Original subtitles

[orchestral music]

[plates clattering]

- Give us a hand Ruby.

Where's Mr. Hudson?

- Just coming.

- Oh Ruby, look at those sandwiches!

Doorsteps!

- Bread's new, Mrs. Bridges.

It's as thin as I could cut it.

- You didn't put fish paste on both sides?

- Oh no.

- Fetch me the cake plate.

Joan, handles all the same way.

The tea cups!

Lean I hope.

Here, somebody's been at my cake!

- It's not me.

- It was bigger than that yesterday!

Five slices I cut.

Somebody's been in my larder!

Hm!

I'll soon find out who's had it.

There're six eggs in that cake.

[all three women chattering]

[voice obscured by other women]

- My feet.

Oh, how lovely.

- Hungry, eh, Sarah?

- Bleeding ravenous.

- You've been at my cake, haven't you?

- No I haven't.

- You have.

Well?

- Oh, no you mention it, last night I was feeling

a bit peckish.

- I'll have a lock put on that larder door,

you see if I don't.

- Oh, I'm tired.

- Well, look at you getting fat as a pudding.

- Well that's one way of getting a new uniform eh,

Mrs. Bridges?

If I grow out of this one.

Better get the baby's tea ready.

-[Joan] I'll take the tray up for you Sarah.

-[Sarah] Aw, would you Joan, you're a love.

- No you don't Joan.

It's not your job to carry nursery trays up and down.

Not in this house.

- She'll only go and drop it again--

- Ruby.

-[Mrs. Bridges] What did you say?

- It's just that I dropped the nursery tray this morning

that's all Mrs. Bridges.

I was feeling a big giddy.

Nothing broke, it was just a bit of oatmeal on the liner

and I wiped it up straight away.

- Giddy were you.

That'll do you two, out.

Put on the kettle for tea Ruby.

Joan count how many spoons she puts in the pot.

She runs out of fingers after five.

And shut the door behind you.

Hm.

Now then Sarah.

- I'm just gonna get the baby's tea, Mrs. B.

- Nanny hasn't rung yet, has she?

- No, Mrs. Bridges.

What you staring at me for?

- Do you know what I think, Sarah?

I think you're eating for two.

Am I right?

- I don't know what you're talking about!

- Oh yes you do my girl.

I've noticed, I'm not blind.

You've been putting on weight, haven't you?

Eating in between meals, dropping trays.

Feeling a bit dicky in the mornings, I should be surprised.

Mr. Hudson you're just in time.

- In time for what Mrs. Bridges?

Surely servant's all tea isn't for another five minutes yet.

- Mrs. Bridges, please--

- In time for what Mrs. Bridges?

- Just in time to hear our Sarah's news.

She's eating for two again.

Aren't you?

- Is this true Sarah?

- Just 'cause I want a bit of cake.

- Sarah, I demand a simple answer.

Are you or are you not expecting?

- What if I am?

- Yeah, what did I tell you?

- I am shocked Sarah.

Shocked to my very fiber!

- It wasn't my fault.

-[Mrs. Bridges] The cry of the hussy Mr. Hudson.

It's never her fault.

You're talking to me and Mr. Hudson my girl.

We know you don't get babies while smelling the flowers.

- It's not fair ya know, it's always me what's put upon,

ever since I first come to this house.

-[Mr. Hudson] Sarah!

- Oh go on sack me.

I don't care.

Wish I could die.

You sack me without a character.

- Character, it's a bit too late to talk about character!

- Mrs. Bridges!

- It's the truth.

Now come along, who is it?

- Well?

- I'm not saying.

-[Mrs. Bridges] Don't know which of many, eh?

- Yes.

- Mrs. Bridges please.

- Well, the little trollop!

- Last time you wasn't horrible, you was understanding

last time.

- Last time was bad luck.

This time it looks like it's becoming a bad habit.

- Now that's enough Mrs. Bridges.

Sarah in view of the generous way

the family has treated you--

- Generous?

- Over the business with Captain James.

- Well they kept you on, they looked after you.

- They had to!

It was his fault, their son's!

Partly, wasn't it?

- Well it wasn't this time, was it?

- You can't expect any help from upstairs this time Sarah.

It'll have to be reported.

[Sarah cries dramatically]

Now stop that Sarah!

You'll make yourself ill, stop it!

Now please.

There now, that's better.

Now then, who is the father?

What manner of person?

- Pardon?

- Who done it?

- What manner of person?

He was, well, it wasn't my fault, Mr. Hudson.

I just went out on Nanny's afternoon off.

-[Mr. Hudson] And left the baby?

- Only for a few minutes, Ruby kept an eye on her.

I just went round the corner to get some gripe water.

- In my day we made our own.

- Well the chemist didn't have none, Pierson's.

So I went up Night's Bridge and he didn't have none neither.

- Oh?

Must have been an outbreak of wind all over Belgravia.

-[Mr. Hudson] Go on, my girl.

- Well, I'd gone so far it seemed daft to go home

empty handed, so I walked along Piccadilly.

-[Mrs. Bridges] Oh yes.

- And I just got as far as the Burlington Arcade

when it started to rain.

Pouring stair rods it was.

Belting down buckets.

-[Mrs. Bridges] Go on.

- Was this man, in there.

- In the arcade?

-[Sarah] Yeah.

He was sheltering and all

- What sort of a man?

He was a tough.

He was a real gent.

He had a silk hat on, and a silk brolly.

Not young, not old neither.

Sort of man you could really trust.

Very tall and distinguished looking.

He had little bits of gray hair around his temples

and little bits of baby lamb all around his collar.

- If this distinguished looking man possessed a hat

and an umbrella, why was he sheltering from the rain?

- Quite.

- He was waiting for a hackney.

No, I tell a lie, he was waiting for his carriage.

His own carriage.

Yeah, he was waiting for his own carriage.

-[Mr. Hudson] And he spoke to you?

- Yes, he offered me a ride back here.

But he stopped on the way.

-[Mr. Hudson] Where did he stop?

- Outside his rooms.

Now, I don't know what street it was Mr. Hudson,

it could have been Ebury street, but then again,

it could have been Walton Place.

- And it could have been High Street China.

- Well, I went in with him.

There didn't seem no harm in it.

It was pouring down rain and I was ever so wet through.

-[Mrs. Bridges] Go on.

- Well, he offered me some brandy.

Just to warm me up being as how I was soaked to the skin.

-[Mr. Hudson] And then?

- Well, I'm not used it Mr. Hudson.

Brandy, ya see, not me being a poor servant girl.

Before I knew where I was, I was back here.

It'd left off raining by then.

And he must have took advantage of me.

Cruel advantage of a poor servant girl while she was just--

- Drunk.

- Oh no, only just a little bit tiddly Mrs. Bridges.

And he was ever so distinguished looking.

- You know, our Sarah reminds me

of the Salvation Army banner.

Thousands have been this way before.

There is plenty of room for thousands more.

- All right Mrs. Bridges.

- Don't be hard on me Mrs. Bridges, you're a woman too,

have pity on me.

- It isn't for me to have pity, my girl,

it's for them upstairs.

Lady Marjorie will have to be told directly she gets back

from Biarritz.

- We will not wait for our ladyship's return Mrs. Bridges.

I will have to tell the master at once.

- Servants in child is for women to talk about, Mr. Hudson.

- And discipline is for men to talk about Mrs. Bridges.

Your tea is ready in the morning sir.

- Thank you Hudson.

- If I might have a word with you sir?

- I have a lot of work to do.

- It is rather important sir.

- I have to change the entire text of a speech

for Thursday's debate, can't the matter wait?

- It would be improper of me not to inform you at once, sir.

- Has the roof fallen in?

- No sir.

- Is anybody dead?

- No sir.

- Well.

- I regret to report sir that the nursery maid is pregnant.

- What did you say?

- Sarah is expecting a child sir.

Again.

- Oh god no.

-[Mr. Hudson] I regret so, sir.

- Are you sure?

- She has confessed to it sir.

- And has she confessed who is responsible.

- She's somewhat unspecific on that point sir.

A chance encounter, I understand, with a man

who offered her shelter from the rain.

- How far advanced is she?

- I would estimate some five to six months, sir.

- Well you were quite right to tell me, Hudson,

but it really is a matter for her ladyship.

- I am confident that her ladyship

will be extremely upset, sir.

- Upset, I should think so.

Time Sarah learned her lesson and settled down.

- On this occasion, I have no doubt her ladyship

will enforce her usual rules, sir.

- Oh yes.

Of course, we must never forget that Sarah is something

of a special case.

- Quite sir.

- Well, her ladyship will be back on Thursday,

couple of days won't do any harm.

- Very good sir.

I uh, I hope you don't misunderstand me sir.

I have nothing personal against the girl.

- Of course not Hudson.

- It is simply a matter of discipline.

This household is like a ship in His Majesty's navy sir,

one small indiscipline could lead to mutiny.

It must be nipped in the bud sir.

And on this occasion--

-[Richard] Thank you Hudson.

- Very good sir.

- I made you a fresh hot special Thomas.

- Well that's very good of you Mrs. Bridges.

Kept you out late again did he?

- Aye, we had to pick up some papers from the admiral

on the home from West Minster.

- Oh yes.

- We was rattling down the Mall, motor going well

and somebody tried to overtake us.

A little Aston with all black smoke pouring out the back!

Can you imagine, and Aston trying to overtake

a Rolls Royce in the Mall?

-[Mrs. Bridges] I can't [chuckling].

- Well the master was busy reading in the backseat,

so I uh, put my foot down, as they say.

Well, the old Rolls Royce flew, didn't it?

42 miles an hour.

-[Mrs. Bridges] Oh Thomas.

- Oh now they're very tasty sandwiches Ruby.

- You mustn't say things like that to her.

Turn her head, if she's got one.

- Oh she's got one all right Mrs. B, eh?

Ruby's got brains all right, haven't ya love?

- Mustn't say things like that Mr. Watkins.

- Go on, get on with that washing up in the scullery.

Brains?

That Ruby?

I wish she had.

Still, I dare say she's got more in that thick head of hers

than some people I could mention.

- Oh, who's that then, Mrs. Bridges?

- That Sarah.

- Sarah?

What's she been up to, eh?

- Well may you ask.

- Oh?

- Still, it's not anything that's quite nice to talk about.

Well, not to a man while he's having his tea.

- Oh, I see.

- Leastways, I don't think it is.

- No, no.

- It's her urges, ya see.

- Mmm.

- She can't control her urges.

- It's a bit of meat for dinner it's been giving me jippers.

- What's going to happen when Lady Marjorie comes back

next Thursday?

What's going to happen then?

There'll be such an explosion,

you'll hear it all the way from Victoria station.

- I suppose I'll hear.

- Yes, when Lady Marjorie finds out.

- Mmm mmm.

- About Sarah.

- Oh? Something wrong with Sarah is there?

- Wrong?

Nothing's wrong if you're married.

Nothing wrong if you've got a husband.

- Sarah's not married, is she?

- That's just the trouble.

A little stranger.

- Sarah's a little stranger?

- No, she's going to have a little stranger [gasps].

There now, I've gone and let it slip.

You are a wonder, getting it out of me like that.

- Aye well, don't worry Mrs. Bridges, now I wouldn't

breathe a word to a living soul, not if it's a secret.

-[Mrs. Bridges] Well it is.

- Poor old Sarah, now that's rotten luck, isn't it?

- Well, she's brought it on herself.

This time she'll have to go.

- This time?

- You know there was another time.

You remember the--

- Oh yes, yes, we're not allowed to mention.

- Quite.

This time, it happened outside the walls of this house.

Ah, she's cooked her goose proper this time.

- Looks like it.

Mrs. Bridges?

- Yes, Tom?

- Wouldn't be a drop more tea in the pot, would there?

[clock ticking]

- Yes?

Oh.

Hudson, about this wretched girl.

- Sarah sir.

- Yes, who else knows about her condition

among the servants?

- Only Mrs. Bridges and myself, sir.

- Not Rose?

They were close friends weren't they?

- Rose, if you recall sir, went to see her aunt

on the cottage Southwold for a few days.

- Of course.

- She returns to us on Friday, sir.

- I see.

So, nobody need know until her ladyship returns.

- No, sir.

I will certainly speak to Sarah, sir.

Edward, as you know, is away with his bad leg.

And I'll see to it that Joan and Ruby are kept in ignorance

of the situation, sir.

And Watkins, of course.

- Very well, Hudson.

Thank you.

- Thank you, sir.

[sharp thuds]

- 500 pounds.

500 pounds is a lot of money for a man like you Tom Watkins.

You'll never earn that much out of your wages.

Not under 10 years you won't.

- Tom? Are you alone?

I thought I heard voices.

- I just reading out loud to myself.

My bible.

- Ah, your bible.

What chapter and what verse, eh?

- The parable of the servant who dreamed of leaving

his wealthy master and going out into the world

to seek his own fortune.

And it came to pass there was a small motorcar business

for sale in Watford road, Kilburn.

- They found out Tom.

- Who's found out?

- Mrs. Bridges and Mr. Hudson.

And he'd have told the master, so her ladyship will know

the minute she gets back.

- Sure.

- Well, I'll be thrown out on the streets.

But I made up a story.

I told 'em it was this gent that's give me a ride

in the rain and took me back to his apartment,

so plied me with drink and I lost me head,

that's what I said happened.

- Why'd you tell 'em a fancy story like that?

- To save you from the sack, what do you think?

- I don't need saving from the sack.

- Well, you would if they knew it was you.

- Now why didn't you tell 'em the truth, eh?

- Well then where would we be?

This way at least your clean.

One of us has to be, so I lied for ya.

Whatcha gonna do for me, Tommy?

- Nothing.

- Nothing?

Well, you gotta do something, Tom.

You, you marry me and make it all respectable.

I'm not going through all that, not again.

Tom, you can't leave me to have me baby on me own.

Tom, please.

- I'm busy.

- Busy?

Look you kept busy with me Thomas Watkins!

You do something.

- Will you stop?

Leave me, will you! - You help me!

Oh god Tom, you gotta take care of me now!

- Clear off will you?

- I'll tell 'em.

I'll them it was you.

-[Joan] Sarah? Mr. Watkins?

- Yeah, what do you want?

- Mr. Watkins, sorry to intrude, but I was just looking

for Sarah.

Oh, there you are.

You're wanted over at the house.

- Who wants me?

- Well Nanny wants you.

It's time for the baby's bath.

- Sod Nanny, and sod the baby.

- Right you are, I'll tell 'em.

- I'll come.

- Shall I tell Nanny you're on your way then?

- Yeah.

[metal grinding]

Don't leave me Tom.

You're all I've got now, honest.

-[Hudson] An overseas telegraph has just come, sir.

- From Biarritz?

- I couldn't say sir.

- From her ladyship, I expect to say which boat

she's arriving in.

No it's not, it's from India, by jove!

-[Hudson] Sir?

- From Captain James!

Sailing home, April, posting's over so--

- Oh her ladyship will be pleased.

- Oh she will!

Well that's good news anyway, thank you Hudson.

- Sir.

Oh and uh,

- Yes?

- Watkins is here sir.

He would like a word with you before you leave.

Will I ask him to come in?

- Yes.

- Mr. Watkins.

Watkins, sir.

-[Richard] Yes, Watkins, good morning.

- Good morning to you sir.

- What is this?

- Well, it's about Sarah, the nursery maid sir.

- What about her?

- Well, about her unfortunate condition, sir.

- Who told you about that?

- Mrs. Bridges.

- Well that was very wrong of her.

- Yes sir.

- It's not supposed to be common knowledge.

- No sir.

- Anyway, what's it got to do with you.

- Well, it's just that I'd uh, have to have your permission.

- Oh?

- Well, I don't know that I'd have to,

but I wouldn't feel happy without it, sir.

You know, respecting you as I do.

Though, Sarah would have to have it, just--

- Sarah?

- Your permission, yes.

Yes, I'm quite attached to her in a way sir.

- To Sarah?

- Yes, she's a lively girl, sir.

I'm not, you see, lively.

I like things quiet.

- What is it you're trying to tell me Watkins.

- Well, I was wondering how it would be if I offered

to marry her, sir?

You know, help her out, make her respectable?

- Marry her, you?

- Well, it's time I was married sir,

and I don't get to meet many girls.

And she's got some good qualities, sir.

- Marriage is a serious step Watkins.

- Oh, I know sir, I mean especially for me being chapel.

It's for life when you're chapel.

- Should be for life whatever you are.

- Oh yes, yes sir.

- And to take on another man's child.

Of course it's not unusual for chauffers to be married.

- Well, that's what I thought sir, and Sarah wouldn't

have to leave in disgrace.

- Quite.

- Penniless, destitute you might say.

- Oh, I don't think her ladyship would turn her

onto the streets penniless.

- On account of her recent misfortune in this household sir?

- That matter is over and forgotten, Watkins.

Well, you can rely on my absolute discretion sir,

I mean, as always.

- Oh yes, yes, I'm sure I can.

Well, that being so, and if you seriously mean

to offer marriage to Sarah, and as it were,

take over responsibility for her from us,

that is keep her happy and cared for,

- Out of mischief sir?

- Yes, Watkins.

- Oh yes, yes I would sir.

- In that case I don't think you would find us ungrateful.

It would solve happily what has become of late,

a very difficult family problem.

- Well, that thought was upper most in my mind, sir.

- You really are the most exceptional man, Watkins.

- Thank you very much, sir.

Of course I'll do my best to keep Sarah happy sir,

as far as my wages will allow.

- Oh, I don't think we need worry about that.

I'll speak to her ladyship when she returns

and I'm sure she'll agree to having the quarters

over the garage done up.

- Oh you shouldn't go to that much expense sir.

- Oh but we shall, and a suitable wedding present

for the two of you.

- Well that's very generous of you sir.

Would it be forward of me to inquire as to what form

that wedding present might take sir?

- I don't know, something for the living quarters perhaps.

Some furniture.

- Oh, I see, sir.

- Or a sum of money I should imagine, wouldn't you?

- Yes I would imagine a sum of money, sir.

- And a fairly handsome sum Watkins, I'm sure.

As I say, you'd be solving a very difficult family problem.

- Quite, sir.

- Well, I'm sure they'll all be pleased to hear

your news downstairs, unless you've told them already.

Have you?

- Oh no sir, I wouldn't mention it to anybody else,

not unless I had your permission first.

- Good man, now you go and tell them.

And I'll discuss the financial aspects of it with

her ladyship when she returns.

- Well, thank you very much sir.

- I could make this place look nice for us, ya know.

I'll make cushions and ever such pretty curtains for our

quarters up top.

Have Rose come when she gets back from her holidays.

I expect they'll give us some of the old furniture

they don't want in the attic.

Here, I hope the baby don't get upset by the smell

of the old car.

- Look, I wouldn't worry about that because we might not

be here all that long.

- What do you mean?

- It came to pass there was a motorcar business for sale

in Kilburn.

- For only 500 pounds.

Ah, you and your motorcar business.

Mrs. Thomas Watkins, eh?

- I'll have to go, Hudson.

Please give Lady Marjorie a message for me.

Tell if she's not too tired after her journey,

and would like to come to the Strangers Gallery

to hear me speak, I should be delighted.

-[Hudson] Yes sir.

- Oh yes, and one more thing.

Not a word to Lady Marjorie about Sarah and Watkins.

I shall break the good news to her myself

when I return later this evening after the debate.

- Very good sir.

[bell ringing]

- There, that will be her ladyship at last.

- Over an hour late.

These foreign time tables again.

- I was beginning to worry.

-[Ruby] What for, Mrs. Bridges?

- Well her ladyship's been on a boat, hasn't she?

On the sea, crossing the English channel from France

and boats can sink and people get drowned, Ruby.

- Oh not in fog, they go slow in fog.

- You can tell Watkins to be ready at four in case

I do decide to go to the house.

- Yes, my lady, and luncheon will be served

just as soon as you wish.

- Thank you.

Any other news, Hudson?

Everything all right downstairs?

- Yes, indeed my lady.

Oh, there's been an overseas telegraph from Captain James,

my lady.

The master informs me that the Captain will be sailing

for home in April.

- Oh that's wonderful news!

-[Hudson] Yes indeed my lady.

- Thank you Hudson.

- My lady.

- Oh god.

-[Hudson] My lady?

- Hm?

- I thought you said something, I beg your pardon, my lady.

- Yes, I did, Hudson.

-[Hudson] My lady?

- Where's Sarah?

- Sarah, my lady, if she's not upstairs in the nursery,

she'll be downstairs in the servants hall fetching

the nursery tray.

- I'd better see her, at once.

- Very good my lady.

Sarah, her ladyship wants to see you in the morning room.

- What me?

- Yes, you.

- Well, I can't stop now, Mr. Hudson.

I've gotta take this upstairs and then he'll create

if it's cold.

- Give me the tray, go into her ladyship immediately.

- What? - Here.

Just this once.

- Well.

- Go on in my girl, do as I say.

- You wanted to see me, my lady?

- Yes, I did Sarah, come in will you?

How's Lucy?

- Oh she's fine thank you, my lady.

She's cut another tooth

and Nanny says she's putting on weight.

- Oh that's good.

I'll go up and see Nanny later on.

- Yes my lady.

- Sarah, I've had some news today,

which I'm afraid is going to affect your future.

- Yes, I know my lady.

- You do?

About my son's return?

- Oh, no, not that.

I didn't know about that.

- Captain James will be sailing from India in April.

It's only a few weeks away, isn't it?

- Yes, my lady.

- Sarah, I want you to try very hard not to be upset

about this.

But I'm sure you'll understand that it would be unthinkable

with Captain James coming home, for you to be here

in this house in any capacity.

I'm sure you wouldn't want to be in any case.

I mean the situation would be intolerable for both you

and my son.

- You needn't worry, my lady.

You see it's all going to be all right.

I expect you haven't heard yet.

-[Marjorie] Heard what?

- The good news, about me and Mr. Watkins.

- You and--

- We're getting married, me and Mr. Watkins.

It's all arranged, the master knows all about it

and he's ever so pleased.

And he's told Mr. Watkins that he was gonna speak to you

about having our place done up over the garage

so I'll be out of the way over there.

- You're telling me that Watkins has asked you to marry him?

- Yes, that's right, my lady.

You see, I'm having this baby.

- You're having this baby?

- Well, it was all a mistake my lady.

There was this gentlemen that picked me up in the rain.

- I don't want to hear any details.

- No my lady.

- Sarah, how could you do this to us?

- But my lady the master knows all about it,

and Mr. Hudson and all of them.

And they all feel ever so sorry for me.

At least they was til Mr. Watkins come forward

and offered to make it all respectable by marrying me.

So it's going to be all right, isn't it my lady?

- No Sarah, it's not going to be all right.

Not this time.

- My lady, Mr. Watkins--

- Watkins is the chauffer here Sarah,

and I'm certainly not going to see him ruin his career

for some foolish act of misplaced chivalry.

Send Watkins to me at once.

- Very good, my lady.

- And you better tell Nanny that Sarah will be leaving

at the end of the week.

- My lady please!

-[Hudson] Sarah, downstairs.

- Look my lady--

- And stay there until I come.

- Hudson, why was I not told about this?

Has everyone gone mad since I've been away?

Sarah enceinte, Watkins offering to marry her?

- The master is acquainted with the facts, my lady.

I understand he's given his consent to Watkins

and he intended to inform your ladyship about it tonight.

- Then it's just as well I've discovered the facts

for myself in time.

Fetch Watkins.

- Yes my lady.

- I understand you'll be requiring me to drive you to

the house of commons this afternoon my lady.

- Oh, I'm not sure about that yet, Watkins.

Come in, will you?

[door closes]

Tell me Watkins, are you happy in your position here?

- Oh yes, my lady.

- And we're very content with you.

Your training with us has turned you into a first class

chauffer.

- Thank you my lady.

- So now we depend on you, which is as it should be.

- Well, thank you very much my lady.

- And you will understand, Watkins, that we cannot

allow you to throw yourself away on a servant girl

who's landed herself in trouble.

- I beg your pardon my lady, but I'm not quite sure

I understand.

- Well, I don't allow my younger servants to marry.

Few households do.

Well, at Southwold even the older servants are discouraged.

You have no obligation to that girl, Watkins.

No responsibility whatever.

- No my lady--

- No doubt, she's been ill used.

I blame the man, whoever he is, as much as the girl.

- Yes, yes, well if I could find out the swine's name

my lady.

- Indeed.

Of course we've tried to help Sarah in the past,

as you know, and it's chivalrous of you to make the offer,

but also exceedingly foolish.

Your place is here while hers is not.

Especially not after April.

- April?

When the captain returns from India, my lady?

-[Marjorie] Yes.

- On the other hand, with quarters done up nice and comfy

and Sarah busy with a baby, there'd be no call

for the captain or Sarah to meet or even see each other.

I'd make sure she wouldn't go wandering over the house

when he's here.

- I'm afraid it won't do, Watkins.

- The master was good enough to mention the possibility

of a generous wedding present if I were to,

now how did he put it, to take the responsibility

for Sarah from the shoulders of the Bellamy household.

Doing you a favor, I'd be, so the master said.

So I would respectfully suggest that you might

like to reconsider your decision my lady.

I mean, after all, as a man of honor and strick brought up,

I couldn't go against my word.

I mean, you wouldn't want me to do that, would you my lady?

Not, not, to not go back on my word.

- Are you absolutely determined to marry her?

- Yes, I am, my lady.

- I see.

That's a great pity.

I'd hope you'd have the sense to put your career first.

I see now it means nothing to you so that's that.

I can't force you to stay here against your will.

- No, no my lady.

- I'll see that you both have a month's wages

before you leave.

It won't be much to marry on, of course,

whether or not you decide to marry Sarah eventually

is no concern of mine, you'll be free to do as you wish.

That'll be all Watkins.

- There you are!

Safe and sound, I hope the sea was calm.

Oh you do look well.

- Richard what's all this about Watkins and Sarah?

- Oh you've heard?

I was going to tell you all about it this evening.

- It's outrageous!

- Keep calm Marjorie, the matter's been solved.

- Indeed it has not.

I sometimes wonder if you live in the real world.

- Listen to me my dear, I know how you feel.

But you must remember that Sarah's been the source

of endless trouble and embarrassment to us.

If Watkins wants to make her respectable,

and help her settle down--

- Not in this house.

And as he refuses to give her up,

they're both under notice.

- What?

Marjorie, I wish you wouldn't go against me.

It makes a man look such a damn fool when he says one thing

and his wife says another.

- Your wife had to say you were wrong.

- To you, I am invariable.

Why am I wrong?

- Because it's impossible to contemplate those two

married and living under this roof.

- I don't agree with you.

- Apart from her condition, she can't be here when James

gets back from India.

- There's no reason why James and Sarah should ever

come face to face.

Besides, I've given them my blessing.

- Because you didn't stop to consider the consequences.

Anyway, they're going.

I'll have to find a new chauffer and a new nursery maid.

- Now listen--

- And in future Richard, I beg you, don't interfere

with matters concerning the servants.

- Excuse me my lady.

Watkins is here and he wishes to have a word with you

and the master.

- If he's simply going to argue for Sarah to stay on

as his wife, there's no point in further discussion.

- We don't know what he wants to say.

Send him in, Hudson.

- Very good, sir.

- Come in Watkins.

Close the door.

What is it you want to say?

- I just wanted to apologize if I seemed a little

disrespectful this afternoon my lady.

I mean, it's a terrible thing for a man to be out of a job

all of the sudden.

- Yes, Watkins, but you know,

you did bring this on yourself.

I mean, there's no need for you to go if you'd only

give up this marriage.

- No, I can't do that my lady.

I just wanted to tell you that we've had a bit of luck.

Sarah and me.

See I've been making some inquiries in the mews

and it seems that some people over in Chester Square,

titled people, they are, have an old chauffer giving up

and they need somebody who can handle a big limousine.

There's some nice quarters over the garage and no objection

to a married man my lady.

So I just wanted to say thank you for all the knowledge

we've acquired in your employ.

It should stand us in good stead outside this household.

You see Sarah and I have learned quite a lot

since we've been here and we're very grateful.

So there's really no need to worry about us.

Thank you my lady.

Thank you sir.

- That was a threat, that was a direct threat!

- I don't know what you're talking about.

- Richard, I sometimes think you shut your eyes to things

on purpose.

Sarah and Watkins are going to work round the corner

in Chester Square with people who probably know us.

And they're going to see to it that our private family

affairs are made public knowledge in every servants hall

and consequently ever drawing room in Belgravia.

- Oh nonsense Marjorie, you're imagining it!

- I'm not, it was a direct threat.

- How can you stop them?

- I could refuse them references.

- If he's as malicious as you now say he is.

He'll tell them why you won't give him a character

and that'll make a worse scandal.

- You must think of something else.

Do something, Richard.

- Me? I thought you said all matters involving the servants

were your affair.

- You got us into this mess, you can get us out of it.

- Oh damn servants!

Why in God's name do we have to put up with them?

[distant singing]

Oh she's as good as gold, only our--

- I wanted a word with Watkins.

- He isn't here sir, he's gone out.

He shouldn't be very long.

- That's Lucy.

- Yes sir.

- What's she doing here?

- Well sir,

- Well she shouldn't be over here.

Does Nanny know?

- No sir.

Ya see, the pram had a squeak in it and I brought it

in here for Mr. Watkins to oil it.

And he wasn't here, so I thought I'd wait, you know,

for a few minutes.

It was ever so cold outside.

I didn't like to leave the baby out there,

and I brought her in here to keep her warm.

- I hardly ever see her.

[baby fusses]

-[Sarah] She's cut another tooth, sir.

- No, much too young.

- If you give her your finger, sir, she might hold on to it.

[Richard chuckling]

- So she does.

- She does sometimes.

- Yes, how pretty she is.

- Your daughter's pretty sir.

- Won't you be sorry to leave her?

- Unless her ladyship changes her mind.

- I'm afraid she won't do that Sarah.

- Well then I'll be sorry, but I'll have one of my own soon.

- You sure you're not acting in haste,

this idea of marrying Watkins?

- No sir, you see, I love him.

Nobody thinks of that.

- Does he love you?

- Well you never know with men, do ya?

But I have hopes.

[door closes]

- Good evening sir.

For our engagement sir and our departure.

- Better get little Lucy back to Nanny.

- Doesn't she need some help?

- No, it's all right sir, she can look after herself.

- A good marriage is essential to any man Watkins.

Whatever else I may have said to you,

whatever else I may say, I believe that to be

a fundamental truth.

-[Watkins] I think it'll be a fair marriage, eh?

- With another man's child?

- Well as for that, perhaps I'll be as good a father

as a real one.

And it's not the baby's fault is it?

- And what's this?

- It's an advertisement sir.

- Curious decoration.

- That's my dream.

Workshop walls are the places for dreams.

Postcard beauties, seaside views for them as has holidays.

That's mine sir.

- Profitable garage business, rooms over,

500 pounds.

- Aye, it's just a dream sir.

- Would you rather be your own master than continue

in private service?

- Would you blame me sir?

- A man in his own way of business has to take knocks.

Has to eat a lot of humble pie,

even members of Parliament.

- Excuse me for saying so sir, but servants eat a bit

of humble pie now and again.

- Could I have a glass of that beer?

- Well it's my pleasure sir!

- Long time, since I drank beer.

- You sir?

- I used to drink beer as a young man.

- Well if you like it you should drink it sir.

I mean, you're the master.

- Why I don't.

Hudson wouldn't approve [chuckles].

Thank you.

Can I sit down?

- Oh, sorry, sorry, yes, yes sir.

- Watkins, I am willing to give you the capital sum

you need for this.

Wouldn't you prefer to buy your own little motorcar business

and run it, rather than go as chauffer for somebody else?

- Oh naturally sir.

- Very well then.

If I agree to finance this venture,

and I want to make it quite clear I'm doing it just as much

for Sarah's sake as your own,

I want a solemn undertaking.

Two solemn undertakings.

First, that her ladyship will never know of our arrangement.

And second that neither you nor Sarah will ever reveal

to a living soul anything you've seen or heard

in this house to the detriment of the family's

good name.

I want to be sure there's no misunderstanding, Watkins.

My wife's letters, my daughter's marriage,

her child, Sarah and my son.

All our private family affairs.

- Never a word to a living soul sir.

I hope I might take your hand on that.

- Very well.

I'll make out a check at once.

- Would you make it out to pay bearer sir?

- Yes, Watkins.

- What about her ladyship, sir?

- I will inform her ladyship that you've changed your mind

about working for somebody else, you've come into

a little windfall and you're going to goin into business

on your own in a small way.

[paper tears]

- May I ask you sir, why you've decided to do this?

- Well, in a way you're my responsibility.

If you never learn anything else Watkins, learn that.

The minute you become a master, you take on responsibilities

which you avoid at your peril.

Here.

- That's very generous of you sir.

- Here, take it.

But remember, her ladyship must never know.

Thank you for the beer.

♪ It won't be a stylish marriage

♪ I can't afford a carriage

♪ But you look sweet upon the seat

♪ Of a bicycle made for two

- Very good.

- Come on Sarah, you're--

[everyone speaking at once]

- In her condition.

- Now this is a celebration Mrs. Bridges.

- Oh look who's talking with a face like a wet weed.

- Ah, come on love.

- All right then.

- Ladies and gentlemen, your kind attention please.

Now then, by popular demand,

- No expense spared.

- And no expense spared, the return of the ever popular,

- The one and only,

- Miss Clemond Stallies!

- Give us a note, yeah.

[glass clinking]

- All right? - La la.

- Now here. [glass clinking]

La la.

♪ What are we gonna do about Uncle Arthur?

♪ A blinking stallion, is Uncle Arthur.

♪ When he goes a-strolling in the park,

♪ Watch your step, girls, especially after dark.

[wordless vocalizations to tune]

- Oh my god!

- Sir, my lady!

- No, no, no please go on with what you're doing!

We only came down to wish the engaged couple well.

- Yes indeed.

- We won't stay a moment.

Why don't you sit down my dear.

- Yes, sit down Mrs. Bridges.

-[Mrs. Bridges] Oh thank you my lady.

- Do go on with the song.

- Well, um Hudson, what about a little whisky to liven

things up, eh?

- Whiskey, gin surely.

- Both!

This is a special occasion!

- Well, I'll say, yes sir, and thank you very much!

For mild ale is notorious for the heartburn.

- Hudson, give Joan the keys, will you?

- There we go, you heard what the master said,

look sharp now.

-[Marjorie] Please go on Sarah.

- All right Sarah.

[Sarah clears her throat]

♪ What are we going to do with Uncle Arthur

♪ A blinking stallion, is Uncle Arthur

♪ When he goes a-strolling in the park

♪ Watch your step, girls, especially after dark

♪ Any old skirt's a flirt to Uncle Arthur

♪ Uncle Arthur

[wordless vocalizations with tune]

- Come Ruby, they're down, the master and her ladyship

have come to join in the fun!

- I've gotta get these done.

- Got a cup?

What about drop of this?

- No.

- It's cold down here, come on.

- No, I can't.

Well, not like this.

- Well, only look.

Sarah's doing her turn, it's a caution.

- She's a caution all right.

Having a baby, getting married,

coming into all that money.

- Only one thing missing, eh?

The father of her kid.

Wouldn't half laugh if he walked in.

- What do you mean?

- Come on.

- How can he walk in if he's already there?

- What are you talking about?

- Mr. Watkins is there.

- No, no, Ruby, you got it all mixed up.

She's marrying him, but he's nothing to do with the baby.

He's just being good to her.

- Look, I know.

- Know what?

- I've known ever since he,

he come to her room at night and they had a row.

I heard it.

- Heard it?

- Yes, she said what he done to her and she was going

to have a baby.

And he hit her, Mr. Watkins did.

- Never!

- Yes, I think she cried.

And they made it up and he said not to worry and he'd

sort sommit out.

- But they all, they all think,

And Mr. Hudson thinks.

And upstairs thinks.

Oh Ruby, what wickedness there is in this world.

It's not decent at all.

Not more decent than anyone.

Not if it's his kid all along.

Well, Ruby.

- Should we tell?

- No, it wouldn't do.

You can only tell on people under you,

not over you.

♪ My wife boom won't let me

[laughter and clapping]

- Very very nice, thank you

- Thank you Sarah, Watkins.

Our best wishes and good luck with the motorcar business.

- Yes, from us both.

-[Sarah] Oh thank you my lady.

Thank you very much sir. - Thank you very much.

- Good night Sarah.

- Good night. - Good night my lady.

- Good night my lady, good night sir.

- And thanks for the whiskey!

- Here, let me have that bottle of whiskey.

-[Mrs. Bridges] Oh give me a drop of that gin.

[all chattering]

I do wish we had a piano.

I do like a nice piano.

- What's up with you two then, eh?

Look like you seen a ghost.

-[Tom] Hey how bout another song then, shall we?

-[Hudson] Oh no, no, no, we haven't got time for that now.

We've got to clear up in here

- No, certainly not Mr. Hudson.

Pardon me, this is our family we're sending out into

the world.

And I'll have another drop of that gin while it's there.

- Oh you're a terrible girl.

[laughter]

- And for Pete's sake,

Give them two a drop of beer,

they look like mourners at a funeral.

♪ Here comes the bride

♪ All fat and wide

- Mrs. Bridges.

♪ See how she wobbles

- Mr. Hudson.

♪ From side to side

-[Watkins] Oh very good there!

♪ Here comes the bride

♪ All fat and wide

- Well, that's that.

- Yes, they'll be gone by the end of the week.

Good riddance.

- You know it's absurd but I think I'm gonna miss

that little Sarah in an odd sort of way.

Anyway, they can do us no harm in Kilburn.

- Oh I don't suppose there's much social gossip

around the garages of Northwest London.

Thank god for Watkins little windfall.

- From an aunt in Pontypool he told me.

- Did he?

- 500 pounds is an awful lot of money.

- Yes.

- You shouldn't really have given it to that rascal.

But I'm very glad you did.

[lips smacking]

[jovial music]