And with the industrial
revolution came millionaires
who'd compete to throw
the most lavish parties
and they'd try to out-do
one another
with their big desserts
or their huge hats.
They'd even compete to see
who could have the most
magnificent mansions.
One man plated his entire
bathtub in 24-karat gold leaf.
Imagine taking a bubble bath
in that.
But miss, aren't places
like that
just in fairy tales?
Oh, no.
No, they're very real.
Trust me.
In fact, I used to spend
my summers in a big mansion
just like that
when I was your age.
Well, back in the States.
Lucy?
Oh, excuse me. Excuse me.
Enjoy the rest of your tour.
Lucy, giving children tours
in the galleries again?
That's what our docents
are for.
Sorry, Isabelle.
I was just passing through
and I guess I got pulled in.
I love that exhibit.
Come along.
I need my director of
development upstairs.
We've got to plan for
the fundraiser tonight.
So catch me up where we are.
Sure.
So I re-worked
the seating chart.
All of our major donors
will be sitting up front,
and you will be between the Lord
Mayor and Ambassador Philips.
Oh, Lucy. You remind me of me.
Museum directors aren't made,
they're born.
And you truly have the makings
of one of the greats.
You know, I'm relocating back
to New York soon.
I can't think of anyone
who works harder than you.
Thank you.
Your passion and knowledge
of history is undeniable.
Your organizational skills
are top-notch.
Well, I've decided to nominate
you as my replacement
when I retire next month.
Isabelle. Really?
Oh my gosh, that would be
a dream come true.
But before we pop the champagne,
just one more hurdle.
I do need to get the trustees
on board with you first.
I will wear them down like...
Like... like the Duke
of Wellington wore down Napoleon
at Waterloo.
Precisely.
[laughs]
Ok. Name tags done,
catering taken care of,
Isabelle's speech printed
and proofed.
I don't think Hannibal had this
much to do crossing the Alps.
[laughs]
Anything else, Josephine?
Uh, that just about does it.
I'd say we're ready for
the fundraiser tonight.
Well then, since the new
exhibit's going in downstairs,
I might just sneak down
for an early peek.
Boss, you're meeting the Hobart
Foundation at 2:00
and then Lady Jacobs to nail
down her gift for the east wing,
and you still have to call back
that cute Cambridge professor
that wants to take you out
on a date.
He doesn't want to take me
out on a date.
He just wants my help writing
his grant proposal.
Lucy, you're a victim
of your own success.
Well, I should take these down
to the archives.
Oh!
I got it.
And, uh, cover for me
if anyone asks?
Have fun.
Enjoy the new exhibit.
Oops, sorry.
Thank you.
Excuse me, sir.
Is this rubbish
you're throwing out?
Hey. That I am, why?
This pot right here is actually
Delft pottery.
It's a real treasure.
You might wanna hang on to it.
I had no idea.
Thank you.
You're welcome.
Take good care of it.
Hi, Nigel.
Did you have a good day?
Great, Lucy.
Oh, this came for you.
Special delivery.
All the way from the U. S. of A.
Looks official.
H.K. Rourke,
Attorney at Law.
"Lucy Windsor, I've been trying
to reach you
"since your great aunt...
This can't be.
[knocking]
Lucy, I'm so sorry to hear
about your aunt.
Thanks, Isabelle.
She was a wonderful lady.
She passed away last month.
Oh, is that her?
Yes. Aunt Grace.
The kindest, most adventurous
soul you could ever meet.
Wow, what a lovely estate.
I'd guess Gilded Age Era.
Upstate New York?
Close, Rhode Island.
It's called Wycliffe House.
I grew up spending
my summers there.
Your Aunt lived there.
Great Aunt, actually.
Her husband Arthur was
the last of the Wycliff's.
His grandfather Henry built
the house over 100 years ago.
I spoke to my folks and they
said that Arthur didn't have
any remaining family
so Aunt Grace bequeathed
the whole thing to me.
Inheriting a mansion?
That's something that doesn't
happen every day.
Aunt Grace invited us up there
every single summer
until I headed off to Oxford.
Now who's that?
Uh, Duncan.
Son of the caretakers.
My aunt took him in
after he lost his parents.
Uh, anyway-
Oh, Lucy, I hate to ask,
but must you go all the way
to the States right now?
The trustees meeting is
just around the corner.
Apparently the way the will
is written,
if I don't go soon the property
goes into a receivership
and becomes a big
legal mess.
I understand.
Do what you need to do,
but please hurry back.
I know I can get the trustees
to approve you.
Thanks, Isabelle.
I will be back before
you even know I'm gone.
Oh, I hope so.
Because if I don't get
a successor soon
they'll roast me like...
Like...
the great fire of London
in 1666.
Precisely.
Oh, have a good flight.
Thank you.
Hello, I'm Lucy Windsor.
As if I needed to be told that.
I recognized you
in an instant.
Eleanor, of course.
I'm so sorry.
I didn't know you still worked
at the estate.
Oh, yes.
How long has it been again
since you've been here?
Ten years. I wanted to come back
sooner to visit
but work just kept me so busy.
Your Aunt Grace understood.
She was always so proud of you.
She's sorely missed in town but
she lived a long and happy life.
I just wish she were
still here.
So do I, honey.
Well, come along.
You must be exhausted
after your flight.
Thank you.
The back seat?
Well, you are the mistress
of the estate now, after all.
But first an old friend.
It is just as beautiful around
here as I remember.
I had so many wonderful
times here.
And as I recall you and Duncan
spent a great amount of time
here together, too.
You were kind of sweet on
each other if memory serves.
The follies of youth.
Actually, Lucy, about Duncan-
It's ok, Eleanor.
He's one part of all of this
that I am happy to forget.
There she is.
Right where you left her.
Magical.
[sheep baaing]
What is all this?
The welcoming committee?
The fence in our pasture
is falling down
and your Aunt Grace could never
say no to visitors.
Go on in and get settled, honey.
Thank you.
The door sticks a little.
Got it.
It's a little sticky, huh?
Oh!
Lucy?
Duncan.
What're you doing
in my house?
Uh... Lucy, what're you doing
in my house?
Your house? My house.
What would give you that idea?
It's not an idea it's a fact.
That this is my house.
No, mine.
Ok, I think maybe there's been
some kind of a mistake.
Why wouldn't Grace tell me
that she was leaving the house
to both of us?
Tell you? Why wouldn't
she tell me?
I don't know, maybe because
I've been here
and you've been in London?
Regardless, it's perfectly
obvious
there's been some sort of
a clerical error.
You changed your hair.
Yeah.
[baaing]
Shh.
So how've you been, Lucy?
Oh, I've been good.
I've been- I've been really,
really good.
Good.
Good.
And you uh, you- you work in
some museum in London I heard?
Mmmhmm.
Yeah, no, and I might
even become its director.
Knock... well, knock wood.
And you, you're some
fancy architect now?
[laughs]
Fancy? I don't know.
I mean, I'm working for a big
commercial firm up in Boston.
I'm glad we're
all caught up.
Excuse me.
Eleanor, why didn't you tell me
about Duncan?
I tried.
You didn't wanna know.
I'm gonna make some tea.
Besides, it's high time
you two buried the hatchet.
Duncan.
This has been lovely.
I am going to go take a little
look around.
Be my guest.
Or my guest.
This place is still amazing.
A window back
to the 1890's.
They don't build houses
like this anymore.
And that's a good thing.
Give me a modern condo
any day.
A place you can heat
with up-to-date plumbing
and electrical.
It's still magical though.
Yeah, it might look magical
but this place is slowly
falling apart.
Note the buckets.
It's seen some disrepair since
the last time you visited,
not to mention half of the rooms
are already closed up.
You see the problem?
Yeah, I'm starting to.
Grace used to hold her
Gilded Age Ball in here.
Yep, this place has definitely
seen better days.
The last two years I've been
coming down here
on the weekends to help Grace
out with the upkeep when I can.
That's surprisingly charitable
of you.
A brief lapse in judgement,
I assure you.
But seriously, this place
is an absolute money pit
and needs to be sold off
at the earliest opportunity.
Assuming you own it,
which you don't.
Which I do, and I'm well
on my way
to coming up with a brilliant
sales pitch for it.
That is if the developer,
Mr. Niven,
is open to hearing
my presentation.
Richard Niven
the billionaire?
Ah, you've heard of him.
Yeah, he specializes
in building golf courses
and I've heard he's interested
in opening
a new one around here.
Turn the estate
into a golf course? Seriously?
Oh, I'm sorry.
Did- did you have a better plan
for this place?
Not at this exact moment
but surely there must be
a better option
than turning a magnificent
estate into some putting green.
This is 1890's at its finest.
The stained glass,
the marble floors-
Out with the old,
in with the new.
Oooh! Duncan, how can
you be so blind
to all the history around you?
How can you be so blind
to the bottom line?
Listen, Frank Lloyd Wrong,
you are not going to move
a stone of this mansion.
Ok. Well then
what do you suggest?
This has got to be
some big mistake.
Aunt Grace would never put me in
such an impossible situation.
I suggest that we get
a little clarity
from H.K. Rourke,
Attorney at Law,
and figure this out
in the morning.
Fine.
Fine.
Which hotel are you staying
at in town?
Hmm?
Hmm?
Hotel? No, I'm not staying
at a hotel.
I'm staying in the west wing.
Of my mansion.
Great.
Then I'll be staying in
the east wing of my mansion.
Great.
Mmm.
I'm gonna go that way
to the east wing.
Yeah, that's fine.
Thank you.
After you.
Mmmhmm.
Stop watching me leave.
You stop first.
[phone ringing]
Lucy, how's life
on your estate?
Where do I start?
It turns out
Duncan is staying here, too.
Duncan?
His father was the caretaker.
He used to live here.
But he's impossible,
as always.
Duncan thinks he inherited
half the estate.
Co-owners of an estate,
that sounds kind of romantic.
Trust me, it is the opposite
of romantic.
But I have to admit,
he does look pretty good.
Oh, details, please.
What does he look like?
A little bit like our statue
of Marc Antony.
But with the same flair
for betrayal.
He's got some scheme to turn
the place into a golf course.
A golf course?
Well, that seems a bit daft.
Exactly.
But as soon as we figure
this whole thing out
with the lawyers in the morning
I am going to send
Duncan packing.
Well, good luck, Lucy.
Thanks, Jose.
I'll need it.
[loud grunts]
What is happening out there?
Hey. Hey, Duncan.
Oh, a beautiful
morning to ya.
I see you're still not
an early riser.
You ever hear of a little thing
called jet lag?
Vaguely.
But I'm happy to help you
get back on to local time.
Ok, look.
I'm a little tired.
I could really use some
more sleep.
Do you have to do that
right now?
Well, if you want a hot shower
before we go visit
the lawyers then yes,
the water heater's down so I
gotta fire up the old boiler.
[loud grunt]
Well, can you chop more quietly,
please?
Oh, you bet.
[loud grunt]
I give up.
You are H.K. Rourke.
Yes, but Hannah is fine.
Hi, Duncan.
Hello, Hannah.
So you two know each other?
Duncan took me to
the Newport Regatta.
Oh.
How lovely.
Well, please. Sit down.
First, let me extend
my sympathies.
Grace was a big part
of our community.
Thank you. I really miss her.
I do, too.
That's why it's a little odd to
be talking business right now.
And that brings us to the
question of what happens next.
Well, Duncan,
regarding that mistake
that you called me about.
It's actually not a mistake.
Regarding Grace's will
the situation is actually
quite clear.
Simply put, you both
own the estate.
What?
But how can that be?
What she said.
Grace was quite specific
in her will.
She arranged that you should
both own 50 percent.
And I'm sorry that I couldn't
explain the full situation
until you had both arrived,
but Grace had sworn me
to secrecy.
Duncan,
Grace mentioned
in her will how much
she appreciates everything
you and your family did
for her over the years and she
wanted to extend her gratitude.
And Lucy, Grace knew
that you loved that place
as much as she did
and you would always
have its best interests
at heart.
Which is why it makes absolutely
no sense
that Grace would do this.
Well, that much we agree on.
Ok, so if I own half...
And I own half.
Then we have to come
to some sort of agreement.
Look, the truth of the matter is
the house is all that's left of
the great Wycliffe fortune.
There's a small stipend to pay
for Eleanor but that's it.
And I'm here if you guys
have any more questions.
Thank you very much for taking
the time, Hannah.
We appreciate it.
Oh hey, Duncan, um...
really good news.
My client, Mr. Niven,
has agreed to hear
your golf course presentation.
I hope it helps.
Thanks.
Yeah.
So Hannah is the one who found
your potential buyer?
Yeah, for a small 10 percent
finder's fee.
She's just trying to help.
In London we'd call that a wee
conflict of interest.
Ok. How about we find
a civilized way
of ironing this all out?
Over breakfast maybe?
Still got a weakness
for waffles?
I'm buying.
You read my mind.
Pancakes and waffles.
Will do, Duncan.
Thank you.
And for you, miss?
Wait, Lucy?
Randall.
It's so good to see you.
Hi. Wow. Duncan and Lucy.
Nice to see you two
together again.
(Both): We're not together.
Duncan, you didn't
tell me Lucy's back in town.
Well, that's because I'm as
surprised as you are, my friend.
Well, welcome home, Lucy.
You still like your waffles
with strawberries
and a pyramid of whipped cream?
You have a fantastic memory.
So what've you been up to?
Just working here, helping
Eleanor when she has errands,
helping out with the festival.
You should stop by
if you have time.
I'd love to.
Ok. I'll put this in.
Randall's still a hoot.
At least he had the courtesy
to send me
a Christmas card
every now and again.
You left the country.
You never replied
to any of my letters.
You know what?
Water under the bridge.
So how is it that
you're still so close
with everyone here
in Newton?
I thought you were some
high-flying architect
in the big city.
I have been coming down
to Newton every weekend
for one reason and one reason
only and that is the estate.
It is a monster that needs
constant feeding
and I am finished with it.
But that house has been here
for over 100 years.
How can you turn your back
on it?
Easy. Look, Lucy, if we could
just sell this estate
I would have the funds to start
my own architecture firm
and you could go back to London
with a tidy little nest egg.
What do you say?
But if Niven goes for it,
what happens to the estate?
Well, the plans that I suggested
would see the grounds
opened up for the fairways
and we would probably have
to lose the coach house,
the gardens-
Bulldoze the gardens?
Duncan, over my dead body.
Do you have any idea
what it takes to maintain
an estate like this?
No, but I wanna leave it
in good hands.
I don't know, maybe I could
get it designated
as a historical landmark
and then I could start
applying for grants
to protect it.
We would be lucky if Niven
picked it up.
Our other option is putting it
on the market
and honestly, at this rate, it
wouldn't even pass inspection.
Ok, so what
do you propose?
I suggest that we sell off
a few odds and ends
so we have the funds
to patch up the roof
while we try to figure out
what to do with
the rest of the place.
Fine.
Ooh.
Did you know that Belgian
waffles were invented
in the 1800's by the Prince
Bishop of Liege?
Nobody knows that, Lucy.
[laughs]
Well, what do you think,
dad?
My money's on Lucy.
She always was headstrong
as a kid.
True, but Duncan's
always got a trick or two
up his sleeve.
It's a shame they can't just-
Work together. I know.
Of course, maybe they
just need a nudge.
Coffee. Coffee. Coffee.
Coff-
what? No, out.
Out.
Shoo. Shoo. Shoo.
Shoo. Shoo.
Go on.
Out. Out. Out. Out.
Go!
Morning.
Where's Eleanor?
Uh, she left a note.
She went to town to help out
with the festival
and left breakfast on the stove.
Meanwhile, why don't
you put your world class
architectural skills to use and
fix the lock on the kitchen door
so Percy will stay
where he belongs?
Percy?
I mean the sheep that just
pushed his way into the kitchen.
Why Percy?
Because he's so persistent.
Huh. Sounds like somebody
else I know.
I'll add it to the list.
So I've totaled the amount
of money we'll need
for the essential fixes before
we can even show this place.
We'll need to touch up
the paint,
fix some of these windows,
and of course pay the roofers.
Better get started.
This house has lasted
for 100 years.
I think it can make it
through breakfast.
No time like the present.
Duncan. Duncan, what're you
doing with those?
We need money to fix
the roof, remember?
So I thought we could sell off
a few of these things
at the antique auction
in Newton.
It's just collecting dust.
But these are
Aunt Grace's things
and Wycliffe family heirlooms.
Sacrificing themselves
to keep this house
from falling apart seems like
the most noble duty of all.
It's just random stuff.
Random stuff?
That is a 19th century
oil painting.
Yeah.
Of, like, trees.
And that antique Venetian vase
is in perfect condition.
What, this old thing?
Oh!
Oh, those chandeliers
in the great hall
are probably worth something.
No. Duncan, I love those.
Ok.
How about this?
We've got dozens of these.
Those are emblematic of
the fascination
in the 1890's of botany
and floral history.
We have to keep at least one.
Ok. What is your obsession
with history?
No, those are treasures and...
this is Aunt Grace's diary.
We certainly can't sell that.
Ok, granted, that was a mistake.
What about this painting
with the pretty girl in it?
Haha, very funny.
This Victorian hall stand
is an antique.
Lucy, be practical for once.
We need to fix this roof.
[sighs]
Ok. Fine. But make it quick.
Ready?
Ok.
And this one?
I'm proud of you.
I'm going to give Randall a call
and see if he can give us a hand
to bring this down to auction.
I'm going with you to make
sure you get a fair price.
Deal.
[piano playing]
Sold.
One antique oil painting
for $1,200.
Not bad. That's $3,000 in total.
Alright, I'll admit it.
You have an eye for this stuff.
Oh my, a compliment.
Will the wonders ever cease?
Alright.
[laughs]
It's like traveling
back in time.
It's fascinating, isn't it?
Mmmhmm.
Yeah, fascinating.
You know, that beer garden
back there
sounds pretty fascinating, too.
You want to join me?
You go ahead.
I'm going to browse.
Lucy Windsor?
Is that you?
Mr. and Mrs. Jorgensen.
You remember my husband Marcus?
Of course.
Lucy, it's been ages.
Randall told us you were
in town.
Grace would be so happy
to have you back home.
You're here to handle
the estate, no doubt?
Yes.
And give Hannah Rourke
a little competition?
You and Duncan were pretty
serious back in the day.
Are they, uh, dating?
No, but Hannah's the top shot
in the darts contest every year
and Duncan's got a bullseye
on his back
whether he knows it or not.
[laughs]
Well, she can tag and release
him for all I'm concerned.
Well, Eleanor says that
you're undecided about
what's to come of the estate.
Yes, things are up in the air
but we'll figure it out.
Lucy, you must come by
the cafe for dinner
to welcome you back to town.
I would love to but I'm a little
concerned about leaving Duncan
and the estate alone,
goodness knows what he'll try
to sell off next.
Well, bring him along, then.
The more the merrier.
Yeah.
Ok. Sure.
See you then.
Ok.
We'll take it.
Well, that's very gallant
of you.
Are you buying me a gift
with our money?
No, I got this.
We need every cent of our
antique money for the repairs.
Ok, I take back what I said.
You always did have
a tiny sweet spot.
Mmm.
So now you remember.
Too bad posterity will remember
you as the guy
who tried to turn a landmark
into a sand trap.
Right. And uh, remind me,
what was your idea again?
I told you, I'm thinking on it.
Oh, can I grab one of these?
Egg cream?
You know the way
to a girl's heart.
Just like old times.
Ooh, those look pretty yummy.
Yeah, it smells good.
Yeah.
Oh, look at these.
Wow.
Can you believe we once
dressed like this?
Decades from now some modern
architect will be saying
the same thing
about photographs of us.
Oh, I love imagining
who these people were.
Where they worked, where they
lived, who they loved.
I forgot how much I loved
this festival.
The antiques and the costumes.
It's all so unique.
Shame it's only once a year.
It's too bad it can't last
all ye-
What?
Nothing.
Can we go back
to the estate now?
Yeah.
(Josephine): So how's the life
of leisure?
A lot more work than I expected.
And Duncan?
He's still got a
Napoleon complex
mixed with a dash
of Genghis Khan.
But in spite of Duncan's plans
I have an idea to save
this place.
Uh-oh, I can hear the wheels
turning from here.
What's your plan?
Well, it's just that there's
so much history in this town
and I realized the estate
doesn't have to be
just a historical landmark.
Visitors can step back in time.
Like that colonial Williamsburg
my nephew visited.
Exactly.
The town is the perfect stop
on the mansion tourist circuit
and our little Newton doesn't
even have one museum.
The challenge is going to be
how to make it happen.
Well, if anyone can make
it happen it's you.
Oh, and Lucy, don't forget
your conference call
with the trustees is
in four days.
I'll be ready.
Thank you, Josephine.
Bye.
Bye.
You seriously think
that plan's gonna work?
Were you eavesdropping?
I can't help it.
Echo-y halls.
Oh.
You're not afraid of a little
competition, are you?
Afraid? Not a chance.
So as co-owners of the estate
you don't mind if I present
an alternative proposal
to your potential buyer?
Mr. Niven?
Mmmhmm.
Of course not.
It'll keep you out of my hair
while I work on my proposal.
Please, have at it.
Ok.
And whichever idea
Niven supports
we both agree to approve.
Sure. I'm game.
Have fun.
I'm gonna save your house,
Aunt Grace.
[classical music plays]
You mind turning down
your music?
Really?
Come on, Duncan.
It helps me think.
It literally prevents me
from thinking.
Fine.
[starts humming]
Ok, now you're humming.
Lucy, there are literally 39
other rooms in this place.
You sure you don't wanna work
in one of them?
Since the estate's half mine I
believe this table is half mine
and this room inspires me.
How's that presentation
coming along?
Great.
Did I tell you about
my idea to turn the solarium
into a botanical exhibit?
Did I tell you about my plan
to turn the solarium
into a pro shop?
Huh. According to my web search
there are already four other
golf courses within 30 miles.
Does this area
really need another?
According to my research
it could take years
to get a site declared
a historical landmark.
Tsk tsk.
Ah.
So you've been researching
my idea.
Guess my plan's got you
a little intrigued.
Yeah, guilty. Intrigued.
At how completely impractical
you still are.
But just for argument's sake,
how would you possibly
fund this?
I'm going to devote part
of the house
to showcase antique vendors
and local craftspeople
from town and we could
sell their goods here.
It's called revenue.
Revenue.
Mmmhmm.
And that revenue would be
enough to keep
this entire place running?
I think it's worth a try.
I think you still got
your head up in the clouds.
[turns music back on]
Alright, you know what?
If we're going to share
this estate
then maybe we should set
some house rules.
Great idea.
For starters how about
no drying your laundry
on the priceless antiques?
Fine.
If you agree to no more than
one hour of your music a day.
Fine.
Now, if that's all,
we are due at the pub
for dinner tonight.
We?
Look, I said yes
for both of us.
I couldn't help it.
Yeah, that's great.
I'm starving.
I'll see you downstairs
in five minutes.
Well, look who's here.
Our guests of honor.
What's all this?
It's nothing.
Just a little dinner to welcome
you back home to Newton.
You didn't have to do this.
Nonsense.
You two are officially
our guests of honor.
Thank you.
I sense a trap.
So I hope these rumors aren't
true of selling the estate
and high-tailing it out of town.
You wanna take this one?
We're still trying to figure
things out,
but I am working on a plan
to save the old place.
Well, Wycliffe House
is this town's heritage
and I can't think of anyone
better than you two
to watch over it.
To Wycliffe House.
[together] To Wycliffe House.
You know, Lucy,
I remember all
those summers you visited Grace.
You always seemed
so at home here.
Name one thing that London
has that we don't have here.
Ok, uh...
the museums.
[laughs]
I'd say this whole town
is a museum.
[laughter]
Can't argue that.
Look, all joking aside,
I love it here.
But my dream job is
waiting for me back in England.
Dream job, huh?
Well, I'll admit a dream job's
pretty serious.
But desserts like this
only come once in a lifetime.
Desserts?
(Group): Oooh.
Truly, you didn't have
to do all this.
Oh, but we did.
See, your Aunt Grace has helped
every single person in this town
in one way or another and Marcus
and I got engaged at the ball
that your aunt used to throw
every year
and Randall learned to ride
at your stables
and it's high time
that we repaid the favor.
Welcome back.
Welcome back.
Welcome back, Lucy.
I love this part of the estate.
I had forgotten how hospitable
everyone is in this town.
Yeah, some things
never change.
I'm starting to get the feeling
that they're trying to convince
us to stay.
Well, I could think of worse
things than staying.
You hear that?
What?
The sound of the crickets
instead of us squabbling.
It's pretty nice.
Hey, tell me something.
What happened that last summer
we were here together?
You were headed off
to grad school.
You were gonna be thousands
of miles away.
How could it have worked?
So you just cut and ran?
It was the practical
thing to do.
Mmm.
Practical. Again.
Someone had to be.
You were always the dreamer.
Ok, look. I... I know my idea
is just a pipe dream
and you're right.
It does take forever to get
a historical designation
but I can't just sit by
and watch all of this go away.
This estate is home to way too
many happy memories for me and-
and Aunt Grace-
I miss Grace, too.
You forget, I lived here
year round.
I know every inch
of this place.
I grew up here.
I went to Boston
to start over
but Grace needed my help
and this estate
and all of its needs kept
calling me back
over and over and over.
I need to be done with it.
This firm is the most important
thing to me.
I've always been focused
on the past
and you've always been focused
on the future.
Who says history
has to repeat itself?
What do you mean?
Ok, well let's face it.
A house divided
cannot stand.
Go on.
I want a historical site,
you want a golf course.
Why can't we have both?
I am not following you.
How about a resort
that showcases history?
It's the best of both worlds.
Interesting.
But Niven is expecting a golf
course, plain and simple.
But he's a business man,
and we'd be doubling the
potential revenue stream
and preserving history.
More tourists flock
to this town every year.
That's an opportunity.
True.
And we could hold Grace's
Gilded Age Ball
just like she used to do
and really show off
the estate to Niven
the way it's meant to be seen.
That seems very ambitious.
We have two days
to come up with a sales pitch.
What do you think?
A golf course that doubles
as a history park.
Yeah, why not?
Maybe it's the moonlight
but I think you might be
on to something.
Deal?
Deal.
[laughs]
So the fountain stays put.
That's right.
And we won't have
to move a stone.
And then the great hall
becomes our grand lobby.
We make a pretty good team.
Like Hamilton and Burr.
Before all that unpleasantness.
Sure. What's next?
You know, for an architect
you have some pretty
good hands-on skills.
Thanks. My dad used to let me
help him fix things
around the house.
Do you know that Aunt Grace
and Arthur
were married here
on the estate?
I wonder how many other weddings
this property has seen.
Weddings.
That's not a bad idea
to add to the proposal.
Yeah.
You know, courtship in the late
1800's was truly fascinating.
A gentleman's invitation to
a dance was often delivered
to a lady in a letter to avoid
any misunderstanding,
and suitors would woo their
beloved with moonlit serenades
and poetry and acts of chivalry,
of course.
Sounds exhausting.
[laughs]
Will you help me move this,
please?
Sure.
Oh, watch out!
Chivalrous.
Well, I think I'm gonna go
wash up
and then what do you say we head
to the festival?
Oh, it is so great
that you're bringing back
Grace's Gilded Age Ball.
Well, it is the finale
of our pitch to Niven
to preserve Wycliff House.
Give me those.
I'll put these up around town.
That'll show Niven what
Wycliff means to this town.
Take a shot, folks.
Take a shot,
and win a prize.
Come on. Take a shot
and win a prize.
Take home a beautiful antique
vase from the Gilded Age.
Miss, what about you?
Oh, no, no, no.
Thank you very much.
Come on, Lucy. It looks fun.
I bet you picked up some skills
back in England.
The only targets I'm
used to hitting these days
are third quarter donations. No.
Thank you. No thank you.
I get it.
You're scared.
That's cool.
Scared?
Ok. Since you put it
that way,
I'll take two turns.
I'll show you who is scared.
Blech!
What was that?
Your technique is
all over the place.
Look, may I?
So, the thing with darts is
you gotta line it up
from your shoulders.
Raise your elbow.
Good to go.
Alright. Here goes.
Hey, look who's here.
Looks like you're getting into
the spirit of things, Lucy.
We're just taking a break
from the estate to enjoy
the festival.
You know what?
This does look like fun.
I'm gonna play, too.
Hannah, you clear out
all my prizes every year.
Thank you.
Duncan's been really
mysterious lately,
what have you two been up to?
Just trying to do what's best
for our place.
Well, I've set up the perfect
opportunity for you.
I hope you're ready for Niven.
Maybe your sales pitch is more
on target than your dart game.
And then you can be done with
the estate and head back home.
That is still the plan,
isn't it?
Yes.
Yes, it is.
Don't feel bad, Lucy.
It's an acquired skill.
You know, at Oxford we start
with our weaker hand
when we play freshmen.
[applause]
It won me a round or two.
Ooh, thank you.
That's nice.
Uh, that was amazing.
[laughing]
I'm glad my post-grad
came in handy for something.
Thank you for sharing.
Mmm.
You're welcome.
Sharing an estate is easy.
Sharing my popcorn,
that's a challenge.
Well, I'd say we're doing
a pretty good job at it.
You know, we were always
different.
But somehow it just works.
You know what they say
about opposites.
So uh, you and Hannah
seem pretty close, huh?
Sure. I mean, she's been
very helpful with things.
You sure it ends there?
Yes, I am sure it ends there.
[laughs]
What about you?
Are you, uh, are you
seeing anyone back in London?
No, not really.
The last guy I dated
was perfectly nice
but he just didn't appreciate
the things I'm passionate about,
you know?
The final straw was when
I caught him listening
to a cricket match at
a Michelangelo exhibit.
[thunder rolls]
Woah.
We should probably head back.
Yeah, and I've got a conference
call to prepare.
Not to mention a Gilded
Age Ball to plan.
Let's go.
Brr, that came down fast!
Let's get a fire started,
warm this place up.
It'll be a lot easier to fix
things up around here
if our fingers aren't
frozen solid.
That's good.
Hurry up.
I'm trying.
Get closer. I'm freezing.
[phone rings]
Work calls. Again.
Alright, well I'll just be right
here trying to get this lit.
Hi, Josephine.
Lucy, how's the life of luxury?
[laughs]
Lovely.
Just missing a few modern
conveniences like heating.
Can you hear my
teeth chattering?
And Duncan?
Still a battle of wills?
Actually he's been a little more
Gandhi than Genghis lately.
Go figure.
Well I just wanted to let you
know that I emailed you
the spreadsheets you asked for
with all of the donor totals
for your call.
Perfect, thank you.
And I'll give you a heads up
when I know what time your
call is with the trustees.
In the meantime,
stay warm.
Bye, Josephine. Thank you.
Bye.
(Duncan): Finally!
This is better.
Everything ok
on the home front?
Yeah. Just getting my ducks in
a row for my conference call
with the trustees.
The big promotion.
Mmmhmm.
You really want
this new job, huh?
Of course I do.
Then why don't you sound
so convinced?
It's just I got into museum work
because I love history.
Preserving the past.
Sharing a story that's been
told for centuries.
But my job keeps pulling me away
from all that.
You know, so much of the real
work is politics and red tape.
Budgets and donors.
So would this new promotion,
this-this dream job,
allow you to do more of
what you love?
Actually, I don't know.
Then why exactly
do you want it?
[knocking]
Who could that be?
I just invited a few
friends over.
That's how I think
you all can showcase
your merchandise right here.
So I could exhibit my vintage
costumes here.
Exactly.
And Eleanor,
I was thinking
you could showcase your baking
skills in a little bakery
we'll set up in the downstairs
kitchen.
Wonderful.
You know, I bet half the folks
in town would jump at the chance
to sell their antiques
and crafts up here
to visiting guests.
That's the idea.
And if our buyer
goes for our proposal,
your crafts and antiques will
have a home here year round.
So what do you think?
I'd say we think
it's all a great idea.
Fantastic.
Well, I'll need you
all to be set up
for our presentation
to Niven.
And we expect to see you
all tomorrow at the-
Ball, tomorrow night.
We can't wait.
Oh, we look forward to seeing
you take the first dance.
Just like Grace and Arthur
used to do.
First dance?
Well, we can't argue
with tradition, can we?
Wait a second.
Don't tell me that you are still
self-conscious about dancing.
A little.
Ok. How about a little
refresher course?
[plays music]
May I have this dance?
I haven't danced in years.
Really?
I thought your job was
just going to fancy parties.
That's not my job.
And anyway, when I do
go to fancy parties
I'm there to schmooze donors.
There's no time for dancing.
Mmmhmm.
And what will happen
after this big promotion?
Double the schmoozing,
I guess.
[giggles]
So um...
I've got some things
I wanna-
No, no. I have- no, I do,
because of the conference-
That's right.
The big conference call
that I need to prep for, so...
Thanks for the dance.
Yes. Yeah, yeah, yeah.
I'll uh-
Yeah, good luck.
Thank you.
Any time.
Good-bye
Bye.
Hey.
Hey. So, you and Lucy ready
for the ball?
Yeah, yeah. I'd say so.
Of course you realize,
my friend,
you now have
a second chance.
At what?
Come on, Duncan.
Lucy was the one that got away.
We both know it.
Yeah, well, she's heading back
to London soon
and history
will repeat itself.
Mmm.
As I recall last time she left
you didn't exactly beg her
to stay.
It was the responsible thing
to do.
Well, maybe there's a reason
you and Lucy
are back in each
other's lives now.
But you'll never know
if you hold yourself back.
Thanks.
Thank you.
Oh, Eleanor, those
smell delicious.
Will you put them over there
on the table for me please?
You got it.
Thank you. What do you think
about this here?
Oh, perfect.
Your aunt would be so proud of
everything you've done here.
Thank you.
Lucy. You got a second?
What is it? Niven's gonna be
here any minute.
I know, I know, I just want
to show you something.
Ok.
Ta-dah. I snuck it down
to Randall's
for a little rust removal
and polish.
It looks amazing.
Everything does.
Oh yeah, and Eleanor even found
some of Grace's old decorations.
So, you feeling ready
for tonight?
Yeah, I guess.
But I have to admit,
I am a little nervous.
Oh, come on.
Was Joan of Arc nervous when she
rallied those French troops?
Well... no, but things didn't
work out very well for her.
Ok, that's a good point,
good point.
Um, well, was Cleopatra
nervous?
Did she retreat when
the Greeks showed up?
It was the Romans actually,
not the Greeks,
but anyway those are important
figures from history.
That's exactly my point.
So are you.
Um... we should finish
getting ready.
Yeah. Yeah, yeah.
Welcome, Mr. Niven.
Thank you for your interest
in buying Wycliff House.
My pleasure.
Hannah's told me great things
about you both.
Well, we have a vision
to present to you today,
and though it might not be quite
what you expected
we believe it's an even
better opportunity
than just a golf course.
So, without further ado...
Imagine a resort with all the
amenities of a five-star hotel.
Golf, a spa, luxury
accommodations...
and with all the history
of a world-class museum.
And as the guests wander
through the estate...
They will stroll back in time
and imagine themselves
as Vanderbilts or Morgans,
living the lives of gentlemen
or debutants.
They will walk amid living
history and experience life
in the Gilded Age first-hand.
And then afterwards they might
enjoy a round of golf
or a cocktail by the fire.
Please follow me.
And our rose garden provides
the ideal location
for weddings and events.
While paying homage to
the estate's historic character.
All with five-star dining
and accommodations.
All our plans are here
in our proposal
and uh, here's our vision of
how the house
can be renovated
and preserved.
A fusion of historic splendor
and modern luxury
while keeping this magnificent
estate intact.
All while delivering one of
the finest golf courses
in New England.
Please.
Thank you.
What is going on?
This is not what we discussed.
It's fine.
Everything is gonna
be fine.
You'll see. Just wait
until tomorrow.
And you'll still get
your finder's fee, I promise.
Oh I hope you know
what you're doing.
More and more people
are visiting the town
of Newton lately,
making this a unique business
opportunity for you.
But it's more than that.
I spent all my summers here
as a girl
and it was the happiest time
of my life.
I'd like others to experience
that, too.
Which is why I'd like to make
this a condition of the sale.
And on that note,
let me show you
where you could plan to put
the back nine.
And at our ball tonight
you'll get a glimpse of
what life was like here
in the Gilded Age.
Looking forward to it.
[phone rings]
I hate to interrupt
your fairytale
but I'm trying to round up
all of the trustees for
your conference call later
but everyone's in different
time zones.
One's traveling in Dubai,
another in Singapore...
I'll keep you posted.
Great.
I'm just juggling a few things
here but I'll be ready.
(Duncan): Lucy, the caterers
are here I need your help!
Sounds like a gentleman
caller awaits.
I have to get ready
for the ball.
Have fun, and I'll give you
one hour heads up
before your call so
that you can get settled.
Perfect.
Thanks, Josephine.
Bye.
[classical music plays]
I would have invited
you by sending a letter
but I was worried
that it would take too...
You look amazing.
You look pretty nice yourself.
Thanks. I um, I borrowed
this from Randall.
I'm feeling a little
overdressed.
Don't. It suits you.
Shall we?
May I introduce,
our hosts for the evening,
Lucy and Duncan of
Wycliff House.
[applause]
Lucy, aren't you a vision?
Oh, your aunt would be so happy
there's dancing in
the ballroom again.
Thank you, Eleanor.
You know, I would take this
over some stuffy donor's
cocktail party any day.
I don't see Niven.
Lucy, it's time.
Your aunt always opened
the gala with a few words.
Hey, thanks for coming.
Hey.
Thank you all
for coming tonight.
Before our evening begins
I want to share with you
something my Aunt Grace
always told me.
How her grandfather-in-law,
Henry Wycliff,
felt that this house
was for everyone.
Here the gardener
might find himself at dinner
eating peach pie next to
President Grover Cleveland.
Henry opened his doors
to all
and my Aunt Grace would be
so happy to know
that we're keeping
that spirit alive tonight.
I'm not sure I can follow
in my Aunt Grace's footsteps
but I will try my best.
And on that note, let
the first dance begin.
[applause]
You ready?
Ready as I'll ever be.
You ok?
Everyone is staring.
You're right, but I think
they're staring at me.
Wondering how I got such
a beautiful dance partner.
[classical music playing]
[classical music playing]
So you're due back
in London next week.
Well, I suppose every
good fairytale
has to have an ending.
Maybe.
Being back here, I've remembered
some history.
What?
How happy I used to be here.
How happy I am now.
[phone alert]
What is it?
Josephine's been texting.
I missed it.
Sorry, Duncan.
I'll be back as soon as I can.
[sheep baas]
Josephine.
I am so sorry I missed
your call.
It was so noisy here I couldn't
hear the phone ring.
Lucy, are you ready?
Yeah. For when?
Uh... for now?
Your conference call
with the trustees?
[baaing]
Hi everybody.
Uh, Lucy, is that a sheep
behind you?
Yep.
And now I'd like to talk you
through some numbers.
How'd it go?
Honestly... not great.
I'm sorry.
Between the sheep, the music,
and keeping them waiting
an hour,
it was kind of a disaster.
[laughs]
But the good news is at least
I can finally relax now.
How about a dance?
That sounds great.
Thank you for a truly
wonderful evening.
Let me read over your proposal
and run the numbers
and I'll have an answer for you
by 8:30 tomorrow morning.
Good night.
Good night.
Good night. After you.
No pressure.
No pressure at all.
8:30, right on time.
Duncan, whatever happens,
I really wanna thank you
for trying to do something
noble here
and meeting me halfway.
I would say we make
a pretty great team.
Great party last night.
And I went over the
numbers afterwards.
I like the property.
Like the views,
like the town.
But I'm a straight shooter.
I'm afraid restoring this estate
to its former glory
would simply costs too much.
This place likely needs updated
plumbing, mechanical,
electrical, and other things
we'd only be able to guess at
right now.
So for a full and modern
restoration,
I'm sorry, I'm afraid
the numbers just don't work.
The most cost-effective
solution would be
a simple tear-down
and building a brand new
golf course from the ground up.
And I assume that's what
you'd be proposing-
Sir, you're not seeing
the bigger potential.
No, I'm sorry.
My heart says yes
but the numbers say no.
And the numbers
always win.
I'm afraid my answer is no.
I'm sorry to hear that.
Will you guys just excuse us
for a moment, please?
Let me walk you to your car.
Thank you.
(Hannah): Duncan, I told you
this would happen.
I delivered you a buyer on a
silver platter and all you had
to do was go along
with the plan.
I told Niven that you would be
presenting him
with a golf course.
And we gave him one.
And more.
Look, Lucy and I thought that-
You and Lucy?
You promised to get Lucy
on board.
Not throw me overboard.
Look, you said it yourself.
It was fine to tear down the
estate if that's what it took
to make the sale.
Yes, yes, I said it was fine
to tear down the estate,
but now I think we have
a better option.
Which Niven doesn't want.
Ok, look. We have about a day
to sell Niven
on the plan that he expected.
I suggest that you come up with
something to change his mind.
[door slams]
Just give me a second.
Lucy!
So you're still fine tearing
down the entire place?
Were you- were you just snooping
on me?
Echo-y halls, remember?
Yeah, I uh- I promised Hannah
that I'd try to convince you
to sell to Niven.
To level the estate
for a golf course.
Well, it just- it felt like the
most practical plan at the time-
Practical.
Again, more proof we were
never right for each other.
I don't know why I'm
so surprised, Duncan.
You always do what's right
for you.
Wait, that's not... Lucy...
Lucy.
[phone rings]
Isabelle. I am so sorry
about last night.
Why would you need to apologize?
Well, after the whole
teleconference fiasco.
Yes, well, Lucy,
your spreadsheets spoke
for themselves.
So I hope you're getting
a chance to relax
because when you get back
you'll have some
big shoes to step into.
Which shoes?
Specifically mine.
The trustees voted
to approve you.
You're kidding.
There'll be a boost in salary,
of course.
That's wonderful.
Yes, and we'll discuss it
all on Monday
when you're back in London.
You need an answer now?
Lucy, perhaps you
don't understand.
The trustees approved you.
You got the job you wanted.
The one a million people
would kill for.
Yes.
No, um... of course,
I'm as happy as...
As Alexander when he conquered
Egypt in 332 B.C.?
Yes.
No, exactly.
I gladly accept the job,
Isabelle.
Thank you.
And I will see you tomorrow
when I fly back to London.
Good.
Bye-bye.
Oh, Lucy. You're up early.
I was wondering if you could
give me a ride to the airport?
Oh. Of course.
I didn't know you were going
back to England so soon.
Honestly, neither did I.
Well, um, just let me finish up
here and I'll get my coat
and I'll be right with you.
Ok.
Marcus, we got a problem.
I'm really gonna miss
this place.
And you'll be missed
in Newton.
So how long is your flight back?
Door to door
about 10 hours but uh,
I brought some reading.
Aunt Grace's diary.
I thought I'd take it back
with me as a keepsake.
I think Grace would have
liked that.
Goodbye, Lucy.
Goodbye.
Something wrong, Duncan?
You usually wolf down
my Monte Cristo sandwich
in two seconds flat.
Niven flies off in about an hour
and I need to finish this pitch.
You know, Eleanor just called
to tell me Lucy left
for the airport.
She left?
Headstrong as always.
Who's the headstrong one here?
And proud, as well.
You think I'm being proud?
She won't even give me a chance
to explain.
You let her go once.
Are you gonna let her slip
through your fingers again?
What choice do I have?
Go stop her.
I don't think she wants
to see me right now.
You know, your dad and I
were good friends.
If he was here I'm pretty sure
what he'd say.
What's that?
Being caretaker of the estate
was more than just
changing lightbulbs.
Your dad thought he was a
caretaker of something precious.
He knew some things
were worth saving.
Randall? I've got a job for you.
Lucy, Lucy, hey wait!
Duncan,
what're you doing here?
I need to talk to you.
I couldn't let you go back
to London again
without you understanding.
I never wanted to let you go
that last summer.
I know.
I... I read Aunt Grace's journal
and her descriptions of how
you waited for me
every summer before I arrived
and how sad you were
every summer after I left.
I need you to give me
one more chance.
A chance for what?
I've been working on this
proposal for Niven.
It's a long shot but I think
he might just go for it.
Would you just postpone
your flight for one more day?
I don't know, Duncan.
You were right, it does seem
a little impractical.
Letting you go is the most
practical decision
that I have ever made.
It's also the worst decision
of my entire life.
Now I'm asking you
to trust me.
Please.
What did you have in mind?
I will tell you all about it
on the way back.
But right now I believe we have
a billionaire to catch.
Ok.
Right, no. I understand.
Mr. Niven's time
is incredibly limited.
Ok. We will certainly try.
Thank you so much.
Yeah.
Bye-bye.
Ok, so Niven is flying out
to Aspen to meet his grandkids
but his assistant said that
we might be able to catch him
before he checks out of his
hotel and heads to the airport
but he's leaving very soon.
You my ride?
Yes sir. That I am.
(Lucy): Shoot, it's the
festival. I forgot.
(Duncan): It's the last day.
We'll have to go on foot.
(Lucy): Alright.
Oh, wow. We gotta hurry.
Ok, come on. Follow me.
Excuse me.
Excuse us.
Excuse me.
Oh, this is impossible.
Sorry.
Sorry.
Listen, young man, I've got
a plane waiting for me.
I just can't figure it out.
It's never happened before.
I probably just flooded
the engine.
I'll have it up and running
in no time.
Hey, Duncan, hold up.
Come here.
How much?
Ah, look at that.
Ready to go.
Unless, do you wanna
grab a bite?
I know a great
restaurant nearby.
Just drive, please.
Right.
Mr. Niven!
Do you have just a minute
or two?
Look, I appreciate your efforts
but you need to understand that
I'm not in the habit of
reconsidering an offer
I've already turned down.
Right, but we're not talking
about a purchase anymore,
we're talking about a small
seed investment.
Less risk for you,
much more return.
Now, you told us that your heart
said yes
but the numbers said no,
right?
Well, now I think you'll find
the numbers say yes.
I was able to re-work
some of the renovation costs
and save us some money so
after an initial investment
we can renovate as we go
funded solely by profits.
It's all in here.
I'll look at it on the plane.
But even assuming your numbers
add up why would
I want to invest in
a historical resort?
For a reason you can't
put a price on.
Preserving your legacy.
You're a grandfather, right?
Ok, well how do you want
your grandkids
to remember their grandpa?
As the generous man who
put them through college.
[laughs]
My aunt used to tell me stories
about another generous man.
A railroad baron named
Henry Wycliff
who was a very wealthy man
but he also wanted everyone
around him
to live rich lives, too.
He built this whole town.
Its parks, its library.
His spirit is everywhere here.
You can see for yourself.
It's all in here.
People still remember
his generosity
and if you have the vision
to help preserve his legacy
then maybe in 100 years
from now
people will be remembering you
with the same fondness.
That's the great thing
about history.
It lasts forever.
I'll be in touch.
Let's go.
I just got off the phone
with Hannah.
I think you may have
just sold him on it.
Well, convincing donors
was my job.
Was?
I realized something.
My future isn't in some office
five stories above
the exhibits I love
doing spreadsheets.
My future is here.
So you'll stay?
This is where I belong.
My home is here
and so is my heart.
Great, thank you.
[sighs]
Not bad.
Not bad at all.
So how does it feel to have
your architectural office
in your own house?
My house?
Wait a second,
I thought this was your house.
[laughs]
It's our house.
It's our house.