Original subtitles

Oh dear. Its all so...

Its from the palace Lady Edith.

Shall I take it to Lady Slane?

She's alone with father.

Then perhaps his lordship...

Herbert? That's all right Parker. I'll take it.

[music plays]

...from the king and queen. Herbert: I have been expecting that.

You can hardly squeeze through the hall for flowers. It's just like a wedding.

I mean...

Are those dreadful journalists still blocking the entrance?

I believe so. I wonder if they'd like some tea.

Let me see their Majesty's message, Edith.

But Herbert, it's addressed to mother.

I'm sure its intended for us all.

I do think she ought to see it first.

I'll run it up to her. Perhaps I had better.

I don't mind really.

Isn't Mother wonderful? She's so calm, so controlled.

She always has been. Of course there is always the chance

that your mother will give way to grief later.

Perhaps I'd better go up. Dear Deborah is so young.

Be quiet Mabel. Do sit down.

There's so much to decide and delays are costly.

Mother will depend on us. She's a wonderful woman but decisions have always been made for her.

Father never gave her the chance. Really, Kay. Nobody can replace father.

When you say depend, Carrie, do you mean financially?

My dear William, with father scarcely cold!

Our concern is naturally for your mother's welfare Herbert.

First things first. There are the funeral arrangements to be made.

Whether mother wants the Abbey or father's old parish church in Huddersfield.

Personally I prefer Huddersfield.

You wouldn't be seen dead in Huddersfield.

I didn't mean...

If you would be good enough to give me their Majesty's letter Edith.

[Music playing]

He gave instructions that when he came to die, the house should not be dark.

Ah, Mother. How are you feeling?

Deborah is not tiring you? Of course not, Dear.

I'm very glad of her company. This message has just come from the palace.

Would you like me to read it to you? Thank you Dear, but I can still read for myself.

Well Mother, what does it say?

The usual sort of things.

The usual?

Of course when you're feeling more yourself...

I'm not an invalid. Perhaps you'd ring the bell before you go down

Certainly, certainly.

You rest and we shall wait until you are ready to make decisions. There's no hurry,

no hurry at all. Deborah can stay with you.

IF she would like to.

You know I would Great Grandmother.

I'll leave you for a bit then.

Perhaps a little later we could discuss the ah... arrangements.

Only if you feel up to it of course.

Of course thank you dear.

[Speaks French]

M'lady rang? Yes, Genoux. Would you bring us some tea?

I think the kitchen will be very busy with everybody downstairs.

Yes M'lady

it will be good to leave the folk and M' Lord for a while.

He will not want for you to fatigue yourself.

No, he never wanted me to be fatigued.

Few of our statesmen so distinguished themselves as our Viceroy in India

and as Prime Minister he overcame the difficulties

that beset the nation with characteristic good sense.

His advice, his judgment, his humor and his force manship will be sorely missed and we join

with you in mourning the passing of an old and valued friend to us and to the country.

How nice of them! Nice, Edith?

Mother didn't seem very impressed

You know, she never shows much emotion. She's coping wonderfully!

It's a generous tribute. I only wish they'd been more generous when father was alive.

They did make him in an Earl and a Knight of the Garter, you know.

What William means Kay is if the State had shown its gratitude to your father in more tangible terms...

How old are you Lavinia? Oh! I'm so sorry. Did I interrupt?

I was just trying to work out what the total of all our ages must be.

We Holland's alone from Herbert down to Kay must add up to over 300.

And when you think that Mother is 85... Herbert: That'll do Edith.You may be interested to know

William, that father discussed the whole matter of income with me. Indeed I may

say he took me entirely into his confidence. Really? Since Mother and I managed most of

his affairs and Edith wrote all his letters. as you know father was not a rich man...

and most of his income dies with him of course. Quite.

leaving mother with an income of five hundred a year.

Net or gross?

Net.

One can manage on five hundred.

I suppose since you were in his confidence Herbert

father didn't happen to mention the jewels did he?

He did. and Herbert?

He has seen fit to leave them unconditionally to mother.

In that case, Mother or surely want to sell them.

And quite right too. Why should she keep a lot of useless

jewels lying in the bank?

No, properly handled they should fetch

several thousand pounds wouldn't you say? Isn't it rather early to talk about...

Be quiet, Mabel this is a family matter.

More important than the jewels or the income is where Mother is to live.

Clearly she cannot be left alone. Oh certainly not. What would people think of us?

In any case she could not afford to keep this house on five hundred a year.

It must be sold but where is she to go?

As the eldest I feel it is my duty

to ask mother to make her home with us.

That's all very well Herbert and wonderful as mother is -

You keep saying that as if you expect her to rant and rave and froth at the mouth.

Don't be silly Kay. Mother has never had much grasp of the world as it really is.

She's not one of those clever women, thank God.

Mother has always allowed others to make decisions for her

and now that father has gone...

I suppose since I have always lived at home that I should really bear the brunt.

Brunt, Edith? I'm sure we shall all regard it as a privilege to look after Mother.

Brunt is an entirely unsuitable expression.

Oh dear when you say it like that Carrie, I 'm not even sure what it means.

If Edith is good enough to offer. - We should all bear our share.

Not much room in my little place you know

and since Edith isn't married - and nor are you Kay.

not that that has anything to do with the matter. You can always get rid of some of

your collection can't you? My astrolabes?!

I don't mind really I don't!

I had hoped one day to move into a little place of my own.

None of us would wish to take advantage of your unselfishness dear Edith.

I'm sure I speak for all of us when I say that it would make the most sense

if mother were to stay with each of us in turn.

Right, quite right.

Of course despite our limited income

Lavinia and I would always be happy to welcome Mother

but at the same time

I think it's fair to come to some financial arrangement.

What on earth do you mean?

I was thinking of Mother. Of saving her any embarrassment

a couple of pounds perhaps.

Or guineas... Isn't it rather delicate to talk about it.

Quite right Mabel.

I don't think any discussion of this unpleasant circumstance until after the funeral.

If we devote the energy we are currently wasting on trifles to deciding the

immediate question such as where father is to be buried, who is to be invited and

when it shall be... where are you going, Kay?!

I... I have an engagement...

An engagement?!

When father lies dead and Mother has only us to rely on.

Well of course if you think I ought to... Oh, let him go.

Right

right

Sorry you're going, Kay.

I think I should go get some dinner. Cook'll have enough to do.

but I'll come back later if you think I should.

No, Kay. of course not.

Thank you, Parker.

Good night, sir.

Good. I mean -

they'll settle everything won't they? with or without me.

I shall miss you, that's all.

Where are you going? Only to the club

dinner with old Fitz.

you go home and change. I'll look after Mother.

[Music plays]

There was a time when I longed to be a boy because boys could go where they

were encouraged to go where they liked to have adventures. Whereas girls...

all we were fit for was marriage.

No I'm not going to think about that.

No I'm going to save that luxury for... for later.

Would you like to talk about him?

What, Dear?

I don't see why just because he's dead we should stop ourselves mentioning great-grandfather do you?

Oh no. no no.

The most courteous person I ever met. Lady Slane:Yes he was, and a truly civilized... no even

rarer, a truly adult mind

and absolutely charming irresistible. Yes.

Do you know someone once told me that he hindered himself as a politician by always seeing

both sides of a case. His officials would set out the advantages of two opposing

policies and he would write yes at the bottom.

He could get to the heart of an argument quicker than anyone.

Did he listen to you?

How do you mean dear?

I mean actually listen to what you had to say.

He was a wonderful listener.

[Door knock]

Are we disturbing you, Mother? No dear of course not.

We've been having a most interesting conversation. Good good

now do you feel up to making a

decision about something which cannot, I fear, be put off much longer.

And what is that dear? Perhaps you and I had better discuss it alone mother

Mabel would you take Deborah

The car is waiting to take us home dear if you'd like to come down with me.

Sad that your parents cannot make it back in time for the funeral but there we are.

One never knows. Goodbye great grandmother

And thank you for keeping me company, Deborah.

Is there anything you'd like? Something to eat or drink?

Thank you, Mabel. You leave me in good hands.

Now Mother

as to where Father should be buried

of course, the decision is entirely yours. Yes. dear

You're absolutely free to choose between Huddersfield who said how honored they'd be

or the Abbey or to settle him somewhere else.

And what is your opinion dear? Well, of course, Mother...

Huddersfield has much to commend it

but I am bound to say that since Father's ties with it have been broken for so long...

Of course

So what do you think?

What do you think, Dear?

No Mother, I think on this occasion the decision must be yours.

Very well

the Abbey you say?

Of course it would be a great honour

the crowning honour of father's life in a manner of speaking.

I think the Abbey would be very nice Dear.

Are you quite sure? Quite.

Very well.

I'll make the necessary arrangements.

Shall we say the end of the week?

That would be quite all right as far as I'm concerned Herbert.

Now you have nothing more to concern yourself about at least until afterwards. One thing at a time. Eh?

Isn't that what father used to say?

No, Dear. But never mind.

Evening FitzGeorge

You're late Holland. Two minutes.

Dear me So I am

Well we better go straight in then, hadn't we? mmm...

I uh -

[music]

Do you really think she wants to be treated like a precious vase?

What do you mean?

You know, as if you were so fragile the least sudden noise would shatter her.

She isn't like that. Even father never treated her like that. How he'd laugh.

Oh I don't mean you Carrie, but some of the others. I mean William

and Lavinia... wanting mother as a sort of paying guest.

Really. Those two think of nothing but saving money. I'm quite surprised they haven't

collected the fallen fruit from the garden to make into jam.

Genoux wouldn't let them I'm sure of that. I don't know what to do about Genoux.

But she's been with Mother all her life! Yes but if Mother lives with each of us in turn

Genoux won't be needed. Don't accuse me Edith.

We shall have to give the matter some serious thought.

Do you think I shall be think I shall be able to get a little flat on my own?

With my own latchkey. Where I can sit in my own sitting-room and read books by the fire.

I find there's far too much to do for self-indulgence, but if that's the way

you choose to spend your time...

Oh I shan't waste my time Carrie but after

all these years of answering father's letters and adding up the household

accounts, taking father for a walk and accompanying mother when she opens a new ward.

She won't want to give up all her charitable works but I shall assist her.

She enjoys our outings. But of course I shall do my share.

Do you have to go?

Well, I have a home of my own to attend to.

You're not afraid of being left in the house surely.

With a dead father and a live mother. No... but it is rather strange.

I'll return first thing in the morning.

For more wrangling?

I'm not aware of having wrangled with anybody.

No no I didn't mean wrangling but it's just as if we were

all dogs fighting over Mother like a very old bone.

Edith...

I know her better than anyone else I know that. Oh, well.

I shall go and see to Mother.

I've just thought!

I'll be able to have a canary won't I?

Might be worth 50 guineas

if what you claim is true. Claim?! What d'you mean, claim?

I've forgotten more about porcelain than you will ever learn and I have said it is sacred.

With all respect old man, I think it's fake. You can tell by the pattern.

Have you ever known me wrong Holland?

Who was it who found a Donatello in a basement in the Tottenham Court Road?

Nobody admires your collection more than I do FitzGeorge,

but we can all be wrong sometimes.

Why don't you stick to those astrolabes of yours?

Though why a man who doesn't like the sea and can't stand heights

should waste his time collecting navigational instruments defeats me!

Coffee?

All right.

Have a brandy

Brandy? No I didn't think so. FITZ: Nonsense.

You're tired, a bit droopy.

Not quite a spruce as usual.

brandy is what you need so don't make a fuss!

Now look here Holland. I...

what I wanted to say was, umm...

PORTER: Taxi Mister Holland, sir?

Taxi? What he want to waste his money on a taxi?

Nothing wrong with his legs, is there?

It's all right James, I'll walk since it's such a fine evening.

well FitzGeorge

Sorry to hear about your father Holland.

Yes, thank you.

most kind

Perhaps some day you take me to call on Lady Slane, hmm?

Yes, yes of course.

If you care to. I would.

Well, good night, FitzGeorge.

Good night to you.

Good night.

[music]

I think that all went as your father would have wished, don't you?

Wasn't it funny to see the Prime Minister and the leader of the Opposition being so pally over the coffin.

Very good of the royal princes I thought, and the Duke of Gloucester.

Very. I'm sure that you'd all like something to drink.

At once m'lady.

If you will excuse me I think I'll go upstairs.

You've been an inspiration to us all Mother.

We all admire your strength and courage these last few painful days.

The way you decided what needed to be done.

But you've done all that for me haven't you my dears?

Genoux has had all your father's shirts laundered, but I don't know what

you'd like me to do with these other things. It seems a pity to give them to Parker,

especially as they won't fit.

Must we concern ourselves with that now mother?

Mr. William and Mrs. Holland, m'lady.

We'll ring for tea later. Thank you, Parker. Very good, m'lady.

Mother dear

we have had some discussions we are all concerned for your future.

But you've decided that for me Herbert haven't you?

Well... decided it for you mother dear

decided is hardly the word. We have talked over a little scheme which we

wanted to put to you.

We realize of course that you would not wish to be

parted from your many interests and occupations and -

Wait a minute, dear.

What was that about my interests and occupations?

Come now, Mother Herbert means your committees.

Your Battersea club for poor women, your Unfortunate Sister's organization.

Oh yes

Well they could scarcely manage without you. After all you founded many of them

and have been the life of so many others.

As one whose frequently attended meetings with you I know how reluctant you would be to abandon them.

Besides, you would surely be bored with nothing to do.

You were so active and energetic.

What must be realized is that y our income will

scarcely suffice to maintain a house of the size you have been used to.

What we therefore propose is that if you were to put this house on the market and then

divide your time between us all -

That's very thoughtful of you Herbert

if you would be so kind as to put the house in the hands of the agents.

I knew you'd agree mother dear but you mustn't feel hurried.

No doubt it'll take a little time before a buyer is found.

Mabel and I will expect you whenever you find it convenient.

But wait Dear. You go a little fast. I don't agree

You don't agree Mother dear?

No I'm not going to live with you Carrie. nor with you Herbert, nor with any of you, kind

as you are. I'm going to live by myself.

Impossible! What will people say?

And where do you propose to live?

Hampstead.

Hampstead?

Not exactly a fashionable area. Hardly the place for -

Good antique shops.

Think of the travel expense! It's quite out of the way dear Lady Slane.

Really! We're talking as if the whole thing were settled.

Mother can't possibly come to a decision without - I know the very house

but mother dear you haven't been to Hampstead

30 years ago I saw it then. Genoux could manage it single-handed with

the help of a char and such a dear little garden with peach trees.

Perfect!

It was to let when I saw it, but of course your father wouldn't have liked that.

I even remembered the name of the agent. what was it?

A funny name Carrie perhaps that's why I remembered it.

Bucktrout! Gervaise Bucktrout.

It seemed to go so well with the house

I think it sounds too delicious! Peaches and Bucktrout.

Thank You Mabel

Of course mother dear, the decision is entirely yours. If you have made up your

mind to this eccentric scheme, then there is nothing more to be said. But...

don't you think it'll look a little odd in the eyes of the world that you should choose

a solitary retirement in Hampstead rather than living with your devoted children?

I don't think so. A great many old ladies live in retirement in Hampstead.

Besides I have considered the eyes of the world so long

that I think I deserve a little holiday from them.

After all, when can one please oneself if not in old age?

well!

Hampstead may be far off and somewhat inconvenient, but if you insist on

carrying out this notion of yours

at least we shall see to it that you're never lonely.

Quite right. and if we ourselves cannot come there's always the grandchildren

and the great-grandchildren.

Between us all you should have at least one daily visitor. I shall make sure of it.

I'm afraid Carrie dear that that is another matter about

which I have made up my mind. what is?

I'm going to wallow in old age and be completely self-indulgent.

In what way dear lady Slane?

No grandchildren, they're too young

Not one of them have reached 45 and no great-grandchildren, that would be worse.

I want no strenuous young people who are not content just to do a thing but they

have to know why they do it.

Well who'd have thought it!

Before I forget - ring the bell Herbert.

I've taken all the jewels out of the bank.

You and Mabel had better have them.

I wanted to give them to Mabel years ago

but your father said I must be able to deck myself out for Grand occasions.

[speaks French]

But of course I have them m'lady.

Does m'lady think I would not guard her trousseau?

Shall I fetch them? If you would, Genoux.

Ooh yes but m'lady remembers that the rings be a special made on a possible

Have no fears Genoux. I know the rings are mine.

This house in Hampstead. Mother. How'd you know if it's still vacant?

I telephoned dear. It's been empty for some little while. Carrie: Oh indeed?

Well I have a little time for afternoons would that suit you?

Thank you dear but I've already made an appointment to see it with Mr. Bucktrout.

Oh indeed? At what time?

Although it's very kind of you to offer Carrie I think I will go there alone.

Thank you, Genoux.

You may give them to Lady Slane.

Try this on my dear. I'm sure it will be most becoming.

Very nice dear Mabel.

Isn't it odd how those oriental presents were of such poor quality. They're quite yellow, really those pearls.

I never noticed when dear Lady Slane wore them.

Oh dear Mabel, you will have so much to carry. Mother will have to lend you a portmanteau.

[Thinking] "We're sailing in September my dear. Of course Henry. How long shall we be away?

Two years this time. Might be longer but at least we shall have

summer with the children first. Yes, Henry."

Good afternoon.

Of course it's been years since anyone was living here.

Last couple died here as a matter of fact.

In the bedroom overlooking the garden.

the one that faces south? Wouldn't know about that.

All I do is come every day and keep the place clean and tidy.

terrible

the way the plaster keeps falling off the walls.

Damp just takes over.

It's like a jungle out there.

and I was just getting the tea.

It's quite all right.

I've arranged to meet Mr. Bucktrout. There's no need for you to wait.

I'm sure that he will see to everything.

Sure ma'am, only I don't want it shriveled to nothing.

Not with baking... the prices. Allow me to give you something for your trouble.

Oh no trouble at all ma'am. My pleasure ma'am.

If there's anything further... Thank you so much. Good afternoon.

Bucktrout: Falling... falling...

Mr Bucktrout?

Lady Slane

About the house....

Ah yes the house.

One must be businesslike even though the glass is falling.

Is it indeed?

I fear so. I fear so.

But about the house...

it is a nice house is it not?

It is a very nice house.

So nice, Lady Slane, that

I wouldn't care to let it to everybody

It's my house you understand. I am the owner as well as the agent. Had I been merely the

agent I would have felt it my duty to let it when I could. I had many applicants

but I liked none of them.

That is the reason why it's been empty very long.

You however, shall see it Lady Slane.

The caretaker did - How wrong is she named is she not?

She takes no care whatever. A hurried woman, so harsh, so sordid.

Did you give her a tip? half a crown.

Oh pity pity. Still too late now.

What did she show you?

Did you see it all?

Morning and drawing room... Yes, I saw that.

kitchen

Bedroom 1 2 & 3, bathroom 1. Water electric light and...

Ah... do you care for mushrooms, Lady Slane?

Mr. Bucktrout!

Come into the kitchen.

A fine cellar.

You can grow some splendid mushrooms down here.

Ladies, I find seldom

care for wine, so the cellar might just as well be used for mushrooms

I never yet met with a lady who troubled to lay down a pint of port. The garden?

Half an acre with ancient fruit trees including a mulberry.

and peaches.

Peaches indeed.

So Lady Slane, having seen the house from every angle

what do you think of it? I think...

I think it probably would suit me very well.

Ah yes! But the question is will you suit it?

I think you might... I think you might.

And when you're established - You believe I will be then? That is my feeling.

is it not yours?

Mr. Bucktrout there are so many complications to be got through first.

There are papers to sign and orders to give and carpets and curtains. Oh, would that

it were possible to be like the spiders upstairs, moving silently without fuss.

But we needn't fuss. All that can be overcome. After all, you remember this

house for thirty years as you told me. Now why should that be and why should I

have turned away so many tenants if you and the house weren't meant for one another.

I mean the two things seem to come together do they not? Converging at

the point after describing separate arcs.

I am you see, a great believer in the geometrical designs of destiny.

Should we umm..

Now are you a mathematician?

no no no

No, few ladies are, but I could convince you by a few simple calculations that the

world is due to end in two years time. Now what is the point in making a fuss

if that is what destiny has in store? My own end may come before that

Oh I trust not Lady Slane

But, if the subject interests you, I could come to tea with

you one day when you are settled in and offer you my demonstration.

Of course if I were only the house's agent I wouldn't dream of making such a suggestion.

It wouldn't be fitting. But being also its owner, I feel that

once we've finished all our business we may meet upon an equal footing.

Indeed Mr. Bucktrout. I trust that you

will visit when you feel inclined.

Lady Slane, you are most gracious.

I'm sure mother's going to get herself into the most impossible muddle.

I quite agree. When it comes to practical matters

hopeless

Of course she relied to such an extent on me. It was very good of you Carrie.

... but one can't really tell somebody 85 that she is incapable.

She'll come round.

Come round to what?

If she does, who knows what damage might already have been caused.

I mean that, left herself she'll get into a mess.

Just what I said!

... and come to us to get her out of it. Coupled with what people say...

her resignation from all the committee's caused some comment I can tell you.

As for going alone to Hampstead... What if this Troutbuck gets her into his clutches?

She's hopeless. I tried to tell her that agents are naturally grasping people since that it's the nature

of their profession. All she said was she was quite sure he was not that kind of person.

Did you try to tell her not to come to any agreement

without one of us at least looking it over for her.

My dear William, when you spent as much time with mother as I have

you'd know how hopeless it is trying to make her see things sensibly.

Sometimes she lives in a world of her own.

Even she can't believe business is based on philanthropy

this Bucktrout is bound to be a shark like the rest.

If this man really does get hold of mother, she'll come to us to release her from his clutches.

We'll just have to wait and hope.

You would want the house on a yearly tenancy.

If you think that would be best.

Well, it would scarcely be worth your while to take it on more than a yearly tenancy.

That would suit me very well.

Ah! Then Lady Slane, I shall look forward to agreeable afternoons at tea time

when I must set before you as a lady of understanding, my little proofs of the

imminent end of the world.

I'm sure that will be very enlightening, meanwhile..

meanwhile - meanwhile

there's plaster to be renewed, walls to be painted, ceilings to be restored, woodwork

to be replaced, the tedious details of everyday existence.

may I make a suggestion? Please do.

I know a craftsman

well-acquainted with every aspect of the building trade, and not too expensive, who

is also, how shall I say, sufficiently advanced in years to be acceptable company.

A Mr Gosheron.

And you and he could arrange matters?

yes yes we shall choose painters and plumbers and carpenters and

upholsterers and you shall make regular tours of inspection.

Thank you Mr. Bucktrout.

indeed Genoux and I will be frequent callers.

Nothing but a load of worthless junk.

Just because you fail to see the beauty of precision.

There's more precision in Leonardo's drawing of a single finger

than in your whole collection of bits of brass.

I don't deny Leonardo's greatness.

I just happen to enjoy - You've got the mind of a mechanic.

Pity you are not more like your mother.

She had the soul of an artist.

My mother? How do you know?

I saw you in your cradle in Calcutta. 1874.

You never told me.

Well, I did.

She was most gracious, most charming.

Of course she was young then.

Young and very lovely. I remember thinking

she was the most lovely thing I'd seen in India.

She's proposing to settle in Hampstead of all places. What's the matter with Hampstead?

Nothing so far as I'm concerned. Its upset my brothers and sisters I can tell you.

Let me know when she's settled.

yes if you like.

And you fill your house with things like that!

Why don't you collect umbrellas?

At least they serve some practical purpose.

Do you not find as you grow older Lady Slane that one relies more and more

on the society of one's contemporaries?

I was trying to explain that very point to my children the other day.

The young are so tiring so unsettling are they not?

Nowadays I can scarcely endure the company of anybody under seventy.

The young compel one to look forward to a life full of effort.

The old permit one to look back on a life whose effort is done with.

That is reposeful.

Reposeful... indeed.

Repose, Lady Slane is one of the most important things in life. How few achieve it.

How few indeed even desire it.

The old at least have it imposed upon them. They're either

infirm or weary, but half of them still sigh for the energy which once was theirs.

It's such a mistake.

That is one mistake at any rate of which I am not guilty.

No?

Then we're agreed on at least one of the major subjects.

But isn't it terrible to be twenty?

Its as bad is being faced with riding over the Grand National course.

Mr. Bucktrout, you forget

that when one was young, one enjoyed living dangerously. One desired it.

It didn't appall one in the least.

True, true. I was a Hussar when I was young

my greatest pleasure was pig sticking. I promise you that I scaled the highest

peak of feeling whenever I saw a fine pair of tusks coming at me.

I've several pairs mounted in my house that I should be pleased to show you.

But I had no ambition, you see. No military ambition.

I never had the slightest wish to command my regiment so I've resigned my commission.

Ambition was never something that exercised me.

What I've learned is

the pleasures of activity are easily outweighed by the pleasures of contemplation.

Would you agree with that?

Yes.

How she could put them off? You know Mother. She's always been surrounded by

people who tell her what to do. Who do as they're told.

Excuse me m'lord. The telephone. Lady Edith.

She probably got off at the wrong stop. Now at Battersea or some such place.

Oh Jenny... some fresh muffins.

I might as well, if you will excuse me for a moment.

If you want an example how impractical mother can be

one need look no further than the jewelry.

Lavinia and I feel exactly the same.

We wouldn't have said anything about it at the time

but hand over five perhaps seven thousand pounds worth without...

even considering anybody else!

Hopeless. of course I'm not thinking of myself, but

one would have thought she might have offered Lavinia something. and to you Carrie, of course.

And Edith!

At least could've had a broach as father's daughter.

Mother simply doesn't think of such things.

In practical matters I'm afraid she's a simpleton

The only subject we have not discussed

is the matter of the rent.

The rent! Oh! the rent!

No, we should I think be businesslike.

Now what rent would you require?

well now Lady Slane

I counter to your inquiry... what rent would you be willing to pay?

that is a charming way of putting it

if a rather peculiar way of doing business.

We may do business anyway we please. Haven't we earned the right?

I think we have... except that you have not answered my question.

Ah your pardon, Lady Slane. But you haven't yet answered mine.

Well, if I were to suggest say 350 guineas a year.

That's far too much! 150 guineas would be more than adequate.

come come come now that is too little. No I assure you.

I may not be much of a mathematician but surely

a figure somewhere between the two!?

Say... two hundred and fifty guineas.

If such a figure suits you.

If you are sure it is not too little.

I'm satisfied if you are.

I am very satisfied, Mr Bucktrout.

Then, dear lady, the house is yours.