Original subtitles

Is this the only suitcase you have?

For the moment.

But I'll fetch some things later from the flat.

I don't mind.

You might, though. That's an awful mess.

Oh, you, that doesn't matter.

I mean, I shan't be here for long.

No, of course not.

These things do blow over, Bea.

No, I mean that that's from tomorrow I shall start looking for a permanent

of my own.

Bea, do you want to talk about this?

Not particularly.

All right.

You're right, though. It is an awful mess.

We have so many awful messes on our hands at the moment, I wasn't quite sure

which one you meant.

I think the business one is easier to deal with than anything else.

I'm glad you think so.

Ralph Soroy may have wiped out all our savings, Evie, and... Well, it's going

be difficult running the business with nothing in reserve.

But he hasn't destroyed our reputation.

Or our talent.

If we just take each day that comes, sort out the problems one by one, we'll

manage, won't we?

Of course we will.

Oh, look at that!

Do you imagine her birthday from all in the workroom?

Oh, you sure do, Sam!

Happy birthday, Maggie.

Oh!

Oh, go on. You've got to open it. Oh, I couldn't do that. It's unlucky to open a

brother's indoor.

Oh, that's all right, then, because it's a parasol, not a brolly.

Good luck, that is.

Go on.

Oh, no!

Oh, no, I can't take that.

People think... I think you're doing very well for a woman who's just turned

Well,

that was a very nice match.

Thank you for inviting me. Now I must get home. Oh, go on, have another bone.

Couldn't really.

Well, put one in your pocket for later, then.

We have two choices.

Either we get rid of one or more staff and save money that way. Which means we

have to...

cut back on the workload which earns the money in the first place. Or we keep

the staff, but we ask them all to take a small cut in their pay packet.

Well, that's no choice. If we cut the girls' wages, half of them will leave

anyway. Oh, come on, Evie. Where would they go?

I mean, there's precious little work for men, let alone girls barely out of

school.

What happened to the spirit of well -managed?

I'm trying to think of ways to manage, Evie.

Every time we have a crisis, we think it's the end.

Then we produce a collection, and everything's all right.

You'll see we'll produce fabulous designs and masses of money.

You don't believe me, do you?

I want to, Evie. I really do.

Frankly, Jack, your attitude has not helped us to be a particularly

evening. Abraham, I have presented you with five new ideas tonight.

Have I ever let you down before? Every film I've made has been a success.

They're still making money for your studio.

I'm not diffusing that.

The trouble is, with the Americans distributing whole sets of films over

it's that much harder to find backers for hours than it used to be.

Unless the film is particularly good, it's cheaper for the exhibitors to buy

theirs.

Jack, all I'm saying is that the ideas you've outlined for me this evening with

the best will in the world aren't that good.

Look, I know how difficult it is to come up with good ideas all the time.

Perhaps you're trying too hard.

Maybe you should give yourself a rest.

Abraham, this is my livelihood.

I didn't say give up making films altogether, silly boy.

I'm merely suggesting that perhaps it would ease the pressure on you if you

concentrated on just adapting someone else's stories.

No, I can't do that. Whatever reputation I have is based on my ideas.

Well,

go away and come up with something that's worthy of you.

I'm not closing any doors.

Shall we?

I only...

Your

break.

Let me give you something to think about.

I've just signed up a young actress called Emma Kasper.

She's pretty, talented, and a damn sight brighter than most.

What I really want is a vehicle to show her off properly.

Comedy? Tragedy? Thriller?

You decide.

Look, I'm having a small party at my place on Saturday evening.

I've invited Emma. Why don't you come along and meet her? Bring Beatrice.

relax, have a good time, enjoy yourself.

My wife will have other plans for that evening, but, yes, I'll be there.

We're not bankrupt.

We shall continue to operate as a company, but for a while things will be

difficult.

Ralph Soroyan embezzled the House of Elliot for virtually all its reserve

Despicable swine.

I beg your pardon.

It's all right, Alice. Swine is one of the kindlier terms we've used for him.

So you're saying we won't be put out of work, then?

No, Madge, absolutely not.

However... What is it, Miss Beatrice?

I'm afraid we're going to have to ask you all to take a small cut in your

Hopefully it won't be for long.

And as soon as our situation improves, we'll make sure you've got back all the

money you've lost.

For what it's worth, Bea and I won't be taking any wages.

That seems very fair to me.

Well, it's not a very happy thought, but if that's what needs to be done.

Yes, well, fair enough.

You've both got a lot more than them girls out there.

I dare say you've all got a bit put by.

Well, I haven't, and I'm not complaining.

Madge, if any of the girls feel they could earn more elsewhere, we'll be

to give them excellent references. But we're quite certain that things will be

back to normal after the collection.

So... Elizabeth, please, talk to me. What about?

Oh, for heaven's sake.

Alexander, I'm writing to the boys.

What?

I'm telling them about Ivor Desper's birthday party.

And our dinner with the Prime Minister.

I'm asking Philip about his cricket match against Wallerfield.

If you remember, it was his first game in the team.

Yes, of course. I'm sorry.

Do you really love me so little as to think I could destroy my sons by telling

them of their father's infidelity?

In a letter?

No.

I really do think the world of you, you know.

What are you going to do?

I truly don't know.

I shan't make it difficult for you if you want to divorce me.

Don't be absurd.

Alexander, I have invented 12 good, happy years in this marriage.

I will not see it go to waste.

I will not have Philip and William gossiped about behind their backs at

And I will not stand by and see you wreck a promising career for the sake of

some childish infatuation.

Don't call it that, Elizabeth.

You know it's not that.

Do you think I'd put you through this if I wasn't serious?

She must be a very special person, Evangeline Elliot.

You must love her a great deal.

I do.

Enough to overlook the fact that she will inevitably destroy all that you

worked for in the cause of her own selfish passion.

That's not fair.

Nothing is.

It's a pretty poor do if you ask me.

Well, don't get at me. I'm only the messenger.

Well, how long is it going to go on, though? Some of us have made plans for

money. Yeah, like eating.

Didn't have the neck to come and tell us themselves, did they?

Had to get you to do their dirty work for them. Well, they knew we'd have

something to say about it, that's why.

That's right.

The other thing Miss Beatrice said, Betty, was that anyone who didn't like

can lump it somewhere else with her blessing.

So, if you want to hang on to this job, I suggest you all get down to some work

and think yourselves lucky you've got work to get down to.

I thought we might devote a whole section of the show to outdoor pursuits.

Walking, riding, skiing, shooting.

Watching other people walking, riding.

No? Well, it's a very adventurous idea, Evie.

Frankly, the last thing I want to do right now is to think about clothes for

people who have nothing better to do but enjoy themselves.

Well, that is rather what our clothes are for.

Yes, I dare say it is.

do you want to do?

Go to sleep for a month, wake up and find everything's just gone away.

Jack! Jack!

Are you enjoying yourself?

Oh, yes. Thank you.

Have you eaten yet?

There's food laid out in the next room.

Half late.

Jack, I'm so sorry.

I promised I'd introduce you to Emma, didn't I?

Don't interrupt her on my account, Ed, please.

I have an idea. She's desperate to be interrupted.

Don't go away.

Emma?

Jack Madden.

Jack made the secrets within for me.

Jack, this is Emma Catt.

One of the brightest acting talents around.

Oh, indeed.

Excuse me, I must have a word with a friend of Dorothy's.

Thank you.

I hated when you were introduced like that.

You feel obliged to start justifying yourself.

Oh, I never justify myself. It's a very bad habit.

Well, you don't need to, do you?

I'm sorry?

I've seen quite a few of your films.

No need to justify anything.

You're very kind.

No, Dr. Honest.

I'd say if I hate you.

Like a dangerous woman to be with?

It means the minute you tell anyone you're an actress, they assume you're a

dangerous siren offscreen as well as on.

And then you have to justify why you're not.

I'm very talented for you.

You did that, Julie.

Very.

You don't mind if I don't ask you to dance?

Not in this life, please.

Well, I'm not very good coming tonight.

That's all right.

I'm not asking you to be.

I don't know about you.

I'm punished.

I wasn't surprised to find you here.

Really?

I'm sorry. Please come in.

Yes, well, it saves me a separate journey to see you or the disruption of

visit to your office.

Maria?

I hope I'm not disturbing you.

No, not at all.

Please take a seat.

Thank you.

I thought I'd bring you up to date on the latest developments concerning Ralph

Soroyan.

Apparently, he's in Germany.

Yes, we know.

Yes, of course you do. I'm sorry.

Well, the Home Office thinks there's very little chance of ever catching him

now. And the Treasury has issued orders for the closure of the Gillespie Soroyan

Bank altogether.

Well, I should think so, too.

Anyway, I've done my level best to recuperate some of your investment.

But a great many other people went down with Soroyan.

Bigger investors than the House of Elliot.

Who now take priority as creditors, I suppose.

I'm afraid so, yes.

There really is nothing more I can do.

No.

Well, thank you for expending so much effort on our behalf, Alexander.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I'll say goodnight.

Goodnight.

I'm so sorry.

I tried to let you know she was here. I couldn't get in contact.

That's all right.

Yes, well, I had better go.

When may I see you again?

I don't know.

Phone me when you can.

You want me to call you a taxi?

No, no, no.

Well,

I think it'd be better. Go away.

Evie, I'm sorry.

That must have been very awkward for you both. Yes.

Yes, it was.

Although I don't see why you're sorry.

You don't approve of the situation anyway.

No, I know I don't, but it's your business what you choose to do.

I'm sorry if my being here makes things difficult for you.

Difficult?

Considering how difficult things are anyway.

I shouldn't take this out on you.

Who knows?

What?

Elizabeth knows about Alexander and me.

I don't know what to do next.

Oh, Evie, I'm so sorry.

I suppose you think I should give him up.

No, I don't think that. Because I really don't think I could.

Bea, what would you do?

Oh, Evie, don't ask me.

When it comes to matters of the heart, I'm as much at sea as you are.

You are wonderful.

Yes, I know.

Hello.

Hello, Alexander.

Yes, if you want to.

I know the feathers.

No, I'm fine, thank you.

More or less.

Alexander, what time is it?

Good God, is it really?

Right, I'll see you in...

Whatever. An hour's time.

Right. Goodbye.

I'm so sorry.

No, it's all right, Elizabeth. It helps to talk.

Yes. Beatrice, is this just an infatuation, or is Evangeline very much

with my husband?

I believe so, yes.

How is your... Elizabeth, so do I, but it doesn't make any difference.

It makes a great deal of difference to me.

Try not to hate Evie.

Oh, I can't.

If I thought she was just a selfish little thing out for what she could get.

using Alexander, but an honest woman in love.

I hate what she's doing, but I can't hate her.

Which is not to say I shan't put up a fight for him.

There's one thing quite clear in my mind, Beatrice, and that is I shall

divorce my husband.

My son, my home, my life.

Even Alexander, damn him, are all far too important.

And you may pass that message on to Evangeline or not, as you please.

In the meantime, just because Alexander is causing chaos in my private life, I

see no reason why he should do the same to my wardrobe.

Do you?

I hope you don't mind it here.

Sometimes it helps to go where one won't bump into any of one's colleagues.

Elizabeth knows about Evie.

Oh, God.

How did she find out?

She came right out and asked me the question, and I couldn't deny it.

I've said I won't object if she wishes to divorce me, but she won't hear of it.

Do you want to divorce?

I really don't know.

Well, if it's advice you've come looking for, old chap, you've come to the wrong

man.

Part of the reason I got so drunk last night.

Beatrice and I have separated.

But I'm not in a position to give anyone any advice at the moment.

I'm so sorry.

I didn't know.

What a mess all round, eh?

I'll drink to that.

Again.

Jack, what worries me is that if Elizabeth has heard enough rumours to

confront me with them, then who else has heard?

Ah, precisely.

The government's under enough pressure as it is at the moment. The last thing

anyone needs is a scandal.

When you say pressure, you mean this business with the miners?

Yes.

It's a shame anything has to happen.

Everyone's so intransigent.

Birkenhead said it the other night.

You think the miners are the stupidest men on earth until you meet the

colonists.

Of course, I forgot.

Your dad's a miner, isn't he? I'm both, my brother.

That's your man in the family, really.

I wonder how they view the conflict.

Cos I'm telling you, if those miners do go on strike, they'll get a lot of

sympathy from the other unions.

Look at Mr Knight. Oh, yes.

I know something he doesn't know.

What? I know about Miss Beatrice staying upstairs with Miss Evie. You what?

I saw her ride with the suitcase a few days ago.

I think there's been a bit of conflict with her and Mr Maddox.

And I think you should keep your nose out of other people's business, Bessie,

and stop spreading wicked rumours.

No smoke without fire, Tilly.

Anyway, you only have to look at Miss Evie to know something's going on.

Now, get on with your work.

Oh, did I leave my scarf here?

I put it on the desk.

Was I disgraceful the other night?

No. Just astoundingly drunk.

Good.

You didn't seem to enjoy Abraham's party very much.

No, I wasn't in the mood.

Has he turned down one of your projects?

What's he been saying to you?

Nothing, nothing. Just a guess.

Seems to be turning down suggestions from everyone at the moment.

Really?

I've been begging him for weeks to find me a part that isn't a feeble, dewy

-eyed romantic heroine.

Something with a bit of grit to it.

And? Oh, it's always, but you look so beautiful in the crinoline, my dear.

Oh.

I didn't expect you to be here.

Um,

this is Emma Casson.

Emma? It's all right, I won't disturb you.

I've just come to collect these things. Thank you.

Bea.

You're not disturbing anything. It's all right. I'll tell us all next time. Make

sure it's convenient.

Bye.

What's that the miners say?

Not a penny off the pay, not a minute on the day.

Stop moaning.

We both like those two designs.

But they're not linked.

Why do we need a theme at all?

Because that's what people expect of us, Evie. We have always offered clothes

with a coordinated theme. Yes, but in the end it's the individual design that

counts.

They must relate.

Bea, I have come up with dozens of ideas and you've dismissed a lot of them. Oh,

come on, that's not fair. I'm not getting at you, Bea, but it is fair.

I know your mind's taken up with Jack and, you know, I do understand that.

But I can't carry this collection all by myself.

No, especially not when you go galloping off with Alexander at the drop of a

hat. Bea, I haven't seen him all of this week.

Yes, well, that's not due to any professional considerations, is it? Or

moral ones. It's because he's so preoccupied with this wretched strike.

What am I supposed to do?

Your dad's actually been knocked out of the pit. Oh, they all have.

My mum's frantic.

But it's not just the boys. She's got the two littlest ones as well.

That's six mouths to feed and not a penny coming in from anywhere.

I'd help out and send something, but I just can't afford it.

Not now, you can't. Shut up, Bessie.

Oh, sorry, I forgot.

We mustn't complain, must we?

Else we might find we've been locked out.

I'm not saying I told you so, but I told you so. What?

General Strike starts tomorrow.

All the unions coming out in support of the miners.

Oh, they're not.

He went to bed.

He actually went to bed.

Who did?

Baldwin. The Prime Minister.

Walter Citrine, Secretary of the TUC, went to sort out some crisis at the

Mail. When he came back to say the crisis was sorted, could they get on

peace talks, please, he found Baldwin had taken himself off to bed. He didn't

want to know.

When does it all start?

Well, tomorrow, apparently.

Yeah, well, that's the sort of government we've got, isn't it? Couldn't

damn. None of the bosses give a damn, if you ask me. Could we mind our language

in the workroom, please, Bessie?

Oh, why?

In case we offend them out there in the office.

Oh, they didn't bother about offending us when they cut our wages, did they?

no, Miss Beejie said we had to work harder for our new collection.

Now, that's enough.

Oh, that's nice coming from you.

There's my Stanley coming out on strike.

Not a train running there, won't be.

My table's not going to be busting with food, I can tell you that. And why?

Sympathy with her lot, that's why.

Support for the miners. Well, it's not my fault.

And it's not Miss B's fault either.

Well, I think it's a crying shame we don't have a union to take us out and

strike. That'd show them. Aye, it'd show them that censors who bitch more than

they stitch aren't worth having.

I hope you're good at very small writing, Mrs Burgoyne. Oh, yes, why's

As though my husband won't see how much this is costing him.

Oh, don't misunderstand me. I'm not saying he's not generous, because he is.

But the slightest thing at the moment and he goes up the wall.

Must be very difficult for you. I can understand it, mind.

The sort of pressure that's put upon these businessmen, especially at the

moment. Well, I wouldn't want to have to cope with it. Quite.

Ah, here we are.

Mrs. Atherton, this is Madge Walthorpe. We'll be dealing with your fatigue.

How do you do?

Be sure to come and tell me when Mrs. Atherton is ready to leave, Madge. I

Now, Mrs. Atherton.

If you'd just like to click this on. Well, now, there's a voice to warm your

heart. I beg your pardon? Where do you come from, lass? Just outside Oldham.

Really? I was born and brought up near Saddleworth.

Oh, that's just down the road.

Of course. We live in Alderley Edge now.

Oh.

Oh, it's mashing round there, isn't it?

I have an aunt over in Macclesfield. She used to take us up on the edge for

picnics when we had our holidays there.

You know, you've made me feel so much better.

Why? This is the first time I've ever been to a fashion house. I was that

nervous.

You don't know how nice it is to meet a good, solid Lancashire lass down here.

Good, I'm glad.

Now, have a stretch and tell me how that sleeve feels.

Well, this is the best idea you've given me for a good while.

Good.

Strong stuff.

Strong times, Abraham.

Most people will find someone in it they can identify with, though.

Well, you've certainly covered all angles.

Your father a policeman, son a train driver, daughter's fiancé a miner, but

young Master Galbraith waiting in the wings.

It doesn't matter to be quite as cynical as that, Abraham.

No, but I think the central theme of a family torn apart by something as

powerful as a general strike will prove to be strong drama.

Ah, you're right, you're right.

As long as you can make it work.

Well, since you mention it, one of the things which will make it work is...

Taking scenes from real life. Now, there's bound to be some action on the

streets.

Massive demonstrations.

We won't know what happens, but believe me, something is going to happen.

Do you want to go and film this?

Yes. I've got quite a few friends in the press. They'll keep me informed about

the whens, the wheres.

Just give me a cameraman and a crew for a couple of weeks. Now, wait a minute,

Jack. Wait a minute.

So far, I think it's an exciting idea if you can get some good pictures.

And listen to me. In my experience, nothing looks worse than real -life

with real people just dumped in between scenes, filmed in a studio with actors.

We take a couple of actors with us when we're filming. They join in with

whatever's happening. We film them. And there they are, in the thick of it.

You do realize, Jack, that

if this strike turns nasty... Being in the thick of it, as you say, could

backfire very seriously.

I think it's a really good technique.

Use Emma Cassidy.

Emma? Yes, sir. And I give your cameraman crew for a fortnight.

She's been on my back for weeks for me to give her something to get her teeth

into.

Let her chew on that.

taxi. No one else here yet?

No.

There are no buses, no trains, no trams.

I don't think there are even any underground trains.

You've never seen so many people in the street.

That must be it then.

The guards must just simply be caught up in it all. Well, as long as they

haven't all decided to go on strike as well.

number

Now, you know what you've got to do?

You'll get a cold on your chest wearing those shoes on your feet. That's what my

mum always says. Well, she's right.

Oh, well, I'm ever so sorry.

Oh, don't mind me, Madge. I'm just thinking about you.

Truth is, Mrs. Hatterston, I've got blisters the size of walnuts on my

Oh. I took six and a half miles to get here this morning.

Call me soft, but I'm not used to that sort of thing. Yes, well, you shouldn't

have to get used to it.

Those miners have got a lot to answer for, you know.

Perhaps. Oh, there's no perhaps about it.

Who do they think they are, I should like to know.

You feed them, you house them, you give them paid work a lot of folk would be

grateful for, and all they can do is turn round and bite the hand that feeds

them. Oh, believe me, Madge, I know what I'm talking about. I see it all the

time.

Really?

My husband and his partner own three mines around Oldham and Cheadle.

They're all the same.

Excuse me one moment, please.

Mrs. Burgoyne?

I'm very sorry, but I'm afraid I can't deal with Mrs. Atherston any longer.

I beg your pardon?

Under the present circumstances.

My family being locked out of the pit and her husband being one of the ones

that's doing the locking out.

I think it would be better if someone else took over.

Very well.

Betty, would you go and take over Mrs Atherton's fitting, please?

I will not.

Agnes.

I'll do it, Mrs The Goon. Thank you, Tilly.

What colour is the stocking, Tilly?

Right.

Just as I thought.

She's got black legs.

You'll stand me out on strike.

He most certainly is. And me, Dad.

Him and Billy work down St John's Dock. They're out too.

I think it's wrong.

We've had our wages cut.

Shouldn't we be striking?

Go and drop them off on the internet.

Her Majesty wishes to express her gratitude to her subjects at this time

their kind concern and begs to reassure them that the royal household will

continue to function as normal.

Yours sincerely, etc.

If you have a moment, Lady Montford.

Of course.

Thank you.

Elizabeth, I'm afraid I have to speak to you on a most sensitive issue.

Please do go on.

Her Majesty has heard rumours that Lord Montfort has been behaving somewhat

indiscreetly in his private life.

Naturally. If you can assure me there's no foundation to these rumours.

I'd be delighted to apologize for the distress this must be causing you.

I cannot give you that assurance.

I take no pleasure in this, Elizabeth, believe me.

But you must realize that the royal household cannot be seen to be connected

any way with any form of scandal.

Because of your position.

Perhaps when these rumours have died down.

I shall order my motor car immediately.

Alex! Man, I've caught you. Only just. I have a dinner engagement.

With Miss Elliot?

It is becoming common knowledge, you know.

Look, I don't give a hoot what you do in your private life.

So long as it remains just that, private.

Because as whip, I must warn you that if this little adventure of yours becomes

any more public, then it could cause the government serious embarrassment.

I'm having dinner with the Secretary of State.

Jolly good.

Knew you wouldn't let the side down.

Oh, by the way, how are you getting along with the Gillespie -Syrian affair?

Starting to unravel the tangled finances, are we?

Yes, yes, I think so.

A complicated sort of business, really. Oh, that I have no doubt.

Have a pleasant evening.

Good night, Alex.

Oh, Evie.

Well done.

Now that they've gone, I can tell you I was jolly scared.

I know. It showed.

You're a vulture. Do you know that?

I've been called worse.

More coffee?

Oh, no thanks.

I think I'd better be getting home.

I'll drive you.

I have been told that I have to leave my position at the palace because of your

indiscretions, and you are sorry.

How dare you do this to me?

Elizabeth, I'm not going to see Evangeline again.

What?

Are you serious?

It can't go on.

It's causing embarrassment to the administration.

I see.

You'll end your liaison for the Prime Minister, but not for your wife.

It's not what I meant.

I know exactly what you meant.

Oh, Alexander, do as you wish.

End it all, not if you please.

But you don't attempt to sleep in my bed while you make up your mind.

It's good, Jack.

Good.

Thank you.

You're lucky you didn't get yourself arrested.

Look at the result.

It's a pity the strike didn't go on longer, really.

What? Ten days not long enough for you, then?

No, no. The scenes by the docks are terrific.

Terrific.

It's just that we could have done with a little more, that's all.

Thank you both.

As long as we're together now.

I'm just glad it's all over.

For a strike.

You know, up till now, I wouldn't have believed that one small, ill -informed

group of people would even try to hold the country to ransom like that.

Incredibly irresponsible.

Perhaps the miners felt a responsibility towards feeding their families.

What? Perhaps they felt that strongly about it.

No, Evie.

No matter how strongly one feels, nothing justifies the wanton disruption

established order.

That puts our relationship in a rather bleak perspective.

Evie, this is absurd. The two things are completely different. I think I'd like

to go now. Evie! Excuse me. Could I have my cake, please?

Can you wait?

Listen to me, please.

What you don't know is that I have asked Elizabeth to divorce me.

I want to marry you, Evie.

Good evening.

No.

You?

No.

That's all right. Let me see as long as we're both feeling so.

Oh, please, Evie. I'm not in the mood.

Have you seen the paper?

Halfway down the page.

Fashionable London is bound to be delighted by the announcement... ..from

Maison Gilles that his new London house will open this summer.

That's all we need.

Isn't it just?

Bea, I don't care. We are more than a match for Maison Gilles.

But are we, Evie? I mean, what are we... What are we going to do about this new

collection? Nothing tonight. We'll get a good night's sleep.

Tomorrow, we'll meet in my office. We'll go through all of these designs and...

We'll come to some sort of a decision then.

Madge?

Yes, Charles?

Has the love at Tweed been delivered? Or is this all held up in Peebles?

I've no idea.

Yeah, not to worry. I'll ask Miss Evie.

Oh, well, I will.

They're in ever such a bonny mood this morning.

Well, that's 20 designs we quite like.

No, that's 20 designs we dislike less than the others.

As a small collection, it might still do.

People have come to expect something special from the house of Elliot. Well,

thing these aren't is special.

What about this one?

I don't like it.

That was one of mine.

All right, well, this is one of mine, and that's rubbish, too.

Well, I'm glad you admit it.

Excuse me, could we have your attention, please?

Well, over the last few weeks, we've been giving a lot of thought to the

immediate future of the House of Elliot, and... Well, in the best interest of us

all, we've decided not to show a collection this summer. Thank you, that

all.

Evie, what choice did we have?

I just didn't think it would come to this.

Yes, well, it's not all our fault.

These past few months have been real dangerous.

Huge.

I've just heard a rumour that you're cancelling the summer collection.

That's not a rumour, Alice. We are cancelling it.

We simply didn't have a collection.

We weren't happy with the designs we came up with.

And rather than show clothes which we consider beneath our standards, we will

postpone the collection until we've come up with something we are satisfied

with.

Until then, we will continue with our commissions as usual.

I see.

I would have appreciated hearing this from you rather than from the girls in

workroom. Yes, I'm sorry, Alice.

We only came to the decision a few minutes ago and as we were in the

You do realise the damage this could do to your reputation, don't you?

Especially with Maison Gilles promising a most spectacular opening show.

People will think you're frightened of the competition.

Well, Alice, I'm afraid people will have to think what they like.

Our reputation would have been more severely damaged by a tired second -rate

collection. Which, to be honest, is all we'd come up with.

Well, I see you've made your decision.

Yes, we have.

Very well.

Good morning.

Well, Evie, the one comforting thing about all this is having hit rock

There's only one way to go from there.

And with that...