Upstairs, Downstairs (1971–1975): Season 2, Episode 12 - The Wages of Sin - full transcript

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Acorn Media (re-sync by moviesbyrizzo)

Give us a hand, Ruby.

Where's Mr. Hudson?

Just coming.

Oh, Ruby.

Look at them sandwiches --
doorsteps.

Breads new, Mrs. Bridges.

It's as thin as I could cut it.

You didn't put fish paste
on both sides?

- Oh, no.
- Fetch me the cake plate.

Joan, handles all the same way.



- The teacups.
- Oh.

Clean, I hope.

Here, somebody's been
at my cake.

It's not me.

It was bigger than that
yesterday.

Five slices I cut.

Somebody's been in my larder.
[Clears throat]

I'll soon find out who's had it.

There's six eggs in that cake.

[ Indistinct conversation]

Oh, lovely.

Hungry, are you, Sarah?

Mm.
Bleeding ravenous.

You've been at my cake,
haven't you?



- No, I haven't.
- You have.

Well?

Oh, now you mention it,

last night
I was feeling a bit peckish.

I'll have a lock put
on that larder door.

You see if I don't.

Oh, I'm tired.

And look at you,
getting fat as a pudding.

Well, it's one way of getting
a new uniform, isn't it,

eh, Mrs. Bridges?

If I grow out of this one.

Better get the baby's tea ready.

JOAN: I'll take the tray up
for you, Sarah.

SARAH: Ah.
Would you, Joan?

- You are a love.
- No, you don't, Joan.

It's not your job to carry
nursery trays up and down.

Not in this house.

But she'll only go
and drop it again.

Ruby.

MRS. BRIDGES:
What did you say?

It's just that I dropped
the nursery tray this morning,

that's all, Mrs. Bridges.

I was feeling a bit giddy.

Nothing broke.

Just a bit of oatmeal
on the lino,

and I wiped it up straightaway.

Giddy, were you?

That'll do, you two.
Out.

Put on the kettle for tea, Ruby.

Joan, count how many spoons
she puts in the pot.

She runs out of fingers
after five.

And shut the door behind you.

Hm.
Now, then, Sarah.

I'm just gonna get
the baby's tea, Mrs. Bridges.

Nanny hasn't rung yet, has she?

No, Mrs. Bridges.

What you staring at me for?

You know what I think, Sarah?

I think you're eating for two.

Am I right?

I don't know
what you're talking about.

Yes, you do, my girl.

I've noticed.
I'm not blind.

You've been putting on weight,
haven't you?

Eating in between meals,
dropping trays.

Feeling a bit dicky
in the mornings,

I shouldn't be surprised.

Mr. Hudson, you're just in time.

In time for what, Mrs. Bridges?

Surely servants' hall tea isn't
for another five minutes yet.

Mrs. Bridges,
please don't mention it.

In time for what, Mrs. Bridges?

Just in time to hear
our Sarah's news.

She's eating for two again.
Aren't you?

Is this true, Sarah?

Just because
I had a rotten bit of cake.

Sarah, I demand a simple answer.

Are you
or are you not expecting?

What if I am?

Here, what did I tell you?

I am shocked, Sarah,
shocked to my very fibre.

It wasn't my fault.

The cry of the hussy,
Mr. Hudson.

It's never her fault.

You're talking to me
and Mr. Hudson, my girl.

We know you don't get babies
by smelling the flowers.

It's not fair, you know.

It's always me what's put upon,

ever since I first come
to this house.

- Sarah!
- Oh, go on. Sack me.

I don't care.

Wish I could die.

You sack me without a character.

Character? It's a bit too late
to talk about character.

- Mrs. Bridges.
- It's the truth.

Now come along.

- Who is it?
- Well?

I'm not saying.

MRS. BRIDGES:
Don't know which of many, eh?

- Yes.
- Mrs. Bridges, please.

Well.
The little trollop.

Last time you wasn't horrible.
You was understanding last time.

Last time was bad luck.

This time it looks like
it's becoming a bad habit.

Now, that's enough,
Mrs. Bridges.

Sarah, in view
of the generous way

-the family has treated you...
Generous?

Over the business
with Captain James.

Well, they kept you on.
They looked after you.

They had to!
It was his fault, their son's.

Partly, wasn't it?

Well, it wasn't this time,
was it?

You can't expect any help
from upstairs this time, Sarah.

It'll have to be reported.

-[ Cries ]
- Oh, now stop that, Sarah.

You'll make yourself ill.
Stop it.

Now, please.

[Crying stops]

There, now.

That's better.

Now, then, who is the father?

What manner of person?

Pardon?

Who done it?

What manner of person?

He was...

Well, it wasn't my fault,
Mr. Hudson.

I just went out
on Nanny's afternoon off.

HUDSON:
And left the baby?

Only for a few minutes.
Ruby kept an eye on her.

Just went 'round the corner
to get some gripe water.

In my day, we made our own.

Well, the chemist
didn't have none -- Pearsons.

So I went up Knightsbridge,
and he didn't have none neither.

Oh.

Must have been an outbreak
of wind all over Belgravia.

Go on, my girl.

Well, I'd gone so far it seemed
daft to go home empty-handed,

so I walked along Piccadilly.

MRS. BRIDGES:
Oh, yeah.

And I'd just got as far
as the Burlington Arcade

when it started to rain.

Pouring stair rods, it was,
belting down buckets.

MRS. BRIDGES:
Go on.

Well, there was this man
in there.

- In the arcade?
- Yeah.

He was sheltering and all.

What sort of a man?

What sort of a man?

He was a toff.

He's a real gent.

He had a silk hat on
and a silk brolly.

Not young and not old neither.

Sort of man
you could really trust.

Very tall
and distinguished-looking.

He had little bits of gray hair
'round his temples

and little bits of baby lamb
all 'round his collar.

If this
distinguished-looking man

possessed a hat and an umbrella,

why was he sheltering
from the rain?

Quite.

He was waiting for a hackney.

No, I tell a lie.

He was waiting for his carriage,
his own carriage.

Yeah, he was waiting
for his own carriage.

- And he spoke to you?
- Yes.

He offered me a ride back here.

But he stopped on the way.

Where did he stop?

Outside his rooms.

Now, I don't what street it was,
Mr. Hudson.

It could have been Ebury Street,

but then again,
it could have been Wilton Place.

And it could have been
High Street, China.

Well, I went in with him.

There didn't seem no harm,
and it was pouring down rain,

and I was ever so wet through.

MRS. BRIDGES:
Go on.

Well, he offered me some brandy.

Just to warm me up, being
as how I was soaked to the skin.

HUDSON:
And then?

Well, I'm not used to it,
Mr. Hudson.

Brandy, you see.

Not with me
being a poor servant girl.

And before I knew where I was,
I was back here.

It had left off raining by then.

And he must have took advantage
of me.

Cruel advantage
of a poor servant girl

-While she was just --
- Drunk.

Oh, no. Only a little bit
tiddly, Mrs. Bridges.

And he was
ever so distinguished-looking.

You know our Sarah reminds me
of the Salvation Army banner --

Thousands have been
this way before.

There is plenty of room
for thousands more.

All right, Mrs. Bridges.

Don't be hard on me,
Mrs. Bridges.

You're a woman, too.
Have a pity on me.

It isn't for me to have pity,
my girl.

It's for them upstairs.

Lady Marjorie will have to be
told directly

she gets back from Biarritz.

We will not wait for her
ladyship's return, Mrs. Bridges.

I will have to tell the master
at once.

Servants in child is for women
to talk about, Mr. Hudson.

And discipline is for men
to talk about, Mrs. Bridges.

Your tea is ready
in the morning room, sir.

Thank you, Hudson.

If I might have a word
with you, sir.

I have a lot of work to do.

It is rather important, sir.

I have to change
the entire text of a speech

for Thursday's debate.

Can't the matter wait?

It would be improper of me
not to inform you at once, sir.

- Has the roof fallen in?
- No, sir.

-Is anybody dead?
- No, sir.

Well.

I regret to report, sir, that
the nursery maid is pregnant.

What did you say?

Sarah is expecting a child, sir.

Again.

Oh, God, no.

I regret so, sir.

- Are you sure?
- She has confessed to it, sir.

And has she confessed
who is responsible?

She is somewhat unspecific
on that point, sir.

A chance encounter,
I understand,

with a man who offered
her shelter from the rain.

How far advanced is she?

I would estimate
some five to six months, sir.

Well, you were quite right
to tell me, Hudson.

But it really is a matter
for her ladyship.

I am confident that her ladyship
will be extremely upset, sir.

Upset?
I should think so.

Time Sarah learnt her lesson
and settled down.

On this occasion,
I have no doubt her ladyship

will enforce
her usual rule, sir.

Oh, yes.

Of course, we must never forget

that Sarah is something
of a special case.

Quite, sir.

Well, her ladyship
will be back on Thursday.

A couple of days
won't do any harm.

Very good, sir.

I hope
you don't misunderstand me, sir.

I have nothing personal
against the girl.

Of course not, Hudson.

It is simply
a matter of discipline.

This household is like a ship
in His Majesty's navy, sir.

One small indiscipline
can lead to mutiny.

It must be nipped in the bud,
sir.

- And on this occasion, I feel --
- Thank you, Hudson.

Very good, sir.

I made you
a fresh pot special, Thomas.

I made you
a fresh pot special, Thomas.

Well, that's very good of you,
Mrs. Bridges.

Kept you out late again, did he?

Aye, we had to pick up
some papers

from the Admiralty on
the way home from Westminster.

Yes.

Rattling down the Mall,
motor going well,

and somebody
tried to overtake us.

A little Austin with all black
smoke pouring out the back.

-[ Laughs ]
- Can you imagine,

an Austin trying to overtake
a Rolls-Royce in the Mall?

I can't.

Well, the master was busy
reading in the back, see,

so I put my foot down,
as they say.

Well, the old Rolls-Royce flew,
didn't it?

42 miles an hour.

Oh, Thomas!
Oh.

Oh, now, they're
very tasty sandwiches, Ruby.

You mustn't say things like that
to her.

Turn her head...
if she's got one.

Oh, she's got one all right,
Mrs. B.

Eh?

Our Ruby's got brains,
all right, haven't you, love?

You mustn't say things
like that, Mr. Watkins.

Now, go on, Ruby. Get on with
that washing up in the scullery.

Brains?

That Ruby?
[ Laughs ]

I wish she had.

Still, I daresay she's got more
in that thick head of hers

than some people
I could mention.

Oh?

Who's that, then, Mrs. Bridges?

That Sarah.

Sarah?

Now, what's she been up to, eh?

[ Laughs ]
Well may you ask.

Oh?

Still, it's not anything
that's quite nice to talk about.

Well, not to a man
while he's having his tea.

Oh.
Oh, I see.

Leastways, I don't think it is.

No, no.

[ Scoffs ]

It's her urges, you see.

Mm, mm.

She can't control her urges.

Oh, that's better,
a bit of meat for dinner.

It's been giving me gip,
has that?

Well, I mean,
what's going to happen

when Lady Marjorie
comes back next Thursday?

What's gonna happen then?

There'll be such an explosion

you'll hear it all the way
from Victoria Station.

Explosion, eh?

Yes.

When Lady Marjorie finds out.

Mm, mm.

About Sarah.

Oh.

Oh, something wrong with Sarah,
is it?

Wrong?

Nothing wrong if you're married.

Nothing wrong
if you've got a husband.

Oh, Sarah's not married, is she?

That's just the trouble.

A little stranger.

Sarah's a little stranger?

No.

She's going to have
a little stranger.

[ Gasps ]

There now. I've gone
and let it slip. Oh.

You are a one,
getting it out of me like that.

Aye, well, don't worry,
Mrs. Bridges.

Now, I wouldn't breathe a word
to a living soul, now,

not if it's a secret.

Well, it is.

Poor old Sarah.
That's rotten luck, isn't it?

Well, she's brought it
on herself.

This time she'll have to go.

This time?

Well, you know
there was that other time.

You remember the --

Oh, yes, yes.
We're not allowed to mention.

Mm.

Quite.

This time it happened
outside the walls of this house.

Ah, she's cooked her goose
proper this time.

Looks like it.

Mrs. Bridges?

Yes, Thomas.

Wouldn't be a drop more tea
in the pot, would there?

[Clears throat]
Huh.

Yes.

Oh.

- Hudson?
- Sir.

- About this wretched girl.
- Sarah, sir?

Yes. who else knows
about her condition?

Among the servants, I mean.

Only Mrs. Bridges and myself,
sir.

Not Rose? They were
close friends, weren't they?

Rose, if you recall, sir,
went to see her aunt

in the cottage at Southwold
for a few days.

Oh, of course.

She returns to us on Friday,
sir.

I see.

So, um, nobody need know
until her ladyship returns.

No, sir.

I will certainly speak to Sarah,
sir.

Edward, as you know,
is away with his bad leg.

And I'll see to it
that Joan and Ruby

are kept in ignorance
of the situation, sir.

And Watkins, of course.

Very well, Hudson.

Thank you.

Oh.

Thank you, sir.

Watkins; £500.

There's £500.

It's a lot of money for a man
like you, Tom Watkins.

You'll never earn that much
out of your wages.

Not under 10 years, you won't.

SARAH:
Tom, are you alone?

I was.

I thought I heard voices.

Ah, just reading out loud
to myself.

My Bible.

Ah, your Bible.

What chapter and what verse, eh?

The parable of the servant

who dreamed
of leaving his wealthy master

and going out into the world
to seek his own fortune.

And it came to pass there was
a small motorcar business

for sale
in Watford Road, Kilburn.

- They found out, Tom.
- Who's found out?

Mrs. Bridges and Mr. Hudson.

And he'll have told the master,

so her ladyship will know
the minute she gets back.

So?

Well, I'll be thrown out
on the streets.

But I made up a story.

I told them there was this gent
as give me a ride in the rain

and took me back
to his apartments

and plied me with drink,
and I lost me head.

That's what I said happened.

What made you tell them
a fancy story like that?

To save you from the sack.
What do you think?

I don't need saving
from the sack.

Well, you would
if they knew it was you.

Why didn't you tell them
the truth, eh?

Well, then where would we be?

This way, at least you're clean.

One of us has to be.

So I lied for you.

Well, what you gonna do for me,
Tom, eh?

Nothing.

Nothing?

Well, you've got to do
something, Tom.

You...

You marry me
and make it all respectable.

I'm not going through all that.
Not again.

Tom, you can't leave me
to have me baby on me own.

Don't. Please.

Look, I'm busy.

Busy?!

Look, you kept busy with me,
Thomas Watkins!

You do something!

- Will you stop screaming?
- You help me!

Oh, God, Tom.

You've got to take care
of me now.

Now clear off, will you?

I'll tell them.

I'll tell them it was you.

JOAN: Sarah!
Mr. Watkins!

Now what do you want?

Mr. Watkins, sorry to intrude,

but I was just looking
for Sarah.

Ah, there you are.

You're wanted over at the house.

- Who wants me?
- Well, Nanny wants you.

It's time for the baby's bath.

Sod Nanny.

And sod the baby.

Right you are.

I'll tell them.

I'll come.

Shall I tell Nanny
you're on your way, then?

Yeah.

Don't leave me, Tom.

You're all I've got now, honest.

HUDSON: This overseas telegraph
has just come, sir.

- From Biarritz?
- I couldn't say, sir.

From her ladyship, I expect,

to say
which boat she's arriving on.

No, it's not.
It's from India, by Jove.

- Sir?
- From Captain James!

"Sailing home April.

Posting's over so

Oh, her ladyship
will be pleased.

Oh, she will.

Well, that's good news anyway.
Thank you, Hudson.

Sir.

- Oh, and...
- Yes?

Watkins is here, sir.

He would like a word with you
before you leave.

- Will I ask him to come in?
- Yes.

Uh, Mr. Watkins.

Watkins, sir.

Yes, Watkins.
Good morning.

- Good morning to you, sir.
- What is it?

Well, it's about Sarah,
the nursery maid, sir.

And what about her?

Well, about
her unfortunate condition, sir.

Who told you about that?

Mrs. Bridges.

- That was very wrong of her.
- Yes, sir.

It's not supposed to be
common knowledge.

No.
No, sir.

Anyway, what's it got to do
with you?

Well, it's just that I'd have to
have your permission, you see.

Oh?

Well, I don't know
that I'd have to,

but I wouldn't feel happy
Without it, sir.

You know,
respecting you as I do.

Though Sarah
would have to have it, sir.

Sarah?
- Your permission, yes, sir.

Yes, I'm quite attached to her,
in a way, sir.

To Sarah?

Yes, she's a lively girl, sir.

I'm not, you see, lively.

I like things quiet.

What is it you're trying to
tell me, Watkins?

Well, I was wondering
how it would be

if I offered to marry her, sir.

You know, help her out,
make her respectable.

Marry her? You?

Well, it's time
I was married, sir,

and I don't get to meet
many girls.

And she's got
some good qualities, sir.

Marriage is a serious step,
Watkins.

Oh, I know, sir.

I mean, especially
for me being chapel.

It's for life
when you're chapel.

It should be for life
whatever you are.

Oh, yes.
Yes, sir.

And to take on
another man's child.

Of course it's not unusual
for chauffeurs to be married.

Well, that's what I thought,
sir.

And Sarah wouldn't have to leave
in disgrace.

Quite.

Penniless.

Destitute, you might say.

Oh, I don't think her ladyship

would turn her onto the streets
penniless.

Oh, on account
of her recent misfortune

in this household, sir?

That matter is over
and forgotten, Watkins.

Oh, you can rely
on my absolute discretion, sir.

- I mean, as always.
- Oh, yes. Yes, I'm sure I can.

Well, that being so, and if you
seriously mean to offer marriage

to Sarah and, as it were,

take over responsibility for her
from us.

That is, keep her happy
and cared for...

Out of mischief, sir.

Yes, Watkins.

Oh, yes.
Yes, I would, sir.

Well, in that case,

I don't think
you would find us ungrateful.

It would solve happily

what has become of late
a very difficult family problem.

That thought was uppermost
in my mind, sir.

You really are the most
exceptional man, Watkins.

Thank you very much, sir.

Of course I'll do my best
to keep Sarah happy, sir.

As far as my wages will allow.

Oh, I don't think
we need worry about that.

I'll speak to her ladyship
when she returns,

and I'm sure she'll agree

to having the quarters
over the garage done up.

Oh, you shouldn't go
to that much expense, sir.

Oh, but we shall,
and a suitable wedding present

for the two of you.

Well, that's very generous
of you, sir.

Would it be forward of me
to inquire

as to what form that wedding
present might take, sir?

Oh, I don't know. Something for
the living quarters, perhaps.

Some furniture.

Oh, I see, sir.

Or a sum of money
I should imagine, wouldn't you?

Yes, I would imagine
a sum of money, sir.

And a fairly handsome sum,
Watkins, I'm sure.

As I say, you'd be solving
a very difficult family problem.

Quite, sir.

Well, I'm sure
they'd all be pleased to hear

your news downstairs.

Unless you've told them already.
Have you?

Oh, no, sir.

I wouldn't mention it
to anybody else,

not unless I had
your permission first, sir.

Good man.
Now you go and tell them.

And I'll discuss
the financial aspects of it

with her ladyship
when she returns.

Well, thank you very much, sir.

I'm gonna make this place
look nice for us, you know.

I'll make cushions

and ever such pretty curtains
for our quarters up top.

Or Rose can when she gets back
from her holidays.

I suspect they'll give us
some of the old furniture

they don't want in the attic.

Here, I hope
the baby don't get upset

by the smell of that old car.

Aye, well, look,
I wouldn't worry about that

because we might not be here
all that long.

What do you mean?

And it came to pass
there was a motorcar business

for sale in Kilburn.

For only £500.

Yeah, you and
your motorcar business.

Mrs. Thomas Watkins, eh?

I'll have to go, Hudson.

Please give
Lady Marjorie a message for me.

Tell her if she's not too tired
after her journey

and would like to come
to the Strangers' Gallery

to hear me speak,
I should be delighted.

Yes, sir.

Oh, yes, and one more thing.

Not a word to Lady Marjorie
about Sarah and Watkins.

I shall break the good news
to her myself

when I return later
this evening, after the debate.

Very good, sir.

[Water boiling]

[Bell rings]

There.

That'll be her ladyship at last.

HUDSON:
Ah, well, an hour late.

These foreign timetables again.

I was beginning to worry.

What for, Mrs. Bridges?

Well, her ladyship's been
on a boat, hasn't she?

On the sea, crossing
the English Channel from France,

and boats can sink,
and people get drownded, Ruby.

Oh, not in fog.

They go slow in fog.

Oh.

You can tell Watkins
to be ready at 4:00

in case I do decide
to go to the House.

Yes, my lady.

And luncheon will be served
just as soon as you wish.

Thank you.
Any other news, Hudson?

Everything all right downstairs?

Yes, indeed, my lady.

Oh, there's been
an overseas telegraph

from Captain James, my lady.

The master informs me

that the captain will be sailing
for home in April.

Oh, but that's wonderful news.

Yes, indeed, my lady.

- Thank you, Hudson.
- My lady.

Oh, God.

My lady?

Hmm?

I thought you said something.
I beg your pardon, my lady.

Yes, I did, Hudson.

My lady?

Where's Sarah?

Sarah, my lady?

If she's not upstairs
in the nursery,

she'll be down in the servants'
hall fetching the nursery tray.

I'd better see her.

At once.

Very good, my lady.

Sarah, her ladyship wants to see
you in the morning room.

- What, me?
- Yes, you.

Oh, I can't stop now,
Mr. Hudson.

I've got to take this upstairs,

and Nanny will create
if it's cold.

Give me the tray.

Go into her ladyship
immediately.

- What?
- Here.

Just this once.

Well.

Go on in, my girl.

Do as I say.

You wanted to see me, milady.

Yes, I did, Sarah.

Come in, will you?

How's Lucy?

Oh, she's fine.
Thank you, milady.

She's out another tooth,

and Nanny says
she's putting on weight.

Oh, that's good. I'll go up
and see Nanny later on.

Yes, milady.

Sarah, I've had some news today

which I'm afraid is going to
affect your future.

- Yes, I know, my lady.
- You do?

About my son's return?

Oh.

No.
Not that.

I didn't know about that.

Captain James will be sailing
from India in April.

It's only a few weeks away,
isn't it?

Yes, milady.

Sarah, I want you to try very
hard not to be upset about this,

but I'm sure you'll understand
that it would be unthinkable

with Captain James coming home

for you to be here
in this house in any capacity.

I'm sure you wouldn't want to be
in any case.

I mean, the situation

would be intolerable
for both you and my son.

You needn't worry, milady.

You see,
it's all gonna be all right.

I expect you haven't heard yet.

Heard what?

The good news.
About me and Mr. Watkins.

You and --

We're getting married,
me and Mr. Watkins.

It's all arranged.

The master knows all about it,
and he's ever so pleased.

And he's told Mr. Watkins
that he was gonna speak to you

about having our place done up
over the garage, so...

I'll be out of the way
over there.

You're telling me that Watkins
has asked you to marry him?

Yes, that's right, milady.

You see, I'm having this baby.

You're having this...

W-Well, it was all a mistake,
milady.

There was this gentleman
as picked me up in the rain...

I don't want to hear
any details.

No, milady.

Sarah, how could you do this
to us?

But, milady,
the master knows all about it.

And Mr. Hudson and all of them.

And they all feel
ever so sorry for me.

Least they was
till Mr. Watkins come forward

and offered to make it
all respectable by marrying me.

So it's gonna be all right,
isn't it, my lady?

No, Sarah,
it's not going to be all right.

- Not this time.
- My lady, Mr. Watkins --

Watkins is the chauffeur here,
Sarah,

and I'm certainly not going to
see him ruin his career

for some foolish act
of misplaced chivalry.

- Send Watkins to me at once.
- Very good, my lady.

And you'd better tell Nanny
that Sarah will be leaving

-at the end of the week.
- But, milady, please --

HUDSON: Sarah.
Downstairs.

- Look, milady --
- And stay there until I come.

Hudson, why was I not told
about this?

Has everyone gone mad
since I've been away?

Sarah enceinte,
Watkins offering to marry her.

The master is acquainted

with the facts of the situation,
my lady.

I understand he's given
his consent to Watkins,

and he intended to inform
your ladyship about it tonight.

Then it's just as well

I've discovered the facts
for myself in time.

Fetch Watkins.

Yes, my lady.

I understand
you'll be requiring me

to drive you to the House of
Commons this afternoon, milady.

I'm not sure about that yet,
Watkins.

Come in, will you?

Tell me, Watkins, are you happy
in your position here?

Oh, yes, milady.

And we're very content with you.

Your training with us

has turned you
into a first-class chauffeur.

Thank you, milady.

So now we depend on you,
which is as it should be.

Thank you very much, my lady.

And you will understand,
Watkins,

that we cannot allow you

to throw yourself away
on a servant girl

who's landed herself in trouble.

I beg your pardon, milady, but
I'm not quite sure I understand.

Well, I don't allow
my younger servants to marry.

Few households do.

Why, at Southwold even the older
servants are discouraged.

You have no obligation
to that girl, Watkins.

No responsibility whatever.

No, milady.

No doubt she's been ill used.

I blame the man, whoever he is,
as much as the girl.

Yes.

Yes, well, if I could find out
the swine's name, milady...

Indeed.

Of course we've tried to help
Sarah in the past, as you know,

and it's chivalrous of you
to make the offer

but also exceedingly foolish.

Your place is here
while hers is not.

Especially not after April.

April?

When the captain returns
from India, milady.

Yes.

On the other hand, with the
quarters done up nice and comfy

and Sarah busy with the baby,

there'd be no call
for the captain or Sarah

to meet or even see each other.

I'd make sure

she wouldn't go wandering
over the house, milady.

I'm afraid it won't do, Watkins.

The master was good enough
to mention the possibility

of a generous wedding present
if...

if I were to --
Now, how did he put it?

To take the responsibility
for Sarah

from the shoulders
of the Bellamy household.

Doing you a favour, I'd be,
so the master said.

So I would respectfully suggest
that you might like

to reconsider your decision,
milady.

I mean, after all, as a man
of honour and strict brought up,

I couldn't go against my word.

I mean, you wouldn't want me to
do that, would you, milady?

Not to go back on my word.

Are you absolutely determined
to marry her?

Yes, I am, milady.

I see.

Well, it's a great pity.

I'd hoped you'd have the sense
to put your career first.

I see now it means nothing
to you, so that's that.

I can't force you to stay here
against your will.

No -- No, milady.

I'll see that you both have a
month's wages before you leave.

It won't be much to marry on.

Of course, whether or not you
decide to marry Sarah eventually

is of no concern of mine.

You'll be free to do
as you wish.

That will be all, Watkins.

There you are, safe and sound.

I hope the sea was calm.

Oh, you do look well.

Richard, what's all this
about Watkins and Sarah?

Oh, you've heard?

My dear, I was gonna tell you
all about it this evening.

- It's outrageous!
- Now, keep calm, Marjorie.

The matter's been solved.

- Indeed it has not.
- Now, listen --

I sometimes wonder
if you live in the real world.

Listen to me, my dear.
I know how you feel.

But you must remember
that Sarah's been the source

of endless trouble
and embarrassment to us.

If Watkins wants to make her
respectable

and help her settle down --

Not in this house.

And as he refuses to give her
up, they're both under notice.

What?

Marjorie, I wish
you wouldn't go against me.

It makes a man look
such a damn fool

when he says one thing
and his wife says another.

Your wife had to say.
You were wrong.

To you, I am invariably.

Why am I wrong?

Because it's impossible
to contemplate those two married

-and living under this roof.
- I don't agree with you.

Apart from her condition,
she can't be here

when James gets back from India.

There's no reason
why James and Sarah

should ever come face-to-face.

Besides, I've given them
my blessing.

Because you didn't stop
to consider the consequences.

Anyway, they're going.

We'll have to find
a new chauffeur

-and a new nursery maid.
- Listen --

And in future, Richard,
I beg you,

don't interfere with matters
concerning the servants.

[ Door opens ]

Excuse me, my lady.

Watkins is here,

and he wishes to have a word
with you and the master.

If he's simply going to argue

for Sarah to stay on
as his wife,

there's no point
in further discussion.

We don't know
what he wants to say.

Send him in, Hudson.

Very good, sir.

RICHARD:
Come in, Watkins.

Close the door.

What is it you want to say?

I just wanted to apologize
if I seemed

a little disrespectful
this afternoon, milady.

I mean, it's a terrible thing

for a man to be out of a job
all of a sudden.

Yes, Watkins, but you know
you did bring this on yourself.

I mean, there's no need
for you to go

if you'd only give up
this marriage.

No, I can't do that, milady.

I just wanted to tell you

that we've had a bit of luck,
Sarah and me.

You see, I've been making
some inquiries in the Mews,

and it seems that some people
over in Chester Square,

titled people they are, have
an old chauffeur giving up,

and they need somebody
who can handle a big limousine.

There's some nice quarters
over the garage

and no objection
to a married man, milady.

So I just wanted to say
thank you

for all the knowledge
we have acquired in your employ.

It should stand us in good stead
outside this household.

You see, Sarah and I
have learnt quite a lot

since we've been here,
and we're very grateful.

So there's really no need
to worry about us.

Thank you, milady.

Thank you, sir.

That was a threat.
That was a direct threat.

I don't know
what you're talking about.

Richard, I sometimes think

you shut your eyes to things
on purpose.

Sarah and Watkins
are going to work

'round the corner
in Chester Square

with people
who probably know us.

And they're going to see to it
that our private family affairs

are made public knowledge
in every servants' hall

and consequently
every drawing room in Belgravia.

Oh, nonsense, Marjorie.
You're imagining it.

I am not.
It was a direct threat.

How can you stop them?

I can refuse them references.

If he's as malicious
as you now say he is,

he'll tell them why
you won't give him a character,

and that will make
a worse scandal.

Well, then you must think
of something else.

- Do something, Richard!
- Me?

I thought you said all matters
involving the servants

-were your affair.
- But you got us into this mess.

You can get us out of it.

Oh, damn servants!

Why in God's name
do we have to put up with them?

SARAH:
♫ Aupvès de ma blonde ♫

♫ Qu'il fait bon,
fait bon, fait bon ♫

♫ Auprès de ma blonde ♫

♫ Qu'il fait bon dormir ♫

Oh, she's as good as gold.

Only her bowels is half...

[ Gasps ]

I wanted a word with Watkins.

He isn't here, sir.
He's gone out.

He shouldn't be very long.

That's Lucy.

Yes, sir.

What's she doing here?

Well, sir --

Well, she shouldn't be
over here.

- Does Nanny know?
- No, sir.

You see, sir, the pram
had a squeak in it,

and I brought it in here
for Mr. Watkins to oil it,

and he weren't here.

So I thought I'd wait, you know,
for a few minutes.

It was ever so cold outside.

I didn't like to leave the baby
out there.

And I brought her in here
to keep her warm.

I hardly ever see her.

[ Coos ]

She's cut another tooth, sir.

No?

She's much too young.

If you give her your finger,
sir, she might hold on to it.

There you are.

[ Laughs ]
So she does.

- She does sometimes.
- Yes.

How pretty she is.

Well, your daughter's pretty,
sir.

Won't you be sorry to leave her?

Unless her ladyship
changes her mind.

I'm afraid
she won't do that, Sarah.

Well, then I'll be sorry.

But I'll have one
of me own soon.

Are you sure
you're not acting in haste,

this idea of marrying Watkins?

No, sir.
You see, I love him.

- Nobody thinks of that.
- Does he love you?

Well, you never know with men,
do you?

-[ Door opens]
- I have hopes.

Good evening, sir.

For our engagement, sir,
and our departure.

Quite.

I'd better get little Lucy
back to Nanny.

Doesn't she need some help?

No, it's all right, sir.

She can look after herself.

A good marriage is essential
to any man, Watkins.

Whatever else I may have said
to you, whatever else I may say,

I believe that to be
a fundamental truth.

I think
it'll be a fair marriage, sir.

With another man's child?

Well, as for that,

perhaps I'll be as good a father
as the real one.

And it's not the baby's fault,
is it?

And what's this?

It's an advertisement, sir.

Curious decoration.

That's my dream.

Workshop walls
are the places for dreams.

Postcard beauties, seaside views
for them as has holidays.

That's mine, sir.

Profitable garage business,
rooms over, £500.

Aye, it's just a dream, sir.

Would you rather be
your own master

than continue
in private service?

Would you blame me, sir?

A man in his own way of business
has to take knocks,

has to eat a lot of humble pie.

Even members of Parliament.

Well, excuse me for saying so,
sir,

but servants eat a bit
of humble pie now and again.

Cou- Could I have a glass
of that beer?

It's my pleasure, sir.

Long time since I drank beer.

You, sir?

I used to drink beer
as a young man.

Well, if you like it,
you should drink it, sir.

I mean, you're the master.

[ Chuckles ]
I daren't.

Hudson wouldn't approve.

[ Laughs ]

Thank you.

Can I sit down?

Oh, sorry.
Sorry, yes. Yes, sir.

Watkins,
lam willing to give you

the capital sum
you need for this.

Wouldn't you prefer to buy your
own little motorcar business

and run it rather than go
as chauffeur for somebody else?

Oh, naturally, sir.

Very well, then.

If I agree to finance
this venture,

and I want to make it
quite clear

I'm doing it just as much
for Sarah's sake as your own...

...I want a solemn undertaking,
two solemn undertakings...

...first, that her ladyship will
never know of our arrangement

and, second,
that neither you nor Sarah

will ever reveal
to a living soul

anything you've seen or heard
in this house

to the detriment
of the family's good name.

I want to be sure there's
no misunderstanding, Watkins.

My wife's letters...

...my daughter's marriage,
her child...

Sarah and my son.

All are private family affairs.

Never a word to a living soul,
sir.

I hope I may take your hand
on that.

Very well.

I'll make out a check at once.

Would you make it out
to "pay bearer," sir?

Yes, Watkins.

What about her ladyship, sir?

I will inform her ladyship
that you've changed your mind

about working
for somebody else...

...that you've come into
a little windfall...

...and that you're going to open
a business on your own

in a small way.

May I ask you, sir,
why you've decided to do this?

Well, in a way,
you're my responsibility.

If you never learn anything
else, Watkins, learn that.

The minute you become a master,

you take on responsibilities
which you avoid at your peril.

Here.

That's very generous of you,
sir.

Here, take it.

But, remember,
her ladyship must never know.

Thank you for the beer.

♫ It won't be
a stylish marriage ♫

♫ I can't afford a carriage ♫

♫ But you'll look sweet
upon the seat ♫

♫ Of a bicycle made for two ♫

Very good.
Very good.

No, no, lovely, that was.

Come on, Sarah. Your song.
Give us your song.

Not a scene in her condition.

Now, this is a celebration,
Mrs. Bridges.

Oh, look who's talking
with a face like a wet week.

Ah, come on, love.
Up you get, now.

Ladies and gentlemen,
your kind attention, please.

- Now, then, by popular demand...
- No expense spared.

And no expense spared, the
return of the ever-popular...

The one and only...

Miss Clémence Delice.

Little round of applause.

Give us a note.
Yeah.

-[ Note plays]
- All right?

- Now, here we are.

-[ Note playing]
- ♫ La la ♫

Right, right.
Now, then.

♫ Oh, what are we gonna do
with Uncle Arthur? ♫

♫ A blinking stallion,
is Uncle Arthur ♫

♫ when he goes a-strolling
in the park ♫

♫ watch your step, girls,
especially after dark ♫

ALL: [Humming]

HUDSON:
♫ Uncle Arthur ♫

Oh, my God.

Sir, my lady, I...

Oh, no, no. Please go on
with what you're doing.

We only came down to wish
the engaged couple well.

Yes, indeed.

We won't stay a moment.
Why don't you sit down, my dear?

Sit down, Mrs. Bridges.

Oh, thank you, milady.

Do go on with the song.

Well, um, Hudson,
what about a little whiskey

-to liven things up, eh?
- But, sir --

Whiskey?
Gin, surely.

Well, both.
This is a special occasion.

Oh, well, I'll say. Yes, sir,
and thank you very much.

For mild ale is notorious
for the heartburn.

Hudson, give Joan the keys,
will you?

Here, my girl. You heard
what the master said.

Look sharp, now.

MARJORIE:
Please go on, Sarah.

- Mr. Hudson?
-[ Chuckles ]

All right, Sarah.

[Clears throat]

♫ what are we going to do
with Uncle Arthur? ♫

♫ A blinking stallion,
is Uncle Arthur ♫

♫ when he goes a-strolling
in the park ♫

♫ watch your step, girls,
especially after dark ♫

♫ Any old skirt's a flirt
for Uncle Arthur ♫

♫ He's over 80,
but how he can run ♫

[barely audible] ♫ “Give us a kiss, my dear,“
he'd say ♫

[barely audible] ♫ And tickle you up the boom-di-ay ♫

Come on, Ruby.
They're down.

The master and her ladyship
have come to join in the fun.

I've got to get these done.

Got a cup?
What about a drop of this?

No.

It's cold out here.
Come on.

No, I can't.

Well, not like this.

Well, oh, look.

Sarah's doing her turn.
It's a caution.

She's a caution, all right.

Having a baby, getting married,
coming into all that money.

Only one thing missing, eh?

Father of her kid.

Wouldn't half laugh
if he walked in.

What do you mean?

Come on.

How can he walk in
if he's already there?

What are you talking about?

Mr. Watkins is there.

No, no, Ruby.
You've got it all mixed up.

She's marrying him, but he's
nothing to do with the baby.

He's just being good to her.

Look, I know.

Know what?

Well, I've known ever since.

See, he come up to her room
one night, and they had a row.

I heard it.

- Heard it?
- Yes.

She said what he'd done to her,

and she was going to have
a baby,

and he hit her, Mr. Watkins did.

- Never.
- Yes.

Then she cried,
and they made it up,

and he said not to worry,
and he'd sort something out.

But they all --
they all think...

And Mr. Hudson thinks.

And upstairs thinks.

Oh, Ruby, what wickedness
there is in this world.

He's not decent at all.

Not more decent than anyone,
not if it's his kid all along.

Well, Ruby.

Should we tell?

No.
It wouldn't do.

You can only tell on people
under you, not over you.

♫ My wife won't let me ♫

RICHARD:
Oh, very good, very good.

Very, very nice.
Thank you.

Thank you, Sarah, Watkins.

Our best wishes, and good luck
with the motorcar business.

Yes, from us both.

Thank you, milady.
Thank you very much, sir.

Good night, Sarah.

Good night.

- Good night, sir.
- Thanks ever so much.

HUDSON: Good night, my lady.
Good night, sir.

SARAH: And thanks
for the whiskey and gin.

Here, let me have
that bottle of whiskey.

MRS. BRIDGES:
Oh, give me a drop of that gin.

I'm parched.
Ooh.

- There you are, Mrs. Bridges.
MRS BRIDGES: Oh, I wish we had a piano.

I do like a nice piano.

HUDSON:
There we are.

What's up with you two, then,
eh?

Look like you've seen a ghost.

WATKINS: How about another song,
then, Sarah?

HUDSON: Oh, no, no, no. we
haven't got time for that now.

We've got to clear up in here

MRS BRIDGES: No certainly not
Mr. Hudson, pardon me.

This is our family we are
sending out into the world

And I'll have another drop
of that Gin while it's there

HUDSON: Oh, you're a
terrible girl Mrs Bridges!

For pete's sake, give them
two a drop of beer

MRS BRIDGES: They look like mourners
at a funeral [Hudson laughs]

♫ Here comes the bride ♫

♫ All fat and wide ♫

WATKINS: Mrs Bridges?

♫ See how she wobbles ♫

WATKINS: Mr Hudson!

♫ From side to side ♫

WATKINS: Oh very good!

ALL: ♫ Here comes the bride ♫

ALL: ♫ All fat and wide ♫

LADY MARJORIE: Well, thats that

LORD BELLAMY:
Yes they'll be gone

by the end of the week

LORD BELLAMY: Good riddance!

LADY MARJORIE: Yes, You know
its absurd but I think I'm going to

miss that little Sarah in
an odd sort of way

LADY MARJORIE: Anyway, they can do us
no harm in Kilburn

No, I dont suppose
there's much social gossip

around the garages of
Northwest London

Thank god for Watkins'
little winfall

[inaudible] He told me

Did he?

£500 is an awful lot of money

Yes

You shouldn't really have
given it to that rascal

But I'm very glad you did

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