The Duchess of Duke Street (1976–1977): Season 1, Episode 10 - Lottie's Boy - full transcript
A handsome young guest creates a rift between Mary and Louisa and persuades the Major to invest the remainder of his inheritance in a very risky venture.
Your mum
sang that lovely.
You know,
she won third prize
in the big
eisteddfod, she did.
What's it say,
auntie Gwyn?
Oh, dear.
It's hot, isn't it?
Ooh! Well, now,
it's a big tree
spreading
its branches,
and you underneath...
very small, see?
Dark leaves.
Very dark.
Oh, it don't sound
very nice.
Oh, there's a lot
of bright specks,
bright like
little stars.
Have you got
a bilious attack?
Never. It's there
in the cup.
And color...
I can see color now.
How can you see color
in a lot of dead leaves?
The eye of the prophet,
as your grandma
used to say.
It runs in the family.
Oh, I know!
It's the ball.
- What ball?
- The servant's ball.
We got our invitations.
- Oh, that.
- Oh, 'twas lovely last year.
— lovely every year.
Wait a minute. There's
something by here. Look.
Look.
Golden blossom...
Falling.
Oh, so beautiful,
but falling.
Now, then, you're
wasting time...my time.
Hello,
Mrs. Trotter.
You'll be falling
very fast, my girl,
if you don't get that shirt
finished in half an hour.
Major needs it for
his regimental dinner tonight.
- Nearly finished.
- Hurry up then, girl.
Need to air before
he puts it on.
Don't want him with the
rheumatics, now, do I?
How's the prophet?
Oh, no prophet,
Mrs. Trotter.
Just an old woman
with some tea leaves.
No need for modesty
with me, Mrs. Davis.
Mary, there was dust on
our new gentleman's chest
in number 6 just now.
Chest?
Chest of drawers.
But I checked after Violet
went in there this morning.
I went over the
whole room with her.
She's half-asleep, that one.
Well, I checked again
just now, Mary,
and there was dust.
All right, all right,
no need to rush around.
I wiped it off
with me own fair hands.
But in future,
you check the rooms
later in the day.
I believe in
a good, clean start.
Gives the guests
confidence.
Our gentleman
in number 6
is rather distinguished.
Wouldn't want him
with dust on his chest
on his first night.
No, indeed.
Is it any business
of yours, Mrs. Davis?
Oh, no,
Mrs. Trotter.
I just agree
with you. I think...
You have a look
in here, my dear.
See what you can see, eh?
That's more in your line...
More in your line than
running my hotel for me.
Oh,
Mrs. Trotter.
Well...
MRS. TROTTER:
Come on, then.
What can you see?
Beware the tides
of March and all that.
When am I going
to make me fortune?
Well, now...
Mrs. Trotter,
the place is in
an uproar out there.
Gentleman
for number 6
just arrived.
He's not due
till tonight.
Still, I like
an early bird.
There's
the Major's shirt.
Enough baggage
to sink a battleship.
Needn't think
I'm breaking my back
helping upstairs
with that lot.
Mr. Marcus Carrington?
Mrs. Trotter.
Did you enjoy
your trip?
Thank you, yes.
Paris, the Major
said you was.
Amsterdam.
I left Paris
2 days ago.
Quick-change
artist, eh?
STARR
Come here, Fred.
CARRINGTON: Ah.
I like a good dog.
STARR
He likes you, sir.
Oh, I'll take
that one, sir.
So very kind of you
to look after me
like this.
My dear boy,
I spoke to Mrs. Trotter
the moment I heard
from you from Paris.
She has put
excellent rooms
at your disposal.
Any friend
of the Major's.
I knew your name
anyway.
Gave my broker
a good tip.
Put me in the way of
a nice investment.
Delighted to have
been of service.
You know, his mother,
Lottie Kettleworth,
was a perfectly
lovely girl.
She's still handsome.
I'm sure.
I'm sure...
All right
there, Major.
Don't stand
there all day
holding
that there bag.
You'll strain
your shoulder.
Ah, yes.
Well, then,
Starr.
Up the apples
and pears, eh?
Yes, Lottie had
the looks that last.
She played a damn
good game of croquet, too.
Yes. Very like,
very like.
Has his mother's
eyes...brown.
Lovely, lovely.
CARRINGTON: Mother has
a small picture of you
taken on
the croquet lawn.
Some house party...
Wellbeck, I think.
MAJOR: Dear heavens.
My distant youth.
Before you were born.
Yes, I knew you as a baby.
Lottie looked magnificent,
showing you off
to all and sundry. Oh!
MRS. TROTTER: Oh, watch
where you're going, Major.
Don't want no accidents,
now, do we?
Oh, she talks
to them terrible.
They like it, auntie.
Such nice
gentlemen, too.
Men have
funny notions.
Well, it wouldn't
do for me.
You're not a man.
He does have
lovely eyes...
Like velvet.
It's a pity
you couldn't have found
yourself a better place.
Better place?
I don't like to
think of you here.
I'm very happy here.
Oh, all these goings-on.
Goings-on?
Well.
- It's not nice, is it?
- What?
All these men
she's got here.
It's her work.
She's very choosy...
only gentlemen.
She could have
lady boarders.
It wouldn't
be the same.
- Mary!
- What?
Such talk!
Well, she does have
some ladies.
— After the nice way
I brought you up!
It's that woman.
Mrs. Trotter's
very good to me.
She's helped me to get on.
She's helped you, too.
There's no need
to harp on it, girl.
Gratitude
where it's due,
and I said
my thanks,
but morals is
something different.
Morals now, is it?
They don't take her
cheek for nothing.
It's time you
went home, isn't it?
Oh, yes,
that's right.
Send me off as soon
as I open my mouth
to speak the truth,
isn't it?
Good enough to read
the tea leaves,
but not wanted
when it comes
to plain talking.
Well, I'd rather be
at the bottom
scrubbing the floors
and doing the mending
than lording it
in the pantry
and not able to
look the minister
in the face.
Oh!
No laughing matter.
I feel sorry
for that young man.
What's wrong with him?
He looks lovely.
Nothing wrong
with him.
Auntie Gwyn, stop it.
He should be warned.
I can see it all.
You're not
reading cups now.
Ooh! Now look
what you made me do.
Not me, girl.
Justice
for hard words.
Come on. Put it
under the tap.
Take the sting
out of it.
Thank you.
Your mother
had this way with her...
a sort of intriguing lift
to the head,
and then this lock
of hair
would fall
across her forehead.
How do you like
this Champagne, Mr. Carrington?
Excellent.
Lanson '92, isn't it?
Right first time.
CARRINGTON
Steadman.
Always like to
get me new people
off to a good start.
I remember
your mother always...
I remember
your mother used to...
will you be wanting
dinner tonight,
Mr. Carrington?
Yes, please...
for 2.
Of course.
A business
colleague.
2 it is.
Perhaps we can discuss
the menu later.
Oh, and I would
like to arrange
with the General
Post Office
for a private
telephone line.
Certainly,
Mr. Carrington.
Come on,
then, Major.
Oh.
Excellent Champagne,
Mrs. Trotter.
My pleasure.
Oh, um...
Thank you,
dear boy.
Come on, Major.
MARY: I'll see you
out, auntie.
No need.
I know the way.
You see you finish
your shirts,
or she'll be
after you,
the old she-devil.
Oh!
Good-bye,
Mrs. Trotter.
Lovely cup of tea.
The sheets is all
finished now,
and very nicely, too.
I'll give her she-devil.
Put a dose of salts
in her next cup
of tea, I will.
Starr, you tell her
next time
not to use
the front door.
- Well, yes, madam, but she...
- Come on, Major.
Come and have
a sit-down.
STARR: Did you
get that, Violet?
STARR: Your auntie's
looking well, Mary.
Come on, then.
Rest your backside.
You look fagged.
Not really.
Now, should you
go out tonight?
Oh, yes. I can't let
the regiment down.
No, I'm not really
tired.
Just time passing.
What about
this Lottie, eh?
Ah, Lottie.
Was she so lovely?
Yes, she was.
Bit like you.
Yes.
You know the right
things to say.
- Thank you.
- What about her son?
I like him.
Yes.
Yes?
He made a pot
of money, I hear...
shares or something.
Oh, yes, he's sharp.
I doubled me money
on a tip from him.
Did you? Hmm.
Not the kind of thing
in my young day...
a gentleman in the city.
Not the thing
at all.
Nice boy, though.
He's got brains.
Lottie's brains?
She was a sharp
little thing.
He's got her brains,
all right,
and using them
to good account.
Stocks and shares.
A bit beyond me.
I never understood
the city.
A straight gamble
on the horses
more my mark.
Talking about shares,
what about that
legacy of yours?
Hmm?
Aunt mildred's legacy.
What you done with it
now you've squared me off?
Nothing. I...
Ain't spent it,
have you?
Frittered it away
on the gee-gees?
Good heavens, no.
Well, where is it, then?
Where she left it,
of course.
Where?
Oh, some
gilt-edged thing.
I was told
safe as horses...
...Houses.
3% or thereabout.
That won't get you
very far, will it?
Do I want to go far?
4,000 quid?
You could do something
with that, couldn't you?
Could I?
Oh, seems barmy
to leave good money
lying around doing nothing.
Here you are.
Oh, thank you.
If you had that money
invested proper,
you could be
really comfortable.
I'm pretty comfortable
now, actually.
Yeah, but you got to scrape
for every halfpenny, ain't you?
I'd like to see you
your own man, like.
I wonder what that
means, exactly. Hmm?
Is one ever
one's own man?
Don't be melancholic,
Major. Don't want that.
You can't be vague
about money.
I mean, this "Gilt-edged"
something or other,
"3% or thereabouts."
Now, that won't do,
will it?
It's your money now, isn't it?
You got to
look after it.
That's what I'm trying
to do, actually.
You know what I think?
I think you should have
a word with this Lottie's boy.
Do you?
Well, you know him.
If he's so clever
in the city...
Oh, he is.
What are you
waiting for, then?
Here,
I'll tell you what.
I've got a bit
of money tucked away.
I reckon I might have
another word with him
meself, direct-like.
He wouldn't mind,
would he?
Oh...
Yeah, I'll have
another go meself.
Here, that would make
a change, wouldn't it?
Bit of excitement
on the side.
Aunt mildred would
turn in her grave.
You can make millions
on the stock exchange.
Millions.
Of course, I wouldn't
want millions. I mean...
I like me comforts...
Glass of wine
from time to time, but...
No, I wouldn't
want millions.
Well, you can't
spend millions.
Must be nice, though,
seeing it fall
in your lap,
and all you've done
is raise an eyebrow.
He's got nice eyebrows...
Lottie's boy.
They're like
angel's wings, aren't they?
Were Lottie's like that?
Regimental dinner.
No. Absolutely
and emphatically no.
Wouldn't touch them,
and you should know better.
My dear fellow,
my man in Amsterdam, of course.
He tipped me off
2 days ago.
Somali's are finished.
You may take
my word for it.
Ah! Thank you.
Merriman, isn't it?
Yes, sir.
Mr. Carrington's room.
Oh, yes, Mr. Poole.
I'll see if he's free.
Carrington.
Good morning,
Mr. Carrington.
Poole,
good morning to you.
Gaspard has just
been on from Paris.
I don't like him.
Personal recommendation
from Dumesnil.
Well, Dumesnil
is not infallible,
and I don't trust
this Gaspard.
Too careless,
moves too fast.
Now, watch him.
Now, our South African
interest...
Ha ha ha!
That is moving fast.
I received a report
this morning.
I think it would
be better
not to discuss it
on the telephone.
About, uh...
.8 carat.
Yes.
.7 or .8 carat.
Here is
Van Zeelen's cable.
Well, I can't read
that damn code.
I'm sorry.
Allow me.
"Re alluvial claim
37, Luderitz.
"Yield per load
promising.
Good quality gems.
Average--.8 carat."
As I thought.
That's very good.
Van Zeelen?
Reliable
in the past.
I think we should
go with this,
Mr. Carrington.
Hmm. What about
outlets?
The syndicate
won't touch it.
They'll have a fit.
The syndicate
mustn't know of it.
Kimberley mustn't
know of it.
We can easily
dispose of the diamonds
through Antwerp.
How much
to get it going?
Van Zeelen thinks about
one million marks.
Hmm.
All right.
Leave it to me.
Oh, what are
Granthams doing?
No movement.
Pull out.
Pull right out?
Right out. No point
in wasting capital
on stagnating shares.
Ah, yes,
but the potential,
Mrs. Trotter...
the potential
of Africa
and the
vastness of it
and the wealth
just waiting
to be exploited.
I've been there.
In one place,
I saw natives
just picking up
rough pebbles...
diamonds.
Diamonds? They turn up
just like that?
More than diamonds.
It's a land
of vision.
Think of Rhodes'
achievements.
It's a land
of opportunity.
For rich young men.
Well, for any young man
prepared to chance his hand
and trust his luck.
What about ladies
getting on in years, eh?
Ladies?
Oh, you're not getting on
in years, Mrs. Trotter.
Oh.
Oh, thank you,
Mary.
Ah.
Thank you, sir.
You're a romantic.
Romantic? Oh, no.
Certainly not.
- China?
- Please.
Why do you say ro...
Sugar?
Yes, please.
Why do you say
romantic?
Oh, I just say things
off me hat sometimes.
Understand me,
Mrs. Trotter.
I'm a hard businessman
with a cool, clear mind.
No need to make a song
and dance about it.
I mean, if you're
in business,
you've got to keep yourself
to yourself, ain't you?
Now, I've got
this bit of cash...
sorry to interrupt,
but a man is here
with the frocks
for the servants ball.
Oh, damnation.
Tell him to wait.
He's in a hurry.
He's got another call.
You tell him
to wait
or I won't have
the frocks!
Go on. Tell him!
He'll wait.
I give this ball
for the staff, see?
All of you lot
waiting on them.
What fun!
Mother does that
every Christmas
in the country.
Yeah, well, I like
the old-fashioned things,
and I like
to think of this place
sort of home from home
for me guests.
Now, about this cash
of mine...
Well, first of all,
can I see your list
of investments?
It's a sight better than
the one you had last year.
It was lovely, the one
I had last year...lovely.
But this is better.
I know what I'm talking about.
I have taste
in these matters.
You had blue last year.
It's a nasty, cold color.
This goes much better
with your hair.
Sort of sets it off, like.
You never said
last year.
You might have told me
I looked awful.
You didn't look awful.
It would be very difficult
for you to look awful.
But this one
suits you better.
A lot of nonsense.
What? My frock? Me?
This ball.
A lot of nonsense.
Didn't go for this
in my young days.
A lot of nonsense.
Where's the sense
in hiring a few
tawdry frocks...
they're not tawdry!
A few tawdry frocks
for a lot of
uppity serving maids
to lord about in,
pretending to be
aristocratic
trollops?
MARY: Oh, Mr. Merriman!
He's jealous.
Eh?
Just 'cause you haven't
got a lovely frock
to swank about in.
I don't hold
with it.
I don't hold
with this business
of servants
being waited on
by their betters.
All right,
a few presents
around
a Christmas tree
and madam serving
a drop of soup
at lunch,
but balls and...
balls and
the powers that be
waiting on servants
is wrong.
A servant
is a servant.
His place is
laid down for him.
Dressing up
for one night
of the year
is a waste
of everybody's time.
Gets no one nowhere.
It gives lightheaded
and giddy girls
the wrong ideas.
Do you mean me?
Yeah.
It's a bit of fun,
that's all.
Mrs. Trotter
likes to do it...
a kind of thank-you
for our year's work.
Yes. We don't want
no dissertations
on the position
of the servant,
Mr. Merriman.
Life's here
for the living,
so let's get on
with it, eh?
As auntie Gwyneth
would say if she was here,
we're all equal
under God.
But this is
an hotel.
Oh!
Oh,
very nice!
Who's to be the belle
of the ball, then?
Oh, I like
yours, Mary.
Whoever heard
of a cook in satin, eh?
And what am I supposed
to do with this?
Fill it up.
What with?
Here you are.
I'll see if
Mrs. Trotter is ready.
Ooh! Ha ha!
Oh, sorry,
Mr. Carrington.
Have we met?
Well, we...
can I help you at all,
Mr. Carrington?
Oh, yes, please,
Mrs. Trotter.
I'd like some coffee
in my room.
Coffee for
Mr. Carrington, Mary.
Yes, ma'am.
What a pretty girl.
My head housemaid,
Mr. Carrington.
Oh.
Perfectly lovely.
Is she?
I'll have your coffee
sent up, Mr. Carrington.
I've never seen
anything like it.
And in future,
I inspect the frocks
belowstairs.
I'll not have
you lot
parading around
like that,
bumping
into the guests.
I was just coming
to call you.
Starr was
perfectly capable
of calling me, Mary.
He don't look like
a Christmas tree.
Now, line up,
all of you.
Yeah, well, that
will have to do.
Hmm.
You'll have to take
that top in a bit,
Mrs. Cochrane.
And the hem
will have to come up
an inch or 2.
And do it careful.
Alter it back before
the things are returned.
Right, Mrs. Trotter.
Can I go now, please?
I have me pies in
the oven for tomorrow.
Yeah, off you go,
all of you.
STARR
Well done, girls.
What are
you doing, Mary?
Getting coffee
for Mr. Carrington.
In that frock?
They cost money,
them frocks.
Can't have it
mucked up.
Charge me double
if I send it back
mucked up.
Coffee
ain't your job.
Merriman, coffee
for Mr. Carrington.
But I can make...
get out of that
bloody frock!
Mincing around
like a maypole.
There
you all are.
So sorry
and all that,
but there's
a party
arrived
from Yorkshire
in the hall.
Oh, bleeding hell!
Temper, temper.
It's the thought
of aunt Mildred,
don't you know?
Damn particular
old girl.
You have
my word, sir.
This is a very good bet;
very good.
I...I can't think of it
as my money somehow.
It's as though
she's keeping an eye on it
from the grave,
so to speak.
No, aunt Mildred was
very careful with her money.
I feel hesitant
to play about with it.
Well, I mustn't
be the one
to persuade you to...
Upset aunt Mildred.
You know what I mean.
You must do exactly
what you feel is right.
But just
between ourselves,
I'd like you to know
that I myself
am investing heavily.
There you are,
then, Major.
What better
recommendation
could you have
than that?
Well, none, really.
It's just...
Aunt Mildred rearing
her rather ugly head.
Go on.
Have a go.
It's better
than the ponies.
I've gone in
with my little lot.
Have you really?
Oh, yes, I have.
You forget about your auntie.
She's dead and gone.
How can she know what
you're doing with her money?
How can she care now?
Is she going to
come back and haunt you?
Oh, come on, Major.
You know you want to.
Couple of years,
you'll have doubled your money.
Will I really?
Well, I have seen
the geologist's report.
There's absolutely
no doubt.
That field is well
worth working.
Very well. I shall
put the whole thing
into motion
immediately.
There we are, then.
We're all going to be
lovely and rich.
No worries
in our old age.
I think this calls
for another bottle.
I got one ready,
just in case.
Here you are,
Mr. Carrington.
Well done, my boy.
"Will you
please sell
"My entire holding
in that gilt-edged
thing?"
You can't say
"That gilt-edged thing."
He'll understand.
Do you know,
I am so damn lucky
to be young now.
Ooh, lovely. Ta.
I mean, there's
nothing I can't do.
Are you serious?
Absolutely.
Then I wish I
were young, too.
To your youth.
Oh!
Don't you feel
the same way, sir?
I mean, the whole world
is opening up.
Opening up? To what?
For what? For whom?
Well, for young,
for old, for all.
You're right.
For young and old and women
and children, too.
Of course
you're right.
A new world
in which to spend
aunt Mildred's
money,
a new world
of bigger and better
motorcars.
To bigger
and better motorcars.
To bigger
and better motorcars.
And Champagne
for breakfast every day.
Yes.
Ha ha ha!
Begging your pardon,
Mrs. Trotter,
but I thought
I'd better remind you
that it is the servants ball
this evening,
and you haven't yet informed me
who will be doing what.
Oh, my lord,
the ball. I forgot.
Excuse me, Major.
Here we are, then.
Now, let me see.
I'm head cook
and bottle washer.
Major, I got you down
for wine waiter.
How will that
suit you?
Eminently.
Not fair!
Hold on, dear boy.
Your turn is coming.
How about headwaiter?
It has been my dream
for many a year.
Ha ha ha!
All right,
Merriman?
Don't you get
too excited.
Well, then I was maid
to a Mrs. Colebrook...
he was very big
in iron, you know...
and they had this house
for summer use.
It looked right over
Swansea Bay.
Oh, it was lovely.
Not that I had
any view, of course,
from the basement
or my room at the back,
but when they was all out,
I used to go to up
to the first floor front
and stand, staring out.
Mesmerized, I'd be,
watching the boats
and wondering
where they was going.
My husband was on the boats,
you know, when we first met.
Great big man he was.
We never had no children,
which was why I took Mary.
Well, with 14
in the family,
my poor sister didn't
know which way to turn.
Their dad
used to grow watercress.
Do you know he used to walk
into Swansea every day
carrying the watercress
in a big basket on his head?
Well, I mean,
watercress is good for you,
but, well, it can't feed
a family of 14, can it?
Not if you sold it
all day and every day,
which, of course,
you can't, you see,
because in the winter...
Is it ready,
auntie?
Near enough.
It'll have to do.
I got to change.
I just seen them all
waiting to dish up.
Oh, Mr. Starr,
you look lovely.
I never seen you
look so lovely.
Thank you, Mary.
He looks like the minister.
It's all that black.
He was a handsome man, too.
Whenever we had a funeral...
Yes, thank you,
Mrs. Davis.
Now, then, make way
for the new staff.
STARR: Very nice, sir.
Well,
get dressed, Mary.
I've got
a spanking dinner
which I can't wait
to serve,
and you've got
5 minutes.
Here you are.
Off you go,
and you mind
you're a good girl.
CARRINGTON: Right.
Show your hands now.
All nice
and clean, eh?
Don't want
sooty marks
on the dinner
plates, do we?
And no secret
drinking
in the pantry,
Major.
Oh, sorry, sir.
Right.
Ready?
MAJOR
Oh, very nice.
CARRINGTON
Splendid.
MAJOR: What price
the filly
in the red feather?
It's Mrs. Cochrane.
MAJOR
Well done.
STARR
Evening, sir.
CARRINGTON
Evening, Starr.
Ah. A glass
of bubbly, Gladys?
I wouldn't
say no, Joseph.
Not dancing,
Mrs. Cochrane?
We got so hot.
I trust you will
be recovered
in time for
our waltz, madam.
Oh, I'd not miss that
for anything!
I love
that music.
It makes me feel
really romantic.
I couldn't believe it
when I saw you
with the veg.
You didn't
half do it well.
Didn't spill nothing.
Tsk, tsk, tsk.
Oh, just smell
those roses.
Perfectly lovely.
May I?
Oh, of course,
Mr. Carrington.
Oh, now, Mary,
that's not quite
right, is it?
What do you mean?
Well, I think
in our present
circumstances,
you should
call me Marcus.
Oh, no.
I couldn't.
Well, just try.
Say, uh, "Marcus,
bring in tea."
Oh, no.
Go on. I want to
hear you say it.
Oh!
Marcus...
Marcus,
bring in tea.
That's very good.
I shall have to apply
for a Welsh mistress.
What?
I'm speaking
as a servant,
my dear child.
Oh. Of course.
You're a long way
from home, Mary.
Yes.
I don't know
Wales at all.
No?
Well, my father
had a couple of
Welsh Collies.
Oh, they're
lovely dogs.
Very gentle.
Dadda had one...a bitch.
She wouldn't leave his side.
Went everywhere with him.
Is your father
a farmer?
He's dead.
Oh, I'm sorry.
And he wasn't a farmer.
He did a bit of cobbling,
and he grew watercress.
Well, he gathered it
at the stream.
But you have to
watch out for it,
or the sheep
will spoil it.
Daft things, sheep.
I rather like them.
Well, maybe you've not
been close to them, like.
Ha ha! No.
How do you
like London?
Oh, don't like
the noise.
Worse than Swansea
on a Saturday night.
Oh, dear.
But I like it here,
and I got money to spend.
I came up with
my auntie Gwyneth.
She came to work
for a Mr. Tomlin
back of the Strand,
and she sent for me.
Got me a job
to come to...
and Lord Henry Norton,
where I met Mrs. Trotter.
Glad, I was. Sorry to
leave mum, though.
She said to come.
"Nothing here
for a girl.
Go up to London town,
find yourself
a rich husband."
And have you?
No.
Money isn't
everything, is it?
Well, I like it.
I enjoy it.
Do you?
Yes.
And when you've found
your crock of gold, Mary,
you can bring it
to me,
and I'll double it
for you.
MERRIMAN
It did occur to me
that it was a curious thing
for a lady to say.
Of course, at that time,
his lordship was well past 60.
Now, tell me some
more about Wales.
Oh, no.
No, please.
You must.
I like to hear you speak. It's...
..soft and light
and not booming
like some women I know.
Go on. Don't be
shy with me.
Say something
in Welsh.
Oh, I...
1, 2, 3, go.
Uh...
Oh, that's beautiful.
What is it?
We always change the sheets
on Mondays and Fridays.
Ha ha ha ha!
CARRINGTON
Say something else.
MAJOR: You see,
I'm absolutely fascinated
by the internal
combustion engine;
Fascinated.
Now, Rudolf Diesel...
I'm not boring you, am I?
Rudolf diesel...
who, sad to say,
I have never met...
he wrote a paper,
you know,
on the thermodynamic
principles
of the internal
combustion engine
in uh, 1893.
You won't
remember that...
MERRIMAN
At that time,
Lord Raglan wasn't
on the best of terms
with Lord Cardigan.
- Shall I say something else?
- Yes.
Uh...
And what's that?
I'm not telling you
that, either.
Oh! Ha ha!
May I claim
my dance,
Mrs. Trotter?
Oh, thank you,
Mr. Starr.
There we are.
You go up to Piccadilly
and turn...
I'll show you, sir.
Excuse me, madam.
I am, of course,
in daily touch
with our man out there.
Ah. The wonders
of telegraph, eh?
I'd like to go out
there again myself,
but I'm needed here...
other projects.
It fascinates me,
that part of the world.
I suppose I am a bit of
a Cecil Rhodes at heart.
No ill effects,
then?
Absolutely
topping evening.
Never felt better
in my life.
Could you also
collect 2 gentlemen
from Charing Cross
at half past 1:00?
With pleasure.
Try not to
cover yourself
with oil, eh?
Morning, Starr.
Sir.
I don't know.
Some people.
I said to those two,
"Go up to Piccadilly
and turn to the right,"
So they turned
to the left.
Love's young dream, eh?
I know
what you mean.
Have them frocks
folded yet, Mary?
They'll be calling
in half an hour.
Don't want them
hanging about,
paying
another day's hire.
I'm just finishing.
Here, what do
you call this?
You call this
folded, girl?
Now, look here.
This won't do!
I can't be behind you
all the time, Mary.
You get that lot
folded proper.
Who do you think
you are
standing around all
moony...Lady Muck?
Get that back
in the basket
where it belongs.
What do you think
you're do...
here. Look what
you've done,
you stupid slut!
Now, you
get that mended!
Nobody's ever
called me slut before.
Well, maybe
you never showed
in your true light
before.
What do you mean
by that?
Aw, get on
with the packing.
Do it yourself,
as I don't suit.
Don't you talk to me
like that, my girl.
All these
high-and-mighty airs
'cause some gentleman holds
your hand between dances;
Stop it!
all moony-eyed'
cause he whispers sweet
nothings in your virgin ear hole.
Oh, you're filthy!
Hope you didn't let him
muck about with you.
If I did, it's nothing
to do with you!
I won't have no
loose behavior.
You won't have no
loose behavior?
Me?!
You want the young men
who come here
to look at you
and nobody else.
You watch your tongue my girl,
or I'll get really angry.
I've seen you
rolling your eyes at them.
And now that one of them likes me...
likes you?
He does! He likes
to hear me talk.
You amuse him,
you silly little thing.
It amuses him
to play around
with a little Welsh girl
with a funny voice.
He was lovely to me.
Oh, was he? What did
he do to you then?
I wouldn't tell you.
You'd make it dirty.
These young men
who come here...
He's different!
Don't get
any silly ideas
in that half-baked
loaf of yours.
It's you that's
got the ideas!
Let's be reasonable.
You be reasonable,
if you can.
You think you're
the queen of England,
the way you go on!
You're the slut!
You only got this place
'cause you're a slut!
You little...
Auntie Gwyneth says
you're a she-devil!
Well, your auntie Gwyneth
is foulmouthed!
What she needs
is a good bath!
You mind
your own business!
Keep your long nose
out of my affairs!
And you come back with
that dress, you little...
good morning.
Just you come back here,
my girl!
Come on out of there.
Come on. Come on out!
Hand over
that frock you got!
Come on. I'll have you
arrested for thieving.
Here, dirty pig!
You lit...
Come on out of there!
I'll "Dirty pig" you!
I just want you to know that
Auntie Gwyneth
lives in one little room.
She hasn't
got no bath...
only a tap
in the yard
and a little basin
to wash in.
She's very clean,
considering.
Yeah, well...
I'm not concerned
with auntie Gwyneth
just at this moment.
You said that...
Never mind what I said.
You're in grave danger
of making a fool
of yourself.
If I am, it's not
your concern.
You're in my employ.
- I'm a grown woman.
- Well, you don't behave like one.
Kindly keep your nose
out of my affairs.
You listen to me.
You're wasting time
dreaming about
Mr. Marcus Carrington.
I can dream
how I like.
Not if it interferes
with your work for me!
Then I'll stop
working for you!
Very well, then.
You can go
when you like.
I'll pay you till
the end of the month
in lieu of notice.
I'm giving you notice.
Oh, don't be
so bleedin' half-baked.
He said I looked
lovely in it.
And he didn't
do nothing.
No, thank you,
Mr. Starr.
To my mind, Mary,
you're acting in haste
and will repent at leisure.
There's my trunk
in my room, all packed.
I'll be pleased
if you see it safely off
when the carrier calls.
I will,
if you're still bent
on a final farewell.
I am.
She can whistle,
as far as I'm concerned.
And she'll know
what she's losing
when that Violet
takes over.
Less brains than
a fly, that one.
I've never been
spoken to like that
in my life, Mr. Starr.
"Slut," she called me.
"High and mighty."
"Loose."
And I thought
she was wonderful.
Well, she's a silly,
jealous woman,
and nasty with it,
and I'll never work
for her again.
Here. Give her that.
She won't get far
with them bags
without a cab.
She says if she's ever
beholden to you again,
it'll be over
her dead body, madam.
The silly little
tripe-hound.
Women.
What are you after,
Mrs. Cochrane?
Just to inform you, madam,
the cream's gone off.
It's this
thundery weather.
Well, send out
for some more.
Don't just
stand there.
What do you
expect me to do,
find a cow?
Find a cow.
Yes, madam...no, madam.
You got the strawberry trifle
ready for tonight, have you?
No, madam.
Strawberry trifle?
First I've heard
of strawberry trifle.
Who's having
strawberry trifle?
Why,
it's on the menu!
Not on any menu
I've seen or heard of.
It's on the menu for Lady
Marchant's dinner party tonight.
I didn't even know she was
having a dinner party tonight.
For 14! Tonight!
I told Mary.
I gave her the menu.
She must have
taken it with her.
She's given
no menu to me.
Here's a copy.
Lucky I had one ready.
Go do something
about it, quick.
But the strawberry
trifle's on here.
Give them fruit salad.
They'll never notice.
Have you found the key
to the baggage room?
No I ain't found
the bloody key!
The party in number 10
need their baggage.
They got to be packed
in half an hour...
train to catch.
They'll just have
to wait, won't they.
I ain't found the chits
to make up their bill yet.
Like everything else
Mary seems to have
lost it somewhere!
If you will excuse me Madam,
I think
she kept them all
in a drawer
in the dispense.
Oh, my God.
What are you doing
here, Mrs. Davis?
It's my day,
Mrs. Trotter.
Yeah, well,
I should have thought...
- Where's Violet?
- Violet?
She's never here
when I want her.
Violet! Violet!
You ain't
seen her, then?
She took tea
to room...
Mary I'm talking about.
Mary? Oh, no,
but I've only been here
a half an hour.
I got delayed.
A cab had turned over...
Yeah, well,
she scarpered,
2 days ago.
I beg your pardon?
Your niece
has scarpered.
I...I don't know
what you mean.
She's gone off about
her own business,
left me to whistle.
Gone off?
Yeah. Thought you
might have seen her.
Thought she'd come
running to you.
No. Last time I saw her
was on the day of the ball.
I was looking forward to...
Oh, skip it.
Where have you been?
There's Mr. Benson in 21
needing clean antimacassars.
Go and sort them out girl.
And Lord Fenton wants...
I've been seeing
to Lord Fenton, mum.
Then God help him!
Pardon?
Oh, nothing. Now, where's Mary
keep the accounts?
Within that drawer
over there.
MRS. TROTTER:
Go see to Mr. Benson!
VIOLET
Yes, ma'am.
Hopeless! Hopeless!
Now, you see
the mess she's left me in,
that Mary of yours?
No thought for me
after all I've done for her.
Off like a lady she goes,
not a thought to anyone.
Where are you going?
Both tarred with
the same brush, are you?
Well, I thought
I'd go look for her.
Where are you
going to look?
I don't know.
I mean...
Where would she go?
She don't know
anyone in London,
not to stay with,
that is,
and Swansea's
such a long way.
No hysterics now.
Can't be doing
with hysterics.
Do you think perhaps I
ought to go to the police?
Why? She went
of her own accord.
She must know
what she's up to.
At least, I hope
she knows what she's up to.
She got herself
mixed up...oh, God.
I can't think
why she would have
gone off like that
without a word
to me.
You must have
been awful to her
to make her go.
Me?
Yes. You've got
such an awful temper
and sharp tongue,
and Mary's
very sensitive.
She's sensitive?
What about me?
What do you mean
by mixed up?
Mrs. Haverford
and party in the hall.
Oh, dang
Mr. Haverford!
And when Mary
turns up...
The place is falling
apart without Mary
If she turns up...
Oh, dang, dang, dang!
I'm running around
like a dog at a fair.
Oh, shut up!
MAJOR: Not a bad
little bus at all.
Ah, here's
Mrs. Trotter.
Good day.
Trust you had
a pleasant journey.
How about a little
glass of wine
to set us off
on the right foot?
Merriman,
bottle of wine.
You tell Violet
they're here,
and I want
the rooms ready
in half an hour.
Will you come
into my parlor?
Said the spider
to the fly.
Um, Starr?
Oh.
Oh, uh, Major.
Could you spare me
a few moments?
By all means,
dear boy.
Would my rooms
be convenient?
Of course.
CARRINGTON
Yes, the, uh...
The thing is...
The situation
is changing...
Radically.
Uh...thank you.
Um, the...situation,
you said.
Yes, the situation.
Changing.
Yes. Actually, uh...
Ah.
Well, it was
speculation.
I took a chance.
I can't resist
the excitement
of possibilities
beyond.
Do you know
what I mean?
I might, if I were
30 years younger.
Yes.
I take it we're talking
about our...project.
Yes.
Then hadn't we better
call Mrs. Trotter?
Yes, of course.
MERRIMAN: All this
worrying and fuss.
There's no call for it,
Mrs. Davis.
Yes, but why didn't
she come to me?
I mean, London is
a terrible place
for a young woman
on her own.
Mrs. Davis, if Mr. Starr
is willing to open a book,
I'm ready
to bet 5 pounds
that your niece
will be back in
Mrs. Trotter's clutches
before the end
of the week.
Those two have been together
for quite a spell now.
They need each other
like bread needs butter
or Mr. Starr here
needs the horses.
So why not take
yourself in hand
and read my cup
for me?
I couldn't concentrate
just now.
For God's sake,
someone answer that bell!
I'm seeing to
the parties in number 7.
Where in the bleedin' hell
is Violet?
How does she manage
to disappear for hours on end?
Carrington. I'll go.
I want a word with him.
MRS. TROTTER: Sorry
to keep you waiting.
I've been wanting a word
with you, Lottie's boy.
What in the blazes
you done with Mary, eh?
Mary?
My Welsh Mary,
my right-hand woman here.
I don't take kindly
to you enticing her away.
Don't come the innocent
party with me.
She's not
with her auntie,
so where is she?
We've had
our ups and downs,
but she's never gone off
with her bags packed.
We understand
each other.
You had her all upset
the night of the ball.
Now, I don't mind
a cuddle in the corner,
but since then,
she's been mooning around
like a lovesick cow.
My dear,
hear the boy out.
I have done nothing untoward
as far as Mary is concerned.
I don't go in
for that sort of thing.
Just at the moment,
ladies or otherwise
don't come into my life.
I've got quite enough
on my plate,
including a very nasty
dose of remorse.
Remorse?
Yes, and it has nothing
whatever to do with Mary,
who I don't think I've seen
since the night of the ball.
Oh, I beg
your pardon.
MRS. TROTTER: What's been
going on, then?
You've been upsetting
the Major,
I'll have your guts
for garters.
I, uh...
I am guilty of that.
Oh, oh, please.
I've bungled things,
Mrs. Trotter.
Sheer stupidity. I...
I'm a fool.
Poole said we should
have double-checked.
I really think
I'm going mad.
I thought I could do
better than Poole.
What exactly has
happened, Mr. Carrington?
I heard an hour ago
that the geologist's
report was false...
That there are no
diamonds there at all.
Nothing.
Poole had wind of it,
but I, uh...
Are you implicated?
CARRINGTON: Yes.
MAJOR: Criminally?
We issued a prospectus.
There's going to be
a blazing row somewhere,
isn't there?
What about Poole?
France.
Gone to France.
He must have
left this morning.
I went to his home,
and then I called at his office.
Gone to france.
Well, I'll know better
next time.
Unless you're
on the next boat
to France,
Lottie's boy,
not going to be
a next time.
Run?
They'll be looking
for someone
to pin it on,
won't they?
You're the next best
thing, I reckon.
Major,
I can't run, can I?
The whole thing's
beyond me sir.
It's a curious
situation.
Lottie would be most upset
to see you in jail,
don't you know?
You get your
things together,
and I'll send up
some supper for you.
Oh, I couldn't eat.
You'll eat
what I send up.
You need something
on your stomach.
Now, you pack
a small bag,
and I'll keep
the rest of your
things here safe.
Just between
ourselves, uh...
Have we
lost everything
we put in?
Forgive me.
We have.
Yeah, well...
I never could worry
about money.
You come down
with me, my dear.
Actually, I'm thinking
I'd drive the boy
to the station.
Be roped in
as an accomplice?
Not on your Nellie!
Come on. He'll have
to find his own way.
Yes, of course.
Of course.
You know, I...
I think I'd really
rather have lost it
on the horses.
At least
I'd have seen it go.
MAJOR: My God, aunt Mildred
will be turning somersaults.
Good evening, ma'am.
Mary, you frightened
the life out of me.
Where the hell
have you been?
The Grand Richmond
Hotel.
Taken a job there?
No. I, uh...I've
been staying there.
Staying?
Yes, I...I felt
like a change.
I've been waiting on
people all my life.
I wanted to see what it
was like on the receiving end.
I spent all my money.
So now you come
crying back to me, eh?
No, not crying.
They're looking for
a head chambermaid.
They offered me the job.
But you were a guest.
Housekeeper
recognized me.
I nearly took the job,
and then I...
Then?
Well, I thought,
really, I...
I belong here.
This is my place.
We've been together
a long time, you and me,
stuck by one another,
know each other's ways.
Yeah.
Silly argument
we had.
Yeah.
Letting some man
come between us.
Yeah.
What we have,
you and me, is good.
Yeah.
And I like it.
So do I.
He's a nice man,
but not for me,
even if
he wanted me...
and I think
I could have
made him want me.
But I'm not the sort
to be mistress
to any man
and skulk around
in corners.
No.
Fancy me spending
all my money.
Yeah, well,
we spent all ours, too...
or rather, uh,
Mr. Carrington.
My dear.
If you don't
want me back,
I can go
to the grand.
It's nice to
have you back, Mary.
The place nearly
fell apart without you.
Now, would you get
the Major and me
some coffee, Mary?
We need a bit
of a pick-me-up.
Mary.
Here, sit down,
my dear.
You don't half
look tired.
Oh, thank you.
Oh, my dear...
Do you think I could
extend my duties
in the establishment?
Could you use
an odd body
who would be
an absolute duffer
at serving dinner
but could wash
a few dishes
without
breaking too many
and even play
wine waiter
if the occasion
arose?
Oh, Major,
I certainly landed you
in the cart, didn't I?
Wine waiter, indeed.
No, I owe you too much,
apart from
what I just lost you.
Oh...
Yeah, all right, all right,
so you're a gentleman,
but I persuaded you
to plunge,
and I'll never
forgive meself.
So here and now
I'll say,
you look upon this
establishment as your own...
For always.
Unless you get tired
of me temper.
It's the very least
I can do.
It's funny. I liked him.
Yeah, I did. I liked him.
I'd never have
taken him for a fool.
Well, you live
and learn.
Not a fool.
Just young.
Although...
I hope he keeps it
from Lottie.
sang that lovely.
You know,
she won third prize
in the big
eisteddfod, she did.
What's it say,
auntie Gwyn?
Oh, dear.
It's hot, isn't it?
Ooh! Well, now,
it's a big tree
spreading
its branches,
and you underneath...
very small, see?
Dark leaves.
Very dark.
Oh, it don't sound
very nice.
Oh, there's a lot
of bright specks,
bright like
little stars.
Have you got
a bilious attack?
Never. It's there
in the cup.
And color...
I can see color now.
How can you see color
in a lot of dead leaves?
The eye of the prophet,
as your grandma
used to say.
It runs in the family.
Oh, I know!
It's the ball.
- What ball?
- The servant's ball.
We got our invitations.
- Oh, that.
- Oh, 'twas lovely last year.
— lovely every year.
Wait a minute. There's
something by here. Look.
Look.
Golden blossom...
Falling.
Oh, so beautiful,
but falling.
Now, then, you're
wasting time...my time.
Hello,
Mrs. Trotter.
You'll be falling
very fast, my girl,
if you don't get that shirt
finished in half an hour.
Major needs it for
his regimental dinner tonight.
- Nearly finished.
- Hurry up then, girl.
Need to air before
he puts it on.
Don't want him with the
rheumatics, now, do I?
How's the prophet?
Oh, no prophet,
Mrs. Trotter.
Just an old woman
with some tea leaves.
No need for modesty
with me, Mrs. Davis.
Mary, there was dust on
our new gentleman's chest
in number 6 just now.
Chest?
Chest of drawers.
But I checked after Violet
went in there this morning.
I went over the
whole room with her.
She's half-asleep, that one.
Well, I checked again
just now, Mary,
and there was dust.
All right, all right,
no need to rush around.
I wiped it off
with me own fair hands.
But in future,
you check the rooms
later in the day.
I believe in
a good, clean start.
Gives the guests
confidence.
Our gentleman
in number 6
is rather distinguished.
Wouldn't want him
with dust on his chest
on his first night.
No, indeed.
Is it any business
of yours, Mrs. Davis?
Oh, no,
Mrs. Trotter.
I just agree
with you. I think...
You have a look
in here, my dear.
See what you can see, eh?
That's more in your line...
More in your line than
running my hotel for me.
Oh,
Mrs. Trotter.
Well...
MRS. TROTTER:
Come on, then.
What can you see?
Beware the tides
of March and all that.
When am I going
to make me fortune?
Well, now...
Mrs. Trotter,
the place is in
an uproar out there.
Gentleman
for number 6
just arrived.
He's not due
till tonight.
Still, I like
an early bird.
There's
the Major's shirt.
Enough baggage
to sink a battleship.
Needn't think
I'm breaking my back
helping upstairs
with that lot.
Mr. Marcus Carrington?
Mrs. Trotter.
Did you enjoy
your trip?
Thank you, yes.
Paris, the Major
said you was.
Amsterdam.
I left Paris
2 days ago.
Quick-change
artist, eh?
STARR
Come here, Fred.
CARRINGTON: Ah.
I like a good dog.
STARR
He likes you, sir.
Oh, I'll take
that one, sir.
So very kind of you
to look after me
like this.
My dear boy,
I spoke to Mrs. Trotter
the moment I heard
from you from Paris.
She has put
excellent rooms
at your disposal.
Any friend
of the Major's.
I knew your name
anyway.
Gave my broker
a good tip.
Put me in the way of
a nice investment.
Delighted to have
been of service.
You know, his mother,
Lottie Kettleworth,
was a perfectly
lovely girl.
She's still handsome.
I'm sure.
I'm sure...
All right
there, Major.
Don't stand
there all day
holding
that there bag.
You'll strain
your shoulder.
Ah, yes.
Well, then,
Starr.
Up the apples
and pears, eh?
Yes, Lottie had
the looks that last.
She played a damn
good game of croquet, too.
Yes. Very like,
very like.
Has his mother's
eyes...brown.
Lovely, lovely.
CARRINGTON: Mother has
a small picture of you
taken on
the croquet lawn.
Some house party...
Wellbeck, I think.
MAJOR: Dear heavens.
My distant youth.
Before you were born.
Yes, I knew you as a baby.
Lottie looked magnificent,
showing you off
to all and sundry. Oh!
MRS. TROTTER: Oh, watch
where you're going, Major.
Don't want no accidents,
now, do we?
Oh, she talks
to them terrible.
They like it, auntie.
Such nice
gentlemen, too.
Men have
funny notions.
Well, it wouldn't
do for me.
You're not a man.
He does have
lovely eyes...
Like velvet.
It's a pity
you couldn't have found
yourself a better place.
Better place?
I don't like to
think of you here.
I'm very happy here.
Oh, all these goings-on.
Goings-on?
Well.
- It's not nice, is it?
- What?
All these men
she's got here.
It's her work.
She's very choosy...
only gentlemen.
She could have
lady boarders.
It wouldn't
be the same.
- Mary!
- What?
Such talk!
Well, she does have
some ladies.
— After the nice way
I brought you up!
It's that woman.
Mrs. Trotter's
very good to me.
She's helped me to get on.
She's helped you, too.
There's no need
to harp on it, girl.
Gratitude
where it's due,
and I said
my thanks,
but morals is
something different.
Morals now, is it?
They don't take her
cheek for nothing.
It's time you
went home, isn't it?
Oh, yes,
that's right.
Send me off as soon
as I open my mouth
to speak the truth,
isn't it?
Good enough to read
the tea leaves,
but not wanted
when it comes
to plain talking.
Well, I'd rather be
at the bottom
scrubbing the floors
and doing the mending
than lording it
in the pantry
and not able to
look the minister
in the face.
Oh!
No laughing matter.
I feel sorry
for that young man.
What's wrong with him?
He looks lovely.
Nothing wrong
with him.
Auntie Gwyn, stop it.
He should be warned.
I can see it all.
You're not
reading cups now.
Ooh! Now look
what you made me do.
Not me, girl.
Justice
for hard words.
Come on. Put it
under the tap.
Take the sting
out of it.
Thank you.
Your mother
had this way with her...
a sort of intriguing lift
to the head,
and then this lock
of hair
would fall
across her forehead.
How do you like
this Champagne, Mr. Carrington?
Excellent.
Lanson '92, isn't it?
Right first time.
CARRINGTON
Steadman.
Always like to
get me new people
off to a good start.
I remember
your mother always...
I remember
your mother used to...
will you be wanting
dinner tonight,
Mr. Carrington?
Yes, please...
for 2.
Of course.
A business
colleague.
2 it is.
Perhaps we can discuss
the menu later.
Oh, and I would
like to arrange
with the General
Post Office
for a private
telephone line.
Certainly,
Mr. Carrington.
Come on,
then, Major.
Oh.
Excellent Champagne,
Mrs. Trotter.
My pleasure.
Oh, um...
Thank you,
dear boy.
Come on, Major.
MARY: I'll see you
out, auntie.
No need.
I know the way.
You see you finish
your shirts,
or she'll be
after you,
the old she-devil.
Oh!
Good-bye,
Mrs. Trotter.
Lovely cup of tea.
The sheets is all
finished now,
and very nicely, too.
I'll give her she-devil.
Put a dose of salts
in her next cup
of tea, I will.
Starr, you tell her
next time
not to use
the front door.
- Well, yes, madam, but she...
- Come on, Major.
Come and have
a sit-down.
STARR: Did you
get that, Violet?
STARR: Your auntie's
looking well, Mary.
Come on, then.
Rest your backside.
You look fagged.
Not really.
Now, should you
go out tonight?
Oh, yes. I can't let
the regiment down.
No, I'm not really
tired.
Just time passing.
What about
this Lottie, eh?
Ah, Lottie.
Was she so lovely?
Yes, she was.
Bit like you.
Yes.
You know the right
things to say.
- Thank you.
- What about her son?
I like him.
Yes.
Yes?
He made a pot
of money, I hear...
shares or something.
Oh, yes, he's sharp.
I doubled me money
on a tip from him.
Did you? Hmm.
Not the kind of thing
in my young day...
a gentleman in the city.
Not the thing
at all.
Nice boy, though.
He's got brains.
Lottie's brains?
She was a sharp
little thing.
He's got her brains,
all right,
and using them
to good account.
Stocks and shares.
A bit beyond me.
I never understood
the city.
A straight gamble
on the horses
more my mark.
Talking about shares,
what about that
legacy of yours?
Hmm?
Aunt mildred's legacy.
What you done with it
now you've squared me off?
Nothing. I...
Ain't spent it,
have you?
Frittered it away
on the gee-gees?
Good heavens, no.
Well, where is it, then?
Where she left it,
of course.
Where?
Oh, some
gilt-edged thing.
I was told
safe as horses...
...Houses.
3% or thereabout.
That won't get you
very far, will it?
Do I want to go far?
4,000 quid?
You could do something
with that, couldn't you?
Could I?
Oh, seems barmy
to leave good money
lying around doing nothing.
Here you are.
Oh, thank you.
If you had that money
invested proper,
you could be
really comfortable.
I'm pretty comfortable
now, actually.
Yeah, but you got to scrape
for every halfpenny, ain't you?
I'd like to see you
your own man, like.
I wonder what that
means, exactly. Hmm?
Is one ever
one's own man?
Don't be melancholic,
Major. Don't want that.
You can't be vague
about money.
I mean, this "Gilt-edged"
something or other,
"3% or thereabouts."
Now, that won't do,
will it?
It's your money now, isn't it?
You got to
look after it.
That's what I'm trying
to do, actually.
You know what I think?
I think you should have
a word with this Lottie's boy.
Do you?
Well, you know him.
If he's so clever
in the city...
Oh, he is.
What are you
waiting for, then?
Here,
I'll tell you what.
I've got a bit
of money tucked away.
I reckon I might have
another word with him
meself, direct-like.
He wouldn't mind,
would he?
Oh...
Yeah, I'll have
another go meself.
Here, that would make
a change, wouldn't it?
Bit of excitement
on the side.
Aunt mildred would
turn in her grave.
You can make millions
on the stock exchange.
Millions.
Of course, I wouldn't
want millions. I mean...
I like me comforts...
Glass of wine
from time to time, but...
No, I wouldn't
want millions.
Well, you can't
spend millions.
Must be nice, though,
seeing it fall
in your lap,
and all you've done
is raise an eyebrow.
He's got nice eyebrows...
Lottie's boy.
They're like
angel's wings, aren't they?
Were Lottie's like that?
Regimental dinner.
No. Absolutely
and emphatically no.
Wouldn't touch them,
and you should know better.
My dear fellow,
my man in Amsterdam, of course.
He tipped me off
2 days ago.
Somali's are finished.
You may take
my word for it.
Ah! Thank you.
Merriman, isn't it?
Yes, sir.
Mr. Carrington's room.
Oh, yes, Mr. Poole.
I'll see if he's free.
Carrington.
Good morning,
Mr. Carrington.
Poole,
good morning to you.
Gaspard has just
been on from Paris.
I don't like him.
Personal recommendation
from Dumesnil.
Well, Dumesnil
is not infallible,
and I don't trust
this Gaspard.
Too careless,
moves too fast.
Now, watch him.
Now, our South African
interest...
Ha ha ha!
That is moving fast.
I received a report
this morning.
I think it would
be better
not to discuss it
on the telephone.
About, uh...
.8 carat.
Yes.
.7 or .8 carat.
Here is
Van Zeelen's cable.
Well, I can't read
that damn code.
I'm sorry.
Allow me.
"Re alluvial claim
37, Luderitz.
"Yield per load
promising.
Good quality gems.
Average--.8 carat."
As I thought.
That's very good.
Van Zeelen?
Reliable
in the past.
I think we should
go with this,
Mr. Carrington.
Hmm. What about
outlets?
The syndicate
won't touch it.
They'll have a fit.
The syndicate
mustn't know of it.
Kimberley mustn't
know of it.
We can easily
dispose of the diamonds
through Antwerp.
How much
to get it going?
Van Zeelen thinks about
one million marks.
Hmm.
All right.
Leave it to me.
Oh, what are
Granthams doing?
No movement.
Pull out.
Pull right out?
Right out. No point
in wasting capital
on stagnating shares.
Ah, yes,
but the potential,
Mrs. Trotter...
the potential
of Africa
and the
vastness of it
and the wealth
just waiting
to be exploited.
I've been there.
In one place,
I saw natives
just picking up
rough pebbles...
diamonds.
Diamonds? They turn up
just like that?
More than diamonds.
It's a land
of vision.
Think of Rhodes'
achievements.
It's a land
of opportunity.
For rich young men.
Well, for any young man
prepared to chance his hand
and trust his luck.
What about ladies
getting on in years, eh?
Ladies?
Oh, you're not getting on
in years, Mrs. Trotter.
Oh.
Oh, thank you,
Mary.
Ah.
Thank you, sir.
You're a romantic.
Romantic? Oh, no.
Certainly not.
- China?
- Please.
Why do you say ro...
Sugar?
Yes, please.
Why do you say
romantic?
Oh, I just say things
off me hat sometimes.
Understand me,
Mrs. Trotter.
I'm a hard businessman
with a cool, clear mind.
No need to make a song
and dance about it.
I mean, if you're
in business,
you've got to keep yourself
to yourself, ain't you?
Now, I've got
this bit of cash...
sorry to interrupt,
but a man is here
with the frocks
for the servants ball.
Oh, damnation.
Tell him to wait.
He's in a hurry.
He's got another call.
You tell him
to wait
or I won't have
the frocks!
Go on. Tell him!
He'll wait.
I give this ball
for the staff, see?
All of you lot
waiting on them.
What fun!
Mother does that
every Christmas
in the country.
Yeah, well, I like
the old-fashioned things,
and I like
to think of this place
sort of home from home
for me guests.
Now, about this cash
of mine...
Well, first of all,
can I see your list
of investments?
It's a sight better than
the one you had last year.
It was lovely, the one
I had last year...lovely.
But this is better.
I know what I'm talking about.
I have taste
in these matters.
You had blue last year.
It's a nasty, cold color.
This goes much better
with your hair.
Sort of sets it off, like.
You never said
last year.
You might have told me
I looked awful.
You didn't look awful.
It would be very difficult
for you to look awful.
But this one
suits you better.
A lot of nonsense.
What? My frock? Me?
This ball.
A lot of nonsense.
Didn't go for this
in my young days.
A lot of nonsense.
Where's the sense
in hiring a few
tawdry frocks...
they're not tawdry!
A few tawdry frocks
for a lot of
uppity serving maids
to lord about in,
pretending to be
aristocratic
trollops?
MARY: Oh, Mr. Merriman!
He's jealous.
Eh?
Just 'cause you haven't
got a lovely frock
to swank about in.
I don't hold
with it.
I don't hold
with this business
of servants
being waited on
by their betters.
All right,
a few presents
around
a Christmas tree
and madam serving
a drop of soup
at lunch,
but balls and...
balls and
the powers that be
waiting on servants
is wrong.
A servant
is a servant.
His place is
laid down for him.
Dressing up
for one night
of the year
is a waste
of everybody's time.
Gets no one nowhere.
It gives lightheaded
and giddy girls
the wrong ideas.
Do you mean me?
Yeah.
It's a bit of fun,
that's all.
Mrs. Trotter
likes to do it...
a kind of thank-you
for our year's work.
Yes. We don't want
no dissertations
on the position
of the servant,
Mr. Merriman.
Life's here
for the living,
so let's get on
with it, eh?
As auntie Gwyneth
would say if she was here,
we're all equal
under God.
But this is
an hotel.
Oh!
Oh,
very nice!
Who's to be the belle
of the ball, then?
Oh, I like
yours, Mary.
Whoever heard
of a cook in satin, eh?
And what am I supposed
to do with this?
Fill it up.
What with?
Here you are.
I'll see if
Mrs. Trotter is ready.
Ooh! Ha ha!
Oh, sorry,
Mr. Carrington.
Have we met?
Well, we...
can I help you at all,
Mr. Carrington?
Oh, yes, please,
Mrs. Trotter.
I'd like some coffee
in my room.
Coffee for
Mr. Carrington, Mary.
Yes, ma'am.
What a pretty girl.
My head housemaid,
Mr. Carrington.
Oh.
Perfectly lovely.
Is she?
I'll have your coffee
sent up, Mr. Carrington.
I've never seen
anything like it.
And in future,
I inspect the frocks
belowstairs.
I'll not have
you lot
parading around
like that,
bumping
into the guests.
I was just coming
to call you.
Starr was
perfectly capable
of calling me, Mary.
He don't look like
a Christmas tree.
Now, line up,
all of you.
Yeah, well, that
will have to do.
Hmm.
You'll have to take
that top in a bit,
Mrs. Cochrane.
And the hem
will have to come up
an inch or 2.
And do it careful.
Alter it back before
the things are returned.
Right, Mrs. Trotter.
Can I go now, please?
I have me pies in
the oven for tomorrow.
Yeah, off you go,
all of you.
STARR
Well done, girls.
What are
you doing, Mary?
Getting coffee
for Mr. Carrington.
In that frock?
They cost money,
them frocks.
Can't have it
mucked up.
Charge me double
if I send it back
mucked up.
Coffee
ain't your job.
Merriman, coffee
for Mr. Carrington.
But I can make...
get out of that
bloody frock!
Mincing around
like a maypole.
There
you all are.
So sorry
and all that,
but there's
a party
arrived
from Yorkshire
in the hall.
Oh, bleeding hell!
Temper, temper.
It's the thought
of aunt Mildred,
don't you know?
Damn particular
old girl.
You have
my word, sir.
This is a very good bet;
very good.
I...I can't think of it
as my money somehow.
It's as though
she's keeping an eye on it
from the grave,
so to speak.
No, aunt Mildred was
very careful with her money.
I feel hesitant
to play about with it.
Well, I mustn't
be the one
to persuade you to...
Upset aunt Mildred.
You know what I mean.
You must do exactly
what you feel is right.
But just
between ourselves,
I'd like you to know
that I myself
am investing heavily.
There you are,
then, Major.
What better
recommendation
could you have
than that?
Well, none, really.
It's just...
Aunt Mildred rearing
her rather ugly head.
Go on.
Have a go.
It's better
than the ponies.
I've gone in
with my little lot.
Have you really?
Oh, yes, I have.
You forget about your auntie.
She's dead and gone.
How can she know what
you're doing with her money?
How can she care now?
Is she going to
come back and haunt you?
Oh, come on, Major.
You know you want to.
Couple of years,
you'll have doubled your money.
Will I really?
Well, I have seen
the geologist's report.
There's absolutely
no doubt.
That field is well
worth working.
Very well. I shall
put the whole thing
into motion
immediately.
There we are, then.
We're all going to be
lovely and rich.
No worries
in our old age.
I think this calls
for another bottle.
I got one ready,
just in case.
Here you are,
Mr. Carrington.
Well done, my boy.
"Will you
please sell
"My entire holding
in that gilt-edged
thing?"
You can't say
"That gilt-edged thing."
He'll understand.
Do you know,
I am so damn lucky
to be young now.
Ooh, lovely. Ta.
I mean, there's
nothing I can't do.
Are you serious?
Absolutely.
Then I wish I
were young, too.
To your youth.
Oh!
Don't you feel
the same way, sir?
I mean, the whole world
is opening up.
Opening up? To what?
For what? For whom?
Well, for young,
for old, for all.
You're right.
For young and old and women
and children, too.
Of course
you're right.
A new world
in which to spend
aunt Mildred's
money,
a new world
of bigger and better
motorcars.
To bigger
and better motorcars.
To bigger
and better motorcars.
And Champagne
for breakfast every day.
Yes.
Ha ha ha!
Begging your pardon,
Mrs. Trotter,
but I thought
I'd better remind you
that it is the servants ball
this evening,
and you haven't yet informed me
who will be doing what.
Oh, my lord,
the ball. I forgot.
Excuse me, Major.
Here we are, then.
Now, let me see.
I'm head cook
and bottle washer.
Major, I got you down
for wine waiter.
How will that
suit you?
Eminently.
Not fair!
Hold on, dear boy.
Your turn is coming.
How about headwaiter?
It has been my dream
for many a year.
Ha ha ha!
All right,
Merriman?
Don't you get
too excited.
Well, then I was maid
to a Mrs. Colebrook...
he was very big
in iron, you know...
and they had this house
for summer use.
It looked right over
Swansea Bay.
Oh, it was lovely.
Not that I had
any view, of course,
from the basement
or my room at the back,
but when they was all out,
I used to go to up
to the first floor front
and stand, staring out.
Mesmerized, I'd be,
watching the boats
and wondering
where they was going.
My husband was on the boats,
you know, when we first met.
Great big man he was.
We never had no children,
which was why I took Mary.
Well, with 14
in the family,
my poor sister didn't
know which way to turn.
Their dad
used to grow watercress.
Do you know he used to walk
into Swansea every day
carrying the watercress
in a big basket on his head?
Well, I mean,
watercress is good for you,
but, well, it can't feed
a family of 14, can it?
Not if you sold it
all day and every day,
which, of course,
you can't, you see,
because in the winter...
Is it ready,
auntie?
Near enough.
It'll have to do.
I got to change.
I just seen them all
waiting to dish up.
Oh, Mr. Starr,
you look lovely.
I never seen you
look so lovely.
Thank you, Mary.
He looks like the minister.
It's all that black.
He was a handsome man, too.
Whenever we had a funeral...
Yes, thank you,
Mrs. Davis.
Now, then, make way
for the new staff.
STARR: Very nice, sir.
Well,
get dressed, Mary.
I've got
a spanking dinner
which I can't wait
to serve,
and you've got
5 minutes.
Here you are.
Off you go,
and you mind
you're a good girl.
CARRINGTON: Right.
Show your hands now.
All nice
and clean, eh?
Don't want
sooty marks
on the dinner
plates, do we?
And no secret
drinking
in the pantry,
Major.
Oh, sorry, sir.
Right.
Ready?
MAJOR
Oh, very nice.
CARRINGTON
Splendid.
MAJOR: What price
the filly
in the red feather?
It's Mrs. Cochrane.
MAJOR
Well done.
STARR
Evening, sir.
CARRINGTON
Evening, Starr.
Ah. A glass
of bubbly, Gladys?
I wouldn't
say no, Joseph.
Not dancing,
Mrs. Cochrane?
We got so hot.
I trust you will
be recovered
in time for
our waltz, madam.
Oh, I'd not miss that
for anything!
I love
that music.
It makes me feel
really romantic.
I couldn't believe it
when I saw you
with the veg.
You didn't
half do it well.
Didn't spill nothing.
Tsk, tsk, tsk.
Oh, just smell
those roses.
Perfectly lovely.
May I?
Oh, of course,
Mr. Carrington.
Oh, now, Mary,
that's not quite
right, is it?
What do you mean?
Well, I think
in our present
circumstances,
you should
call me Marcus.
Oh, no.
I couldn't.
Well, just try.
Say, uh, "Marcus,
bring in tea."
Oh, no.
Go on. I want to
hear you say it.
Oh!
Marcus...
Marcus,
bring in tea.
That's very good.
I shall have to apply
for a Welsh mistress.
What?
I'm speaking
as a servant,
my dear child.
Oh. Of course.
You're a long way
from home, Mary.
Yes.
I don't know
Wales at all.
No?
Well, my father
had a couple of
Welsh Collies.
Oh, they're
lovely dogs.
Very gentle.
Dadda had one...a bitch.
She wouldn't leave his side.
Went everywhere with him.
Is your father
a farmer?
He's dead.
Oh, I'm sorry.
And he wasn't a farmer.
He did a bit of cobbling,
and he grew watercress.
Well, he gathered it
at the stream.
But you have to
watch out for it,
or the sheep
will spoil it.
Daft things, sheep.
I rather like them.
Well, maybe you've not
been close to them, like.
Ha ha! No.
How do you
like London?
Oh, don't like
the noise.
Worse than Swansea
on a Saturday night.
Oh, dear.
But I like it here,
and I got money to spend.
I came up with
my auntie Gwyneth.
She came to work
for a Mr. Tomlin
back of the Strand,
and she sent for me.
Got me a job
to come to...
and Lord Henry Norton,
where I met Mrs. Trotter.
Glad, I was. Sorry to
leave mum, though.
She said to come.
"Nothing here
for a girl.
Go up to London town,
find yourself
a rich husband."
And have you?
No.
Money isn't
everything, is it?
Well, I like it.
I enjoy it.
Do you?
Yes.
And when you've found
your crock of gold, Mary,
you can bring it
to me,
and I'll double it
for you.
MERRIMAN
It did occur to me
that it was a curious thing
for a lady to say.
Of course, at that time,
his lordship was well past 60.
Now, tell me some
more about Wales.
Oh, no.
No, please.
You must.
I like to hear you speak. It's...
..soft and light
and not booming
like some women I know.
Go on. Don't be
shy with me.
Say something
in Welsh.
Oh, I...
1, 2, 3, go.
Uh...
Oh, that's beautiful.
What is it?
We always change the sheets
on Mondays and Fridays.
Ha ha ha ha!
CARRINGTON
Say something else.
MAJOR: You see,
I'm absolutely fascinated
by the internal
combustion engine;
Fascinated.
Now, Rudolf Diesel...
I'm not boring you, am I?
Rudolf diesel...
who, sad to say,
I have never met...
he wrote a paper,
you know,
on the thermodynamic
principles
of the internal
combustion engine
in uh, 1893.
You won't
remember that...
MERRIMAN
At that time,
Lord Raglan wasn't
on the best of terms
with Lord Cardigan.
- Shall I say something else?
- Yes.
Uh...
And what's that?
I'm not telling you
that, either.
Oh! Ha ha!
May I claim
my dance,
Mrs. Trotter?
Oh, thank you,
Mr. Starr.
There we are.
You go up to Piccadilly
and turn...
I'll show you, sir.
Excuse me, madam.
I am, of course,
in daily touch
with our man out there.
Ah. The wonders
of telegraph, eh?
I'd like to go out
there again myself,
but I'm needed here...
other projects.
It fascinates me,
that part of the world.
I suppose I am a bit of
a Cecil Rhodes at heart.
No ill effects,
then?
Absolutely
topping evening.
Never felt better
in my life.
Could you also
collect 2 gentlemen
from Charing Cross
at half past 1:00?
With pleasure.
Try not to
cover yourself
with oil, eh?
Morning, Starr.
Sir.
I don't know.
Some people.
I said to those two,
"Go up to Piccadilly
and turn to the right,"
So they turned
to the left.
Love's young dream, eh?
I know
what you mean.
Have them frocks
folded yet, Mary?
They'll be calling
in half an hour.
Don't want them
hanging about,
paying
another day's hire.
I'm just finishing.
Here, what do
you call this?
You call this
folded, girl?
Now, look here.
This won't do!
I can't be behind you
all the time, Mary.
You get that lot
folded proper.
Who do you think
you are
standing around all
moony...Lady Muck?
Get that back
in the basket
where it belongs.
What do you think
you're do...
here. Look what
you've done,
you stupid slut!
Now, you
get that mended!
Nobody's ever
called me slut before.
Well, maybe
you never showed
in your true light
before.
What do you mean
by that?
Aw, get on
with the packing.
Do it yourself,
as I don't suit.
Don't you talk to me
like that, my girl.
All these
high-and-mighty airs
'cause some gentleman holds
your hand between dances;
Stop it!
all moony-eyed'
cause he whispers sweet
nothings in your virgin ear hole.
Oh, you're filthy!
Hope you didn't let him
muck about with you.
If I did, it's nothing
to do with you!
I won't have no
loose behavior.
You won't have no
loose behavior?
Me?!
You want the young men
who come here
to look at you
and nobody else.
You watch your tongue my girl,
or I'll get really angry.
I've seen you
rolling your eyes at them.
And now that one of them likes me...
likes you?
He does! He likes
to hear me talk.
You amuse him,
you silly little thing.
It amuses him
to play around
with a little Welsh girl
with a funny voice.
He was lovely to me.
Oh, was he? What did
he do to you then?
I wouldn't tell you.
You'd make it dirty.
These young men
who come here...
He's different!
Don't get
any silly ideas
in that half-baked
loaf of yours.
It's you that's
got the ideas!
Let's be reasonable.
You be reasonable,
if you can.
You think you're
the queen of England,
the way you go on!
You're the slut!
You only got this place
'cause you're a slut!
You little...
Auntie Gwyneth says
you're a she-devil!
Well, your auntie Gwyneth
is foulmouthed!
What she needs
is a good bath!
You mind
your own business!
Keep your long nose
out of my affairs!
And you come back with
that dress, you little...
good morning.
Just you come back here,
my girl!
Come on out of there.
Come on. Come on out!
Hand over
that frock you got!
Come on. I'll have you
arrested for thieving.
Here, dirty pig!
You lit...
Come on out of there!
I'll "Dirty pig" you!
I just want you to know that
Auntie Gwyneth
lives in one little room.
She hasn't
got no bath...
only a tap
in the yard
and a little basin
to wash in.
She's very clean,
considering.
Yeah, well...
I'm not concerned
with auntie Gwyneth
just at this moment.
You said that...
Never mind what I said.
You're in grave danger
of making a fool
of yourself.
If I am, it's not
your concern.
You're in my employ.
- I'm a grown woman.
- Well, you don't behave like one.
Kindly keep your nose
out of my affairs.
You listen to me.
You're wasting time
dreaming about
Mr. Marcus Carrington.
I can dream
how I like.
Not if it interferes
with your work for me!
Then I'll stop
working for you!
Very well, then.
You can go
when you like.
I'll pay you till
the end of the month
in lieu of notice.
I'm giving you notice.
Oh, don't be
so bleedin' half-baked.
He said I looked
lovely in it.
And he didn't
do nothing.
No, thank you,
Mr. Starr.
To my mind, Mary,
you're acting in haste
and will repent at leisure.
There's my trunk
in my room, all packed.
I'll be pleased
if you see it safely off
when the carrier calls.
I will,
if you're still bent
on a final farewell.
I am.
She can whistle,
as far as I'm concerned.
And she'll know
what she's losing
when that Violet
takes over.
Less brains than
a fly, that one.
I've never been
spoken to like that
in my life, Mr. Starr.
"Slut," she called me.
"High and mighty."
"Loose."
And I thought
she was wonderful.
Well, she's a silly,
jealous woman,
and nasty with it,
and I'll never work
for her again.
Here. Give her that.
She won't get far
with them bags
without a cab.
She says if she's ever
beholden to you again,
it'll be over
her dead body, madam.
The silly little
tripe-hound.
Women.
What are you after,
Mrs. Cochrane?
Just to inform you, madam,
the cream's gone off.
It's this
thundery weather.
Well, send out
for some more.
Don't just
stand there.
What do you
expect me to do,
find a cow?
Find a cow.
Yes, madam...no, madam.
You got the strawberry trifle
ready for tonight, have you?
No, madam.
Strawberry trifle?
First I've heard
of strawberry trifle.
Who's having
strawberry trifle?
Why,
it's on the menu!
Not on any menu
I've seen or heard of.
It's on the menu for Lady
Marchant's dinner party tonight.
I didn't even know she was
having a dinner party tonight.
For 14! Tonight!
I told Mary.
I gave her the menu.
She must have
taken it with her.
She's given
no menu to me.
Here's a copy.
Lucky I had one ready.
Go do something
about it, quick.
But the strawberry
trifle's on here.
Give them fruit salad.
They'll never notice.
Have you found the key
to the baggage room?
No I ain't found
the bloody key!
The party in number 10
need their baggage.
They got to be packed
in half an hour...
train to catch.
They'll just have
to wait, won't they.
I ain't found the chits
to make up their bill yet.
Like everything else
Mary seems to have
lost it somewhere!
If you will excuse me Madam,
I think
she kept them all
in a drawer
in the dispense.
Oh, my God.
What are you doing
here, Mrs. Davis?
It's my day,
Mrs. Trotter.
Yeah, well,
I should have thought...
- Where's Violet?
- Violet?
She's never here
when I want her.
Violet! Violet!
You ain't
seen her, then?
She took tea
to room...
Mary I'm talking about.
Mary? Oh, no,
but I've only been here
a half an hour.
I got delayed.
A cab had turned over...
Yeah, well,
she scarpered,
2 days ago.
I beg your pardon?
Your niece
has scarpered.
I...I don't know
what you mean.
She's gone off about
her own business,
left me to whistle.
Gone off?
Yeah. Thought you
might have seen her.
Thought she'd come
running to you.
No. Last time I saw her
was on the day of the ball.
I was looking forward to...
Oh, skip it.
Where have you been?
There's Mr. Benson in 21
needing clean antimacassars.
Go and sort them out girl.
And Lord Fenton wants...
I've been seeing
to Lord Fenton, mum.
Then God help him!
Pardon?
Oh, nothing. Now, where's Mary
keep the accounts?
Within that drawer
over there.
MRS. TROTTER:
Go see to Mr. Benson!
VIOLET
Yes, ma'am.
Hopeless! Hopeless!
Now, you see
the mess she's left me in,
that Mary of yours?
No thought for me
after all I've done for her.
Off like a lady she goes,
not a thought to anyone.
Where are you going?
Both tarred with
the same brush, are you?
Well, I thought
I'd go look for her.
Where are you
going to look?
I don't know.
I mean...
Where would she go?
She don't know
anyone in London,
not to stay with,
that is,
and Swansea's
such a long way.
No hysterics now.
Can't be doing
with hysterics.
Do you think perhaps I
ought to go to the police?
Why? She went
of her own accord.
She must know
what she's up to.
At least, I hope
she knows what she's up to.
She got herself
mixed up...oh, God.
I can't think
why she would have
gone off like that
without a word
to me.
You must have
been awful to her
to make her go.
Me?
Yes. You've got
such an awful temper
and sharp tongue,
and Mary's
very sensitive.
She's sensitive?
What about me?
What do you mean
by mixed up?
Mrs. Haverford
and party in the hall.
Oh, dang
Mr. Haverford!
And when Mary
turns up...
The place is falling
apart without Mary
If she turns up...
Oh, dang, dang, dang!
I'm running around
like a dog at a fair.
Oh, shut up!
MAJOR: Not a bad
little bus at all.
Ah, here's
Mrs. Trotter.
Good day.
Trust you had
a pleasant journey.
How about a little
glass of wine
to set us off
on the right foot?
Merriman,
bottle of wine.
You tell Violet
they're here,
and I want
the rooms ready
in half an hour.
Will you come
into my parlor?
Said the spider
to the fly.
Um, Starr?
Oh.
Oh, uh, Major.
Could you spare me
a few moments?
By all means,
dear boy.
Would my rooms
be convenient?
Of course.
CARRINGTON
Yes, the, uh...
The thing is...
The situation
is changing...
Radically.
Uh...thank you.
Um, the...situation,
you said.
Yes, the situation.
Changing.
Yes. Actually, uh...
Ah.
Well, it was
speculation.
I took a chance.
I can't resist
the excitement
of possibilities
beyond.
Do you know
what I mean?
I might, if I were
30 years younger.
Yes.
I take it we're talking
about our...project.
Yes.
Then hadn't we better
call Mrs. Trotter?
Yes, of course.
MERRIMAN: All this
worrying and fuss.
There's no call for it,
Mrs. Davis.
Yes, but why didn't
she come to me?
I mean, London is
a terrible place
for a young woman
on her own.
Mrs. Davis, if Mr. Starr
is willing to open a book,
I'm ready
to bet 5 pounds
that your niece
will be back in
Mrs. Trotter's clutches
before the end
of the week.
Those two have been together
for quite a spell now.
They need each other
like bread needs butter
or Mr. Starr here
needs the horses.
So why not take
yourself in hand
and read my cup
for me?
I couldn't concentrate
just now.
For God's sake,
someone answer that bell!
I'm seeing to
the parties in number 7.
Where in the bleedin' hell
is Violet?
How does she manage
to disappear for hours on end?
Carrington. I'll go.
I want a word with him.
MRS. TROTTER: Sorry
to keep you waiting.
I've been wanting a word
with you, Lottie's boy.
What in the blazes
you done with Mary, eh?
Mary?
My Welsh Mary,
my right-hand woman here.
I don't take kindly
to you enticing her away.
Don't come the innocent
party with me.
She's not
with her auntie,
so where is she?
We've had
our ups and downs,
but she's never gone off
with her bags packed.
We understand
each other.
You had her all upset
the night of the ball.
Now, I don't mind
a cuddle in the corner,
but since then,
she's been mooning around
like a lovesick cow.
My dear,
hear the boy out.
I have done nothing untoward
as far as Mary is concerned.
I don't go in
for that sort of thing.
Just at the moment,
ladies or otherwise
don't come into my life.
I've got quite enough
on my plate,
including a very nasty
dose of remorse.
Remorse?
Yes, and it has nothing
whatever to do with Mary,
who I don't think I've seen
since the night of the ball.
Oh, I beg
your pardon.
MRS. TROTTER: What's been
going on, then?
You've been upsetting
the Major,
I'll have your guts
for garters.
I, uh...
I am guilty of that.
Oh, oh, please.
I've bungled things,
Mrs. Trotter.
Sheer stupidity. I...
I'm a fool.
Poole said we should
have double-checked.
I really think
I'm going mad.
I thought I could do
better than Poole.
What exactly has
happened, Mr. Carrington?
I heard an hour ago
that the geologist's
report was false...
That there are no
diamonds there at all.
Nothing.
Poole had wind of it,
but I, uh...
Are you implicated?
CARRINGTON: Yes.
MAJOR: Criminally?
We issued a prospectus.
There's going to be
a blazing row somewhere,
isn't there?
What about Poole?
France.
Gone to France.
He must have
left this morning.
I went to his home,
and then I called at his office.
Gone to france.
Well, I'll know better
next time.
Unless you're
on the next boat
to France,
Lottie's boy,
not going to be
a next time.
Run?
They'll be looking
for someone
to pin it on,
won't they?
You're the next best
thing, I reckon.
Major,
I can't run, can I?
The whole thing's
beyond me sir.
It's a curious
situation.
Lottie would be most upset
to see you in jail,
don't you know?
You get your
things together,
and I'll send up
some supper for you.
Oh, I couldn't eat.
You'll eat
what I send up.
You need something
on your stomach.
Now, you pack
a small bag,
and I'll keep
the rest of your
things here safe.
Just between
ourselves, uh...
Have we
lost everything
we put in?
Forgive me.
We have.
Yeah, well...
I never could worry
about money.
You come down
with me, my dear.
Actually, I'm thinking
I'd drive the boy
to the station.
Be roped in
as an accomplice?
Not on your Nellie!
Come on. He'll have
to find his own way.
Yes, of course.
Of course.
You know, I...
I think I'd really
rather have lost it
on the horses.
At least
I'd have seen it go.
MAJOR: My God, aunt Mildred
will be turning somersaults.
Good evening, ma'am.
Mary, you frightened
the life out of me.
Where the hell
have you been?
The Grand Richmond
Hotel.
Taken a job there?
No. I, uh...I've
been staying there.
Staying?
Yes, I...I felt
like a change.
I've been waiting on
people all my life.
I wanted to see what it
was like on the receiving end.
I spent all my money.
So now you come
crying back to me, eh?
No, not crying.
They're looking for
a head chambermaid.
They offered me the job.
But you were a guest.
Housekeeper
recognized me.
I nearly took the job,
and then I...
Then?
Well, I thought,
really, I...
I belong here.
This is my place.
We've been together
a long time, you and me,
stuck by one another,
know each other's ways.
Yeah.
Silly argument
we had.
Yeah.
Letting some man
come between us.
Yeah.
What we have,
you and me, is good.
Yeah.
And I like it.
So do I.
He's a nice man,
but not for me,
even if
he wanted me...
and I think
I could have
made him want me.
But I'm not the sort
to be mistress
to any man
and skulk around
in corners.
No.
Fancy me spending
all my money.
Yeah, well,
we spent all ours, too...
or rather, uh,
Mr. Carrington.
My dear.
If you don't
want me back,
I can go
to the grand.
It's nice to
have you back, Mary.
The place nearly
fell apart without you.
Now, would you get
the Major and me
some coffee, Mary?
We need a bit
of a pick-me-up.
Mary.
Here, sit down,
my dear.
You don't half
look tired.
Oh, thank you.
Oh, my dear...
Do you think I could
extend my duties
in the establishment?
Could you use
an odd body
who would be
an absolute duffer
at serving dinner
but could wash
a few dishes
without
breaking too many
and even play
wine waiter
if the occasion
arose?
Oh, Major,
I certainly landed you
in the cart, didn't I?
Wine waiter, indeed.
No, I owe you too much,
apart from
what I just lost you.
Oh...
Yeah, all right, all right,
so you're a gentleman,
but I persuaded you
to plunge,
and I'll never
forgive meself.
So here and now
I'll say,
you look upon this
establishment as your own...
For always.
Unless you get tired
of me temper.
It's the very least
I can do.
It's funny. I liked him.
Yeah, I did. I liked him.
I'd never have
taken him for a fool.
Well, you live
and learn.
Not a fool.
Just young.
Although...
I hope he keeps it
from Lottie.