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[ Bell rings ]

Jack, I hope this isn't going to

take too long.

I've got an enormous amount

of work to do.

This is more important.

All right.

Here we are.

What do you think?

Don't you dare say,

"Home sweet home."

- Would I?

- Jack Maddox,

you have hidden depths

of appalling sentimentality.

You don't want me to carry you

over the threshold?

No, I don't.

We'll see.

But what is wrong with my flat?

You know, we've been

perfectly happy there

since we returned from Paris.

Um, it's smaller than this,

the views aren't as good,

and the location leaves a lot

to be desired.

It's in a splendid location.

Yes, except that there's this

appalling workshop underneath

and people coming and going

all day.

The phone never stops ringing.

You don't want to live

above the shop, do you?

I don't want you to live

above the shop.

Because now and again, I'd like

to have my wife to myself.

On one condition.

What?

New curtains.

New carpets.

New furniture.

- New --

- New bank manager.

[ Laughs ]

WOMAN: Merci.

- Bonjour, madame.

- Bonjour.

Oh, Jack is perfectly happy

with his new job at the studio.

You know how passionate he is

about film, Desmond.

Well, he is a little nervous,

of course.

It's only natural.

And you?

Tell me how you feel

about your new situation.

I'm perfectly happy.

Truly?

Oh, well, I am a little nervous

about being the sole designer

for the House of Eliott.

Never doubt your ability,

Beatrice.

You've always been

one of the designers.

- Yes.

- And it may not be forever.

If this year is as successful

as last,

you may find yourself

in the position

to take on another designer.

Yes, that's true.

You know,

Maison Gilles has five.

[ Chuckles ]

That man really made

an impression on you, didn't he?

Oh, he certainly did.

So many ideas.

Desmond, do you think

it would be foolish of me

to start expanding the business

now?

No.

You don't think I'm being

overambitious?

It depends.

Well, it wouldn't be anything

wildly extravagant.

Let me take a look

at your affairs,

and we'll make a decision.

Oh, but there shouldn't be

any problems there, really,

- should there?

- No, of course not.

Just one or two details

that need examining.

Nothing for you to worry about.

Oy.

What are you doing?

AGNES:

Stitching the lining.

Yeah, but you're catching the

back of the tambour-work stitch.

Yes, so it won't show

through the front.

Oh, yeah.

So she makes one sudden move,

pulls the lining,

rips the thread,

and all the beads fall to the

floor like flippin' hailstones.

- Oh.

- [ Laughter ]

Yeah.

"Oh."

Sorry.

Almost worth doing

just to see it happen.

[ Laughter ]

Well, I must say,

this is the first establishment

I've worked in

where sloppiness and mistakes

are considered a joke.

Oh, go on.

It's been put right now.

It shouldn't have happened

in the first place.

Your job,

where you're properly trained,

is to ensure

that mistakes do not occur.

I just did.

I beg your pardon.

- Nothing.

- [ Door closes ]

Good morning, Miss Eliott.

Good morning, Mrs. Ranby.

Will Miss Hammond's outfit be

ready for collection tomorrow?

I should think so.

It rather depends on Tilly.

Just a little finishing to do,

Miss Bea.

As a matter of fact,

be ready by this afternoon.

Hello.

Can I help you?

I don't know.

Who are you?

I'm Beatrice Eliott.

I'm afraid Jack Maddox

doesn't work there anymore.

[ Sighs ]

Really? Why not?

Well, he's become

a moving-picture director.

He doesn't take portraits

anymore.

Oh, but he will for me.

We're old chums.

[ Chuckles ]

Never mind.

I'll see him at home.

Oh, is he still at that ghastly

little flat on Park Street?

Do you know?

Yes, he is, and so am I.

I beg your pardon.

I'm his wife.

Oh.

But -- But I thought you said

your name was Eliott.

It is.

My word.

How terribly modern.

[ Chuckles ]

Well, in that case,

I'd better leave my card

with you, hadn't I?

Clara Rhoades.

[ Chuckles ]

But, uh, since I'm not

quite as modern as you,

he'll probably remember me

as Clara Moreson.

Tell him to get in touch,

would you?

Yes, I will.

- Goodbye.

So nice to have met you,

Mrs. Maddox.

[ Chuckles ]

Welcome home, darling.

I have appalling depths

of sentimentality?

[ Laughs ]

Sorry, but...

- [ Gasps ]

- [ Growls ]

Oh, Jack! No!

[ Laughing ]

- [ Grunts ]

- Oh!

[ Both laugh ]

- You're supposed to carry me in.

- I know, I know, I know.

I'm just -- just savoring

the moment.

[ Laughs ]

Welcome home.

[ Laughs ]

Jack.

I know I've made

a special celebratory meal,

and before we sit down

to eat it...

well, there's something

I have to tell you.

What?

I can't cook.

I'm so sorry, Desmond.

I-I thought you'd gone home.

Ralph.

No, I'm still here.

Well, I'll say good night, then.

[ Door closes ]

Good night.

No, honestly,

I like cutlets like that.

Jack, can we please change

the subject?

You haven't told me a thing

about how you got on

at the studio today.

Your meal left me speechless.

Oh.

[ Laughs ]

You'll love it.

It's a tale of passion,

betrayal, skullduggery,

innocence lost against the

background of the mystic Orient,

and it features

a small Bactrian camel

on loan from Regent's Park Zoo.

It'll be all right.

It'll be all right in the end.

Please, God.

God knows it's better than

taking portrait photographs.

Oh!

Gosh, I forgot.

What?

I have a message for you.

Sorry.

Who the devil is Clara Rhoades?

She said you'd probably

remember her as Clara Moreson.

What?

Good Lord.

What did she want?

Her portrait taken, I believe.

Well, she can whistle for that.

Well, she seemed

terribly certain

that you would do it

for old times' sake.

Oh.

Did she, now?

What old times, Jack?

She's an old flame of mine --

more years ago

than I care to remember --

and I am not going to take

her photograph.

Well, you'd better telephone her

in the morning and tell her.

I don't suppose you'd do that

for me, would you?

[ Laughs ]

No.

Just because I'm your wife

does not mean

I'm still your receptionist.

Not much of a cook, either.

Oh, darling,

don't be so serious about it.

Just thought it might be nice

to have an up-to-date portrait.

That's all.

And I'm certainly not going to

argue with you about it

over the telephone.

Bring that nice wife of yours

over to dinner.

We can argue about it then, hmm?

How about Saturday?

Yes, of course you must ask

Beatrice and then call me back.

I can't tell you

how much I'm looking forward

to seeing you again.

- Goodbye.

[ Indistinct conversations ]

Coming for the bus?

No.

All right.

See you tomorrow.

- Bye.

Oh, did you get in touch with

your chum Clara, by the way?

I did indeed.

Refused to take "no"

over the telephone.

Invited us to dinner so she

could bully me face-to-face.

Dinner?

[ Sighs ]

Oh, really?

I said I'd have to ask you.

I was looking for an excuse

to put her off.

Why put her off?

Might be a rather

entertaining evening.

Then again, it might not.

Jack, I am not

in the least bit jealous,

if that's what you're thinking.

- No, I'm not.

- Well, then.

What's she really like?

Ah.

So you are curious.

It's perfectly natural.

You'll just have to wait

and meet her face-to-face,

make up your own mind.

Mm.

Wouldn't you be better off

drawing at that desk?

I don't think so.

She's not coming back,

you know, Bea.

I'm perfectly happy where I am,

thank you.

Oh, it'll go through.

You mark my words.

They won't stop until

the Housing Act becomes law.

And then where will we be?

So, uh, when may we expect

to see this film of yours

in the cinema, Mr. Maddox?

In the autumn, I hope.

2 1/2 million rabbit hutches

by 1939.

And who's going to pay for them?

That's what I want to know.

That Ramsay MacDonald has got

a lot to answer for.

Labour government indeed!

I had thought, actually,

that it was Neville Chamberlain

who introduced

the housing project, didn't he?

- Well, yes, of course. But if --

- [ Glass chimes ]

Donald, dear, don't be tedious.

Now, Beatrice,

tell me something.

Is Jack tied up

at this film studio of his

24 hours a day?

No.

So there's no real reason

why he shouldn't take

my portrait, is there?

All right.

I give in.

Anything for a quiet life.

CLARA: Oh, aren't men boring

when they give in so easily?

Donald's been taking the least

line of resistance for years.

It drives me to distraction.

I must say, Beatrice,

I've been promising myself

a visit to your place

for simply ages.

Who's your vendeuse?

Well, we don't have one as yet.

Now, ladies,

if we're going to gossip,

may I suggest we remove

to the sitting room,

where we can gossip properly?

[ Chuckles ]

Nancy's quite right, Beatrice.

A good vendeuse is worth

her weight in gold.

Yes, but I suspect

finding a good vendeuse

is easier said than done.

I suppose the trouble is

that anybody who's worth having

at all has already got

a certain loyalty

to their own fashion house.

Yes, exactly.

Now, Beatrice,

what I'm asking myself is,

what have you done

to Jack Maddox?

Absolutely nothing.

He's always been like that.

Jolly well wasn't like that

when I knew him.

Mad as a hatter!

He's become

positively respectable.

What did you threaten him with?

Not marrying him.

- [ Laughs ]

- You tried that, didn't you?

Mm. Trouble is the swine

took me up on it.

Jack broke off their engagement.

Please don't be alarmed,

Beatrice.

We were mere babes in arms

at the time.

Nancy, do try one of these.

They're absolutely delicious.

I felt such a fool.

That's all, Jack.

I don't see why.

It was years ago.

Yes, but I didn't know about it.

Is there anyone else

I should know about?

All right.

Amelia Holstock.

We were engaged for a weekend

before she threw me over --

for the gardener's boy,

as I remember.

It was a shattering experience.

I was only 6 at the time.

And then when I was 8,

I had scarlet fever.

Mother brought

a special nurse in for me.

I did ask her to marry me.

- And then --

- Yes. All right, Jack.

Point taken.

Clara and I were engaged

for a month

before I came to my senses

and realized that hell would

come soon enough when I died.

There was no need

to marry into it.

No, I couldn't guarantee the

sort of lifestyle she wanted,

and she made it quite clear

that photography wasn't her idea

of a suitable profession for me.

Mind you,

I nearly had to emigrate.

Really?

Her father came looking for me

with a horsewhip.

- What?

- He was livid.

Well, it was understandable.

He'd come that close

to getting her off his hands.

[ Laughs ]

You're so unkind!

Me?

Donald was probably

a human being

before she got her hands on him.

[ Laughs ]

Jack! I disagree.

Apart from that one

awkward moment,

I found her

very entertaining company.

And it was a very good dinner.

You're just easily pleased.

That's all.

Oh, I know that.

Mm.

[ Indistinct conversations,

laughter ]

[ Talking stops ]

Has anyone seen Miss Eliott

this morning?

Oh, I saw Mr. Maddox go

into his old studio a while ago.

She might be in there with him.

Thank you.

Is that how Miss Eliott

usually asks for it to be done?

Yes.

It is.

JACK:

Sorry to take so long.

Things have got rather chaotic

since --

Uh, Clara Bow, perhaps.

Clara Rhoades, I think not.

Oh, God. You're almost as stuffy

as Donald.

I was only trying to raise

a smile.

Clara, just think how you'd like

to present yourself

and then, oh, present yourself.

[ Exhales deeply ]

Thank you.

Have you really changed

that much, Jack?

Probably.

Donald's changed

in the last few years.

- Uh-huh.

- Mm.

I know he has to keep abreast

of politics in his line of work.

- But he won't --

- Quite still now, please.

[ Shutter clicks ]

Thank you.

Um, try and relax a little

for the next one.

[ Snores, laughs ]

[ Laughs ]

Clara!

There.

That's better.

You had me worried for a minute.

Thought you'd forgotten

how to have fun altogether.

There's a time and place

for everything.

Oh, isn't there, though?

I still find you

most attractive, Jack.

You don't mind, do you?

Yes, I do.

I'm married to a woman

I love very much indeed.

Now, if you've come

to have your portrait taken,

I suggest you sit down

and we'll carry on.

Otherwise you'd better go.

You pompous,

patronizing little --

How dare you speak to me

like that!

I can remember when --

[ Sobs ]

I'm sorry.

- Let's forget about it.

- It's just that I don't --

It doesn't matter.

Whatever my problems are,

they're no excuse for that sort

of behavior, are they?

You've taken all the portraits

I need.

I'll go and get changed.

Bonjour, madame.

[ Speaking French ]

[ Speaking French ]

Bien sûr, madame.

Miss Eliott, ma'am.

I'm so glad you could come.

Lovely to see you again, Clara.

- Please sit down.

- Thank you.

You may bring tea now.

Well, I'm fascinated.

Your message sounded so cryptic.

I know.

I should've written it

on rice paper

so you could've eaten it

and destroyed the evidence.

Why?

What is it?

Alice Burgoyne.

Who?

Oh, Beatrice,

I'm disappointed in you.

Alice Burgoyne,

leading vendeuse at Hussars.

Well, I have it

on good authority --

from my vendeuse at Hussars,

in fact --

that Alice Burgoyne would not be

averse to a change in situation,

should the right situation

present itself, of course.

Really?

My authority also tells me

that Mrs. Burgoyne has a very

impressive list of clients.

They do say she takes tea

at the Royal Enclosure.

- Do they indeed?

- [ Chuckles ]

I just thought

you might be interested.

[ Telephone rings ]

Alice Burgoyne.

Of course I know of you,

Miss Eliott.

This evening?

One moment.

I could possibly be free

by 6:00.

I look forward to it.

Goodbye.

[ Mid-tempo music playing ]

Whilst it's very pleasant to be

invited out to tea, Miss Eliott,

I admit I'm most curious

as to the reason.

I assume Mrs. Rhoades

did not refer you to me

as a potential client.

Hardly.

What, then?

Mrs. Burgoyne, if the House of

Eliott is to continue to grow,

I recognize the services

of a vendeuse are essential.

I would like to offer you

that position.

At the moment,

I can only take on one vendeuse,

But at a later date,

the position will become that

of premiére vendeuse.

Without wishing to appear rude,

Miss Eliott, why me?

You have an excellent

reputation, Mrs. Burgoyne.

And I'm very happy

in my present position.

Then you're most fortunate.

However, forgive me if I appear

a little abrupt, Miss Eliott.

This is the last thing

I expected.

It may be that I would consider

a move.

Do you need an answer

immediately?

No.

I would rather

you considered the proposition

very carefully indeed.

Thank you.

I haven't sat down

and done a detailed costing,

but I would estimate about £500

would be enough, don't you?

I would think so.

And if we can release that

from the investments,

then we could make a really good

start on the improvements.

Yes.

Oh, Desmond,

there's a "but" in your voice.

Beatrice,

can you give me a week or two

until I've seen to one

or two things?

There are a couple of matters

I should attend to

before we can consider it.

- Yes, of course. But what?

- [ Knock on door ]

Yes?

Come in.

I'm sorry to interrupt.

There's a Mrs. Burgoyne

to see you, Miss Eliott.

Oh.

I have to be leaving anyway.

I shall telephone you very soon.

I would just like to have a word

with Joseph, if I may.

Joseph?

Excuse me, Miss Eliott.

Goodbye, Desmond.

Florence, please show

Mrs. Burgoyne in.

Thank you.

Mrs. Burgoyne.

Miss Eliott.

What a nice surprise.

Do sit down.

Thank you.

[ Clears throat ]

This is your office, I presume?

Yes.

So, where does Miss Evangeline

work?

In Paris.

She's left you?

Well, she's designing

for Maison Gilles at the moment.

I understood she did

most of the designing here.

No.

I take it you've come

about the offer I made you.

I'm still considering it.

- Do you understand?

- Yes, of course.

But I should be most interested

to see around your premises.

Yes.

Certainly.

Mrs. Rhoades tells me

Lady Cumberland

is one of your clients.

I'm acquainted

with her ladyship, yes,

but I'm sure you appreciate

it would be quite wrong of me

to discuss details

of my clientele

with anyone

other than my employer.

Of course.

Let me show you around.

But Tilly said it was all right.

Yes, she probably did.

Now oversew the seams properly.

We never oversew

till after the final fitting.

We do now.

All raw edges will be oversewn

at each stage of the making-up.

Oh, that's daft.

What do we want to go

wasting time like that for?

Miss Bea has never wanted it

done like that,

and no one knows the difference

in the end.

I shall know.

And it's my opinion that counts

in this workroom, not your --

- Now look what you've done.

- [ Door opens, closes ]

I never started it.

Joseph, would you excuse me

for just one moment, please?

Yes.

Of course, Miss Eliott.

Thank you.

Please.

I did think -- Well, I assumed

you had much larger premises.

Oh, but we're in the process

of acquiring more space.

Here, the plans

are well under way.

And they include separate rooms

for the vendeuse, do they?

I beg your pardon.

Miss Eliott,

the art of a vendeuse

is to cultivate the acquaintance

of a certain quality of lady

and then to look after

her requirements of the house

in the manner

to which she is accustomed.

Whoever you appoint as vendeuse

will need her own reception

and private fitting room.

It's the very least

her clientele expect.

- Does that mean, then, that --

- I'm sorry.

There really is not the room

here for my ladies.

And as I said, I'm perfectly

happy in my present position.

Well, thank you for being

so direct with me.

Goodbye.

Goodbye, Mrs. Burgoyne.

[ Door closes ]

Mrs. Ranby.

When you finish in here today,

come and see me in my office.

Thank you.

[ Door slams ]

I didn't --

I don't care who

or what it was about.

It does not happen again.

Do you understand?

I will not have that sort

of behavior in my workroom!

[ Softly ]

I'm sorry, Miss Eliott.

I should think so.

[ Door closes ]

I thought everyone

had gone home.

Well, yes.

I --

[ Footsteps approaching ]

Bonsoir.

Look out!

[ Horn blares ]

Have you got a job, Miss --

sweeping the floor,

making the tea...

designing the odd gown?

Do you really need to ask?

Thank you.

Am I allowed to ask why?

Mm.

Well, I suppose when all is said

and done,

I'm just too arrogant

to work for someone else.

However good my work is,

Maison Gilles will always be

Maison Gilles

and not the House of Eliott.

Gilles Caragnac may be the sun,

but I'm not terribly keen

on being a whizzy little planet,

not professionally and not...

Well, whatever.

Evie?

It's all right.

He didn't take advantage of me.

In fact, thinking about it, I'm

not quite sure who seduced who.

Oh, Bea, don't look so stunned.

We had a wonderful few weeks,

and then it was over.

That's all.

- And you have no regrets?

- No.

Not professionally

and not in any other way either.

[ Exhales sharply ]

Gilles was incredible

to work for.

But, you know,

we're not that bad either.

We have a long way to go before

we achieve that kind of success,

but you'll see.

We'll give Gilles Caragnac

something to think about.

It's so good to have you back.

Oh, it's good to be back, Tilly.

And I'm going to keep this

for special.

No, you will not.

It's for fun.

Oh!

All right, ladies.

Back to work, if you please.

Go along, then.

What are we doing?

Who are we doing it for?

Tilly, tell me the gossip

this instant.

[ Speaking indistinctly ]

What have you been doing, Agnes?

[ Indistinct conversations ]

Sir Desmond's office,

Miss Eliott.

Thank you, Joseph.

Hello.

Beatrice Eliott.

Having considered the evidence

set before us,

it is the verdict of this court

that the deceased,

Desmond Albert Gillispie,

by the consumption

of noxious poisons

did take his own life

while the balance of his mind

was disturbed.

[ Spectators murmuring ]

JACK: Suicide?

Makes you realize

how little you know someone.

That's the worst thing, really.

I-I thought that Desmond --

We all did, Evie.

Miss Eliott?

Ralph Saroyan.

We -- We haven't met.

I was Sir Desmond's partner.

Oh, yes. Of course.

How do you do?

How do you do?

I realize this is neither

the time nor the place,

but if you could call me

at your convenience.

There are matters

that need to be discussed.

Yes.

I understand.

Thank you.

Good day.

Good day.

It's an awful day.

So, how does this affect you?

- I beg your pardon.

- Desmond's death.

I was just wondering where

it leaves the House of Eliott.

It leaves it without one of the

best friends it ever had, Jack.

It leaves me

without a godfather.

Oh, Evie, Jack didn't mean it

like that.

- No. I'm sorry, Jack.

- It's all right.

It's my fault.

I didn't mean to be insensitive.

But I do think it's important

that you find out sooner rather

than later where you stand.

Your affairs are very tied up

with Gillispie Saroyan.

Yes, I know.

Well, I'm going

to see Mr. Saroyan tomorrow.

Though I don't see there should

be any problems there, though.

What problems

could Desmond have had

that forced him to poison

himself in his own office?

Sir Desmond had a --

Well, how can I put this?

A somewhat individual approach

to investments, Miss Eliott.

So much so that we're, well,

at some exertion

just to trace the full extent

of his portfolios.

I don't understand.

No. Neither, my dear young lady,

do we as yet.

But we shall.

Rest assured we shall.

You will, I take it,

be taking over Sir Desmond's

affairs personally?

Along with my colleagues,

of course.

In matters such as these,

a great deal of consultation

has to be made.

I see.

[ Bell tolling in distance ]

When may I expect

to hear from you, Mr. Saroyan?

I have my own investment plans

waiting, you see.

Please.

All in good time.

The mills of probate,

Miss Eliott,

like the mills of God,

they grind exceeding slow.

Once again we're at the mercy

of someone else.

So infuriating,

not knowing anything.

And now, when we've gone

so far ahead with our plans.

You know, we might not get

our money for months.

Here.

Well, if worst comes to worst,

we can always take over

Jack's old studio.

I beg your pardon.

Bea, it would be perfect.

The other side of the hallway.

We could have

all the public bits on one side,

all the working bits

on the other.

Not quite perfect, Evie.

It's in such a ghastly state.

The refurbishments will cost

a fortune.

Besides, I couldn't do that

to Jack.

[ Paper rustling ]

Who's it from?

Desmond's solicitors.

He's left me some money.

Bea, that's horrible.

It makes me feel like a vulture.

Evie...well, Desmond probably

made his will out years ago.

And you were his goddaughter.

I shouldn't feel badly about it.

I really miss him.

I know.

I know it sounds silly.

I spent so much of my life

without him.

Bea, he helped us so much.

[ Sighs ]

That's the answer, isn't it?

The cut jet beads are

terribly elegant.

But I think on the whole

I prefer the glass bugles.

Yes.

Yes, the glass bugles.

Yes, Mrs. Costain-Jones.

Splendid.

I'll call in for a final fitting

a week on Friday, then.

Friday. Yes.

That will be fine.

Good.

Good day.

BEA:

Ah, Mrs. Costain-Jones.

I'll telephone for a taxi.

[ Indistinct conversations ]

Cut jet beading

on the Costain-Jones gown.

Really?

BEA:

What did you say this was?

Turkey casserole.

It's very good.

Thank you.

Jack?

[ Train passing in distance ]

You know your old studio?

Intimately.

[ Water runs ]

Have you decided what you're

going to do with it yet?

- Me?

- It is your studio.

No, it's not.

I spent the entire loan I raised

on it, so legally it's yours.

I rather assumed

you were going to take it over.

Well...I just feel awkward

about it.

That's all.

Isn't that

what Evie planned to do

with the money Desmond left her?

- We have talked about it, but --

- Well, do it. Do it.

It's served its purpose

as far as I'm concerned.

WOMAN: Where are we taking it,

Miss Evie?

EVIE:

Just out.

- [ Thud, clattering ]

- Oh!

[ Coughing ]

As you can see,

all the girls are respectable

and of an age to take employment

straightaway.

Thank you very much.

This is Mrs. Ranby, who is in

overall charge of the workroom.

And this is Miss Watkins,

our head seamstress,

and she will supervise

your day-to-day work.

Both Miss Watkins and Mrs. Ranby

will teach you everything

you need to know.

Who knows?

If you work hard and get on

well, perhaps one day

you'll be showing

the new apprentices what to do.

Welcome to the House of Eliott.

Right, girls.

The first thing we need to do

is give you all your overalls

and then find out

all your names.

Pass these down.

- Miss Eliott?

- Yes?

I was just wondering --

Who's going to be

the new head seamstress?

What new head seamstress?

You mean Tilly is going to

manage both workrooms?

I think Tilly can cope

perfectly well.

Don't you?

Yes, Miss Eliott.

Besides, now we have

all this wonderful new space,

the first thing we need

is a vendeuse.

Mrs. Desforges,

I'm so sorry I'm late.

Oh, how lovely!

But that's not mine.

Mrs. Costain-Jones?

Yes, but that's not mine.

I wanted the glass bugle

beading.

- But Mrs. Ranby --

- Oh, for heaven's sake.

I wanted the damn dress

for this weekend.

Tilly, you have ruined

Mrs. Costain-Jones' gown.

I specifically said the

glass bugles, not the cut jet.

What on earth do you think

you were doing?

- Very sorry.

- Sorry? I would've thought --

Oh, I-I suppose

it doesn't matter that much.

Give it to me

and I'll try it on, anyway.

Oh, yes.

Clara!

How lovely to see you.

But I wasn't expecting you.

Oh, neither was anybody else.

[ Laughs ]

- Oh, sit down.

- Thank you.

- How are you?

- I'm fine.

Beatrice, the truth is

I'm beginning to find Hussars

a trifle stuffy.

I rather thought

I'd like to take a look

at the Eliott autumn collection.

Well, why don't I show you

myself?

- Thank you.

- This way.

Ah.

Goodbye, Mrs. Costain-Jones.

Goodbye.

- Mrs. Rhoades.

- Mrs. Costain-Jones.

Oh, Jack told me

you'd finished your extension.

Really?

When was that?

Oh, when he came 'round

with my photographs days ago.

We haven't as yet found

a vendeuse.

Didn't you get in touch

with Alice Burgoyne?

Yes, I did. But unfortunately,

she turned me down.

Never mind. Now we have the

right facilities for a vendeuse.

I'm sure it won't be long

before we find someone suitable.

Oh, but, my dear,

you must approach Alice again.

- Everyone's after her.

- Why?

Because she's made it

quite clear

she wants to leave Hussars.

They really are dreadful people.

Don't know why I go there.

They have no idea

what she's worth.

And, you see,

somebody of her caliber

won't stand for being treated

as just another employee.

But, Clara,

she has already turned us down.

Why should she be interested

in us now if she wasn't before?

She would be special here,

Beatrice.

She'll be appreciated.

Honestly, you're mad

if you don't try.

Half London is fighting

over her clientele.

[ Laughs ]

GEORGINA: Madame, there seem to

be a great many things

which appear to be beyond

your control at the moment,

including your clients.

Having been frustrated

in two appointments here,

Mrs. Pemberton now patronizes

Lucille.

Countess Nikolai has gone back

to Paris because you upset her.

And now Mrs. Desforges.

Mrs. Burgoyne,

your value to Hussars

is determined by the quality

of your list of clients.

I suggest you improve

the quality of your list

before your value...

It's in your hands.

[ Telephone rings ]

Alice Burgoyne.

Miss Eliott.

I'll just consult my diary.

We would very much like you

to consider working for us.

I don't know.

I'm sure we can agree

to favorable terms.

Oh, yes?

We can offer you £100 a year,

plus the usual commission,

naturally.

It hardly matches

my present salary, Miss Eliott.

To make such an important move,

I really couldn't accept

less than £150.

Uh...

However,

as you have promised me the

position of premier vendeuse,

to show good faith,

I might concede a little.

£125.

I cannot accept less.

2 pounds, 10 shillings a week.

And a contract

for a year's employment.

If that year were to start

on Monday next?

Very well.

Right.

Thank you, Alice.

Till Monday.

BEA:

Goodbye.

£2.10 a week?

Bea, are we planning to rob

the Bank of England?

Are we mad?

Think of it as an investment,

Evie.

Alice Burgoyne's list

of clients --

Just better include

all the crowned heads in Europe

for £2.10 a week.

- [ Knock on door ]

- Yes? Come in.

Yes, Florence?

I'm sorry, Miss Eliott,

but it just won't do.

- What won't do, Florence?

- Miss Watkins.

I've tried and tried, but can I

get any sense into her?

- No, I can't.

- Why? What's the matter now?

Maybe it's me that should have

more patience,

but I am used to professionals,

Miss Eliott.

Now, I'm not saying Miss Watkins

does it on purpose.

She just doesn't know

any better,

and it's me

that has to sort it all out.

What is Tilly doing?

What do you have to sort out,

Florence?

Well, the business with the

Costain-Jones gown, for a start.

What business?

She put the wrong beads on it.

What?

Now, that's very serious.

I think Tilly should be here

to explain herself.

Tilly?

TILLY:

Yes?

Could you just come and see us

for a minute?

Tilly, Florence tells us

that you put the wrong beads on

a gown for Mrs. Costain-Jones.

Is that right?

Well, yes.

I...

I'm sorry.

This is very serious.

What has happened here?

You see, Miss Watkins

just isn't --

I thought Mrs. Ranby said

cut jet beads.

That's because

you weren't listening.

Where is the dress now?

Oh, the customer took it anyway.

She liked the beading that was

done, but that's not the point.

No, the point is,

Florence and Tilly,

I really have had enough

of these difference

between you two.

Yes, Miss Bea.

Yes, Miss Eliott.

- [ Door closes ]

- What is going on with them?

Lord knows.

[ Indistinct conversations ]

MAN:

Can I have two spices, please?

FLORENCE:

So, how's it been?

It's not the same anymore,

not since you left.

Who have they got

as the new head cutter?

Miss Harriet Simmons.

[ Gasps ]

She's awful, Florence.

She heaves into the workroom

with her bosom out to here.

Won't allow no talking

or nothing.

Of course, old Miss Webb

thinks she's God's gift.

And how is the spider?

Bad as ever.

She's really got it in for me

since you left.

- Don't know why.

- [ Bell chimes ]

But I ain't going to put up

with it much longer.

- Really?

- Oh, yes.

Soon as I see another job with

the same sort of money, I'm off.

What about a better job, Elsie,

like head seamstress?

Show me what door to knock on.

House of Eliott.

What?

Don't they have one already?

Not a proper one.

Just a jumped-up little stitcher

called Tilly.

Can't see her lasting.

That's getting some, isn't it?

I work at the mill of a hotel.

Tons of crumbs.

Pigeons think

I'm Father Christmas.

I'll bet.

Do you work around here?

House of Eliott.

I'm head seamstress.

All I could get is buttons.

I don't think they'd go for them

much, do you?

- Eh?

- The pigeons.

Oh.

True.

Not well known

for eating buttons, pigeons.

[ Chuckles ]

Norman.

Norman Foss.

Tilly Watkins.

Miss.

Pleased to meet you.

Likewise.

Haven't seen you before

in the garden.

That's 'cause I don't come here

much, do I?

What's so different about today,

then?

Today the air smells better

out here.

Yeah.

Yeah.

Got to get back sometime,

though.

Will you be getting a breath

of fresh air tomorrow, then?

I might be.

Bye.

I understood

that when you joined us, Alice,

that you would bring with you

a list of valuable clients.

There are very few people

in here that I've ever heard of.

In fact, there are very few

people in here at all.

I'm sorry, Miss Eliott.

A number of my clients proved

more loyal to Hussars

than they did to me.

I am, after all, merely

the agent, not the supplier.

But I am sure in time

I can woo back

the sort of clients you expect.

I shall look forward to that.

[ Door opens, closes ]

- Good night.

Good night, girls.

Good night.

[ Indistinct conversations ]

FLORENCE: I understand how

you must feel, Mrs. Burgoyne,

but I wouldn't worry about it.

I'm used to Miss Beatrice's

manner by now,

especially when she's upset.

Her husband --

[ Sighs ]

Well, it's not my business,

and I mustn't gossip, must I?

Do you know Clara Rhoades?

She was a customer at Hussars.

[ Indistinct conversations ]

Oh, hello.

Oh, hello.

- Good night, Tilly.

- Good night.

So, are you finished

for the day, then?

Yeah.

Thank goodness.

Just passing, was you?

On my way back

for the evening shift.

Oh.

You've not got any pigeons

with you, then?

No.

They're in the pantry, waiting

for the chef to pluck them.

- You.

- [ Laughs ]

We'd be delighted to make it

for you, Mrs. Desforges.

- Thank you.

- Ah. There she is.

Mrs. Desforges, this is

my sister, Beatrice Eliott.

- How do you do?

- Very pleased to meet you.

I was about to take Mrs.

Desforges to meet our vendeuse.

I've heard

you've taken someone on.

Anyone I know?

Alice Burgoyne.

Well, I'm terribly sorry

I wasted your time, Miss Eliott,

but I couldn't tolerate

that woman.

Sadly, I think you'll find

that I'm not the only one.

Good day.

Damn!

If I'd wanted to give the woman

a reference,

I would have written one,

Miss...

Miss Jones.

Of course, she may be entirely

suitable for a position

other than vendeuse.

No.

Not exactly.

Let's say she developed

a rather unfortunate manner.

For which we are paying £2.10

a week.

[ Sighs ]

Come on.

Let's go home and relax.

What's that look for?

What have I done?

All right.

Do you want to hear some news?

The bad news is Hussars wouldn't

have given Alice a reference

even if she'd asked for one.

Georgina Harris said she

regularly missed appointments.

The really bad news is

that she's under contract to us

for a year for £2.10 a week.

Good God.

Where on earth did you get

this woman from?

Well, she came

very highly recommended

by your old chum Clara Rhoades,

Jack,

who also gave me

the distinct impression

she would be giving

her patronage

to the House of Eliott.

[ Sighs ]

[ Door slams ]

Jack!

What an unexpected pleasure.

Isn't it silly? We don't see

each other for 10 years and --

Yes. All right, Clara.

What's going on?

Where, dear -- Parliament,

Beer-Ritz, the Palace?

You know perfectly well

what I'm talking about --

that Burgoyne woman

you foisted on my wife.

Oh, Jack.

I never foist.

I merely find people

who deserve each other,

put them together, and leave

them to get on with it.

Clara, what has Beatrice

ever done to you?

Absolutely nothing.

I don't give a fig about her.

But it is rather fun

watching you squirm, though.

You mean to say this is

your idea of revenge?

Mm.

Why not?

[ Sighs ]

I don't like being turned down,

Jack.

Not by you.

- Not by --

- Not by anybody.

[ Scoffs ]

Are you really

that self-centered

or are you just bored

with your marriage?

I'm not unique.

Why?

Why me?

Simple malice, dear heart.

One of the few pleasures

I have left in life.

[ Chuckles ]

Poor old you.

Do you know, I...

I can't even imagine

being that desperate.

Goodbye, Clara.

[ Door closes ]

Hello.

How are you both?

Are you feeling any better?

Well, we've had a few

well-chosen words with Alice.

Whether or not it does any good

remains to be seen.

I've found out something

about that.

I'm terribly sorry,

but it seems to be my fault.

- How?

- Really?

I went to see Clara

this morning.

She has become

even more spiteful

than I had remembered her.

Apparently this whole escapade

is some pathetic attempt at

revenge for my rejection of her.

- What?

- Which one?

Sorry?

I knew you'd broken off

your engagement.

Have you also broken off

your present entanglement?

What?

Jack, you and Clara

are the gossip of the workroom.

Everyone's talking about you.

Don't be absurd.

There's nothing to talk about.

Bea, you don't seriously

believe that.

Well, I don't know.

Anyway, we have you to thank

for all of this.

You would've preferred it

if I'd encouraged her?

No.

No. Of course not.

All I am saying --

Is you believe the fantasies

of some stupid, neurotic woman.

Look. Who was it who urged me

to see her in the first place?

Who thought the House of Eliott

might have something to gain?

Jack, how dare you suggest

that I am that mercenary?

Look, I have had a long

and frustrating day,

and I'd quite like to go to bed

now.

You two are welcome to sit here

and fight if you want to,

but quite frankly

I'd much rather you didn't.

Evie's right.

Come on.

Let's talk about this at home.

I-I need to talk to Evie.

Fine.

Evie, can I stay with you

tonight?

- Do you mind?

- [ Door slams ]

[ Sighs ]

Yes, you can.

But yes, I do mind.

Alice and Clara, Bea,

they are not worth fighting

with Jack over.

He's your husband.

He loves you.

He doesn't deserve

that kind of treatment.

Well, does he?

- See you in the morning.

- Good night.

Jack?

Jack?

I'm sorry.

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