All This, and Heaven Too Page #2

to speak to a stranger before.

If I've offended you,

if you want me to go away, I will.

I saw you first on the dock

at Southampton.

How sad those people were

when they said goodbye to you.

After five years, it is difficult to part

from those you love.

I was sad for them, I don't know why.

That little girl, how bitterly she wept.

That was Nina. I was her governess.

And when the gentleman took your hand

and wished you happiness...

...the oddest feeling came over me.

You were a perfect stranger to me,

and yet l...

I found myself wishing with all my heart

that you would be happy.

I suppose you think that's ridiculous.

Naturally.

And yet it's true

that you're not happy now.

It's in your face and in your manner.

You're unhappy and resigned to it.

Well, a person in my position

must be content...

...with picking up a few crumbs

of happiness from others' tables.

- Now I'm sure you'll excuse me.

- Oh, please don't go.

I know I've been impertinent and rude...

...but I promise I won't probe

any further.

I will talk about

the most innocent generalities.

In fact, I'll talk about myself.

- I'm an American.

- I rather guessed that.

From Massachusetts.

My name is Field. Henry Field.

And there's a "Martyn" in the middle

and a "Reverend" that goes in front.

You are a minister.

Well, I'm not exactly

a full-fledged minister yet.

I haven't taken a regular pastorate.

But my father's a minister

and I preached my first sermon...

...when I was 15

in one of his cut-down coats.

Just now I'm broadening myself

with some travel.

I don't suppose broadening

will hurt a minister, do you?

I'm sorry, but we dock soon.

The luggage is being sorted in the lounge.

Yes. Thank you.

- If you'll excuse me?

- But I don't even know your name.

Where will I ever find you?

Well, I really don't know

where I'll be myself.

Goodbye, monsieur.

You're not thinking of joining

this household, mademoiselle?

I hope to be the new governess.

Hope, you say?

Heh. You'd not enter this house

of your own free will.

- You find that amusing?

- Yes, quite amusing.

You see, young lady,

I'm old Pierre, the handyman.

And I not only sweep the courtyard, but

I wash the windows and see a good deal.

I could tell you things. So many things.

- I am expected.

- Follow me, mademoiselle.

Everyone knows the pleasure

you take in humiliating me.

I have no wish to humiliate you,

Frances. My decision...

Isn't every day of my life a humiliation?

Theo, I'm your wife.

We're both young and yet we live...

Frances, in the name of your pride.

Come in.

Mademoiselle Henriette Desportes.

Yes?

Madame la Duchesse.

I trust I am not too early.

Really? What time is it?

You asked me for 11, madame,

but if I am inconveniencing you...

Please make yourself comfortable,

mademoiselle.

Thank you, Monsieur le Duc.

- Allow me.

- Thank you.

Allow me to express my gratitude

for the compliment you've paid...

...in summoning me

to discuss your children's education.

I sent you my letter

of reference yesterday.

I hope you found it satisfactory.

The reference. Oh, yes, quite so.

As I remember, it was excellent.

There must, of course, be much more

you would wish to know about me.

I, for my part, should wish to know

more about the children...

...before I could assume such

a responsibility.

The requirements are about the same as

your last position, Mademoiselle Desportes.

We want a governess to take full charge

of the children's education...

...to supervise their music,

drawing and behavior.

I'm afraid they'll be quite a handful.

We have three girls.

They might be a little difficult.

You see, they are from 8 to 13.

I understand, monsieur.

Then there is a boy...

...who was born...

...some years later.

Raynald, who is not quite 4.

He's a bright little fellow,

but his health...

Raynald is sensitive like me.

For years before he was born

I was made unhappy and ill.

- He will bear the marks of my suffering.

- Frances, please.

I think we can bring this interview

to a close, Mademoiselle Desportes.

In view of your excellent reference...

...a trial of the post is yours

if you would like it.

Before you commit yourself, monsieur...

...I was expected to provide a letter

of guarantee from my grandfather...

...my only living relative.

I'm sorry, he has refused it.

Isn't that rather strange?

Your own grandfather?

And furthermore...

This is very awkward.

If I come here, I shall have to ask you to

call me by some other name than Desportes.

Am I to understand that your name

is not Desportes?

My grandfather, the Baron Desportes,

received his title from Napoleon.

So naturally, he is opposed

to my associating myself in a household...

...of such prominent friends

of the present king.

I must say this is...

This is an awkward situation,

Mademoiselle...

Deluzy.

I chose that name

to keep my initials intact.

So this is what happens

when you want to make a change, Theo.

We're to take someone in

to teach disloyalty to our children?

I give you my word, madame...

...I would not allow my political beliefs

to affect my teachings of your children.

But if...

If these things make a difference in

your feeling, I will understand.

Oh, that must be the children.

I had asked Mademoiselle Maillard

to bring them by.

Does that seem necessary now, Theo?

- Good morning, Papa.

- Is this our new governess, Papa?

- You didn't come to dinner last night.

- I finished my lesson...

Children, children.

Not so much noise.

Your poor mother's nerves.

- Mademoiselle Maillard.

- Yes, monsieur?

This is Mademoiselle Deluzy.

- Very pleased.

- How do you do?

- I do hope you're better today.

- Come, children, make your curtsies.

This long-legged colt is Isabelle,

the eldest.

Mademoiselle Isabelle.

You are already a young lady.

And my little Louise.

Mademoiselle Louise.

What lovely hair for curling.

May I curl my hair?

Mademoiselle Maillard...

Not one of you children has so much as said

good morning to your mother.

- Good morning, Mother.

- Good morning.

And where's Berthe?

Here I am, mademoiselle.

Good heavens, child,

don't spill Mama's ink.

I'm not spilling, I'm drawing.

Well, give that to me.

How many times have I told you

not to touch the things on Mama's desk?

Such a beautiful child.

A little headstrong,

but very lovable if one can win her over.

Raynald.

Raynald, come away from there at once.

You bad, bad boy

to pick Mama's flowers.

Just for that you'll stay home tonight.

And for supper, no baba.

Not one spoonful.

Whatever made you do a thing like that?

It's for mademoiselle to put on her dress.

Oh, that was kind, Raynald,

a very kind thought.

But you should have asked

permission first.

Perhaps if you ask her now,

she'll let you give it to me.

But I picked it

for the new mademoiselle...

...because she has pink ribbons

in her bonnet.

Mademoiselle Maillard,

let him give it to her...

...and take them all out of here.

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