Original subtitles

Chris, I've got the gear all right.

It doesn't mean I knew what went on, you know, where it came from.

All I know is who I got the silver off.

Well, if that's all you know, that's all you can say, mate.

There he is.

Put your back into it, boatman.

That is any more for Bismarck. Come on, he's a good two -year -old. He's got no

chance. Three to one the price, huh? Make yourself a fortune.

Provided he's not beaten by old Fray Joseph on the boat.

Hold up, Mr Forbes is alright, eh?

Got his money on both of them.

No wonder there's perfect discipline aboard.

Mr. Forbes, I want this scum in line now.

Hey, you lads, I told you before, pipe down.

Tom Morley.

Tom, you're promoted.

I want this lot in line fast.

Right, you lads, you heard Captain Baines.

Come on. Come on, in line, you, all of you. Come on, round you go, in line.

And you, out of it, come on.

Come on, off you go, don't come back.

Off you go.

Out you go.

John Belcher, still trying to prove herself.

Come on, in line, and you as well.

Now, leave me go, leave me go. Tom Morley, I want these two in the boat,

Forbes as well, and you get his gear.

Come on.

I know what I told you to stand in line.

I heard.

Your name?

Morley. One of yours, Tom.

Youngest and daftest. Yeah, and the strongest man aboard this ship.

The second strongest.

They're standing in line.

Tom, I want a personal introduction to all these beauties, and then we'll get

the way.

Captain, there's something you ought to know. Later, later. No, but there's

another woman aboard.

What?

Mrs. Braggs, ma 'am. It's Tom Morley.

There's a Captain Baines here to see you.

Baines? Morning, ma 'am.

Did somebody say Baines?

Well, I'll be.

Robert Bragg, what are you doing aboard?

It's my ship, Mr. Baines.

Yours? Cormorant's your ship? Don't tell me that. No, I sold out two years back.

Is that the truth he's telling me, ma 'am? Well, so I believe it. It's the

truth, Captain.

So he didn't send you out, did he?

Bring back the amaryllis, the cable said, but no mention of you, and if I

known... Perhaps he didn't want to tell you.

He was just returning a favor, Mr. O 'Neden. A favor? What does he owe you?

That was a long time ago, Mr. Baines, a long, long time ago.

I don't want to die out here. I don't want to die at home.

Mr. O 'Neden's promised to get me back.

He's taken me off my ship to act as nursemaid to you.

Well, I'm damned if I'll do it, and you're going to rot in this hellhole for

I care.

Captain Baines, please.

Please listen to me.

I'm sorry I had to speak out like that in front of you, ma 'am.

But your husband and I are old enemies, and that's the truth of it. If he really

is dying... He is.

I really have my sympathy.

But there's no way I'd be a master on one of his ships, and there's plenty

he's crossed to kill the same way as I do.

Captain Baines, I'm a helpless woman. How will I get home?

He sent for me. I sold everything I had to pay my passage to New Orleans, only

to find it failed.

A trading vessel brought me here for the few trinkets I had left and my wedding

ring. He wrote to me and said he was dying and that he needed me.

I do understand how you feel, and I'm sorry to have to appeal to you for help,

but there's no one else.

All right.

Well, I'll get you back, Mama.

And him.

Tom!

Ready to make sales.

That is it.

Yeah. What do you want?

Tom tells me you've sent Pope Forbes ashore.

Aye, and for good.

Pope Forbes has stood by me.

He may not be much of a mate, but he's loyal.

Some good shops, Benj.

They're a rabble. But I'll soon lick them into shape before the day's out.

You've changed your mind, have you? You're going to take me back to England

after all.

I'm taking the ship back, and you're good lady. You, I'm treated as unwanted

baggage.

Perhaps I'll die in Liverpool yet.

Come on, Baines, forget about the past. Have yourself a drink.

I've got work to do.

Give it to me.

She thinks she's in them all, Baines.

But she hasn't found this one yet. Oh, Robert, you shouldn't.

Got something to celebrate now, haven't I?

You turned your female charms upon him, haven't you?

I'm going to have to keep my weather eye open for you two, won't I?

Good news, is it?

Hmm?

Oh, aye.

It's, uh, from Mr. Blake in New Orleans.

He says, Baines bellowed like an angry bull when he got me cable, but he ended

up by going anyway.

Didn't like handing over the trident one little bit.

Oh, I'm sure he didn't.

Not like you, James, lending Captain Baines to another owner. What do you get

out of it?

Well, uh, not quite sure yet.

But you tell me, this Black sounds like a dreadful man.

He wasn't always like that.

What happened to change him?

Sorrow, guilt, drink, in that order.

Well, go on.

Well, not really very much to tell.

He put his father's ship on the rocks.

He lost all hands, including his father and his two brothers.

Most people blamed him.

So, uh, he took to drink.

He's been trying to drown the memory for 20 years, poor man.

Well, I'd best get myself off to the exchange.

I see you let in.

Ah, come, you're putting on weight, young lady. Well done, well done. Yes, I

Father. Don't keep it down, Charlotte. He's late already.

Goodbye, James.

If you won't tell him, Lettie, then I will. Wasn't the right moment. It never

is.

He's been home from Africa. I'll go for a month now, and you said you'd tell

him. And I will.

But when he's in the right mood. It's beginning to show already. Soon everyone

will know. It's close.

Theodos thinks of putting on weight, like if Arthur does.

I've seen you quite right.

The sooner he's told, the better.

I wonder when William gets back from London.

Well, he's... He's due back today, I think.

Why?

Men do change their minds sometimes.

I know your father doesn't like William very much, but, well, I don't know if he

didn't make an honest woman of him. You mean father wouldn't feel so badly about

it? Well, I wouldn't go so far as to say that, but... Well, he can hardly object

to the pair of you getting married now, can he?

Letty, do you think it's possible that he could have changed his mind?

You shall go and see him this morning.

We'll take the carriage.

We?

Don't worry, I won't come in. Oh, no, Lettie, I'd rather you did. Look,

must go with you.

Oh, very well, then, Mrs. Gibson.

An acre of land.

The shipyard.

You received a fair price for the shipyard, and in one way or another, I

good deal of money.

I also retained five acres for myself.

So I heard.

Yes, I'm sure you did.

Soon that land will be of great value, with plans that I have in mind,

It's simply my way of letting you share in my prosperity. Well, there's really

no need, you sir. Never look a gift horse in the mouth.

It's made out in your name, by the way.

Not Fraser's.

It's a very generous gift.

Thank you.

Now I'm going to let you into a secret. Oh?

You know my thoughts on Liverpool, how this can become the major port of the

country? Yes.

Well, it seems that there are other like -minded men in this town.

Men of vision who are looking for a spokesman.

I've been asked to stand for the city council.

Really? Well, that's splendid news, you sir.

Then you'll support me? Of course I will.

Oh.

What's wrong?

I'm sorry, William. Am I interrupting you?

Well... I was just going anyway, Miss O 'Neill.

You will treat what I tell you in confidence. Of course.

Good. I'll possibly see you later at the club. We'll talk there. Yes.

You're looking quite blooming, Miss O 'Neill.

If I might say so.

Thank you.

William.

Do you know... Why do you ask?

Well, why did he use the word blooming?

He was... He was simply paying you a compliment, that's all.

Oh.

Perhaps... How was London?

Fine.

What did your father say, Charlotte?

You mean about... Yes.

I haven't told him yet.

What?

But I've been in London for nearly a month. I thought by now you must...

wanted to wait for the right moment.

And I hoped... I thought you'd change your mind.

I'd make you a good wife, William. I know I would. I'm sure you would, but

be a bad husband.

And an even worse father.

I told you, Charlotte, I'm not ready for marriage. Not yet.

And I'm not... I'm not ready to be a mother, William, but it's something I

to face up to. Keep your voice down, please.

Look, let's talk about this sensibly, calmly.

The only sensible solution is for you to marry me. We've discussed all this

before. I've agreed to provide for you and the child.

I'll draw up a legal settlement if that's what you want.

Charlotte, Charlotte, please stop crying. Someone might come in.

Look, Charlotte, Charlotte.

Charlotte, please.

Look, look, suppose... Look, supposing... Supposing I bought you a

country, you could live there in comfort... Two

o

'clock.

Right, clear the table, Nettie.

She'll be in soon, James.

If she can't learn to be here on time for her meals, then she can learn to do

without them.

Nice to have seen you, Samuel.

Oh, but I haven't told you about Alderman Swales yet.

Swales?

Oh, one of the coachbuilders. I used to.

Beaumont's bought him out.

Oh,

good bit of land that was.

Just by the river.

Headed in mind for you, Letty. Me?

Aye. Sell off some of the land and with the profit build a factory for your

women. Oh, well, you never said.

Well, it wasn't much point until I got it, was there?

Still. Too late now.

That's not what I came to tell you, Uncle.

Mr. Swayle says that Beaumont is standing for the council.

Is he now?

Really getting his feet under the table, eh? It seems several of the councillors

think he ought to be opposed.

You're not expecting your Uncle James to stand against him, are you?

Good Lord, no.

Thank heavens for that.

No, we'd like you to sponsor Uncle Daniel.

He's an ideal candidate. You see, his yard is across the river.

And therefore he has no financial interest in the ward.

Now, hold on. You said we. Now, just who is we?

I've joined the Chamber of Commerce.

Thank you, Samuel, with all those old fogies.

Yes, we're not all old, Aunt Lettie. Anyway, the main thing is we have the

interest of the town at heart.

So will you speak to him, Uncle?

Well, I don't know that your Uncle Daniel's our dear candidate.

I'll have to think about it.

He must be better than Beaumont, surely.

Anyway, Mother's inviting you for lunch on Sunday.

Uncle Daniel and Aunt Elizabeth will be there, son.

Can't need to bring the horse to Addison, shall we?

Talk to you then.

See you at seven, Eddie.

Don't be late.

Aye, best be on your own, son.

You've become quite a politician yourself, Samuel.

Me? Aye.

You know how to handle people, how to get your own way.

And some things.

Oh, Mum, I've had tears all the way home. I thought it was better to wait.

Heavens, I thought he'd gone with the bus. Thank you, Mrs Gibson.

Come and sit down.

Oh,

perhaps I'd better go.

You won't marry me? Yes, Samuel, perhaps you'd better.

Samuel, don't.

Samuel knows what. Charlotte told me that William had proposed.

He did with William.

He still said... Do you mean he's gone back on his word?

Well, it's not that... I'll let you. I'll not see Charlotte treated like

If William gave his word, then he must stand by it.

But he won't.

Now, you leave this with me, Charlotte.

I'll not have you hurt in this way.

Oh, dear. Only you're chosen differently.

There, love, come on.

Dry your tears.

Catherine! Catherine!

Turn up the lamp.

She's up on deck.

Turn up the lamp, dammit, I can't see you.

Is that better?

This damned eyes, it comes and it goes.

She's up on deck, you say?

There are a lot of them, hence.

Tom Morley's one piece behind her.

Good.

It's a bit late in the day for me to be making up to her.

Haven't been home once in 20 years, not once.

You suddenly got a conscience, have you?

I think I drowned that year as you go.

Bring it in, too.

Blaine!

What is it now?

This ship's all I've got left.

A few hundred sovereigns in the chest.

I don't want us to go to Catherine.

It's all right. I've made her win. It's all legal.

Well, don't tell me. Tell her.

Thanks.

Make sure that nothing happens to her.

Now, listen, mister.

I was told to bring this ship home.

Now, maybe old Needon owes you a favor, but me, I owe you nothing. All right,

Ben.

How does it matter? It's nearly all over now anyway.

I'll be fine for a joke.

She's done that for long enough.

You should marry her, you know, Baines. You'd be rich, you two.

It's a drink talking, that's all.

Pay no heed to him, Captain.

Most of the time he doesn't know what he's saying.

He's seen enough when he wants to be, Martin. Baines, bring me a bottle of

booze. No, you've had your last drink on this ship.

You call yourself a Christian?

Sit down!

How long before we reach Liverpool?

Well, 14 days in the windows.

I doubt that he'll live long enough to see Liverpool.

I'll be lucky to see the weekend.

Why did you come out here? I mean, for what he tells me, he hasn't been home in

20 years.

True.

He chose to put me aside.

To live apart.

But that doesn't alter the fact that we're still man and wife.

Oh, same. He took vows.

Well, I can't pretend I still love him.

He died long ago.

It's all mine.

Who can say?

At least I can keep one vow of obedience.

You're a remarkable woman, Mrs. Bragg.

Too good for him, that's for sure.

He was a different man when we first married.

Well, I think you ought to know that everything he has, he's left to you.

I know. I read the will within the chest.

I think I'll go and pray.

My

old

man wants to know if we should take some canvas out there.

All right. I'm going out.

Is that my bottle?

What are you, medicine captain, do you?

Get in here, lad.

Oh, no.

This is special stuff, isn't it?

Baines's own stuff?

How much expense you get a bottle like this?

Give me that bottle, damn you. And if I don't, you ain't gonna lay a hand on no

one. Not ever.

I need a drink, lad.

Yeah, of course you does.

And you can have it.

Only it'll cost you.

Well, how much?

Two.

Ah.

Five sovereigns.

You idiot.

Ah, this is the pie man, the simple Simon.

Where's your money?

dead yet.

Yeah, but you soon will be.

Ah.

Now, Elizabeth, whom has Lettie had her tea?

You see that she puts her feet up, eh? I will.

James is being very considerate.

Yes.

No, not that.

Letty, something's wrong.

What?

Oh, no.

Just a bit tired, but so... Are you sure that's all it is? Yes.

God, why?

Well, I somehow had the feeling you'd rather I hadn't have called.

Oh, what nonsense.

Just a bit preoccupied.

How's William?

He's very well.

Why?

Daniel?

He's very well, too.

I think. Oh, no. You're not still a dagger -drawn.

Look, Elizabeth, it's none of my business, but what I always find with

if I give way over most things when it comes to something really important,

well, I usually end up getting what I want. Yes, well, this is important.

He just won't see reason over the ship canal project.

Yes, well, I think very soon he'll have to decide where his loyalties really do

lie.

Look, don't mention this to anyone, but James has been asked to sponsor Daniel

in the local elections against Beaumont. What?

I think he intends to ask him at Sarah's on Sunday.

Well, I wonder if Daniel will accept.

Oh, James feels sure that he will.

Yes, but don't you see? I mean, he can hardly represent a ward of Liverpool

and... Still remain a director of the canal to Manchester, that, can he? No,

of course not.

But it's wonderful news.

And it'll certainly put Beaumont in his place.

Well, we're always supposing that Daniel will win. Well, of course Daniel will

win.

Do you know, Letty, I'm quite looking forward to Sunday.

I'll warrant up the first Sunday service to be held aboard this ship in many

long years.

You could be right.

Do you hold service every Sunday?

No, only if I have passengers aboard or if the crew ask for it, which is not

very often.

When I was a girl and my father was moored at Greenwich, I can remember the

mission boat coming alongside on a Sunday.

All the men clambering aboard as bright and shining as the glasswork.

The morning sun shining on the water.

The sound of the church bells ashore coming across the water.

You come from seafaring stock then?

Well, my father owned a spritzel barge.

Chalk, it was called.

I often say everything as a girl.

Ipswich, the Medway town.

Then up to Greenwich or Deptford. We had a house there.

Your father still alive?

No, he died when I was a girl.

He was a big man.

He was very quiet and gentle.

The only boast I ever heard him make was that he never carried coal.

He loved that old barge of his.

A man can get many attacks for a ship, particularly if it's his own.

Tell me, did you never get bad hope?

Well, I often wanted to, especially when Robert stopped sending me money.

But I had to support myself, and at least in Liverpool I had work and

to live.

What did you do?

I scrubbed the sores, took in washing.

Then I saved up and bought a sewing machine.

After that, I was able to become a dressmaker.

Did he... Miss, forgive me asking you this now, but... Did he ever write you

letters? Oh, to begin with.

How he had plans for me to join him.

And the letters got fewer.

The last ten years, I've had maybe half a dozen.

And despite his treating you like that, you...

You still remain married to him?

I don't understand women.

I doubt if I ever will.

I've had my regrets.

Mainly not having children, I suppose.

Life has a habit of providing compensation.

Soon I shall be a rich widow.

Do you think badly of me for speaking like that?

No. That's the plain truth, ma 'am.

Couldn't you call me Catherine?

Sounds much friendlier than a mouth.

If you like.

What's your Christian name?

Will.

May I call you that?

Only in private, of course.

Well, thank you very much.

It would sound very nice coming from you, Catherine.

Sir, just where are you? God damn it, Lord. I can't get to them.

Come on, now. It's only a dream.

It's only a dream. No, the same dream.

Come on, now.

I'll leave you alone.

Stay, now. Stay, stay.

Good

and

all right, Captain.

Heard a lot of noise.

Did you give him these, Tom?

Well, of course not. I mean, you give orders to everyone.

Well, they're my bottles, and somebody on this ship's given to him.

Now, I'm going to find out who.

Captain Baines?

Yes, ma 'am. My husband is dead.

He never did make it to Liverpool.

Really, Samuel, I can't think that it's any of your concern.

Charlotte is my cousin, therefore she's very much my concern. The fact that

you're rather sweet on her, you say? Has nothing whatever to do with it.

I think it has.

Now you listen to me, will you?

You gave your word that you'd marry her, and I'm damn well going to make sure

that you do.

Don't be so ridiculous.

Oh, I'll show you how ridiculous I am.

Get your coat off.

Now you're being childish.

It seems there's only one way to get sense into your head, and that's to

it in.

Now get your coat off. Right.

I will.

What the devil do you mean you won't resign?

Not precisely what I say. But you must resign.

No, thank you, Sarah.

You can't possibly sit on the Liverpool Council and still be a director of the

Manchester Ship Canal. I don't see why not.

Elizabeth, he hasn't even been elected yet. Oh, you keep out of this. Keep out

of it? I'm sponsoring him. Now, I see no reason why I cannot serve both the

company and Liverpool.

There need be no conflict. No conflict.

Daniel, do you take us all for idiots? We are talking about Manchester and

Liverpool. Both of which will soon be joined by a canal. Their future is

There can be prosperity for both. The only prosperity you're concerned with is

that of Daniel Fogarty. Elizabeth, try looking beyond the end of your nose for

once. Don't you dare talk to me like that. Well, I'll talk to you any damn

like.

Look, can't you see that every shipowner in Liverpool will prosper?

Now, for a start, they won't have to pay the high freight rates that the

railways charge.

Yeah, now, you know, he has got the point there, Elizabeth. Oh, shut up,

If you hadn't gone meddling in politics in the first place... Oh, well, yes, but

you can't blame it all on James. After all, it was Samuel, such a dear.

No!

I'm all right, Mother.

I'm afraid I didn't help matters, Charlotte.

Oh, you great brute! I hate you!

Where's William?

Oh, he's gone home. What have you two been fighting about?

Beat him, did you?

Samuel, I think you'd better tell us what this is all about.

It was a private quarrel, Aunt Elizabeth.

James. She's taken the carriage.

Oh, no.

Well done, little mink. I think you ought to go after her, James. She's been

a strange mood all day.

She's been in a strange mood all her life. Take our carriage.

Come on, Letty.

Letty, hurry.

Come on, get in.

Mr. O 'Neill inside, then come straight back.

Oh, there, there, love, you have a good weave.

Mr.

O 'Neill, would you mind telling me what's going on?

Do you mind minding your own business?

Now then, young... Have you no work to go to?

Now then, young lady, you've got some explaining to do.

What do you mean by flying off like that?

Please, James, keep your voice down. Do you want all the neighbors to hear you?

I'll shout in my own household if I want to.

Now then, what was all that palaver about, eh?

Well, come on out with it.

James, you've got to be told sooner or later.

What?

Charlotte is with child.

What?

Not true.

What can't be?

James, I'm afraid it is.

My own daughter.

Oh, you.

Troll of you.

You destroyed her. Out of my way, woman. If you hit her, I'll leave this house.

You mean she should go on punishment?

has been punishing herself for months.

What do you think the world will do to her once the baby's born?

Oh, she'll be married long before then. No, James, she won't.

William has refused.

Oh, no, not of all people.

What do you mean, refuse?

He won't marry me, Father.

He damn well will.

You too, Lettie.

And to think I was actually looking forward to today.

There really is no need for us to quarrel. I quite agree, Daniel, but the

solution is in your hands. Elizabeth, you cannot have everything your own way.

There must be a degree of give and take between us.

Now, if you wish, I'll refuse this nomination. Well, that's not the bone of

contention, and you know it.

James, what's the matter?

I'll tell you what's the matter. That dumb son of yours has put my daughter in

the family way. William?

How many sons have you got? Of course I mean William. James, are you sure?

You don't imagine that my daughter would dream up a story like that. Well, she's

been chasing the poor boy long enough. It's probably the only way she could

think of getting William married. But that is beside the point. If William is

responsible... William will marry her. Let's have no arguments about it. Well,

of course he must do the honourable thing. Barbara all agreed on that.

William. What do you mean? He refused to marry her. Well, there you are then.

If the child were his, he'd obviously face up to his responsibility.

Are you saying that my daughter... Oh, you're a fine one to talk.

We all know how William came about. James, there's no need to rake up the

Oh, isn't there?

This is history repeating itself.

Only last time it was Elizabeth, this time it's my daughter. Oh, I see now

my fault. James, if you had given that child some love in the first place...

Elizabeth, this doesn't help matters. I quite agree, Lettie. Now, the first

thing we must do is talk to William.

Yes.

Right, let's find him.

Father, you're not to hurt him.

If he doesn't marry you, I'll break every bone in his body.

Father?

Uncle James?

Right.

You know why we're here.

We'll not beat about the bush. James, if you don't mind, William is my son. So,

you haven't yet decided whose side first cracker the horse with?

You take that tome with me, my boy, you'll end up in little pieces.

Now then, your cousin Charlotte is with child.

Are you the father of that child? That is what Charlotte says. Well, damn it,

William. Can you never give me a straight answer to any question I ask?

implying that Charlotte... I'm implying nothing, Uncle.

All right, then.

Answer your father's question.

As far as I know, yes, I'm the father of that child.

Right.

Three weeks, then.

Three weeks.

That's how long it takes to call the bands.

Right. Just family.

Whatever else we might feel towards you, we intend that you do the honourable

thing and marry that girl.

You mean rather than repeat your example, Father, and wait 18 years as

with my mother?

Ah!

Ah, Daniel, if you hadn't have done that, I would have.

Come on, James, there's no more to say. You're wrong, Father. There is more to

say.

Uncle James, I'm deeply sorry for what has happened.

I promise that Charlotte and the child, they shall want for nothing.

Go on.

If I allowed you both to force me into a marriage with Charlotte, it would soon

end in unhappiness. We are neither of us suited to one another. Rather than see

two lives... What kind of talk is that?

You're married.

That's the end of it. No, sir.

What?

You can beat me into pulp if you wish, Uncle James. I can't stop you.

It'll no doubt give you both some satisfaction.

But I'll not change my mind.

Oh, Lettie, he must be made to change his mind. Once he's decided on

it's like trying to move a mountain. Yes, but we both agreed that a marriage

between William and Charlotte could only lead to disaster.

Yes. Well, then somehow we have to convince James.

And Charlotte.

Oh, I do feel so for the poor child. So do I, Lettie, but she has only herself

to blame.

Oh, Elizabeth, William must share in that blame. I'm trying to excuse

That boy has been a great trial to me, but you must admit she's been setting

cap at him for years. Well, not without some encouragement, surely.

Oh, both there, are you?

James, we must talk.

What about?

You know full well about this marriage.

There's not going to be a marriage.

What?

You know, the thought of William as my son -in -law just about turns my

James, what's happened?

I've come to my senses that's what's happened.

William, sir.

Weak needs, spineless, good for nothing. And I wouldn't have him marry Charlotte

if he was a last man on earth. Are you trying to tell me, James, that my son

isn't good enough to marry that flippity -jibbit of a daughter? Now you watch

what you say about...

You'll learn some whole thing. Stop it, both of you. I don't want to have this

troubling going on in my house.

Now, will you both sit down and take a deep breath?

Right.

Now, when you've both calmed down, perhaps we can discuss what is best for

Charlotte.

commit the body of Robert Bragg to the deep.

Amen.

I hope that weren't too distressing when you got him.

Not at all, William. He spoke the words with great dignity.

Now that's all over, without that, a bit of pitching's on.

Good idea, Ralph.

A lot of money you've got there, Ralph.

Yeah, that's right, Dave. You want to borrow some?

Are you sure you're all right?

Yes. To be perfectly honest, it was as though I was attending the funeral of a

complete stranger.

I could say that to you, because I know you'll understand.

Indeed I do.

Well, now we've looked to the dead, we must look after the living.

Now, have you thought about the future?

Yes, and I hope I can turn to you for guidance, Will.

Well, I'd be offended if you didn't, Catherine.

Well, first of all, this ship.

Have you any idea how much she's worth?

Well, with a ship, Catherine, it's dependent upon what people will pay.

Now, I've tidied her up a bit.

If she were buffed up some more...

Well, she might fetch anything between three or four thousand pence.

As much as that.

She's been let go, but underneath she's still a sandship.

I could purchase a pension for that money.

I could have a secure income of perhaps two hundred pounds a year for the rest

of my life.

But, on the other hand, if you kept her, I think she could provide you with an

income of...

Maybe five, maybe 600 pounds a year. Well, how could I keep her?

Well, you'd have to get yourself a good master, of course.

Oh, who could rob me without me knowing it?

Still some honest men are in, Catherine.

Of course, it might help if you gave him a few shares in the ship. I mean, then

he'd be working for himself.

Would you know if that's your man, Will?

I might.

Does your father know you're here?

No.

If he did, no doubt he would be very angry.

Yes, I suppose he would.

Then without wishing to sound as courteous, do you not think it would be

leave?

I no longer know what to think.

Only that I must marry William.

And you thought that I might persuade you. Yes.

William. You are his closest friend. He listens to what you say.

On matters pertaining to banking and commerce, yes.

But were I to advise him over the matter of choosing a wife, I fear I would

quickly lose that friendship.

Has... Yes?

Has he spoken of... of me?

Any time. No, no, what I mean is... And I know that he holds you in high regard.

Whether or not it is sufficiently high to encompass marriage is something only

he would know.

Now you really must excuse me, Miss Honey.

Yes. Yes, it was foolish of me to hope that you could help.

Josiah, it's all agreed. I don't have to...

Letty will take you to Aunt Mary's, and there she'll, uh, well,

explain.

Then you can come home, as far as the rest of the world's concerned.

You've been on a holiday.

Whatever you say, Father.

While you're away, I've persuaded your father to let me furnish the old cottage

by the flower mill.

I'll engage a nurse.

And you can visit the baby whenever you want to.

I don't want to see it.

Oh, nonsense, Charlotte. You can't just abandon the child.

Very well.

Father, I'd like to go to my room now, if I may.

Yes.

Yes, you must give as much rest as possible. I'll ask Mrs. Gibson to bring

up a tray of tea.

I'm glad to think my next meal will be ashore.

Well, I'll be alongside within the hour.

I've been up and away for years.

Time plays funny tricks when you're at sea.

Yes.

Well, I've not inquired anymore, because I know you wanted time to think the

matter over, but have you found me a master for this ship?

You're right, Catherine.

I've given the great deal of thought to the matter.

You said you had someone in mind.

Aye.

So I did.

So I did.

But... Well, this man that I know, he's a bit set in his ways and what with him

being a bachelor all his life, he don't really understand how women folk think.

I think he's the most married man for that matter.

Aye, but...

What I mean is, he's used to talking man to man. You know, he'd be a bit rough

and ready dealing with a lady like yourself.

People do change, you know, Will.

Oh, I know they do. But what I mean is, Catherine, with him, it'd be like living

in the front room and using the best china only all the time.

You know, he'd always have to be on his guard.

And it wouldn't come naturally to him.

You've quite made up your mind about this.

I'm afraid I have, Catherine.

But I can recommend somebody else.

A man called Bleak.

He took over my last ship, and he's as straight as he comes.

Pilot, that's a long time, Captain. Thank you, Tom.

Perhaps it's all for the best.

Yeah, I'm sure it is.

But there's no reason why we shouldn't see one another from time to time.

That is, if you'd like to.

I'd like that very much, Catherine.

A little bit like the sea itself, Will.

Sometimes rough.

Sometimes quiet.

Sometimes very deep.

Mr. Amin, what are you doing here?

I came aboard the pilot boat.

Have a good trip.

Oh, so -so.

You certainly made good time.

I didn't expect a welcome committee.

Eh?

Oh, that'll be the day.

I've come to see what I bought for my money.

Oh, how's Brad?

Dead. What do you mean, bored?

Eh?

Oh, I didn't know you were carrying passengers.

This is Mrs. Bragg.

Catherine, Mr. O 'Neill.

My condolences, ma 'am. Thank you. Mr. O 'Neill, what exactly have you bought?

Oh, the ship, ma 'am. The Amaryllis, sir. What?

Well, didn't your husband tell you?

Not a word.

He sent me a letter from New Orleans.

He knew he was dying.

So he offered to sell me the Amaryllis for a reasonable price if I brought him

home as soon as possible.

They're anchoring to down Liverpool, he said.

Is this legal?

Oh, yes.

It's a proper bill of sale.

A lawyer in New Orleans arranged it for me.

You never thought to tell me.

What, in the cable?

Well, what difference does it make?

What was this reasonable price, Mr. Leden?

Three thousand pounds.

Three thousand?

Now, for all I knew, I could have been buying an old hulk.

Look, when we dock, I'll make you out a proper jack.

I think I'll take a look around the ship, Ma.

Late plans.

What a lot of speculation about nothing.

Captain?

Do you know that when we tied up, Ralph came up here to check the warps?

All right. Well, it was over half an hour ago, and he skipped.

With all the money for the back pay for the men that you gave him. Is that a

fact? The men want to know what you're going to do about it.

Me? Nothing.

You'd best ask the new owner.

Stay with us for Bergerac, next.