Original subtitles

25 and 35, 35 and 17...

Oh what is it?

Oh God.

First sign.

What?

Talking to yourself.

Well in that case, I went mad long ago

and you've made me lose my place, Jack,

please be quiet.

Jack!

You need a breath of fresh air.

I can't possibly, I have mountains to get through.

All work and no play, Beatrice,

you'll get to be a very dull girl.

Jack, you should be pleased for us,

the orders have been pouring in.

Jack, really?

There's not much to choose between you and my sister.

How is Penelope?

She's wearing herself out,

working about 18 hours a day at the New Mission,

now, tea, coffee, spot of supper somewhere?

Not possible.

Please, Jack.

I must finish.

Thank you.

Bloomin' collar, why won't it fit?

It's not good enough.

I'm sure I've done it right.

Cut it like the tunics.

Betty, it's a jumper blouse,

it doesn't fit tight at the waist.

Look at Miss Evie's drawing.

Now there's a fullness, don't you see?

Looks all right to me.

A fullness would make it feel

more comfortable and look more graceful.

You're going to work here, you're going to

have to get a feel for such things.

I'll unpick it then.

Orders flowing in, important clients,

special commissions, it's good, very good.

And even with four extra hands,

you're still all working like slaves.

You're just not very well organised are you?

We're not organised?

Jack, that studio of yours is a mess and always has been.

If you were properly organised,

your business wouldn't be collapsing about your ears.

Touche.

Well I don't understand.

Jumper's a jumper, blouse is a blouse.

What do they mean, "jumper blouse"?

Miss B don't like them very much, does she?

Perhaps it's 'cause she's older.

Do get on Agnes.

Madge, finished.

It's all right, init?

Quite.

Tilly, you've had a long day.

So have I.

Tilly was here before any of us this morning.

You get off home, Tilly, we can finish up.

I can carry on for a bit.

You've done more than enough, go on now.

Well, me mum's not gonna know me,

getting home this early.

Goodnight then.

Goodnight, Miss Evie.

What can I do?

I'm out of fashion.

No one's clamouring to have me photograph them anymore.

Well is there anything you can do to get it going again?

Don't really want to.

You know what I'm bursting to get into.

The moving pictures, an even more precarious profession

than photography I'd have thought.

You know nothing about it.

You have never been inside a movie studio.

No, I've never been to the North Pole,

but I know it's cold there.

That's enough cheek from the accounts department.

Now as the director of this company,

I order you to finish work this minute.

Four pounds, nine shillings and four pence.

Good, and now the others.

Come on, chop, chop.

All finish.

I mean now, this minute.

Oh yes?

Oh yes, Miss Beatrice has appointed me timekeeper.

Goodnight.

Night night.

Nighty night.

Glad to see you've a little sense.

I'm not always sensible.

Some people can make me do anything.

Evie.

You've done enough.

I wouldn't do that.

Better she sorts it out on her own.

I've got work to do as well.

Goodnight.

I'm afraid I've upset Evie.

I hardly said a word to her and she burst into tears.

Oh Jack, where is she?

She ran off to the bathroom I presume.

She's been so ratty lately, she never speaks to anyone.

I suppose it's still Sebastian's death.

Evie doesn't talk to me about it.

She's withdrawn completely inside herself

all this last week, ever since the funeral.

Haven't exactly been forthcoming yourself.

I know you weren't keen to go to the funeral.

Evie felt she should.

It was she after all who discovered

Sebastian's mother in the first place,

even though the woman turned out to be a fraud.

Still, Evie knew she'd need comforting nonetheless.

She was determined to go.

I couldn't let her face it on her own

in the event Mrs Pearce snubbed us.

Oh, maybe that's it.

What do you mean?

Well, aren't funerals supposed to help us

come to terms with things, lay our feelings at rest

along with the one we've lost?

If all it did was churn Evie up even more...

Well, that's it Jack, I don't know

what Evie's real feelings for Sebastian were.

I saw your light on.

Evie, can I come in?

All right.

Can't you sleep?

Is it Sebastian?

We haven't really talked about all of that.

Well Evie, you've been very distant with me

and I don't know why.

Of course you do.

I was certain you were behind Hugo

and he did everything to stop me

from getting on that aeroplane.

Why on earth would I do that, Evie?

Because you disapproved of Sebastian,

or at least the idea of Sebastian and me.

B, I was fond of him,

maybe even more than I realised.

Evie, I'm so sorry.

I had no idea.

B, I could have been on that aeroplane.

Oh, but you weren't, you must get over this

and enjoy the life you've been given.

All I want to do is work.

Don't use work to blot out everything else.

You need to relax, go out again.

I know Hugo upset you, Evie, but can't you forgive him?

I never want to see Hugo for as long as I live.

I've gone off men completely.

It's true though, I'm nearly 21,

I need to sort out my feelings.

Time, it will take time to get over this, Evie.

I know.

Philip White?

I think we should be really glad we have something else.

An aim, a purpose.

And as long as we don't kill ourselves

trying to achieve it.

I'll be more sensible, I promise.

Good.

Do you think you can sleep now?

B?

Oh, nothing, nothing.

What?

It's the sort of idea you'd call premature.

You mean our collection?

It's a good idea.

Of course it is, Evie.

Well I've been thinking of it myself, but it is premature.

Just think what it would do for us.

It would really put the House of Eliott on the map.

If it's a success, if not, we'd be a laughing stock.

"Those Eliott sisters biting off

"more than they could chew".

It would be good for us, it would really make us

fine down our ideas, set our style in the public's mind.

At present it's a little...

It's awfully late, isn't it?

Evie, a little what?

Our style is a little?

Well, we're at a kind of halfway stage, don't you think?

There's a sort of overlap from the older,

ornate, more elaborate styles-

It's me I suppose, isn't it?

The old girl, born in Queen Victoria's time.

Evie, just because I don't jump to attention

the moment the latest craze comes in-

I didn't say that.

I really would like to get some sleep now?

Sometimes you're quite provoking.

Desmond, thank you for the lift, you are kind.

We'll be out in, I should think, an hour.

Everything is all right?

You may have overreached a little

with all the refurbishment.

It had to be done.

It wasn't a criticism, my dear,

I think you're managing very well for-

For two women with no business training?

Yes, and it was meant as a compliment.

Anything else?

Yes, there is something.

I must just give this to Aunt Lydia.

What a little beehive it is,

and such fascinating Macleary.

Coffee, Aunt Lydia?

Is this finished?

But it's so elegant.

What is it?

It's called a Cotillard,

it's a little coat for formal occasions at home.

We're making it for Lady Beaumont.

I must have one, and in this material.

Surely this would suit me?

I did explain, Aunt Lydia, we're extremely busy.

I don't think we can manage your whole wardrobe.

My whole wardrobe?

Whatever gave you that idea?

Just a few little things.

Madge, would you take Lady Lydia

through to the fitting room, please?

Thank you.

For the auditors in due course.

Now, what was it?

You know we're to hold our first board meeting?

It seems terribly pretentious, our first board meeting,

just you and us and Jack.

We've got to do these things properly.

What's worrying you, Beatrice?

Oh, I feel disloyal even mentioning it.

Evie and I usually always...

At the board meeting you may hear

a new, quite ambitious idea.

Evie has such wonderful creative notions

and such skill at carrying them out.

But?

Come along, there's obviously a but.

For our clientele, some of her ideas may be a little...

Advanced.

And you by nature, are more conservative?

I am not.

I simply feel as a new fashion house,

we have to fit in with the the public taste.

Which you seem

to have been doing very successfully.

Yes.

Oh, forget I ever, forgive me.

Nothing to forgive.

But Beatrice, I am supposed to be here to advise.

If there is any difference of opinion between you and Evie,

you must have it out,

settle it before it affects the business.

Excuse me.

Here, that's the third time this morning,

I hope she isn't, you know.

Betty!

That braid is quite, quite crooked.

Agnes, mind your own business.

Get on with your work.

What's this?

But this is for Mrs Calder,

she's having her fitting tomorrow, it should be finished.

It just needs adjusting.

Yes, it certainly does.

This is Tilly's work, isn't it?

What is the matter with that girl, Madge?

It'll be done, I promise.

Well it better be, Mrs Calder will be placing

a very big order if we get this right.

Tilly has to come up to standard.

You must keep up a good work discipline, Madge.

Tilly, we were just talking about you.

Are you all right?

Why shouldn't I be?

What did you say to her about me?

It's not fair, everyone talking behind my back.

That's not true.

Tilly, you're not well and I think you should go home.

You always want to send me home.

Is it so the others get my work and you don't need me?

That's the thanks I get is it, for trying to protect you?

Tilly, lately I've had to redo quite a lot of your work.

And no one outside the work room knows.

It can't go on like this.

And I can't take time off.

Just a half day to rest, see a doctor.

And lose a half day's pay.

I afford that, Madge, and my family can't afford that.

I'm sure if the sisters knew you were ill

they wouldn't dock your pay.

Well Evie mightn't.

It was Evie who found me and gave me my first chance.

Miss B, she don't feel like that.

You can't blame her 'cause it's business.

Look, we can't just let this go on.

If there's something wrong with you...

Who are you?

Go away and mind your flippin' business.

You are my business.

Here, look, give me that, that stuff will kill you.

Who cares?

Well obviously I do, or I shouldn't be here.

You don't know me.

You don't give a tappers for me,

as long as you can say you caught another one in your net.

I know you very well.

You're George Wakefield

and you lived a perfectly sensible life

until you got thrown out of work,

after 23 years faithful service.

And you haven't stopped hating the world ever since,

which I do understand.

But why you should keep trying to destroy yourself, I...

Go away.

Get away.

Taxi!

I never knew you actually scrubbed-

They don't clean themselves.

Thank you for coming, Jack.

Nice to be asked.

I was very, very pleased you rang me.

You all right?

Did they hurt you?

No, not really.

Jack, for the first time I feel really helpless, hopeless.

My sister admitting that?

I always thought that somehow we'd have some effect

on the poverty, the misery.

But now?

It's all too big for us.

We're both cordially hated and laughed at

for being interfering busybodies.

I just can't go.

Pen?

Pen?

What is it?

I have just heard myself.

All the self pity, the bilge.

Of course I can go on.

Just a moment,

you were attacked in some back alley

with nobody around to come and help you.

You could have been-

Yes, Jack, I wasn't.

Look, I'm sorry, I'm wasting your time.

I know it's useless asking you to give it all up,

but I do worry.

Can I at least ask you, beg you to be more careful?

I mean it, Pen.

I don't think you're an interfering anything,

I respect what you're trying to do here,

but bluntly, I think it irresponsible

for you to put yourself at risk.

You have a family that cares what happens to you.

It's not fair to us.

Oh tosh.

It's also not fair to the ones you're trying to help,

the ones who don't drink the firewater,

don't try to smash your head in.

If you don't care whether or not we'd miss you,

think how they would.

I knew I was right to telephone you.

The strength you give me, Jack.

Thank you.

Oh dear, how many times do I have to tell you girls?

Detail.

Detail, detail.

It's not just our design we're noted for, it's the finish.

But this, Betty.

I didn't do it.

Don't look at me.

All right, I'll see to it.

She gets away with murder, she does.

Madge, we have Mrs Frevell coming in on Thursday,

we're obviously not going to be ready.

I'm doing all I can.

Have to check everything twice these days.

I should hope your check everything twice,

three times if necessary,

but if there's a problem somewhere, you must tell me where.

Evie?

Don't drag me into this,

I'm sick and tired of their arguing.

I'm just sick and tired.

If you're dissatisfied, Madge,

you can always go elsewhere.

B.

There's no need to gape.

You're being very unfair, Madge is worn out.

It's just plain mean to threaten her.

It's not that easy to find another job.

Especially one who should be so well looked after.

We should look after her,

she's devoted to the place and to us.

Well it's up to you to keep an eye on things, Evie,

you're the one who's in there among them.

B, there is only so much I can do.

I'm trying to come up with ideas for the new collection.

I'm too tired to argue with you.

Penelope?

Oh hello.

She won't eat, I've been trying for half an hour.

Will you keep me company when I eat?

I've almost finished here.

What's the story?

It's her father, he...

Just give me 10 minutes.

Are you all right?

Mm-hmm.

Tilly, and you too Dina.

Betty and Agnes take yours when I get back, will you?

I've got to get out and get some air.

Tommy Dixon, you would arrive just as I want to go out.

You look lovely as always, Madge.

Let's get on, shall we?

Right, we need 30 packs of mother of pearl buttons.

30?

30.

You'll go through those in no time,

why not make it 60 and be done with it?

30.

Cottons, white, black, blue, and cream.

Usual amount?

Usual amount.

Hooks and eyes, now.

You're sure to be needing hooks and eyes

the way you lot go through them.

We won't need as many this month,

'cause Miss Evie's designs

are much simpler and they just slip on.

Newfangled fashions, you lot trying to do me out of a job?

All right, leave it to me.

You just off out for your dinner?

I need a break.

Well you need something, girl.

I can't have dinner with you, Tommy.

Why not, you did before?

One beer at the local?

I can't afford the time or the cash for a proper dinner.

I'll have a cup of tea

and a slice of bread and butter at the ABC.

Tell you what, I'll treat you to fish and chips.

For dinner?

I'll be having them all afternoon.

What's the matter with you?

You used to be a real bright spark.

I'm fed up.

Of what, the House of Eliott?

You don't have to stay there you know?

Oh yeah, just walk out in the gone air.

Walk into another job,

girl of your talents and experience.

If it were that easy...

Maybe it is.

Another of my customers, not as clever as your ladies,

but a solid old firm, they just might have a vacancy.

Would you like me to?

Why not?

I'd like to show that Beatrice.

Yeah, why not?

Cor, is it that late?

When I get into these endless, endless racks of clothes,

just don't seem to notice the time

til me head starts positively splitting.

Agnes, would you mind...

Jack?

* Happy birthday to you

-* Happy birthday dear Evie -Happy 21st birthday, Evie.

I'd nearly forgotten.

Which is just what I was saying,

-all work and no play. -* Happy birthday to you

Thank you.

Happy birthday!

I'm gonna get some more of that bubbles.

Forgetting your own 21st,

really Evie, that is taking devotion to duty too far.

Leave the girl alone, come along, Evie, your presents.

Oh, they're beautiful.

Where should I start?

Ah, it's from Molly.

Aww.

Isn't that just like her?

I bet the party was Jack's idea.

Of course, Jack's idea of the good life's one long party.

Sir Desmond and I had planned a more formal affair,

but we were overruled.

Quite right too, this is a delightful place for a party.

Jack.

It's from Pen too.

It's not just decorative, it's for use.

This, on the other hand,

has no utilitarian value whatsoever.

A friend brought it back from Paris.

That is so true!

I hope that's what we'll be remembered for,

making women more comfortable.

Alas, women have always been resigned

to making the choice between being comfortable and elegant.

Well let's hope we make clothes that let them be both.

Thank you, both of you, not just for the presents,

but well, just for all being there.

Thank you.

It's a telegram from Arthur.

Ah, isn't that nice of him?

It's not the Cafe Royal, but...

Desmond, that's too-

It's exactly right for my goddaughter's coming of age.

-Happy birthday. -Thank you.

Evie, steady on the bubbly.

B, I'm nearly 21.

I mean I am 21, I nearly forgot.

But you haven't eaten anything all day.

Well that's all right, because I'll make up for it

by drinking all night.

Oh you-

B, that was supposed to be a joke.

I'm going to have to train myself

not to feel responsible anymore.

21, a grown woman, free, whatever that means.

What does that mean?

I think you'll find out soon enough.

Evie, a birthday dance.

Desmond I think I'd get too giddy.

You are giddy!

Penelope, Penelope will you partner me?

Excuse us!

Penelope?

Stand back.

She's been doing far too much.

She always does.

I've asked Madge to ring the doctor.

What on earth is the matter with her?

We don't know, Aunt.

Well it's quite killed off the party.

Sorry about that.

Is there anything I can do?

None of us feels too cheerful after this

and they're all dog tired,

you might just say our goodnights for us, thank you.

Of course dear.

Poor Penelope, we have worked so hard together,

down there in the slums.

It's all right Pen, you fainted.

We should be getting off home then really.

I don't see why we've got to go,

still plenty of booze left.

Betty, really?

Thank you.

Is everything all right?

Yeah, the doctor shouldn't be long.

Thank you, Madge.

Was a lovely party, Evie, and you deserved it.

Thanks, Tilly.

Desmond, we needn't rush away.

Champagne.

Thank you.

Excuse me.

Girls, if you'd like to take that into the workroom

and carry on.

Oh Miss Evie, that's wonderful, you're kind.

Difficult.

Could be a virus, could simply be exhaustion.

Have you some aspirin in the house?

Yes.

And I shall give her a brandy and lemon juice,

hot, right now.

She must keep warm and mustn't be disturbed.

Can she stay here?

Of course, for as long as she needs.

I can manage.

And just in case, someone ought to

sit with her during the night.

I'll do that.

Sometimes I feel like doing just that,

collapsing on the floor.

You've been doing too much as well.

B, I still haven't opened your present.

You know, Evie, Jack is right.

We must sort out how to do things more efficiently.

Well whatever happens, we still have-

Tilly.

B, that's mum's engagement ring.

She gave it to you.

And I thought I'd never part with it,

but well, here you are, 21, and it just seemed...

I shall always take care of it, I promise.

What's this?

Open it.

As you've now come of age, we've all agreed

to make you a full director of the firm.

Now I do feel grown up.

I'm so happy.

Enjoy it.

I am.

I'm so happy.

Shh, Pen.

Jack, I thought if Penelope had a fever

she might want to change into this.

Thanks B, she's wet through.

I'll go and have a smoke.

Pen, it's B.

I'm just going to change you into this, all right?

Up you go, that's it.

What's the matter?

When I was changing Penelope, I found,

oh God it made me feel...

It's all right, she's sleeping now,

but I found on her back the most dreadful bruise.

It's as if someone's hit her, punched her.

God, I have told her she's in danger in that place.

She won't listen.

I feel terrible.

I've laughed at her do-gooding, Jack, I'd had no idea.

Should we tell the doctor?

I know she wouldn't want us to, you know Pen.

And if it is only a bruise, do you think we need to?

Perhaps not.

I'd better get back to her.

It's early in the morning, go back to sleep.

I feel so foolish, spoiling Evie's party.

Don't be silly, no one minded.

They're just concerned that you're all right.

What's all this about a bruise?

It's all right.

Are you sure?

Yes.

And I don't want them worrying about me.

I know how hard they have to work at their business.

Beatrice is amazing you know.

She virtually brought Evie up, single-handedly.

And even when she's inundated with work,

she always manages to look so good.

That is so good.

I can feel my strength coming back.

Mm-hmm.

You haven't got the faintest idea what I just said.

It's fascinating this,

there's another film studio opening up.

"A small company with big ideas."

You're not going to invest in it?

Moving pictures just sound like a novelty,

a passing phase to me.

Is it safe?

I'm safe, got nothing to invest.

I'd like to get involved somehow though.

I'm sorry.

Another cup of beef tea, Miss?

I would love some, thanks.

Will you be all right?

Of course, I'm not going to have

another relapse, I assure you.

Brother knows best.

Oh Jack, having a spell?

I was just coming up.

It's all right.

It'll do me good to get all this off my mind.

Thank you.

Someone has to say to it, Tilly.

If your work doesn't improve, I'm sorry

we'll just have to speak to Miss Beatrice

about letting you go.

I can't go on covering up for you.

I get all the nagging, all the criticism,

you've got to do better-

I can't

I've tried and I can't.

What is it, what's the matter?

I think I'm going mad.

I keep getting these headaches and I see double,

and my eyes are so sore.

Don't cry.

Please don't cry, Tilly.

I have to go.

Jack?

Yes, he thinks you're quite wonderful.

Nonsense.

Are you sure you're warm enough?

Evie has a shawl somewhere.

He never stops talking about you, Beatrice,

about how much he admires you,

about how all that you've done

puts his own efforts to shame,

about how strong and resourceful you are.

But he's never said.

I mean, he's very kind, he's always supported us.

Whenever I had any doubts, Jack always encouraged,

but never anything personal.

Well, I think he's nervous that if he did say anything,

you might, well, you might tell him off.

You are very emphatic, Beatrice.

Am I?

Here we are.

I can see you're getting back to your old self again.

Well, I have been very well looked after here, haven't I?

Thank you.

I know we don't always see eye to eye, Beatrice,

but I want to ask a favour of you.

Will you be gentle with Jack?

I feel that he's losing his way

and he needs people to believe in him.

Yes, of course.

And all this film businesses

is such awful nonsense.

Hundreds of pounds spent on idle entertainment.

What I could do with that money at the Mission.

Yes, yes, I'm sure.

Tommy!

You're not funny.

Quite right, I'm dead serious.

I've got to get back.

You thought any more about them job prospects I mentioned?

Yes.

Well, are you going to do something about it or what?

You've done something.

You've seen them, haven't you?

Well you told me to.

I was gonna arrange it for you.

Going behind my back, that is.

Well you should be pleased.

Well what did they say, yes or no?

I've only had one talk with them,

it's not settled yet.

And what do I get out of it?

Oh, thank you.

I thought you did it to help me.

You get your hands off me, Tommy.

Tilly, you're not working over your break,

you know it's not good for you.

I've got a lot to do.

Have you finished your lunch?

I wonder if you might help us.

We've a board meeting now and I feel

someone ought to sit with Miss Penelope.

Yeah, I'd like to do that.

Sorry.

Welcome to our first board meeting.

We should be quite informal, no need for a chairman,

let's just discuss what we have to discuss.

Should someone be taking the minutes?

Well if it's not formal, can't we manage without?

My accountant and I have been through the books

and everything is in order,

but I understand there's some problem

about maintaining the balance between quality and output.

Jack?

Well, Beatrice and Evangeline know my feelings.

I think there's a lack of organisation.

The whole staff are working themselves into the ground

and yet, well yes, quality and output are both effected.

Shall we consider taking on more staff?

No, no, they'd only have to be laid off

the moment there was a lull.

We can cope.

Jack's right, we can cope if we just

somehow get better organised.

Well where's the hiccup then?

I gather it's Tilly.

She seems to be having trouble with finely detailed work,

or even keeping up at all.

Well perhaps you should consider replacing her.

No, we can't, Tilly has been with us right from the start.

You can't run a business like this.

If there is a problem, you must address it.

I must say, it seems to be only

too typical of your whole approach.

What is wrong with our approach?

Well you just go along from day to day

and you can't carry on in this manner.

What do you mean exactly?

You've got to have goals to work towards,

otherwise you just drift.

What are your plans for the future?

We've only just got established,

that sort of talk is premature.

Well, we have had one idea.

Evie, we have problems now,

I don't think we should raise that at this point.

If we knew what it was, perhaps we could give an opinion.

Well, we had thought about sometime in the future,

creating our own collection, not just making clothes,

ad hoc as the orders come in,

but a whole collection of clothes,

made to our original design.

Yes, you mentioned this.

Now when might this be?

Well I don't think we can contemplate it

for another year yet.

Nonsense, B.

It would be very unwise

to wait until you believe you're ready

and only then to start thinking about it.

Well what is all this sudden urgency?

B, this is exactly what Sir Desmond and I

are talking about, there's not enough forward planning.

Exactly, just imagine the problems

of staging such an event.

It's almost like putting on a theatrical show.

A year away, start planning right now,

and then aim to do it within six months.

Oh no, we couldn't possibly.

We could, if we put ourselves to it, we could.

Yes, well it's all right for you, you've already started.

I'm sorry?

Could someone please explain.

A collection, in our style.

The question is what is our style?

But I don't understand,

you've already established a reputation.

For quality, for a certain finish, but the style.

What is our style?

This,

or this?

See, I did come.

Told you I'd get them along early for you.

Trouble with some people is they do you one favour

and think you're under an obligation ever after.

Just check they're all there will you, Mr Dixon?

There's no need, they'll all be there.

If there's one button missing...

There won't be.

Right, well I better go and attend to my other customers.

I'll see you later then, Madge.

Not if I can help it.

Please yourself.

Bye ladies.

Bye.

Given him the push, have you, Madge?

None of your business, Betty.

I'll take him off your hands for you if you like.

You just finish what you're doing.

Finished, there.

Well you can finish off the beading on this.

That's Tilly's.

Just do it.

She'll be in the toilet again.

No, she isn't, Miss B has asked her

to go and sit with Miss Penelope.

Having tea and push conversation no doubt.

Yeah, while we have to put right all her mistakes.

Betty.

It's true, Madge.

We know what's going on.

Oh yes?

Yeah.

Well, that's your look out,

but don't expect us to do Tilly's work for her.

We work hard enough as it is.

You'll do what you're told

or I'll inform Miss B that your work is not satisfactory

and advise her to let you go,

and that's all of you.

What about Tilly?

Tilly as well.

You're bluffing.

Anyway, why are you protecting her?

They've been here longest, stick together they do.

That's enough.

It's my responsibility to see that the work gets done.

How I do it is up to me.

If you're not happy, there are plenty to take your place.

Well what's wrong with Tilly?

I don't know.

We all go through bad patches,

but instead of all this squabbling,

we should all stick together.

Now, if any of us have anything else to say, say it.

Of course I'm no expert,

but they both look very pretty to me.

Jack knows what I mean.

This one's more elaborate, the beading,

the fringing that curlicue whatsit round the collar.

And this one is more modern.

That is Evie's, and there are more

where they came from, aren't there?

B.

Why is it suddenly a contest?

Jack, it's been coming for months.

Evie and I have a fundamentally different approach.

I don't think that's true, B.

Making as we go, as we do now, it isn't so noticeable,

but in a collection of our work.

But variety is the spice of life.

Not all women want the same thing,

let those who want modern choose this one,

and those who want curlicues have the other.

Am I right, B, a House needs one single clear attitude.

Two contradictory styles could confuse its public,

weaken its position in the marketplace.

I don't know anything about marketplaces,

all I know is how to cut, how to draw, how to design.

And if you cut-

Precisely, and you don't think about

whether we could sell them or not.

I think it's useless to have brilliant ideas

so far ahead of the public taste.

Are my ideas so far ahead, B,

or is it that yours are lagging behind?

Perhaps that question could be answered at another time?

But I do strongly advise you to make it your aim to design,

make and display the House of Eliott's

first original collection within six months from now.

Oh it's wonderful, Miss Penelope, she solved it.

Solved what?

Me eyes, I'd been so frightened to see a doctor

because I thought, I really thought

I was going to go blind or something.

And Miss Pen, she had a look, she listened to my problems,

and you know what she thinks?

I need glasses, that's all, I need specs.

That's wonderful, Tilly.

You know, my sister really is very good value.

Ah, the hiccup.

I suggest that the board hereby authorises Tilly

to take an hour off and get herself down

to the nearest optician.

Off you go.

Well, what is it?

Tell them the rest of the problem.

You, straight back to bed.

Not until this is out in the open.

Tilly?

I don't want to say.

It's money, isn't it?

You can't afford the optician.

Well that's only part of it.

I think it's true Tilly does need glasses,

but she's also overtired, she's exhausted.

She's been taking on extra work from other firms.

Sewing in the evenings and at weekends,

because she virtually supports her whole family

and I'm afraid the Misses Eliott do not pay her

quite enough money to make ends meet.

Tilly, why didn't you say?

Loyalty.

So you need more money?

How much?

Say it, Tilly.

Another five bob a week.

Two and six.

Three and six.

Done.

Do you approve?

I do, I do approve.

I should tell you all, Tilly has just been given a raise.

Do not all, I warn you, to expect one too.

In time, perhaps.

Is anyone unhappy with this?

Betty, Agnes?

Anyone?

Sure I never expected-

Good, Madge?

I'm perfectly content, thank you, Miss B,

for the time being.

Oh, if there's a raise further down the road

that gives me a goal, doesn't it?

One further thing you should all know,

we shall, six months from now,

be presenting our first complete original collection.

After, perhaps we should say,

certain fundamental differences have been ironed out,

one way or another, once and for all.