- Jules Daly: I thought butlers were extinct.
- Paisley Winterbottom: Oh, no. We've made a comeback. P. Diddy has three.
- Paisley Winterbottom: [narrating] Once upon a time, in a land called Buffalo, there lived a little girl named Jules Daly who dreamt of traveling to faraway places where the people sang for a lark and danced on a whim, where houses were filled with calliopes and music boxes, mechanical dolls and cuckoo clocks. But, alas, not all tales can have happy ending. Jules grew up and still has her dreams. Unfortunately, she's still in Buffalo.
- Edward Duke of Castlebury: Well, children, is there anything you would like to ask your grandfather?
- Milo Huntington: Yeah, how come you gave us the shaft all these years?
- [Jules does a spit-take]
- Ashton Prince of Castlebury: Jules... I know we don't have hot wings or hockey in Castlebury, but we do have crumpets and cricket. Is it possible that you, Milo, and Maddie would consider extending your stay here at Castlebury Hall?
- Edward Duke of Castlebury: [watching them] Beautiful gown Jules is wearing.
- Floyd: Oh, yes, sir.
- Abigail: Yes, sir.
- Mrs. Birch: Lovely.
- Paisley Winterbottom: Excellent taste.
- Edward Duke of Castlebury: Mm, I wonder where she obtained it. I suppose if you wish to be reimbursed, you should produce a receipt for me by morning.
- Jules Daly: Where did all these presents come from? Edward, you're amazing.
- Edward Duke of Castlebury: No, my dear, you're the one that's amazing.
- Ashton Prince of Castlebury: [seeing his look] What is it, Father?
- Edward Duke of Castlebury: I just wish Charles... I wish he were here.
- Jules Daly: But he is. Can't you see him in the joy of Milo's eyes, and the sparkle of Maddie's smile? Charles is here. And so is my sister.
- Edward Duke of Castlebury: You're so right, my dear. Ashton, this is a very, very wise girl. We should not be lamenting what we have lost, rather celebrating what we have found.
- Ashton Prince of Castlebury: Arabella, do you think we're right for each other?
- Lady Arabella Marchand du Belmont: What a silly question. We're perfect for each other. Everyone says so. Even our parents think we're an ideal match.
- Ashton Prince of Castlebury: But what if I didn't hold a title?
- Lady Arabella Marchand du Belmont: Don't be ridiculous, darling.
- Ashton Prince of Castlebury: Oh. You didn't answer my question.
- Lady Arabella Marchand du Belmont: Well, it's a stupid question.
- [seeing his look]
- Lady Arabella Marchand du Belmont: Uh, all right. if you were... a gardener, I wouldn't give you the time of day. There. Is that what you wanted to hear?
- Ashton Prince of Castlebury: Yes.
- Lady Arabella Marchand du Belmont: Why?
- Ashton Prince of Castlebury: 'Cause it's the truth. We don't want the same things. My life doesn't fit with yours.
- Lady Arabella Marchand du Belmont: Are you... are you breaking up with me? No. No, no. Of course you're not. Everyone's expecting us to be engaged.
- Ashton Prince of Castlebury: The thing is... I-I'm not sure I can really make you happy.
- Lady Arabella Marchand du Belmont: Well, I don't care about being happy. I care about being a princess!
- Ashton Prince of Castlebury: It's over, Arabella.
- Jules Daly: I was looking around the castle and I couldn't find your Christmas tree.
- Edward Duke of Castlebury: Because there isn't one.
- Jules Daly: Why not?
- Edward Duke of Castlebury: I don't like them. They're messy, dirty things that drip sticky sap all over the mahogany.
- Ashton Prince of Castlebury: Father.
- Jules Daly: But they make children happy.
- Edward Duke of Castlebury: I don't want one.
- Jules Daly: Then could you please tell me what you *do* want?
- Ashton Prince of Castlebury: I don't think he knows.
- Edward Duke of Castlebury: Oh, yes, I do.
- Jules Daly: I want to know why I brought these kids here if it wasn't to give them a merry Christmas. And I'm not talking about some creepy wannabe holiday in a clammy castle where everybody's walking around like "Dawn of the Living Dead." I'm talking about a holly, jolly Christmas with bells and bows and a big, fat, messy, sappy Christmas tree, with twinkling lights so Santa knows where the heck we are. These kids have had a really tough year.
- Edward Duke of Castlebury: So have we.
- Jules Daly: Then we all deserve a merry Christmas, don't you think?
- Ashton Prince of Castlebury: [she leaves] You might reconsider the tree situation.
- Edward Duke of Castlebury: I will not. And if you don't like it here, you can go back to Geneva. I don't even know why you bothered coming home in the first place.
- Ashton Prince of Castlebury: Because I'm your son. Maybe not your favorite one, but your only living one.
- Edward Duke of Castlebury: What is this?
- Ashton Prince of Castlebury: It's a Christmas tree, Father.
- Edward Duke of Castlebury: I can see that. I'm not a bloody idiot. Where did it come from?
- Jules Daly: I bought it.
- Edward Duke of Castlebury: I expressly told you I do not want...
- Maddie Huntington: [giving an ornament to him] Here, Grandfather. We saved the prettiest one for you. Ashton said it's your favorite.
- Edward Duke of Castlebury: Oh, he did, did he?
- Maddie Huntington: Do you remember it?
- Edward Duke of Castlebury: Yes, I remember it. My elder brother and I were... were each given one at Christmas, and... I broke mine. Oh, how I cried. He gave me his. I thought it was lost forever.
- Jules Daly: Well, there's a special place for it right over here.
- Edward Duke of Castlebury: Thank you, Jules. It is a... lovely tree.
- Jules Daly: You're welcome. But it really was a team effort. Come on, Edward. There's still plenty of tree left to decorate.
- Edward Duke of Castlebury: Oh, the staff can take care of that.
- Jules Daly: Oh, no. It's one of the best parts about Christmas, the family all decorating the tree together.
- Ashton Prince of Castlebury: Come and join us, Father.
- Edward Duke of Castlebury: You're right, my dear.
- Paisley Winterbottom: Good morning, Your Grace.
- Edward Duke of Castlebury: Oh, good morning, Paisley. Well, there's nothing like decorating a Christmas tree to get you into the holiday spirit, is there? Oh, Paisly, how many days 'til Christmas?
- Paisley Winterbottom: Five, sir.
- Edward Duke of Castlebury: Oh, five. It'll be a bit tough, but we can do it. We must get the invitations out immediately.
- Paisley Winterbottom: Invitations, sir?
- Edward Duke of Castlebury: Yes. For the ball.
- Paisley Winterbottom: We're having a ball?
- Edward Duke of Castlebury: Yes. The Christmas Eve Ball. I just made up my mind. We must hire an orchestra. And, oh, you must tell Ashton to invite all his friends.
- Paisley Winterbottom: [a little concerned] Are you all right, sir?
- Edward Duke of Castlebury: Never better. How are the children?
- Paisley Winterbottom: Splendid, sir. Ashton is giving Milo an archery lesson, and Miss Maddie and Miss Jules are currently scouring the castle for Dolly Dinkle's head.
- Jules Daly: I know you're really mad at me, but crushing your little sister's dreams is a terrible way to start Christmas.
- Milo Huntington: Sorry.
- Jules Daly: Maddie and I are gonna go get a tree tomorrow. You wanna come?
- Milo Huntington: I just wish Christmas was over. All it makes me think about is losing Mom and Dad.
- Jules Daly: What's going on here?
- Floyd: Just hooking up the telly for Master Milo.
- Jules Daly: Milo, can I speak to you for a second?
- [he comes over for privacy]
- Jules Daly: Your punishment was no TV.
- Milo Huntington: Yeah, that's before you dragged me all the way to Castlevania to spend Christmas with Grandpa Wingnut.
- Floyd: [getting a signal] I've done it. It works.
- Jules Daly: Thank you, Floyd. You can unhook it now.
- Floyd: Very well, then.
- Milo Huntington: What?
- Floyd: You're not missing much. We don't even have HBO.
- Jules Daly: Hello, my prince.
- Ashton Prince of Castlebury: Hello, my princess.
- Jules Daly: Sounds like we're in line for a throne somewhere.
- Ashton Prince of Castlebury: Well, as a matter of fact, we are.
- Jules Daly: No. Really?
- Ashton Prince of Castlebury: [kissing] Drive on.
- Paisley Winterbottom: [narrating as their carriage pulls away] It is true not all tales have happy endings. But then, for Jules Daly, the dreamer from Buffalo, the story is just beginning.
- Jules Daly: [leaving the Christmas Ball] You should go back in. I'm sure they're looking for you. I'll just hang right here.
- Ashton Prince of Castlebury: Then... I'll hang with you. If that's all right.
- Jules Daly: Okay.
- [he kisses her]
- Jules Daly: What about Arabella?
- Ashton Prince of Castlebury: It's over.
- Jules Daly: What happened?
- Ashton Prince of Castlebury: You absconded with my heart.
- Jules Daly: How did I do that? You're the Prince of Castlebury. I'm just a poor girl from Buffalo.
- Ashton Prince of Castlebury: Exactly.
- Ashton Prince of Castlebury: Enjoying yourself?
- Jules Daly: Oh. Um... I was just admiring your urn.
- Ashton Prince of Castlebury: I see.
- Jules Daly: Well, you know me and antiques. Can't keep my hands off them. I didn't break this one, though. Um... I'm trying very hard not to be an embarrassment.
- Ashton Prince of Castlebury: What do you mean?
- Jules Daly: I overheard you and Edward in the study. I know you didn't want to invite me tonight. The crass girl with no title or fortune.
- Ashton Prince of Castlebury: Oh, no. You misunderstand. Father was talking about Bunny McCracken.
- Jules Daly: Who?
- Ashton Prince of Castlebury: Well, she's a dreadful, grisly sort of woman. Despises children. And senior citizens.
- [gesturing over his shoulder]
- Ashton Prince of Castlebury: She's over there.
- Jules Daly: [seeing who he means] Well, that's a relief. Not that she's grisly, but, um...
- Ashton Prince of Castlebury: Jules, well, you must know that... well, perhaps you don't, but the truth is, I hold you in the highest possible regard. I couldn't care less about your title. I find you funny, smart, and surprisingly funky, which is a rare combination.
- [the orchestra stops and begins a new song]
- Ashton Prince of Castlebury: I believe they're playing our song.
- Jules Daly: We don't have a song.
- Ashton Prince of Castlebury: We do now.
- [taking her hand, he leads her onto the dance floor]
- Paisley Winterbottom: [introducing Jules at the Christmas Ball] Ladies and gentlemen, Miss Jules Daly of Buffalo.
- Duke of Belmont: [watching her descend the staircase] Buffalo? My word. They'll let anyone in a royal ball these days.
- Mrs. Birch: Jules, where are you going?
- Jules Daly: Mrs. Birch. I'm... I'm taking a train to the airport.
- Mrs. Birch: You've left something behind.
- Jules Daly: I... I did?
- Mrs. Birch: Yes. It's in the car. Come on.
- Jules Daly: Okay.
- [being pulled to the car, she sees the house servants in the back]
- Jules Daly: Hi. You're all here.
- [Abigail offers a clothing bag]
- Jules Daly: Oh, what's this?
- Mrs. Birch: Your ball gown.
- Jules Daly: Oh, that's so sweet of you. Were you able to fix it?
- Mrs. Birch: Not exactly.
- Jules Daly: I'm sure it's fine. Thank you so much for doing this.
- Mrs. Birch: Don't you at least want to have a look-see?
- Jules Daly: Sure. Um...
- [opening the bag]
- Jules Daly: Oh, that... that's not my dress.
- Floyd: Oh, yes, ma'am. Paisley had it brought in from Vienna.
- Jules Daly: But... who... who paid for this?
- Abigail: The entire staff pitched in, Miss.
- Jules Daly: This is too much.
- Mrs. Birch: Come on. We can discuss this later. Floyd, get in the front seat. Gibson, raise up the partition. Jules has a ball to get ready for.
- Mrs. Birch: Did I wake you?
- Jules Daly: Is everything all right?
- Mrs. Birch: No. There's been a slight incident.
- Jules Daly: Incident?
- Mrs. Birch: Mm-hmm.
- Abigail: [in the kitchen, with Jules' ruined ball gown, sobbing] I'm so sorry, miss. I didn't realize the iron was so hot.
- Jules Daly: It's okay, Abigail. It's okay.
- Mrs. Birch: I don't know what you're blubbering about. Miss Daly is the one with nothing to wear to the ball tonight.
- Paisley Winterbottom: What's that burning?
- [seeing the hole]
- Paisley Winterbottom: Oh, I say. Oh, that's a big one.
- Mrs. Birch: Thank you, Paisley, for your keen observation.
- Paisley Winterbottom: Well, what are we to do? All the village dress shops are have closed for Christmas.
- Mrs. Birch: We'll have to repair it as best we can.
- Jules Daly: Maybe this is a sign.
- Paisley Winterbottom: What do you mean?
- Jules Daly: I shouldn't go to the ball.
- Mrs. Birch: You can't be serious.
- Paisley Winterbottom: My dear Miss Daly, if it wasn't for you, there wouldn't even be a ball.
- Jules Daly: That's very kind of you to say, but... I think I'm gonna sit this one out.
- Ashton Prince of Castlebury: [Milo looks at an archery trophy his father won] Charles was the best, you know. Your father. Much better than I could have ever been.
- Milo Huntington: Why do you keep his room locked?
- Ashton Prince of Castlebury: I suppose... it hurt too much to remember.
- Milo Huntington: Yeah, but this is all that's left of my father. It's what keeps him alive. Why don't you want to remember? Every day, I wake up and I try not to forget, but his face just keeps slipping further and further away. And pretty soon... if I don't keep trying, there'll be nothing left.
- Ashton Prince of Castlebury: That's not true. The love he had for you will always be here.
- [tapping Milo's heart]
- Ashton Prince of Castlebury: You know, you're a lot like him.
- Milo Huntington: Really?
- Ashton Prince of Castlebury: It's rather wonderful. Milo, I'm so grateful that you, Maddie, and Jules have come for Christmas. It's lifted everyone's spirits. I hope you all know that. How about we leave this door open from now on?
- Ashton Prince of Castlebury: [returning the head of Maddie's doll] I believe you've been looking for this.
- Jules Daly: Thanks. Maddie will be thrilled.
- Ashton Prince of Castlebury: [hearing something in her voice] Are you all right?
- Jules Daly: I've got something in my eye. I'm fine.
- Ashton Prince of Castlebury: Of course. Well...
- Jules Daly: Was there anything else?
- Ashton Prince of Castlebury: Yes. Um... I've been wanting to ask. Um, appears to be a quandary about the canapes.
- Jules Daly: What is it?
- Ashton Prince of Castlebury: Shrimp quiche or salmon mousse?
- Jules Daly: Which do you like?
- Ashton Prince of Castlebury: Shrimp quiche.
- Jules Daly: There you go, then.
- Ashton Prince of Castlebury: Do you like shrimp?
- Jules Daly: Very much.
- Ashton Prince of Castlebury: Quandary solved, then.
- Ashton Prince of Castlebury: How's the guest list coming along?
- Edward Duke of Castlebury: Oh, fine, fine. Practically everyone has accepted.
- Ashton Prince of Castlebury: Good.
- Edward Duke of Castlebury: Except Lord and Lady Kronwall. They're impossible to pin down.
- Ashton Prince of Castlebury: They may be out of town. Don't they usually go to Stadt for Christmas?
- Edward Duke of Castlebury: Uh, y-yeah, maybe they're... aren't you supposed to be at lunch with Arabella and her parents?
- Ashton Prince of Castlebury: I botched the time. We're going to reschedule.
- Edward Duke of Castlebury: Well, that's rather irresponsible. They're a very fine family, the Belmonts. We don't want to run around insulting them, do we? That would be a mistake.
- Ashton Prince of Castlebury: No, Father. I assure you, it wasn't intentional.
- Abigail: [looking for Jules' ball gown] Miss Jules said it was beige.
- Mrs. Birch: Huh? Hmm. This must be it. Not much of a ball gown.
- Abigail: Maybe a good pressing will help.
- [Mrs. Birch is skeptical]
- Edward Duke of Castlebury: Children, I have been thinking that, as you're both Huntingtons, it's my duty to expand your cultural education.
- Milo Huntington: Can't you be off-duty for the holiday?
- Edward Duke of Castlebury: Now, you have the choice of language, literature, music, dance, or art.
- Maddie Huntington: [later, down in the Great Hall] I picked ballet.
- [seeing Milo's instructor]
- Maddie Huntington: What did you pick?
- Milo Huntington: Electric guitar.
- Ashton Prince of Castlebury: [getting distracted while trying to teach Jules to waltz] This is impossible.
- Jules Daly: Come on. Loosen up.
- [mussing his hair and unzipping his sweater]
- Jules Daly: Yeah. Come on.
- Ashton Prince of Castlebury: I'm not really the funky type.
- Jules Daly: Well, don't worry, because I am. Jam-nastic lessons at the YMCA.
- [turning on hip-hop dance music]
- Jules Daly: Come on. I know you're a prince, but I think you've got some gangster in there somewhere.
- Jules Daly: I saw you and Milo on the lawn earlier. It's really nice of you to spend time with him. I hope he didn't give you too much grief.
- Ashton Prince of Castlebury: Well, actually, the lesson went quite well. And you're next.
- Jules Daly: Oh, I'm not very good at weaponry.
- Ashton Prince of Castlebury: How about waltzing? I just got word that Father's throwing a Christmas Eve ball.
- Jules Daly: He is?
- Ashton Prince of Castlebury: Yes. Someone seems to have turned him around.
- [offering his hand]
- Ashton Prince of Castlebury: Shall we?
- Ashton Prince of Castlebury: [teaching Jules to waltz] You're too stiff.
- Jules Daly: Well, I could say the same thing about you.
- Ashton Prince of Castlebury: I meant your arm.
- Jules Daly: Oh. Well, how is it supposed to be?
- Ashton Prince of Castlebury: Responsive.
- [she takes his hand firmly]
- Ashton Prince of Castlebury: Much better. Now you need to count.
- [taking each step]
- Ashton Prince of Castlebury: One, two, three. One, two, three.
- Jules Daly: [stumbling over her own feet] Uh, s-sorry. I'm just not very musical.
- Ashton Prince of Castlebury: That's all right. I am. Violin lessons from age 5.
- Jules Daly: You play the violin?
- Ashton Prince of Castlebury: Yes. Now, please, try to focus.
- Jules Daly: I just find it interesting is all.
- Ashton Prince of Castlebury: And I find it interesting you eat hot wings yet know the works of Christopher Landry.
- Duke of Belmont: It's an outrage! Prince Ashton is flagrantly cavorting with that... with that strumpet while he is expected to be engaging our daughter.
- Edward Duke of Castlebury: My son has a mind of his own.
- Duchess of Belmont: Oh, yes, we know all about your sons and their fascination with the great unwashed.
- Edward Duke of Castlebury: Bite your tongue, woman.
- Duchess of Belmont: [insulted] I am the Most Honorable Duchess of Belmont, and it would behoove you to address me as such.
- Edward Duke of Castlebury: Well, you may well be a duchess, but Jules Daly is more of a lady than you will ever be.
- Lady Arabella Marchand du Belmont: You obviously don't know the real Jules Daly. She's clearly after your money. Why else do you think that girl is here? And anyone can see that she can't manage those children on her own. So I did a little personal research. And did you know that Miss Jules Daly was fired from her job, Master Milo is, in fact, a kleptomaniac, or that little Maddie is a trans-fat junkie?
- Edward Duke of Castlebury: That is a lie.
- Jules Daly: No. Arabella is right.
- Lady Arabella Marchand du Belmont: See? Told you.
- Jules Daly: Milo did steal that video game. But he returned it.
- [taking Maddie's bag of Doritos]
- Jules Daly: And Maddie does have a... temporary fascination with chips, which we're trying to fix. And I am currently unemployed, but I hope for not too long, because I really like working. I may not know much about parenting, but I know we don't need money to make us happy. But we do need each other. These are brave kids. They deserve a chance at a family. And as inconceivable as that may seem, Arabella, that's the only reason we're here.
- Lady Arabella Marchand du Belmont: [scoffing snicker] Ashton, you don't honestly believe her?
- Ashton Prince of Castlebury: Yes. I do.
- Lady Arabella Marchand du Belmont: Edward? Surely you can see that she's...
- Edward Duke of Castlebury: [she does the "crazy" hand/head gesture] So who cares? You say Jules is a bad mother. Well, I've been a lousy father and an even worse father-in-law. So, Jules lost her job. You have never worked a single day in your life. And if you ask me, Lady Arabella Marchand Du Belmont, you're the one who is all fur coat and no knickers.
- Jules Daly: So, how was the hunt?
- Ashton Prince of Castlebury: And why do you say it like that?
- Jules Daly: Well, I'm not a champion of torturing innocent foxes.
- Ashton Prince of Castlebury: That makes two of us.
- Jules Daly: What do you mean?
- Ashton Prince of Castlebury: Well, I find fox hunting cruel and barbaric, which is why I advocated the ban on hunting them.
- Jules Daly: Well, then what were you hunting?
- Ashton Prince of Castlebury: A man.
- Jules Daly: A man?
- Ashton Prince of Castlebury: Yes. Dragging a fake scent. It's called a drag hunt.
- Jules Daly: Oh. I'm sorry. I guess that news didn't make the Buffalo sports page.
- Paisley Winterbottom: [Jules slips on the waxed floor in the Great Hall] Hello.
- Jules Daly: Hey, Paisley.
- [looking up at the ceiling]
- Jules Daly: Great molding.
- Paisley Winterbottom: Yes, I've always thought so.
- Ashton Prince of Castlebury: Now, that's a tree.
- Jules Daly: Isn't it pretty?
- Ashton Prince of Castlebury: Very pretty.
- Jules Daly: Come on. You wanna help?
- Ashton Prince of Castlebury: Um, well, I'd love to.
- Jules Daly: [tossing an ornament to him] Whoop.
- Ashton Prince of Castlebury: Well, I warn you, I've no idea what I'm doing.
- Jules Daly: That's okay. There's no wrong way to decorate a Christmas tree.
- [he moves to hang the ornament]
- Jules Daly: Mm... higher.
- Ashton Prince of Castlebury: Higher?
- Jules Daly: Well, you're taller, so I-I might as well use you.
- Milo Huntington: I'm sick of you telling me what to do! You're not my mother. You're not even close.
- Jules Daly: You're right. I'm not. But I'm trying to do the best I can. I miss her, too, you know. Both of them.
- [he backs away as she moves to hug him]
- Jules Daly: It's gonna get better, Milo. I promise.
- Jules Daly: [breaking up a fight between the kids] Are you gonna tell me which one of you two started this?
- Maddie Huntington: He did it!
- Milo Huntington: I guess I did. Sorry, Maddie.
- Maddie Huntington: It's okay.
- Ashton Prince of Castlebury: Well, now we're all friends here, why don't you two help Paisley with his chores?
- Milo Huntington, Paisley Winterbottom: Chores?
- Ashton Prince of Castlebury: Yes. Feeding the Shetland ponies.
- Maddie Huntington: [excited] Ponies?
- Paisley Winterbottom: Well, I say, sir, what a splendid idea. Come along, children. Let's go find some carrots.
- Milo Huntington: [after receiving a black eye] I don't get why you're so freaked out.
- Jules Daly: You flattened a Christmas shopper, attacked an orphan boy, and disrupted a Christmas concert conducted by a nun.
- Floyd, Paisley Winterbottom: My word!
- Milo Huntington: Sorry.
- Paisley Winterbottom: Something to tell the grandchildren, though.
- Maddie Huntington: Aunt Jules, do you think Santa will be able to find us even if there is no Christmas tree or twinkle lights?
- Jules Daly: Don't you worry. Santa knows who all the good little boys and girls are.
- Jules Daly: [out Christmas shopping] Kids, look. A choir.
- Maddie Huntington: They're orphans, like us.
- Jules Daly: Well, yeah. But you have me. Both of you do.
- Ashton Prince of Castlebury: [teaching archery to Milo] Which is your dominant eye?
- Milo Huntington: Don't know, don't care.
- [firing an arrow, it bounces off the target]
- Milo Huntington: This is stupid.
- [throwing his bow down]
- Milo Huntington: I'm going back to bed.
- Ashton Prince of Castlebury: Milo. Milo. I can help you. Please, pick up the bow.
- [he does so]
- Ashton Prince of Castlebury: That's right. Now, right side facing you. Fingers either side. And breathe. Look at the target. Which is clearer?
- Milo Huntington: The right.
- Ashton Prince of Castlebury: Then you're right-eye dominant. Had my share of black eyes when I was your age.
- Milo Huntington: Oh, yeah?
- Ashton Prince of Castlebury: Tricky business, fighting. Finally gave it up.
- Milo Huntington: How come? Couldn't take a punch?
- Ashton Prince of Castlebury: The contrary. No matter how many fights I won, I still felt like a loser. Now, load your arrow. One fluid motion. And when you let go, let the anger go with it.
- Milo Huntington: [firing, they both hit the bullseye] Cool.
- Edward Duke of Castlebury: You scheduled a hunt?
- Ashton Prince of Castlebury: Well, it's our tradition, remember? I thought it would please you.
- Edward Duke of Castlebury: Well, it doesn't. I don't want a bunch of rowdy hunters trampling through the castle.
- Ashton Prince of Castlebury: Father... they're our friends. Besides, it's too late to cancel now. What's the matter with you? I thought you wanted a happy family Christmas.
- Edward Duke of Castlebury: I changed my mind. Christmas makes me think of Charles. And so do those children.
- Ashton Prince of Castlebury: Of course they do. What were you expecting?
- Edward Duke of Castlebury: I don't know. To feel better.
- Ashton Prince of Castlebury: So your new plan is to make everyone miserable?
- Jules Daly: You all ready for bed, sweetheart?
- Maddie Huntington: Uh-huh.
- Jules Daly: Have you said your prayers yet?
- Maddie Huntington: Not yet.
- [putting her hands together]
- Maddie Huntington: God bless Mommy and Daddy in heaven, Aunt Jules, and Milo, too. And if it's not too much to ask, could you please tell Grandpa not to be so grumpy so we can all have a merry Christmas? Amen.
- Jules Daly: Oh, honey. I know he's not the warm, fuzzy grandpa you wished for, but, you know, it's important not to give up on people.
- Maddie Huntington: He wasn't nice to Mommy and Daddy, was he?
- Jules Daly: No, he wasn't. But, you know, they loved him anyway. So maybe it's time for us to open our hearts and forgive him, too.
- Maddie Huntington: So you don't think they'd be mad we're here?
- Jules Daly: No. I think they'd be glad. It's a big step for your grandpa to invite you and Milo to Castlebury.
- Mrs. Birch: Those decorations are off-limits.
- Jules Daly: Why?
- Mrs. Birch: His Grace would never approve. And take this monstrous tree back where it came from.
- Jules Daly: You're kidding, right? It's Christmas.
- [seeing her look of disapproval]
- Jules Daly: You're not kidding. Oh, can't you let it slide just this once?
- Mrs. Birch: We don't slide around at Castlebury Hall.
- Jules Daly: Um... Mrs. Birch, do you have kids?
- Mrs. Birch: No.
- Jules Daly: Nieces or nephews?
- Mrs. Birch: No.
- Jules Daly: But you were a kid once, right? How can you deny two children a tree at Christmas? Don't you remember what it was like?
- Mrs. Birch: [sobbing a few moments later] It was a miserable childhood. I never had a happy Christmas. One year... I actually got a lump of coal in my stocking.
- Floyd: That's terrible.
- Jules Daly: No little girl deserves that.
- Mrs. Birch: Well, I might have. But still.
- [getting to her feet with a laugh]
- Mrs. Birch: All right. I'm ready.
- Jules Daly: That's the spirit, Mrs. Birch. Right.
- [she's passed an ornament]
- Jules Daly: First decoration on. Done.
- Ashton Prince of Castlebury: Jules, this is my friend Thomas.
- Jules Daly: Hi.
- [Thomas kisses her hand]
- Jules Daly: Oh!
- Lord Thomas Belmont: Has Ashton been behaving?
- Jules Daly: Like a prince.
- Lord Thomas Belmont: Well, he'd better. After all, he is one.
- Jules Daly: You're not really a prince, are you?
- Ashton Prince of Castlebury: I am.
- Jules Daly: No. Really? But...
- Ashton Prince of Castlebury: The title comes from my mother's side.
- Jules Daly: [bumping into Ashton, she accidentally pulls a piece of sconce off the wall] Hi.
- Ashton Prince of Castlebury: Hello.
- Jules Daly: [taking her wrist out of his grip] Uh, oh. Sorry.
- [recognizing him]
- Jules Daly: You're Ashton.
- Ashton Prince of Castlebury: Yes.
- Jules Daly: I-I've seen you in pictures. My sister was married to your...
- Ashton Prince of Castlebury: To my brother, Charles.
- Jules Daly: Sorry about your sconce. It's old, isn't it? Probably pretty expensive. You know, it looks like a Louis Philippe.
- [checking]
- Jules Daly: Yeah, it is.
- [trying to fit it back into place]
- Jules Daly: I can probably just fix this with some nail glue or a little light welding.
- Ashton Prince of Castlebury: You can just leave it.
- Milo Huntington: Who's he?
- Maddie Huntington: Paisley Winterbottom.
- Paisley Winterbottom: And I'm here to invite all three of you to spend Christmas at Castlebury Hall.
- Milo Huntington: Where's that?
- Paisley Winterbottom: Stone's throw from Liechtenstein.
- Jules Daly: It doesn't matter. We're not going.
- Maddie Huntington: Why not?
- Jules Daly: Well, for one, I have a job.
- Paisley Winterbottom: Uh, but your former employer relieved you of that responsibility.
- Milo Huntington: No way. You got fired?
- Paisley Winterbottom: The airline tickets will be arriving this evening, and I, uh, I have a check to cover your traveling expenses.
- Milo Huntington: [seeing the amount] Whoa!
- Jules Daly: We don't accept handouts from gutless, guilty family members.
- Paisley Winterbottom: But I was told not to return to Castlebury without you.
- Jules Daly: Well, then you're just gonna have to move to Buffalo.
- Jules Daly: Hey, I just sold a limited-edition music box. Now if we can just find a customer for my freaky clock guts.
- Jules's Boss: Jules, we need to talk.
- [gesturing for her to sit down]
- Jules's Boss: I'm sure you know that business is down.
- Jules Daly: W-Well, I can do better.
- Jules's Boss: You've been wonderful. And I can only imagine how difficult this year has been for you, losing your sister and brother-in-law last Christmas.
- Jules Daly: We're getting through it.
- Jules's Boss: Look, there's no easy way to say this. Unfortunately, I can't afford to keep you on. In fact, if business doesn't turn around soon, I may have to close the store.
- Jules Daly: No, Arthur. Please, I...
- Jules's Boss: I-I'm sorry, Jules. Really, I am. I mean, you're the best salesgirl I've ever had. I'll put out some feelers and see if there's any other job openings.
- Maddie Huntington: Milo, open up! We have an emergency!
- [he opens his bedroom door, panting]
- Maddie Huntington: You left the house. I'm telling.
- Milo Huntington: One word, and Dolly Dinkle loses her head. Got it?
- [she nods]
- Milo Huntington: Good.
- Ashton Prince of Castlebury: So, um, how long will you be staying?
- Jules Daly: Why? You want to get rid of us already?
- [seeing his reaction]
- Jules Daly: I was joking.
- Ashton Prince of Castlebury: I know.
- Jules Daly: I really do like to unpack myself, if you don't mind.
- Mrs. Birch: It's my job, miss.
- Jules Daly: Oh, I won't tell.
- Mrs. Birch: If you insist. The dinner will be served at half past 8:00. And please be prompt. His Grace does not abide tardiness.
- Jules Daly: [following her as she leaves] Oh, Mrs. Birch! Ah. Ooh, Mrs. Birch! Oh, wait, wait. Oh. Mrs. Birch.
- [coming to a locked door]
- Jules Daly: She's a quick one.
- Jules Daly: Don't cry.
- Maddie Huntington: But Milo said there wasn't a Santa.
- Jules Daly: Honey, he didn't mean it. Just because it's only the three of us now doesn't mean there's no Santa Claus. You just have to believe, is all.
- Maddie Huntington: I... I believe.
- Jules Daly: [kissing the top of her head] Me, sweetie. Me, too.
- Jules Daly: [looking at a framed picture of her and her sister] We miss you, sis. I'm trying really hard with the kids, but... Milo just seems so angry all the time. Maddie needs constant supervision. And now the nanny's quit, and the car's broke, and I lost my job. I'm in big trouble. I just wished you were here to tell me what to do.