Original subtitles

Subtitling by Acorn Media (re-sync by moviesbyrizzo)

[Thunder rumbles]

Oh!

Goodness, it's coming down.

- Hail, too. MARJORIE: Is it?

Well, good thing, really.

Finish off the heat wave, wash down the streets.

Have some sherry.

Something the matter? - Yes, it's this letter.

What letter?

It's from Poirer's, the jewellers, about James.

James?

"I wish to draw your ladyship's attention

to outstanding accounts.

[Mumbles]

"...resulting to the advice of our solicitors."

Well, in other words,

the stupid boy owes them money and won't pay.

Can't Pay-

He wouldn't owe money to a jeweller's intentionally.

He's not like that.

Well, how much is the bill?

£86!

Well, why in God's name doesn't he come and see us?

If he's in debt, he should have the pluck to say so.

He hasn't been near us for three or four weeks now.

He's not stationed in London any longer.

But there are perfectly good trains

to Paddington from Windsor.

No excuse. He's avoiding us.

Probably because he doesn't want to cause us worry.

Marjorie, dearest, I know how fond you are of your own son,

as every mother should be.

But must you always make excuses for him?

He's in bad company, you know. I'm sure of it.

Some of these young officers

gamble more than they can afford to lose.

I'm so afraid he's trying to keep up with them.

Well, if he is, he's a damn fool.

He knows most of these young men have their own fortunes.

But that has nothing to do with this jeweller's bill.

There's only one explanation for that.

A woman?

An extravagant woman, Marjorie.

- Do you really think so? - I've no doubt of it.

James has fallen into the clutches

of some greedy, unprincipled female

who will take him for every penny she can get out of him.

There you are, Jimmy.

I'm afraid that's all I can manage

till I get me salary at the end of the week.

Thank God for you, Sarah.

Ooh, please don't mention it. I'm sure.

- Been here long? - Oh, five minutes.

I'll pay it back, I promise,

just as soon as I get the right price for the brooch.

What brooch?

The one I got from Poirier's in Bond Street.

Mother goes to them.

Should fetch £100, more or less.

You're not gonna pop something you haven't paid for?

Got to raise money somehow, Sarah.

Yeah, but that's not honest.

I can't help that.

Gambling debts to a brother officer must be paid.

Oh, you are in a mess, isn't you, poor old love?

[ Smooches ]

I wish I could help.

Oh, you have.

- How did the show go? - Oh, lovely.

I got three encores.

And a gent in the box with a monocle

threw me a bunch of roses down.

Well, they were supposed to land at me feet,

but he was a bit long in the tooth,

so they knocked me on the head and hit me hat off.

Didn't that get a big laugh, though.

He come 'round afterwards and he invited me --

Well, he left his card.

I wish I could take you to Romano's to supper tonight.

Don't worry.

I bought some kippers, and we've still got a bit of beer left.

So we'll sup chez moi tonight, eh?

Oh, cheer up, love.

You're not dead till you're buried.

[ Smooches ] Shall I get me hat off?

And then?!

And then...

who knows what devilish goings-on

may take place at No. 13 Dock Street, Deptford,

Where Lord James Bellamy

is keeping a secret assignation with the woman of his dreams,

her as lies curled up on her leopard-skin couch,

panting- --

[Exhales deeply]

...voluptuous, and dangerous.

Ah. You've been reading Elinor Glyn.

Plying the erring young nobleman with drink,

the better to inflame his passions...

That's hardly necessary.

-...the woman... - Her name?

Octanse -- She's French, you see.

Octanse! Oh, God, no.

- You're interrupting. - Forgive me.

I'll have to, won't I?

Anyway, this French viscountess,

who is, in reality, a Hungarian trollop from a Russian brothel,

leaves the pale young lord to slake his thirst

while she, clad only in diaphanous chiffon,

drifts her way wantonly towards her kitchen

and prepares for his lordship a sumptuous feast --

fried kippers and wallop.

[ Laughs ]

I'm not hungry for supper. Give me a kiss, eh?

[Grunts] Not so rough, Jimmy.

It's hot.

Oh, kippers.

Poor us a drink, will you, love? I'm dying of thirst.

Shall we have these now, eh?

Yeah, and I'll pop 'round the fellows and get some more booze.

Yeah. we'll get sloshed. Drown our sorrows.

- In beer? - Gin!

[ French accent] Which I will permit you to sip

from my slipper.

JAMES: [Laughs]

I see Lady Pendlebury's daughter has made a good marriage.

How can you judge whether a marriage is good or not,

Mrs. Bridges, on the very day it's reported in the newspaper?

Surely, time alone will tell.

You know what I mean.

You remember Lady Pendlebury.

She came here to dine once or twice last season.

She was lady-in-waiting to the queen as Princess of wales.

Thin, angular person.

Very sallow skin.

Indeed I remember Lady Pendlebury, Mrs. Bridges.

She had a regrettable habit

of throwing her head back when she laughed.

Edward nearly had the potatoes knocked out of his hand

when he was serving them at luncheon.

The result of an amusing, if -- if somewhat malicious, anecdote

told to her by Lord Charles Berresford.

[Gong sounds]

Oh, time their visitor was here.

Visitor at this hour?

It's half past 10:00.

Someone is coming to discuss

a matter of great importance, Mrs. Bridges.

Oh? who?

Colonel Winter.

Who?

Colonel Winter. Captain James' colonel.

I thought the master seemed a wee bit, uh...

[Bell rings]

There. That'll be the colonel now.

Seemed a wee bit what?

Apprehensive, Mrs. Bridges.

Richard, I intend to stay

and hear what the colonel has to say.

It's as much my concern as yours.

This is not your affair, Marjorie.

Women should not involve themselves in these matters.

I'm going to stay

and hear what Colonel Winter has to say, and that's that.

You are being very stubborn.

[ Door opens ]

Colonel Winter, milady.

I say, I'm awfully sorry to propose myself

-at this late hour. - No, no, no.

Good evening, Bellamy. Lady Marjorie.

MARJORIE: This is a nice surprise.

I did want a word with you as soon as possible.

- It really is rather important. - Yes, yes. Of course.

- Whiskey and soda? - Thank you.

- Do sit down. - Thank you so much.

I say, it's still dreadfully sticky,

isn't it, in spite of the storm.

Doesn't seem to have cleared the air at all.

Well, I won't detain you for long.

I've got to get down to Windsor tonight.

H.M.'s got the king and queen of Spain coming next week.

That means a sovereign's escort, and I've got 15 horses coughing.

Thank you so much.

On top of that, my regimental corporal major has got boils.

MARJORIE: Oh, dear. -[ Chuckles ]

However, no doubt we shall survive.

Yes. uh, would you like to see me privately, Colonel?

I'm sure my wife will excuse us.

No, no. I would prefer to speak with you both.

If you don't mind, Lady Marjorie?

On the contrary.

As you can probably guess, it's about your son there.

Yes, we thought it might be.

Well, not to mince matters -- We're awfully worried about him.

As you know, we think very highly of James.

He's very popular in the regiment.

All the same, I've been getting

awful bad reports about him lately from the adjutant.

We've seen little of him since the regiment moved to Windsor.

-Isn't that so, my dear? - Yes.

We were beginning to wonder how he was getting on.

RICHARD: Another drink?

No, thank you. I-l won't have any more.

Colonel, uh, what about these reports?

Well, he's been drinking a good deal more than is good for him,

returning to barracks at all hours of the day or night,

very often the worse for wear.

And that's only part of it.

Not to put too fine a point upon it,

it seems that he's in...

well, considerable financial difficulties.

I see. well, I'm very sorry to hear that.

In fact, I've had a confidential report from his squadron leader

that he's being done by tradesmen.

Now, once they start, they are the very devil.

One fellow even came down to Windsor last week

to serve a writ on him.

I say, I am -- I am sorry to bring you such rotten news.

Well, no, no. Uh, not a bit. I'm very glad you did.

His mother and I had no idea.

No, of course not.

Well, look, I don't want any of this to go any higher,

unless it's absolutely necessary.

I've had him up before me

and given him a hell of a dressing-down.

He's got three weeks orderly officer,

which means that he's virtually confined to barracks.

All the same, I thought a quiet word from you,

before it's too late, might help to stop the rot.

Well, that's all I had to say, really.

- I won't keep you any longer. - It seems to me

you've been more than patient with him,

and we're very grateful for that.

Well, I like the boy. We all do.

We'll write to him at once and insist on his coming here

to see us -- if he could have special leave for that?

Oh, yes. Of course.

My object in coming here tonight is to try and contain the matter

Within the family as long as possible.

We don't want a thing like this to get about, do we?

Mm. Thank you for calling.

I assure you I shall deal with the matter.

Thank you very much.

- Lady Marjorie. - Good night, Colonel.

I enjoyed your sniping at Asquith. That was splendid.

RICHARD: Oh, did you? I rather enjoyed that myself.

[ Door closes]

JAMES AND SARAH: ♫ It's a great big shame ♫

- ♫ And if she belonged to me ♫ - [ Train whistle blowing]

♫ I'd let her know who's who ♫

♫ Nagging at a fella what is 6-foot-4 ♫

♫ And her only 4-foot-2 ♫

♫ well, they ain't been married not a month nor more ♫

♫ when underneath her thumb goes Jim ♫

♫ Oh, isn't it a pity that the likes of her... ♫

- [Thumping] - Shh!

- Who's that? - It's the woman upstairs.

♫ Should put upon the like of him... ♫

Mmm!

Dizzies.

♫ It's a great big shame ♫

♫ And if she belonged to me ♫

♫ I'd let her know who's who... ♫

Hey!

♫ Nagging at a fella what is 6-foot-4 ♫

♫ And her only 4-foot-2... ♫

- Olé! - Hey!

♫ Oh, they ain't been married not a month nor more ♫

♫ when underneath her thumb goes Jim... ♫

Hup!

-[ Dish shatters] - Oh!

You're drunk.

♫ Oh isn't it a pity that the likes of her... ♫

-[ Thumping ] - Shut up, you old cow!

♫ Should put upon the likes of him ♫

- Hey! - Hey!

I say, I say, I say -- My dog's got no nose.

- How does he smell? - Terrible!

[ Laughter]

♫ As I walk along the Bois Boolong ♫

♫ with an independent air ♫

♫ You can hear the girls declare, ♫

- ♫ "He must be a millionaire" ♫ -[ Knock on door]

♫ You can hear them sigh and wish to die ♫

♫ You can see them wink with the other eye ♫

♫ At the man who broke the bank ♫

- ♫ at Monte Carlo ♫ -[ Glass clinks]

Sarah?

Sarah.

Sarah. Sarah, are you all right?

You've knocked yourself unconscious.

-[ Thumping] - Shut up!

Sarah? You all right?

You gave me a hell of a fright. Sarah?

I feel funny.

Here.

- Are you feeling all right? -ls the gin all right?

To hell with the gin. Here, see if you can get up, eh?

- Put your feet on the bed. - I'm all right.

I'll get a sponge and bathe your forehead.

'Fraid you'll have - a nice bruise in the morning.

SARAH: I'm all right.

Just come and sit beside me a minute, will ya?

Here. But your head.

My head's fine.

I fainted.

I come over all dizzy, and all the room went black.

It's the heat in that gin, eh?

Jimmy?

Yeah?

If I tell you something, will you promise not to be cross?

Yeah, yeah, I promise.

We're up the creek, Jim... 'cause, well...

...there's a little captain on the way.

What?

SARAH: A little James Bellamy.

Inside me.

Growing all the time, and...

Well, I won't be able to work much longer, Jim.

So what are we gonna do for money?

Oh, God!

Don't be angry, Jimmy.

'Cause it's your little baby that's on the way --

yours and mine.

There's been no one else, Jimmy, on my word of honour!

So don't you be angry!

I couldn't bear it if you was angry.

Oh, Sarah.

Oh, God.

Might as well finish that gin, eh?

Mother's ruin.

[Breathes deeply]

Well, I suggest we start our tea without her.

What do you say, Mrs. Bridges?

What's the time then, Mr. Hudson?

- It's gone five. - Oh, very well.

Ruby, fetch the pot.

Which pot, Mrs. Bridges?

Oh, my goodness.

The teapot, girl!

Yes, Mrs. Bridges.

That girl's soft in the head.

Well, perhaps she's missed her train.

Who, Ruby?

Rose.

It's not like Rose to miss a train.

No, no. Rose was always a very conscientious

and reliable member of the staff, Edward.

-[ Bell rings] - Oh, there. That'll be her now.

Ruby, go and let her in. - Yes, Mrs. Bridges.

That means go to the back door, open it so as she can get in.

- Do you understand?! - Yes, Mrs. Bridges.

MRS. BRIDGES: well... may as well keep the pot warm

till she's got herself sat down.

I don't know. Such a fuss.

Anyone would think we was expecting the Queen to tea,

and it's only Rose as worked here.

Rose is a visiting servant now, Edward.

She's entitled to be treated accordingly.

And it is incorrect to say, "Rose as worked here".

The phrase is, "Rose who worked here".

You really must try to improve your grammar, Edward.

Yes, Mr. Hudson.

- Sorry I'm late. - Oh, Rose.

'Afternoon, Mr. Hudson. Hello, Mrs. Bridges.

Edward.

Come and sit here beside me, Rose.

Thank you.

You know Ruby, my new kitchen maid.

Hello.

[Laughs ] There you are -- It is the Queen.

- ROSE: what? - Oh, sit down.

Try not to make yourself look more foolish

-than you do already. - Yes, uh, no, Mrs. Bridges.

We was just about to start our tea, in case you wasn't coming.

Aye, it's quite a way from Greenwich, eh, Rose?

Oh, it wasn't the train journey, Mr. Hudson.

It was trying to get an omnibus from Charing Cross --

all crowded they was,

with people going home from their work.

[Breathes deeply] Anyhow, I'm here now.

You like yours strong, don't you, Rose?

Just one spoonful of sugar.

That's right, Mrs. Bridges. Thank you.

Well, how's everything at good old 165?

Oh, much the same as when you was here last.

Mind, they're missing Miss Lizzie upstairs...

I think.

What do you say, Mr. Hudson?

Aye, for all their differences,

the master and her ladyship, uh...

Well, let's say the house does seem a wee bit quieter

Without her.

And Captain James?

Oh, he hasn't been here for some time, Rose.

- Oh? - No, um,

not since he popped into tea about a month ago

and there were angry words about his allowance.

- His father went -- - Edward, that'll do.

And how's Miss Roberts?

It's her day off -- Tuesdays.

Oh, by the way, there's a letter for you, Rose.

Letter? For me?

Yeah, it came the day before yesterday.

I was going to forward it on to Mrs. Kirbridge's address,

-but since you were coming... - I wonder

who'd write me a letter.

Edward, fetch the letter for Rose.

It's on the mantelpiece in my pantry.

With pleasure, Mr. Hudson.

What was the postmark?

Oh, I didn't notice.

You said it was from Deptford, Mr. Hudson.

Did I, Ruby? I don't recall.

Ever such funny writing on the envelope.

- More like a child's. - Oh.

The post, Miss Buck.

You haven't changed, have you, Edward? Still cheeky.

[ Laughs ]

For the life of me, I can't think who'd be writing to me.

I don't know no one in Deptford.

Don't really know anyone in London.

If it was from Southwold, it'd be different.

Well, you'll never guess who it's from.

Oh, come on, then. Tell us.

Sarah.

Sarah! That girl.

How dare she communicate after pushing her way

into Mrs. Kirbridge's wedding uninvited.

Oh, that's not quite true, Mr. Hudson.

See, she met Captain James at some music hall.

He told her the date of the wedding,

and she came just to be with us -- old times' sake.

You always did have a soft spot for that saucy little baggage.

Well, there was a lot of good in her.

Ha. There was a lot of booze in her, as well, after the wedding.

Don't you remember?

It was me and Nelly trying to get her into a hansom cab

at the back door.

Her hat was all over her head, and she had the hiccups.

Anyway, she's all right now, being an actress and all.

MRS. BRIDGES: What does she say?

"Dear Rosie." She always called me "Rosie."

"Hoping you are in the pink. I am.

Just finished a.

Oh, "an engagement at the Deptford Empire and am resting.

Why not come and see me?

We could talk about old times at good old Eaton Place.

I often think of our... attic and the larks we had.

Can you come here on your day off

and visit your old mate Sarah?"

She don't change.

Will you go?

I might.

Then again, I might not.

Ooh, that looks lovely.

Here, you should see the cook at our place, Mrs. Fellowes.

She's got ever such a long, pale face --

-quite lugubrious really. -[ Laughter]

Never says a word except to complain about her blessed leg.

[ Laughing ] Thomas says he thinks she's a witch,

only she keeps her broomstick stuck up her skirt.

[ Laughter]

Oh, Thomas is a laugh.

He's a real card.

What did you think of him?

Oh, he seemed a nice enough fellow

that time he come here to collect the luggage.

He's our valet.

Mr. Kirbridge's valet, no doubt.

That's right.

Who also, I understand, carries the coal, cleans the boots,

lights the fires, as well as stoking the boiler.

That's right.

Be thankful of your position here, Edward,

and the privilege of working for a larger household.

Yes, Mr. Hudson.

Well, come on, Rose. Tell us some more.

[Knock on door]

Who is it?

The landlady said to come up.

- It's me, Sarah. -[ Door closes]

Rose.

Oh, Rosie!

Oh, you...

I got your letter. It was Waiting for me at Eaton Place.

I just been there for tea with the others.

And on me way home, it's just a short tram ride from here, see?

What, to Miss Lizzie's? It's Greenwich, isn't it?

- That's right, yes. - Sit down.

- How did you know? -.James told me.

Oh, you've seen him again.

James?

Oh, he's popped in to see me at the Empire a couple of times.

But how are they all then, eh?

Mrs. Bridges still there and Mr. Hudson?

Oh, they're fine. How are you?

- Oh. - You look a bit pale.

- Am I? - Mm.

When's your next engagement, then?

ROSE: Don't know. Might not be one.

I thought you said you was in great demand.

Oh, I am, only...

- Well. .. - Well, what?

Can I trust you to keep a secret, Rose?

Oh, I should think so, after all this time.

Well, come on, girl. Out with it.

I'm gonna have a baby, Rose.

In the new year.

What?

I wanted you to be the first to know.

I didn't know you was married!

Why didn't you say so in the letter?

I'm not married, Rose.

It's...

Well, it's a mistake.

Who?

- Who what? ROSE: who's the father?

[Gasps ] Look, Rose, I didn't want to tell anyone,

but I've got to tell you -- It's Jimmy.

- Jimmy who? Bellamy, of course.

Captain James.

Here, are you telling me the truth?

Rose, cross my heart and hope to die.

You can ask him next time you see him. He won't deny it.

We've been going out regular

ever since Miss Lizzie's wedding.

He took me to Paris, Rose, for a whole week.

We stayed in the most posh hotel in the town

and went dining every night.

Champagne at Maxim's.

And then we used to go on to other places

like the Folies Bergére and then...

Then what?

Well, then he -- he started gambling a lot -- Jimmy.

They all do it in his regiment, but...

he started to lose more and more money.

[ Crying ] Oh, Rose!

Oh, Rosie.

I'm in such a mess.

What'll I do? Get rid Of it?

Get rid Of it?

Help me, Rose. Tell me what to do.

What to do?

It's what he's got to do, more like.

Marry you, of course, and keep you.

Well -- Well, he -- he has offered, of course,

but he's got no money, Rose.

He's skint.

He's in trouble with his regiment,

and he hasn't seen the family for weeks.

Do they know about the baby coming?

No!

He'd never tell his father. He'd kill him.

Seems to me they'll have to know, for your sake.

Otherwise, well, what'll happen to you?

- I've a good mind to -- - No, Rose!

Now, listen, Rose, you tell nobody!

You promise.

Then he'll have to come clean -- bloody well have to.

Officer and a gentleman, isn't he?

He'll have to see you straight and if he ain't got no money,

he'll have to get some from the master and her ladyship.

So they'll have to know, whatever happens, Sarah.

They'll have to.

Perhaps you're right, Rose.

I mean, I'm gonna get blamed, not him.

They'll think that I chased after him.

But I didn't, Rose -- honest.

When are you gonna see Captain James again?

Tomorrow night, if he can sneak out.

He does sometimes, you know, just to see if I'm all right.

Well, you must make him go home and see her ladyship.

And if he won't, threaten him that you'll spill the beans.

I'm not gonna do that, Rose. He's been ever so good to me.

Oh, it looks it -- landing you in this muck.

I'm fond of him, Rose, for all his faults.

He's nice -- Jimmy. He's...

...nice.

I love him, Rose.

Oh, Sarah.

You're a hopeless case.

That's what you are -- hopeless case.

MARJORIE: And these debts, James? How much do you owe?

MARJORIE: And these debts, James? How much do you owe?

Apart from a bill for £86 owing to Poirier's,

which has been presented to your mother for settlement.

I'm sorry about that. It should not have been sent to Mother.

Well, how else is the wretched man to get his money, eh?

Yes.

Well?

Well, if you want the truth...

MARJORIE: We do, James.

Very well.

I have an overdraft at the bank of £372, up to yesterday.

My debt to tradesmen add up to something like £550,

and my personal debt to friends --

RICHARD: Gambling debts? - Yes.

Another £300 or £400.

I'm afraid I'm in a dreadful mess.

Yes.

Yes, you are.

Well, why didn't you come and see us?

You know we'd have helped.

Yes, I know. I'm supposed to be independent.

You've given me a very decent allowance, and I've got my pay.

I'm dreadfully sorry.

There's something else, isn't there?

No, not really, no.

You're not ill, are you?

No, it's not that.

You can tell us.

It's a woman, isn't it?

Well, yes, i-in a way.

You see, that's really what I wanted to talk to you about.

It's all connected with something else --

- a rather delicate personal matter.

Delicate? H-How do you mean?

Well, you see, this girl, of whom I'm very fond,

is going to have a baby.

James.

Who is she?

If it's some cheap woman of the town,

I don't want to know her name or any details.

No, it's someone... someone you know, Mother.

You mean the daughter of friends of ours?

No.

She used to work here, as under-house parlourmaid.

Funny little creature. You used to say she amused you.

Sarah.

JAMES: Yes. - Oh, my God.

Sarah.

She's an actress now, or -- or was.

She can't go on with it now, you see,

because she is expecting this baby,

of -- of which I am the father.

[ Door opens ]

Luncheon is served, milady.

Well, we'd, uh -- We'd better go in.

Yes.

That's the, uh, dining room done and the silver away, Mr. Hudson.

Anything else?

From your tone, I infer

that you're asking me for the afternoon off, Edward.

Well, I've stopped in the last two Saturdays, and, uh...

And you're meeting a friend in Kensington Gardens.

Well, yes. we're -- We're gonna listen to the band.

So it won't cost me no money.

Ah, it's when the band stops playing

and the gates close at dusk,

that's when it begins to cost a young man money, Edward.

So choose your companion wisely.

Off you go, now.

Thanks, Mr. Hudson.

By the way, Mr. Hudson, I noticed at lunch

while I was handing Captain James the potatoes,

that he said to his -- to her ladyship, uh,

"I tried to really save money, Mother."

Well, according to that book on grammar you give me,

that's a split infinitive, isn't it?

I mean, surely for an old Etonian,

he's not very well educated.

I thought they were supposed to talk proper.

You're quite correct in saying that Mr. James

split an infinitive over luncheon, Edward.

I noticed it myself.

But don't speak too lightly of the old Etonians

or underestimate their importance.

Apart from providing this country

with a number of prime ministers and colonial governors,

we must never forget that they won the FA. Cup in 1879.

Get away with you now.

[Chuckles softly] Yes, Mr. Hudson.

Oh, sorry, Mrs. Bridges.

Oh, Edward.

What's Edward grinning all over his face for?

Oh, I've let him have the afternoon off, Mrs. Bridges,

to go and here the band playing in Kensington Gardens.

A wee bit of Elgar and some Gilbert and Sullivan

might improve his mind.

Anyway, there'll be no more visitors today.

[Door pops Open]

That young cub still upstairs?

HUDSON: He is.

Saucy as ever, I suppose.

I notice he didn't come down and see me after lunch,

not like he used to.

There's trouble, Mrs. Bridges.

Very strained atmosphere. I don't like the smell of it.

What?

Do you mean a row?

Over money again.

If you ask me, that young shaver's got himself into debt,

come here for a loan from his father.

Oh, saucy monkey.

So that's what he's come here for.

Well, it's in the blood.

There was his Great Uncle Bertie,

you remember,

old Lady Southwolds youngest brother.

Him as lost all his money in Monte Carlo

and died of the shingles in Portagaria.

RICHARD: we shall have to consult Sir Geoffrey Dillon

and discover what yours and our legal position is

and what our liabilities add up to.

There are questions of the child's upbringing,

-its education... MARJORIE: James,

how could you do this to us?

Too late for tears now, Marjorie.

James has involved us in what may well become a major scandal.

For the sake of the family, Marjorie,

and I include your mother and father

and all the Southwold relations,

this matter has got to be suppressed.

However, as long as I have anything to do with it,

the affair will not be hushed up

at the expense of ordinary human justice and decency.

There are obligations to be met, and Dillon will best see

how to meet them fairly and with honour.

And let's hope to God he can find a way out of this mess.

Well, James, you'd better find your way back to Windsor.

Call Hudson. See if you can get a cab.

Yes, Father.

I'm very sorry, Mother.

I'm glad you told us the truth, my darling.

♫ Maids from school, are we ♫

♫ A la, la, la ♫ - Shh, shh, shh, shh.

Oh, beg your pardon, Mrs. Bridges.

Sorry I woke you, Mr. Hudson.

I was not asleep, Edward -- merely dozing.

Well?

It was the band of the Life Guards.

Ooh, Captain James' regiment.

That's right, Mrs. Bridges.

There he was, up on the bandstand, playing away

-at his French horn. - Don't be insolent, Edward.

-[ Bell rings] - Oh, it's the morning room.

Her ladyship wanting tea.

Well, the tray's all ready and set.

- Shall I take it up, Mr. Hudson? - No, no. I'll see to it, Edward.

You go up to the dressing room,

start brushing the master's frock coats.

Yes, Mr. Hudson.

Ohh!

Edward!

EDWARD: Sorry, Mrs. Bridges.

Ruby!

I'm ashamed of you.

Thank you, Hudson.

Milady.

Hudson, I wanted to ask you something.

Yes, milady?

You remember Sarah, the...

The under-house parlourmaid, milady?

Yes.

I was wondering if any of the servants had heard of her

since Miss Elizabeth's wedding?

Strange you should mention her, milady.

- Oh, why? - Well, Rose was here for tea

downstairs just the other day, milady,

and she found a letter Waiting for her from Sarah.

Apparently Rose is now in correspondence with the girl.

Really?

- What else did she ask? - Nothing else, Mrs. Bridges.

Just about Sarah, whether she had any relatives living.

I don't understand it.

I don't like the sound of it.

It's my belief that girl's going 'round London

making out she's something she's not.

Lie her way in anywhere, she would.

I wouldn't put it past her to go for a position

saying as she's a member of the Southwold family.

She can talk like a lady when she likes,

dress up in fancy clothes.

- Fool anyone, she would. - Now, now.

You're going too far, Mrs. Bridges.

- It's none of our business. - Hmm, I'm not so sure.

HUDSON: Good afternoon, Sir Geoffrey.

I am expected.

HUDSON: Yes, sir.

Mr. Bellamy and her ladyship are in the morning room, sir.

And Captain Bellamy.

Oh?

The storm seems to have cleared up a wee bit, sir.

Has it? I hadn't noticed.

Sir Geoffrey Dillon, milady.

RICHARD: Sir Geoffrey. Richard.

I trust you haven't been waiting for me.

No.

- Good afternoon, Lady Marjorie. - Afternoon, Sir Geoffrey.

My new coachman has no bump of locality.

I'm relieved to find myself in the right house.

James.

- Won't you sit down? - Thank you.

Who was that, then, Mr. Hudson?

That was Sir Geoffrey Dillon, the family solicitor.

Oh? What's he come for?

I've no idea, Mrs. Bridges.

You'll never better yourself

reading rubbish like this, my lad.

If you find yourself forced to remain a footman

for the rest of your life, don't blame me.

Now listen to me.

I've got something important to say to you all.

So pay attention. Edward, this includes you.

We've got visitors.

Well, we know that, Mr. Hudson.

I don't mean upstairs, Edward. I mean down here.

- Visitors down here? - Yes, Ruby,

and what they're here about is absolutely no concern of yours.

- Do I make myself clear? - Yes, Mr. Hudson.

-[ Bell rings] - There. That'll be them now.

Ruby, back door, if you please.

Yes, Mr. Hudson.

Uh, Mr. Hudson --

It's no good asking me any questions, Edward,

because I don't intend answering.

- But, Mr. Hudson, all I was -- - Now, that's enough, Edward.

[ Door closes]

Thanks, Mr. Hudson. All right to come in?

Yes, of course, Rose.

Come in, Sarah.

Sit down over here.

Rose.

Sarah.

Any chance of a cup of tea, Mrs. Bridges?

Ruby.

Kettle.

Whatcha, Sarah? Everything all right?

They'll ring when they're ready for you to go up.

Meanwhile, you'll both remain in here.

Well, where do you come in, Rose?

Oh, her ladyship asked Miss Lizzie

if she could spare me for the day

to fetch Sarah from her lodgings and bring her here.

- That's right, isn't it, Sarah? - Yes.

Seeing as we were old friends and I knew where she was living

Right, isn't it, Sarah?

Not quite so chatty as you used to be

when you was in service, are you, Sarah?

I'm feeling a bit dickey, Mrs. Bridges.

Oh.

Oh, sorry to hear that.

Uh, Rose tells us

that, uh, you were on the bill at the Deptford Empire.

Yeah, I was. Only, I'm resting now.

Oh.

Captain James is upstairs in the morning room.

Is he?

Didn't you know he was here?

No.

It hasn't changed a bit, has it, the old room?

Nothing changes at 165, Sarah -- only the staff.

[Bell rings]

There, that'll be the morning room.

Does that mean they want me now?

Yes. Come with me, Sarah, up to the hall.

No, Rose, you stay down here, have your tea.

Come along, Sarah.

Edward, go into the scullery

and give Ruby a hand with the teapot.

- What, me?! - Yes, you.

And close the door after you.

Come on, Rose. What's all this about?

I'm sorry, Mrs. Bridges, but I really mustn't say.

Oh, I don't know. All this mystery.

Secrets breed secrets and does nothing but harm.

Is it to do with the family?

Yes, Mrs. Bridges.

If it concerns the family, Rose, it concerns me.

Yes, Mrs. Bridges.

Now, come along, Rose.

D-Do you remember the first time I come here, Mr. Hudson?

I remember the occasion very clearly.

Your face when I tried to come in through the front door.

You said I wasn't to question my betters

and that you was my better

because you was older and wiser than me

and I was to learn humility -- Do you remember?

It's a pity you didn't learn it.

Don't you ever have a laugh?

On suitable occasions.

Come along, Sarah. They're waiting for you.

Oh, by the way, Mr. Hudson,

I'd prefer not to be announced as Sarah, if you don't mind.

It's not my name. It was forced on me and I don't like it.

I'll say it's Miss Moffat, then, if you prefer it.

Well, being as I'm known in the music halls

- as Chémence Delice. .. Shh, shh.

...I would be prefer to be announced as such.

I am not prepared to announce a former servant in this house

by a fancy French name,

unless the name was given to you at your baptism.

I wasn't baptized.

They didn't go in for that sort of thing, not where I come from.

Exactly. Well, put your hat straight.

Are you ready?

Just a minute.

Lead me to the slaughter.

[ Door opens ]

HUDSON: Sarah is here, milady.

MARJORIE: Ask her to come in, please, Hudson.

Come in, Sarah.

Sit down.

Now, Sarah, I've been told

of your friendship with Captain Bellamy

after you left his parents' service

and of your present condition

resulting from that relationship.

Yes, sir.

It goes without saying that the family accept absolutely

their responsibility.

Thank you, sir. I-l don't want to make no trouble for no one.

I mean, it -- it was my fault as much as Captain James'.

It's just that with the baby coming and everything,

I-I won't be able to go on working much longer,

and I haven't got the money to bring up the baby

as it ought to be brought up, being, like,

your grandchild, milady.

I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said that.

You have every right to say it, Sarah, if it's true.

Oh, it is true, sir.

Isn't it, Captain James?

- I've already said so, Father. - Yes, quite.

Now, Sarah, I want you to pay attention

to Sir Geoffrey Dillon, who is our family solicitor,

who has come here to advise us in this matter.

Geoffrey, perhaps you will tell Sarah what she has to do.

What is your surname, Sarah?

Moffat, sir.

DILLON: Sarah Moffat. I see.

There will be the question of registration

when the child is born.

Oh, I see.

DILLON: Children born out of lawful wedlock

are nevertheless required to be registered.

- By the state, you understand? SARAH: Yes, sir.

- DILLON: In the mother's name. - Yes, sir.

Now, as to the eventual birth of the child.

Captain Bellamy has informed us

that you were examined by a doctor in Deptford last week

who confirmed your condition, which we understand

to be a pregnancy of three to four months.

- Is that so? - Yes, sir.

Now, Sarah, arrangements have been made,

with the generous consent of Lady Marjorie,

for you to travel down at once to Southwold,

Where you'll be lodged with a Mr. and Mrs. Clay

at their cottage on the estate.

You'll find them an agreeable and homely couple,

Mr. Clay being head gamekeeper to Lord Southwold

and Mrs. Clay, by good fortune, a qualified midwife.

Now, just a minute --

Now, Sarah, you must listen to Sir Geoffrey.

It is for your own good.

You will remain in the care of Mr. and Mrs. Clay

until such time as your confinement is at an end

and the child is born.

Thereafter, if you wish it,

and I think you would be well-advised to agree,

some form of light work will be found for you on the estate,

possibly in the laundry.

Meanwhile, arrangements will be made for the child's schooling

and for some eventual career.

Now, listen, mister!

I'm not gonna be stuck away in some rotten cottage

with two people I've never set eyes on in me life before

-just because this -- - Sarah.

Everything possible is being done

for your welfare and comfort.

I think you must remember that.

Sit down, Sarah.

DILLON: I think you should realize at once

that marriage to the father of your child

would be quite out of the question.

I think you've been in domestic service long enough

to understand that.

I'm not a housemaid now. I'm an actress.

I'm on the stage. I'm respectable.

I'm sorry to disillusion you,

but I'm afraid the theatrical profession

is not generally considered respectable.

Oh, isn't it?

Well, let me tell you something.

Plenty of actresses have married famous men --

pillars of the realm and all.

There's Rosie Boote and Denise Horn

and -- and lots more, besides.

Some of them only in the chorus!

Nevertheless, officers of the household brigade

are not permitted to marry actresses.

- Is this true? - DILLON: If Captain Bellamy

were to offer you his hand in marriage,

he'd be obliged to resign his commission in the Life Guards.

Oh, I didn't know that.

I'm sure you wouldn't wish to destroy his career, would you?

I don't know.

Why don't you say something, Jimmy?

I mean, I don't expect you to marry me, but...

why don't you say something?

Say you'll -- you'll come down and visit me in Southwold,

me and the baby.

Tell me that what they're asking me to do is right.

But say something, won't you?!

DILLON: I think you would be well-advised to accept

the arrangements that have been made for your well-beings,

Moffat.

The alternatives could be very grim, indeed.

When do you want me to go?

Have you brought your luggage with you, as we asked?

Yes, milady. It's in the servants' hall.

Rose is minding it for me.

Then Hudson will give you some money

and fetch you a cab to Paddington Station.

Thank you, milady.

When am I gonna see you again?

Eh?

DILLON: Captain Bellamy has given his parents an undertaking

neither to see you nor to communicate with you ever again.

And I must ask for a similar undertaking from you.

Well!

If there's nothing further, milady,

I'll go downstairs and sit with my friends

till it's time for me to go.

For god's sake, let me say something to her privately.

DILLON: I wouldn't.

I'm damned if I'll let her leave this house

- Without saying goodbye. - MARJORIE: James!

JAMES: Sarah.

Sarah.

I'll write to you.

RICHARD: Come in, James. Sit down.

Well, that seemed perfectly satisfactory.

Now, James, we can discuss your future.

Well, what is there to discuss?

I have a letter here from the military secretary

confirming that your son will be seconded to the Scinde Horse

with effect from the 12th of this month.

The Scinde Horse?

But surely, that's an Indian cavalry regiment.

Precisely.

You will sail on the P&O boat

which leaves Tilbury on the 12th.

That will give you time to buy your kit.

Have you gone out of your mind, Sir Geoffrey?

This is quite unthinkable.

There can be no question

of James remaining with his regiment at Windsor,

with them in radius of the court.

What's that got to do with it?

If it should reach the Queen's ears...

She's deaf.

Besides, I'd like to know since when this particular court

has represented moral impeccability.

I'm sure you wouldn't wish, in your position, Lady Marjorie,

to insult the throne.

That, Sir Geoffrey, is none of your business.

I would remind you

that you are employed by my father as his solicitor.

Your duties do not include telling me how to behave

-in my own house. RICHARD: Marjorie, please.

I want to know who suggested this incredible arrangement

in the first place.

India was my suggestion and readily received.

But you said nothing of this to me.

My dear, I've told you more than once,

these are matters for men to decide.

Sir Geoffrey's brief was to find a way out

of a delicate and dangerous situation.

Exactly.

So my mother agrees to lodge the girl at Southwold

until the baby is born because I ask her to.

You call that a matter for men?

We thought it better to inform you

of the second part of our plan

only after the details were settled.

The India office received confirmation

from Colonel Pitt of the Scinde Horse in Peshawar

only yesterday.

If I may say a word on my own behalf?

RICHARD: Yes, James?

I agree to go to India -- willingly.

I'd rather not stay here and listen

to a lot of bitter arguments about Sarah and myself.

If I'm wanted, I shall be in my room, packing.

Sir Geoffrey.

[ Door opens ]

-[ Door closes] - This is the most outrageous

and underhand conspiracy I've ever seen,

-and I refuse to agree to it! - That would be most unwise.

I will not allow my son to be packed off to India,

banished from his country and his regiment

just because some little upstart of a housemaid

traps him in a weak moment.

There is also the question of his debts, Lady Marjorie,

to say nothing of his recent conduct in the regiment.

You've heard his Colonel's report.

It is not for you to sit in judgment over that!

On the contrary, I must point out

that I have a clear duty to Lord and Lady Southwold

and to the Talbot-Carey family as a whole.

I am the family solicitor, and I must advise them well.

After all, the family name must be protected at all times

from scandal.

I believe James himself recognizes that.

James may recognize it, but I do not.

And I want it made absolutely clear, Sir Geoffrey,

that I forbid you to proceed further with these arrangements

till I have discussed them with my father.

Lady Marjorie, I ought to point out

that it was your father who consulted the viceroy

concerning the choice of regiment for your son.

- My father? - It's a happy chance

that your father and the viceroy are such old friends.

I assure you, it's all for the best.

If there's anything further to be discussed,

I shall be in my office in the morning.

She'll take time to accept it.

They're very close, you know, she and James.

Evidently.

Perhaps we should have told her before.

It was rather abrupt and quite a shock for her.

I'm sorry she was discourteous to you.

The lioness protecting her young is entitled to show her claws.

I respect that, Richard.

India may well be the making of your son.

RICHARD: I hope so.

Well, thank you for all you've done.

It can't have been easy.

My dear boy, that's precisely why

we solicitors charge exorbitant fees.

-[ Chuckles softly] - Good night.

I'm sorry.

- It had to be done. - Yes.

Won't do James any harm to get away for a time,

from London and Windsor,

see a bit of the world.

Yes.

When the children were little, I used to...

wonder so how they'd be when they grew up, but now it just...

[Voice breaking] Oh!

India?!

Are you sure, Edward?

Of course I'm sure.

He said India would be the making of him.

That's what he said.

India wasn't the making of Lady Marjorie's uncle Betrie

Lady Marjorie was crying her eyes out.

- I could hear her. - Such a long way away.

Poor Lady Marjorie. It's not like her to cry.

Damn Lady Marjorie. To hell with them all!

HUDSON: Sarah!

Edward, go and see what that daft girl's up to.

It doesn't take all day to get a cab.

No, wait a minute, Edward.

Now, listen to me, all of you, and this includes you, Sarah.

Not one word of this has to go beyond this house.

There's many a great family been ruined

by scandals less than this one.

And remember, you keep your mouth shut

down at Southwold, my girl.

If anyone else says that to me, I'll scream.

-[ Hoofbeats ] - Here's Ruby with a cab.

Thank God for that.

Bye-bye, Mrs. Bridges.

Goodbye, Sarah, my dear, and...good luck.

Bye, Mr. Hudson.

Goodbye, Sarah.

[Voice breaking] I don't know what's gonna happen

to that poor girl.

I don't, really.

[ Door closes]

[ Hoofbeats ]

Rose...

What's the matter?

Rose...

...I'm frightened.

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