Romantic Christmas Movie.
#Romantic #movie #Hallmark #Hollywood #cinema #Romance
#Romantic #movie #Hallmark #Hollywood #cinema #Romance
Category
🎥
Short filmTranscript
00:00:00Where is your sister?
00:00:14I need to leave for my shift in an hour.
00:00:16She'll be here.
00:00:17We show up for family dinner every week, don't we?
00:00:20Yes, but you girls might have to finish the tree without me tonight,
00:00:23so that we have enough time to eat.
00:00:25No, we finish the tree together.
00:00:27It's tradition.
00:00:28We'll finish sometime you don't have an overnight.
00:00:30You don't mind coming back?
00:00:32Never.
00:00:33Besides, the more Christmas cheer, the better.
00:00:36After the year I've had.
00:00:38I mean, first Jake and I break up,
00:00:40and then my company closes right before Christmas?
00:00:42It's like everything came crashing down on me all at once.
00:00:45What is that?
00:00:46Well, the job situation wasn't your fault,
00:00:48and you and Jake were not right for each other.
00:00:51I know, but I just hate that I sent him away brokenhearted
00:00:54with an engagement ring in his pocket.
00:00:56Honey, you did what was right for both of you,
00:00:59and he'll see that too someday.
00:01:03Do you think I'm complacent?
00:01:05I think it's an easy trap to fall into
00:01:07when you don't yet know your thing.
00:01:10Well, what if some people never figure out what they're passionate about?
00:01:13I mean, it happens.
00:01:14I studied art history and ended up in insurance.
00:01:17Well, for the time being, yes.
00:01:21Are you happy, Mom?
00:01:24I love what I do,
00:01:26and you girls make me so happy.
00:01:29Knowing that I have raised two smart and sensitive young ladies,
00:01:33that fills me up.
00:01:35That's just it.
00:01:37I don't know what fills me up.
00:01:39I only know that what I've been doing doesn't.
00:01:43Well, then you need to look at this time in your life as an opportunity.
00:01:46It's the shake-ups that show us what we're made of, right?
00:01:52We all learned that when Dad died.
00:01:55We've been okay all these years, haven't we?
00:01:57Just the three of us?
00:01:58Oh, baby, we have done better than okay.
00:02:06Oh, look at this tree.
00:02:09I learned from the best.
00:02:12Your father did love Christmas.
00:02:17And so do I.
00:02:19So, for now, I'm going to enjoy some Christmas with my family,
00:02:24eat more baked goods than should be legal,
00:02:27and figure out what I want to be when I grow up.
00:02:29Now, that sounds like a plan.
00:02:33Well?
00:02:35I got it.
00:02:37Ashford Estate?
00:02:38I am the listing agent.
00:02:39This is my biggest property yet,
00:02:41and my third time with the Marley family.
00:02:43I never doubted it for a second.
00:02:45The Marleys trust you.
00:02:47The Marleys trust you.
00:02:49Something is very wrong with them.
00:02:52Well, you girls can help me bring in dinner,
00:02:54but I'm going to open a bottle of champagne
00:02:57so that you can celebrate while I'm at work.
00:03:01Please tell me that you made a chocolate yule log
00:03:03at street trimming night.
00:03:05Oh, honey, I'm sorry.
00:03:08I did not make a chocolate yule log.
00:03:12I made two,
00:03:14so that you'd each have one to take home.
00:03:37Lizzie?
00:03:44Looks like we had the same idea.
00:03:46Well, it's the first time I haven't had to go into work for a while,
00:03:48so I needed to keep myself busy.
00:03:50You know, me too.
00:03:52But at least the board was able to approve
00:03:54a little Christmas bonus on our severance checks.
00:03:56I just wish they didn't have to close the doors
00:03:58this close to Christmas.
00:04:00You are going to land on your feet, Carla.
00:04:03We all are.
00:04:07You've been a great boss.
00:04:09You deserve to be happy.
00:04:11Oh.
00:04:15This is for you.
00:04:17I saw it and I thought of you.
00:04:19I was going to drop it off later.
00:04:23Merry Christmas.
00:04:25Merry Christmas.
00:04:27You take care.
00:04:41Bye.
00:05:00For over a hundred years,
00:05:02your family has occupied this home.
00:05:04We should write that in our promotional materials.
00:05:07Will the furniture be included as well?
00:05:10Everything in it is for sale,
00:05:12except for what my grandmother wants to take with her.
00:05:14But you'll have to ask her that.
00:05:16She's not speaking to me right now.
00:05:18She's 80, Robert.
00:05:20And she's here all alone, even with this big staff,
00:05:22now that you and your family are in D.C. full-time.
00:05:25You're doing the right thing by selling.
00:05:30Wow, such history here.
00:05:32If only these walls could talk, right?
00:05:34The sooner we unload this place, the better.
00:05:40Boring.
00:05:44Same old...
00:05:46Ugh.
00:05:50What do you want to be, Lizzie?
00:05:52Lizzie?
00:05:54Meg?
00:05:56Do I have a proposition for you?
00:05:58What kind of proposition?
00:06:00I don't know.
00:06:02I don't know.
00:06:04I don't know.
00:06:06I don't know.
00:06:08What kind of proposition?
00:06:10One that comes with a paycheck.
00:06:12Does this involve me working for you?
00:06:14Because we tried that once,
00:06:16and you threw a pizza at me.
00:06:18I was 17,
00:06:20and it's time you stop throwing that in my face.
00:06:22However,
00:06:24this job does involve me,
00:06:26but only in a peripheral manner.
00:06:28It's really good.
00:06:30What is it, and does it come with dental?
00:06:32Okay, so,
00:06:34you know how I'm selling Ashford Estate for Robert Marley?
00:06:36Well, they need a new house manager
00:06:38to oversee the property
00:06:40and prep it for sale.
00:06:42They've gone through like three in the past month.
00:06:44That's a ringing endorsement.
00:06:46What does a house manager even do?
00:06:48You manage the house.
00:06:50Okay.
00:06:52The very wealthy have staff,
00:06:54and then they have staff who manage their staff.
00:06:56Then who manages the manager of the staff?
00:06:58Cute.
00:07:00Come on, you basically did exactly that
00:07:02for seven years at your insurance company.
00:07:04I don't know.
00:07:06I mean, thank you,
00:07:08but I'm just kind of looking for something different.
00:07:10You know, I want to find that thing
00:07:12that's meant for me,
00:07:14like real estate is for you.
00:07:16Yes, but remember,
00:07:18I started off in the payroll department,
00:07:20and then I happened to land on a realtor's desk
00:07:22who needed an assistant,
00:07:24and then she mentored me.
00:07:26I mean, that's how it happens, Lizzie,
00:07:28by chance.
00:07:30And you think this could be my by chance?
00:07:32Who knows?
00:07:34But you love art,
00:07:36and Ashford Estate is a historical landmark.
00:07:38Worst case scenario,
00:07:40you're surrounded by that all day.
00:07:42It's really nice?
00:07:44This place is exceptional.
00:07:46Historic.
00:07:48And it's only temporary,
00:07:50because the place is selling soon,
00:07:52and you might get an invitation
00:07:54to the Marley family Christmas party at Ashford.
00:07:58It is legendary.
00:08:00Only the creme de la creme
00:08:02can get an invitation.
00:08:04It's a huge stepping stone, Lizzie.
00:08:06Come on.
00:08:08Give chance a chance.
00:08:10I mean, yeah, sure.
00:08:12I'll meet him.
00:08:30It's just a house.
00:08:32They could fit four other houses
00:08:34inside of it.
00:08:36Okay.
00:08:40Hi.
00:08:50Hi.
00:08:52Hi.
00:08:54Hi.
00:08:56Hi.
00:08:58Hi.
00:09:00I'm Lizzie.
00:09:02Miss Richfield.
00:09:04We've been expecting you.
00:09:06Oh. Okay. Thanks.
00:09:10This house is huge.
00:09:12But it must cost a heap, this place, huh?
00:09:14I mean, it's got to be 5,000,
00:09:166,000 square feet.
00:09:1820,000, ma'am.
00:09:2020,000 square feet?
00:09:22Sorry.
00:09:24I'm not used to a house
00:09:26with its own echo.
00:09:30Oh.
00:09:34I imagine you need a lot of staff
00:09:36in a place this size, huh?
00:09:38This way, please, Miss Richfield.
00:09:40Oh. Oh. Okay.
00:09:42My last job, I managed 22 employees.
00:09:44Let me tell you the fires
00:09:46I had to put out there.
00:09:48I mean, not actual fires.
00:09:50I'm not trying to imply that I'm a hero.
00:09:52Or that
00:09:54bad things happen on my watch.
00:09:56But you know, I can tell Mr. Marley all this.
00:10:00How long have you worked here?
00:10:02Longer than I can count, Miss Richfield.
00:10:04Or is it Miss Elizabeth?
00:10:06You can just call me Lizzie.
00:10:08Yes, Miss Richfield.
00:10:10You know, I didn't get your name.
00:10:12I am Gerard.
00:10:16Very nice to meet you, Gerard.
00:10:18Miss Pippa will meet you in here.
00:10:21It's like living in a museum.
00:10:25I guess if you can afford a real Van Gogh,
00:10:27the heating bill is the least of your concerns, right?
00:10:29I do not concern myself
00:10:31with the bills.
00:10:33That would be the job of the house manager.
00:10:37Mrs. Marley,
00:10:39your house is so beautiful.
00:10:41Yes, it is.
00:10:43The art is exquisite.
00:10:45I actually majored in art history,
00:10:47and you've amassed quite a collection.
00:10:49I'm so glad you approve.
00:10:55So, if there's anything you'd like to know about me...
00:10:57That will be all.
00:11:01Come this way.
00:11:03Oh, yes. Okay.
00:11:05Isn't that what I just said?
00:11:09Oh, just do what I pay you to do.
00:11:11Hello.
00:11:13Hi.
00:11:15Hi.
00:11:17I'm Lizzie Richfield.
00:11:19Megan's sister.
00:11:21Yeah.
00:11:23Um, yeah.
00:11:25This is my resume.
00:11:27You know?
00:11:29You know, Megan said you had one already,
00:11:31but I just brought one just in case.
00:11:33Always be prepared.
00:11:35That's my motto.
00:11:37I mean, not really.
00:11:39I don't have a motto.
00:11:41The Boy Scouts say it, and it's, uh...
00:11:43It's good advice.
00:11:45Huh.
00:11:47You'll be living here at Ashford full-time,
00:11:49on call 24-7.
00:11:51The entire staff will report to you.
00:11:53You're gonna be the liaison between me
00:11:55and the sale here at Ashford.
00:11:57You'll need to pack up and send all the antiques
00:11:59to the auction house.
00:12:01You'll also be coordinating and planning
00:12:03the distribution of the antiques.
00:12:05You'll also be coordinating and planning
00:12:07the annual Marley Family Christmas Eve gala.
00:12:09This is gonna be the last one ever,
00:12:11so it's gotta be one for the books.
00:12:13My brother Kip will be home for it,
00:12:15as will my sister Sloan and her family, I think.
00:12:17So you need to plan and coordinate their arrivals as well.
00:12:19And lastly, you're to see that
00:12:21all my grandmother's needs are met.
00:12:23She still lives here at Ashford, though not for much longer.
00:12:25Is that clear?
00:12:27What do you need me to write that down?
00:12:29I'm sorry.
00:12:31I'm a little confused.
00:12:33I thought you were gonna have an interview.
00:12:35No, an endorsement from someone I trust
00:12:37is worth more than gold,
00:12:39and your sister's never steered me wrong in a transaction.
00:12:41So I'm a transaction?
00:12:43No, I didn't...
00:12:45I don't mean that I don't see you as a woman.
00:12:47I mean, a person.
00:12:49I do.
00:12:51Obviously, you're a woman, and you're also a person.
00:12:53You're both.
00:12:55I was just kidding.
00:12:57Yeah. No, no, right.
00:12:59I knew you were kidding.
00:13:01So you start right away.
00:13:03I'll make sure that Gerard has your room ready.
00:13:05Okay?
00:13:07Uh...
00:13:09Huh.
00:13:13So, first day.
00:13:15Are you nervous?
00:13:17Insanely, yes.
00:13:19What else can you tell me
00:13:21about Robert Marley?
00:13:23There's just so little information about him online.
00:13:25You're cyber-stalking him?
00:13:27It's called due diligence, Meg.
00:13:29What?
00:13:31I just want to know what I'm walking into this morning.
00:13:33Like you don't Google your clients?
00:13:35When I get a listing like Ashford,
00:13:37I tend not to ask any questions.
00:13:39But...
00:13:41what did you find out?
00:13:43Not much.
00:13:45He brokers mergers and acquisitions.
00:13:47His parents were killed in a car accident
00:13:49when he was 13.
00:13:51So sad.
00:13:53His grandmother raised him,
00:13:55and his two younger siblings at Ashford.
00:13:57Yeah, I know about his parents.
00:13:59And it's awful.
00:14:01I haven't met his siblings yet, but I'm really looking forward to.
00:14:03Especially Kip Marley.
00:14:05They say he's the most eligible bachelor in D.C.
00:14:07And you're sort of going to be living with him.
00:14:09It's a job, Megan.
00:14:11I know. I know.
00:14:13And like you said, it's temporary.
00:14:15Yes, and it could be very temporary.
00:14:17I already have a potential buyer who's interested in looking at the house.
00:14:19It's not a house. It's a county.
00:14:21I'm not kidding. I'm going to need a GPS to find my way around there.
00:14:23Ugh.
00:14:25This place is so incredible,
00:14:27but it's so cold.
00:14:29Don't you think?
00:14:31I need to get some Christmas in there right away.
00:14:33Well, they picked the perfect girl for the job.
00:14:35Call me later.
00:14:37With a full report.
00:14:39Yes.
00:14:47Miss Richfield, allow me.
00:14:49Gerard, if we're going to be friends,
00:14:51you have to call me Lizzie.
00:14:53Yes, Lizzie.
00:14:55I guess that's a start.
00:14:57Come. I'll show you to your room.
00:15:03This is Robert's room,
00:15:05but we'll put you here since it's close to Miss Pippa
00:15:07in case she needs anything.
00:15:09Well, it's lovely, but I don't want to put him out.
00:15:11Oh, he doesn't come home for Christmas, Mom.
00:15:13But the gala.
00:15:15It's the last one ever.
00:15:17He's going to miss it.
00:15:19Why break his streak now?
00:15:21I'll meet you in the kitchen
00:15:23once you get settled to go over the to-do list.
00:15:25And if you're hungry,
00:15:27Anna can prepare something for you.
00:15:31Gerard, the last house manager,
00:15:33what happened to him or her?
00:15:37Oh, Miss Pippa drove him away.
00:15:41Oh, Miss Lizzie,
00:15:43welcome to Ashford.
00:15:45I'll meet you in the kitchen momentarily.
00:15:49Here is the supply order.
00:15:51We've been without a house manager for a while,
00:15:53so we need it on a rush.
00:15:55The piano needs to be tuned.
00:15:57It's an 1870 Steinway grand,
00:15:59so find someone well-versed in that.
00:16:01Miss Pippa wasn't fond of the last gentleman.
00:16:05There's a crack in one of the front hall windows.
00:16:07Have a stained-glass company come to repair it.
00:16:09That exists?
00:16:11Okay.
00:16:13Stained-glass
00:16:15company.
00:16:17That should be all for now.
00:16:19This is Anna.
00:16:21She'll take care of all your dietary needs.
00:16:23Welcome, Miss Richfield.
00:16:25I'm not used to such formality.
00:16:27Please call me Lizzie.
00:16:29Well, a certain level of formality
00:16:31is expected.
00:16:33So, can I get you anything?
00:16:35A sandwich?
00:16:37Omelette?
00:16:39Perhaps a waffle?
00:16:41That's quite a menu,
00:16:43but I ate at home.
00:16:45I think I'll just get some coffee
00:16:47and head to the office.
00:16:49Oh, thank you.
00:16:51Is, um,
00:16:53Miss Pippa up yet?
00:16:55I'm looking forward to seeing her again.
00:16:59You may wish to manage
00:17:01your expectation where Miss Pippa
00:17:03is concerned.
00:17:05She is somewhat old-school.
00:17:07She doesn't engage much with the staff.
00:17:09We tend to meet her needs,
00:17:11and she leaves us alone.
00:17:13Got it. Thanks for the tip.
00:17:15Certainly. And if you need anything,
00:17:17I'm always right here.
00:17:21Mrs. Marley,
00:17:23it's so nice to see you.
00:17:25I...
00:17:35Hi.
00:17:37Uh, I thought you weren't coming home for Christmas.
00:17:39I'm not home. I'm working.
00:17:41As the executive of the state,
00:17:43I need access to my grandfather's files,
00:17:45which are here at Ashford.
00:17:47On paper, nothing digital.
00:17:49Um, I need you to scan this stack
00:17:51and send it to me as soon as you can, please.
00:17:53Of course.
00:17:55Um...
00:17:57I hope you don't mind sharing.
00:17:59Huh? The office, I mean. It'll only be for a little while.
00:18:01I'm in and out, and I'll be spending most of my time in the city.
00:18:03Yeah, well, whatever works for you.
00:18:05Okay.
00:18:07Actually, I'm really glad you're here.
00:18:09I already have some great ideas
00:18:11for the Christmas Eve gala.
00:18:13I can't wait to get started.
00:18:15It's my favorite time of the year.
00:18:17But actually, you know, the lack of Christmas
00:18:19in this house is, frankly,
00:18:21unacceptable.
00:18:23It's December already.
00:18:25Yeah, the gala's Pippa's domain,
00:18:27so you'll need to run that by her first.
00:18:29Oh.
00:18:31Um, you know, speaking of that,
00:18:33any tips on
00:18:35how to approach her?
00:18:37She's not exactly welcoming.
00:18:39I'm the last person you should be asking for tips
00:18:41on how to manage Pippa.
00:18:43Why?
00:18:45She doesn't want to sell Ashford,
00:18:47so I'm not exactly her favorite person in the world right now.
00:18:51Then why are you?
00:18:53I mean, the house is so beautiful.
00:18:55The history, the architecture,
00:18:57the antiques.
00:18:59Can we just focus on this for right now?
00:19:01Scan that and e-mail it to me when you can.
00:19:11I don't know which pieces
00:19:13will be up for auction yet, but I can get you
00:19:15a list by the end of the week.
00:19:19This is a weird question. I know you're an auction house,
00:19:21but do you happen to know where I could find
00:19:23a stained-glass repair company around here?
00:19:27Um, uh, you know,
00:19:29I'll call you right back.
00:19:35Gerard?
00:19:37What was that noise?
00:19:39That was, uh, Mr. Kipp.
00:19:43Gerard, please introduce me
00:19:45to this strange and intriguing woman
00:19:47at our doorway.
00:19:49I'm Lizzie, the new house manager. Nice to meet you.
00:19:51Well, it's nice to meet you, too.
00:19:53Have you alerted the press? Please do.
00:19:55Because I think my brother has finally made
00:19:57a right decision in his life, and I cannot
00:19:59believe it.
00:20:01I just mean that our last house manager
00:20:03was far less interesting than you.
00:20:05I mean, he was terrified of Pippa.
00:20:07Can you believe that?
00:20:09My sweet little grandmother, Pippa.
00:20:11This house definitely requires someone
00:20:13who can hold their own.
00:20:15I will certainly try my best.
00:20:17I don't doubt that. And I have very good instincts about people.
00:20:19That's something we have in common.
00:20:21Ah. And what do your
00:20:23instincts tell you about me?
00:20:25Tell me I made a good showing.
00:20:27Gerard, tell me I made a good showing.
00:20:29Excellent showing, sir.
00:20:31Thank you, Gerard.
00:20:33You definitely know how to make an entrance.
00:20:35Yeah?
00:20:37She definitely holds her own.
00:20:39All right, I'm going to go see my grandmother,
00:20:41and we can get more acquainted later.
00:20:45Gerard, great to see you.
00:20:47Pippa Lou! Where are you?
00:20:49Is that my Kipp?
00:20:51So good to have you home for Christmas.
00:20:53What in the world are you returning from this time?
00:20:55You would not believe the sights I see.
00:21:05Robert, hi.
00:21:07I didn't know you'd be in town.
00:21:09Are you coming to Ashford? Do you need anything?
00:21:11No, I'm not, actually. I have a meeting with the estate's attorney
00:21:13just down the street, and then I have to go straight back to D.C.
00:21:17Oh, wow.
00:21:19Oh, I promise, everything is getting done.
00:21:21The apartment stack is scanned.
00:21:23Bills are paid. Piano's getting tuned tomorrow.
00:21:25These are Christmas decorations for Ashford.
00:21:27Can't wait to get started.
00:21:29What's your fascination with Christmas?
00:21:33It was my dad's favorite.
00:21:35To sit by the fire
00:21:37with my family,
00:21:39and the lights flickering on the tree.
00:21:41I mean, it's magical.
00:21:43You've never had that.
00:21:45Then you should definitely come home.
00:21:47It's the last Christmas at Ashford,
00:21:49so I'm doing everything I can to make it beyond special.
00:21:51I don't think anyone wants me there.
00:21:53Don't do anything without running the gala theme by Pippa first.
00:22:09Who is it?
00:22:11Uh, it's Lizzie.
00:22:13Who's Lizzie?
00:22:15The new house manager.
00:22:17What do you want?
00:22:19This is for your room.
00:22:21A little Christmas spirit.
00:22:27Robert suggested that I talk to you about my plans for the gala.
00:22:29Oh.
00:22:31My grandson is asking my opinion about something.
00:22:33How novel.
00:22:35Yes, he said that you are in charge of the gala.
00:22:39The only topic on which Robert and I can agree.
00:22:47I was looking through some of the old gala pictures.
00:22:49Why aren't you married?
00:22:51You're in your thirties, Snow.
00:22:55Well, I...
00:22:57I actually almost got engaged a few months ago.
00:22:59And he was a good man.
00:23:01But I just wasn't in love with him.
00:23:03You know, I couldn't take that leap,
00:23:05knowing that true love might be out there somewhere.
00:23:09But I'm probably just being a silly, hopeless romantic.
00:23:11You know what I mean?
00:23:13No.
00:23:15No.
00:23:17May I?
00:23:23Okay.
00:23:25So, I have a few options.
00:23:27Winter Wonderland.
00:23:29Boring.
00:23:31Martini's and mistletoe?
00:23:33Gosh.
00:23:37Um, Polar Express?
00:23:39No.
00:23:41Dingle Mingle?
00:23:43No.
00:23:45You're right.
00:23:47To be underwhelmed.
00:23:49I mean, none of these really do justice
00:23:51to Ashford, do they?
00:23:55It's the last gala,
00:23:57so it needs to be
00:23:59pure class.
00:24:01Yes, it does.
00:24:05What about
00:24:07Silver Bells?
00:24:09Silver Bells?
00:24:11Yeah.
00:24:13So the whole house would be in silver and blue
00:24:15with bits of gold and woodsy garland.
00:24:17Elegant,
00:24:19but warm.
00:24:21I think this house could use a little more
00:24:23warmth.
00:24:25Do you now?
00:24:29Very well, then.
00:24:31Silver Bells is the theme.
00:24:35Spend what you must.
00:24:37I trust you will not disappoint me.
00:24:41I'll do my very best.
00:24:43Do better than that.
00:24:45Okay.
00:24:49Oh.
00:25:07Oh.
00:25:19Oh.
00:25:23I've drawn up some plans.
00:25:25I was up all night.
00:25:27But it's so fun imagining people's reactions
00:25:29when they walk into the main hall.
00:25:31I can't wait for it to be done.
00:25:33And for Miss Pippa to see it.
00:25:35You're quite good at this, Miss Lizzie.
00:25:39Maybe in another life, party planning
00:25:41was my path.
00:25:43Well, why not this life?
00:25:51Oh, there you are. Looking everywhere for you.
00:25:53On the jogging trails?
00:25:55Actually, I found this incredible
00:25:57new restaurant that I think is perfect
00:25:59to cater to the gala.
00:26:01Oh, great. Send me the information
00:26:03and I'll look into it.
00:26:05I can do you one better.
00:26:07I secured us a private tasting
00:26:09of their catering menu tonight.
00:26:11I had to pull a few favors,
00:26:13but anything to make the last gala
00:26:15at Ashford the best it can be.
00:26:19We'll talk about Ashford the entire time
00:26:21I will bore you to death
00:26:23and then we'll expense it back to the estate.
00:26:25It's a business meal.
00:26:27Okay.
00:26:29I appreciate you doing this.
00:26:31I knew I'd get you to cave.
00:26:35This is not me caving.
00:26:37This is me working. For you, actually.
00:26:39Since you're my boss.
00:26:41That would be Robert, who is your boss.
00:26:43He cracks the whip.
00:26:45Sloane Pippa and I, we just enjoy our lives.
00:26:47It's the perfect dynamic for all of us.
00:26:49If it's okay to ask,
00:26:51what's the story between Robert and Pippa?
00:26:53It seems tense.
00:26:55Well, I mean, she's lived here
00:26:57all of her life, and Robert's just
00:26:59selling the place from under her.
00:27:01What's to know?
00:27:03Where will she go?
00:27:05Again, you'll have to ask the boss that question.
00:27:07He hasn't informed the rest of us.
00:27:09Hmm.
00:27:11So, tonight, you and I.
00:27:13Strozzi.
00:27:15Downtown.
00:27:17Yep.
00:27:19Oh, and hey, by the way, silver bells.
00:27:21Really great idea.
00:27:37Robert.
00:27:39I need you to pull a file for me.
00:27:41It should be in the second drawer of the cabinet,
00:27:43Virginia Historical Society.
00:27:45I was just taking a little break from decorating.
00:27:47Exploring the grounds.
00:27:49Let me head up to the house and I'll call you back.
00:27:51But where are you now?
00:27:53I'm at the pond.
00:27:55I think it's the most
00:27:57beautiful thing I've ever seen.
00:27:59I know.
00:28:01It's incredible. This was your playground
00:28:03as a child.
00:28:05I don't know if it's
00:28:07the air here or the view,
00:28:09but
00:28:11being at Ashford makes you feel like
00:28:13you're on the verge
00:28:15of something.
00:28:17Like anything is possible.
00:28:21That pond was always my favorite part of Ashford.
00:28:23Actually,
00:28:25it was the only thing I liked about it.
00:28:27If you don't mind my asking,
00:28:29why don't you want to be
00:28:31here, Robert? It's Christmas.
00:28:33You ask a lot of questions.
00:28:35And, uh,
00:28:37my answer is that it's just complicated.
00:28:39I know
00:28:41there's stuff from the past,
00:28:43but Christmas is the time
00:28:45when we get to let everything go
00:28:47and just be.
00:28:53Well, you have to see it here today.
00:28:55With all the silver accents going up...
00:28:57Yeah, that sounds great.
00:28:59Pull that file for me when you get up to the office
00:29:01and call me back.
00:29:09Okay.
00:29:35It's really starting to come together,
00:29:37don't you think?
00:29:51Ready?
00:29:53Wow, I-I
00:29:55would compliment you, but words
00:29:57escape me, and that
00:29:59never happens.
00:30:01Thank you, but there's really no need to, seeing as how
00:30:03this is a business meeting.
00:30:05Right, of course.
00:30:07Well, after you.
00:30:13Robert.
00:30:15Kim.
00:30:17You decided to come home for Christmas.
00:30:19Yeah, um, there's a lot of work
00:30:21to be done here anyway, so...
00:30:23I'm glad.
00:30:25Yeah, it's
00:30:27great news. We're all beyond thrilled.
00:30:29But we have reservations to get to,
00:30:31so we'll have to catch up later.
00:30:33See you later, brother.
00:30:37Bye.
00:30:39Bye.
00:30:41Here, I'll get the door.
00:30:51So, what's after the holidays?
00:30:53Athens.
00:30:55They have some of the most incredible architectural
00:30:57feats in the world, and growing up at Ashford,
00:30:59I knew I had to see it.
00:31:01I'd see the ruins, I'd see everything.
00:31:03Experiencing other cultures through their artistic
00:31:05expressions. That's exactly how I feel about it.
00:31:07That's why I majored in art history. Well, you think it's
00:31:09fascinating in books? It doesn't even compare
00:31:11to seeing it in person. I bet.
00:31:13I'll have to take your word for it, though.
00:31:15I haven't traveled much.
00:31:17There's so much to see
00:31:19in the world, Lizzie. I-I even
00:31:21carry my passport in my back pocket sometimes.
00:31:23In case you need to leave the country
00:31:25at a moment's notice? Sure. Hey, you never
00:31:27know when you have to bolt in the middle of the night.
00:31:29Or, hey,
00:31:31maybe get invited to Athens
00:31:33or something.
00:31:41Oh, God! What?
00:31:43What's wrong? I'm so sorry. No, I-
00:31:45They put me in this room because it was close to
00:31:47Pippa and you weren't coming home for Christmas.
00:31:49No, no, no, no. It makes-
00:31:51I should have talked to Gerard about
00:31:53the room arrangements. I'm the one who should be sorry.
00:31:55I will go somewhere else. Oh, no, no, no, no,
00:31:57it makes sense that you'd
00:31:59be in here. I'll just go to one of the
00:32:01guest rooms.
00:32:03I'll leave you two.
00:32:05No, no, it's okay.
00:32:07I wasn't here long enough to unpack
00:32:09much.
00:32:15So, uh,
00:32:17how was your dinner with my
00:32:19brother? It was a tasting
00:32:21for the Christmas Eve gala.
00:32:23It became a date. No, absolutely not.
00:32:25That would be inappropriate.
00:32:27No, no, I'm here to work.
00:32:29We kept it all about the food.
00:32:31Trust me, to Kip, it was a date.
00:32:33That guy goes zero to sixty faster
00:32:35than a Tesla.
00:32:37When she has one of those,
00:32:39Corvette, Maserati,
00:32:41Ferrari, all paid for by
00:32:43the estate.
00:32:45Must have cost him tonight, though,
00:32:47climbing to the top spot of Strozzi.
00:32:49Look, the food was great,
00:32:51but if it was a date, and I don't think it was,
00:32:53I would prefer something
00:32:55more creative, like
00:32:57spending twenty dollars, max.
00:32:59Well, that would require
00:33:01imagination.
00:33:03Yes, it would.
00:33:05It's a
00:33:07challenge my mother gave my father
00:33:09on their first date.
00:33:11And what did he do for twenty
00:33:13dollars? Well,
00:33:15my mother loves grilled cheese,
00:33:17so he bought some ingredients,
00:33:19and they had a grilled cheese cook-off.
00:33:21He said, if you're gonna make it
00:33:23a challenge, I'm gonna make it a challenge.
00:33:25She said that that was the night
00:33:27she knew he was the one for her.
00:33:29Hmm. So who won?
00:33:31They both did.
00:33:35Hmm.
00:33:37Well,
00:33:39it's an interesting challenge.
00:33:41I'm gonna have to think about it.
00:33:47Good night, Lizzie.
00:33:49Good night.
00:34:11Um, it looks
00:34:13festive. The whole house does.
00:34:15It's, uh...
00:34:17Mmm.
00:34:19Beautiful? Mmm.
00:34:21Comforting? Mmm.
00:34:23Warm?
00:34:25Unusual.
00:34:27You know what your problem is?
00:34:29You haven't done Christmas right.
00:34:31Christmas
00:34:33wasn't a very happy time for us
00:34:35after my parents, uh...
00:34:37You know, here
00:34:39at Ashford, it's all about
00:34:41appearances.
00:34:43Throw an extravagant party, spend a few hours
00:34:45with your guests and colleagues,
00:34:47get a newspaper, and then go your
00:34:49separate ways. Hmm.
00:34:51Well, it's never too late
00:34:53to start new traditions.
00:34:55Yes,
00:34:57my family takes decorating
00:34:59very seriously, and food
00:35:01as well, so this is
00:35:03the best of both worlds. I give you
00:35:05the popcorn garland.
00:35:07It's for the garland.
00:35:09Oh, okay. Popcorn
00:35:11garland. Yeah.
00:35:13Come here.
00:35:15Slowly. Nice.
00:35:17You're a natural. You know,
00:35:19usually we have the staff do all
00:35:21the sewing, but... Why should they have all the fun?
00:35:23Fun?
00:35:25I like fun. What are we doing?
00:35:27Oh, this is popcorn garland. Ooh.
00:35:29Yeah, join us. Sure.
00:35:31The chandelier
00:35:33is quite exquisite.
00:35:35Everything
00:35:37in this house is. Now, let's
00:35:39head upstairs.
00:35:41Stop, stop. I've been working on this.
00:35:43So tight.
00:35:45Well, you're ruining my popcorn
00:35:47garland. Yeah. I had fun time
00:35:49last night. Kip,
00:35:51don't be inappropriate, all right? Lizzie's
00:35:53trying to do her job.
00:35:55Robert, you may be the
00:35:57executive of the estate, but you're not the executive of me.
00:35:59You see, Robert
00:36:01here, he calls the shots, and we just go along
00:36:03for the ride. Oh. Yeah, you don't have
00:36:05any problem with that when you're cashing the checks,
00:36:07do you, Kip? I've told him he can come work with me
00:36:09whenever he wants. Oh, that's nice.
00:36:11Work for you, not with you.
00:36:13So you learn the ropes, yes, Kip.
00:36:15There's a learning curve. And again, I'm not interested.
00:36:17You've done enough calling the shots all my life,
00:36:19and now you're selling the house? And Pippa?
00:36:21I haven't seen Pippa like this in, I don't.
00:36:23Uncle Robert! Hey.
00:36:25Uncle Kip!
00:36:27There they are, my boys!
00:36:29Who's hungry? Me! All right, here's
00:36:31this popcorn, but look out because there's a shark.
00:36:33Two trains, three delays, and one case
00:36:35of motion sickness, but we are
00:36:37finally here. Hallelujah.
00:36:39Where is the wine? And
00:36:41who might you be? Uh, this is Lizzie,
00:36:43our new house manager.
00:36:45And you're still here after three weeks.
00:36:47Wow, that's refreshing. I'm Sloane,
00:36:49the little sister.
00:36:51Where's Grandmother? Uh, hello.
00:36:53Hi. Uh, she's upstairs. She hasn't really
00:36:55come out of her room lately.
00:36:57Hmm. I wonder why.
00:36:59Mm-hmm.
00:37:01Well, do you want to go see her? Yes. Okay.
00:37:03Uh, boys, you want to go see Pippa?
00:37:05Yeah! Yeah! All right, grab some popcorn
00:37:07and let's go! Hey, careful.
00:37:09Don't get that everywhere. You got...
00:37:11Careful.
00:37:17Home together at Christmas.
00:37:19It's gonna be
00:37:21a fun reunion.
00:37:29At Christmas, my father
00:37:31would line a row of poinsettias down
00:37:33each side of our driveway.
00:37:35I want to do the same thing for the gala,
00:37:37but with a silver bow around each one.
00:37:39I was thinking these would be nice
00:37:41for the centerpieces. You have a gift
00:37:43for this? You think so?
00:37:45Planning it has been so much fun.
00:37:47I feel invigorated.
00:37:49I just hope Miss Pippa
00:37:51approves. Well, let me put it this way.
00:37:53If she didn't, you'd
00:37:55already be gone.
00:37:57That's very true.
00:37:59Where will she go, Gerard?
00:38:01Part of the house is sold. Do you know?
00:38:03I can't say I'm privy to that
00:38:05information. I don't understand.
00:38:07I mean, she loves this house
00:38:09so much. Do they need the money?
00:38:11Trust me, it's not about the money.
00:38:13Pippa will be
00:38:15well taken care of.
00:38:17I'll start lining up
00:38:19the poinsettias outside.
00:38:25I don't mean to be nosy.
00:38:27You're quite good at it.
00:38:31Because Pippa very clearly wants to stay
00:38:33here. She can't.
00:38:35Why not? Lizzie,
00:38:37you don't have to get involved with this,
00:38:39alright? It's already been decided.
00:38:41I know.
00:38:43It just makes me so sad for her.
00:38:45You know, she barely comes out of her room.
00:38:47I'm only saying this because
00:38:49I want her to be happy. And I want her to be safe.
00:38:53She has a heart arrhythmia.
00:38:55The stairs are too much of a strain.
00:38:57I've tried every
00:38:59possible solution for her to stay.
00:39:01But it's not up to me. I tried to get her to move
00:39:03downstairs. She refused.
00:39:05I even looked into installing an elevator.
00:39:07But she won't do it. She says that it
00:39:09ruins the integrity of the architecture.
00:39:13You're doing this for her?
00:39:15Yes.
00:39:17I promise you
00:39:19I will find a nice, practical home
00:39:21for her. Then why
00:39:23is everyone so upset with you about this?
00:39:25Because I have to make the tough decisions.
00:39:27And you always shoot the messenger.
00:39:29They don't understand, so
00:39:31you make me the bad guy.
00:39:35It's fine.
00:39:37I'm used to it.
00:39:43Why don't you keep the house?
00:39:45I don't want it.
00:39:51It's your sister.
00:39:53Megan?
00:39:55Uh-huh.
00:39:57An offer.
00:39:59Okay.
00:40:01Let me call you back when I get to the office.
00:40:11Lizzie,
00:40:13the whole place looks great.
00:40:15Well, we do it just like with art.
00:40:17It's about placement.
00:40:19How to accent the beauty of an
00:40:21already perfect home.
00:40:23Well, you've definitely made this place look more
00:40:25beautiful than it was before.
00:40:27Thank you. But there's still
00:40:29something missing. What could it be missing?
00:40:31It looks good. It feels good.
00:40:33It's like a gift to the senses.
00:40:35That's it.
00:40:37Smell. Everything is beautiful,
00:40:39but this house needs to smell like
00:40:41cinnamon and cookies and
00:40:43pine.
00:40:45Thank you, Kip. Yeah.
00:40:47So what do we do? Do we go to a tree lot?
00:40:49Do we order one off Amazon? What?
00:40:51We go to the woods. Oh.
00:40:53Well, we have woods on the property.
00:40:55Of course you do. Well, I have to go
00:40:57meet some old high school friends, but first thing
00:40:59tomorrow, we are chopping down a tree.
00:41:01The fact that I have no idea how,
00:41:03totally irrelevant. I know how.
00:41:05Of course you do.
00:41:07You never cease to amaze me, Lizzie Richfield.
00:41:09Family dinner
00:41:11will now be served in the formal dining room.
00:41:15Well, since you're all home, I thought
00:41:17you might like to do a family dinner.
00:41:19To visit?
00:41:23Catch up?
00:41:25It's what my extended family does
00:41:27and we haven't seen each other in a while.
00:41:29So I had Anna prepare something special.
00:41:31A holiday meal with a
00:41:33yule log for dessert.
00:41:35Don't you just love
00:41:37a good yule log?
00:41:39Um.
00:41:41Okay. Yeah. Sure.
00:41:45Why not? Alright. Please.
00:41:47Follow me. Okay.
00:41:55Thank you, Anna.
00:41:57The young gentlemen thoroughly enjoyed
00:41:59their hot chocolate and they are both sound asleep.
00:42:01Thank you, Gerard.
00:42:05This is a yule log.
00:42:07It's my mother's recipe.
00:42:09Anna made it.
00:42:11It is the quintessential
00:42:13holiday dessert.
00:42:15Prepare for your world
00:42:17to be rocked. Enjoy.
00:42:19Wait. You're not joining us?
00:42:21It's a family dinner.
00:42:23I'll eat with the staff.
00:42:25We insist.
00:42:27Anna, would you please set a place?
00:42:29Certainly. Thank you, Anna.
00:42:31We're not really your typical family, anyway.
00:42:33I'm sure Lizzie's
00:42:35already gathered that.
00:42:37Join us, please.
00:42:39I suppose.
00:42:47Thanks.
00:42:49Alright.
00:42:51I love this.
00:42:53My mother and sister and I do it every week.
00:42:57Enjoy.
00:42:59After my father
00:43:01passed away, my mother worked a lot of nights,
00:43:03but our weekly family dinner
00:43:05was the one constant.
00:43:07You know, it's nice to catch up
00:43:09and share stories,
00:43:11remember the good times,
00:43:13especially around the holidays.
00:43:15I have a holiday memory.
00:43:17Do you remember when Grandfather used to dress up
00:43:19like Santa Claus and he would sneak past
00:43:21that window right there if we knew
00:43:23that we were at the table?
00:43:25Yeah, and Kip would start crying.
00:43:27I would not start crying.
00:43:29Oh, no. Kip, come on. No, admit it. It's alright.
00:43:31You were afraid of Santa Claus.
00:43:33Maybe it was one time, and I was, what, three years old?
00:43:35Oh, you were a lot older than that.
00:43:37No.
00:43:39Definitely older. You were, like, what, six?
00:43:41Seven, maybe?
00:43:43Seventeen? No, not seventeen. I was a child.
00:43:45Emotionally, you were a child.
00:43:47Enough, please.
00:43:49Well, at least we were all behaving when we thought Santa was watching.
00:43:51Well, that was your father's plan,
00:43:53why he enlisted your grandfather to do it.
00:43:55You know, I think I still have
00:43:57that ratty old costume somewhere,
00:43:59unless that closet
00:44:01has already been cleaned out.
00:44:05Nothing has yet.
00:44:07You'll be able to keep whatever you'd like, Grandmother.
00:44:11You know, it would be fun
00:44:13if we'd get that old Santa suit out.
00:44:15Robert could put it on for the boys.
00:44:17I don't want to scare Kip.
00:44:19Just drop it already, please.
00:44:21Oh, you must. For your nephews.
00:44:23It'll soften the blow of their father not being here.
00:44:25Why isn't Jackson here?
00:44:27He's been unemployed for so long,
00:44:29then.
00:44:31I had to dip into my trust fund.
00:44:33It's there for the rough patches.
00:44:35But he wants to provide for his family.
00:44:37I told him my money
00:44:39is his money, but he hates to spend it.
00:44:41That's why he's not here,
00:44:43because this house,
00:44:45it reminds him of everything
00:44:47that he can't give us.
00:44:49What?
00:44:51What can we do?
00:44:53I wish I knew.
00:44:55That's what we're all
00:44:57here for.
00:44:59We'll figure this out.
00:45:03Don't look now, but
00:45:05you're kind of acting like
00:45:07a typical family.
00:45:19Did you find him?
00:45:21Mr. Kip is still in bed.
00:45:23He said he was out late, and he, quote,
00:45:25needs more sleep, a lot more sleep,
00:45:27come back later, unquote.
00:45:29It's okay.
00:45:31But I should probably get going.
00:45:33We've got deliveries coming this afternoon.
00:45:35You can't chop down a tree by yourself,
00:45:37Lizzie. I will assist.
00:45:39No, Gerard. I'll go.
00:45:41If you're
00:45:43sure, sir. Thank you.
00:45:45But you might want to
00:45:47change first.
00:45:49Why? What's wrong
00:45:51with this? You really are
00:45:53a bunch of indoor people, aren't you?
00:45:55You know there are services
00:45:57that cut down trees for you.
00:45:59We've used them many times.
00:46:01I know, but this is the fun part of Christmas.
00:46:03And you
00:46:05could use a little more fun,
00:46:07Mr. Marley. Oh, is that so?
00:46:09Might I suggest
00:46:11clothes where mud is welcome, sir?
00:46:13Right.
00:46:17I'll be back in five.
00:46:19Okay.
00:46:21Gerard, do you know
00:46:23what you just did?
00:46:25You called me Lizzie.
00:46:27No Richfield, not even the full, formal Elizabeth?
00:46:29Did I?
00:46:31We're making
00:46:33great progress.
00:46:35Well, I'll go see to Mr. Robert.
00:46:43What do you say we stop
00:46:45right here? We can grab
00:46:47this tree and call it a day, huh?
00:46:49Not big enough.
00:46:51We're trying to make a statement with it.
00:46:53What are we
00:46:55trying to say?
00:46:57Welcome.
00:47:01Is the tree Dracula?
00:47:03Yeah, I don't know what that accent was all about.
00:47:05But the thing is, it is the
00:47:07first thing people see when they walk in the door, so we
00:47:09you know, let's greet them properly.
00:47:11But let's also
00:47:13sit and see what
00:47:15Anna has packed us for lunch.
00:47:17Okay, you eat. I'm going to look for a tree.
00:47:21You have a vision, huh?
00:47:23Yeah.
00:47:25I do.
00:47:27You know, the last year
00:47:29has been pretty rough for me.
00:47:31I kept my head down
00:47:33and I got through it.
00:47:35And then I came to Ashford.
00:47:39And I looked up.
00:47:41That is a very different effect than Ashford
00:47:43has on most people.
00:47:45Most people?
00:47:47Or you?
00:47:49Well,
00:47:51my parents thought it was a happy place.
00:47:53Afterwards,
00:47:55not so much.
00:47:57Well, a home is all about who fills it.
00:47:59It must have felt
00:48:01so empty without them.
00:48:03Is that why there's
00:48:05so much friction
00:48:07between you and Pippa?
00:48:09I was 13
00:48:11when my parents passed away.
00:48:13Kip and Sloane were
00:48:158 and 6 and
00:48:17Pippa was overwhelmed.
00:48:19She had her hands full.
00:48:21Because of that, I probably wasn't the easiest kid to deal with.
00:48:23They got very close
00:48:25and I became comfortable being a stranger
00:48:27in my own home.
00:48:29Perhaps because of that, I
00:48:31became a bit
00:48:33rough around the edges.
00:48:35Oh, I find that hard to believe.
00:48:37I mean, you know, they all call you Mr. Warm
00:48:39and Fuzzy behind your back.
00:48:41No, they don't.
00:48:43No, they don't.
00:48:47So,
00:48:49wait, I had a thought.
00:48:51About?
00:48:53That $20 date.
00:48:55Well, you said it's a challenge
00:48:57and I never back down from a challenge.
00:48:59Okay, let's hear it.
00:49:01Okay.
00:49:03So, um,
00:49:05to start off with,
00:49:07my date and I,
00:49:09we would go to the pond
00:49:11behind Ashford at dusk
00:49:13and from there we'd watch
00:49:15the deer behind the mountains.
00:49:17That would cost nothing.
00:49:19Then we'd
00:49:21listen to my mom's favorite song
00:49:23on the record player in the library.
00:49:25A record?
00:49:27Yeah, you know, an LP.
00:49:29No, I know what it is. I just...
00:49:31Keep going.
00:49:33Then I'd plug the Christmas lights in
00:49:35so that would be the only light illuminating us
00:49:37and I'd twirl her around
00:49:39a little bit.
00:49:41So if we're talking five senses,
00:49:43sight and sound.
00:49:45For taste, I'd make her dinner
00:49:47using only $20 worth of ingredients.
00:49:49Given that it's the holidays, perhaps a Yule log.
00:49:51That's my favorite entree.
00:49:53Oh.
00:49:55Then
00:49:57we'd walk to the solarium
00:49:59and I'd pick her a white rose.
00:50:03Smell.
00:50:05Then we'd walk back
00:50:07and I'd take her hand.
00:50:09Touch?
00:50:13What was your mother's
00:50:15favorite song?
00:50:17Silver Bells.
00:50:19It always signified
00:50:21that Christmas had arrived.
00:50:23I had no idea when I chose that theme.
00:50:25I know, but it's okay.
00:50:27It's a good thing.
00:50:31Well, you...
00:50:33You certainly know how to rise to a challenge.
00:50:35It's a good challenge.
00:50:37But I couldn't help
00:50:39but notice that
00:50:41the Yule takes place at
00:50:43Ashford.
00:50:45But you seem so eager to escape.
00:50:47Hmm.
00:50:51I know it was a sad place for a long time,
00:50:53but it's okay to like it again.
00:50:57You can
00:50:59look up, too.
00:51:03Ah, there you are.
00:51:05I should've known you took another bench.
00:51:07I had a rough night, but I rallied.
00:51:09I don't know. We actually have not found the tree yet.
00:51:11What do you mean? You walked right past it.
00:51:13Look at this thing. It's...
00:51:15It's perfect. I mean, we wanted to make
00:51:17a statement, right?
00:51:19Yeah. You're right.
00:51:23That's the one.
00:51:25That's gorgeous.
00:51:27Yeah. It's a good thing you came along when you did.
00:51:29Yeah, it's a good thing.
00:51:31Here, big bro. I will...
00:51:33Oh, yeah.
00:51:35Show you how it's done.
00:51:37Okay.
00:51:51Sorry. I didn't know anyone was in here.
00:51:53Oh, no. I'm just wrapping some gifts for the staff.
00:51:55Do you want some help?
00:51:57I'd love some.
00:51:59Sloane, are you okay?
00:52:01Yeah.
00:52:03Jackson didn't get this job
00:52:05that looked promising.
00:52:07He really doesn't want to come here for Christmas.
00:52:09And he's stressing
00:52:11about presents for the boys.
00:52:13What is it that you want?
00:52:15I don't even care about presents.
00:52:17I just want my family together in a place
00:52:19where we used to celebrate Christmas with my parents.
00:52:21This is gonna be
00:52:23our last one ever at Ashford.
00:52:27The Christmas spirit
00:52:29costs nothing.
00:52:31And you know what?
00:52:33Homemade gifts are even more special.
00:52:35What matters is being together.
00:52:39Hey.
00:52:41How about we put a moratorium
00:52:43on store-bought gifts this year?
00:52:45Everything must be homemade.
00:52:47That could work.
00:52:49Fight for your husband, Sloane.
00:52:51I know you can come up with a compromise.
00:52:53You know, and I can watch the boys until you get back.
00:52:55I worked my way through college as a nanny.
00:52:57And I'll help, too.
00:52:59You will?
00:53:01I can take care of kids.
00:53:03Go back to D.C.
00:53:05and bring your husband home for Christmas.
00:53:07Okay.
00:53:09I'm gonna go look at train schedules.
00:53:19You know, don't worry.
00:53:21I know a little bit more about kids than I do about chopping down trees.
00:53:23Oh, yeah? Just a little bit more?
00:53:25Just a little bit more.
00:53:27Yeah, we're in big trouble.
00:53:31You guys have been so good
00:53:33since your mom left.
00:53:35I emailed Santa, and guess what?
00:53:37He's watching.
00:53:39You think so?
00:53:41I know so.
00:53:43You guys ready?
00:53:45Yes!
00:53:47Ready for what?
00:53:49I don't know.
00:53:51Um, ready for this.
00:53:53Ah!
00:53:55Oh, no!
00:53:57I can email Santa back, you know,
00:53:59Stop laughing!
00:54:01Hey, what's going on here?
00:54:03Oh, my God!
00:54:05My monster's trying to get me!
00:54:07You're not supposed to hit me!
00:54:09Oh, no!
00:54:11Oh, I got him!
00:54:13Yes! Oh, no!
00:54:15Oh, he's a sharpshooter!
00:54:17Yay!
00:54:19Don't gang up on me!
00:54:29I'm gonna write Daddy
00:54:31on the roof in candy.
00:54:33I think this is gonna be
00:54:35the best present he's ever gotten.
00:54:37And mine will be the best, too.
00:54:39Well, you can never have
00:54:41too many gingerbread houses.
00:54:43Trust me.
00:54:45I think I'm gonna go two stories.
00:54:47Oh, yeah?
00:54:49Is that a challenge?
00:54:51Say you can go condo.
00:54:53Multi-unit gingerbread house
00:54:55with a low HOA.
00:54:57So, guys, when Lizzie gets back,
00:54:59we're gonna make some necklaces for your mom
00:55:01using some beads we found
00:55:03in your great-grandma's sewing kit.
00:55:05Cool.
00:55:07Oh, wow.
00:55:09Aren't you and Lizzie just the cleavers?
00:55:11Snowmen and craft kits
00:55:13and now necklaces?
00:55:15I'm helping out our sister, Kip.
00:55:17That's all.
00:55:19Oh, that's good.
00:55:21Then you won't mind if I ask Lizzie
00:55:23to go to Athens with me after holidays.
00:55:25Does she want to go to Athens?
00:55:27Bro, who doesn't want to go to Athens?
00:55:29Look, you and Lizzie aren't...
00:55:31What?
00:55:33Things are looking up for her
00:55:35after a very tough time.
00:55:37She needs to be surrounded by people.
00:55:39By who?
00:55:43By you?
00:55:45By people who care about her.
00:55:47People who understand her.
00:55:49Well, I think Lizzie needs to be inspired.
00:55:51And I'm willing to give her that inspiration.
00:55:53You just want to win, Kip.
00:55:55That's all you've ever wanted, is the win.
00:55:57Would you just give me a little bit of credit here?
00:55:59Okay, maybe at one point that was true,
00:56:01but I'm not a monster.
00:56:03I actually...
00:56:05I actually think this might be...
00:56:07real.
00:56:13I just don't see it.
00:56:15Two of you together.
00:56:17Well, that's a...
00:56:19good thing that you don't have to.
00:56:23Okay.
00:56:31Yes?
00:56:33Um, I'm sorry if this is a bad time.
00:56:35I can...
00:56:37Come in.
00:56:39I, uh...
00:56:41I came to find that Santa suit.
00:56:43To surprise the boys.
00:56:45Christmas is very important to you.
00:56:49It was my father's favorite.
00:56:51And now,
00:56:53during the holidays,
00:56:55I can feel him
00:56:57more than at other times of the year.
00:56:59That's probably why I go so overboard.
00:57:01Loving it
00:57:03as much as he did is
00:57:05how I keep him with me.
00:57:07My late husband,
00:57:09Bernard,
00:57:11the gala was his favorite night.
00:57:13That's why it is so important
00:57:15to me that this last one is perfect.
00:57:21I will do everything I can
00:57:23to make sure that it is.
00:57:29What will you be wearing?
00:57:31Oh, I brought a nice dress.
00:57:33Unacceptable. You need a gown.
00:57:35The local boutique is sending me
00:57:37some options this afternoon.
00:57:39I'll have them pull dresses for you as well.
00:57:41We'll find you
00:57:43an appropriate one.
00:57:45I appreciate that.
00:57:47Gerard!
00:58:01That one would do.
00:58:05It's beautiful.
00:58:07But I like the first one better.
00:58:09And I will lend you
00:58:11a diamond necklace.
00:58:17What do you think of my grandson?
00:58:19Which one?
00:58:21You have two.
00:58:23I'm aware of that.
00:58:25I'm speaking of the one who has piqued your interest.
00:58:27Oh,
00:58:29that was not a date.
00:58:31It was a dinner for the gala.
00:58:33It was actually a tasting that Kip had, like...
00:58:35Oh, so it is Kip who has piqued your interest.
00:58:37Yes.
00:58:39No, I mean, no.
00:58:41I mean, they both have.
00:58:43You know, everyone has.
00:58:45Everyone has.
00:58:47I have grown very fond of your whole family.
00:58:49And they have you.
00:58:51Hmm.
00:58:53Let me tell you something about my grandsons.
00:58:55I love them both dearly,
00:58:57but the differences
00:58:59are quite monumental.
00:59:01That's evident.
00:59:03One is driven by
00:59:05conquest and satisfaction,
00:59:07while the other is driven by duty and responsibility.
00:59:09And they are both wrong
00:59:11and right.
00:59:13But I think that's why they're always at odds.
00:59:15They would each do well
00:59:17to be more like the other.
00:59:19Kip to stay in one place,
00:59:21and Robert to let go.
00:59:23But I do think you've had quite an effect
00:59:25on both of them.
00:59:27Well, I did get them to cut down a tree
00:59:29in the woods.
00:59:31A shock to us all.
00:59:33But seeing what being around you
00:59:35has done to Robert
00:59:37is quite substantial.
00:59:39What does it do to him?
00:59:41He's awake.
00:59:43There comes a time when our foundation
00:59:45is shaken in transformative ways.
00:59:47For me,
00:59:49it's leaving Ashford.
00:59:51For him,
00:59:53I believe it's finding it again.
00:59:59You know, Robert told me it was your doctor's decision
01:00:01why you have to move.
01:00:03Well, that's quite true.
01:00:05You know,
01:00:07something I learned when my foundation was shaken
01:00:11it's not always a bad thing.
01:00:15Yes, I do believe
01:00:17your presence has had an impact
01:00:19on us all.
01:00:25Definitely the first dress.
01:00:33Coconut, coconut, coconut.
01:00:35Crack.
01:00:37It's dinner time, all right?
01:00:39Come on down, let's fly you into here.
01:00:41Oh, there we go.
01:00:43Look who it is.
01:00:45Hey, guys.
01:00:47We made you gifts.
01:00:49I heard, and I made you some, too.
01:00:51Good to see you, Jackson.
01:00:53Jackson.
01:00:55So wonderful
01:00:57that you could make it.
01:00:59Jingle all the way.
01:01:01Oh, what fun it is to ride.
01:01:07This is good.
01:01:09It feels great.
01:01:11Yeah, well, it's been too long.
01:01:13What was that?
01:01:15Do you hear that?
01:01:17Look.
01:01:19Who's that?
01:01:21It's Santa Claus!
01:01:23He's watching.
01:01:25You said he was watching.
01:01:27Pretty cool guys, huh?
01:01:29Yes, pretty cool indeed.
01:01:33You're not joining us?
01:01:35Oh, with Jackson here, it feels like
01:01:37it should be just family.
01:01:39Nonsense. You are family.
01:01:41Sit.
01:01:43Thanks.
01:01:45Of course.
01:01:47There you are.
01:01:53There he is.
01:01:55Sorry, that was a long call.
01:01:57Did I miss anything?
01:01:59Santa was here.
01:02:01What? Where?
01:02:03There.
01:02:05I missed him.
01:02:07Okay, can we eat?
01:02:09I'm starving.
01:02:17Good morning.
01:02:19Good morning.
01:02:21Happy Christmas Eve.
01:02:23Happy Christmas Eve.
01:02:25Big day today.
01:02:27I just wanted to center myself
01:02:29for a few minutes.
01:02:31Calm before the storm.
01:02:33Party's gonna be great.
01:02:35Oh, please.
01:02:39Of course.
01:02:47Hmm.
01:02:53It's been so long since I've been out here
01:02:55I've forgotten how much I love it.
01:02:57The mountains.
01:02:59The pond.
01:03:01Everything.
01:03:03In fact, it's been years
01:03:05since I've been to Ashford at all.
01:03:09But lately I've been seeing it
01:03:11through fresh eyes.
01:03:13I've been looking up.
01:03:15Well, that's because you came home for Christmas.
01:03:17You know, the holidays have that effect on people.
01:03:19No, Lizzie, it's not Christmas.
01:03:21It's you.
01:03:25Look, I know that technically
01:03:27you work for us, but
01:03:29there's something I want to say.
01:03:31Since you arrived here,
01:03:33I've...
01:03:35There you are.
01:03:37They told me you'd be out here.
01:03:39You're not answering your phone.
01:03:41I tried calling ten times.
01:03:43It's no use. Hmm.
01:03:45Counter accepted.
01:03:47Ashford Estate is officially
01:03:49an escrow.
01:03:59Hannah, are the appetizers in process yet?
01:04:01Yes, absolutely.
01:04:03Great. Oh, look at you.
01:04:05You don't even need a ladder.
01:04:07Nope.
01:04:09Thank you, all of you, for helping so much.
01:04:11I spoke to Self. Ten percent more staffers next time.
01:04:13Next time?
01:04:15If I choose to
01:04:17throw another party anywhere.
01:04:23I'm glad you decided to come home.
01:04:27Me too, Grandmother.
01:04:31My wonderful great-grandchildren.
01:04:33Yeah, nice bows, guys. Really good work.
01:04:35Don't worry.
01:04:37I'll fix it. Thank you.
01:04:39Did you see the listing I sent you
01:04:41for that lovely house?
01:04:43Gerard will be taking me by next week.
01:04:45Oh, good.
01:04:47It's rather small.
01:04:49It's almost 4,000 square feet.
01:04:51That's true.
01:04:53It would be an adjustment.
01:04:55But at least there's room for my art.
01:04:57Well, some of it.
01:04:59Well, that's the idea.
01:05:01So you can bring Ashford with you.
01:05:03We should all be surrounded
01:05:05by the beauty that inspires us.
01:05:07The hair and makeup people are upstairs, Mom.
01:05:09Perhaps it's time to go get ready.
01:05:11Both of you.
01:05:13Go. We can finish up from here.
01:05:15Really? Yeah.
01:05:17Hey, yeah, no, we can definitely get it done.
01:05:19I can be ready for the Oscars in 15 minutes.
01:05:21And actually, uh, kind of did that once.
01:05:23Oh, and hey,
01:05:25will you see the dance for me?
01:05:27Sure.
01:05:31Thank you for all you do, Gerard.
01:05:33My pleasure, Mom.
01:05:37Good evening.
01:05:39Hi, I'm Kip Marley.
01:05:41Enjoy yourself.
01:05:43Thank you for coming.
01:05:45Enjoy yourself.
01:05:47Uh, wow.
01:05:49Lizzie, you look exquisite.
01:05:53Shall we have that dance now?
01:05:55Kip, someone you need to meet.
01:05:57Don't. Right now?
01:05:59I just have one minute.
01:06:01Yeah.
01:06:03Mom, Meg.
01:06:05Hi. Merry Christmas.
01:06:07Oh, Merry Christmas, honey.
01:06:09Merry Christmas.
01:06:11Merry Christmas.
01:06:13Merry Christmas.
01:06:15Merry Christmas.
01:06:17Merry Christmas.
01:06:19Merry Christmas.
01:06:21Merry Christmas.
01:06:23Merry Christmas, honey.
01:06:25Merry Christmas.
01:06:27Nice party.
01:06:29And everyone is saying it's the best
01:06:31gala they've ever been to.
01:06:33I'm just happy that we can all be together tonight.
01:06:35And in the most
01:06:37incredible house I've ever seen.
01:06:39Yeah, you just had to make us work
01:06:41on Christmas Eve.
01:06:43Um, you begged to come to work with me on Christmas Eve.
01:06:45I know, and I'm not complaining.
01:06:47It's a really wonderful party, Lizzie.
01:06:49Oh, Mom, this is Kip Marley.
01:06:51And you know my sister, Megan.
01:06:53It's a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Richfield.
01:06:55And you as well.
01:06:57Your daughter is... she's something else.
01:06:59They both are.
01:07:01Yes, they are. They certainly are.
01:07:03I can see why
01:07:05planning this has been such a joy for you.
01:07:07Well, come.
01:07:09Enjoy yourself. Enjoy your party.
01:07:11We promise to as well.
01:07:13Okay.
01:07:21You look incredible.
01:07:23Oh, thank you. Courtesy of your grandmother.
01:07:25Oh, no, no, no. It's you, Lizzie.
01:07:27It's always you.
01:07:29Could you help your old grandmother?
01:07:31I have to greet the kents and would like to do that
01:07:33with my handsome grandson on my arm.
01:07:35Bye. Can't say no to Peppa.
01:07:37Uh, don't go anywhere?
01:07:39I can't anyway. I'm on the clock.
01:07:41Right.
01:07:45I thought he'd never leave.
01:07:47Oh!
01:07:49Oh!
01:08:19This whole house feels alive again.
01:08:21Maybe it's not the house.
01:08:25Maybe it's you.
01:08:29I was thinking...
01:08:31Excuse me. Sorry to interrupt, but there's an emergency.
01:08:33Peppa needs you outside.
01:08:35There's something going on with the desserts.
01:08:37Oh, okay.
01:08:39Rain check on that dance?
01:08:41Definitely.
01:08:43After you.
01:08:49Bye.
01:09:03Peppa shouldn't be out here. It's too cold.
01:09:05Oh, here.
01:09:07Oh. Thank you.
01:09:09No problem.
01:09:11Actually, uh, Peppa's inside.
01:09:13I'm the one who wanted to talk to you.
01:09:19Um...
01:09:21I've been doing a lot of thinking
01:09:23these days.
01:09:25And I know that some people inside might think that's a dangerous idea.
01:09:29Lizzie,
01:09:31you deserve a life that inspires you.
01:09:35To see the world
01:09:37through the artistic expression
01:09:39of ancient civilizations.
01:09:41So...
01:09:45Here.
01:09:47Well,
01:09:49what are you waiting for?
01:09:51Go ahead. Open it.
01:10:01Come to Athens
01:10:03with me.
01:10:05It won't cost you a dime.
01:10:09Now, I know that I'm a bit of a nomad.
01:10:11I tend to live life
01:10:13in a little bit of a faster lane
01:10:15than most.
01:10:17But something's changed
01:10:19in me since you got here.
01:10:21There's a light inside you,
01:10:23Lizzie. And I don't even know
01:10:25if you realize it.
01:10:27When you're around anyone,
01:10:29you... you make them
01:10:31better just by being around them.
01:10:33I mean, look at me.
01:10:35I mean, suddenly,
01:10:37settling down doesn't make me want to run and hide.
01:10:39Come to Athens
01:10:41with me.
01:10:43And then let's just...
01:10:45see where it goes.
01:10:47Kip,
01:10:49this is
01:10:51the kindest thing
01:10:53anyone has ever said
01:10:55or done for me.
01:10:57And I would love nothing more
01:10:59than to go to Athens
01:11:01with you.
01:11:10But I can't.
01:11:19You're a good man,
01:11:21Kip.
01:11:23But my heart
01:11:25belongs to someone else.
01:11:29I think I just realized
01:11:31that tonight.
01:11:35I'm sorry.
01:11:37Um, well,
01:11:39my brother is
01:11:41a good man.
01:11:43And really, I just want you
01:11:45and him to be happy.
01:11:49I think I'm gonna go upstairs.
01:11:51I'm done celebrating for the night.
01:11:59Merry Christmas,
01:12:01Lizzie Richfield.
01:12:03Merry Christmas.
01:12:07Yeah.
01:12:11Have a good night.
01:12:17Thank you very much for coming.
01:12:19Yeah.
01:12:21Have I stolen any sign of Robert?
01:12:23No.
01:12:25You actually look absolutely beautiful.
01:12:27Hey, have you guys seen Robert?
01:12:29No, not in a while.
01:12:31Lizzie, I am Gladys Vanderton.
01:12:33Yes, of the Virginia
01:12:35Vandertons. And you have done
01:12:37the most exceptional job here.
01:12:41That really means a lot to me.
01:12:43Anyway, I'm having a little soiree on Valentine's Day.
01:12:45Small, intimate,
01:12:47only 200 people, and I would
01:12:49love to retain your services.
01:12:53To plan it.
01:12:55You do plan parties, don't you?
01:12:57Ah, um... She does.
01:12:59She plans the most magnificent ones around.
01:13:01I believe that.
01:13:03Here's my card.
01:13:05Call me.
01:13:09What
01:13:11did I tell you?
01:13:13Sometimes your thing finds you.
01:13:21Robert,
01:13:23where are you going?
01:13:25I'm going back to the city.
01:13:27Why?
01:13:29It's too late for me here, Sloan.
01:13:31Don't go. It's Christmas Eve.
01:13:33This has been the best Christmas we've had in years.
01:13:35We're all just starting to find each other.
01:13:37I can finish the sale from D.C.
01:13:55Have either of you seen Robert?
01:13:59All we know is that he left.
01:14:01And Kip is holed up in his room
01:14:03and doesn't want to talk to anyone.
01:14:05Well, that's probably my fault.
01:14:09Everything was going so well.
01:14:11We were together.
01:14:13Why would Robert leave without
01:14:15saying anything?
01:14:17Evidently, his work here was done.
01:14:19That's what he told Sloan.
01:14:23Go home, Lizzie.
01:14:25Spend the rest of your Christmas
01:14:27with your mother and your sister.
01:14:29I'm sure they'd rather be home tonight anyway.
01:14:31No, I don't want to leave you alone.
01:14:33Sloan and Jackson and the two boys are here.
01:14:35We'll have Christmas together.
01:14:37But there's so much to be done.
01:14:39Cleaning up after the party.
01:14:41Gerard and I will take care of it.
01:14:43Everyone should be with their family on Christmas.
01:14:57I left him two messages
01:14:59saying I need to talk to him.
01:15:01No response.
01:15:03Last night, everything seemed so clear.
01:15:05The job and Robert.
01:15:09It felt like something was happening.
01:15:11You know, he was different
01:15:13the past few weeks.
01:15:15In a good way, I mean.
01:15:17He's a good guy.
01:15:19He's a good guy.
01:15:21He's a good guy.
01:15:23He's a good guy.
01:15:25The past few weeks.
01:15:27In a good way, I mean.
01:15:29No, I let myself get too close.
01:15:31I got caught up in their world.
01:15:37But this is me.
01:15:39Here is where I belong.
01:15:41And who knows what the future holds.
01:15:43And now you've seen
01:15:45what happens when you're open
01:15:47to all the possibilities.
01:15:49Yes, you found yourself there, Lizzie.
01:15:51You found your thing.
01:15:53Events by Lizzie.
01:15:55Doesn't have
01:15:57a terrible ring to it.
01:15:59It's all happening.
01:16:01So.
01:16:05Maybe try calling him again.
01:16:23Grandmother.
01:16:25What are you doing here?
01:16:27It's Christmas.
01:16:29Don't families see each other on Christmas?
01:16:31You're a hard one to find.
01:16:33My first mistake
01:16:35was not checking your office.
01:16:37No rest for the weary.
01:16:39I'll go take a walk, ma'am.
01:16:41Call when she's ready
01:16:43for me to come get her.
01:16:45I'll be back.
01:16:47I'll be back.
01:16:49I'll be back.
01:16:51Call when she's ready for me to come get her.
01:17:09When you get to be my age, Robert,
01:17:11you start to consider,
01:17:13what will my legacy be?
01:17:15We never want to be defined
01:17:17by our mistakes.
01:17:19After the accident,
01:17:21I went from weekend grandmother
01:17:23to single guardian of three in the blink of an eye.
01:17:25You did the best you could.
01:17:27I could have done better by you.
01:17:31But these past few weeks,
01:17:33seeing how you've changed,
01:17:35I wish I hadn't let you shut down.
01:17:37It should have been my job to open you up.
01:17:41But I didn't do it.
01:17:43Lizzie did.
01:17:45It doesn't matter, grandmother.
01:17:47She chose Kip.
01:17:51Dear boy.
01:17:57I love your brother
01:17:59with all my heart.
01:18:01But Lizzie would have never
01:18:03chosen Kip.
01:18:05What are you talking about?
01:18:07Your brother got on a plane to Greece this morning.
01:18:11Alone.
01:18:13Alone.
01:18:15She didn't go with him?
01:18:19This was under the tree this morning.
01:18:21With your name on it.
01:18:25Open it.
01:18:33It's from Lizzie.
01:18:49Tell Gerard that I'm ready to go.
01:18:51Since you have places to be.
01:19:03Gerard!
01:19:05Gerard!
01:19:11Who could that be?
01:19:13Oh, well, maybe it's Santa Claus
01:19:15because he forgot to bring me something.
01:19:17Like the love of my life.
01:19:23Hi.
01:19:25Hi. Can I talk to you?
01:19:27Alone?
01:19:29Yeah.
01:19:35Why did you leave last night
01:19:37without saying goodbye?
01:19:41I saw you with Kip.
01:19:45And I made an assumption.
01:19:47It was more than that.
01:19:51Being at Ashford suddenly felt right.
01:19:53That is a very foreign feeling to me.
01:19:57A home isn't just a house, right?
01:19:59It's about the people who fill it.
01:20:01And it only felt right again
01:20:03when you were there.
01:20:07I've decided not to sell Ashford.
01:20:09What?
01:20:11I'm sorry, Megan, I really am.
01:20:13There will be penalties, Robert.
01:20:15I understand, and I will have other work for you, I promise.
01:20:17Sorry, she's kind of emotional about work.
01:20:19I can see that.
01:20:21The house needs to stay
01:20:23in the Marley family.
01:20:25It's just a matter of
01:20:27filling it with the right people.
01:20:29Whenever that might happen.
01:20:35Maybe we just need more Christmases
01:20:37like this one.
01:20:41What do you think
01:20:43of all this?
01:20:47I found myself
01:20:49at Ashford.
01:20:51Not because of the grandeur
01:20:53or finding my passion.
01:20:55But because of you.
01:20:59I looked up
01:21:01and saw you.
01:21:03I was hoping you'd say that.
01:21:05I was hoping you'd say that.
01:21:23Thank you for my present.
01:21:25You got it?
01:21:27Perfect.
01:21:29Can I have something for you too?
01:21:31Can I steal you away for a little bit?
01:21:33We can be back in time for Christmas dinner with my family.
01:21:35We don't skip traditions.
01:21:37I have a thought
01:21:39to ring by you about that tradition.
01:21:57Thank you so much.
01:22:00I still have to give you
01:22:02your present.
01:22:04All made for $20.
01:22:29Merry Christmas.
01:22:53Merry Christmas, Lizzie.
01:22:55Merry Christmas, Robert.
01:22:59Merry Christmas.