The Age of Innocence Page #7

You knew?

I recognized the carriage|when you drove in.

So I went to the beach.

To get as far away from me|as you could.

- As I could, yes.|- It's better we face each other.

- I only want to be honest with you.|- Isn't that why you admire Beaufort?

He's more honest than the rest of us.|We've no character...

...no color, no variety.

Why don't you just go back to Europe?

- I believe that's because of you.|- Me?

I married one woman|because another told me to.

You promised not to say|such things today.

I can't keep that promise.

What about May?|What about how May feels?

If you're using my marriage|as some victory...

...then there's no reason|why you shouldn't go back.

You gave me my first glimpse|of a real life...

...and then you told me|to carry on with a false one.

No one can endure that.

I'm enduring it.

- I know you'll go back.|- I won't.

Not yet. Not as long|as we both can stand it.

- This is not a life for you.|- It is.

As long as it's part of yours.

You won't go back?

I won't go back.

...at the theater or a reception.

Perhaps he might be seated|next to her.

Perhaps they might have another|time alone somewhere.

But he could not live|without seeing her.

Mr. Archer, I think?

My name is Riviere.

I dined with you in Paris last year.

Yes, I'm sorry.|I didn't quite recall.

I had the advantage.|I saw you in Boston, yesterday.

I came here on Count Olenski's|behalf because...

...I believed in all good faith|that she should return to him.

Forgive me, Monsieur...

...but I really don't understand|your purpose in coming to see me.

She's changed, Monsieur.

You knew her before?

I used to see her|at her husband's house.

The count would not have entrusted|my mission to a stranger.

This change that you mentioned....

It may be my seeing her|for the first time...

...as she is, as an American.

She made her marriage in good faith.

It was a faith the count|could not share.

Could not understand.

So her faith was....

Broken.

Destroyed.

Returning to Europe would mean|a life of some comfort...

...and considerable sacrifice...

...and I would think, no hope.

I will fulfill my obligation to|the count and meet with the family.

I will tell them what he suggests|and wishes for the countess.

But I ask you to use|your influence with them.

I beg you, do not let her go back.

When old Mrs. Baxter Pennilow died,|they found her standing order...

...48 Worth dresses,|still wrapped in tissue paper.

...they wore the first lot|to the symphony...

He had written to her|once in Washington.

Just a few lines, asking when|they were to meet again.

And she wrote back, "Not yet. "

I think Julius Beaufort|started the new fashion...

...by making his wife wear|her new clothes when they arrived.

I must say, it takes all Regina's|distinction not to look like--

- Her rivals?|- Like that Annie Ring.

- Careful, dear.|- Everybody knows.

Indeed. Beaufort always put|his business around.

Now that his business is gone,|there will be disclosures.

- Gone? Is it really that bad?|- As bad as anything I ever heard of.

Most everybody we know|will be hit one way or another.

Very difficult for Regina, of course.

And it's a pity that Countess Olenska|refused her husband's offer.

Why, for God's sake?

To put it on the lowest ground,|what will she live on now?

Now that Beaufort--

What the hell does that mean, sir?

...and the allowance she gets|from the family is cut back--

- I'm sure she has something.|- A little.

Whatever remains,|after sustaining more debt.

I know the family paid|close attention to Riviere...

...and considered his offer carefully.

If everyone rather she be Beaufort's|mistress than a wife...

...you've gone about it perfectly.

She won't go back.

That's your opinion?

Well, no doubt you know.

She might soften Mrs. Mingott, who|could give her any kind of allowance.

But the rest of the family|don't want to keep her here.

They'll simply let her...

...find her own level.

Thank you.

The lamp is smoking again.|The servant should fix it.

I'm sorry.

I may have to go to Washington|for a few days.

When?

Tomorrow. I'm sorry,|I should have said it before.

On business?

There's a patent case coming up|before the Supreme Court.

I just got the papers|from Letterblair.

Never mind. It's too complicated.|I have enough trouble with this lamp.

Let me try that.

The change will do you good.

And you must be sure|to go and see Ellen.

This came for you while you were out.

- Do something about this, will you?|- Certainly, sir.

Granny's had a stroke.

A stroke?

Ridiculous.

I told them all it was just|an excess of Thanksgiving.

Dr. Bencomb acted most concerned|and insisted on notifying everyone...

...as if it were the last reading|of my will. You're dear to come.

But perhaps you only wanted|to see what I'd left you.

Granny, that's shocking!

It was shock that did this to me.|No, thank you.

It's all due to Regina Beaufort.

She came here last night...

...and she asked me....

She asked me....|She had the effrontery...

...to ask me to back Julius.

"Not to desert him," she said.

"To stand behind our common lineage|in the Townsend family."

If you back Julius,|you can see the family through.

If you don't...

...we will all...

...everyone of us, fall into dishonor.

I said to her:
|Honor's always been honor...

...and honesty's always been honesty|in the Mingott house...

And then she said, if you can|believe this, "But my name, Auntie."

But my name, Auntie!

- My name's Regina Townsend!|- I said to her:

Your name was Beaufort|when he covered you with jewels...

...and it's got to stay Beaufort|now that he's covered you with shame.

Then I gave out.

Simply gave out.

And now family is arriving|expecting a funeral...

...and they'll have to be entertained.

I don't know how many notes|Bencomb sent out.

- If there's anything we can do.|- Well, Ellen is coming.

I expressly asked for her.

If May sends the brougham,|I'll take the ferry.

Fine.

Fine. Thank you.

There, you see, Granny,|everyone will be settled.

Thank you, dear. Bless you.

I didn't want to worry Granny...

...but how can you meet Ellen|if you have to go to Washington today?

I'm not going. The case is postponed.|I heard from Letterblair this morning.

Postponed? How odd.

Mama had a note from him|this morning too.

He was concerned about Granny|but had to be away.

He was arguing a patent case|before the Supreme Court.

You did say it was a patent case?

The whole office can't go.|Letterblair decided to go himself.

Then it's not postponed?

No, but my going is.

He knew it was two hours|by ferry and carriage...

...from the Pennsylvania terminus|in Jersey City to Mrs. Mingott's.

All of two hours|and maybe a little more.

- You didn't expect me?|- No.

I nearly came to Washington.|We would've missed each other.

Granny Mingott sent me.|She's much better.

- You know, I hardly remembered you.|- Hardly remembered?

I mean, each time is the same.

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