Original subtitles

I'm sorry to intrude like this.

Are you?

Is it all right if I go home now?

Yes, of course.

Good night!

Please do excuse the place, it's difficult when you...

Sit down, please.

What do you want?

Nothing, Miss Eliott.

Only to meet my sisters.

Half sisters.

I'm so sorry, I know I should have written first.

I'm handling this very badly.

The last thing I wanted to do was upset either of you.

Hardly avoidable under the circumstances, Mr. Eliott.

Believe me, I was every bit as shocked

as you must've been to learn about our father.

Why were you surprised?

Did you think he was your father alone?

Good Lord, no.

I was always led to believe

that my father died when I was a baby.

Gave his life to Queen and cholera in the Punjab.

As far as I knew, I was raised on a pension

from a grateful nation

and money from my father's loving family.

When you're a child, you believe what you're told.

Yes, we know.

I understand what you're saying,

but I'm afraid I don't see the point of it.

The arrangements are perfectly satisfactory as they are.

I see no reason to change them.

No, that's out of the question.

This is not a good time.

Very well.

Yes, all right.

I'll be there about 10:00.

How do you think I feel?

I don't know, Mr. Eliott, how do you feel?

Please, Sebastian.

My upbringing, my education,

it's obviously been at your expense, hasn't it?

Yes, it has.

Bea, it wasn't his fault.

He didn't know.

Tell me something, Mr. Eliott, I'm curious.

When did you find out the truth?

Just after Evangeline had been to see my mother.

I went down to see her, I found her in a bit of a state.

Weepy, that sort of thing.

She wouldn't tell me at first.

It must've been pretty damn hard for her.

Admitting, you know, that she'd lied me all those years.

How is she now?

She's a little better, she--

We don't have anything, you know.

I beg your pardon?

-Bea! -We don't have anything.

We have barely enough to support ourselves,

let alone continue to support you

in the manner to which you've been accustomed.

I can see that.

On the other hand, if you have anything left in the kitty

which we have filled over the years

I'd quite like to know about it.

That's a fair comment.

Bea, we couldn't possibly--

Yes, we could!

I'm afraid you won't have the chance.

That ladies, is it.

But since my intention was to get to know you both

can I suggest that we please go and blow it

on a little something to eat somewhere?

I don't think so, Mr. Eliott, thank you.

It's been a day full of interesting developments

and we still have some work to finish here.

Nothing that couldn't wait until tomorrow.

No, no your sister's quite right, Miss Eliott.

It's probably better if I go.

We all need to let things sink in a little more.

Another time perhaps.

I mean it!

Look, here's my card.

Believe me, now that I've discovered

my only living relatives

I'm not going to lose touch with them.

Good night.

I'm really am very sorry.

Arthur, where have you been?

I had to order the cab myself!

Now go and get changed this instant,

or we'll be disgracefully late.

I'm sorry, mother,

I'm afraid I can't come to the opera with you tonight.

What do you mean "you can't"?

Don't be ridiculous, of course you can.

Why can't you?

I have a dinner engagement.

But you have an opera engagement with me!

Mother, I'm sorry.

How dare you just march in here and cancel my evening.

I'm sorry, but there it is.

I didn't notice the dinner in my diary,

and Miss Foulsham forgot to remind me.

You're lying, then.

When you tell me she's so efficient.

She usually is.

Then get rid of her.

You can't possibly let your secretary

interfere with my Mozart.

Quite absurd!

Where are you dining?

I'm not certain.

The Club, probably.

I hope you have a wonderful evening.

I'm not saying that I do trust him, Bea.

I'm not that naive.

All I'm saying is that him being who he is, isn't his fault.

Does that make sense?

Just about.

I just don't understand why you're so hedgehoggy with him.

Hedgehoggy?

All bunched up, tight and defensive.

Spiky.

I mean, you heard what he said,

he didn't want anything from us.

As far as we know.

I don't know.

It's his looks, his manner, everything.

His looks?

We don't even know if he is Sebastian Eliott.

He could be anyone!

Why did he come here?

How did he know we were here in the first place?

What does he want?

To see us, he got our forwarding address from Highgate,

nothing, in that order.

Why can't it just be that simple?

You'll turn into one if you don't watch out.

What?

A hedgehog.

Thank Heaven it's warmer now, that's all I can say.

Hmm.

It's nearly summer now.

Yes, I know.

No fuel bills and longer hours of daylight,

which thankfully come free.

Poverty and ruin on the horizon, eh?

Not quiet, but not that far off.

Well, I won't say it.

What?

I won't say that that's what happens when we get

on our high horses and issue ultimatums to dressmakers.

I'm glad you said "we!"

I did enjoy it, though.

I'd enjoy being solvent a little more.

If things get really bad,

you can always go back to Jack.

Hardly!

Well, we've got the front end blouses to keep us going.

And the coat for Jane Ethbridge.

And the outfits for Mrs. Mary White.

And after that?

Not a great deal.

And how much of that involves Tilly?

Not a great deal.

It's mostly straightforward day stuff.

Not much bead work involved.

I do hope we don't have to give her fewer rounds.

She does need the money.

Well it's fine when there's the work for her to do,

but however much we like her, we need the money as well.

Oh Lord.

I nearly died when Mrs. Partini told me

about your outrageous behaviour.

I simply could not believe my ears.

Aunt Lydia, I apologise--

Who do you think you are?

Not only was your employment with Mrs. Partini

obtained by my good graces, but upon my reputation.

She was furious.

And I might say with good cause.

I am furious!

Please, Aunt Lydia, there is an explanation--

No, there is not.

You seriously think you're in a position

to throw away respectable paid employment

because of your arrogant reluctance to accept discipline?

Now look, Aunt Lydia--

Oh, sorry.

Telephone.

Yes.

Yes, that is true.

Oh well yes, very possibly.

Would you excuse me one moment

while I just check our engagements?

Yes, Friday would be perfectly convenient, Mr. Duroque.

10 o'clock sharp?

Yes.

Goodbye!

Oh, Jack!

I am sorry if we embarrassed you, Aunt Lydia.

But I don't think it's irresponsible

to want to be given credit where credit is due.

And it's not a question of ingratitude either.

Please don't misunderstand me, Evangeline.

I'm in no way concerned for myself.

But the worst thing that can happen

to women in your situation is to gain a reputation

for irresponsibility and unreliability.

Reputation is all.

You of all people should know that.

Oh, I do, Aunt Lydia, I do.

I can't imagine what people will say when word gets round

that jewel is missed from Mrs. Partini's--

Oh, I can.

That was George Duroque on the telephone.

He'd heard that we'd left Mrs. Partini,

wanted to know if we might be available to work for him.

You know Duroque's with Mayfair.

No, I don't suppose you do.

My ladies.

My ladies are my family.

My house may bear the proud name of Duroque,

but it is here, here where reputations are earned.

By the meticulous and dedicated attention to detail.

Drawn thread work.

15 stitches to the inch.

Not ten, 15.

Some people are satisfied with ten.

Twirls, you are familiar with twirls?

Of course.

An essential step on the road to perfection.

No!

My office.

Hmm, yes.

Yes.

Absolute nonsense!

Rubbish!

Rubbish.

Work on that one, I don't like the set of the sleeves.

Yes, Mr. Duroque.

Oh, sit down.

There is something the matter?

No, no, not at all.

I just thought that--

You thought what?

I'm sorry.

I was under the impression

you did all the designing yourself.

In the early days, of course,

to establish a style, a feel.

But now the lines of Duroque

are so clearly defined, so distinctive.

Besides, one feels an obligation

to encourage talented, young people.

Of course, when there is a particular client,

one is obliged.

Now then, Mesdames Eliott.

I understand you wish to attach yourselves

to my little establishment.

Well, I think we would both welcome the opportunity

of working in such a famous fashion house,

where the experience would be invaluable.

Well, of course it would.

There are many young women

who would pay me for the opportunity.

Now, Miss Evangeline.

How do you feel?

What extraordinary talents could you bring

to the House of Duroque?

Well, of course I'd be absolutely happy

to do anything at all,

but I'm actually interested in design, Sir.

It seems to be such an exciting time at the moment,

don't you think?

Actually, I brought some of my own sketches.

Good good.

And you, Miss Beatrice?

Where do your interests lie?

Well, in all aspects of the business, Mr. Duroque.

After all, we've only worked

in one other commercial establishment.

Yes, the unspeakable Mrs. Partini.

You will forgive me, the woman used to work for me.

Took the training and experience she gained here

to set up as a dressmaker.

Enough of that.

Two terms.

You will present yourselves to my supervisor

at 7:30 on Monday morning in plain dark dress,

and she will tell you what your duties will be.

Your day will end when your work is finished

and you will each be paid six shillings a week.

Six shillings a week?

Ms. Beatrice, you said you wish to learn

all aspects of my business.

To do that, you must apprentice yourselves.

Apprentices are paid six shillings a week.

In Monsieur Worth's House,

they are paid nine shillings and sixpence.

Are they now?

Very well, I'll pay you seven shillings.

Nine?

Seven shillings and sixpence.

Eight shillings?

For which I shall expect

the same standard of work as Monsieur Worth.

Of course.

Can I assume, Mr. Duroque, that our salaries will increase

in proportion to our responsibilities?

If and when you take on those responsibilities, of course.

Thank you, Mr. Duroque.

Good bye.

Afternoon, Mary.

Hello.

Gaffer about?

Yes.

Well don't you think you ought to check

if he's busy or not before I go barging in?

You busy?

No, he's not busy.

How kind, thank you.

Hello, Pam.

Jack, she is getting worse!

What are you doing to the woman?

Nothing!

I think she was born like that.

Jack, dear--

She's useful to me, though.

Very pretty.

An excellent model, very photogenic.

Hmm, surprised you can sit still long enough.

Honestly, when I think of the vast tribes

of perfectly good girls I sent round,

what was wrong with them?

They were boring, ordinary!

Well, they may not have been exactly glamorous

but they were efficient to a man.

Well, I hope you explained yourself to Bea and Evie.

What about?

Well, if I remember rightly, you wouldn't let Evie

have the job because she was too pretty.

Oh yes, I did, didn't I?

Hypercritical old thing that you are.

Well, they haven't said anything about it.

Well, they wouldn't, would they?

They're far too nice.

They're both probably mortified!

Jack, why...

Oh, do grow up.

So, what was the upshot of it all?

I beg your pardon?

Upshot, Lydia, upshot, do pay attention.

Did they leave that dressmaker or not?

Oh yes, but I had to insist.

Quite right.

-Loyalty is all very well. -In its place.

As you say.

But it would have been quite wrong to disappoint Mr. Duroque

when he was so very keen to employ them.

And they are so very talented.

Do you visit Mr. Duroque's?

Ghastly place.

all over the lobby.

If it weren't for the clothes, one wouldn't bother.

I always insist he takes least 5% off the bill

and you should do the same, otherwise he'll rob you blind.

Man's an absolute thief.

You can tell him I said so if you like.

Jack?

Jack, are you in the dark?

No more than usual, come on in.

All right, relax.

Hello.

Oh, I'm so sorry.

It's all right.

Like you, I have to make the most of my spare time.

Is this another of your creations

you want recorded for posterity?

Well, yes, but not if you're busy.

It's just, it's being picked up this morning.

Hold on, princess, move over.

This is art.

Go and tidy something for five minutes.

It's Sunday.

Well tidy it respectfully then.

No, wait a minute.

It's obvious Mary would rather model than tidy up.

Perhaps you'd like to model this?

Eh?

It's almost your size, go on, slip it on.

Just see how it looks.

Am I getting paid for this?

There.

Perfect.

You're so pretty.

She must be such an asset to you, Jack.

Oh, Mr. Duroque?

What is it?

The new black lining silks came from the mill

with a nasty flaw on it.

I've given it to dispatch, to return and ordered a new one.

The paperwork is in your office, awaiting your signature.

Ms. Beatrice, you've been here for two months now,

are you still incapable

of dealing with these things by yourself?

And what is this?

It's a drape, Sir.

No, it is not.

A drape is a gathering of material

which then hangs in soft folds.

This is a pleat.

Well, it will drape, Sir, if you do this, look.

It's just that it's difficult--

Miss Evangeline.

I realised that Mrs. Partini was quite likely

to confuse her drapes with her pleats.

But here we are not.

Now, drape if you please.

Keep smiling.

My mother tells me her check failed to arrive in the post.

I thought you'd care to explain why.

And I would have thought it was obvious.

The annuity settled with your mother

was only to be paid during Henry Eliott's lifetime.

You have a document to that effect, I suppose?

Of course.

As Dr. Eliott is now dead,

I'm afraid there will be no more checks.

You'll find everything's in order.

It would seem so.

In that case, perhaps we can agree on a final settlement.

I beg your pardon?

A settlement, Mr. Eliott.

A third share of the good doctor's estate.

Henry Eliott's estate has already been settled,

such as it is.

Now, if you look, if you'll excuse me--

I'm am entitled to a third share, such as it is.

Do you seriously think that Henry Eliott

would have publicly acknowledged the existence

of an illegitimate son by including him in his will?

I assure you there's no provision--

You're lying, show me!

I can have a copy drawn up and sent to you, if you insist.

Well, there must be something.

I can't believe my father would do that to me.

Then perhaps he began to have his doubts as to whether...

After all your mother's relationship with Dr. Eliott was of,

shall we say, a rather mercenary nature.

Perhaps he felt there may have been others such.

I suggest the onus is very much upon you--

There will be more to this, cousin Arthur.

A great deal more.

Thank you, Mary.

Time seems to have flown since your father's death.

But then again, at my age,

time does seem to hurtle by so very quickly.

You must miss him very much.

Oh, we do.

I remember so well how I felt when Richard died.

Of course I do have Arthur.

As indeed, do you.

But your father was always so reliable.

It must be desperately difficult for you both.

We are coming to terms with it.

After all a father's love

can so easily be taken for granted.

And when it is suddenly snatched from one.

My brother-in-law was always so devoted to his children.

All three of us?

I beg your pardon?

You said father was devoted to his children.

I assume you meant Evie, myself and brother Sebastian.

Oh, good Lord, he's not been to see you as well, has he?

Really, Beatrice, you should have told me.

Arthur, who is this Sebastian?

Nobody at all, mother.

Just a foolish man who appeared in my office one day

looking for a handout.

I see it all the time.

For every obituary in The Times,

there are a dozen vultures circling the relatives.

I suppose he did tell you he was a long lost relative?

Actually he was quite convinced

he was father's bastard son.

Beatrice, language!

Isn't that the correct term, bastard?

Not at tea!

Oh, I'm so sorry.

What term do we use then?

By blow?

-Love child? -Bea!

Thank you, Beatrice, that will do!

Mother, I'm sure Beatrice means no offence--

That will do!

What are you doing, Bea?

She may never speak to us again.

Is that a complaint?

Well, no, but--

Somebody had to say it.

I'd had just about as much of her sentimental clap trap

as I could stomach.

Heavens, Bea,

she obviously didn't know anything about Sebastian.

Which is her problem rather than ours.

How dare you do that to me, Arthur.

How dare you!

Mother, the man was an imposter of no importance at all.

But you did not tell me about him.

Why on earth should I?

I don't tell you all my business.

Then you should!

Don't be absurd, Mother.

What was the upshot?

I beg your pardon?

What happened, Arthur?

With this Sebastian person?

Well I told him to leave my office immediately

and think himself lucky I didn't call the police.

It's perfectly all right.

No, it's beautiful, truly.

It's just that, oh, I don't know.

Madame has inspected all the new gowns.

Yes I know, and they're all gorgeous, Mr Duroque.

Absolutely delightful.

It's just...

Yes?

You see my sister-in-law was over from Paris last month,

and she was wearing something by Madame Villieunes,

and it looked, well, different.

Really?

Modern.

If you see what I mean.

What do you think?

Do excuse me, Ms. Spencer,

but what Madame Villieunes is doing is something that

Mr. Duroque has himself been toying with for some time.

You see, you cut the fabric on the bias

so that you keep the slim line of the dress,

but it appears to be much more fluid over the hips and legs.

If, of course the dummy had legs.

Yes, that's absolutely it!

And then of course you have a hemline

that flows with you as you walk,

showing the natural shape of the body.

It's very graceful.

I adore it.

Mr. Duroque, you are terribly clever.

One more time, my girl.

If you do that to me just one more time

and you will be out of here so fast

your feet won't touch the ground.

Do you understand?

Yes, Mr. Duroque.

When I made you a twirl cutter,

I did so against my better judgement .

I expect you to do what you're told.

I do not expect impertinence.

She did ask my opinion, Sir.

I don't pay you to have opinions!

If, and I repeat if, a client is foolish enough

to ask your opinion, you'll give her my opinion.

If you have to speak at all, you'll say

"Yes Madame, no Madame,

"charming weather for the time of year, Madame."

You do not give them your damned opinion!

It was a good idea.

And I gave you credit for it.

Which, young lady,

is the only reason you are standing here now.

Yes, Mr. Duroque.

Sorry.

Now, get on with your work.

We agreed last time we met.

No, all right, but.

Yes, all right.

Nine o'clock.

If I can.

If I can!

passed him by

such a beau

then when he takes you home

much of a lover

Isn't Daphne absolutely the last word?

In what?

In divinity, poppet.

With a voice like that, she could easily do it for a living.

I can't think why she won't.

Don't you think she's gorgeous?

I think she's a slut.

Oh God, you're not going to be tedious, are you?

I asked you here so we could have some fun.

You asked me here to do business.

Oh, and the two must never come together.

Come on, let's sit down and I'll introduce you to Peter.

Arthur, this is Peter Lo-Ching.

Peter, Arthur Eliott, the director of The Club.

All my most favourite people.

Arthur!

Well it's hardly something in here.

Didn't you just adore my song, Arthur?

Arthur thinks you're a slut, Daphne.

How quaint.

Your friends are at the bar, Daphne.

Oh, they are, goodo.

Now, Arthur dear, this little problem of ours.

I think we solved it.

You know how frightfully worried we've been

about The Club losing money?

Yes.

Well, dear Peter says he's going to come in with us.

Isn't he kind?

Come in with us?

In what way?

As a third partner in the business, Mr.--

No, I'm sorry, Mr. Lo-Ching, but--

I know you think it's my inefficiency,

but darling, it really isn't.

Look at it.

The Club's losing money faster than jelly off a hot plate

and Peter's prepared to invest

a very substantial sum, you know.

Why?

I'm a businessman, Mr. Eliott.

I'm continually looking for businesses

that can respond to my investment.

On a carefully controlled scale, of course.

May I inquire as to the nature of your portfolio?

I have interests all over the world, Mr. Eliott.

From shipping to agriculture.

I know I should have consulted you first, darling,

but it really is the answer to a maiden's prayers.

You don't really mind, do you?

Good morning, thank you.

There you are, you can open the bills for a change.

Oh, thank you.

What's that?

From Sebastian!

Sebastian, what does he want?

To take us out to dinner.

Are we going to go?

No we are not, tear it up.

But if it--

Come along, we shall be late for work.

So did you get a frightful wigging after I'd gone?

Just a bit!

Well bear up, it was worth it.

This is absolutely 'the thing'.

Thank you.

I mean it, I know you gave Duroque the credit at the time,

but it was quite clearly your idea.

I say.

Yes?

I know this is absolutely not the done thing at all,

and you probably wouldn't dream of being so disloyal,

but trouble is, I'm going skiing after Christmas

and I simply don't have a thing.

May I leave you my card?

But you've been working for Duroque for months now.

You work all the hours God gave

and he pays you an absolute pittance.

You do private work at home anyway,

I don't know what you're so worried about.

Yes, but we've never actually stolen

one of his customers before.

Well the way I heard it,

the customer walked into your hands

and positively demanded to be picked.

Yielded with coy submission, modest pride,

and sweet, reluctant, amorous delight.

You should be on the stage.

Yes, I know.

What do you think, Bea?

I'm not speaking to you.

Why ever not?

You were a disgrace yesterday!

Good God, I can be much worse than that.

I wasn't even trying.

Seriously, Bea.

What does a ski outfit involve?

Oh, with Miss Spencer that could mean anything

from hats and coats to sparkly after dance.

It would be a good commission.

Well it's none of Napoleon's business

what you do in your free time.

I'll telephone her for you if it'll make you feel better.

All right?

It's terribly practical.

It's terribly daring.

But you have the legs for it.

Besides, you will be skiing.

I'm not criticising, it's wonderful.

I love being the first to do anything.

Is it always like this before a show?

Goodness no, the Autumn Collection's far worse.

Nobody sleeps at all then!

Well I don't feel as if I've slept for days and days.

You'll get used to it.

Oh dear.

What?

Evangeline, what are you doing?

The Jardin du Rose.

Oh Lord, weren't you told?

Told what?

Le jardin's been scrapped from the collection.

What?

Mr Duroque's scrapped all those gowns,

he has some new ideas he wants to make room for.

Well I'm glad someone bothered to tell me!

Anyone at home?

Ah, hello, Tilly.

Bea and Evie still at work, are they?

They'll be working most evenings coming up to the show.

Oh.

Your mum was looking a lot better last time I saw her.

Yeah, she is.

This money's helping out a bit.

I know this is probably a silly question,

but wouldn't that be a lot easier doing it on the machine?

Oh yeah, it would.

It's only that machine don't work that well.

And even if it did, it's still too heavy

to lug over to the light.

Oh, well I'll help you if you like.

Done it now, haven't I?

Do I detect a certain disgruntlement?

Eh?

You sound cheesed off.

Yes, I am.

I'm not really.

Are things not working out too well here?

Oh no, it's not that.

Look at this!

The kid is seven.

She'll have grown out of this by spring.

Ten guineas her mum's paying for this.

Keep my mum going for a year, that would.

Can't help being a bit cheesed off.

Are you sure that's all?

Yeah!

It's just a bit difficult sometimes, that's all.

In what way?

I don't know where I stand.

I mean sometimes me and Evie and Miss Bea have a real laugh.

And they come in and they tell me what they've got up to

and we have a bit of supper and that

and it's like we're all together.

If you see what I mean?

But then at other times,

it's "Tilly do this, Tilly fetch that!"

it was "Tilly, take your bleeding dress off" the other day.

What?

You'd think at ten guineas a flop

they'd be able to afford a new dummy.

Oh, Tilly, I'm sure the last thing

they'd ever want to do is upset you.

They're both terribly fond of you.

Yeah, I know.

I'm only having a little moan.

It's me flipping worn out, that's all.

I wouldn't take no notice.

These are the dresses from the Chapel Street workshop.

The French beanpole will be showing these

so hang them separately.

All right.

Bea, this is one of mine.

What?

This is just like the dress I made for Miss Spencer.

And this one!

Bias cut fabrics dropped back hemlines.

These are all my ideas!

The mannequins have already left for the show,

please hurry with the gowns!

All ready.

It is a splendid collection, Mr. Duroque.

Yes, of course it is.

I particularly like these gowns,

the ones that Evie designed.

Miss Evangeline does not design for the House of Duroque.

But she gives you some jolly good ideas.

Ideas, Miss Beatrice are just the beginning of creativity.

It's the house which develops them to their full potential.

Well fine, in that case

the house may put its name to them.

As indeed it already has done.

And Miss Evangeline will be happy to accept a fee

for her original idea.

What?

It is almost time for the show, Mr. Duroque.

Later will do, I trust you implicitly.

The gowns, if you please.

Of course.

Miss Evangeline would appreciate a little credit as well.

Psst!

You what?

I said psst!

You on your own?

Course I am.

Jolly good.

Bought you a present.

It's my mother's, come and see it.

It was until Pen pinched it.

Well, she bought it in the war.

She had some extraordinary idea that

she was going to make her own table napkins or something.

You know, her contribution to the war effort.

Never used it as far as I know.

We thought it might come in handy for you.

It's light, you see, so you can put it wherever you like.

What, I can keep it?

I don't see why not.

Oh yeah, I'd like that!

How does it work?

I'll show you.

The thing is, Tilly, it's a bit tricky to use.

It needs someone who knows what they're doing.

So, well, if I were you,

I wouldn't let Bea and Evie muck about with it too much.

Oh no, Ms. Pen.

I'm going to take such good care of it.

Thanks ever so much.

Making quite a name for themselves, I hear, your girls.

I believe Mr. Duroque is very pleased with them.

Not what I heard.

I heard the old boy was simply furious.

Apparently they wanted more money or something.

I didn't know that.

Daphne told me.

Mind you, that's nothing to go by.

Daphne looks you straight in the eye

and tells you the most appalling fibs these days.

I don't know what's got into her.

Perhaps it's all the late nights

at those clubs she frequents?

Possibly, possibly.

Of course, you're terribly lucky.

In what way?

Well, having Evangeline and Beatrice

right on the doorstep so to speak.

Margaret Spencer said they did her girl privately,

saved her an absolute fortune.

You should have them do a little something for you.

At least I don't feel guilty

about doing private work anymore.

Not after the way Duroque behaved.

How she survives, I don't know.

Who's that?

Jean Longevins, look at it.

It's all right.

All right, it's vile!

All these waists and full skirts.

So old fashioned.

It looks like a little girl's party frock.

Oh, I thought it was a little girl's party frock.

See?

It's this whole idea of dressing women up like dolls.

I could see the point of it during the war.

You know, give the troops a little of what they fancy

to cheer them up.

But honestly, someone ought to tell Ms. Longevins

the war's been over nearly three years!

Fix this.

Oh, Tilly, leave that, I'll put it away.

Oh, that's quite all right, Miss Bea.

I can manage it very well on my own, thank you.

That's Piggy!

You look great.

Evening troops, how are we all?

Evie's just giving us all a lecture

on female emancipation.

I am not!

Glad to hear it, can't bear women,

they do nag one so.

Now are you sure you don't mind

being left on your own this evening?

Of course not.

Well you can come with us if you like?

We weren't planning on

doing any sordid canoodling or anything.

P!

No, thanks anyway.

I think I'll get an early night in.

What about you, young Tilly, can we give you a lift home?

What, in your motor car?

Well, I could put you over my shoulder

in a sort of farmer's lift, I suppose.

But the car's probably more comfortable.

Come along, we shall miss this start of the theatre!

All right, sorry.

Good night, Evie.

Night.

We won't be very late.

Bye.

Night, Evie!

I've never been in a motor car before!

Oh well in that case, let's do it properly.

Bea won't mind if you hop in the front, will you?

No.

Hello, Evie.

What are you doing?

Nothing.

Nothing, I just thought I heard--

Well, I thought I heard that, actually.

I just thought there was someone around.

I told Mary she could invite

her young man round for supper.

Supper?

Well, you know how it is.

She lives with her mother, he's in ghastly rooms.

Nowhere else to go.

So, here I am being forced entirely against my will

to go and have a drink and listen to some jazz

with some thoroughly dissolute companions.

Oh.

You're welcome to come along if you're at a loose end?

No, thank you.

I've got some work to finish off, but thanks all the same.

Night.

Night, Evie.

Oh, sorry, can I help you at all?

Thanks, I just rang the bell to the top flat.

Strange, I didn't hear it.

Well, maybe it's still not working,

it wasn't the last time I came.

Nevermind, I'll just go on up.

Yes, but--

It's all right, I know the way.

Good evening.

Good evening.

Oh.

Can I come in?

Beatrice isn't here.

And I was just going to,

I think it would probably be better

if you came back another time.

Why?

Well, because--

Please, don't worry.

I'd have liked to have seen Beatrice as well, naturally,

but I'm just as happy to sit and have a natter with you.

Oh I see, you weren't just on your way to bed, were you?

No, no I wasn't.

I've been wondering how you both were.

It was rather difficult the last time we met.

I was worried about you.

You were worried?

Well, you didn't answer my note.

Or were you both so fearfully cross with me

that you simply couldn't bear to dine with me?

Something like that, yes.

I don't blame you, not in the slightest.

I really was most insensitive and rude.

You weren't rude.

Am I forgiven?

There's nothing to forgive.

Splendid.

Then we shall start all over again

and be the best of friends.

We ought to be, you know,

considering we are brother and sister.

We should take ourselves off to the theatre one night

and have a jolly time.

I'm sorry, I'm babbling, aren't I?

It's nerves, you know.

I'm sorry, I didn't mean to make you nervous.

Oh, you didn't, Evie.

Please, sit down.

No, I better not keep you,

especially as you seem to be so busy.

Oh no, I've finished for the night, really.

You can stay.

I'd like to, but I'd better not.

Now that I know that you and I are friends

I'll get in touch soon and arrange that dinner.

Thank you, darling.

There we are, you see?

All nicely legal and above board.

Does that make you any happier?

Henry wouldn't have made such a fuss.

That's not unhappy, Susie.

You must remember that as executor of his estate

and as a minor shareholder myself.

And then there were three.

You thought we were all

going to get up to unspeakable things.

Don't be ridiculous.

There.

I say, it's rather like the three Musketeers, isn't it?

Let's have a toast.

All for one and one for all.

To partnership and The Club.

And the club!

This simply won't do, Mr. Duroque.

You can't possibly spend that amount on fripperies.

Oh!

My apologies, Lady Haycock.

Think so too.

Now then, another appointment if you please.

You are too gracious, Madame.

Yes, I know I am.

I need something for Scotland.

Something from my Autumn Collection, perhaps?

Lord, I said I was going to Scotland,

not to dance in the Russian ballet.

You might want something like that in tweed.

Morning, Lady Haycock.

Good morning, Diane.

I'm so sorry, Madame.

Ms. Spencer has been unfaithful to me.

I regret that is not one of my design.

Darling, who made that outfit for you?

See, I need a skirt like that.

Was it Evie?

Oh.

Ms. Spencer?

This charming ensemble of yours.

Was it made by Miss Evangeline?

What?

Well, well, yes, I'm afraid I do buy outfits

from several different couturiers, as you know.

Your privilege, Madame.

Miss Beatrice, Miss Evangeline.

Yes, Sir?

You have tried to make a fool of me

once too often.

There is a limit, even to my patience.

Get out!

What?

Now!

I'll have your personal belongings sent round.

You will not spend another minute in my establishment.

Nor, if I have anything to do with it,

in any other London fashion house.

Now leave!