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BEATRICE: 25 and 35...

35...

and 17.

Oh, what is it?

Oh, God.

JACK: First sign.

- What?

- Talking to yourself.

Oh, well, in that case,

I went mad long ago.

And you've made me

lose my place.

Jack, please be quiet.

Jack!

You need a breath

of fresh air.

I can't possibly.

I have mountains to get through.

All work and no play,

Beatrice,

you'll get to be

a very dull girl.

Jack, you should

be pleased for us.

The orders

have been pouring in.

Jack, really!

There's not much to choose

between you and my sister.

How is Penelope?

She's wearing herself out,

working about 18 hours a day

at the new mission --

Now, tea? Coffee?

A spot of supper somewhere?

Not possible.

Please, Jack?

I must finish.

Thank you.

Blooming collar.

Why won't it fit?

[Sighs]

MADGE: It's not good enough.

Well, I'm sure I done it right.

I cut it like the tunics.

Betty, it's a jumper blouse.

It doesn't fit tight

at the waist.

Look at Miss Evie's drawing.

Now, there's a fullness,

don't you think?

Looks all right to me.

A fullness would make it feel

more comfortable

and look more graceful.

If you work here, you have

to get a feel for such things.

I'll unpick it then.

Orders flying in...

important clients...

special commissions...

That's good.

That's very good.

Mm-hmm.

But even with four extra hands,

you're still all working

like slaves.

You're just not very well

organized, are you?

We're not organized?

Jack, that studio of yours

is a mess, and always has been.

If you were properly organized,

your business

wouldn't be collapsing

about your ears.

Touché.

But I don't understand.

Jumper is a jumper,

blouse is a blouse.

What do they mean,

"jumper blouse"?

Miss Bea don't like 'em

very much, does she?

Perhaps

it's 'cause she's older.

Do get on, Agnes.

Madge, finished.

It's all right, isn't it?

Quite.

Tilly, you've had

a long day.

So have I.

MADGE: Tilly was here before

any of us this morning.

You get off home, Tilly.

We can finish up.

I can carry on for a bit.

You've done more than enough.

Go on now.

Well...

Me mum's not going to know me,

getting home this early.

Good night then.

Good night, Miss Evie.

What can I do?

I'm out of fashion.

No one's clamoring to have me

photograph them anymore.

Well, is there anything

you can do

to get it going again?

Don't really want to.

You know what I'm bursting

to get into.

BEATRICE: Moving pictures.

An even more precarious

profession than photography,

I'd have thought.

You know nothing about it!

You have never been

inside a movie studio.

No, I've never been

to the North Pole,

but I know it's cold there.

That's enough cheek

from the Accounts department.

Now, as the director

of this company,

I order you to finish work

this minute.

4 pounds, 9 shillings,

and 4 pence.

Now, the others.

Come on, chop, chop.

All finished.

I mean, now.

This minute.

MADGE: Oh, yes?

Oh, yes.

Miss Beatrice

has appointed me timekeeper.

Good night.

- AGNES: Night.

- BETTY: Nighty-night.

Glad to see you have

a little sense.

Well, I'm not always sensible.

Some people can make me

do anything.

Evie?

You've done enough.

[Crying]

Oh.

[Door closes]

I wouldn't do that.

Better she sorts it out

on her own.

I've got work to do, as well.

Good night.

I'm afraid I've upset Evie.

I hardly said a word to her

and she burst into tears.

Oh, Jack, where is she?

JACK: She ran off.

To the bathroom, I presume.

She's been so ratty lately.

She never speaks to anyone.

I suppose it's still

Sebastian's death.

Evie doesn't

talk to me about it.

She's withdrawn completely

inside herself,

all this last week,

ever since the funeral.

You haven't exactly been

forthcoming yourself.

I know you weren't keen

to go to the funeral.

Evie felt she should.

It was she, after all, who

discovered Sebastian's mother

in the first place,

even though the woman

turned out to be a fraud.

Still, Evie knew she'd need

comforting, nonetheless.

And she was determined to go.

I couldn't let her face it

on her own.

In the event,

Mrs. Pearce snubbed us.

Oh?

Maybe that's it.

BEATRICE:

What do you mean?

Well, aren't funerals

supposed to help us

come to terms with things?

Lay our feelings at rest

along with the one we've lost.

If all it did was churn

Evie up even more...

Well, that's it, Jack.

I don't know what Evie's real

feelings for Sebastian were.

[Knock on door]

I saw your light on.

Evie, can I come in?

All right.

Can't you sleep?

Is it Sebastian?

We haven't really

talked about all of that.

Well, Evie, you've been

very distant with me,

and I don't know why.

EVANGELINE: Of course, you do.

I was certain you were

behind Hugo when he did

everything to stop me

from getting on that aeroplane.

BEATRICE: Why on earth

would I do that, Evie?

Because you disapproved

of Sebastian.

Or at least the idea

of Sebastian and me.

Bea, I was fond of him.

Maybe even more

than I realized.

Evie, I'm so sorry.

I had no idea.

Bea, I could've been

on that aeroplane.

BEATRICE: Oh, but you weren't.

You must get over this and enjoy

the life you've been given.

All I want to do is work.

BEATRICE: Don't use work

to blot out everything else.

You need to relax.

Go out again.

I know Hugo upset you, Evie,

but...can't you forgive him?

I never want to see Hugo

for as long as I live.

I've gone off men

completely.

It's true that I'm nearly 21.

I need to sort out my feelings.

Time.

It will take time

to get over this, Evie.

I know.

EVANGELINE: Philip White?

I think we should be really

glad we have something else.

An aim, a purpose.

And as long as we don't

kill ourselves

trying to achieve it.

[Laughs]

I'll be more sensible.

I promise.

Good.

Um, do you think

you can sleep now?

Hmm. Yeah.

Bea?

Oh, nothing. Nothing.

What?

It's the sort of idea

you'd call premature.

You mean, our collection?

It's a good idea.

Of course, it is, Evie.

I've been thinking

of it myself.

But it is premature.

EVANGELINE: Just think

what it would do for us.

It would really put the House

of Eliott on the map.

BEATRICE: If it's a success.

If not, we'd be a laughingstock.

"Those Eliott sisters, biting

off more than they can chew."

It would be good for us.

It would really make us

fine down our ideas,

set our style

in the public's mind.

At present, it's a little...

It's awfully late, isn't it?

Evie, a little what?

Our style is a little...?

Well...

We're at a kind

of halfway stage.

Don't you think?

There's a sort of overlap

from the older, ornate,

more elaborate styles --

It's me, I suppose,

isn't it?

The old girl,

born in Queen Victoria's time.

Evie, just because I don't

jump to attention

the moment the latest craze

comes in --

I didn't say that.

[Laughs]

I really would like

to get some sleep now.

[Sighs]

Sometimes

you are quite provoking.

Desmond, thank you for the lift.

You are kind.

We'll be, I should think,

about an hour.

Everything is all right?

You may have overreached

a little

with all the refurbishment.

It had to be done.

Hmm, it wasn't a criticism,

my dear.

I think you're managing

very well for --

For two women

with no business training?

Yes. And it was meant

as a compliment.

Anything else?

Yes, there is something.

I must just give this

to Aunt Lydia.

What a little beehive it is!

And such fascinating material.

Coffee, Aunt Lydia.

Is this finished?

Oh, but it's so elegant.

What is it?

It's called a coatee, Aunt.

It's a little coat

for formal occasions at home.

We're making it

for Lady Beaumont.

I used to have one!

And in this material.

Surely, this would suit me?

I did explain, Aunt Lydia,

we're extremely busy.

I don't think we can manage

your whole wardrobe.

My whole wardrobe?

Whatever gave you that idea?

Just a few little things.

Madge, take Lady Lydia through

to the fitting room, please?

Thank you.

For the auditors

in due course.

Thank you.

Now...what was it?

You know we're to hold

our first board meeting?

It seems terribly pretentious.

"Our first board meeting."

Just you and us and Jack.

[Laughs]

We've got to do

these things properly.

What's worrying you, Beatrice?

Oh, I feel disloyal

even mentioning it.

Evie and I are usually always...

At the board meeting,

you may hear

a new, quite ambitious idea.

Evie has such wonderful,

creative notions,

and such skill

at carrying them out.

But?

Come along.

There's obviously a "but."

For our clientele,

some of her ideas

may be a little...

advanced.

And you, by nature,

are more conservative?

I am not!

I simply feel,

as a new fashion house,

we have to fit in

with the public taste.

DESMOND: Which you seem to have

been doing very successfully.

Yes.

Oh, forget I ever --

forgive me.

Nothing to forgive.

But, Beatrice, I am supposed

to be here to advise.

If there is any difference

of opinion

between you and Evie,

you must have it out.

Settle it, before

it affects the business.

Excuse me.

Here. That's the third time

this morning.

I hope she's isn't, you know?

MADGE: Betty!

Oh, that braiding's

quite, quite crooked.

Agnes!

Mind your own business!

Get on with your work.

What's this?

This is for Mrs. Caulder.

She's having

her fitting tomorrow.

It should be finished.

But it just needs adjusting.

BEATRICE:

Yes, it certainly does.

This is Tilly's work,

isn't it?

What is the matter

with that girl, Madge?

It'll be done.

I promise.

BEATRICE: Well, it better be.

Mrs. Caulder will be placing

a very big order

if we get this right.

Tilly has to come up

to standard.

You must keep up

a good work discipline, Madge.

Tilly, we were just

talking about you.

Are you all right?

Why shouldn't I be?

What did you say

to her about me?

It's not fair, everyone

talking behind my back.

That's not true!

Tilly, you're not well,

and I think you should go home.

You always want

to send me home.

Is it so others get my work

and you don't need me?

Oh, that's the thanks I get

for trying to protect you?

Tilly?

I've...

Lately, I've had to redo

quite a lot of your work.

But no one outside

the workroom knows.

You can't go on like this.

And I can't take time off.

Just a half-day to rest.

See a doctor.

And lose a half-day's pay?

I can't afford that, Madge.

And my family

can't afford that.

But I'm sure if the sisters

knew you were ill,

they wouldn't dock your pay.

Well, Evie mightn't.

Miss Evie found me

and gave me my first chance.

Miss Bea,

she don't feel like that.

You can't blame her,

'cause it's business.

Look...you can't

just let this go on.

If there's something

wrong with you...

Eh!

Go away.

Go away and mind

your bloody business!

PENELOPE: You are my business.

Here, look, give me that.

That stuff will kill you.

Who cares?

Well, obviously, I do,

or I shouldn't be here.

GEORGE: You don't know me!

You don't give

tatters for me,

as long as you can say

you caught another

one in your net.

I know you very well.

You're George Wakefield.

And you lived a perfectly

sensible life until you got

thrown out of work after

23 years' faithful service.

And you haven't stopped

hating the world ever since,

which I do understand.

Why you should keep trying

to destroy yourself, I...

Go away.

Get away!

[Glass shatters]

Ah!

Ah!

Taxi!

I never knew

you actually scrubbed --

They don't clean themselves.

[Sighs]

Thank you for coming, Jack.

Nice to be asked.

I'm very, very pleased

you rang.

You all right?

Did they hurt you?

No, not really.

Oh, Jack.

For the first time,

I feel really helpless.

Hopeless.

My sister admitting that?

I always thought that somehow

we'd have some effect

on the poverty, the misery.

But now?

It's all too big for us.

We're both cordially hated

and laughed at for being

interfering busybodies.

I just can't go...

[Laughing]

Pen?

Oh.

Pen?

What is it?

Oh, I have just heard myself.

Ooh!

Of all the self-pitying bilge!

Of course, I can go on.

Just a moment.

You were attacked

in some back alley

with nobody around

to come and help you.

You could've been --

Yes, Jack, but I wasn't.

I'm sorry.

I'm wasting your time.

I know it's useless

asking you to give it all up.

But I do worry.

Can I at least ask you,

beg you, to be more careful?

I mean it, Pen.

I don't think you're

an interfering anything.

I -- I respect what you're

trying to do here.

But, bluntly, I think

it irresponsible for you

to put yourself at risk.

You have a family that cares

what happens to you.

It's not fair to us.

Oh, tosh!

It's also not fair to the ones

you're trying to help --

the ones who don't

drink the firewater,

don't try to smash

your head in.

If you don't care whether

or not we'd miss you,

think how they would.

I knew I was right

to telephone you.

The strength you give me, Jack.

Thank you.

Oh, dear!

How many times do I have

to tell you girls?

Detail!

Detail! Detail!

It's not just our design

we're noted for --

it's the finish.

But this! Betty!

I didn't do it.

Don't look at me.

All right, I'll see to it.

She gets away with murder,

she does.

BEATRICE: Madge.

We have Mrs. Pruvell

coming in on Thursday.

We're obviously not going

to be ready.

I'm doing all I can.

I check everything twice

these days.

I should hope you check

everything twice.

Three times, if necessary.

But if there's a problem

somewhere,

you must tell me where.

Evie?

Don't drag me into this.

I'm sick and tired

of their arguing.

I'm just sick and tired.

If you're dissatisfied, Madge,

you can always go elsewhere.

Bea?

There's no need to gape.

You're being very unfair.

Madge is worn out.

It's just plain mean

to threaten her.

It's not that easy

to find another job.

Especially one where she'll

be so well looked after.

We should look after her.

She's devoted to the place

and to us.

Well, it's up to you to keep

an eye on things, Evie.

You're the one

who's in there among them.

Bea, there is only so much

I can do.

I'm trying to come up with ideas

for the new collection.

I'm too tired to argue with you.

Penelope?

Oh, hello.

Um...she won't eat.

I've been trying

for half an hour.

Will you keep me company

when I eat?

I've almost finished here.

What's the story?

Uh, it's her father, he...

[Whispering]

Will you just

give me 10 minutes?

You all right?

Mm-hmm.

Um, Tilly and you two, dinner.

Betty and Agnes take yours

when they get back, will ya?

I've got to get out

and get some air.

TOMMY: [Whistling]

MADGE: Oh, Tommy Dixon!

You would arrive

just as I want to go out.

You're looking lovely

as always, Madge.

Let's get on, shall we?

Uh, right, we need 30 packs

of mother of pearl buttons --

- 30?

- 30.

You'll go through those

in no time.

Why not make it 60

and be done with it?

30.

Cottons -- white, black,

blue, and cream.

- Usual amount?

- Usual amount.

Uh, hooks and eyes now.

I'm sure you'll be needing

hooks and eyes

the way you lot go through them.

WOMAN: Well, we mightn't need

as many this month.

'Cause Miss Evie's designs

are much simpler,

and they just slip on.

Newfangled fashions.

You lot trying to do me

out of a job?

All right, leave it to me.

You just off

out for your dinner?

I need a break.

You need something, girl.

I can't have dinner

with you, Tommy.

Why not?

You did before.

Oh, one beer

at a local?

I can't afford the time and

the cash for a proper dinner.

I have a cup of tea and a slice

of bread and butter at the ABC.

Tell you what, I'll treat

you to fish and chips.

For dinner? I've been having

them all afternoon.

What's the matter with you?

You used to be

a real bright spark.

Oh, I'm fed up.

What?

With the House of Eliott?

Well, you don't have

to stay there, you know?

Oh, yeah? Just walk out

and live on air?

Walk into another job.

Girl of your talents

and experience?

Oh, if it were that easy...

Yeah, maybe it is.

Another of my customers.

Not as clever as your ladies,

but a solid old firm,

they just might have a vacancy.

Would you like me to, uh...?

Why not?

I'd like to show that Beatrice.

Yeah. Why not?

[Sewing machines clattering]

Gor, is it already that late?

When I get into these endless,

endless racks of clothes,

just don't seem to notice

the time 'til me head

starts positively splitting.

Agnes!

Do you mind...?

Jack?

[Knocks on door]

♪ Happy Birthday to you ♪

♪ Happy Birthday to you ♪ ♪

Happy 21st, Evie!

♪ Happy Birthday to Evie ♪ ♪

I'd nearly forgotten!

See, just what I'm saying.

All work and no play.

Thank you.

ALL: Happy Birthday!

DESMOND: Happy birthday!

I'm going to get some more

of that.

Forgetting your own 21st.

Really, Evie, that is taking

devotion to duty too far.

Leave the girl alone.

Come along, Evie.

Your presents.

Oh, they're beautiful.

Um...

Oh, it's from Molly.

Oh! [Laughs]

That's just like her.

I bet the party

was Jack's idea?

BEATRICE: Of course.

Jack's idea of a good life

is one long party.

Desmond and I had planned

a more formal affair,

but we were overruled.

Quite right, too.

This is a delightful

place for a party.

Jack?

It's a Patou.

It's not just decorative,

it's for use.

This, on the other hand, has

no utilitarian value whatsoever.

A friend brought it back

from Paris.

[Laughter]

EVANGELINE: That is so true!

BEATRICE: I hope that's what

we'll be remembered for --

making women more comfortable.

Alas, women have always

been resigned

to making the choice between

being comfortable and elegant.

Well, let's hope we make

clothes that let them be both.

Thank you,

both of you --

not just for the presents --

but, well, just

for always being there.

Thank you.

It's a telegram from Arthur.

Aw.

Wasn't that nice of him?

Well...it's not

the Cafe Royal, but...

Desmond.

That's too --

It's exactly right for my

goddaughter's coming-of-age.

[Laughs]

Happy birthday.

Evie?

Come on.

Steady on the bubbly.

Bea, I'm nearly 21.

I mean, I am 21,

nearly forgot.

But you haven't eaten

anything all day.

Well, that's all right,

'cause I'll make up for it

by drinking all night.

Bea, that was supposed

to be a joke.

I'm going to have

to train myself

not to feel responsible anymore.

I'm 21.

I'm a grown woman.

Free.

Whatever that means.

What does that mean?

I think you'll find out

soon enough.

[Music plays]

Evie! A birthday dance!

Oh, Desmond, I think

I'll get too giddy. Sorry.

Oh, you are giddy.

Penelope!

Penelope, will you partner me?

[Laughs]

Whoa!

Jack!

[Music stops]

Stand back.

She's been doing far too much.

BEATRICE: She always does.

I've asked Madge

to ring the doctor.

What on earth is the matter

with her?

BEATRICE:

We don't know, Aunt.

Well, it's quite

killed off the party.

Sorry about that.

Is there anything I can do?

BEATRICE: None of us feels

too cheerful after this.

And they're all dog-tired.

You might just say our

goodnights for us, thank you.

Of course, dear.

Poor Penelope.

We have worked so hard together

down there in the slums.

It's all right, Pen.

You fainted.

We should be getting off

home then, really.

I don't see why we've got to go.

Still plenty of booze left.

Betty, really?!

Thank you.

Is everything all right?

Um, yeah, the doctor

shouldn't be long.

Thank you, Madge.

It's true.

It was a lovely party, Evie.

And you deserved it.

Oh, thanks, Tilly.

Desmond.

We needn't rush away.

Champagne.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Excuse me.

Thought you'd like

to take a bottle.

BETTY: Oh, Evie,

that's wonderful.

Oh, you're kind.

Lovely party.

DOCTOR: Difficult.

Could be a virus.

Could simply be exhaustion.

Have you some aspirin

in the house?

Yes.

And I shall give her a brandy

and lemon juice.

Hot. Right now.

She must keep warm

and mustn't be disturbed.

Can she stay here?

Of course,

for as long as she needs.

I can manage in your room.

And, um, just in case,

someone ought to sit

with her during the night.

I'll do that.

Sometimes I feel

like doing just that --

collapsing on the floor.

You've been doing

too much, as well.

Bea, I still haven't

opened your present.

You know, Evie,

Jack is right.

We must sort out how to

do things more efficiently.

Hmm. Well, whatever happens,

we still have --

Tilly.

Bea.

That's mother's engagement ring.

She gave it to you.

And I thought I'd never

part with it.

Well, here you are, 21,

and it just seemed --

I shall always take care of it.

I promise.

What's this?

Open it.

As you've now come of age,

we've all agreed

to make you a full director

of the firm.

[Both laughing]

Oh, now I do feel grownup.

I'm so happy.

Oh, enjoy it.

I am.

Oh, I'm so happy.

[Moaning]

[Coughing]

[Coughs]

Shh! Shh! Shh!

[Knock on door]

Jack.

I thought if Penelope

had a fever,

she might want to change

into this.

Thanks, Bea.

She's wet through.

I'll go and have a smoke.

Pen, it's Bea.

I'm just going to change you

into this, all right?

Here.

Up we go.

[Gasps]

What's the matter?

Jack...

When I was changing Penelope,

I found...

Oh, God, if anything...

It's all right, 'cause

she's sleeping now, but...

I found on her back

a most dreadful bruise.

It's as if someone's hit her,

punched her.

God, I told her she's

in danger in that place.

She won't listen.

I feel terrible.

I laughed at her do-gooding.

Jack, I had no idea.

Should we tell the doctor?

I know she wouldn't

want us to.

You know Pen.

And if it is only a bruise,

you think we need to?

Perhaps not.

JACK:

I'd better get back to her.

[Birds chirping]

[Door opens]

It's early in the morning.

Go back to sleep.

I feel so foolish...

spoiling Evie's party.

Don't be silly.

No one minded.

They're just concerned

that you're all right.

Now, what's all this

about a bruise?

It's all right.

JACK: Are you sure?

Yes.

And I don't want them

worrying about me.

You know how hard they have

to work at their business.

Hmm?

Beatrice is amazing, you know?

She actually brought Evie up,

single-handedly.

And even when

she's inundated with work,

she always manages

to look so good.

Oh, that was so good.

I can feel my strength

coming back.

JACK: Mm-hmm.

You haven't got the faintest

idea what I just said.

Fascinating.

It says there's another

film studio opening up.

"Small company with big ideas."

You're not going

to invest in it?

Moving pictures

just sound like a novelty,

a passing phase to me.

Is it safe?

I'm safe.

Got nothing to invest.

I'd like to get

involved somehow, though.

I'm sorry.

Another cup of beef tea, Miss?

I would love some.

Thanks.

Will you be all right?

Of course.

I'm not going to have

another relapse,

I assure you.

Brother knows best.

Oh, Jack.

Having a spell?

I was just coming up.

It's all right.

It'll do me good to get

all this off my mind.

Mm-hmm.

Someone has to say it, Tilly.

If your work doesn't improve,

I'm sorry,

but I'll just have to speak

to Miss Beatrice

about letting you go.

I can't go on

covering up for you.

I get all the nagging,

all the criticism.

You've got to do better or --

I can't!

I've tried, and I can't.

What is it?

What's the matter?

I think I'm going mad.

I keep getting these headaches.

And I see double.

And my eyes are so sore.

[Crying]

Don't cry.

Please don't cry, Tilly.

I have to go.

Jack?

PENELOPE: Yes.

He thinks

you're quite wonderful.

Nonsense.

Are you sure you're warm enough?

Evie has a shawl somewhere.

PENELOPE: He never stops

talking about you, Beatrice.

About how much he admires you,

about how all that you've done

puts his own efforts to shame.

About how strong

and resourceful you are.

But he's never said...

I mean, he's very kind.

He's always supported us.

Whenever I had any doubts,

Jack always encouraged.

But never anything personal.

Well, I think he's nervous

that if he did say anything,

you might -- well, you might

tell him off.

You are very emphatic, Beatrice.

Am I?

PENELOPE: Mm-hmm.

Here we are.

I can see you're getting back

to your old self again.

Well, I have been very well

looked after here, haven't I?

Thank you.

I know we don't always see

eye-to-eye, Beatrice,

but I want to ask

a favor of you.

Will you

be gentle with Jack?

I feel that, well,

he's losing his way,

and he needs people

to believe in him.

Yes, of course.

PENELOPE: All this film business

is such awful nonsense.

Hundreds of pounds

fed on idle entertainment.

What I could do with that money

at the mission.

Yes.

Yes, I'm sure.

Ah! Hey!

Oh! Oh!

You're not funny!

Quite right.

I'm dead serious.

Got to get back.

Have you thought any more about

them job prospects I mentioned?

Yes.

Well?

Are you going to do something

about it or what?

You've done something.

You've seen them, haven't you?

Well, you told me to.

I was going

to arrange it for you.

Going behind my back like this.

Well, you should be pleased.

Well, what did they say?

Yes or no?

I've only had one talk

with them.

It's not settled yet.

And what do I get out of it?

Oh, thank you.

I thought you did it to help me.

You get your hands off me,

Tommy.

Tilly, you're not working

over your break.

You know it's not good for you.

Got a lot to do.

Have you finished your lunch?

I wonder if you might

help us.

We've our board meeting now,

and I feel someone

ought to sit

with Miss Penelope.

Oh, yeah, I'd like to do that.

Sorry.

Welcome to our first

board meeting.

We shall be quite informal.

No need for a chairman.

Let's just discuss

what we have to discuss.

Should someone be taking

the minutes?

Well, if it's not formal,

can't we manage without?

Now, my accountant and I have

been through the books,

and everything is in order,

but I understand there's

some problem about

maintaining

the balance between

quality and output, hmm?

Jack?

Well, Beatrice and Evangeline

know my feelings.

I think there's a lack

of organization.

Our whole staff are working

themselves into the ground,

and yet...

Well, yes, quality and output

are both affected.

Well, shall we consider

taking on more staff?

No, they'd only have to be laid

off the moment there was a lull.

We can cope.

Jack's right. We can cope if we

somehow get better organized.

Well, where's the hiccup, then?

JACK: I gather it's Tilly.

She seems to be having trouble

with finely detailed work,

or even keeping up at all.

Perhaps you should consider

replacing her.

No, we can't. Tilly has been

with us right from the start.

You can't run a business

like this.

If there is a problem,

you must address it.

I must say, it seems only too

typical of your whole approach.

What is wrong with our approach?

Well, you just go along

from day to day,

and you can't carry on

in this manner.

What do you mean exactly?

You've got to have goals

to work towards.

Otherwise, you just drift.

What are your plans

for the future?

We've only just got established.

That sort of talk is premature.

Well, we have had one idea.

Evie, we have problems now.

I don't think we should

raise that at this point really.

If we knew what it was, perhaps

we could give an opinion.

Well, we had thought about

sometime in the future

creating our own collection.

Not just making clothes

ad hoc as the orders come in,

but a whole collection

of clothes

made to our original design.

Oh, yes, you mentioned this.

Now when might this be?

I don't think we can contemplate

it for another year yet.

Nonsense, Bea.

It would be very unwise

to wait until

you believe you're ready,

and only then to start

thinking about it.

Well, what is all

the sudden urgency?

Evie, this is exactly what

Sir Desmond

and I are talking about.

There's not enough

forward planning.

DESMOND: Exactly.

Just imagine the problems

of staging such an event.

It's almost like putting

on a theatrical show.

A year away, start planning

right now,

and then aim to do it

within six months.

Oh, no!

We couldn't possibly.

We could. If we put ourselves

to it, we could.

Yes, well, it's all right

for you, you've already started.

I'm sorry?

Could someone please explain?

A collection in our style.

The question is,

what is our style?

But I don't understand.

You've already established

a reputation.

For quality,

for a certain finish.

But the style...

What is our style?

[Sighs]

This...

Or this?

[Whistles]

See?

I did come.

Told you I'd get 'em along

early for you.

Trouble with some people

is they do you one favor

and think you're

under obligation ever after.

Well, just check they're all

there, will you, Mr. Dixon?

There's no need.

They'll all be there.

If there's one button missing...

There won't be.

Right.

Well, I'd better go and attend

to my other customers.

I'll...see you later then,

Madge.

Not if I can help it.

Please yourself.

Bye, ladies!

Bye.

Given him the push,

have you, Madge?

None of your business, Betty.

I'll take him off your hands

for you, if you like.

MADGE: You just finish

what you're doing.

Finished.

There.

Well, you can finish off

the beading on this.

That's Tilly's.

Just do it.

BETTY: Humph!

She'll be in the toilet again.

No, she isn't. Miss Bea asked

her to sit with Miss Penelope.

Having tea and posh

conversation, no doubt.

Yes, while we have to put right

all her mistakes.

Betty!

BETTY: It's true, Madge.

We know what's going on.

MADGE: Oh, yes?

Yeah.

Well, that's your look-out.

But don't expect us to do

Tilly's work for her.

We work hard enough

as it is.

You'll do what you're told.

Or I'll inform Miss Bea that

your work is not satisfactory

and advise her to let you go.

And that's all of you!

- AGNES: What about Tilly?

- Tilly as well!

You're bluffing.

Anyway, why are you

protecting her?

They've been here longest.

Stick together, they do.

That's enough! It's my

responsibility to see

that the work gets done --

How I do it is up to me.

If you're not happy, there

are plenty to take your place.

Well, what's wrong with Tilly?

MADGE: I don't know.

We all go through bad patches.

But instead

of all this squabbling,

we should all stick together.

Now, if any of you has

anything else to say,

say it.

Of course, I'm no expert,

but they both look

very pretty to me.

Jack knows what I mean.

JACK: This one's

more elaborate.

The beading, fringing,

that curlicue what's-it

round the collar.

And this one is more modern.

This is Evie's.

And there are more where

that came from, aren't there?

Bea...

Why is it suddenly a contest?

BEATRICE: Jack, it's been

coming for months.

Edie and I have a fundamentally

different approach.

I don't think that's true, Bea.

Making as we go, as we do now,

it isn't so noticeable.

But in a collection

of our work...

But variety

is the spice of life.

Not all women

want the same thing.

Let those who want modern

choose this one,

and those who want, um,

curlicues, have the other.

Am I right, Bea?

A house needs one single,

clear attitude.

Two contradictory styles could

confuse its public, weaken

its position in the marketplace.

I don't know anything

about marketplaces.

All I know is how to cut,

how to draw, how to design.

And if you can't --

BEATRICE: Precisely.

And you don't think

about whether we could

sell them or not.

I think it's useless to have

brilliant ideas

so far ahead

of the public taste.

Are my ideas so far ahead, Bea,

or is it that yours

are lagging behind?

Perhaps that question could be

answered at another time.

But I do strongly advise you

to make it your aim

to design, make, and display

the House of Eliott's

first original collection

within six months from now.

TILLY: Oh, it's wonderful!

Miss Penelope, she solved it!

Solved what?

Me eyes.

I've been so frightened

to see a doctor,

because I thought,

I really thought I was going

to go blind or something.

And Miss Pen, she had a look,

she listened to me problems,

and you know what she thinks?

I need glasses.

That's all.

I need specs.

That's wonderful, Tilly.

You know my sister

really is very good value.

Ah, that hiccup.

I suggest that the board

hereby authorizes Tilly

to take an hour off

and get herself down

to the nearest optician.

Off you go.

Well, what is it?

Tell them the rest

of the problem.

You, straight back to bed.

Not until this is

out in the open.

Tilly?

I don't want to say.

It's money, isn't it?

You can't afford the optician.

PENELOPE:

Well, that's only part of it,

though I think it's true

Tilly does need glasses.

But she's also overtired.

She's exhausted.

She's been taking on extra work

from other firms,

sewing in the evenings

and at weekends,

because she virtually

supports her whole family.

And I'm afraid

the Misses Eliott

do not pay her quite enough

money to make ends meet.

Tilly, why didn't you say?

Loyalty.

So, you need more money?

How much?

EVANGELINE: Say it, Tilly.

Another 5 bob a week.

2 and 6.

3 and 6.

Done.

Do you approve?

I do.

[Laughs]

I do approve.

I should tell you all, Tilly

has just been given a raise.

You're not all, I warn you,

to expect one, too.

In time, perhaps.

Is anyone unhappy with this?

Betty?

Agnes?

Anyone?

Sure, I never expected --

BEATRICE: Good. Madge?

I'm perfectly content,

thank you, Miss Bea,

for the time being.

Oh, if there's a raise

further down the road,

that gives me a goal,

doesn't it?

One further thing

you should all know,

we shall,

six months from now,

be presenting our first

complete, original collection.

Oh!

After, perhaps, we should say,

certain fundamental differences

have been ironed out.

One way or another,

once and for all.

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