Original subtitles

Tilly.

Morning, Mr. Maddox.

Oh, fancy, innit?

Yes.

And when's it all going to be over?

I'm sorry?

All this, the noise, the mess.

The House of Eliott has a lot to answer for.

Miss Bea and Miss Evie have been working so hard

trying to get this ready in time.

They ain't stopped.

I don't doubt it.

Come to think of it, I haven't seen them for a few days,

are they all right?

Yeah, there's just so much to do before we open.

-I must go up. -Careful, now!

Do you think it'll be ready for the grand opening?

It was supposed to be last week, wasn't it?

Yeah, it was.

Only Mr. Bunting didn't like the colours,

so they had to be done again.

Hugo being as difficult as ever.

He's a very nice man.

I see, charmed you as well, has he?

Miss Bea hopes it'll be open in a couple of days.

Well, I'll believe it when I see it.

And so will I.

I better go up.

Please, after you, your need's greater than mine.

Excuse me.

Tilly?

This box here.

A little closer to the wall for me, please.

Just a little more.

Thank you so much.

No, no, no, no, not like this.

Look.

Like that.

Watch it.

Beatrice, about the boarding.

Yes, Hugo?

Well, they've sent me cork lighter than I ordered.

Hello, Madge, watch, be careful.

This is Madge Howard, our new head seamstress.

Hugo Bunting, who's responsible for all this chaos.

Pleased to meet you.

Miss Howard.

Excuse me.

About this cork, look,

they can't get the darker shade until after we've opened.

I actually think the light is better.

Evangeline agrees, but I'd like your opinion.

Shall we go through?

I mean, it's going to be covered

in patent most of the time.

So, what do you think?

Evie.

Do you think you could show Madge-

Oh, I was just-

Look, you finish what you're doing, Miss Evangeline.

Oh.

Now, you must be Tilly.

How did you know that?

, int it?

Now, what you rootling at?

I'm just trying to sort out all of this lot.

Arrange them by colours first,

then we'll put them where we can reach them, all right?

Now, Miss Evangeline.

If you tell me where my smock is, I can start straight in.

I mean, I was asked to do a restaurant, you know.

Mad on King Tut, like everybody else.

Can you imagine the mummy's tomb in darkest Bayswater?

I said it would give everybody jippy tummy.

Mind if I join you?

Got no one else to talk to.

No, of course not.

Penelope, you know Hugo Bunting, don't you?

You did this place up, didn't you?

I dare say it's an improvement.

But if you ask me,

it's a shocking waste of money in times like these.

Well, between us, we're giving employment

to a score or more people, Miss Maddox.

We can't have the workers living in squalor, can we?

I'm having another drink, would you like one?

Go on, then.

Penelope, you must meet my godfather, Desmond Gillispie.

He's a banker.

I bet he doesn't give a penny to charity, does he?

Penelope.

I'll wait for my drink first.

-Will you excuse me a moment? -Certainly.

Lydia.

Desmond.

How pleasant.

I'm glad you're still speaking to me.

It must be, what, 18 years?

My dear Desmond, very few people are speaking to me.

Is that champagne they're drinking?

Allow me to get you a glass.

Oh, I must go and be nice to my aunt.

All dowagers should be put in sacks

and thrown in the boss press.

Aunt Lydia.

Thank you, it's so good of you to come.

My dear, it would appear to be

the social event of the week.

Well, we're very encouraged

so many people have taken an interest in us.

I hope for your sake, Beatrice,

that you don't give them too much credit.

-There we are. -Thank you.

Please excuse me.

I was sorry to read about Arthur.

Have you come over to gloat?

Merely because I fell out with Henry-

You give these girls your support.

My advice, Lydia, only my advice.

You never came to see us.

I didn't wish to cause any embarrassment.

Surely you did not become a successful businessman

through strict adherence to the proprieties?

Lydia, you are incorrigible.

Maybe I can ask you for lunch one day.

You would risk your reputation

with the mother of a convicted felon?

Oh, hardly a felon, Lydia.

I would describe it as an unfortunate weakness.

Thank you.

Not at all.

Weakness is something a businessman understands.

Penelope.

I'm sorry, I'm so sorry.

It's because you didn't eat anything.

It isn't.

It's the champagne, then.

It's just me.

Let me get Hugo to drive you home.

I'm perfectly capable of getting myself home, thank you.

Well, let me let Jack help-

Evangeline, go back to your party.

I'll be absolutely fine on my own.

Better, in fact.

I can't just let you-

Look.

Weren't you surprised how many turned up?

Hmm.

And I thought we'd ordered too much champagne.

Was Penelope all right?

It's not like her to feel sorry for herself.

I can understand it.

But she's so active,

so concerned about everything and everybody.

But she has no life of her own, Evie.

Well, she has-

She has a lot of people she feels sorry for.

That's not the same as having someone to care for.

Well, what about us?

Well, as from today, we have our own baby to look after.

I think Aunt Lydia was quite impressed.

She actually complimented me on one of my designs

in front of Mrs. Horwood.

Did you see her with Sir Desmond?

I'd say Sir Desmond could

take care of himself, wouldn't you?

I'm never bored.

That's because you have no imagination.

I've got more imagination in my left earlobe

than you've got in your-

Aren't you fed up with fat dowagers?

No, you just have to tell them what they need.

To me, they're all beginning to look exactly the same.

The more you insult them, the more they keep coming back.

I'm turning people away, Jack.

You see, in the film business-

Actresses?

They're worse than dowagers.

Prettier.

And more interesting.

They only ever want to talk about themselves.

Unlike you.

I'm well-known as the most modest, self-effacing-

Miserly.

I shall buy you a drink, Jack.

Good lord, I thought Christmas was long gone.

To thank you for introducing me to the Eliott girls.

Yes, I saw you loitering around Evie.

I was merely paying her the attention due

from any man of taste.

Something, of course, you would not understand.

Two more.

"Shall I compare her to a beautiful day?

She is so pretty and so bright, I do admit.

Heavy winds do shake the greenish leaves of May.

While summertime is gone before we know it."

I haven't quite finished it yet.

What do you think?

-Oh, well, I... -You don't like it.

Oh, no, I'm not saying that, Mr. Fox.

Well, it just seems very familiar.

Of course, it may be that I'm a little out of touch.

Well, naturally-

Most people, ordinary people, not people like yourself.

Well, I'm perfectly ordinary.

They don't like novelty, do they?

Nothing too original to understand.

You stole it, didn't you?

I was never very good at avoiding detection.

Is that why you're here?

No.

That was due to an unscrupulous merchant bank.

Gillispie Saroyan.

Gillispie?

That sounds familiar.

Desmond Gillispie.

Really?

He's godfather to a friend of mine.

Is he?

Then I'll say no more.

Oh, no, you can't stop now, Mr. Fox,

you must go on, please.

Are we lunching in private

because of your celebrated discretion,

or because you would rather not be seen with me in public?

We are here because the food and wine are,

I trust you agree, better than anywhere else.

I am not ungrateful.

You were always good at bearing grudges.

So were you.

I'm making up for it by being nice to Henry's daughters.

Charity.

Business.

He made his fortune stealing

other people's ideas, Miss Maddox.

What do you mean?

I had a small engineering company.

He took it over.

Promised to build it up.

All he did was exploit the best patents,

and let the rest go hang.

So, how did you end up in here?

I tried to save my workers, Miss Maddox,

and in doing so, I had to resort to unorthodox methods.

You mean fraud.

The only difference between mine and Gillispie's is

he got a knighthood, and I got four years.

Of course, I can't complain.

I've cut many a good friend

for less than what Arthur put me through.

Ah, what's he up to?

He is a partner.

Naturally, a junior partner in a law firm,

naturally, a minor firm,

in of all places, Boston.

A very pleasant town.

You have visited it?

So I'm told.

Exactly.

There's no society there whatever.

I'd rather die than join him in exile.

There's nothing wrong with starting a new life.

If you think I would give them the satisfaction.

Them?

You know how I fought my way in, Desmond.

You have done the same.

Using different weapons.

Would you let them drive you out?

Of course not.

And nor shall I.

I'll drink to that.

And to The House of Eliott.

Do you mean the family,

or those girls and their dress shop?

Lydia, they are known as couturiers.

Ha!

Oh, I love the boldness, Louise.

Brown and red.

Blood and sand.

It's wonderful.

Wonderful.

Don't you think so, Evangeline?

Well, I-

Surely you're not encouraging Miss Eliott

to share your enthusiasm, Hugo.

Of course, interior design isn't my field.

Nor is it Louise's.

I encouraged her to do these designs.

We need some colour and excitement, instead of boring pastels

and dull old copies of William Morris.

It's a wonderful opportunity

to break away from the closed little gallery world.

Well, I do like your work, Miss Farrer,

but if I may just be honest...

Go on.

Go on, Evangeline.

One artist has the right to criticise another.

Oh, I hardly know...

I wouldn't call myself an artist.

I've learned a lot from Hugo.

And he's nothing if not honest about one's work.

Well, if I might just say then,

I think I would find this a little difficult to live with.

Blood and sand in a sitting room.

My dear girl, didn't I explain?

I'm sorry, this is for the palace of an Arabian prince.

Oh.

Of course.

You're not going sulky on me, are you?

Well, you needn't have made me feel quite so small.

Art is something I care deeply about.

And a talented artist is rare enough to be cherished.

Yes, well, I know I'm not like Miss Farrer.

You have your own special talent, Evangeline.

And what is that?

I recognise it, if you don't.

You're just trying to make up for being so beastly.

Don't you think of yourself as an artist?

I know what I want to do.

And sometimes I think I can do it.

But you haven't the courage of your convictions.

You have to express yourself in your own way, Evangeline,

that's the qualification of a true artist.

I was rude to Miss Farrer.

Do you think I should apologise?

At least you were honest to her.

Louise used to worry about upsetting people.

Only when she started working for herself,

pleasing herself, creating her own standards,

did she become enormously successful.

Hugo, do you-

Close your mind, and your talent

will forever remain little.

Open it, and who knows what exotic blooms may flower.

Jack Maddox, I presume.

Miss Baily, I'm a devoted admirer.

I suppose you're going to say you've seen all my films.

I might've missed one or two.

What I want is a completely new set of photographs.

I shall expect them to be flattering.

-You can be sure- -And as I'm in

the middle of a film,

you will have to fit your schedule around mine.

I look best in left profile lit from behind.

Can you do that?

For you, Miss Baily.

Francine.

I think we shall work quite well together.

I'm sure of it.

It'll be both a privilege and an education.

With you as teacher?

Oh, no, no, it is I who will learn from you.

You have a face that the camera loves.

Mr. Maddox.

No, I mean it.

I so admired your performance in "The Stranger Leaves Town".

We filmed that in only five days.

Really?

How extraordinary.

You must tell me more.

You see, I actually hope to direct films myself soon.

I don't suppose, knowing how busy you are,

there'd be any chance of lunch, or perhaps dinner?

-Mr. Maddox. -Jack, please.

Jack, let's get one thing straight.

This is a professional relationship.

You're not a bad looking fellow.

I assure you, I didn't mean anything untoward.

I happen to be a very close friend of the head of studio.

Sidney does not take kindly

to men who take an interest in me.

He has been known to ensure that they never work again.

Do I make myself clear?

Good.

Now, do you still want to take pictures of me?

Very much.

I'm glad.

I've made a list of the ones I want to start with.

Am I allowed to say that you're very beautiful?

My dear Jack, isn't this the land of free speech?

Who was on the phone?

Guess.

Hugo.

Sebastian.

Sebastian?

I like him, Bea.

He means no harm.

All that business wasn't his fault.

His mother deceived him in the same way she did us.

What did he want?

Just to see us.

Why, we're no longer related.

Well, to see me, then.

He's an adventurer, Evie.

I don't think there's anything wrong with that.

He hasn't been in touch since before Arthur's trial.

Why should he suddenly telephone after such a long silence?

You may have replaced Arthur as my guardian, Bea,

but you don't have to sound like him.

Evie.

I just...

I just don't want to see you...

Getting hurt?

Yes.

It would hurt more to allow myself

to get too close to someone like Hugo and then lose him.

But I thought you liked Hugo.

I do, very much.

Despite the fact I approve?

I'm just not ready to become too attached, that's all.

But you're ready to take up with Sebastian

the moment he crooks his finger.

It's just a day out, a bit of fun, that's all.

Do you mean you intend going out alone with him?

Oh, do I have to ask your permission now?

Evie.

I work as hard as you do, Bea,

aren't I entitled to a day out occasionally?

Yes, of course you are,

but are you going to be alone with him?

Don't you trust me?

All right.

All right.

I never realised how difficult it was

to run both a business and a family.

Am I that difficult?

No.

But no wonder father failed so.

What if I feel sick?

It'll be like sailing on the round pond, I promise.

I've never been on a boat, either.

What a sheltered life you've led, Evangeline.

Not by choice.

Nevertheless, it marks you, doesn't it?

What do you mean by that?

You're afraid to take a risk,

which I quite understand.

I am not.

Then why are you making such a fuss

about coming out with me?

Sebastian-

I'm not the Red Baron, you know.

I know that.

I've flown scores of people across the channel,

and never had a single complaint.

Lots of them ask for me personally

when they want to fly again.

I'm sure.

So, why don't you trust me?

I do.

-But- -Have I ever misled you?

Do you seriously think I'd put someone at risk

who matters so much to me?

So, you're sure it'll be all right, then?

Why do you think I've been checking it so carefully?

No, I mean to take a friend on a Sunday.

I can do what I like.

The chap who owns these kites relies on me absolutely.

But shouldn't you at least ask the man?

We're two grown-up people, Evie,

we're capable of making our own decisions.

If you don't believe that-

I do.

Well, then, what are we waiting for?

You comfortable?

Very.

A nice little machine, this.

You wait.

Sebastian.

We won't fly too high, will we?

I won't even loop the loop.

Oh!

Not this time, anyway.

Jack, are you there?

Shan't be a moment.

Oh.

I heard the door.

Well, I don't want to disturb you.

I'm nearly finished.

Just trying to get this portfolio of Francine Baily ready.

On a Sunday?

It's all the same when

you're your own boss, isn't it?

She's very beautiful.

-Think so? -Mm.

She doesn't really appeal to me.

What can I offer you?

No, it's all right, I don't want to disturb you,

not if you're busy.

I can't very well take a film star wet prints, can I?

Sit down.

Actually, I did want to talk to you.

Business or pleasure?

Both.

I could try and make us some tea,

though since my new receptionist took over...

I don't need anything.

Probably just as well.

Where's Evie?

She's out.

Jack, I'm a little worried.

Beatrice, she's nearly 21.

You're going to have to let go of her soon.

No, not about Evie.

It's about the firm.

I wish Tilly wouldn't call it a dressmaker's

when she answers the telephone.

It's a fashion house, for goodness sake.

And I know it's a small thing,

but it does make a difference.

She loves that telephone.

Do you want her to ruin the image you've built up?

Jack, we need more clients.

We have enough at the moment.

Well, when they finally settle their accounts.

I suppose I thought...

I don't know, everyone seemed so pleased with our dresses,

-and yet- -Word of mouth

isn't enough, Beatrice.

You have to spread the message.

Ask Penelope.

Incidentally, she told me something about Gillispie.

What?

Some jailbird she visits says that

his business methods are, well, dubious.

Would you call that a reliable source of information?

Perhaps, perhaps not.

Nevertheless, you could be a little wary.

Well, I am wary by nature, Jack.

Surely you've noticed.

I ought to be getting these pictures

off to Francine Baily.

Certainly, yes.

Think I'll just clear my head with a walk.

You should think about advertising, Beatrice.

No, none of that gentile snobbery,

you're in business, advertising is what sells things.

No doubt you're right.

Thank you, Jack.

For my invaluable advice?

For listening.

What the hell are you playing at?

Please, Roy.

Lady is present.

Allow me to introduce Mr. Roy Cooper,

manager of this little enterprise.

Nice to meet you, Mr. Cooper.

I think your plane is wonderful.

You do, do you?

What do you think you're doing?

Now, Roy, you surely wouldn't begrudge

your best pilot giving a girl a treat.

They're lovely.

Not so damn tight.

They're really lovely, Jack.

Of course, it all depends on the sitter.

Oh, don't give me that, Jack.

I'm not one of your la-di-das.

I'm just a working girl who's trying to

make the best of what she's got while she can.

Trying to choke me, leave that belt alone.

How's the film going?

The story stinks.

Monty couldn't direct a wholesome card.

If it wasn't for Sidney, I'd have walked weeks ago.

The studio boss?

Wouldn't that reflect on your professionalism?

Hollywood's after me, Jack.

Why do you think I want you to finish this portfolio?

We're ready for you now, Miss Baily.

How many more sessions do you think you'll need?

A couple should do it.

Good.

The sooner I'm out of this, the better.

Thank you very much, dresser.

Bob, would you move that, please?

Right, everyone clear the set.

We are going to rehearse this scene first.

-Yes?

My dear Beatrice, how good to see you.

Can I get you some tea,

or perhaps something a little stronger?

A glass of madeira would be very pleasant, thank you.

Dry, medium or sweet?

Medium.

I shall join you.

I had lunch with your Aunt Lydia the other day,

did she tell you?

We've been so busy, I feel rather guilty.

Her spites are still as strong as ever,

I wouldn't let it worry you.

And Arthur?

Do you care?

I've got over my business.

I feel rather sorry for him.

I think he thought he was acting in our interests.

Well, self-interest is the only reliable kind,

and he failed himself lamentably.

-Nevertheless- -Despite his and

your father's best efforts to keep you both in servitude,

your independence is now secure.

That is one of the reasons I've come to talk to you.

The assets realised from the sale of the club

are invested in guilds,

and the rest are in the shares we discussed,

which I'm glad to say are rising in a satisfactory manner.

Nevertheless, things aren't going

quite as well as you expected, are they?

We're making progress.

I know what it's like, Beatrice,

to start a new enterprise.

It's always sensible to be prepared for setbacks.

Stick to what you can afford to lose and do not exceed it.

Even if you fail, as many are doing in times like this,

you have sufficient reserves

to give yourself a comfortable income,

as long as you do not dip into them.

That is not our intention.

You have a full order book.

We shall not fail, Sir Desmond.

I hope not, my dear.

I hope not.

Do you see what I mean about folk art?

It has all the virtues of simplicity,

combined with true craftsmanship.

Well, in clothes, Hugo,

there are new directions which are entirely European.

Very silly some of them are.

I don't agree.

Oh, if only they looked to the past.

Not to the fake past of the Pre-Raphaelites,

but the real peasant tradition.

People don't want to look like peasants.

I mean, would you want me looking like a shepherdess?

Evangeline Eliott.

I like you just as you are.

Haven't you lot got anything better to do?

Work of that quality ought to be appreciated, Tilly.

I've never seen it, even in me previous place,

and they had some good 'uns.

How come they let you go?

It was what you might call a clash of personality.

I and the vendeuse, stupid prune.

Oh, you didn't see eye to eye, then?

Well, she only had one working, and that never saw true.

All right, girls, we've followed

our Prime Minister's advice for long enough.

Which was?

There are times when it is good

to sit still and go slowly,

but he doesn't work for The House of Eliott.

Tom, can you make sure that

the bedroom scene is being lit now, please?

Go away.

Only me.

-I just heard the news- -Jack, come in.

Who told you?

-Monty? -Yes.

He's in seventh heaven, of course.

I reckon he told Sidney's wife.

Has she got you the sack, I suppose?

To think I was wasting one of

the best performances of my life.

Really?

Sidney's bed.

You know what they've done?

Monty told me they've-

Iris May, the poor cow.

Well, good luck to her, that's not the point.

The point is they've taken everything.

The car, the driver, every dress I had made.

I shouldn't have thought that was a problem.

I only wear originals, Jack, people expect it of me.

Yes, of course.

I don't care about the damn contract.

I've got to get myself a whole new wardrobe

and book my passage to Hollywood.

-See that? -

Could be worse.

What's so funny?

You are.

-Would you laugh... -Hm?

If I offered to fly you to Paris?

No.

I'm serious.

So am I.

Good.

I thought I heard you.

Sorry, did I wake you, Bea?

It's all right.

Did you have a nice time?

Mm, lovely.

We went to the wax works.

Who's we?

Sebastian and I.

It was terrific fun.

Just the two of you?

No, there were plenty of people around,

not the mention the dummies.

Where did you go after?

Bea, I'm not a baby anymore.

No, Evie, you're an extremely attractive young woman,

and being alone with Sebastian-

You don't mind me being alone with Hugo.

Well, that's different.

Why?

Because he's more suitable?

He takes you to museums.

You are so Victorian sometimes.

I can't help when I was born.

I didn't mean that.

I just don't want you to worry about me, Bea.

I'm not going to do anything silly.

Like getting married, you mean?

I'm in no hurry.

Besides, you should be the first.

At my age?

Plenty of men would be proud.

Name them.

Jack.

I'm very fond of Jack, but can you see him as a husband?

Piggy.

A bankrupt actor.

Sir Desmond.

Evie, he's Father's contemporary!

So, he's kind, he's caring,

he's as well connected as you could wish.

Evie, I'm not interested in marriage.

Because of Philip White?

That was so long ago.

Besides, there are more important things.

Like what?

Well, if you spent more time at home, you'd know!

I'm sorry.

It's not as if there's much for

you to do here at the moment.

Of course you deserve to go out

and enjoy yourself as much as you can.

I'm just worrying about it too much.

The business?

What else?

It will grow.

I know it will.

Dear Evie.

You know I'm usually right.

Well, often.

Well, sometimes, anyway.

My lawyer says I haven't got a comeback.

I suspect what he means is that

the film company pay their lawyers more.

Damn the money, all I care about is those dresses.

This is the last decent thing I possess.

I thought you were going to get some more made?

I've been round every fashion house in London,

you'd think they'd be falling over themselves,

but it's all, "Oh, no, madam, we couldn't possibly

accommodate you in so short a period."

Quite still, now.

Thank you.

When are you off?

Three weeks.

Got a drink?

Bubbly do?

If there's nothing else.

So, I think I may have a solution to your problem.

Which one?

Your wardrobe.

What do you know about things like that?

As a matter of fact,

I'm a director of an extremely exclusive fashion house.

I don't believe you.

The House of Eliott.

I've heard the name.

They are, of course, expensive.

How good are they?

Good enough for the Duchess of Alstone,

Dorabella Fortescue.

How big is their staff?

They're small, they've only been in business a few months.

I need an entire wardrobe in only three weeks, Jack.

They're very flexible, they could take people on.

But would they?

If you were prepared to pay for it, yes.

I told you, I've been offering my money all round London.

Very well, then, I could introduce you to them.

When?

Now, if you like.

So, we're talking about six evening dresses.

I'm taking Sundays off.

Four two piece outfits, and two tea dresses.

People expect so much of one.

I shall have to take on extra staff.

It will be expensive, as I'm sure you realise, Miss Baily.

On the other hand, Miss Eliott,

the publicity it would bring you.

Let's not talk about money just now.

Well, I'm afraid I shall have to discuss money,

if we are to do the work in the time available.

This is how much I estimate it will cost.

Can you do it?

Yes, Miss Baily, if our terms are agreeable.

Finish in time and I'll give you a bonus.

I'm always appreciative of good work.

Aren't I, Jack?

Always.

Well, I shall talk to my sister,

and we shall begin the designs.

Good.

Yes.

Could you make that a bit fuller?

Perfect.

It's really clever.

Oh, you're not so bad yourself.

Right, now, your specialty is finishing, int it?

Right, well, you can start on buttonholes and bodices.

You'll get your chance,

but right now, it's all hands to the pull.

Hello, if you want to come with me, I'm Tilly.

You learned your cutting with Sophia, didn't you?

One of the best, come with me.

Now, this is a pattern

we've been working on for Mrs. Winifred.

The hem's too short.

-I think you'll find- -It looks cheap.

I want it lengthened.

Of course.

Easily done.

And the sleeves, I wanted applique cuffs.

Actually, you specified-

Aren't I allowed to change my mind?

If you've got one.

What did you say?

Look, if Madam wishes her dresses-

Are you going to let her insult me?

Would you kindly return to the work room, please, Madge?

I shall speak to you in due course.

Yes, Miss Beatrice.

I want her sacked!

Cheek of the money I'm spending.

Miss Baily.

She was downright rude.

I apologise on her behalf.

I insist!

We need every experienced hand we have,

Madge is an excellent seamstress, we rely on her skill.

I shall make sure you

do not come into contact with her again.

Nevertheless-

We have more important things to discuss,

like the matter of your cuffs, applique, you said?

I shall show you some samples.

Oh, Hugo.

Oh, I completely forgot, I'm sorry.

I meant to telephone, we've been so busy.

What's the matter?

We're doing an entire wardrobe for Francine Baily.

Jolly good, you can buy me dinner on the proceeds.

I'd love to, but we'll have to wait for two weeks.

Do you mind?

Actually, yes.

Don't worry, I daresay I shall survive.

Thanks.

No problems with the smaller beading, Tilly?

No, Miss Bea, really enjoying myself.

It's better than sitting at home listening to them lot moan.

Why don't you go and make yourself something to drink?

I'm just gonna finish-

I'd like a few words with Madge, please, Tilly.

Madge.

I admire your work and the way you organise the girls.

However, I will not have you being rude to our clients,

not matter what the provocation.

But she's only ordinary like me.

There's not need to give herself hairs

just so she cuts her dash.

That is nothing to do with you.

Miss Evangeline and I have to put up with a great deal.

However, we will not put up with rudeness amongst our staff.

Do I make myself clear?

Yes, Miss Beatrice.

Good.

Now, I think you should both go Home.

Long hours combined with fury do not produce the best work.

Well, Tilly could do with the overtime.

We were just gonna finish-

Well, no more than half an hour.

All right?

Thank you, Tilly.

Aren't you gonna ask what happened?

I don't wanna know.

Course you do, you're dying to.

Look, Madge, I call you my friend.

I should hope so.

But I've known Miss Bea and Miss Evie for a long time.

It's all right, everything's grand.

Except for one thing.

What?

She says we've got to stop work soon

and buy ourselves a gin.

Another poem?

No.

I've decided poetry is not for me.

There's no money in it.

Are you writing about your experiences?

Who'd want to read about yet another injustice?

No.

I'm writing a letter to

my brother in Australia, if you must know.

He's got a small business in Melbourne.

Maybe he'll have a job for me.

Well, they say that there's

lots of opportunities in Australia.

Trouble is we hated each other as kids.

Yes, but you're both grown up now.

I don't have much choice.

Gillispie's made sure nobody will employ me here.

You're out next week, aren't you?

Friday.

Do you have anywhere to stay?

With my sister and her family.

But only for a week or two.

She's got her hands full already.

What are you going to do?

I don't know.

I was good at my job, Miss Maddox.

So good I thought I could take on Gillispie.

That was my biggest mistake.

Yes, but if you are as innocent as you claim you are,

-then- -Gillispie and his sort

have got influence everywhere.

People knew what I know.

What do you know?

I can't tell you, Miss Maddox.

But can you prove anything?

Maybe, if I get the chance.

Yes, but you'll be able to do something

when you're released, surely.

That's what worries me.

Gillispie might know when I'm coming out.

I say, Tilly, sorry to disturb you and all that,

but I need to speak to Miss Beatrice or Miss Evangeline.

They're around somewhere, Miss Pen,

have you tried out the back?

Pen, have you come to lend a hand?

Evie, I have got to talk to you about Gillispie.

But since you have been in-

I know, I know, it's nearly over.

But this is important, you know.

Pen, just a few more days.

We really haven't seen anyone at all.

Just please, I must check this with Madge.

Madge.

Jack?

You nearly made me drop the plate.

Jack, do you remember what I told you about Fox?

Not now, Pen.

Look, he is coming out soon,

and he is absolutely terrified

that Gillispie's going to nobble him for a second time.

I've got to finish this blasted portfolio.

Everybody is the same in this house!

All too damn busy to listen!

Don't blame her, I insisted on seeing you.

That's all right, Miss Hans.

Look here.

You know a man called Fox doing four years for fraud.

Fox?

Yes, I remember him very well, Miss Maddox.

Why don't you sit down?

He's told me some things about you,

and I want to know if they're true.

And your interest in him is?

I'm a prison visitor.

He's one of mine.

More to the point-

He told you that I ruined him,

and you're worried that I might

do the same thing to your friends, the Eliotts.

Well, yes.

At least you're honest, Miss Maddox,

which is more than one can say for Mr. Fox.

I don't trust bankers, you see.

Oh, nor do I, but then I'm a businessman.

Fox was a brilliant engineer and a useless manager.

The company he started was almost ruined when I bought it.

Please allow me to finish, Miss Maddox.

I saved his company and his staff.

I made certain that his inventions were properly exploited.

Fox, no doubt understandably,

resented losing day-to-day control,

and he embezzled funds in order to

start a new company with his old workers.

They fortunately realised where their future lay

and came to me.

They did?

Ask them.

I can give you names.

I had no alternative but to call in the police.

Otherwise, the company might've

been ruined for a second time.

Right.

How is he, by the way?

His mind is still inventive.

Well, tell him to come and see me when he gets out.

Maybe I can do something for him.

How wonderful.

Thanks, Jack.

If only we had a few more days.

It's too late now, Miss Evie, she's sailing tomorrow.

Right.

That's it, girls!

Nothing.

Francine Baily, she's gone off to America

and left nothing.

Hello, this is Miss Eliott.

Yes, Miss Baily was supposed to have sent us-

I realise that she sailed three days ago, but surely she-

I'm sorry, I do realise that you are only the maid,

but perhaps you could tell us someone we might contact.

You've no idea?

Thank you for your help, goodbye.

Evie, that woman has left without paying us.

Are you sure there hasn't been some-

I'm sure.

We've been robbed!

Beatrice, you're not going to call the police.

I'm going to see if Jack has suffered the same treatment.

What should I tell the girls?

The truth.

Jack, there must be something you can do.

Going to the police won't solve our problems.

But all our hard work.

Yours, too.

You know, with that money, we would have been all right

for six months, at least.

I'm just sorry I introduced her to you.

Jack, what are we going to do?

I apologise for disturbing you, your front door was open.

Who are you?

James Vernon, I'm Miss Baily's solicitor.

You have something for us?

-Mr. Jack Maddox? -Yes, that's me.

And I'm also looking for Miss Beatrice Eliott.

Yes.

Miss Baily asked me to give you these.

Unfortunately, I was away on a case until this morning,

I do apologise for the delay.

Well, if you'd excuse me.

-Jack. -