[The Gilded Age] · Marian and Larry (Their Story)

Welcome home, Mr. Larry. I hope you had a pleasant journey. Good heavens, that was brave. Anyone would have done the same. I doubt it. Were there to be bodies up and down Fifth Avenue... Are you a Van Ryn? Almost. Mrs. Van Ryn is my aunt. I'm Marion Brooke. I'm Larry Russell. Well, you'd better tell them to keep him under control in future. Nobody can keep Pumpkin under control. Not for very long, anyway. I'm Miss Brooke. Mr. Russell. Miss Brooke. Miss Brooke. What a nice surprise. Are your aunts with you? I'm afraid they couldn't get away. Ah, Larry. May I present my son, Larry Russell. Miss Marion Brooke. You're neighbors. You should know each other. I hope the little dog recovered from his shock. His near demise, you mean. Don't worry, he's very resilient. Unlike my dear mother, I'm not a big believer in forcing change. Then I suspect she and I have more in common than we do. How are you enjoying living with your aunts? They've taken me in, so I should be grateful. But we seem to disagree on so many topics that I'm sure we'll come to blows in the end. Perhaps they'll educate you, you'll educate them, and you'll meet somewhere in the middle. Let the three of us be friends, in spite of everything. Contramundum. I don't think he means well at all. No? No. And I don't blame him one little bit. Can I help with backing it up? Oh no, I'm enjoying myself. It's not every day you watch Sherman marching to the sea. You'd better go. Sherman's leaving. Miss Brooke. Mr. Russell! Miss Brooke. Miss Scott, my aunt's secretary. How do you do? What are you up to in an architect's office? You can't be planning to build another house. McKinney and White built our present house, opposite you. I know, are you making changes? It seems very splendid to me. No. I'll tell you if you won't give me away. How intriguing. I'm interested in a career in architecture. I've been talking to Mr. White about a job. I thought you were a banker. Don't you work for your father? Banking is part of it, but also railroads, steel, real estate. Won't that bring you into contact with architects? Not enough. I want to train properly and build up a practice. I applaud your enthusiasm and I envy your freedom. My freedom may require work. Oh? And I'd be grateful if you didn't mention this to my parents. My father's been going through a tough time and I don't want to make it worse. I promise. It's a brave man who contradicts his own clients. And that is why you must wish me luck. I do. Most sincerely. Now I'll bid you good day. I'm expected at the office. He seems nice. I think he is nice. Cheer up, Mr. Russell. It can't be as bad as all that. Can't it? I've quarreled with my father. Or at least we soon will. Is this over architecture? How did you know? Because you told me. You must give your father time. He loves you. He won't want to fall out. You have one life, Mr. Russell. If you take the wrong path, you will pay the price for many years. Now I must escort Pumpkin home. Good day. Oh, Miss Brooke. It's nice to see you, but I'm afraid I must tear your cousin away or we'll be late. I gather you're off to Newport. My father can't get away, but Oscar and I are joining Mrs. Fish, while Mother and Gladys are coming tomorrow to stay with him in Calister. Mr. Larry, mind you look after your sister. You're right. Oscar's a determined suitor. But he'll have to get past my mother, and he'll need all his tricks to do that. I can believe it. Have a good time. Miss Brooke. Larry, I mustn't hold you up, but I have a favor to ask. Would you bring these across the street before seven this evening? Could you manage that? Certainly. Just hope it doesn't betoken some desperate action on your part. Some action, yes, but not desperate. Thank you. She is quite convincing when she makes a decision. It was she who said I should tell you about my plans to be an architect. Am I too late? Marion, you're back! Too late for what? Why shouldn't she? How kind of you to come by. You were saying you were here on a mission, Mr. Russell? Does it concern those envelopes? No. What? I'm sure Mr. Russell went out to catch the evening post and thought he'd look in to see how you are. I'll see you out. Are you going to tell me what that was about? Someday, maybe. But thank you. I am so grateful. Of course. Are you coming to Gladys' ball? I may regret it, but I suppose I am. Then I claim a waltz as my payment. Miss Brooke, you promised me a waltz. I saw you talking to Mr. Rakes. Oh, yes. He's just someone I used to know. Let's dance. Shall we say goodbye here? I think I must be allowed to see you safely to your front door. Especially after tonight's bruising. I shouldn't have told you. Of course you should. How do you feel about Mr. Rakes? I'm not sure. Rather numb. Really? Numb is good. Just look after yourself when it wears off. What are you doing in Newport? Staying with my cousin, Mrs. Bain. What about you? I'm working here. I wondered why I hadn't seen you, but I'm glad if your career is really getting started. It's a baptism by total immersion. I'm overhauling one of the famous cottages. Wish me luck. Of course I will, but I'm sure you don't need it. Miss Brooke. Oh, heavens. Why don't you go inside? Miss Brooke. Hello again. Hello. Are you free of your unwanted suitor at the tennis court? Don't remind me. Will they let you choose for yourself in the future? I doubt it. You're not alone in that. Then you must go. Hello. Miss Brooke. Sir Russell. Russell. What a surprise. I thought you were spending the summer in Newport. Unfortunately, my plans changed. Unfortunately? You don't want to hear it. But I do. Lovers meet, lovers part. Boo-hoo. I know how that plays out. And now we're even. Twin sufferers on the cruel carousel of life. Let's be comrades in arms instead. Where are you going? Just to the park to get some flowers for my painting class this afternoon. I'll come too if you'll have me. The truth is, I have invited you to witness this. What's happening? I am sorry. Especially when you ought to be celebrating. Why? Because you're engaged. Oh. This muse has rather driven that out of my head. Please let me be of help. Thank you. I'll remember that. Miss Brooke. How was your evening? The fireworks were astounding. You must have seen them from here. Have you been crying? My uncle died last night. I'm so sorry. Thank you. It doesn't seem fair when Aunt Ada is such a gentle kind soul. I mean, I wouldn't even be here if it weren't for her. She was the one who sent for me from Pennsylvania. I should thank her. Perhaps I should get you inside. No, I can't go back in there. Not just yet. Might I walk? Help a little? Get some air? Thank you, Mr. Russell. You're a good friend. I should go too. Thank you for seeing John. I hope we'll see you at the opening night. I'd love it, but I'm afraid not. As you know, Aunt Agnes is very much on the other side. In the war. I meant for you to join us. Oh. I'm not sure I dare. You underestimate yourself, Miss Brooke. Your mother knows what she wants. And perhaps that's the trick of getting it. You're very philosophical tonight. I was reminded of something Aunt Agnes said to me. Still thinking deep thoughts? Not exactly, but Aunt Agnes is right. It's time I took control of my life. You do know you're a marvelous person. You know it's kind of you to say so. I mean it. You don't have to come across. You can watch me from here. Don't be silly. So, you're not getting married after all. And now you're to leave 61st Street. Where will you go? I'm not sure, but don't worry. I've got a job I enjoy and plenty to do. Will you stay in New York? I hope so. Good. I'd hate for us to have to say goodbye. We'll never say goodbye. We know far too much about each other's lives not to be transparent. I'd better go in. Good night, Mr. Russell. Miss Parker. Will I see you at the opera tonight? It's too soon for us to be seen together in public. It's been months. Yes. Because it's only months since I broke off my engagement to Dutchel. I've failed at it twice. Well, this time you'll succeed. I envy your certainty. I wish you shared it. I want to. I just can't handle scrutiny quite yet. We'll see. And until we do, we'll face whatever comes together. But please, don't make me wait too long. I wish I could kiss you right now. Restrain yourself, Mr. Russell. All in good time. Miss Brooke. What draws you to a new idea? Like our footman's claw. Yes. You may be keeping it secret, but I can tell. You love her. I didn't know you were stopping by. I came through the servant's entrance to see Jack. We're nearly there. We've got all the sketches. What else do you need? Oh, uh, Jack. May I steal you away from me? How is Gladys getting on? The war continues. My mother is a formidable opponent. What about Billy Carlton? Forbidden. She won't accept defeat easily. Boys at stake. Mr. Russell, where are you taking me? I need a happy coat. I should get back to Miss Scott. No coat needed. I was only looking for a little privacy. This is not appropriate. Well, I wanted to kiss you the moment I saw you. So it's more appropriate than kissing you in front of your cook and your footman. You do know that I'm in love with you, Miss Brooke. Where can I... Bye. And young Mr. Russell seems very taken with you. He thinks he's in love with me. Oh! Bye! And how do you feel? Cautious. Because you don't share his feelings? Because I want to wait until things in his family are calmer. And I need to be sure. It makes me feel glad I have nothing to offer. There's no reason to marry me unless the man's in love. I envy you. Do you think your father will protect her now? I don't know. He's no match for Mother. It's past time for you to walk me home, Mr. Russell. Long past. What are you doing? I should have left hours ago. Now she'll tell your mother and heaven knows what she'll think of me. Why should she think anything? I am a single woman. I should be as pure as the driven snow and here I am attempting to seduce her son. Let me handle my mother. I'm afraid I've spoiled everything. Nothing is spoiled. I love you, Miss Brooke. That's what matters. What if she tells the other servants? Marianne, it's only a kiss. After all, Larry Russell is courting you. Or so it seems to me. His mother is not going to like the sound of that. Well, you wouldn't be criticized for kissing your future husband. I told you how lovely you look tonight. Only several times. The girl's their only child. Shall we go in? We are here for the music. Are we? What have you got against Marianne Brooke? I have nothing against her. I've invited her to the wedding, haven't I? Then why can't she be a bridesmaid? Besides, she and Gladys like each other. Bertha. What's wrong with Miss Brooke? Is she not prominent enough for you? Since you forced my hand, no, she is not. Very well, I'll write to Miss Brooke. I am not what Mrs. Russell wants. Believe me. Mrs. Russell would be lucky to get you. To live together after God's ordinance in the holy estate of matrimony. Wonderful news. Congratulations. Well, I have you to thank for Jack. I simply made an introduction. John created the clock and the two of you sold it. Come with me. I'd like to show you something. What is this? As for me, I'm hoping it will make me a married man. What? We said we'd wait until after my sister's wedding. We did? You know that I love you. And I intend to spend every day of my life making you happy. Are you serious? Yes. What is it? Let me handle your odds. We want to ask for your permission or your blessing, really. We plan to marry. Oh, congratulations. Oh, we couldn't be happier. Could we, Agnes? Not possibly. But we must go now. We're telling my parents and then I'm meeting some friends for dinner. To celebrate your engagement. Not quite. My roommate from Harvard is getting married and a few of us are going to Delmonico's. Tonight? Yes, I promised a few weeks ago. I would invite you, but it's only men. Well, that sounds fun. But I'll miss you. And you're leaving for Arizona in the morning. Oh! Inched. Well, it's only a month. And then my life will really begin. Meanwhile, I'll be back for dinner. I wish you all the happiness in the world. Thank you, Mr. Russell. You know our son, Larry, and this is our neighbor, Miss Marion Brooke. She is more than our neighbor now. What? We're getting married. I told father earlier we should have waited, but father insisted on breaking out the champagne. Enjoy it. You have money now. You can afford a more interesting life. Make sure that you do. There's my friend at the bar. Larry! Here, right this way. Two more for my friends. I'll be back as soon as I can. I'll miss you every day. I'll miss you every moment. I hope you enjoyed your celebration with Mr. Russell the other night. What do you mean? He told me you were joining him with friends at Delmonico's. Delmonico's? Yes. Isn't that where you went? Oh! Marion, you hardly ate anything at all. I just have something on my mind. It's to do with John. When I asked him about the night at Delmonico's, he turned to Ashton. Is it a respectable establishment? No. Perhaps we should leave it at that for tonight. Please tell me where Larry was the night he saw Maude Beaton. What? It's not important. I disagree. It's important enough for you, John, and even Larry to hide it from me. What was Larry Russell doing at that kind of establishment? Well, I was there with a group of friends. That doesn't answer my question. Marion! I'm sure there was no harm in it. Larry visits a house of ill repute, and you think there's no harm in it? There is, as far as I'm concerned. Marion, I'm certain he was just having a sociable evening. You must be completely honest. Secrets and lies are not any sort of foundation from which to build a marriage. Take it from me. While you were away, Larry and I got engaged. What? But that's marvelous! It was marvelous. You don't mean it. But I do. He went to a disorderly house. He told me he was going to Delmonico's with friends, but then I discovered his true whereabouts. I'm so sorry. It seems I can no longer marry Larry Russell. But what has happened? It turns out I didn't know Larry as well as I thought. Are you absolutely sure about this? If you ask me, you're making too much of it. There's nothing to do but to call off the engagement. Will you please give this to Mr. Russell when he returns from Marensi? Of course. While you were away, Miss Brooke left a letter for you. It seems rather important. I need to see Miss Brooke. Let me handle this, Bannister. Mr. Russell, I'm so sorry, but Marion isn't ready to see you quite yet. What's the problem? Why? Only that she's had a change of heart. This doesn't make sense. I love her. Nothing has changed for me. I'm certain that if I can just speak with her, then we can resolve this. In the meantime, she wants to return your ring. No. Please. That is hers. It's not mine. I won't accept it or any of this until I hear from Marion. Ah. Church said you'd arrived and you disappeared. I went to see Miss Brooke. Miss Brooke called off the wedding. Why? What happened? I don't know. She won't speak to me. I'm sure that you can sort it out. I don't understand the reason the letter didn't say. If she's changed her mind about you without explanation, surely that shows more about her character than yours. No one is ever good enough for you, are they? Did you have anything to do with it? He'll only accept it from you, I'm afraid. And even then, he doesn't want it back. He only wants you. If he wanted me, what was he doing at that place? Don't make this decision out of ignorance and fear. Right now, you're just tormenting the poor man. Don't you think I am tormented too? Every single man in my life has failed me. Miss Brooke. Mr. Russell. Forgive me for showing up unannounced, but I'm refused at your home. I do need to find out what I did that was so awful. Very well. I learned that on the night we became engaged, you went out to celebrate at a house of ill repute. That is not true. Please don't make it worse. I went out with friends. To a disorderly house. To a club for young men where entertainments are arranged that are perhaps not the most respectable. But that's it. Nothing happened. I only had a drink. You have to believe me. Why? When you've already lied? You told me you were going to Delmonico's. The only reason I didn't tell you my true whereabouts was because I was afraid you'd think what you're thinking now. So you want me to spend my life with a man who will not tell me the truth if it is inconvenient? It was wrong not to tell you from the start. I see that now. Or do you only say that because your lie has been found out? I'll return the ring to your house. And what about you and Mr. Larry? Miss Marion, I didn't tell you the truth before because... Please don't defend him. We did not go to Delmonico's. I know where you went. It wasn't an appropriate place, but nothing untoward happened there. How do you know? Because he was with me the whole time. We had a drink with his friends and then we went back to 61st Street together. He's quite innocent. I promise. Can you let me do that? I need to be with Larry. I need to be with them all. Of course. Many gunshot wounds. Where do you want them? What's happened? My mother told me what you did. You helped save my father's life. Thank you. I would do anything for you. And for your family. You must know that. And yet you called off our engagement. I'm sorry. I was wrong. I should have listened. Jack told me that he was with you that night and nothing happened. I told you the same thing and you didn't believe me. I'm willing to apologize, but you know my story. I've trusted men before. There we have it. I'm not the only one at fault here. You lied to me. I did that to protect you. And look where that has gotten us. I'll have the church see you home. I can see myself home. Miss Brooke. Well, if you'll excuse me, I have some business to attend to. You do know I think it quite a shame that you two have fallen out. Can I second that? Yes, it is a shame. Does that mean you're having second thoughts? I hope so. What? You're not coming to the ball? You saw how uncomfortable Larry was around me. Don't give up on him. I don't see what choice I have. Nonsense. I knew then you were no feeble debutante. I suppose at that moment I saw you through Larry's eyes. The two of you could have a bright future. Won't you fight for it? The choice is not mine. Larry has made that quite clear. And if he feels this strongly, it's probably for the best. I wasn't planning on going anyway. I don't want to have to see Larry. And any news from Miss Brooke? Don't let a misunderstanding get in the way of your happiness. There will always be disagreements. You must weigh those against the value of what brings you together. I didn't think you'd come. Now it's my turn to apologize. I don't understand how things got so tangled up between us. I suppose I panicked. I assumed the worst because that's what's happened to me in the past. Why should things be better in the future? Can't we make it better? We could try. But nothing's guaranteed in this life, Marion. No doubt you'll get things wrong, and so will I. And when I do, will you walk out on me again? I'm not saying it was all your fault. Nor am I. So what do we do? Well, one thing we can be sure of. We're not going to solve all our problems tonight. May I have this dance?