What if I told you you could learn your best friends' secrets?
Not interested? Really?
Positive you're not even a teensy bit curious?
Secrets? I don't have any.
Someone who's grown up in a convent like me is self-sacrificing.
I don't put on airs.
I need more time to think. Let's hear from Josefina.
I'd say it's wrong to want to know other people's secrets.
They're their most hidden desires for a reason, right?
We don't have to hide it now.
Besides, why bother thinking about things that will never happen?
Never ever.
It's impossible, right?
Right, I know what you're hoping to see now.
Will you marry me?
What were you expecting? A little romantic scene with Mr. Torres?
You haven't learned a thing.
Lesson six of the handbook,
"Dreams are a luxury that a chaperone cannot afford."
Though there are times I want to say, "To hell with the manual."
Especially at times like these.
"I want you to know you're like a father to me."
"No, the Mencías. The Mencías are like family to me."
"That's why I want to be honest with you."
"I can't wed Cristina."
"Because I have feelings for someone else."
Take pleasure in this fleeting happiness.
Because this is the moment right before our love story goes awry.
THE LADY'S COMPANION
LESSON 6: YOUR DESIRES COME SECOND
12 HOURS EARLIER
If I were a believer, I'd pray. I'll just have to trust in medicine.
Miss…
It's happened again?
Who died?
Cristina's feeling a little unwell.
It will only take a moment.
She's a novice. It won't be just a moment--
This "novice" knows what you're suffering from.
"Busybody-itis."
Go to sleep. Let's go.
Miss Cristina, are you all right?
Yes, I'm fine.
Don't lie to me. I saw your sister and Miss Bianda go inside. Open up!
-Open up, or I'll tell Don Pedro. -Open the door.
Good God.
How far along is she?
A few months.
Eduardo… what a scoundrel.
Did you two know?
All right. Relax.
We should call for Dr. Aguilar.
I should go. I'm faster.
You stay here. You've already helped enough.
She's not wrong.
At least she didn't push me down the stairs.
Does it hurt?
No.
Is it bad?
Many women experience bleeding during the first months.
It's not to be mistaken for a miscarriage. With blood, it seems worse. Don't worry.
You've been trying to light it for 15 minutes.
Do that in the morning.
Issues ought to be dealt with right away. Otherwise, they get bigger by the day.
-I was trying to help you. -You always think you know best.
If I did, we wouldn't be here.
You're right about that.
But only one thing matters now.
For this to just be a scare.
You're not seeing this clearly.
Miss Cristina is still young. She'll have more children!
You clearly have no idea what it's like to lose a child.
I'm sorry to be so harsh.
But it would be better for everyone.
For Miss Cristina. For you.
Even for Santiago.
Damn. That hurts.
You've fallen for her, am I right?
Stop--
I don't like you. Right away, I knew there was something between you two.
I saw there was something between you two as well.
And that ploy to make me jealous?
Ah, you're very observant!
As are you.
That's not all we have in common.
Scoundrel.
-Bastard. -My nose. Dammit!
Son of a--
-An outrage. -Holy Mother of God.
It's been five years, and here I am, fighting a hack.
I'm a fool.
I don't disagree.
She'll walk out on you like she did me.
Don't try to talk me out of it.
I won't interfere anymore.
But I know her.
Just when it seems like everything's fine, she'll leave.
She became a chaperone to run away, and that won't change.
-Don Pedro! -No!
-Move! -Cristina's suffering.
Don't tell me how she's feeling! I raised her!
Exactly! She can't see her father in this state.
-Stop putting words in my mouth. -I know what you're thinking.
Don't be ridiculous. Why would I tell him anything?
-You won't? -Of course not!
-The doctor has come to his house, yes? -Yes.
Tell Don Pedro he's here. We can't hide him.
Get out of my way or else.
There's not much time.
Your father's downstairs.
-Doctor, please don't-- -Sara, no.
Don't worry. Angustias is with him.
-Out of the way! -Now, now.
-Out of the way! -Calm down, Don Pedro.
I can't! There's a quack in my house.
Yes, I know, but you shouldn't go upstairs no matter what.
-Why? -Well…
-He's examining her. -So what?
Well, Cristina is a woman now.
With her propriety and her modesty.
It's nothing serious.
Do you think I'd have a drink with you if I were worried?
Are you going to drink?
Whenever I've offered you a drink, you've refused.
-Well, just this once. -Pedro.
Julián. How's my daughter?
She has chlorosis.
Iron deficiency. It happens to many girls her age.
She needs to rest and eat well.
A few days ago, she collapsed while dancing for no apparent reason.
You're sure it's nothing serious?
It's not.
Can I see her?
Of course.
She's not out of danger yet.
Cristina must not exert herself physically or undergo distress.
Thank you, Doctor.
I don't know how you manage to sway me.
I'll see you out, Doctor.
I don't know why I couldn't do anything.
That's normal.
She's your sister.
Nonetheless, you've always known what to do.
I'm much older than you.
I've seen more things.
-We don't know if the baby-- -Have faith.
She may not be as unfortunate as others.
Now do you see why my desires don't matter?
I could never abandon her.
Because, sadly, I know what it’s like.
Even if that means...
what it means.
Good morning, Inés. Sara, I thought you were in class, bookworm.
Santiago, don't hold me up. I missed physiology.
Hello.
-Hello. -Hello.
Yes, I already greeted you.
-I'll talk to Don Pedro and Cristina. -Not now.
What a disaster! I can't get my head around it.
Why is the mail not in my study?
You've been up all night. Maybe you moved it or…
Are you doubting me?
-This is unbelievable! -Don Pedro.
Santiago, I didn't see you. Why are you here?
I wanted to talk, but you haven't slept, so I'll be on my way.
Cristina's sick.
Dr. Aguilar says it's an iron deficiency and that she needs to rest and eat well.
What a relief it's nothing serious.
Yes, it's been a rough night. Come up to my study. Come along.
Do you care for quacks?
With such a name…
Since what happened to Isabel, I can't stand having doctors around.
Where is the blasted mail?
Don Pedro.
You see? I can't think straight with those quacks around.
And now we'll have a doctor in the family.
Things are happening in this house that we had never imagined.
Some are not very good, but some are excellent too.
Like your relationship with Cristina.
It's all that's made me happy since…
I need some sherry to calm my nerves.
Know what?
I'll join you.
Since when do you drink so early?
Since… never?
If ever…
anything should happen to me…
Of course.
Your daughters are my family.
I'll always be there for them.
What do you want?
To stagger out of here drunk?
What did you want to talk about?
Nothing important.
No.
I knew this would happen.
-Shh. -Don't shush me!
Oh my God.
I don't know if I'll be able to stop your mother from…
marrying you off to Mr. Monsalve.
Do you really want to marry him?
Esther!
My girl, are you still in bed?
-Why are you smiling? What's wrong? -I'm smiling because I woke up happy.
That won't last long.
This is from the Mencías.
Chlorosis?
Poor Cristina. I'll go see her.
I'll cancel with Mr. Monsalve.
Cancel if you want, but stop being lazy. Cristina is waiting. Come on.
I'll deal with my mother.
Here or there?
I don't find it funny.
Good morning, Doña Paquita… You look more elegant than usual.
My son isn't coming, so I'm making the most of it.
Lázaro isn't coming?
Busy with business deals that never work out.
Let's take the opportunity to get you working a bit.
It's about time.
It was a pity about my cousin. I struggled to come to terms with it,
but this morning, I woke up and thought to myself,
"Let's make the most of life before we're food for the worms."
Doña Paquita, you can't imagine how happy I am!
-Yes. -Do you have a type of man in mind?
Of course I do. How could I not?
I want someone who...
Doña Paquita!
Yes. Don't be a prude! Come on. Let's go!
What about him?
Ernesto de la Cuadra. Married, with a slew of debts.
Eufrasio Castro looked at me.
-Because he's cross-eyed, Doña Paquita. -I don't care.
I'm exhausted.
Two hours of promenading, and nothing to show for it!
If you'd listen to me and stop ogling men you should not…
Know what, Doña Paquita?
When I became a chaperone, it was hard to learn.
But Elena and Josefina taught me that being a chaperone
means being happy making others happy.
MARRIAGE OF FRENCH AND SPANISH ARISTOCRACY
Let's see.
You haven't won yet. Whoever hits his heart wins.
It's sadistic. I love it!
I knew my shock treatment would work.
You mean letting your anger and hatred out is healthy?
What I mean is that the truth is women are sufficient unto themselves.
They don't need men for anything. Not even for pleasure.
What did you say?
She's hungry. Have them bring us something.
Go with her, Josefina?
Of course. Shall we?
Your rebuke of men is most appropriate, with your recent leisure activities.
Well, it would be worse to deny what I feel.
I can't do that.
Even if they say it's a sin. How can it be a sin if it's love?
You'd lose everything for her?
Do you think all this is because of Eduardo?
Do you still think about him?
Give me a dart.
Nicely done!
No, you go ahead, Don Pedro. I don't want to bother her.
I will inform Miss Zapico you're here. If you'll excuse me.
Leaving already? If not, you can join me while I wait.
I think we should be friends.
Since Cristina and Esther are best friends,
their fiancés should be--
-Monsalve. -Yes?
Who told you Cristina and I are engaged?
There's talk.
-There's talk? -In the city, yes.
-In the city? -Yes.
A hub of gossip.
Sorry to have upset you.
Ah! That’s because you haven't declared your love yet?
-Monsalve-- -I understand.
We're not confidants yet. Bonds like these take time.
I think I should start first.
I'm going to do it today. All right.
Mr. Monsalve, what a surprise.
I know we had postponed our meeting,
but your mother wrote to encourage me to come and see you.
Yes, my mother is most considerate.
Flowers. For Miss Mencía and for you.
Shall we go for a stroll?
Since I met you, I haven't been able to stop thinking about you.
You leave me speechless.
What woman wouldn't want to commit to you?
But I must say that I want a proper courtship.
Of course. A few months of courtship and then a proposal.
Two, three... Maybe five.
A year would be nice. Perhaps two.
A year?
Don't you feel it's worth the wait? Or perhaps I'm not what you need.
No. I'd wait for you my whole life.
I just want you to be happy.
With you, I will be.
Angustias, I'd like to see the Mencía sisters.
Sara has left for school, and Cristina is unwell.
-They won't be able to see you. -Send them my apologies?
I asked Miss Bianda to be my chaperone.
I didn't do it to spite them, but look…
-Is that your father? -He's my shadow, Angustias.
He follows me to the powder room.
I'll become a spinster, a chaperone, or, even worse, a governess!
Don't worry. I'm not offended.
You don't have the makings of a governess.
The solution to your problem is to forgive.
After what Alicia did to me?
The wise rectify. That's what brought you here.
Forgive, and it's goodbye shadow.
It sounds appealing.
Son, what are you doing there?
You look like a Ficus carica, a fig tree.
Do you know Eufrasio Castro?
Of course I know him. One eye looks here, the other there.
He told me he saw you promenading around with your chaperone.
Like a girl of marriageable age.
Is that what he said? He's cross-eyed, but his sight is keen!
Can't you see how inappropriate it is?
You're a mother, for God's sake!
Is it so bad that I want to spend the rest of my life with someone?
You have me. Your son.
And children leave the nest.
You're taking your sweet time. When are you going?
-Don't change the subject! -I'm not.
I'm just telling you the truth. I'm looking for a husband.
Get used to the idea, and don't ruin my day.
Oh, I didn't know you were here.
I know my mother asked you to find her a husband.
Well, I am a chaperone, and if that's what your--
Nonsense! Only gold-digging widowers are after my mother!
-If I must fire you, I will! -Only your mother can do that.
And today was wonderful.
I haven't seen her this happy since…
Actually, I've never seen her this happy.
If you're worried about gold diggers, I'll get rid of them.
But I don't know if I can get them all out of the way.
Do you mean me, Adela?
What are you worried about?
Her welfare or that she'll marry and you won't be able to inherit much?
Couldn't I accuse you of the same thing?
The brooch, the furtive kiss…?
Think my mother would approve of what happened between us?
I made a mistake. It was wrong to kiss you. Don't worry--
It was my mistake for not kissing you back with passion.
-We're arguing, sir. -And doesn't that excite you?
I wasn't thinking about that.
You're the only one who can shut me up.
I hate it, but at the same time, it drives me wild.
Truce?
Where do I sign?
Oh.
-Did you oversleep? -I'll tell you if you help me.
-We have class. -We had class.
You're a bad influence, Miss Mencía.
Nobody uses it, and I need it.
Why didn't you insist that your friend come?
I didn't get to thank your friend for the chair.
Stop saying "friend" like that.
Your sister's curiosity is understandable. You've never told us about Camilo.
Because he's just a classmate. That's all. Not…
You don't find him handsome?
I don't know. I haven't noticed.
-And he's going to be a doctor. -So?
Sounds like a good suitor for the know-it-all.
Why aren't you interested in him? He sounds like perfect suitor.
Excuse me. Lunch is ready in the garden.
They're waiting.
I have to go get changed.
Sorry for the delay. My sister was getting changed.
You look radiant.
I feel better, thanks to Miss Bianda.
She acted swiftly.
It was nothing.
Yes. Yes, you did.
We are all grateful.
Santiago?
I'll take you.
Enjoy your lunch.
-Is that the mail? -Yes, it is. Here.
This is from my cousin Soledad.
TO MISS CRISTINA MENCÍA DE QUIRÓS
Lottery of Love? Can't we play the Hare's Kiss instead?
I love the Hare's Kiss!
Are you too shy to play Lottery of Love, Mr. Monsalve?
Me?
No, I'm thinking of young Miss Mencía. I wouldn't want her to be shocked.
I'm not so easily shocked.
For once, I can snoop without having to spy on people.
Are you okay? Are you tired?
I'm fine.
You look radiant. The sun does you good. Unlike me…
Remember when you came to the river?
You got so much sun that you fainted.
Tell me the truth. You didn't forget your parasol.
-You wanted to impress me. -Yes, but it didn't work.
I had to go through all this to realize how much you all love me.
All of you, including you. Despite your doubts, here you are.
Cristina…
You know what I think?
It's natural you had feelings for someone else.
But after what's happened, I know that love is something else.
It's this.
Finally.
I'll start. Let's see, then…
A question. The kind I like.
You're walking along with your sweetheart, and your chaperone stops to talk.
You're alone together for the first time. What do you do?
Well, I know what I'd do.
It's for those of us who have a heart.
You have to tell.
I'd approach them slowly
until our faces were so close that I could feel their breath.
Then, in the blink of an eye…
I'd touch their hand.
Oh yes, of course you would.
What?
Their hand touching my arm is more than enough.
Isn't it, Mr. Monsalve?
Yes.
Truth. Who is the person you can't stop thinking about?
Not even in the bathtub.
And then that person has to answer.
Mr. Torres.
And you, Santiago? Truth.
I…
You don't have to say anything.
It's for the best. Not all of us are as good at baring our souls as Esther is.
I understand. I'd have chosen the dare.
Go get more fruit juice.
Really? That's the dare you're going to choose?
Are you going to make me get the maids?
-It'll save me the trip. -I accept.
Next?
There are more paper slips for the lottery of love.
All right, my turn.
This is going to be dull.
But it's true, I don't have anything to hide.
So I'll be branded as dull and boring.
MEET ME IN THE GREENHOUSE
But I call it good sense.
Truth.
You have to tell the truth.
He's there. What can I tell him? I don't know.
I'll improvise. I'm not bad at that.
I didn't think you'd come.
I bumped into the marquess last night, and he told me that when you two ran away,
you left him without any explanation.
And I was determined… to come clean to the Mencías
and risk it all for my feelings.
-It's a bad day to come clean. -Even so, I'd do it.
If you swear you won't do the same to me.
I know what I have to do.
Santiago, you are…
I care for you.
Let's run away.
Far away, the two of us. Together.
What?
I can't stop thinking about you.
I know we wouldn't be happy here.
Let's take the first express train!
The first express train to… I don't know.
Anywhere.
Where?
-Of course not! -It was an act!
You have no scruples whatsoever!
I was trying to make you see reality.
-What would we have to do to be together? -Run away.
So later you can leave me like you did the marquess.
-You're the chaperone who can't love. -Oh! So poetic!
Maybe I'd leave you. Maybe you'd leave me.
Love isn't a fairy tale. Don't you think we'd have problems?
I hadn't thought that far ahead.
I expected you'd say no.
Because I'm the clearheaded one.
The devious one, I'd say!
You want to move on. That's fine.
But I think the attraction we feel isn't enough to drop everything.
You're insufferable. You know that?
I think you're angry because I'm right.
You couldn't leave Cristina.
Much less now.
So what do we do?
Well, we each go our separate ways
and treasure the good times we had.
I will, at least.
I wish you the best of luck, Miss Bianda.
You too, Mr. Torres.
May you be happy with Cristina.
You see?
Dreaming is naive.
Don’t be so negative, Miss Bianda.
In love, there's always hope.
It's done. Perfect.
Son, could you watch your body language?
-You look like a pig in a slaughterhouse. -That's how I feel.
Don't be melodramatic.
Mother, I want none of this! I hate that frog, Paris, and brioche.
You'll get used to it.
No. I don't want to!
What's that?
I love Cristina. I'll get her back.
You wouldn't dare. You'd put that nobody before your family?
-She's not a nobody. -Do you know how much her dowry is?
It could be the dowry of the Queen of Sheba. I don't care.
There are many ways to save our family. You chose the one that makes me unhappy.
Cristina is the love of my life.
-There's no turning back, Mother. -Eduardo! Son!
I told you this wasn't over yet.
But if you need the classic "to be continued"…
TO BE CONTINUED
…your wish is my command.
Subtitle translation by: Meredith Cannella