Upstairs, Downstairs (1971–1975): Season 2, Episode 2 - A Pair of Exiles - full transcript

Sarah tells James she's having his baby and the Bellamys make provisions to avoid a major scandal.

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Acorn Media (re-sync by moviesbyrizzo)

[Thunder rumbles]

Oh!

Goodness, it's coming down.

- Hail, too.
MARJORIE: Is it?

Well, good thing, really.

Finish off the heat wave,
wash down the streets.

Have some sherry.

Something the matter?
- Yes, it's this letter.

What letter?

It's from Poirer's,
the jewellers, about James.



James?

"I wish to draw
your ladyship's attention

to outstanding accounts.

[Mumbles]

"...resulting to the advice
of our solicitors."

Well, in other words,

the stupid boy owes them money
and won't pay.

Can't Pay-

He wouldn't owe money
to a jeweller's intentionally.

He's not like that.

Well, how much is the bill?

£86!

Well, why in God's name
doesn't he come and see us?

If he's in debt, he should have
the pluck to say so.



He hasn't been near us
for three or four weeks now.

He's not stationed in London
any longer.

But there are
perfectly good trains

to Paddington from Windsor.

No excuse.
He's avoiding us.

Probably because he doesn't
want to cause us worry.

Marjorie, dearest, I know how
fond you are of your own son,

as every mother should be.

But must you always make excuses
for him?

He's in bad company, you know.
I'm sure of it.

Some of these young officers

gamble more
than they can afford to lose.

I'm so afraid he's trying to
keep up with them.

Well, if he is,
he's a damn fool.

He knows most of these young men
have their own fortunes.

But that has nothing to do
with this jeweller's bill.

There's only one explanation
for that.

A woman?

An extravagant woman, Marjorie.

- Do you really think so?
- I've no doubt of it.

James has fallen
into the clutches

of some greedy,
unprincipled female

who will take him for every
penny she can get out of him.

There you are, Jimmy.

I'm afraid
that's all I can manage

till I get me salary
at the end of the week.

Thank God for you, Sarah.

Ooh, please don't mention it.
I'm sure.

- Been here long?
- Oh, five minutes.

I'll pay it back, I promise,

just as soon as I get
the right price for the brooch.

What brooch?

The one I got from Poirier's
in Bond Street.

Mother goes to them.

Should fetch £100, more or less.

You're not gonna pop something
you haven't paid for?

Got to raise money somehow,
Sarah.

Yeah, but that's not honest.

I can't help that.

Gambling debts to
a brother officer must be paid.

Oh, you are in a mess,
isn't you, poor old love?

[ Smooches ]

I wish I could help.

Oh, you have.

- How did the show go?
- Oh, lovely.

I got three encores.

And a gent in the box
with a monocle

threw me a bunch of roses down.

Well, they were supposed to land
at me feet,

but he was a bit long
in the tooth,

so they knocked me on the head
and hit me hat off.

Didn't that get a big laugh,
though.

He come 'round afterwards
and he invited me --

Well, he left his card.

I wish I could take you
to Romano's to supper tonight.

Don't worry.

I bought some kippers, and we've
still got a bit of beer left.

So we'll sup chez moi
tonight, eh?

Oh, cheer up, love.

You're not dead
till you're buried.

[ Smooches ]
Shall I get me hat off?

And then?!

And then...

who knows
what devilish goings-on

may take place
at No. 13 Dock Street, Deptford,

Where Lord James Bellamy

is keeping a secret assignation
with the woman of his dreams,

her as lies curled up
on her leopard-skin couch,

panting- --

[Exhales deeply]

...voluptuous, and dangerous.

Ah.
You've been reading Elinor Glyn.

Plying the erring
young nobleman with drink,

the better to inflame
his passions...

That's hardly necessary.

-...the woman...
- Her name?

Octanse --
She's French, you see.

Octanse!
Oh, God, no.

- You're interrupting.
- Forgive me.

I'll have to, won't I?

Anyway, this French viscountess,

who is, in reality, a Hungarian
trollop from a Russian brothel,

leaves the pale young lord
to slake his thirst

while she, clad only
in diaphanous chiffon,

drifts her way wantonly
towards her kitchen

and prepares for his lordship
a sumptuous feast --

fried kippers and wallop.

[ Laughs ]

I'm not hungry for supper.
Give me a kiss, eh?

[Grunts]
Not so rough, Jimmy.

It's hot.

Oh, kippers.

Poor us a drink, will you, love?
I'm dying of thirst.

Shall we have these now, eh?

Yeah, and I'll pop 'round the
fellows and get some more booze.

Yeah. we'll get sloshed.
Drown our sorrows.

- In beer?
- Gin!

[ French accent]
Which I will permit you to sip

from my slipper.

JAMES:
[Laughs]

I see Lady Pendlebury's daughter
has made a good marriage.

How can you judge whether
a marriage is good or not,

Mrs. Bridges, on the very day
it's reported in the newspaper?

Surely, time alone will tell.

You know what I mean.

You remember Lady Pendlebury.

She came here to dine
once or twice last season.

She was lady-in-waiting to
the queen as Princess of wales.

Thin, angular person.

Very sallow skin.

Indeed I remember
Lady Pendlebury, Mrs. Bridges.

She had a regrettable habit

of throwing her head back
when she laughed.

Edward nearly had the potatoes
knocked out of his hand

when he was serving them
at luncheon.

The result of an amusing, if --
if somewhat malicious, anecdote

told to her
by Lord Charles Berresford.

[Gong sounds]

Oh, time their visitor was here.

Visitor at this hour?

It's half past 10:00.

Someone is coming to discuss

a matter of great importance,
Mrs. Bridges.

Oh? who?

Colonel Winter.

Who?

Colonel Winter.
Captain James' colonel.

I thought the master seemed
a wee bit, uh...

[Bell rings]

There.
That'll be the colonel now.

Seemed a wee bit what?

Apprehensive, Mrs. Bridges.

Richard, I intend to stay

and hear what the colonel has
to say.

It's as much my concern
as yours.

This is not your affair,
Marjorie.

Women should not involve
themselves in these matters.

I'm going to stay

and hear what Colonel Winter
has to say, and that's that.

You are being very stubborn.

[ Door opens ]

Colonel Winter, milady.

I say, I'm awfully sorry
to propose myself

-at this late hour.
- No, no, no.

Good evening, Bellamy.
Lady Marjorie.

MARJORIE:
This is a nice surprise.

I did want a word with you
as soon as possible.

- It really is rather important.
- Yes, yes. Of course.

- Whiskey and soda?
- Thank you.

- Do sit down.
- Thank you so much.

I say,
it's still dreadfully sticky,

isn't it, in spite of the storm.

Doesn't seem to have cleared
the air at all.

Well, I won't detain you
for long.

I've got to get down
to Windsor tonight.

H.M.'s got the king and queen
of Spain coming next week.

That means a sovereign's escort,
and I've got 15 horses coughing.

Thank you so much.

On top of that, my regimental
corporal major has got boils.

MARJORIE: Oh, dear.
-[ Chuckles ]

However,
no doubt we shall survive.

Yes. uh, would you like
to see me privately, Colonel?

I'm sure my wife will excuse us.

No, no. I would prefer
to speak with you both.

If you don't mind,
Lady Marjorie?

On the contrary.

As you can probably guess,
it's about your son there.

Yes, we thought it might be.

Well, not to mince matters --
We're awfully worried about him.

As you know,
we think very highly of James.

He's very popular
in the regiment.

All the same, I've been getting

awful bad reports about him
lately from the adjutant.

We've seen little of him since
the regiment moved to Windsor.

-Isn't that so, my dear?
- Yes.

We were beginning to wonder
how he was getting on.

RICHARD:
Another drink?

No, thank you.
I-l won't have any more.

Colonel, uh,
what about these reports?

Well, he's been drinking a good
deal more than is good for him,

returning to barracks at all
hours of the day or night,

very often the worse for wear.

And that's only part of it.

Not to put too fine a point
upon it,

it seems that he's in...

well, considerable
financial difficulties.

I see. well,
I'm very sorry to hear that.

In fact, I've had a confidential
report from his squadron leader

that he's being done
by tradesmen.

Now, once they start,
they are the very devil.

One fellow even came down
to Windsor last week

to serve a writ on him.

I say, I am -- I am sorry
to bring you such rotten news.

Well, no, no. Uh, not a bit.
I'm very glad you did.

His mother and I had no idea.

No, of course not.

Well, look, I don't want
any of this to go any higher,

unless it's absolutely
necessary.

I've had him up before me

and given him
a hell of a dressing-down.

He's got three weeks
orderly officer,

which means that he's
virtually confined to barracks.

All the same,
I thought a quiet word from you,

before it's too late,
might help to stop the rot.

Well, that's all
I had to say, really.

- I won't keep you any longer.
- It seems to me

you've been more than patient
with him,

and we're very grateful
for that.

Well, I like the boy.
We all do.

We'll write to him at once
and insist on his coming here

to see us -- if he could have
special leave for that?

Oh, yes.
Of course.

My object in coming here tonight
is to try and contain the matter

Within the family
as long as possible.

We don't want a thing like this
to get about, do we?

Mm.
Thank you for calling.

I assure you
I shall deal with the matter.

Thank you very much.

- Lady Marjorie.
- Good night, Colonel.

I enjoyed your sniping
at Asquith. That was splendid.

RICHARD: Oh, did you?
I rather enjoyed that myself.

[ Door closes]

JAMES AND SARAH:
♫ It's a great big shame ♫

- ♫ And if she belonged to me ♫
- [ Train whistle blowing]

♫ I'd let her know who's who ♫

♫ Nagging at a fella
what is 6-foot-4 ♫

♫ And her only 4-foot-2 ♫

♫ well, they ain't been married
not a month nor more ♫

♫ when underneath her thumb
goes Jim ♫

♫ Oh, isn't it a pity
that the likes of her... ♫

- [Thumping]
- Shh!

- Who's that?
- It's the woman upstairs.

♫ Should put
upon the like of him... ♫

Mmm!

Dizzies.

♫ It's a great big shame ♫

♫ And if she belonged to me ♫

♫ I'd let her know
who's who... ♫

Hey!

♫ Nagging at a fella
what is 6-foot-4 ♫

♫ And her only 4-foot-2... ♫

- Olé!
- Hey!

♫ Oh, they ain't been married
not a month nor more ♫

♫ when underneath her thumb
goes Jim... ♫

Hup!

-[ Dish shatters]
- Oh!

You're drunk.

♫ Oh isn't it a pity
that the likes of her... ♫

-[ Thumping ]
- Shut up, you old cow!

♫ Should put upon
the likes of him ♫

- Hey!
- Hey!

I say, I say, I say --
My dog's got no nose.

- How does he smell?
- Terrible!

[ Laughter]

♫ As I walk
along the Bois Boolong ♫

♫ with an independent air ♫

♫ You can hear the girls
declare, ♫

- ♫ "He must be a millionaire" ♫
-[ Knock on door]

♫ You can hear them sigh
and wish to die ♫

♫ You can see them
wink with the other eye ♫

♫ At the man who broke the bank ♫

- ♫ at Monte Carlo ♫
-[ Glass clinks]

Sarah?

Sarah.

Sarah.
Sarah, are you all right?

You've knocked yourself
unconscious.

-[ Thumping]
- Shut up!

Sarah?
You all right?

You gave me a hell of a fright.
Sarah?

I feel funny.

Here.

- Are you feeling all right?
-ls the gin all right?

To hell with the gin.
Here, see if you can get up, eh?

- Put your feet on the bed.
- I'm all right.

I'll get a sponge
and bathe your forehead.

'Fraid you'll have
- a nice bruise in the morning.

SARAH:
I'm all right.

Just come and sit beside me
a minute, will ya?

Here.
But your head.

My head's fine.

I fainted.

I come over all dizzy,
and all the room went black.

It's the heat in that gin, eh?

Jimmy?

Yeah?

If I tell you something, will
you promise not to be cross?

Yeah, yeah, I promise.

We're up the creek, Jim...
'cause, well...

...there's a little captain
on the way.

What?

SARAH:
A little James Bellamy.

Inside me.

Growing all the time, and...

Well, I won't be able to work
much longer, Jim.

So what are we gonna do
for money?

Oh, God!

Don't be angry, Jimmy.

'Cause it's your little baby
that's on the way --

yours and mine.

There's been no one else, Jimmy,
on my word of honour!

So don't you be angry!

I couldn't bear it
if you was angry.

Oh, Sarah.

Oh, God.

Might as well finish
that gin, eh?

Mother's ruin.

[Breathes deeply]

Well, I suggest we start our tea
without her.

What do you say, Mrs. Bridges?

What's the time then,
Mr. Hudson?

- It's gone five.
- Oh, very well.

Ruby, fetch the pot.

Which pot, Mrs. Bridges?

Oh, my goodness.

The teapot, girl!

Yes, Mrs. Bridges.

That girl's
soft in the head.

Well, perhaps
she's missed her train.

Who, Ruby?

Rose.

It's not like Rose
to miss a train.

No, no. Rose was always
a very conscientious

and reliable
member of the staff, Edward.

-[ Bell rings]
- Oh, there. That'll be her now.

Ruby, go and let her in.
- Yes, Mrs. Bridges.

That means go to the back door,
open it so as she can get in.

- Do you understand?!
- Yes, Mrs. Bridges.

MRS. BRIDGES: well...
may as well keep the pot warm

till she's got herself sat down.

I don't know.
Such a fuss.

Anyone would think we was
expecting the Queen to tea,

and it's only
Rose as worked here.

Rose is a visiting servant now,
Edward.

She's entitled to be treated
accordingly.

And it is incorrect to say,
"Rose as worked here".

The phrase is,
"Rose who worked here".

You really must try to improve
your grammar, Edward.

Yes, Mr. Hudson.

- Sorry I'm late.
- Oh, Rose.

'Afternoon, Mr. Hudson.
Hello, Mrs. Bridges.

Edward.

Come and sit here beside me,
Rose.

Thank you.

You know Ruby,
my new kitchen maid.

Hello.

[Laughs ] There you are --
It is the Queen.

- ROSE: what?
- Oh, sit down.

Try not to make yourself
look more foolish

-than you do already.
- Yes, uh, no, Mrs. Bridges.

We was just about to start our
tea, in case you wasn't coming.

Aye, it's quite a way
from Greenwich, eh, Rose?

Oh, it wasn't the train journey,
Mr. Hudson.

It was trying to get an omnibus
from Charing Cross --

all crowded they was,

with people
going home from their work.

[Breathes deeply]
Anyhow, I'm here now.

You like yours strong,
don't you, Rose?

Just one spoonful of sugar.

That's right, Mrs. Bridges.
Thank you.

Well, how's everything
at good old 165?

Oh, much the same
as when you was here last.

Mind, they're missing
Miss Lizzie upstairs...

I think.

What do you say, Mr. Hudson?

Aye, for all their differences,

the master and her ladyship,
uh...

Well, let's say the house
does seem a wee bit quieter

Without her.

And Captain James?

Oh, he hasn't been here
for some time, Rose.

- Oh?
- No, um,

not since he popped into tea
about a month ago

and there were angry words
about his allowance.

- His father went --
- Edward, that'll do.

And how's Miss Roberts?

It's her day off -- Tuesdays.

Oh, by the way,
there's a letter for you, Rose.

Letter? For me?

Yeah, it came
the day before yesterday.

I was going to forward it on
to Mrs. Kirbridge's address,

-but since you were coming...
- I wonder

who'd write me a letter.

Edward,
fetch the letter for Rose.

It's on the mantelpiece
in my pantry.

With pleasure, Mr. Hudson.

What was the postmark?

Oh, I didn't notice.

You said it
was from Deptford, Mr. Hudson.

Did I, Ruby?
I don't recall.

Ever such funny writing
on the envelope.

- More like a child's.
- Oh.

The post, Miss Buck.

You haven't changed, have you,
Edward? Still cheeky.

[ Laughs ]

For the life of me, I can't
think who'd be writing to me.

I don't know no one in Deptford.

Don't really know
anyone in London.

If it was from Southwold,
it'd be different.

Well, you'll never guess
who it's from.

Oh, come on, then.
Tell us.

Sarah.

Sarah!
That girl.

How dare she communicate
after pushing her way

into Mrs. Kirbridge's wedding
uninvited.

Oh, that's not quite true,
Mr. Hudson.

See, she met Captain James
at some music hall.

He told her the date
of the wedding,

and she came just to be
with us -- old times' sake.

You always did have a soft spot
for that saucy little baggage.

Well, there was
a lot of good in her.

Ha. There was a lot of booze in
her, as well, after the wedding.

Don't you remember?

It was me and Nelly trying
to get her into a hansom cab

at the back door.

Her hat was all over her head,
and she had the hiccups.

Anyway, she's all right now,
being an actress and all.

MRS. BRIDGES:
What does she say?

"Dear Rosie."
She always called me "Rosie."

"Hoping you are in the pink.
I am.

Just finished a.

Oh, "an engagement at the
Deptford Empire and am resting.

Why not come and see me?

We could talk about old times
at good old Eaton Place.

I often think of our...
attic and the larks we had.

Can you come here
on your day off

and visit your old mate Sarah?"

She don't change.

Will you go?

I might.

Then again, I might not.

Ooh, that looks lovely.

Here, you should see the cook
at our place, Mrs. Fellowes.

She's got
ever such a long, pale face --

-quite lugubrious really.
-[ Laughter]

Never says a word except to
complain about her blessed leg.

[ Laughing ] Thomas says
he thinks she's a witch,

only she keeps her broomstick
stuck up her skirt.

[ Laughter]

Oh, Thomas is a laugh.

He's a real card.

What did you think of him?

Oh, he seemed
a nice enough fellow

that time he come here
to collect the luggage.

He's our valet.

Mr. Kirbridge's valet, no doubt.

That's right.

Who also, I understand, carries
the coal, cleans the boots,

lights the fires,
as well as stoking the boiler.

That's right.

Be thankful
of your position here, Edward,

and the privilege of working
for a larger household.

Yes, Mr. Hudson.

Well, come on, Rose.
Tell us some more.

[Knock on door]

Who is it?

The landlady said to come up.

- It's me, Sarah.
-[ Door closes]

Rose.

Oh, Rosie!

Oh, you...

I got your letter. It was
Waiting for me at Eaton Place.

I just been there for tea
with the others.

And on me way home, it's just a
short tram ride from here, see?

What, to Miss Lizzie's?
It's Greenwich, isn't it?

- That's right, yes.
- Sit down.

- How did you know?
-.James told me.

Oh, you've seen him again.

James?

Oh, he's popped in to see me
at the Empire a couple of times.

But how are they all then, eh?

Mrs. Bridges still there
and Mr. Hudson?

Oh, they're fine.
How are you?

- Oh.
- You look a bit pale.

- Am I?
- Mm.

When's your next engagement,
then?

ROSE: Don't know.
Might not be one.

I thought you said
you was in great demand.

Oh, I am, only...

- Well. ..
- Well, what?

Can I trust you
to keep a secret, Rose?

Oh, I should think so,
after all this time.

Well, come on, girl.
Out with it.

I'm gonna have a baby, Rose.

In the new year.

What?

I wanted you to be
the first to know.

I didn't know you was married!

Why didn't you say so
in the letter?

I'm not married, Rose.

It's...

Well, it's a mistake.

Who?

- Who what?
ROSE: who's the father?

[Gasps ] Look, Rose,
I didn't want to tell anyone,

but I've got to tell you --
It's Jimmy.

- Jimmy who?
Bellamy, of course.

Captain James.

Here, are you telling me
the truth?

Rose, cross my heart
and hope to die.

You can ask him next time
you see him. He won't deny it.

We've been going out regular

ever since
Miss Lizzie's wedding.

He took me to Paris, Rose,
for a whole week.

We stayed in the most posh hotel
in the town

and went dining every night.

Champagne at Maxim's.

And then we used to go on
to other places

like the Folies Bergére
and then...

Then what?

Well, then he -- he started
gambling a lot -- Jimmy.

They all do it
in his regiment, but...

he started to lose
more and more money.

[ Crying ]
Oh, Rose!

Oh, Rosie.

I'm in such a mess.

What'll I do?
Get rid Of it?

Get rid Of it?

Help me, Rose.
Tell me what to do.

What to do?

It's what he's got to do,
more like.

Marry you, of course,
and keep you.

Well -- Well, he --
he has offered, of course,

but he's got no money, Rose.

He's skint.

He's in trouble
with his regiment,

and he hasn't seen the family
for weeks.

Do they know
about the baby coming?

No!

He'd never tell his father.
He'd kill him.

Seems to me they'll
have to know, for your sake.

Otherwise,
well, what'll happen to you?

- I've a good mind to --
- No, Rose!

Now, listen, Rose,
you tell nobody!

You promise.

Then he'll have to come clean --
bloody well have to.

Officer and a gentleman,
isn't he?

He'll have to see you straight
and if he ain't got no money,

he'll have to get some from
the master and her ladyship.

So they'll have to know,
whatever happens, Sarah.

They'll have to.

Perhaps you're right, Rose.

I mean, I'm gonna get blamed,
not him.

They'll think
that I chased after him.

But I didn't, Rose -- honest.

When are you gonna see
Captain James again?

Tomorrow night,
if he can sneak out.

He does sometimes, you know,
just to see if I'm all right.

Well, you must make him go home
and see her ladyship.

And if he won't, threaten him
that you'll spill the beans.

I'm not gonna do that, Rose.
He's been ever so good to me.

Oh, it looks it --
landing you in this muck.

I'm fond of him, Rose,
for all his faults.

He's nice -- Jimmy.
He's...

...nice.

I love him, Rose.

Oh, Sarah.

You're a hopeless case.

That's what you are --
hopeless case.

MARJORIE: And these debts,
James? How much do you owe?

MARJORIE: And these debts,
James? How much do you owe?

Apart from a bill for £86
owing to Poirier's,

which has been presented
to your mother for settlement.

I'm sorry about that. It should
not have been sent to Mother.

Well, how else is the wretched
man to get his money, eh?

Yes.

Well?

Well, if you want the truth...

MARJORIE:
We do, James.

Very well.

I have an overdraft at the
bank of £372, up to yesterday.

My debt to tradesmen
add up to something like £550,

and my personal debt
to friends --

RICHARD: Gambling debts?
- Yes.

Another £300 or £400.

I'm afraid
I'm in a dreadful mess.

Yes.

Yes, you are.

Well, why didn't you
come and see us?

You know we'd have helped.

Yes, I know.
I'm supposed to be independent.

You've given me a very decent
allowance, and I've got my pay.

I'm dreadfully sorry.

There's something else,
isn't there?

No, not really, no.

You're not ill, are you?

No, it's not that.

You can tell us.

It's a woman, isn't it?

Well, yes, i-in a way.

You see, that's really what
I wanted to talk to you about.

It's all connected
with something else --

- a rather delicate
personal matter.

Delicate?
H-How do you mean?

Well, you see, this girl,
of whom I'm very fond,

is going to have a baby.

James.

Who is she?

If it's some cheap woman
of the town,

I don't want to know her name
or any details.

No, it's someone...
someone you know, Mother.

You mean the daughter
of friends of ours?

No.

She used to work here,
as under-house parlourmaid.

Funny little creature.
You used to say she amused you.

Sarah.

JAMES: Yes.
- Oh, my God.

Sarah.

She's an actress now,
or -- or was.

She can't go on with it now,
you see,

because she is expecting
this baby,

of -- of which I am the father.

[ Door opens ]

Luncheon is served, milady.

Well, we'd, uh --
We'd better go in.

Yes.

That's the, uh, dining room done
and the silver away, Mr. Hudson.

Anything else?

From your tone, I infer

that you're asking me
for the afternoon off, Edward.

Well, I've stopped in the last
two Saturdays, and, uh...

And you're meeting a friend
in Kensington Gardens.

Well, yes. we're --
We're gonna listen to the band.

So it won't cost me no money.

Ah, it's when the band
stops playing

and the gates close at dusk,

that's when it begins to cost
a young man money, Edward.

So choose your companion wisely.

Off you go, now.

Thanks, Mr. Hudson.

By the way, Mr. Hudson,
I noticed at lunch

while I was handing
Captain James the potatoes,

that he said to his --
to her ladyship, uh,

"I tried to really save money,
Mother."

Well, according to that book
on grammar you give me,

that's a split infinitive,
isn't it?

I mean,
surely for an old Etonian,

he's not very well educated.

I thought they were supposed
to talk proper.

You're quite correct
in saying that Mr. James

split an infinitive
over luncheon, Edward.

I noticed it myself.

But don't speak too lightly
of the old Etonians

or underestimate
their importance.

Apart from providing
this country

with a number of prime ministers
and colonial governors,

we must never forget that
they won the FA. Cup in 1879.

Get away with you now.

[Chuckles softly]
Yes, Mr. Hudson.

Oh, sorry, Mrs. Bridges.

Oh, Edward.

What's Edward grinning
all over his face for?

Oh, I've let him have
the afternoon off, Mrs. Bridges,

to go and here the band playing
in Kensington Gardens.

A wee bit of Elgar
and some Gilbert and Sullivan

might improve his mind.

Anyway, there'll be
no more visitors today.

[Door pops Open]

That young cub still upstairs?

HUDSON: He is.

Saucy as ever, I suppose.

I notice he didn't come down
and see me after lunch,

not like he used to.

There's trouble, Mrs. Bridges.

Very strained atmosphere.
I don't like the smell of it.

What?

Do you mean a row?

Over money again.

If you ask me, that young
shaver's got himself into debt,

come here
for a loan from his father.

Oh, saucy monkey.

So that's
what he's come here for.

Well, it's in the blood.

There was
his Great Uncle Bertie,

you remember,

old Lady Southwolds
youngest brother.

Him as lost all his money
in Monte Carlo

and died of the shingles
in Portagaria.

RICHARD: we shall have to
consult Sir Geoffrey Dillon

and discover what yours
and our legal position is

and what our liabilities
add up to.

There are questions
of the child's upbringing,

-its education...
MARJORIE: James,

how could you do this to us?

Too late for tears now,
Marjorie.

James has involved us in what
may well become a major scandal.

For the sake of the family,
Marjorie,

and I include
your mother and father

and all the Southwold relations,

this matter
has got to be suppressed.

However, as long as I
have anything to do with it,

the affair will not be hushed up

at the expense of ordinary
human justice and decency.

There are obligations to be met,
and Dillon will best see

how to meet them fairly
and with honour.

And let's hope to God he
can find a way out of this mess.

Well, James, you'd better find
your way back to Windsor.

Call Hudson.
See if you can get a cab.

Yes, Father.

I'm very sorry, Mother.

I'm glad you told us the truth,
my darling.

♫ Maids from school, are we ♫

♫ A la, la, la ♫
- Shh, shh, shh, shh.

Oh, beg your pardon,
Mrs. Bridges.

Sorry I woke you, Mr. Hudson.

I was not asleep, Edward --
merely dozing.

Well?

It was the band
of the Life Guards.

Ooh, Captain James' regiment.

That's right, Mrs. Bridges.

There he was, up
on the bandstand, playing away

-at his French horn.
- Don't be insolent, Edward.

-[ Bell rings]
- Oh, it's the morning room.

Her ladyship wanting tea.

Well, the tray's
all ready and set.

- Shall I take it up, Mr. Hudson?
- No, no. I'll see to it, Edward.

You go up to the dressing room,

start brushing
the master's frock coats.

Yes, Mr. Hudson.

Ohh!

Edward!

EDWARD:
Sorry, Mrs. Bridges.

Ruby!

I'm ashamed of you.

Thank you, Hudson.

Milady.

Hudson,
I wanted to ask you something.

Yes, milady?

You remember Sarah, the...

The under-house parlourmaid,
milady?

Yes.

I was wondering if any
of the servants had heard of her

since Miss Elizabeth's wedding?

Strange you should mention her,
milady.

- Oh, why?
- Well, Rose was here for tea

downstairs just the other day,
milady,

and she found a letter
Waiting for her from Sarah.

Apparently Rose is now
in correspondence with the girl.

Really?

- What else did she ask?
- Nothing else, Mrs. Bridges.

Just about Sarah, whether
she had any relatives living.

I don't understand it.

I don't like the sound of it.

It's my belief
that girl's going 'round London

making out
she's something she's not.

Lie her way in anywhere,
she would.

I wouldn't put it past her
to go for a position

saying as she's a member
of the Southwold family.

She can talk like a lady
when she likes,

dress up in fancy clothes.

- Fool anyone, she would.
- Now, now.

You're going too far,
Mrs. Bridges.

- It's none of our business.
- Hmm, I'm not so sure.

HUDSON:
Good afternoon, Sir Geoffrey.

I am expected.

HUDSON:
Yes, sir.

Mr. Bellamy and her ladyship
are in the morning room, sir.

And Captain Bellamy.

Oh?

The storm seems to have
cleared up a wee bit, sir.

Has it?
I hadn't noticed.

Sir Geoffrey Dillon, milady.

RICHARD: Sir Geoffrey.
Richard.

I trust
you haven't been waiting for me.

No.

- Good afternoon, Lady Marjorie.
- Afternoon, Sir Geoffrey.

My new coachman
has no bump of locality.

I'm relieved to find myself
in the right house.

James.

- Won't you sit down?
- Thank you.

Who was that, then, Mr. Hudson?

That was Sir Geoffrey Dillon,
the family solicitor.

Oh?
What's he come for?

I've no idea, Mrs. Bridges.

You'll never better yourself

reading rubbish like this,
my lad.

If you find yourself forced
to remain a footman

for the rest of your life,
don't blame me.

Now listen to me.

I've got something important
to say to you all.

So pay attention.
Edward, this includes you.

We've got visitors.

Well, we know that, Mr. Hudson.

I don't mean upstairs, Edward.
I mean down here.

- Visitors down here?
- Yes, Ruby,

and what they're here about is
absolutely no concern of yours.

- Do I make myself clear?
- Yes, Mr. Hudson.

-[ Bell rings]
- There. That'll be them now.

Ruby, back door, if you please.

Yes, Mr. Hudson.

Uh, Mr. Hudson --

It's no good asking me
any questions, Edward,

because
I don't intend answering.

- But, Mr. Hudson, all I was --
- Now, that's enough, Edward.

[ Door closes]

Thanks, Mr. Hudson.
All right to come in?

Yes, of course, Rose.

Come in, Sarah.

Sit down over here.

Rose.

Sarah.

Any chance of a cup of tea,
Mrs. Bridges?

Ruby.

Kettle.

Whatcha, Sarah?
Everything all right?

They'll ring when they're ready
for you to go up.

Meanwhile,
you'll both remain in here.

Well, where do you come in,
Rose?

Oh, her ladyship
asked Miss Lizzie

if she could spare me
for the day

to fetch Sarah from her lodgings
and bring her here.

- That's right, isn't it, Sarah?
- Yes.

Seeing as we were old friends and
I knew where she was living

Right, isn't it, Sarah?

Not quite so chatty
as you used to be

when you was in service,
are you, Sarah?

I'm feeling a bit dickey,
Mrs. Bridges.

Oh.

Oh, sorry to hear that.

Uh, Rose tells us

that, uh, you were on the bill
at the Deptford Empire.

Yeah, I was.
Only, I'm resting now.

Oh.

Captain James is upstairs
in the morning room.

Is he?

Didn't you know he was here?

No.

It hasn't changed a bit,
has it, the old room?

Nothing changes at 165, Sarah --
only the staff.

[Bell rings]

There,
that'll be the morning room.

Does that mean they want me now?

Yes. Come with me, Sarah,
up to the hall.

No, Rose, you stay down here,
have your tea.

Come along, Sarah.

Edward, go into the scullery

and give Ruby a hand
with the teapot.

- What, me?!
- Yes, you.

And close the door after you.

Come on, Rose.
What's all this about?

I'm sorry, Mrs. Bridges,
but I really mustn't say.

Oh, I don't know.
All this mystery.

Secrets breed secrets
and does nothing but harm.

Is it to do with the family?

Yes, Mrs. Bridges.

If it concerns the family, Rose,
it concerns me.

Yes, Mrs. Bridges.

Now, come along, Rose.

D-Do you remember the first time
I come here, Mr. Hudson?

I remember the occasion
very clearly.

Your face when I tried to come
in through the front door.

You said I wasn't to question
my betters

and that you was my better

because you was older and wiser
than me

and I was to learn humility --
Do you remember?

It's a pity you didn't learn it.

Don't you ever have a laugh?

On suitable occasions.

Come along, Sarah.
They're waiting for you.

Oh, by the way, Mr. Hudson,

I'd prefer not to be announced
as Sarah, if you don't mind.

It's not my name. It was forced
on me and I don't like it.

I'll say it's Miss Moffat, then,
if you prefer it.

Well, being as I'm known
in the music halls

- as Chémence Delice. ..
Shh, shh.

...I would be prefer
to be announced as such.

I am not prepared to announce
a former servant in this house

by a fancy French name,

unless the name was given to you
at your baptism.

I wasn't baptized.

They didn't go in for that sort
of thing, not where I come from.

Exactly.
Well, put your hat straight.

Are you ready?

Just a minute.

Lead me to the slaughter.

[ Door opens ]

HUDSON:
Sarah is here, milady.

MARJORIE: Ask her
to come in, please, Hudson.

Come in, Sarah.

Sit down.

Now, Sarah, I've been told

of your friendship
with Captain Bellamy

after you left
his parents' service

and of your present condition

resulting
from that relationship.

Yes, sir.

It goes without saying that
the family accept absolutely

their responsibility.

Thank you, sir. I-l don't want
to make no trouble for no one.

I mean, it -- it was my fault
as much as Captain James'.

It's just that with the baby
coming and everything,

I-I won't be able
to go on working much longer,

and I haven't got the money
to bring up the baby

as it ought to be brought up,
being, like,

your grandchild, milady.

I'm sorry.
I shouldn't have said that.

You have every right to say it,
Sarah, if it's true.

Oh, it is true, sir.

Isn't it, Captain James?

- I've already said so, Father.
- Yes, quite.

Now, Sarah,
I want you to pay attention

to Sir Geoffrey Dillon,
who is our family solicitor,

who has come here to advise us
in this matter.

Geoffrey, perhaps you will tell
Sarah what she has to do.

What is your surname, Sarah?

Moffat, sir.

DILLON: Sarah Moffat.
I see.

There will be the question
of registration

when the child is born.

Oh, I see.

DILLON: Children born
out of lawful wedlock

are nevertheless required
to be registered.

- By the state, you understand?
SARAH: Yes, sir.

- DILLON: In the mother's name.
- Yes, sir.

Now, as to the eventual birth
of the child.

Captain Bellamy has informed us

that you were examined by
a doctor in Deptford last week

who confirmed your condition,
which we understand

to be a pregnancy
of three to four months.

- Is that so?
- Yes, sir.

Now, Sarah, arrangements
have been made,

with the generous consent
of Lady Marjorie,

for you to travel down
at once to Southwold,

Where you'll be lodged
with a Mr. and Mrs. Clay

at their cottage on the estate.

You'll find them
an agreeable and homely couple,

Mr. Clay being head gamekeeper
to Lord Southwold

and Mrs. Clay, by good fortune,
a qualified midwife.

Now, just a minute --

Now, Sarah, you must listen
to Sir Geoffrey.

It is for your own good.

You will remain in the care
of Mr. and Mrs. Clay

until such time
as your confinement is at an end

and the child is born.

Thereafter, if you wish it,

and I think you would be
well-advised to agree,

some form of light work will be
found for you on the estate,

possibly in the laundry.

Meanwhile, arrangements will be
made for the child's schooling

and for some eventual career.

Now, listen, mister!

I'm not gonna be stuck away
in some rotten cottage

with two people I've never set
eyes on in me life before

-just because this --
- Sarah.

Everything possible
is being done

for your welfare and comfort.

I think you must remember that.

Sit down, Sarah.

DILLON: I think
you should realize at once

that marriage
to the father of your child

would be quite out
of the question.

I think you've been
in domestic service long enough

to understand that.

I'm not a housemaid now.
I'm an actress.

I'm on the stage.
I'm respectable.

I'm sorry to disillusion you,

but I'm afraid
the theatrical profession

is not generally considered
respectable.

Oh, isn't it?

Well, let me tell you something.

Plenty of actresses
have married famous men --

pillars of the realm and all.

There's Rosie Boote
and Denise Horn

and -- and lots more, besides.

Some of them only in the chorus!

Nevertheless, officers
of the household brigade

are not permitted
to marry actresses.

- Is this true?
- DILLON: If Captain Bellamy

were to offer you
his hand in marriage,

he'd be obliged to resign his
commission in the Life Guards.

Oh, I didn't know that.

I'm sure you wouldn't wish to
destroy his career, would you?

I don't know.

Why don't you say something,
Jimmy?

I mean, I don't expect you
to marry me, but...

why don't you say something?

Say you'll -- you'll come down
and visit me in Southwold,

me and the baby.

Tell me that what they're asking
me to do is right.

But say something, won't you?!

DILLON: I think you would be
well-advised to accept

the arrangements that have been
made for your well-beings,

Moffat.

The alternatives
could be very grim, indeed.

When do you want me to go?

Have you brought your luggage
with you, as we asked?

Yes, milady.
It's in the servants' hall.

Rose is minding it for me.

Then Hudson
will give you some money

and fetch you a cab
to Paddington Station.

Thank you, milady.

When am I gonna see you again?

Eh?

DILLON: Captain Bellamy has
given his parents an undertaking

neither to see you nor to
communicate with you ever again.

And I must ask for a similar
undertaking from you.

Well!

If there's nothing further,
milady,

I'll go downstairs
and sit with my friends

till it's time for me to go.

For god's sake, let me say
something to her privately.

DILLON:
I wouldn't.

I'm damned
if I'll let her leave this house

- Without saying goodbye.
- MARJORIE: James!

JAMES: Sarah.

Sarah.

I'll write to you.

RICHARD: Come in, James.
Sit down.

Well, that seemed
perfectly satisfactory.

Now, James,
we can discuss your future.

Well, what is there to discuss?

I have a letter here
from the military secretary

confirming that your son will be
seconded to the Scinde Horse

with effect
from the 12th of this month.

The Scinde Horse?

But surely, that's
an Indian cavalry regiment.

Precisely.

You will sail on the P&O boat

which leaves Tilbury
on the 12th.

That will give you time
to buy your kit.

Have you gone out of your mind,
Sir Geoffrey?

This is quite unthinkable.

There can be no question

of James remaining
with his regiment at Windsor,

with them in radius
of the court.

What's that got to do with it?

If it should reach
the Queen's ears...

She's deaf.

Besides, I'd like to know
since when this particular court

has represented
moral impeccability.

I'm sure you wouldn't wish,
in your position, Lady Marjorie,

to insult the throne.

That, Sir Geoffrey,
is none of your business.

I would remind you

that you are employed
by my father as his solicitor.

Your duties do not include
telling me how to behave

-in my own house.
RICHARD: Marjorie, please.

I want to know who suggested
this incredible arrangement

in the first place.

India was my suggestion
and readily received.

But you said nothing of this
to me.

My dear,
I've told you more than once,

these are matters
for men to decide.

Sir Geoffrey's brief
was to find a way out

of a delicate
and dangerous situation.

Exactly.

So my mother agrees
to lodge the girl at Southwold

until the baby is born
because I ask her to.

You call that a matter for men?

We thought it better
to inform you

of the second part of our plan

only after
the details were settled.

The India office
received confirmation

from Colonel Pitt
of the Scinde Horse in Peshawar

only yesterday.

If I may say a word
on my own behalf?

RICHARD:
Yes, James?

I agree to go to India --
willingly.

I'd rather not stay here
and listen

to a lot of bitter arguments
about Sarah and myself.

If I'm wanted,
I shall be in my room, packing.

Sir Geoffrey.

[ Door opens ]

-[ Door closes]
- This is the most outrageous

and underhand conspiracy
I've ever seen,

-and I refuse to agree to it!
- That would be most unwise.

I will not allow my son
to be packed off to India,

banished from his country
and his regiment

just because some
little upstart of a housemaid

traps him in a weak moment.

There is also the question
of his debts, Lady Marjorie,

to say nothing of his
recent conduct in the regiment.

You've heard
his Colonel's report.

It is not for you
to sit in judgment over that!

On the contrary,
I must point out

that I have a clear duty
to Lord and Lady Southwold

and to the Talbot-Carey family
as a whole.

I am the family solicitor,
and I must advise them well.

After all, the family name
must be protected at all times

from scandal.

I believe
James himself recognizes that.

James may recognize it,
but I do not.

And I want it made
absolutely clear, Sir Geoffrey,

that I forbid you to proceed
further with these arrangements

till I have discussed them
with my father.

Lady Marjorie,
I ought to point out

that it was your father
who consulted the viceroy

concerning the choice
of regiment for your son.

- My father?
- It's a happy chance

that your father and the viceroy
are such old friends.

I assure you,
it's all for the best.

If there's anything further
to be discussed,

I shall be in my office
in the morning.

She'll take time to accept it.

They're very close, you know,
she and James.

Evidently.

Perhaps we should have told her
before.

It was rather abrupt
and quite a shock for her.

I'm sorry
she was discourteous to you.

The lioness protecting her young
is entitled to show her claws.

I respect that, Richard.

India may well be
the making of your son.

RICHARD:
I hope so.

Well, thank you
for all you've done.

It can't have been easy.

My dear boy,
that's precisely why

we solicitors
charge exorbitant fees.

-[ Chuckles softly]
- Good night.

I'm sorry.

- It had to be done.
- Yes.

Won't do James any harm
to get away for a time,

from London and Windsor,

see a bit of the world.

Yes.

When the children were little,
I used to...

wonder so how they'd be when
they grew up, but now it just...

[Voice breaking]
Oh!

India?!

Are you sure, Edward?

Of course I'm sure.

He said India
would be the making of him.

That's what he said.

India wasn't the making of
Lady Marjorie's uncle Betrie

Lady Marjorie
was crying her eyes out.

- I could hear her.
- Such a long way away.

Poor Lady Marjorie.
It's not like her to cry.

Damn Lady Marjorie.
To hell with them all!

HUDSON: Sarah!

Edward, go and see
what that daft girl's up to.

It doesn't take all day
to get a cab.

No, wait a minute, Edward.

Now, listen to me, all of you,
and this includes you, Sarah.

Not one word of this
has to go beyond this house.

There's many a great family
been ruined

by scandals less than this one.

And remember,
you keep your mouth shut

down at Southwold, my girl.

If anyone else says that to me,
I'll scream.

-[ Hoofbeats ]
- Here's Ruby with a cab.

Thank God for that.

Bye-bye, Mrs. Bridges.

Goodbye, Sarah, my dear,
and...good luck.

Bye, Mr. Hudson.

Goodbye, Sarah.

[Voice breaking]
I don't know what's gonna happen

to that poor girl.

I don't, really.

[ Door closes]

[ Hoofbeats ]

Rose...

What's the matter?

Rose...

...I'm frightened.

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