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Oh, good morning, Joseph.

Ready to face the day?

"Oh, yes, Betty.

Good morning, Betty."

We simply want to know

the truth, Joseph.

May I ask what Mr. Saroyan said

about me?

Joseph, we want to hear

your side of the story.

Were you dismissed

from Gillispie-Saroyan?

I was, but I really don't know

the reason why.

Joseph, please tell us the truth

unless you are trying to hide

something.

I assure you, Miss Eliott,

I am telling you the truth.

[ Sighs ]

I was doing the monthly audit

of the bank's loan accounts

when I came across something

I didn't understand.

And what was that?

Loans had been awarded

to certain companies

without an interest rate

or a date for repayment.

Is that unusual?

Very.

How else can a bank make money

if it doesn't charge interest

on a loan?

So, what did you do then?

Well, I brought

these discrepancies

to the attention

of my superior --

Mr. Weaver,

the chief accountant.

The next thing I knew,

without any term of notice,

I was sacked.

Oh, there you are, Madge.

Oh, we finished

Mrs. Denton's suit.

Ready for today's fitting.

Quite good, considering

she...visit for but two days.

I know.

I checked it last night.

We never can surprise you,

can we, Mrs. Ranby?

I'm not here to be surprised.

No.

Now, Madge, about this blouse.

Is there something wrong

with it?

Can't you see?

The seams haven't been oversewn.

I left instructions...

That all our edges

have to be sewn

at each stage of the making.

Yes, Mrs. Ranby.

Then why has it not been done?

Well,

we were a bit pushed for time,

getting Mrs. Denton's suit

ready.

The oversewing will be done

eventually.

It should have been completed

by now.

We're doing our best.

Which sometimes happens

not to be good enough.

No, Mrs. Ranby.

Thank you.

The order had come

from Mr. Saroyan.

He refused to see me.

Well, what about Sir Desmond?

Mr. Desmond felt

he couldn't countermand

his partner's instructions,

but he promised that once

it had all been sorted out,

he would make sure

I had my old job back.

In the meantime,

as a recompense,

he was kind enough to get me

the position here.

So, you had hoped to return

to Gillispie-Saroyan?

Yes.

That's out of the question now

with Sir Desmond dead.

You're stuck with

the House of Eliott, Joseph.

Miss Eliott, this other matter.

What other matter?

I tried to talk to you

about the loan from the bank.

Yes. What about it?

Now that I've received

all the papers pertaining to it,

it's the terms of the loan

agreement that concern me --

the matter of the interest rate.

Yes, well, it might be

a little higher than usual.

Well, what about the raising

of the interest rate each month?

Joseph, what do you mean?

It states in the agreement,

albeit in small print,

that the interest payable

will continue to rise.

So?

Well, didn't Mr. Saroyan

explain?

What it means is that until

you're able to repay the loan,

the interest will continue

to rise substantially.

You could end up paying back the

original loan many times over.

I assumed

you were aware of this.

FLORENCE:

Oh, no, girl.

That is not the way to do

a rouleau loop.

How many times

have you been told?

But Till--

Mrs. Foss --

FLORENCE: You must do it the way

I showed you.

Bad habits result

in inferior workmanship.

Take a pride in what you do,

all of you.

I do.

Well, who do we believe --

Joseph or Saroyan?

I've never liked Saroyan.

EVIE:

Well, be that as it may,

how do we know

that Joseph isn't lying?

He could be covering up

his own failings,

and by doing so,

mismanaging our accounts.

Joseph? No.

Evie, I feel so foolish.

Saroyan made out we were signing

a standard agreement.

We should have read

the small print.

Can't -- Can't we just find

a way

of paying off this loan

to Saroyan

and releasing ourself

from his control?

Oh, Evie,

if it were that easy...

Desmond would never have

let this happen, Bea.

Perhaps not.

Bea, Jack's a director

of the business.

Why don't we talk to him?

No, Evie, I really don't want to

bother him at the moment.

EVIE:

Well, I think we should ask him.

No, I think this is something

we should sort out ourselves.

Bea, talk to Jack, or I will.

This damn thing!

Here, let me do it.

- [ Sighs ]

- [ Scoffs ]

What is the matter

with you tonight?

I'm nervous. That's all.

Now, what is there

to be nervous about?

Oh, nothing.

It's the first showing

of what I think -- I hope --

is my best film.

I want people to like it.

They will.

No matter what anyone says,

it doesn't get any easier,

you know.

There's so much money involved.

It's got to be a success.

I have every confidence.

You haven't seen it yet.

BEA:

I know your work.

Jack,

I'm sorry to bring this up,

but you mentioned money

and investments.

I don't know what to do.

About Joseph or Saroyan?

Both.

What if we can't repay the loan?

We're going to be forever

in debt.

Do you trust Joseph?

Well, I want to,

but I can't be sure.

What I should do

is check the books myself,

but the very thought of it...

Look, I have an idea.

Why don't you bring me

all the books?

And I'll get my accountants

to look over them,

see if there are any

inconsistencies, all right?

- And what about Saroyan?

- Look, first things first.

Now, please, no more on

this subject, not tonight.

What time

are we picking Evie up?

In half an hour.

Thank you.

I feel better.

Good.

You look beautiful.

I know the Montfords

are dying to meet you.

Isn't Lady Montford

something to do with the palace?

She's one of

the ladies in waiting.

[ Gasps ] No!

I'm starting to feel nervous

now.

Come on. Let's go.

[ Laughs ]

[ Indistinct conversations ]

Jack took that.

It's a very important

photograph.

In what way, Lady Montford?

Oh, Elizabeth, please.

It's because of the portrait

that I was first introduced

to Alexander.

It was published in The Tatler.

Alexander saw it

and was determined to meet me.

- EVIE: Oh, how romantic.

- He is.

So, you can see that's why I've

always had a soft spot for Jack.

He never told me.

He's too modest,

but he's very talented.

However, I have to say

I was a little hesitant

when he first asked permission

to use this house for his film.

But he was so reassuring

and persuasive,

I could hardly say no.

This is really very generous

of you.

Nonsense. I can't wait to see

the final result.

Well, I've had the screen set up

in the ballroom.

Perfect.

ALEXANDER: Jack,

I think Beatrice is charming.

You're a very lucky man.

JACK:

I know.

ALEXANDER: And Evangeline

is also very lovely.

I'd never have taken them

for sisters at first,

but now I can see

the similarities.

Everything's ready.

Shall we start?

Why not?

Uh, ladies and gentlemen,

first of all,

I'd like to thank you all

for making the effort to be

with us this evening.

This, I can say, is a first

for Montford Hall.

We were rather privileged

to be chosen

as a setting for Jack Maddox's

new film, "The Secrets Within."

You are also rather privileged

to be the first audience

to view it.

I'm sure it'll be

a wonderful success for Jack.

Now, if you would all like

to come into the ballroom,

we'll begin in a few minutes.

Will they be long?

They'd better not be.

I told Jerry a quick pint only.

As long as your Norman

doesn't lead him astray.

Oh, Norman wouldn't.

He doesn't really drink.

You know, he always comes home

straight after work.

You wait to be married

as long as I am.

You'll be going down the pub

yourself to drag him out.

Oh, not my Norman.

Oh, I tried to pop in to see you

yesterday.

Old Florence made sure

I was kept busy.

Oh, she doesn't change,

that woman, does she?

I kept on trying to ask

Miss Evie things,

but she always interfered.

It's as if she doesn't want me

to even talk to the sisters.

TILLY:

She doesn't.

Do you know what really gets

my back up?

The way she bosses my girls

like I'm not even there.

I know! We're supposed to be

running the workrooms.

Trouble is as long as

the work gets done,

Miss Beatrice will not hear

a word said against her.

Well, I suppose it's only fair,

but it's always us that gets

the sharp end of the stick,

isn't it?

Hmm, I know where I'd like

to shove that stick.

Madge.

There's nothing we can do

about it.

I'm right fed up.

I don't know how much longer

I can stand working like this.

What do you mean?

I've got to do something

about her.

Haven't you done enough

for tonight, love?

I'd just like to finish this.

Then I'll be happy.

Finish it in the morning

at work,

where it's supposed to be done.

Alfred, if I don't,

we'll get behind.

You've got a staff to do that

for you.

I seem to spend all my time

trying to make them listen to

the right way of doing things.

Madge and Tilly are good girls

at heart,

but I despair sometimes.

You're too conscientious, Flory.

I know you.

You worry too much.

I like to take a pride

in my work.

So do I.

I'm the best tailor in my firm,

but I only do my best

when I'm paid for it.

- Can I just --

- No.

FLORENCE:

[ Chuckles ]

Alfred Ranby,

you're a wicked, wicked man.

Isn't that why you married me?

[ Both laugh ]

I must congratulate you, Jack.

- Your film was excellent.

- Thank you.

If you'll excuse me

just one moment...

But you actually saw a film

in the act during a play?

Yes.

They had a small screen

at the front,

and then they put the projector

at the back.

Are films a regular thing?

Apparently, we were one of

the first to experience it.

[ Indistinct conversation ]

Excuse me, do you like it?

It's beautiful.

I've never seen anything

quite so stylish.

We bought it

at the Paris Exhibition.

Oh, I've read all about it.

Is it as wonderful as it sounds?

It's the major creative event

since the war.

There are all forms of art --

architecture, interior design,

furniture, ceramics, glass,

and, of course, haute couture.

I rather like the whole concept.

It's very modern and stylish.

Oh, if we weren't so busy,

I'd love to go,

but I'll just have to settle

for the next best thing.

And what's that?

You can tell me about it,

that is, if you don't mind.

No, no. Of course not.

No, the major part of

the exhibition took place

on both banks of the Seine.

And did you get to see

everything?

Well, as much as time

allowed for.

I have to tell you we did get

rather overwhelmed...

Well, there were three barges

all showing

Poiret's lavish gowns.

Oh, he was exhibiting

on the Seine?

Oh, I wish it had been on when

we were in Paris last year.

We were very fortunate to spend

some time with Gilles Caragnac.

If I'm not mistaken, you're

wearing one of his designs.

I am.

Everything I wear

is exclusively French.

You're very fortunate.

ELIZABETH:

Necessity, really.

Because of my position in court

and being married

to a government minister,

I'm constantly

in the public eye.

I have to dress accordingly,

so I go to the best.

Would you never consider

a London fashion house?

No.

[ Chuckles ]

That's honest.

Should I consider one?

The House of Eliott, perhaps?

If you did decide

to come to see us,

we'd make you something just

as good as any Parisian house,

and probably at half the price.

Alexander would like that.

[ Laughs ]

Good morning, Mrs. Burgoyne.

Good morning, Florence.

They're very pretty.

I thought they'd brighten up

the workroom.

What a nice idea.

FLORENCE:

If I cut here...

...you'll be able to accentuate

the line that you're after.

That's good.

And then if I cut here...

and here...

it'll give it the weight.

That's very good.

Florence, that's so clever.

Don't you think, Madge?

Yeah, it is.

I just want to look over them

for myself.

It will only be for a few days.

Naturally, that is your right.

Thank you.

May I ask if you later intend

handing them over

to Mr. Saroyan?

I'm certainly not doing that.

Miss Eliott, please forgive me,

but are you saying

you believe what he says?

Joseph, you must understand

we are in

a rather difficult position.

Until we are more familiar with

our current financial situation,

I'm afraid we can make no more

decisions about anything.

Now, if you'll excuse me...

Excuse me, Alice.

Oh, Miss Eliott,

I thought you might like to know

I've just received

a telephone call

from Lady Elizabeth Montford,

who's very interested in viewing

our collection.

Oh, Alice, that is good news,

isn't it?

Good morning.

BEA:

Mr. Saroyan.

I see you've made yourself

comfortable.

Oh, I'm so sorry.

Please forgive me.

I realize how busy you are,

but I did say that I'd return.

The matter of the accounts.

May I have them now, please?

Well, I'm afraid it's

not convenient at the moment,

Mr. Saroyan.

Miss Eliott.

Beatrice.

I regard your business

as my personal responsibility.

You really must believe I have

its best interests at heart.

That is most reassuring.

To properly manage your affairs,

I need your full cooperation.

So you can strengthen

your own position?

That's hardly fair.

Was it fair to make us

take out a loan

with extortionate

interest rates?

You agreed the terms.

If you had explained

the specific terms,

we would never

have agreed to it.

You do realize

that no other bank

would consider

giving you a loan,

whatever the interest rates.

Well, then, why did you?

Because I am endeavoring

to get your business

back on an even keel.

The rates were set

for your own good.

I beg your pardon.

Money is being wasted

and misdirected.

You need to be made aware of

the severity of the situation.

I am trying to get you

out of the mess

that Desmond got you into

and got me into.

You really must trust me.

I'm sorry.

If you'll excuse me,

I have a business to run

and a loan to repay.

Very well.

I should still like to see

the accounts, please,

when it is convenient.

Yes, I shall telephone you

when it is convenient.

I hope that'll be soon.

Good day.

[ Sighs ]

MADGE: Tilly, why have you done

the suit before the blouse?

TILLY:

'Cause it makes more sense.

That lady's coming in first.

MADGE:

She isn't coming in first.

- She's coming in tomorrow.

- Is there a problem?

No, Mrs. Ranby.

No, we were just sorting out

the order.

But I discussed that with you

both first thing this morning.

Let me see.

Now, what's this?

Why has Mrs. Pennell's blouse

been done

before Lady Randall's suit?

And why has the order here

been changed?

Well, we just thought --

You thought.

Tilly, let me do the thinking.

There is a reason for the work

to be done in this sequence.

We just thought that

if we did change the order,

we'd get ahead.

Lady Randall's suit --

I don't wish to hear

your opinions, Madge.

I want you to follow

my instructions.

Yes, Mrs. Ranby.

[ Door opens ]

Hello.

Hello.

Did you have a successful day?

It was excellent.

The new story has been agreed,

and the studio's given me

an immediate go-ahead.

BEA:

Oh, Jack, that's wonderful.

Does that mean

you'll be going away again?

JACK:

More than likely.

It won't be for long.

You got the books back.

And?

Joseph's management of

the finances is without fault.

However,

he was right about Saroyan.

My accountant's advice

is to pay off the loan

as soon as possible,

or it could go on indefinitely.

I'm more than aware of that,

Jack.

Just proves how beholden

we now are to the bank.

I know. I know.

Anyhow,

it seems to clear Joseph.

I don't think he was dishonest.

BEA:

Thank you.

Let's go out to dinner.

I'm starving.

No, I'm not hungry.

Oh.

But you go.

Really.

All right.

I'll go get changed.

[ Sighs ]

Hello.

You're early.

Throw you out, did they?

I've had enough.

I always said

you worked too hard.

I mean I don't think I can

carry on like this much longer.

What are you saying, Flory?

Nobody listens to me.

I do my best to be reasonable,

but Madge and Tilly always

seem to think they know best.

Have you spoken to the Eliotts

about this?

I can't go complaining to them

all the time.

It's my job to sort

these problems out.

Look, you've just had a bad day.

It'll come right tomorrow.

I don't want to go in tomorrow.

Are you serious?

Short of always having to shout

at them,

I don't know what else to do.

Maybe it's best

if I give in my notice.

And where are you gonna find

another job

as good as the one you've got?

Work's not that easy to find

these days.

I don't know.

I bet you'll still be

with the House of Eliott

when Madge and Tilly

are long gone.

They're not worth sacrificing

a good job for.

But, Alfred, you don't --

Look, you're just a bit tired

and fed up.

That's all.

Now, come on.

No more silly talk

about leaving, all right?

Look, you'll feel better

after a good night's sleep.

All right, and thanks.

Don't be silly.

No, I'm afraid none of these

will do.

Perhaps a variation

on one of these designs.

Could I suggest --

I really want something

that's never been seen before.

A routine government function

it might well be,

but that's no excuse not to be

dressed imaginatively.

Of course.

I quite understand.

I'll just go and see

if Miss Eliott's available

to discuss a design with you.

[ Indistinct conversations ]

These are all our latest ideas.

Yes, it's not quite right.

Do you understand

what I'm after?

Yes.

Let me see.

If we were to change the line

here...

- You see?

- Ah.

And drop the waist.

And maybe shorten the hem.

So...

The very thing.

Now, of course, I would like it

in silk Georgette

covered in beads.

And some golden

freshwater pearls here.

The very thing.

Naturally, I would like

a matching cloak

with a fur collar.

Yes, we can do that.

Oh, good.

Well, that's settled.

Now, I really must be on my way.

Palace duties.

Uh, Alice, I will arrange

for you to take my measurements

in a day or two.

Very good, your ladyship.

Goodbye, Beatrice.

Alexander and I would love

you all to come to Montford

if you have

a free weekend to spare.

Well, thank you, Lady Elizabeth.

I shall tell Evie and Jack,

and we'll let you know.

Right.

Goodbye, Beatrice.

I can find my own way out.

Thank you.

I'm sure you're aware

that the cost of the fur trim

on the cloak

far exceeds the special price

of Lady Elizabeth's gown.

Yes, I know that, Alice,

but we must look upon this

as an investment for the future.

We need to attract

more clientele

of Lady Elizabeth's standing.

Believe me,

it will be money well spent.

Very well.

MAN:

Lot 24.

Three panels

of fine Victorian beading

to the young lady over there.

Lot 25,

a pair of exquisite prints --

18th century Italian designs.

Now, I start the bidding

at 10 shillings.

[ Murmuring ]

Come, now, ladies and gentlemen.

These are a superb example

of the period.

Who will give me 10 shillings?

[ Indistinct conversations ]

Eight shillings.

I'm giving them away at seven.

Six.

Would anyone offer me

five shillings

before we move on

to the next lot?

Five shillings.

Thank you.

Any advance

on five shillings now?

No?

Going for five shillings

for the first time,

the second time, third.

Sold to the young lady again.

Lot 26.

A superb pair of 18th century

silver candlesticks.

Evangeline.

Hello.

I didn't know

you frequented auctions.

Well, I thought you'd been

too busy.

Well, I am allowed out,

you know.

Running a fashion house isn't

just simply sewing and drawing.

And may I ask why you're not

at the House of Lords

or the treasury

or wherever it is you're at?

Touché.

Actually, I was rather curious

to see if the items I put

into the auction had been sold.

And were you successful?

I should say so.

All the furniture

I wanted to get rid of --

ghastly monstrosities

that my great-grandfather

installed at Montford

were bought by an American,

and some prints I had

have just been purchased

by a very beautiful young lady.

You mean --

Exactly.

Are you in a rush to get back?

Well, no, not really.

Good.

Please join me for lunch.

Yes, I'd love to.

I feel we cannot leave

this matter any longer.

Is it about Jenny again?

I'm afraid so.

The girl has already been

disciplined once,

her work is not up to standard,

and she's continuing

to make mistakes.

Yeah, there might have been

some problems with her work.

FLORENCE: Which you and Madge

have had to put right.

Well, if we gave her another

warning, she might improve.

We cannot afford

to carry anyone, Madge.

You should both know that.

It starts to affect

everyone else as well.

We're going to have to

let her go.

Don't you both agree?

So, when are you gonna tell her,

then?

I'm not. You are.

What?

You want me to sack her?

- FLORENCE: Yes, Tilly.

- Oh, Madge.

If it's got to be done,

I'll do it.

No, Madge.

It must come from Tilly.

Jenny is one of Tilly's girls.

I want you to tell her

in the morning.

ALEXANDER:

[ Laughing ] No.

No, I certainly do not aspire

to be prime minister one day.

Why not?

It would interfere

with all my interests,

and I'd never be able to spend

time at home with the family.

But you do enjoy your work

at the treasury.

It keeps me sufficiently busy

without taking up

too much of my time.

No, don't misunderstand me.

I take the job very seriously,

but, well, Elizabeth

likes to see me now and again.

Well, do you suppose

that Elizabeth will mind

that I bought the prints?

Didn't you say

they were a gift to her?

Hmm, from a visiting dignitary,

and I insist on making them

a present to you.

I shall return

your five shillings.

- That really isn't necessary.

- ALEXANDER: No argument.

Here, to make it official, I'll

sign the back of one of them.

Come on.

Hand one of them over.

If you insist.

Are you sure

Elizabeth won't mind?

Absolutely.

She asked me to dispose of them

because they didn't appeal

to her.

There.

Thank you.

Elizabeth thinks a lot

of you and Beatrice.

She was going to

the House of Eliott this morning

to discuss

having something made.

Yes, I know.

I'm sorry I missed her.

There will be other times,

I'm sure.

Yes.

Well, I'd really better go.

But no dessert or coffee?

Work to do, I'm afraid.

Thank you for lunch.

Thank you for your company.

Goodbye.

Where's all the fun gone out?

That's what I want to know.

You're right.

We haven't had a good giggle

for a long time.

Whenever I laugh, Florence makes

me feel right guilty, you know.

Oh, yeah.

You only get a smile out of her

when Miss Evie or Miss Bea

are around.

Or when she's with

the customers.

I pity her poor husband.

I bet she leads him

a dog's life.

Everything goes her way,

you know?

Hmm.

Do the dinner this way.

Make the sausages that way.

Have a cuddle this way.

But never on a Sunday

or with the lights on.

[ Both laugh ]

Things could be worse,

I suppose.

I tell you, I'll be glad

when tomorrow's over.

You mean Jenny?

Oh, it'll be all right.

Don't you worry.

BEA:

Evie, these are beautiful.

I particularly like this one.

Well, make yourself something

out of it.

- What do you mean?

- It's for you.

But I thought you were

putting them into stock.

Oh, come on, Bea.

How often do we treat ourselves?

Besides, I'm making myself

something out of this one.

[ Sighs ]

After all, we should set

some sort of example

as leaders of fashion.

- [ Laughs ]

- Exactly.

Jack will appreciate it.

Yes.

Is Jack coming

to pick you up today?

No.

He's arranged to have supper

with Lord Alexander at his club.

Evie, I really think

Jack's fed up eating at home.

I saw Alexander today.

Really?

EVIE: Yes. He was selling

some items at the auction.

The funny thing was I took

a fancy to these prints.

I'll show them to you.

I bought them for the flat.

And it turned out

that Alexander was selling them,

and then he asked me to lunch.

I thought it was rude

not to accept.

He's such a nice man.

I mean, they're both nice --

him and Elizabeth.

Yes.

Oh, Elizabeth has asked us

if we'd like to go to Montford

for the weekend.

Do you want to go?

Yes.

Well, maybe.

I don't know.

You decide.

I'll ask Jack.

He might not want to go.

ALEXANDER: I must say

I was quite surprised

to see her there.

She's changed a lot

in the last few years,

become much more independent.

What was she like before?

Well, very shy,

unsure of herself,

always relying on Beatrice

to make decisions for her.

She's much more confident now,

does what she wants to.

She goes out a lot on her own.

She even taught herself to ride

recently.

Of course,

Beatrice has to come to terms

with the fact her little sister

is no longer reliant on her.

I expect she has

a lot of suitors.

[ Clears throat ]

I've lost count

of the broken hearts.

I'm sure.

- So, how's the new film?

- Coming on.

ALEXANDER:

Where have you set this one?

It's not quite as regal as

Montford Hall, I'm afraid.

It's set

on an isolated pig farm.

I substituted glamour for grime.

Alexander, hi.

A pleasure to see you.

Let me introduce you to

Jack Maddox, the filmmaker.

Ralph Saroyan.

How do you do?

We haven't met, have we?

No, I don't believe so.

Alexander,

we must get together sometime.

There's something I want your

department to arrange for me.

Of course, Ralph.

Telephone me tomorrow.

Thank you.

Very pleasant to have met you.

Splendid chap, Saroyan.

A merchant banker.

You know him well?

Quite a few years.

Met him through

some charity functions

that Elizabeth organized.

Donates to charity, does he?

ALEXANDER:

More than that.

He's been

a very generous supporter

of the conservative party.

As long as it's his own money

he's giving away

and not the bank's.

[ Laughing ]

That's very good, Jack.

No, Ralph Saroyan's a highly

respected figure in the city.

He and Sir Desmond Gillispie

founded the bank in --

Well, just after the war.

A very successful enterprise.

If there were only more men

like Ralph.

Should we go and eat?

By all means.

Madge said you wanted to see me?

That's right, Jenny.

Do you want to sit down?

What for?

More comfortable.

What's all this about?

Your work.

You see...

I-I do my best.

I mean, you know that.

Yes.

Yeah, I do,

but the thing is it...

What are you trying to say,

Mrs. Foss?

Oh, I'm really sorry, Jenny.

We're gonna have to let you go.

Are you sacking me?

Oh, I'm sorry.

You've got it in for me,

haven't you?

No. No, I really haven't.

It's just we gave you

too many chances,

and you make too many mistakes.

It ain't bloody fair!

You'll get everything

that's owed to you.

Oh, and how long's

that gonna last me?

I've got me mom

and me baby brother to keep.

What are they gonna do now, eh?

I'm so sorry, Jenny.

You don't care, do you?!

You're all right.

Oh, you're two-faced,

Tilly Foss!

I knew I should never

have trusted you!

Jenny, what's the matter?

[ Door slams ]

Tilly, is everything all right?

No.

- What's the matter?

- Shh!

Bea, do you know

what's going on?

Jenny's just run out, crying.

She's been dismissed.

On whose authority, and why?

On mine.

She was repeatedly warned

about her work and her attitude.

It didn't improve,

and I had no other choice.

[ Sighs ]

I suppose

Florence persuaded you.

I saw how she used to treat

that poor girl, Bea.

Because, Evie, her work

was never up to standard.

That is no excuse!

It is every excuse.

Have you forgotten

we're trying to run a business?

Evie, we treat our staff

more than well enough.

If we're to get the best

from Florence,

we have to be seen to support

her recommendations.

So, it was her.

I have every faith

in Florence's judgement.

Well, I'm glad you do.

Evie, please,

let's not argue about this.

There are more important things

to discuss.

Such as?

Ralph Saroyan

has just telephoned.

He wants to see us

this afternoon.

Why?

He wouldn't elaborate,

but he said it was important.

Yes, well, I don't particularly

want to see him. You go.

Evie, please!

I need your support.

I really don't think

I can face him again on my own.

Please, Evie.

All right.

And Mr. Wint is still

in your employ?

We see no reason to let him go.

You seem convinced

he's trustworthy.

His work cannot be faulted.

We've had the accounts checked

by an independent source,

and they were all found to be

in order.

You had the accounts checked

elsewhere?

By whom?

My husband's accountants.

But you weren't prepared

to let me see them.

Why do you need to?

Because the bank has a holding

in the House of Eliott

and has a right of access.

Those are our books!

Yes, yes, yes.

They are, indeed.

You took them!

No, Wint handed them over

quite willingly.

Joseph would never!

He couldn't very well

do otherwise

when he was presented with that,

which is the agreement that

Desmond drafted and you signed

in which it states quite clearly

that the bank has

that right of access,

and, please, believe me,

this is a standard clause.

I had hoped that I wouldn't

have to exercise that right,

but you've really left me

no alternative.

Is this right, Bea?

Yes.

Your determination

not to let me see these books

made me think

you must be hiding something.

I'm sorry it had to be this way,

but if the cost of materials

is more,

considerably more

than that cost of the garment,

how do you expect to survive,

let alone make a profit?

I'm referring

to this particular item

for Lady Elizabeth Montford.

I agreed to that price

in order to attract her custom.

Well, if you continue to attract

customers like that,

you'll very, very soon

find yourselves bankrupt.

If your loan

doesn't ruin us first.

[ Horn honks ]

There is nothing

that you've told me

can be described as illegal.

I just can't understand

why you're defending him, Jack.

I'm not.

I'm trying to understand him.

That's all.

I don't like Ralph Saroyan,

either.

Now, please,

I'm not in the mood to argue.

Oh, come on, you two.

What's the problem now?

- Ralph Saroyan.

- [ Scoffs ]

Could we just try and forget

about Ralph Saroyan

until Monday, please?

I'd really quite like to enjoy

this weekend.

Wise advice. Let's go.

[ Laughs ]

I wish I did have access to the

vaults of the Bank of England.

So, you don't actually deal

with the money?

Unfortunately,

only the facts and figures.

Mind you, not all the matters

that we have to attend to

are straightforward.

It's not just paperwork.

I bet there are some tales

you could tell.

Oh, the treasury has a fund of

stories, mostly unrepeatable.

There's certainly

a lot of drama and intrigue

in the world of high finance.

Jack, don't get Alexander

talking about work.

As well as boring me,

I'm sure it'll bore

Evangeline and Beatrice.

Banking and high finance

interest me.

Alexander, I believe you know

Ralph Saroyan.

Beatrice.

Ralph. Of course.

Do you know him?

He is a director

of the House of Eliott.

Our investments are tied up

with his bank.

Really? But, Jack, you're

a director, too, aren't you?

And yet, at the club,

you said you hadn't met.

It's a long story.

ALEXANDER:

Well, whatever.

The House of Eliott is certainly

in good hands.

You really think so?

Beatrice, could we change

the subject, please?

Ralph is highly thought of

in financial circles.

Yeah, I believe he's chasing

a knighthood.

And what's more,

I think he's gonna get it.

Perhaps he'll achieve it when

he's ruined some more companies.

[ Door closes ]

How could you?

I didn't say anything

I was ashamed of.

You embarrassed everybody.

Jack, I did not.

Alexander hardly took

any notice,

and Elizabeth made light

of the whole thing.

We finished our meal off

pleasantly enough.

Well,

you certainly embarrassed me.

Am I not allowed to speak

my mind anymore?

Bea, I would like to spend

the little precious time

that we do have together

not discussing work.

Jack, I know the House of Eliott

and its problems bore you...

JACK:

That is certainly not true.

...that they're not nearly

as important

as any problems you have

at the studio,

but they're damned important

to me, Jack,

and I'm doing my best

to try and sort them out.

I certainly do care

about your business problems,

but there is a time and place

for everything,

and it's not here!

Not this weekend!

All right, Jack.

Let me know next time

when it's appropriate to speak.

Bea, don't be ridiculous.

BEA:

Is it so ridiculous?

Darling, it's just a question

of etiquette.

Oh, please, Jack.

I don't want to talk about it

anymore.

I just want to go to bed.

I am sorry

about Jack and Beatrice.

What is there to be sorry about?

Well, they're a bit edgy

at the moment.

They've both been working

very hard.

I get more than edgy

if I'm tired.

ELIZABETH:

Darling, you're impossible.

I have to keep

well out of Alexander's way

when he behaves like that.

Don't worry.

Tomorrow's another day.

So, are we going riding

in the morning?

Well, I'm afraid

Beatrice doesn't ride.

But I presume you and Jack do.

Oh, yes.

Although, I'm not

terribly experienced.

Oh, you'll be fine.

Now, you, Alexander, and Jack

go riding,

and I'll keep Beatrice company.

We shall have a good gossip.

So, that's settled, then.

Well, if you'll excuse me,

I think I'll retire.

Of course.

- Good night.

Good night, Evangeline.

Such a lovely girl,

don't you think?

Yes.

Jack.

Jack, will you come back to bed?

I can't sleep.

I would have liked to have

learnt to ride,

but my father thought it

a waste of time.

Well, you still could, Beatrice.

It's too late for me.

Nonsense.

Jack could teach you.

We don't spend much time

together.

Jack wasn't feeling too well

when he got up this morning,

so he thought a walk

would be better instead.

Well,

I hope he doesn't get lost.

Mind you, he wouldn't be

the first guest

that we'd had to send

a search party out for.

I didn't spoil your supper

last night, did I?

What ever do you mean?

Well, Jack thought I'd gone

a bit too far

in quizzing your husband

about Ralph Saroyan.

Nonsense.

I was most intrigued.

Well, I've only met the man

on a couple of occasions.

He's always given

most generously

to my charity appeals.

Has he?

So, Alexander wasn't annoyed,

then?

Good heavens, no.

We have many of Alexander's

cronies down for the weekend,

most of whom I certainly

wouldn't trust my affairs with.

Now, I want you to tell me

about Gilles Caragnac.

Not his designs.

About him.

I hear he's a favorite

with a certain viscountess.

[ Laughs ]

This has always been

one of my favorite spots.

It's beautiful.

ALEXANDER: I often

used to come here as a child.

My parents had

these terrible arguments.

It upset me.

I'd sit here for hours.

The view never failed

to calm me.

I can believe it.

Come on.

I'll show you

the rest of the estate.

Let me help you.

Thank you.

Goodbye.

Goodbye.

Have a safe journey.

Goodbye.

Bye.

I got one, Betty.

All right.

Even if I say so myself.

we've done a grand job here,

girls.

Well, I hope Lady Elizabeth

will appreciate it.

Oh, Nora, could you give it

a bit of a press here?

It's a bit creased.

Thanks.

Does this look right to you?

What you need to do...

I saw Jenny the other day.

Oh, yeah?

How is she?

Still hasn't gotten any work.

Shame.

Yeah, they're in

a terrible state.

MADGE:

That's enough, Betty.

NORA:

[ Gasps ]

[ Sobbing ]

What's this?

Nora, what have you done?

It was an accident.

We can do something about it.

Lady Elizabeth's final fitting

is tomorrow morning.

We can replace the burnt fur,

and nobody will know

the difference.

We cannot just replace a piece.

It would ruin the whole cloak.

We've got to make

another collar.

But, Mrs. Ranby,

that'll take all night.

I'm sure we can patch it.

Patch it?

We do not patch things.

Go back and start again.

I know

that there's another pelt.

Florence,

is everything all right?

I'm afraid not,

but if we set to it now,

I'm sure it'll be ready

for the fitting tomorrow.

Could I telephone my husband,

Miss Eliott?

You know I was supposed to have

this afternoon off.

Yes.

Isn't it your niece's wedding?

Yes.

She's off to Canada tomorrow.

Oh, but you must go.

I know how important your niece

is to you.

I don't see that I can now.

No, I insist.

We'll manage somehow.

Madge and Tilly are more

than capable of coping with it.

Of course, but what about

all the other orders?

I'll make sure

that you're compensated

for any extra time, all right?

I'll leave you

to issue instructions

before you go, Florence.

Yes, Miss Eliott.

And thank you.

All right, as I said before,

we will start again.

We're gonna be here all night.

If we do it

the way Florence wants.

What do you mean, Madge?

You can see as well as I do we

don't need to make a new collar.

Look, if we cut around here,

we can replace the burnt fur.

With your expert stitching

and my cutting,

we'll have it right as rain

in no time.

And what about

Florence's instructions?

Well, she's not here, is she?

No, Madge. I can't.

My life won't be worth living.

We're just gonna have to do it

the way that she wants.

Come with me.

[ Knock on door ]

- Um, Miss Evie.

- Yes.

Sorry to interrupt.

What can I do for you, Madge?

Lady Montford's cloak.

Oh. We do have another pelt,

don't we?

Oh, yes.

It's just that Mrs. Ranby

wants us to make

a completely new collar.

Are you worried

about finishing on time?

Oh, we don't mind working late,

but Tilly and me feel

we can repair it just as well.

You see, if we cut out

the burnt piece...

Mm-hmm.

...and add a new piece there

by the dots,

it'd do the job, save time.

I see what you mean.

Sounds reasonable enough to me.

It was something that Mrs. Ranby

insisted we do it her way.

We've still got

all the other work to do,

and we don't want to get behind.

You're right.

So, uh, do we have

your permission

to do it the way I suggested?

- Of course you do, Madge.

- Thank you.

[ Clears throat ]

- Good morning, Madge.

- Mrs. Ranby.

Did you complete

Lady Montford's cloak?

Yes.

Plenty of time.

Good.

I'll have a look.

Good.

An excellent job.

It was hard work.

FLORENCE:

I can see that.

I am very pleased.

Oh, how was the wedding?

It was beautiful.

Not having any children

of my own,

I've always regarded Phyllis

as a kind of daughter.

They'll be on the boat now.

Canada seems so very far away.

Can't you go

and visit her there?

Oh, I don't know.

It's the cost, and Alfred, my

husband, doesn't like traveling.

Right.

Ladies,

shall we get back to work?

Agnes, could you take that down

to Lady Montford's car?

- Yes.

- Thank you.

I can't tell you

how pleased I am.

Thank you.

What's more, I shall certainly

be wearing it tomorrow night.

Oh, but I thought that was the

reason to have the gown made.

Oh, well, I must be honest.

I had my doubts.

About the House of Eliott?

About any London couturier.

I see.

I even went so far as...

Oh, dear.

This sounds awful.

I even went so far as to have

another gown commissioned

from Paris.

In case ours

didn't come up to standard?

Your caution surprises me.

Well, I've always been led

to believe

that Parisian couturiers are...

The best?

I do hope we've done something

to dispel that myth...

You certainly have.

...and that we shall be

seeing you again.

It goes without saying.

Even at our standard rates,

you will still find us cheaper

than Paris

and a little bit

more convenient.

Goodbye, Beatrice.

And thank you.

Lady Elizabeth.

[ Indistinct conversations ]

- Madge.

- Oh, yes, Mrs. Ranby?

I meant to ask, what happened to

Lady Elizabeth's damaged cloak?

The damaged cloak.

Lady Elizabeth's wearing it.

I hope I misheard you.

Well, Madge and I repaired

the old collar.

Didn't we, Madge?

And Lady Elizabeth, as you know,

is thrilled with it.

You disregarded my orders.

We did what we could

in the time.

Well, be fair, Mrs. Ranby.

You were pleased with it

yourself.

Does it matter now?

I left you

specific instructions.

Miss Evie said we could.

I beg your pardon.

Miss Evie was happy

with our suggestions

and gave us her permission.

Did she, now?

Right.

I feel my authority's

been undermined.

Florence, please.

I left specific instructions,

as you asked me to, Miss Eliott,

and they were totally ignored.

Madge and Tilly seemed confident

that they could repair it.

In the end, it saved time.

Evie, Florence is right.

They should have followed

instructions.

It would have taken

three times as long.

Forgive me, Miss Eliott,

but Madge suggested that you

gave her and Tilly permission

to carry on as they wanted to.

Considering all the other work

that had to be done,

their way seemed most sensible.

It was an emergency, and it had

to be dealt with accordingly.

I'm sorry,

but there are professional

principles involved here,

and I'm tired of Madge and Tilly

constantly disobeying

and questioning my instructions.

It isn't a criticism of you,

Miss Eliott,

but they should never have come

to ask you in the first place.

Well, I couldn't very well

ignore them, could I?

Make sure that this

does not happen again.

I shall talk to Madge and Tilly

personally this evening.

To say what, Miss Eliott?

To tell them that they must

listen to you without exception

in the future.

I'm sorry,

but it's gone too far for that.

Unless Madge and Tilly

are replaced,

I shall be forced to resign.

Aren't you rather overreacting,

Florence?

For a long time,

I chose not to say anything,

feeling it was my job

to deal with it.

They now think they know better!

I'm sure we can all

work something out here.

I regret to say it has to be

either them or me.

I cannot just dismiss

Madge or Tilly.

Then I must resign.

I will not accept that,

Florence.

I'm sorry.

There's no more to be said.

I will come and collect

my personal belongings tomorrow

when everyone is gone.

BEA:

Florence.

I can't compromise, Miss Eliott.

I can't.

Goodbye.

[ Door closes ]

[ Indistinct conversations ]

Um, what did you want us to do

with Mrs. Grant's suit,

Mrs. Ranby?

Do whatever you like, Madge.

I don't know what you mean.

Since you've always done

exactly what you wanted to do,

it seems rather a pointless

exercise, asking me, doesn't it?

MADGE: Well, I just asked.

That's all.

You and Tilly --

you're both the same.

You both think

that you know better.

Well, now you can prove it.

What's the matter, Mrs. Ranby?

The matter is

you've got your wish.

I'm leaving.

MADGE:

Going?

And none too soon.

I'm tired of working

with amateurs,

with people who should have

remained seamstresses.

MADGE:

Now, hang on a minute.

Who are you calling amateur?

FLORENCE:

Isn't that obvious?

That's not fair.

Oh, and have you been fair?

TILLY:

Well, times are changing.

There's other ways

of doing things, you know.

Not professionally.

If you'd been trained...

Oh, we'd be here

till kingdom come.

You never let off, do you?

Blooming training!

Well, I'm glad I wasn't,

if it meant being like you.

You both learned a lot from me,

and you know it.

Oh, yes, we really have.

We've learned

how not to do things.

MADGE: Yeah, and all I can say

is I pity those poor girls

at your next job.

I'm sure they'll be more capable

and more appreciative.

[ Tires screech, thud ]

I'm not accepting it.

I'm not accepting

Florence's resignation.

We need her skills as a cutter.

Well, what do you intend to do?

She's resigned.

In the heat of the moment.

When she comes back tomorrow

to collect her things,

hopefully,

the air will be clearer.

Miss Bea, Miss Evie, come quick.

There's been

a terrible accident outside.

Mrs. Ranby! Mrs. Ranby!

She's dead.

AGNES:

[ Sobbing ]

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