There are many things a young lady must learn.
Like how to speak without saying a word.
"I love you."
"Go away, please."
"I hate you."
The Mencía sisters were good at it, but I was far better.
I knew all the signs.
Except for this one.
What were the chances she'd conceive after just one time?
A woman's reproductive physiology during the course her lifetime
can be likened to a wave that starts at an initial state of infertility
and rises to a peak before falling again…
To paraphrase Mr. Duncan,
if you're young and don't use protection, because it hasn't been invented,
the chances are high.
That's how 15 minutes of pleasure
turns into a lifelong, angelic-faced mistake.
So, what can be done next?
Yes, I know.
…all my sins…
If God exists, he has better things to do.
This tragedy won't be fixed with prayer.
Dolls away!
She's quite the shot.
I hope she's not preparing to commit a crime.
I've been training for years. It helps me blow off steam.
Using your dolls is something new, I gather.
If you don't want the baby, I can help you.
What? No. Why would you think such a thing?
Dolls away!
Okay. Fine.
I can see why. But that's not it.
I just won't need my dolls anymore.
If you're done destroying your childhood, I can take over.
-No. -No.
Will anyone ever allow me to have some fun?
I've always wanted to be a mother.
But in the correct way.
First, the suitor, then the wedding, and then the baby.
Dolls away!
But you can't change the order of things.
However, we can prevent an accidental death.
I like my life. I don't want to lose my father or harm my sisters.
Do you know how awful that'd be?
I have an idea.
-I have to speak to Eduardo. -He told you he's in Paris, miss.
Eduardo loves me! I'm certain he does.
Miss, it's not wise.
Trust me on this.
Because I've already tried.
Good day. I'd like to speak with Mrs. Espinosa.
Come with me.
And it didn't go as I'd hoped.
He's already engaged?
And soon to be wed.
So tell that trollop to leave my son alone and not to interfere.
She won't ruin his engagement.
Yes, I agree. Eduardo is a scoundrel.
It's best Cristina doesn't know the details.
To prevent further tragedies.
Miss, you are a good person.
But people make mistakes, and Eduardo is not worthy of you.
Leave here. I'll speak with Father and tell him--
No need to worry.
I have a plan.
THE LADY'S COMPANION
LESSON 2: DON'T TELL LIES
And I refer to the scriptures themselves
to say that, among all sins,
this is the most perverse.
Corinthians, chapter six.
"Flee! Flee from fornication!"
Lust blinds us!
It clouds our judgment!
It makes us impious.
Poor girl. You can see she's very upset about what happened.
A cross to bear.
Compared to him, Judas is a saint.
That bad?
You know I don't like to speak ill of others.
But may I confide something to you?
Certainly.
-Debts. -Debts?!
Debts.
Yes, debts.
About to propose, and it turns out he's ruined.
Of course, he's a slave to gambling and drinking.
As if that weren't enough, she's not the first one he's tried this with.
That man is dangerous.
She doesn't realize how fortunate she is to have Elena.
Absolutely. A blessing from above.
I had no idea about Eduardo.
Dear me. I can't imagine what poor Cristina must be going through.
How about we celebrate my birthday in style?
That way, Cristina can get past this unpleasantness.
That's a delightful idea.
"The finest gift I could receive on this special day is your company."
"The celebration will take place in the Zapico family gardens."
"Come and celebrate with us. One doesn't turn 19 every day."
"Signed, Esther Zapico."
A birthday party?
I won't be able to attend. I can't face all those people.
Mass was already difficult enough.
-I ought to confess to Father Gregorio. -No.
You've prayed.
You've repented. I can attest to that. This must stay between you and God.
No. Especially after saying such awful things about Eduardo.
Would you rather let people come to their own conclusions?
No.
I can't believe how unfortunate I've been.
It was just one time.
One time.
And this is what I get.
Shall I tell you my theory about fertility and the probability of--
Mr. Duncan, can't you see that now is not the time?
Now isn't the time for feeling down. You must attend that party.
You need to put on a smile.
-And get over the unpleasantness. -Come.
We've got a surprise for you.
Pascual, where are you rushing to?
-Let go, María Antonia. I'll be late. -Wait a moment.
No!
What the devil? You're getting married.
No, I'm not that desperate.
Where are you going, then?
To jump into the canal.
-Enough of this drama! -No.
Why? You love our plays.
-We wanted to make you laugh. -You should've stayed for the proposal!
-I had work to do. -Excuses!
I had to work.
I thought writers were sensitive souls. But I was wrong.
You're just another egocentric man.
I'll get the shotgun.
It seems I caused this uproar. What did I do wrong, Miss Bianda?
You don't know?
Your performance as Pascual was over the top. Your acting needs work.
Just go, and stop adding insult to injury.
Do you know what marriage means for a young lady?
Her entire life revolves around marriage.
She'll never find a good husband if she doesn't learn manners.
Or if she's not devout and self-sacrificing.
Or if she neglects her appearance.
-Eduardo wasn't a good husband. -I agree.
But when it comes down to it, any husband is better than no husband.
Sadly.
Don't fret. People tend to take out their frustrations
on the ones they love the most.
So…
Cristina must loathe all men. And with good reason.
Anyone with a suit or a bowler hat, is already on her bad side.
But she'll move past it.
So, that's the power of chaperones then.
You're experts in the highs and lows of human emotion.
People say that about writers too.
No.
We simply try our best.
I'm sure you'll manage to set things right.
Are you all right, miss?
No, but I'm tired of wallowing in my sorrows.
I must get ready. Esther would be upset if I didn't attend.
Splendid. That's the spirit.
And tell my sisters I hope they'll join me.
Yes. Having them there will make it easier for you.
Where is Sara? I haven't seen her all morning.
Gentlemen, you have one hour.
Begin.
Did you just get home?
You see, Doña Angustias, I went out because--
She went to pick up the present for Miss Zapico.
By herself? She went on her own?
Angustias, the two of us went. Together.
Why did you arrive separately?
The young lady went to the stable to see Trafalgar.
As you know, Doña Angustias, I am fond of that colt.
Angustias, I do love idle chatter and a proper interrogation,
but the young ladies must get dressed for the party.
Are you aware you're wasting your time doing chores that aren't yours?
That's what maidservants are for.
Angustias, you're so thoughtful.
Thank you very much. But if I do extra work,
it's because I enjoy devoting my life to this family, as you always say.
And now, if you'll excuse me…
Grin all you want, but I know you're hiding something.
Many things. Just like you, I suppose.
But I often confide in my friends.
If you need one, let me know.
We'll see what we can do.
My books! I lent them to your sister, and she's returning them now.
I had no idea you were so keen on biology,
anatomy, or pathological physiology.
Fine. I'm studying to be a doctor.
I see. And how long have you been doing that?
Six months. Studying at night with Dr. Aguilar.
Today was the entrance exam.
Did you know? How could you keep this a secret?
I'm sorry, but I think it's important to know how to keep a secret.
It's essential, I'd say.
What are you doing? Come out from there, or you'll get filthy.
Weren't we talking about Sara
and her newly revealed passion for medicine?
I'm the only one who didn't know. I'm a horrible sister!
Now she's crying. What a bore.
I ought to have noticed!
And done something to earn your trust.
Cristina, please stop crying. It's not your fault.
It's too much for her.
First Eduardo, and now this. But she'll put it behind her soon.
How did the exam go?
I'm not sure. If I pass, I still have a small dilemma.
I'll need my father's permission to enroll.
It's a party. You don't have to wear black.
Birthdays are like mini funerals.
Mini funerals? At least today, I agree with her.
If you'd rather stay home…
I'm perfectly fine. Shall we?
Happy birthday, Esther.
Don Pedro, my father is in his study.
Thank you. Enjoy the party.
I've got a surprise for you.
See? There are other children. You won't be bored.
Do you like scary stories?
Hold on. My serve.
What a shame, Miss Cristina. He seemed like a charming young man.
More like a snake charmer, I'd say.
He doesn't deserve to be a topic of conversation.
How did you learn of his intentions, Cristina?
Ladies, pardon me, but Josefina has let me know that Miss Zapico
has brought out her root beer for the occasion.
Come along, ladies.
What are you playing at?
I wanted to be nice.
And show concern about that terrible and surprising story.
That family has never had financial struggles.
They do now. Where there's smoke…
I suppose. You know what they say, Elena.
"The truth will out."
Let's stay positive. In two weeks, no one will remember this.
All it takes is another scandal.
A scandal, you say, Adelita?
Always so dramatic.
In my day, going bankrupt was just part of life.
The French went away
and left all our families in a precarious position
for decades and decades.
Oh, what I had to go through to provide for my son Lázaro.
It must have been tough, raising him with a wet nurse.
Not one. No. Five. I had to pay for five of them.
You wouldn't believe what a hungry boy he was.
Thank goodness for wet nurses.
I say that because now you have a fine young man for a son.
Yesterday, it was the Count of Montalbán's son.
The day before yesterday, Íñigo Blázquez.
Adelita, my dear, your heart leads you astray.
You are absolutely right.
Don't worry about the Mencía girl.
She still has her most valuable treasure, time.
Dolores de Acuña, you look fabulous! The spas of Biarritz…
Doña Paquita is right about that.
She just needs time to heal. That's all.
Time.
Don't look. The Monsalves' son can't take his eyes off of you.
Let's begin. Seven.
Come on!
Two.
Go on!
He's handsome and he seems interested.
He's beneath her.
-Miss Esther. -Come on!
Mr. Monsalve.
You feel no one's good enough for her.
Is it so wrong that I want her to marry well?
No, how could it be? That's what we all want.
All right, then.
Nine.
I hope someone asks her to dance.
A dance in public.
Is that enough humiliation to earn your forgiveness?
-What on earth is he doing? -Dancing with her.
-Isn't that what you wanted? -Not with him.
He's scaring away all the suitors.
I HAVE TO SPEAK WITH YOU.
ARE YOU SPEAKING CHINESE?
GO AWAY!
WHAT?
I need someone to ask her to dance and fix this mess.
Shall we? Let's go.
You seem interested in my lady. Is that so?
-Yes, if you'd allow me. -First, I need you to do me a favor.
Sir, may I ask you for a favor?
Of course. Whatever you wish.
Are you acquainted with Miss Mencía?
Yes.
All right.
I don't know. Could you ask her to dance?
-You keep disappointing me. -Me?
Yes. You made me think that you were looking for me.
And that you were after something different.
Oh, Adelita, what a disappointment.
I think I'm in luck.
I believe someone just made an advance toward me.
No, I'm not sure. I might have misunderstood.
May I dance with your cousin?
She's not my cousin.
You're a great dancer, Mr. Monsalve.
Do you know Roberto Rivera? He wants to dance with you.
Is this how you're trying to make amends? By dancing with her?
Have I done something wrong again?
That's correct. And I see you can't understand fan language either.
There's a lot I don't understand lately. Maybe you could give me a few lessons.
I tried to stop you before you ruined my work.
Because I danced with her?
She needs serious suitors who can help her get over Eduardo.
-Do you have any? -Any what?
Intentions.
Are you going to court her? Do you want to be her suitor?
I was hoping to make up for my mistake.
Apparently, you failed.
-Shouldn't we call the doctor? -No, Father. She's fine.
How do you know she's fine? How did you know what to give her?
-Father, it's just-- -Doctors know these things.
"Doctors know these things"? What is she saying?
Of course. Doctors.
And pharmacists.
The other day at the pharmacy, they gave me this medicine.
Father, do you have any secrets?
Why not get rid of this burden together? Unburden yourself.
What are you giving her?
I don't know. I don't know what it's called.
But you have the bottle.
Promise me you won't be angry. Eduardo and I--
Your father is already aware.
He knows how much Eduardo hurt you.
But don't fret. It'll soon be behind you.
Sir, she needs to rest. It's best if you let her be.
-You're right. -Step outside.
Father, how would I know? I'm not a doctor.
I just told them a story.
You're going to be the end of me. The three of you.
Did you want to scare me to death? We were almost found out.
Have you ever done it? Had relations?
When you remember this tomorrow, you'll die of embarrassment.
I'm quite discreet, but, to be honest,
I'm dying to feel that heat coursing through my body again.
This plan to find another suitor is absurd.
No one wanted to dance with me. You had to go begging for favors.
Well, Santiago did.
After the scolding I gave him, he just wanted to make it up to me.
Are you sure?
My Lord, are you thinking he…?
He's like a brother to me.
No, it just seemed to me that…
I had a feeling, but maybe it's a silly idea.
It is. Can't you see I only care for Eduardo?
Did you know he wrote me a letter every day
after my mother passed away?
Only he knew how to make me smile.
That's why I have to write to him.
It's not a good idea.
If he knew I was pregnant…
If Eduardo knew, perhaps he'd do the right thing.
Santiago.
I was looking for you.
I don't think I should get involved in this.
You understand?
I just need to understand why Eduardo did it, Santiago.
Or I'm going to lose my mind.
Will you get this to him?
Anything for a friend.
Hey! Excuse me!
You're going to get the fish drunk. Okay. All right.
-Let the fish enjoy it. -What is it, Sancho?
It's Santiago. I was asking if you know where your friend Eduardo is.
-Sancho, listen closely. -Espinosa. No, it's Santiago.
-Listen closely. -It's Santiago.
Eduardo Espinosa.
If I fall into the river, I swear the countess will kick me out.
-Where is he? -I'll sleep in the stable.
Who does Eduardo Espinosa associate with? He's blond…
It's her.
It's her, right? The young lady…
No, she's…
She's my friend.
My friend.
Wishful thinking, Sancho.
He just…
You're not upset with me?
I saw what Cristina gave you.
And that man is an old friend of Eduardo Espinosa.
Cristina…
You must have had a couple drinks too many because…
Sancho…
It's Santiago.
If you think not, feel free to say so.
Come on, there. Easy.
You wouldn't want to be seen in the garden alone with two men.
One man.
Miss, must we go so far? This is a bit heavy.
I can't decide if I like the white flowers or the red ones.
Oh, that yellow one is quite a sight.
I apologize if this… makes you uncomfortable.
Isn't that right, Josefina?
It doesn't.
Oh, really?
You'll make a fool of her if you deliver this.
Because she wants to know the truth?
He's marrying another woman. That's what happened.
Why didn't you tell Cristina?
I didn't want to cause her any more pain.
Sometimes, we need to feel hurt to be able to move on.
We don't agree on that.
So it's settled then.
You're going to find her someone quickly.
She's vulnerable. She can't think clearly.
Since when do you care so much for Miss Cristina?
I always have. She's my friend.
Just that?
That's what I said.
You don't sound convincing.
Goodness, you're cheekier than I thought.
You should write books instead of me. You have more imagination.
Seriously? Can you stop that music?
Why are you smiling like that, Miss Bianda?
Because I enjoy riling him up.
That's all.
Much better.
Miss Bianda, come here.
No, it's…
-Please. -It's just for family.
I insist. Please.
Miss Bianda, what is a chaperone if not a friend?
Remember, don't move after the flash. Don't even blink.
Stay still.
Gunpowder smoke can be deceiving.
Aren't you going to say hello, Elena?
Gabriel, shouldn't you be--
In Bayona? Yes, I'm aware.
Miss Bianda, I was looking for you. Are you all right?
Allow me to introduce myself. Gabriel de Bayona Silva.
Marquess of Bayona.
Cristina Mencía.
I hope I haven't interrupted your conversation with my chaperone.
The marquess is an old friend of mine who is spending a few days in the city.
Are you staying long?
As long as necessary.
Let's go. We wouldn't want your father to be waiting for us.
The marquess is a handsome man.
How did you two meet?
I worked in Bayona for some time.
Santiago! I thought you had left.
No, I was just leaving now.
I forgot to ask you if you saw his friend at the birthday party.
His…? Yes, I saw him.
Now Mr. Torres will inform on me because of the letter.
He didn't like the article.
I tried to get him to read today's, but he refused.
Monarchists are a little old-fashioned.
This man keeps surprising me.
Yes, of course. I understand.
I'd do anything to help.
Thanks.
Cristina.
Shall we?
He stepped on my foot three times during one waltz.
Mr. Monsalve is quite the clumsy one.
I'm sorry you had to go through that. Our intentions were good.
-We wanted to help your friend Cristina. -I really appreciate it.
Poor Cristina. What an ordeal.
Do you think it was heatstroke?
It was because of her sorrow.
Hand me my nightgown.
Have you ever loved someone who didn't love you?
I suppose it's something we all go through at some point in life, right?
Right.
You knew what you were doing, Doctor.
Cristina, even if we argue, you know you can count on me, right?
Yes. Why do you say that?
No reason.
Get some rest.
Unspeakable secrets.
Some shield broken hearts.
NOBODY
There are some hidden between the lines.
But I don't know anyone who wants their secrets to be revealed.
"Despite her youth, Martina Prados had endured tragedies
that would make the bravest man tremble."
"And, although sadness had settled in her eyes,
they remained the most beautiful I had ever seen."
"That's why I loved her so much. That's why I will always love her."
-Miss Bianda? -Yes?
I've been thinking. I believe you're right.
I need to move on. I have the candidate we were looking for.
Mr. Torres? But didn't you say he was like a brother to you?
I refused to see it all these years, but Santiago would do anything for me.
He has always been there for us.
He would never hurt me.
Miss Bianda,
I thought I could trust you, and you lied to me.
Instead of protecting my daughters, you have been complicit in their secrets.
This is what I get for ignoring the second lesson in the handbook.
Now I'm in a real predicament.
Why did you lie to me, Miss Bianda?
It would be easier if I knew which lie he meant.
Sara's, Cristina's…
or my own.
Subtitle translation by: Meredith Cannella