Stanley Johnston and Edward "Eddie" Horniman in “A Suburban A-Road on the Outskirts of Basingstoke”

[leading Eddie through Guildford Cathedral ] It used to take hundreds of years and thousands of men to construct a cathedral, with the confidence that God was listening. This 1960s monstrosity took two years and 100 men. The reason for this is the constriction that comes with the abandonment of certainty. I want to ask you a question. Alongside the inevitable feelings of despondency and regret you must have been wrestling with, did you, at any stage, experience any sense of liberation?

No, Mr. Johnston. None whatsoever.

It's not until you leave yourself behind that you can experience who you really are.

Trouble is that in my case, the process that stripped me of my privileges has left me in a rather precarious position that needs swift resolution, which is why I'd like to offer my estate as collateral for a loan of 100 million sterling.

The very number I offered you the first day we met. ( Stanley chuckles ) Must be fate.

If I can't repay the loan within a year, plus 15% interest, the estate and the grounds are yours.

What do you plan to do with this money, should I agree?

Repay my debts and recapitalize.

Are you familiar with the London Stone, Your Grace?

Yes, it's a... It's a landmark on Cannon Street.

It's much more than just a landmark, but the legend has it that Brutus brought it to the British Isles, the supposed founder of Britain, back in 1115 B.C.

So long as the Stone of Brutus is safe...

So long London will flourish. Hm. Its history, and yours, predates the Roman Empire. The legend states it arrived with the Trojans and landed in the British Isles 1,200 years before the birth of Christ. They saw the potential in this island they named Albion, so they left behind the stone, like a mystical beacon that would pulse for a millennia.

Well, that's a charming story.

I believe that you are the direct descendant of King Priam, the last king of Troy. That your aristocratic lineage goes back much further than you ever imagined, to the ancient Greeks.

You may be slightly overstating my lineage. It's very kind of you. But I'm not here for a history lesson. I'm here for a number.

I will grant you your loan, Lord Horniman, Duke of Halstead. I will have Stevens draw up the contract at once. Not because I wish to acquire your country seat, but more because I'd like to see you realize your full potential.