Miss Scarlet and the Duke (2020–…): Season 2, Episode 2 - The Black Witch Moth - full transcript

Once again, I'm most grateful you
have given me your precious time

so that I may explain a little
more about my profession

and how it may interest
the ladies of your group.

It is not a group.

Miss Scarlet. Group is a noun
that conveys neither the purpose

nor the quality
of our membership.

We are a cultural society,

The Bloomsbury Ladies
Cultural Society.

Duly noted, Mrs Parker.

As I was saying, I would like to give
a lecture to your cultural society,

revealing the fascinating
world of the private detective.



Brought to life with stories
from my own casebook.

My intention is to
inspire your ladies.

I don't wish to sound boastful,

but I am the only female
detective in London.

Which is no doubt the reason
for the calibre of your clients.

The calibre of my clients?

It is our understanding that
you are engaged by the desperate

and impoverished who cannot afford
to hire your male counterparts.

I can assure you I've had many clients
who are neither of those things.

Perhaps not, but I would wager
that those clients had cases

that were deemed too lowly
to be taken on elsewhere.

You were suggesting I'm
regarded as somehow second rate.

I'm merely pointing out
that if we endorse you,

it may have implications for
the reputation at the society.



I completely
understand Mrs Parker.

Once a reputation is lost,
it's so very hard to get back.

Which is why you can
rest assured Mrs. Forbes

that I will reveal to no one

the real reason your
son left the Navy.

How dare you!

And you have my
word Mrs Woodhouse,

that it will not be from me

that others hear of your late
husband's gambling debts,

which are I believe only
exceeded by the money he owes

to the brothels of Canning Town.

So how did it go?

Where is he?

This goes no
further. Understood?

Fitzroy.

Get up.

I said get up!

You gonna steady 'em, lad?

Look at me Fitzroy.

Look at me.

How many fingers?

Four. No, it's three.

It's three, it's three.

Is that a guess?

No.

I want you to listen carefully.

Detective Fitzroy.

I don't give a damn what
you do in your private life,

but when you're on duty you turn
up on time in a fit state to work.

Now I have been ordered to turn you into
a competent detective and God help me

you will toe the line and do as
you're told. Is that understood?

Good.

Clean yourself up man.

I could tell them till
I was blue in the face

that I'm hired on merit but
does it make a difference?

Of course not.

Yes, I have taken on a few cases

which are not paying
the full going rate,

but to suggest that it's

because I'm a woman and somehow
desperate is simply not true.

Is it, Hattie?

Absolutely not true, at all.

Although..
- Although?

Although perhaps you should not
have upset my aunt like that,

You do not want to
make an enemy of her.

I've suffered your Aunt's wrath
before and lived to tell the tale.

Yes, but this is different.

You embarrassed her in front of
her ladies of the Cultural Society,

her very best friends.

I suppose it's nice to hear that
she actually likes somebody.

Oh no, she loaths them,

but you must be on
your guard, Eliza.

My aunt does have
friends in high places

and mark my words she
will seek revenge.

Do any of these friends in
high places wear top hats?

I do not know a Mrs Parker

I have come to see you
on my own volition.

Well, in that case,

How may I help you, Mr Swab?

I am a partner at Swab and
Durstin, an insurance firm

based in Holborn. We
provide cover for the lives

and properties of our
clients, protecting them from

all the slings and arrows

that life may throw.

In return for a monthly fee,

they receive an insurance
policy, which means..

I believe I understand how the
insurance industry works, Mr Swab.

What is it I can do for you?

Last night an item of
considerable value was stolen

from one of our policyholders.

A sketch of the alscalapha
odorata or black witch moth

drawn from life on the
Galapagos Islands in 1835.

During Darwin's voyage?

Most of the Galapagos
sketches were drawn

by the expedition's
artist Conrad Martin,

but this was by
Charles Darwin himself.

As you can imagine, the
value of his artwork

has soared since his
death earlier this year,

and as such we are facing
a significant payout.

Just to be clear, I will be
charging the full going rate.

I would expect nothing less.

Good.

So tell me Mr. Swab..

Where was this sketch stolen?

No sign of forced entry and
no other exhibit stolen.

Whoever did this knew what
they were looking for,

but why go to the bother to take
the sketch out of the frame?

What does this tell you?

When I ask a question,
I expect an answer,

Detective Fitzroy - Yes, Sir.

You must learn to
analyse a crime scene

and that involves more
than just taking notes.

Start using your initiative man.

The fact that they didn't take
the frame means they had time.

There was no panic to
snatch and grab, Sir.

Good.

What was it called
again, the moth?

Alscalapha odorata.

Found in central
and south America

it's believed by some native cultures to
be a harbinger of death and destruction.

Miss Scarlet.

Inspector Wellington.

I take it this
isn't a coincidence.

I've been hired by the insurance company to
investigate the theft of the Darwin sketch.

And what do they
think I'm doing?

This may come as a surprise
Inspector Wellington

but myself and my client
did not discuss you.

We're done here.

We have other lines
of enquiry to pursue.

Such as?

I must understand that you're
asking for my help... already?

I'm merely making
polite conversation.

Although given the circumstances, I
can see how that can be misconstrued.

After all, we are in
competition, are we not?

The owner of the museum
is Hannah Garret.

Where would I find her?

Is this another request for help or are
we still making polite conversation?

Detective Fitzroy.

Sir, are you and her...?

No, and your
handwriting's illegible.

I'm afraid we are
closed for the day.

We'll reopen in the morning.

Miss Garret.

Yes, my name is Miss Scarlet.

I'm here on behalf
of your insurance.

It's standard practice
for an insurance company

to carry out their
investigation.

And they sent a woman?

Meaning?

Meaning you would be better
placed to gain my trust.

Do they really suspect me of
stealing the sketch myself?

I was sent Miss Garret for no other
reason than that I'm good at my job,

as I'm sure are you.

I am sorry if I was rude.

I run the museum on my own and
it is an all consuming venture.

It can make me tired and..

Somewhat cynical.

So tell me about the theft.

It happened overnight.

There was no sign of a break in.

Nothing else was taken.

Whoever stole it knew
the truth of the matter.

The sketch was the only
thing of real value here.

How did you come to
own the Darwin sketch?

I attended a lecture he gave at the
Royal Institution a few years ago.

I asked him a question on
the inherited characteristics

of the Black Witch moth.

He was so modest.

He admitted that
he did not know.

But two weeks later a
package arrived with a letter

answering my question and..

The sketch he'd drawn
on the Galapagos.

Thomas was furious.

Thomas?

My husband, Thomas Dashwood.

The naturalist.

He has an impressive reputation.

He used to encourage
my passion for science,

but as my knowledge grew,

so did his displeasure.

He wanted a pupil,
not a partner.

When I set up the museum

he resented me for it.

But do you go by your your
maiden name of Garret?

You're divorced?

Separated.

I would divorce, but..

The costs, both
financial and otherwise..

Let's just say it is
a high price to pay.

So where would I
find your husband?

Careful with that.

Just one of those is worth
more than your yearly wage.

Sorry Sir.

There's a lady here.

Mr. Dashwood?

My name's Eliza Scarlet.

Whoever you are, it is customary
to wait until invited in.

Sorry Sir.

How many times have I told you
- that maid must be dismissed?

Many times.

Forgive the intrusion
Mr Dashwood,

but I hoped you might have
a spare moment to talk.

I most certainly do not.

I'm giving a lecture at
the Royal Institution

and yet again I'm
behind schedule.

Take those out to the carriage.

It concerns your wife.

I'm attempting to recover
the Darwin sketch.

The sole intention of that woman
is to humiliate and antagonise me.

I've already spoken to the police
and will not explain myself to you,

whoever the hell you are.

If you want to speak to me about
my wife, get yourself a lawyer.

You saw yourself in.

You can see yourself out.

I would say he's not normally like
this, but that would be a lie.

Who are you exactly?

I'm a private investigator.

So you're good with clues:

'ostentatiously lofty in style'

- begins with the letter B.

A word puzzle makes
the day go faster.

That and a bottle of schnapps.

Can I get you something?

A new pair of lungs.

Thank you, thank you.

Please sit.

Usually I receive a look of
disdain when I light my pipe.

Never quite sure whether it is the
fact that I am a lady and smoking

or that I'm an unwell
lady and smoking.

It could be just
that I'm German.

I've lived here for 50 years,

yet still treated
like a foreigner.

I would wager it's all
three of those things.

A female private detective,
now that is a puzzle.

Well, I've been employed
by the insurance company

to investigate Miss
Garret's Darwin sketch.

Last I heard my daughter in
law's name was still Dashwood.

But if you wish to
deal with my son,

you will have to have more
assertiveness than that, young lady.

He is ..
- Bombastic

I beg your pardon?
- 'Ostentatiously lofty in style'

Bombastic

Bombastic!

Yes, it is a good job you
were here, Miss Scarlet.

You finish it.

My son does not approve of
my penchant for word play.

I believe

I should take a nap.

I will have my maid see you out.

Why?

Sorry..

Excuse me..

Hattie..

What on earth is going on?

I have no idea.

I just popped in to say hello
and I found them waiting outside.

They keep saying they found it.

They found it.

Found what?

They're all fakes.

You don't say?

And why send them your office?

The advert on the
bottom of page 5.

Stolen sketch of the black
witch moth by Mr Charles Darwin.

A reward of £1000 is offered

for its safe return to Miss Eliza
Scarlet of 43 Ebury Lane, London.

It wasn't me who placed it.

The sketch is worth £500, yet
this offer is twice that amount.

Unless of course Miss Garret had
a sentimental attachment to it.

Perhaps it was worth
placing the advert.

I doubt she has
that kind of money.

And even if she did,

why use my address
and not the museum's?

She's not my client. The
insurance company are.

Which is curious in itself.

What is?

That the insurance
company would hire you.

There must be a reason.

Because I'm good at my
job, that's the reason.

All I meant is that they
may suspect Miss Garret

and they hired a woman
to gain her trust.

Where are you going?

I'm coming with you.

Where am I going?

To reception.

I sent a message to someone
we need to question.

He should have arrived by now.

Eliza do I need to remind you that
this is my place of work, not yours.

Who is it anyway?

A journalist at the
Illustrated Police News.

Basil Sinclair.

Please God, not him..

The advertisement was
placed anonymously.

We received a letter containing

only the wording and the
required date of publication.

When was this?

Yesterday, in the Evening Post,

a little before 6:00 o'clock.

As chief correspondent,

my editor, Mr Smythe came to me.

'Basil, ' he said, 'no one knows
more of Mr Darwin it than you do'.

'You must help the police
in their hour of need'.

So the advert was placed
before the robbery happened?

My heart soars at the prospect
of our esteemed publication

being center stage of such
an intriguing mystery.

It's not a mystery,
Mr Sinclair..

It is a theft.

There will be a perfectly rational
explanation to all of this.

Stolen artwork from the
great Charles Darwin himself.

Scotland Yard forced yet again

to turn to the lady detective.

Miss Scarlet's not
working for Scotland Yard.

I've been hired by
the insurance company

who wished to carry out
their own investigation.

My dear Miss Scarlet, I feel
you may have proved my point.

Is it not precisely due to a
lack of faith in the police

that you are hired
in the first place.

As requested, Sir, I've been
perusing previous fraud cases.

I've secured an address
for that art dealer.

Art dealer, you say?

And who might that be?

Let me ask you a question

and I want you to think very
carefully before you answer.

Are you trying to make
my life difficult?

Sir?

Never show your findings in
front of anyone else but me.

Think before you speak.

In fact, better still, don't speak
all unless I explicitly tell you to.

You're looking rather warm
detective. Are you unwell?

No, Sir, perhaps it's the clement
weather we're enjoying at present.

Take my advice
Detective Fitzroy.

If you wish to fit in here,

stop using words like clement.

Yes Sir, sorry Sir.

Stop apologising
every five minutes.

Alert my cab that I'll be
going to Bethnal Green.

Miss Scarlet.

Detective Fitzroy.

Well get to it, man.

May I offer you some
constructive criticism?

No.

At times you might be a
little more approachable,

particularly with those
who are your subordinates.

That nice young man
looks like he could do

with the occasional 'well done'.

Have you ever been anyone's
superior, apart from your housemaids?

No, but...

Well, please keep your
constructive criticism to yourself.

This dealer you're going to see.

I'm assuming he's connected
to the black market somehow.

Perhaps someone with previous
convictions for trading in stolen art.

Good I'm right.

There's no expression you
possess that I cannot read.

William, I know
we're in competition,

but when all is said and
done we are on the same side.

The side of the law,

We're on the same
side when it suits you

and I don't trust you
when you sound so noble.

Whoever placed this advert knew exactly
when the sketch was going to be stolen.

I'd like to go back to the museum
and speak to Miss Garret again,

and I suspect you would too.

We'd save ourselves time
if we shared our resources.

You speak to this dealer.

I'll go to the museum and we'll
meet up later to share our findings.

No.

Very well.

Then perhaps I'll team up
with our journalist friend

and share my
observations with him.

And not just about the
case, but wider stories too,

like the time you were drunk on
duty and lost your warrant card.

How the hell do you
find these things out?

People speak to me.

It's my woman's
approachable manner.

Fine.

Ridiculous.

Why would I do such a thing?

To claim the money from the insurance
and prop up your failing business.

It's NOT failing!

There are leaks in the roof,

paint peeling from the walls

and exhibits falling to pieces.

You cannot afford to run this place,
but you're too stubborn to sell it.

I will expose you
for what you are.

A thief!

Get out NOW!

I deal in legitimate works of
art sold with full provenance.

In fact Inspector, I am insulted
that you would even ask.

My apologies Mr Gibson.

I assume that man with 12
convictions for handling stolen goods

and three for fraud might be
the right person to talk to.

That was all in my past.

I'm a changed man.

Your last conviction
was six weeks ago.

So perhaps you can -
what was your phrase?

'Legitimate works of art
with full provenance'..

They are.

In that case I shall
have to check that is so.

You'll have to be kept in
custody in the meantime.

Now I think about it, there
is one person comes to mind.

I thought there might be.

Yeah, this is the man you want.

He deals in specialist
works of art.

Like the one that was stolen.

I don't know his real name,
that's what they call him.

The Count?

Why are you following me?

I wasn't following you.

I lost my way.

You were watching
me in the tavern.

Tell me who you are

or I will shoot you in the head.

No, you will not.

Why is that then?

Because there's a police
officer standing behind you.

Do you think I'm an idiot?

Yes.

Since you ask.

Was Miss Garret trying to
sell you the Darwin sketch?

I know nothing of this
sketch you speak of,

but I suggest you
tread very carefully.

And why is that exactly?

Because I'm a Basinski.

My family is one of the oldest
dynasties in Hungarian nobility.

Am I supposed to be impressed?

Merely warning you that I
have influential friends.

I suggest you
answer the question

or Inspector Wellington here will
take your leg and use it for firewood.

No, Miss Garret was not selling.

She was trying to buy, but I
told her I did not have it.

That conversation seemed to
take an awfully long time.

That is because she did
not believe me at first.

She thought I was bargaining.

She had no money to offer, only
a few exhibits from the museum.

Worthless, mostly.

The woman is desperate,

so I told her if I heard
anything I will let her know.

And have you heard anything?

Not a word.

Getting rather chilly in here.

Don't you agree, Miss Scarlet?

I think perhaps the fire
might need a little help.

Very well.

I have heard one or two things.

About Miss Garret?
- About her husband.

They say he pays extremely
well, no questions asked.

You want to find that sketch.

I know where I would be looking.

I'm going to a
magistrate first thing..

Get a warrant to search
Dashwood's house.

I'll meet you there.

It's difficult enough
without any added irritation.

So I'm an irritation now, am I?

I really mean it's better
to keep things simple.

You'll wait for me to contact you with
an update on how her research went..

And that is my final
word on the matter.

I'll find the sketch,
then I will make sure

that your employers know your
part in the investigation.

You'll still receive your fee,
unless this is more about your ego.

Do you really wish
to talk about ego?

Sir...

There's a Dutch
gentleman a Mr Lohman,

waiting for you in your office.

He'd like to discuss
the Darwin case.

Mr. Lohman

From Woban and Holst, the company
who insured the stolen picture.

No, the insurance firm
is Swab and Durstin.

Here..

See, I was visited by
one of the partners.

I have never heard
of such a company.

Describe the man you met.

Small in stature,
Welsh accent, top hat

and he had a slight
birthmark on his forehead.

Whoever he is, he does
not work for my company.

Well if he didn't
hire me, then who did?

Why would this man give you a card
for a business that does not exist?

It does not make any sense.

Hattie, it's always
nice to see you,

but you really cannot
keep popping in like this.

It's a very nice card to boot.

It's subtle, that bold embossing.
My father was in the ink business

and there was nothing that comes close
to my passion than a well chosen font.

Oh well, then perhaps
you can help me.

I need to find out who
ordered these cards.

Hattie?

You want me to help you?

I mean like an assistant?

Yes, if you like.

I will take you to every
stationer's in town, Eliza

and on the way I shall explain
the twelve types of calligraphy.

I can hardly wait.

Well?

What's the matter with her?

Sir...

What is it now?

What the hell is this?

We have a warrant to
search these premises sir.

My mother is extremely ill
and you come marching in...

We were let in by your maid.

I have said all I have
to say on this matter.

You've no just cause to be here.

Mr Dashwood I would request that
you control your temper, sir.

Right!

Fitzroy... Fitzroy!

What on Earth is going on here?

Ah Wellington. How are we?

Fine, thank you Sir.

How's young Fitzroy getting on?

Actually Sir, he's uh..

He's doing very well.

Glad to hear it.

Commissioner asked me to
check in on him. Is he around?

Not at the moment, Sir.

He is out assisting me on
the Darwin investigation.

You're happy with
his progress, yes?

He still has a lot
to learn, but yes..

Glad to hear it. I'll
let his father know.

Keep up the good work.

I am acting as consultant

to Miss Scarlet's extremely
important investigation.

Given my considerable expertise
in the business of stationary,

I do not boast when I say that I have
an encyclopedic knowledge of embossing,

calligraphy, kerning,

and the jewel in the crown
of any calling card -

the font.

My particular favour...

Was this card made
on these premises?

One moment please..

Hattie, may I ask you be more
economical with your conversation?

Economical?
- Keep quiet!

We sold a book last week.

Do you remember who to?

Mr Reginald Booth

I spoke to Wellington. I understand
you wish to speak with me.

I am here on behalf of my
clients, the Dashwood family.

I am their legal
counsel and as such

Mr Thomas Dashwood
has asked me to relay

the sad news of the
passing of his mother.

My condolences.

Mrs Dashwood has been
ill for some time

so it is not
completely unexpected,

but still a terrible
blow to her son.

As you can imagine, he
is stricken with grief

and requests that you desist
from harassing him any further.

Does he now?

He has asked me to point out
that he is a man of wealth

who could fund the most
thorough of legal challenges.

I would advise that any future
communications come directly through myself.

I bid you a good day, Sir.

So the Welsh accent
I detect Mr Booth.

I fail to see the relevance.

Is it not customary to remove
one's hat when indoors?

I am a busy man with many other
appointments to attend, Inspector.

You offend me sir.

Kindly take it off.

This is quite ridiculous.

My car is waiting outside.

Either you take off your hat

or I'll take it off for you.

I believe you know,
an associate of mine.

Miss Scarlet.

Well.

Seems you are who
you claim to be.

Mr Reginald Booth, solicitor,
of 28 Westerly Row.

So tell me why you
were impersonating

a Mr. Swab who works for
a bogus insurance fund.

I deny any such accusation

and furthermore would ask

if I am under arrest.

If so, you have
failed to mention it.

You're free to go at any time,

Mr Booth, just as I am free
to go to the Law Society

and report you for fraud.

I have worked for the Dashwood
family for some years,

at first for
Mr. Dashwood's late father,

then latterly for
Mr. Dashwood himself.

I am paid for my
diligence and compliance.

You mean you do
what you're told?

I do my best for
my clients, yes.

And what interest did Thomas
Dashwood have in Miss Scarlet?

It was not Thomas Dashwood
who told me to visit her.

The Temple of Karnak..

So missus Dashwood was
an intrepid explorer,

Very much left out
of the history books.

I've done some research and
there's no mention of her

among the otherwise
male archaeology team.

The lawyer said when her family
married her off to a rich,

much older English husband,

he insisted that she stay at home
and behave more appropriately.

I can see why she liked you.

Then when her husband died, she
hoped to rekindle her passion

for the natural sciences.

Her son was a chip
off the old block.

He didn't want her
tainting his own career.

Something he tried to
inflict on his wife too.

If Mrs Dashwood is the one that got
that journalist, Sinclair, involved

then she clearly wanted
to create a story.

And yet, I can't quite
work out her plan.

It's a puzzle.

It certainly is

No, I mean, there's a puzzle.

The discovery of
the Karnak King List

was famous for the
race to find it.

It involved decyphering
maps, hieroglyphic riddles..

How Mrs Dashwood
loved to riddle.

When I met her she was trying
to compete a word game.

I helped with a clue.

Maybe the enigmatic Mrs Dashwood died
before her puzzle came to fruition.

It's late, we should pick
this up in the morning.

I'll see you home.

Seven letter puzzle.

Anagram

Exactly.

I think I know where
the Darwin sketch is.

Am I right in thinking your mother-in-law
is fond of you, Miss Garret?

She was the only one in that family
who ever treated me with kindness.

She came here many times, much
to the annoyance of her son.

Is it possible that on
one of those visits,

she could have taken
a spare set of keys?

Are you suggesting that it was my
mother-in-law who had it stolen from me?

We are, but with
a good intention.

I trust this is not
a tale of kindness.

A story of solidarity
and compassion

is rather a difficult sell.

Well, shall we just give
Miss Scarlet a moment

to explain, Mr Sinclair.

Mrs Dashwood's lawyer hired me using
the name of a bogus insurance company.

Swab and Dustin.

Mrs Dashwood had a fondness
for translation and word play.

The name Swab and
Dustin is an anagram

for 'Darwin's bust'.

My cup runneth over.

Mrs Dashwood hoped this story would
generate publicity for the museum

to bring in the crowds for you.

It's the story of a woman trying
to make it in a man's world,

a female detective
investigating her along the way,

and a cunning trail

laid by a brilliant lady

who wasn't allowed to
be brilliant in life.

Your mother in law wanted
to help you, Miss Garret.

I do not know what to say.

You need find no
words, Miss Garret.

For Basil Sinclair
shall find them for you.

Thank you.

It's my pleasure.

When the story is published

Miss Garret will find
business booming.

They'll be queuing out the door.

Much to her husband's dismay.

William, I hate to admit
it, but you were right.

It was only because I'm a
woman that I got the case.

So?

So I want to be hired for
being good at what I do,

not because I wear a bonnet.

Eliza, there is no escaping
that you are a woman,

just like there was no
escaping that I'm a man.

I'm also Scottish young enough
to say that I'm still only 30,

old enough to know better

and these are all things that I
use to my advantage when it suits.

How do you use being
Scottish to your advantage?

That's nothing like
a drunken Scott

to deceive an overconfident
idiot at the poker table.

What I'm trying to say is, use
what you have to your advantage

just like anyone else
does, man or woman.

It's no more complex than
that, so do not make it so.

Right, I must leave.

I don't want to be
stuck with Mr Sinclair.

There is something in his manner

that gives me the
urge to punch him.

Inspector..

Might I trouble you for a
ride back to the office?

And on the way I can regale you

with my retelling of this
rather delicious story.

I spoke with your doctor.

He said you'll be fine.

You also said you were lucky.

Your heart rate was
dangerously erratic.

It could kill you
if it happens again.

I didn't tell him my suspicions
as to what may have caused it.

Collapsing in front of a
suspect was unforgivable, Sir.

I assume you're going to inform
Superintendent Munro of my behavior?

And why would I do that?

Anything that you do,
it's me who has to suffer,

it's me whose head
is on the block.

In his quest to make
something of his son,

my father has sought help in
a long line of institutions.

His old boarding school and
then his beloved Sandhurst

and even a short
spell in the Navy.

How did they fare?

I was relentlessly bullied

and they only served to
cement my father's opinion

that I am an embarrassment
to our family.

And the police force is
unfortunately for me, his last hope.

It is a burden indeed to know
that your own father despises you.

And..

The opium has gone some way,
providing me with some relief.

All I had growing up was a
daily beating in the workhouse.

We all have our scars, Fitzroy.

If it's sympathy or
after, don't look to me.

Of all the men whose command
I have been under you.

You are the most decent
man of all of them

and that is why I will do whatever it
takes to make you proud of me, Sir.

So what do you suggest?

Put me on administration duty,
Sir, I'd be good at that.

I know I can be a
decent detective.

I just need some time
to learn the basics.

That's a decision then.

You come on time ready to work

and we'll take it from there.

Thank you Sir I will
not let you down.

There is one more
thing Detective.

Yes, Sir?

Get that bloody hair cut.

Consider it done, Sir.

Miss Scarlet.

Mrs Parker, what
a nice surprise.

Never have I been so humiliated
in front of my ladies.

What you did was unforgivable.

And I'm sorry for it.

My intention was not
to humiliate you.

And the accusations
you made - abhorrent!

Accusations based on truth.

I will use every
ounce of my influence

to destroy you and your little
private investigation business.

I will have my retribution
to my full satisfaction

and see you ruined,
Miss Scarlet.

These and other thoughts ran
through my head after you left.

So you do not think them now?

I did a little
research of my own.

It appears your
accusations were..

Correct.

So.

Given you have proven
your resourcefulness.

I wish to engage you
in another matter.

These are the gentlemen I have selected
as potential husbands for my niece.

As yet she has had
no offers of marriage

and is not getting any younger.

In fact I believe she's the exact
same age as you Miss Scarlet.

So, I would like a complete
dossier on each candidate

and then I can make my choice
as to their suitability.

You wish to hire me?

Good day.

I'm confused Mrs Parker.

You declared my clients to be
either desperate or impoverished,

unable to pay the going rate,
yet you wish to be a client now.

I can assure you I am
neither of those things

and I am willing to
pay the full fee.

Why me?

Why not go to one of
my male counterparts?

There is a very good reason I
came to you and no one else.

You are the only private
investigator I know

and it is no more
complex than that.

Do you not make it so, Eliza?