Original subtitles

Thank you, Prince.

Good morning.

There's Captain Brayne's dinner party.

Mrs. Trotter will be preparing

the paupiettes herself, so we must get

everything else ready in good time.

Lord Branchester wants his partridges

for his dinner tomorrow.

Take them out to the larder, Ethel,

and hang them up, will you?

And Mrs. Covenden just arrived.

Is Tom Prince with her?

I expect so. He usually is.

Is he?

Yes, of course he is.

Did you get his room ready, Violet?

Did it this morning.

Ethel nipped up afterwards

and put a bunch of marigolds in there.

Mr. Merriman! I never.

I must say,

I like having Mr. Prince here meself.

He's a really nice young chap.

Not a bit of side on him.

Huh.

Don't you like him, Mr. Merriman?

He's not as bad as some of them chauffeurs.

You'd think they owned the street, let alone the car.

TOM: Any more tea left in that pot, Mrs. Cochrane?

Oh, talk of the devil!

MRS. COCHRANE: Come in, Mr. Prince. We were expecting you.

Mrs. Cochrane. Mr. Merriman.

Hello, Violet.

VIOLET: Back again, then?

TOM: That's right.

Hello, Tom.

How's my best girl, then?

I'm not anybody's best girl.

Sit down, Mr. Prince.

We just made a fresh pot before we start the dinners.

Put a drop more hot water in it, though, Ethel, will you?

Yes, Mrs. Cochrane.

How long are you staying this time?

Oh, I don't know, Mr. Merriman.

Not long, if I know my old lady.

She's always on the move.

You're off to Italy this time, aren't you?

That's right, Mary.

Madame's got an idea she might buy a villa down there.

Some people have all the luck.

I wouldn't want to live in Italy, myself.

Never liked Eyeties since I had that turn-up

with an Italian commis de suite.

Swiped my order of fricassée de volaille, he did.

I poured it over his head.

Excuse me. Ahem.

I never met any Italians, except for the hokey-pokey man.

Oh, they're not so bad.

They thought the world of madam

at that hotel in Florence.

Ta very much.

Mrs. Covenden's nephew back again?

That's right, Mary.

Puts everything on her bill, you know.

Including the Champagne,

and he don't choose the cheapest, neither.

Well, I suppose madam,

not having any children of her own,

she naturally thinks of him like a son.

Hmm... Hmm...

It's nice to see you looking so well.

I'll put a light on, I think.

By the way, I've decided to go into a nursing home

to have that little operation after all.

Oh, dear.

I know. I don't like hospitals any more than you do.

Mmm. They're like jail...

All right for a day or two, but don't stay there too long.

You know my husband was a magistrate.

He used to say, "3 months gives them a good lesson.

6 months teaches them too much."

I hope you're not going to be in that nursing home for 6 months.

Oh, no.

The doctor thinks about a week

and then back here to recuperate

before I go to Italy.

I'd like Prince to stay on here in the hotel

while I'm in the nursing home.

Yes, of course.

And how about young Eddie?

Oh...well, yes, I suppose so.

You spoil that young man, Mrs. Covenden.

I know. I think perhaps I'm sorry for him.

Sorry for him?

Well, I don't think I'd like to have

my sister as a mother. Would you?

Ha ha ha!

I can't imagine why she needs a villa in Italy.

She hardly wants to live in Bradford.

Oh, there are perfectly good pensiones in Florence.

It's so exasperating.

She marries that dreadfully vulgar man

and goes to live in that appallingly vulgar place.

The only thing that makes it remotely tolerable

is that he had a great deal of money,

and ever since he died,

she's gone out of her way to squander the money

in every way she can think of.

I really think she does it to spite us.

Yes, but she's still quite well off, Ma, isn't she?

Oh, I wish you wouldn't call me "Ma."

I don't know where you get these low expressions.

Well, I'll call you Mama, if you like,

but I really believe it went out with the Ark...

or perhaps I should say down with the Ark,

except that I believe the Ark floated,

so really we are left exactly where we were.

I must say, I hope auntie will come down

a bit handsome this time.

I'm stoney-broke.

I can't imagine why

she doesn't give you a regular allowance.

She knows how little your father and I can afford.

Oh, well, we better go and see

what she wants to do this evening.

Did you remember to get some flowers for her?

Oh, no. I forgot.

Never mind. If we go to the theater,

I'll buy her some chocolates.

Tsk tsk.

Now, what shall we go and see?

Prince will get the tickets for us.

I didn't order Champagne, Merriman.

No. I did, auntie. Thought it would cheer you up.

How thoughtful of you, Eddie.

That's right, auntie. Only too pleased.

- Thank you, Merriman. - Very good, sir.

How about "Gay Lothario" at the Empire?

They say it's frightfully funny.

Edward, you know I detest the Empire.

Prince, what do you suggest?

Prince always chooses my books for me

at Moodie's library.

There's "Bunty Pulls the Strings"

At the Haymarket, madam.

Sounds as though it might be the kind of play you'd enjoy.

Oh, is that still on? I thought I'd missed it.

And the Haymarket is my favorite theater.

We'll go there.

Very well, Prince... A box if they have one.

If not, 3 seats in the dress circles...or...

Do you think Miss Prentice

would like to come?

It's rather short notice.

She probably has another engagement by now.

You know, Eddie, I can't imagine

why you don't fix your interest with that young girl.

I think she's quite charming.

But unfortunately, she hasn't a penny.

Mmm.

Eddie intends to marry for money, does he?

Well, not exactly, auntie,

but I think I shall have to marry where money is.

So will Eleanor.

I can't see her living in a poky little flat in Pimlico.

Well, I don't think she's as mercenary as...

..as you think.

Very well, then, Prince, 3 seats or a box.

PRINCE: Yes, madam.

You didn't ask if Arthur would like to come.

Oh, do you think he would?

No. He's dining at his club.

Oh, you asked me to remind you

about that invitation, madam.

Oh! Yes, Prince. Thank you.

I'll scribble a note now,

and then you can take it round.

Get a box of chocolates, Prince, would you?

And bring them up to my room.

Something really nice from Rumpelmeyers.

Yes, sir.

Oh, take it out of that, would you?

Now, anything you fancy,

you be sure to let us know.

Oh, my dear Mrs. Trotter,

I shall only be away for 3 or 4 days.

Yeah, I know, but I know what that hospital food is like.

Well, Prince will be calling morning and evening

to see if there's anything I want. Won't you, Prince?

- Yes, madam. - Thank you.

Oh, will you be requiring your writing case, madam?

Prince, how clever of you.

Of course I shall.

I mean to catch up with all my correspondence

during the next few days.

Uh, Mary, would you...oh.

- MARY: I have it here, madam. - Thank you.

Oh, uh, Mr. Starr, would you put...

..this on the front seat the right way up

and stay with it?

It's got some of madam's valuables in it.

Don't you stay in there too long.

We can look after you much better here.

Dear Mrs. Trotter, I know you will.

Where is Eddie?

Oh, he's gone to the races with the major.

Yes, of course.

I had a little present for him, but, um...

Violet, perhaps you would give those cigars

to Mr. Sturgess for me, would you?

Yes, madam.

Well, good-bye, everybody. Good-bye.

Good-bye.

Take care of yourself.

Thank you, Starr.

Thank you, Prince.

Thank you.

I still say that if Riddle hadn't fallen at the last fence,

it would have won in a canter.

Fallen?!

My dear Major, it crossed its legs

and curtseyed to the stands.

All the other horses were out of sight by that time.

Take these for me, Starr, will you?

Oh, and get 4 tickets for the Empire tomorrow night.

- There's a good fellow. - Very good, sir.

Have a nice day?

You'll be glad to hear

your aunt got off to the hospital all right.

By jove, yes.

I-I meant to see the old girl off,

but the major had a hot tip for the first race.

Looks like a good one in the 3:30 tomorrow...

Gay Lothario.

EDDIE: Ah, "Gay Lothario."

That's the play my aunt wouldn't go and see.

Well, it's probably going to lose, then.

We're going tomorrow night instead, so it might not.

You think you can get away with anything, don't you.

S'pose you want some wine?

- Mmm. Louisa, you're an angel. - Yes.

Merriman? MERRIMAN: Madam?

Fetch us some wine.

MERRIMAN: Very good, madam.

LOUISA: Major.

Yes. If there was a cup inscribed "Bookies' Friend,"

I don't know who'd have it on his mantelpiece,

him or the major.

I'd back Mr. Sturgess.

He's not playing with his own money.

There. If she don't fancy that,

she won't fancy anything.

Mrs. Trotter's grouse in aspic a la Louise,

and even I don't know the recipe.

How was she when you saw her?

Sitting up and taking notice?

Oh, I should say so.

She noticed the ribbon on her nightgown was frayed,

and I've been up and down Oxford Street,

trying to match it.

You never!

Went in all them big shops, buying ribbon?

- Of course I did. - You'd think she'd bring a

lady's maid with her.

Oh, she's hasn't got one just now.

She fell out with the last one.

Found out she was putting a few too many extras

on her account.

Madam's very easygoing in some ways,

but she don't like to be cheated.

There. Not a bad match.

He'll make a good husband for somebody, won't he, Ethel?

I don't know, Mr. Merriman, I'm sure.

I wouldn't want my husband to do my shopping for me.

Oh, then I won't give you the little present I got for you, then.

You never.

Thank you.

- Oh. - I've always liked lavender.

We used to have a big bush of it

outside the backdoor at home.

Here. Ethel, if madam doesn't want me tomorrow afternoon,

do you care to go for a walk?

Oh, well, it ain't me afternoon off, but, uh...

All right, but you'll have to do all your work first, though.

Thanks, Mrs. Cochrane.

Come on, you better take this.

Now, give Mrs. Covenden our best respects

and say we look forward to seeing her back here very soon.

- Thanks. I will. Bye. - Bye. Bye.

You had enough, Mr. Merriman?

Yes, thanks.

Mr. Sturgess wanting supper before the theater,

I thought I'd better make sure of it.

Urp. Beg pardon.

Bit early for me, really.

I'll just go and check me wines.

He'll go and polish off that bottle now in the pantry

and then put his feet up.

Never you mind that. That's none of your business.

Now, Ethel, about Mr. Prince...

Oh, yes. I'll do all my work before I go out tomorrow, Mrs. Cochrane.

I'm not talking about that.

Now, he's a very nice young man

with very nice, taking ways.

But you know as well as I do,

he'll only be here for a few weeks,

then he'll be off to Italy with Mrs. Covenden,

then back to the house in Bradford,

and you don't know when he'll be here again.

And that's how it's always going to be with him.

He could get another position.

He'd be a fool if he did.

He's got a very good place with Mrs. Covenden.

She thinks the world of him,

and he's not going to give that up for you.

Now, come on, Ethel.

I'm not saying don't go out with him.

I'm just saying don't get carried away, that's all.

That orange jumble was really quite excellent.

My dear Miss Prentice,

won't you have some more?

No, thank you, Mrs. Sturgess.

Cheese, madam?

Oh, no, thank you.

No, thank you.

Shouldn't we be leaving soon?

Oh, I never mind

being late at the theater,

especially for a comedy.

It's all such nonsense, anyway.

In that case, I wonder you think it worth going at all.

My dear Miss Prentice, you're very outspoken.

Oh, I'm so sorry. Was that rude?

Mama is always saying I'm too outspoken,

and I never know what she means.

She means you speak the truth at inconvenient moments.

Is that it?

Then I must learn when truth is convenient and when it is not.

In society, the truth is almost never convenient.

I suppose it is nearly time we left.

Eddie, have they got any decent port in this place?

Arthur, you haven't time to sit over port and cigars now.

Oh.

We can come back here after the theater

and have a little supper.

- Waiter? - Madam.

Tell the chauffeur we shall be ready to leave in 5 minutes.

Very good, madam.

ELEANOR: Hurry.

EDDIE: Haven't been to the theater for ages.

STURGESS: Better be worth it.

EDDIE: The car is there, is it, Starr?

Uh, no, sir. I believe not.

Didn't the waiter give you my message?

Oh, that's too bad.

Please tell the chauffeur immediately.

I understand the chauffeur has not yet returned, madam.

I suppose he's on some errand or other for auntie.

Oh, Maud really is too selfish.

She knew perfectly well

we were going to the theater this evening

and obviously we should need the car.

ELEANOR: Can't we walk?

It's drizzling a bit, miss.

You better call a cab, then, Starr. Look sharp about it.

Yes ma'am.

Oh, you needn't bother.

EDDIE: There you are, Prince. Where on earth have you been?

MILLICENT: We wish to leave for the theater immediately.

I'm so sorry, my dear.

It seems that no one is reliable these days,

least of all the servants.

C-could I have a word with you please, madam?

EDDIE: Can't that wait till later?

ARTHUR: Yes, if we're going to this beastly theater, let's go.

Otherwise, we may as well go back upstairs

and finish our dinner in comfort.

Now, one thing I hate...

MILLICENT: Arthur, do stop grumbling.

What will Miss Prentice think?

Please, madam.

Something wrong, Prince?

Couldn't you tell me later?

No, madam.

Mrs. Covenden is dead, madam.

Dead?

Well, what happened?

What is the man talking about?

I'm afraid your sister has died,

Mrs. Sturgess.

I-I'm very sorry, madam. I would have...

I don't believe it.

She was perfectly all right this afternoon.

Well, apparently it was her heart, just suddenly s...

They say she collapsed and...never...

Here, you. Come with me, my boy.

Merriman, fetch us some brandy.

Oh, I really...Maud.

It's all right, Millie. It's all right.

- I can't believe it! - Here, sit down. Just sit down.

She was perfectly...

There's never been anything wrong with her heart.

ELEANOR: I have some smelling salts.

Oh, Prince doesn't have to bother.

I'll keep him on.

I shall probably buy a new car.

Yeah, that'll be all right.

And what's wrong with the old one?

Mrs. Covenden only bought it last year.

I think I fancy something with a bit more "Go" in it.

Prince can come and help me choose it.

That'll cheer him up.

All right, Merriman, you can put the madeira down here.

EDDIE: Madeira?

It ain't exactly the occasion for Champagne.

This isn't a celebration, you know.

Anyway, this is a very nice drop of stuff.

Old Blandy brought it back for me himself last time he was over.

STARR: Mr. Caper, sir.

Mr. Caper, I'm Edward Sturgess.

CAPER: How do you do?

This is Mrs. Trotter.

Mrs. Trotter.

Care for some madeira, Mr. Caper?

Yes. Thank you.

- Be all right for you here? - Yes, thank you.

Quite convenient.

MILLICENT: This all looks very formal.

When my poor brother died,

we just gathered together after the funeral

and arranged everything in a few moments.

Uncle George only left fourpence,

and he owed that to his hatter.

Oh, really, Eddie.

Good morning, Mrs. Trotter.

Mrs. Sturgess.

Mr. Caper.

Mr. Sturgess.

- MERRIMAN: Madam. - Oh, thank you.

ARTHUR: Oh, what's this?

Mmm. Very good. Malmsey, isn't it?

Quite a good cellar, this hotel.

Do you know, we had a claret the other night

we wouldn't have been ashamed to serve at my club.

Ah...

Surely we don't need to have the chauffeur here or...

they are beneficiaries.

Oh. Are they?

Even so...

CAPER: Well, shall we begin?

- Thank you, Merriman. - MERRIMAN: Very good, madam.

Oh, Mr. Merriman, you might care to know

that Mrs. Covenden did remember you in her will.

She left small legacies to 3 members of the staff of the Bentinck.

To each of them... Arthur Cornelius Merriman,

Joseph Starr, and Mary Philips... the sum of £20.

I shall be notifying you all officially, of course,

but perhaps you might care to

convey that information to the others.

Oh, yes, sir. Thank you, sir.

It's quite a simple will,

and I thought perhaps it might be as well

if you all heard it together.

I felt that Mrs. Covenden

would have liked Mrs. Trotter to be present

in view of certain provisions.

Ahem. There are legacies of £50 each to...

Albert Proctor, Ethel Brice, and Annie Carter.

Who on earth are they?

The gardener, housekeeper, and cook

at Mrs. Covenden's house in Bradford.

Oh, yes.

And legacies of £100 each to each of her goddaughters.

There's not going to be much left at this rate.

"To my kind friend Louisa Trotter,

"who made a home for me whenever I was in London,

"the sum of £100,

asking her to drink a glass of Champagne to my memory."

To you, Mrs. Sturgess...

Yes.

Your sister left a legacy of £1,000.

Oh.

And her house in Bradford.

Oh, Bradford.

Ahem.

"To my nephew Edward George Sturgess,

"who has always made it perfectly clear

"that he had no interest in me whatever, but only in my money,

"I leave not a penny,

"in the hope that it may teach him a lesson in manners.

"I give and devise and bequeath all the residue

"of my property, both real and personal,

"wheresoever and whatsoever, to my chauffeur,

"Thomas Albert Prince,

"who has always served me

"with such thoughtfulness and consideration,

and shown me at all times a genuine and selfless affection."

That is all.

She was out of her mind, surely?

I think not. Mrs. Covenden came to my office to sign this will

4 months ago, when she returned from Italy.

I would say she was perfectly compos mentis.

What on earth am I going to do

with a house in Bradford?

I suppose we can sell it.

I'm certainly not going to live in it.

She was always spiteful, even as a child.

Really, Mr. Caper,

I think you might have given her better advice.

Come along, Arthur,

we shall go back to the flat immediately.

Oh.

Yes.

Would you like me to drive you, madam?

Certainly not. We shall take a cab.

Eddie, you had better come round this evening,

and we'll talk the whole thing over

and see what can be done.

Come along, Arthur.

Would you care for some more, Mr. Caper?

No, thank you, Mrs. Trotter.

I have another appointment.

Ah, Mr. Prince,

perhaps you would care to come to my office tomorrow morning,

and I could explain your financial position

a little more clearly.

Yes, sir.

About how much would the, uh...

Residue come to?

Oh...probably in the region of £30,000.

30,000...

I see.

I say, people won't have to know, will they?

I mean, about my aunt not leaving me anything?

You can rely upon my discretion, naturally.

I hope you've not been borrowing

upon your expectations?

Of course not.

No more than...

no more than everyone else does.

Mmm. Quite so.

I don't really approve, you know.

It is a bit of a lark, though, isn't it?

I'm not sure that it is.

All right, come on then, boys.

It's so beastly unfair.

I was always jolly decent to her.

Why, only the last time we went to the theater,

I bought her a box of chocolates.

Yeah, well,

I'm going to do what she said

and drink a glass of Champagne in her memory.

You'd better join me.

Blimey, you look more miserable than he does.

You'd better come, too. Come on.

ETHEL: Thank you, Mr. Starr.

Very generous, I must say.

I never expected it.

Did you, Mr. Merriman?

Thought I might get a fiver.

Here's to a very nice lady.

Yeah.

Mrs. Covenden.

Mrs. Covenden. Mrs. Covenden.

God rest her soul.

ETHEL: A whole year's wages.

What about Mr. Prince, then?

Well, I think it couldn't happen

to a nicer fellow.

He really deserves it.

He'd have enough to get married on now,

won't he, Ethel?

Don't know, I'm sure.

Come on, Ethel, you know what Mrs. Trotter will say

if she finds us gossiping here,

where we've no business to be.

She'll say she'll have our guts for garters.

Yes, you're right.

Now off you go and peel those artichokes.

Put them in vinegar and water straightaway,

same as I showed you.

Yes, Mrs. Cochrane.

I better go and look at me fires.

Now, Mr. Merriman,

you shouldn't tease the girl like that.

She didn't seem to mind.

And it's quite true, Mrs. Cochrane.

He will be able to settle down now.

I daresay.

But do you think he'll look at Ethel...

a man with £30,000?

What's he going to do with all that money,

that's what I'd like to know.

What's Master Eddie going to do without it?

He'll just have to learn to manage, won't he?

Do him good, if you ask me.

Well, you'll have to get yourself a job, my boy.

What would you suggest?

Perhaps Prince had better teach me

how to be a chauffeur.

If you drive a car anything like the way

you back the horses, I wouldn't trust you

round the next corner.

Anyway, you haven't got good enough manners to be a chauffeur.

Sorry.

Oh, for God's sake, Prince, put that bleeding cap down.

- Sorry, madam. - And don't call me madam.

It gets on me nerves, being called madam

by a man with £30,000.

Well, that's just it, madam, isn't it?

I mean, that's just it.

What is?

Well, it doesn't seem right,

a chauffeur having that much money.

You can always give it away.

That's enough out of you.

If a man's rich, you expect he'd be a gentleman.

Maybe you could teach Eddie how to be a chauffeur,

and he can teach you how to be a gentleman.

If that money's really mine...

Of course it's yours.

You make the most of it, enjoy yourself.

What are you going to do with it, anyway?

I don't know, madam.

Been different if my mother had been alive.

Could have made life a bit easier for her. But as it is...

..I suppose I better put some of it aside.

You could always buy a business, open a shop.

Or a garage, yes.

Where are you going to go now, then?

Just for the minute, I was wondering if I could stay here.

I'd stay in my usual room and I'd pay my own way.

You stay here, you'll have a proper apartment

like anyone else.

I'm not having one of my guests in the attic.

If you like, you can have Mrs. Covenden's rooms.

- I wouldn't like to. - Why not? You can afford 'em.

I daresay I could, but...

you want them, they're yours.

Well, I would like to stay in London,

just for a bit.

Thinking of going into society, are you, Prince?

Not exactly, sir.

But there doesn't seem much point

in staying on in service.

I wouldn't mind having a bit of fun,

like Mrs. Trotter says.

Go to the theater yourself,

instead of just buying the tickets?

That's it, madam.

And I've always wanted to go to the horse sales

at Tattersall's.

You see, my father was a groom, and...

well, there's lots of things I'd like to do, really.

Only I wouldn't want to embarrass anyone

by seeming out of place, you know?

Of course, what with madam taking me everywhere,

I've been around the gentry, but...

if you're going to be around them in a different capacity,

you'll have to stop calling them gentry.

Yes, sir. I suppose there's lots of things like that.

Maybe that wasn't such a bad idea of yours

after all, madam.

What's that?

Do you mind if I...

No, help yourself.

Well, I was thinking that...

..if I was to pay Master Eddie's expenses,

same as madam used to...

how the devil do you know that?

Oh, servants get to know quite a few things.

That's what I mean,

it wouldn't all come strange to me.

But if Master Eddie was to take me around a bit,

show me the ropes...

Well, what do you think?

I think if he's going to do that, you'd better stop calling him

Master Eddie.

Louisa...oh...

Hello, Major. Come in.

Have a free drink.

Oh. Yes, thank you, I will.

I say, it would be rather a lark, Louisa, wouldn't it?

What would?

To pass him off as a gentleman.

TOM: Oh, no, sir. I wasn't thinking of anything like that.

LOUISA: That's not a bad idea.

Right you are, we'll do it.

We'll pass you off as a gentleman.

Can't have a man with £30,000

acting like a chauffeur.

The major will help. He knows what's what.

What?

Now you're finished hobnobbing with your nabobs,

got a job of work for you.

If you're asking for my advice...

and you mean what I think you mean...

well, honestly,

I think it might be rather a mistake.

I'm not asking for your advice.

I'm asking for your help.

Mr. Thomas Prince, your grace.

Don't give it to me. They'll think

you've come to stay for a week.

What shall I do with it?

Take it in with you.

Oh.

Don't put them there.

Well, where shall I put them?

By your chair when you sit down.

How do I shake hands?

You don't. Just bow to the duchess.

how very nice to meet you, Mr. Prince.

I believe you know Mr. Sturgess.

Bow, old boy.

How do you do?

Very well, thank...

don't tell me. I don't want to know.

What?

You'll be telling us about your varicose veins next.

Well, what shall I say, then?

Bow, smile, and sit down.

Yes.

EDDIE: Now you make conversation.

W-what do I talk about?

Anything except religion or politics.

Or business. Don't talk business to women.

They're not supposed to understand it.

Ahem.

It's a fine day, Your Grace,

for the time of year.

Will Your Grace be going abroad for...

don't keep calling her "Your Grace," old boy.

Only servants do that...

if you don't mind my saying so.

You just call her Duchess now and then,

to tell her you know what's what.

EDDIE: What on earth are you doing?

Blowing my nose.

Yes, but quietly, my dear chap.

It's not a trombone.

And don't turn your head away.

Just say "Pardon."

ALL: No.

Never apologize.

Unless you spill something

on a lady's dress.

LOUISA: And just remember you're a gentleman.

Whatever you do is right.

Well, you'd better go now.

Yes, mustn't stay more than 1/4 of an hour.

Hardly seems worth coming at all.

Don't I even get a cup of tea?

Oh, yeah, he must get a cup of tea.

Not the first time.

He doesn't know the duchess well enough

to come at tea-time.

But you're going to be with me.

Of course. You'd never get in otherwise.

I'll introduce you.

Here, Eddie.

You're not really taking him to the duchess first off.

That's flying a bit high for starters, isn't it?

My dear Louisa, she's got 4 completely

unmarriageable daughters.

Faces like the north side

of Clapham Common, poor girls.

And not one of them with a penny.

So if any eligible young man comes along

with a bit of tinkle...

the duchess don't ask too many questions.

Here, I've got a better idea.

Why don't you have a little luncheon party here,

and invite the duchess and her eldest daughter. What's her name?

Victoria. Victoria. Yeah. That's right.

Now, if that doesn't get Tom into society, nothing will.

That's a good idea.

Yeah. Right.

Now we've got to get him out.

Oh, yeah, right.

Carry on.

I'm terribly sorry, Duchess,

I've got to be pushing off.

ALL: No.

What are you doing here?

That's a bit of luck. I hoped to find you here.

Guests aren't allowed in the kitchen.

Aren't they?

You'll get me into trouble.

Mrs. Cochrane's only just gone

to choose the oysters for your lunch.

Don't talk to me about oysters.

Master Eddie had me half the morning

at Scott's yesterday,

learning how to eat them properly. Ugh.

Don't you like them?

Horrible. But you have to eat them

if you're going to be a gentleman.

Here, what are you doing tomorrow afternoon?

Working. Unlike some I could mention.

But it's your afternoon off.

- What if it is? - Well, come out with me, eh?

I can't go out with guests.

But you can come out with me.

What would people think

if they saw me walking about

with you all dolled up like that?

I'll put me chauffeur's uniform on.

Does that make you feel better?

Do you want to get me the sack?

No, of course I don't.

Well, then get upstairs quick

before Mrs. Trotter sees you.

Ethel...

Mrs. Cochrane's coming.

All right, Ethel?

Yes, Mrs. Cochrane.

Here, where's the other "Daily News"?

I said two copies, didn't I, Fred?

Oh. Here it is.

Just as well, eh, Fred,

or you'd have been in trouble, my lad.

Morning, Mr. Starr. Morning, Fred.

Only two for the "Daily News,"

You and the duke.

Here. Don't let him know you take it, too,

or he'll want to share yours.

He's so mean, he grudges buying his bootlaces

in pairs.

Mr. Starr, do you...

no, sir. It's just Starr now,

and you're Mr. Prince.

Starr, then.

You couldn't get me a copy of the "Chauffeur's Gazette,"

Could you?

Well, it isn't exactly the sort of thing...

All right, I'll see what I can do.

Thanks.

You're up a bit early, aren't you?

Oh, I can't get used to all this lying in bed.

Wake at half past 5:00, I do,

same as I've done all me life.

Want me to give you a hand with those?

No, thank you, sir, I can manage.

There's just one thing, sir...

don't hang about with them papers, Starr.

If Merriman's late with the breakfast trays again,

I'll chuck him down the stairs and you with him.

Yes, madam. Er...

good morning. Sorry I can't stop.

Some of us got work to do.

Another thing, Tom, old boy,

if you don't mind my mentioning it...

don't forget to eat your pudding with a fork.

I noticed you used a spoon yesterday.

You can get it up better with a spoon.

Yes, I daresay,

but it's not quite the thing.

EDDIE: And don't forget...

your father is a vicar in Bristol.

Bristol.

I've never met anyone

who actually lives in Bristol,

so that's all right.

And the clergy are always hard up,

so that explains why you never went

to a decent school,

and why you talk the way you do.

And a rich uncle died in Italy,

leaving you all his money.

Clever, that. Not bad.

Miss Prentice is bound to recognize me.

No, she won't.

People never look at servants' faces.

Anyway, she's only seen you once or twice,

and you'd have been wearing a cap.

Her grace the Duchess of Flint and Lady Victoria Mitcham.

Ah. Good morning, Mr. Sturgess.

Duchess.

Let's have a look at that dish before it goes up.

Oh, yeah, that's lovely.

Righto.

Ethel, you drain that celery properly?

Yes, Mrs. Trotter.

Mmmm. Yeah it's lovely.

Here we are.

I Wonder if the old bat will remember.

I hear that dreadful Mrs. Glyn

has written another book.

I think it should be against the law

for people in society to write books.

Her acquaintances must feel all the time

as if they have a spy in their midst.

MAJOR: Do you think her books give

an accurate picture of society, Duchess?

EDDIE: Passion on a tiger skin with a Balkan Princess.

Splendid. I had no idea.

DUCHESS: Really, Mr. Sturgess.

I was not referring to that dreadful novel "Three Weeks."

I am happy to say I haven't read it,

and I consider that you should not even mention it

in front of my daughter and Miss Prentice.

But I quite enjoyed "The Visits of Elizabeth."

It described exactly what I remember feeling

when I first came out.

My boots made too much noise when I came into the room,

and everybody seemed to be speaking a private language,

and to know things about each other which I did not.

That may be, Miss Prentice,

but you suffered in silence like the rest of us,

and did not write it down for everyone to read.

If we all gave away the secrets of society,

where should we be?

Have you been to Diaghilev, Mr. Prince?

I'm not very fond of the ballet.

I've more of a taste for opera, really.

I'd like to see that "Boris Godunov" thing.

I'm told Chaliapin is superb.

What's this?

Beef olives, your grace.

Beef olives and celery à l'espagnole?

Ah, yes. I remember having that at Lady Paget's,

and sending a message to Mrs. Trotter to say

how much I enjoyed it.

How very clever of her to remember.

This is really a delightful

luncheon party, Mr. Sturgess.

Isn't it, Victoria?

Oh, yes, mama.

Are you fond of reading, Mr. Prince?

Well, if I say so meself,

I don't think I've ever sent up a more perfect luncheon.

Everything was just right. Well done, Cockie.

MRS. COCHRANE: Thank you, madam.

Ethel, any of that Milan souffle left,

put it in the ice box. I'll have it for me dinner.

Yes, Mrs. Trotter.

They want another coffee, then.

Just going up, Mr. Merriman.

Well, Merriman, how's Mr. Prince getting on then?

Touch and go.

Oh, blimey.

DUCHESS: Have you known Mr. Prince long?

Oh, quite some time, Duchess.

But he has only just come into money.

Ah.

30,000 a year. Quite a tidy sum.

Yes, indeed.

Are you fond of London, Mr. Sturgess?

From the window of

a first-class carriage, Lady Victoria, yes.

Otherwise, I much prefer the country.

I agree. London is so dreadfully...

That is to say...

of course, London is so interesting...

the picture galleries, and...

Are you fond of paintings, Mr. Sturgess?

I've never actually been in a picture gallery,

except the Royal Academy,

but that doesn't count.

Oh, no, no, no, of course.

Poor Lady Victoria.

There is nothing worse than trying

to make polite conversation

under the critical eye of one's mama.

Still, I'll not be too proud

to follow her lead.

Are you fond of paintings, Mr. Prince?

Don't fancy the continent myself.

Rackety sort of place, for the most part.

Doesn't inspire one with confidence.

These foreign royalties

keep on getting themselves assassinated.

I don't suppose they do it on purpose.

Personally, I think they just want

to make themselves more important.

And I, uh, used to go to the picture galleries

in Florence, when I was...

When I was there.

Oh, yes,

that was when you were staying

with your uncle... or was it your aunt?

You've spotted me. I thought you had.

Did you think I wouldn't?

Eddie said that people never look at servants' faces.

Oh, did he?

Well, he was quite wrong,

especially if the servant is young

and good-looking.

Do you know I fell in love

with the second footman

when I was only 15?

Did you really?

Yes, really.

Did you hear that Louise Carstairs

shot a gamekeeper last week?

On purpose, or by accident?

Hardly by accident.

She shoots better than her husband.

The general opinion is

that she was aiming at her husband,

but the unfortunate man got in between.

Quite nonsense, of course. Just an unfortunate accident.

What was the idea of this masquerade?

Was it a joke?

It wasn't a joke to me.

It wasn't even my idea.

Well, you see,

I've come into this little bit of money, and...

you don't mean to tell me

you got half Eddie's expectations?

Good for Mrs. Covenden. It serves him right.

B-but I thought that...

What did you think?

Just because I let him take me to the theater

and out to dinner...

and because he does dance rather nicely...

it doesn't mean to say I approve of him.

Well, if we just went around with people

we approved of, think how dull life would be.

Well, so, you inherited this money?

Well, I just decided that I'd like to stay at the Bentinck

until I decided what to do with it. But...

Master Eddie, and the major and Mrs. Trotter —

Thought you should pretend to be what you were not.

Thank you for a charming luncheon, Mr. Sturgess.

Victoria?

Oh. Yes. Thank you so much, Mr. Sturgess.

You must bring Mr. Prince to call one day.

Thursday is my at-home day.

Oh, by the way, Mr. Prince,

we are giving a drama on Wednesday...

awful crush, these after-dinner gatherings,

but the young people seem to like them.

If you'd care to come?

Thank you, Duchess,

but I think you ought to know that...

that I-I'm not...

I am so sorry, Duchess,

but that is the evening Mr. Prince

has promised faithfully to take me to the opera.

Oh. Well,

some other time, perhaps.

Good-bye, Major.

Duchess.

Victoria.

Well done, old boy.

I think we did quite well.

Bung these in the post, would you, Starr?

- Right, madam. - Ta.

Oh, these are for you, madam.

All right. Ta.

Morning, Tom. Not quite so early this morning.

No. Up a bit late last night.

Music hall, and then on to the Cafe de Paris.

Hock and seltzer, is it?

No, not as bad as that. But could you do us a hamper?

A hamper?

We're thinking of driving out

to Newmarket this afternoon.

Who's we?

Me and Eddie and Miss Prentice,

and Lady Victoria.

Oh — she allowed out on her own?

Her grace must have taken to you.

All right, I'll see you get a nice little luncheon,

- plenty of bubbly. - Thanks.

Here, don't you go getting her tiddly.

Oh, Mr. Prince...

got your "Chauffeur's Gazette."

Oh, yes, sir. Thanks.

I hope we're doing the right thing.

Oh? Of course we are.

He's having the time of his life.

Most likely be engaged to Lady Victoria

before the year's out.

I'm afraid you lost a dreadful lot

of money, Mr. Prince.

Oh, that doesn't matter.

It was a good day out and that's what counts.

Oh, it was simply wonderful

to be out in the country again.

Victoria, may I ask you a question?

Oh, yes. Please do.

Why do you stay in London

when you detest it?

Well, I have to. I mean...

because your mother says so.

One should not submit to

the tyranny of mothers.

You know, you should go to her and say,

"Dear mama, I have given London a fair chance,

"And I shall never love London,

"And London will never love me.

Therefore, I am going back where I belong."

STARR: Your carriage is here, my lady.

Thank you.

Do you know, I really think I will.

What a lark.

In time for the best of the cup hunting, too.

Good-bye, and thank you.

Good-bye.

Good-bye.

If you ask me,

he's falling for Miss Prentice.

And I got half a mind she's falling for him, too.

I think it's quite romantic.

Don't know about romantic.

Costing him a pretty penny, I know that.

A fortune he spent,

just to get wild strawberries sent in

from the South of France.

MRS. COCHRANE: He never did.

Yeah.

Ethel, watch what you're doing

with that potato snow.

Don't break the flakes up...

just let them fall through the sieve lightly.

I only hope Mr. Prince has got a bit put back

for a rainy day.

Has he, Ethel?

I don't know. I've no idea.

It's up to him what he does with his money.

Oh...

Oh, Ethel, let me finish that.

Mr. Merriman, what have you done with that bit of money

Mrs. Covenden left you?

I put it away for me old age.

They were playing bridge for how much?

I thought you ought to know, ma'am.

LOUISA: Tom...

what's this about you playing

for £10 a point?

Well, why not?

Besides, if a gentleman suggests playing for a certain amount,

you can't very well start objecting to it.

And £100 side bets?

How did you...

I thought servants weren't supposed to tell tales.

Mine are. I train them special.

Now listen, Tom.

Lord Titus and Major Croft,

they treat money like confetti.

I don't know what Eddie's doing,

playing with them — be baccarat next.

Here, they haven't asked ye'...

Now listen, Tom,

I know I told you to enjoy your money.

You don't want to squander it all.

It's my money.

I can do what I like with it.

Yeah, I know, but...

Well don't worry! There's enough left to pay the bill!

Ohh. I'm glad to get the weight off me feet.

Let's have a drop of that tea.

Mrs. Trotter's had me going round

every single room with her.

This was wrong, and that was wrong.

I was glad to see the back of her.

She'll be back this evening. She's only gone to a wedding.

I expect that's why she was in such a mood.

She doesn't like weddings.

Here, do you think Tom and Miss Prentice

will get married?

Of course not. She wouldn't have him.

Anyway, I always thought her and Mr. Sturgess...

ah, but Tom's got the money now,

and Mr. Sturgess hasn't.

Money talks, Mary, you know.

MAN: I insist on seeing him!

Whatever's going on?

I've told you already, Mr. Sturgess is not in.

He's in, all right.

Now look here...

I'm staying here until he sees me,

so you may as well tell him that.

Now, are you going to tell him I'm here?

Because if not, I warn you...

You are disturbing the guests!

Now either you leave or...

I'M NOT leaving until I've seen Mr. Sturgess.

Do you want me to fetch the police?

Makes no difference to me. Fetch 'em.

Now then, sir,

I'm sure you don't want any unpleasantness.

Mr. Sturgess can't be disturbed at the moment,

but if you'd like to leave a message,

then I'm sure he will receive it.

All right.

You can give him a message.

Tell him Mr. Francis is going to put him

in the bankruptcy court,

and after that, he won't be able to get into a hotel like this.

He won't be able to get into any hotel

or club in London.

Just tell him that from me.

My God. He'll ruin me, that damned moneylender.

Tom, I'm done for.

It was very kind of you to come, Mr. Caper.

Not at all. I was passing, anyway.

The fact is, I wanted your advice.

What's it like, then?

Oh, beautiful.

It would not be about Mr. Prince, would it?

Oh, well... yes, it would, as a matter of fact.

You see, I feel a bit responsible in a way.

I wish you could persuade him to put

some of that money aside.

I don't want him to squander it all.

He won't listen to me.

I'm afraid it's too late.

Eh?

On my advice, he did allow me

to invest £10,000,

with a view to buying a business of some kind.

But this week, he instructed me

to realize the money,

and I understand a check was drawn

for that amount next day.

You had it mended for me.

How did you manage it?

I took it to Develaroy's on Bond Street.

It's been so beautifully repaired,

one would never have known

it had been mended at all...

And it hasn't. This isn't my fan.

Well, they couldn't mend it after all, so...

you bought me a new one.

I shouldn't accept it,

but I'm going to because you're so very kind,

and I'm so fond of you.

Tom, did you pay Eddie's debts?

How did you know?

Well, it wasn't hard to guess that somebody had.

One minute, he was going around with a face

as long as the serpentine,

and the next, he was merry as a grig.

He took me out to lunch at the Ritz

and ordered caviar.

Isn't that just like Eddie

to get himself into a mess,

allow you to help him out of it,

and then not even invite you to join us?

I really don't think

I'm going to be able to make anything of him.

You're going to try, then, are you?

You know, you criticize Eddie all the time,

which means that you talk about Eddie all the time,

which must mean that you think about him all the time.

Are you going to marry him?

Oh, I don't know.

I suppose so.

One does, you know.

We shan't have a penny,

but if I can persuade my father

to increase my allowance to 1,000 a year

and we get a horrid little flat in Ebury Street

and I make my clothes last a year or two,

we might just rub along.

1,000 a year?

Do you know how much I get as a chauffeur?

No.

£40 a year.

Tom, that money you gave Eddie,

it wasn't all you had, was it?

No, of course not.

It's a pity I didn't have 30,000 a year,

like the major said.

— And then you might have married me instead.

That's a beastly thing to say.

And anyway...

You never asked me.

Perhaps if I come back here,

I can have my old room back.

I don't care if the Shah of Persia's valet is in there...

he goes straight out the window.

It's there for you when you want it.

Thanks.

Thank you, madam.

What for? Wasting all your money?

It wasn't wasted.

You're a fool, you know that?

Eddie has to have money to waste.

I don't.

A lot of thanks you'll get for it.

Oh, well, off you go.

Good luck.

Thanks.

Tom!

Thanks, Tom. Thank you.

Well, Major, for once we don't seem

to have done too well, do we?

We?

Well, it was as much your idea as mine.

It was not. I always said it was a mistake.

Oh, well. Never mind.

Still, it only goes to show...

can't teach a new dog old tricks.

Surely you mean you can't teach...