You know the story.
Adam and Eve lived all alone and happily in Paradise.
All was perfect until one day,
Eve had the bright idea of biting into an apple.
Quite the surprise, right?
That we bear the blame for it all going to rack and ruin.
We women, sinners.
Since we were kicked out of Paradise,
we have spent our days torn between our desires
and what we ought to do.
According to God, that is.
So what tends to happen? We sin.
And we regret it.
GUILTY
Yet, we may also regret not sinning.
INNOCENT
But although it is clear I shouldn't be doing this,
I have no regrets.
And do you know why?
Because though we may try,
there are times when it's impossible to control our impulses.
And, other times, we must sin to avoid committing a more grievous sin.
SINNER
HELLO!!!
THE LADY'S COMPANION
LESSON 4: WARD OFF TEMPTATION
Elena, don't go.
We could order something. Breakfast, perhaps.
No, I must be going.
Allow me to escort you home.
Well, look who it is.
Eve, any advice for a fellow sinner?
Elena!
Call her. I want to speak with her.
I won't stand for this. Elena!
She's not in.
Don't make a scene. Calm down.
How can I be calm, Angustias?
I had a job. I had somewhere to live…
Where should I go?
Do you know Dolores Infantes?
She's a friend of mine.
She has a spare room. You can stay there.
You'll find another job.
Trust me.
It's a copy.
I intend to stay in the city a while longer.
We said just one night.
It was a fine goodbye.
I don't want to say goodbye.
Elena!
Did you see how he did that?
Are you all right?
Yes, thank you.
Yes!
-One moment! -Miss Bianda!
-Yes? -Excuse me. I didn't mean to intrude.
Not at all. Don't worry.
-Where were you? -Me?
What's wrong?
It must be something important.
Santiago kissed me.
Last night.
It was magical.
Magical?
With Eduardo, it was all very passionate, you know?
But with Santiago, it was tender.
Sweet, yet firm.
He knows how to kiss.
I can imagine. And then what happened?
He left.
But I've been smiling ever since.
Aren't you glad? It's the end of all our troubles.
Yes, indeed. Of course I'm glad. It just took me by surprise.
But, yes…
I like seeing you this way.
I can't wait to see him and begin our courtship.
He'll speak with my father, and we'll have a proper wedding. And then…
ONE WEEK LATER
It never fails. The more vexed she is, the better her aim.
I don't understand! Santiago is always at our house!
And now he disappears for seven days.
Why hasn't he come back? Why hasn't he called on me?
He must be writing his zarzuela or be in the midst of a creative endeavor.
Miss Bianda, that is no excuse if he truly cares about me.
Some people can be quite cowardly in matters of love.
Isn't that right, Elena?
Yes, love is quite complicated.
Like the heron game.
But that's no reason to give up, right? Your turn.
Fear makes us pull away from others.
And, obviously, that way, people can't hurt you.
But they also can't make you happy.
So, rule number one, don't fall in love with a coward.
I don't usually take her advice to heart, but Esther is absolutely right.
If Santiago is being a coward, then I'll be the brave one.
Will you speak to him?
No.
So what, then?
You will do it.
A remarkable show of courage, indeed.
I don't think that's wise.
Santiago and I often clash.
Why do you say that? I'm sure that's not true.
Believe me. It's not a good idea.
You are my right hand and the city's finest chaperone.
I'm sure you'll get him to open up.
Of course, open up to me.
What a splendid idea. Thank you, Esther.
You're still not talking to me.
What do you want me to say?
I've been putting up with your innuendo with stoic patience.
Talk to me in private so you won't need to be sarcastic in public.
All right. If you want to talk, let's talk.
What happened was a mistake.
I don't feel that way. Though it's clear you regret it.
I never said that.
You don't regret it, then?
I didn't exactly say that either.
You never really say anything, Josefina. That's why we're in this mess.
I must admit, you're right about that.
Do you know how long I've waited for this?
Our feelings can be misleading.
Very well. I will have to make up my mind.
Arrange for Mr. Monsalve to call on me. I want to get to know him.
Miss. Miss Esther.
If you're going to tell me he's not a good match, don't.
I'll be the judge of that.
Good morning.
-Miss Zapico. Josefina. -Adela.
Out on some errands?
They're for the lady of the house. I hope they sweeten her day.
-How is she handling her cousin's passing? -Doña Paquita is a formidable woman.
She's taking it with Christian forbearance and admirable fortitude.
I was about to ask how you're doing, but why bother?
I do think I'm feeling a fair bit better.
You seem worse by the day.
Don't exaggerate, dear. I'm doing better than I was last week.
I trust you told people I'm handling it with fortitude
and Christian forbearance?
With admirable fortitude, yes.
Just like you asked me to shout from the rooftops.
I wish it had been me instead of my cousin.
Considering my lot in life.
Don't say that. You have so much to live for.
You have a son.
One I hardly ever see.
I've got nothing but money, Adelita.
Well, it's certainly important.
It wasn't even enough for me to secure a husband, dear.
A husband? Why would you need a husband?
Why would I want a husband?
To not be all alone.
Do you see?
Even you can see how lonely I am.
Sir, may I ask where you've been?
Away on business.
Your mother's heartbroken over the loss of her cousin,
and you're away on business?
-Can't you see she's heartbroken? -Oh, heartbroken, is she?
You're comparing the death of a loved one to a woman not swooning over you?
No, I'm explaining why I had no desire to come back here.
-I didn't feel like seeing you. -Nor I you.
But we must do things we don't like for the people we love.
No wonder your mother wants to marry.
What on earth are you saying?
Your mother's a real headache, but she has a heart as rare as they come.
Be thankful you have her. Take my word as someone who's not so lucky.
Oh, and that kiss?
I'd turn down that kiss a thousand times over. You know why?
I don't kiss drunk philanderers.
I'll see you at tea.
Since your mother means so much to you, it's time you start showing it.
With resolve. That's how things ought to be done.
Especially for someone you love.
I'm talking about my lady, of course.
All right. I'll ask him, and that'll be it.
Don't laugh.
I told you, sometimes we can't control our impulses.
Who am I kidding? This is going to end badly.
This is going to end very badly.
I'm really trying, Santiago.
But every day, they make me see I don't belong in their world.
When they’re not throwing hats, it's the looks, or worse, the laughs.
Sara, you earned your place there, just like they have.
You don't owe them anything.
I wish everyone were a bit more like you.
Those idiots will leave you alone soon.
Hey, I'm starting to worry. I can't hear a heartbeat.
Turn around.
Santi!
-Santi? -Yes.
Miss Bianda for you!
Miss Bianda!
Miss Bianda.
I'll fix some coffee.
No, I've already had some. Thanks.
No, for the lady. It's called manners, dear.
What brings you here, Miss Bianda?
Your sister said Mr. Torres had a book to lend her.
A book?
What book?
Don Juan Tenorio.
Oh, that one.
I should be on my way. I want to stop by home before heading to class.
I'll see you later, miss.
Thank you for the gift.
Clever, mentioning Don Juan. You should consider becoming a writer.
Why haven't you visited the Mencías?
Work.
Quite a bit of work. I'm working on the libretto.
It's different from writing novels. It's similar to theater but not the same.
-Would you look-- -Did you kiss Cristina?
Yes.
It was inappropriate, but I did it…
to gain clarity.
To better understand… what's going on.
Why haven't you formally called on her?
What?
You haven't answered me.
And what do you expect me to say?
Why you haven't formally called on her.
Because I'm not sure I want to call on her again, honestly.
-You're leaving the matter be? -No.
You always see things so clearly, right? Clear as day.
Well, the rest of us need time to know what we want.
Understand what I'm saying, Bianda?
My feelings have changed.
Sure, your feelings come and go like the tide.
-That's a low blow! -You're a coward!
-I'm not a coward! -Prove it, then!
Miss Bianda!
Wait. Elena!
Elena!
SINNER TRAITOR
HARLOT BACKSTABBER
That was a mistake.
I don't know how it happened.
Miss Bianda.
Miss?
Will you tell me what's going on?
CAUGHT
Cristina, can we talk?
Did something happen?
-Shall we sit? -Of course.
I have been thinking it over for a few days.
And after discussing it again,
Angustias has convinced me that the best thing for you and the family
is to change chaperones.
What?
Miss Bianda is not a good influence on you girls.
-She is indeed. -She disobeyed me.
-She was trying to protect us. -I don't trust her.
You can't do this.
We have the perfect replacement, Alicia Casas.
She's left Alba de Senovilla.
-No, Elena must stay. I need her. -Why?
Elena.
I have some questions for you.
Could you please give us a moment?
-Elena and I have-- -Spare me the tall tales. I know.
Miss Bianda, come to my office.
After you.
When were you planning to tell me that my godson is now my daughter's suitor?
Suitor?
Cristina informed me.
Well, your daughter is young. It's possible she was too hasty.
You mean he's not interested?
It's too early to consider it a formal courtship.
They'll begin a prudent, slow courtship, in which we'll see--
I was going to let you go.
Until Cristina told me what happened.
You were going to let me go?
However, Cristina and my godson…
Well, nothing would make us…
Nothing would make me happier.
I know how difficult it must be for Santiago.
He's a most peculiar young man.
Cristina told me that she's hardly heard from him lately.
So today I'm going to invite him over and give him my blessing.
It's not wise.
I'm not asking for your opinion. I'm asking you to do your job.
I'm going to invite my godson,
and you will ensure that their interest turns into a courtship.
So, Eduardo disappears, and you suddenly take an interest in Santiago?
You've paid him no mind before.
-Of course I have. -Why are you so desperate for a suitor?
-Did you think I wouldn't notice? -I was ashamed to have made that mistake.
But not to lie to him about the child?
What do you want me to do?
To have this baby alone? It'd bring shame on Father and the family.
I don't care.
Because you do as you like. You're the only one going to university.
You don't care about anything, but I have nothing. I can't do anything.
-But you don't love him. -I do love him.
What's going on here?
Please don't say anything.
Thank you.
Could you take me to class?
I don't know what happened with your sister,
but I'm sure that whatever she did, it was with good intentions.
-Sure, of course. -Sara.
No, Father, don't trouble yourself. I didn't expect you to side with me.
-I wasn't aware there were sides. -There are sides.
Everyone thinks I do whatever I want,
but don't you see I have feelings and problems too?
Hey.
I know.
Hey. Come here.
Calm down.
Life would be so much easier for you if you'd had sons.
Hey.
It would be much simpler for us too.
Sara!
Father, what are you doing here?
Taking your side, if there are sides to be taken.
I can handle this myself, Father. Please.
-Here she comes. -Get out of here!
What in the world are you doing?
You ought to be ashamed!
You're accusing educated men.
Tell your daughter that the university isn't a schoolyard.
Well, your men throw stones as if they were in--
My godson writes for El Corresponsal.
He can tell the editor what's going on here.
It would be a story that sells a lot of copies.
Do you think she told him?
No, of course not.
She's your sister. If anyone can keep a secret in this house, it's her.
If you mean Santiago, I did it for you. I wanted to save your job.
And believe me, I'm grateful, but…
now we have a bigger problem.
What problem? What did Santiago tell you?
I need to be honest.
I got him to open up.
But? Because there's a "but."
There must be a problem, then.
Miss, firstly, I wanted to say that I've grown quite fond of you.
And that, beyond my work, I regard you as a friend.
I truly mean it.
The feeling's mutual.
You have no idea how glad I am to have you.
You can't imagine how lucky I am.
You're my dearest friend.
Why all this buildup?
-You see, Santiago is uncertain. -Uncertain?
He's close to your family.
COWARD
He doesn't want to jeopardize that.
Yes, I am a coward.
But I didn't want to hurt her. I'm sorry.
Why would he be jeopardizing it? My father is thrilled.
You know Santiago better than I do. I'm sure it's best not to push him.
Yes, of course.
It'd be a pity if he ran off after speaking with your father.
What?
Your father wishes to speak with him to grant his blessing.
-I told him it wasn't wise, but-- -I've ruined everything, haven't I?
How could I have known that Santiago…
What should we do?
That's a great question.
You know I'd much rather have you than Miss Bianda.
But she's helped the family, and that's all that matters.
It's been a long time since I've seen Don Pedro that happy.
I see.
I'm sorry, Alicia.
Don't fret.
I'll manage.
Miss Casas, you didn't need to bring anything.
I wanted to express my gratitude.
You saved my life.
You're exaggerating.
Feeling better?
Completely.
Do you like them?
Very much so.
I was looking forward to seeing you.
But I didn't expect it to happen so soon.
I had to improvise.
I hope you enjoy this ride.
It's delightful to watch you row.
It's hot out! So muggy.
Well, I believe it's going to rain.
Don't you want help?
Please. It's no trouble at all.
I hope you don't get seasick.
Josefina doesn't look well. Aren't you having fun?
Like a schoolgirl.
-No! -No!
Not you too!
Is it so bad to have a coffee with your mother?
You know how it is when it rains. Lázaro should arrive shortly.
No, it's my fault for thinking he'd come. Please eat.
Maybe I'm partly to blame. Perhaps I was too hard on him.
You were hard on him?
A little. Quite a bit. Too much.
I couldn't bear to see you in bed like that.
It broke my heart.
Where is the most beautiful mother in the world?
I'm late, I know. But to make up for it…
A Corrientes petunia! So colorful!
A natural-born survivor. Capable of standing out, no matter what.
Just like you, Mother.
Flattery's always been your strong suit.
But you couldn't tell a ficus from a petunia.
In any case, that was an apology. Will you join me?
-But where? It's coming down in buckets. -Not in the greenhouse, it isn't.
We'll plant this beauty, and you can show me your camellias.
Have a good afternoon.
Oh…
Thanks for driving us home. And for the boat ride. It was fun.
You should have seen your faces when I dropped the oars.
Excuse me. I've had a wonderful time, but I must be going--
Are you in a hurry? Stay.
I've imposed on your kindness enough.
It's been a treat. Goodbye.
-Did you have fun? -Stop it.
What if I said I actually like Daniel? Would you be fine with that?
Yes, I'm waiting for Santiago. But only to warn him.
Staring off into space?
You find a suitor for Miss Mencía, and then you start getting lazy.
Even if I married Carlota off to the king, you still wouldn't like me.
Indeed.
Though with Mr. Santiago, you've won over Don Pedro.
And my favor.
For now.
You better make sure that wedding happens.
Excuse me. I'll go answer the door.
I'm going to cheer on the suitor.
Can you inform the Mencías?
-Mr. Torres. -It's pouring.
-I need to talk to you. -Blasted thing.
The door wouldn't open.
Of course. As a suitor, he can't roam around freely.
Listen to me.
I can't discuss the kiss now.
Nor can I. Let's pretend it never happened.
But we did kiss.
-You kissed me. -Yes, and you kissed me back.
I didn't kiss you back.
-You did kiss me back-- -I don't have time to argue.
You ought to know why you're here.
Mr. Torres, if you'll follow me…
Of course. Sure.
Like a lamb to the slaughter.
Santiago, thank you for coming.
Don Pedro.
Especially with this rain. Right?
Indeed.
-Would you like some coffee? -Oh…
-Of course. -Wonderful.
No! I'll handle it, Father.
All right. Please take a seat.
You must be wondering why I called you here.
You know I'm a straightforward, honest man, yes?
And I prefer to do things properly.
I'm sorry! Are you all right?
Well, it burns a little.
-Come to the kitchen. -No, I'm fine.
-No need to put on a brave face. -Come.
I'm fine, I assure you. I'm sorry. This isn't going as planned.
It's fine.
Cristina filled me in on everything. I want you to know you have my blessing.
My future son-in-law!
How exciting!
-Santiago! -Carlota.
Look what I found.
The magic lantern you used to play with.
You knew how it worked, right?
Yes, I did.
-Where's Sara? -Sara?
She's not home yet.
The streets must be muddy.
So we'll need to wait here for a bit.
You're the only one who dares to speak to me.
I spoke to you before anyone else. I tried to warn you.
They hung my stethoscope like a weather vane in the bell tower.
You can use mine whenever you want.
Camilo Keita.
Sara Mencía.
They took a bite of the forbidden fruit.
Then what happened?
They loved it so much, they didn't care when they left Paradise.
We had a contest.
To see who could tell the best story with each image.
But Santiago ruined the fun. He got all the applause.
And this one? Do you remember the story?
Did you use it for the swordfish story?
I can't quite remember.
-What are you doing? -Sara, did it stop raining?
Yes.
How was class?
Much better, actually. Thank you.
Since the rain has let up, I'll take my leave now.
I'll walk him to the door, Father.
Very well. Santiago…
-Don Pedro. -See you soon, son.
-Aren't you the chaperone? -Yes.
Sara, come here.
-What? -Tell me about this one.
You'll love it. Listen.
Once upon a time, in a very cold, dark forest…
I believe I've said it already.
Sometimes, we can't control our impulses.
No, I do care.
What's wrong, Santiago?
After all, to sin is human.
What is superhuman
is handling the consequences with strength.
What happened?
He…
He has feelings for another woman.
Subtitle translation by: Meredith Cannella