Quaka. Oh!
Aaaah! Quaka!
Quaka!
Juba!
Guess you got no pass,
huh, quaka?
That's your name?
What kind of name is "quaka,"
huh?! Quack quack!
I ain't never seen no
nigger duck before!
I bet you'll think twice before
you run off to plant your oats
in your little wife,
huh, quaka?
Do it!
Aaaah!
Aaah! Aaaah....
Bravo! Bravo!
Give her the flower!
Miss kemble!
Man: Step back, please.
I just want an autograph!
See that she gets it tonight.
Yes, I will.
Man: Thomas Scully
is here tonight.
He's a very fine painter, Fanny.
I want you to meet him.
He's assured me he can paint
a true likeness of you.
No, father, no one can paint
me as I am, because I am not
what I appear to be.
That is a true statement.
Elizabeth!
You said only a few people.
These are only a few people.
Would you like me to mind
the child for a while?
If it were only possible.
Ha ha ha ha!
Tonight was my last
performance in america.
The audience coughed
too much, did they?
Oh, I'm sorry. What the matter?
Everything. Blundering actors
who didn't know their parts,
comatose audiences, and america.
I'm tired of spittoons and bad
Brandy and competing with wild
pigs for space on the sidewalks.
So this is the capricious
kemble we've all heard about.
Introduce us, Mrs. Sedgwick.
Fanny, this is John Quincy
Adams, the esteemed former
president of the United States.
And Daniel Webster, senator
and famous orator.
Fanny was just saying how much
she loves america.
Finest country on earth.
My mother-in-law was English.
By the bye, she loved
Shakespeare, adored it.
You were quite good tonight.
Women wept.
But I think desdemona's
misfortune is a very just
judgment upon her for
marrying a nigger.
Desdemona's fault was
being in love, sir.
Othello's error was pride...
Not being a negro, a condition
over which he had no control.
Good evening.
Excuse me.
What I wonder is if you've ever
had any control over your mouth.
Now, what is the matter?
I am sick to death of
being Fanny kemble.
I'm so good at it I don't dare
be anyone else.
Well, that's honest.
What's to be done?
Fanny, they're waiting
for you. Come.
And now our next musician
is Pierce Butler who will play
a flute sonata by carulli,
accompanied by Mr. Avelen
on the guitar.
I would like to dedicate
this piece to our charming
guest of honor,
miss Fanny kemble.
What's in a name?
That which we call a Rose
by any other name
would smell as sweet.
Fanny: Not only do you know
Shakespeare, you play the flute
very well, Mr. Butler.
Are you a musician?
If my music moves you I am,
otherwise I am merely
a dull lawyer.
I'm surprised you found time
to leave roses for me
throughout the tour.
I don't recall saying I did.
Perhaps you're too ashamed
to confess it.
Is that why you never
signed your name?
If I had signed my name,
I would have been another one
of those moon-faced admirers
gaping at us through the
windows; I wanted to be
the one dancing with you, and
talking to you in the garden.
But how are you different
from them?
They're only dazzled by
the roles I play.
Because I know you better.
"In the inmost chambers of my
soul, there is another world,
a blessed home o'er which
no living power holdeth control,
close to which ill things
do never come."
I read your book of poetry.
Those poems are the foolish
musings of a young girl.
The fact they're even published
is my eternal punishment
for having written them.
Well, I'm very glad you did.
I knew the poet was rare--
I did not know she was
also beautiful.
You're beginning to sound
a lot like a moon-faced admirer
yourself, Mr. Butler.
Would you feel safer
if I were?
It is time for me to go.
Once we go back inside,
you belong to them.
I much prefer having you
all to myself.
Good night, miss kemble.
I think I'd prefer that too,
Mr. Butler.
"Our performance of othello
was well received, though on the
whole, Philadelphia audiences
cannot distinguish good theater
from a cattle race.
After the performance,
I received yet another
single white Rose.
But the mystery is finally over.
Elizabeth's soiree was witless
but mildly interesting--
my last, I vow--
but it was there that my secret
admirer made his presence known.
Pierce Butler.
He was so brash and I was so
aloof, both of us playing our
parts, but he liked the only
good poem I've ever written,
and he played the flute
hauntingly.
Quite handsome, too."
Miss kemble!
Miss kimble, are you all right?
Of course I'm all right.
Why do you ask?
I thought your horse
had run away with you.
What a preposterous idea.
Have you been following me,
Mr. Butler?
Oh, no.
Well, yes.
I paid the stable boy six
shillings to tell me where you
rode; I wanted to escort you.
I thought the rain might have
made the trails unfit for
ladies, but I can see
I underestimated you.
Good day, miss kemble.
Well, the trails are unfit
for ladies, Mr. Butler,
but I would enjoy you escorting
me nonetheless.
Do you always ride
at that pace?
No, on the queen's birthday
I trot respectfully.
I'm surprised you would
defer to anyone, miss kemble,
even a queen.
I did not say I would defer;
only that I trot.
Is this your first visit
to america?
I sense that you don't
care for it much.
I can't blame you.
You've only seen dirty cities
and the insides of theaters
and people fawning all over you.
You should have me
as your personal guide.
You're very bold, Mr. Butler.
This is a grand country,
miss kemble--
it invites gumption.
Stay on after your tour
is completed.
I'll give you the eyes
of an American.
I think in your heart and soul
you already are one.
You see that tree line
over there?
Last one there has no gumption.
Heeya! Go! Go!
Heeya! Go!
Come on!
Go! Run!
Go! Go!
Do I have gumption,
Mr. Butler?
Oh, you do indeed, miss kemble.
I pronounce you
an honorary American.
Riding alone with unattached
men, racing them on horseback.
Fortunately, your mother
is in england.
Well, he was charming.
And at least he doesn't chew
tobacco like most American men.
I've actually seen a gentleman
spit upon the carpet in the
company of women without even
a hint of remorse.
Oh! Appalling.
Between races, did he mention
the subject of marriage,
perhaps?
Marriage?
Pierce is merely
an amusing friend.
Besides, I would never marry
a fool, which any man who wanted
to marry me would have to be.
Ha ha ha!
But the question is,
would you marry him?
I told you we're friends.
Why do you even ask?
You have a tendency to dive
in before testing the depth,
Fanny.
Has the subject of Pierce's
600 slaves arisen at all?
They're not his,
they're his grandfather's.
Only till his aunt dies
and then they're his,
and she's on her death bed.
My god, I'm meddling.
Pierce is not a person
who keeps slaves.
Are your plantations
as large as all this?
They aren't mine yet,
but they are much larger.
And are there slaves?
Yes. It's a way of life
in the south.
I cannot imagine a life
without freedom.
Of course not;
it's not your life.
But I grew up with it.
The Butler island slaves
helped raise me.
I love them, and they love me.
They're happy and well
cared for; They have
no wish to be free.
But you could free them
if you chose to.
Of course I could, Fanny,
nothing could be easier.
It's quite lovely here;
it reminds me of england.
You sound homesick.
Has your gumption failed you
already?
What do you want, Fanny?
I mean truly.
I want to do everything
that can be done.
And I have plenty of gumption
to do it.
Unfortunately, I was born a
woman and raised by actors.
Those are advantages,
not impediments.
Oh, Pierce, everyone
has always said no to me.
I know your heart, Fanny.
Why aren't you married?
I know you've had many suitors.
Why have you always
rejected them?
Why would I swear before god
to be any man's docile ornament?
I would never give up
my freedom.
Men think they want to marry me,
but it's not their brains
doing the thinking.
Perhaps no one has ever
loved you as I do.
I would never attempt
to restrict you. Ever.
I'm not interesting in ornaments
or blind obedience.
I want to give you
the life you deserve.
It would enrich me to even try.
I love you, Fanny, I do.
I want to marry you...
Right away.
The raven himself is hoarse
that croaks the fatal entrance
of Duncan under my battlements.
Come, you spirits, that tend on
mortal thoughts.
Unsex me now and fill me from
the crown to the toe top
full of dire cruelty.
Make thick my blood--
Elizabeth!
You are so utterly
convincing.
Did you come here to
watch me rehearse...
Or to lecture me on
the perils or marriage?
Well, since you
bring it up...
You have long declared your
disdain for marriage, Fanny.
Yet you are about to give up
being single and independent
to share your life with a man.
Why?
Because this is my life--
holed up backstage or acting
the fool onstage.
My life has been predictable.
But Pierce isn't.
He surprises me.
And all of the emotions that
I've acted on stage,
I now feel.
They're real.
You're hoping to leave
the Fanny kemble you're
so sick of behind?
She may follow you, you know.
When I'm with Pierce, I don't
have to be Fanny kemble.
I adore being with him.
I love him.
Don't ruin it, Elizabeth.
I'm very pleased for you.
I just want what's best for you.
You must know that.
Fanny: We were married, as
Pierce wished, right away.
Father did not approve,
mostly because it ended
our tour prematurely.
But my stage career has ended
at long last.
We moved into Butler place,
Pierce's childhood home
outside of Philadelphia.
I would never tell him,
but it's little more than
a second-rate farmhouse
by English standards.
But he has assured me that we
will be traveling extensively,
so I don't mind.
And marriage does have
its singular advantages...
You are so beautiful.
I can bear the suspense
no longer.
I must know, did you finish
reading my journal?
Yes, I have.
You are an excellent writer,
Fanny, very observant
and detailed.
I am so pleased.
I want to publish it and use
the proceeds to help my father.
He has the opportunity to
regain control of covent garden
theater.
We could arrange a loan
against my inheritance
if that would help.
He would never accept it,
but there's no need to.
I sent my journal to
Carey, Lea & Blanchard.
They published my poems;
they're very interested in
the journal, and they
want to proceed.
I don't think it's wise,
Fanny.
They are your private
reflections, and in my opinion,
should remain so.
Well, many writers
publish their journals.
Especially their thoughts on
coming to a new country.
I told you, Fanny,
I don't think it's wise.
But it's my journal,
and I'll publish it if I wish!
I'm sorry, I didn't mean
to sound so adamant.
I will look at it again.
Perhaps with proper editing
it can be made presentable
to the public.
Editing?? No!
It must be published intact.
I wouldn't even allow Mr. Carey
to edit it.
Fanny, please. It is
filled with criticisms
and exaggerations.
It is not appropriate.
For whom?
You made me believe that the
world was open to me.
Why are you restricting me?
I'm not; I'm trying
to protect you.
It is my duty as your husband.
This could harm you greatly.
Harm me? I'm hardly
as delicate as that, Pierce.
I was weaned on critics.
But I will not be idle.
You're rarely home, we never go
to the theater or a ball,
the road is impossible
for friends to visit,
and for all the adventures
that I had anticipated,
you just say, "in time."
I exist in an intellectual
drought here, and I am going
to publish my journal.
I have already called
Mr. Carey and asked him
to halt publication.
You read my mail.
How dare you!
This is my business, not yours!
You cannot blithely decide
whether my work is to be
published or not!
I wrote this journal, and what
becomes of it is my decision!
No, Fanny. You took an oath
to obey me, and you will
respect my wishes.
I will gladly edit the journal.
Under no other circumstances
will I permit it be published.
Do you understand me?
No. I understood
that you loved me.
I can see that I have been
greatly deceived.
How did the newspapers
get ahold of this?
"The sheep is on the
other foot. Fanny thimble,
fierce cutler..."
Why, I had no idea.
I gave the manuscript to
Mr. Carey in strictest
confidence.
You should ask him.
The whole city's
in an uproar!
May I remind you that you are
a guest in america, and you
should honor the privilege?
Yes. America, bastion
of free speech until someone
dares express an unfavorable
opinion.
Why didn't they report the many
favorable observations I made,
the things I like about america?
You referred to newspaper
writers as "irritating bugs"!
What in god's name did you
expect?!
Well, they are bugs,
and this proves it.
How can you take
their side against me?
I will not have you behave
this way toward me, Fanny.
I'm warning you.
I suppose you heard that
Mr. Carey would not stop
publication of my journal.
Eight hundred copies
sold in the first day.
So much for adverse publicity.
I like the part about the
Philadelphia women having
"abominably large feet
and horrid dark complexions."
That went over very well.
I'm considering a divorce.
Well, do you know
that would ruin him?
His colleagues would ostracize
him. Is that what you want?
Have children, Fanny.
Few things bring people closer
together than having children.
I had thought that marriage
would be a companionship
on equal terms...
That if there were
disagreements, neither one
would be forced to yield or
be dictated to by the other.
I love Pierce, but it's not
in me to promise obedience to
any human being who's as
fallible as I am.
I owe obedience to god,
and only to god, and I cannot
see how having children will
change that, Elizabeth.
He knows how precious freedom
is to me.
Yet he's only denied it.
Why has he done this?
Well, what can you expect?
He's a man of his era who
married a woman completely
out of hers.
Do you know what children
do best?
They take our rigid philosophies
and they turn them upside-down.
And if you think Pierce is
the only one who's intractable,
look in the mirror.
Fanny: Sadly,
Elizabeth was wrong.
As much as we love our precious
girls, it has not resolved
our difficulties.
Papa!
Hello, sugar.
Welcome home, Pierce.
We've missed you very much.
Fanny.
The overseer's excellent.
His grandfather was the overseer
for my grandfather.
Cotton production on all the
plantations was in excess
of 2600 bales; That's a very
substantial increase
from last year.
And we now have our own
steam mill...
I can see that I'm boring you.
Actually, Pierce,
you're not.
What would you think about
taking me and the children
with you for the winter?
To Georgia?
You can't be serious.
Yes, I am.
Perhaps a new place away from
the mean-spirited gossips of
Philadelphia would give us
a chance to rediscover what
once drew us together.
For all our difficulties,
Pierce, I do love you.
And I want to know what you love
and see what you've
accomplished.
I'm very touched, Fanny.
But you must know it's an
extremely harsh life down there.
I've had a very soft life,
Pierce, to my detriment
and to those I love.
Let me try another way.
Well...
This is Butler's island.
It's quite beautiful.
Fanny, this is Owen Parker.
Nice to meet you, Mr. Parker.
Mr. Butler.
Hello, Owen.
Come along, sugar.
I'm going to like it here.
I'm going to like it, too.
Shad hall drowned
last Friday.
I'll take it.
So I got habersham mungin
to take his place at
the steam mill.
Got three new babies,
and eight women are pregnant.
I swear, they get pregnant
during planting season just so
they don't have to work.
Now, you take a horse,
it'll work pregnant up to
the day it gives birth, and it's
back to work the next day.
Surely there is a difference,
Mr. Parker.
Fanny: "Dear Elizabeth,
I've decided to keep a journal
of my southern sojourn in the
form of letters to you.
That way I can truthfully tell
Pierce that I'm not keeping
a journal.
The sea islands have a kind
of barren, wild beauty, and
from what little I've seen,
civilization does not exist.
What exists is slavery,
and slaves.
In my naivete, I have never
fully considered the harsh
reality of it."
Mornin', missus.
My name's Jack, i's supposed
to be your personal domestic
while you're here.
I know lots of words,
like "domestic," which most
niggers don't know,
'cause I'm very smart.
I can tell you everything about
this place, I can tell you
where the quicksand is or how
not to rile up the snakes,
just to start with.
My mama says that I make up in
talking what I don't do in
working, and she's right,
'cause I'm a real talker.
Well, I happen to enjoy
talking, Jack, so we should
get along just fine.
Yes'm. Well, I'm real glad
about that, missus, real glad.
Now, you know where
the plantation is?
Well, I'll show you everything,
just follow me, missus.
Come on.
Do they always sing?
Most always.
I don't mind it except when they
start singin' about dyin', and
then it scares me awful bad.
What's that on his head?
Oh. That's Josiah.
He runs off a lot.
But now massa Parker can
hear those bells, so he
don't get too far.
Hey, Josiah!
Ring your bells for
your new mistress!
No.
Woman: Don't worry, now.
Pull yourself together.
Come on, now, it's gonna
be all right.
She'll be all right, mindah.
Let's go see.
What is it, psyche?
This child's mama's got
a problem having a baby.
I better go help out.
I won't be long.
I'll go with you.
Yes'm.
Come on.
It's right up here.
Child: Hello, missus.
No, wait, y'all mind now.
This is your new mistress.
Come on.
Where are you taking her?
To the infirmary.
She think her baby dead,
aunt Jerusalem. Mindah say
it ain't moved all day.
Set her down right here.
Aunt Jerusalem: Okay, okay.
Okay. Okay.
Okay.
It's all right.
It's probably just sleepin',
savin' up to get born.
Can't you call her a doctor?
Ain't no doctors for niggers,
missus.
Well, I'll speak with
my husband.
Missus, can you ask him
for me, too?
Well, yes. What's your name?
Harriet.
I have three babies die already,
missus, and I think this one
gonna die too!
And I can't have no more babies,
missus, that's it.
I'll show you.
Oh, my god.
Yes, Harriet.
I-I'll speak with him.
I know they're all at
the infirmary, Mrs. Butler.
Been that way for 17 years.
Ain't no reason to change it
now. Niggers is filthy
creatures by nature.
Besides, they're stronger
than whites.
Most of 'em get well
soon enough.
I'm not blind, sir.
Harriet is not well, and she's
still being forced to work
in the fields.
Fanny...
This does not concern you.
You gotta think of niggers
differently, Mrs. Butler.
Their subservient attitude,
the way they flatter, all their
lying and stealing, the way
they smell-- it's who they are.
Coddlin' will ruin 'em.
Besides, if slaves were dying
in the infirmary, maybe
I'd change things.
I don't think there's any
danger of you coddling slaves,
Mr. Parker.
Now, if you'll excuse me,
I seem to have lost
my appetite.
She was an actress.
You know how they are.
Maybe you could put a few new
blankets down there, clean it up
some, but you should run things
as you see fit, Owen.
I'll keep Mrs. Butler in line.
If you don't, we'll have
600 slaves at our throats.
Aaaah!
Stop!
Aaaah!
Stop this!
This ain't none of
your business, Mrs. Butler.
Why are you punishing her?
None of this ain't
your fault!
Is it because she
complained to me?
Is it not so?!
Aaaah!
May I speak with you?
Mr. Parker is having Harriet
flogged for coming to see me.
Do you know this?
I ordered it.
How could you?
Have you no compassion?
You caused it, Fanny, not I.
We have rules here, and
you encouraged Harriet
to break them.
Slaves are to be whipped
for expressing legitimate
grievances, is that a rule?
Their grievances are
rarely legitimate.
And their physical complaints
are always exaggerated.
You don't know them.
To rile them up as you did is
dangerous and disruptive.
I will not have you interfering
in a system which you clearly
don't understand.
What I understood was your
assurance that they were happy
and well cared for.
I suppose your promise to free
them was equally hypocritical.
If I freed them,
where would they go?
What would they do?
They would be captured and sent
to plantations where they would
be treated far worse!
Their families would be
broken up; Did you know that?
Is that your idea of compassion?
I didn't invent slavery, Fanny,
but it is our way of life
down here, and as such,
I manage it as honorably
as I can; You will just
have to accept it.
How can you accept a mother
of ten whipped for not working
hard enough to maintain you
in your luxury? Tell me that!
It is your luxury too,
speaking of hypocrisy.
Our slaves have a home, food,
safety, and honest work.
Leave them be--
for their sake.
I have to inspect our
plantations up river.
I'll be away for several days.
You always find a reason
to be away, Pierce.
Sometimes I watch you sleep
at night, Fanny.
It is the only time I can
adore you without having
my sentiments hurled back
in my face.
That is why I find reasons
to be away.
Open up the windows.
Open up the windows
and let in the light.
Yes'm.
Let that alone, miss.
What for you lift wood?
You got niggers enough
to do that for ya.
I've got arms and I've got
hands and I can use them.
Now, you open up some
of the windows.
Do as I say.
Yes, ma'am.
This floor needs sweeping.
All this rubbish and filth
must be removed.
Yes'm.
And the chickens; We must
try and keep this clean.
Psyche, Jack. See if you can
find any blankets that aren't
being used and put them under
the patients that have none.
And be careful with them.
Yes'm.
Are you strong enough
to sweep?
Yes'm.
Because if you are, you can
help us to clean the floor.
And someone get some
fresh water.
Woman: Yes, miss.
Jack: Put it over there.
Jack, bring me the poultice.
Thank you.
This might feel cold.
That feel any better?
Yes'm...it sure do.
I'm going into town tomorrow.
I'm going to ask the doctor
to come see you about...
Your other problems.
Oh, no, don't do that.
Aunt Jerusalem cleaned me up
real good.
I'm much better now,
truly I am.
Why...
Why do you have so many
children, Harriet?
Massa be real pleased you
give him more little niggers,
missus.
My baby maybe grow up to be
a carpenter, worth maybe
twenty-five hundred dollars.
Mr. Parker give us time off
from working in the fields.
More clothing, more food in the
house, treat us much better.
Ain't no doubt about it.
No doubt about it.
The fact, Harriet, is that if
you have any more children,
it'll kill you.
You must tell Mr. Parker
that you won't.
I'll do that.
I positively will.
And there'll be no more
floggings if anyone comes to me
with their problems.
You'd don't need to be afraid
of being whipped anymore.
And no one is to be forced into
having any more babies,
do you understand?
Yes'm.
Fanny: Do you have
a large tub?
Now, you rub this soapy cloth
all over you, everywhere,
just like this.
It doesn't hurt. Hmm?
Now you try it.
Doesn't that feel good?
And when you're all nice and
clean all over, then you pour
nice, clean water, wash off
all the soap.
Do you think you can
do that by yourself?
Yeah.
Do you all think so?
I'll tell you, any child that
comes to me with a clean face
and clean hands will receive
a penny, all right?
You spread the word.
A penny.
A penny, yes.
I want to have a wood floor put
in, and windows everywhere with
glass in them, Mr. Parker,
windows that open and shut.
And no one is to lie on
the floor; Simple bed frames
will do.
I don't do nothin'
without Mr. Butler's say-so.
Do I have to tell my husband
that you stand outside my window
at night trying to catch
a glimpse of me, or will
my say-so do?
Good. I shall be going into
Darien this afternoon for
supplies.
And one more thing.
I want you to free Josiah
from that hideous contraption.
Too late.
He already run off again.
Then he must be smarter
than your cruel device.
Jack.
I ain't never seen
nothin' like that.
I mean, you just told him what
you gonna do right straight out
and he didn't say no!
I mean, ain't nobody ever talked
to Mr. Parker like that.
We just lucky we ain't dead,
missus, we're just plain lucky!
Ain't no planter's wife in all
of Georgia gonna ride with
a passel of niggers
without a white man along!
Ha ha ha ha ha!
Dr. Huston?
I'm Mrs. Butler.
Missus gonna build up the
infirmary. She needs blankets,
bandages, and medicine and all.
And I told her she got to see
Dr. Huston, because you fixed up
a bone for me at St. Simon's.
I remember it well, Jack.
It's nice to meet you,
Mrs. Butler, I've heard a lot
about you already.
Slave network.
It's much faster than
the new telegraph.
More colorful, too.
I won't ask what you heard.
Well, it wasn't all bad,
Mrs. Butler.
I have most of these
medical items right here.
And if you like, I can help you
gather the lumber and other
items on the list.
That's very kind of you,
Dr. Huston.
Well, I'm glad I could at
least help you with the
building materials.
You can't come see Harriet?
Not unless your husband
or Mr. Parker ask me to.
But she needs a doctor.
Mrs. Butler, why are you
taking up their cause?
Because they're suffering
horribly.
One girl's hands and feet are
literally rotting away, several
of the children have some kind
of lockjaw, they're unable
even to suckle.
And there's pleurisy everywhere.
The girl has a form of
leprosy to which negroes
are particularly susceptible,
and there's no known cure.
Children contract tetanus
by playing with infected dogs.
And pleurisy? Parker's
probably working 'em too hard.
He's famous for it.
No, what I meant, Mrs. Butler,
is why are you, a white woman,
a planter's wife and an English
actress, taking up the slaves'
cause in Georgia?
Because they're human beings.
You might be careful
who you say that to, madam.
Including you?
Well, I haven't lynched you.
Yet.
Thank you for all your help,
Dr. Huston.
I hope my opinions haven't
offended you.
I am never offended
by honesty....Or by beauty.
Please come again.
Sooner is better.
Yes, I will.
Fanny: "How I wish that
instead of music and theater
I had learnt something
of medicine.
I often think if they didn't
have their songs, they would
murder us all.
But it isn't all dreary here.
The sunsets are glorious,
the daytime sky is brilliant,
and the local fish excellent.
And I met a kind man in Darien,
a doctor, who at least
listened to me.
He made me realize how alone
I am here.
As for the slaves, sometimes
I sense a profound sweetness
in them.
Pierce is right again--
I don't know them at all.
I cannot fathom their hearts."
No, she doesn't help us.
Already she has had Harriet
beaten. Soon one of us
will be killed, you will see.
She sure enough helped me,
Joe, she give me medicine.
And she cleaned the infirmary
almost on her own.
No, she lies. She say black
is equal like white.
Already we are fighting
among ourselves.
She is like a pretty
butterfly-- first rainy day
she gonna float away, gone,
we'll still be here.
That's right.
I ain't givin' her
all my hopes.
You ain't spent time with
her, aunt Jerusalem.
She ain't like the others.
She make you her friend.
Then massa Butler get angry,
sell you away. I lose you,
children lose you.
Don't be her friend, psyche.
Don't.
No, Mr. Parker,
I said two more windows.
Light is good for healing,
and it won't weaken the
structure, right, Sam?
Uh, yes'm. I can frame up the
sides of each window real good.
Be stronger than before.
Tell me honestly.
Isn't there some part of you
that knows that what we're doing
is a good thing?
Why don't you ask
your husband?
Is this your doing?
Is it?!
Must I confine you to
the house?
I forbid you to go to the slave
camp anymore, and this
renovation of the infirmary
will stop.
But why? A healthy slave
is a working slave.
Get maximum efficiency
from your property.
Don't mock me, Fanny.
Three slaves have died
in that hellish pit
since we arrived.
To give the sick minimum care
doesn't seem too much to ask.
Why didn't you consult me
first? You are my wife.
Behave like one, or I'll
pack you off on the next
steamer home. Alone.
Maybe separation from your
children will restore your
sense of marital obligation.
My god, you wouldn't dare.
If you force me, I will,
I assure you.
I will no longer visit the
slave camp if you wish...
But please let me restore
the infirmary.
It'll only help you.
Please, Pierce.
Parker: What are you
doing here?!
Get back to the camp, now!
Now.
Joe.
Joe...
Go home.
Joe, please... go home.
Please.
What's happened?
Patrollers caught Josiah
down by the landing.
Guess he wasn't as smart
as you thought he was.
No!
Aaah!
Go back! Get out of here!
Oh, my god!
There was nothing
you could do.
No laws were broken,
he was a runaway and fair game.
Human beings are not
fair game for murder.
They are in Georgia,
Mrs. Butler.
And unless you learn to be
a little bit more dispassionate,
you may end up in the flames
yourself.
You're right, of course.
I sometimes doubt that anyone
who feels things as intensely
as I do could be said to feel
anything at all.
Why'd you come to see me?
I don't know.
Last time you listened to me,
even if you didn't agree
with me.
Hmm. Well, I'm glad you
didn't hold that against me.
There's a lovely pond nearby.
I'd love to show it to you.
Still waters...It's good
for restoring the soul.
When I was sixteen,
I started reading Byron.
It had such an effect on me
I had to limit my reading
to every other day, until
finally I had to stop altogther.
In return, I had hoped that god
would make me completely
and permanently good.
I'm still awaiting
the conversion.
It's quite beautiful here.
You're the first person
I've ever brought here.
Do you know my husband,
Dr. Huston?
I met him a number of times.
I liked him.
Does he know you're here--
with me?
He left for Savannah
this morning.
It's a great mystery to me
why he ever married me.
He knew who I was;
I'm not at all subtle.
And if he expected obedience,
why would he choose me?
Well, if you expected
freedom, why would you
choose him?
But then if you hadn't,
you wouldn't have come here,
and my life would not be
nearly so bright.
And the Butler island slaves,
they'd still be plunged
in darkness.
Teach them to read, Mrs. Butler.
What?
I thought you supported slavery.
No.
Well, why didn't you tell me?
Because I had to be sure you
wouldn't tell anybody else.
May I come in?
You ain't supposed
to be here, missus.
Have you heard about Josiah?
Him and Joe worked at
the wood shop together.
They was like brothers--
more than that.
I'm very sorry.
There's something I want to do
for you, for all of you.
I want to teach you
reading and writing.
I know it's illegal, but
I'm calling it a Bible class.
Mr. Parker has reluctantly
agreed to the idea.
It'll be at six o'clock on
Sunday evenings at the old barn.
Joe, I could teach you numbers,
it would help you with
your carpentry.
Is something wrong?
What use slaves got
knowing how to read and write?
We ain't got no place
in this world.
Slavery won't last forever,
psyche. If you can read and
write, you can help freedom
come along even faster and not
be helpless when it does come.
You got all the slave
children washed; Will that keep
the bells off their head?
Well, no, of course not.
Josiah...
He want freedom.
And now he free, in one way.
You want to make me better
carpenter, but I still be slave.
You say keep babies clean,
keep house clean, but we
still slaves.
You keep your babies clean.
They're beautiful.
They got path to heaven,
we's in hell. We stay put.
Go back to your big house.
It's better for you.
Don't help us no more.
She treat us...
She treat us like...
We in a pit, she dangle the rope
that we cannot reach,
tempting us like the devil.
We cannot have freedom.
She make me feel less
than a man.
She can never know what it's
like to be a slave.
No, she can't...
But I think missus is different.
I think she mean to help.
I think...Maybe she be
god's angel sent to help us.
Maybe it's time...To reach, Joe.
My sweet Joe.
One for you, one for you,
and one for you.
You all did a wonderful job.
You look so beautiful.
That's beautiful.
I miss you, Fanny.
I don't know what to do
to find you.
Coming here didn't help.
When we get back to
Philadelphia, I wanna buy
a fine house for us--
close to the theaters,
close to your friends.
Would you like that?
That's very thoughtful,
Pierce.
When would we leave?
Right away.
Malaria is a serious danger
here in the summer.
It would be unwise to stay,
in any case.
Pierce, I can't go now.
Owen will finish the
infirmary, I promise you.
It's much more than that.
I can't leave the slaves.
They don't need you.
Don't you think I know about
your little Bible classes?
Education destroys their
happiness, Fanny.
You must see that.
What I see is their
happiness is based on ignorance.
No! You still don't
understand who they are!
They are a simple,
contented people!
They will never be our equal!
Yet you extend yourself to them
more than to me! Why?!
I need you, Fanny!
They don't!
What you need, Pierce,
is to rule me.
I've never understood that.
Do you perceive that you are
better than I, more enlightened,
more intellectual?
You are my wife.
The Bible calls upon wives
to submit to their husbands,
just as it condemns the sons
of ham to slavery.
Or do your sacred opinions
now supersede the word of god?!
Oh, when did you last
read the Bible?
I miss you, too, Pierce...
But the man I fell in love with
is not the man I married.
You set the rules
of courtship, Fanny.
You help up a red cape to men,
daring them to charge.
If I was the bull you couldn't
impale, I can't be blamed.
But I have changed since then.
If you would only see it.
I fell in love with you...
Not that it matters a god damn.
Love doesn't demand
obedience, Pierce.
You're not my master.
No matter how much you
restrict me, that truth
will always remain.
You've cast me as
the villain, Fanny.
So I will play the part.
You and the children will go
to Philadelphia when I say...
And you will stop writing
letters to Elizabeth Sedgwick
immediately!
And don't go into Darien alone
anymore.
Don't do it, Fanny.
Not if you value your life.
And his.
I want you to keep my journal
for me, psyche.
You trust a nigger with this?
No, I trust you with it.
What is this, ma'am?
It's the annual slave ball.
The infirmary
looks wonderful.
It looks magnificent, Sam.
It really does.
I'd like to have two more doors
in case of fire,
one on each side.
Be better one big one
on the front and one in back,
missus, away from the fireplaces
and stoves.
You do as your told,
damn you!
Yes, massa.
You are their mistress.
For god's sake, act like it!
I am no more their mistress
than they are mine.
Your ownership of them
is a perversion!
And I will not support it
just because I am your wife!
Are you all right, missus?
You're lucky to be alive.
Humiliating your husband
in front of his slaves
is an invitation to murder.
It would appear you forgot
to be dispassionate.
What do you plan to do now?
I don't know.
Pierce and I can
never reconcile.
And I seriously doubt
my ability to alter
the slave's circumstances.
Perhaps it's time to go home.
You would leave Pierce?
If you did, Fanny, you wouldn't
have to be alone.
Go back to Butler island.
Make peace with your husband.
As for the slaves...
There is something you can do,
if you're ready to stop
playing the dilettante.
And I think you are.
Here.
You're gonna need it.
And so am I.
Pierce, I...
It was unconscionable of me
to say what I said.
Please forgive me.
And forgive me
for striking you, Fanny.
I've spent all night thinking
I might never see you again.
All: C-o-t-t-o-n.
Cotton.
That's very good.
Now, your assignment for next
week will be to make up a short
sentence and copy out
all the words.
That will be all for tonight.
All: Thank you.
Psyche, Joe,
would you stay a moment?
Do you know about the
underground railroad?
I--i heard somethin'.
Didn't pay it too much mind.
It's a way to escape slavery,
to get away from this
plantation, to start a new life,
to be free.
Free?
We set one foot off Butler's
island, them patrollers
will get us, just like
they did Josiah.
No, this is not
running off, psyche.
And it's not a real
railroad either.
There are secret routes
which you travel at night
and stations along the way
where people will hide you
and feed you and get you safely
to the next station, all the way
to Ohio or Canada.
Who are these people
that help slaves?
I don't believe.
Oh, there are people, Joe...
Black and white,
baptist and quaker,
ex-slaves, rich and poor, truly.
How do you know this?
Dr. Huston.
He's been a conductor
on the railroad for years.
There's a train leaving
on Monday night from
outside of Darien.
If you want to go, I can help
you and your children.
The limit is ten,
so five others can go, too.
I've done many things wrong
trying to help, and this is
a risk, but hundreds of slaves
have escaped this way
and I think...
I think you should
take this chance.
Hide 'em in fan's crib.
Massa won't look for 'em there.
Bring 'em on in, quickly now.
Come on, let's go.
Hurry up.
Hurry up, come on.
Come on, hurry up.
Come on.
Get in the barn.
Hurry up.
Come on.
Come on, get inside, quickly.
All right, come on in.
I'm Helen.
This is shadrach.
He'll be driving the packages
to grangerville tonight
in his wagon.
You're not slaves anymore.
You are free men.
Hold that thought in your heart
and god will take care
of the rest.
Now, it's a long ride,
so if you wanna have some water,
you better, then load up.
This is my friend,
Elizabeth Sedgwick's address.
She'll always know where I am.
Write to me when
you're safe, psyche.
Promise?
I promise, miss Butler.
And I swear, until I forget god
and my very own self,
I'll never forget you,
or the kindness you've given.
I was wrong about you.
You are more than your words.
It's so hard for me
to see you go...
Just when I've come
to love you both.
Man: Open up in there!
Oh! Hide! Hide!
Come here!
Go to the hay!
Quickly!
Lie down!
Lie down in the hay!
Man: Open up in there!
It's all right.
Shh.
Well, evenin', gentlemen.
What can I do for y'all?
Um, uh, we're lookin'
for runaways.
Ain't no runaways here
'cept me and, uh,
I'm kinda busy at the moment.
Mind leavin' us be?
Man: I think she liked you.
All clear.
It's all right now.
Come on.
How'd you do that, missus?
I was an actress.
And a good one.
Helen: Everyone in the wagon.
Hurry up.
It's behind the barn.
Quickly! Quickly!
No, I wanna go back
with you, missus!
You must go, Jack!
You'll be safe, I promise!
> No!
There is no time for this!
They may be back soon!
No! I ain't goin'!
I ain't goin'!
Fanny: Go! Psyche, Joe, go!
Please!
Come on! Come on!
Stay down!
H'yah! H'yah! H'yah!
Whoa there!
You seen any fugitive slaves
runnin' tonight, sir?
Rumor is a bunch of 'em
escaped near here.
I can't say that I have,
gentlemen.
You mind if I look
under your tarp, sir?
Man: There's one!
There he goes!
Stop, nigger!
Didn't know that nigger
was back there.
Too many damn runaways
these days.
One less now.
Sorry to trouble you, sir.
H'yah!
Let me take you
all the way back.
No, you might be seen.
Good-bye, Dr. Huston.
Ten slaves escaped
last night.
One was killed.
No other plantation in Georgia
treats its slaves better.
Is this how you repay me?!
Then I will repay you in kind!
One of you will receive
100 lashes for all of ya!
Brutus!
No! No! No! No! No!
No! No! No! No!
Mama?
No! No! No!
Move 'em back!
No!
Get back!
God.
You will witness
every single lash!
Tell me, Fanny,
did you free them for
their sake or to hurt me?
Tell me the truth.
No!
God damn you!
Fanny!
Don't stop, you idiot!
Get off him, Fanny!
Get off him, Fanny,
I'm warning you!
This punishment is over.
God forgive us all.
I'll be back in the Autumn.
I promise.
Massa say you won't.
That mean you won't.
He's not my massa, Harriet.
Oh, missus, he your massa
as much as he is ours.
Man: Thanks for everything.
Bye.
Whoa.
I pleaded with Pierce
to give me a separation,
to go back to england
to support myself by returning
to the stage.
He's of course refused.
Says my mind is diseased.
Perhaps we should not
stay here with you,
under the circumstances.
Oh, Fanny, do sit.
You're making me ill.
Have some oolong tea.
Please?
As to separations
and other major life decisions,
why don't you give
yourself some time?
And of course you'll stay here.
Have you heard
from psyche and Joe?
You've asked me that twice.
The answer's still no.
Fanny, I know of many marriages
between incompatible people
where they have found
a sense of Harmony.
Don't give up.
You may have a different
opinion of Pierce after
reading this.
They're letters I wrote
but never sent.
One of the major routes
of the underground railroad
goes up the Delaware river.
Maybe they came that way.
Do you pick up your mail
or does Maria?
She--she may have
misplaced a letter.
No, she didn't.
What is it that you want, Fanny?
Who are we going to see?
Daphne Alexander.
Dr. Huston told me
she was a conductor
on the underground railroad.
This is a warehouse.
Daphne?
That's me.
I'm Mrs. Fanny--
I know who you are.
You's that white woman
got Owen stiff neck Parker
to put down a wood floor
in the Butler island infirmary.
You's famous on
the railroad, honey.
Wasn't you a actress
or something silly
like that before?
Well, yes, I was--
I was a Butler island slave
myself once.
Got out before there
even was the railroad.
Well, don't just stand there.
Come on in, come on.
All right now,
come on over here.
Now you see where your mama is?
Go see your mama.
Go ahead.
Yes, ma'am.
Um, you know who
William Lloyd Garrison is?
Yes, he was the--
who you anyway?
This is my dear friend
Elizabeth Sedgwick.
Oh. Well, ain't no white man
ever been a better champion
of the negro than
William Lloyd Garrison.
And he stood right
where you standin'.
And he congratulated me
on my work.
Now, why you two standin' here?
I was hoping you might
remember meeting a couple.
Psyche and Joe
and their three children?
Psyche?
No. No, I remember almost
every name, but ain't no
psyche come through here.
Dr. Huston told me about--
he tell you that pro-slave
devils set fire to our station?
Two little girls
got burned alive--
make it murder!
But the law don't mean nothin'
'cept laws against
the fugitive slaves.
Now all we got is this place.
It rains, we got water
up to our ankles.
I'm sorry.
Sorry I couldn't help ya.
Can...
Can I help in some way?
Well, ain't many
patricians like you
want to help.
I don't know if I trust that.
I don't know.
Of course you can help, honey!
That's why you've come!
Come on, let me introduce you
white ladies around.
Oh, Pierce won't
put up with this, Fanny.
He won't know about it.
Oh, really?
And how are you going
to manage that?
Harmony.
Your phrase.
I'll be more obedient
and agreeable, the wife
he wants me to be.
In other words, you're going
to deceive him into thinking
that all is well while you
commit matrimonial heresy
behind his back?
I'm an actress.
He'll never know.
You hated acting, Fanny,
because it wasn't truthful.
This is a lie that would
wound Pierce terribly.
You don't have to be
involved, Elizabeth.
Yes, I do.
I read your journal.
Can't stay with
Elizabeth forever.
And since you've made it clear
how much you despise Butler
place, we'll have to find
something else.
I'll start looking for
a house to rent if you like.
You won't have time for it,
I'm sure.
There is another matter
I wanted to ask you about.
The Philadelphia society's
asked me to do theatrical
readings for various hospitals,
for charity.
They would mostly be
in the evenings.
Readings?
No, Fanny.
I won't have my wife
displaying herself in public
show, charity or not.
It is unseemly and
entirely unnecessary.
I'm sure they'll find
someone else.
I'll politely decline.
You, uh, might want
to take this.
It could rain.
Theatrical readings?
I need to tell him
where I'll be at night.
But he said no.
Well, he hasn't had
any reason to say yes, yet.
You are shameless.
Fanny?
Your juice, sir.
Why don't I take
the day off on Friday?
We could have a picnic
on horseback.
The girls, too.
Sounds lovely.
I'll make the arrangements.
I've been thinking about
those readings you wanted to do.
You say they're for charity?
Then why don't you do them.
I don't see the harm.
And it might be good for you.
Then I will.
Thank you, Pierce, very much.
Give me another sheet.
All right.
You sure you know how
to fix a broke arm?
Did you think I only know
how to pour tea?
Oh, ain't we got some cheek.
We can't be in
this water hole come winter.
These brave souls
need an island of comfort
on their dangerous journey,
not a ante-room of hell.
It's beautiful.
I wanna see the upstairs.
I cannot believe
you've done this.
You've done it, Fanny.
You've made a great effort
to change.
This is the least I can do.
I know you get homesick
for england.
But we can bring england here.
Your family, your friends,
everyone.
We can have balls,
grand dinners, everything,
right here in our own home.
And you have a writing room
with a view of the whole city.
I love you, Fanny.
I've never stopped.
There are 11 rooms,
8 with fireplaces,
and plenty of beds.
The kitchen's well-equipped.
We're four miles from the river,
but that might make it
safer as a station, especially
for fugitives who are sick
and need time to recover.
There are no other houses
for miles and no one
ever comes by here.
It's perfect!
Praise the lord!
And you, too, honey.
Would you just wait
just a minute?
What if Pierce comes
here to visit?
I mean, this is his
childhood home.
He won't.
He's totally consumed
with the new house.
Besides, I told him
I hated it here.
Will you take him
to his mother?
Do you feel more will come?
Oh, they'll come,
miss Butler, more and more
every week.
Don't you worry,
they'll come.
Miss Butler?
Miss Butler!
Is that you, miss Butler?!
Oh, you got out?
Yes'm, I did.
Thanks to you.
That day when I felt your arms
come 'round me, I thought
it was god hisself.
Truly I did.
And 100 lashes kills a man.
I owe my life to you,
miss Butler.
I'm so happy to see you.
How did you get out?
Did Dr. Huston help you?
He did, missus.
After you left, he got a lot of
slaves out for 50 miles 'round.
But the owners...
I guess the found out about him.
They shot him in his bed.
He had 32 bullet holes in him.
He was powerful fond of you,
miss Butler.
He said so.
I'm awful sorry about it.
Young man, you best
have something to eat.
Come on.
I'm sorry.
Oh, god!
"That very time I saw
but thou couldst not,
flying between the cold moon
and the earth, cupid, all armed.
A certain aim he took at
a fair vestal throned
by the west--"
is cupid real, mother?
If he shoots you,
you'll swear he is.
Papa!
Hello, sugar. Mwa.
I'm going to be
an actress, papa.
I didn't say a word.
Well, actresses have
to work at night, Sarah, and
I know how you like to sleep.
In fact, I was asleep when your
mother came home last night.
Did the reading go on that long?
No, it didn't,
but coming home took forever.
The axle on the cab broke.
So we had to walk about
half a mile, mostly through mud,
till we came to a farmhouse
where we had to wake the owner
and he brought us home
in a buckboard.
I had to do half the reading
again just for him.
I love you, Fanny.
And I think Sarah
would make a lovely actress.
I don't know what he knows
or suspects.
You have to suspend
your activities for a while,
Fanny, really.
I'll go in your place.
I will after tonight.
He's in New York.
Here.
What happened?
The wagon was attacked
not far from here.
Schoolboys with knives
and buckshot.
They killed the conductor
and wounded a whole bunch else.
Damn pro-slavers.
May they all burn in hell!
Rider comin'!
Pierce!
What is this?
Get these god damn niggers
out of here!
They'll be gone
in the morning.
Some of them are wounded
and need care.
This is my house!
You get out!
I order you to get out of here!
This is your house,
but you owe them a good night's
rest at the very least.
No one's leaving.
Does he have a rifle
out there?
Oh, my god,
he's gonna burn us out!
Come on!
Elizabeth, Daphne,
get everyone out!
The injured, get them out!
Come on now!
Come on!
Get everyone!
Elizabeth, hurry!
We gotta come this way!
You gotta come this way!
We can't get out that way!
We gotta find a window!
Over there, come on!
Get inside quickly!
Help me!
Everyone move back!
Move back!
Quick, everyone!
Get out! Get out!
Careful.
Come on!
Get out!
Come on, get 'em out, quick!
Come on, there you go.
Come on, that's it.
Come on.
I'll be all right.
Go that way.
Go!
Come on!
Go home.
Get your children
before he does.
We'll be okay.
Take her with you, Elizabeth!
Go! Go!
You get out of here!
Come on, get to the wagon!
You get out of here!
You get out of my house!
Come on, come on!
Get out!
Get the children down here.
I want them to see their mother
as she really is.
They're with Elizabeth.
I thought it would be better
for them and for us.
Always what you decide,
isn't that right, Fanny?
This house means nothing
to you, does it?
Was it easy to make me believe
you cared for me?
Did you and Elizabeth
have a good laugh about it?
No.
It was a deception at first,
but then I saw the man
I fell in love with...
The man I still love.
Oh, my god,
have you no shame?
You would be quite different,
Pierce, without me,
without your slaves.
You're such a good man.
Marriage has turned you
against your nature.
Why don't you join us?
Me, Elizabeth, and the others.
There's any number of ways
that you could help
the fugitives.
It would bring us together
and it would lift such
a weight from your soul.
You'll feel like you could fly.
Oh, you are marvelous, Fanny.
I almost believed you...
Again.
No, I won't help your
beloved niggers.
Sorry, your fugitive freemen.
In fact, you won't either,
ever again!
You will have nothing to do
with them or any abolitionist
or anti-slavery demagogue!
If you do, you will never
see your children again!
Do you understand me?!
Pierce, please don't do this.
And you will stay away from
Elizabeth Sedgwick!
I'll do whatever you want,
but I cannot stop helping
those people.
Won't hurt you, no one
has to know anything about it,
but i'm--
I said no!
Your insolent defiance
sickens me!
You made me burn down my house!
And why?
You love niggers more than me!
No, Pierce, no!
I love justice!
And I love you.
Liar!
You are a demon!
Go back to hell
where you came from!
You have destroyed
my happiness!
Fanny: "Dear Elizabeth,
I am forever indebted to you
for suggesting I take
a cottage here in
the berkshires.
I spend whole afternoons
tending my gardens
or writing lengthy letters
to Sarah and fan.
I never thought I could
survive without them.
But human beings are able
to adjust to any privation,
however painful.
Mr. Furness, bless his heart,
has acquired a final
divorce settlement after
five long years.
Perhaps because Pierce
has spent all of his money
and I've asked for none.
He even had to auction off
his slaves.
But I can see my girls again
at last.
I will be in Philadelphia
on Friday to sign the papers."
Pierce is not coming?
He's ill, but he signed.
That's all that matters.
You'll be able to see your
daughters two days each month
and two months in the summer.
But he still insists that
you not publish your
Georgia journals.
He seemed fixed on that point.
Other than that, the agreement
seems generous enough.
When do I see my girls?
Ah, well, now, that, um...
That was a thorny problem.
But finally in the end,
I prevailed.
Mama.
It's mama.
Oh, Sarah, fan!
I missed you both so much.
I love you, mama.
Oh, and I love you, too.
Have you read this?
Read what?
It's preposterous.
What?
Wait until you read it,
Mrs. Sedgwick.
It is very terrible.
Parliament is seriously
considering a loan
to the confederacy.
Are the completely mad,
with a war between the states
almost inevitable?
Where are you going?
I am going to my publisher.
Fanny, no!
You can't publish your journal.
Pierce will cut off
your visitation rights.
People will want
to kill you in the streets.
Oh, would you just stop it,
Fanny, stop it.
I am serious.
Now think about
the ramifications.
I have.
Parliament has no idea
what this war could mean.
They're only interested
in protecting their supply
of southern cotton.
To them, the evils of slavery
are insignificant.
I cannot just stand by.
"Mrs. Butler, who glowed
on the stage in her previous
career, now tarnishes her
reputation with her Georgia
journal, an outrageous
falsification of slavery."
Guess who wrote this one.
"Are we to let ourselves
be influenced by the trivial
musings of an ex-patriot,
an actress to boot,
on matters of such importance?"
Parliament, of course.
Bloody blind fools.
It is important.
There's no darker human impulse
than to deny another
his freedom.
It's degrading
and debased existence.
This loan will only
prolong the misery of it.
Are people gonna
kill you in the streets?
They won't, my darling.
But I had to do this.
We cannot always hide in the
shadows when something's wrong.
That makes us part of the error.
It's a message from Pierce.
He wants to see you.
Pierce?
It's Fanny.
May I come in?
Pierce?
Fanny.
Please, come in.
What a surprise.
I'm so glad to see you.
I'm sorry you're seeing
the house like this.
I'm furnishing
and painting upstairs.
I've been so busy lately.
Please sit down.
I wanted to thank you for
settling our differences,
Pierce.
And for taking such good care
of Sarah and fan.
They're quite grown up.
Give the credit to their
boarding school, not to me.
Pierce, there's something
else I want to tell you.
I know my rebellious emotions
contributed enormously
to our difficulties.
An effort to compromise
now and then would not
have harmed me.
I'm truly sorry for
all the misery it's caused you.
At the auction,
a very old slave came up to me.
His name was cudjo.
I'd forgotten I even owned him.
He took my hand.
No slave had ever
touched me before.
He smiled.
And he said, "you is free now,
massa, you is free."
I read your Georgia journal.
I kept thinking, who is this
cruel, unforgiving man?
And it was I.
Mommy, Mrs. Sedgwick's here.
Fanny!
Elizabeth!
Oh, you left too soon.
Parliament canceled
the loan to the confederacy.
They read extracts
from your journal
in the house of commons.
Even the queen read it.
Oh, you did it, Fanny!
You really did it!
The truth changed
their minds, Elizabeth,
not I.
Fanny, you may have changed
the course of history.
Without additional capital,
the south will never equal
the north's capacity to produce
arms and ammunition.
Your journal may end up helping
to preserve the union,
and end slavery.
You should be pleased, Fanny.
You said you wanted to help.
And now you have...
Significantly.
Ladies and gentlemen,
I've met with the mayor
of your town who has
requested that I not read
the merry wives of windsor.
I've been met by the clergyman
of your town who has also
requested that I not read
the merry wives of windsor.
I've been met by the
schoolteachers of your town.
They, too, have unanimously
requested that I not read
the merry wives of windsor.
Ladies and gentlemen,
I shall have the honor of
presenting to you today
Shakespeare's immortal comedy
the merry wives of windsor.
Oh, they adored you,
absolutely.
You were marvelous.
And I make bushels of money,
most of which I give to Daphne
to keep up her good work.
Mommy, look.
Sarah, fetch me
a crowbar and hammer.
What on earth could this be?
Excuse me, girls.
Who sent it, mama?
It's from Joe.
He made this.
Psyche wrote me a letter.
"Dear Mrs. Butler, we made it
to Kingston, Canada.
We heard about Butler station
was burned.
We heard you moved to Lennox.
We will visit when
it is safe to travel.
Joe make this for you.
He say it is for many more
words you will write.
We all thank you.
We can all read and write.
Joe learned numbers.
You opened the windows
and let in the light.
You saw our souls,
not our skin.
We are free
inside our hearts.
And that is where you are,
always, forever.
We love you.
Psyche, Joe, maysie,
Esther, and Rachel."