Being a young lady isn't easy.
Ow!
We are oppressed in body.
-And in spirit. -Excuse me.
Your destiny is simply out of your hands.
And that can make you utterly unhappy.
The Duke of Tejada, your fiancé.
Antonio Bianda. Pleased to meet you.
But sometimes, in the worst of circumstances,
something happens and changes everything.
Then you must choose between continuing to be unhappy…
or living.
Because from that moment on, the life you led before becomes unbearable.
And you can't help but rebel.
If only every act of rebellion were as notable as Sara's.
Most are much more trivial. Like ignoring all advice and rules.
Especially the kind given by chaperones.
Even if you're not aware of the consequences.
DOLORES EMIGRATED TO THE AMERICAS
SHE HAD 2 HUSBANDS, 7 CHILDREN, AND 3 LOVERS
JACINTA LOST HER MIND
HER CASE WAS STUDIED AT THE FIRST PSYCHOLOGY LABORATORY IN LEIPZIG
ADA BECAME A NUN
SHE'S AN EXPERT IN MAKING CARAMELIZED ALMONDS
Now you know.
I'm the best companion because I was the best at getting rid of them.
But the truth always comes out.
And you must choose. Rebellion or submission?
And unfortunately, your whole life depends on that decision.
Do you understand now why I lied?
THE LADY'S COMPANION
LESSON 3: THE PAST IS IN THE PAST
Why did you lie to me, Miss Bianda?
This is the exact moment my life could go to the dogs and end up like this.
ELENA BECAME THE CITY'S WORST CHAPERONE
SHE NEVER WORKED AGAIN
ANGUSTIAS TOASTED WITH CHAMPAGNE
You knew about my daughter?
Did he say "daughter"? I won't say I'm glad,
but it's always easier to forgive one's daughter, right?
What do you mean?
Your daughters need proper care.
That's what I've given them.
Enough.
You want me to believe you didn't know Sara was seeing that man?
Father, he's just my tutor.
Did you know, Miss Bianda?
-Father, I asked her to keep it secret. -Miss!
I apologize, Don Pedro.
-I lied to you, and-- -I also knew.
Me too.
Did none of you stop to think about this family's reputation?
-What if someone sees you? -No one's seen me.
That doesn't make it less wrong. Or not a scandal!
I'll leave home if I have to.
Which would you prefer? A daughter who studied or ran away?
Don't threaten me!
What's wrong with wanting to learn?
Doña Angustias, your classes served me well.
I passed the entrance exam.
You mean it?
Congratulations.
I'm very glad to hear it, miss.
Will you stop encouraging her?
Don Pedro!
If I may…
you are also responsible for this.
And your wife too.
How dare you?
Do you think your daughter's inquisitiveness is just a coincidence?
That it just happened?
Look at your house.
It's filled with books and art.
Many homes just have crucifixes and looms.
You've raised three bright daughters, who are hungry for life.
Not idle beauties fit only for sipping tea.
It's something you should be proud of.
Father, I'll graduate in three years. Then I'll do my best to find a husband.
I give you my word as long as you give me yours.
Give me your permission?
Go on. Go and fulfill your dream.
Good luck.
My sister will do well, won't she?
Of course she will.
She's lucky that your father agreed.
I've never met anyone with such boundless passion.
Your sister is intelligent and bold.
Nothing scares her.
She was born to be a trailblazer.
Don't sit there.
I want to hear the lecture.
Do we have knitting class today?
I can't believe it. He's over there.
Good morning, ladies.
What a wonderful coincidence.
Indeed, it is.
No, it isn't. We've run into him seven times in seven days.
It's unbearable.
He's trying to court me.
But given the circumstances, it's better to be with someone I trust.
Like Mr. S.
Mr. S? Who's Mr. S?
Gabriel!
What on earth are you doing?
It's what Cristina needs. Let her be seen with me.
It'll improve her standing.
There's no need. She already has someone in mind.
So? People want what they cannot have. Jealousy is always useful.
Gabriel, don't play games with me.
Who's playing?
Do you want me to believe us meeting was a coincidence?
Let me help you. I won't tell a soul.
Elena.
You decide. I can have a date with her or with you.
Is it true a marquess is courting Cristina?
Are you surprised that I'm doing my job?
It's better than just keeping secrets--
Alicia told you about Sara.
You're plotting to oust me, but you won't succeed.
-You don't scare me. -Good.
I have an idea involving the marquess.
Why not use him?
Santiago's loved you for years, but he needs a push.
Make him jealous.
Go to Doña Paquita's party with the marquess.
It's the event of the season. In honor of her cousin Amelia's visit.
Everyone's going, including Santiago.
He'll see you two dancing and laughing. He'll be jealous and declare his love.
And then it's happily ever after.
And I avoid ending up out of a…
Isn't it a great plan?
I have a better idea.
Why wait?
We'll invite the marquess over for tea.
Punctual, as always.
Thank you, Inés. I'm expected for tea.
Santiago!
Hello.
So nice to see you.
We missed you this morning, didn't we, Miss Bianda?
We did.
Her sister said she'd kill you for missing, I quote,
"A historic moment for Spanish women."
And I'd have deserved it. I had a work meeting…
-At the newspaper? -Yes, at the newspaper.
Anything interesting?
Since when are you interested in the paper?
I find anything to do with you interesting.
A theater producer hired me to write a libretto for a zarzuela.
I love zarzuelas.
I turned him down.
I find the genre too… banal.
What was that? I didn't hear you.
No. Just pretend I'm not here.
I can't with all the noises you're making. What's wrong?
You said zarzuelas are banal. I find that rather arrogant.
"Arrogant" is a compliment, coming from you.
If you were asked to write an opera, you would, yes?
Is writing for commoners beneath you?
No. It's just…
Popular genres aren't my style. I'm a novelist.
What she means is that you shouldn't close yourself off to opportunities.
Right. You might find it more enjoyable than always writing the same thing.
The Marquess of Bayona.
My lady.
Enchanting, as always.
No, I'm not making this up.
In Africa, everything is different.
How are you such an expert?
I'm fascinated by human behavior.
One just has to study other cultures to see
that we may be the least advanced ones.
So humble. Will you give up your title to be an anthropologist?
Why would I?
I can have both money and learning.
Can't you?
Santiago.
-Yes? -My father spent time in Guinea, yes?
But Guinea is nothing like the more primitive communities.
For example, there's a village where women choose their husbands.
With their eyes.
Their eyes, huh?
Eyes never lie.
You're enjoying this, aren't you?
Well, that is not at all proper.
I want to visit the South.
I have a soft spot for it.
Cádiz.
It's an enchanting place.
The light, the music, people dancing, Santa Marta castle.
Santa Catalina.
Don't tell me you know the city too?
I lived there for a while. For work.
I'm sure you enjoyed your stay very much.
Not at all. It wasn't memorable.
Forgive the interruption.
There's a telegram for the young lady from Doña Paquita.
I'm afraid it's not good news.
Doña Paquita's cousin, Doña Amelia, has died.
She was a family friend, I suppose.
Amelia?
Not exactly. She was the wife of a cousin of a family friend's husband.
She lived in Bavaria. We only saw her once a year.
But she was delightful.
May she rest in peace.
That went well.
Shall we do it again?
Cheer up, Miss Bianda.
For once, the last thing I want is to get rid of the chaperone.
Mr. Torres.
Have a good afternoon.
The same to you both.
Miss Bianda.
Marquess.
Tonight at ten o'clock.
I'm not going.
Then I'll have to ask to call on her again.
Tonight at ten. But this is the last time.
ZAPICO FAMILY
These clothes seem to weigh twice as much.
They weigh the same. You just forgot because you don't wear them anymore.
You shouldn't wear them anymore either.
I'll make it clear to Doña Paquita that we all share in her grief,
but after a year,
it's goodbye, grief.
Miss, we mourn on the inside.
The color of our clothing means nothing.
Well, it does to me.
But at least, for once, no one will complain if I wear black.
Dear, we've been waiting for you.
How was your first day?
It was fantastic, Father. Just as I had imagined.
Why are you wearing mourning attire? Did someone die?
I just wanted to dance, drink champagne, and forget all about this day.
Excuse me!
Apologies. Thank you!
It's the wafer vendor! Hey!
Make way, ladies! The wafer vendor has arrived!
I'm afraid that tonight is going to be hard to forget.
Are you sure she's dead?
-Please. -Heretics!
Lázaro, son, change his mind. He's so stubborn.
I'll see what I can do. Excuse me.
It's just a homage to my cousin.
We're sorry for your loss, Doña Paquita.
A real tragedy. Her heart wasn't what it used to be.
Was that Don Gregorio?
My parish priest was up in arms
when he saw the party I had planned for my cousin.
He almost refused her last rites.
Well, this is a rather unusual wake.
What could I do?
She was so looking forward to this welcome banquet!
-You are a saint. -Yes.
He was running like a man possessed. I couldn't catch him.
That man doesn't worry me.
With the donations I give to the church, there's no sin he won't forgive.
Now, for the soul of my cousin, go and enjoy yourselves!
So what do we do now?
Do we pray for her?
Or do we dance?
What are they looking at?
I don't know. But for once, I don't think it's me.
Nor me.
I hope you weren't expecting your university capers to go unnoticed.
No, Father. Of course not.
Nothing goes unnoticed around here, even with a dead body in the room.
Have you noticed they've dressed her up very elegantly?
She doesn't look bad.
Especially considering it was murder.
I heard it was her heart.
That's what they say, but I think it was Doña Paquita's fault.
To Amelia!
The Hydnora africana fascinates me the most.
It has no roots.
Just vines that wind around other plants.
Would you like to go to the botanical museum
to see one of the few engravings of it?
They call it the "killer flower," cousin. That's right, "killer."
Because it feeds on the nutrients of other plants.
It sucks the life out of them and leaves them dry.
She bored her to death.
She'll kill me too by talking so much.
Please. You're terrible, Adela.
Deep down, I feel sorry for her.
Of course.
She only had you and her cousin.
And don't forget her son.
He's shameless. He only came because there's a party.
-Why else would he come? -He's not like that.
-He's got you under his spell. -He only wants one thing from you.
You think so?
Don't get excited. I'm telling you to be careful.
Everyone knows what Lázaro is like. So watch yourself.
How did it go, Doctor?
Class wasn't as lively as this, traitor.
I'm sorry. Was it that bad?
I'd spent so much time thinking about it, and then it wasn't--
I caught you. Are you trying to corrupt my sister?
I don't think she needs any help.
No. Especially not today.
I will take this drink.
There we go. Let's see if the plan worked.
I was a bit taken aback by the surprise guest this afternoon.
The marquess is a most interesting man.
He's cultured and knowledgeable.
You say it was Miss Bianda who introduced you?
He's interesting, the marquess.
Well, if you like him, that's fair enough.
Are my eyes playing tricks on me? Is Cristina flirting with Santiago?
Why don't you mind your own business and leave me alone?
You nearly got me kicked out of the Mencía house.
And I won't stop until I succeed.
Very well.
You asked for it.
Miss Alba, how are you?
You must be devastated.
I'm sorry about Doña Amelia's passing, but I didn't know her. Did you?
No, that's not what I meant. Hasn't anyone told you?
Well, your suitor should be the one to tell you.
-There's nothing to say about her suitor. -You know something?
He was arrested at a tavern this afternoon.
Apparently, he can't handle his liquor, and he gets belligerent. But don't fret.
I bet your chaperone will be more careful next time.
Or am I mistaken?
I've already apologized. But no one knew that Don Javier drank.
I demand diligence! This negligence makes me lose my faith in you.
Miss Bianda would have--
You think she'd put up with you and your spoiled, childish fancies?
How dare you insult me?
Insulting you would be calling you a snooty, arrogant, stup--
A lovely wake, don't you think?
I care about Esther.
Almost as much as you do.
That's why, perhaps,
I think it'd do her good to get some fresh air.
Get some fresh air?
Some consoling would do her good.
-I can give you more. -You have some nerve!
Don't go near her ever again.
-But many chaperones accept-- -Do you take me for a fool?
Get out of here right now.
Be thankful I'm not telling Mr. Zapico. Out!
He's leaving? What did you tell him?
Don Pedro, may I speak with you in private?
Whatever you have to say, you can say it right here.
A personal matter has come up.
I was wondering if I could take my leave now that I've paid my respects.
You're unbelievable. Your job is at risk, and you're asking me for a favor.
-I was the one who lied. -Stay out of this.
I will not. And what was all of it for, Father?
It was awful. Nobody wanted me there.
You were absolutely right, Father.
It's a man's world.
Sometimes experience makes us open our eyes.
Is it just me, or did it sound a bit calculated?
It's for her own good. She has to learn the hard way.
What you're doing won't work.
Sara won't give up on her dream. Do you know why?
Because she's as stubborn as you are.
Didn't you have some business to attend to?
Go, then.
I'll see you tomorrow.
You're leaving without saying goodbye?
Before you go, I just wanted to tell you I decided to write that libretto.
I swear, this man baffles me. I never know what he's going to do next.
You know, you have this unusual ability.
You make me rethink things and do better.
First the letter, and now this.
I think you're a good influence on someone as… arrogant as I am.
So, you acknowledge you're arrogant?
If you acknowledge you love being right.
Well, who doesn't? If one always is right.
Why are you flattering me?
I'm not.
I speak from the heart, and I expect you to do the same.
I'm always honest when I'm with you.
Even if I ask about you and the marquess?
-What's going on between you? -Nothing.
-You're lying. -There was once. Not anymore.
And you're still lying.
He knows the old Elena.
One I'm trying to leave behind.
Why are you using him to make me jealous?
Cristina wanted to rekindle your feelings. The marquess helped me do that.
Now it's your turn to be honest. Did we succeed?
She has feelings for me when two days ago, she was crying over Eduardo?
But she's not anymore.
-That doesn't mean she's over it. -You'll miss your chance.
If you're in love with her, which you are, why not admit it?
I am.
I was.
For a long time. But…
Eduardo came along, and I felt I had to move on.
I was about ready to forget about Cristina.
And now she's back again.
It's…
like a wave that keeps dragging me under.
It's the past.
It has that power.
So what can be done?
No use swimming against the current.
Good night, Mr. Torres.
-You'll wake her! -But isn't she dead?
I mean your mother.
You should go to bed. You've had too much to drink.
You're right.
But I'm sad, Adela.
Amelia was my favorite aunt.
Wasn't she your only aunt?
That makes it worse.
I have almost no family left.
I feel lonely, Adela.
Do you know how that feels?
No.
I'm not sure what you think a companion is,
but you've got the wrong idea.
I don't know why you're so angry with me. That boy is not worthy of you.
Neither was Nicolás Beltrán or Manuel Guirao.
Your job is to find me suitors, but you just scare them away.
I'll never find someone.
He wanted to pay to be alone with you!
-I don't understand what's so funny. -It was my idea!
What?
I asked him to.
Yes, I'm bored to tears.
I want to live, to feel emotions, to enjoy feeling burning passion.
Are you too old to remember that?
My job is to find the perfect man for you. Daniel is not that man.
Don't worry. I'm sure you'll find someone soon.
I've found someone,
but she doesn't seem to have realized it.
Will you keep undressing me and doing nothing?
I see how you look at me.
Olé.
Let's go.
It's not Cádiz, but…
I want to rise and greet the morning glow And watch the almond tree below
Wake with you, see a new day And live a dream next to you, my lady
And hear your voice and your refrain For the rest of my days, my flame
I feel a chill Wrap me in your arms, draw me near
No!
And give me the fire of your lips
My dear
That's why I think the conservatives will win the elections.
Martínez Campos knows what he's doing, and he always has.
Don Pedro, I need to go.
But I just poured you a drink.
Yes, but I have to revise an article, and it's getting late, so…
To reunions.
That aren't quite so casual.
You always make things hard, but you know I like a challenge.
Though a goodbye note would've been nice.
The fact that you took your suitcase was a clue that you chose to leave.
I'm sorry.
Be honest. You just got tired of cheap champagne.
I was afraid you'd have to start working.
I would have done it for you.
Santiago! I would like to apologize.
You must have thought I'd lost my mind.
That business with the marquess and my flirting.
You surprised me, Cristina. I won't deny it.
Half-hearted attempts to move on.
I'm still getting over Eduardo.
But it hurts less now.
-Do you know why? -Why?
I've realized that I'm lucky to have people who care about me, like you.
And I think maybe there's a chance I could be happy.
-Elena! -Why did you come back?
Is that how you solve things? By running away?
Subtitle translation by: Meredith Cannella