Original subtitles

Is this the only suitcase you have?

For the moment.

Well I'll fetch some things later rom the flat.

Of course I don't mind, you might though,

it's an awful mess.

Oh Evie, that doesn't matter.

Only, I shan't be here for long.

No, of course not.

These things do blow over B.

No, I mean that as from tomorrow

I should start looking for a permanent place of my own.

B, do you want to talk about this?

Not particularly.

All right.

You're right though it is an awful mess.

We have so many awful messes on our hands

at the moment I wasn't quite sure which one you meant.

I think the business one

is easier to deal with than anything else.

I'm glad you think so.

Ralph Saroyan may have may have wiped

out all our savings, Evie.

And, well, it's gonna be difficult

running the business with nothing in reserve.

But he hasn't destroyed our reputation,

or our talent.

If we just take each day as it comes,

sort out the problems one by one...

We'll manage won't we?

Of course we will.

Oh look at that.

Oh.

To Madge on her birthday from all in the work room.

Oh, you shouldn't have.

Happy birthday Madge.

Oh go on, you've got to open it.

Oh, I couldn't do that,

it's unlucky to open umbrellas indoors.

Oh, that's all right then,

because it's a parasol, not a brolly.

That's good that, that is.

Go on.

Oh no, I can't take that.

Oh, what will people think?

They'll think you're doing very well

for a woman who's just turned 50.

- Oh you.

Well, that was very nice Madge,

thank you for inviting me.

And now I must go.

Oh go on, have another bun.

Oh no, I couldn't really.

Well, put one in your pocket for later then.

We have two choices,

either we get rid of one or more staff,

and save money that way.

Which means we have to cut back on the workload,

which earns the money in the first place.

Or, we keep the staff,

but we ask them all to take a small cut

in their pay packets.

Well, that's no choice,

if we cut the girls' wages half of them will leave anyway.

Oh come on Evie, where would they go?

There's precious little work for men,

let alone girls barely out of school.

What happened to the spirit of we'll manage?

I'm trying to think of ways to manage Evie.

Every time we have a crisis

we think it's the end,

then we produce a collection and everything's all right.

You'll see, we'll produce fabulous designs,

earn masses of money.

You don't believe me, do you?

I want to Evie, I really do.

Frankly Jack, your attitude has not helped

this to be a particularly productive evening.

Abraham, I have presented you with five new ideas tonight.

Have I ever let you down before?

Every film I've made for you has been a success,

and they're still making money for your studio.

I am not disputing that.

The trouble is, with the Americans

distributing whole sets of films over here,

it's that much harder to find

backers for ours than it used to be.

Unless the film is particularly good,

it's cheaper for the exhibitors to buy theirs.

Jack, all I'm saying is

that the ideas you've outlined for me this evening

with the best will in the world,

aren't that good.

Look...

I know how difficult it is

to come up with good ideas all the time.

But, perhaps, you're trying too hard.

Maybe you should give yourself a rest.

Abraham.

This is my livelihood.

I didn't say give up making films altogether,

you silly boy.

I merely suggested that perhaps

it would ease the pressure on you

if you concentrated on just adapting someone else's stories.

No, I can't do that.

Whatever reputation I have is based on my ideas.

Well, go away,

and come up with something that's worthy of you.

There's no rush,

I'm not closing any doors.

Shall we?

By all means.

Your break.

Let me give you something to think about.

I've just signed up a young actress called Emma Casson.

She's pretty, talented,

and a damn sight brighter than most.

What I really want is a vehicle

to show her off properly.

A comedy, a tragedy, thriller?

You decide.

Look, I'm having a small party

at my place on Saturday evening.

I've invited Emma,

why don't you come along and meet her.

Bring Beatrice, you'll relax,

have a good time, enjoy yourself.

My wife will have other plans for that evening,

but yes, I'll be there.

We're not bankrupt,

we shall continue to operate as a company.

But, for a while, things will be difficult.

Ralph Saroyan embezzled the house of Eliott

of virtually all its reserved funds.

Despicable swine.

I beg your pardon.

It's all right Alice,

swine is one of the kindlier terms we've used for him.

So you're saying we won't be put out of work then.

No Madge, absolutely not, however...

What is it Miss Beatrice?

I'm afraid we're going to have

to ask you all to take a small cut in your wages.

Hopefully it won't be for long.

And as soon as our situation improves,

we'll make sure you've got back all the money you've lost.

For what is worth, B and I won't be taking any wages.

That seems very fair to me.

Well, that's not a very happy thought,

but if that's what needs to be done.

Yes, well, fair or not,

you've both got a lot more than them girls out there.

And I dare say you've all got a bit put by.

Well, I haven't and I'm not complaining.

Madge, if any of the girls feel

they could have more elsewhere,

we'll be happy to give them excellent references.

But we're quite certain that things

will be back to normal after the collection.

Let's hope.

Elizabeth, please talk to me.

What about?

Oh, for heaven's sake.

Alexander I'm writing to the boys.

What?

I'm telling them about birthday party,

and our dinner with the prime minister.

I'm asking Phillip about

his cricket match against Willowfield.

If you remember, it was his first game in the team.

Yes, of course,

I'm sorry.

Do you really love me so little,

as to think I could destroy my sons

by telling them that their father's infidelity in a letter?

No.

They really do think the world of you.

What are you going to do?

I truly don't know.

I shan't make it difficult for you,

if you want to divorce me.

Don't be absurd.

Alexander, I have invested 12 good, happy years

in this marriage.

I will not see it go to waste.

I will not have Phillip and William

gossiped about behind their backs at school.

And I will not stand by

and see you wreck a promising career,

for the sake of some childish infatuation.

Don't call it that Elizabeth,

you know it's not that.

Do you think I'd put you through this if I wasn't serious?

She must be a very special person

Evangeline Elliot.

You must love her a great deal.

I do.

Enough to overlook the fact

that she will inevitably destroy

all that you've worked for.

In the cause of her own selfish passion.

That's not fair.

Nothing is.

It's a pretty poor do, if you ask me.

Well, don't get at me, I'm only the messenger.

Well, how long is it going to go on though?

Some of us have made plans for our money.

Yeah. -Like eating.

They didn't have the neck to come and tell us themselves,

did they?

They had to get you to do their dirty work for them.

Well, they knew we'd have

something to say about it, that's why.

That's right.

The other thing Ms Beatrice said Betty,

was it anyone who didn't like it

can lump it somewhere else with her blessing.

So if you want to hang onto this job,

I suggest you all get down to some work.

And think yourselves lucky you've got work to get down to.

I thought we might devote

a whole section of the show to outdoor pursuits.

Walking,

riding,

skiing,

shooting.

Watching other people walking, riding.

No?

Well, it's a very adventurous idea Evie.

Frankly, the last thing I want to do right now

is to think about clothes for people

who have nothing better to do, but enjoy themselves.

Well, that is rather what our clothes are for.

Yes, I dare say, it is.

Well, what do you want to do?

Go to sleep for a month,

wake up and find everything's just gone away.

-

Jack.

Are you enjoying yourself?

Oh yes, thank you.

Have you eaten yet?

There is food laid out in the next room.

Perhaps later.

Jack, I'm so sorry.

I promised I'd introduce you to Emma, didn't I?

Don't interrupt her on my account, please.

I have an idea

she's desperate to be interrupted.

Don't go away.

Emma, this is Jack Maddox.

Jack made The Secrets Within for me,

Jack, this is Emma Casson.

One of the brightest acting talents around.

How do you do?

Excuse me,

I must have a word with a friend of Dorothy's.

Thank you.

I hate it when you're introduced like that,

you feel obliged to start justifying yourself.

Oh, I never justify myself,

I think it's a very bad habit.

Well, you don't need to, do you?

Is that so?

I've seen quite a few of your films,

no need to justify anything.

You're very kind.

No.

Just honest.

I'd say if I hated them.

You sound like a dangerous woman to be with.

Hmm.

What does that hmm mean?

It means the minute you tell anyone you're an actress,

they assume you're a dangerous siren

off-screen as well as on.

And then you have to justify why you're not.

How very tiresome for you.

It is actually,

very.

If you don't mind, if I don't ask you to dance?

Not in the slightest.

I'm afraid I'm not very good company tonight.

That's all right,

I'm not asking you to be.

I don't know about you, I'm famished.

Beatrice,

what a pleasant surprise to find you here.

Really?

I'm sorry, please come in.

Yes, well it saves me a second journey to see you,

or the disruption of a visit to your office.

Oh yes.

I hope I'm not disturbing you.

No, not at all, please take a seat.

Thank you.

Now, I thought I'd bring you

up to date on the latest developments

concerning Ralph Saroyan.

Apparently he's in Germany.

Yes, we know.

Yes, of course you do, I'm sorry.

Well, the Home Office thinks

there's very little chance of ever catching him now.

And the treasury has issued orders

for the closure of the Gillespie Saroyan bank altogether.

I should think so too.

Anyway, I've done my level best to recoup

at least some of your investment.

But a great many other people

went down with Saroyan,

bigger investors than the House Of Eliot.

Who now take priority as creditors, I suppose?

I'm afraid so, yes.

There really is nothing more I can do.

No.

Well, thank you for expending so much effort

on our behalf, Alexander.

But now if you'll excuse me, I'll say good night.

Good night.

I am so sorry.

I tried to let you know she was here,

I couldn't get in contact.

That's all right.

Yes well, I had better go.

When may I see you again?

I don't know,

phone me when you can.

Of course.

Are you all right?

Would you like me to call you a taxi?

No, I've got my car outside.

Well, I think it had better stay there.

Don't you go away.

Evie, I'm sorry,

that must've been very awkward for you both.

Yes it was.

Although I don't see why you're sorry,

you don't approve of the situation anyway.

No, I know I don't,

but it's your business what you choose to do.

I'm sorry if my being here

makes things difficult for you.

Difficult?

Considering how difficult things are anyway.

I'm sorry.

I shouldn't take this out on you.

She knows.

What?

Elizabeth knows about Alexander and I.

I don't know what to do next.

Oh Evie, I'm so sorry.

I suppose you think I should give him up?

No, I don't think that.

Because I really don't think I could.

B, what would you do?

Oh Evie, don't ask me.

When it comes to matters of the heart,

I'm as much at sea as you are.

Come on you.

You...

Are wonderful.

Yes, I know.

Night, night.

Night.

Hello?

Hello Alexander.

Yes, if you want to.

I know the Feathers.

No I'm fine, thank you.

More or less.

Alexander, what time is it?

Good god, is it really?

Right, I'll see you in, whatever,

an hour's time.

Right,

goodbye.

I'm so sorry.

No, it's all right Elizabeth,

it helps to talk.

Yes.

Beatrice, is this just an infatuation,

or is Evangeline very much in love with my husband?

I believe so, yes.

I wish she wasn't.

Elizabeth, so do I,

but it doesn't make any difference.

It makes a great deal of difference to me.

Try not to hate Evie.

Oh, how can I?

If I thought she was just a selfish little thing,

out for what she could get,

using Alexander.

But an honest woman in love...

I hate what she's doing,

but I can't hate her.

Which is not to say I shan't put up a fight for him.

There's one thing quite clear in my mind Beatrice,

and that is, I shall never divorce my husband.

My sons, my home, my life,

even Alexander, damn him, are all far too important.

And you may pass that message on to Evangeline,

or not, as you please.

In the meantime,

just because Alexander is causing chaos in my private life.

I see no reason why he should do the same to my wardrobe.

Do you?

I hope you don't mind it here,

sometimes it helps to

go where one won't bump into any of one's colleagues.

Elizabeth knows about Evie.

Oh God.

How did she find out?

She came right out and asked me the question,

and I couldn't deny it.

I've said I won't objective if she wishes to divorce me,

but she won't hear of it.

Do you want to divorce?

I really don't know.

Well, if it's advice you've come looking for,

I'll tell you, you've come to the wrong man.

Part of the reason I got so drunk last night,

Beatrice and I have separated.

I'm afraid I'm not in a position

to give anyone any advice at the moment.

I'm so sorry.

I didn't know.

What a mess all round, eh?

I'll drink to that...

Again.

But Jack, what worries me is that

if Elizabeth has had enough rumours

to actually confront me with them,

then who else has heard?

Ah.

Precisely.

The government's under enough pressure

as it is at the moment,

the last thing anyone needs is a scandal.

When you say pressure,

you mean the business with the miners?

Yes.

It's a shame anything has to happen,

everyone's so intransigent.

Birkenhead said it the other night,

you think the miners are the stupidest men on Earth,

.

Of course, I forgot,

your dad's a miner, ain't he?

And both me brothers,

every man in the family really.

I wonder how they view the conflict.

Because I'm telling you,

if those miners do go on strike,

they'll get a lot of sympathy from the other unions.

Mr know-it-all.

Oh yeah.

I know something he doesn't.

What?

I know about Miss Beatrice

staying upstairs with Miss Evie.

You what?

I saw her arrive with a suitcase few days ago.

I think there's been a bit of conflict

with her and Mr Maddox.

And I think you should

keep your nose out of other people's business, Betty,

and stop spreading wicked rumours.

No smoke without fire Tilly.

Anyway, you only have to look at Miss Evie

to know something's going on.

Now get on with your work.

Oh, did I leave my scarf here?

I put it on the desk.

Thank you.

Was I disgraceful the other night?

No, just astoundingly drunk.

Oh.

Good.

You didn't seem to enjoy Abraham's party very much.

No, I wasn't in the mood.

Does he attend I'm one of your projects.

What's he been saying to you?

Nothing, just a guess.

He seems to be turning down suggestions

from everyone at the moment.

Really?

I've been begging him for weeks

to find me a part that isn't a feeble,

dewy-eyed, romantic heroine.

Something with a bit of grit to it.

And?

Oh, it's always,

"But you look so beautiful in the crinoline my dear."

Oh.

I didn't expect you to be here.

B.

This is Emma Casson.

-Emma-- -It's all right,

I won't disturb you.

I've just come to collect these things, thank you.

Excuse me.

B.

You're not disturbing anything.

It's all right, I'll telephone next time,

make sure it's convenience.

Goodbye.

Hm.

What's that the miners say?

Not a penny off the pay, not a minute on the day.

-Hm. -Stop moaning.

We both liked those two designs,

but they're not linked.

Why do we need a theme at all?

Because that's what people expect of us Evie,

we have always offered clothes with a coordinated theme.

Yes, but in the end,

it's the individual design that counts.

They must relate.

B, I have come up with dozens of ideas

and you've dismissed the lot of them.

Oh, come on, that's not fair.

I'm not getting at you B, but it is fair.

I know your mind is taken up with Jack and...

I do understand that.

But I can't carry this collection all by myself.

No, especially not when you go galloping off

with Alexander at the drop of a hat.

B, I haven't seen him all of this week.

Yes, well, that's not due

to any professional considerations, is it?

Or even moral ones?

It's because he's so preoccupied

with this wretched strike.

What am I supposed to do?

Your dad's actually been locked out of the pit?

Well, they all have.

Me mom's frantic,

but it's not just the boys,

she's got the two littlest ones as well.

That's six mouths to feed,

and not a penny coming in from anywhere.

I'd help out and send something but I just can't afford it.

Not now you can't.

Shut up Betty.

Oh, sorry I forgot,

we mustn't complain, must we?

Or else we might find we've been locked out.

Oh.

There, I'm not saying I told you so,

but I told you.

What?

General strikes starts tomorrow,

all the unions coming out in support of the miners.

Oh, they're not?

He went to bed.

He actually went to bed.

Who did?

Baldwin.

The prime minister.

Walter Citrine, secretary of the TUC

went to sort out some crisis at the Daily Mail.

When he came back to say the crisis was sorted,

could they get on with the peace talks please?

He found Baldwin had taken himself off the bed,

he didn't want to know.

When does it all start?

Well, tomorrow apparently.

Yeah, well that's the

sort of government we've got, isn't it?

Couldn't give a damn,

none of the bosses give a damn, if you ask me.

Could we find our language in the work room please Betty?

Oh, why?

In case we offend them out there in the office?

Oh, they didn't bother about offending us

when they cut our wages, did they?

Oh no, and Miss B just said

we had to work harder for her new collection.

Now, that's enough.

Oh, that's nice coming from you.

There's my Stanley coming out on strike,

not a train running there won't be.

My table's not going to be busting with food,

I can tell you that, and why?

Sympathy with her lot, that's why.

Support for the miners.

Well, it's not my fault.

And it's not Ms B's fault either.

Well I think it's a crying shame

we don't have a union to take us out on strike.

That'd show them.

Aye, and show them that seamstresses who bitch

more than they stitch aren't worth having.

I hope you're good at very small writing Mrs Burgoyne.

Oh yes, why is that?

So as my husband won't see how much this is costing him.

Oh, don't misunderstand me,

I'm not saying he's not generous, because he is.

But the slightest thing at the moment

and he goes up the wall.

Must be very difficult for you.

I can understand it mind,

the sort of pressure that's put upon these businessmen,

especially at the moment.

Well, I wouldn't want to have to cope with it.

Quite.

Oh, here we are.

Mrs Atherstone, this is Madge Althorpe,

who'll dealing with your fitting.

How'd you do?

Be sure to come and tell me

when Mrs Atherstone is ready to leave Madge.

I will.

Now, Mrs Atherstone,

if you'd just like slip this on.

Well now, there's a voice to warm your heart.

I beg your pardon?

Where do you come from lass?

Just outside Alden.

Really?

I was born and brought up near Saddleworth.

That's just down the road.

Of course, we live in Alderly Edge now.

Oh.

It's smashing round there, ain't it?

I have an aunt over in Macclesfield,

we used to take us up on the edge

for picnics when we had our holidays there.

You've made me feel so much better.

Why?

This is the first time I'd ever been to a fashion house,

I was that nervous.

You don't know how nice it is

to meet a good solid Lancaster lass down here.

Good, I'm glad.

Now, have a stretch and tell me how that sleeve feels.

Well...

this is the best idea you've given me for a good while.

Good.

Strong stuff.

Strong times Abraham.

Most people will find someone in it

they can identify with.

Well, you've certainly covered all angles,

the father a policeman, son a train diver,

daughter's fiance, a miner.

But young Master Galgrave, waiting in the wings .

It isn't going to be quite as cynical as that, Abraham.

No, but I think the central theme of a family torn apart

by something as powerful as a general strike,

would prove to be strong drama.

Well, you're right.

As long as you can make it work.

Well, since you mentioned it,

one of the things which will make it work is...

Taking scenes from real life.

Now there's bound to be some action on the street,

marches, demonstrations.

We won't know what until it happens,

but believe me, something is going to happen.

You want to go and film this?

Yes.

I've got quite a few friends in the press,

they'll keep me informed about the when's, the wheres.

Just give me a cameraman and a crew for a couple of weeks.

Now, wait a minute Jack, wait a minute.

So far I think it's an exciting idea,

if you can get some good pictures.

Now listen to me, in my experience,

nothing looks worse than real live action,

with real people just dumped in between scenes,

film it in a studio with actors.

We take a couple of actors with us when we're filming,

they join them with whatever's happening,

we film them.

And there they are in the thick of it.

You do realise Jack,

that if this strike turns nasty,

being in the thick of it, as you were saying,

could backfire very seriously.

I think it's a risk worth taking.

Use Emma Casson.

-Emma? -Use her.

And I'll give you a camera man, crew for fortnight.

She's been on my back for weeks

for me to give us something to get her teeth into.

Let her chew on that.

All right.

-

Excuse me. -

I'm so sorry I'm late, I had to catch a taxi.

Is no one else here yet?

No.

There are no buses, and no trains, no trams.

I don't think there are even the underground trains.

You've never seen so many people in the streets.

That must be it then.

The girls must just simply be caught up in it all.

Well, as long as they haven't all decided

to go on strike as well.

That's all we need.

Here, ta very much for the lift.

Ah, you know what you've got to do.

You'll get cold on your chest

wearing no shoes on your feet.

That's what me mom always say.

Well, she's right.

Oh, I'm ever so sorry.

Oh, don't mind me Madge, I'm just thinking about you.

The truth is Mrs Atherstone.

I've got blisters the size of walnuts on me heels.

Oh.

I had to walk six and a half miles

to get here this morning.

Call me soft, but I'm not used to that sort of thing.

Yes, well, you shouldn't have to get used to it.

Those miners have got a lot to answer for.

Perhaps.

Oh, there's no perhaps about it.

Who do they think they are?

I should like to know.

You feed them,

you house them,

you give them paid work a lot of folk would be grateful for.

And all they can do is turn around

and bite the hand that feeds them.

Oh, believe me Madge, I know what I'm talking about,

I see it all the time.

Really?

My husband and his partner own three mines

around Aldham and Cheadle.

They're all the same.

Excuse me one moment please.

Mrs Burgoyne?

I'm very sorry,

but I'm afraid I can't deal with Mrs Atherstone any longer.

I beg your pardon?

Under the present circumstances,

my family being locked out of the pit,

and her husband being one of the ones

that's doing the locking out.

I think it would be better if someone else took over.

Very well.

Betty,

would you go and take over Mrs Atherstone's fitting, please?

I will not.

Agnes?

I'll do it Mrs Burgoyne.

Thank you Tilly.

What color's your stockings Tilly?

Just as I thought, she's got black legs.

Your Stanley out on strike?

He most certainly is.

And me dad,

even Billy works down St John's Dock,

they're out too.

I think it's wrong.

We've had our wages cut,

shouldn't we be striking?

Her Majesty wishes to express her gratitude

to her subjects at this time for their kind concern.

And begs to reassure them that the Royal household

will continue to function as normal.

Yours, sincerely, et cetera.

If you have a moment Lady Margaret.

Of course.

Thank you.

Your grace.

Elizabeth,

I'm afraid I have to speak to you on a most sensitive issue.

Please do go on.

Her Majesty has heard rumours

that Lord Montford has been behaving

somewhat indiscreetly in his private life.

Naturally, if you can assure me,

there's no foundation to these rumours,

I'd be delighted to apologise for the distress

this must be causing you.

I cannot give you that assurance.

I take no pleasure in this Elizabeth, believe me.

But you must realise that the Royal household

cannot be seen to be connected in any way

with any form of scandal.

Because of your position...

Perhaps when these rumours have died down.

I shall order my motor car immediately.

Alex, I'm glad I've caught you.

Only just, I have a dinner engagement.

With Miss Eliott?

It is becoming common knowledge.

Look, I don't give a hoot

what you do in your private life,

so long as it remains just that,

private.

Because as whip,

I must warn you that if this little

adventure of yours becomes any more public,

then it could cause the government serious embarrassment.

I'm having dinner with the Secretary Of State.

Jolly good.

Knew you wouldn't let the side down.

Oh, by the way,

how are you getting along with the Gillespie Saroyan affair?

Starting to unravel the tangled finances are we?

Yes, I think so.

A complicated sort of business really.

Oh, well that I have no doubt.

Have a pleasant evening.

Goodnight Alex.

Oh, Evie.

Well done.

Now that they've gone,

I can tell you I was jolly scared.

I know, it showed.

That's why the scenes will look so good.

You are a vulture, do you know that?

I've been called worse.

More coffee?

Oh, no thanks, I think I'd better be getting home.

I'll drive you.

Yes please.

Sorry.

I have been told that I had to leave my position

at the palace because of your indiscretions,

and you are sorry.

How dare you do this to me.

Elizabeth.

I'm not going to see Evangeline again.

What?

Are you serious?

It can't go on,

it's causing embarrassment to the administration.

I see.

You'll end your liaison for the prime minister,

but not for your wife.

It's not what I meant.

I know exactly what you meant.

Oh, Alexander do as you wish,

end it, or not, as you please.

Just don't attempt to sleep in my bed

while you make up your mind.

-

Excuse me, could you come over here?

Roll.

-

It's good, Jack, it's good.

Thank you.

You're lucky you didn't get yourself arrested.

Look at the results.

Mm.

It's a pity the strike didn't go on longer really.

What, ten days not long enough for you then?

No, the scenes by the docks are terrific.

Terrific.

It's just that we could have done with a little more,

that's all.

It's so good to see you again.

I'm sorry.

As long as we're together now.

I'm just glad it's all over, the strike.

Up until now I wouldn't have believed

that one small ill-informed group of people

would even try to hold the country to ransom like that.

It's incredibly irresponsible.

Perhaps the miners has felt a responsibility

towards feeding their families.

What?

Perhaps they felt that strongly about it.

No Evie, no matter how strongly one feels,

nothing justifies the wanton disruption

of the established order.

That puts our relationship in a rather bleak perspective.

Evie, this is absurd,

the two things are completely different.

I think I'd like to go now.

Evie.

Excuse me, could I have my coat please?

Evie, wait.

Listen to me, please.

What you don't know is

that I have asked Elizabeth to divorce me.

I want to marry you Evie.

Good evening?

No.

You?

No.

That's all right then

just as long as we're both feeling foul.

Oh please Evie, I'm not in the mood.

Have you seen the paper?

Halfway down the page.

Fashionable London is bound to be delighted

by the announcement...

From Maison Gille that his

new London house will open this summer.

That's all we need.

Isn't it just?

B, I don't care,

we are more than a match for Maison Gille.

But are we Evie?

What are we going to do about this new collection?

Nothing tonight, we'll get a good night's sleep.

And tomorrow we'll meet in my office,

we'll go through all of these designs and...

We'll come to some sort of a decision then.

Madge?

Yes, Charles?

Has the Lovat tweed been delivered,

or is it still held up in .

I've no idea.

Yeah, not to worry,

I'll ask Ms Evie.

Oh, I wouldn't do that if I were you,

they're in ever such a funny mood this morning.

Well, that's 20 designs we quite like.

No, that's 20 designs we dislike less than the others.

As a small collection it might still do.

B, people have come to expect

something special from the house of Eliott

Well, one thing these aren't is special.

Evie, what about this one?

-I don't like it.

That was one of mine.

All right, well this is one of mine

and that's rubbish too.

Well, I'm glad you admit it.

-

Do you think they're ill?

Oh, I don't know.

Excuse me, could we have your attention please?

Well, over the last few weeks,

we've been giving a lot of thought

to the immediate future of the House of Eliott.

And...

Well, in the best interests of us all,

we've decided not to show a collection this summer.

Thank you, that will be all.

Evie, what choice did we have?

I just didn't think it would come to this.

Yes, but it's not all our fault.

These past few months have been real stingers,

haven't they?

Excuse me.

I've just heard a rumour

that you're cancelling the summer collection.

That's not a rumour Alice,

we are cancelling it.

We simply didn't have a collection,

we weren't happy with the designs we came up with.

And rather than show clothes which we consider

beneath our standards,

we will postpone the collection

until we've come up with something we are satisfied with.

Until then we will continue with our commissions as usual.

I see.

I would have appreciated hearing this from you

rather than from the girls in the workroom.

Yes, I'm sorry Alice,

we only came to the decision a few minutes ago.

And as we were in the workroom.

You do realise the damage

this could do to your reputation, don't you?

Especially with Maison Gille promising

a most spectacular opening show.

People will think you're frightened of the competition.

Well Alice, I'm afraid people

will have to think what they like.

Our reputation would have been more severely damaged

by a tired, second-rate collection.

Which to be honest is all we'd come up with.

Well, I see you've made your decision.

Yes, we have.

Very well.

Good morning.

Well Evie, the one comforting thing about all this

is having hit rock bottom,

there's only one way to go from there.

And where's that?