Original subtitles

(soft theme music)

(door slams)

- Good afternoon, sir.

Will you be joining your ladyship for tea?

- Is that crumpets under the dish cover?

- Hot buttered tea cakes, sir.

- Then I will.

- Very good , sir.

- Oh, you're early.

- Yes, I told the Chief Clarkson's I finished the cargo.

Unless he gave me the cheque, I could see no reason

to sit twiddling my thumbs til five o'clock

so I came home early.

I'm going to have tea with you.

- That's nice.

Thank you, Hudson.

And we'll need another cup.

-[Hudson] M'lady.

- And tell Mr. Bellamy tea's ready, will you?

- Oh I understand the master will not be requiring tea,

m'lady.

He's working on the study and not to be disturbed.

- Has his voice left you?

- Not yet, m'lady.

- We shant need another cup.

Thank you, Hudson.

- I bet father wishes he never started

on Grandpa Barnes's biography.

- I think he's quite enjoying the work.

It's just that his publisher wants the manuscript

by the end of the month

and he still has two or three chapters left to write.

- Damn hard work, I should think.

- Yes, darling.

- Alright, mother, I can sense the rebuke.

I finished work early and came home for tea.

Father is still working and hasn't time for tea.

But my work is so dreadfully boring.

It's not living.

It's existing.

Thank god for the weekend.

- You know your father and I are driving

down to Zion tomorrow.

You'll have to entertain yourself this weekend.

- Yes.

- And by the way, such a happy letter

and a parcel from Elizabeth.

She sent what she calls a phonograph record for you.

Gloves from Macy's in New York for me.

And a book for your father.

- Everybody's doing it.

Everybody except me.

- What do you mean?

- Nothing.

- Elizabeth says it's the latest craze in America,

this ragtime.

- Yes, I know.

- She and Dana and little Lucy are going

to meet us off the boat on the 16th.

Oh it would be lovely to see them.

- Right, lovely for you.

And off you go with Aunt Marion.

- Then we go up to Montreal.

The president of the Canadian Pacific

is letting us use his private railway coach,

right across to Alberta.

We'll stay at Uncle Hugo's ranch in Calgary.

Darling, what is the matter?

- Nothing is the matter.

- I know you'd like to come with us.

So would your father.

But he's got work to do and so have you.

- But father's work is at least interesting.

- Any work is interesting if you let it be.

I'm sorry if you're bored, darling,

but thousands of young men slave away in offices everyday

to earn a living.

Why should you complain?

Especially after all the trouble your father took

to get you into the firm.

- I will not spend the rest of my life worrying

about how much tea we can ship from Hong Kong to London

simply to be gulped down by silly women in drawing rooms.

- Your drinking tea.

- Only because it's too early for whiskey.

- Anyway, it was your idea to leave the army

to make some money you said.

- Yes, by the time I'm a director I should be over 40.

Half-dead out in Calcutta with malaria and a rotten liver.

- You know it's not very kind of you to talk like that.

At least when I'm going abroad for a month or more.

You know how I worry about you.

- I'm sorry, mother.

- You will help your father and the servants won't you

while I'm away.

I mean let them know about being in and out to meals.

That kind of thing.

- Yes.

- Something else troubling you?

Phyllis?

- I don't think so.

- You've written to her.

Haven't you?

I saw the letter on the hall table.

- Yes.

Yes I did write to her.

I thought I should congratulate her.

She's got herself engaged to a fellow in Skinner's Horse.

called Jack Pettyfer.

He's on the viceroy's staff out there.

A very worthy fellow with a ginger moustache.

- I'm glad.

- So am I.

- You were right to be honest with her

before it was too late.

- I hope so.

- There are plenty of other girls.

- Yes.

I think I'll take it upstairs and play it.

Thank you for my tea.

- Alright, darling.

(typing on typewriter)

- You finished?

- Yes, Mr. Bellamy.

That's Chapter 15 all typed.

- Capital.

- Oh I managed to find the passages you wished

to quote from the Landsdowne correspondence.

They're marked there.

- Thank you.

But I think you've done enough for one day.

Run along, girl.

- I'd like to come again tomorrow, if it's convenient

and finish off the last two chapters,

ready for your correction on Monday morning.

- Well yes if you don't mind giving up part of your weekend.

- I have nothing particular to do.

- Yes, by all means.

Just ring the bell and Hudson will show you in here.

Would you care to leave your machine over night?

- Oh, if I may.

It is rather heavy.

And my train is crowded...

- Well it will be.

The Metropolitan is always crowded on a Friday evening.

(music playing)

What on earth is that noise?

- It's a gramophone, I think, Mr. Bellamy.

Coming from upstairs.

- It must be my son.

He's keen on the latest ragtime music.

This most dreadful syncopated jazz.

Like everything else from America,

it's too fast, too noisy.

- Well, I say goodnight then, Mr. Bellamy.

- Yes, well, goodnight, Miss Forest.

-[James] Good evening.

- Good evening.

- Just off?

- Yes.

- I hope my father's not working you too hard.

- Oh no, not at all.

- Please...

(rain pouring)

Oh, have you got far to go?

It seems to still be raining.

- No, only as far as Sloane Square.

- Oh, you live in Sloane Square?

- No, I get my train from there to Wimbledon.

- Ah, then I must wish you a restful weekend.

- Oh, I'm coming back tomorrow to finish

off Mr. Bellamy's typing.

- Then you must rest on Sunday.

- I expect I shall.

Good bye.

- There, that's them gone.

- Oh thank goodness.

I'm badly behind with her ladyship's packing.

- Well, I have offered to help you, Ms. Roberts.

- You wouldn't know what to put in, Rose.

She doesn't even know herself what to take.

- I should think it would be warm in Canada,

this time of year.

- Oh no in the Rockies, Mrs. B.

No, they have snow in the Rockies all year round.

And grizzly bears.

- How do you know?

- I've seen pictures in magazines.

It's hot in America and it's cold in Canada.

So you'll have to pack everything she's got,

eh, Ms. Roberts?

- Well hardly.

We're only taking four cabin trunks.

- Four?

What three for her ladyship's clothes

and one to put you in?

It would be quite the affair wouldn't it?

- Oh don't be ridiculous, Edward.

- Oh I don't know.

Seemed like a good idea.

If they packed you in a trunk across the Rockies

at least the red Indians wouldn't get you

when they hold up the train.

- Oh Edward, really.

- No honestly, Mrs. B.

They swoop down on to the railway line from the rocks above

and then they scalp all the passengers.

So if you're locked hidden in a trunk,

you mind to keep your hair on.

- It's about time you started reading something better

than chips and comics, Edward.

(Edward laughing)

- Cup of tea, Mr. Hudson?

- Oh that would be most welcome, Mrs. Bridges.

- Ruby, fetch a cup for Mr. Hudson.

Ruby?

- Yes, Mrs. Bridges?

-[Mrs. Bridges] A cup for Mr. Hudson.

Or I'll have your scalp.

- Captain James is up and about, I presume?

- Do you mean Mr. James?

- No, I do not, Rose.

The young master may have chosen to relinquish

his military duties for civilian life

but he is none the less entitled by custom

to be known by his rank of captain.

- Oh, I'm glad of that.

Captain James always sounds quite romantic.

Gives him an air of sort of nobility.

- That's about the only thing that did.

- Miss Roberts, please.

- Oh, I suppose he'll get up some time today.

- Are you saying Captain James is still in bed?

- Oh yes.

He's awake though.

He's just lying there playing with his blessed gramophone.

I've been in twice to try and do his room...

- Well I daresay he's tired.

Working hard in that office all week.

- We're all tired, Mrs. Bridges.

Edward, you better clear away the breakfast

from the dining room.

- What happens if he comes down wanting it?

- It has gone half past eleven.

Breakfast has never been served in this house

at half-past eleven and it never will be.

Not as long as I'm butler here.

- No, Mr. Hudson.

-[Mr. Hudson] Well look sharp then, Edward.

- And I'll be wanting to know what my orders is for lunch.

- Oh Captain James is lunching out, Mrs. Bridges.

He told me so last night.

- That's alright then.

That just means a tray in the study.

- That is corrrect, Mrs. Bridges.

And I can take Miss Forest's luncheon tray

just before we have ours.

(gramophone playing)

(typing on typewriter)

- Morning, sir.

- Morning, Edward.

- If you were requiring breakfast, sir,

I've just cleared the dining room.

But I can get you something if you like, sir.

- No no, I'll wait for lunch now.

Overslept.

Have the master and her ladyship left?

- Oh yes sir, at 11 o'clock.

- Really?

(door shuts)

(typing)

Hello.

I hope I'm not disturbing you.

- It's quite alright.

- I was just looking for this weeks punch.

I thought maybe my father might have...

aha, there it is.

I expect you've got quite a bit to do, have you?

- Just one more chapter.

- You've been hard at it all morning, haven't you?

- I'm sorry if I disturbed you.

This machine is very noisy, I know.

- Good heavens, no no no, you didn't disturb me.

Well I just looked in to see if you were alright.

- Yes, I am.

Thank you.

- Got everything you need?

- Yes, I have.

Thank you.

- My parents have gone away for the weekend,

you see.

- Yes.

I undertand they have.

- And they asked me to see that you had everything

that you wanted.

- Yes I have, thank you.

- Your butler is arranging for me to have a lunch on a tray.

So that I can work on.

- Oh, is he?

I see.

(typing on typewriter)

- I'm looking forward to reading my father's book.

Do you think it could be a success?

- Of course it will.

It's very interesting.

I had no idea that Lord Southwold was such

a progressive underneath.

- Was he?

Because I didn't know.

- Yes.

He did introduce two bills in the law

to reform the upper house.

One in 1898 and one in 1907.

But they wouldn't listen to him.

- Oh.

- He was very human too.

And he loved his family very much, didn't he?

Especially his grandchildren.

Right.

It comes out in the letters to Lady Southwold.

The dowager, that is.

- I remember as children we always spent Christmas

in Southwold.

Grandpapa always spoiled us, I believe.

- Your father has found such a charming photograph of him.

And you and your sister Elizabeth aged ten and eight

in a pony cart.

It's going in the book.

Here it is.

It's very sweet.

- Of me?

(James laughing)

Here I look like an angry little chimpanzee.

- No, you don't.

Well, I must be getting on.

I still have great deal to do.

- No no, look it's gone mid-day.

Why not rest for a while?

- No, no thank you.

- Your lunch will be here soon.

- Yes.

I expect it will.

(typing)

- Have you been doing this sort of work for some time?

- You mean secretary work?

- Yes.

- About 10 years.

Well of course I've only been training to typewrite

for three years.

Before that, I worked in a draper's in Sotherby.

Looking after their accounts.

- Oh, you've been working a long time.

I've only just started.

- Were you not an officer in the Life Guards?

- Yes, and now I'm a clark with Jardine Mathesons

in Longbarne Street.

A far eastern tradiing company.

Also helping in accounts in the tea department.

- I see.

It sounds very interesting.

- So having that much in common,

I wonder would you think too forward of me

to ask you your Christian name?

- Oh.

- Unless of course you'd rather not.

- Oh no, of course not, I don't mind.

I was christened Hazel Patricia.

- Hazel.

Because you've got Hazel eyes.

- No.

No, I think it was my father's love of shrubs

that made him choose my name.

(James laughing)

A charming name and most appropriate.

I expect it was a good year for hazels, was it?

- I don't wish to seem discourteous, Captain Bellamy,

but your father is most anxious to revise

the last two chapters on Monday morning.

- I'm sorry.

I'm sorry it was most wrong of me to ask you

such a personal question.

- It's alright.

- I mean,

I think it's because I find myself

becoming interested in you as a person.

Perhaps a little curious.

- I think you should remember that I'm an employee

of this house.

I work for your father.

- I prefer to look upon you as a guest in my father's house

who happens to be helping him with his manuscript.

- For money, Captain Bellamy.

- Oh what difference does it make?

- Well if...

- Miss Forest,

I want to know more about you.

About your home,

your life, your family.

What you think of me.

- I am an unexceptional person, Captain Bellamy.

- Oh.

-[Miss Forest] My life and background are ordinary

and uninteresting.

I find it difficult to believe

that someone in your position in society

should be in anyway interested in someone like me.

Unless you are making study of ordinary middle class life

in the outer suburbs of London.

- Oh, I can assure you Miss Forest, I'm making a study

of no such thing.

(typing)

I simply feel a desire to know you a little better.

And I should consider it a great favor if you would allow me

to call you Hazel, at least for the weekend.

- Oh, excuse me, sir.

Miss Forest's luncheon.

- Take the cold tongue salad downstairs, Hudson.

And lay out for two in the dining room.

- For two, sir?

In the dining room?

- Yes, Hudson.

I shall be lunching at home today after all.

And Miss Forest will be joining me.

Won't you?

(upbeat music)

- When you're done, Ruby, give the potatoes a pot

and see if they're ready.

Then you can layout the table.

-[Ruby] Yes, Mrs. Bridges.

- What are we having today then, Mrs. Bridges?

-[Mrs. Bridges] A nice piece of roast mutton

and onion sauce.

But we won't have hurry over for once.

Boiled potatoes and cauliflower and a nice treacle tart.

- Oh that could stick to my ribs alright.

- I take it there's no upstairs lunch today.

- Only Miss whatshername.

I've sent her up a slice of cold tongue and salad on a tray.

- No nice leftovers from the dining room today,

Miss Roberts.

- I'm not particularly hungry, myself.

- I think what you'll be having with you

is at the Duke of Northumberland's place

with their ladyship.

I've been told French chef at Zion Park.

Haute cuisine.

All garlic and cream sauces and that.

How does that tickle your fancy, Miss Roberts?

- I fancy us getting her ladyships trunks packed by Tuesday.

That's what concerns me.

Not haute cuisine at the Duke of Northumberland's.

Anyhow, I've been to Zion three times.

And the housekeeper there sends me a card every Christmas.

Mrs. Raglan, very nice woman.

- Mrs. Bridges, Ruby,

there will be luncheon upstairs.

-[Mrs. Bridges] What?

- Edward, leave that silver, come here at once.

Look sharp now.

- Captain James has decided to stay in then, has he?

- Impudence.

- Captain James has ordered luncheon in the dining room

at quarter past one for himself and the typist.

- He's not?

- You heard what I said, Mrs. Bridges.

- Trust, Captain James.

He's got an eye for her now, has he?

- This is not a matter for jest, Edward.

Go and make two places in the dining room.

Hurry up now.

- Wine glasses or tumblers, Mr. Hudson?

- Tumblers, Edward.

And a jug of barley water.

- What in the name of heaven am I supposed to give them

to eat, eh?

Ruby.

- Well that means we shan't get ours on time.

- Shall I be required to wait a table, Mr. Hudson?

- No, Rose, I will supervise.

(phone ringing)

That's Captain James ringing from morning room.

Edward, see what he wants.

I'll be in the pantry and get that table laid.

- It's a beautiful room.

- Yes, this is the morning room.

Although my parents spend all day in here

when they're on their own.

The drawing room upstairs is for more formal occasions

like dinner parties and et cetera.

- It's an awful lot to keep clean.

- Why yes, well Rose sees to that.

She's the head housemaid.

Well, we only have one at the moment.

Mother has been trying to find another housemaid

but they're very hard to find nowadays.

- You rang, sir?

- Oh yes, Edward.

Bring the sherry, will you?

- Oh not for me.

Thank you.

- Nonsense, you must have a glass of sherry

before your lunch.

And two glasses, Edward.

- Yes sir.

- You do seem to have an awful lot of servants.

- Well no.

As I said, we don't have an under housemaid.

Or a pantry boy.

Or a housekeeper.

Still, we manage.

Well, they do.

- I suppose Lady Marjorie and Mr. Bellamy have to entertain

quite a bit.

Being in political circles, I mean.

- Is something troubling you?

- No.

- You keep looking at you watch.

- Well I did promise that I would finish off my work today.

And I do have a great deal to do.

- Don't worry, don't worry.

You'll have time.

Lunch will be here soon.

Meals are always on time in this house.

Under the redoubtable Mr. Hudson.

And with Mrs. Bridges running the kitchens

like the engine room of a battleship.

Things go pretty smoothly as a rule.

- Ruby, fetch up some more potatoes.

Clean them and pop them in with that lot.

They've have to be mashed for upstairs.

- Yes, Mrs. Bridges.

- Wait.

Larder first.

I've got some pork chops in there.

Fetch me a couple and look sharp.

- We'll have to do up a sauce for them then won't we,

Mrs. Bridges.

- We will.

You're learning, my girl.

You're learning.

- But what green vegetables are you going to give them,

Mrs. Bridges?

- Spinach, so you'll have to wash it and pick it over.

Now look sharp and bring me in the butter.

- Thought we were going to have a nice quiet weekend.

- Edward, what's that?

- Well it's sherry for the morning room, Mr. Hudson.

- Sherry?

- Well, shall I take it in or not, Mr. Hudson?

- No, Edward.

For a start, those are the best glasses.

I'll fetch the old ones from the pantry cupboard.

Here, give me that tray.

Go and get the dining room table laid.

- Oh yes, Mr. Hudson.

-[James] It was this little place called Razmak

on the Afghan border.

These chaps had been raiding our camp at night

and trying to steal our horses.

So we sent out a patrol which I was in command of.

I'm boring you, aren't I?

- Not at all.

It sounds most thriling.

- No, I had meant we should talk about you.

But you're so quiet and modest about yourself,

here we are talking about me.

And that wasn't my intention.

- I do assure you, Captain Bellamy.

I find your adventures on the northwest frontier

most absorbing.

I really do.

- Now since you have allowed me to call you Hazel,

I really must insist that you call me James.

Now that's fair, isn't it?

- After such a short acquaintance?

- We are living in the second decade

of the 20th century, Hazel.

Aren't we?

- Yes.

- So?

- Alright.

If you like I will.

-[James] I will what?

- I will, James.

- There, that's better.

Thank you, Hudson.

- Will there be anything further, sir?

- No, I take it lunch will be ready soon?

- Luncheon will be served at a quarter past one, sir.

As you ordered.

- Good.

By the way, we'll have a bottle of the Cantenac

with our lunch.

My father has this wonderful claret.

Wait til you taste it.

- Begging your pardon, sir.

But I'm afraid I cannot serve Chateau Brane Cantenac, sir.

- Why not?

I know it's not all been drunk.

We had a bottle with our dinner last week.

- There are certain difficulties.

- Oh, what difficulties?

- If I might see you, sir.

In private.

If you wouldn't mind, sir.

- If you'll excuse me.

- Yes, of course.

- What is all this, Hudson?

- I prefer not to speak in front of the secretary, sir.

But I must point out that I cannot serve

the master's claret.

There are only two bottles left.

- I ordered one, Hudson.

And I expect you to serve it.

- I am sorry, sir.

But I am not to serve the Chateau Brane Cantenac '93, sir,

without special instructions.

- Whose instructions?

My fathers?

- Are you asking me to go against the master's wishes sir?

- Did my father forbid you to serve that claret?

- He would not wish it to be served at luncheon, sir.

Especially in his absence.

- Hudson, are you saying he told you so?

- I am not lying, sir.

I know the master's general wishes

and regards of his claret.

And I'm endeavoring the carry them out in principle.

He would not wish the wine to be served

on such an occasion as this.

- You mean because Miss Forest, a secetary

who earns her own living, is lunching with me

in the dining room.

Is that it?

- I can only mind you, sir.

But I believe the master would not wish it.

Not today, sir.

- And let me remind you, Hudson.

That whatever your private views may be

and in the absence of my parents,

I am in charge in this house.

Miss Forest is my guest for lunch.

In this situation, I expect my orders to be obeyed.

- Yes sir.

- Then do as you're told.

- Yes sir.

- Oh, there you are, Mr. Hudson.

We kept yours warm.

Ruby, fetch Mr. Hudson's dinner.

- (Edward) Pass the salt please.

(people eating)

- Well, for the life for of me,

I can't see why Captain James shouldn't have his lunch

in the dining room.

Nor with Miss Forest, neither.

Not if he wants to.

- If you can't see the unsuitability if such an arrangemnt,

Rose, than perhaps it's time you look for employment

in a differnt kind of household.

- It's you who always says that things have got to be done

proper even when the master and ladyship are away.

- It's not quite the same thing, Rose.

- Well, I agree with Rose.

After all, it is his house and he does live here.

- Your opinion is not sought on this matter, Edward.

Get on with your dinner.

- Yes, Mr. Hudson.

- I'm sure Mr. Bellamy typist is

a perfectly respectable young woman, Rose,

but she's not a lady.

Now will someone kindly pass me the onion sauce.

- I may be sent out to India again one day.

The Calcultta office.

- That's a long way from the Northwest frontier.

-[James] Oh yes, a very different climate.

A very different way of life.

I shall probably end up in Calcutta with a liver.

Most people seem to.

- I do hope not.

I've always longed to visit the far east.

Is it very wonderful?

- Oh yes.

Yes, I saw the Himalayas at sunrise.

- Was it a very inspiring sight?

- Well, it should have been.

But it was after a rather wild party in the mess.

I had fallen down in the garden

and given myself a black eye.

In the name of good days.

Tell me have you been abroad much yourself?

- No.

I've never been further from Wimbledon

than a day's excursion to Margate.

Freester.

Oh, I was in Newcastle once.

But not for long.

-[James] Oh and what were you doing in Newcastle?

- Oh, it's something I'd really rather not talk about.

- Leave the coffee, will you, Hudson?

- Very good, sir.

- They're annoyed with me, aren't they, James?

- Annoyed?

Who?

- Your butler.

He disapproves of me having my lunch with you.

I can sense it.

- It is not for Hudson to approve or disapprove.

- I could feel his angry looks going through me like knives.

- Hudson doesn't run this house.

- Well, I don't feel very comfortable sitting here, James.

And if you'd excuse me, I think I'd really rather

go back to the study.

Oh, I don't mean to sound ungrateful.

It was terribly kind of you to keep me company

and give me such a nice lunch

but anyway I did promise your father

to have the work finished and ready for him

by Monday morning.

-[James] No need to say more, Hazel.

I understand completely.

Come on now.

- Mind you, don't break anything today, Ruby.

The mood Mr. Hudson's in, he'll knock your block off.

- So is Mrs. Bridges.

- Oh look at the time,

it's gone half past two.

I'm never gonna be there.

Not by four, not by omnibus rows.

- Don't worry, Edward.

I'll speak to Mr. Hudson about it.

- Speak about what, Rose?

- Oh well Edward's supposed to have the afternoon off,

Mr. Hudson.

He's going out to Puttney to see his granny, aren't you?

- Yeah.

- I was aware of that.

- Well if he's got to clear away in the dining room,

it's going to make him ever so late getting there,

so I was going to suggest that I do instead

and I'm quite willing.

- Very well, Rose.

If you wish to assist me, I have no objection.

Away and get changed, Edward.

- Oh thanks, Mr. Hudson.

Tah, Rose.

You are a break.

- Don't forget to take that seeding crate to your granny

or Mrs. Bridges will skin you alive.

- Oh yeah, where is it?

- On the ktichen table.

- Ta.

Cheerio.

(phone ringing)

- Yessir.

- Hello, Hudson.

I want to talk to Lord Newbury.

I take it you have the number there.

- I'll have to look it up, sir.

If you could replace your receiver,

I'll ring through in a minute.

Wonder what he'll have to call Newbury about.

That'll be them talking tiles.

Rose, Rose come in here will you.

Quickly.

Newbury, Lord Newbury.

Look up the number for me, will you?

I must have left me specs somewhere.

- Newbury, Newbury, Grosvenor, 2 3 1 6.

- Thank you.

Hello?

Would you connect me please with Grosvenor 2316?

(phone ringing)

- Hello?

Oh thank you, is that Newbury house?

I want to talk to his lordship.

Hello, buddy?

James here.

I say can you collect me in your motorcar?

Save me the cab fare out to Hurlingham?

Well it's on your way.

Splendid, that would be toffee.

Well if we can't find any girls, we'll play singles.

What?

For a sovreign?

Done.

And decide what we're going to do tonight.

No, buddy, not the Ritz.

I'm stoney broke.

Hmm, the Trot perhaps.

If we can rake up some girls.

No, I haven't.

Not at the moment.

No one in particular.

- I know what you're thinking, Mr. Hudson.

You're thinking that our Captain James has been up

to his old tricks again, aren't you?

- I don't know what you mean by old tricks, Rose.

- Oh like with Sarah and everything.

- The young master has always shown a regretable disdain

for young females of his own class.

- Do you mean he likes them common?

I don't think that matters very much anymore.

Not nowadays.

Not with everything going all topsy turvy.

- Then I wonder what you or I or any of us are doing

in domestic service roles.

If a hired typist can sit at luncheon in this dining room

drinking the master's best claret,

I might as well go out and stand for parliament.

- Mr. Hudson.

- Proper standards must be maintained

in this houshold, Rose.

Our ladyship's standards.

There's no future for any of us.

None.

- Oh, Mr. Hudson.

You're getting things all out of proportion.

You don't want to let Captain James upset you.

Anyhow, her ladyship will be back again tomorrow.

- Take that tray downstairs, Rose, if you would.

- Yes, Mr. Hudson.

(motor running)

- I would like to thank...

- I beg your pardon, miss.

- I have left my typewriter machine in the study.

Mr. Bellamy said I might.

- Yes, miss.

- And I shall be here at the usual time on Monday morning.

Good day.

(door slams)

-[Mr. Hudson] If you pardon me, sir.

- Yes, what is it, Hudson?

- I would like to speak to you, sir, if I may,

on a personal note.

- As long as it doesn't take too long.

I should be going to Hurlingham to play tennis

as soon as Lord Newbury arrives.

- It won't take long, sir.

- Well?

- I feel bound to inform you, sir,

that the staff were very much upset

by the last minute arrangements made for luncheon today.

- Oh.

- You had informed yesterday evening

that you would be lunching out.

I myself was particularly upset by the orders

I received from you, sir, regarding the service

of the claret.

- And you had no cause to it.

- I fear I must disagree with you, sir.

- Why?

- I have reflected on this matter very carefully, sir.

- Well?

- I am the butler here.

And I think you'll appreciate that the master

and the ladyship rely on me,

indeed expect me to maintain order

in the running of this house.

I see to it that things involving the staff

are properly carried out.

The ordering and service of meals at the proper time

and so forth.

Lately, I have found increasing difficulty, sir,

in assimilating your personal orders in the house

with the methods and routines laid down by her ladyship.

I fear today has provide that I no longer enjoy

the authority of a butler here,

which makes it impossible for me to conitnue

in your pertent service.

Therefore, I shall see the master and her ladyship

on their return tomorrow

and ask them to accept a week's notice.

That is all I have to say, sir.

If you'll excuse me.

(soft theme music)

(door shuts)

- Are they back, Hudson?

- The master and her ladyship are in the morning room, sir.

-[James] Oh, hello.

How are things down in Zion?

Did you have a good drive back?

- What the devil do you think you've been doing, James?

You know damn well what I mean.

- How can I til you tell me?

- Now don't you be flippant.

- Hudson's just been in to see us.

- Well?

- He's given us a week's notice.

- And you know why.

Don't you?

- Well, he did mutter something yesterday

about leaving for the simple reason

that I ordered lunch in the dining room

which evidently didn't fit in with his plans.

Also I think because I ordered him to serve a bottle of wine

from the cellar.

And frankly, I didn't think he'd carry out his threat.

- Well he has.

And I leave for Canada on Wednesday.

That means your father will be left here with no butler.

- Exactly.

- Well all I can say is he'd be better off without Hudson

if he continues in his present mood.

- Hudson happens to be a very good butler, James.

As good as you'd find anywhere.

He's served your mother and me well

since before you were born.

He's a man of high principles.

And as you well know, he cares deeply for our family.

It's welfare and honor.

And he expects things to be done correctly.

- Then he should obey my orders when I give them.

- Your orders?

- Yes, my orders.

I live here.

- Yes, and what sort of orders, eh?

- You did put Hudson in a very difficult position, darling.

By inviting your father's typist to lunch in the dining room

and ordering that botle of wine.

- What was the wretched man to do?

He knows I do not allow my best claret to be drunk

at luncheon.

Showing off for Miss Forest, weren't you?

Trying to impress her.

- I was not showing off.

I was showing her the common courtesy of lunching with her.

As a token of what I hope is your gratitude, father.

For the extra work she has done for you, over the weekend.

- It is not for you to extend courtesies to my secretary.

- I thought it was about time somebody did.

Her lunch, if you can call it lunch,

was brought to her in the study on a tray.

- Those were my orders, James.

- And no business of yours.

What right have you got to counteremand

your mother's orders?

- James, how could you of all people think

it's suitable for Miss Forest to have lunch

in the dining room?

- She happens to be extremely nice

and very respectable.

- No doubt she's respectable

but she can't have much taste or judgment

to have accepted your invitation in her posiiton.

- Why not?

Because she's helping father type his manuscript

and lives in Wimbledon?

- Darling, you're being deliberately blind.

If you invited Miss Forest to have supper in a restaurant,

nobody would object.

But to take her into the dining room,

and expect the servants to wait on her

and to humiliate Hudson in front of a woman of her class...

- I did not humiliate, Hudson.

- You placed him and the other servants

in an impossible position.

As a result you upset them all downstairs,

and Hudson is leaving.

- All I can say is if he chooses to leave over

so trifling a matter,

let him go.

- I have no intention of letting him go, James.

You're going to see Hudson, and apologize to him.

- Oh, Richard, no.

- I say yes.

You can say it was an error of judgment,

and apologize to the man.

- No, I won't have my son apologize to a servant.

In a situation like this.

What are you thinking of?

- Hudson is not an ordinary servant.

- He's not to apologize to Hudson or any of them.

Good gracious if anyone should apologize,

it's your typist.

The daring to think it right for her to have lunch

in the dining room.

She could have refused.

I blame her.

- Well, I don't.

- It was I who invited her to lunch

and Hudson made her feel extremely awkward.

- No doubt she was highly embarrassed

by the whole situation.

If she had any decency, she'd resign.

In fact, I think in view of the situation,

you should terminate her engagement here at once.

- I shall do nothing of the kind, Marjorie.

To start with, she has at least aanother week's work

clearing up papers and god knows what else.

And for another, I'm not allowing Miss Forest

to be made a scapegoat for your son's gross stupidity.

- Look mother, I am perfectly prepared to go to Hudson,

admit I made a mistake,

and ask him to reconsider his decision.

- There.

- No James, I don't want that.

And I don't want any more said about it tonight.

We'll just give Hudson time to cool off.

I'll probably have a word with him in the morning.

- By that time he'll have packed his bags and gone.

- I think not, Richard.

And you really must leave these things to me.

Your father and I haVE a little cold supper

in a few minutes if you want to dine.

- Yes, come.

If you'll excuse me.

- Oh dear oh dear oh dear.

-[Hudson] Supper is served, m'lady.

- Oh thank you, Hudson.

Should we go in?

(gramophone playing)

- I still can't see why you had to go

and give in your notice.

- Don't you?

- Are you telling me you're walking out of here

and her ladyship is going off to Canada Wednesday?

- There was no other way of drawing their attention

to Captain James' carryings on.

It's time to put a stop to it in my opinion.

- Oh, I see.

- I have no doubt his father's given him a piece

of his mind.

In all events, the young whippersnapper

has gone crawling off to his room.

- And them not speaking to each other, eh.

Sounds to me as if her ladyship took his heart.

- Doesn't she always?

- A nice thing for her ladyship.

Going off Wednesday for two months

and leaving a nasty atmosphere here in the house.

- I daresay I shall consider my position very carefully,

Mrs. Bridges between now and Wednesday.

- I hope you will.

It's only three days.

- And I put the key to your jewelry case

in your black handbage, m'lady.

- Thank you, Roberts.

- I just hope you'll have enough warm clothing

for the boat in the one cabin trunk.

The other three go down into the hold, I understand.

And we shan't see them again until we get to New York.

- You know that the brake's coming at 10 o'clock.

- Yes, m'lady.

So Hudson told me.

- To take you, Lady Southwold's maid,

and Lord Southwold's valet to the station.

Edward's going too to take care of the luggage.

- Very good, m'lady.

Well that's everything done then.

- Why don't you go wait in the servant's hall

until the brake comes, Roberts?

- Very good, m'lady.

I just hope it gets here in time.

- I promise you won't miss the boat train.

Don't worry.

- No, m'lady.

It's just that I get train fever, m'lady.

- Excuse me, m'lady.

- Yes, Hudson?

- I was hoping to see the master and yourself today, m'lady.

Before your departure.

- Oh well, Mr. Bellamy has just gone around to Pond Street

to the chemist to try and get me something

in case of seasickness.

It shouldn't be very long.

Unless you'd like to talk to me alone.

- In the circumstances, m'lady, I would.

I just wanted to say I acted in haste giving notice

on Sunday night.

And I would now ask your ladyship and the master

to consider the whole incident closed.

- Nothing could please me more, Hudson.

If you're really quite sure you want to continue in service

with us.

- I am quite sure, m'lady.

- What made you change your mind?

- Only one consideration, m'lady.

Whatver may have been done and said in this house

since the weekend, and some bitter things

have been said m'lady, both above and below stairs,

I could not in the eve of your ladyship's departure

abandon my post here.

In a way, my resignation has caused not only trouble

both for Captain James,

but a certain difference of opinion

between the master and yourself.

And I would not care to see you leave behind

any sense of disharmony in your house, m'lady.

- That's very thoughtful of you, Hudson.

And I'm most relieved.

- Perhaps you would convey my feelings

to the master, m'lady,

as soon as psosible.

- Yes, of course I will.

- Oh, beg pardon, m'lady.

Just to see the luggage brakes arrived.

- Thank you, Edward.

Well, Hudson, if you would go and see to things.

- Very good, m'lady.

Thank you.

- Goodbye, Ruby, and be good.

- All ready, Miss Roberts.

The luggage is all in the van.

- Very well.

Well, goodbye.

- Goodbye.

- Bon voyage, Miss Roberts.

- Watch how you go.

- That's everyhting in the motor, m'lady.

- Good. Perhaps we had better go.

- The servants and luggage have left, I take it.

- Five minutes ago, sir.

Edward will see the transport onto the boat train, sir.

And find reserved seats.

- I'm afraid Captain James and I have to catch

an afternoon train back from Southampton

so we should be back in time for dinner.

- Very good, sir.

- Well, Marjorie.

- Take care of everything, won't you, Hudson?

- Indeed, m'lady.

A pleasant voyage, m'lady.

- Thank you.

(motor running)

- My apologies, Hudson.

It won't occur again.

- Yes, sir.

- This time next week, she'll be in New York.

Miss Lizzy.

Well.

- Oh, should I return these reports to the house

of Lord Stafford, sir?

I've copied out the items we needed on them.

- Yes, send them back.

Oh and please return these diaries

to the library at Southwold before they get lost.

- Yes, of course.

- Oh, sorry to disturb you father.

Just returning your copy of punch, I borrowed it.

- Thank you, James.

You off to work?

- Yes.

It's such a lovely morning,

I thought I'd walk part of the way.

I need the society...

Goodbye father.

Miss Forest.

- This is wonderful news, Miss Forest.

Just listen, this is from Mr. Sayers at Whitmans.

This is to advise you that Mr. Frederick McMillan and I

as well as two other directors

have now read the draft manuscript

of your Life of Lord Southwold and feel

you would like to know that we are unanimous

in our praise of the work.

Finding it informative, entertaining, well documented,

and in every way a most excellent

and acceptable political biography.

He goes on to say we hope to send it

for printing in early June.

- That is good news, Mr. Bellamy.

You must be very pleased.

- Oh yes, I'm delighted.

And relieved.

If only this letter had arrived three days ago

before my wife left for Canada.

How thrilled she would have been.

- Could you not write and tell her the news at once?

- Well there's no point.

By the time my letter got to New York,

she'd be halfway across Canada.

- I see.

What a shame.

Could you not send her a wireless message to the ship?

- A Marconigram?

Yes, I'll do that.

Then she'll get it at sea.

Well done, Miss Forest.

- Shall I take down the message?

Yes, and Ed can run around to the Marconi office with it.

So a wireless message to Lady Marjorie Bellamy,

estate room number six aboard White Starliner R.M.S. Titanic

on route from Southampton to New York,

date April 12th, 1912.

My message reads, Macmillan is delighted

and impressed with manuscript.

Take good care of yourself.

All my fondest love, Richard.

(soft theme music playing)