[energetic music playing]
According to the lady companion's handbook,
an ideal suitor can be identified by three main traits.
Kindness, helpfulness, and attentiveness.
Bad boys only bring headaches.
Having a good income is essential for a stable life.
If he spoils you a little, even better.
Also, a nice smile,
an innate attractiveness, as long as he's not vain.
But in my opinion, none of these qualities mean anything
if he doesn't have a good heart,
if he's uninteresting,
or if you don't lose your breath whenever you see him.
[energetic music resumes]
[Santiago clears throat]
Theater tickets.
Three.
Sara could come along.
-Care for a walk? -[Santiago] Mm.
[Santiago] Your father could accompany us.
[Pedro] I'll be happy to.
Miss Bianda, if you'd rather stay…
A chaperone should be exhilarated
when she finds the perfect suitor for her lady.
When she's not in love with him, that is.
[romantic music playing]
[narrator] Aw, look at them! Together, happy, in love…
Who can resist a good love story?
That moment when you look into each other's eyes
and the world just disappears--
-[music cuts out] -[Elena clears throat]
Now, now. No need for this again.
We're back to where this love story began.
[energetic music playing]
I can't guarantee you'll like the ending, though.
Miss Bianda, may we go feed the birds right now?
Mm. Sure.
You're… letting us go alone?
I have complete trust in you.
[Cristina chuckles slyly]
Honestly, I'd prefer not to see some things.
[energetic music building]
[playful music fades]
You left them alone? Shouldn't you check--
What could happen? Could he knock her up?
-Hiding that from Santiago still seems-- -Despicable.
[somber music playing]
We feel terrible about it, believe me.
But he wants to be with Cristina.
-They'll be happy. -You think so?
And they ask me why I'm not interested in love.
I'll stick to science.
[footsteps approaching]
[Pedro] Come. This way. My pleasure, Mrs. De Saavedra.
[Elena] Who's that woman?
She's… one of my father's clients. Mercedes de Saavedra, I believe.
[tense music rises]
[quietly] Oh, Mother.
[tense music swells]
-No, seriously. -[tense music fades]
She's my mother.
-[birdsong] -[pleasant music playing]
[gentle chimes ring]
-[defiant rock music playing] -[chaperone grunts]
[suitor groans]
THE LADY'S COMPANION
LESSON 7: MAINTAIN PROPER DECORUM
-[suspenseful music playing] -She's here to tell on me. I know it.
[Pedro] You should invite the Almenaras too.
They live right outside the city.
The head of the family, Judge Don Manuel José,
is a great expert in big-game hunting.
[planter clatters]
[music fades]
What are you doing, Miss Bianda?
I was just admiring how, um,
beautifully the maids have arranged the vases.
It looks just perfect.
Uh… Doña Mercedes, meet my daughters' chaperone, Elena Bianda.
And my daughter and Santiago?
They're in the garden. I came to see Carlota.
Are you about to leave?
Yes. You can take the rest of the day off.
Don Pedro, thank you very much for your advice
and for helping me choose the guests for my event.
Uh, Mrs. De Saavedra is staying in town, and she's organizing a hunt.
-Let me walk you out. -No, I've bothered you enough already.
But if your employee doesn't mind…
-[tense music playing] -Um, as you wish. It was a pleasure.
[Mercedes] Mm.
[tense music swells]
-[Mercedes] Daughter… -Please don't call me that.
If I wanted to expose you, I would've already done it.
Don't you think?
What's your plan right now?
I'm investing. Mr. Mencía is an expert in the area.
I know that. I work here.
Such a beautiful house.
Those frescoes painted on the wall, the decoration, the light…
-You detest the light. -Not anymore.
A lot has changed, apparently. Especially you.
-[Angustias] Mrs. De Saavedra. -Just what I needed.
May I have the pleasure of walking you to your carriage?
Don't worry. Miss Bianda kindly offered to come with me.
Right. She is very attentive.
She was certainly raised well, wasn't she?
[chuckles] Ah, yes. Great to see you.
I see she's making your life miserable.
Sounds familiar.
See? Now, I don't even respond to your attacks.
I'm a new woman.
-How did you find me? -Gabriel came to see me.
If you want to talk to him, he's outside.
I'm leaving. There's still many details of the hunt to arrange.
I've been planning it for a while now, so it must be perfect.
[door opens]
Remember that the best prey is always the hardest to hunt.
And the most rewarding, sweetheart.
[footsteps fade]
[door closes]
[tense music playing]
-How were the birdies? -Well, they enjoyed themselves.
Your father's waiting.
[quietly] I could kill someone right now!
How dare you talk to my mother? Stop meddling in my life!
Your mother told me everything.
About the… pregnancy.
And she told me… what happened afterwards.
[somber music playing]
I'm sorry.
-[sighs] -[Gabriel] Why didn't you tell me?
[Elena exhales]
If I'd stayed, it would've ended badly.
[Gabriel] You don't know that. And I guess we'll never know.
I'm leaving.
Enjoy your time with the scribbler.
He doesn't seem so bad.
Fix things with your mother.
Everyone deserves a second chance, Bianda.
-[coachman shouts] -[horse whinnies]
[Elena] Just put me out of my misery.
[gloomy music fades]
[amusingly cheeky music rises]
[sighs]
[exhales glumly]
At this point, since no one's put me out of my misery yet…
GIN
SANTIAGO'S NOVEL
NOBODY
[door creaks]
[suspenseful music playing]
[door closes]
[whimsical music continues]
[laughing]
[guffaws]
[crying softly]
[rapid knocking on door]
[Angustias] Miss Bianda? Are you there?
Miss Bianda?
Miss Bianda!
Are you getting dressed?
-[Elena sighs] -[Angustias] I'm coming in.
[Elena grunts]
[Elena sighs]
[sniffs] Have you been drinking?
Mm. I'm not going to have a discussion about my morning breath.
The questioning is over.
-[sighs] -[Cristina] You're drunk.
I guess you'll be telling your father about this.
-No, of course not. -[Elena sighs]
But this kind of heavy drinking usually has a reason.
Is it because of Mrs. De Saavedra?
Angustias saw the two of you talking like you were familiar.
Did you know her?
[gloomy music playing]
You're observant. Uh, very observant.
Mm.
I worked at her house some time ago.
[sighs] Her daughter was one of the most difficult ladies
I've ever had in my care.
-Really? Was she that bad? -Oof.
Next to her, you're a piece of cake.
She ran away with a man to live her "carpe diem."
[takes a deep breath]
It was very hard for me.
[Cristina sighs] I understand.
I better leave you alone, Miss Bianda.
[tense music rises]
I think that'll help calm her worries.
How can I not be worried? I'm worried about her.
Can you believe she got drunk last night?
[Sara] I think you're blowing it way out of proportion.
[sighs] She's clearly sad.
And that story about her past…
[Sara] You don't believe her.
[Cristina] I don't know.
I feel like she's hurt and that she's probably hiding something.
Well, she's human.
Like all of us, she keeps some things to herself.
Things that hurt her.
And why won't she tell me? We're friends, right?
[knocking on door]
Miss Sara, you have a visitor.
Good morning. Which of my daughters are you looking for?
-Mr. Mencía. -Mm-hmm.
Camilo Keita. I'm in the same class as your daughter Sara.
-Oh, nice to meet you. -Likewise.
Camilo.
Now it makes sense why you're so eager to go to university.
Can you stop thinking about that all day and give it up for one minute?
-[amusing tune playing] -[sighs]
Haven't you noticed how handsome he is? His smile, his bearing…
[quietly] Cristina.
His mouth. I bet he's a good kisser.
[sternly] Cristina!
Well, he's noticed you. Why else would he be here?
[Sara] Camilo, what are you doing here?
We have an exam, and I was passing by.
Mr. Keita, nice to finally meet you.
I've heard a lot about you, thanks to my sister.
My older sister, Cristina Mencía.
Nice to meet you. Glad to see you're feeling better.
Thanks to you. And to the chair.
[Pedro] Hmm.
Keita. Hmm. That's a… a Guinean surname, right?
-[Camilo] Mm-hmm. -I lived there for some time.
And, well, it's a very unique land.
I imagine things haven't been easy here, have they?
As a father, I'm glad to know people understand all of us have rights--
Please, can we go, Camilo?
The… The exam, we'll miss it. Come on.
Have a nice day.
-[door opens, closes] -[Pedro sighs]
[whimsical music concludes]
[pencil lead snaps]
Psst.
[whispers] A pencil.
-[Sara, softly] What? -Pencil.
[suggestive rhythmic guitar music playing]
[Cristina] Haven't you noticed how handsome he is?
[bluesy guitar tune intensifies]
[Cristina] His mouth.
I bet he's a good kisser.
[sultry music cuts out]
Don't come saying you didn't have enough time afterwards.
Excuse me.
[bluesy guitar music resumes]
[Sara takes a deep breath]
WHAT CAUSES IRREGULAR HEARTBEAT?
-[sensual guitar fades] -[chuckles softly]
[Pedro] Do you think your sister and that young man…?
-Sara's only interested in books. -[Pedro] Hmm.
[Pedro] Goodness.
Don Horacio is asking me to check his accounts tomorrow.
-I won't be able to go hunting. -Do you hunt, Don Pedro?
A new client invited me, so…
But it's a shame I can't go. This could be very good for us.
Maybe we could go. Miss Bianda can accompany us.
No!
Why not?
[tense, quirky music playing]
No, because, um… I can't even hold a rifle.
[Cristina] You know how much I enjoy hunting.
Right, but if they invited your father, why bother going without him?
To show them he cares. It's an important client, right?
[Pedro] Mm-hmm.
[playful tune fades]
So tomorrow, Mr. Torres, you, and I are going to Mrs. De Saavedra's hunt.
-[energetic music continues] -[Elena sighs]
Well, that plan is horrible, atrocious, monstrous.
-[Cristina sighs] -[enthusiastic] That's a splendid plan!
Of course it is. It's what Santiago and I need.
What you need? Really?
I just feel like something's not quite right.
Yesterday we were alone together for you-know-what,
but he didn't want to get intimate.
What man would say no to a woman he loves?
[Elena] I have to admit, she has a point.
This trip will be good for us.
We'll be far from here, from Father.
It'll be unforgettable.
I'm sure it will.
And if I'm lucky, a stray bullet will put me out of my misery.
-[gun fires] -[upbeat music fades]
[Lázaro] You could've attended the hunt. You've been doing it every day, right?
When you stroll around the gardens in town, hunting for men.
Jokes are not your forte, son.
[footsteps approaching]
[Lázaro exhales sharply]
She's on edge today.
[Adela] Is something the matter?
Well, you're not asking me if something's the matter
because you think you've done something to upset me, right?
Ah, Doña Paquita, that's… that's so twisted.
So you, uh… have nothing to say to me? Uh… at all?
[nervously] No.
No. No, of course not.
Take the rest of the day off.
I'm meeting Father Gregorio.
For my confession. It's the novena, after all.
But… but aren't you… aren't you a little overdressed?
Only my best outfit for the Lord our God.
Amen, Doña Paquita. Amen.
I'll be back late. Don't wait for me.
Enjoy your freedom, all right? Take care.
[gentle music playing]
[door opens]
[Adela] I think she knows.
Did she see us?
I'll end up on the street.
Don't be so dramatic, Adelita.
Hey. The day is ours. Hmm?
You have a date.
[playful music intensifies]
[sighs] I'm ready for the casino, Paulino.
[intriguing tango music playing]
Sorry, you have to come with us.
-[horse whinnies] -[coachman shouts]
[bittersweet tango music intensifies]
[tune grows somber]
[knocking on door]
Could you announce me?
I'd like to see Miss Cristina as soon as possible.
[music grows tense]
-I just want to see Cristina. -You should be ashamed!
-Please! I wanted to see Miss Mencía. -Get out of here! Get out!
-[music fades] -Sir, there's something you should know.
[Eduardo shouting below] Cristina!
[Angustias] That's what I'm talking about.
[Eduardo] Cristina! Cristina! [groans]
[Carlota chuckles] You're yelling at the wrong window.
-[dramatic music ends] -Which one is it?
It's no use.
Cristina's away on a trip with her suitor.
[door opens]
[gloomy music resumes]
[sternly] Get off my property.
Don Pedro, didn't you read my letter?
-I don't give a damn. -Please, Don Pedro.
You… You… You… Aren't you curious why I didn't show up at the engagement?
I beg you.
Please listen to me.
[music fades]
[Eduardo] I only had to sign a contract with Monsieur Levy.
Our family business would then merge with theirs in Paris.
I didn't know the contract included my marriage to their daughter.
I refused, but my father showed me the books
and had me write that shameful note.
But I didn't want your daughter to think I loved someone else.
She read about it in the paper.
But it didn't break her heart.
[tense music playing]
So, is the new suitor to your liking?
-He's my godson, Santiago Torres. -[scoffs]
Cristina never felt anything for him.
Don Pedro, I left my family. I walked away from it all.
I love your daughter.
At least let me talk to her.
She'd forever regret not knowing what really happened that day.
Is that what you want?
I'll come here every single day until I get a yes, so please, let--
[stunned silence falls]
-[gun cocks] -[tense music rises]
-[Pedro] Get out! -You're making a mistake!
Get out of this house!
-You're making a mistake! -Don't you dare come back here!
[Eduardo] Yes! I'm leaving!
[panting]
-[dramatic music concludes] -[door slams]
Great job, sir.
My daughter cannot know he's returned. For the sake of her health.
[mischievously whimsical music playing]
You want me to lie?
No, it's not lying. It's only hiding.
[Carlota] This could be upsetting for Cristina. I get it.
But if I've learned anything from adults, it's that I can get something out of this.
What do you want?
[music fades]
I wanted to go hunting, not meet that boring guy.
[giggles]
[softly] We could've been outside, you know, doing our own thing…
-[giggles] -[Monsalve] Ladies.
You both look stunning today. I hope you don't mind that I'm early.
-I was excited to see you. -The feeling is mutual.
I'll go tell my mother and tidy myself up.
[giggles] If you'll excuse me.
[Monsalve] Well…
Since we're alone… may I?
The other day at the picnic, I saw you and Esther touching.
Touching?
[ominous music playing]
Look, it's not easy, you know, to say this.
Okay? But I want you to know that-- Ah!
That damn needle.
Anyway, I saw the two of you holding hands.
There was caressing, there was--
What are you doing? Are you saying that I'm a pervert?
The only pervert here is you.
Don't come near me. I'll prick you with this needle.
I know what I saw. Stop pretending.
I'm not pretending, okay?
And I warn you to not go repeating these delusions to the Zapico family.
Is that clear?
[foreboding music continues]
[footsteps fading]
Out. Come on.
Come on, hurry.
[Josefina sighs]
I talked to Daniel. He knows about us.
He saw our hands touching during lunch the other day.
And you denied it.
Of course I did, but I don't think he bought it.
Well, don't panic.
-We need to keep it together right now. -He'll tell your mother.
-Who cares? It's his word against ours. -Your mother loves Daniel!
[whispers] Right. [exhales]
[tense music playing]
You look beautiful.
I have a surprise for all of you.
But… after dessert.
-[horses neigh] -[energetic music playing]
[upbeat music fades]
-[Mercedes] Miss Mencía! Good morning. -[Cristina] Good morning.
-My father asks to be excused. -Ah. Men and their work.
-Wait till you're married. -[group laughs]
[Mercedes] Come on, have some food. You'll need the energy.
-Hm. You never liked getting up early. -Stop it.
You're putting my job in jeopardy. And even my life.
Is a mother spending time with her daughter so wrong?
It's a little too late for that, don't you think?
If you'll excuse me for a moment.
[drink pouring]
A most distinguished lady. Do you two know each other?
[Elena] It's the first time I've seen her.
I didn't expect to find you here either. Did Alba give you another chance?
Angustias mediated, so… How come you're suddenly so chummy?
Well, I guess I have the charm that you lack.
[scoffs] I won't dignify that.
Your lies will be your downfall, Elena.
I just hope it happens soon so I can still get to enjoy this weather
in that beautiful garden at the Mencías'.
[cheeky music playing]
Where are my friends when I need them?
-[music intensifies] -[excited chatter]
[hounds barking]
Well, Santiago, everyone thought you'd always be the golden bachelor.
[Cristina chuckles]
He took his time, but good things are worth the wait.
[Mercedes] Mr. Torres!
You've got spot number five. Have fun hunting.
[comically whimsical music swells]
[music fades]
[Santiago] I don't get why you like hunting.
It brings out the worst in people.
You're just scared.
I'd better teach you some shooting skills so you can relax.
[Santiago sighs]
I forgot to give the lady a message, uh… from your father.
[Mercedes chuckles]
I wouldn't hire you as a chaperone to watch over my daughter.
[sighs] Your daughter?
-[Mercedes] Uh-huh. -Ah, right. Yes.
I think I know her.
A very special young lady.
Mm. Well, yes, but she can be a headache.
Especially for chaperones. Don't you think it's a bit ironic?
[hunting dogs barking]
-[gunshots in distance] -Maybe that's why I'm so good at my job.
[gunfire echoes]
-Although you clearly despise it. -Not at all.
It's only fair to look for ways to start a new life in these situations.
Desirable, even.
In fact, I'm thinking of doing the same after I move here.
[gunshots in distance]
[somber music playing]
Huh? You can do it, but I can't?
-[gunfire] -What about your palace?
And your duties and Father?
[Mercedes exhales]
[Mercedes] Oh, he already got his fresh start.
Don't pity me, please.
At least he had the decency to leave me with enough.
-[Elena] I'm happy for you. -[Mercedes] No, you're not.
And I don't blame you. Even I wonder sometimes if I deserve it.
Is that your way of apologizing?
Sweetheart, if I had known you'd lost the baby…
Tell me, what then?
You would've helped me?
You wouldn't have slammed the door in my face?
Don't twist this. We looked for you without knowing!
Well, luckily, someone found me first.
Apparently Antonio Bianda wasn't all that horrible.
No, Mother. Antonio and his wife gave me food, a bed,
and a future.
And he never expected anything back.
Well, he's gone, but I'm here.
I'm still your mother, whether you like it or not.
I'm at peace with all that now.
I'm happy. I like my life.
[scoffs] I'm your mother. Do you think you can fool me?
[sadly] I'm not lying.
[Mercedes sighs]
[singing "Una furtiva lagrima" in Italian]
[dramatic instrumental version of "Una furtiva lagrima" playing]
[Lázaro] I've given the staff the rest of the day off.
You wear it wonderfully.
If you will…
[Adela giggles]
[both laughing]
[aria continues]
Hold the gun firmly. Feel the weight.
You are the one in charge, not the other way around.
-Your waist must be braced. Feel it? -[Santiago panting]
So you're happy following that girl around and her little scribbler?
He's not a scribbler.
He's an amazing writer.
[entrancing aria continues]
[hounds barking]
[rifle fires, echoes]
The point is, I like my life better now. And, besides, working for the Mencías
is turning out… to be a breeze.
-[rifle fires] -[Cristina shrieks]
[amusing music playing]
[Santiago sighs, groans]
What the…
[Mercedes panting]
-[Elena] What are you doing? -[Santiago] Oh, nothing. Nothing. [grunts]
Miss Cristina, we're leaving. Come on. Come on.
-You should take him to a doctor-- -Shut up, Mother!
[music fades]
[onlookers laughing]
[crowd murmuring]
Shoot me.
Right in the heart.
[music ends]
Please don't say anything to Don Pedro.
Really? No apology?
Why should I apologize?
All you want is my discretion. I don't know what's harder to believe.
The fact that you were a lady, or that you lied to me about it.
-[Santiago] This isn't the time-- -Not all of us are as easy and open.
[hurt] What did you say?
-[Santiago] You could end up-- -Why didn't you tell us the truth?
-It's my private life. -You know everything about mine.
-[Santiago] I wouldn't argue now. -[both] Shut up!
[Elena sighs]
After all I've done for you, you can't complain.
So, if you value that, don't tell your father about this.
Well, you've certainly surprised us with your hidden talent. [chuckles]
-Not everyone can do that. -Thank you for that.
I better get going.
But there's something I'd like to say first.
[tense music playing]
I don't know if you happened to notice
how fond Esther and Josefina are of each other.
Yeah, well, Josefina's part of the family, right, Mother?
Uh, and it just doesn't seem appropriate, given their fondness,
to separate them just so we could get married.
I know that a sincere relationship like yours is not easy to come across,
and I want the best for you, Esther.
So I've been thinking, and if you do decide to marry me,
Josefina could be our housekeeper.
That way, you could continue your…
[tense music swells]
…friendship.
-[Esther exhales nervously] -[music ends]
[Lázaro exhales happily]
Today was a wonderful break during this busy week.
But I have to get to work.
[grunts]
A new business opportunity?
Yes. Or, to quote my mother…
[imitating Paquita] "Another one that won't go anywhere." [laughs]
You've got the wrong idea about your mother.
Admit it. She's too hard on me.
She has a sharp mind and a sharper tongue.
[both chuckle]
I need capital so my partners finally trust me.
But she won't give me anything.
[scoffs sadly]
[grunts]
[gentle instrumental music playing]
[Lázaro] No.
No, Adela, I can't.
I insist.
I'd like to think I'm the one who, uh, helps you show how you're different now.
[sighs]
[Pedro] How was the hunt?
Phenomenal. We didn't catch a thing.
[Pedro] Oh.
Any news here? Or…
-No, nothing remarkable. -[Carlota] Uh, nothing remarkable?
-[whimsical music playing] -[giggles]
What's that?
It was a gift from Father.
He got it from his friend Castro, the zoologist.
Was this your idea?
Well, sometimes a father has to spoil his daughters a little, right?
[Pedro] Okay, let's find a spot for that… thing.
Tula. Her name is Tula.
-Tula. -Come on, Tula.
I left my things in the carriage. I'll go to the coach house.
[Carlota] That's it. Go, get in.
Ugh. [groans]
-Uneventful day, am I right? -[music ends]
Elena has been lying to us.
[huffs]
But lying isn't a crime.
Everyone has secrets.
Maybe not you. You're the most transparent woman I know.
-But in general. -[tense music rises]
I also have my share of burdens.
It could be why our courtship isn't going so smoothly.
No, no, no. It's my fault.
-No, it's my fault, not yours. -No.
Really. You're good, you're honest, you're… sweet. You're perfect.
You think that of me? Really?
I'm very lucky to have you, yes.
I'll say goodbye to your father.
[sighs softly]
ON THE INEQUALITY OF HUMAN RACES
[Cristina] I was about to tell Santiago everything.
But he was telling me all those nice things, and…
I simply couldn't. I'm a coward! I'm a big wimp!
Don't beat yourself up, Cristina.
This lie affects us as a couple, Sara. I feel like a traitor.
Cristina, you know I've always been your biggest critic.
But if there's one thing I learned,
it's that being in your shoes can't be easy.
Elena's crazy plan was definitely a mistake.
-She was just trying to help. -I don't care. She's a liar!
I omit, but I'm no liar.
Why are you saying all this now?
Elena is Mrs. De Saavedra's daughter.
[energetic music playing]
-Don't you think this is a bit too much? -She said her whole family was gone.
I knew something was off. We need proof, okay?
Come on, grab that.
[Sara] We're gonna get in so much trouble if we're caught.
[Cristina] Sara.
[music intensifies]
[dramatic music fades]
[Santiago clears throat]
I'm sorry about the thing with your mother.
Thank you.
Although you were too hard on Cristina. A bit too much for a chaperone.
I get it. It bothered you to see us together, but jealousy?
Really? I believed you were the opposite of a typical man.
-And now you say this? -Do you deny it, though?
All right. It bothered me to see you.
But what difference does it make? That doesn't change the situation.
[exhales] I'm sorry. I… I missed our conversations.
[crying] Conversations that go nowhere, like this one?
[glum music playing]
Well, yes.
Those are the ones I miss the most, actually. Don't you?
Of course I do.
[sighs]
[music fades]
Have a nice afternoon, Mr. Torres.
-[footsteps fade] -[sighs deeply]
-[dramatic music playing] -[groans] What on earth are you doing?
[exhales] All right, this… is a delicate situation.
The guilt is eating me up, and if I don't tell you…
So you're looking to vent with the one person you can't stand?
-Really? -Don't do that.
This is serious, so stop teasing.
[breathing shakily]
It arrived a few days ago.
I hid it. I didn't want to add to Miss Cristina's misery.
[Elena huffs]
Have you read it? I wouldn't have, if I were you.
No, uh… it wasn't necessary.
-Eduardo was here. -[Elena] He was here?!
-He still loves Miss Cristina. -[Elena] He loves her?
-Holy Mother of God. -[tense music peaks, fades]
[whimsical closing theme playing]
[music ends]