Upstairs, Downstairs (1971–1975): Season 2, Episode 4 - Whom God hath Joined... - full transcript

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Good thing you haven't got
any nephews and nieces.

What's that, Mrs. Bridges?

The time you take writing out
your Christmas cards.

Oh, well, it's more of a hobby,
really, handwriting.

Yes, I know.

It's your brother-in-law
as usual, I suppose.

Yes, we've been exchanging
seasonal greetings now

for 15 years.

Oh, well, I think it's nice
for a man to have a hobby,

especially as proper a one
as handwriting.



Let me tell you,

her Ladyship could take a leaf
out of your book.

The menus
she sends me down sometimes,

I can't make head or tail
of them.

Ah, well, the mistress
of a household

does have a great many duties
to perform, Mrs. Bridges.

Oh, I know.

I wasn't meaning to criticize,
Mr. Hudson.

-[ Doorbell rings]
- It's just I sometimes wonder

Whether she gets
what she asks for.

Who on earth can that be?

We're only expecting
Mrs. Kirbridge for tea,

but that's not till 5:00.

Hello, Hudson. I'm early.
Have I got everyone on the hop?



Not at all, Mrs. Kirbridge.

These lovely motorcars
puts all our timing out.

Thank you.

Is Mother in?

She's in the morning room,
madam.

What does all this mean, Rose?

I understood Mrs. Kirbridge
was simply coming for tea.

I know, Mr. Hudson.
There's been a change of plan.

But I have not been informed.

I know you haven't, Hudson.
I only decided this morning.

Help Thomas with the luggage,
would you?

[ Door opens ]

Hello, my darling.

- Hello.
- You're very early.

Not only that, Mother dear,
but I've come to stay.

You don't mind, do you?

Only Lawrence had to go
and visit an aunt in Shropshire,

and Christmas with Rose in
Greenwich didn't seem much fun,

so I thought
we'd both come here.

Oh, Lord, you're not doing
your cards already, are you?

I haven't given them a thought.

You mean Lawrence is staying
in Shropshire over Christmas?

- He may.
- And you didn't go with him?

I didn't want to see
his boring aunt.

But it's your first Christmas
together.

Oh, Mother,
what does that matter?

No doubt there'll be others.

He did offer to take me,

but I told him
I preferred you and Papa.

Aren't you pleased?

Well, yes, of course.

If one had some prior warning
of these things,

one could make
the necessary arrangements.

As it is, the room needs airing,
a good dust.

And Brenda's out her hand badly
on a broken vase,

so she can't manage it.

Don't look at me, Mr. Hudson.
I don't even work here.

It's a nice room
to come home to.

But it's beautiful.

Thank you, darling.

Any jolly parties in store?

Oh, the Londonderrys.

Can I come?

Yes, yes, of course you can.

Do you remember that other time
after I came back from Germany?

And you all had such hopes
for me,

and I dashed them all
by behaving disgracefully.

Oh, what a long time ago
that seems.

Talking of disgrace,

I had a lovely letter from James
the other day.

It was really happy
for the first time,

as if he'd got things right
at last. Has he, do you think?

Yes, we had a very reassuring
letter from Colonel Pitt

saying how well
he'd settled down.

He said James is a great asset
to the regimental polo team.

And Sarah?

Sarah?

Oh, she's at Southwold,
as you know.

She's being well taken care of.

Yes, I've no doubt.

Darling you're not --

What?

Oh, pregnant, you mean.

No, Mama, sorry.

Well, it is a bit soon.

Shall we have some tea?

Then we can have
a lovely long talk

before your father gets home
and monopolizes you.

[ Hoofbeats in distance ]

-[ Screeches]
- Ooh!

Oh, my goodness, gracious me!

Wherever did you get that from?

Well, I found it in the dickey
of her motorcar, Mrs. B.

Oh.
For me?

Well, to be disposed of
as you think fit.

Oh, well, I don't know.

Well, they weren't needing it
at Greenwich, see,

so I thought I'd find
a good home for it.

I mean, you're fond of animals,
aren't you?

- Oh.
-[ Indistinct conversation]

Yes.

It was very thoughtful of you,
my boy.

Very thoughtful indeed.

- Now take up the sugar and tea.
- I consider

you're taking advantage
of my loyalties, Mr. Hudson.

And who taught you to use
such long words, Rose?

Influence of a poet's household,
eh, Rosie?

I don't care
what it's the influence of.

All I know is I'm being used.

Where's Edward,
for heaven's sake?

Haven't you heard about Edward?

- He got took in the night.
- Took?

Yes, he was rushed off
to the hospital last Friday

with his appendix.

I believe he's progressing
quite satisfactorily.

Well, I don't know.

Brenda out her hand.
Edward taken off to hospital.

Not very lucky household,
is it?

Well, what about yours,
then, Rose, eh?

Um, I-l don't know what you're
talking about, Mrs. Bridges.

Oh, yes, you do.

What's Miss Elizabeth
doing here?

- what's been going on?
- Now, now, Mrs. Bridges.

You know better than to ask
our Rose for any tittle-tattle.

I only want to know what we all
want to know, Mr. Hudson.

Don't tell me your ears
haven't been burning, too.

Rose, get your coat off,
take the tea up.

Oh, that's not fair, Mr. Hudson.

Besides, I can't serve
morning-room tea

dressed like this.

Her Ladyship won't mind
just this once.

Here, I'll give you hand
if you like, Rose.

I can manage.

You know, that girl is assuming
far too much independence

for her own good.

Maybe she has to
Where she works now.

This your work, Mr. Hudson?

That's his hobby.

Handwriting.

I make a study of it, yes.

How very nice.

What sort of stuff do you write,
apart from Christmas cards?

What do I write?
Well, I...

I copy out passages
from the newspapers.

Copy?

- what's the point?
- The point?

Yes, I mean
other people's stuff.

Why not something of your own?

You know, a poem
or your own thoughts.

Well, he does write his daily
journal, don't you, Mr. Hudson?

All the time-tattle.

Aye, well, that's --
that's a start, I suppose.

You can always sell it
if times get hard.

MRS. BRIDGES:
[Laughs]

I was only joking, Mr. Hudson.

Well, of course he was,
Mr. Hudson.

Where's your sense of humour?

Hello, Rose.
What are you doing here?

Helping out, Mr. Bellamy.

Aren't you required
in Greenwich?

Well, um, Mrs. Kirbridge
is here, sir.

Oh, that's right, of course.
She was coming to tea.

My angel!

ELIZABETH:
Hello, Papa.

How lovely to see you.

And looking so bright.
Bright as a button.

- Hello, my dear.
MARJORIE: Hello, darling.

Lawrence has had to visit
an aunt in Shropshire,

so Elizabeth's come to stay.

Isn't that nice?

Well, that's wonderful.

That's too many frocks
for a short visit.

Mrs. Kirbridge always takes
a lot of frocks with her.

You should have seen how many
she took with her when she went

on her honeymoon to Vienna,
and that was only a fortnight.

Oh, there's no point in keeping
up this pretence, Rose.

I can put two and two together,
even if no one else can.

Yes, I'm sure you can,
Miss Roberts,

and that's just about the limit
of your education.

How dare you talk to me
like that?

Oh, I dare, all right,

'cause we're on equal footing
now, remember?

I'm a lady's maid now,
just like you.

Proper lady's maids do not carry
up trays to the morning room

or dust the bedrooms.

Mr. Hudson.

Uh, Mr. Hudson, I was wondering,

in view of your shortage
of staff,

Whether I perhaps
might lend a hand?

That won't be necessary.
Thank you, Mr. Watkins.

- we can manage.
- we can't.

Not with half the staff
took sick.

I could wait at table,
Mr. Hudson.

I'm not without experience,
as Rose will vouch.

Oh, go on, Mr. Hudson.

The boy's made a kind offer.

Why don't you let him
help you out?

Well, if her ladyship finds it
acceptable, I suppose he may.

Oh, please, Miss Roberts.

MISS ROBERTS:
I'm sorry, Mr. Hudson.

Oh, who are you?

THOMAS: Me?

That's Mr. Watkins.
He's Mr. Kirbridge's manservant.

Oh, yes, I've heard about you.

THOMAS:
Nothing bad, I hope.

Not yet.

And are you staying, too?

Why should he?

Mr. Watkins is gonna drive
the motorcar back to Greenwich

after we've all had our dinner.

Aren't you, Mr. Watkins?

Elizabeth's had a letter
from James, darling.

She really thought
he sounded happy, didn't you?

That's good. Has he fallen
in love, do you think?

- He didn't mention it.
- well, that's what he needs --

some nice, young governess
he can bring home as his bride.

Oh, Father, what a dreadful
thing to wish on your son.

Not at all.

All the best girls are going out
to India as governesses.

It's a wonderful opportunity
for them.

MARJORIE:
Yes, Felicity Davenport.

And Railton's daughter, Daphne.

MARJORIE:
Felicity landed a major.

Oh, good for Felicity.

- what did he weigh?
MARJORIE: Darling.

Well, you do make him sound
like a prize trout.

What would James be?
A sort of eel, perhaps?

And Lawrence --
What would he be?

I think this is a silly game.

No, it isn't.
It's illuminating.

Lawrence? I think I see Lawrence
as...a plaice.

RICHARD:
A plaice?

- A plaice.
RICHARD: why a plaice?

I don't know.
I just see him as one.

MARJORIE: I don't think
that's very illuminating.

It is to me.

How's his poetry getting along?
Has he written anything lately?

No, nothing.

- Aren't you his inspiration?
- Apparently not.

MARJORIE: Oh, darling, one can't
write poetry to order.

Lawrence has a lot on his mind,
adjusting to married life.

- Living in Greenwich.
- what's wrong with Greenwich?

Nothing to you,
but it stifles Lawrence.

Stifles him?
Why?

I thought I'd do some Christmas
shopping tomorrow, darling.

Would you like to come with me?

We could give each other ideas,
like we used to.

Do you remember, choosing things
for James and Papa?

I don't want to be little again,
Mother.

I don't think your mother
meant that you --

Yes, she did.

She sees my marriage in ruins,

and she wants to protect me
by making me little again.

I don't want that.

What did you say?

Your marriage in --

RICHARD: In -- In ruins?
What on earth do you mean?

It's plain enough.

Haven't you guessed?
I've given enough hints.

What do you think
I'm doing here?

Darling, please.
Les domestique.

Ils sa bien la situation,
tout les deux.

So does Hudson now.

Do you mean what you say?

I'm sorry, Papa, yes.

MARJORIE: After only six months,
I can't believe it.

No, of course you can't
believe it, Mama.

You don't want to believe it.

You'll have to face the gossip

and the sniggering
of your friends.

But can't you think beyond that?

Can't you think of me for once?

Don't cry, Miss Lizzie.
Please don't cry.

It's not as bad as you think.

You've got it all
out of proportion.

- Don't you tell me, Rose!
- Miss Lizzie.

And don't call me Miss Lizzie.

I'm a married woman.

Married, which is more
than you'll ever be!

- what?
- At least I've tried.

I've offered myself,

but you, you've never
offered yourself to anyone,

-so how can you give me advice?
- I wasn't trying to.

You and Thomas -- You think
I didn't hear you late at night?

Teasing him and then stopping.

Let me tell you, Rose,
that unless you're prepared

to give yourself utterly and
risk making a fool of yourself,

you'll never get anything
in life!

You'll end up withered
here inside.

I mean, look at you already!

At least I'll never end up
like you.

Well, I'm off now, Mrs. Bridges.

Oh? Back to Greenwich, then,
are you?

Back to Greenwich, yes,
for the time being.

Oh, well, we'll be seeing you
again soon, I expect.

I hope so.
I do hope so, Mrs. B.

I've done the dishes,

so you'll have a nice,
clean kitchen in the morning.

I knew you'd do something
like that.

Oh, you're a good boy, Thomas.
You are, really.

Aye, well, you're not
a bad cook, neither.

Ohh.

- Good night Mrs. B.
- Oh.

Good night, my dear.
Good night.

THOMAS:
Good night, Rose.

Rosie?

What's the matter, love?

Hey.

Hey, what is it?

It's not what happened
at dinner, is it?

We knew that was finished.
We've got other fish to fry.

It isn't that.

Well, what, then?

After all our years together,
all the things we've shared,

to say such cruel things.

What things, love?

Mrs. Kirbridge?
Now, what's she said?

I can't repeat them.

'Course you can.

Uh...l can't.

- I can't.
- Come on.

You can tell Thomas.

[ Sobbing ]

Let me go!

[ Sobbing ]

Uh, Rose -- Rose,
she seemed a bit upset like.

Well, it wasn't me, Mr. Hudson.

Good night, Mr. Watkins.

- No, no, hang on a min--
- Good night.

[ Door closes]

[Knock on door]

Come in.

Oh, I'm glad it's you.

[ Door closes]

Is Mother very upset?

Yes, she is rather.
She's gone to her room.

May I?

Yes, do.

You want explanations.

Do you want to give them?

Is it really in ruins,
as you say?

Ruins can be restored.

Not these ones.

Any special problem?

No, no.

Are you sure?

No, I told you.

Lawrence doesn't want a wife,
that's all.

But it was Lawrence
who wanted to get married.

You were the one
for the Bohemian life.

Yes, well, there you are.

He couldn't cope
with the responsibility.

Well, how about his friends,
his fellow artists?

How do you get on with them?
Did -- Did they accept you?

I suppose so.

But obviously
I was always going to be judged

in terms of what he produces,
his poetry, what I inspired.

I inspired nothing.

So he took his revenge on you?

No, not exactly. He didn't spend
enough time with me for that.

Well, you can't be said to be
a negative influence, surely?

It's a nice debating point,
Papa,

but not in the House of Commons.

[Knock on door]

Oh, Rose, run me a bath,
would you?

Yes, madam.

Oh, and take this down
to be mended.

I seem to have caught it
on something.

RICHARD: Does Lawrence know
you've left home?

No, I don't think so.

What will he say
when he finds out?

He'll be relieved.

He's not very good
at taking the initiative.

Darling, are you sure
you haven't left in haste?

Your mother feels,
and I must say,

I find it hard
to disagree with her,

that you haven't really
given it much time.

How much time do you need to
know that you've made a mistake?

I'm sorry, Papa.
It's over.

No hope at all?

None.

Are you absolutely sure?

I'm absolutely sure.

Then we must
get in touch with Dillon

and put the matter in his hands.

- Dillon?
- Geoffrey Dillon, our solicitor.

You want it ended legally,
don't you?

Yes, but must we use him?

He's so dry and chilly.

James said
that during his troubles,

he felt as if he was facing
Judge Jeffreys.

I know how he felt,
but Geoffrey Dillon

is loyal and discreet and,
quite simply, the best there is.

I'll see him in the morning.
Now, don't worry.

And do try and understand
your mother's feelings.

They may seem
a bit off the mark,

but they're nonetheless real,

and they need careful handling
from both of us.

Papa, thank you
for treating me like a woman

and not an hysterical child,
even though I may be.

Oh, the poor girl,
to have such a thing happen.

She's only a baby.

Well, I guessed, of course.

The minute I saw those frocks, I
guessed it was no casual visit.

We'd all done our share
of guessing, Miss Roberts,

even before the frocks.

Yes, well, now that we've all
expressed our feelings,

I think we should
let the matter rest.

Well, it was you informed us,
Mr. Hudson.

I informed you, Miss Roberts,

to prevent you hearing it
from other ears.

Rose has taken it badly.

I passed her on the stairs
just now, and she'd been crying.

I think you'll find
that Rose's distress

is related to quite another
matter, Miss Roberts.

Oh?
What's that, Mr. Hudson?

Never you mind for the moment,
Mrs. Bridges.

In the meantime, I think
we should all be on our guard.

Could you lend us a needle,
please, Miss Roberts?

Mrs. Kirbridge
wants this mended.

Thanks.

[ Hoofbeats in distance ]

GEOFFREY:
Well, now, Mrs. Kirbridge.

GEOFFREY:
Well, now, Mrs. Kirbridge.

Must you call me that,
Sir Geoffrey?

It does sound a little hollow.

Elizabeth.

It's hardly being familiar.

You've known all about me
since the day I was born.

I regret
that my knowledge of you

is confined merely
to a handful of facts --

your birth date, when money
was put into trust for you,

things of that nature.

Well, doubtless you mean
to change all that.

How do you mean?

Well, don't I have to use you
as a kind of confessional?

Tell you intimate details
I wouldn't even tell my parents?

It is sometimes necessary
to delve a little.

The law requires it.

All right,
let's get it over with.

Well, first we have to
find grounds,

since I take it that you're
to be the petitioner.

I'm sorry.
I don't understand.

It's you who wish
to terminate the marriage.

Oh, yes, I think so,
if that is allowed.

It is in certain circumstances.

It may be necessary to discuss
matters with your husband.

He's in Shropshire,
visiting an aunt.

Has he deserted you?

In favour of his aunt?
No.

I'm sorry.

I think I've deserted him.

A woman can divorce her husband

only on the grounds of adultery
coupled with desertion

or adultery
coupled with cruelty.

You mean we choose one of those?

In effect, we decide
on the relevant course.

Well, neither of those
is relevant.

What else have we got?

Well, there is, of course,
the possibility of an annulment,

grounds for which are,
for example,

impotence on the part
of the husband.

Might that be relevant?

Think carefully, Elizabeth.

Well, what exactly is impotence,
legally speaking?

- Thank you, Hudson.
- Sir.

Is Sir Geoffrey Dillon here?

He's in the morning room, sir,
with Mrs. Kirbridge.

Thank you.

They've been alone
in conference together

for some while now, sir.

Her ladyship is up in her room
awaiting the outcome.

- Thank you, Hudson.
- Sir.

You're saying, Elizabeth,
that sexual intercourse

has never taken place
between you and your husband?

You do understand
the legal definition?

Yes.

You've encouraged him.

You've shown yourself willing,
but...

He seems to find the act
repugnant.

That's what he says.

But how can he?

I'm not repugnant to him,
not in our normal daily life,

but when I lie beside him in bed
and -- and I reach out for him,

he doesn't see.

Do you know if he's ever had

a satisfactory relationship
with a woman?

I realize you may not
be able to.

There was someone, yes.

An intimate relationship?

I always thought so.

But now you're not sure?

No.

Well, I think
we may have the grounds.

You mean that's all we need?

It should be.

A simple medical inspection.

Medical inspection of whom?
- Of both of you.

I'll speak to your mother.
It needn't concern you.

But it does concern me.
I'm to be examined.

Don't be alarmed, my dear.
It's a formality.

Now, shall we call your mother?

Oh, Rose, is Sir Geoffrey Dillon
still in the morning room?

Yes. He's finished with
Mrs. Kirbridge on her own,

and I just went to fetch
Lady Marjorie and Mr. Bellamy.

I have no doubt a satisfactory
conclusion's being reached.

Oh? what would you call
a satisfactory conclusion?

An annulment, of course.

Does that mean
them splitting up?

The marriage has failed, Rose.

How would you know?
You don't even work there.

Rose.

Too many thinking people giving
too many uninformed opinions.

Rose,
you're forgetting yourself.

Am I?

If I may give you a little
advice, my girl, forget him.

- Forget who?
- Oh, come on now, Rose.

You can't fool me.
I know you too well.

You've got yourself emotionally
involved with someone.

It's unfortunate
but hardly surprising.

Proximity
is next to familiarity.

But you're a sensible girl,
Rose.

It may be painful, but it's
simply a question of attitude,

of -- of steeling yourself
and seeking diversions.

Perhaps you could
take up a hobby.

I don't know what you're
talking about, Mr. Hudson.

Well, if nobody
wants me anymore,

I think I'll go
and do my Christmas shopping.

Well, how was it, Geoffrey?

I do hope she was sensible.

Oh, yes. we've discovered
the cause of the problem.

Which is?

Quite simply,
the marriage is unconsummated.

What?

It's Lawrence who is the
unwilling party, not Elizabeth.

Lawrence?
- Good God.

Well, what's the matter
with the fellow?

Poor child.

We shouldn't have
too much difficulty

in arranging an annulment,

but we do need proof
of virginity.

Either your own doctor,
or if she'd prefer

a more impersonal
but sympathetic figure,

may I suggest my friend
Sir William Hanning,

recently appointed
to the royal household.

[ Door opens ]

[Glass clinks]

Oh, it's you.

Good evening, sir.

Just hanging some
of your suits up, sir.

Shall I switch a light on?

No.

She's gone, then?

Mrs. Kirbridge has gone
to stay with her parents, sir,

in Eaton Place.

I know where they live,
thank you.

Has Rose gone, too?

Yes, sir.

And Mrs. Fellowes?

Gone to stay with
her married daughter, sir,

awaiting instructions.

I can recall her.

No, don't do that.

It's just you, then?

That's right, sir, just me.

Will you be staying the night
here, sir?

Uh, yes, but I shan't
be going to bed just yet.

Do you want some champagne?

- Uh, no, thank you, sir.
- why not?

Well, if you insist.

Oh, I don't insist.

Have some if you want some.
Don't if you don't.

Well?

Oh, it's -- it's not unpleasant.

It damn well shouldn't
be unpleasant, Thomas.

A present from my aunt, and she
knows about these things.

[Sighs ] well, what's the news
from Eaton Place?

Am I persona non grate?

Aye, I don't think anything
quite as drastic as that, sir.

What are they saying
in the servants' quarters?

I wouldn't have thought
the opinions of servants

held much interest for someone
like yourself, sir.

Well, you're quite right,
Thomas, absolutely right.

Who cares about the opinions
of servants?

I trust your aunt
has not been taken sick, sir?

Taken sick?
Why should she?

Necessitating
your unexpected return.

Necessitating.
[ Chuckles ]

Oh, Thomas,
you are getting pedantic.

Who taught you to speak
like that, eh?

Hudson, the Scotsman?

Only servile servants
talk like that.

- You're not one of them.
- Am I not, sir?

You know you're not.

Why have you come back,
then, sir?

Ah, that's better.

Because I was feeling wretched,
and I missed my wife's company.

- Do you believe that?
- Yes, sir.

Then you're a fool!

I returned for an assignation
with another lady,

which requires
your utmost discretion.

Do you believe that?

- No, sir.
- No, sir!

- why not, sir?
Because, sir, I --

Because you think
I'm homosexual!

No, sir.

-I thi-- I think --
- what?

Hmm? Come on, man.
What do you think?

I think you're a romantic, sir.

A romantic.

What in heaven's name
do you know about romantics?

I read books, sir.

Yes, well, Thomas,
yes, you're right.

I am a romantic.

I can love a woman.

I love my wife, but --
but not the way she wants.

Not here.

Oh, sit down, man!
For God's sake, sit down!

THOMAS: Yes.

Thomas?

Thomas, do you like
taking ladies to bed?

Hmm?

Do you?

Do you enjoy the sexual act?

Well, uh, yes, I have to admit
I do -- I-l do fancy it, sir.

You do fancy it.

Yes, well, I'm only normal --

Normal!

Thomas, will you stay with me?

I beg your pardon, sir.

Will you stay with me as my man?

Well, that's -- that's surely
your decision, sir.

I mean, after all,
I'm still in your employ.

- But my wife engaged you.
- Yes, uh, for you, sir.

That's true.

T-That's very true.

And you haven't taken sides?

One tries to keep
a proper balance.

You can't do that, Thomas.

Either you're with me or you're
against me. Now, choose.

Choose?
Choose now.

Well, in -- in -- in that case,
naturally, I am with you, sir.

Do you mean that sincerely?
You wouldn't betray me?

Oh, no, not at all, sir.

Thomas, would you be going to
Eaton Place in the near future?

Well, I could do, sir.

Why? would you like me
to take a message?

Yes, that wouldn't be
a bad idea.

You tell my wife --

Uh, well it might be best
if I got Rose to tell her, sir.

Uh, yes, all right.

All right, well, you tell Rose
to tell Mrs. Kirbridge...

Um...well, tell her to say...

Uh...

Thomas...

would you think of something
for me...

please?

Hemorrhoids, my dear Dillon.

They and they alone won
the Battle of waterloo.

It's a common medical fact.

- whose hemorrhoids, Sir William?
Napoleon's, dear lady.

They gave him merry hell
on the morning of June the 18th

and caused him
to make a late start.

GEOFFREY:
Poppycock, William,

The British were ready for him
whatever time he got up.

WILLIAM: The British
Weren't ready for anything.

Wellington was entirely
dependent on his allies.

Quite clearly, you're
a Francophile, Sir William.

WILLIAM: Doesn't enter into it,
my dear fellow.

I'm interested
in the relative merit

of the two commanders,
that's all.

And I'm trying to tell
old Dillon here

that his hero Wellington
was safe as houses

and dull as ditch water,
whereas the emperor had flair.

Hit 'em at the center --
That was his tactic.

Barbarously unsubtle.

How many soldiers have you
in your collection, Sir William?

In my collection?
Of flat models only, 14,926.

Good gracious.

WILLIAM:
ls the child ready?

Not quite, sir. She apologizes
for keeping you waiting.

I'm in no hurry.

Mrs. Bridges, has Mr. Hudson
said anything about me?

Not that I know of, Thomas.

I tell you why I asked.

The other night when I was here,

I-I helped out with the dishes,
do you remember?

I certainly do remember, and
a very great help you were, too.

Well, we had a bit
of a misunderstanding,

Mr. Hudson and I.

Oh?

Yes, I was through there,
talking to Rose, you see,

-and he got the im--
ROSE: Hello, Thomas.

What you doing here?

Well, I've come to see you,
Rose.

Well, I haven't got time.

I'm busy getting Miss Elizabeth
ready for the doctor.

You haven't seen Miss Roberts,
have you?

I want to borrow
her curling tongs.

- The doctor?
- Mm.

- Hasn't she told you?
- No.

I don't tittle-tattle, Rose!
You know me.

Probably haven't
got around to it yet.

Rose?
- Hmm?

They're gonna be divorced, then?

Looks like it.

Has anybody said
what's gonna happen to us?

There'll always be a place
for Rose

in the Southwold family,
Mr. Watkins.

What's your business here?

Well, I've come with a message
from Mr. Kirbridge

to Mrs. Kirbridge, via Rose.

And what is the message?

Uh, well, it's private.

[Bell rings]

I don't believe a word.

Absolute truth, I assure you.

HUDSON: Mrs. Kirbridge is ready,
my lady.

Thank you, Hudson. would you
show Sir William up to her room?

Very good, my lady. If you'll
follow me, Sir William.

Certainly.
Excuse me.

Thank you.

Thank you.

What a nice man.

He'd have made a rotten general.

[ Laughs ]

[Knock on door]

Come in.

Good morning, my dear.

- Oh, Hudson?
- My lady?

I wanted to have a word
with you.

Hudson, you must be aware
of what's happening.

Miss Elizabeth's marriage
has not been a success

for various reasons.

A source of great sadness,
my lady.

Yes.
However, we must be practical.

Indeed.

As the marriage
is to be dissolved,

the house at Greenwich
will have to be sold

and the staff there disbanded.

Mrs. Fellowes will be given
a month's notice.

Rose, of course,
will return to us.

That would leave Mr.
and Mrs. Kirbridge's manservant,

my lady -- Thomas.

Yes, and I've decided to ask him
to come to us as chauffeur.

He struck me as a young man
of resource,

and he does know
about motorcars.

But Pearce, my lady?

Well, Pearce has already
spoken to Mr. Bellamy

about leaving us to go back to
Lady Wanborough as head groom.

You know as well as I do,
Hudson,

that Pearce has never
really taken to the motorcar,

and we do need a good chauffeur.

Quite.

If I may be so bold,
my lady, I --

I cannot bring myself
to recommend Thomas.

Oh, really?

I agree he's a young man
of resource

and familiar with motorcars,

but I have grave doubts
as to his moral character.

Forgive me for speaking
so freely, my lady.

Please go on, Hudson.

Has he done something particular
to make you feel this?

To be precise, he has trifled
with Rose's affections.

Has she herself told you so?

She had no need to, my lady.

I inadvertently witnessed
a scene in the servants' hall

in which young Thomas,
quite brutally, in my opinion,

reduced the poor girl to tears.

I see.

I have spoken with her.

Oh, she's a sensible girl.

I'm sure she'll soon recover,

but not with Thomas
on the premises, my lady.

No.
Well, thank you, Hudson.

I'll --
I'll have to think again.

My lady.

Feet off the table
in this house,

if you don't mind, Mr. Watkins.

Put that thing out.

Why are you still here?
You've delivered your message.

I'm just waiting for the answer,
Mr. Hudson.

RICHARD:
Ah, Sir William.

GEOFFREY:
All to our satisfaction, I hope?

There's nothing wrong, is there?

No, dear lady.

Her health is excellent,
considering her condition.

Her condition?

Yes. I'm afraid we've been
outgunned, outflanked,

and outmaneuvered on all sides.

Our virgin bride
is three months pregnant.

[Knock on door]

- Come in.
-[ Door opens]

Close the door.

Sit down.

Elizabeth, I always thought
we had a special understanding

of affection and trust.

It seems I was sadly mistaken.

- why?
- well, that's obvious, isn't it?

When we spoke the other evening,
you led me to believe

the failure of your marriage
lay with Lawrence.

I hope I didn't.

When Sir Geoffrey
questioned you,

you told him a deliberate lie.

You said the marriage
had not been consummated.

That's true.
It hadn't.

Are you saying that Lawrence

is not the father
of the child you're carrying?

Yes.

Then who in God's name is?

It's not important.

Well, of course it's important.
Are you mad? who is he?

A friend of ours.

I'm sorry, Elizabeth.

I may seem simple,

but are you saying within
six months of your marriage,

you took a friend,
a mutual friend of both of you,

to your bed?

Yes.

Then, quite clearly,
I don't know you at all.

Come on, Father.
It's not so awful.

I have no doubt it was done
in your day, too.

Lawrence knew about it.

He what?

Of course he did.

He couldn't please me himself
in that direction,

so he delegated the task.

My God.
With whom?

When I find the young scoundrel,
I'll thrash him.

He's not a young scoundrel,
and you won't thrash him.

He's as eminent in his own field
as you are and about your age.

It was all done
with decorum and taste.

What's his name?

Must you really know?

Yes.
Tell me.

His name is Sir Edwin Partridge.

He's Lawrence's publisher.

I wouldn't go and see him
if I were you.

He's capable of causing
a dreadful scandal.

You realize what you've done,
don't you?

You've made it impossible for us
to get your marriage annulled.

Well, not on the grounds
we discussed, obviously.

On any grounds! Your mockery
of a marriage must go on.

You must face the world as
the proud parents of a bastard.

Baby Partridge.

Don't make cheap jokes,
Elizabeth.

The way that you've disgraced
yourself and your mother.

You know very well
how these things get about.

Do you want to make us
a laughingstock of society?

That's your real concern,
isn't it?

Your precious name.

In all this mess, you can't
actually bring yourself

to think of me,
how I might feel, can you?

You can't see my humiliation.

To be told I'm pregnant
after telling Sir Geoffrey

my -- my husband
hadn't even made love to me.

Dear God!

You feel wronged!

You talk of affection and trust
lost between us.

What about me?

Where's your affection for me
when I most need it?

Well, at least we know
where we both stand,

how we really feel
about each other.

At least I can make plans now.

MARJORIE: Elizabeth.
- And you can make your plans.

Do what you like.

I don't care.

Richard, what on earth
has happened between you?

MRS. BRIDGES:
What will you do then, Rose,

if Miss Elizabeth stays on here
like she says she's going to?

You'll have to sort out
your position, won't you?

Yes, I've been thinking
about that, Mrs. Bridges.

Well, there's not room in
this house for two lady's maids.

You might not have to worry
about that, Miss Roberts.

I might not be Miss Elizabeth's
lady's maid much longer.

What do you mean, my girl?

We haven't been getting on
too well.

She said some very unkind things
about me.

Oh, come on, now, Rose.
You're imagining things.

Miss Elizabeth unkind to you?

You're just upset
because of that other matter.

- what other matter?
- You know what I mean.

Well, don't keep us in suspense,
Mr. Hudson. what is it?

Concerning
a certain Mr. Watkins.

Oh?
What about him?

I'm sure Rose doesn't want her
private affairs aired in public.

Suffice it to say
that Mr. Watkins

will not be in the running
for the post of chauffeur here

when Mr. Pearce gives up.

Why not?
What have you been up to?

If he's not required
at Greenwich,

he ought to come and work here.

It's only natural.

It is not natural, Mrs. Bridges,
and Rose knows why.

I don't, Mr. Hudson.

That young man has been
playing fast and loose

with our Rose's affections.

Here, how do you know

what he's been
playing fast and loose with?

Was I not witness to an upset in
this very room the other night,

Rose, when he made you cry?

Oh.

That wasn't him, Mr. Hudson.

I was crying
about Miss Elizabeth

and the unkind things
she said about me.

Wasn't Thomas.

He was trying to comfort me.

He was being nice.

There, now see what you done.

- Are you sure, Rose?
-'Course I'm sure.

So he can be chauffeur here now,
if he wants to.

You got things a bit mixed up,
Mr. Hudson.

You've done that young man
an injustice,

and if you've any human decency,
which we all know you have,

you'll put what you done
to rights.

[Knock on door]

- Come in.
-[ Door opens]

[ Door closes]

MARJORIE:
Darling.

If you've come to be angry,
then --

No, I haven't.

Your father's sorry.

It was the heat of the moment.

Try and see it
from his point of view.

As for you and me, I know we
haven't always seen eye to eye.

It's funny.

James behaved just as --

Badly.

Well, unfortunately,
shall we say.

Somehow it's easier
to forgive one's son.

It's not fair, is it?

I was upset at first

because it seemed
you'd given in too easily.

I realize that was wrong of me.

Your father helped me see that.

And now, of course, that I know
what you've really suffered,

I just --

Oh, my darling.

ELIZABETH:
[ Sobbing ]

We'll find a way out.

We'll do everything we can,
I promise you.

Shh.
It's all right.

[ Door opens ]

ELIZABETH:
Good morning, Sir Geoffrey.

GEOFFREY:
Good morning, Mrs. Kirbridge.

I'm sorry
if I embarrassed you yesterday,

but, you see, I-l didn't realize

what the medical examination
was for exactly.

GEOFFREY: Clearly.
-[ Bell rings]

Oh, that should be Lawrence now.

Lawrence?
Coming here?

Thank you, Hudson.

Thank you, Hudson.

Are the, uh --
the vultures assembled?

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

with Sir Geoffrey Dillon,
the family solicitor.

And the queen predator, my wife?

Mrs. Kirbridge
is also with them, sir.

Right.

Darling, what wonderful news!

Sir Geoffrey telephoned me
this morning.

[ Smooches ]
Isn't it wonderful?

I'm to be a father,
and you're to be grandparents.

Are we gathered
for a celebration?

It's no use, Lawrence.

I've told them everything.

Everything?

Surely not everything, my sweet.

- Everything that's relevant.
- Relevant to what, sir?

Lawrence, we know you're not
the father of Elizabeth's child.

We also know, from Elizabeth,
the reason why.

Now, let me say it once.

We feel no personal animosity
towards you.

These things happen.
Nature cannot be overruled.

MARJORIE:
Please believe that, Lawrence.

RICHARD: we simply
asked you here to decide

what's best to do
for all our sakes.

Yes.
[Clears throat]

I-I see.
Well, I --

Mr. Kirbridge,
for obvious reasons,

you must agree to accept
official paternity of the child.

For obvious reasons?

Well, you'd hardly want the
rather sordid facts of the case

to be widely known.

Are they so sordid?

I mean, wouldn't it be more
sordid to suppress the facts,

to live a lie?

And what do we tell the child?

Do we keep it always
from the truth?

I think Elizabeth and I resolved
our own particular difficulties

in a mature and sensible way.

Who knows?
We may even set a fashion.

Lawrence, neither Sir Geoffrey
nor I have time

to listen to your flippant,
modish theories.

Now, just give us
a straight answer.

Will you or will you not
accept paternity?

LAWRENCE;
And if I do?

GEOFFREY: The marriage
will continue in name

for the time being.

Later, we can arrange
a judicial separation

on some other grounds.

Oh, yes, that's neat, very neat.

And what do we do
in the meantime?

Go back to Greenwich
and take separate rooms?

Or am I to be packed off
to foreign parts

like her poor,
unfortunate brother?

A trip abroad
might be a good plan,

with all expenses paid and some
form of allowance to follow.

Returning when, in six months,

in time
for the birth celebrations?

We are thinking of your
best interests, too, Lawrence.

Yes.

Thank you, Lady Marjorie.

Well?

Well, we haven't asked
what Elizabeth wants yet.

I can't live with you, Lawrence.

I'm sorry.

May I have a word with my wife
in private, please?

I can't see --

You will accord me
that privilege at least, sir.

MARJORIE: There's a fire
in the dining room

if you want to talk privately.

In the dining room it is.

Come along, Elizabeth.

Assuming that all goes
according to plan,

those are the figures
I'd suggest.

HUDSON: If I might have a word
with you, my lady.

Yes.
Yes, Hudson.

Yes.
What is it, Hudson?

It's about Thomas, my lady.
You may remember --

Yes, you expressed doubts
about him.

Well, it seems I was misled,
my lady.

Will you go abroad?

LAWRENCE:
Well, I suppose I must,

since Southwold money is
to provide my steamship ticket,

not to mention
my future bread and butter.

You'll be happier than you were
at Greenwich.

Greenwich?

Oh, yes.

Since I can't write poetry
anymore,

I've taken to flippant epitaphs.

There's one for the plaque
on our house.

"Lawrence Kirbridge lived here
in married state

from 1908 to 1908."

What do we tell my publisher?

Oh, God, I loved you.

Congratulations, my dear boy.

You'll like it here.
I know you will.

I'm sure I will, Mrs. Bridges.

Yes, we're all
very friendly here.

I think Mr. Hudson ought to make
a public apology to you.

Oh, no, no.
It -- It's all over now, Mrs. B.

You'll be able to get your hands
on that Renault now, Thomas.

Aye.

I'll be called Watkins
now I'm a proper chauffeur.

Oh! You'll be asking them
for a Rolls-Royce to drive next.

Aye, well it's not a bad idea,
neither.

Thomas, you're wanted upstairs.

I am?
What for?

You'd better come and find out,
hadn't you?

But you can't take him!

Damn it, he's mine!

I won't allow it.

My God, you've stripped me
of everything else,

and now you want to take my man.

- Darling, don't be hysterical.
Hysterical? My God, you --

Thomas, thank God you're here.

They're trying to take you,
but I've told them they can't.

Now, he's pledged himself to me.

Lawrence, do stop using
such emotional words,

and let's discuss the matter
calmly.

Come in, Thomas.

All right, thank you, Hudson.

HUDSON:
My lady.

Now, Thomas,
has Hudson spoken to you

about coming to work for us?

Yes, ma'am, he has.

But you haven't accepted?

Now, Thomas, we agreed.

- Agreed, sir?
- Thomas...

Listen, I shall be going abroad
soon, possibly for a long time.

Now, I can take you with me,
show you the world.

Isn't that what you wanted?
To give yourself more scope?

Isn't that what you
once told me, hmm?

Listen, Thomas, what good will
it do you to stay here, huh?

Where will that get you?

Do you want to end up
like Hudson?

For God's sake, man,
I'm offering you life and hope.

Well?

Well, I-I'm very grateful
for your offer, sir.

That's -- That's very tempting.

- But --
- LAWRENCE: But?

Yes, but what?

Well, it's always been
an ambition of mine

to work
in a noble household, sir.

You choose servility?

No, sir, I don't choose it.

Go to the devil, Thomas.

I've been very happy
working with --

Go and roast in hell flames!

I don't want sight nor sound
of you again.

[ Door slams ]

Thank you, Thomas.
That'll be all.

For me, Miss Lizzie?

Yes, Rose.
An early Christmas present.

No.
No, I couldn't.

Please, now, no arguments.

I've been horrid to you
these last few weeks,

and I want to make it up.

Thank you, Miss Lizzie.

I'm going to sleep now.
I'm exhausted.

Good night, Miss Lizzie.

Good night.

[ Door closes]

CHILDREN: ♫ The first Noel ♫

♫ The angels did say ♫

♫ was to certain poor shepherds
in fields as they lay ♫

Oh, it's beautiful, Rose.

You are a lucky girl.

You'll have to look out
that it's not pinched.

Who give you that?
Not Mr. Watkins?

Oh, that creature couldn't
afford a thing like that.

Mrs. Kirbridge give it to me.

Oh, so you've made it up,
then, Rose.

I'm very glad to hear it.

MISS ROBERTS: well, we'll be
able to stop thinking of her

as Mrs. Kirbridge now.

MRS. BRIDGES:
I never have thought of her

as anything but Miss Elizabeth.

Oh, those wretched
carol singers again.

We gave them some ha'pennies
last night.

CHILDREN: ♫ Noel, Noel ♫

♫ Born is the King of Israel ♫

Any room at the inn?

CHILDREN:
♫ By the light ♫

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