam.
Did you know, Miss Bianda? How could you hide this?
I'm sorry, but I think it's important to be able to keep a secret.
Essential, I'd say.
Oh my gosh. What are you doing there? Come out. You'll get filthy.
But weren't we talking about Sara
and her finally-revealed passion for medicine?
I'm the only one who didn't know because I'm a terrible sister!
And she's crying again.
I should have noticed.
I should've done something to make you trust me.
Cristina, please stop crying. This is not your fault, all right?
Well, it's all too much for her.
First Eduardo, now this. But I mean, she'll… she'll get over it.
So how was the exam?
I have no idea. If I do pass, there's just a small problem.
I will need my father's permission to enroll.
Sweetie, it's a party. You don't have to wear black, you know.
Birthday parties are like miniature funerals.
Miniature funerals? I agree with her, for once.
If you'd rather stay…
I'm perfectly fine. Shall we?
Happy birthday.
Don Pedro, my father's in the study with some other guests.
Thank you. Enjoy the party, girls.
Here, I have a surprise for you.
See? There are more kids. You won't get bored.
Hmm.
Do you like scary stories, little one?
Wait. I'll serve.
What a pity, Miss Cristina. He seemed like a charming young man.
More like a snake charmer, I'd say.
He's not worth being the topic of our conversations.
How did you learn about his intentions, Cristina?
Ladies! I'm sorry to interrupt.
Josefina tells me that Miss Zapico
has brought out her root beer for the occasion.
Come along, ladies.
-What are you trying to do? -I wanted to be nice.
To show my concern for this terrible and… surprising story.
His family never had any financial problems, did they?
They do now. Where there's smoke…
I guess. You know what they say, Elena.
"The truth will come to light." And it always does.
Let's be optimistic. No one will remember in two weeks.
It just takes another scandal.
A scandal, you say, Adelita?
You always exaggerate.
Going bankrupt… Back in my day, it was a daily occurrence.
After the French left this country,
all the good families in the area struggled for decades and decades on end.
Even I struggled a lot to provide for my Lázaro during those gloomy times.
Sure, it must've been so hard, having a wet nurse raise your son.
Not one. No. Five! I had five, and I paid for them.
He wouldn't stop drinking breastmilk.
Thank God for wet nurses.
Uh… What… What I mean is that your son is so… so… so well-mannered now.
Yesterday it was the Count of Montalbán's son.
The day before, Íñigo Blázquez.
Adelita, dear, you fall for men at the drop of a hat.
Yes, she does. That's very true.
Don't you girls worry about Miss Cristina, okay? Yeah?
She still has her most precious asset. Time, girls, time.
Dolores de Acuña! You look terrific!
-Those Biarritz spas work wonders! -I have to agree with Doña Paquita.
She just needs some time for her wounds to heal. That's all.
-Time. -Come on!
Go, go! Come on!
Go! Come on! Come on, come on, come on!
Don't look! Don't look!
You're getting a lot of looks by Mr. Monsalve.
Let's begin. Number seven.
Go, Lázaro, go!
Yes!
Number two!
He looks interested, and he's handsome.
Not good enough for her.
-Miss Esther. -Come on!
Mr. Monsalve.
You never think anyone's good enough for her.
Mm.
What, am I wrong to want Esther to marry well?
No, of course not. I mean, that's what we all want.
All right, then.
Number nine.
Aww…
♪ Imagine me and you, I do ♪
♪ I think about you day and night ♪
♪ It's only right ♪
♪ To think about the girl you love ♪
♪ And hold her tight ♪
♪ So happy together ♪
♪ I can't see me… ♪
I just hope someone asks her to dance.
♪ For all my life ♪
♪ When you're with me ♪
♪ Baby, the skies'll be blue ♪
♪ For all my life ♪
♪ I can't see me lovin' nobody but you… ♪
A dance in public?
Is that enough humiliation for you to forgive me?
♪ Baby, the skies'll be blue ♪
♪ For all my life ♪
♪ Me and you, and you and me ♪
♪ No matter how they toss the dice ♪
♪ It had to be ♪
♪ The only one for me is you… ♪
What the hell is he doing?
-Dancing. Isn't that what you wanted? -Not with him.
♪ If I should call you up, invest a dime ♪
♪ And you say you belong to me And ease my mind… ♪
He's driving all the suitors away.
♪ So happy together ♪
♪ I can't see me lovin' nobody but you… ♪
Leave.
I HAVE TO SPEAK WITH YOU.
YOU MIGHT AS WELL BE SPEAKING CHINESE.
GO AWAY!
WHAT?
I need someone else to dance with her. This is a disaster.
Hmm? Shall we? We got it.
♪ I can't see me lovin' nobody but you… ♪
You seem interested in my lady. Is that right?
-Yes, if you'd allow me. -Yes. Well… before I do, I need a favor.
Sir, may I… may I ask you a favor?
Of course. Anything you want.
Do you know… Miss Mencía?
Yes, of course.
Great, um…
I don't know, uh…
Would you mind asking her to dance?
-You keep disappointing me. -Me?
Yep. You made me think you needed me.
For something that's not dancing.
Ah, Adelita, I'm so disappointed.
♪ So happy together… ♪
I think I'm in luck.
I… I think he was coming onto me.
No. No way. I… I misunderstood him. So…
May I dance with your cousin?
She's not my cousin.
-You dance so well, Mr. Monsalve! -Huh?
Do you know Roberto Rivera? He wants to dance with you.
So that's how you wanna redeem yourself? Dancing with her?
Oh boy, guess I did something wrong again. Didn't I?
Well, of course you did. And you didn't catch my fan language.
There are many things I'm not catching.
What if… What if you gave me some lessons?
I was trying to get you out before you messed up my work.
Uh, by… by dancing with her?
Cristina needs real suitors, with real intentions.
Someone who'll make her forget Eduardo.
-Do you have any? -What?
Intentions.
Will you court her? Will you be her suitor?
I just wanted to fix this morning's mistake.
Well, apparently, you failed, didn't you?
-Shouldn't we call the doctor? -No, Father. She's fine.
How do you know she's fine? And how did you know what to give her?
-Well, I mean, it's just that-- -Doctor stuff.
Doctor stuff? What is she saying?
Uh… doctors, of course.
And pharmacists.
Because the other day, at the pharmacy, they gave me this medicine.
Father, do you have any secrets?
Let's get rid of the burden of secrets. Free ourselves.
What on earth are you giving your sister?
Um, I don't know. I don't know the name of it. I…
You don't know? But you're holding the bottle.
Promise me you won't get mad. Eduardo and I--
Shh!
Your father is aware of it.
He already knows how much Eduardo has upset you.
But don't worry about it. Soon, it'll all pass. Hmm?
Sir, the young lady needs to rest. We should leave her alone.
-Yes, I think you're right. -Come on, let's go.
How would I know, Father? I'm no doctor.
I just told them a story. That's all.
You'll be the death of me. The three of you.
Were you trying to scare me to death? He almost found out.
Tell me, have you ever done it?
Had relations?
Tomorrow, when you remember what you just said,
you'll want the earth to swallow you up.
I don't wanna sound crude, but if I'm being honest,
I'm dying to feel that heat inside my body again one more time.
This plan to find me another suitor is absurd.
No one wanted to dance with me. You had to go around begging them to.
Well, Santiago danced with you.
After I scolded him, he did. He just wanted to bury the hatchet.
Are you sure?
Good God! You're not implying that he…
He's like a brother to me.
I just had the impression that there was something, but maybe I'm wrong.
You are. I only love Eduardo.
Did you know that he wrote me one letter every day
after my mother passed away?
Only he knew how to make me smile.
So I have to write him a letter.
I don't think that's a good idea.
If he knew that I'm pregnant…
If Eduardo knew, maybe he'd do the right thing.
-Santiago. -Hmm?
I was looking for you.
Uh, I don't… I don't think, um… I… should get involved in this.
You know?
I just need to understand why Eduardo did it, Santiago.
I'll go crazy otherwise.
Will you make sure he gets it?
Anything for a friend.
Hey!
Excuse me.
You'll get the fish drunk. Whoa! All right, then.
-Let the fish enjoy it. -What did you want to tell me, Sancho?
It's Santiago. Santiago. I was asking…
If you've seen Eduardo, or you know where he is.
-Your friend. Eduardo. -Sancho.
-Espinosa. No, Santiago. -Listen to me.
-Sancho, listen to me. -It's Santiago.
Eduardo Espinosa.
If I fall into the river, okay?
I swear the countess is gonna make me sleep…
-Where is he? -In the stable!
What places does he frequent? Eduardo Espinosa. He's blond.
Oh, Is that her?
-Uh… It's her, right? The lady who was… -No, no, no, no, no! She is, um…
-She's my friend. -Ah.
My friend.
That's optimistic of you, Sancho.
Ah… he just…
Not angry anymore?
I saw what Cristina handed you.
And that man's an old friend of Eduardo Espinosa.
What Cristina… Hmm…
Maybe you've been drinking too much, because I don't…
-Sancho! -Trust me…
It's Santiago. Uh, get over there.
This way. I want flowers.
You don't wanna be seen in a garden with… with one… with two men, alone.
Well, one man.
Miss Esther, do we have to go that far? This is quite heavy.
I'm just not sure if I want the white blooms or the red.
Oh my gosh, the yellow ones over there look fabulous!
-Ooh! The color makes my features pop. -Sorry if this makes you uncomfortable.
Right, Josefina?
It doesn't.
Really?
-This would make a fool of her. -She just wants to know what happened.
He's marrying someone else. That's what happened.
Why didn't you tell Cristina?
Because I didn't want to add to her misery.
Sometimes we have to experience misery to move on, you know?
I don't believe that to be true.
So that's it, huh?
You'll just rush to find a new suitor.
She's too vulnerable to have good judgment, though.
Since when do you care so much about Miss Cristina?
Since always. She's my friend.
-And that's all? -Like I said. Mm-hmm.
You don't sound very convincing.
Good God, you're more presumptuous than I expected.
You know what? You should be the one writing books.
You're much more imaginative.
Are you serious? Can you turn off that music?
Why are you smiling like that, Miss Bianda?
Well, because I enjoy getting on his nerves, so…
That's all.
Now, that's better.
Miss Bianda. Come.
No, no, no, it's…
-Please. -It's a family thing.
I insist. Please.
Miss Bianda.
What is a chaperone if not a friend?
Don't forget, no moving after the flash. Don't even blink.
Stand still.
Gunpowder smoke can be treacherous.
Won't even say hi to me, Elena?
Gabriel, aren't you supposed to be in--
In Bayona. Yes, I know.
Miss Bianda! I was looking for you. Are you all right?
Allow me to introduce myself. Gabriel de Bayona Silva.
Marquis of Bayona.
Cristina Mencía.
I hope I didn't interrupt your conversation with my companion.
The marquis is an old friend. He's staying in town for a few days.
Will you stay long?
As long as I need to.
Let's go. Come on. Your father might be waiting for us.
He's a handsome man, the marquis.
How do you know him?
I worked in Bayona for a while.
Santiago! I thought you had left.
No, I was just leaving.
I forgot to ask you if you got to meet his friend here at the party.
His… Ah, yes, I did.
This is when Santiago tells on me for stealing the letter.
But he didn't like the article, you know?
I tried to make him read today's, but I couldn't.
You know how old-fashioned monarchists are.
This man never ceases to amaze me.
Yes, of course. I understand.
I'd do anything so you didn't feel like this.
Thanks.
Cristina?
Shall we?
Three times. He stepped on me three times in one waltz.
Mr. Monsalve is as clumsy as they get.
Well, I'm really sorry you had to go through that.
Our intentions were good, though.
-We were helping your friend Cristina. -Right.
And I really appreciate that.
Poor Cristina. I can't imagine what she's going through.
Do you think it was a heat stroke?
I think it was all the sadness. Can you hand me my nightgown?
Have you ever loved someone who didn't love you back?
I think everybody goes through something like that at some point.
Right.
You knew what you were doing, Doctor.
Cristina, I know we fight a lot,
but you know I'm always here for you, don't you?
Of course. Why do you say that?
No reason.
Try to rest.
Unspeakable secrets.
Some of them protect broken hearts.
Others are hidden between the lines.
NOBODY
But I don't know of anyone
who would want their secrets to come to light.
"Despite her youth, Martina Prados had suffered such tragedies
as would make the bravest tremble."
"And although a sadness had settled in her eyes,
they were still the most beautiful eyes I'd ever seen."
"That's why I loved her so. That's why I'll always love her."
-Miss Bianda? -Yes?
I've been thinking, and you were right.
I need to move on as soon as possible.
I found the suitor we're looking for.
Mr. Torres? Wasn't he like a brother to you?
I refused to see it all these years, but Santiago would do anything for me.
He's always cared for us. He'd never hurt me.
Miss Bianda.
I thought you were deserving of my trust, but you lied.
Instead of protecting my daughters,
you were an accomplice to their secrets.
This is what I get for skipping the second lesson in the handbook.
I am in real trouble now.
Why did you lie to me, Miss Bianda?
If I knew which lie he's talking about, this would be easier.
Sara's? Cristina's?
Or is it mine?