[delicate piano music playing]
[piano music continues]
[Elena] Being a lady isn't as glamorous as you'd think.
[yelps]
-[Elena] It oppresses our bodies… -[groans]
-[Elena] And our souls. -Excuse me.
-[Elena] We can't choose our destinies. -[laughter]
[Elena] And that can make a person deeply unhappy.
[knocking on door]
["Me cago en el amor" by Tonino Carotone playing]
[whispers] The Duke of Tejada, your betrothed.
Antonio Bianda. Nice to meet you.
[somber bell tolls]
[men laughing in distance]
[Elena] But sometimes, in the worst of moments,
something happens that changes everything.
[song fades]
[rebellious rock music playing]
[rock music fades]
[Elena] And then you get to choose between being unhappy…
["Me cago en el amor" continues]
…and living.
From that moment, your former life becomes unbearable.
And you can't help… but to become rebellious.
I wish every act of rebellion was as admirable as Sara's.
Most of them are more trivial. Like ignoring advice and rules,
especially from chaperones.
Even if you're not aware of the consequences of those acts.
[sobbing]
DOLORES EMIGRATED TO THE AMERICAS
SHE HAD 2 HUSBANDS, 7 CHILDREN, AND 3 LOVERS
JACINTA LOST HER MIND
[delirious laughter swirls]
HER CASE WAS STUDIED AT THE FIRST PSYCHOLOGY LABORATORY IN LEIPZIG
ADA BECAME A NUN
SHE'S AN EXPERT IN MAKING CARAMELIZED ALMONDS
[Elena] So now you know.
I'm the best lady's companion
because I was the best at getting rid of them.
-But the truth always comes to light. -[Ada shouting]
[Elena] You have to choose. Rebellion or submission?
Unfortunately, your whole life depends on that decision.
[horse whinnies]
[Elena] Do you get why I lied now?
[energetic song fades]
[gentle music playing]
[suitor screams]
-[heart thumping] -[defiant rock music playing]
-[beating stops] -[men cheering]
THE LADY'S COMPANION
LESSON 3: THE PAST IS IN THE PAST
[rock song cuts out]
Why did you lie to me, Miss Bianda?
[Elena] This moment could turn my life upside down
and make me end up… like this.
[whimsical music playing]
ELENA BECAME THE CITY'S WORST CHAPERONE
SHE NEVER WORKED AGAIN
ANGUSTIAS TOASTED WITH CHAMPAGNE
[music cuts out]
How long have you known about this?
[Elena] "About this"? So it's not my secret.
I won't say I'm glad, but it's always easier to forgive a daughter, isn't it?
I don't know what you mean.
[scoffs] Your daughters need someone who really takes care of them.
That is what I've been doing since day one.
That's enough.
You didn't know that Sara was seeing that man in secret?
[Sara] Father, he's my teacher.
Did you know about it or not, Miss Bianda?
-Father, I asked her to keep it a secret. -Miss Sara!
[sighs]
[tense music playing]
Forgive me, Don Pedro.
-I take full responsib-- -[Cristina] I knew too.
[somber music playing]
Me too.
[Pedro exhales]
And did none of you stop to think about how this could hurt our family?
-What if someone saw you? -No one saw me.
[Pedro] That doesn't make it less wrong or less of a scandal!
I will run away, if that's what it takes.
Do you prefer a daughter who goes to university or a daughter who ran away?
Don't threaten me!
I don't get what the problem is with wanting to learn!
By the way, Doña Angustias, his classes have been helpful.
I passed the entrance exam, actually.
Is that true?
[softly] Congrats.
Glad to hear it, Miss Sara.
Why on earth are you encouraging her?!
Don Pedro!
I have to be honest…
[sighs]
You've got some blame in all this.
[sighs] And your wife too.
You've got some nerve.
Do you think Sara's curiosity is pure coincidence?
That it just appeared?
[sighs] Look around you.
Your house is filled with books, culture…
Most of the houses just have looms and crucifixes.
You raised three bright daughters who are curious about life.
Not tea-drinking ornaments, right?
You should be proud of that.
[Sara] Father.
I'll graduate in three years,
and then I'll be the most marriageable woman ever.
I'll give you my word if you'll give me yours.
Will you give me your permission?
[tender music intensifies]
[bell chimes]
[excited chatter]
[Elena] Go on. Go and fulfill your dream.
Good luck.
[exhales happily]
[bright, energetic music playing]
She's going to be fine, won't she?
Of course she will.
She's very lucky that your father agreed to this.
I've never met anyone with such passion.
Your sister is intelligent. She's bold.
She can handle anything.
She was born to be a pioneer.
[whispers] Don't sit there.
I want to be sure to hear the lecture.
[student 1] What is it today? Knitting class?
[classmates laugh]
[teasing laughter continues]
-[Carlota sighs] -I can't believe this! There he is!
Well, good morning, ladies.
What a marvelous coincidence.
Indeed!
No, it's not. We've ran into him seven times in seven days.
He's a pain in the neck. [chuckles]
He is just trying to court me.
But under the circumstances, it's better to have someone I can trust.
Like Mr. S.
[Carlota] Mr. S? Who's Mr. S?
[horse whinnies]
[Elena] Gabriel!
What the hell are you doing?
It's what your young lady needs.
Let her be seen with me. It'll clean up her image.
There's no need. She already has someone.
So? Men want what they cannot have. Jealousy is always useful.
Gabriel, don't toy with me.
[Gabriel] Why would I do that?
Are you telling me our encounter was a coincidence?
Let me help you. I won't tell anybody.
Elena.
It's up to you. Either I go on a date with her or with you.
[cheeky music playing]
Is it true a marquis is courting Miss Cristina?
Are you surprised I'm doing my job?
It's much better than keeping little secrets from--
I know Alicia told you about Sara.
You're trying to get rid of me, but you'll fail.
-I'm not scared of you. -That's good.
Miss Cristina, I have an idea regarding the marquis.
Why not use him?
Santiago's loved you for years, but he needs a push.
Jealousy.
You should be at the party with the marquis.
Doña Paquita is throwing a big party in honor of her cousin, Amelia.
Everyone's going.
Including Santiago.
He'll see them dancing and laughing, he'll get jealous, and then he'll propose.
-[man] To the bride and groom! -[Elena] Happily ever after.
That way, I avoid ending up on the…
Isn't it a great plan?
[whimsical music fades]
I have a better one.
[spirited music playing]
Why wait?
Let's invite the marquis over for some tea.
[chime dings]
[servant] Punctual, as always.
Thanks, Inés. I'm expected for tea.
[playing somber tune]
Santiago!
[Santiago] Hi.
I'm glad you're here.
[seductive music playing]
We missed you this morning. Right, Miss Bianda?
[Elena] We did.
Her sister said she'll murder you for missing, exactly as she put it,
"a historic moment for women in Spain."
Well, I deserve it. I just had this long meeting at work.
-At the newspaper? -Yeah, at the newspaper.
About anything interesting?
Since when do you care about the newspaper?
[Cristina giggles]
I find anything to do with you very interesting.
-Mm… a theater impresario, um… -[Cristina] Hmm?
Asked me to write an operetta, actually.
-Operettas are lovely. -[chuckles]
-I said no. -Oh.
For me, as a genre, I find it too… banal.
[Elena] Pfft.
Wh… I'm sorry, Miss Bianda. I didn't hear you.
No, no, no. Pretend I'm not here.
With all those noises you're making, I don't think I can. What is it?
You said operettas are banal. I find that arrogant.
Arrogant? You're one to say, aren't you?
If they'd asked you to write an opera, you'd do it, right?
What? Is writing for the masses beneath you?
-No, no, no, no, no. I simply… -[giggles]
I don't think that, um… popular genres fit my style.
I'm a novelist.
What Miss Bianda is actually trying to say is that you should be open
for other opportunities.
[Elena] That's right.
You may enjoy writing something different rather than keep doing the same thing.
[Inés] Ladies and gentlemen, the Marquis of Bayona.
[determined footsteps approaching]
[tense music playing]
[Gabriel] My lady.
Enchanting as always.
[Gabriel] No, I'm not making this up.
Everything's very different in Africa.
How are you such an expert?
-Because I'm fascinated by human behavior. -[chuckles]
By investigating other cultures,
we may discover that we're more behind than we think.
[scoffs] So humble.
So are you leaving the marquessate for anthropology? Or…
[Gabriel] Why would I?
I can combine knowledge and money.
Can't you?
[Cristina giggles]
Santiago.
-Yes? -Didn't my father spend time in Guinea?
[Gabriel] Well, Guinea is nothing like the more primitive communities.
For example, there's a village where the woman chooses her husband.
And they do it with their eyes.
[Santiago] The eyes, huh?
The eyes will always be honest.
They never lie.
[Elena sighs]
You're all enjoying this, right?
Well, it's not polite to enjoy people's misery.
[Gabriel] I want to visit the south.
I have a soft spot for it.
Cádiz…
[Elena inhales sharply]
Such an enchanting spot.
The light, the music, people dancing, castle of Santa Marta.
Santa Catalina.
-[Gabriel] Oh. -Don't tell me you know the place too?
I lived there for a little bit. For work.
[Gabriel] I'm sure you enjoyed your stay.
Absolutely not. Unremarkable.
[Angustias] Forgive the interruption.
One of the maids received a telegram for the young lady from Doña Paquita.
And I'm afraid it's not good news.
It's about Doña Paquita's cousin, Doña Amelia. She has died.
[Gabriel] I assume she was a friend of the family.
[Cristina] Amelia?
Not exactly. She was the wife of a friend of the family's husband's cousin.
She lived in Bavaria. We only saw her once a year.
But she was a lovely woman.
May she rest in peace.
That went well. [sighs]
Again tomorrow?
Why the long face, Miss Bianda?
This is the first time that I find myself not trying to get rid of the chaperone.
[tense music rises]
-[Elena] Mr. Torres. -Hello.
Have a pleasant evening.
I wish you the same.
Miss Bianda.
Marquis…
[sighs]
Tonight at ten o'clock.
[Elena] I'm not going.
Then I'll just have to request another formal meeting with her.
Tonight at ten. But this will be the last time.
[coachman shouts]
[emotive string music building]
[intriguing music playing]
Ah. [sobs]
ZAPICO FAMILY
[music fades]
These garments seem to be heavier.
They weigh the same.
You just forgot because you don't wear them anymore.
You shouldn't have been wearing them either.
I'll remember to tell Doña Paquita that we will be sharing her grief for now,
but after a year,
we won't care anymore.
Miss Carlota, grief is carried within.
You see, the color of the garments means nothing.
It does to me.
But this time, the bright side… is that they can't complain about it.
[doorbell rings]
[Pedro] Sara, we've been waiting for you!
How was your first day?
[mischievous music playing]
[students jeering]
[music fades]
It was amazing, Father. Just as I imagined.
Hmm.
[playful music concludes]
Are you mourning?
Did someone die?
[horse whinnies]
[energetic music playing]
[horse snorts]
I just wanted to dance, drink some champagne, and forget this day.
[sighs]
[lively music playing]
Excuse me! Uh…
Sorry, coming through! Excuse me! Thanks!
Here I come! The wafer-maker is here!
Make way, ladies! The wafer-maker has arrived!
I'm afraid that "forgetting" tonight is likely going to be quite difficult.
Are you sure Doña Amelia is dead?
-Please, a little bit of respect. -Heretics! Heretics! Heretics!
Lázaro, go on. Try to calm him down, will you?
I'll see what I can do. If you'll excuse me.
[Paquita] It's just a tribute to my cousin.
Our deepest sympathies, Doña Paquita.
A real tragedy, isn't it?
[sighs] Her heart wasn't what it used to be, really.
-Was that Don Gregorio? -[Paquita] The priest, yes.
He was shocked when he saw the party I'm throwing for my cousin Amelia.
[laughs] He didn't want to give her the last rites.
Well, for a wake, this is a bit unconventional.
Well, I mean…
What could I do? She was so excited about this welcome party, and…
-That's a lovely gesture. -[laughs] Right?
Don Gregorio ran like a bat out of hell, so I couldn't reach him.
I'm not worried about that man.
I give plenty of money to the parish. I'm sure he's going to forgive me.
Anyway… out of respect for my cousin's memory,
enjoy yourselves!
[band playing jolly tune]
So what do we do now?
Do we pray for her?
Or do we dance?
[indistinct whispering]
What's that about?
No clue. But I think it's not about me this time.
Hmm. Or me.
You weren't expecting your university adventure
to go unnoticed, were you?
No, Father. Obviously not.
Clearly, nobody misses anything around here.
Not even with a dead body present.
[women sobbing]
[giggling]
Did you notice she's wearing a very elegant dress?
She doesn't look bad.
-[Elena] Hmm. -[Adela] After having been murdered.
I've been told her heart failed.
Yeah, I know, but… I think it was Doña Paquita's fault.
[tearfully] To Amelia! To Amelia!
My favorite one is the African hydnora.
It has no roots, which is very offbeat.
It only has stems that wrap around other plants.
We could go to the botanical museum, Amelia, and see a couple of the engravings
they have there.
They call it "the killer flower," Amelia. Yes, killer.
Because it feeds on the nutrients of other plants.
-[unsettling music playing] -[Paquita] It sucks the life out of them.
She murdered her with boredom.
And she'll kill me someday too, with all the talking.
Oh God, you're hopeless, Adela.
Deep down, I feel sorry for her.
Yeah.
-She only had you and Amelia. -Mm-hmm.
And don't forget her son.
[Josefina] He's so cheeky.
The only reason he's here is because of the party.
You always think the worst.
-He's got you under his spell. -Mm-hmm. And you know what he wants.
Really?
I'm trying to warn you, not to get you excited.
Everybody knows what Lázaro's like, so… it's up to you.
[speaking inaudibly]
-[Cristina chuckles softly] -[Santiago] How'd it go, Doctor?
Well, not as spirited as this… traitor.
[Santiago] I'm sorry. That bad?
I'd spent so much time imagining it.
-And then it wasn't-- -I see you.
Are you trying to corrupt my sister?
I don't think she needs help, actually.
I don't. Not today.
I'm drinking this myself.
[Elena] Here we go. Let's see if the plan worked.
I was a little surprised by your mystery guest today.
[Cristina] Hmm.
The marquis is a most interesting man.
He's cultured, well-read…
[Santiago] Hmm.
And you told me… Miss Bianda introduced you, right?
The marquis is interesting.
And, well, if you like him, what can I say?
Am I going crazy here, or is Cristina flirting with Santiago?
[Elena] Alicia, why don't you mind your business and leave me alone?
You almost managed to get me fired from the Mencías.
And I'm not stopping until I do.
-[giggles] -All right.
You asked for it.
Miss Alba, how are you?
You must be devastated.
[sighs] Well, to be honest, I'm really sorry about Doña Amelia,
but I didn't know her. Did you?
Oh, that's not what I meant, no. So nobody told you?
Well, I shouldn't be the one to tell you about your suitor.
Nothing to say about your suitor, really.
Do you know something?
[Elena] He's been arrested in a tavern this afternoon.
Apparently, he gets pretty aggressive when drunk.
But don't worry about it.
I'm sure your chaperone will choose more carefully next time.
Or am I wrong?
[huffs]
I said I'm sorry already.
I didn't know Don Javier drank. Nobody did.
Well, you should. Your slackness makes me lose faith in you.
If Miss Bianda were my chaperone--
You think she'd put up with you?
That she'd tolerate your spoiled child's fits?
How dare you insult me!
It would be an insult if I mentioned how arrogant, stupid, and--
[gasps, groans]
[groans]
[mischievous music playing]
Delightful wake, right?
I care about Esther.
As much as you do.
And for that reason, I think it would…
I think it'd do her good to get some fresh air. Hmm?
Fresh air?
She could use some consolation.
-Not enough? I can give you more. -You are shameless!
I don't want you near her ever again.
[couple laughing]
[chuckles]
-I don't get it. Other chaperones accept-- -Do you take me for a fool?
I'm telling you to go away immediately.
[sternly] And be thankful I don't tell Mr. Zapico about this. Out!
Why is he leaving? What did you say?
Don Pedro, may I speak with you alone for a second?
Whatever you have to say, just tell me now.
I'd like to attend to a personal matter,
so I was wondering if I could take my leave now that I've paid my respects.
You've got some nerve.
-Your job's on the line, and you ask for-- -I'm the one who lied to you.
-Don't take it out on her. -Stay out of this.
Come on. I won't, and plus, I mean…
What was it all for. It was horrible. No one wanted me there.
You were absolutely right, Father. You were right.
It's a man's world.
Sometimes you have to experience things to open your eyes.
Don't you agree that that was something harsh to say?
It's for her own good. She needs to learn from her mistakes.
[Elena] What you're doing won't work.
Sara's not giving up on her dream. You know why?
She's as stubborn as you are.
You were taking your leave, weren't you?
Go ahead.
See you tomorrow.
[sighs]
[Santiago] You were leaving without saying goodbye.
Well, before you go,
I just wanted to tell you myself that I'm writing that libretto after all.
This man baffles me, I swear. He always comes out of nowhere.
You have this unusual ability.
You make me rethink and change for the better.
First the letter, and now this.
Guess you're a good influence on someone as arrogant as I am.
Ah, so you admit you're arrogant.
Only if you admit you do love being right all the time.
Well, who doesn't? If one is.
Why are you flattering me?
I'm not.
I'm being honest and expect the same thing from you.
Strangely, I'm always honest when I'm around you.
Even if I ask you about you and the marquis?
[tense music rises]
-What's between you? -Nothing.
-You're lying. -There used to be, now there's not.
You're still lying to me.
He knows the old Elena.
The one I'm trying to leave behind.
Then why are you using him to make me jealous of Cristina?
Because she was trying to rekindle your feelings.
And the marquis wanted to help.
[Santiago scoffs]
Your turn to be honest, now. Did we succeed?
Do you want me to believe Cristina have feelings for me
when she was crying over Eduardo?
But she's no longer crying.
-That doesn't mean she moved on. -You'll miss your opportunity
If you're in love with her, because you are, why not admit it?
I am.
[somber music playing]
[horse whinnies]
I was.
For a long time. But…
Eduardo came along, and I felt like I had to move on, and…
I almost got over Cristina. Almost.
Now this happens.
It…
feels like a wave that drags me under or something, you know?
It's the past.
It's got that power.
What can be done?
Well, it's no use swimming against the current.
Have a good night, Mr. Torres.
[Paquita snoring]
[glass clatters loudly]
[bottle thuds]
Shh!
-[whispers] You'll wake her up! -Wasn't she dead?
I mean your mother.
[Lázaro sighs]
I think you should go to bed. You've had too much to drink.
[Lázaro] You're right.
[tearfully] But I feel sad, Adela.
Amelia was my favorite aunt.
Wasn't she your only aunt?
[Lázaro] Even worse.
I have almost no family left.
I feel lonely, Adela.
Do you know how that feels?
[tender music playing]
[music peaks, cuts out]
[gasps] No.
I don't know what you think a lady's companion is, but…
but you are definitely wrong.
[Josefina] I don't understand why you're so angry.
That man is not good enough for you.
Neither was Nicolás Beltrán or Manuel Guirao.
Your job is to find me suitors,
but it feels like you're trying to scare them off.
I'll end up with Doña Amelia.
That man wanted to pay me to be alone with you!
[giggles]
-I don't get it. What's so funny? -It was my idea!
-What? -I asked him.
I did. I'm bored to tears.
I want to… I want to live, to feel emotions,
to experience fiery passion.
Don't you remember how that feels?
My job is to find the perfect husband for you, and Daniel is not him.
But don't worry. I'm sure you'll find someone
to fall in love with soon.
What if I already have?
But that person doesn't seem to have realized it yet.
Will you just undress me with your eyes forever?
I'm not stupid. I've noticed you staring.
["Odyssey" by Brandon Rogers and Devin Hoffman playing]
♪ Close my eyes and watch you ♪
♪ Eight ball corner pocket ♪
♪ Been workin' on my perfect aim ♪
♪ At least I was before you came ♪
♪ Oh, oh ♪
♪ There I go, fallin' slow ♪
♪ Losin' gravity and self-control ♪
♪ I wonder if ♪
♪ You know ♪
♪ I hope ♪
♪ You don't get tossed in the wind ♪
♪ With one touch, I give in ♪
♪ You take me on an odyssey ♪
♪ Yeah ♪
♪ Around the world into infinity ♪
[dreamy hip-hop fades]
[flamenco guitars playing]
It's not Cádiz, but, uh…
[in Spanish] ♪ 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 ♪
[giggles] No!
♪ And give me the fire of your lips ♪
♪ My dear ♪
[giggling]
[percussive music swells, ends abruptly]
[Pedro, in English] And that's why I think the conservatives will win the elections.
Martínez Campos knows what he's doing, and he always has.
Um, Don Pedro, I'd better leave.
[Pedro] But I just poured you a drink.
Yes, but I have to, um… go over an article and, um…
it's getting late, so…
[somber music playing]
To reencounters.
-Which are not coincidental. -[chuckles]
You never make things easy, but as you already know
I like a challenge.
[sighs]
Although a farewell note would have been nice.
[tense music playing]
[Gabriel] The fact that you took your suitcase was an obvious hint.
You wanted to leave me.
I'm sorry.
[chuckles] Tell the truth. You got tired of cheap champagne, right?
I was afraid you'd end up having to work.
For you, I would have.
Santiago! I'd like to apologize.
I'm sure you're thinking that I'm going crazy.
That business with the marquis and my flirting…
Well, you took me by surprise, Cristina, I won't deny it.
That was a lame attempt to turn the page, I confess.
[chuckles]
Eduardo is still weighing on me.
Now it hurts less, though.
-Do you know why? -Why?
Because I've realized I'm lucky to be surrounded
by people who care about me, like you.
And I think maybe there's… a chance for happiness here.
-[Gabriel] Elena! -[Elena] Why did you come back?
Is this how you fix things? By walking away?
[Gabriel gasps]
[passionate music rises]
[whimsical music playing]
Subtitle translation by: Meredith Cannella