Original subtitles

-

Oh, yes, this is very,

very promising, Alistair.

I thought so.

The new factory is to be based just outside Berlin.

Ah, that's excellent.

Yes, I think you may indicate

that the bank is willing to make a substantial investment.

Profits, however, don't seem to be the concern

of Mrs. Radcliffe and Ben.

And, I'm afraid they've fallen badly behind again

with the repayments on their loan.

Well, then, regrettably we shall just have to foreclose.

It'll drive them into bankruptcy, of course.

The bank should do quite well out of the saleable assets.

Well, I think that's all.

Oh, apart from the House of Elliot checks

for your signature.

Oh, yes, of course.

Wint bringing them in regularly, is he?

Yes, although one would hardly say

he manages it with much grace.

Really?

Well, perhaps we could consider saving him the trouble.

After all, who knows how long the House of Elliott

will be in business?

I was rather hoping this coat would be ready

for Lady Exton's fitting tomorrow.

Oh, it will be.

It's just that it took me longer to cut than I thought.

Must admit I'm not a patch on Florence

when it comes to cutting for the day wear.

I could really do with a proper tailor to take over.

Has anyone seen Miss Evie this morning?

Ah, no, she ain't been in since I arrived.

She wasn't in the flat when I knocked earlier.

I expected her to be here by now.

-

Jack.

Sorry about keeping you waiting.

Oh, thank you, Lily.

And some coffee, perhaps.

Come on through.

I was a little late arriving this morning.

Came down from Montford Hall?

Montford?

Elizabeth's well, I hope.

Yes.

Jack, I spent the weekend at the Mill Cottage.

With Evangeline.

Oh, Evie, there you are!

I expected you hours ago.

I need to talk to you, it's about Saroyan.

I never thought I'd find myself being unfaithful.

But then again, I've never felt like this before.

You'll be careful, won't you?

I'd hate to see either of them hurt, Elizabeth or Evie.

Rather late to be saying that, I suppose.

It's my fault, I shouldn't have told you where she'd be.

I don't suppose, that in the end,

anything would have kept us apart,

even though I should anticipate the possible consequences.

For your career, apart from anything else.

Believe me Jack, I know.

So, Beatrice is well, I'm glad.

You said on the telephone

there was something I might help you with.

Thank you, Lily.

Oh yes, yes.

Yes, you were kind enough to refer me

to a company lawyer with these,

and I wondered if you'd take a look at them yourself.

As you know, they refer to some dealings

handled by the Gillespie Saroyan Bank.

He thinks they show there's some cause for concern.

Oh?

I take it you enjoyed the cottage.

Yes, very much.

Oh, Bea, I didn't thank you for the use of it, thank you.

Did you and Jack have a good weekend?

It was all right, I suppose,

but you do realise Evie, if Saroyan is dishonest,

this could have all sorts of implications

for the House of Elliot.

That's why Jack has gone to see Alexander.

Alexander?

Lord Montford.

Evie, this is serious!

Um, perhaps a jot looser so as not restrict the diaphragm.

Of course.

Thank you, Tilly.

I saw your last concert, Miss Vosper.

The Donizetti songs were superb.

How kind.

I keep coming back to this one,

but I'm not sure it isn't too young for me.

Oh nonsense, Elizabeth.

It would suit you perfectly,

and it's ideal for your charity ball.

-I'm not sure. -Evie.

Oh, Evangeline.

Alexander does always say that ivory suits me

but, well, I think it's too frivolous for me.

What do you think?

No, I don't think so.

Well, there is always the grey silk,

or there's that design you were working on last week, Evie,

the one you took to the cottage to finish.

I'm sorry, which?

The black marocain,

that would suit Elizabeth, wouldn't it?

Um.

Grace I didn't know you were here!

Elizabeth, I see you're ordering some more creations

to add to your exquisite wardrobe.

Naturally, and don't tell me you're not here to order

something sumptuous for yourself.

Of course, my concert appearances demand it.

Well, maybe I can persuade you

to wear something in a good cause,

it's just that seeing you has given me an idea.

Another of your charitable efforts?

Well, we could sell an awful lot more tickets

if you'd agree to be guest of honour, and perhaps sing.

-I'd love to. -It's the 30th of next month.

Mm-hm, yes, I'll be back in England then.

Oh, that's wonderful.

Beatrice, you'll buy some tickets, won't you?

I certainly will, and Alice is a music lover.

I'd be delighted, especially if Miss Vosper's singing.

And Evangeline, you'll come, won't you?

Um, I'm not sure, it rather depends.

Oh, do.

Alexander and I have hardly seen you

since your visit to Montford Hall.

Oh Evie, you'll go, won't you?

Yes, of course I will.

Oh, I see you ain't put the trimmings ready

for Lady Exton's fitting.

It seems I've a head full of jolly robins today.

Yeah well, it's full of something, anyway.

Or somebody.

Oh, blast it!

Did you not have a word with Miss Bea

about getting a tailor?

Oh yeah, they're trying to find one.

I can manage the straightforward stuff

but since the last collection,

they're all orderin' the tailored day wear.

Yeah well, at least it keeps us all in work, though, eh?

Mr. and Mrs. Maddox and Miss Elliot, Lord Montford.

Jack, Beatrice, good to see you.

Thank you.

Evangeline, how are you?

Nervous.

I didn't realise the treasury could be so intimidating.

And Jack did say you sounded serious on the telephone.

That's because I've made some rather serious discoveries.

Do sit down.

Broadly, my preliminary inquiries

appear to confirm what you thought, Jack.

Depositor's money has been drawn off

into other company accounts,

all of which exist in name only,

and all of which have Ralph Saroyan named as director.

That's tantamount to stealing.

There is another worrying aspect,

as far as the House of Elliot's concerned.

Well, I can't believe it could get any worse.

Are you saying that he's already defrauded

the House of Elliot?

Not that it would appear,

but we did find that quite a few legitimate companies

have been taken over by the bank,

when they fail to meet the somewhat

rigorous rates of repayment on loans there'd been made.

Like the loan we have.

Is that what Saroyan is trying to do, take us over?

That may be his ultimate aim.

But Alexander, can't the treasury stop him?

I'm afraid, at this point,

the treasury couldn't become involved.

But I don't understand,

Jack has already brought you proof.

Is it not enough?

As damning as it may seem,

there may be ways that this could be explained away.

Look, I'm sorry Beatrice,

but for me as a government minister

or the treasury, as a body, to become involved,

we really would need much more evidence

before an official inquiry or a referral to the police.

In other words,

both the institutions you represent are totally ineffectual.

Bea-Bea, I am sure Alexander is trying to help.

That's all right, Evangeline.

In a way, Beatrice is right.

Without more substantial evidence, my hands are tied.

I could try and get you more.

It would certainly help.

Without it, the consequences of undertaking

an official investigation into a bank

as highly regarded as Gillespie Saroyan could be calamitous.

Meanwhile, we sit and wait for calamity

to fall on everything that we have worked for.

Thank you very much, Alexander.

I'm sorry, thank you, Alexander.

If I can, I will bring you more proof.

I want to help, if I can.

I know.

I've missed you.

When will I see you again?

You do want to see me again?

Do you imagine I think of anything but being with you?

I must go. When will I hear from you?

Soon.

Thank you very much, Mr. Blunt, we'll get in touch.

Well, confident enough,

although we do need a tailor with experience.

Well, this next applicant sounds promising, Evie.

Oh, I'm not even sure we should be thinking

of employing anyone, Evie,

with things as uncertain as they are.

Bea, we have enough orders to merit a tailor cutter.

I suppose you're right,

but I just hate the fact that we, or anyone we employ,

is going to face an uncertain future.

Bea, we can't know what will happen,

we can only carry on as we are.

I suppose so.

The next applicant has arrived, Miss Elliot.

Show him in, please, Joseph.

Would you like to come through?

Honestly, Agnes.

That one looked just like Valentino in "A Sainted Devil."

Two young men.

Miss Bea and Miss Evie will be lookin' for someone

who knows what they're doing.

-Aren't we all? -

Oh Agnes, don't you ever learn?

Do I take it your friend at the treasury

wasn't of much help then, Mr. Maddox?

He would genuinely like to be,

but I'm afraid what he really needs

are the audited accounts for these fictitious companies.

Well, it wouldn't be as easy as last time.

They'll be in Saroyan's private office.

I'm not asking you to do it, Joseph.

I'll do it, not least for Sir Desmond's memory.

He was a fine man.

I know you never thought he was dishonest.

That, I'll never believe.

Beatrice and Evie, myself,

we do greatly value what you've done for us

but none of us could, or would,

ask you to take any more risks on our behalf.

I know that, Mr. Maddox.

Let's just say I'll see what I can do.

Now, Miss Vosper thinks she's decided

to wear the black Georgette for the charity concert,

so perhaps we could finish that one, first.

Right, but I'll have the others ready, just in case

-she changes her mind. -Very good.

-Oh! -Oh.

Excuse me, ladies.

-

That one suit you then, Agnes?

Oh, no.

Wouldn't wanna sit lookin' at him all day.

-

I like this one.

Oh, and that one.

-That's a beautiful cut. -Mm.

Look how that hangs.

I was very impressed by his attitude.

He has a lot of experience, Evie.

Mm. Well, there's no contest, really.

I think you're right,

but, to be on the safe side,

I think we offer a three month trial period

-just to begin with. -Agreed.

Well, that's settled then.

Good morning, ladies.

-Morning. -Morning!

Everyone, this Mr. Charles Quance,

who is joining us, as from today, as tailor-cutter.

This is Madge Althorpe, our head of workroom.

How do you do?

And Tilly Foss, our head seamstress.

-How do you do? -Hello.

Ladies.

-

Hello?

Oh Bea, it's you.

For the collection?

Well, yes, I've had a few ideas,

nothing definite at the moment, though.

That sounds good.

Bea, would you mind if we spoke about this tomorrow?

I could put the whole morning aside,

we could discuss it properly then.

Good, all right, well, I'll see you in the morning, then.

Goodnight.

Good, you're home.

I've just been talking to Evie about the collection.

We're going to start in earnest on it tomorrow.

Good.

At least one of us will be occupied over the coming months.

Jack, what's the matter?

It seems cinema audiences aren't interested

in a half-decent story anymore,

not according to the studio, anyhow.

Oh, I'm sorry.

Couldn't you show it to somebody else?

It's the same everywhere.

Studios here aren't even making that many pictures anymore,

everyone's turning to Hollywood or Germany,

and when they do make one,

they're only interested in mass audience appeal.

Well, I suppose they do have to cater

-to people's taste. -They are not

catering to people's taste, Bea,

they are creating a taste for mediocrity.

You think I'm being self-indulgent?

No, I just you think you're taking what is, after all,

your first setback rather badly.

Because I want my work to have some merit?

-Jack, let's not quarrel. -No, no, no, no.

Mustn't get too emotional with each other, must we?

-No. -Let's don't

talk about anything that actually matters.

I just don't think you're in a mood

to discuss this rationally, that's all.

Perhaps tomorrow we can talk properly.

That seems highly unlikely.

I can't actually remember when we last did.

-

You sure you can't stay for breakfast?

I'm sorry. I have to go.

I suppose I must learn to get used to this.

I love you, Evie.

Then I will get used to it.

If I was an honourable man, I wouldn't let you.

I'd end this right now, for your sake.

You are honourable.

Well, it doesn't feel much like it.

Do you still love Elizabeth?

I don't want to destroy her,

and a scandal would destroy us all.

Do you want me to finish this?

No.

No, if you can bear not to.

You know I can't.

When will I see you again, tonight?

No.

I can't even say when.

-

Bye, then.

Alice, you're here early.

Yes, I thought I'd catch up with some paperwork.

It's easier when it's quiet.

Well, don't let me disturb you.

There, that all seems to be in order.

Are you off to the bank right away, Joseph?

Yes, Miss Elliot, unless there's anything else.

No, I just hate the fact that every check I write

has to be countersigned by Saroyan, that's all, Joseph.

So do I, Miss Elliot,

but it could have its advantages.

-

Thank you, Wint.

I'll pass them on to Mr. Saroyan for signature.

Yes, Mr. Weaver.

There.

Oh, that was quick.

Cutting isn't just a skill, Madge.

It's an art.

One has to move with the design.

If a garment is to sweep, one must sweep along with it.

Not according to poor old Florence.

Oh, she was a stickler.

Slightest little alteration,

she'd make you redo the whole twirl.

She got knocked down, you know, by a car right outside.

Yeah, so I understand.

Most unfortunate.

By sad coincidence,

the first Mrs. Quance succumbed to an automobile accident.

-Oh, that's terrible! -

So, you married again, then?

I mean, you said the first Mrs. Quance.

Not yet, Madge, but I am just about to,

unless something untoward should get in the way of my plans.

-Ah. -

-

Well, I must say,

Charles Quance is proving a very good investment.

Hm?

Oh yes, he is.

Evie, are you doing anything tonight?

No.

Well, I'm not sure.

Well, why not come to supper?

We can make an evening of it.

Bea, would you mind very much if I didn't?

I was, um, thinking of doing some work

on the collection this evening.

No, well, I shan't disturb you from that.

Goodnight, then.

Goodnight.

I'll hand these over to my friend at the treasury

as soon as I can.

Well, I hope they help, Mr. Maddox.

I don't think my nerves

would stand up to another mission of that sort.

It's much appreciated, believe me.

Now, don't misinterpret this, Joseph,

but I would like to thank you properly for all you've done.

I couldn't possibly, Mr. Maddox.

Please, use it to treat the family.

I know you mean it well, Mr. Maddox,

but I'd really rather not.

It'll be all the reward I need

if those files implicate Saroyan.

I found the Radcliffe and Ben deeds you were asking for.

Oh, thank you, Ernest.

By the way, could you let me have the

Prescott and Company file back,

and the Waycliff file, when you finish with them.

But, I don't have them.

Well, I think you must have.

At least, they're not in the cabinet.

That's odd.

I'll have them checked.

I'm grateful.

Well, I mustn't keep you.

is she well?

You haven't seen her?

Too tied up, mostly.

She is still intending on going to this

charity concert of Elizabeth's?

As far as I know.

I hope so.

Can't be easy for you.

You haven't...

I mean, you haven't discussed it with Beatrice,

my relationship with Evie?

These days, Beatrice and I

discuss very little of any consequence, I'm afraid.

Both too busy, you know?

No, you needn't worry, I shan't discuss it with anyone.

It's hardly my business.

Now, my lords, ladies and gentlemen,

I understand you are to be offered

a moderate amount of champagne

as an inducement to donate

stupendous amounts to this evening's very worthy cause.

-

Come along, my dear.

I want you to meet the ambassador.

I think it's gone very well,

-don't you Alexander? -Evening, Alexander.

You've worked very hard to make it a success.

Well, come along, Ralph.

I doubt he'll look so relaxed

once the police investigation gets underway.

There is to be one?

I passed them files you gave me.

It seemed to be what they needed,

but I'm not at liberty to say anymore, just now.

Yes, it's been marvellous

and everyone's been so generous.

It's been a great success.

Elizabeth.

Oh, no thank you, darling.

But look, Evangeline is all on her own.

She hasn't got an escort,

and I'm not sure how many people she knows.

Well, if you're sure?

Yes, I am.

Go and introduce her to some people, please.

Thank you.

Jack, aren't you working on a new film at the moment?

Not at the moment.

I do have something in mind.

It's still rather vague, but it has possibilities.

You haven't a drink.

-Thank you. -Oh, and there's someone

I should very much like you to meet.

Of course.

You don't mind, do you?

Not at all.

I shan't keep her long.

Jack, I didn't know you had a project in mind.

I haven't, but you know as well as I do

how important it is to keep up appearances.

-

I'm not sure this isn't worse

than not seeing you at all.

When will we see each other again, probably?

-

I'm hoping to be able to get away on Thursday evening.

We ought to get back.

-

I was thinking,

if you can manage to get away for a weekend,

we should go to the cottage.

Well, I hadn't thought about it.

Bea, we need to talk.

Tuesday will be fine.

Then Tuesday, it is.

And, I did so enjoy the concert

the other night, Miss Vosper.

Not quite so much as the young Miss Elliot, I think,

but perhaps that had more to do with

the company she was in than with my singing.

I'm not sure that I understand you.

Oh, come now, Alice.

There are definite sparks

when she and Alexander Montford are with one another.

Oh, no, no, no, I really don't think so.

That's quite absurd,

so it wouldn't be politic to spread any rumours.

Rather late for that, I'm afraid.

I've already heard comments, shall we say.

Scandalous.

I'm afraid we'll need the key

to the cabinet as well, sir.

We do have authority from the highest level

to remove all files necessary for the investigation, sir.

Yes, well, we shall see just how high your authority goes

when my call to the treasury comes through.

Alexander.

I asked to be put through to Lord Montford.

He can't?

Yes, of course I understand.

Ralph Saroyan.

Will you please tell him

that it's extremely urgent that I speak to him?

-Thank you. -

The key sir, if I may.

Thank you, Alice.

You've crossed out Lady's Moina's appointment.

Has she made another?

No, I'm afraid not.

She said she'd be patronising another house in the future.

Alice, what on earth went wrong?

It really wasn't my fault.

Well, it's patently obvious

something must have happened to drive her away.

You do know, don't you?

Alice, I want to know.

Please, tell me.

This very difficult.

What do you mean, difficult?

There are rumours concerning Miss Evangeline

and her relationship with Lord Montford.

Evie and Alexander Montford?

But that's preposterous,

and I'd have thought better of you, Alice,

in that you'd choose to believe such idle,

not to say dangerous, tittle tattle!

I wouldn't have, except that the rumours

have been confirmed by my own observation.

Some weeks ago,

I saw Lord Montford leaving the flat early one morning.

I didn't think you knew,

and I really wouldn't have mentioned it.

It's just that word is spreading,

and a scandal could do both your sister

and the House of Elliot a great deal of harm.

Please don't think ill of me, Miss Elliot,

but since you pressed me, I felt you should know.

Thank you, Alice.

Thank you, sir.

It's as if they knew exactly what to look for.

But, they can't have,

not unless someone let something slip.

I'd hardly incriminate myself.

You, have you been talking to anyone?

Of course not.

So, why are they so suspicious?

I don't know, but I intend to find out.

If we keep our heads, we can see this through.

Don't worry, I will talk to Montford.

I'm sure it can be settled quite amicably.

-

Now, Bea, I think between the two of us,

we are coming very close to what we need

for this collection.

Evie, we need to talk.

Of course.

I do realise some of these designs need refining-

Not about the collection.

About Alexander.

Are you having an affair?

Did Jack tell you?

Jack knows?

Bea, we love each other.

Love, is that what

-you call it? -Yes.

And what's the rest of the world going to think, Evie?

Have you asked yourself that?

What has this got to do with the rest of the world?

Alexander loves me, for the first time in my life,

I know that this is right.

How can it be right, Evie?

Have you any idea of the havoc this could wreak?

What about Elizabeth?

Her position in the society,

Alexander's career, us!

We know the risks we're taking.

Oh, you do?

So, you realise you could end up

being dragged through divorce courts cited as co-respondent,

forever surrounded by gossip,

and what effect will that have on the business, Evie?

The business.

That is all you ever think about,

your precious House of Elliot!

It's more to you than anything or anybody,

even your own husband!

How dare you!

How dare I what? Speak the truth?

Well, at least Jack still recognises love

and happiness, even if you don't.

And, I am grateful to Jack

for bringing Alexander and me together.

I shouldn't have said that.

Surely this truce with the miner's union

can't hold for much longer.

When is the coal commissioner's report due?

Gentlemen.

Alexander, might I have a private word?

As a matter of fact, I was just about to go into dinner.

Oh, this won't take a moment.

I just wondered if you could throw any light

on this ridiculous investigation,

I knew if I had a word with you-

Forgive me, but the matter is now in police hands

and not one that I can or would wish to discuss

when I'm at leisure.

-

Good, you're home.

I got something special on the go for supper.

Well, you seem in a good mood.

I am, I've been working on some new ideas.

I see.

I thought it might have been your role as matchmaker

that's put you in such a good mood.

So, Evie was telling the truth

when she said you were instrumental

in bringing her and Alexander together?

No, I was not instrumental.

I happened to mention to Alexander

that Evie would be at the cottage, no more than that.

Our cottage?

You let them use our cottage for their liaison!

Just how irresponsible can you be?

Do you realise what you've done?

I can't believe you didn't

foresee the consequences of this.

Can't you, really?

You astound me.

After all, you're the one who's always telling me

how irresponsible I am.

But not to tell me, Jack-

How could I, even if I'd wanted to?

We never see each other, let alone talk.

The police have demanded the Berlin files.

How?

How could they possibly know about that?

How could they know about any of it?

This will damn us for sure.

Too late to get rid of them, now.

Ernest, the worst thing

we can be seen to be doing is panicking.

Maria?

-

What is this?

I'll have these sent for.

Aren't you being somewhat overhasty, my dear?

Hasty departures are sometimes the wisest, Ralph,

and I really do think, under the circumstances,

this is one of those times.

You disappoint me.

You've been listening to rumours.

It isn't a problem when people listen to rumours, Ralph,

only if they believe them.

It really is hard to buy loyalty, isn't it?

Goodbye, Ralph.

This is a bonus.

I didn't think you'd be able to get away tonight.

You know I spend as much time with you as I can.

I know.

And how are things between you and Beatrice?

Distinctly cool,

although she does seem to have cheered a little,

since the Saroyan investigation.

Evie, I don't want to alarm you, but,

well, I think you and Beatrice should be warned.

About what?

They will arrest Saroyan, won't they?

Oh, almost certainly,

but that may not be the end of the matter,

as far as you and Beatrice are concerned.

Financially, I mean.

To put it bluntly,

the bank's affairs are in a state of collapse.

You mean, we could lose our money.

Evie, I'm doing everything I can

to make sure that the House of Elliot

doesn't become a victim,

but, well, yes, I think you should be prepared

to face the worst.

Alexander thought we should know.

We could lose everything?

Well, he did say that he couldn't be sure,

but, apparently Saroyan's left things with the bank

in such a mess.

Bea, I don't think there's anything more

that Alexander can tell us,

if you're thinking of going to see him.

I'm not, but I just can't sit here

while everything crashes about our ears, Evie.

I'm going to see Saroyan

and I think you should come with me.

Bea, what good can that do?

I don't know, but there must be something,

some way he can make sure he doesn't drag

the House of Elliot down with him.

All right.

Let's get Jack to go with us.

No.

I'll go alone if you won't come with me.

How very unexpected.

May I offer you anything?

Yes.

An assurance, perhaps,

that our business will not be destroyed by your dishonesty.

Oh, do please sit down.

You have dragged our affairs

into a criminal investigation.

We just need to know that we're not

going to suffer for it.

Do you really imagine, when my own reputation is at stake,

that I would concern myself with the affairs

of a couple of frock makers?

You're as naive as Gillespie.

How dare you even mention his name.

Sir Desmond took his own life because of your dishonesty!

He was weak, he was sentimental, and he was a fool.

I should think his death was probably a merciful release.

You said Desmond had nothing to fear.

Why did he kill himself?

There'd be no reason.

There's no evidence.

There's no evidence to implicate me in his death.

You murdered him.

I don't think that the police

will find this quite so amusing.

The speculation of two women?

They may, they may.

Not if they have reason to look for evidence.

And we intend to make sure they do.

Come on, Evie.

How could you do this to us?

Evie?

Ladies.

-

-

I missed you at dinner.

I'm sorry, my dear.

And, there was something I wanted to talk to you about.

It's this mess at the Gillespie Saroyan Bank.

A lot of people are gonna lose a great deal.

The Elliot sisters among them, I understand.

Hmm.

Actually, it was them that I wanted to talk to you about.

That is, one of them, Evangeline.

Oh?

Well, it's just that I overheard the silliest thing.

Do look at me Alexander.

It's hard enough to have a conversation

without your head being stuffed in some government papers

or whatever they are.

I'm sorry.

You overheard something, you said?

Some farcical gossip, that's all.

Only, it isn't the first,

and it is rather disturbing

to hear one's husband's name being bandied about.

Oh? In what context?

Not a very nice one.

Rumour has it that you're having an affair

with Evangeline Elliot.

Alexander?

Are you having an affair with Evangeline?

-

Poor Alexander, never could lie to me, could you?

Elizabeth.

No, not now.

Not now.

-

Yes?

The chief constable?

Yes, very well, put him through.

Yes.

What?

Not good news, I'm afraid.

It appears that Saroyan has escaped arrest.

Well, can't he be traced?

Perhaps, but it's not likely

he can be brought back into the country to face trial.

He's left the country?

So it would seem, and I'll be surprised

if he hasn't already been given a completely new identity.

I have no doubt he's amongst friends

who can arrange such things.

I find it hard to believe a man like him has friends.

Not so surprising

when you know who those friends might be.

During police investigations,

we found that Saroyan had profited immensely from the war.

Some of those profits emanated

from connections he had in Germany,

profits which had originally helped set up the bank,

without, I may say so, Sir Desmond's knowledge.

A traitor as well as a thief.

We also discovered that some of the bank's money

is still being invested in arms manufacturing over there.

Then clearly, Germany is where he's headed for.

Yes, but bringing him back to face charges,

well, as I said, it's unlikely.

Even when the charge is murder?

He did all but confess to killing Sir Desmond.

There must be some way of bringing him to justice for it.

But Bea, despite any extradition agreement,

Alexander's already explained

how difficult it would be to find him,

let alone bring him back.

What I can do, in the light of what you've told me,

is to make it public that your late godfather was innocent

of any fraud or malpractices.

-A posthumous exoneration? -It's better

than nothing, Bea.

But, what of the living?

Where does this leave us

as far as the House of Elliot's finances are concerned?

Well, the loan you had from the bank can be written off,

but it's entirely possible

that your savings and investments can never be retrieved.

Well, we still have the business.

For how much longer, I wonder.

As if we haven't enough difficulties,

you two are busy jeopardising our reputation

-with your affair! -That is unforgivable

after everything Alexander's done for us!

Once again, I must apologise for Beatrice.

The business is everything to her.

We'll meet again soon, I hope.

You coming, Evie?

Yes.

I have to go and see if she's all right.

But Evie, I must see you.

Tomorrow evening?

-

You'll be all right?

I expect so, though Evie is so obviously besotted,

I'm going to have to manage everything on my own.

I could take you out to lunch.

We could discuss things.

There's too much to do.

We will talk at the weekend as you suggested, Jack.

Goodbye.

Goodbye.

-

I had begun to think you weren't coming.

Oh, it's just difficult for me to get away,

although subterfuge seems a little futile

under the circumstances.

What do you mean?

I mean, Elizabeth knows.

How?

We've been so careful.

Gossip, rumour, and when she confronted me,

well, I couldn't lie to her.

I think it was the worst moment of my life.

I know this sounds selfish,

but I can't help thinking what this means for me.

What will happen to us, I mean?

-

Alexander, do you still love me?

Yes.

Yes, I do.

What are we going to do?

I don't know, Evie.

I really don't.

I don't know what to say.

You knew neither of us was happy.

Yes.

I suppose I hoped it would somehow just get better.

I knew things weren't exactly right between us.

But you haven't been lonely like I have, have you?

I even envied Alexander and Evie.

You mean, you thought of having an affair?

No, I envied their passion, their need for each other.

You and I...

We're so distant from each other.

I thought if we had children

it might, perhaps, bring us back together.

Jack, I want children,

but I want what a career gives me, too.

I know, and I want a wife who needs me more than anything,

who wants to have our family.

So, what are we to do?

Which one of us has to compromise, Jack?

Neither of us can, I know that.

I thought about it long and hard, it just isn't possible.

So, what are you saying?

I'm saying that I think it would be better for both of us

if we separated.

I suppose you think it's all my fault.

It's not a question of apportioning blame, Bea.

We both want different things,

some time apart will give us a chance

to see whether we really want those things

more than we want each other.

Well, if that's what you want.

It's not what I want, none of it's what I want,

it's just the way it's become for you and me.

So, when should all this happen then,

this separation?

Straightaway, I think.

I don't see any point in prolonging it, do you?

No.

No point at all.