Original subtitles

(lilting orchestral music)

(bell rings)

- Morning room at this time?

Her ladyship was never in the morning room before eleven.

Kindly attend to the matter, will you, Edward?

- Yes, Mr. Hudson.

-[Hudson] Upstairs lunch was ordered

early today, Mrs. Bridges.

- Half past twelve, Mr. Hudson.

Madame's going to a sale in Paddington.

- Is that for their luncheon?

- Cottage pie.

And it used to be game pie and potatoes.

- Cottage pie.

- Might as well let Ruby do the cooking,

send me on a holiday.

- We have a solid wharf, Mrs. Bridges,

and provided we keep our standards at least below stairs,

perhaps our example will serve as a--

- It's you she wants to see, Mr. Hudson.

- Oh, very good, Edward.

And you best go up and give Captain James

his tweed suit a wee brush, Edward.

-[Edward] Oh yes, Mr. Hudson.

- Cottage pie.

- You wished to see me, Madame?

- Oh yes, good morning, Hudson.

-[Hudson] Madame.

- I'm,

I'm a little worried about Rose.

She looks very tired.

-[Hudson] Madame?

- I have asked her if she can manage

and she assures me she can,

but well, I wondered what you thought.

- I think it depends on how much entertaining

Captain James and yourself plan

for the coming autumn, Madame.

- Well, I think Mr. Bellamy will continue

to lead a quiet life.

As to Captain James and myself, I think we shall too.

- Quite, Madame.

- So, it will be a fairly quiet autumn.

- Then I presume you would wish the question

of an under house parlormaid to be deferred

for the time being, Madame.

- Yes, I would.

- Very good, Madame. (phone rings)

Hello?

The Bellamy residence.

-[Woman] Oh.

- Would you be requiring Mr. Richard Captain

or Mrs. James Bellamy?

-[Woman] Perhaps Mrs. James.

- May I say who it is?

- [Comtesse de Ternay] The Comtesse de Ternay

is calling from the Savoy Hotel.

- Oh, hold the line one moment if you please.

The Comtesse de Ternay, Madame, wishing to speak to you.

- Who?

- The Comtesse de Ternay from the Savoy Hotel.

- Oh, thank you, Hudson.

- Madame.

- Hello?

- [Comtesse de Ternay] Is that Mrs. James Bellamy?

- Yes, it is.

- [Comtesse de Ternay] Here is the Comtesse de Ternay.

I don't think we've met.

- No, I don't think we have.

How do you do?

- [Comtesse de Ternay] I am acquainted

with Mr. Richard Bellamy.

He is still at this address?

- My father-in-law.

Yes, he still lives here.

- [Comtesse de Ternay] I have just arrived to London.

- Oh, you did.

Where did you just arrive from?

- Vienna.

I find myself passing through London

on my way to New York, so of course I must telephone.

A cousin of mine in Paris, the Baroness Richtin,

you must know her, told me that poor Lady Marjorie

went down in that ship and her son is since married

and you are all still at Eaton Place,

so I should like to call on you.

Richard may not remember me well.

It was many years ago at the Hofmannsthal's.

- I'm sure my father-in-law would be delighted to see you.

Perhaps you would care to come

and dine with us during your stay in London.

- Oh, we should like that very much.

How charming of you.

When may we come?

- May I suggest half past eight on Wednesday evening?

- Wednesday evening.

We should be so pleased.

Half past eight?

That will be delightful, thank you.

Goodbye, Mrs. Bellamy.

(man laughs)

- There, did I not tell you it was quite simple?

You have achieved for us a good dinner,

if not a weekend, if not more.

(laughs)

Richard Bellamy's wife was at Southwall,

lot of money there.

Here it is in Burke's Directory.

Southwall, Earl of (mumbles).

Sister living, unless she is not, neither is he.

Lady Marjorie (speaks in foreign language).

Born July 12th, 1864.

Married Richard Arthur Pemberton Bellamy.

Residents 165 Eaton Place SW1.

- And yet the son's wife invited us.

- Well, she will be mistress of that house now.

Mrs. James Bellamy.

No, not in here yet.

- And please remind your sister once more

where did I meet Richard Bellamy?

- At the Hofmannsthal's in Vienna some 15 years ago.

- And how old does that make me?

- Huh?

(laughs)

Very well, a few years ago.

Now finish unpacking, Lili,

whilst I go and catch the gray dull river Thames.

- Oh, I wish you would paint in your own room.

- I have no river Thames, only ugly chimneys.

Would you care to change with me?

- Do you think the apricot chiffon

becomes me better than the velvet?

- For a middle-aged English gentleman, the velvet.

So sophisticated.

- Oh, everything creased.

I seem to spend my whole life packing and unpacking.

Why is that?

- That's because you're never satisfied.

- I've had to spend the earth on this dress.

If that stupid Lady Dicbecave in Monte Carlo

had not interfered, her husband would have bought it for me.

- When you look like that, sister, you are irresistible.

I'm sure the dress will prove an excellent investment.

Don't distress yourself.

- Well, it had better be.

It's the last of what we have.

- Small wonder you inspire passion wherever you go.

- While you sketch and you paint and--

- If one has a pretty sister, why not make use of her?

I have talent with my brush.

You have other talents, so one must subsidize the other.

(Lili chuckles)

- Well, Rose.

You're not to be maid of all walk any longer,

but head house parlormaid again.

- With not before time neither.

- We are engaging an under house parlormaid forthwith.

What's more, before Wednesday.

- What's so special about Wednesday?

- There will be guests for a dinner party

on Wednesday evening, Mrs. Bridges.

- Guests for a dinner party? - Oh, that makes a change.

- Back in this room again, are we, Mr. Hudson?

- Oh, well, I'll have to have Ruby

back in the kitchen full time again.

- Oh, naturally, Mrs. Bridges.

- That means the kitchen sink for you, Ruby.

- Lovely. (Edward laughs)

-[Mrs. Bridges] What sort of guest, Mr. Hudson?

- They will be of a continental nature.

- That means they'll be foreign.

- Not German I hope.

- French, Mrs. Bridges.

French.

- French.

Ooh-la-la.

(everyone laughs)

- I wish you were not so afflicted with integrity, Kurt.

Then you could take a rich bride

and I should not be obliged to look for a rich husband.

(Kurt laughs)

- This Mrs. James Bellamy, what is she like?

Do they say?

Young, beautiful?

- A pleasant woman I have heard, but without style.

- Her husband?

- He has an eye, they say, for a pretty face

and was once the subject of much gossip.

- Oh, respectable women put up with

anything rather than make a fuss.

They always lose their husbands in the end.

(Kurt laughs)

At least I lost mine by my own bad behavior.

Well, there is some dignity in that.

And this Richard Bellamy, the father.

He is very rich, you say, and not too old?

- He lives in a (speaks in a foreign language).

Butler for the door.

He belongs to the best clubs, of course he's rich.

Such Englishmen always are.

The more philistine they are, the richer they remain.

See, here in England, they have nothing

to spend their money on but horses,

fishing rods, guns, and clubs.

There must be a living to that.

- Should I become Mrs. Richard Bellamy,

all that would have to change.

I think I should like to have a salon

to patronize the arts.

I would make landscape painting fashionable, my dear.

- Admirable, but tonight we must find a cheap

little cafe somewhere and buy our own dinner, yes?

- Yes.

(both laugh)

- What is this we're eating?

- Cottage pie.

- Oh.

Is it?

- Well, I think it's delicious.

Mrs. Bridges has quite excelled herself.

Do you not like it, Richard?

- What? - The food.

- Food, yes, it's delicious.

- And it's very economical.

The remains of Sunday lunch.

There's no sense in needless extravagance.

- Edward, take my plate away.

I'm not hungry.

- I'm not surprised you've no appetite.

- Ah.

I see it all now.

Retribution for being home late

last night from the regimental dinner.

Punishment with cottage pie.

Well, I shall take my punishment like a man.

Edward, bring me some more cottage pie.

Nonetheless, Hazel, I hope that when the Comtesse de Ternay

and her brother dine here next Wednesday,

they shall not be served with cottage pie.

- Oh, I had considered it.

Richard. - Hmm?

- Is it customary to curtsy to a woman of title from France?

- Not that I know of.

-[Hazel] Is she very grand?

- Frankly, I can't remember meeting her.

Still, it's an odd family.

It wouldn't be that dreadful Louise de Ternay.

Oh no, of course not, it couldn't be.

She was over 70 when I was in the Foreign Office.

So, which one is it?

Oh well.

We should all know on Wednesday.

-[Mrs. Bridges] Now then, Ruby,

you'd better get on with the breadcrumbs.

-[Ruby] I was just to finish

chopping up tomatoes first, Mrs. Bridges.

-[Mrs. Bridges] No, my girl.

I'll see to that.

Now then, let me see.

Where's my menu book?

-[Ruby] Is this it, Mrs. Bridges?

- Well, what do you think it is, my prayer book?

And wipe your sticky fingers before you hand things to me.

Now, where are we?

Ah, yes.

(speaks in foreign language)

That's on.

(speaks in foreign language)

Yes, that's all ready.

Saddle of lamb, that's easy.

With scallop tongue garnish.

Scallop tongue.

Haven't done that for years.

(speaks in foreign language)

Yes, that's the cheese straws.

Only I'm going to use cheddar.

That Parmesan has a nasty foreign flavor.

Ooh, I must say.

It's lovely doing a French menu again,

even though it is only for five.

- Ah, Mrs. Bridges. - Yes?

- If you would spare a moment.

- Oh yes.

What is it?

- This is Gwyneth Davies,

the new under house parlormaid come to help Rose.

- Oh yes.

- For you, Mrs. Bridges.

A bunch of wildflowers.

They're very modest, but I spent Sunday in the country

and I'd like to bring a little of that pleasure to you.

I trust you find my references in order, Mr. Hudson.

The agency have checked them and Madame has taken them up

over the telephone with my last lady.

Nonetheless, it's proper for you to see them in writing.

- Well, that was kind.

Very kind indeed.

- Come along then.

-[Mrs. Bridges] Put them in water please, Ruby.

- Would you be Rose?

- Yes, I would.

- I'll do my best to learn the ways

of the household quickly, Rose,

and I look forward to working happily

and well under your direction.

- Oh, yes.

- You are welcome here, Gwyneth, since I see you are stated

in the most glowing terms, to be honest.

So well clean, industrious, neat, tidy in person.

- Yes, that's quite right.

- And in work, regular and systematic.

Precise in the care of stoves and ornaments.

A clever dressmaker and as a hairdresser,

both discreet and watchful.

Conversant with haute cuisine

and able to wait well at table and indeed to carve.

- Carve?

I can't carve.

- The master in my last place gave me lessons.

- Yes well, I think we'll excuse the reason

for you leaving your last place, Gwyneth.

- Well, what's that, Mr. Hudson?

- Desirous of change, Mrs. Bridges.

- She's very young.

Haute cuisine, eh?

Well now, Gwyneth, tell me.

What would you do if a mayonnaise curdled?

- Add a tablespoon full of iced water

and beat it till it emulsifies once more.

(Mrs. Bridges chuckles)

- I must say.

- If I could be shown to my room,

I could change and start my afternoon work.

Idleness is abhorrent to me.

My hands quite dance about from lack of occupation.

- Yes well, if you'll follow me to the pantry, Gwyneth,

I'll give you your written terms of service.

We follow many of the old ways here.

A glass of ale a day.

One day off a month,

Two hours on Sunday mornings for church or chapel.

Every second Sunday evening off.

Wages regularly and quarterly.

Washing provided.

- Maybe she snores.

Must be something the matter with her.

- There is.

She's Welsh. (lilting orchestral music)

- Nothing is the same since poor Andre was taking from me.

- Andre?

- My sister's last husband, the late Count de Ternay.

- He is dead, five years last autumn.

- Oh dear, I'm so sorry.

- Without Andre, I am unhappy in Vienna,

so each year, I travel around Europe with Kurt.

To Paris for a little, Monte Carlo, Budapest, Berlin, Rome

and now here I am in London.

- On your way to New York.

Isn't that what you told my daughter-in-law?

- Yes, my sister's confused.

We go to New York next month.

- But London is so beautiful, Kurt.

I think I should like to stay here for a while.

- Well, I hope you will.

Then I can show you around a little.

- Oh, that would be delightful.

- And when Parliament reassembles

and my father is busy in the House of Commons all day,

I hope you'll call on me.

- Oh. - We shall go

for a punt in the river or a ride in the park.

- Oh, I love horses.

- I should explain.

My husband works in an office all day.

- Well, perhaps a stroll in the botanical gardens

to see the roses would be less strenuous.

- Oh yes, I dearly love roses.

- They give some people hay fever.

- So do horses.

- But they are the most persevering

of flowers, are they not?

And such beautiful names.

(speaks in foreign language)

Sweet Maiden's Blush.

- Here, that's the lot.

Put it in there.

Pull back and it will all go down.

- It's not smooth running.

- Never is.

- Nevermind.

Gwyneth will fetch a can of oil to it in the morning.

- Oh, thank you.

- The master in my last place--

- Master in your last place did teach you a lot.

- He did, and I became the object

of his unlawful and unbridled lust.

His eyes would strip the clothes from my poor female body.

That's why I had to leave.

(people laughing)

-[Mr. Hudson] Please, Edward.

- As I was saying, the parlormaid had followers

in the kitchen, on the cook's night out.

Our local bobby too.

As I was saying, they would be quite unchaperoned

for at least five and 20 minutes.

I wouldn't dare go in for fear of what I might see.

- Go on, Ruby.

Collect up the dirty, look sharp.

- Yes, Mrs. Bridges.

- Tell me about your English Parliament.

Kurt tells me you are a most important person.

- Oh no, not really.

- But you make the laws, yes?

Oh, I like a man who makes laws.

Strong men make laws.

- Well, unfortunately, my party

is not in office at the moment.

- No, my father merely opposes the laws

that the present government tried to pass.

- But to oppose one must be even stronger.

-[Richard] Are you interested in politics?

- Oh yes.

Our Prime Minister is a very old and close friend.

- Oh yes, such a nice man.

Count Schturk.

- Yes.

- I was very sorry to read in the Times

that he'd abandoned the bohemian diet.

- I know, much too fat.

-[Richard] I meant the Czech Provincial Assembly.

(Lili laughs)

- So did I. (Richard laughs)

- You know, for the life of me,

I can't remember meeting you at the Hofmannsthal's,

but how could one forget a person of such charm?

- To tell the truth, I also cannot remember meeting you,

but we are together now, so. (Richard laughs)

It is my brother who tells me we have met before

and what my brother says I must accept.

- No doubt your brother has a livelier--

- Imagination?

-[Richard] I was going to say a livelier memory than yours.

-[Lili] He has.

- It is a most delicious bird.

- I'm glad you're enjoying the grouse, Herr Schnabel.

- And I am delighted to renew its acquaintance.

My sister and I spent a delightful month

last year in Hampshire at Lord Burrowmare's.

I painted, Lili joined the grouse shoot.

- Grouse?

In Hampshire?

Pheasant surely.

- Pheasants.

Yes, of course.

Lili shot many, did you not, my dear?

She's very deadly with a gun.

- Shot her husband, she did.

Five years ago.

The Count de Ternay.

-[Ruby] Oh no.

- Yeah, it's common knowledge in the Crown and Anchor.

Well, he came after her with a gun.

There was a struggle and he got killed.

Lord Elidale's valet told me over a pint of beer.

He was there when it happened.

- Did Lord Elidale's valet say why

he was after her with a gun?

- Oh, that's not for your ears, Gwyneth, or yours, Ruby.

-[Ruby] Oh, go on, tell us.

Please.

- Well, he found her in a (speaks in foreign language)

with the Baron Duress. - In a what?

- In bed. (Gwyneth gasps)

- It's what they call a crime of passions, isn't it?

- Eh?

Well, they hushed it up naturally.

The de Ternay family contested the will

so as she wouldn't get a penny,

only the clothes she stood up in.

Or lay down in.

- How does she live?

- On her wits and worse.

-[Ruby] What does that mean?

- I'm not gonna give you ideas, Ruby.

Anyway, now she's after Mr. Bellamy, plain as a pikestaff.

All that talk of the Burrowmare's estate.

She's never been in Hampshire in her life, I'll be bound.

- How can you be so sure?

- Because I know a rogue when I see one.

After all, I'm a bit of one myself.

(Gwyneth squeals) - Oh, Gwyneth.

The silver corkscrew with the steel brush is missing.

Look for it in the dining room

first thing in the morning, if you please.

- Shall I go now, Mr. Hudson?

Everything must be accounted for

at the end of every working day.

- Oh, very well, Gwyneth.

Ah.

Here we are.

- Thank you, Mr. Hudson.

- Half past 11.

Quite like old times, isn't it?

- So, they appreciated their dinner, did they, Mr. Hudson?

- Oh, indeed, Mrs. Bridges.

- And is she a very charming lady?

- Most entertaining and she spoke

very highly of the cheese straws.

- (chuckles) I knew I was right not to use the Parmesan.

- You know, the master smiled again tonight.

Not just once but frequently.

Now that's a change.

- In the case, I hope she comes here often

and often and often. (Mr. Hudson laughs)

(Gwyneth clears throat)

-[Gwyneth] Excuse me, sir.

- Who's there?

- It's the new maid, sir.

Gwyneth, sir.

- Oh, good evening, Gwyneth.

- I hope I'm not disturbing you, sir,

but Mr. Hudson sent me to look for the corkscrew.

- Oh, is that it?

It was under the table.

- Yes, sir.

Thank you, sir.

- Yes well, I hope you're going to be

very happy with us, Gwyneth.

- Oh, I think so, sir.

- Well, goodnight.

- Poor man.

(gasps)

Forgive me, my lady.

- Well, I hated telling all those lies, little brother.

- You spoke nothing but the truth I think.

I spoke from my imagination, but of course it's a good one.

(Lili laughs)

I'm a very creative person.

Now, when do you go to see the roses with Bellamy?

- The picture gallery first.

Then the botanical gardens Friday.

- Then tomorrow you will spend in the library,

finding out all about English landscape painting

and details of all that is to be seen in the gallery.

- Oh, Kurt, you can't still be hungry.

- On Friday, you will wear something

that sets off your shoulders well.

- Why?

-[Kurt] Because Richard Bellamy appreciates shoulders.

- How do you know that?

- From one of the paintings of his wife in the house.

I hope they are as rich as I assume.

I must make some more inquiries.

Possibly the Southwall Guild is wearing a little thin.

He had a somewhat dusty and defeated look.

- But so attractive.

-[James] Oh, hello.

- Oh, where's your father? - Hmm?

- I thought he was coming with us to Harris.

- My father is about to escort

the Comtesse de Ternay to the picture gallery.

- Oh, is he?

- Life in the old dog yet, eh?

- I can't help but be amused to see you both so taken in.

-[James] Hmm?

- She is quite insincere.

- Possibly, but very alluring and stinking rich no doubt.

- How do you know?

- All the de Ternays are.

Perhaps he'll marry her.

- James. - Well, what he needs.

He can move out of here.

Start another family.

- She's much too old.

- She's not 30.

- She's 30.

I'm Queen Victoria.

Come on.

I do want to alter those chances today.

- But how can he get to the picture gallery without a cab?

- He's gonna walk there.

- Walk?

- Yes, through Green Park.

That's why he'd asked me to put him out

a pair of really strong shoes.

- Strong shoes?

In time?

- For walking through the park with a scarlet woman.

- Now, that's enough, Edward.

- That's not half the stories I've heard about her.

- Then shut your ears, my boy, as I have.

The Comtesse de Ternay is a title widow of ample means

and it is not our place to pass moral judgment

on the behavior of our betters.

That is for the Lord above.

Besides, a wee walk through the park

might do the master a pile of good.

- But you just said he--

- He needs to get some fresh air before the winter sets in.

- But it's only August.

- Be quiet, Edward.

The master doesn't get out nearly enough, you know.

- Well, the stories I've heard

in the Crown and Anchor are certainly different.

There's one...

(person knocking)

- RB.

RB.

(lilting orchestral music)

-[Richard] It's very fine.

- Such power and color and the sky, magnificent.

So physical.

Very exciting.

Joseph Mallord William Turner, 1775 to 1851.

It was the beginning of his century period, you know.

Under the influence--

-[Both] Of the Italian Renaissance.

- (chuckles) You're very knowledgeable, my dear.

- Well, I make a study of these things.

I am the sister of a painter.

- Well, of course.

(Lili sighs)

- Kurt often declares he would give

his left arm to paint like Turner.

- Perhaps he will one day.

Paint like Turner.

- I fear not.

It is not given to many of us to realize our true talents.

Or to express our true natures.

- Lili, what is your true nature?

- I think it is to be happy.

And yours?

- Perhaps the same.

- Oh, Gwyneth.

You did sort through that laundry barrel

before you sent it off?

- Every single garment, Rose, like I always do.

- It's just that Mr. Bellamy's lost a gold cufflink.

Just one.

I was hoping he might have left it

in one of his shirts, that's all.

- I haven't seen no cufflink.

There's our dinner later.

Shall I cut the bread for our dinner, Mrs. Bridges?

- Oh no, dear, Ruby will do that.

Ooh.

Ooh, my heartburn.

Ever since her ladyship died it's been giving me fair gib.

- I know a special remedy.

I'll make it up for you, Mrs. Bridges.

Three drums magnesia, of rhubarb in powder one scruple,

one ounce of cinnamon water.

The mixture tastes delightful,

delays pain, and destroys flatulency.

I'll make it up for you after work tonight.

- Oh, do it for me now, would you, dear?

- Very well.

I'll get the ingredients straight after dinner.

- Ruby, I need some more grapes peeled.

- That water should be boiling hot.

What smells so delicious?

- Quiche Lorraine.

The Countess de Ternay's favorite dish.

- Oh, is she coming here again?

- Has to, don't she?

She'll go hungry else.

- What do you mean, Ruby, you foolish ignorant creature?

She's a French countess.

- Only by marriage, she's Viennese.

- And she's living at the Savoy Hotel.

- Cast off without a penny, having shot her husband

and Lady Dicbecave went into her dress shop

and found her husband buying her a dress

and so she slapped her face in public

and then she had a screaming fit, just like you and me.

Well, me.

- Who's been telling you this wicked nonsense?

-[Ruby] Edward.

- Oh, Edward.

- James.

Couldn't you investigate her?

Well, just a little.

- Well, how do you investigate someone a little?

Besides, if anyone's fortune hunting, it's Father, not Lili.

No, I think we should wish him happy hunting

and a rich wife.

- She hasn't come yet.

-[Hazel] It's not one o'clock.

- Hazel, now this is quite ridiculous.

My favorite tie pin is missing.

One little thing after another.

- Your tie pin.

Well, Rose did tell me that your cufflink

turned up again as if by magic,

so why not look a little more carefully

for your favorite tie pin?

- It's nearly one o'clock

and I cannot go to lunch without a pin in my cravat.

- You mean your favorite pin?

In your smartest cravat?

- Quite right, Father.

As Hudson would say, standards.

Now myself, I think I'm gonna pop upstairs

and change into my best tie.

Maroon has a certain gaiety, don't you think?

- Now a turquoise cravat pin in a small red leather case.

Well?

- I've not seen it, Mr. Hudson,

and I've turned his room up thorough.

- Ruby?

(Ruby sobs)

- Oh, what would she want with a cravat pin?

Anyway, she's not allowed in the rooms upstairs.

- Well, I haven't seen it, Mr. Hudson.

- Gwyneth?

- Oh no, Mr. Hudson.

I'd never go in a gentleman's bedroom.

Not since my last place where I became the object

of my employer's unlawful and unbridled lust, see?

His eyes would strip the clothes from my poor female body.

- Yes yes, all right, thank you, Gwyneth.

Now I want you all to give a sharp

lookout for this cravat pin.

On the stairs.

On the landings.

In all the rooms in every corner.

I intend to find it or whoever it was that took it.

Now you may go about your duties.

- What are you doing, Gwyneth?

I thought afternoon work was quite over.

- I'm not at all tired, Madame.

I was tidying your desk, Madame.

- Thank you, but there's no need.

- I'm quite fascinated by the different colors

seen in the pattern along the side of your desk, Madame.

It's been exposed to rather more sunshine

than the other side, has it not, Madame?

- You do have a healthy curiosity, Gwyneth.

And you're very knowledgeable.

- Oh, thank you, Madame.

May I confide in you, Madame?

- Well yes, of course.

What is it?

- Madame, why is everyone so blind?

They see only what they want to see.

Edward is quite right and so is Ruby.

- What about?

- The Comtesse de Ternay is a wicked woman.

She killed her husband in Vienna

and had her face slapped by Lady Dicbecave in a dress shop.

- Oh really, Gwyneth.

- She's quite penniless and her brother

lives off what gentleman give her.

Yet, she's here to lunch nearly every day

and poor Mr. Bellamy is quite taken--

- Thank you, Gwyneth.

How do you know all this?

- Well, I shall have to explain

and since you've been gracious enough

to engage me in your household,

I feel I owe it to you to be honest about my true identity.

- Yes?

- I beg you, Mrs. Bellamy,

never to reveal it to a living soul.

I feel I can trust you.

- Oh, of course you can.

- I am the natural daughter of the Viscomtesse Ella de Lucy

by her husband's estate agent.

His lordship had me well cared for and educated,

but I chose domestic service.

You see, although I cannot be accepted in society,

as a servant, I can live among those who are.

- Well, thank you, Gwyneth,

for warning me about the countess

and for telling me all about yourself.

I will respect your confidence.

- You're not angry, Madame?

- No, I'm not.

- Thank you, Madame.

- Thank you, Gwyneth.

- Charming.

Oh, quite charming.

And most evocative.

You know, (laughs)

this is really rather scandalous, Lili.

(laughs)

- What, for us to be here unchaperoned?

- Yes.

- Well, this is an artist's studio

and to artists, all things are allowed.

- You think so? - Yes.

- Oh, I say.

- I have devoted much of my life,

not so much to my brother perhaps, but to his talent.

Since our parents died, I have been a mother to it.

- Oh, I like his work,

though I suspect he would not wish me to.

It has a deliberate

perversity I think.

- Yes?

- Lili?

- Richard.

My brother, who depends upon me for money.

- Lili.

- Oh, I get so tired of hiding things.

- Oh, my poor Lili.

- I am very fond of you, Richard.

- And I of you.

You have the most beautiful shoulders.

I'm sorry, but you are so beautiful.

- Yes, and we are here alone and now I am quite helpless.

-[Richard] Forgive me.

- Oh, it's not a question of forgiveness but of honesty.

I am a scandalous lady, Richard.

- I don't mind very much at the moment, my dearest.

- Oh, but you should.

I am really very wicked.

(Richard laughs)

I shot my husband.

There was a quarrel.

It was his gun meant for me

and there was an accident.

I was declared innocent by the police.

I did not love my husband, he did not expect me to.

He was 25 years older than me, I was very young,

but I married him so Kurt

could have his paints and canvases.

Oh, Kurt is very extravagant.

Then I met a man I did love.

The Baron Duress.

I could not help myself.

That is my nature.

It is to love,

but so few are worth the loving, Richard.

-[Richard] Am I?

- Well, if you kissed me again, I might know for sure.

- You will be compromised, Lili.

- Oh yes, Richard, please.

- Lili.

- Wait.

Richard, wait.

Also, Lady Dicbecave slapped my face

in a dress shop recently (Richard laughs)

when her husband was buying me a dress.

(Richard laughs)

Well, she did not think it was funny.

- You're adorable, Lili.

I love you.

I'll buy you a dozen dresses

to join the thousand you have already.

What now?

- I don't want gifts from you, Richard.

I want more.

I want your soul.

- If you can find it, you can have it.

Have you any more confessions?

- Oh, many, many, many.

- I won't believe them, but do go on.

You have the most fascinating mouth,

especially when you were saying those dreadful things.

-[Kurt] Mr. Bellamy.

I'm appalled.

You, an English gentleman, take advantage of my absence

in this way when I have eaten at your table.

- Kurt, what is the matter with you?

- What is the matter with you, sister?

Shall I throw you out, sir, or will you go?

(Richard laughs)

- I will go.

I can remember this sort of occurrence

from my extreme youth, only then it was husbands.

Not brothers.

- Oh Richard, dearest.

- Have lunch with me tomorrow.

- Oh, we shall see.

- I'll meet you downstairs in the foyer at one o'clock.

- Richard.

- We'll go somewhere quiet.

- Just in time I hope.

We were mistaken, you see.

That man's not wealthy.

(chuckles)

Lady Marjorie left the bulk of her estate

to the daughter and son.

(laughs)

We have wasted our time.

(laughs)

Kindly have mercy on me and order me some tea.

(laughs)

- I like him better than any man I have ever met.

Our minds match, Kurt.

- Then you must not see him again, less your liking of him

gets the better of your common sense.

- Could I not be allowed to love just a little?

- Don't deceive yourself, Lili.

You have not the capacity.

- And who has made me thus?

- Not I.

You are a woman made like a man, with promiscuous desires.

It is your misfortune. - Please don't, Kurt.

- But is it not true?

- Yes, it is true.

Other women do not seem to be like me.

All they talk about of love and romance,

but what really happens between a man and a woman,

they choose to forget.

In the gutters there is more honesty.

- There speaks my Lili.

Now, there is a certain Spencer Stanton of Greenwich.

A wealth sheeping merchant.

Lili, don't look so downcast.

By the way, how much of the truth did you tell Bellamy?

- Enough.

- Of your interesting past?

- Another five minutes and I would have told him much more.

- Then my dear, I'm afraid you would have

seen the back of him.

- You think so, huh? - Mm-hmm.

- Perhaps.

(Kurt chuckles)

- Have you ever been in love, Rose?

-[Rose] Once.

- Tell me about it.

- It's not for telling.

- I'm in love, Rose.

- You still see him?

- Yes.

-[Rose] When?

- Every day.

-[Rose] Who is he?

- It's my secret.

Never seek to tell your love, love that never can be told.

That's a poem.

Blake.

- Never heard of him.

- Rose.

Have you ever, you know, like they do upstairs?

Country weekends and that?

- No, of course I've not.

- I think it's disgusting.

Well, you can understand the men with common women

or even us maids who can't help ourselves sometimes,

but that lady should allow it

and they're so grand and their clothes so special.

I don't understand it.

I think the good Lord should have

arranged things more decent.

- My mother and father were quite happy.

All cozy and warm.

Course they're dead now, but they're lying side by side

in the same grave, just like they did in bed.

- Don't speak like that.

- People must take their happiness where they find it.

- When I was little,

a man showed himself to me.

- Oh, Gwyneth.

- All the wickedness in the world

put in one place to get me.

I ran and ran.

I couldn't tell my mum, poor soul, she was ill.

Dying.

Oh, I should never have left her in the first place.

Then it wouldn't have happened.

- No, you mustn't think like that.

- I do.

I try to be good always, Rose,

but sometimes I can't help myself.

- What do you mean?

- I can't keep my mouth shut.

I make up stories, see?

And I do dreadful things.

Oh, can I tell you?

Please.

And I'll have to give my notice.

It's the master.

- What about him?

- Oh, I surely wouldn't mind.

- Gwyneth.

What is it?

- I must have something of his to keep.

Then I put the others back, see?

(Rose gasps)

It's like a kind of talisman.

Otherwise, I get very tired I think.

All the work I do.

- Mrs. Bridges.

Could you come here a moment please?

You're needed.

- The Comtesse de Ternay is quite plainly unsuitable.

- Yes, James.

- She's an adventurous.

A murderer, as they say.

- Yes, James.

- An adulterous too.

- Possibly.

- If you wish to be seen in public with such a woman,

I can't stop you.

- Thank you for your permission, James.

- Richard.

Your tie pin has been found and your other single cufflink.

- Where?

Here, let me do it.

- In the apron pocket of the new maid.

- Oh, is she a little mad, do you think?

- Oh, not mad, but a little eccentric certainly.

- Oh, she's dishonest, Hazel.

You must dismiss her.

- I think that's a little harsh, James.

- No, no, no, servants only take advantage of kindness.

That's what Mother always used to say.

Give them an inch and they take a mile.

She must go at once.

- No.

Reprimand her and then forget about it.

Those are my orders, James.

What would she want with a single cufflink and a tie pin?

- She has conceived a fondness for you, Richard.

- Oh no.

Really?

-[Hazel] Yes, poor creature.

- Well.

She'll get over it.

I must go

to luncheon with Lili.

- Let off, eh?

It's more than you deserve, my girl.

- I don't know what comes over me.

- From now on, you must pray for guidance

to the almighty Father, my girl,

that he might deliver you from the powers of temptation.

Here on earth, you can be sure that

we'll be keeping a close watch on you.

- Please watch me and save me.

You see, I hurt inside.

I'm lonely.

(sobs)

- Well, you've got us, Gwyneth.

And I can't get the winter curtains up on my own.

Only, please try not to do everything better than me.

- I'll try not.

- And Rose, the attic grates are in a shocking state.

Quite rusted in some parts.

- Oh, but Mr.-- - You will see to it

that Gwyneth makes up some of her excellent

Brunswick black and attends to them.

- And I'll take you out walking one Sunday, Gwyneth.

If Mr. Hudson lets me of course.

- It's not fair.

- What's not fair, Ruby?

- Nothing, Mrs. Bridges.

- It won't do of course.

- Of course not.

- We're each as bad as the other.

(violin music)

- I know.

- But we are much nicer than the people around us.

- Oh?

Yes.

- But we must love them.

We have our duties to them and we cannot hurt them.

- I suppose not.

- Will you be very grieved?

- Oh.

A little.

You?

- Well.

I'm a man for marriage or nothing.

I don't think either of us

can afford to marry without money.

- No.

Richard, it is a lovely day.

After lunch, I should like to walk

along the river to Chelsea.

We must enjoy what we have, which is the day and each other.

Tomorrow I am to meet Mr. Spencer Stanton of Greenwich.

- Greenwich?

Oh dear.

- How else is a woman to live?

It is that or take in washing.

- We all live as we must I think.

You are right. (people applauding)

We must try to enjoy this day.

This evening we shall part, go back to our everyday lives

and our boring tasks.

These moments are precious.

They should be gathered in and treasured.

They're all we have.

- Where might you be off to?

- Away.

Do not disturb yourself, Mrs. Bridges.

I've left a little note for Mrs. Bellamy on the hall table.

- Do you mean to say you're sneaking off

without giving notice nor nothing?

- That's right, I'm on my way.

- Why?

- Like I said, I'm desirous of change.

Cheerio.

(lilting orchestral music)