Original subtitles

Subtitling by Acorn Media (re-sync by moviesbyrizzo)

Aye, aye.

With Mrs. Bridges' compliments, Mr. Hudson.

Oh, thank you, Edward. Put it down over there, will you?

All right if I go now, Mr. Hudson?

Have you done in the dining room?

Yeah, all put away.

And what fortunate young woman

has the honour of your company this afternoon, may I ask?

Oh, I'm not meeting my girl today, Mr. Hudson,

not with Fulham playing Manchester United

-at Craven Cottage. - Oh, you better hurry up.

It's less than an hour to kickoff.

Oh, well, I'll get the omnibus down the King's Road.

It should be a good game.

Aye, aye.

Oh, cheer up, Mr. Hudson.

Chelsea will be in the First Division one day.

Oh, away you go now.

Thanks, Mr. Hudson.

[Bell rings]

It's the drawing room.

I thought they'd gone out.

Master's gone out. Lady Marjorie's still upstairs.

Oh, well, no rest for the wicked.

[ Door opens ]

You rang, my lady.

Oh, yes, Hudson. Close the door, will you?

My lady.

I've just had confirmation from Buckingham Palace

that His Majesty the king

will be dining here on Thursday evening.

- I understand, my lady. - we shall be 10.

Perhaps you'd see about getting in a waiter

-to help in the dining room. - Very good, my lady.

I'll see Mrs. Bridges about the menu on Monday morning.

Very good, my lady. If I might make a suggestion?

Yes.

It might be best not to inform the rest of the staff

until nearer the time.

Yes. They might talk about it outside.

Then we'd have a large crowd in front of the house

when the king arrived.

I'll leave it to you to tell them when you think fit.

Very good, my lady.

Will Her Majesty be dining?

No, Hudson.

The queen does not play bridge.

A lady has been invited in her place.

I understand, my lady.

That'll be all. Thank you.

And sorry to disturb your Saturday afternoon,

but it seemed only fair to warn you well in advance.

I very much appreciate the timely notice.

Hudson, we must regard this

as just an ordinary dinner party like any other.

I'm sure the staff will prove equal to the occasion, my lady.

What's she doing telling you before me?

Her ladyship saw fit to inform me first, Mrs. Bridges,

owing to the special nature of the party.

There is to be a distinguished guest.

Oh, not Mr. Asquith?

No, no, it's not Mr. Asquith.

Not Mr. Balfour?

Oh, nothing special about him.

He's been here many a time before.

No.

Oh, is it that Marquis de Several?

The Portuguese ambassador? No.

Nor is it Dr. W. G. Grace nor Miss Vesta Tilley.

Our guest of honour, Mrs. Bridges,

is to be none other than His Majesty King Edward VII.

[ Gasps ]

The king?

Defender of the faith,

emperor of India and the dominions beyond the seas.

- The king! - In person.

And that's for your ears only at present, Mrs. Bridges.

Oh, good gracious me. Why ever didn't you say so?

Oh, God bless my soul!

The king of England coming to dinner here.

Oh! [ Laughs ]

Quail.

That's his favourite dish.

I remember reading about it in a women's journal.

Oh, now, if only I can find that receipt.

Well, you better get in plenty of food.

I'm told the old man eats like a cart horse.

That's not very respectful.

I respect the institution of monarchy,

as you well know, Mrs. Bridges,

even if I do have certain reservations

about the person of the sovereign.

He's all right.

Loose liver he may be, but he's popular enough.

I'm not referring to the present king's character.

My quarrel is with the Hanoverian succession.

As a Scot, I would naturally prefer

to see a Stuart on the throne.

Still, I suppose we'll just have to make do with what we've got.

Stuff and nonsense.

Where would this country be Without Queen Victoria?

You tell me that.

I don't believe in discussing an hypothesis.

You can call him what you like, but he's our king.

And he's coming here to dinner on Thursday.

God bless his soul!

And I haven't told you a thing, do you understand?

When her ladyship informs you on Monday morning,

for heaven's sake, act surprised.

Oh, my lady!

What a surprise!

[ Laughs ]

Oh, dear, I am pleased.

It is rather exciting, isn't it, Mrs. Bridges?

Oh, yes, my lady.

And such an honour to cook for the king of England.

As you know, he's very fond of his food.

Yes, my lady.

And I have here a list of his favourite dishes.

So I thought we'd go through them

to see which we should have.

Yes, I have a receipt here, my lady,

that I out out of the ladies' journal for quail, my lady.

Uh, quail oursin fladan a la Valenciennes.

[ Hoofbeats in distance ]

ROSE: Edward.

What's all this you've been telling Ruby?

Well, only what Mrs. Bridges told Miss Roberts.

- Listening at keyholes again. - No, I haven't.

- why, isn't it true, then? Suppose it must be.

I don't know why Mr. Hudson hasn't told any of us.

Well, doesn't want it to leak out, I reckon.

Why, what's the harm?

In case some anarchist gets to hear about it

and plants a bomb in the coal cellar.

Oh, Edward, don't.

Well, by the time Teddy gets here for his dinner,

it's gonna be all over London, isn't it?

I mean, you're gonna have mounted police outside,

keeping back the crowds.

Reporters from newspapers, photographers, and --

Shh.

You're gonna have detectives running about

all over the house.

They're gonna search people every time they come in, eh?

Well, I still feel I ought to give him the quail, my lady.

Yes, I know you do, Mrs. Bridges,

but I do assure you he has quail

at every other house he dines at.

MRS. BRIDGES: Very good, my lady.

Well, what do you suggest?

Well, I suggest we play safe with guinea fowl.

And for a main dish, you do the thing you really excel at --

your baron of lamb.

Now, there's nobody to touch you for lamb, and you know it.

Very well, my lady.

So, after the tarmigan pie, baron of lamb --

all nice and juicy and tender.

And then with that,

if I may suggest, uh, pomme froufrou and petits pois.

And then the sorbet.

Oh, and, by the way, the sauce for the poached salmon --

Oh, I thought I'd make the Médoc sauce, my lady,

uh, like I made for the French ambassador.

Do you remember? Yes.

And then after the sorbet,

the guinea fowl with asparagus with hollandaise sauce,

and then the meringues and the gateaux

and the dressed prawns for savory, my lady.

Yes, that'll do.

And you'll ask Hudson to telephone to Jackson's

for the peaches.

And, of course, the caviar and the Royal Native oysters

-to begin with before the soup. - Yes, very good, my lady.

- Morning, Mrs. Bridges. - Oh, morning, sir.

MARJORIE: we've been discussing the menu for Thursday evening,

and Mrs. Bridges is going to surpass herself,

-aren't you, Mrs. Bridges? - I'll do my very best, my lady.

I'm sure you will.

Thank you, sir.

Jack Alexander tells me if H. M. likes a dish well enough,

he'll have three to four helpings.

We better warn Hudson to offer it 'round and 'round and 'round.

Let's hope the wretched man doesn't get giddy.

I had the most charming letter from Mrs. Keppel

saying how much she's looking forward

to meeting us and seeing the house.

She's evidently a great admirer of yours.

Well, that's very gratifying.

I've caught sight of her once or twice

in the Strangers' Gallery during important debates.

Her complexion is a marvel.

- The others been approved? - Yes.

Why does the king want those potty old Wanboroughs asked?

Well, the old boy did govern

a number of dreadfully hot colonies all his life.

Oh, yes, and Jack said if we put them

against the king and Mrs. Keppel at bridge,

the sovereign will be bound to win, which always delights him.

I do hope Millicent Hartfield will be all right.

Well, why not? She's witty, very attractive.

Yes, to you, darling, I know,

but her stories are sometimes quite envious.

Is she sitting next to him?

No, she's sitting next to me, naturally.

But she'll buttonhole him after dinner

unless I keep a sharp eye on her.

I shall be fascinated to see you and Millicent

-fighting over the king. - Don't be silly.

I've heard tell you're one of the few women in London

who amuse him.

And he's made inquiries as to Whether you're happily married.

So, what else?

Uh, Jack says they'll arrive at 25 past 8:00,

and would we give the detective some refreshment.

Apparently he has to stay in the house all evening.

He's not bringing his own footman?

No, just Jack as equerry and the detective.

It's to be strictly informal.

Well, the servants won't think so.

No, they're terribly keyed up downstairs.

I thought they weren't going to be told until the day before.

Oh, they managed to find out somehow.

They always do.

HUDSON: The Hochheimer '97

and the Moët & Chandon Dry Impérial.

RICHARD; That's it.

And then for the entrée, the Château Brane-Cantenac '93.

The Cantenac '93. And the port, sir?

Hmm.

Uh, we've still got some of the Dow's '78.

Decant four bottles, will you?

Very good, sir.

ROSE: Spoon for caviar, soup spoon, fish knife,

entrée knife, main-course knife, savory knife,

spoon for meringue, dessert spoon.

Small fork, entrée fork, main-course fork,

fork for meringue, dessert fork.

Spoon for caviar, soup spoon, fish knife, entrée knife --

HUDSON: Oh, when you're done, Edward,

fetch the fruit knives and forks and the finger bowls

-and set them on the sideboard. - Yes, Mr. Hudson.

Oh, and while you're about it,

bring three more salt cellars from the silver cupboard.

- Yes? - Keys, Mr. Hudson.

Oh, yes, of course.

Here you are.

ROSE: Main-course fork, fork for meringue, dessert fork.

That's -- That's the cutlery done, Mr. Hudson.

Shall I do the place cards now?

If you've got her ladyship's seating plan.

No, you got it.

Have I?

Yes, I saw you put it in a pocket of your apron.

Oh, yes. Yes, of course. How silly of me.

Right, start here at her ladyship's place

on the king's right.

There will be no place card for His Majesty.

On his right, Lady Marjorie Bellamy.

And Lady Wanborough on his left.

Countess of Wanborough.

Then -- Oh, excuse me, please, mister.

Uh, then it's Sir John Alexander.

He's the equerry.

Then Lady Prudence Fairfax next to the master.

Oh, she should keep him amused, help him forget his nerves.

HUDSON: That, I suspect, was her ladyship's reason

for placing Lady Prudence on the master's right.

- Now comes Mrs. Hartfield. - Mm-hmm.

Then comes the admiral.

Admiral Sir William Collet.

And Mrs. George Kappa here.

Oh. Doesn't she have to sit next to him?

Not necessarily, Rose.

Lord Crewe's butler tells me that she is often placed,

on informal occasions such as these, opposite the king

so that if His Majesty becomes bored with his dinner companion,

Mrs. Keppel can enter the conversation

and restore the situation.

Oh.

And, uh, on her left, the Earl of Wanborough.

Where shall I put them, Mr. Hudson?

Oh, uh, one down at the far end,

one in the middle, one down here, Edward.

Space them out evenly now.

No, no, no. That's too close to the candelabra.

A wee bit more to your right.

A wee bit more.

That's fine.

ROSE: Just think, in a few hours from now,

the king of England's posterior shall occupy this very chair.

This is hardly the moment for such reflection, Rose.

You've still got the flowers to do in the drawing room,

the coffee tray, all the polishing in the front hall

and the landing and the drawing room.

Sorry, Mr. Hudson. Just a bit of fun, steady my nerves.

There is no need to be nervous, Rose,

if -- if you just keep your head and do as I say.

Mister, uh -- The hired waiter will help you out.

I still don't understand why I can't wait at table,

same as I always do.

His Majesty objects to female servants waiting at the table.

You will have ample opportunity of witnessing the dinner

from behind the screen, where you will remain out of sight,

collecting the empty plates

and placing them quietly in the servitor.

Yes, Mr. Hudson.

I think the king's mean.

HUDSON: Then you'd better tell him that yourself.

EDWARD: Huh, that's right, Rose. You tell him. I dare you.

All right, I will.

EDWARD: Hey?

Your Majesty, I am Rose, head house parlourmaid,

and I think it's very mean of you

not to let us female servants wait at table.

I always thought you rather liked having women around you.

Rose!

Here, would you like me to sit on your knee?

- Get out of that chair at once! - I'll ask Mrs. Keppel.

She's a nice lady. She'll put in a word for us.

"Hey, Alice, have a word with --"

Come along, Rose. That'll do. Come on, off you go now.

Both of you, quick. I want to lock up.

Chop-chop.

[Lock clicks]

I told my friend to be here at 7:00, my lady,

if that's convenient.

It's Mrs. Fawcetts lady's maid from next door.

Yes, of course, Roberts.

I've told her you wouldn't mind

if we watched from the best bedroom landing.

Oh, but aren't you going to let her help you downstairs

with the ladies' cloaks?

I didn't know I was to help with the cloaks, my lady.

Yes, of course you are.

Edward will see to the gentlemen

while Hudson takes the guests up to announce them.

Your friend can help you.

But Mr. Hudson said nothing to me

about helping with the cloaks, my lady, not a word.

Well, he probably forgot. He's had a lot on his mind.

Yes, my lady. Well, if you say so.

Ah, I don't like those. They're too fussy.

Bring me the others.

Very good, my lady.

I mean, unless Mr. Hudson tells me himself.

I mean, he is supposed to be in charge downstairs.

No, don't like those, either. Let's try the filigree necklace.

Yes, my lady.

Well, I-l have no wish to be in his way

unless he asks me to help with the cloaks.

It's up to him -- to him, I mean.

Yes, I'll wear these.

Well, it's -- it's not normal in my place

to be downstairs in the hall when there's a dinner party.

He should tell me if there's other arrangements

to be made than what is usual.

Roberts, will you please stop fussing

about the ladies' cloaks?

You're to see to them in the library

Whether Hudson tells you to or forgets to tell you to.

Now, is that clear?

Yes, my lady.

Now, my earrings that go with this, please.

We haven't very much time.

Very good, my lady.

MRS. BRIDGES; Oh, 0h.

Right.

Is that done, then, Mrs. Bridges?

Oh, stop asking silly questions, girl,

and give me the vinegar, quick.

We haven't got a lot of time.

Better stop that now, Rose, and get ready.

It's gone half past 7:00.

I trust you've got a clean apron and cap to wear.

'Course I have, Mr. Hudson.

Not that anyone would notice,

not if I'm hidden behind that screen.

[Clock ticking]

[Clock ticking]

Brace yourself, my boy.

- we're off, then, Mr. Hudson? - So it would seem, Edward.

At least we're under starter's orders.

[Bell rings]

Ah, Hudson.

Good evening, my lady.

- Am I the first? - Yes, my lady.

Well, I came early -- oh, good evening, Roberts --

to be sure of not arriving after the king,

which would be quite dreadful.

His Majesty is not due until 8:25, my lady.

Ah, that's all right, then.

I do hope they're all going to be punctual.

Don't worry, darling. They will be.

HUDSON: Lady Prudence Fairfax, my lady.

- Pru. - Trust old Pru to be first.

- Thank heaven it's you. - Richard's so nervous,

you'd think he were living in the Middle Ages

and the royal displeasure would land us on the chopping block.

Yes, we've had the joke once.

How's your curtsey, Prudence?

Ah, it's all right going down, a bit wobbly coming up.

I'm always afraid my right knee will crack like a pistol shot.

Well, it happened to poor Silvia Lister's daughter,

you know, when she was presented at court.

The story goes, the Russian ambassador dived for the floor,

fearing an assassin's bullet.

Oh, Pru.

HUDSON: Mrs. Hartfield.

My dears, there's a tremendous crowd outside!

Such excitement for them.

I hear Mrs. Keppel is coming.

I'm so looking forward to meeting her.

She's a close friend of the wiltshires, you know,

who are, of course, great friends of ours.

What?

Ah, champagne. Thank you.

How splendido.

My dears, I was at Ratby for the weekend,

and Tubby westaway had us in fits

with a new riddle that he'd heard out with the call.

Uh, now, what is the difference

between your last will and testament

and a man who has eaten as much as he can?

What is?

One is signed and dated, and the other is dined and sated.

[ Laughter]

HUDSON: Lord and Lady Wanborough, my lady.

MARJORIE: Maude, dear.

- How lovely to see you. - How kind of you.

- And, Toggs. - well, Marjorie, my dear.

You're in the way now, Ruby.

Now, pop on a clean apron

and run upstairs and see the king arriving.

Well, look sharp, girl.

You'll run into them in the hall.

Thanks, Mrs. Bridges.

Ooh.

[ Indistinct conversations]

Ruby, where are you going?

Up to landing, my lady.

Mrs. Bridges said I could go and peep over banisters.

That's right. 'Course you may.

What is the time?

I make it 24 minutes past.

Any moment now, Hudson.

Yes, sir.

[Conversations continue]

-Is my tie straight? - Perfect.

[Crowd cheering]

Listen.

Here he is now.

Open the door, Hudson.

Very good, sir.

[ Indistinct conversations]

EDWARD: Come on.

- Here you are, Mr. Hollands. - Thank you, Rose.

[Conversations continue]

More plates down, Mrs. Bridges.

Oh, well, take them through to the scullery and wash them up.

Oh, no, put these in the lift first.

Savory plates.

Oh.

[Exhales sharply]

[ Indistinct conversations]

To be truthful, sir, we very rarely go racing.

Though last July, we were asked to wait at Newmarket,

and my husband had a bet on one of your horses,

which, alas, didn't win.

A 2-year-old, I think it was.

Which was that, Lady Marjorie?

- Oh, dear. - Must have been Minerew.

We raced him very lightly last season.

A well-bred colt but a late developer.

Back him for the Derby, Lady Marjorie.

Lady Wanborough's brother

had a number of horses in training at one time.

Isn't that so, Maude?

Maude?

Perhaps you are too tired for conversation, Lady Wanborough.

Oh, no.

Oh, no, sir. I-I'm so sorry.

I had no idea you were addressing me.

Dear lady, I'm tired myself from visiting my nephew,

the German emperor in Hamburg.

Oh.

Sea was rough, train rattled, and there were too many fools.

My dear, I'm told she writhes about like a worm on the hook

and skips across the stage like a kangaroo,

dressed in nothing but the flimsiest pieces of chiffon.

With a good pair of opera glasses,

they say you can see her body

as though she were dressed in nothing at all.

I feel sure you must be speaking of Maud Allan.

No, I wasn't, actually.

I was talking of that other Woman -- Isadora Duncan.

Both equally shocking, my dear.

And whilst we're on that subject,

some of the clothes in Paris this year.

My dear, the way things are going,

we shall soon be dining out stark naked!

- All of us! - Yeah.

I don't think so. Do you, Prudence?

Well, not in my house, Richard. It's far too drafty.

Tell me, Admiral, have you seen this Duncan woman dance?

He was my first cousin.

Oh, no. No I'm wrong, sir -- my second cousin.

And he was the one that married Sisely Grant,

who was old lady Vorley's sister.

Uh, no, no, my sister-in-law. Yes, that's right.

Quite so.

Yes, and she married the Dean of Exeter.

Uh, or was it his brother?

Well, anyway, he was a Sterling.

They came from Berkshire.

Right, yes. - They had a very large property.

Do forgive me for interrupting, Lady Wanborough,

but I simply must ask the king to settle an argument.

Sir, you really must help us out.

With the greatest pleasure, my dear Alice.

Jack was telling me

that Alfred Northcliffe's mother had 14 children.

- Is it possible? - Yes, I believe it's true.

[ Chuckles ]

Imagine, 14 Lord Northcliffes!

[ Laughter]

It's quite funny, don't you think?

KING EDWARD: One is hard enough to bear.

ALICE: Oh, come, sir, you know you like him.

You've often said so.

KING EDWARD: Just because I arrange a peerage for a man,

it does not mean I have to like him.

I do not approve that a newspaper man

should have such power.

It is not healthy.

WOMAN: I can understand that.

[ Indistinct conversations]

Oh, I wish he'd sit down. My feet are quite numb.

If he doesn't settle in a few minutes,

I'll get Jack to do something about it.

Millicent Hartfield looks as if

she's gonna dance a fandango with him at any minute.

Every time she takes a step towards him,

he takes a step back.

He'll soon be pinned to the wall like a butterfly.

ALICE: It's such a pretty room, Lady Marjorie.

I do think you've been so clever with the colours.

Thank you.

I'm afraid the king is being bored to death

by Millicent Hartfield.

I think we ought to rescue him.

How?

I suggest bridge.

[Conversations continue]

What you gonna do with that, smoke it?

Sell it.

Oh.

[Bell ringing, pounding on door]

Oh, who do they think they are?

If you don't stop ringing that bell,

I'll get Mr. Hudson to get the police to you.

RUBY: why can't king's detective go and shoo them away?

Well, isn't that what he's here for?

Good heavens, Ruby. What are you thinking of?

The royal detective would never demean himself

to go out and speak to common people in the street.

He's sitting in Mr. Hudson's pantry

on his backside with his feet up.

[Bell ringing, pounding]

ROSE: who's ringing the bell this time of night?

EDWARD: Oh, it's probably some newspaper reporters

wanting a story from the servants.

You know, "How I served the king of England

to two helpings of baron of lamb,"

by Edward, footman to Lady Marjorie.

- Peer out and see who it is. - who, me?

Just look out the window.

EDWARD: All right.

[Ringing continues]

ROSE: Can you see anyone? EDWARD: well, not properly.

I-I think it's a woman, but I can't --

She's got a shawl all over her head.

What's going on?

There's someone at back door, Mr. Hudson.

There are several people at the back door, Ruby.

That's no reason for you all to stop your work

and gaup like them outside.

It's a woman all muffled up, and she keeps on ringing the bell.

Maybe it's Matty, come for her dripping.

MRS. BRIDGES: Not at this hour. Matty only comes mornings.

Shall I unbolt the door and see, Mr. Hudson?

I mean, if it is someone trying to get a peep at the king,

I can always send her away with a flea in her ear.

Oh, very well, Edward, unlock the door.

But be very careful.

We don't want any unauthorized persons bursting in.

SARAH: Thought you was never gonna open that perishing door.

Lumme! Here, it's Sarah!

ROSE: what? -[ Indistinct talking]

She's ill. She's ill.

Sit her down quick.

MRS. BRIDGES: What's she doing here?

Come back here with me old mates, Mrs. Bridges.

What's the matter, Sarah?

Does Lady Southwold know you're here?

No. Nor Mrs. Clay, neither.

Have you run away from Southwold?

After all they done for you?

I couldn't stick it down there, Mrs. Bridges, no longer, honest.

No one ever talked to me.

They -- They was all very kind,

but no one never said a word to me from one day to the next.

I just sat in that cottage window

and stared out at nothing.

No shops.

No streets with people going by or motorcars.

Just green fields and perishing trees.

It was horrible.

ROSE: Here, how did you get the money for the fare?

I borrowed it off of Jack Marshall,

one of the blokes that works on the farm.

I remember Jack Marshall. He always was soft in the head.

I walked all the way from Paddington,

all across the park in my tight --

[Inhales sharply] Ooh.

ROSE: What is it, Sarah?

[Exhales sharply]

It's all right.

It's just the baby. It'll pass.

Now, come along, all of you. Edward, Ruby, get out of here.

There's work to be done. Sarah, you'll just have to wait

until something can be done about you.

Here, Sarah, king of England's upstairs playing bridge.

What do you think of that?

Somebody told me in the street. What a night to choose, eh?

The king.

I had to hide behind a screen, Sarah.

He was especially pleased with my baron of lamb.

Yes, well, be that as it may,

you'll have to keep well out of the way, Sarah,

until His Majesty and the other guests have departed.

I'm not going to have this house disrupted tonight.

Where do you think you're gonna sleep, eh?

- well, Rose, I thought maybe -- - Oh, you did, did you?

She's not going to sleep in this house tonight,

not without her ladyship's permission, and that's final.

- Oh, please, Mr. Hudson. - That is final, Sarah.

Mr. Hudson, her ladyship would never allow it now anyway.

Not now I've skipped from Southwold.

I'll be turned out on the streets,

and it's ever such a cold night, Mr. Hudson.

Please!

[ Gasps ] Aah.

ROSE: She's in terrible pain.

Rose!

I think it's coming now.

Are you sure, Sarah?

MRS. BRIDGES: Oh, crisis on. I know her of old.

All this agony just to get a bed for the night.

If you ask me, she ought to be packed

straight back to Southwold.

EDWARD: well, she won't get a train this time of night.

Well, first thing in the morning, then.

Answer me, Sarah. Are you really in pain?

Get us a towel, will you, Rose?

Oh.

Here, listen, Sarah.

You can tell me something.

Yeah, I think they have.

It's what Mrs. Clay said might happen

when the baby was on the way, so I think it's coming.

Mr. Hudson.

Edward, get your coat on.

Go down to Chesham Street, fetch Dr. Foley. Look sharp now.

Rose, you and Mrs. Bridges stay down here with Sarah.

Keep her warm. Get some blankets.

I shall go upstairs and inform her ladyship.

You'd like a nice cup of tea, wouldn't you, dear?

Yes, please, Mrs. Bridges.

You just sit there as quiet as you can.

[Inhales sharply] Ooh.

I'm sorry, Rose.

[ Indistinct conversations]

- Begging you pardon, my lady. - Yes, Hudson?

Might I have a word with you privately?

What is it? Has something happened?

There is a situation requiring your attention belowstairs.

It is rather urgent, my lady.

I'm so sorry about this.

Prudence, will you ask Lady Wanborough to take my hand?

Please forgive me.

[Conversations continue]

I thought you'd wish to be informed

-that Sarah is downstairs. Sarah?

The girl appears to have started labour.

Her -- Her child, my lady.

I've -- I've taken the liberty

of sending Edward out to fetch Dr. Foley.

- Oh, my God. - She's in the servants' hall.

Mrs. Bridges and Rose are seeing to her.

But she'll have to go at once to some hospital.

I'm afraid there is no time

to get her to a lying-in hospital, my lady.

Things are already well under way.

Go back into the drawing room, offer them drinks,

and let me know the instant the king looks like leaving.

Very good, my lady.

You ought never to have come here, not in your condition.

You ought to have stopped where you was, in Southwold.

I know that, Rose, but it's no good saying it now, is it?

Poor girl. ls the pain very bad?

- Don't get up. - I'm sorry, my lady.

Sarah, are you quite sure the baby's coming?

Yes, my lady. The pains are very strong and regular now.

Edward's gone for the doctor, my lady.

Yes, I know.

Rose, is the bed made up in the attic room,

the one next to Ruby's?

Well, it won't take me two minutes

to put clean sheets on it, my lady.

Send Ruby up with a hot-Water bottle.

- Yes, my lady. - Now, come along, Sarah.

We must get you upstairs and into bed.

- Can you walk? -'Course I can.

ROSE: Hold on to me, Sarah.

Here, Doctor --

Oh, uh, Dr. Foley's on his way, my lady.

MARJORIE: Thank you, Edward.

[Bell rings]

EDWARD: That's the drawing room, my lady.

- If that's the King leaving -- - S-Shall I go up and see?

Uh, no, Edward. Hudson's up there.

Come along. we must get Sarah upstairs quickly.

The detective is wanted, my lady.

His Majesty is about to leave.

We must get Sarah upstairs. Edward, fetch the detective.

You'll have to go out and warn His Majesty's chauffeur.

- Yes, my lady. - Hudson, will you take Sarah?

HUDSON: Very good, my lady.

Wait until the detective gets upstairs

and go very quietly past the drawing room.

I'll go on ahead and try and gain a little time.

Yes, my lady.

Right, quickly.

[ Indistinct conversations in distance ]

[Bell rings]

Front door.

Must be Dr. Foley.

Rose, take back Sarah. Quickly now.

Quickly.

I'll come and tell you when the coast is clear.

[Bell rings]

It's ever so exciting, isn't it, eh?

Like a game of hide-and-seek.

-[ Inhales sharply] - Try not to talk.

Ooh.

Blind me.

[Bell rings]

[ Indistinct conversations]

A most delightful evening, Lady Marjorie.

Good night, sir.

Bellamy, thank you.

I enjoyed my bridge-

We're very honoured, sir.

Hudson, the door.

You'd better take me straight to the young woman's room

and ask someone to fetch hot water, clean tow--

MARJORIE: I'm so sorry about that, sir.

One of my servants was taken ill,

and the doctor had to be sent for in a hurry.

We do apologize, sir.

The fellow asked me to accompany him

to some young woman's bedroom.

[ Laughs ]

Who do you suppose he thought I was?

[ Laughs ]

[ Coughs ]

Good night.

Thank you, Hudson. You'd better go straight up.

And tell Dr. Foley I'll come as soon as I can.

Very good, my lady. Edward, downstairs.

Marjorie, Sarah or no Sarah,

we must go back to the drawing room.

Sarah is our responsibility.

You said so yourself.

And besides, in a few hours' time,

you and I are going to be grandparents.

Had you thought of that?

DR. FOLEY: Take deep breaths, young lady.

DR. FOLEY: Take deep breaths, young lady.

- You'll find it'll help. -[ Breathing heavily]

DR. FOLEY: Go with the pain. Don't try to fight it.

Hold on to me, Sarah. There's a good girl.

Is the pain very bad?

DR. FOLEY: It shouldn't be too long now.

MILLICENT: Congratulations, Marjorie.

It all went off quite splendidly, didn't it?

MARJORIE: Thank you.

I think he's wonderful, considering he's not well.

I'm afraid he was very tired tonight.

That cough must take it out of him a lot.

Mm, it's all those endless cigars, my dear.

They killed my brother Rupert, you know.

He had a chest, too.

Ah, well.

-[ Smooches ] Good night. - Good night.

And thank you so much.

Good night, Richard. It was splendid.

- Good night, Prudence. - Good night, my dear.

MILLICENT: Good night.

Thank you, Roberts.

- HUDSON: Good night, my lady. - MAUDE: Good night, Hudson.

- HUDSON: My lord. - TOGGS: Good night, Hudson.

HUDSON: Good night, sir.

Thank you.

I hope you managed to get a glimpse of the king.

Oh, yes, madam.

We saw the guests go down to dinner

from her ladyship's bedroom landing.

It was quite a thrill.

I'm so glad.

- Good night, madam. - MILLICENT: Good night

Excuse me, Mr. Hudson. Could you ask her ladyship?

I'm not allowed in the drawing room.

- what is it, Rose? - She's wanted upstairs.

ROBERTS: wanted upstairs? Who by?

It's a private matter, Miss Roberts.

- Has your friend gone yet? - Yes, she has.

Then why don't you go up to your room?

Her ladyship won't be needing you yet a while.

There's still one lady's wrap left in the library.

Then you'll have to wait down here, won't you?

I expect it's Lady Prudence. I'm sure she hasn't left yet.

Exactly.

ROSE: I'm sorry, Mr. Hudson.

Only Dr. Foley said her ladyship should go up now, at once.

Very well, Rose. I'll see to it.

Then poor old Toggs Wanborough revoked twice

and finally dropped the entire pack of cards on the floor

while he was dealing.

I thought the king would have an apoplectic fit.

Oh, dear.

Yes, well, I can see you're plainly waiting

to be rid of old Pru -- first to come, last to leave --

and plainly dying for your beds.

So I'll depart.

HUDSON: Beg pardon, my lady,

but Dr. Foley is asking for you upstairs.

MARJORIE: Yes, all right, Hudson.

- I'll come in a minute. - HUDSON: Very good, my lady.

Dr. Foley? Who's ill?

RICHARD: One of the servants. - Oh, really?

I'm sorry, Pru. I'll have to go up.

Oh.

Oh, well, if it's that urgent.

Not your cook, I hope?

- Mrs. Bridges? No. - Ah.

One of the younger servants.

Oh, probably the excitement of having the king in the house.

What is it, Richard? Are you ill?

No.

Do you mind if I pour myself a whiskey and soda?

Of course not.

Prudence, as one of our oldest friends,

there's something I'd like you to know.

Our grandchild is being born upstairs.

James' child.

Oh.

[Grunting]

Would you rather not stay, Rose?

- I must stay, my lady. - It may distress you.

I've got to learn.

[Grunting]

[ Yawns ]

Oh, it's nearly 2:00.

Oh, leave all that now, Ruby, and go to bed.

RUBY: I've nearly done, Mrs. Bridges.

You better go to bed, Edward.

Oh, I don't think I could sleep, Mr. Hudson.

Oh, very well.

[ Door creaks]

She's all right.

MRS. BRIDGES: And the baby?

It was a little boy.

[ Sobbing ]

Oh.

That's that.

Perhaps it was for the best after all.

That poor, wretched little creature.

PRUDENCE: will you write to James and tell him?

RICHARD: As far as James is concerned, the matter was over

and forgotten the day he left for India.

James has a right to know that his child died.

RICHARD: Why upset him unnecessarily?

Because I know him quite well enough

to be sure that he'd want to be told.

PRUDENCE: And I know you Well enough, Marjorie dear,

to know you should go to your bed.

And I'm away to mine.

I'm glad you know, Pru.

It's good to share those sort of secrets with an old friend.

I only wish I could do something.

You've been more than a help.

- Good night, my dear. - Good night.

Good night.

RICHARD: Hudson, Lady Prudence is leaving.

Send Roberts up to her ladyship's room,

and you may go to bed yourself.

Thank you, sir.

MARJORIE: Hudson?

Thank you for all your help.

My lady.

Will I be sent back to Southwold?

MARJORIE: No, Sarah, not now.

No, you'll stay here and get your strength back.

Thank you, my lady.

MARJORIE: And when Dr. Foley says you can get up,

I thought you might undertake

a little light work around the house.

You know, just sewing, mending linen,

just to keep you occupied during the day.

Yes, I see.

Um...

will I be...like a servant?

I'm not saying I shouldn't be.

It's just that where will I... put myself?

Well, I-l have discussed that very carefully

with Mr. Bellamy and with Hudson.

Since you left us and went on the stage,

you are, of course, a young woman of, well, private status.

And your relationship with my son,

which I think we should put out of our minds from now on,

gave you certain rights,

as my husband and Sir Geoffrey explained.

Oh, and in any case, Sarah,

we'd like you to feel that there's a home for you here

for as long as you want to stay.

Thank you, my lady.

The difficulty, of course,

is where you're to sit and have your meals.

As you say, Where to put yourself.

Couldn't I go back downstairs with me friends?

Least they was my friends.

Well...

You see, at the moment,

I'm neither upstairs nor really downstairs, am I?

I'm what you might call an in-between, my lady.

Don't worry about it, Sarah.

I'll have a word with Hudson, and then we'll see.

Yes.

Lady Marjorie!

Yes, Sarah?

Why are you being so good to me

when I bring nothing but trouble to you ever since I come here?

Try and go to sleep.

There's a good girl.

[ Door closes]

Well, I think it's a disgrace, giving houseroom to that slut!

Well, it would be rather awkward, wouldn't it,

after all that's happened.

MISS ROBERTS: why should we have to put up with her?

She's got to have her meals somewhere, Miss Roberts.

She certainly can't have them upstairs with them.

And it wouldn't be you what had to take the trays up, neither.

Well, I think we ought to --

We don't want to know what you think, Ruby.

After all she's done

and the shame she's brought upon us all.

What shame has she brought on you, Miss Roberts?

She's a stuck-up, lying minx.

Huh, thinks she's better than any of us.

Puts on airs.

Gets Captain James into such trouble

that he has to be sent to India.

Then she thinks she can walk in here

as though nothing has happened.

We're none of us perfect, Miss Roberts.

Oh, have a heart, Miss Roberts. How would you like to be --

I wouldn't be ever in such a disgusting position

in anyone's house.

-[ Laughs] I'll bet. - How dare you?

I put it to you all that Sarah,

for all her faults and for all the upsets and trouble

she's brought upon this house,

is nonetheless capable of better things.

She is an able seamstress,

and she's possessed of a cheerful disposition.

Unfortunately, as a maid here,

she developed ideas well above her station in life,

and she fell from grace,

aided and abetted, I regret to say,

by the son of this noble house, who, in my opinion,

should have known better than to allow himself

such a relationship with a servant.

Sarah has paid a bitter price.

She has lost her child.

She is beaten.

If the master and her ladyship can see their way

to exercising tolerance and -- and kindness and forgiveness

towards this unfortunate girl,

then who are we, as Christians, to deny this young person ours?

I want a show of hands, please.

Her ladyship must be informed.

All those in favour of allowing Sarah to join us for her meals

and to sit with us here in this room,

raise your right hands, please.

MRS BRIDGES: Ruby!

All right, let the wretched girl have her meals in here.

As long as I don't have to sit next to her.

Excuse me please, Mr. Hudson.

I shall inform her ladyship at once of the staff's decision.

[ Door opens ]

ROSE: Sarah?

They've all agreed, even old Roberts.

Oh, Rose.

You'll be with us belowstairs, Where you belong.

It'll be just like old times.

We'll have some laughs, won't we?

But you've got to promise me one thing, mind.

Got to behave myself, haven't I?

You really have got to this time, Sarah.

It's serious.

I will, Rose.

I promise.

Subtitling by Acorn Media (re-sync by moviesbyrizzo)