Harlots (2017–…): Season 1, Episode 4 - Episode #1.4 - full transcript

There is torment waiting,

in this world and the next,

for those of you who seek base relief

in the house of Margaret Wells.

In the sweat of fornication,

you will thrust away your soul.

For in your heaving and grunting

you diminish your God-like form

into that of a lumpen beast.

If you release the seed of your loins

into her clawing Jades,



disease will latch onto you...
Did I please you, sir?

... and suck. You are...

lovelier than June.

God can see all your filthy desires.

He knows your lechery.

Every lascivious thought... Mr. Lynch.

... every lewd and...

... bestial act of carnality...
How did you find her?

A sweet and accomplished girl.

As her keeper, you could mold her

into the girl of your dreams.

She was... a little distant.

Passing shyness, nothing more.

She withdrew when I touched her.



My apologies, Mrs. Wells.

I fear your daughter is not for me.

... these girls are grinning succubi

in rotting ribbons,

a poisonous slurry between their legs.

How does she do it?

Where does she get her supply of words?

They pick away at your
merits as though they're...

They're born out of pain...

from sewing her own cunny up.

... is the she-witch, Margaret Wells.

Is he to be my keeper?

He was very keen to have you, but...

when I questioned him
further about his finances,

he fell far short.

Sorry.

We'll find you another, better keeper.

Lady Caroline is barren.

Is she?

Poor girl.

Don't pity her, it's her own fault.

The serpent feels no
inclination to perform for her.

She must not worship it as I do.

It is such a fine, beautiful beast.

I'd like you to have my heir.

Would you? Mmm.

You could bear it and
then we could send Caroline

off into the country
and pretend it was hers.

I wonder what Lady Caroline
would think to that.

Who cares?

Get out.

I need to wash.

This is your own doing, you know.

Do you think I did this to myself?

You get these disagreeable
experiences because you cannot...

Disagreeable?

Stop pretending you're still a lady.

That went up your arse

with the prick of that
rake you ran away with.

No more county balls
for poor Miss Pettifer.

Only hairy ones now.

I hope he strangles you next time.

I used to get Osborne.

Then you came.

Now no one notices me so much.

Don't you dare be nice to me.

Don't worry.

I'm a bitch.

After we passed

A guilty night

In reverie

Turn away!

Do not cross the threshold
of the Blackamoor Pimp

and the Arch-Bawd of London.

Your lust will confound you.

It will cost you your soul!

The blackamoor pimp.

But all suffice

The season's past

We choose...

My agreement with your
father was a verbal one.

He didn't specify a date for repayment.

But your house is clearly failing,

so I wish to withdraw my investment.

I ain't got it.

Your father knew it would take time.

But I can offer you...

the oldest payments known to man:

payment in kind.

I've seen your girls.

They're not worth ten shillings.

I don't take kindly to that.

If you cannot see my worth,

clearly...

you have not come close enough.

Turn over and lie still.

Harriett,
may I have clean water in my jug?

Why does nobody want her?

Mr. Lynch said that she withdrew

when he went to touch her.

We were counting on that money.

If he'd have taken her,

it'd have paid off half our debts.

Now Lennox wants his loan
and we can't pay it back.

Three days, Will.

Three days and the rent is due,

and I haven't got it.

Business will pick up.

We've still got our regulars.

I'm going to see Charlotte.

You all right?

Of course.

Don't fret.

That day is soon upon us, my brothers,

when London...

That's the youngest daughter.

Margaret Wells has
debauched her own child!

That girl is cursed
to have such a mother!

What about your poor child?

Margaret Wells,
you are treacherous to the innocent.

You fake.

You're paid by Dame
Death to destroy my trade!

Rest, Mother, rest.

It was a picture.

Mrs. Wells cursing

and Mrs. Scanwell crying "Demon!"

How deliciously vulgar!

I swear she'll flounder
before the week is out.

The Spartans are preparing
for their sacred games.

They would like a sacrifice
to augur their success.

Oh, spit it out.

You want to spoil another virgin.

Allow me my metaphors.

Do they make your
enterprise any less vile?

The terms will be the same.

No.

Your Spartans all have names.

I want one, that's my price.

I have sworn an oath of secrecy.

A pox on your oath, my neck is at stake!

Knowledge is security.

One girl, one name.

This house and its vile harlots...

is an abomination.

Have you no culls with you, Mr. North?

I've got no standing around here.

Margaret Wells!

Margaret Wells is an enemy of God!

Does that woman never rest?

Good mornin'.

Why don't you knock on the door?

We could do it in a bed for once.

Do you want it up an alley,

in the dirt and the grease?

What if you can't think of what to say?

Or it comes out wrong?

Then you just nod and smile

and move 'em on to the easy bit.

So you find it easy?

If it's giving you no pleasure,
manage things,

to bring them on.

You can be bold.

By grasping the nettle?

Yes.

It's an easy beast to tame.

Here.

Make yourself its mistress.

Take a firm hold and set the pace.

Like on a horse.

Start with a trot...

and build to a gallop.

And the more aroused they believe you,

the sooner the cannon
will fire its balls.

I could bestride the
world with such a serpent!

Oh!

There's no easier chimp to master

than a man in a bed with
a stiff little pintle.

Sir George.

Howard!

Satan built a palace in the fiery pit...

The thing that sets us apart
is the warmth of our welcome.

It's different here.

The culls we need, they don't want

common girls singing bawdy songs.

They want a good time,
we know how to give it to 'em.

... in foul and flagrant
defiance of God's law,

like Satan's Palace is pandemonium!

She says our house is Satan's Palace.

Then why don't we show her...

how we dance?

Margaret Wells!

Keep scrubbin'!

Inside now!

A masquerade.

You should charge the highest price,

and have a password,

so only those who have it can get in.

Pandemonium.

I adore it.

Oh,
I'll invite some sparkling cheap sorts,

add some spice.

I could even snag Lord Fallon.

He's an icy fish but the
whole world follows him.

She's done you a favor,

that preacher.

How?

She's made you notorious.

You're the bad bawd of London, Ma.

When I've striven so hard to be so good.

I'll do your pimping at
The Cocoa Tree tonight.

Take Lucy with you.

See if you can help her.

As an instrument of the law,

you must be spotless and above reproach.

Yes, sir, absolutely.

When a man knows your vice,

he can use you, can't he?

And in your position,
that's a dangerous thing.

Yes, yes, sir.

Take this to Quigley's in Golden Square

and wait for a reply.

That's a... brothel, sir.

I like you, Oswald.

You're efficient.

I'd hate to lose you

for the sake of your filthy fuck.

What's this for?

Your betterment.

I can't see you anymore.

I'm sorry.

Margaret Wells' mother...

let the evil one spill
his seed into her womb.

I'm sorry if I've appeared disapproving.

Well, we are mucky whores.

Being used by all those men.

Being paid.

Money I earn takes care of my daughter.

Where is she?

With my sister.

... walking upon the earth.

For you.

You've stood by all this time

while your mumma torments me,

and you think I'll thank
you for your sugar pigs!

You fat, useless, grinning baby.

Have a care, Emily.

I care to see you clinging
to your mumma's teats

when you could be a man!

How much does Mr. Osborne pay?

From Justice Cunliffe.

Mumma. Knock before you come in.

Emily Lacey is not to
have Mr. Osborne anymore.

Go out and knock!

Did you hear what I said?

I won't allow it.

Very well.

When Mr. Osborne arrives,

you tell him so.

But keep him happy,

even if you have to
service him yourself.

He won't dare say a word, ha.

That's Howard's friend,
Sir Christopher Rutledge.

Everyone calls him Crispy.

Why?

Public school indiscretion,

which he failed to
wipe from his breeches.

Miss Wells,

as dazzling as ever.

May I present my sister, Lucy?

She's new to society,

so don't startle her with
any acts of depravity.

You have my word as a gentleman.

It's not your word she must be wary of.

There's our prize, Lord Fallon.

If we get him, we get 'em all.

I want the skinny blonde!

But Miss Pettifer is blonde.

I'll have the skinny one or none at all.

Then none at all.

I have spent thousands here, Quigley!

And I pay to do as I like!

If I go, I won't be back,

and I will blacken your name
from Westminster to Wapping.

Mr. Osborne.

Has there been some misunderstanding?

No, Madam.

I've been extremely clear.

Your job is to get trade for this house,

not to lose it!

You're unfit for purpose.

Any more bets please; don't be shy now.

I've been to a thousand
such tedious masquerades.

This time you'll find your every desire

is well met, my lord.

I have only one desire, Miss Wells.

And when you exchange
your boy for a man,

I hope to indulge in it.

Sir Christopher, you know my heart

has only one familiar.

Your love is as boundless
as a leaking jug.

I'm moved by your tender affections.

All on rouge.

What say you, Fallon?

I like my pleasures guaranteed.

I prefer mine stolen and illicit.

Quit before you go too far.

Rouge again.

My mother would count it a special honor

if you'd attend, my lord.

Since when did I give a
damn about your mother?

My mother is the Arch-Bawd of London.

Did you not know?

So we're all to wear masks

and pretend we're in Hades?

Not all of us have to pretend.

I must decline your thrilling offer.

You disappoint me.

I'd heard Lord Fallon
was a man of discernment.

To Hades,

and all who dare to travel there.

He's gone.

Never to return.

I vanquished him.

For you.

You look as if you've met with luck.

I met with an amorous lady of means.

My mother's giving a party.

Will you come?

Yes.

You must wear a mask.

I will.

You must take yours off.

I will.

It's time for you to leave.

Sir George, may I present Mr. D...

Leave.

I haven't finished playing.

Well,
I'm ordering you back to the house.

You're making yourself foolish.
No, you have done that.

Go back to the house

or I'll take you there myself.

My sister's still inside.

But you cannot go back in.

I misplayed my hand.

I let the mask slip for a moment

and he saw me laugh at him.

Over here. Sir.

I'll see your sister safely home.

Thank you.

But be wary.

There are snares all
around for us harlots.

Haxby!

Where's your master?

He has not yet come home.

Perhaps he sought
more congenial company.

Oh, dear.

Spurned for another.

How will I ease my poor heart?

I didn't know you had
such an organ in your body.

I swear you're missing an organ,
too, Haxby.

Mother.

Mrs. Quigley is here.

Mrs. Quigley? No, no, no,

do not trouble yourself,
dear Mrs. Scanwell.

Amelia tells me you are unwell.

Here, child.

Run to the apothecary
for a soothing draft.

I trust you will be recovered enough

to preach tonight.

Margaret Wells' wickedness

cannot be allowed to proceed unchecked.

I will do your bidding no longer,
Mrs. Quigley.

My daughter and I will
seek new accommodations

as soon as I am able.

I have a story I would share with you.

The tale of a shameless whore,

whom I once saw cavorting with her cull

in plain sight.

It was such a lascivious display

from a young woman without fear...

or decency.

I've watched her progress
with interest ever since.

What was your name in those days?

Does your congregation know?

Or your daughter?

Enjoy your preaching, Mrs. Scanwell.

There you are. Thank you.

Good day.

Oh, no!

No!

After everything that I've done for you?

Please, please, please,
Charlie, just let me go.

How could you think of
running away from me?

I can't stay here, it's torment!

But I'm looking after you.

It isn't right that she
treats me like a little boy.

I'm a man.

It's time she saw that.

You saw me steal.

Why didn't you call the watch?

It was not for me to judge.

Bloody purse was empty anyway.

You got any money?

Come on then.

Take a flower?

Fresh cut this morning.

Penny for a posy, my lady?

Hmm.

Tell me, child, have you no family?

Oh.

I'll be trained to be a lady's maid?

You will.

The house is owned

by a most charitable
Christian gentleman.

We've placed half a dozen
girls in good households.

I can hardly believe it.

What did I do to deserve
such good fortune?

Thank you, madam.

Do I detect a small voice of conscience

whispering in your ear?

You going to try and save my soul?

This is such a sinful world.

Perhaps you're the one who needs saving.

Vi, Nancy says we're to
meet her at Mrs. Wells'.

You're leaving?

The wages of sin don't earn themselves.

Is she coming to Hades, too?

Plenty of souls to save there.

You want to see my world,
Scanwell's daughter?

Have I tied it right?

You're perfect, honey.

We should earn some coin tonight.

You do well, there'll be a place
here for you, Betsey Fletcher.

Why don't I get a mask?

Not you.

It's different with you.

You must be seen.

You know that.

Who is this handsome stranger?

I feel strangely drawn to him.

As you are to all handsome strangers.

I'd pour gold into your lap
if I was sure of your love.

You have it.

I love you.

I told you not to lie.

So,
you are the ferryman who must be paid.

No, Nancy.

I am Hades,

king of the underworld.

And here's my queen.

Tonight will be what we make it.

Well, what you make it.

'Cause you're Margaret Wells,
queen of bloody Soho.

I was told there was a party.

Take any girl you want.

They're on the house!

Take your pick.

This way, you curs!

Margaret Wells

openly taunts God!

Her house sits like a crusting scab

over the suppurating boil of Hell.

Thank you, Mrs. Scanwell.

Thank you for showing
those sinners where to come.

Welcome!

Welcome, one and all.

Welcome to my fiery hole.

Sinners all. Pandemonium.

You test God's patience tonight.

Hush, you'll be like
thoroughbreds amongst donkeys.

Hurry.

Where are you going?

To the masquerade at Margaret Wells'.

I shall take our girls
and steal her trade.

That'll show Mother that
my judgment can be trusted.

Oh, take me with you. No.

She's taken my allowance, Emily.

You are a donkey.

Marie-Louise, take a message

to Mrs. Wells for me, I beg you.

Tell her I want to come back,

and tell her I'll do anything.

La Quigley, she will kill me.

And there will be no respite

and no succor...

Are you moved to repent, sister?

I'm not your sister, Ratface.

Who are you to insult me?

I earn my coins the same way as you.

I don't earn mine spying for Dame Death.

I do what I must to survive.

Then do this.

... to a foul reek.

When the harlot in your
arms removes her mask,

a grinning death's head
is all that you will see.

Madam.

I am the curate from St. Clement Danes.

Hearing of your indisposition,

I've come to preach in your stead.

Who sent you?

A friend.

Mother, we must pray for
the kindness of that friend.

Come.

And the skulls will have eyes

and the eyes will have jewels.

And there will be feasting in hell

with roasted swans and pigs' heads

with apples dipped in virgin's blood,

and sinners will lick nectar
from each other's stomachs,

and those of firm and manly impulse...

Welcome.

Welcome.

That's Lord Fallon.

Told you I'd get him.

I never doubted.

Welcome to my midnight realm.

Our visit won't be long.

Pandemonium!

Let the folderols begin!

I'm here to work.

Gentlemen, may I present

a new and exotic addition to our house.

Well, I never!

By George, a black Venus.

I am Dido, Queen of Carthage,

fated to the underworld
for daring to love.

Who dares love me?

Oh! Very nice.

Now that's how a whore
makes an entrance.

Welcome, sir. Ladies.

Look at you!

I know!

You promised me a
glimpse without your mask.

You're too much, sir.

Not now.

You could almost be one of us.

Your jealousy is absurd.

He came with the Reptons,
I hardly know him.

You think I don't know what
a faithless whore you are?

You're right.

I've pleasured every one of your friends

behind your back,

and we laugh at what a
credulous ass you are.

A master of musick

Came with an intent

To give me a lesson

On my instrument

I thank'd him for nothing

And bid him be gone

For my little fiddle

Should not be played on

My thing is my own

And I keep it so still

Though other young lasses

May do as they will

Too right, we do!

My thing is my own

And I keep it so still

Though other young lasses

May do as they will

Well done!

You're like Persephone,

aren't you?

I don't know, sir.

She was tricked into the underworld

by eating pomegranate seeds.

Come, Fallon, the games await.

I'll take you to my underworld...

one day.

And a choir of heavenly bishops

with buttocks opalescent as the moon

will descend on the House of Wells...

Go and seek the best culls

and bring them away as fast as possible.

Lord Fallon. Mr. Osborne.

No wonder you're leaving.

Here is much finer sport.

Go and finger your mother, Quigley.

Donations, please.

Thank you.

That gets them in, not you.

Twice as much again if
you want to gain entry.

Sit down and shut up.

I got money to make.

There's a story about a feast in hell,

where the forks are so long

that people can't reach their mouths,

so all the diners starve to death.

They don't figure out that
they can feed each other.

Sir.

Pleasure, treasure, and carnage.

I've always wanted to fuck royalty.

Your dusky queen is
too delicious to resist.

Four guineas for royalty.

I was determined to be the first...

to have you.

You're a powerful man.

I bet you always get what you want.

Oh, I do.

But tonight,

I'm your queen,

and you're my subject.

And you're going to do...

what I want.

You're no queen.

You're a goddess.

I don't want no quarrel with her.

I'll smile and smile
and bring you new custom.

Mrs. Quigley does not
appreciate my talents.

How much do you owe?

Sixty, but I'll earn you three

every time a penis comes my way.

Sounds like a fair exchange.

Quarrel be damned.

I'll hide you upstairs.

Go on.

Well, I always knew you were a whore.

For the first time in my life,

I am paid.

Well, aren't you full of surprises?

Your lordship.

There's a debt to pleasure
you still haven't paid,

and we must remedy that,
don't you think?

I have to speak to my mother.

So she can charge me again?

It's time to make good,

loyal Lucy.

There you are.

Trying to keep out of trouble.

Don't.

Charlotte, you harlot.

Keep your hands off my pirate.

He's yours for the taking.

Why are you hiding down here?

Don't you want to sail on the high seas?

Of course I do.

My desire is an ocean.

Spill it into me, you brute creature,

you corsair.

Now, on this table.

Get off her, you're disgusting!

Your sister doesn't seem to think so,
do you?

Do you? No.

Maybe now you'll think twice

before you lick honey
from that Irish rake.

Just go.

You gave Margaret Wells my girl?

They spirited her away,
I couldn't find her.

You went to that bitch's kennel

with three pieces of my property.

What did you think would happen?

We meant to steal her trade.

Yes, and instead, she stole mine.

You let that she-hound
run rings around you,

just like that sly harpy upstairs.

Oh, you're a man, all right.

Your brain always in your breeches,

too swollen to think.

That's hardly fair.

I should've had a girl.

No daughter of mine
would've allowed herself

to be duped by a whore.

Why were you the one I chose to keep?

Move aside.

I am not yours to command!

Would he...

Have a young...

Virgin of...

15 years

Synced & corrected by Monkeymannn