(wind whistles)
(laughter)
(whinnies)
Yah! Giddap!
20,000 acres in Cork, with an additional 20,000 of farmland.
I believe the fishing is excellent.
The river was stocked by his great-grandfather,...
..and theres another estate to the west. 1 5,000 acres.
One wouldn't want to live there, of course.
What was all the fuss with the younger brother?
Absolute bloody disgrace! Pardon my language, ladies.
Continues to pay him an allowance, even though he now has a parish,...
..and still the wretch complains to anyone who'll listen...
..that his father promised him a cottage across the river.
I hear Lady Dunne is to marry.
Isn't she uncommonly ugly?
- (men laugh) - Yes.
Unlike her 1 5,000 acres.
- So, what'll you do this time? - Watch me.
- You're so predictable. - No, I'm not.
- Yes, you are. - Bye!
(shouting and screaming)
Ladies and gentlemen, this is the Abduction Club.
- They are here for the heiresses. - I know, I know.
We are gentlemen, brought together by necessity,...
..whose aims are beyond reproach,...
..and whose actions are governed by the strictest code of honour.
- For the window. - (yelps)
(gasps) Mr Cunningham.
Miss Mary Nugent, you look upon one who would fain be your husband.
- I forbid you to marry that man! - I give you my word, sir.
No harm will come to her while she makes her decision.
- (she giggles, women sigh) - Listen to your father!
- Oh, good man! Very stylish. - Thank you, Sir Myles.
- I was nearly abducted once. - Nearly?
Turned out to be a case of mistaken identity.
- Pigeon? - Quail.
Scoundrels!
Giddap! Yah!
You there! Fetch the horses!
- We haven't had our port. - Hurry!
- Where's my damn horse? - Hurry up!
I trust no-one will be hurt, Strang?
- Shall we stop and discuss it? - Damn your impudence. Good luck!
(laughs)
Every time.
- What? - You shoot the ceiling every time.
I think it looks good.
Maybe next time you'll surprise me.
Yeah, maybe I will.
- (whinnies) - Whoa...!
Aaargh!
Fletcher! Fletcher, are you all right?
You'll never get away with this!
We'll return the girl at daybreak!
Give a man a hand!
- (they chuckle) - Come back here!
(laughter and whooping)
- Go on! - Go on, Terry!
(cheers and laughter)
(groans)
How do you think Cunningham's playing it up there?
D'you think he's... y'know?
The idea, Knox, is just to propose to her.
I know, but women want action, not words.
Spoken like a true virgin, Pox(!)
I'd have done her three times over by now!
Is that the charm you used...
..on that poor girl we abducted for you last year, Knoxie?
She wasn't my type. That was all.
You mean she wasn't related to you.
I don't see a ring on yourfinger, Delaney.
- (laughter and catcalls) - Just what are you laughing at, eh?
- Very funny, eh(?) - Knox!
- (men shout) - There, you bastard!
What's wrong?
It's your brother.
He's threatened to cut off my allowance.
Ah.
He wants me to earn a living. In the Church.
You, a priest? Ugh.
(whooping)
Gentlemen! Mr Cunningham wishes to make an announcement.
(all) Oooh...
Gentlemen!
To the lady who has consented to become my wife!
(whistling)
You've made a fine choice, Mary.
I dread to think what my father will say.
There's not much he can say when I take you home as Mrs Cunningham!
Well, sir! Parson, you're on!
Don't do it, Mary!
- Thank you, Sir Myles. - Well done.
One of the fastest courtships in the history of the club.
Consent gained in one hour and 22 minutes!
This is not counting the months he's spent making eyes at her...
..across every crowded room in the County Waterford.
The rest of you, take note.
- It's all... - In the preparation!
Now, gentlemen. Club rules are not there for your amusement.
Mr Strang: smashed window, pistol ball in the ceiling,...
..fined three guineas.
Mr Knox.
Snuffbox.
You return it, you apologise, you are fined ten guineas.
We are not thieves, and if we are to avoid the authorities...
-..we must behave, as always, as... - Men of honour!
Now, all you unmarried fellows! Step forward and draw lots...
-..for the next man into the saddle! - (cheering)
- Whoa, whoa! Back up! - Back up, back up.
- No, no... - (cheers and groans)
Gentlemen,... to Mr Byrne!
(cheering and laughter)
(birdsong)
As you know full well, Anne, it is you Mr Power has come to see.
Let Catharine talk to him. She seems to enjoy his company.
Annie... I doubt if he'll stay long.
(sighs) He will if she invites him to lunch again.
The garden is quite beautiful at this time of year.
Don't you think, Mr Power?
Did you have a garden in the Colonies?
You should cut back the ivy round the windows.
Spoils the view of the river.
Anne, will you open this door?
Father, are you going to take me to the races on Saturday?
I will not bargain with my own daughter!
And I will not speak to that horrid man.
Mr Power. How delightful to see you.
Again.
Miss Anne. I trust you're well.
The better for seeing you, Mr Power.
If your health matches the radiance of your complexion,...
..you will live to a great old age.
You are too kind(!)
Mr Power has been enjoying the gardens. Admiring the flowers.
Do you like flowers, Miss Anne?
I like to press them.
I put them in a vice, and I squeeze them...
..until all the juice has gone out of them, and they're just... flat.
I hope one day to see your collection of flowers.
Miss Anne,...
..as you may be aware, Lord Ormonde is having a musical soiree next week.
It would gratify me greatly if you would accompany me.
- My daughters would be delighted. - Ah, yes,...
..the... elder Miss Kennedy, too, of course.
Excellent. And if you will allow me to reciprocate,...
..I shall be taking my daughters to the Blessington races on Saturday...
..if you would care to join us.
- I'm sure Mr Power has more to do... - There is nothing, Miss Anne,...
..I would rather do in this world than go to the races with you.
And your sister.
Will you be staying to lunch, Mr Power?
(shouting and cheering)
(shouting)
(cheering)
When my turn comes, there'll be none of this side-saddle nonsense.
She'll sit astride the horse.
- Once we're at the safe house... - She'll be in love with the horse!
Thank you, Teeling(!)
- The Abduction Club struck again. - Good for them.
- That Nugent girl's a catch. - I heard she has a temper on her.
William! Will you get your useless carcass here and bring up a casket?
Don't suppose they abduct wives, do you?
(laughter)
You're lucky with this one, Byrne.
There are no brothers, so she and her sister should inherit the lot.
- Do not neglect to... - Cultivate the father!
- He's a gambler. - Let him win.
You'll need his blessing if you want more than just her allowance.
He'll have her eating out of his hand in no time.
You're a lucky devil, Byrne. She's a real beauty.
- Been doing a little spying, Pox? - No, just trying to help.
Very good of you. What do you know of her, Sir Myles?
That she lived in London until her mother died a few months ago,...
..that the Glasscrossan estate is very large, and that she's, er...
..fond of this modern music. That, er... German fella.
Right. So, do talk about music,...
..don't talk about... dead mothers.
Not much of a plan, but it'll have to do.
Well, you've no chance dressed like that.
Ladies like gentlemen to be well turned-out.
(foppish) Fah-fah-fah.
Gentlemen. A toast to the new squire of Glasscrossan.
- Shh! - (hisses) Shut up.
Christ! There she is.
- That's her? - Oh, that's her, all right.
Oh. I'm sure she has a very... charming nature.
- (laughter) - (exhales) Ah.
Rich pickings, Byrne(!)
Oi, oi, oi!
I wouldn't laugh too soon.
The real one probably will have a face like Knox.
With 20,000 acres, I shan't care if she looks like a ferret's arse.
- Good man. - Well said, that man.
- Now, that I could live with. - I told you, she's a beauty.
Knox, if the father starts heading across, engage him in conversation.
You can rely on me, Byrne.
- Why do you bother with him? - He's harmless.
Who is that with her?
Don't even think about it, Strang.
You're only here to make me look good.
There are no handsome gentlemen here. Even the horses are better-looking.
Afternoon, ladies.
Anne, what are you doing?
I'm flirting.
Have you learned nothing?
Tilt your head forward and make him search for your eyes.
Don't just hand it to them on a plate.
Don't turn around,...
..but there are two extremely handsome gentlemen coming this way.
Miss Catharine Kennedy?
Yes?
We have met before, I believe.
In, erm...
..London. Yes. At Covent Garden.
- Forgive me, l... I... can't... - Oh, it was very fleeting.
But my name is Garrett Byrne, of Byrne Hall in Clonmel,...
..and it is a very great pleasure to meet you again.
This is my...
..manservant, Strang.
Good day, ladies.
- My sister, Anne. - Pleasure.
Are you enjoying the racing, Miss Kennedy?
In truth, I am no lover of gambling. That seems to be the main attraction.
Then may I ask what brings you here?
My father has a horse running in the Plate.
He's been in poor spirits and insists racing cheers him up.
I generally find that a lump of sugar and a good rubdown does the trick.
I was talking about my father.
And I was talking about mine.
- Do you have a horse running? - Yes, indeed, a fine gelding.
Perhaps you would like to see him? Strang! Show Miss Anne Dashing Boy.
Dashing Boy(?)
- Yes. Dashing Boy. - Right.
Dashing Boy. Miss?
Forgive my flippancy at your father's expense.
I sympathise entirely with his distress.
Although personally, whenever I am out of sorts,...
..I find much solace in music.
- You're fond of music? - Oh, yes, devoutly so.
There is nothing I enjoy more than a long evening at the...
..pianoforte.
That's him.
But it says here that is Pride Of Wicklow.
Yes. Yes, that's, er... his official name...
..but, erm... well, at Byrne Hall we know him as Dashing Boy.
- But it also says he's owned by... - Yes, it's a printing error.
He has a fine coat, doesn't he?
Yes. I can't say the same for you.
Does your master not pay you enough?
No.
I mean... yes. Yes, Mr Byrne is a very generous employer.
And he does not object to you appearing in public...
..only slightly better dressed than a beggar?
I suppose you look down on those of us with little interest in fashion.
It is my impression that one can tell a lot from a person's appearance.
Someone with confidence in himself need not dress like a peacock.
I find some people have far too much confidence in themselves.
In fact, I have a particular love of the... Brandenburg Concertos.
Those are my favourites.
When I was in London, I had the good fortune to hear them conducted...
..by Mr Bach's son himself, Johann Christian.
His son?
S... such a talented family, the Bachs.
Are you familiar with the later works?
Erm... I prefer his earlier tunes.
Final bets for the Plate!
Well, we must hope that Lady Luck will boost your father's spirits.
Do you yourself gamble, Mr Byrne?
Only when there's something really valuable at stake.
And how much might that have to be?
I was not talking about money, Miss Kennedy.
Mr Power, how kind of you to rescue me. I was becoming rather bored.
- Is this gentleman bothering you? - Not as much as you're bothering me.
Ignore him, Mr Power.
He is merely a servant with ideas beyond his station.
'Twas not for the presence of ladies, I'd take my horsewhip to you.
You might find yourself on the receiving end of a thrashing.
Forgive my man Strang, sir.
He is a pedigree pest with a thoroughbred temper.
The race is about to start, Power. Girls.
It was a pleasure to... renew our acquaintance, Mr Byrne.
I hope we'll meet again.
That's Power, to the right of the father.
Made a fortune growing sugar in the West lndies.
They say he won his first plantation in a card game.
- He's my rival, is he? - Oh, no.
It's the younger one he's after.
We can tell Sir Myles no further preparation is needed in this case.
Let's get drunk, boys!
( baroque music)
Well? Is he here?
Who?
The gentleman for whom you have spent...
..the last hour and a half having your hair arranged.
The music is very fine, is it not?
All this must seem very tame after your adventures abroad.
Few adventures, Miss Anne, just toil and sweat.
Mostly other people's, I should imagine.
(laughs)
Mr Power, you must not allow Anne to tease you so.
The pleasure she takes at my expense, I gladly give.
Ladies and gentlemen, we shall now assay the first movement...
Good luck.
..of the Brandenburg Concerto No 1 by Johann Sebastian Bach.
- What's wrong? - I can't.
- What? - The Brandenburg Concertos.
- So? - They're her favourites.
- Get on with it. - Sorry.
- We haven't got time for this. - It's my abduction.
- Don't do that. - Don't do that to me!
It's your abduction, so get on with it!
Get inside and do it!
Ladies and gentlemen!
- (music falters and stops) - Thank you.
Ladies and gentlemen, this is the Abduction Club.
- (women shriek) - Oh, my word! Don't worry, madam.
That ceiling's only just been replastered.
I'm sorry, there is no need to be alarmed.
It is not our intention to frighten or offend.
- Sit. - We are gentlemen,...
-..brought together by necessity,... - You're Teeling's little brother.
- You are! - Sit down, sir.
No, I'm not.
..whose actions are governed by the strictest code of honour.
You were always crying! I remember.
So if you'll kindly remain where you are,...
..we will take what we came for,...
-..and no-one need be hurt. - Little Timothy!
(angry shouts, woman shrieks)
- This is outrageous! - Sit. Stay!
- Strang! - You scoundrels!
(giggles)
Byrne!
Come on!
- Quickly! - (gasps)
(grunts)
(shrieks)
(cries out)
- Thank you, Sir Myles. - Thank you, Sir Myles.
- (maid gasps) - (Power) ldiot!
Where will they take me?
Why do you think it's you they're after?
- I think she likes you, Byrne. - She will.
- One door... - Shall we say two guineas, ma'am?
- (yelps) - Aargh!
Of course it's me they want! Aaah!
It might be any of the ladies they're after.
- Then why are they following me? - Be quiet.
- Who do you think you are? - Shut up!
(glass smashes)
Miss Catharine Kennedy!
(grunts)
- Oh, dear. - Catharine Kennedy,...
..you look upon one who would fain be your husband.
You?
(yelps)
You're not taking me! You're not taking me! No! Stop!
- Anne! - Say,... ten guineas?
(wails) No! No! Put me down!
- Well, that went well(!) - Didn't it?
- (horse snorts) - Whoa.
What is this place?
It's a safe house.
I just want to talk to you, Miss Kennedy.
Come on, miss, you'll like Mr Byrne when you get to know him...
- Get off! - Yes, thank you, Knox.
I'll take it from here.
Miss Kennedy?
Gentlemen! Will you please welcome Miss Catharine Kennedy!
(rowdy cheering and applause)
(scattered laughter)
Gentlemen, a toast to our guest.
- To Miss... - Anne Kennedy!
How old are you, child?
I'm 21.
She's 17.
(worried muttering)
Strang, taking a girl of under 18 is against the club rules.
Yes, your rules, Sir Myles, not mine.
Rules which have served this club well for over 50 years.
You will take this young lady back and offer your apology to her family.
No, I don't think I will.
James Strang,...
..you are expelled from the club.
I am now leaving.
Anyone else who chooses to remain at this house...
..will also cease to be members.
Byrne, I suggest you take both these young ladies back at once.
Sir Myles,...
..I really think I have a chance with the elder girl.
Garrett, this club operates on the knife edge of the law.
Which side of that blade do you want to be on?
I'm sorry, Sir Myles.
Mr Byrne.
Do you allow all your servants to behave like this?
I'm not a servant.
He is, as he says, not a servant.
Sometimes I doubt whether he is a gentleman.
But what I can say without fear of contradiction...
..is that he is a complete and utter arse.
Whoa!
- Good evening, sir. - I need writing paper.
Have someone ready to ride to Dublin in ten minutes, and fetch Kennedy.
- He is in bed these two hours. - Then wake him!
- Wake him. - But, sir...
Wake him.
Why did you have to humiliate me? They weren't to know I'm not 21.
Do you understand what abduction clubs mean?
What I understand is that Mr Byrne...
..has gone to a lot of trouble to get time alone with you.
Mr Byrne's interest in me is mercenary. Nothing more.
Both of them?
What will we do? Send out a search party?
Get this into the hands of the Attorney General, Lord Fermoy.
It is of the utmost importance this is delivered immediately.
- The Attorney General? - I'm acquainted with him a little.
He may agree to help us.
In the meantime, I'll roust out the local soldiers.
Normal rules apply. Yes?
- Fine. - Then you both have till dawn.
- Nervous, Garrett? - Do I look nervous?
- Strang? Nervous? - No. There's not much you can say.
- They either like you or they don't. - Ten guineas on Byrne. Any takers?
Be a good man and keep the parson sober, would you, Knox?
This shouldn't take long.
He'd done barely any preparation.
When he unmasked, she was horrified! They're supposed to be delighted.
You were delighted.
Garrett Byrne is an extremely charming young man, as well you know.
Even if the girl does refuse him,...
..I've no doubt he'll take her home safely.
Yes, Margaret, but what about Strang and the younger girl?
He has no respect for the way things are done.
(whispers) Aren't you going to wish me luck?
So. You're a gentleman now.
As much as you're a lady.
(knocking)
Miss Kennedy,...
..I can only apologise for my behaviour this evening...
..but, since we met,...
..I've been able to keep little out of my mind...
..but the picture of your exquisite face,...
..the lilt of your angelic voice,...
..and the vision of your timeless beauty.
Spare me the sweet talk if you don't mind, Mr Byrne.
What is your annual income?
My what?
Erm...
Look, erm, I'm... I'm... I'm fit, I'm quite...
..clever, er...
..I'm... well, I'm told I'm tolerably handsome, erm...
I shan't knock you about, and...
..I'll try to make you happy.
Is that the best you can do?
- You either like me or you don't. - Let me give you a clue.
You are a younger son, so you will not inherit.
Very well. Do you have an allowance?
If so, how much is it?
Miss Kennedy, as you have so perceptively deduced,...
..I desire your hand in marriage.
And marriage is a sacred state. A spiritual union.
Marriage is a business agreement, Mr Byrne,...
..and I will not be cheated. I wish to improve my position in society.
I can assure you,...
..you will not be disappointed by my brother's standing.
Well. Should your elder brother come courting,...
..we might have much to discuss.
I have never heard a more ridiculous proposal of marriage.
Forgive me, I hadn't realised you'd heard so many(!)
I've heard enough to know that yours is spectacularly incompetent.
Especially coming on top of such an inept abduction.
Perhaps you'd prefer me to lie,...
..and say I'd never beheld a more charming creature.
- Then why did you drag me here? - I enjoy a challenge.
I think you've met your match.
May I remind you, I didn't quite drag you here. You wanted to come.
Well, now I'd like to go home.
- Sure? - Sure.
Fine.
You are forgetting, of course, love, Miss Kennedy.
You love me, do you?
We met for five minutes at a race meeting.
What did I say that caused such infatuation?
It wasn't what you said. It was the way you said it.
So you remained unimpressed by the actual content of my conversation?
On the contrary, l...
..I was enslaved by your words.
Enslaved?
What element of my discourse enslaved you, precisely?
Your astute observations.
Your soft wit.
(both chuckle)
I made no observations, Mr Byrne.
I merely flattered yours with my laughter.
Oh.
Tell me, did you seriously hope...
..that good looks and a little superficial charm would turn my head?
Miss Kennedy, it is true, I am obliged to seek a wife of means.
But it is also true that, when we met, I felt...
..something of an affinity between us,...
..as though I were in the presence of a kindred spirit.
Now, can you honestly tell me that you did not feel it, too?
I felt nothing of what you describe.
I will trouble you no more with talk of marriage.
At first light, you will be escorted back to Glasscrossan House.
Perhaps you would like to make yourself comfortable until then.
Father Byrne, I presume(?)
(crow caws, wings flutter)
Redcoats!
Soldiers! Outside!
Move it!
- Redcoats! - Lock the door!
- Come on, get the door! - Wake the parson!
Parson! Come on, Parson, wake up!
Come on. Come on, Parson!
Come on, move it!
It's not your night, is it?
(Power) Anne, don't be alarmed! I've come to rescue you!
God, can I never escape him? How do we get out?
- Back door. - Anne!
- Go! Parson, go!
Quick, quick, quick!
- Move it, move it! - Go!
Open this door! Open it!
Break this door down!
Anne, come back! Anne!
No, that's my horse. Take this one.
Any man who endangers the life of Anne Kennedy, I will see him hang!
Come down off that horse!
No! I will not be rescued by that horrid man!
Check these doors!
Stay where you are!
I promised you would be escorted back to Glasscrossan.
D'you think I'd leave my sister in the hands of that imbecile?
Look everywhere!
Don't shoot!
- Take Doyle's Pass. - Right. Good luck!
(trotting hoofbeats)
- (whispers) Redcoats. - (horses whinny)
(hoofbeats)
(horse whinnies and snorts)
Help! Help!
- We're here. Here! - (horse whinnies)
It's Knox.
(Strang snorts)
- Miss Kennedy? - Thank you.
Nice of you to join us.
Well, that's great. If he can find us, the redcoats can.
Well, they'll be one short. I just shot one. Caught him in the shoulder.
- What? - What were you thinking?
I was thinking that if I hadn't have shot him he'd have killed you.
Do you understand the position you've now put us in?
But... I had no choice.
I was protecting you.
We should get the horses some water.
Knox, will you keep watch on that ridge?
Good idea. Any hint of a redcoat and I'll whistle three times.
Anne!
We cannot stay with these men. They are dangerous!
We don't have to. I can look after myself.
- Why don't we just take them home? - It's ten years for kidnapping.
- No-one's ever been charged. - Or attacked by soldiers, either.
- But Mr Power... - Oh... but Mr Power(!)
Will he be the only man of means to express an interest in me?
There'll be others, won't there?
Well, won't there?
Yes, of course.
Why don't we go to ltaly?
- ll grande viaggio. - Husbands can't kidnap their wives.
She is not your wife. In fact, she hates you.
No, she thinks she hates me.
I just need to spend more time with her to make her fall for me.
Come on.
So here's what we do. You keep Anne entertained,...
..cos wherever Anne goes,...
-..Catharine will follow. - Are you sure?
No.
Chasing a collection of feckless poodle-fakers across three counties!
I am an examining magistrate.
That does not give you the right to commandeer my men!
I also have the authority of the Attorney General!
Lord Fermoy is a personal friend of mine!
I do not care, sir,...
..if the archangel Gabriel is a personal friend of yours,...
-..you have no right... - (servant) Lord Fermoy,...
..the Attorney General!
Gentlemen.
Mr Byrne.
If you were a true gentleman,...
..you might try to persuade my sister of the foolishness of her actions.
Miss Kennedy, do you honestly think I want either of you...
..to be any further involved in any of this?
If you wish to make your sister see sense, then give her her head.
Within a day, she will be tired, bored,...
..and only happy to return home.
It is a pity that you did not display a similar grasp...
..of the workings of the female mind last night.
Come on, we haven't got time for this.
I shall have the rest of my men at your disposal, sir, within the hour.
We shall bring your daughters home, sir. Never fear.
Mr Kennedy and l are in your debt, sir.
(thunder rolls)
Spread out!
You two! Over the back!
(soldiers shout, chickens squawk)
All clear.
- Do you like my horse, Miss Kennedy? - I do.
It was a gift from my aunt.
Really?
Let me guess. When she passes on,...
..she will leave you her entire fortune.
Sadly, she's not in the best of health(!)
(she chuckles wryly)
Miss Kennedy?
Remind me. You're fit, quite clever,...
..and you're told that you're tolerably handsome(!)
And yet I resisted you.
- I must be mad. - That depends what you mean by mad.
- You're so predictable. - Predictable?
Yes.
- No, I'm not. - Yes, you are.
- No, I'm not. - Yes, you... What are you doing?
- Goodbye. - What are you do...
- (bellows) - Strang, no!
(whoops)
What on earth did you say to him?
- (shouts) - There!
Yahoo! Whoo!
(whoops)
- Adams, check round the back! - I haven't seen anyone!
- All clear! - Come with me.
Where are they?
- (woman sobs) - Right, let's go. C'mon, move it.
Strang!
(pants)
What did that feel like?
Tolerably exciting, Miss Kennedy.
- (laughs) - Excuse me.
I said keep her entertained, not break your bloody neck.
- So, how's it going with her? - Not bad.
- Stop. - (hammer cocks)
- Nobody move, or I'll shoot. - Please, put down the gun.
- What are you doing? - I'm taking you home.
So get on that horse or I'll shoot you as well.
I'm not going home.
- Miss Kennedy... - Strang, stop!
- (giggles) - He's too strong!
(departing hoofbeats)
Yah!
Miss Kennedy, please, that gun has got a hair trigger...
- Byrne! - (horses whinny)
- Byrne! - I'm sorry...
- Stay away from him! Stay away! - (cries out)
Stupid little fool! What have you done?
(snarls)
(she gasps)
I thought you were dead.
- Just go. - But Garrett...
- The little whore tried to kill you. - It was an accident.
Garrett, I'm your friend.
You take my advice, you'll have your fun with her now...
- Enough! - Please, Byrne. No...
Get out of my sight, you animal.
Get out of my sight!
(pants)
- Anne, no! - (gasps)
Miss Kennedy?
(whispers) Please, Miss Kennedy.
Miss Kennedy...
Miss Kennedy,... are you all right?
I'm sorry.
(whispers) Can you stand?
Send them south toward Delgany.
I had it from a peasant who saw them pass early this morning.
Then it's hardly likely to be true. The peasants are born liars,...
..and they're well-known to idolise the abduction clubs.
I find they're a little more truthful when you set fire to their houses.
If we had more men in the Army like Mr Power, Colonel,...
..we would never have lost the Americas.
Thank you.
- Thank you. - What's happened?
- Where's Knox? - He's gone.
- What happened to your arm? - Strang, we'll do as you said.
Arklow is the nearest port. We shall ride there and take ship for ltaly.
We're going to ltaly?
Not you. I persuaded Strang to keep you with him...
..so I could have more time with your sister.
I see now my suit is hopeless.
What shall we do with the ladies? We can't simply abandon them here.
Is there news of the injured soldier?
He has a fever, though I'm told the wound is unlikely to prove fatal.
Let us pray he makes a full recovery.
Of course.
However, should he die,...
..there would be less sympathy for those responsible for his murder.
Forgive the intrusion, my lord,...
..but a gentleman has just come forward who was robbed near Gorey.
Two men on horseback, along with two young ladies.
We will take you with us as far as Arklow.
Will you accept our protection that far, Miss Kennedy?
(distant thunder)
Yes.
Mr Knox!
- I've seen you before. - No, I don't think so, sir.
Oh, yes, I'm quite certain of it.
At about the time one of Colonel Brownlow's men was shot.
That man is currently being nursed at Enniskerry barracks.
I will shortly be leaving to pursue the felons.
Once on the road, I will inform the Colonel...
..that his wounded soldier has died.
You will see to it that this news is accurate.
In return, I will get you safely out of the country.
- I don't want to leave the country. - You have no choice.
Ironic, isn't it?
The only way to avoid being charged with attempting to murder him...
..is to finish him off.
(thunder rolls)
- Empty? - Yes.
- We have a room for the night. - And some dry clothes.
(sighs)
(Catharine) Ah.
(chuckles)
You look very...
Please, spare the compliments.
I know how insincere you are.
Miss Kennedy...
I admire your sister's free spirit.
She is young, and headstrong and foolish. That is all.
It seems she has almost as many faults as I do.
How is your arm, Mr Byrne?
- It's fine. - May l... Iook at it?
- (gasps) - Sorry! Sorry.
- It should be washed. - Erm... that's poitin!
- (gasps) - It's even better.
(laughs feebly)
(fabric rips)
Did I tell you how I came to suffer such a wound?
No.
There I was, minding my own business,...
..when this half-mad banshee suddenly took a pot shot at me.
Really?
She was aiming for my heart.
I was lucky to escape with my life.
Perhaps you only have a very small heart.
Perhaps it's very hard to hit.
(laughs)
Miss Kennedy.
When you first carried me off, was that simply to help your friend?
No, not then.
Were you so arrogant to believe that I would contemplate marrying you?
- I thought... - You thought a lady of means...
..could be interested in a penniless scou...
Anne? Anne, where are you?
Your Mr Power is remarkably selfless...
..in his dedication to the recovery of your daughters.
He seeks a permanent connection to my family.
You have reservations?
It is my younger daughter, Anne, who has caught Mr Power's eye...
..and she does not reciprocate his feelings.
Mr Kennedy, many years ago,...
..I wanted to marry a young lady.
However, before she was able to accept my suit,...
..she was seized by an abduction club.
Her seducer had nothing whatsoever to offer except youth and charm.
Nevertheless,...
..she married him.
If her father had acted differently,...
..she would now be Lady Fermoy, wife of the Attorney General.
(coughing)
(muffled shrieks)
(sighs)
(hisses) Redcoats! Byrne! Get up.
Wake up, Miss Anne. Miss Anne.
Forward.
- We'll get out by the back door. - There is no back door.
(night bird cries)
How dare you bring the tools of Satan into this house?
I assure you, it is with good cause.
So gunpowder is now used in pursuit of the Lord's work(?)
I'm here in pursuit of justice.
And surely justice is the very bedrock of your calling?
Indeed it is.
Then you will want to help me in the apprehension of criminals...
..wanted for the murder of a soldier and the kidnap of two sisters.
- The murder...? - Yes.
And I have reason to believe they are here.
I think I would have noticed an increased attendance, don't you?
Yes. Of course.
So you have not seen or heard a thing?
- No. Nothing. - Then is it not curious...
..that there are four horses tied to a post on the other side of the wall?
Is it a miracle(?)
Perhaps it is the four horsemen of the apocalypse.
Oh, Lord, what have I done?
I gave these people sanctuary.
Where are they? The murderers?
(whispers) May God forgive me.
If they resist, shoot them! At all costs avoid the younger girl!
OK, follow me quietly.
Stop!
- Is there another exit? - No.
You will be rewarded in heaven.
There's no-one down here!
Join your friends, Mr Power.
Go!
- Open this door! - Let us out!
Stay where you are!
Over there!
- See the first mate on that ship. - Thank you.
Have you got change?
(seagulls cry)
Morning tide tomorrow. There's a boat docking tonight.
And you?
- We will take tomorrow's carriage. - There is none tonight?
We'll take the carriage tomorrow.
(clears throat) Byrne and Catharine have gone walking.
Right.
Sorry, would you... care to join me for dinner?
You know, Strang is quite sincere in his admiration for your sister.
If you say so.
I even thought it possible she might return his feelings.
No, l...
..do not see any reason to believe...
..that Anne holds Mr Strang in any particular regard.
She was perhaps curious to find out...
..what it would be like to kiss a gentleman.
Oh, I see.
I wonder if you have ever felt such a curiosity yourself?
Are you under the impression that I am carved out of marble?
I might be forgiven for thinking that.
Come now, Miss Kennedy, you don't expect me to believe...
..that in all of London you haven't a single admirer?
There was once one gentleman who... (sighs)
..was very attentive for a while.
Like you, he was a younger son. Charming, but with no inheritance.
What happened?
He was also ambitious.
An opportunity presented itself, and he took it.
He's now son-in-law to an earl.
Miss Kennedy, you must not let one unhappy experience...
..ordain the course of your life.
It may be wise to dismiss the attentions...
..of penniless fortune-seekers like myself.
But I implore you, do not stifle the warmth of your heart.
And why should it matter to you?
Because I would see you happy.
I've never heard ltalian spoken before. Say something to me.
Mi dispiace per quelli che non ti hanno mai guardato in viso.
Come devono essere vuoti il loro sogni.
That was beautiful. What does it mean?
- What? - What does it mean?
- It's just an old ltalian proverb. - But what does it mean?
Er... well, it means...
.."Landlord, bring me another bowl of your finest pickled eggs."
Right away, sir.
Tomorrow should be a fine day.
Yes.
You should have a smooth sailing.
(giggles)
Ringhiera malferma.
That is so romantic. What does it mean?
Rickety banister.
Stitichezza.
- Sti... sti.. - Stitichezza.
- Stitizezza. - Stitichezza.
- Noblewoman. - Constipation.
- Primo piano. - Primo...
- Piano. - Primo piano.
Actually, it's "first floor".
First floor. (laughs)
Magnilia della porta.
- Magnilia della... - Della porta.
Door handle.
- Letto. - Letto.
Bed.
(laughs weakly) So.
Strang was just teaching me ltalian.
Good night, Mr Byrne. Mr Strang.
- Yes. Good night, Miss Kennedy. - Good night.
I wish you good night, too, Miss Kennedy.
Good night to you, Mr Byrne.
Catharine?
(sighs)
(seagulls cry)
Morning.
I trust you slept well?
- Tolerably well, thank you. - Yes, thank you.
- Did... did you sleep well? - I did not, as it happens.
- I slept very little. - Oh, I'm sorry to hear that.
- Miss Kennedy, might I speak to you? - Please do.
Privately.
Forgive me, Mr Byrne, but I'm quite hungry. I'd prefer to take breakfast.
Are you happy, Miss Kennedy?
I think you know the answer to that question, Mr Byrne,...
..or you would not have asked it. It is hardly the time to discuss it.
There will be no other time, Catharine.
Are you happy?
No, I'm not happy.
So will you now tell me that you can change that state of affairs?
Yes.
And you imagine, because you've spent a few days in my company,...
-..that you know me or my feelings? - No, Miss Kennedy.
All I know is that what I feel cannot be measured in hours.
- It might be measured in silver. - Do you truly believe that?
It doesn't matter what I believe, Mr Byrne. There is nothing you can do.
I love you, Catharine.
I have spent years imagining that one day...
..I might say these words and mean them.
And now, here,...
..finally I do.
- (whispers) You don't understand. - What don't I understand?
- You can't ask that, Mr Byrne. - I love you, Catharine.
- I must marry a man whose means... - I love you.
- Do you not love me? - I cannot love you.
- Why not? - Because...
Why, Catharine?
I cannot love you because I have deceived you.
All of you.
How?
There is no inheritance.
No money. Nothing.
Glasscrossan House belongs to Mr Power,...
..as does everything else.
Father has gambled it all away. There is nothing left.
- (Catharine cries softly) - But when...? How...?
- How did he...? - Anne, there's worse.
Far worse.
W... when Father had nothing left, he gambled with you...
..and lost.
You too are promised to Mr Power.
So now you know, Byrne.
Now you know.
It doesn't matter, Catharine.
I would do anything to make sure that tears never fall on your face again.
Will you give me that chance?
- l... - Will you?
(crash)
(coachman shouts to horses)
(coachman) Come 'ere!
Stay.
Oh, my girls! My dear daughters.
She knows.
(Power) lndisposed(?)
Have you no control over your daughters?
Anne can be very headstrong, Mr Power,...
..unlike Catharine, who has a far better understanding of the world.
I do not want that! I will understand the world for both of us.
I'm sure Anne will be more inclined to receive visitors tomorrow.
I am no visitor, Kennedy!
I am your daughter's promised husband...
..and you are my tenant.
And if you wish to remain in this house...
..you will make sure the next time I knock her door...
..it will open!
How could you keep it from me?
How could you?
I feared you would do something rash,...
..that you would run away with Strang.
I would have.
He is the most beautiful man I've ever met.
(knock at door) May I come in?
My dear Anne, Mr Power has called for you again.
Please. It is in your own best interests to be agreeable to him.
What do you care for the interests of anyone but yourself?
You have ruined all our futures.
What possible chance of happiness does Anne have now?
I understand your concerns, but it is out of the question.
I am led to believe that the Wicklow abduction club has been disbanded.
Jailing these two will achieve nothing.
On the contrary, sir.
It will send a message to every younger son in the country.
We cannot change the past, Fermoy.
Don't make these two boys pay for what happened between you and me.
You have my word, sir.
They will not remain long behind bars.
Thank you, my lord.
Good day, sir. Please do give my regards to Margaret.
- (chatter) - Order!
Garrett Byrne and James Strang,...
..due to the generosity of certain witnesses,...
..you have escaped the charge of murder.
However,...
..you pleaded guilty to kidnapping two young ladies of good family...
..and attempting to coerce them into marriage.
It is my opinion that the heinous crime of forcible abduction...
..is a plague.
It will no longer be tolerated.
It is the sentence of this court...
..that you be taken from this place to the county jail at Dublin...
..and from thence to a place of execution,...
..where you will be hanged by the neck until dead.
And may the Lord have mercy upon your souls.
All rise!
(rats squeak)
(water drips)
(coachman whistles)
Now, then!
(knock at door)
A young lady to see you, sir.
Please.
Mr Power,...
..you have my father's consent to marry me...
..but you do not have mine.
I am prepared to give it on two conditions.
Firstly, that you provide a dowry of 5,000 guineas for my sister.
And secondly, that you secure the release of Byrne and Strang.
Your first condition I'll gladly meet.
As for the two criminals,...
..only a royal pardon can save them now,...
..and I do not yet have that sort of influence.
When they are both free and safe, I will marry you,...
..but not before.
Miss Kennedy,...
..it is clear your sister has formed an attachment to Byrne.
Am I to understand you harbour similar feelings for Strang?
Those are my conditions.
People often get reprieved a few hours before.
Yes. By the Attorney General.
Who sentenced us.
I wonder if it's painful.
I think it depends on the hangman.
If you get a good one, you're out like a candle,...
...but a bad one'll choke you for hours.
- You get to live longer. - Mm.
Spot a few old friends in the crowd.
What would you say to Anne...
..if she was sitting here right now?
- I'd ask what charges she was up on. - No, seriously.
Look, it doesn't matter what I could say.
They either like you or they don't.
Yes, but you liked her, didn't you?
What would you say to Catharine?
Nothing.
I'd look into her eyes,...
..hold her hand...
You could always hold my hand.
(jingling, wood creaks)
(hammering)
(crowd shouts)
(shouting)
(jeering and cheering)
Can you talk us out of this?
- No. - I didn't think so.
(rolling military drumbeat)
(scattered boos)
- Well done! - (shouting and jeering)
(muffled protests)
Stand clear.
(shrieking and shouting)
Right, Strang.
(shrieking and shouting)
This way! Let's move!
Turn right at the clock.
- What clock? - (both) Whoa!
Stay down!
- Thank you, Sir Myles. - It's not just me you have to thank.
This way, the gate's closed!
You'll find a carriage waiting! Godspeed!
- Move! - (women scream)
Cunningham! So where are we off to?
To a better place than you were going five minutes ago.
Hurry, Mary doesn't know I'm out.
- How's married life, Cunningham? - Just go! Go!
Yah! Giddap!
This way.
Gentlemen!
You'll be taken to that ship, bound for the Americas.
If you ever come back, you will hang.
Miss Kennedy comes with me.
You're in no position to bargain.
You've some reason to want us gone,...
..but not dead.
I'll not go without her.
I suspected some such nonsense.
These are the deeds to two small tobacco estates in Virginia...
..which will keep you in idleness for the rest of your lives.
- But you... - Where's mine?
But you go alone.
I promised to get you out of the country. That's all.
Count your blessings.
Miss Kennedy joins me for the voyage, or I don't go.
The whole country is after you.
It's your only chance to live. You can send for her later.
Why are you doing this? The ship, the estates... what's in it for you?
- I am tired of discussing this! - Shoot them. It's what they deserve.
Now get into the damn boat, or make your peace with God!
- Knox! - (cries out)
What's he paying you? Enough to die for? (bellows)
I'm to be married to Anne Kennedy next week.
She has given her consent!
- You'll never make her love you. - But I have years to try.
I thought you were different, Byrne. I really thought you were different.
(Byrne snarls)
(grunts)
Byrne, please don't! I organised your rescue!
Think of us, Strang. Anne and l, together...
..having our children, getting our children!
Strang! You have him beaten. Leave him his life.
Byrne!
Wait for me! Wait!
Wait for me!
We'll go and find Catharine.
And Anne.
No. She's marrying Power. Can you ride?
I can ride a damn sight better than he can swim.
(they chuckle)
- Anne, come quickly. - What?
- Come quickly. Come on! - What?
What?
Mr Byrne.
Catharine,...
..I've no money, no prospects,...
..I'm on the run,...
..and leaving the country with no idea what I'll do.
Will you marry me?
(whispers) Yes.
Oh, yes.
Will you write to me?
I shall send on your belongings.
Goodbye, Catharine. Godspeed.
Forget Power, it's you she loves.
- (cries softly) - Will you be all right?
Goodbye, Anne.
Goodbye, James.
(Strang) Yah! Yah!
Anne, you must not stay here.
Power should never have been your concern. I'm sorry.
Your mother's friends in London will give you shelter.
And what will become of you?
My sister will take me in.
It'll be a relief to be done with it all.
(approaching hoofbeats)
Miss Anne Kennedy...
- Miss Anne Kennedy, you... - Strang.
- Miss Anne K... - (laughs)
- Miss Anne Kennedy, you look up... - (laughs)
- You look upon one... - Yes.
-..who would fain be your husband... - Yes.
(both laugh)
- Goodbye, Anne. - Goodbye, Father.
(Catharine) Byrne, where are we?
It's another few hours to the sea. Then we sail to America.
- Yes, but where are we? - Strang, where are we?
Don't ask me, I was following you! It's your abduction.
- Strang, are you serious? - No. (chuckles)
- (Anne) You're so predictable. - No, I'm not.
- Yes, you are. - No, I'm not.
Strang, what are you doing?
Subtitles by Lena Erakovich lntelfax Media Access