Original subtitles

I must go.

I have a meeting with Bea.

I'll see you tonight.

All right.

How are you feeling?

Well, I'm a lot fitter, thank you.

Jack's worked miracles with the house.

Yes.

Have you been unwell?

No.

Why?

I telephoned you at the office.

Joseph said you hadn't been there for the last few days.

I went away.

Oh.

Well, everything seemed under control.

I felt I needed a short break,

before we got too busy with the spring collection.

We still have a press presentation to launch.

You might have told someone.

Joseph, if not me.

Fine.

No, I should, but-

Where did you go?

The Lake District.

On on your own?

I brought the Style and Beauty article.

Nan Bayliss wants us to check it before it goes to press.

So that's where it was.

Ann telephoned this morning.

She wants an answer by tomorrow.

Apparently we've had it for two weeks.

I'm sorry.

I did at least expect you to sort out

a simple thing like this.

I haven't had a chance.

Hard at it?

Somebody has to be.

Meaning?

Well, Beatrice has her baby,

and Evie spends all her time wrapped up in Daniel.

We used to have fun, didn't we? Going out together.

Evie's put paid to all that.

They're in love.

Evie is.

I'm not so sure about Daniel.

I've seen him in love before.

Not like this.

You're upset, aren't you?

I'm over all that.

Oh yeah?

Well, these will certainly

give your Glasgow article more bite.

You can't argue with pictures like these.

I'm sure people will. But they won't find it easy.

So, how's the piece on London coming along?

I'm going to see counsellor Rodney Bates tomorrow.

The labour leader on the LCC.

Yes. He's a decent enough fellow.

He's fighting to get a proposal through,

which could radically improve working conditions

on LCC building sites.

I thought it'd be good to do something about a success story

for a change.

Sounds promising.

You don't seem over-enthusiastic.

Well, Bates and his like are just tinkering

with a system that needs to be swept away completely.

Is it wrong to try and do something practical

to help people now?

Could take 50 years to achieve

what you and the independent Labour Party want.

It'll be worth the wait though, won't it?

You're going to see the Highlands?

Yes. It could work there.

Paris, of course.

Italy.

How about a South Sea island?

Am I going on a bit?

No.

Bea gave me a telling off this morning.

Mhmm?

For spending time away from work.

You work hard.

You deserve a holiday.

I don't want us to snatch moments

in between other things.

Neither do I.

Then come and live with me.

I've thought about it carefully.

You could do with more space. I have space to spare.

You could spend more time with me

without interrupting your work.

There's more to it than that.

I don't like being apart from you.

I feel the same.

But could cause more problems than it solves.

You're like me, I know how you value your freedom.

Besides, two creative people living together

is not a good idea.

It could be.

Maybe, in time.

I don't want to disappoint you, Evie.

You've been disappointed before.

Let's not rush into anything.

We're happy as we are.

Can't things stay that way?

Well, these findings certainly

agree with ours, Mr Maddox.

You'll see what I mean when you look through

the subcommittee's report.

Will this become LCC policy?

Frankly, the chances are not good.

Because people are blinkered?

Oh, there are plenty like that, yes.

And plenty who think it will set a dangerous precedent

and put paid to their profits.

But there's also a reasonable case to be made.

If we spend all this money, buying new equipment,

providing inspectors, limiting the working day.

Where's it all going to come from?

I suggest the housing budget.

Precisely.

And that'll mean less houses.

And I for one, want to provide as many

decent homes for Londoners as I can.

Yes, yes, but if people are being killed building?

There you have it.

Don't worry.

The Labour councillors will back this to the hilt.

And we have 20 or so of the Tory reformers behind us.

But we need the Liberals,

and they're not convinced.

Are they open to persuasion?

Well, they won't listen to me, that's for sure.

If I could help?

You think they'd listen to you?

They might.

There are several Liberals working for Henry's paper.

Some of their views and quite close to those

at the Independent Labour party.

Are they now?

In all my investigations,

these are the first real proposals

to improve conditions that I've come across.

Now, I would like to try and do something

to help put them into practise.

You're welcome to try.

Ah, Joseph, my friend.

Good to see you.

You seem to have fully recovered from the fire,

Mr Cotter.

Just what I was saying to Miss Keeble.

Hello.

I thought I'd keep an eye on how things are shaping up.

I think you'll be impressed with how well

the Aurora collection is coming on.

Is everything on target?

Bang on.

The garments will be with our clients on the dot.

The stores are taking quite a risk.

We mustn't let them down.

Indeed not.

I thought I'd deliver your invitation

to the press presentation in person.

Oh, thank you.

You see?

Even the backstage workers get a look-in.

From the replies so far, it should be very well-attended.

Well, that's good news.

Oh, I don't doubt we'll make a big impression.

They won't know what's hit them.

They are good.

There's just not enough of them to

stand comparison with Maison Gilles and the rest.

Too much has gone into the ready-to-wear.

Among other things.

Perhaps we should consider giving Grace more to do.

Let her experiment with a few couture ideas.

She's fully occupied with the Aurora collection.

She won't be once it's in the shops.

We should use her.

She is talented, but she's still extremely inexperienced.

Anyway, there's still time for inspiration to strike us

once this press presentation's over.

I'm sorry, but I must be getting back to Lucy.

Well thank you for coming in.

You must get anxious about leaving her.

Has to be done.

By the way, don't forget.

Lady Romford has invited us to dine with her

tomorrow evening.

Well, I'm not sure I want to go.

It will be very rude of you not to.

I'm sure you could bring Daniel.

You knew I went away with him on all along, didn't you?

It wasn't difficult to deduce.

Well, I'm not sure he'll want to come.

Well, that's up to him.

Daniel seems to have a very clear idea of what he does

and what he doesn't want.

You don't approve of him, obviously, do you?

I like him very much.

Are you sure about him?

Yes, I am.

He's very different to Alexander, for a start.

He's not married to someone else.

Well, are you certain that he's fully committed to you?

What do you mean?

He's a very attractive man.

There've been other women in the past.

I said I'm sure. I hoped you'd find it possible

to be happy for me.

I don't need the sisterly advice.

Well, that's settled, then.

I shall see you tomorrow evening.

Miss Bea looked ever so well, didn't she?

Oh yeah. I can't wait to see the baby.

Me neither.

Goodnight, ladies.

Goodnight.

Goodnight, Madge.

Goodnight.

Oh, Tilly. I wanted to ask you a favour.

Goodnight.

Going to the bus stop?

No. No, I'm going the other way.

What, again?

You ought to go straight home.

You look worn out.

Hey, you ain't in trouble, are you?

No, nothing like that.

It's not something, you know,

like, criminal or anything, is it?

Look.

Agnes, if I tell you,

will you promise to keep it to yourself?

I'm helping out over the other workshop.

Well, there's such a flood of orders, they can't cope.

It's hard making ends meet with Stan in Jug.

Yeah, but I thought that Madge was in charge-

Oh, she is.

But there's more than she can handle,

so I've been brought in.

Oh.

Oh, and Agnes?

Yeah.

Madge mustn't know.

She'd be very upset, if she found out

what I was doing behind her back.

Wouldn't tell for all the world.

Honest.

Tilly, we can't go on like this.

Like what?

You know what.

Every morning you're down there.

It makes me happy. Where's the harm?

I'm not saying there's any harm.

I owe it to William.

He was never christened.

It's not going to be held against him

wherever he's gone now, will it?

Not if I keep praying for him, no.

Maybe we should move it.

It's not good for us, staring at it, day after day.

You're worried about the silliest things.

Ah, good day, Miss Keeble. May I come in?

Certainly, Mr Page.

Another masterpiece?

The last one was sold.

We are successful.

Aren't some of your creations about to burst

upon an unsuspecting world?

The Aurora collection?

Nobody knows it's my work.

Your day will come.

Will it?

I don't have the connections.

I don't have the backers.

You know, you've changed.

What's happened to all that fire and ambition

you used to have?

I can't afford it.

Not everybody has somebody to pick up their bills for them.

I shouldn't have said that.

At least you have the nerve to say it to my face.

Maybe we could go out for drink tonight.

Catch up on the gossip.

I'm supposed to be going out with Evie tonight.

Having dinner with a client.

On the other hand,

why not?

I'll get the boss.

Scaffolding, exactly like that,

collapsed in one of your Beckingtree sites last week.

Three men injured.

Luckily, none fatal.

But it was an isolated account.

I'm afraid not, Councillor.

There've been two similar incidents

in the last three months.

Worrying.

You must understand, however,

that we liberals are not going to be rushed

into any conclusions.

I'm just asking you to look for yourselves.

That's all.

Quite.

Morning to you, Councillor Graham.

Shaping up nicely, don't you think?

Mr Jowitt, you've met Mr Maddox,

the journalist?

Not personally, no.

Mr Maddox has written several articles

about conditions in the building trade.

Oh, I know Mr Maddox's work.

I stand by everything I've written.

Well, I stand by what I'm building.

I've nothing to hide.

Be my guest, Councillor.

Take a good look.

Just take anything Mr Maddox tells you

with a pinch of salt.

Shall we continue?

Daniel?

What are you doing? We're supposed to be

ready to go by now.

I'm not going.

Daniel.

I don't think I'll be welcome.

Besides, Grace suggested we go to the club.

I haven't seen her for ages.

Lady Romford's expecting you now.

I'm sure she'll get over the disappointment.

Celia is a very important client.

She and Harry always give entertaining dinner parties.

It might be fun.

Oh yeah?

Jack and Bea will be there.

I don't think your sister likes me very much.

That's not true.

She certainly doesn't approve of me.

Well, she won't,

if you cancel dinner engagements at the last moment.

Come on, please?

What's all this, then?

I've told you, I'm going out.

Again?

I've explained.

Tilly's still not well.

She gets nervous in the evenings,

and someone ought to be with her while

Norman's at the hotel.

I don't see why it's you always has to go.

It isn't always me.

It's just tonight.

All right?

It doesn't seem I have any say in the matter, does it?

I should be back by 10.

Nothing to be alarmed about.

The people here don't bite.

Mind you, they'd be more interesting if they did.

How's that?

Daniel.

You look very smart.

You seem surprised.

Not at all.

How lovely to see you all.

Hello.

Hello, Evie.

And this must be Daniel.

How do you do?

Well, there are no set hours.

When I have a commission, I have to complete it.

It must be too exhausting.

It can be.

I'm sure you're being modest.

I always admire anyone who has the courage to be creative.

Are you creative?

Sadly, no.

I'm only capable of appreciating the efforts of others.

Shall I tell you something that never fails

to amaze me, Miss Eliott?

What's that, Sir Harry?

How pretty young girls like you

manage to escape the matrimonial noose

year after year.

Oh, not that I'm complaining.

It is terribly confusing,

isn't it?

Do start.

There are many popular misconceptions

about the periods,

which have been the source of much speculation,

both scholarly,

and let us say, less than scholarly.

We should never allow our romantic imagination-

So, do you think he suspects something?

I don't know.

Maybe.

Just because of

the scale of the undertaking ...

It's difficult, finding new places to meet.

And finding new excuses.

I can't always rely on Tilly.

The actual significance of periods.

If all human activity can be described,

in some measure,

as futile ...

You'll get used to it.

I suppose it's part of the burden

of being with one of the famous Eliott sisters.

I hope you don't find it all a burden.

No.

Good.

Beatrice doesn't approve of me.

She's bound to feel a little protective.

She'll come round.

You think so?

I'm relying on you.

So sorry to intrude, Jack,

but I wanted you to give you a quiet word of advice.

I hear you're dabbling in LCC business.

Only in one very specific area.

Leave well alone.

James Montague and his friends know what they're doing,

I don't follow you.

Don't upset the apple cart.

Are you saying that there are people

with vested interest-

I'm not saying anything.

Just remember who your friends are.

Evening, Norman.

Have I called at a bad time?

No, no.

Come in.

Is Madge still here?

Only, she said she'd be home by 10.

Madge?

Is she supposed to be here?

Well, that's what she told me.

She's gone, Gerry.

She came here to keep me company,

and she left just before Norman got back.

I think she said she was going to

get a breath of fresh air before she went home.

She'll probably be home before you are.

I see.

Thank you.

Sorry to have bothered you.

Goodnight.

What's going on?

Nothing.

Well. What do you think of

Evangeline Elliot's new protege?

Not just her protege, darling.

Really? How interesting.

They're having a torrid affair.

Deirdre saw them at Euston last week.

Luggage and all.

Obviously back from some romantic jaunt or other,

which won't do Evie's fragile reputation any good at all.

Well, well.

He's certainly come a long way since I first knew him.

What's that supposed to mean?

Not what you think.

Daniel painted my portrait

while he was at art school.

Precocious talent.

The way his reputation's building,

it looks as though Daddy's going to get

a very good return on his investment.

Indeed.

He's very good-looking.

He's a bit rough around the edges.

You know what I mean?

Oh, I don't object to that.

Thank you.

Beatrice.

We haven't had a proper chat all evening.

When are you going to let me

come and see your dear little baby?

Whenever you like.

I shall be around tomorrow evening.

I do so adore tiny children.

It's been such fun, Daniel.

And delightful to see you again, Evie, as ever.

Thank you, goodnight.

That wasn't too bad, after all.

Can't we meet somewhere else?

I'm fed up with lectures and films.

What about a pub?

Pig and Whistle, down by the river.

Pig and Whistle?

I know that pub, don't I?

Yeah, there's a piano player down there on Wednesdays.

Yeah. I was just saying to Madge.

Could we all come?

That was the idea, wasn't it Madge?

That's right.

I know.

We could make it our Christmas outing.

Why not?

And you could bring your husband, Madge,

and make a night of it.

Listen, everybody.

Charles and Madge have had a smashing idea.

Do you think he was listening?

He seemed to be.

I wouldn't count on it.

James Montague's over there, hard at work at him now.

The liberals scare easily.

Two teas, please.

These proposals are going to put

people like Mr Jowitt here out of business.

That's not going to help anyone.

We can't do all that needs to be done

if we have to implement

everything the subcommittee wants.

I gather that.

All the same, the evidence is pretty damning.

Journalists can make anything look damning

by presenting it in a certain light.

You don't believe all you read in the papers.

The Labour party doesn't want real solutions.

They simply want to make themselves feel good,

and damn the practical consequences.

You aren't like that, I know.

So, that's Montague.

I was wondering, could you get me access

to the council's building contracts?

Well, I might be able to.

What have you in mind?

I don't know.

I won't know precisely till I've seen them.

Mr Bannister.

Hello, Agnes.

Hello.

Mr Bannister, are you free on

the Wednesday before Christmas?

I think so. Why?

Well, it's just, we're all going to have a night out

at this pub that Charles knows about.

Well, I was wondering, do you want to come?

Well, yes. I'd be happy to. Thank you.

Oh, right.

It's settled, then.

It'd do you good, Tilly.

No, thanks.

Me and Norm are going to have a quiet Christmas this year.

But you never go out now.

That's where you're wrong.

I'm going to go see Miss Beatrice's baby tonight.

So I'm not missing out.

Oh, Katya?

Oh, Agnes?

Yes?

We're all going out a week on Wednesday.

Do you want to come?

Oh, yes.

Very much.

Thank you.

We have a visitor.

Celia?

No, Tilly.

She's come to see Lucy.

Oh.

She's a lovely baby, isn't she?

Yes.

She's taken to you.

Don't worry, Miss Bea.

My baby's with God.

I know that.

I pray for him regular.

I think my prayers are being heard.

I'm glad.

Lady Romford has arrived.

Best be going, then.

Beatrice.

Such a dear little girl. You must be very pleased.

We are.

If you'll excuse me.

Quite a worry, too, I imagine.

Well, she can rather take over.

I don't know what I'm going to do when the nurse leaves.

Well, I'm sure you'll manage.

You always do.

Terribly sweet.

Now.

Yes.

There is a matter I wanted to sound you out on.

Oh, you're not unhappy about any of the dresses?

Oh, no, I'm sure I'll be delighted.

No.

It's just that Harry wants to give me

a very special present.

How may I help?

He wants my portrait painted.

Hangs all the ancestors in the long gallery.

I wondered if Daniel Page might paint it?

No, I'm not sure he's a portrait painter as such.

Oh?

He painted Lavinia's portrait.

She said it was marvellous.

I'm sure he'd do it if you asked him to.

Particularly, if you said it was for a special friend.

Who is also a very good client.

Very kind of you, Beatrice.

You realise I can't accept the commission.

I'm not that kind of painter.

Oh?

Celia Romford said you painted her friend Lavinia.

I was young and poor.

We all make mistakes.

Well, this is a wonderful opportunity for you

to become known.

As a portrait painter?

Daniel, I don't feel comfortable about asking you,

but Celia Romford is a very demanding client,

who likes to get her own way.

I stupidly said I would try to persuade you.

So be it then, Beatrice.

You've persuaded me.

Mr Maddox.

You must allow me to make up my own mind.

Your articles put your side of the argument

with great passion and cogency,

but it's hardly an objective view, now, is it?

Supposing I were to show you evidence of corruption

on the part of certain council members

in their dealings with contractors?

I beg your pardon?

Mr Jowitt, for one,

has made a number of arrangements

with Councillor Montague, and some of his colleagues,

that don't stand any close scrutiny.

That's a serious allegation.

If you don't mind, I'll take a look at these.

You must understand, however,

that this is a separate issue,

regardless of the conduct of any individuals involved,

the decision will still be made

according to whether or not the subcommittee's proposals

are in the best interest of the people of London.

Naturally.

Evie?

The door's open.

That looks good.

You're not just saying that?

Why?

I'm never sure you take my work seriously.

If it was all as good as this, then I would.

It's hardly commercial.

You shouldn't think that way.

You've got to trust your own talent.

Don't compromise.

Beatrice came to see me today.

Oh?

She got me a commission.

What is it?

Lady Romford's portrait.

She said Celia was very insistent,

and that she'd half promised I'd be available to do it.

And you agreed?

Yes.

I don't believe this.

You've just been lecturing me on integrity,

on trusting my own talent.

Where does that fit in with painting

some brainless socialite?

Your sister asked me.

Well, I'll talk to Bea tomorrow.

There's no point.

I've said I'll do it.

Why am I bothering?

Socialite is obviously the order of the day.

You look nervous.

I've never been to one of these before.

It's quite a turnout.

You wouldn't expect less for

the Aurora collection, now would you?

That's Nan Bayliss over there, from Style and Beauty.

They're doing a special feature.

That is Scott Williams from Couture magazine.

What have we got ourselves into?

Nothing we need to regret.

Wait a minute.

Ladies and gentlemen.

On behalf of the House of Eliott,

we'd like to welcome you to

the debut of the Aurora collection.

I'm worn out.

But I'm really looking forward to tonight.

Are you done with erm ... you know.

Oh, Katya?

Yes?

Do you think you could get Mr Wint

to come with us tonight?

No, I don't think so.

That's a shame.

It'd do him good to let his hair down.

What's left of it.

Well, that went very smoothly.

Thank you.

Nan, we are delighted with how the articles turned out.

I'm glad.

Let's hope it makes the customers buy the collection.

Miss Eliott, Miss Bayliss.

Grace.

I'm Jack, Beatrice's husband.

Oh, hello.

She's told me how hard you've been working.

Well, they certainly keep me hard at it.

Congratulations.

Thank you.

It's all going so well.

I don't suppose you mind very much

about Sears Roebuck.

What about them?

Well, going to an American designer

for their ready-to-wear?

Oh, I heard the news from Miriam Sargeson

when I was in New York last.

I don't think that she felt there was anything wrong

with your collection as such,

but when they heard about the production crisis,

they were bound to consider other alternatives.

You did know, didn't you?

I didn't mean to be the bringer of bad news.

You will excuse me, please?

Well, it couldn't have come at a worse time.

There's nothing we can do about it.

Oh.

What?

I was wondering whether there might've been

a personal aspect to the decision.

Donald, you mean?

I doubt it.

I'm sure Sears Roebuck are able to keep business

and personal relationships apart.

I wish we could do the same.

I don't follow.

I'm sure Celia Romford would.

Are you tired?

No, it's nothing.

Evie's tired, too.

You stay like that. Will you be comfortable?

I'm always comfortable here.

It's terribly sweet of you to drop all your other work

to get this finished in time.

I'm happy to oblige.

Are you always?

Hmm?

Obliging?

I can be.

It must be so difficult for you, sometimes.

What must?

You're a handsome young man.

Thank you.

I

imagine that women who sit for you

must sometimes be very taken with you.

I wouldn't know.

Wouldn't you?

The relationship between the painter and the subject

is a very delicate one.

Clearly.

I need to bring a certain

objectivity to the portrait.

And,

after the portrait's finished?

Well, the first thing to find out is

whether the sitter is pleased with how I've painted them.

And the second?

I never think that far ahead.

Mr Bannister.

Oh, Mr Bannister, we're over here.

We didn't think you were coming, did we?

Sit yourself down.

Happy Christmas, Miles.

Oh.

Thank you, Charles, and to you.

I don't believe, you know my husband.

Gerry, this is Mr Bannister.

How do you do?

All right?

What's got into you?

He's not usually like this.

It's a free country.

My round.

What can I get everyone?

In preparing the response of the Liberal group

to these proposals,

I have taken into account the many passionate submissions

made to me,

but I have still been guided by one consideration

above all others.

Are these proposals in the best interests

of the citizens of London?

We have to remember

that we have undertaken to provide,

to the best of our ability,

houses in decent surroundings,

for as many people as possible.

No other consideration could or should

weigh more heavily with us-

It's Paul Montague's argument.

Hook, line and sinker.

Houses, decent surroundings,

for as many people as possible.

I'm going to go down West Sussex,

to be with my aunt and uncle.

The cat in our back yard would sound better than she does.

I don't know how she's got the nerve to stand there.

You're better than her any day of the week.

Yeah, do you think so?

It wouldn't be hard.

Right, I will.

What?

I'll go and show her how it's done, eh?

Are you sure?

Watch me.

Is she all right?

Well, she's done it of her own accord.

Maybe I shouldn't have said all that, about ...

You know.

Maybe not.

Honesty's the best policy.

And what would you know about honesty?

If I were the only girl in the world,

and you were the only boy.

It's not fair to keep you hanging around.

It's obvious how the vote's going to go.

I don't mind waiting.

No, come on.

Let's go home to Lucy.

Mr Maddox.

Mr Maddox.

I'm sorry. You're right. I couldn't shift ground.

Couldn't you?

Well, it may have looked that way for a while,

but then he just started quoting all your arguments,

one after the other.

The vote's gone our way.

I can't thank you enough.

This is wonderful.

I would say such wonderful things to you.

There would be such wonderful things to do.

If I were the only girl in the world,

and you

were the only boy.

I've seen it with my own eyes.

You've got it all wrong.

Come outside.

Calm down, please.

This is crazy.

Don't give me all that.

You've been messing about with my wife.

Please, Gerry. Everybody's looking.

I don't care.

You're going to pay for this.

No.

Mr Althorpe, this is really not the right place

to make a scene.

Don't think you've heard the last of this.

And stay away from my wife.

Agnes.

Bravo, well done.

I thought we'd lost. I really did.

And now, well.

It's a breakthrough, isn't it?

Why are you smiling?

You originally went to interview Bates

for an article, remember?

Of course. So?

You've enjoyed the politics of all this

haven't you?

I suppose I have.

It's a success, Jack. I don't want to take that

away from you,

but let's be honest.

In the overall state of things, it's a very small step.

It sets an example.

But that's not enough, is it?

No.

No, once I might have argued with you, but not now.

Not after what I've learned recently.

The problems are too big to be solved piecemeal.

Unless you tackle the basic economic issues,

nothing's ever really going to change.

Even if our campaign takes 50 years?

It needn't take that long, need it?

Not if we all work together.

Do I take that as an application

to join the Independent Labour party?

Yes.

Yes, you do.

Madge.

Come in.

What's happened?

I've told him everything.

He gave me a choice.

Either I was never to see you again,

or I was to get out.

So here I am.

And how is your portrait coming along, Lady Romford?

Of course, I forgot.

You know Daniel Page, don't you?

We were at college together.

Such a talented young man.

Indeed.

There's no doubt he has a real appreciation

of the female form.

And the most delicate of touches.

Maybe I shouldn't have told you.

No, it's all right.

I'd have probably heard from somebody else eventually.

She didn't say anything directly.

No, but she implied it.

She may just be making trouble.

I'm not going to go jumping to any conclusions.

I'll hear what Daniel has to say first.

He deserves that.

Evie.

What?

Daniel's had affairs with other women before.

He may be finding it difficult to give up

that sort of freedom.

Don't judge him too harshly.

Mr Charles.

Can I check something with you, please?

Certainly, Madge.

I'd just like to check ...

Has anybody said anything?

No.

Thank goodness for that.

So,

did you got home all right last night then, Madge?

Yes, thank you.

Gerry seemed a bit upset.

Oh, I expect it'll all pass over.

I enjoyed your singing last night, Agnes,

very much.

First rate.

Thanks.

You're going to have to learn to trust me.

I am trying.

It's not easy when I hear you're having an affair

with one of your clients.

What, you'd rather believe Grace than me?

No, of course not.

Grace enjoys making trouble.

She only feels safe if everyone around her is insecure.

You can't get away with blaming everything on Grace.

And what worries me is that you listen

to what she tells you.

Look at me.

Come on, look at me.

I love you, Evie.

It's no secret, I've had other lovers before,

but that's all in the past.

Do you believe me?

Yes.

That's all that matters.

I know.

Eve.

Stop tormenting yourself.

I've started the damn portrait.

It was only as a favour to your sister.

Would you like to see it?

Is that how you see her?

Why? Do you think I misrepresented her?

No, I ...

I never want to be with anyone else again.

If you still want me to come and live with you,

Then I will.

Daniel, my dear. It's too exciting.

Do come and show me.

Celia.

I wasn't expecting you.

Weren't you?

I am not a complete fool, Beatrice.

I beg your pardon.

When one commissions a portrait,

one does not expect to be insulted.

I'm sure Daniel would never set out to insult anyone.

Oh,

what other explanation could there be?

Daniel acted in good faith.

His style is obviously not to your taste.

Beatrice, his style could not possibly be

to anybody's taste.

It would be laughable, if Harry weren't paying

such good money for it.

Perhaps your expectations were a little unrealistic.

As an artist, Daniel-

Artist?

Is that what you call him?

Celia, you came to me.

A mistake I shall not repeat.

Good day.

Hello.

You still very busy?

Yes, but we'll soon be done.

I've seen enough of these dresses

to last me a lifetime.

This is dress?

Yes.

What is the material?

Same as the others. Why?

It looks-

Everything all right, Katya?

Yes.

Thank you, Mr Cotter.

These are the last of the dresses.

Tell Mr Wint everything's under control.

Yes, Mr Cotter.

Mr Wint.

Mr Wint.

What's the matter?

I am very worried.

I must talk with you.

I wasn't expecting you this morning.

We need to talk.

Well, if you're wanting to see any

new ideas for the spring collection,

I haven't had any.

Neither of us have been giving the business

our full attention, and that must stop,

before things get out of control.

I had a visit from Celia Romford this morning.

And?

She's withdrawing her custom.

She's free to go elsewhere. We have to accept that.

Evie, where she leads, others will follow,

and she's not going because she's taken

a sudden dislike to our dresses.

So, she's seen the portrait?

Yes.

You knew?

I saw it last night.

Evie, Daniel has deliberately caused me

considerable personal embarrassment.

He is an artist.

He paints what he sees.

If Celia can't face seeing the truth about herself,

that's her problem.

She was a valuable customer.

You arranged all of this.

He did it to please you.

Now it's being thrown in my face

that I tried to help him.

Why were you so eager for him to do it?

What were you trying to prove?

What do you mean?

You know what Celia Romford is like.

Were you hoping they'd have an affair?

That's a terrible thing to say.

I'd never do anything to hurt you.

What you don't seem to realise, Bea,

is how important Daniel is to me.

We're going to live together.

So please don't interfere anymore. You've done enough.

If that's how you feel,

then there's nothing more to be said.

Miss Elliott.

Katya's brought something to my attention.

When she was down at Bayswater,

she saw some of the ready-to-wear garments,

and she thinks there could be a problem

with the quality of the fabric.

Well, I don't see how that could be, do you?

Madge is very reliable.

Has anyone else mentioned this?

No, but

don't you think we should investigate?

I don't think there's any need.

Katya's probably made a mistake.

Perhaps we should consult Miss Beatrice?

I don't think that will be necessary.

Very well.

As you wish.