Yes, the letter is still on my mind.
I didn't sleep well. And yes, I did read it.
The handbook says moral codes can be broken if necessary.
I'm sure Josefina and Adela would agree.
-What does it say? -You've made a rookie mistake.
Why are you here?
To help you.
No.
No, this must be the lack of sleep.
For once, I agree with Miss Prim here.
"Miss Prim"?
Have you come to humiliate me?
We're here to lend you a hand with your dilemma.
You ought to tear up that letter.
Your duty is to find the best suitor, and that's Santiago.
No. Your duty is to ensure Cristina learns the truth.
And if it helps you get a shot with the writer…
Adela!
I'm just saying what Elena's thinking. Am I wrong?
I'm only human, and I care for Santiago.
But what matters is Cristina and her child.
Cristina can't be happy with a man she doesn't love.
Or with one who lies to her.
Maybe he's telling the truth.
There are ways to find out.
So, what's your plan?
Adela is right.
I know what I must do.
Hey!
Over here!
Sorry about the mess. It's cramped here.
-Have you been sleeping here? -Ever since I returned.
I'm unwelcome in my own home.
They're hoping I'll give in. I refuse to marry that frog.
So, it's true, then.
Does he love her?
I despise myself for what I did to Cristina.
I went along with what my family wanted. I was just a puppet for them.
I'll stand my ground, even if I have nothing.
Even if I live only in the hope of seeing Cristina again.
It is love. And the sappy kind.
What do you have there?
Some yemas.
Could I have one? Please.
Brioche has nothing on this. Nothing.
I swear I'll never leave Cristina again. I mean it.
If you think she still loves me, help me.
Good morning.
Miss Cristina, I'd like to discuss a sensitive topic with you.
I don't know which is more sensitive.
Yours?
Or this one?
I simply did what no one else bothered to.
To try to get to know you.
Don't try to talk your way out of this.
I like you better now. You're a spy. Like me.
You're a pathological liar.
I have half a mind to slap you.
Go ahead.
-What? -What?
I take full responsibility.
Get your anger out.
Better now?
I wish I had never met you.
That stung more than the slap.
THE LADY'S COMPANION
LESSON 8: MAKE YOUR LADY HAPPY
-Leave here! -I did it all to help you.
You've lost every shred of credibility.
-You're with child, not me. -Do you want another slap?
Eduardo has returned.
He came looking for you while we were out hunting.
He wants your forgiveness.
He still loves you.
I went to see if he was sincere, and it's true.
He's lost all he had.
-His parents disowned him for returning. -For leaving his little duchess.
It's all in here.
He sent it days ago, but it got lost.
He's never stopped loving you.
They forced him to marry,
and I was wrong.
You were wrong about many things. Yes.
-I don't care about Eduardo. -Not true.
It is. Santiago and I are together, and that fool means nothing to me.
You must choose the one you truly love. It is your life that's at stake.
Enough! Eduardo is in the past. Santiago is my present. That's all.
Get out of my room.
Yes, please leave us alone.
You've done the impossible. They've finally agreed on something.
I hope that something isn't hating me.
Have you managed to solve it?
They're going to fire me, aren't they? For taking the letter.
Fortunately, your job is more than secure.
And what will she do? Will she stay with Santiago?
It looks that way.
Well…
It's the best for everyone.
Thank you.
I'm not sure it's best for everyone.
Why are you two back? I've already solved the dilemma.
Because you're in pieces.
Since you've given us the form of your friends,
you take comfort in our company.
I'm fine.
I've done my duty.
You know you can't lie to us, right?
Fine, I feel terrible, but not for the reason you think.
The Santiago train is pulling away…
-I just can't stand you. -Me neither.
Cristina has feelings for Eduardo.
She's said no. What more can I do?
Not sit idly by? If you want Santiago, fight for him.
You're so selfish. Don't pay attention. She's a terrible influence.
-It's better than being a bore. -Enough!
I've made mistakes, but I won't put myself before Cristina and her child.
-Couldn't you do…? -You could do…
Honestly, I don't want to hear it!
I don't understand why you look like Josefina and Adela.
You're not like them!
Really?
No. You are clearly the good one, and you, the bad one.
Maybe that's what you think. Though if by "bad," you mean "clever"…
Good morning.
I woke up early to thank you for yesterday, but you had left.
It's been a busy morning.
Here.
I've decided not to use it.
I couldn't. The gesture shows how much you care for me.
How thoughtful.
I just hope we can find a date to pick up where we left off.
Certainly.
How about
never?
Excuse me?
You went to Manuel Salgado's pawnshop,
to Ismael Casado's, to all of them in the city.
I wanted to test you, and you let me down.
You're heartless.
-Did you think I wouldn't find out? -You're quite the actress.
Better than being a liar.
Adelita, it was a white lie.
I needed that money to make us rich.
But they didn't offer me a cent for it.
You're the first woman I truly care for.
You like me because I'm adorable, charming, and sincere…
Everything you're not.
You gave it to me to sell.
-Adelita! -Don't "Adelita" me.
You've just lost me for good.
To hell with you.
He's already broken your heart.
And it only took a few days.
He's getting worse.
I saw you two kissing.
I promise you…
Will you dismiss me?
I will if you don't break this. Come on.
Let it out.
With all your strength! Go on!
Throw it! Good!
Good job!
Wonderful. Feeling better? More relaxed?
Yes? Now, let's see if I can think of something to help you forget that fool.
Thank you, Doña Paquita.
For taking care of me and being who you are.
Oh, darling, no.
You're going to make me cry, dear. No.
If there's anything I've learned,
it's that love can come from many places.
Not just from a man.
Not just from a man. All right?
Well, they say Don Pedro kicked him out of his house at gunpoint.
Goodness. Who would've imagined that?
Let's trust in Cristina's pride and that she'll tell him off.
The one we should be worried about is Santiago, not your friend, right?
How must he feel?
Insecure.
Intimidated.
After all, Eduardo is her first love.
Right, Josefina?
What?
You've been very quiet. Have you been mulling over my proposal?
Are you serious about wanting me as your housekeeper?
Everyone thinks I'm an eccentric.
But I like to think of myself as a man with an open mind.
The norms that confine our society are absurd. Don't you think so?
For Miss Cristina, from Mr. Espinosa.
It's the fourth one.
Take them. I don't want my daughter to see.
I know Eduardo has returned.
-And I know he was talking to you. -I don't know what you gained hiding it.
I haven't said a peep.
Don't look for someone to blame. I know you were trying to spare me.
I see I didn't succeed.
I don't care about Eduardo. He's history.
Hello.
Santiago! So good to see you!
Yes. It's a lovely day.
Warm and sunny.
What's gotten into you?
My friend Sebastián Carvajal went out on the town yesterday.
And he slept in.
So, my boss got so angry with him,
guess who's going to the Lisbon World's Fair?
Are you covering it? Really?
Congratulations. Take me with you.
Carlota…
It's a wonderful opportunity.
And that's putting it mildly. My Portuguese is a little rusty.
But I have time to brush up.
I have to write daily reports for the two months I'll be there, so…
Did you say two months?
Yes.
Nothing's going right! Two months!
Do you know how my belly's going to be when he gets back?
Is that all?
-What else? -Where's the letter?
I know you well enough to know you're lying. Where is it hidden?
I threw it away.
Right.
So you didn't read it?
No, I didn't read it.
Give me the letter, Cristina.
I've tried to get rid of it, I swear.
I can see that. It's unreadable. How can you read this?
I know it by heart.
I was right, and you still have feelings for him.
So? Just because he sent a letter, I should forgive him?
Is that what you're implying?
He's a child. I can't start a family with him.
What if he leaves again?
Besides, I can't do that to Santiago. He's…
He's wonderful.
He is.
But this is for life. And I have to agree with Elena.
Don't talk about that traitor. What would you do?
Me? Well, I'd let science enlighten us.
Let's analyze the empirical data. Eduardo is very handsome.
He comes from a good family and has an excellent education.
The data indicates he's a very good catch.
And he was your first, so--
Sara!
Don't be so proper. Facts are facts. He got you pregnant.
And he up and left. He abandoned me.
He was a victim, and he fought back.
Late. He fought back too late.
Santiago, on the other hand, is… different.
But attractive all the same. He's learned and--
He's my friend. He's always been there for me and loved me.
Except when he was unsure about the other woman.
That's true.
Science won't help us!
Love isn't rational!
So, Cristina, with all your heart, who do you love?
I don't know.
Excuse me. I didn't know Cristina would take my absence so badly.
She's pleased for you.
I think her tears are due to something else.
Eduardo has returned. Did you know?
No.
Are you worried?
My daughter pretends to be indifferent, but no one with pride could endure it.
I see.
I think we need a more drastic solution.
A change of scenery. Lisbon is a beautiful city.
I don't think it's appropriate, with all due respect, but…
-Even if Miss Bianda is with us… -No.
I wouldn't let Cristina accompany you without being married. Even if it's you.
Don Pedro, I was going to take things slowly.
Didn't it break your heart to see her like that?
Yes.
Yes, I would never hurt Cristina.
I'd never forgive myself.
It's been passed down woman to woman in my family.
Take all the time you need.
Find the right words.
You're an expert at that.
Miss Bianda.
I hadn't seen you today.
It was a hectic morning.
If you'll excuse me,
I'll be going.
I have a lot of work.
Thank you.
I gave him my wife's wedding ring.
We're a step away from your first success in this house.
Congratulations.
If you'll excuse me…
What?
You can also cry tears of joy.
If Cristina is happy, then I am too.
Miss Bianda.
Weren't you not speaking to me?
It's a truce. I need your help. Things are getting complicated, and--
You mean the proposal.
What proposal?
-He gave Santiago your mother's ring. -What?
No. We can't allow that to happen. Cristina is full of doubts.
Cristina says she wanted to be with Santiago.
While she keeps rereading Eduardo's letter! Look.
You were right. This could be a real Greek tragedy.
I mean, what if she says no?
Poor Santiago! That'd make a fool of him! No, we can't let that happen.
Cristina must make up her mind before he proposes.
Miss Bianda, I need you to help me.
What can we do to make her… be sure?
Your sister despises me. It's better if I don't get involved.
-Because you're a coward. -No, she's trying not to be a hypocrite.
That poor boy doesn't deserve this.
Well, she's right about that.
You told him to take the first step.
It's not fair to him. It's not fair.
Poor man, Elena.
Just what I needed! You two agreeing on something.
Elena! You haven't answered me.
-What? -Why are you staying out of this?
This could be, in some way, a way to make up for your mistakes.
I have an idea.
It's kind of extreme.
But it could work.
Mr. Torres!
Mr. Torres! Thank you, José!
Mr. Torres, you're so elusive. It's been ages.
Not long enough.
Would you like a drink?
It's the perfect afternoon to become slick as thieves.
-"Thick as thieves." -Sorry?
It's "thick as thieves," not "slick as thieves." It's…
I'm in a hurry. I'll be on my way. Excuse me.
I'd say this is a sign.
Let me help you.
Please.
Mr. Torres.
Voilà. Absinthe.
I also brought you tobacco and a pipe.
You really know your writer clichés.
What a nice day.
You punctured the tire, right?
No! I just worry about you now that Mr. Espinosa is back.
He doesn't stand a chance.
That's wonderful news.
But I still haven't decided.
Absinthe, you said?
Why are you here?
I needed to talk to you.
I can see it on your face.
Camilo, right? You like him.
Well, let's say I've started to see
some virtues in him that I hadn't seen before.
Who would've thought?
Both sisters have lovesickness.
Lovesickness? Why?
You told me he looks at me.
And he does.
Your relationship is so complicated, mine looks like a piece of cake.
Miss Sara, do you have a minute?
-Why are you here? -Cristina, you look gorgeous.
You snakes! Sara!
Cristina, can we talk?
Cristina, please stop for a moment. Cristina, listen to me.
Cristina, listen to me!
-My family tricked me. -I saw your letter.
I've given up everything for you. I don't care! I see us together!
I have no home, I have no family. Please, Cristina!
-Open up! -I love you.
Cristina, I love you. I'd die without you!
-Good! One less rat. -That's your grudge speaking.
I love Santiago. We are to wed.
You'll marry the hack, but you love me?
No! What did you think?
That I'd cry over you for years?
That you could come back here as if nothing happened?
I'm sorry.
-It's too late. -No.
No, Cristina. Wait. Look at me.
Cristina.
You look at me, and I still see a bit of that love.
Let me show you how much I regret it, please.
I'll make you happy.
Give me a chance.
Please.
Kiss me.
Kiss you?
Kiss me, and I'll prove I don't care.
Come on, do it!
See? No butterflies. Now get out!
You just caught me by surprise! I didn't expect it. It wasn't a good kiss.
Do it again. I don't mind.
Nothing.
One last time? If it doesn't work, I'll leave.
I don't know what I can do.
Well, of course I have something to tell you.
I know that you have doubts. And I know why you have doubts.
You're afraid to get married.
Because the Mencías…
are your family.
And if it goes wrong, well,
you'll lose them.
It makes sense.
Is that the libretto?
No! It's not finished.
But what is it about?
I can't tell you now. I can't tell you.
Santiago, you're my best friend.
I'm not your best friend. I'm not…
Santiago, we've shared personal things.
Good evening.
If you won't tell me, it's because it's true.
It wasn't me. It was Espronceda who said
that when one is afraid of what one writes,
it comes from the heart.
In the end, fate must want us to be friends.
-Really? -No.
Good night, Santiago.
José, let's go.
Santiago?
What are you doing here?
I've come to play piano.
-You can't go upstairs. -Yes, I can. It's important. It's vital.
-No! -It's momentous!
Santiago, Cristina's sleeping.
She's resting.
She's asleep?
-Santiago, come on. Please. -Stop!
-Cristina. -You're so stubborn. Stop!
Stop, please. Santiago.
-That needs fixing. It's broken. -Cristina.
-I need to talk to you. -She's sleeping like a log.
Cristina? I must tell you something.
I can't marry you.
Really?
Because I love you, you love me.
But is it love with a capital L?
Is he…? Is Eduardo under the bed?
-No. -No.
-Santiago… -Were you two…?
Nothing happened! It's all their fault, actually!
I'll stop her before she says something she shouldn't.
It was a trap. She wasn't sure how she felt. We wanted to help her.
I wasn't sure of his intentions, but I feel the same way you do.
-I love you, but I'm not in love with you. -Really?
I care for Eduardo,
and you shouldn't have to look after me and the baby…
The baby?
What did I say?
What? You and I… We've never…
Are you pregnant?
Are you crying?
I'm so happy!
I can't imagine what you went through. The fear of what people might say. Sorry!
Since when…?
Since when have…?
I'm sorry.
Santiago.
Santiago, wait!
I know nothing I say can justify it,
but you were in love with her. And she started to have feelings for you.
She couldn't bear the scandal of being a single mother.
You have no idea how much I wanted the whole truth to come out.
But now things can be different.
Forgive me.
You once
said you'd hurt me, but…
I never thought it'd be like this.
He's going to kill me.
Then he'll have to kill me too.
I'd like father to kill me too.
What exactly did you hear?
Nothing I haven't known for a long time.
Besides,
when was the last time we did something together?
Yes?
-Cristina has something to tell you. -I'd stay seated if I were you.
What I want to tell you is that… I'm not marrying Santiago.
He knows. He doesn't want to either.
You'd better sit down. It's not over yet.
I'm going to marry Eduardo.
Santiago and I are not in love.
-But with Eduardo, it's different. -You are not marrying that oaf.
The wedding has to go ahead, Father.
-Why? -Wouldn't you like to sit?
No! What happened, Cristina?
I'm carrying Eduardo's child.
6 DAYS LATER
Miss, today is your big day.
THE BIG DAY
CRISTINA AND EDUARDO ARE PLEASED TO INVITE YOU TO THEIR WEDDING
Come in.
Well? What's the verdict?
Well, that I'm a terrible father.
With my character, my trips away, and your mother being sweetness itself.
Why even try?
But if your daughters lie to you because they're afraid of you,
then you're a terrible father.
Do you really think that?
Sara's studying medicine.
Carlota has a pet spider.
And I, well…
You don't have to get married.
If you don't love him, don't.
We can go… far away.
Do whatever you want.
You won't stop being my perfect lady because of a mistake.
You understand that, right?
For a terrible father, you're doing great.
Do you really love that blockhead?
Come here.
Honey, you look beautiful.
Shall we go?
First, would you do me a favor?
What are you doing?
Weddings.
They always get me emotional.
Occupational hazard.
It was a hard task, but you did well. I'll give you that.
Wow!
I might faint!
Was that a compliment?
Move your behind.
Miss Bianda, my daughter wishes to see you before going to the church.
Good morning, colleague.
They say that lilies bring good luck.
We've shaken off the bad.
-I want to-- -My sisters will have a new chaperone.
You were the other woman.
Santiago left this here.
I didn't open it until today.
Yet another lie.
There are too many things to forgive.
I'm so sorry, Cristina.
I really am sorry.
Our friendship may be beyond repair,
but if you have feelings for Santiago, read the manuscript.
THE LADY'S COMPANION
You must hate me.
I'm a mess.
Read the manuscript.
Elena!
Scene one. Setting, a street.
On the stage appears the chaperone.
She is what is nowadays called a woman ahead of her time.
Complex, fascinating.
An expert in debate and in reminding us men
how much we still have to learn.
Though she's forbidden to fall in love, she can't imagine
what she awakens in all those who have dared to know her.
Especially him.
Because until he met her,
he didn't know what "love" with a capital L was.
And now what?
What to do after hearing the most beautiful love declaration?
Run.
Go on!
Let's go!
Run, Elena!
Santiago is yours! Go on!
Go!
Santiago!
Hooray for the bride and groom!
Hooray!
I'll stop him. It'll be fine. Like in all love stories.
He'll stop. He has to.
Stop!
Stop there! Stop!
Halt!
Santiago, come out!
It's better this way.
All right…
I know I was wrong.
Because I'm stubborn, arrogant, haughty,
and many other things that if I started to list them,
I'd never finish this declaration.
Because, yes, this is a declaration of love.
I know I've lied, especially to myself.
And I know I told you it was just an attraction.
But that's not true.
This is love.
And I know I promised to forswear it,
but I suppose people deserve a second chance in life,
and you are the only one who makes me happy.
Won't you reply?
I'd forgive you, dear.
How lovely, dear.
What are you doing there? I'm in a hurry.
Basically, before you left, I wanted to tell you I read your libretto.
Wonderful. It's not finished. I don't know if I'll finish it.
It's that chaperones are… complicated characters, you know?
That's not true.
It's easier for us to find love for others than for ourselves.
Especially when you followed your heart and it went badly.
All right. That makes two of us.
Look, we could always start the Broken Hearts Club.
Could you give me another chance?
Give her another chance!
Another chance?
Right. That means there must have been a first chance.
So maybe it wasn't just me who kissed you.
And maybe it wasn't just me who kissed you back.
And so maybe it was mutual, and so you also…
Beautiful, right?
The sad thing is, it only happened in Miss Bianda's imagination.
In reality…
He'll stop.
He didn't stop.
He left.
What kind of love story is this?
One that’s very much like real life, Miss Bianda.
So now I have no job
and no home.
I lost everything.
Undoubtedly, this is a setback.
But if I may offer some advice, I wouldn't give up on love so soon.
TO BE CONTINUED
Subtitle translation by: Meredith Cannella