She wants to go to church!
Church?
- Where are you going, madam? - To church.
I trust I may have the honor to attend you.
That will not be necessary.
Oh but I insist. I have this minute called a coach.
I would rather walk.
To St James's?
Whichever church is nearest.
Oh, not St Anne's, madam.
I could not recommend St Anne's.
The man there is such a scurvy preacher, very low.
Practically a Methodist.
Or St George's, neither.
Such a horrid little Church, not at all genteel.
I do not go to church to contemplate the architecture.
Madam, if you will only wait a moment,
Mrs Sinclair, will you kindly ask this man
whether I'm at liberty to walk outside without his leave or not?
Well, sir?
The coach is here.
Come, my dear, or we will miss the sermon.
And the Lord God said unto the woman,
"What is this that thou hast done?"
And the woman said,
"The serpent beguiled me,
and I did eat."
And the Lord God said unto the serpent,
"Because thou hast done this, thou art cursed above all cattle,
and above every beast of the field,
upon thy belly shalt thou go,
and dust shalt thou eat
all the days of thy life."
And the Lord God said unto the woman,
"What is this that thou hast done?"
And the woman said,
"The serpent beguiled me, and I did eat."
Body of our Lord Jesus Christ which was given for thee,
take and eat this in remembrance that Christ died for thee
and feed on him in thy heart by faith and thanksgiving.
Amen.
Dorcas!
Don't worry.
I'm certain we weren't followed.
I've sent Will to keep a watch out on the street.
If James Harlow comes within a mile of this house, I want to know about it.
Oh Dorcas, I wonder might there be such a thing as a cordial,
- Mrs Lovelace is feeling rather faint. - Yes, sir.
One of them hellfire sermons, was it?
I did try to warn you, churches are such public places.
If only God were more exclusive in his choice of devotees.
Why won't he leave me in peace?
If I had not been with you I dread to think
Will I never be free?
You must rest.
Dorcas, take Mrs Lovelace upstairs.
Don't worry, you're safe here.
Well done, Joe.
Thank you, Mr Lovelace.
She trembles if I so much as look at her.
Every inch of her body is sacred.
Has her virtue ever been proved?
Has it ever really been put to the test?
I don't think so.
I shall put it to the test.
I shall put her virtue on trial.
Her honor, or mine.
- If she comes through? - If?
Then I'll probably marry her.
Yes, and you'll put on your matrimonial shackles
and thank your lucky stars for such an angel of a wife.
But if I can have her without marriage,
who can blame me for trying?
I've never yet met a virtuous woman who held out above a month.
- Next time! - There's no need for next time,
Papa's mind is made up.
- This is better than Solmes. - Are you sure?
It's in the papers. There'll be no turning back.
We've got her exactly where we want her.
- She's dug her own pit. - And the more she struggles,
the deeper she shall sink in it.
Come in.
With your husband's compliments, madam.
- The entertainment. - What entertainment?
Tonight. Didn't he tell you?
It's Miss Sally's birthday. He's invited all your friends.
Thank you, Dorcas.
Seems a pity Mr Lovelace's wife should be so
hard prevented for going where she pleases.
Wives cannot be kept on a leash, like lapdogs.
Could she not come with me, to my dressmaker?
She has such a fine eye.
I should so much value her opinion.
If only she could.
Believe me, I do not set up for a tyrant.
But her family...
Can you keep a secret?
Her brother James, if he should find us out,
our lives would not be safe.
Such a man will stop at nothing.
Forgive me.
I love her so much.
If any harm should come to her...
my heart would break.
- 25 - So what have you bought me?
Or I'd never have asked you.
[more chatter]
Nothing? I thought you desired some companionship.
And the lady says,
"If you think, sir, I'll take this insult lying down..."
Your lady wife is not amused.
Perhaps she did not comprehend the jest.
I did not comprehend the humour of it, sir.
Only the most low-bred minds can find
amusement in offending a woman's ears.
In my experience, Madam,
a woman's ears are frequently
the most modest part about her.
Tell us, Mrs Lovelace, what is your opinion of wit?
My opinion?
How does a poet put it?
Wit, like the luxuriant vine,
unless to virtue's prop it join,
firm and erect,
though wit with beauteous leaves and pleasant fruit is crown'd,
it lies deformed and rotting on the ground.
Well.
You didn't tell us, Bob, your wife was set up for a lady of learning.
A woman is learned enough
if she can distinguish her husband's bed from another's.
Don't you agree, Mrs Lovelace?
I have just escaped the most disagreeable company
I was ever compelled to enjoy.
Look carefully to the seals of my letters.
Mr Lovelace is so full of contrivances and expedients,
I could believe him capable of almost anything.
What more proof do you want?
Everything about her that's the way she looks,
- the way she spoke, - I saw the way you ogled her.
...for God's sake, Sir, either marry her, or leave her be!
If she'll condescend to have you, of course.
Ask Miss Harlowe.
I am not reformed enough yet for a husband.
Time enough to think of marriage when I can stick to the vows.
Well then let her go!
There's plenty others.
Not like her.
I can't let this one go.
I told you I would put her virtue on trial.
That trial is not yet over. The jury are still out.
Yeah, so it's not a trial, is it? It's an inquisition.
Right, Jack. A little cruelty may be necessary.
Then what?
What kind of victory is that?
The best.
There may be consent in struggle,
there may be yielding in resistance.
I have known a bird actually to starve itself
and die with grief from being caught and caged.
I never met a woman who was half so silly.
Oh, she may threaten, she may weep,
she may rave, "Oh you traitor!" "Oh you fiend!"
Little by little,
she comes to like her pretty cage.
Madam?
What kind of place is this that you have brought me to?
- What kind? - If you do not answer,
I will think it is because you daren't!
I know as little of the place as you do.
It was your choice, not mine.
- Has someone here offended you? - You offend me, sir!
I? How do I offend?
I put my life at your disposal.
I place my hopes of salvation in your care,
and what do I receive in return?
Scorn, contempt, accusations.
I am a proud man, madam.
Is that a confession or a boast?
Is this what I deserve?
God knows what you deserve.
It is not my concern.
I shall leave this place tomorrow.
Do not try and stop me.
And go where?
That need not trouble you.
I've told you the single life is all I want.
You may live as you please.
And if I please to live with you?
That cannot be.
Oh but it must.
We were born for each other.
You must be mine even at the cost of my damnation.
- Tomlinson? - Asked for you by name, sir.
The devil he did.
Mr Lovelace, I presume?
That is my name.
I have matters to discuss with you.
Where will you go, madam?
Do you not want a coach? Where shall I say?
...whether you will to be reconciled upon honorable
terms with a gentleman by the name of Harlowe?
That family has used me extremely ill.
They have taken liberties with my character.
Are you and Miss Clarissa Harlowe married?
You are very direct, sir.
Ladies' reputation, sir, will not bear equivocation.
I think I know as well as you what a lady's reputation will bear.
You do not answer.
I shall expect a reply when I return.
As for your lies,
you dare not answer.
An honest man with an honest question
and you dare not answer.
- What should I say? - The truth!
Tell them the truth.
Do you think I'd lie to my family?
The truth isn't what they want to hear!
They want to hear we're married!
If only we were married, then all could be reconciled.
But you are determined
on leaving.
Did you tell him so?
He will know so when he returns
and you are gone.
I know happiness could be within our grasp.
"You say there is no help.
All delicacy is at an end for me.
I must make this final sacrifice."
Your uncle's only wish is for your happiness.
And my father?
Time is a great healer.
Your uncle will spare no effort on your behalf, once you're married.
The pity of it is, you're not married yet.
Mr Lovelace has a certain reputation.
- Sir, I swear to you - Don't call for oaths, sir!
Oaths won't do it.
Not your oaths, leastways.
Madam, your uncle has an expedient to propose.
The circumstances being somewhat delicate,
he insists the fact of your not being married
must remain a solemn secret.
If you will consent to have the ceremony quickly performed,
he will make it appear that you have been married all along.
My uncle proposes that?
But there must be no more delays.
Deceive my father and my mother.
In the interest of general reconciliation.
What does it matter. a few days either way?
If it is such a trivial matter, why lie about it?
He fears your father may not regard it
as a trivial matter.
So
I can only have my father's blessing by lying to him.
What kind of forgiveness is that?
Your uncle begs you will not allow a scruple about dates
to overturn the hopes for happiness of all the family.
He cautions you against that proud and willful spirit
that sets your individual punctilio against the benefit of all.
Does he honestly believe I can obtain my father's forgiveness?
He is convinced of it.
Truly?
Truly.
Oh, my angel.
But remember, no more delays.
Then since our Charmes have sped,
A Merry Dance be led
By the Nymphs, By the Nymphs of Carthage
to please us
They shall all Dance to ease us,
Remember me,
but ah!
forget my fate
This has been the happiest day since I left my father's house.
Is she gone?
Thank God for that, I can get out of this fancy dress.
Here, you'd better put this somewhere safe.
"Things do go astray."
"Look carefully to the seals of my letters."
What've you got there?
- "Oh my dear, the man's a villain." - A villain!
"Ask him about Miss Betterton."
Come on, now, what are you waiting for?
She's up there, all alone.
Lying in her bed, thinking of you.
Would you like us to undress her for you?
We could strip her naked, piece by piece.
Is that what you'd like? A peep show?
Poor old man, is that what you need now?
You didn't used to be so shy.
"Dear Mr Lovelace,
I feel so very happy tonight.
There is a glory in yielding when once a woman is married
that no violent spirit can judge of.
Despite all that has passed between us,
I know that I can love you."
Fire! Fire!
The house is on fire!
- Don't be afraid. - Mr Lovelace!
- I promise, tomorrow we shall be married. - Let me go!
Oh, you fiend!
Am I a villain?
- Am I? - Yes. Yes.
Let me go and God Almighty shall have mercy on you.
Forgive me.
Please go.
Just leave me.
Only if you forgive me.
You must tell me that I am forgiven.
That you will see me tomorrow as if nothing has happened.
- Do you? - Yes, yes, I forgive you.
- Honestly? - Honestly.
- And freely? - Freely.
Upon your honor.
Say, "Upon your honor."
Upon my honor.
Seal my pardon with a kiss.
Damnation!
Madam?
Go away.
I confess the eagerness of my passion may have
carried me beyond the bounds of delicacy.
I go today to see about the license,
and hope tonight will make me the happiest of men.
Dorcas?
Where is Mr Lovelace?
Business with his lawyer, madam.
Was there much damage, Dorcas?
From the fire?
Only in the kitchen, madam.
We could've all been burned alive.
Mrs Lovelace.
Do join us.
Oh! I've left my book upstairs.
Could you?
Tillotson's Devotions,
you'll find it by my bed.
Is this butter fresh?
As the bloom on your cheeks.
Ask Mr Lovelace, he's well
acquainted with dairy-maids.
Beloved?
My darling?
Where is she?
It wasn't my fault.
Get after her!
Stop every coachman in London if you have to.
Her face will betray her.
"Oh my dearest friend Clarissa,
it is certain your London lodgings are in the most devilish of houses.
You are cruelly deceived.
The house is a vile house and the woman the vilest of women.
Her name is not Sinclair,
nor is the house in Dover Street."
Finally, Mr Lovelace, he took her to Hampstead.
Hampstead?
- You drove her there yourself? - Yes, sir.
Will!
"My dearest Anna,
I have at last escaped from London and
the clutches of Mr Lovelace.
I am at present, at one Mrs Moore's in Hampstead."
Kitty?
Could you take this letter for me, please?
Yes ma'am.
Plain food.
My wife must eat plain food.
(incomprehensible)
I suppose your servants know how to dress a couple of bland dishes, do they?
Excuse me.
These damned physicians.
Are you alright on the stairs?
I can hobble, madam.
I can hobble.
This is already occupied?
For a few days, only.
Ma'am, could I take a peep?
My wife is most particular about furnishings.
The lady desires to be private.
- I could ask - Oh, no no no.
- The lady desires to be private. - By all means, Mrs Moore.
Show the gentleman the room.
I shall not be staying long.
What do you call these curtains, madam?
Stuffed damask, sir.
It looks mighty well, truly.
I like it better than silk.
'Tis warm, to be sure.
Much fitter for a country lodging.
Especially for the people in yours.
Don't be afraid,
it's only me.
Water, fetch water! Hurry!
- Clarissa. - Keep away!
Don't let him touch me!
God knows what you've done to her
but it's clear she cannot bear the sight of you.
Such another fit as that would probably be her last.
What can I do? I am in despair.
- She is my wife! - She is?
In the eyes of God, in the eyes of the law, but...
she has made me take this solemn vow, not to...
to keep a seperate chamber, until a
cursed feud between herself and her intemperate father can be made up.
- 'Tis not an easy situation. - No.
Oh, she torments me!
Tell me, honestly,
how long should I be bound by such an unnatural condition?
That not a single chamber serve a man and wife at bedtime?
Strictly speaking I should think the matrimonial vow
ought to supersede any other obligation.
You must help her
before it's too late.
You can see the man has plainly deceived her.
The house, it isn't where he claimed at all.
I thought you did not know where she was lodged.
It is a vile house!
The place is notorious,
and the women there are whores.
She has made her own choice.
Now she must take the consequences.
Her fate is no longer any concern
of the family she betrayed.
Whatever suffering she endures
can never compensate for the shame
she has brought upon the name of Harlowe.
But surely,
There's nothing more to be said.
My dearest,
- you've recovered. - Keep away.
What right have you to persecute me in this manner?
What right?
Answer me this,
in front of these honest witnesses,
lay your hand on your heart and answer me.
Am I your wedded wife?
Oh, my dearest soul!
How could you ask?
Is it either for your honor or mine that it should be doubted?
Answer me.
Are we married, or not?
What makes a marriage?
If it be the union of two hearts then
sadly, as I see, we are not.
If it be the consummation
then again,
sadly.
But ask your uncle Harlowe.
Ask good Captain Tomlinson.
Ask my aunt Lady Betty or my cousin Charlotte.
Ask any of these people of quality,
who send us joy on the occasion of our nuptials.
Oh, you wretch!
Is this an answer?
You and I know the truth.
Please leave me now.
As you wish, madam.
God in heaven, deliver me from that man.
You'll be safe here, you have my word.
Will you dine?
Does he?
Then no, I cannot.
The things she accuses you of!
Dear creature,
an innocent romping-about.
I confess to you I have been guilty of greater
liberties with the most respectable ladies,
and everything laughed of again.
Smocks straightened,
petticoats brushed down.
But with my own wife,
She insists you are not married.
What can I say?
I know she would not be guilty of
a willful untruth for the world.
It is this vow of mine.
Extraordinary.
I never heard of such a thing.
I doubt one husband in a thousand would agree to it.
No criticism, please.
My angel.
Her only fault is a little
over-delicacy.
The value of good husbands is not known
till they are lost.
Indeed.
Now I have them both.
Clean sheets for these scrupulous ladies.
Which shall I serve first,
Miss Harlowe,
or Miss Howe?
Tails it is.
Miss Harlowe.
"Oh my dearest friend
Clarissa,
It is certain your London lodgings
are in the most devilish of houses.
I am glad
you are lodged
in such a devout household."
"My dear Anna,
excuse this clumsy handwriting,
my crow quills
are quite worn down
to the stumps."
These ladies always write with crow quills.
"My uncle urges me
to seize this opportunity
for such an honorable
reconciliation."
Thank you.
"My dearest friend Clarissa,
I am glad you are lodged in
such a devout household.
Your uncle urges you to seize this
opportunity for an honorable
reconciliation."
Please, ladies, don't go.
Mr Lovelace may have secrets but I have none.
Captain Tomlinson,
I fear you are brought here on a wasted errand,
- Madam - I hope not, for your uncle's sake.
A word in private.
There is nothing more to be said.
My mind is made up.
Just one word.
"My uncle urges me to seize this opportunity
for an honorable reconciliation."
You see?
Congratulations on all sides.
Lady Betty, your uncle Harlowe,
my cousin Charlotte.
- If witnesses are needed, - My cousin could be here tomorrow.
Is this some new trick?
Madam?
Forgive me,
I'm not normally of a suspicious nature.
Experience and Mr Lovelace have changed me.
Your intervention, sir, is so timely
- I hope you do not feel - For Mr Lovelace, I mean.
Letters, promises, persuasions.
You tell me that my uncle,
a man I never knew to lie in all his life,
requires me to pretend I am already married.
Do you doubt me?
Will you swear to me,
on your honor and your conscience?
Look at me sir, not at him.
Come out from behind there.
Come out where I can see you.
Can you swear that everything
you have told me is the truth?
The whole, and absolute truth?
- Madam, - Do you swear?
Yes, I swear it.
Dearest creature!
Let me beg your promised forgiveness.
My family shall be guarantees for my good behavior,
don't let them find us divided.
We are divided.
My heart is not with you.
It is against you, Mr Lovelace.
Permit me, dearest lady.
I have no interest in this matter
but the pleasure I should have to bring happiness
to yourself, your uncle, and your family.
Captain Tomlinson,
why such undue condescension?
I have no friend to advise me.
Mr Lovelace has the art to make himself so many.
My whole family are your friends.
Please, wait until they get here,
just one more day.
Surely you can have no objection?
Send for Miss Howe,
she could be your maid of honor.
No more questions.
Do not tell me what I may or may not do.
You will do as you think fit.
And so will I.
Captain Tomlinson,
your servant,
pray recommend me to my uncle's favour.
What I can't forgive are her virtues.
Stop now.
Let her go.
Come on, admit it, she's too much for you.
Bob, stop.
Before you do something you regret.
It's too late for retreat, Jack.
I am so far in I have put it
beyond my own power to be honest.
I have become a machine.
Farewell to conscience.