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Bea, just look at these colors!

Sonia Delaunay.

Aren't those fabrics gorgeous?

Sonia Delaunay can afford

to take risks.

Ah, it's because she took risks

in the first place

that she's got

where she is today.

As an artist, yes.

She wasn't trying to run

a fashion house.

What did you do, Madge,

sleep here?

There are better ways of

spending the night, Betty,

I think you know.

Morning, girls.

Don't dilly-dally, now.

Well, that's very kind of you,

Mrs. Lilly.

I shall pass on

your compliments.

[Chuckling]

Not at all.

Goodbye.

Thank you.

Mrs. Lilly wanted us to know

her tea gown

was a stunning success.

Well, why she had to insist

on silk jacquard

when she could have had it

in silk velvet...

Not all our customers want to

pay for silk velvet, Evie.

But the effect is

so much more elegant.

It's what she asked for.

If people want exciting designs,

they have to have

exciting fabrics!

Grubbing around with cheap

materials simply won't do.

First they have to trust us.

Then, when they're

established clients --

We'll be a stuffy old

fashion house

making stuffy old clothes.

BEATRICE: Evie,

that is not fair.

Some of your ideas

are wonderful,

but we have to be practical.

Perhaps we should follow

Molyneux's example.

The same design

at different prices.

I feel all women have the right

to dress the way they choose.

Like Mrs. Lilly?

She's a valued customer, Evie!

She dresses like

an Edwardian, Bea.

She is a faithful client,

and if we are to survive --

Don't be such a pessimist!

Our new collection will be

so original, so chic,

they'll be queuing

around the square.

About finishing, girls,

while we're not penny pinchers,

like the other Houses

to order --

Tilly, you're late!

I'm sorry, Madge,

your mum was bad,

and Albert's gone down

with the croup.

Oh, come on, Tilly, we all know

you was dancing all night

at Quaglino's.

[Laughter]

Did you see that the Americans

have made it illegal

to stare into

your partner's eyes?

They passed a law.

It was in the paper.

Come on, girls,

there's a lot to do.

Madge, Mr. Dickinson

from Wall Mode

is on the telephone,

insisting he didn't send

the seconds.

But I found several flaws

in the material.

[Sighs]

I'll talk to him.

EVANGELINE: Bea?

BEATRICE: Hmm?

There was snagging

in the shot silk, Mr. Dickinson.

I saw it with me own eyes!

No, it definitely wasn't

one of my girls.

It was in the roll,

Mr. Dickinson.

Well, Evie, it's very nice,

but...

But what?

Well, we have to strike

a balance between being original

and what our customers

will accept.

Evie, we should be trying to

design for all kinds of women.

Bea, our collection cannot be

original if you keep on --

Not evicted, I hope.

No, Jack, we were just having

a little discu--

- Argument.

- Discussion, Jack.

Don't let me interrupt you.

Unless, of course,

you'd like to --

No, no, there's no need.

EVANGELINE:

Good idea.

JACK: I'm sorry about the mess.

I haven't been here

for a couple of days.

I'll just go around the corner

and have a cup of coffee,

shall I?

No, do stay, Jack.

We need you to see fair play.

I don't want to be

in the way.

Please, Jack.

You are a director

of the firm.

Mm.

How's the collection going?

Well, we're working

on it, Jack,

or trying to,

but we don't seem to agree.

JACK: On the style,

you mean?

On anything.

That's not true.

Jack, you know how much I admire

Evie's ideas.

But she thinks my designs

are too outrageous.

I only say

we have to produce designs

people will want to wear.

Our clients are not ready

to be outraged.

At least my designs are

original, Bea!

BEATRICE:

Of course they are, Evie!

But they have to be tempered

with a bit of...

commercial sense.

[Scoffs]

And be as conservative

as the rest

of the London designers?

I don't think I'd call Beatrice

conservative.

We should get back

to the office.

We shall have to settle this.

- When?

- Soon.

I too want to --

public taste,

but not so far ahead

as to evade pursuit.

Lady Eliott?

Lydia!

Emily?

How nice!

It's been such

a long time.

What brings you back here?

I was having a clear-out

of some of my things.

One must try to be charitable.

You and Sir Richard were always

so generous to the hospital

in the past.

Thank you.

I also came, hoping to see

Hannah Padgett.

You couldn't tell me

where I might find her?

Oh. Hannah died at the beginning

of this year.

Didn't you know?

Obviously not!

Can I help at all?

Well, Hannah used to be

the linchpin

for a fundraising committee.

I was going to ask if I could be

of some assistance.

They've made me

the committee chairman.

Really?

Of course, we --

we all miss Hannah dreadfully.

She was so efficient,

so full of ideas.

Indeed.

I wonder, have you

a moment, Emily?

Well, yes, of course.

Do come in, Lydia.

Madge, I'm going out.

[Telephone rings]

BEATRICE:

Evie!

Oh, I'm just going

to the museum.

We have to get some ideas

together -- you said yourself.

Yes, m'lady, I'll tell her.

Thank you, m'lady.

That was Lady Latner

on the phone.

Wants someone to go and see her

whenever is convenient.

[Sighs]

Thank you, Madge.

I suppose she meant

at once.

That was the bones of it.

[Sighs]

I dare say you can cope?

I'll keep 'em out of mischief,

don't you worry.

Oh, uh, would you like me

to order you a taxi?

Certainly not.

I always go by bus.

[Laughs]

And I've got my hands

quite full at the moment.

At this late stage,

no one seems prepared to host

the end-of-summer fete.

I would be glad to help

if you would like me to.

Do you really mean that, Lydia?

This particular function

we're talking about,

it has traditionally been

a garden party, has it not?

Well, yes, but I was wanting

to do something different

this time.

We could hold a soiree

at my house!

At your house?

LYDIA: I have plenty

of room.

I'll make it

a special occasion.

Our parties were always

so well received.

Lydia...

I think that would be splendid!

LYDIA: For old times' sake.

After all,

both Sir Richard and I --

it would be quite fitting.

Are you sure it wouldn't be

too much trouble?

LYDIA: My dear Emily,

it'll be something to do!

And of course if I could help

with the organization --

Oh, Lydia, you always were

very good

at organization.

[Chuckling]

Miss Eliott, how nice!

Lady Latner,

you asked to see me.

I did?

I left work at once because I

was told it was urgent.

I'm becoming so forgetful!

David says I really ought

to write everything down.

Is it a new gown,

Lady Latner?

I can't draw, I'm afraid.

I had one of those governesses

who used to beat one

for smudging.

I've smudged things ever since,

of course.

But can you do it?

[Birds chirping]

Well, I don't --

It's not exactly the kind

of thing that we do.

LADY LATNER: It's in

such bad taste, isn't it?

Well...

That's exactly why I want it,

don't you see?

Please say you will.

Have you thought

of approaching --

LADY LATNER:

I approached you first.

[Sighs]

I'm really not sure.

You can make anything

look good.

Thank you.

Nevertheless --

And of course everyone who comes

will be madly jealous.

I shall tell them all

who was responsible.

Next season, if I come to you

exclusively --

There's no point in inviting

Dolly Haycock.

She doesn't know the meaning

of the word "charity."

I thought she was

a great friend of yours.

You know me

as a tolerant person,

but really,

there are some people

I would rather not have

in my house.

What about music?

Music?

I really think we must.

Of course.

Naturally, you will allow me

to choose the musicians.

Naturally.

Oh, what's up, Tilly,

still having trouble?

No, they just pinch a bit,

that's all.

BEATRICE: Madge?

Lady Latner wishes us

to make up two dozen of these.

Two dozen?

For herself, Lord Latner,

the servants,

and the musicians.

[Laughs]

Uh, when for, Miss Bea?

We have three weeks.

That should be enough.

- I dare say.

- I'll do the ordering

after lunch.

[Chuckles, clears throat]

[Laughing loudly]

[All laughing]

EVANGELINE:

Isn't it glorious?

BEATRICE: There's some pie,

if you like.

Look what I've

been working on.

Ooh!

All based on a small number

of motifs.

I was thinking, if we could find

a similar motif

to unify our collection --

They're very interesting, Evie.

I feel this needs stiffening.

May I?

You see?

[Church bells ringing]

That has altered

the whole line.

Evie, you must recognize,

not all our clients

have the figures

of Chanel models.

They need a little help

for the dress to hang correctly.

I want it to cling

to the body.

The whole point is, the pattern

follows the natural contours.

Well, that's all right

if you're young and athletic.

What about our older clients,

those with fuller figures?

All you ever do is criticize

my ideas.

Where are yours?

I have been working,

while you were at the museum.

EVANGELINE: Worrying whether

we'll be overcharged

tuppence, three farthings

for ribbon?

BEATRICE: As a matter of fact,

I have just secured an order.

EVANGELINE: Who from?

BEATRICE: Lady Latner.

A very good one.

What type of order?

They're giving a party.

They want some special costumes.

Really?

What type of thing?

Indian? Egyptia-- I have seen

some fabulous African jewelry --

A baby party.

I tried to turn it down,

but Lady Latner insisted.

Swaddling clothes, bibs,

and little white bonnets?

She promised she would come

to us exclusively,

and two dozen outfits

at 12 guineas each,

well, Evie, I consider that

a good order.

Bea, we are a fashion house!

How could you turn us into

theatrical costumiers?

It's all very well for you to be

high-principled.

You let me worry about

the business side of things.

Don't treat me

like a child.

I would never have accepted

such a commission!

You won't even discuss money

with the clients.

That's because you are so much

better at it.

Has it ever occurred to you that

I also enjoy discussing design?

I find it very boring

always to haggle suppliers,

nag people about

their unpaid accounts,

keep the books, check expenses,

make sure there's no waste.

We could hire a bookkeeper.

How could we afford one?

[Clicks tongue]

Bea, I want us to move forward.

An order like this

can only hold us back.

You mean I 'm holding you back.

Sometimes.

We used to work

so well together.

Now you seem to think

anything I do

is either too expensive

or too avant-garde.

That isn't true, Evie.

My only criticism is that you

don't give enough consideration

to the client we cater for.

You fly from one idea

to the other!

I am trying to develop

a style of my own!

You're not ready for it yet.

You certainly have

the imagination,

but you don't have

the experience.

[Scoffs]

And you think I'll get it

sewing baby clothes.

We are a business, Evie,

sometimes we have to accept --

- I don't!

- You do if you're to act

responsibly!

I suppose we look at things

differently because --

well, because --

You are 12 years younger.

There is no arguing with you,

is there?

When you get like this,

I feel so...

stifled!

Evie, I have never tried to --

We're together all the time.

No wonder we get

on top of each other.

What do you suggest?

Well, maybe -- maybe I should

stay somewhere else for a while.

Do you think you would manage?

I should manage perfectly well,

thank you.

Excuse me, Miss Evie, but do you

think Miss Beatrice meant this

to be cut quite so full?

There.

Well, that's even fuller,

which means we shall have to

order some new material.

Go and see Miss Beatrice, Madge.

That's her department.

You put the baby

on the dais,

and I'll put little Yoyo here.

Splendid.

Now, if you can all

just stay there.

Is there anything wrong,

Miss Bea?

Not at all, Tilly, I am just

making sure all is in accordance

with Lady Latner's requirements.

Stick to the lines I originally

indicated, Madge,

and I'm sure Lady Latner

will be well satisfied

with the result.

Good.

[Baby fusses]

[Sighs]

[Whistle blows]

Rose, you're thinner.

Oh, Daddy, you do know

how to flatter a girl.

You don't look so bad yourself.

Oh, you mean the debauchery

isn't showing.

How's Jean-Pierre?

Oh, he's all right.

All he can do is talk about

the occupation of the Ruhr.

I've come here

for some fun!

Fun with your aging father?

Yes, Daddy.

The car's just outside.

I've, uh, I've managed

to get tickets

for those shows

that you wanted to see.

Oh, good!

And I've arranged for us

to have tea

with the French ambassador.

Oh, do we have to?

Yes.

And by the way,

I want you to see

Beatrice and Evangeline Eliott's

new enterprise.

Oh, good, I'm looking forward

to seeing the Eliott girls

again.

They're hardly girls, my dear.

They're now leaders of fashion.

Right, goodbye, Max.

Goodbye, Yoyo.

[Sighs]

[Telephone rings]

[Sighs]

[Ringing]

Hello.

Oh, hello, Bernard.

Uh, yes, a little tied up.

No, no, not at all.

What can I do for you?

Of course.

Yes, yes, I know

the studio.

Tomorrow?

No, no, no, uh, no, I can --

I can put them off, don't worry.

Yes, they'll, they'll

understand, I assure you.

Right.

Goodbye, Bernard.

I know it sounds childish.

Oh, but Jack and I bicker

all the time.

But she's being so -- oh, spiky.

Well, what are you going to do

about it?

Well, I had thought about our

spending less time together.

24 hours a day!

You moving out?

I did mention it.

Well, where to?

I hadn't really given that

any thought.

I've got a spare bed.

You can have it

for a while

if you decide you want it.

Pen!

[Exhales]

You are so --

Oh, I really couldn't wish

for a better friend.

I don't want to detain you

if you're on your way out.

Oh, how nice!

I'm told it's very good.

Thank you, but I'm far too busy

organizing this little party,

which, of course,

you'll be invited to.

No, what I wanted to ask,

Desmond,

is the name of those musicians

you told me about

who play the latest tunes.

I'm thinking of

the young people, you see.

Ah.

Thank you.

It undermines my authority,

as well as being bad for morale.

I don't see what difference

it makes.

They all know what's going on.

Well, there's no need

to rub their noses in it!

I didn't say anything!

Exactly!

Well, you were the one

who came in and --

All I'm saying is that we keep

our disagreements private.

Rumors could easily start

which could destroy everything

we've built together, Evie!

[Sighs]

Why is it always my fault?

I didn't say that!

I'm going to bed.

[Sighs]

I was always rather afraid

of Beatrice.

Nonsense.

Beatrice and Evangeline

are the perfect partnership.

Evie, they're here.

My dear girl.

You remember Rose.

Of course.

Evangeline.

I'm so sorry you weren't able to

come and stay with us in Paris.

And what a lovely dress!

Is it one of your own?

Yes, it is, actually.

And yours is, um, Lanvin.

How clever you are.

How many men have

the good fortune

to be surrounded by brains

as well as beauty?

There is no need for you

to worry, Emily.

All is in hand.

Just leave everything to me.

[Scoffs]

No, I can manage!

Of course

I will keep you informed!

And this is

your most recent work?

Well, we're actually working

on a brand-new collection

at the moment.

How exciting!

When will it be ready?

When certain other things

are out of the way.

Something new you're working on?

Oh, do let me see it.

Oh, well, I don't really think

they're your kind of thing.

They're certainly not mine.

No artist likes to show

their work

before it's finished, do they?

Oh, Daddy, I just want a peek.

They're for a party.

A baby party.

A party for babies?

How very American.

No, a party for grownups

dressed as babies.

Terribly English, I'm afraid.

I'll get some help directly,

m'lady.

We shall have the invitations

printed next week.

Cook will need some help,

won't she, m'lady?

Oh, never mind Cook.

We shall have the same caterers

as Sybil Bunthorne used

to celebrate the royal wedding.

Well, off you go!

You must both come and have some

dinner with us before I go back.

We've got so much

to talk about.

Oh, let's arrange it now.

Are you free on Saturday,

August 25th?

- I think so.

- That would be lovely.

- Excellent.

- Bye-bye.

I'll, uh, I'll send the car

around 8:00.

Oh, Desmond, there's no need.

Until the 25th.

Bye.

Bye-bye.

[Exhales]

Evie, about last night --

[Door opens]

WOMAN: Thank you.

Penelope?

Hello, Beatrice.

I'll wait for you downstairs.

- Don't be long.

- Fine.

Was it her idea?

No.

Evie, I -- I just wanted

to show you these.

Hmm.

Well, couldn't we

at least discuss --

I'd better go.

Why, because Penelope says so?

She's running a soup kitchen

at 9:00.

I'm only staying there

till I find a place of my own.

Evie, this all seems so --

I'll see you in the morning.

Excuse me.

[Door closes]

JACK: Bea?

What's going on?

[Sniffles]

Are these Evie's?

They're very good.

No, they're mine, actually.

Jack, she's left.

You have to let go, Bea,

we all do.

Did Penelope persuade her?

I don't know.

She's gone to stay with her.

Pen and I don't share

all our secrets, you know.

All because of this

stupid argument!

Tell me about it over dinner.

No, Jack.

I insist.

I know a nice little place.

I couldn't face changing.

You don't have to.

It's not at all smart.

No, Jack --

Besides, you look lovely

as you are.

[Laughs, sniffles]

PENELOPE: We'll be off, then.

Will you be all right?

Yes, of course.

Thank you.

Um, make yourself at home,

and you may even find yourself

some bread and cheese.

The bread will be stale,

and the cheese will have mold.

You'd be better off

with the soup kitchen.

Shut up, Edmund!

You can come, if you like.

Plenty to do.

Well, if you don't mind,

I'd like --

Understood.

I'll see you later.

Come on, Edmund.

Edmund, thank you.

I just do what I'm told.

Cheerio.

And it ends in the park

with the boy escaping

from his parents

and their bullying friends

by going up

in the hot air balloon

with the girl from the shop.

Perfect!

You don't think

it's too sentimental?

Well, I don't think of you

as at all sentimental, Jack,

and as you will be

directing it --

My first professional film.

We all want happy endings,

don't we?

To happy endings.

And your new career.

[Chuckles]

- [Sighs]

- JACK: No good?

Delicious, it's just

too much for me.

You must look after yourself

properly, Bea.

Yes, Jack.

Either that, or...

I'll have to look after you

myself.

I want you to meet Bernard,

the producer.

Oh, I'd like that.

I'll be interested to know

what you think of him.

Women are usually better judges

of character.

[Laughs]

We make the same mistakes.

No, not so often.

Of course, there's a snag --

the usual thing

in the movie business,

a small question

of the finances.

It's no different

from any other business.

Where does Bernard

get his money?

Some chap up in the north

who owns a number of cinemas.

See, the trouble is,

Bernard's last film

wasn't entirely successful.

Well, I'm sure yours

will restore his fortunes.

It's such a good story.

It is, isn't it?

I've wanted to do it

for so long.

Can I do anything, Jack?

Certainly not --

I brought you here

to get away

from business chatter.

Oh, don't be silly.

If I can help,

I'd really like to.

[Sighs] Well...

it all boils down to courage,

really.

Do I want to risk

all my meager capital

on something as chancy

as a movie?

You mean Bernard isn't paying?

His studio bears

most of the cost.

It's just a matter

of the initial outlay.

See, normally

I wouldn't hesitate,

but with portrait bookings

at a standstill --

May I make a suggestion, Jack?

You invested in us.

You were our first backer,

when no one else believed in us.

What if you had your investment

back, with due interest?

Would that help launch

your film?

I couldn't -- it wouldn't be

fair on your business.

Our capital situation

is quite healthy.

We could bear it, Jack.

But I thought --

I wouldn't suggest it,

otherwise.

[Exhales]

Well...

It need only be

a temporary arrangement...

until the receipts from the film

start rolling in.

Oh, why are you still up?

What time is it?

Oh, God knows.

[Sighs]

I'm whacked.

What happened to your dress?

One of the customers

didn't like the menu.

Happens all the time.

I hope he didn't attack you.

That champ, Edmund,

tried to defend me

and got a black eye

for his pains.

And serve him right.

I'm going to bed.

EVANGELINE: Oh --

Can I make you

a cup of cocoa?

I'd like to talk.

Oh, sleep is what I need.

I'll see you

in the morning.

[Door closes]

Thank you, Jack.

Thank you for everything.

JACK: Don't be silly.

Thank you.

Good night.

JACK: Good night, Bea.

[Sighs]

Morning.

[Bell chimes, rustling]

Good morning, Evie.

Morning.

The Sterns will accept.

But then,

they accept everything.

Weren't we to invite Lady Mary?

My dear Emily,

she's the most sought after.

I really don't think --

There's no harm in asking,

is there?

Get a few like her,

and others will come running.

Well, that is not the way --

I'll do it,

if you like.

As it is going to be

at my house --

You're doing so much

as it is.

As it is going to be

at my house,

I really think I ought to do

the inviting.

Of course, Lydia.

And you'll include

Lady Mary.

You've done the charmeuse

very well, Agnes.

I think we can trust you

with the georgette.

The pleats must hang straight,

Betty.

Otherwise, the effect is ruined.

I mean, I've always done it

like this, Miss Evie.

[Woman giggling]

[All laughing]

[Bell rings]

How silly you are!

Now, now, now, girls,

back to work!

I came to invite you --

and Evangeline, of course --

to my party.

How kind of you, Aunt Lydia.

I'm very pleased to hear

you're entertaining again.

Oh, it is not for me,

my dear.

A charity affair

to help an old acquaintance.

BEATRICE: Mm?

Yes, these are very grand,

Aunt Lydia.

It is to be a very grand party.

I thought the least I could do

was to wear

one of my nieces' creations.

[Chuckles]

They were to give you

some ideas.

Something flamboyant

without being ostentatious.

[Lydia chuckles]

May we call on you

in a day or two?

JACK: If we choose a weekday,

early in the morning,

nobody around,

but plenty of light.

Now, I can hire the balloon.

That's not a problem.

What I don't know -- what I'm

relying on you to tell me --

Is it practical to actually

place the camera

inside the basket?

And would the effect

make the audience seasick?

[Birds cawing]

Oh, Evie,

I'm glad I caught you --

Oh, I'm just off.

I'm making supper

for Pen and Edmund.

Oh! What are you cooking them?

I don't know.

Something simple.

I just wanted to say,

I've returned Jack's investment

to him.

Why?

Well, so he can make his film.

It doesn't really affect

our capital.

No, I meant, "Why tell me?"

Well, I thought

you'd like to know.

You are a director

of the firm.

Evie!

I don't talk about money,

remember?

[Door closes]

Where's Evangeline?

Unfortunately --

I'm sure she has

better things to do

than visit her aunt,

even on business.

Are you quite sure?

Yes, thank you.

As a matter of fact, she's

moved in with Penelope Maddox.

That is what happens

when girls are given

too much independence too soon.

We were together too much.

She needs a place

of her own if --

If she is not to end up --

Like me.

I don't mind helping.

Go home, Edmund.

You've done enough already.

Right, then.

I'll say good night.

- Good night, Edmund.

He's a nice man.

My governess forbade me to use

the word "nice."

[Scoffs] Pleasant, affable,

agreeable.

He's all right.

Nothing special.

Is it all right to leave that

there for Lucy McGreevey?

Oh, she loves tidying up.

She always complains

I don't make enough mess.

[Chuckles] Well, you can leave

mess-making to me.

Are you very tired?

If you think I am

going to waste the night

- by going to bed early --

- EVANGELINE: Only I --

You're going to have to

make it up with Beatrice

sooner or later, you know.

Are you fed up with me already?

No, it just seems silly

to keep a quarrel going

over something so trivial.

Being treated like a child

is not trivial.

PENELOPE: It is,

if you behave like one.

I know you need time

to sort things out.

And as far as I'm concerned,

you can have as much time

as you want,

but you and Beatrice,

you're good people,

and it's silly to waste your

energies fighting one another.

Perhaps you're right.

It's just so difficult

when you love someone.

PENELOPE: Mm, I know.

Do you?

I was in love once.

Or thought I was.

Oh, you told me!

When you were driving

the ambulance.

PENELOPE: No, no, not him.

I was engaged,

after the war.

We had it all planned.

He wanted six children.

I said more than two

is irresponsible,

so we compromised on four.

And?

PENELOPE: Well,

I had a routine medical

one day, and they discovered

some sort of tumor.

Nothing fatal, except

the chances of giving birth --

Oh, I'm so sorry.

PENELOPE: Hmm, so was I.

Especially when he realized

he wanted children

more than he wanted me.

But I saw his point.

And I got over it.

You do, if you love someone.

I did, anyway.

JACK: It's all set up.

We start filming in two weeks.

Wonderful!

And it's entirely thanks to you.

Nonsense!

I mean it.

You would have found a way,

if you'd wanted to enough.

Bea, can I say something?

It's not just gratitude.

I rather think

for some time now that --

I miss you

when we're not together.

Jack, I'm very fond of you --

As fond as you were

of Philip White?

You're not jealous, surely?

I was, and happy to admit it.

Well, there's really no need.

Jack, we're such good friends.

Let's not spoil it.

Bea, we're neither of us

growing any younger.

[Chuckles]

[Knock on door]

[Sighs]

Anything else, m'lady?

No.

More rejections, m'lady?

In half an hour,

I must telephone Emily Murray.

Yes, m'lady.

Oh, hold on, Agnes.

That collar needs finishing.

I'll see to that, Madge.

Oh, there's no need,

Miss Evie.

No, I will be as glad to see

the back of these as you will.

The tea gowns

for the Lisle sisters

will certainly make

a pleasant change.

BEATRICE: Good news, everyone!

Mrs. McAvoy has just confirmed

her order

for three evening gowns.

And Lady Waney

is coming in to talk

about a complete trousseau

for her older daughter.

Evie, may I interrupt?

Only we still haven't replied

to Aunt Lydia's invitation.

- [Groans]

- Do you want to go?

Certainly not.

Nor do I, but what do I say?

Well, you could say

we're too busy

working on a new collection.

[Exhales]

That's just what I'll say.

Sir Desmond Gillespie, m'lady.

Desmond.

Thank you, Chalmers!

I told you

the party was cancelled!

I know, but in its place,

you received an invitation

from me.

My daughter is outside

in the car,

waiting to accompany us

to the opera.

I couldn't possibly.

You mean you've had

too much to drink.

How dare you!

I am your friend, Lydia,

and I am happy to remain so.

But drink will not remove

the pain,

nor help your return

to society.

If you would like to join us

for supper,

you have three hours

in which to clear your head.

Until 11:00?

I thought I might find you here.

Oh, come and join us, Jack.

I thought Bea and I

were going to lunch.

Actually, I have a bit of news.

- About your film?

- Yes.

You know that money

you gave me?

BEATRICE: Jack,

it was your money.

Well, it's Bernard's now.

What do you mean?

He's run off with it,

and several other people's,

as well.

- Oh, Jack.

- JACK: It's all right.

Risky business, film.

I always knew that.

It doesn't put me off,

but are you --

Oh, we're all right.

[Chuckles]

Are you at home

to Mrs. Murray, m'lady?

Only Cook says luncheon will be

ready in five minutes.

Of course I'm at home, Chalmers.

Ask Cook to wait a while.

EMILY: Thank you.

Mrs. Murray, m'lady.

I had to come round,

Lydia.

Do sit down, Emily.

Thank you.

LYDIA: Would you like

something to drink?

No, no, thank you.

[Clears throat]

What I wanted to say --

You've made alternative

arrangements

for your fund-raising.

[Sighs]

A Victorian evening.

Like we used to have,

before the war.

Excellent. I'm sure it will be

most successful.

- Of course, you will come!

- I think not.

I'm just so very sorry.

Oh, my dear Emily,

it is I who should apologize.

I presumed too much.

You shall have a check

for your fund.

Well, there's no need!

After all the trouble

you went to --

There is every need.

Have you the time

to join me for luncheon?

Oh, well, I'd love to, but, uh,

so many things to finalize.

I quite understand.

There.

Thank you.

That's very generous, Lydia.

I can be generous, Emily,

when I choose.

The fabric is just as important

as the design.

I have never disputed that.

All right, maybe I have gone for

the more expensive materials,

but only because I felt

they were right.

With an economy here and there,

they would work, Evie,

they really would.

Desmond, you've always believed

in originality, haven't you?

If it's practical, yes.

[Sighs] You're sounding

just like Beatrice.

[Chuckles] I can't help

being a businessman, Evie.

In the end, though,

what matters --

a stunning work of design

that only a few can afford

to wear,

or designs that will capture

women's imaginations

and that they'll all

want to buy?

You know my feelings.

I've listened to you both

all evening,

and if you don't mind me saying,

you're both

so wrapped up

in this silly disagreement

that you're in danger

of wasting

your most precious assets.

Which are?

Originality and flair.

You could easily compete with

the best of the Paris fashions,

and I'm enormously impressed

with all of the designs

I've seen.

Daddy is always enthusing

about your works.

Well, aren't you

going to say anything?

Beatrice and Evie must sort

this thing out

for themselves,

Rose.

Always the diplomat.

Rose, dear --

No, this is important!

A good partnership,

like a marriage,

needs compromise.

You must learn to see

the merits

in each other's opinions.

Evie --

what do you want to achieve?

Critical acclaim

for our original designs.

Beatrice?

To create designs that will be

popular with everyone.

Well, there you are.

Evie, can't you agree

with Beatrice's aims?

Well, if popularity

means success,

then, well, yes,

I suppose I can.

I am not against

critical acclaim,

as long as what we offer

has a wide appeal.

I do want our designs

to be accessible!

Rose, do you think it's wrong

to assume

that originality

means using unique fabrics?

Well, just think what Chanel did

with jersey.

It's inexpensive, but she

makes it look sensational.

Jersey, that's

a very good example.

Yes, I see what you mean.

It's flexible, it can be cut

to suit most figures --

And we needn't use

inexpensive fabrics.

It's a question of balance.

Evie, what about creating

a set of evening gowns?

Bea, I've been thinking

about that for ages!

I just thought --

Well, I never mentioned it

before because --

What about using variations

of blue as a main theme?

Blue? Yes! The different shades

and textures.

It'll be something unique.

That everyone will want

to wear.

I'll put my order in now.

When will the collection be?

Soon?

Very soon.

[Beatrice chuckles]

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