Ever wondered what it'd be like to know all your best friends' secrets?
No? Wait, really?
You're not even a bit curious about it?
My secrets? I… I don't have any.
When you grow up in a convent, like myself, you learn to be selfless.
Humble, through and through.
I need to think this through for a bit. Let's hear from Josefina.
Well, I think it's rude to go digging into other people's secrets.
A person's hidden desires are hidden for a reason, right?
We don't have to hide it anymore.
And besides, why think about things
that will never happen?
Never.
Not in a million years. You know?
Right. I know what you're hoping to see now.
Cristina, will you marry me?
Unexpected? Did you want a romantic scene with Mr. Torres?
You haven't learned a thing!
Lesson six of the handbook,
"Dreams are a luxury beyond reach for all of us chaperones."
Sometimes, I'd love to rip that damn handbook to pieces.
Especially at times like this.
Don Pedro, I want you to know you're like a father to me.
No, the Mencías… The Mencías are like a family to me.
That's it. That's why I wanna be honest with you.
I can't marry Cristina.
Because I have feelings… for someone else.
Enjoy this fleeting moment of happiness.
Because this is the moment right before our love story started going downhill.
THE LADY'S COMPANION
LESSON 6: YOUR DESIRES COME SECOND
12 HOURS EARLIER
If I believed in God, I'd pray.
But since I don't, I have to trust medicine.
Miss Sara.
It's happening again?
Who died now?
Cristina's feeling a little unwell.
But it'll only take a moment.
She's still a rookie.
A moment wouldn't be enough.
Well, this "rookie" has a pretty clear diagnosis for you.
"Busyboditis."
Come on. Go back to sleep.
Miss Cristina, are you all right?
-Yes, I'm fine. -Don't lie to me!
I saw Miss Bianda and your sister coming in. Open up!
-Open up. I'll tell Don Pedro! -Sara, open it.
Oh, Dear Lord.
How far along is she?
A couple of months.
Eduardo… that shameless scoundrel.
Did you know about this?
All right. Don't worry.
We should inform Doctor Aguilar.
I should go. I'll be faster.
Stay here. You've done enough.
She's got a point.
I'm just glad she didn't throw me down the stairs.
Does that hurt?
No.
Is that bad?
Many pregnant women experience bleeding the first months.
It's not necessarily a miscarriage.
Blood is always scary. But you're all right.
She's been trying to light it for 15 minutes.
You can fix it in the morning.
We have to deal with things right away. Otherwise, they start getting out of hand.
-I was just trying to help. -You always think you're the smartest.
-Well, we wouldn't be here if I were. -You're right about that.
But right now, only one thing matters.
That it was all just a scare?
Why aren't you considering a solution for the real issue here?
Miss Cristina is still a very young woman. She'll have more children!
If you knew the heartbreak of losing a child, you wouldn't say that.
I know this is harsh.
But it would be best for everyone.
For Miss Cristina, for you…
Even for Mr. Santiago.
Fell in love with her, didn't you?
I don't like you, man.
Ever since I met you, I knew there was something between you two.
I noticed something between you two as well.
You think I'd fall for that jealousy stunt?
Ah! You're very observant.
So are you.
Guess it's not the only thing we have in common.
You scoundrel.
-Swine. -Oh, my nose!
-My goodness. How barbaric. -Holy Mother of God.
Five years, and here I am, punching a scribbler.
I'm an idiot.
I won't argue with you.
She'll just leave you hanging, like she did with me.
You can't dissuade me.
I won't interfere anymore.
But I know her.
And just when everything seems to be going great, she leaves.
She became a chaperone to get away, and that's not going to change.
Ah.
Don Pedro!
-No! -Get out of the way!
-You're gonna tell him? -Don't tell me how she's feeling.
I raised her, not you.
That's why I'm stopping you! You want her to face her father?
You're putting words in my mouth. I didn't say that.
But you're thinking it.
What I think is you're being absurd. Why would I say anything?
-You won't? -Of course not.
But the doctor's still in the house, isn't he?
-He is. -We have to tell him he's here.
We can't hide him.
Out of the way, now.
We're running out of time.
Your father's downstairs.
-Doctor, please don't-- -Sara, no.
Don't worry about it. Angustias is with him.
-Wait. -Step aside.
-Wait, Don Pedro. Calm down. -Step aside.
No, that's impossible! There is a quack in my house.
Yes, I know that, but you shouldn't go upstairs in any case.
-Why? -Well, because he's examining her.
-So? -I mean, uh, Miss Cristina is… is a woman.
She feels shy. Don't be invasive.
It's nothing serious!
Do you think I'd have a drink with you if I… if I were worried?
You'll have a drink?
You refuse every time I offer you one.
-Why not? Just this once. -Pedro.
Julián. How's my daughter?
She has chlorosis.
Um, iron deficiency. It happens to a lot of girls her age.
She needs rest and to eat well.
A few days ago, she collapsed while dancing for no apparent reason.
Are you sure it's nothing more serious?
It's not.
Can I see her?
Of course.
There's still some risk.
Cristina should avoid any forms of physical or emotional distress.
Thank you, Doctor.
I don't get how you managed to convince me.
I'll see you out, Doctor.
I don't understand why I couldn't do anything.
That's normal.
She's your sister.
Yes, but… you, on the other hand, knew what to do at all times.
I'm much older than you.
I've seen more things.
-But we don't know if the baby is-- -Have faith.
She doesn't have to be as unfortunate as others.
Do you understand now why my desires don't matter?
I wouldn't forgive myself for abandoning her.
Because, unfortunately, I know how it feels.
Even though that means… what it means.
Good morning, Inés. Hey, bookworm. I thought you were in class.
Don't hold me up. I already missed physiology.
Ah.
Hello.
-Hello. -Hello.
Yeah, I already said hello.
-I'll talk to Don Pedro and Cristina. -It's not a good time, Santiago.
-What… -This is a mess!
I can't get my head around it.
Why isn't the mail in my office, where I always leave it?
You haven't slept at all. Maybe you moved it or--
Are you doubting me?
-Unbelievable! Unbelievable! -Don Pedro.
Sorry. I didn't see you. What do you want?
I wanted to talk to you, but, um… since you didn't sleep much,
I'll… I'll be on my way.
Cristina's sick.
Doctor Aguilar says it's an iron deficiency
and that she needs to rest and eat properly, so…
That's a relief. It doesn't sound serious.
Still a rough night. My goodness. Come up to my office. Come on.
Do you care for quacks at all?
With such a name…
After what happened to Isabel,
I can't relax when a doctor's in the house.
Where's the darn mail?
Don Pedro.
You see? I can't think straight when there's a quack around.
And now we'll have one in the family.
Santiago, unimaginable things are happening in this house.
Some of them are not good, but others are excellent.
Like your courtship with Cristina.
It's the only thing that's made me happy since…
I need a glass of sherry to calm my nerves.
You know what?
I'll join you.
Since when do you drink this early?
Since… never?
If I ever…
If anything were to happen to me…
Yes, of course.
Your daughters are my family.
I'll always be there for them.
What do you want? To stagger your way out of here?
What did you want to talk about?
Nothing important.
No, no, no.
Oh, I knew this would happen.
-Shh. -Don't shush me!
Oh my God.
I don't know if I'll manage to convince your mother to, uh…
…forget about Mr. Monsalve.
-You don't really want to marry him? -Esther!
Are you still in bed, my child?
-Why are you smiling? What happened? -I woke up in a good mood.
Oh, well, that won't last long.
From the Mencías.
Chlorosis?
Poor Cristina. I'll go see her.
I'll cancel the meeting with Mr. Monsalve.
You can cancel if you want, but stop being lazy.
Cristina needs her friend. Come on.
You don't have to handle her.
I'll do it.
Are you coming up, or should I go down?
That's not funny.
Good morning, Doña… Doña Paquita, you look more dolled up than usual.
My son isn't coming today, so I'm taking advantage of it.
Oh, really? Lázaro isn't coming?
Another one of his business schemes that never go anywhere.
Let's take this opportunity to get you working a bit.
It's about time, right?
My cousin's passing was so sad. It was a pity.
And I struggled to come to terms with it, you know?
But this morning I woke up, and I suddenly thought to myself,
"The dead are through. It's time for the living to renew." Right?
Ah, Doña Paquita, you can't imagine how happy I am!
-Right? -Is there a type you're fond of?
Well, of course there is. How could there not be?
I want a man who will give it to me nice and rough.
Doña Paquita!
Yes. Don't be such a prude, okay?
Come on.
Who's that?
Ernesto de la Cuadra, married and with a slew of debts.
Oh.
Oh…
Eufrasio Castro stared me down.
-Because he's cross-eyed, Doña Paquita. -Uh, I don't mind.
I'm exhausted.
Two hours walking around, and we got nothing at all.
If only you'd listen to me
and stop fixating on the wrong gentlemen…
You know, Doña Paquita?
Becoming a chaperone was… was a challenge for me at first.
But Elena and Josefina taught me that,
as a chaperone, I have to find joy in bringing joy to others.
MARRIAGE OF FRENCH AND SPANISH ARISTOCRACY
All right.
You haven't won yet.
Whoever strikes him through the heart wins.
So sadistic. I love it!
I knew my shock treatment would work.
Are you saying that letting our anger and hatred out is a healthy move?
What I'm saying is that, actually, women are self-sufficient
and self-serving.
We don't need men at all. Especially not for pleasure.
What did you say?
She said she's hungry. Can you ask them to bring us something?
Can you join her, Josefina?
Yes, of course. Shall we?
What you said was very appropriate.
Especially considering your recent leisure activities.
Well, denying my feelings would be worse.
I couldn't do it, and I don't care if people think it's a sin.
How can love be a sin?
Would you risk everything you have for her?
Could I be like this because of Eduardo's news?
Do you still think about him that much?
Give me a dart.
Great!
No, go… go ahead, Don Pedro. I don't want to bother her.
I will inform Miss Zapico that you're here.
-Yes. -If you'll excuse me.
You're leaving? Because if not, you can join me while I wait.
I think you and I should be friends.
Since Cristina and Esther are best friends,
well, their betrotheds, naturally, should also--
-Monsalve. -Yes?
Who told you Cristina and I are betrothed?
Oh, there's talk.
-There's talk? -Around town, yes.
-Around town? -Mm-hmm. Yes.
There's gossip around town.
Oh, you didn't know?
Ah, wait, have you not… You haven't proposed yet, have you?
-Monsalve… -No, no, no, no, it's okay.
We're not confidants yet. It's a bond that's being created,
of course, and…
And besides, I think I should do it first.
I'm gonna do it. Tell me, what do you think?
-Yeah. -You'd say yes, right?
Right.
Mr. Monsalve, what a surprise!
I know our meeting was postponed,
but I got a letter from your mother encouraging me to come and see you.
-Yes, my mother is so considerate. -Ah.
Flowers. For Miss Mencía and for you.
Care for a walk?
Since I met you, there hasn't been a single day
that I haven't thought about you, Esther.
You leave me speechless.
What woman wouldn't want to be your fiancée?
But I must confess that I'd like a formal, uh… courtship as decorum dictates.
Yes, of course. A few months of courtship before the proposal.
Two, three, maybe five.
One year would be good. Or maybe two.
One year?
Don't you deem it worth the wait? Or maybe I'm not what you need, right?
No, no, no. I'd wait for you my whole life.
-I just want you to be happy. -And with you, I definitely will be.
-Angustias? -Mm-hmm?
-I'd like to see the Mencía girls. -I'm sorry.
Sara has left for university, and Cristina isn't feeling well.
-They can't see you. -Could you please tell them I'm sorry?
I asked Miss Bianda to be my chaperone.
I didn't do it to spite them, but… but look.
-Is that your father? -He's my shadow, Angustias! My shadow!
He even follows me to the powder room.
At this rate, I'll end up single, having to work as a chaperone or, worse,
as a governess!
Don't worry, no offense taken.
You wouldn't make a good governess.
The solution to your problem is to apologize.
After what Alicia did to me?
It is wise to own up. Which is why you're here.
Apologize, and kiss your shadow goodbye.
Sounds appealing, right?
Why are you just sitting around?
You look like a Ficus carica, commonly known as a fig tree.
Do you know Eufrasio Castro?
Yes, of course I do. The one with opposable eyeballs.
He said he saw you this morning peacocking at the park with your chaperone.
Like a teenager looking to marry.
Is that what he said? He may be cross-eyed,
but he's got great vision.
Can't you see how inappropriate this whole thing is?
You're a mother, for the love of God!
Is it so bad that I want to spend what's left of my life with someone?
You have me. You have your son.
Children leave the nest. Everybody knows that.
It's taking you a while. When will you do it?
-Stop trying to sidetrack the discussion! -This is not even a discussion!
This is a reality, plain and simple. I'm looking for a husband.
Get used to the idea. And don't you ruin my day.
Oh, I didn't know you were here.
My mother asked you to find her a husband, I know that.
Yeah, well… I'm a chaperone, and if that's what your mo--
Nonsense! Only a widower would marry her. Or an attractive gold digger.
And if I have to fire you, I will!
No one can fire me other than your mother.
Today has been a fabulous day.
I haven't seen her this happy since…
I've never seen her this happy, actually.
And if you're worried about gold diggers, I'll get rid of them.
Although I wouldn't be able to get rid of all of them.
Did you mean me, Adela?
Do you care about your mother's welfare,
or that she stays single so you can keep the inheritance for yourself?
Couldn't I accuse you of the same thing?
The brooch, the furtive kiss…?
Do you think my mother would approve of what happened between us last night?
I was wrong. Kissing you was a mistake, but don't worry, I--
It was my mistake.
I should've kissed you back with the passion I was feeling.
-Lázaro, we're arguing right now. -And doesn't that excite you?
I wasn't thinking about that. I don't know.
You're the only one who can shut me up.
And I hate it, but it drives me crazy too.
-A truce? -Where do I sign?
Ay…
What happened? Did you oversleep?
I'll tell you if you help me now.
-We have class. -We had class.
You are a bad influence, Miss Mencía.
Nobody uses it. And I need it.
Why didn't you try to get your friend to come?
I didn't get to thank your friend for the chair.
Stop using that tone every time you say "friend."
Your sister's curiosity is understandable. You've never told us about Camilo.
Because he's just a classmate, that's all.
I mean, he's not…
-You don't think he's handsome? -He's not important.
Well, I don't know. I haven't checked.
-He's gonna be a doctor. -And?
Sounds like a good suitor for Miss Know-It-All.
Never thought about him that way?
I mean, he checks all the boxes for a perfect suitor.
Excuse me. Lunch is ready in the garden.
-They're waiting for you. -I have to go get changed.
Mm.
Sorry to keep you waiting. My sister was getting changed.
You look… radiant.
I feel better, all thanks to Miss Bianda.
She acted swiftly.
-It's nothing, really. -Yes. Yes, it was.
We are all grateful.
Santiago?
I'll take you.
Enjoy your lunch.
-Is that the mail? -Uh, yes. It is. Here.
This is from my cousin, Soledad.
TO MISS CRISTINA MENCÍA DE QUIRÓS
The Lottery of Love? Can't we… I don't know, play Duck Duck Goose, or…?
Oh, I love Duck Duck Goose!
Don't tell me you're embarrassed by The Lottery of Love, Mr. Monsalve.
Me?
No, I'm thinking of the young Mencía. I wouldn't want us to shock her.
I'm not so easily shocked.
And I'd love to be able to gossip without having to spy.
Are you okay? Are you tired?
I'm fine.
You look radiant. The sun does you good.
Me, on the other hand…
Remember that Sunday by the river?
You were in the sun so long that you fainted.
Tell me the truth. You didn't forget your parasol.
You wanted to impress me.
Yes, I wanted to impress you, but it turned out badly.
I had to go through all this to realize how much you all love me.
All of you, you included. Despite your doubts, here you are.
Cristina…
Know what I think?
It's normal to have feelings for someone else.
But, after what's happened to me, I know love is something else.
It's this.
Mm, finally!
I'll start. All right. All right, let's see…
"Question." And it's a pretty good one.
Ooh!
You're on a stroll with your sweetheart,
and your chaperone gets distracted talking.
You're alone for the first time. What do you do?
Well, I know what I'd do.
I'm asking those of us who have a heart.
You have to tell.
Hmm…
I'd draw close to him slowly…
Right.
Until our faces were so close that I could feel his breath.
And then, in the blink of an eye,
I'd touch his hand.
-Yeah, right. Of course you would. -What?
His hand touching my arm is more than enough.
Isn't it, Daniel?
Oh yes.
"Confession."
Who is the person you can't stop thinking about?
Not even in the bathtub.
And then that person also has to answer.
Mr. Torres.
And you, Santiago? Confess.
Um…
I, um…
You don't have to say anything.
Mm. Better not.
Because not all of us are as good at baring our souls as Esther is.
I understand. I would've chosen the dare.
Go get more juice for us.
Really? That's the dare you're gonna choose?
Do you want me to go get the maids?
-I'm saving myself the trip. -I accept.
Next?
There are still a lot of tickets in the Lottery of Love.
Fine, I'll go.
This is going to be dull.
But it's true, I don't…
I don't have anything to hide,
so, uh… I know you're gonna say I'm bland and boring…
MEET ME IN THE GREENHOUSE
But, uh… I call it good sense.
Confession.
You have to tell the truth.
He's there. What am I gonna say? No idea.
I'll just improvise. I'll do my best.
I didn't think you'd come.
I bumped into the marquis last night, and he told me that when you two ran away,
you abandoned him without a warning.
And… And I was determined to… come clean with the Mencías and
take a chance on my feelings for you.
-Not the best day to do it. -I'd do it anyway.
As long as you promise you won't do the same to me.
I know what I have to say.
Santiago, I just care… so much about you.
Let's run away.
Let's go far away, the two of us. Together.
What?
I just… I can't stop thinking about you and…
I know we wouldn't be happy here.
Let's board the first express train.
The first express train that goes anywhere!
I don't care.
Um…
To where?
-Of course not. -Was that all for show?
You have no scruples whatsoever!
I was purely trying to help you face the truth.
What do you think we'd have to do to be together?
Escape.
So you can dump me, like the marquis.
Because you're the chaperone who doesn't know love.
Whoa! So poetic!
Well, I could dump you, or you could do it.
Love isn't a fairy tale.
Don't you think we'd have problems and difficulties?
I hadn't… I hadn't thought about that.
You expected me to say no.
Because I'm the clear-headed one.
The cunning one, I'd say.
I get it. You just wanna get on with your life.
But I don't think the attraction we feel is enough to drop everything, though.
You're insufferable. You know that?
I think you're just angry because I'm right.
You wouldn't be able to dump and hurt Cristina.
Even less now.
So, what now?
Well, we can each go our own way and, um…
hold onto the good memories as if they were treasures.
I know I will.
I wish you the very best of luck, Miss Bianda.
I wish you the best, too, Mr. Torres.
I hope you're happy with Cristina.
You see?
Dreams… are for the naive.
Don't be so negative, Miss Bianda.
When it comes to love, there's always hope.
It's done. Perfect.
Eduardo, you could be more mindful of your body language.
-You look like a pig in a slaughterhouse. -I might as well be.
Don't be so dramatic.
I don't want any of this!
I can't stand that French lady, Paris, and brioche!
You'll get used to it.
No! I don't wanna get used to it!
Mm.
What's that?
I love Cristina, and I'll get her back.
You wouldn't dare. You'd put that nobody before your family?
She's not a nobody.
You know how expensive a duchess's dowry is?
Mother, she could even be the queen of England,
and I still wouldn't give a damn.
There are many ways to save our family,
and you just chose the one that makes me the most unhappy.
Cristina is the love of my life.
-There's no turning back. -Eduardo! Son!
I told you this wasn't over.
But if you need the classic "to be continued"…
TO BE CONTINUED
…your wish is my command.