like to.
- Of course.
It's so hard to meet a suitable girl.
- What exactly are you constructing?
- A water wheel. It will be so delightful.
Especially with the rusted curve of
the water wheel itself. Don't you agree?
We are building the rusted wheel
at considerable expense.
It is constructed of previously rusted
metal. The craftsmen are ingenious.
But we must wait for the weeds to grow
before it takes on the proper appearance.
Oh, I'm sure it'll be a handsome ruin.
Where is Elizabeth?
I have passed many pleasant hours here
watching the workmen
fit each piece into its precise slot.
Such skill.
They screw it together?
No, bolt it, actually, with long bolts.
Fitted tightly.
Yes. Long bolts, fitted tightly.
I've just returned from America,
a country of many prominent erections.
It is exciting to see things come together.
So long as the quality does not suffer.
Tight-fitting joints. That's the secret.
It is so rare these days.
It depends on the skill of the workman,
of course.
And he must have the proper tools.
My darling daughter.
Now may I present Mr Edward Pierce?
My daughter Elizabeth.
Miss Trent,
you've taken me completely by surprise.
I cannot tell if that's to my advantage.
I can assure you it is, wholly.
- Would you try one of these, Mr Pierce?
- With gratitude.
We are just discussing the ruins,
Elizabeth.
- It's coming along so nicely.
- That dreadful ruin. I can't bear it.
They've taken away so many flowers.
You're fond of flowers?
- More tea, Mr Pierce?
- Ah, yes.
Yes, I supervise the planting
of all the flowers in the garden.
What there is left of it.
I'm especially fond of the primroses.
Ah, yes.
Perhaps you'd like to see them?
I'd be delighted.
Will you excuse us?
It's quite rare
for a man to take an interest in flowers.
The best of them are just over here.
Let me show you.
I don't know that he's suitable for her.
- Oh, he seems nice enough.
- He has far too much to say.
We also have many daffodils.
They've just come up.
It gives me such pleasure to see beautiful
things spring forth. Don't you agree?
Yes, I do agree. But tell me...
He has his charm.
You don't care who she marries, do you?
Is she really plain?
That she is.
- And you find her tedious?
- Unbearably tedious.
- How does she wear her hair?
- On her head.
Really, I never noticed.
You're in a hurry.
I am a relentless suitor.
Besides, she still hasn't told me
what I need to know.
Where did you learn to ride?
- A lady never asks such a question.
- I'm serious.
France.
On an estate in France.
Not in America?
No, I've never been to America.
When were you in France?
It's been some time now.
Do you ever tell anyone the truth?
The truth?
No.
I worry about him so.
- He was fearfully nervous this morning.
- Really?
Father's always nervous
when he sends the gold to Crimea.
He's a different man on those days.
He bears a heavy responsibility.
He acts so strangely!
He's entirely opposed to the consumption
of any alcohol before nightfall.
- Very sensible.
- I suspect he breaks his own regulation.
For each morning of the shipments
he goes alone to the wine cellars.
With no servants to hold the lanterns.
He insists on going alone.
Perhaps he's just checking the contents.
No, he relies upon my stepmother
to stock and care for the cellar.
- Every man has his eccentricities.
- I suppose.
What are your eccentricities,
dear Edward?
Mine? I have none at all.
Well, one.
I am excessively preoccupied
with a certain lovely young lady.
Sir!
You're a bold rogue to be so forward.
I might even begin to suspect you
of some motive in your advances.
Never, my darling.
Oh, dear Edward.
I'm so happy.
And I am happy too.
He keeps the key
in the bloody wine cellar.
Good evening, madam.
May I be of service?
- Is this the household of Mr Jeffers?
- No, madam. Mr Jeffers' house...
Thank you, my good man.
It's only the wind.
Where do you think it could be?
Shut up!