According to the chaperones' handbook, a good suitor possesses three key traits.
They are kind, helpful, and attentive.
Bad boys only lead to headaches.
Having a decent fortune is essential to having a stable life.
And if he can afford gifts, even better.
An attractive smile, innate charm, devoid of vanity.
But in my opinion, those qualities are of no use
if he doesn't have a good heart,
if he is not intriguing,
or if you're not left breathless when you see him.
Tickets to the theater.
Three of them.
Sara can join us.
Care for a stroll?
Your father can accompany us.
Of course.
I'll handle this, Miss Bianda. You can stay here.
Life smiles on a chaperone when she finds the right suitor for her lady.
So long as she doesn't fall for him.
Oh, look at them.
Young, happy, and in love.
Who doesn't enjoy a good love story?
That moment when you look into their eyes, and everything else fades away.
No need to say it again.
We've reached where we started this love story.
I can't promise the end will be to your liking.
Miss Bianda, may we go feed the birds?
Certainly.
You're letting us go alone?
I have complete trust in you both.
Frankly, there are things I'd rather not see.
You left them unaccompanied? Shouldn't--
What could happen? She'll end up with child?
-Hiding the pregnancy from Santiago is-- -Despicable.
Trust me. It troubles both your sister and me.
But he wants to be with Cristina. They'll be happy together.
You believe that?
And people ask why I avoid love
when there is science.
-It's a pleasure, Mrs. de Saavedra. -Who is she?
One of my father's clients. Mercedes de Saavedra.
Oh, Mother of mercy!
No, I mean it.
That is my mother.
THE LADY'S COMPANION
LESSON 7: MAINTAIN PROPER DECORUM
She's here to expose me. I just know it.
I suggest you invite the Almenaras as well.
They live in the outskirts. The head of the family,
Judge Don Manuel José, is an authority on big-game hunting.
What are you up to, Miss Bianda?
I was simply admiring this fine decoration the maids have put here.
It looks perfect.
Let me introduce you to our chaperone, Elena Bianda.
Where are Cristina and Santiago?
In the gardens. I came to see Carlota.
Are you going to have lunch?
Yes, you may take the rest of the day off.
Don Pedro, thank you very much for your advice
and for helping me with the guest list for the hunt.
Mrs. de Saavedra will be staying in the city.
She's organized an event. Shall I show you out?
No. Don't let me keep you.
But if your servant wouldn't mind…
As you like. It's been a pleasure.
-Darling-- -Don't call me that.
If I intended to give you away, I would have done it already.
What are you after?
Investments. Mr. Mencía is an expert in the area.
I'm aware. I'm employed here.
What a lovely house.
Just look at these frescoes…
-The details, the sunlight… -But you hate sunlight.
Not anymore.
Things have changed a lot. Especially you.
-Mrs. de Saavedra. -Just who I wanted to see.
I would have liked to see you out.
Don't worry. Miss Bianda has graciously offered to.
Yes. She is quite attentive.
She clearly had a proper upbringing.
Indeed. Pleased to meet you.
So, she's making your life unbearable.
That reminds me of someone.
See? I no longer let you provoke me.
I'm a new woman.
-How did you find me? -Gabriel came to see me.
If you wish to talk to him, he's at the entrance.
I'll be going now. I have matters to finalize for the hunt.
After all this planning, it must be perfect.
Remember, the best prey is the most elusive.
And the most rewarding, dear.
-How were the birds? -At least they got what they were after.
Your father is waiting.
I could kill someone.
How dare you speak with my mother? Quit meddling in my life!
She told me everything.
She told me about… the pregnancy.
And what happened after that.
I'm sorry.
Why didn't you tell me?
If I'd stayed, it would've ended badly.
You don't know that.
And I suppose we never will.
I'm leaving.
Enjoy your time with the hack. He doesn't strike me as a bad fellow.
Sort things out with your mother.
We all deserve a second chance.
At this point, seeing as the ground won't swallow me up…
GIN
SANTIAGO'S NOVEL
NOBODY
Miss Bianda? Are you there?
Miss Bianda?
Miss Bianda!
Are you getting dressed?
I'm coming in.
Have you been drinking?
I'm not going to discuss my morning breath.
This interrogation is over.
Are you drunk?
-I suppose you'll tell your father. -No, of course not.
But no one gets drunk without a reason.
Is this about Mrs. de Saavedra?
Angustias saw you two talking.
You know her?
You're very observant.
I worked in her house years ago.
Her daughter was one of the most difficult young ladies
I've had to chaperone.
Was she really so difficult?
Compared to her, you're a piece of cake.
She went to live with a man, seizing the moment.
And it was hard on me.
I understand.
I should let you be for a while, Miss Bianda.
I think I put her mind at ease.
How can I be at ease? I'm worried about Elena.
She got drunk. Can you believe it?
I believe you're making a mountain out of a molehill.
She's sad, Sara.
And that story about her past…
You don't believe it?
I don't know what to think.
She's keeping a secret, and it's troubling her.
Well, she is only human.
There are things she doesn't share that upset her.
Why won't she confide in me? We're friends, aren't we?
Miss Sara, someone is here to see you.
Good morning. Which of my daughters are you here to see?
Mr. Mencía.
Camilo Keita. I study with your daughter Sara.
-Pleased to meet you. -Likewise.
Camilo.
I see why you'd want to attend university.
Will you ever stop?
Haven't you noticed his good looks? His smile, his bearing…
Cristina.
His lips. He looks like a good kisser.
Cristina.
He's clearly interested in you.
Camilo, what brings you here?
We have an exam, and I was passing by.
Mr. Keita, at last we meet. My sister has told me so much about you.
My elder sister, Cristina Mencía.
Nice to meet you. Great to see you're better.
Thanks to you. And the chair.
Keita. It's…
a Guinean last name, yes?
I lived there once.
It's a land unlike any other.
I'd imagine they're giving you a hard time too.
Though it's a comfort to know there are those who know we have equal rights--
Can we please go?
The exam. We'll be late. Let's go.
Have a good day.
A pencil.
Haven't you noticed his good looks?
His lips.
He looks like a good kisser.
Later, you'll say you didn't have enough time.
Excuse me.
WHAT CAUSES IRREGULAR HEARTBEAT?
Do you think your sister and that young man…?
No, Sara is only interested in books.
Well, well.
Don Horacio wants me to review his accounts tomorrow.
-I cannot join the hunt. -Were you going hunting?
A new client invited me.
It pains me to decline. It could be quite beneficial for us.
We can go instead. Miss Bianda can join us.
No.
Why not?
No, because I don't even know how to aim a rifle.
You know how much I enjoy hunting.
Yes, but your father was invited. Why would we go without him?
Out of courtesy. After all, if this client is so important…
So tomorrow, Mr. Torres, you, and I at Mrs. Saavedra's hunt.
Well, that sounds dreadful. Terrible, ghastly, even.
A magnificent plan.
No question. It's precisely what Santiago and I need.
What you need, you say.
I feel that something is off. Yesterday, we were alone,
and he made excuses to avoid getting intimate.
What man does that with a woman in his arms?
I have to agree there.
This trip will give us space.
Away from home, from Father…
It'll be unforgettable.
Without a doubt.
And, with any luck, during the hunt, a stray bullet might strike me.
You could have joined them. Or have you tired of the hunt?
Since you do it every day, promenading in the gardens.
You've never been funny, son.
She's in a foul mood today.
Is something wrong?
If you're asking me what's wrong,
perhaps it's because you think you've done something to upset me.
Doña Paquita, you always think the worst.
So, absolutely nothing at all, then?
No.
No, of course not.
You have the rest of the day off.
I'm going to see Don Gregorio.
Confession, the novena… you know.
But… are you not… rather overdressed?
Only my finest attire for the Lord, our God.
Amen, Doña Paquita. Amen.
I'll be back late. Don't wait up.
Enjoy your freedom, dear.
I think she knows.
What if she saw us?
I'll end up on the streets.
Don't be so melodramatic, Adelita.
Today is ours.
You have a date.
All ready for the casino, Paulino.
Sorry you have to escort us.
Could you announce me? I'd like to speak with Miss Cristina.
-I want to see Cristina. -Have you no shame?
-I won't leave until-- -Get out of here!
There's something you should know.
Cristina!
-That's what I meant. -Cristina!
Cristina!
-You're shouting at the wrong window. -So which one is it, then?
There's no point.
Cristina has gone on a trip with her suitor.
Off my property!
You haven't read my letter.
-I don't give a damn. -Please, Don Pedro.
Do you… not wonder why I missed the proposal?
I beg you.
Please listen to me.
I just had to sign a contract with Monsieur Levy.
Our family business would then work with his in Paris.
Little did I know, it involved me marrying his daughter.
I refused. But then my father showed me our finances.
I wrote that letter that I am ashamed of.
I didn't want Cristina to think I loved another.
She found out from the papers.
But it hasn't broken her heart.
Do you like the new suitor?
He's my godson, Santiago Torres.
Cristina never had feelings for him.
Don Pedro, I've forsaken my family. I've given up everything.
I love your daughter.
Allow me to speak with her.
She'll regret not knowing the truth. Do you want that for your daughter?
I'll come back every day, week, and month until I get a yes. Please allow--
-Scram! -This is a mistake.
Leave this house!
-This is a mistake! -Don't you dare come back!
That went smoothly.
My daughter needn't know he's back. For the sake of her health.
You want me to lie?
It's not lying. It's simply withholding information.
I know all of this troubles Cristina,
but if I've learned anything from adults, it's there's always something to gain.
What do you want?
I wanted to go hunting. Instead, I'm stuck with that bore.
We could have been on our own, just the two of us.
Ladies.
You both look lovely today. I trust my coming early isn't a bother?
-I couldn't wait to see you. -Likewise.
I'll let my mother know and freshen up.
If you'll excuse me.
All right.
Now that we're alone… may I?
At the picnic, I noticed a gesture between you and Esther.
A gesture?
Look, it's not easy for me to say this. But I want you to know that I--
Blasted pin.
Returning to the topic, I saw your hands meet.
-You touched. We were playing-- -Are you calling me a pervert?
You're the perverted one. Stay away, or I'll jab you with this needle.
I know what I saw. Don't pretend.
I am not pretending!
I hope you won't take this nonsense up with the Zapicos. Understood?
Out! Let's go!
Come on!
Daniel knows. He knows about us.
He says he noticed a tender gesture between us.
-Did you deny it? -Firmly, but he didn't believe me.
Don't get upset.
-That's the last thing we need. -He'll tell your mother.
-Who'd believe him? His word against-- -She adores him!
Right.
You look lovely.
I have a surprise for you all.
But you'll have to wait until dessert.
Good morning, Miss Mencía.
Good morning. My father asks that you forgive him.
Men and their work. Just wait till you're married.
Come over and eat, please. You'll need energy.
-Waking up early never suited you. -Enough.
You're jeopardizing my position and my life.
Is it wrong for a mother to want time with her daughter?
Isn't it a bit late for that now?
Such a distinguished lady. Have you met her?
It's the first time I've seen her.
I didn't expect to see you either. Did Alba give you another chance?
Angustias arranged it. How did you two become so close?
Because I have the charm you lack.
I won't dignify that with a response.
Your lies will be your downfall, Elena. I just pray it happens soon
so I can enjoy this fine weather in the Mencía garden.
Where are my friends when I need them?
Well, Santiago, we all thought you'd remain the most eligible bachelor.
He took his time, but good things come to those who wait.
Mr. Torres.
Your position is number five. Happy hunting.
I can't see why you like hunting. It shows humanity at its worst.
You're scared.
Let me teach you to shoot so you'll settle down.
I'm going to give the lady a message from your father.
I wouldn't hire you as a chaperone to watch my daughter.
Your daughter?
Oh, indeed.
I believe I know her.
A rather special young lady.
A true headache, especially for her chaperones.
Ironic, yes?
Perhaps that's why I excel at my job.
-Though it may ruffle your feathers. -Not at all.
It's fair to find one's own way to start a new life.
Desirable, even.
In fact, I might just do the same and stay in the city.
What? So it's fine for you, but not for me?
And what of your mansion? Your duties? Father?
He's an expert at starting over.
Spare me your pity, will you?
At least he had the decency not to leave me with nothing.
I'm happy for you.
No, you're not.
It's no wonder. Sometimes I question if I deserve it myself.
Is that supposed to be an apology?
Dear, if I'd known you'd lost the child--
And if you had, what then?
Would you have helped me?
You wouldn't have slammed the door in my face?
Spare me. We looked for you just the same.
Lucky for me, someone else found me first.
It seems Antonio Bianda wasn't so terrible after all.
No, Mother. Antonio and his wife gave me shelter, food… and a future.
He never asked for anything.
Well, he may be gone, but I remain your mother, like it or not.
I've made peace with all that.
I enjoy my life now, and I'm happy.
I'm your mother. You think you can deceive me?
It's the truth.
I've given the staff the rest of the day off.
It fits you perfectly.
Miss?
Grip the rifle firmly. Feel its weight.
You control it. Not the other way around.
Keep your hip engaged. Can you feel it?
Are you content chasing after that lady and her quill pusher?
He's not a quill pusher.
He writes quite well.
I prefer my life now to my former one.
Besides, working with the Mencías is proving… rather easy.
But…
-What are you two doing? -Nothing.
Miss, it's time for us to leave. Let's go!
-He should see a doctor-- -Quiet, Mother!
Shoot.
Aim for the heart.
Please don't mention this to your father.
-Aren't you going to apologize? -Why should I apologize?
All you want from me is my discretion.
You never told me you were a gentlewoman.
This isn't the--
Not all of us open up as easily as you do.
Pardon?
-You-- -Why didn't you say she was your mother?
-It's my private life. -You know all about mine!
-I wouldn't argue about this now-- -Be quiet!
You can't criticize me for helping you.
So, if you appreciate it, you'll say nothing to your father.
Well, you have surprised us with your hidden talent.
-Not everyone can do that. -Thank you.
I'll be going now.
But first, there's something I wish to share.
I don't know if you have noticed how fond Esther and Josefina are of each other.
Josefina is like family, isn't she, Mother?
Given their love,
it would seem unfair for them to be parted
if we were to marry.
I know how hard it is to build a relationship as honest as theirs,
and I want only the best for you.
So, should you choose to marry me,
Josefina could serve as our head housekeeper.
This way, you could continue your…
friendship.
Today's been a nice break from my busy schedule.
But now I have to work.
A new venture in the works?
Yes. Or as my mother would say, "Another one that will go awry."
You're wrong about your mother.
She's too hard on me.
She has a quick wit.
And a sharp tongue.
I need capital for my business partners to trust me.
But she won't give me any.
No.
No, Adela. I can't.
I insist.
I'd like to think I can be the one to help you prove you've changed.
How was the hunt?
Excellent. We didn't catch a thing.
Anything new here?
-No, nothing to report. -What do you mean?
What is that creature?
A gift from Father.
His friend Castro, the zoologist, got it for him.
Was this your doing?
Well, sometimes a father must spoil his daughters, right?
Let's find a place for this thing.
Tula. Her name's Tula.
-Tula. -Come on, Tula.
I left my things in the carriage. I'll fetch them.
You can do it.
What an uneventful afternoon.
Elena lied to us.
But lying isn't a crime.
Everyone has secrets.
Not you. You're the most transparent woman I know.
But in general…
I also have secrets that weigh on me.
Maybe that's the issue with our courtship.
No. It's my fault.
No, it's mine.
No.
Truly, you are good. You are honest. You are sweet.
You are perfect.
Do you really see me that way?
I am most fortunate to have you.
I'll say goodbye to your father.
ESSAY ON THE INEQUALITY OF HUMAN RACES
I was about to tell Santiago.
But he was saying such sweet things to me, and… I couldn't.
I'm a spineless coward!
Don't be hard on yourself.
That lie affects us as a couple. I feel I'm betraying him.
Cristina, I've always been your greatest critic.
But I've come to understand that being in your shoes can't be easy.
Miss Bianda's absurd scheme was a mistake.
-She was helping. -She came up with it because she's a liar.
And you know I never lie.
Why are you saying all this now?
Elena's the wayward daughter of Mrs. Saavedra.
Do you not find this a bit much?
She said her family was all dead.
I told you something was off, and we need proof.
Get the case.
If they see us, we'll be in trouble.
Sara.
I'm sorry about… your mother.
Thank you.
But how you reacted was not right. Not befitting of a chaperone.
It may upset you to see us together, but jealousy…
Goodness. And here I thought you weren't a typical man.
-And now this? -It was jealousy. Try to deny it.
Yes, it does bother me to see you together.
What do we gain by admitting it? The situation is what it is.
I'm sorry. I've missed our conversations.
Conversations that lead nowhere, much like this one.
Indeed.
Those are the ones I miss the most. Do you not feel the same?
All the time.
Have a good afternoon, Mr. Torres.
May I ask what you are doing?
Well, it's a delicate situation.
The guilt is eating away at me. If I do not confess…
You want to confess to the person you hate most?
Don't provoke me.
Don't provoke me. This concerns you.
This came in the mail.
I took it to avoid distressing Miss Cristina further.
Did you read it? I wouldn't have if I were you.
No, there was no need.
Eduardo was here.
He was here?
He still loves Miss Cristina.
He loves her.
I'll be damned.
Subtitle translation by: Meredith Cannella