Original subtitles

Back in a minute.

Yeah? When's it all going to be over?

I'm sorry?

All this. The noise, the mess.

The hunt of Elliot.

There's a lot to answer for. I must be, Miss Eve. You've been working so hard

trying to get this thing ready in time.

It ain't stopped.

I don't doubt it. Come to think of it, I haven't seen them for a few days. Are

they all right?

Yes. There's not much to do before we open.

I must go up. Careful, though.

Do you think it'll be ready for the grand opening? It was supposed to be

week, wasn't it?

Yeah, it was.

Only Mr. Bunton didn't like the colours. They're about to be done again.

Hugo being as difficult as ever.

He's a very nice man.

He charms you as well, has he?

It'll be open in a couple of days.

Well, I'll believe it when I see it. And so will I. I'd better go up.

Please, after you.

Your needs greater than mine.

No,

no, no, no, not like this. Look.

Like that.

Watch it.

Beatrice, about the boarding.

Well, they've sent a court lighter than I always... Hello, Madge. Watch your

head. This is Madge Howland, your head sister.

Hugo Bunton will be responsible for all this chaos. Please, to me... Miss

Howland, excuse me. About this court, look, they can't get the darker shade

until after we've opened. I actually think the lighter's better. Evangeline

agrees, but I'd like your opinion.

Shall we go through?

I mean, it's going to be covered in patterns most of the time.

Now, what do you think?

Phoebe, do you think you could show Madge? Look, you finish what you're

Mr. Pendling.

Now, you must be Tilly.

How did you know that?

I'm Madge. My business do know, isn't it?

Now, what are you ruling out?

I'm just trying to sort out all the... Arrange them by colours first, then

put them where we can reach them. All right?

Now, Mr. Pendling.

If you tell me when the clock is, I can start drinking.

I mean, I was asked to do a restaurant, you know.

Mad on King Toad, like everybody else.

Can you imagine the mummy's tomb in Darkest Bayswater? I said it would give

everybody jippy tummy.

Mind if I join you?

No, of course not, Penelope. You know Hugo Bunting, don't you?

You did this place up, didn't you?

I dare say it's an improvement.

But if you ask me, it's a shocking waste of money in times like these.

Well, between us, we're giving employment to a score or more people,

Maddox. We can't have the workers living in squalor, can we?

I'm having another drink. Would you like one?

Go on, then.

Penelope, you must meet my godfather, Desmond Gillespie. He's a banker. I bet

doesn't give a penny to charity, does he?

I'll wait for my drink, though.

Excuse me a moment.

Lydia?

Desmond. Our pleasant.

I'm glad you're still speaking to me. It must be, what, 18 years?

My dear Desmond.

Very few people are speaking to me.

Is that champagne they're drinking? Oh, allow me to get you a glass.

Oh, I must go and be nice to my aunt.

All dargers should be put in sacks and thrown in the box room.

Aunt Lydia.

Thank you. It's so good of you to come. Oh, my dear.

It would appear to be the social event of the week.

Well, we're very encouraged so many people have taken an interest in us. I

for your sake, Beatrice, that you don't give them too much credit.

Here we are.

Thank you.

Please excuse me.

I was sorry to read about Arthur.

Have you come over to gloat?

Merely because I fell out with Henry.

Give these girls your support.

My advice, Lydia, only my advice. You never came to see us.

I didn't wish to cause any embarrassment.

Surely you did not become a successful businessman through strict adherence to

the proprieties.

Lydia, you are incorrigible.

Maybe I can ask you for lunch one day.

You would risk your reputation with the mother of a convicted felon. Oh, hardly

a felony, Lydia. I would describe it as an unfortunate weakness.

Thank you. Not at all.

Weakness is something a businessman understands.

I'm sorry. I'm so sorry.

It's because you didn't eat anything.

It isn't.

What's the champagne, then?

It's just me.

Let me get Hugo to drive you home.

I'm perfectly capable of getting myself home, thank you. Well, let me...

Evangeline, go back to your party.

I'll be absolutely fine on my own.

Better, in fact.

I can't just let you... Look!

Weren't you surprised how many turned up?

And I thought we'd ordered too much champagne.

Was Penelope all right?

It's not like her to feel sorry for herself.

I can understand it.

But she's so active, so concerned about everything and everybody. But she has no

life of her own, Evie.

Well, she has... She has a lot of people she feels sorry for.

That's not the same as having someone to care for.

Well, what about us?

Well, as of today, we've our own baby to look after.

I think Aunt Lydia was quite impressed.

She actually complimented me on one of my designs in front of Mrs. Horwood. Did

you see her with Sir Desmond?

I'd say Sir Desmond could take care of himself, wouldn't you?

I'm never bored.

That's because you have no imagination.

No, I've got more imagination in my left earlobe than you've got in your... But

you're fed up.

Fat dowager. No, you just have to tell them what they need.

To me, they're all beginning to look exactly the same. The more you insult

the more they keep coming back. I'm turning people away, Jack.

To be in the film business.

Actors.

They're worse than dowagers.

Prettier and more interesting. They only ever want to talk about themselves.

Unlike you.

I'm well known as the most modest, helpful -facing... Miserly.

I shall buy you a drink, Jack. Good Lord, I love Christmas as long gone. To

thank you for introducing me to the Elliot girls.

Yes, I saw you loitering around evening.

I was merely paying her the attention due from any man of taste.

Something, of course, you would not understand.

Two more.

Shall I compare her to a beautiful day?

She is so pretty and so bright, I do admit.

Heavy winds do shake the greenish leaves of May, while summertime is gone before

we know it.

I haven't quite finished it yet.

What do you think?

Oh, well, I... You don't like it.

Oh, no, I'm not saying that, Mr. Fox. It just seems very familiar.

Of course, it may be that I'm a little out of touch.

Well, naturally... Those people.

Ordinary people.

Not people like yourself.

Well, I'm perfectly ordinary.

They don't like novelty, do they?

Nothing too original to understand.

You stole it, didn't you?

Shh!

I was never very good at avoiding detection.

Is that why you're here?

No. I was due to an unscrupulous merchant bank.

Gillespie Tharion.

Gillespie? That sounds familiar.

Desmond Gillespie.

Really? He's got father to a friend of mine.

Is he?

Then I'll say no more.

No, you can't stop now, Mr Fox. You must go on, please.

Are

we

lunching in private because of your celebrated discretion or because you

rather not be seen with me in public?

We are here because the food and wine are, I trust you agree, better than

anywhere else.

I'm not ungrateful.

You were always good at bearing grudges. So were you.

I'm making up for it by being nice to Henry's daughters.

Charity. Business.

He made his fortune stealing other people's ideas, Miss Maddox.

What do you mean?

I had a small engineering company.

He took it over.

Promised to build it up.

All he did was exploit the best patents and let the rest go hang.

So how did you end up in here?

I tried to save my workers, Miss Maddox.

And if in doing so I had to resort to unorthodox methods... You mean fraud.

The only difference between mine and Gillespie's is he got a knighthood and I

got four years.

Of course, I can't complain.

I've cut many a good friend for less than what Arthur put me through.

Ah, what's he up to?

He is a partner.

Naturally a junior partner.

In a law firm.

Naturally a minor firm. In, of all places, Boston.

A very pleasant town.

You have visited it.

So I'm told.

Exactly. There's no society there. Whatever.

I'd rather die than join him in exile.

There's nothing wrong with starting a new life.

If you think...

I would give them the satisfaction.

Them?

You know how I fought my way in, Desmond.

You have done the same.

Using different weapons.

Would you let them drive you out?

Of course not.

And nor shall I.

I'll drink to that.

And to the house of Elliot.

Do you mean the family?

Or those girls and their dress shop?

Lydia. They are known as couturiers.

Oh, I love the boldness, Louise. Brown and red.

Blood and sand. It's wonderful.

Wonderful. Don't you think so, Evangeline?

Well, I... Surely you're not encouraging Miss Emily to shave in G .W .U. though.

Of course, interior design isn't my... Nor is it Louise's. I encouraged her to

do these designs.

We need some colour and excitement.

instead of boring pastels and dull old copies of William Morris.

It's a wonderful opportunity to break away from the closed little gallery

Well, I do like your work, Miss Farrow, but if I may just be honest... Go on.

Go on, Evangeline. One artist has the right to criticise another.

Oh, I hardly know an... I wouldn't call myself an artist. I've learnt a lot from

Hugo.

And he's nothing if not honest about one's work.

Whatever I might just say, then.

I think I would find this a little difficult to live with, blood and sand

sitting room.

My dear girl, didn't I explain?

I'm sorry, this is for the palace of an Arabian prince.

Oh, of course.

You're not going sulky on me, are you?

Well, you needn't have made me feel quite so small.

Art is something I care deeply about, and a talented artist is rare enough to

cherished. Yes, well, I know I'm not like this far. You have your own special

talent, Evangeline.

What is that?

I recognise it if you don't.

You're just trying to make up for being so beastly.

Don't you think of yourself as an artist?

I know what I want to do, and sometimes I think I can do it. But you haven't the

courage of your conviction.

You have to express yourself in your own way, Evangeline. That's the

qualification of a true artist.

I was rude to this, Farrah. Do you think I should apologise?

At least you were honest.

Louise used to worry about upsetting people.

Only when she started working for herself, pleasing herself, creating her

standards, did she become enormously successful.

Close your mind and your talent will forever remain little.

Open it.

And who knows what exotic blooms may flower.

I suppose you're going to say you've seen all my films.

What I want is a completely new set of photographs.

I shall expect them to be flattering.

You can be sure that... And in the middle of a film, you will have to fit

schedule around mine.

I look best in left profile, lit from behind. Can you do that?

For you, Miss Bailey.

Francine.

I think we shall work quite well together.

I'm sure of it.

It'll be both a privilege and an education.

With you as teacher.

Oh, no, no. It is I who will learn from you.

You have a face that the camera loves.

Mr. Maddox. No, I mean it. I...

I so admired your performance in The Stranger Leaves Town.

We filmed that in only five days.

Really? Quite extraordinary.

You must tell me more. You see, I actually hope to direct films myself

I don't suppose, knowing how busy you are, there'd be any chance of lunch or

perhaps dinner.

Mr Maddox. Jack, please.

Jack, let's get one thing straight.

This is a professional relationship.

You're not a bad -looking fellow.

I assure you I didn't mean anything untoward. I happen to be a very close

of the head of studio.

Sidney does not take kindly to men who take an interest in me. He has been

to ensure that they never work again.

Do I make myself clear?

Good.

Now, do you still want to take pictures of me? Very much.

I'm glad.

I've made a list of the ones I want to start with.

Am I allowed to say that you're very beautiful?

My dear Jack, isn't this the land of free speech?

Who was on the phone? Guess.

Hugo.

Sebastian.

Sebastian?

I like him, Bea.

He means no harm.

All that business wasn't his fault. His mother deceived him in the same way she

did us. What did he want?

Just to see her.

Why? We're no longer related.

Well, see me then.

He's an adventurer, Evie.

I don't see there's anything wrong with that. He hasn't been in touch since

before Arthur's trial. Why should he suddenly telephone after such a long

silence?

You may have replaced Arthur as my guardian bee, but you don't have to

like him.

Evie.

I just... I just don't want to see you.

Getting hurt?

Yes.

It would hurt more to allow myself to get too close to someone like Hugo and

then lose him.

But I thought you liked Hugo.

I do.

Very much.

Despite the fact I approve.

I'm just not ready to become too attached, that's all.

But you're ready to take up with Sebastian the moment he crooks his

Just a day out, a bit of fun, that's all. Do you mean you intend going out

with him?

Oh, do I have to ask your permission now? Evie. I work as hard as you do,

Aren't I entitled to a day out occasionally?

Yes, of course you are, but are you going to be alone with him?

Don't you trust me?

All right.

All right.

I never realized how difficult it was to run both a business and a family.

Am I that difficult?

No.

But no wonder Father failed so.

What if I feel sick?

It'll be like sailing on the round pond, I promise.

I've never been on a boat, either.

What a sheltered life you've led, Evangeline.

Not by choice. Nevertheless, it marks you, doesn't it?

What do you mean by that?

You're afraid to take a risk, which I quite understand.

I am not.

Then why are you making such a fuss about coming up with me?

Sebastian. I'm not the Red Baron, you know.

I know that.

I've flown scores of people across the Channel.

Never had a single complaint.

Lots of them ask for me personally when they want to fly again.

I'm sure.

So why don't you trust me?

I do.

But... Have I ever misled you?

Do you seriously think I put someone at risk who matters so much to me?

Um... Are you sure it'll be all right, then?

Why do you think I've been checking it so carefully? No, no, I mean to pick a

friend on Sunday.

I can do what I like. The chap who owns these kites relies on me, absolutely.

But didn't you at least ask them that? We're two grown -up people, Evie. We're

capable of making our own decisions. If you don't believe that... I do, I do.

Well, then what are we waiting for?

Nice little machine.

You wait.

Sebastian, we won't fly too high, will we?

I won't even look at it.

Oh.

Not this time, anyway.

Jack, are you there?

Can't be a moment.

Oh.

I heard the door.

I don't want to disturb you. I nearly finished.

I was trying to get this portfolio of Francine Bailey ready.

On a Sunday?

It's all the same when you're your own boss, isn't it?

She's very beautiful.

You think so?

She doesn't really appeal to me.

What can I offer you?

No, it's all right. I don't want to disturb you. Not if you're busy. I can't

very well take a film star wet print, can I?

Sit down.

Actually, I did want to talk to you.

Isn't it your pleasure?

Both. I could try and make us some tea, though since my new receptionist took

over... I don't need anything.

Probably just as well.

Where's Evie?

She's out.

Jack, I'm a little worried.

Beatrice, she's nearly 21. You're going to have to let go of her soon. No, not

about Evie.

It's about the firm.

I wish Tilly wouldn't call it a dressmaker's when she answers the

It's a fashion house, for goodness sake. I know it's a small thing, but it does

make a difference. She loves that telephone.

She wanted to ruin the image you've built up. Jack, we need more clients.

We have enough at the moment.

Well, when they finally settle their accounts.

I suppose I thought... I don't know, everyone seems so pleased with our

and yet... A word of mouth isn't enough, Beatrice.

You have to spread the message. Art Penelope.

Incidentally, she told me something about Gillespie.

What? Some jailbird she visits says that his business methods are, well,

dubious. Would you call that a reliable source of information?

Perhaps, perhaps not.

Nevertheless, you could be a little wary.

Well, I am wary by nature, Jack.

Surely you've noticed.

I ought to be getting these pictures off to Francine Bailey.

I'll just clear my head with a walk.

You should think about advertising, Beatrice.

No, none of that genteel snobbery. You're in business.

Advertising's what sells things.

No doubt you're right.

Thank you, Jack.

For my invaluable advice.

For listening.

What the hell are you playing at? Please, Roy.

Ladies and gentlemen.

Allow me to introduce Mr Roy Cooper, manager of this little enterprise.

Nice to meet you, Mr Cooper. I think your playing is wonderful.

You do, do you? What do you think you're doing?

Now, Roy, you surely wouldn't begrudge your best pilot giving a girl a treat.

They're lovely.

Not that damn tight.

They're really lovely, Jack.

Of course, it all depends on the fitter. Oh, don't give me that, Jack.

I'm not one of your la -di -das.

I'm just a working girl who's trying to make the best of what she's got while

she can.

Trying to choke me off with that belt alone.

How's the film going?

Dory? Dink.

Monty can direct a whole thing card. If it wasn't for Sydney, I'd have walked

weeks ago.

Studio boss?

Wouldn't that reflect on your professionalism?

Hollywood's after me, Jack.

Why do you think I want you to finish this portfolio?

We're ready for you now, Miss Bailey.

How many more persons do you think you'll need?

A couple, sir. Good.

The sooner I'm out, the better.

Thank you very much, Tressa. Bob, would you move that, please?

Right, everyone clear the set. We are going to rehearse this scene first.

Yes.

My dear Beatrice, how good to see you.

Can I get you some tea?

Or perhaps something a little stronger?

A glass of Madeira would be very pleasant, thank you. Dry, medium or

Medium. I shall join you.

I had lunch with your Aunt Lydia the other day, didn't you tell you?

You've been so busy, I feel rather guilty.

Her spikes are still as strong as ever. I wouldn't let it worry you.

And Arthur?

Do you care?

I've got over my bitterness.

I feel rather sorry for him.

I think he thought he was acting in our interest.

Our self -interest is the only reliable kind, and he failed himself lamentably.

I never... Despite his and your father's best efforts to keep you both in

servitude, your independence is now secure.

That is one of the reasons I've come to talk to you.

The assets realized from the sale of the club are invested in guilt.

And the rest are in the shelves, we discussed, which I'm glad to say are

in a satisfactory manner.

Nevertheless, things aren't going quite as well as you expected, are they?

We're making progress.

I know what it's like, Beatrice, to start a new enterprise.

It's always sensible to be prepared for setbacks.

Stick to what you can afford to lose and do not exceed it.

Even if you fail, as many are doing in times like this, you have sufficient

reserves to give yourself a comfortable income, as long as you do not dip into

them. That is not our intention.

You have a full order book?

We shall not fail, Sir Desmond.

I hope not, my dear.

Do you see what I mean about folk art?

It has all the virtues of simplicity combined with true craftsmanship.

Well, in close, Hugo, there are new directions which are entirely European.

Very silly. Some of them are.

I don't agree.

If only they're not to the past.

Not to the fake past of the pre -Raphaelites, but the real peasant

People don't want to look like peasants.

I mean, would you want me looking like a shepherdess?

Evangeline Elliot.

I like you just as you are.

Haven't you got anything better to do?

Work of that quality ought to be appreciated, Tilly.

I've never seen it, even in me previous place, and they had some good 'uns.

How come they let you go?

With what you might call a clash of personality.

I'm the vendeur, you stupid prune.

Oh, you didn't see eye to eye then?

She only had one working and that never saw true.

All right, girls, we've followed our Prime Minister's advice for long enough.

Which was?

There are times when it is good to sit still and go slowly. But he doesn't work

for the House of Elliot.

Tom, can you make sure that the bedroom scene is being lit now?

I just heard the news. Jack, come in.

Who told you?

Monty? Yes. He's in 7 -7, of course. I reckon he told Sidney's wife. I don't

care about this.

She got your back, I suppose. You'd think I was waiting on one of the best

performances of my life.

Really? The new bed.

You know what they've done?

Monty told me they've replaced you with... Iris Maeve, our poor cow.

Well, good luck to her. That's not the point.

The point is, they've taken everything.

The car, the driver.

Every dress I had made.

Shouldn't have thought that was a problem. I only wear original, Jack.

expect it of me.

Yes, of course. I don't care about that damn contract.

I'm going to get myself a whole new wardrobe and book my passage to

See that?

Could be worse.

What's so funny?

You are.

Would you laugh?

If I offered to fly you to Paris?

No. I'm serious.

So am I.

Good.

I thought I heard you. Sorry, did I wake you, Bea?

It's all right.

Did you have a nice time?

Lovely. We went to Waxworks.

Who's we?

Sebastian and I.

It was terrific fun.

Just the two of you?

No, there were plenty of people around, not to mention the dummies.

Where did you go after? We are not babying.

No, Evie.

You're an extremely attractive young woman, and being alone with Sebastian...

You don't mind me being alone with Hugo.

Well, that's different. Why?

Because he's more suitable?

He takes you to museums.

You are so Victorian sometimes.

I can't help when I was born.

I didn't mean that.

I just don't want you to worry about me, V. I'm not going to do anything silly.

Like getting married, you mean?

I'm in no hurry.

Besides, you should be the first.

At my age.

Plenty of men will be proud.

Name them.

Jack. I'm very fond of Jack, but can you see him as a husband?

Piggy. A bankrupt actor.

Sir Desmond.

Oh, Evie, his father's contemporary. No, he's kind, he's caring, he's as well

-connected as you could wish. Evie, I'm not interested in marriage.

Because of Philip White.

That was so long ago.

Besides, there are more important things. Like what?

Well, if you spent more time at home, you'd know.

It's not as if there's much for you to do here at the moment.

Of course you deserve to go out and enjoy yourself as much as you can.

I'm just worrying about it too much.

The business.

What else?

It will grow.

I know it will.

Dear Evie.

You know I'm usually right.

Well, often.

Well, sometimes anyway.

My lawyer says I haven't got a comeback.

I suspect what he means is that the film company pay their lawyers more.

Damn the money. All I care about is those dresses.

This is the last decent thing I possess.

I thought you were going to get some more, mate. I've been around every

house in London. You'd think they'd be falling over themselves, but it's all oh

-no -modern. We couldn't possibly accommodate you in so short a period.

Quite still now.

Thank you.

When are you off?

Early.

Got a drink?

Probably do.

Nothing else?

I think I may have a solution to your problem.

Which one?

Your wardrobe.

What do you know about things like that?

As a matter of fact, I'm a director of an extremely exclusive fashion house.

I don't believe you.

The House of Elliot.

I've heard the name. They are, of course, expensive.

How good are they?

They're good enough for the Duchess of Ulster and Dorabella Fortescue.

How big's their staff?

They're small. They've only been in business a few months. I need an entire

wardrobe in only three weeks, Jack.

They're very flexible. They could take people on. But would they?

If you were prepared to pay for it, yes.

I told you I've been offering my money all around London.

Very well, then I could introduce you to them.

When?

Now, if you like.

So we're talking about six evening dresses.

I'm taking Sundays off.

Four two -piece outfits and two tea dresses.

People expect so much of one.

I shall have to take on extra staff. It will be expensive, as I'm sure you

realise, Miss Bailey. On the other hand, Miss Elliot, the publicity it would

bring you.

Let's not talk about money just now. Well, I'm afraid I will have to discuss

money if we are to do the work in the time available.

This is how much I estimate it will cost.

Can you do it?

Yes, Miss Bailey, if our terms are agreeable.

Finish in time and I'll give you a bonus.

I'm always appreciative of good work.

Aren't I, Jack?

Always. Well, I shall talk to my sister and we shall begin the designs.

Good.

Would you make that a bit fuller?

The hem's too short.

It looks cheap. I want it lengthened. Of course.

Easily done.

And the sleeves. I wanted applique cuffs. Actually, you specified... I'd

change my mind. If you've got one.

What did you say?

Look, if Madam wishes a dress... Are you going to let her insult me? Would you

kindly return to the workroom, please, Madge?

I shall speak to you in due course.

Yes, Miss Beatrice.

I want a sack!

She can live with the money I'm spending.

Miss Bailey.

She was downright rude.

I apologise on her behalf.

I insist. We need every experience tanned we have. Madge is an excellent

seamstress. We rely on her skill.

I shall make sure you do not come into contact with her again.

Nevertheless... We have more important things to discuss, like the matter of

your cuffs. The pique, you said. I shall show you some samples.

Oh, Hugo.

Oh, I completely forgot. I'm sorry.

I meant to telephone.

We've been so busy. What's the matter?

We're doing an entire wardrobe for Francine Bailey.

Jolly good. You can buy me dinner on the proceeds.

I'd love to, but we'll have to wait for two weeks. Do you mind?

Actually, yes.

Don't worry. I dare say I shall survive.

problem to the small of eating, Tilly?

No, Miss B. I'm really enjoying myself.

Better than sitting at home listening to them, not mine.

Why don't you go and make yourself something to drink?

I'm just going to finish up. I'd like a few words with Madge, please, Tilly.

Madge.

I admire your work and the way you organise the girls.

However, I will not have you being rude to our clients, no matter what the

provocation. But she's only ordinary like me. There's no need to give herself

air just as she cuts her dash.

That has nothing to do with you.

Miss Evangeline and I have to put up with a great deal. However, we will not

up with rudeness amongst our staff. Do I make myself clear?

Yes, Beatrice.

Good.

Now, I think you should both go home.

Long hours combined with fury do not produce the best work.

Well, Tilly could do with the overtime.

We're just going to finish... No more than half an hour.

All right?

Thank you, Tilly.

Aren't you going to ask what happened?

I don't want to know.

Of course you do. You're dying to.

Look, mate, I'll call you my friend.

I should hope so.

But I've known Miss B and Miss Evie for a long time.

It's all right.

Everything's grand.

Except for one thing.

What?

She says we've got to stop work soon and buy ourselves a gin.

Another poem?

No. Out of sighted poetry is not for me.

There's no money in it.

Are you writing about your experiences?

Who'll want to read about yet another injustice?

No.

I'm writing a letter to my brother in Australia, if you must know.

He's got a small business in Melbourne.

Maybe he'll have a job for me.

Oh, they say that there's lots of opportunities in Australia.

The trouble is we aided each other as kids. Yes, but you're both grown up now.

I don't have much choice.

Gillespie's made sure nobody'll employ me here.

You're out next week, aren't you?

Friday.

Do you have anywhere to stay?

With my sister and her family.

Only for a week or two.

She's got her hands full already.

What are you going to do?

I don't know.

I was good at my job, Miss Maddox.

So good, I thought I could take on Gillespie.

That was my biggest mistake.

Yes, but if you're as innocent as you claim you are, then... Gillespie and his

sort have got influence everywhere.

People knew what I know.

What do you know?

I can't tell you, Miss Maddox.

But can you prove anything?

Maybe. If I get the chance.

Yes, but you'll be able to do something when you're released, surely?

That's what worries me.

Gillespie might know when I'm coming out.

I say, Penny, I don't want to disturb you and all that, but I need to speak to

Miss Beatrice or Miss Evangeline.

They're around somewhere, Miss Penn. We'll try to have them back.

Penn, have you come to lend a hand? Evie, I have got to talk to you about

Gillespie, but since you have been in power... I know, I know, it's nearly

But this is important, you know. Penn, just a few more days. We really haven't

seen anyone at all.

Just, please, I'm upset.

Madge, Madge.

I'm not sure...

Hilly made me drop the plate.

Jack, do you remember what I told you about Fox?

Not now, Pam. Look, he is coming out soon and he is absolutely terrified that

Gillespie is going to nobble him for a second time. I've got to finish this

blasted portfolio.

Everybody is the same in this house.

All too damn busy, Gillespie.

Don't blame her. I insisted on seeing you.

That's all right, Miss Haynes.

Look here.

You know a man called Fox, doing four years of fraud?

Fox? Yes, I remember him very well, Miss Maddox. Why don't you sit down?

He's told me some things about you, and I want to know if they're true.

And your interest in him is?

I'm a prison visitor.

He's one of mine.

What's the point?

He told you that I ruined him, and you're worried that I might do the same

to your friends, the Elliotts.

Well, yes.

At least you're honest, Miss Maddox, which is more than one can say for Mr.

I don't trust bankers, you see.

Nor do I, but then I'm a businessman.

Fox was a brilliant engineer and a useless manager.

The company he started was almost ruined when I bought it.

Please allow me to finish this matter.

I saved his company and his staff.

I made certain that his inventions were properly exploited.

Fox, no doubt understandably, resented losing day -to -day control, and he

embezzled funds in order to start a new company with his old workers.

They, fortunately, realized where their future lay and came to me.

They did?

Yeah, ask them. I can give you names.

I had no alternative but to call in the police, otherwise the company might have

been ruined for a second time.

Right.

How is he, by the way?

His mind is still inventive.

Well, tell him to come and see me when he gets out.

Maybe I can do something for him.

Wonderful. Thanks, Jack.

Only we had a few more days.

No, it's too late now, Miss Eve. She's coming tomorrow.

Right.

Nothing. Hello,

this is Miss Elliot.

If Miss Bailey was supposed to have sent us... I realise that she sailed three

days ago, but surely she... I'm sorry, I do realise that you're only the maid,

but perhaps you could tell her someone we might contact?

You've no idea.

Thank you for your help. Goodbye.

Evie, that woman had left without paying us.

Are you sure there hadn't been some... I'm sure.

We've been robbed.

You're not going to call the police? I'm going to see if Jack has suffered the

same treatment.

What shall I tell the girls?

The truth.

Jack, there must be something we can do.

Going to the police won't solve our problems.

But all our hard work, yours too.

You know, with that money, we would have been all right for six months at least.

I'm just sorry I introduced that to you.

Jack, what are we going to do?

I apologise for disturbing you. Your front door was open. Who are you?

James Vernon. I'm Miss Bailey's solicitor. You have something for us. Mr

Maddox? Yes, that's me. I'm also looking for Miss Beatrice Elliot. Yes.

Miss Bailey asked me to give you these.

Unfortunately, I was away on a case until this morning. I do apologise for

delay.

Well, excuse me.