All language subtitles for To Play the King.S01E02

Tell me it isn't true,
Daddy!

It had to be done. It's in the past.

It's over. You understand that?

Yes?

I think everyone's here now.

I've put Mrs. Harding in the
garden room. Is that all right?

Anywhere that's convenient.

I shall want to take her
mind in private later.

I rather thought you might.
Shall we go down?

- Who is she? What's she doing here?
- Her name is Sarah Harding.

I imagine she's just here
to help, as we all are.

Bringing her brains to
the aid of the party.

Has she got anything
on under that dress?

Oh, for God's sake.
I have no idea!

- You're here to talk about education.
- Introduce me.

She's here to work.

Who for? You, I suppose, you lucky sod.

- Our leader, actually.
- Oh.

- I'll let him know you're interested.
- Oh, Lord.

Mrs. Harding! I didn't expect
to see you here.

It's quite a heavyweight gathering.
Half the Cabinet, and their wives.

- Some of them are enormous, yes.
- Look at them all.

Press barons, spin doctors,
economists, professors.

I got 10 minutes' notice!

What's it all about?

He'll tell you, if he thinks
you need to know.

- You don't know, either.
- Excuse me.

- I've got everyone you asked for, FU.
- Good. All our people.

- What's it about?
- All in good time, Tim.

Thank you all forcoming here
this evening,

some at very short notice.

You will all by now have read or seen

His Majesty's speech
to the Charities Commission.

which was correctly interpreted
as a direct criticism

of this government and its policies.

I need hardly tell you how deeply
this has wounded me personally,

to such an extent that
I thought very seriously

about tendering my resignation.

But I decided that
to do so would be wrong.

We are His Majesty's government,
but we are more than that.

We are the elected government
of the British people

and our deepest responsibility
is to them.

I now believe that my
only honourable course

in the face of this opposition

is to call a general election.

Go again to the people and say,

''Here we stand. This
is what we have done.

''And this is where we are going."

"Will you continue to
give us your trust?''

Thank you. I feel greatly encouraged.

I will be taking soundings
throughout this evening,

beginning with the Inner Cabinet.

And I would like to emphasise
that everything you've heard

and everything you hear
at Chequers this weekend

is to be regarded
as absolutely confidential.

Thank you all very much.

It'll leak.
It's probably leaking already.

Half the people here are on a retainer
from one ghastly rag or another.

That fool Gropeham, for instance.
It's the only reason he was asked.

These days, a nice, controlled leak
is the best way to announce anything.

Did you enjoy my little speech?
My deep personal wound was a good touch.

I am extremely angry with His Majesty
and I intend to do him harm.

I feel exhilarated.

Prospect of a fight, of course,

with the odds unfairly
weighted in my favour.

Next to a small war,

there's nothing quite
like a general election

to stiffen the sinews
and summon up the blood.

Stamper wants to know
the batting order.

I'm sure he does.

All right, he can be first.
He'll sulk if he isn't.

Stamper, Stoker...
Heatherington, Chalcott.

No one else to pad up at present.

May I make a suggestion, Francis?

- Of course.
- It's about Stamper.

- Make him party chairman?
- He'll want more later.

Don't you feel his thuggish skills
are rather wasted in high office?

- Frightening people is Stamper's forte.
- Hardly the point.

He'll want more
and he'll think he deserves more.

He'll take what he's given.
Stamper is loyal and he knows his place.

I think he aspires to yours one day.

I think he sees himself
as your successor.

Yes, perhaps he does.

It's strange.
I can't imagine anyone taking my place.

Nobody could.

Party chairman?

- I was thinking Carling.
- A loose cannon. There's no comparison.

Only you can deliver me a landslide.

Thank you, FU. It's good to have
one's qualities appreciated.

I shall be honoured and delighted
to serve as party chairman.

What is it, Tim?
You know you're the right man.

I give you my word of honour.
It shan't go unrewarded.

Do this right and you
can have anything you want

that's in my power to give you.

Tell me what you want, Tim.

Whatever you think is right for me, FU.

And don't worry,
I'll sort this one out for you.

And we'll do it right.
We'll kick the living shit out of them.

Thank you, Tim.

There have been rumours of a rift
between Downing Street and the Palace,

following a speech by the
King which appeared to be

sharply critical of government policies.

An opinion poll for the ''Times'',
to be published in tomorrow's edition,

indicates a broad range of support...

Sir?

Was it you who leaked my speech

and Urquhart's censored
version to the press?

Yes, Sir.

After I expressly told you
I couldn't authorise it?

Yes.

Well, I thought you should know...

that I won't take any
disciplinary action.

The country had a right to know
how Urquhart was trying to muzzle me,

and I am very grateful,
but don't make a habit of it.

I don't intend to, Sir.

On the other hand, don't be
afraid to take the initiative

when you...if you were to...

should you sense very strongly that
that was what was needed, as it were.

I'm not sure exactly what you mean, Sir.

Um...

I thought we might follow up
with something wide-ranging.

Television?

- I think you should.
- Well, let's take some soundings.

- Is David still here?
- He went home early. A touch of flu.

Right, right. Thank you, Chloe.

I feel completely irresponsible.

I ought to go home
for some clean shirts.

Wear mine.

I keep remembering
things I should be doing.

And I don't bloody well care.

That suits you, you know.

- We're going again next week. Come.
- Where?

Japan. You'll love it.
I'm amazed you've never been.

Look, five-day stopover. I can get you
a cheapie ticket, upgrade you to first.

Champagne all the way.
I'll show you Japan.

Oh, I'd love to.

But... I think I've had
as much sudden life change

as I can cope with for the moment.

- You're not upset?
- No. Just a thought.

- There'll be plenty of other chances.
- Good.

I couldn't at the moment, anyway.
Too much going on at work.

Really?

- I thought you were a civil servant.
- Well, only in a sense.

I'm actually...press secretary
and chief of staff at Buckingham Palace.

- Bloody hell!
- Quite.

- Actually, I should be there now.
- Well...

I'm very flattered, David.

I love you.

Oi! Oi!
Come over 'ere! Come over 'ere, will ya?

- Do you want any business, mate?
- I'm sorry? What?

Oh, no! It's the Old Bill!

Who is it?

Sarah, I am so sorry
I've kept you waiting so long.

- I'm afraid it was unavoidable.
- Yes, I can understand that.

But I'm not really very happy.

I can't quite see why you
got me down here at all.

I don't see why you make

such a big point about how urgent
it is that I abandon my plans

when you knew
you wouldn't see me till midnight.

Sometimes I act on instinct, Sarah.

My instinct was that I might need

your talents immediately,
and I needed you available.

- What for?
- Your intelligence, your expertise.

And your political acumen. What else?

I have been given the distinct
impression this evening,

not least by your wife.

that my presence here
has more to do with my body!

- Oh? Really?
- Yes! Really.

I mean, why all this bogus secrecy?

Why do you have to see me in my bedroom?
Why not wherever you see everyone else?

Sometimes it's better
if people get the wrong impression,

see you not as a political rival,

but as something less threatening.

Perhaps it appeals to your vanity, too?

Yes, perhaps it does.

I do find you a very attractive woman.

I find your cast of mind
unusually attractive,

but I take very seriously
what you said about your marriage.

And I have more important things
in mind at the moment.

Now, how damaging would you say
this new poll in the ''Times'' is,

and what can we do to counter it?

Uh... Well, it's very encouraging
for the King.

But the questions were designed
to elicit sympathetic answers.

''Has he a right to express an opinion?
Is it time for a more caring Britain?''

Whereas, if you phrased it,

''Should the King be
allowed to intervene

''or interfere in party politics?''
you'd get a very different response.

Suppose we ask, ''Should we get
the country into economic shape

''before expensive public spending?''

There. We'd get a good result.
Anything to do with strong leadership.

Does Britain need strong leadership?
Is Francis Urquhart a strong leader?

I could deliver you a poll

that says Francis Urquhart
is the best man to lead us

and His Majesty should shut
up and mind his own business.

Nothing simpler.

Good. Very good. Set it up, will you?

We'll get it in one of the broadsheets.
Stamper's going to tackle a few editors.

We should have a choice.
No announcement of the election yet.

There will be rumours, of course.
Get them jumping this way and that.

The King's the unknown quantity.
I don't know what the man wants.

You'd think he'd be happy
to wave from the balcony

and keep his opinions quiet,

after all the nonsense
his family have got up to.

God knows what he's doing.

- Perhaps he's just a man of principle.
- I'm afraid you may be right.

But if he pursues the course
he's embarked on, he'll destroy himself.

Would you really bring down
the monarchy

if you could, if you had to?

Bring down the monarchy? No.

The idea is abhorrent to me.

But to force the abdication
of a particular king,

that has been done before.

If the country's good required it of me,
I wouldn't shrink from it.

I dare do all that may
become a man, Sarah.

How would you assess
my chances of success?

If I found it necessary
to take that course.

- Do you think I'd get away with it?
- You're seriously asking me?

I wouldn't be wasting your time or mine
if I weren't serious, Sarah.

I think you could get away with anything
if you put your mind to it.

Thank you, Sarah.

Certainly not! You quite misunderstand.
The brain is not a sexual organ.

This government is founded
on family values.

Besides...a prime minister
simply doesn't have the time.

All I said was, if he's so
remarkably incisive and bold,

and I'm not trying
to cast doubt on it,

it would just be a bit more illuminating

if you could remember one or two
of the things that impressed you!

- Why are you being like this?
- I'm not being like anything.

Since you don't find anything
else worth talking about,

I'm trying to take an interest.

I'm just trying to get
on the wavelength.

I'm sure it is all very interesting.

Tell me about it.
Give me the inside dirt.

I can't. You must see that.
It's all very, very confidential.

- I'm your husband!
- And anybody could be listening!

Right. Stella Rimington's over there

- Oh, don't be so stupid.
- I don't like being called stupid.

I'm sorry. Look, why don't we
just talk about something else?

What I find a bit irritating
is your assumption

of this insider-ish stance.

It's more than an assumption.
It's a parade.

I would be perfectly happy
to know nothing about your new job,

except you can't focus on anything
but your thrilling new secrets

that nobody is allowed
to know anything about!

- Andrew, that is so childish!
- Oh, God!

- Is she proving satisfactory?
- Yes. Full of bright ideas.

A little...arrogant. Very
insistent about the value

she puts on her marriage.

She would never do
anything to endanger it.

Very right and proper.

Rather rare these days.
Refreshing, really.

Yes.

On the other hand, she's interested
in learning everything I can teach her.

Talking of marriage,
good, bad and broken -

had you thought of paying a visit
to the House of Wounded Feelings?

Yes...

Of course, we hope to solve

these little differences
with the King, but good.

Good, Elizabeth.

Good morning.

The rival court.
Sloane Castle, as the tabloids call it.

If the world hears, where's the harm?

Such a shame, I always feel,
to take sides after a divorce.

How one's heart goes out to the child.

Such an important child, too,
in this particular case.

He needs to feel that somebody cares
about him. And so does his mother.

- Mr. Urquhart.
- Your Royal Highness.

So, how is FU?

I think he's a bit disappointed in you.

Really? Really? That's most unfair.
What's he got to be disappointed about?

As a matter of fact,
I'm a little disappointed myself.

We've given you stronger support
than any other quality newspaper.

l, personally, have given my all.

I'll tell you it's been hell
keeping those bloody bishops at bay.

And then to see that
devious little squirt

Dickie Duckham shaking his K about!

''Sir Richard wonders
whether you'd care"

"to join him for a glass of port?''

It's galling, Tim. It's very galling.

Afternoon, Tim. Afternoon, Bryan.

- Afternoon, Sir Bruce.
- Hello, Bullerby.

There's another case in point. Vile man.

The pit bull's bitten quite a few legs
in the cause, Bryan.

So you think you deserve
a knighthood, too, do you?

Yes, I damn well do, if they're being
handed out to Duckham and Bullerby!

I feel rather let down.

FU feels rather let down, Bryan.

FU would like to see
a much stronger line

on royal interference.

FU tends to feel you should
stop pissing about

and get behind the government.

Yes, well, you have to understand
it's a very delicate business.

One doesn't like to
mount blatant attacks

on the monarchy in the
principal organ of record.

I'm not asking for blatant attacks.

Just strong, unequivocal
support for this administration.

Nothing too delicate about that.

If you will forgive my being frank,

I'll tell you what IS
a delicate business -

getting a knighthood
for a convicted flasher.

Now that IS a delicate business.

How did you know about that?!
Now, look. Look...

That was a stupid mistake.
It was 15 years ago!

Nobody remembers it now.

Have to contradict you there, Bryan.

I remember it vividly.
It sticks in one's memory.

Bryan Brynford-Jones had to be
dragged off the Inverness sleeper

for waving his willy at a woman
on the platform.

Innocent you may have been,
but you pleaded guilty.

My lawyers told me to!
My word against hers!

I could have fought the case
for a year

and every paper would've
given me a Melloring!

As it was, I...just got
a couple of inches in a local rag.

Just a couple of inches, eh? Well, well.

The Stirling Evening Advertiser.

That's where I read about
it. Don't worry, Bryan.

I snap up unconsidered trifles,
but I'm very discreet.

At least, I can be. I'd hate to think
what Dickie Duckham would do with it.

Or the pit bull, indeed.

Yes, well, um...

I take your point entirely, Tim.

I can promise you
our full co-operation.

Thank you, Bryan.

And I think we might be able to surmount
our difficulties over the elusive K.

Oh, you're very good, Tim.

Life does sometimes seem
remarkably like crawling

through a tunnel of excrement.

Don't you find?

Yes.

One trusts it's all in a good cause.

How could it be otherwise?

Beef Wellington. Takes you back.

- I think I'll have it.
- Me, too.

Thanks for coming at such short notice.

His Majesty's asked me
to stress a couple of things.

Firstly, this is an informal,

but completely
confidential, conversation.

Secondly, despite appearances,

it shouldn't be in any way construed
as a political gathering.

Well, naturally. Perish the thought.

What I felt, you see, was that...

that, as individuals,
Mr. Stroud is leader of the Opposition,

Baroness Craske is a liberal peer,

you two are known
for independent views,

but if I may be frank with you,

I am absolutely exhausted

and dispirited by the
narrowness, the pettiness,

the sheer lack of humanity and decency
in what passes for political debate.

If we could, metaphorically,
take off our official hats,

we'd be able to explore
areas of common ground

in which we might sow
the seeds of hope

for some sort of renewed life.

Do you see?

Could I say, Sir, that whilst
I feel there is a great deal

of common ground here

and I am most encouraged
by your initiative,

with the best will in the world,

I don't see how any
seeds of hope will flower

as long as the present government
remains in power.

- Oh, come on!
- I have to be honest.

My policy has to be
to oppose Urquhart and defeat him.

That said, I'm happy to talk about
the meaning of life with anyone.

That's exactly the sort of attitude
I wanted to get away from, man.

We're divided, polarised.

Surely exploring the meaning
of life should be central,

not relegated to a leisure activity,

after the real business
of the world is over.

But yes, of course,
I invited you all to dinner.

Do order anything you like.

Don't let me put you off. After passing
these wretched people in the streets,

I have very little appetite this
evening, so just a little soup

and some bread for me, please.

And some water.

Thank you, Your Majesty.

Excellent idea, Sir.
I think I'll do that, too.

Simple and good.

Yes, I'll just have the soup as well.
Please.

- Ah, yes. The soup, please.
- And anything else, sir?

No, no, just the soup.

I'll have the soup.

- Just the soup.
- The soup.

- The soup.
- Soup.

Soup. Fine.

- Get down!
- It's a car bomb! Parliament Square!

- I might have that drink after all.
- Bloody good idea.

Don't worry. No one we know.

Come in.

- Are you all right, sir?
- Yes, of course.

- Corder? The usual thing, I take it?
- All the familiar hallmarks. Bastards.

Absolutely.
But quite convenient timing for us.

You have someone in mind?

There's a group we've
been watching, yes.

- And they're guilty?
- Well, they qualify.

It's what they're in London for.

Excellent, Corder.

Let's give their mothers
something to cy about, shall we?

Right. Fine.

- Yes?
- Francis?

- Sarah!
- Sorry, is this all right?

- Yes, of course.
- Are you all right? I was worried.

Not a scratch. I'm fine.
But thank you for your concern.

Well, good night, then.

- Come round.
- Now?

- What for?
- Because I want to see you.

- Why? Are you exceptionally busy?
- No...

I'll send a car round.

- I've got to go out, Andrew.
- OK.

Sorry. It's work, you know.

Yes, fine.

There he is!

A few words, please! Mr. Stamper!

Francis! I got here as soon as I could.

Good of you, Tim, but there was no need.
Everything's fine.

You go on, off to the hospital.

We need to talk, FU.

Brynford-Jones went belly up.
No problem.

He was hinting about a knighthood,
but he's good.

And Bruce Bullerby is very
chuffed with the fat princess.

No problem there, either.

Excellent. Thank you, Tim.

Em...

Everyone's heard the election rumour,
but nobody knows when it's going to be.

- Or even if, for certain.
- Fine.

When I say nobody, I include myself.

I have to know!
I am the bloody party chairman, Francis!

Trust me, Tim. It's better this way.
One or two things to sort out first.

- What things?!
- Trust me, as I trust you.

We'll speak soon.

Thank you.

It's a terrible mistake

to think Socialism's
incompatible with the good life.

Absolutely. The good things in life
belong to everyone. That's my view.

Our lot never had doctrinal problems
of that sort, I'm glad to say.

Excuse me, Chloe. Four serious injuries,
Sir. All comfortable.

They're extremely chuffed
that you're visiting.

They'll expect us in 20 minutes.

- There'll be a lot of press there.
- Perhaps I might come along as well.

Of course, Mr. Stroud.

Separate car from a different direction.

Yes, I understand,
but if I could just say this.

I think we've found
a remarkable consensus here tonight,

but from here on in it's hard politics.

If you want to make an omelette,
you have to break an egg.

- We've got to get real.
- I agree.

One thing we might get real about

is that your party can't
win an election on its own,

and change will depend
on some kind of realignment or alliance,

which will persuade Urquhart

of the folly of his ways
or force his resignation.

But something like that takes years.
Certainly not before the election.

- Whenever that is.
- Unless you believe in miracles.

Or dirty tricks, which have been
used against us often enough,

but I assume no one here
would be prepared to use those.

- Even if we could.
- Why do you all take such a passive...

and, yes, I must say this,
defeatist line?

Can't you see that

if our will is strong enough,
the means will present itself?

Tell me it isn't true. Tell me.

Mattie, Mattie...
You trust me, don't you?

Did you... Did you kill Roger O'Neill?

Ireland is to do with honour,
Sarah, not profit.

I'll never give an inch there.

You're a real dinosaur.
You don't belong on the New Right.

I have an instinct for
what the British people

are prepared to stomach, Sarah.

The forces that drive me
come from centuries of history.

This used to be a proud nation.

It's becoming so again.

I'm giving us back our pride, Sarah.

Yes, of course, it's a painful process,
but it's worth it.

And I fiddle the polls to
help you make it happen?

How do you reconcile that?

I don't have to. I do whatever it takes.

Thank you. Your car's waiting.

Under the show, the struggle for power.

Deep down below it all,
deeper than honour, deeper than pride,

deeper than lust and deeper than love...

is the getting of it all.

The seizing and the holding on.

The jaws locked,

biting into power and hanging on.

Biting and hanging on.

I have to get some money.

Armed police!

Yes? Corder!

Good.

Yes. All three of them?
Excellent, Corder.

Oh, come now. They were terrorists.
I thought you liked strong leadership.

Mr. John Stroud.

Will the Prime Minister confirm or deny

that the three citizens
of the Irish Republic shot dead

at the Thamesmead Shopping Centre

were executed by members
of the armed services

on a shoot-to-kill policy

personally authorised
by the Prime Minister himself?

Order!

The Right Honourable gentleman

will hardly expect me
to comment on a case

which is not only sub judice
but subject to the Official Secrets Act.

I am surprised that the Right Honourable
gentleman should be so naive.

Order! No! Order! Mr. John Staines.

Would the Prime Minister
agree with me

that it's a matter for
congratulation, not censure,

if three IRA murderers are stopped,

instead of being allowed
to carry out their outrages?

And will the Prime Minister
agree with me

that it's time we thought about
the victims of the bombers,

instead of whingeing
about the infringements

of the rights of bloody murderers?

I...I thank my Honourable friend.

I think in the circumstances

all I can reply is that he
may very well think that,

but I couldn't possibly comment.

Beautiful morning.

I understand Sir Bruce is going hunting
with the fat princess today.

Are we keeping an eye on that?

Help!

Ah! Aaah!

Aaaah!

Come on, Brucie! What's the matter?

- Thought you said you were a goer!
- Steady...oh!

- Bloody dreadful little man.
- I know, but dosh is dosh, Quillers.

- oh!
- Go on, Brucie! Bloody marvellous!

- Is it a train or is it a bird?
- That's most unkind!

Wow! That's really amazing.

God! I'm absolutely shaggers!

I'm wrecked, stonkered!
Amazing day, though.

- Absolutely.
- Bullerby, get that down your neck.

- Thanks.
- Anyone see the hunt saboteurs?

Don't think so, no.
All a bit of a blur, really, for me.

I had a brief exchange
with one of them.

She called me a filthy blood junkie.

- Rather pithy, I thought.
- What was your reply, Quilly?

I was rather lost for words.

Sort of hit her with
my whip, I'm afraid.

- She'll wear a crash helmet next time!
- Well, I'm going to hit my bath.

- You can come and talk to me, Bully.
- Mm? Oh! Oh, right.

I'll, um...

I'll see you in a minute, then.

- She's game, though, Charlie!
- You shut your disgusting mouth, Pink.

The man's ghosting her memoirs
for posterity and a 100.000 retainer.

Really?
I wonder if he'd like to do mine.

Nobody's done yours since prep school!

Oh, wow.

Come on in.

Come on. Don't be shy.

Come on.

You can do my back for me, if you like.

Oh...

Right.

Mmm...

Come on, Brucie. Bit of elbow grease.

Mm.

Oh, wow. That's amazing.

- You're magnificent.
- Little Brucie!

I used to think
you were absolutely horrible.

A total sleazebag.

But you're all right really, aren't you?

Shall we have oats?

Mmm.

Oh, wow!

- Are you going down to the country?
- I thought I would, yes.

You won't mind if I don't
join you till tomorrow?

Things to do.

I thought there might be.
Don't work too hard.

- Yes?
- Tim Stamper here.

Could we meet? To discuss things.

Sorry, I'm rather tied up,
unless it's desperately urgent.

- Well...
- Good.

It's sensible to have
clearly defined parameters.

Sarah's giving me good input
on political initiatives

and handling public opinion.

That leaves you free
for all that bullying

and kicking the hell out of people.

That's not all I'm good for, Francis.

No. It's simply horses for courses.

I need to know how long we've got
till polling day.

Very soon. Just need one or two things
to fall into place. You understand.

- Oh, absolutely. Mm. Enough said.
- Good man!

You owe me, Francis.

And you set your whore up over me.

- Spare us some change?
- I haven't got any.

Oh, come on. Don't be like that.

Just a bit of loose change, that's all.

- You must be loaded!
- Of course she's loaded. She's the one.

- Come on, girlie!
- Help! Help!

- Let's have a look at you.
- Hold still!

- Is that her?
- Sarah Harding. That's the one.

Listen, girlie. Ask
him about Mattie Storin.

Please let me go.

You're not listening!

Listen, girlie.

Ask him about Mattie Storin.

- Ask who?
- You know who.

Let her go, Jim.

Ken?

Look, I'm not sure I can hack this.

Don't worry.
They're a nice crowd here.

Got to get out sometime.

Stay there. I'll get them in.

- Staines.
- Well, bugger me!

David Mycroft, isn't it?
Dean, meet David.

Well, I never knew. Don't panic, David.

We're all friends here.
Going to a party later on.

Do you wanna come?

Oh, on second thoughts, not your thing.
All right, Ken?

See you then, David.

Don't worry. Your secret's safe with me.

- I'm all right, really. I'm fine.
- Drink this. You've had a shock.

Yes. Yes, I have.
I don't frighten very easily.

I didn't really panic then, quite.

It was just rather horrible.

She threw my bag away,
didn't take my money.

I thought.
''They're going to kill me.''

Steady.

I'm sorry. This isn't me.
I'm not like this.

You were very brave, Sarah.
And you're safe now. Drink.

Yes. Thank you.

- Better now.
- Someone wanted to frighten you.

Someone who wants to make you
frightened of me.

- You're not frightened of me, are you?
- No, not at all.

They asked you about Mattie Storin.

They told me to ask you
about Mattie Storin. Who is she?

I'm sure I've heard that name before.
Or read it somewhere.

She's dead, Sarah. Mattie Storin's dead.

If it's difficult, of course,

you don't have to tell
me. Why should you?

I want to tell you.

Mattie was a brilliant young journalist.

Brilliant, but unstable.

I met her first several years ago
when she came to interview me.

She had great gifts.

She wasn't in your class
intellectually, but she was sharp.

Very quick to learn. I liked her
very much, right from the start.

She was having difficulties
in her career.

Mediocre middle-aged men,
jealous of a talented young woman,

determined to block her progress,
and I was able to help in small ways.

Nothing very much.

She had the talent to make her
own way, but she was grateful.

And I was happy to be of help to her.

Gradually, I found I was looking forward
more and more to our meetings.

There was...an edge to them.

An intensity.

That related to the instability that was
Later to become so painfully apparent.

Her father had died
when she was a child.

I have no children.

Daddy...

I always...

yearned to be a father of daughters.

I want to call you Daddy.

No doubt that was an element
that played its part.

Daddy...

She told me that she had
fallen in love with me.

And I found I was totally incapable
of resisting her.

I had thought my feelings for her
were entirely platonic.

She showed me they were not.

She showed me they were quite otherwise.

She spoke to a...

to a need in me
I didn't even know was there.

Can you understand that at all?

Oh, yes.

Do you know, it's strange.

I've never told another
living soul about this.

What happened? How did she die?

She killed herself.

And I still feel guilty.

I knew our affair was wrong,

that it would damage
her in the long run,

and I determined I had to end it.

I tried to break it to her gently,
but she seemed to fall apart.

She seemed to want to destroy herself
or me or both of us.

She jumped from the roof garden
of the House of Commons.

She'd followed me up there.

She wanted me to see.

She said, ''Look at me.

''Look what you made me do.''

- And she jumped!
- Daddy!

I couldn't get near her.

I couldn't stop her, Sarah.

I think you have to stop
blaming yourself.

I think you did everything you could.

But...how could I not feel guilt?

What she did was the act of an hysteric.

I'm sorry if that sounds brutal,
but she wanted to damage you.

And she did it in the only way
she could think of.

I feel very sorry for her,
but that's the way it is, isn't it?

Perhaps you're right.
I wish I could think so.

- It won't be that way with me.
- What?

It won't be that way with me.

I'm not unstable or hysterical
or self-destructive.

We'll come together as equals.

We'll enjoy each other
and we'll part good friends.

That is what you want, isn't it?

I hadn't allowed myself
to think about it

after what you said.

This has nothing to do with my marriage.
You won't need to worry.

I can handle my marriage.
I'm sure you can handle yours.

I am here to learn everything
you have to teach me, after all.

Don't worry, Francis. It'll be fine.

Through here?

Women are strange feeders.

And now I have put myself
into her hands,

as you might think.

But I believe she's safe.

She is, after all,
a happily married woman.

And she has, after all,
signed the Official Secrets' Act.

I think I'm ready
for a bit of mischief now.

I think it's time
I put myself about a bit.