Upstairs, Downstairs (1971–1975): Season 3, Episode 6 - Desirous of Change - full transcript

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[Bell rings]

Morning room at this time?

Her ladyship was never in
the morning room before 11:00.

Kindly attend to the matter,
will you, Edward?

Yes, Mr. Hudson.

Upstairs luncheon's ordered
early today, Mrs. Bridges.

Half past 12:00, Mr. Hudson.

Madam's going to a sale
in Paddington.

Is that for their luncheon?

Hm. Cottage pie.



And it used to be
game pie and potatoes.

Cottage pie.

Might as well let Ruby do the
cooking, send me on holiday.

We have a solid worth,
Mrs. Bridges.

And provided
we keep our standards,

at least belowstairs,

perhaps our example
will serve --

You she wants to see,
Mr. Hudson.

Oh, very good, Edward.

Oh, and you best go up

and give Captain James's
tweed suit a wee brush, Edward.

Yes, Mr. Hudson.

Cottage pie.

You wish to see me, madam?



Oh, yes.
Good morning, Hudson.

Madam.

I'm, uh...

I'm a little worried about Rose.

She looks very tired.

Madam?

I have asked her
if she can manage,

and she assures me she can,
but...

Well, I wondered
what you thought.

I think it depends
on how much entertaining

Captain James and yourself plan
for the coming autumn, madam.

Well, I think Mr. Bellamy will
continue to lead a quiet life.

As to Captain James and myself,
I think we shall too.

Quite, madam.

So it will be
a fairly quiet autumn.

Then I presume
you would wish the question

of an under-house-parlourmaid

to be deferred
for the time being, madam.

Yes, I would.

- Very good, madam.
-[ Telephone rings]

Hello.
The Bellamy residence.

WOMAN; Oh.

Would you be requiring
Mr. Richard, Captain,

or Mrs. James Bellamy?

Um, perhaps Mrs. James.

May I say who it is?

The Countess de Ternay is
calling from the Savoy Hotel.

Oh, hold the line one moment,
if you please.

The Countess de Ternay, madam,
wishing to speak to you.

Who?

The Countess de Ternay.
From the Savoy Hotel.

- Oh, thank you, Hudson.
Madam.

[ Door opens ]

[ Door closes]

Hello.

- Is that Mrs. James Bellamy?
- Yes, it is.

Here is the Countess de Ternay.
I don't think we've met.

No, I don't think we have.
How do you do?

I am acquainted
with Mr. Richard Bellamy.

He is still at this address?

My father-in-law.
Yes, he still lives here.

I have just arrived to London.

Oh, you did?
Where did you just arrive from?

Vienna.

I find myself passing through
London on my way to New York

so, of course, I must telephone.

A cousin of mine in Paris,
the Baroness Richten --

You must know her --

told me that poor Lady Marjorie
went down in that ship

and her son is since married

and you are all
still at Eaton Place.

So I should like to call on you.

Richard may not
remember me well.

It was many years ago,
at the Hofmannsthals'.

I'm sure my father-in-law
would be delighted to see you.

Perhaps you would care
to come and dine with us

during your stay in London.

Oh, we should like that
very much!

How charming of you.
When may we come?

May I suggest half past 8:00
on wednesday evening?

Wednesday evening.

We should be so pleased.

Half past 8:00?
That will be delightful.

Thank you.
Goodbye, Mrs. Bellamy.

[ Laughs ]

There. Did I not tell you
it was quite simple?

You have achieved for us
a good dinner, if not a weekend,

if not more.

[ Laughs ]

Richard Bellamy's wife
was a Southwold.

Lot of money there. Here it is
in Burke's directory.

"Southwold, Earl of."
Da-da-da-da-da.

"Sister living" --
Alas, she is not, neither is he.

"Lady Marjorie
Helen Sybil Talbot-Carey.

Born July 12, 1864.

Married Richard Arthur
Pemberton Bellamy.

Residence --
165 Eaton Place, SW1."

And yet the son's wife
invited us.

She will be mistress of that
house now -- Mrs. James Bellamy.

No, not in here yet.

And please remind your sister
once more --

Where did I meet
Richard Bellamy?

At the Hofmannsthals' in Vienna
some 15 years ago.

And how old does that make me?

Huh?

[ Laughs ]

Very well.
A few years ago.

Now, finish unpacking, Lili,

Whilst I go and sketch
the gray, dull river Thames.

Oh, I wish you would paint
in your own room.

I have no river Thames --
only ugly chimneys.

Would you care to change
with me?

Do you think the apricot chiffon

becomes me better
than the velvet?

For a middle-aged
English gentleman, the velvet.

So sophisticated.

Oh, everything creased.

I seem to spend my whole life
packing and unpacking.

Why is that?

That's because
you're never satisfied.

I've had to spend the earth
on this dress.

If that stupid Lady Digby Cave
in Monte Carlo

had not interfered, her husband
would have bought it for me.

When you look like that, sister,
you are irresistible.

I'm sure the dress will prove
an excellent investment.

Don't distress yourself.

Well, it had better be.
It's the last of what we have.

Small wonder you inspire passion
wherever you go.

While you sketch
and you paint and --

If one has a pretty sister,
why not make use of her?

I have talent with my brush.
You have other talents.

The one
must subsidize the other.

Hah.

Well, Rose, you're not to be
maid of all work any longer

but head house parlourmaid again.

Not before time, neither.

We are engaging

an under-house-parlourmaid
forthwith.

- Oh?
- What's more, before wednesday.

Oh? what's so special
about wednesday?

There will be guests
for a dinner party

on wednesday evening,
Mrs. Bridges.

Guests for a dinner party!

Oh!
That makes a change.

Back in the swim again, are we,
Mr. Hudson?

I'll have to have Ruby back
in the kitchen full-time again.

Oh, naturally, Mrs. Bridges.

That means the kitchen sink
for you, Ruby.

Lovely.

What sort of guests, Mr. Hudson?

They will be
of a continental nature.

- Oh.
- That means they'll be foreign.

Not German, I hope.

French, Mrs. Bridges.
French.

French!
Oh-la-la!

[ Laughter]

[Sighs]

I wish you were not so afflicted
with integrity, Kurt.

Then you could take
a rich bride,

and I should not be obliged
to look for a rich husband.

[ Laughs ]

This Mrs. James Bellamy --
What is she like? Do they say?

Young? Beautiful?

A pleasant woman, I have heard,
but without style.

Her husband?

He has an eye, they say,
for a pretty face

and was once the subject
of much gossip.

Oh, respectable women
put up with anything

rather than make a fuss.

They always lose their husbands
in the end.

At least I lost mine
by my own bad behaviour.

Well, there is some dignity
in that.

And this Richard Bellamy,
the father --

He is very rich, you say,
and not too old?

He lives
in a beau-quartier Belgravia.

Butler opens the door.

He belongs to the best clubs.
Of course he's rich.

Such Englishmen always are.

The more philistine they are,
the richer they remain.

You see, here in England,

they have nothing
to spend their money on

but horses, fishing rods,
guns, and clubs.

There must be a limit to that.

Should I become
Mrs. Richard Bellamy,

all that would have to change.

I think I should like to have
a salon to patronize the arts.

I would make landscape painting
fashionable, my dear.

Admirable.

But tonight we must find
a cheap little cafe somewhere

and buy our own dinner, yes?

Yes.

[ Both laugh ]

What is this we're eating?

Cottage pie.

Oh. Is it?

Well, I think it's delicious.

And Mrs. Bridges
has quite excelled herself.

Do you not like it, Richard?

- What?
- The food.

Food?
Yeah, it's delicious.

And it's very economical.
The remains of Sunday lunch.

There's no sense
in needless extravagance.

Edward, take my plate away.

I'm not hungry.

I'm not surprised
you've no appetite.

Ahh.
Ah, I see it all now.

Retribution for being home
late last night

from the regimental dinner.

Punishment with cottage pie.

Well, I shall take my punishment
like a man.

Edward, bring me
some more cottage pie.

Nevertheless, Hazel, I hope that
when the Countess de Ternay

and her brother dine here
next wednesday,

they shall not be served
with cottage pie.

Oh, I had considered it.

- Richard?
- Mm?

Is it customary to curtsy to
a woman of title from France?

Not that I know of.

Is she very grand?

Well, frankly,
I can't remember meeting her.

Still, it's a large family.

It wouldn't be
that dreadful Louise de Ternay?

Oh, no, no, of course not.
Couldn't be.

She was over 70 when I was
in the Foreign Office.

So which one is it?

Oh, well.
We shall all know on wednesday.

MRS. BRIDGES:
Now, then, Ruby.

You better get on
with the bread crumbs.

RUBY:
I was just to finish

chopping up tomatoes first,
Mrs. Bridges.

MRS. BRIDGES: No, my girl.
I'll see to that.

Now, then, let me see.
Where's my menu book?

RUBY: Um...

Is this it, Mrs. Bridges?

MRS. BRIDGES: well, what do you
think it is, me prayer book?

And wipe your sticky fingers
before you hand things to me.

Now, where are we?

Ah, yes.

Consommé.

That's on.

Our sole Marie-Louise
with Montpellier butter.

Yes.
That's all ready.

Saddle of lamb.
That's easy.

With scarlet tongue garnish.

Scarlet tongue.
Haven't done that for years.

The Parmesanas.
That's the cheese straws.

Only I'm going to use cheddar.

That Parmesan
has a nasty, foreign flavour.

Oh, I must say, it's lovely
doing a French menu again.

Even though it is only for five.

- Ah, Mrs. Bridges.
- Yes?

- If you can spare a moment.
- Oh, yes. what is it?

This is Gwyneth Davis,

the new under-house-parlourmaid
come to help Rose.

Oh, yes.

For you, Mrs. Bridges.

A bunch of wildflowers.

Oh.

They're very modest,

but I spent Sunday
in the country,

and I'd like to bring a little
of that pleasure to you.

I trust you find my references
in order, Mr. Hudson.

The agency have checked them,

and madam has taken them up over
the telephone with my last lady.

Nonetheless, it's proper
for you to see them in writing.

Well, that's kind.
Very kind, indeed.

- Come along, then, Gwyneth.
- Put them in water please, Ruby.

Would you be Rose?

Yes, I would.

I'll do my best

to learn the ways
of the household quickly, Rose,

and I look forward
to working happily and well

under your direction.

Oh. Yes.

You are welcome here, Gwyneth,

since I see you are stated,
in the most glowing terms,

to be "honest, sober, clean,

industrious, neat,
tidy an' person."

Yes, that's quite right.

"And in work,
regular and systematic,

precise in the care
of stoves and ornaments,

a clever dressmaker,

and as a hairdresser
both discreet and watchful.

Conversant with haute cuisine

and able to wait well at table
and, indeed, to carve."

Carve.

I can't carve.

The master in my last place
gave me lessons.

Yes, well, I think we'll excuse

the reason for you leaving
your last place, Gwyneth.

What was that, Mr. Hudson?

Desirous of change,
Mrs. Bridges.

She's very young.

Haute cuisine, eh?
[Clears throat]

Well, now, Gwyneth, tell me,

what would you do
if a mayonnaise curdled?

Add a tablespoonful of ice water

and beat it
till it emulsifies once more.

Oh. [Chuckles]
I must say.

If I could be shown to my room,

I could change
and start my afternoon work.

Idleness is abhorrent to me.

My hands quite dance about
from lack of occupation.

Yes, well, if you'll follow me
to the pantry, Gwyneth,

I'll give you your written terms
of service.

We follow
many of the old ways here.

A glass of ale a day.
One day off a month.

Two hours on Sunday mornings
for church.

- or chapel.

Every second Sunday evening off.

Wages regularly on quarter day.

Washing provided.

Maybe she snores.

Must be
something the matter with her.

There is.
She's welsh.

Nothing is the same since
poor Andre was taken from me.

Andre?

My sister's last husband.
The late Count de Ternay.

He is dead.
Five years last autumn.

Oh, dear.
I'm so sorry.

Without Andre,
lam unhappy in Vienna,

so each year I travel
around Europe with Kurt.

To Paris for a little.
Monte Carlo.

Budapest, Berlin, Rome.

And now here I am in London.

On your way to New York.

Isn't that what you told
my daughter-in-law?

Yes.
My sister's confused.

We go to New York next month.

But London is so beautiful,
Kurt.

I think I should like
to stay here for a while.

I hope you will. Then I can
show you around a little.

Oh, that would be delightful.

And when Parliament reassembles

and my father is busy
in the House of Commons all day,

I hope you'll call on me.

We could go for a punt on the
river or a ride in the park.

Oh, I love horses.

I should explain.

My husband
works in an office all day.

Or perhaps a stroll
in the botanical gardens

to see the roses
would be less strenuous.

Oh, yes!
I dearly love roses.

They give some people hay fever.

So do horses.

But they are the most
persevering of flowers,

are they not?

And such beautiful names.

Souvenir de Malmaison, hm?

Sweet Maiden's Blush.

Here.
That's the lot.

Put it in here, pull back,
and it'll all go down.

It's not smooth-running.

- Never is.
- Never mind.

Gwyneth will fetch a can of oil
to it in the morning.

Oh, thank you.

The master in my last place --

Master in your last place
did teach you a lot.

He did.

And I became the object of
his unlawful and unbridled lust.

His eyes would strip the clothes
from my poor female body.

That's why I had to leave.

Plates, Edward.

[ Laughter, indistinct talking]

As I was saying,
the parlourmaid had followers.

In the kitchen.
On the cook's night out.

Our local bobby too.

As I was saying,
they would be quite unchaperoned

for at least
five and twenty minutes.

I wouldn't dare go in
for fear of what I might see.

Go on, Ruby.
Collect up the dirties.

- Look sharp.
- Yes, Mrs. Bridges.

Tell me about
your English Parliament.

Kurt tells me you are
a most important personage.

Oh, no.
Not really, no.

But you make the laws, yes?
Oh, I like a man who makes laws.

Strong men make laws.

But unfortunately my party
is not in office at the moment.

No, my father
merely opposes the laws

that the present government
try to pass.

But to oppose,
one must be even stronger.

Are you interested in politics?

Oh, yes.

Our prime minister
is a very old and close friend.

Oh, yes, such a nice man.
Count Sturgkh.

Yes.

I was very sorry to read
in The Times

that he'd abandoned
the Bohemian Diet.

I know.
Much too fat.

I meant
the Czech provincial assembly.

[ Laughs ]

So did I.

You know, for the life of me,

I can't remember meeting you
at the Hofmannsthals'.

But how could one forget
a person of such charm?

To tell the truth, I also
cannot remember meeting you.

- But we are together now, so...
-[ Chuckles ]

It is my brother who tells me
we have met before.

And what my brother says,
I must accept.

[Chuckles] No doubt
your brother has a livelier...

Imagination?

I was going to say
a livelier memory than yours.

Yes.

It is a most delicious bird.

I'm glad you're enjoying
the grouse, Herr Schnabel.

And I am delighted
to renew its acquaintance.

My sister and I spent
a delightful month

last year in Hampshire
at Lord Borrowmere's.

I painted.
Lili joined the grouse shoot.

Grouse?

In Hampshire?

Pheasant, surely.

Pheasant.
Yes, of course.

Lili shot many.
Did you not, my dear?

She's very deadly with a gun.

Shot her husband, she did.
Five years ago.

The Count de Ternay.

RUBY: Oh, no.
- Yeah.

It's common knowledge
in the Crown and Anchor.

Well, he came after her
with a gun,

there was a struggle,
and he got killed.

Lord Ellerdale's valet told me
over a pint of beer.

He was there when it happened.

Did Lord Ellerdale's valet say
why he was after her with a gun?

Oh, that's not
for your ears, Gwyneth.

Or yours, Ruby.

Oh, go on, tell us.
Please.

Well, he found her
in a flagrante delicto

with the Baron de Rasse.

- In what?
- In bed!

[Gasps] It's what they call
a crime of passions, isn't it?

Eh?

Well, they hushed it up,
naturally.

The de Ternay family
contested the will

so she wouldn't get a penny --

only the clothes
she stood up in.

Hah, or laid down in.

How does she live?

On her wits.
And worse.

What does that mean?

I'm not gonna
give you ideas, Ruby.

Anyway, now she's
after Mr. Bellamy,

plain as a pikestaff.

All that talk
of the Borrowmeres' estate --

She's never been in Hampshire
in her life, I'll be bound.

How can you be so sure?

Because I know a rogue
when I see one.

After all,
I'm a bit of one myself.

- Oh!
- HUDSON: Oh, Gwyneth.

The silver corkscrew
with the seal brush is missing.

Look for it in the dining room

first thing in the morning,
if you please.

Shall I go now, Mr. Hudson?

Everything must be accounted for
at the end of every working day.

Oh, very well, Gwyneth.

Ah.
Here we are.

Thank you, Mr. Hudson.

Half past 11:00.

Quite like old times, isn't it?

So they appreciated their
dinner, did they, Mr. Hudson?

Oh, indeed, Mrs. Bridges.

And is she a very charming lady?

Most entertaining.

And she spoke very highly
of the cheese straws.

Oh! I knew I was right
not to use the Parmesan.

You know, the master
smiled again tonight.

Not just once but frequently.

Ah, that's a change.

In that case,
I hope she comes here often.

And often and often.

HUDSON: [Chuckles]

[Clears throat]
Excuse me, sir.

Oh, who's there?

It's the new maid, sir.
Gwyneth, sir.

Oh.
Good evening, Gwyneth.

I hope I'm not
disturbing you, sir,

but Mr. Hudson sent me
to look for the corkscrew.

Oh, is that it?
It was under the table.

Yes, sir.

Thank you, sir.

Yes.

Well, I hope you're going to be
very happy with us, Gwyneth.

Oh, I think so, sir.

Well, good night.

[ Door closes]

Poor man.

[ Gasps ]

Forgive me, my lady.

Well, I hated telling
all those lies, little brother.

You spoke nothing but the truth.
I think.

I spoke from my imagination.

- But of course it's a good one.
- Oh ho ho.

I'm a very creative person.

Now, when you go to see
the roses with Bellamy --

The picture gallery first.

Then the botanical gardens
Friday.

Then tomorrow you will spend
in the library

finding out all about
English landscape painting

and details of all there is
to be seen in the gallery.

[Sighs]

Oh, Kurt,
you can't still be hungry.

On Friday,

you will wear something that
sets off your shoulders well.

Why?

Because Richard Bellamy
appreciates shoulders.

How do you know that?

From one of the paintings
of his wife in the house.

I hope they are as rich
as I assume.

I must make some more inquiries.

Possibly the Southwold gild
is wearing a little thin.

He had a somewhat dusty
and defeated look.

But so attractive.

JAMES:
Oh, hello.

- Where's your father?
- Hmm?

I thought he was coming with us
to Harrow.

My father is about to escort
the Countess de Ternay

to the picture gallery.

- Oh, is he?
- Life in the old dog yet, eh?

I can't help but be amused
to see you both so taken in.

- Hmm?
- She is quite insincere.

Possibly.

But very alluring
and stinking rich, no doubt.

- How do you know?
- All the de Ternays are.

Perhaps he'll marry her.
James!

Well, what he needs.

He can move out of here,
start another family.

- She's much too old.
- Oh, she's not 30.

If she's 30, I'm Queen Victoria.

Come on.

I do want to order
those chintzes today.

But how can he get to the
picture gallery without a cab?

He's gonna walk there.

- Walk?
- Yes. Through Green Park.

That's why he's asked me
to put him out

a pair of really strong shoes.

Strong shoes?
In town?

For walking through the park
with a scarlet woman.

Now, that's enough, Edward.

Cor, that's not half the stories
I've heard about her.

Then shut your ears, my boy,
as I have.

The Countess de Ternay is
a titled widow of ample means.

And it is not our place
to pass moral judgment

on the behaviour of our betters.

That is for the Lord above.

Besides, a wee walk
through the park

might do the master
a power of good.

But you just said --

He needs to get some fresh air
before the winter sets in.

- It's only August.
- Be quiet, Edward.

The master doesn't get out
nearly enough, you know?

The stories I've heard
in the Crown and Anchor

are certainly different.

There's one...

[Knock on door]

"RB."

"RB."

RICHARD:
It's very fine.

LILI:
Such power and colour.

And the sky magnificent.

So physical.

Very exciting.

Joseph Mallord William Turner.
1775-1851.

It was the beginning of
his century period, you know?

Under the influence...

"...of the influence
of the Italian Renaissance..."

[Chuckles] You're very
knowledgeable, my dear.

Well, I make a study
of these things.

I am the sister of a painter.

But of course.

Kurt often declares

he would give his left arm
to paint like Turner.

Perhaps he will one day.

Uh, paint like Turner.

I fear not.

It is not given to many of us
to realize our true talents.

Or to express our true natures.

Lili, what is your true nature?

I think it is to be happy.

And yours?

Perhaps the same.

Oh, Gwyneth.

You did sort through
that laundry thorough

before you sent it off?

Every single garment, Rose.
Like I always do.

It's just that Mr. Bellamy's
lost a gold cufflink.

Just one.

I was hoping
he might have left it

in one of his shirts,
that's all.

I haven't seen no cufflink.

There's our dinner laid up.

Shall I out the bread
for our dinner, Mrs. Bridges?

Oh, no, dear.
Ruby will do that.

Ooh.

Ooh, my heartburn.

Ever since her ladyship died,
it's been giving me fair gyp.

I know a special remedy.

I'll make it up for you,
Mrs. Bridges.

Three drams magnesia,

of rhubarb, in powder,
one scruple,

one ounce of cinnamon water.

The mixture tastes delightful.

Allays pain
and destroys flatulency.

I'll make it up for you
after work tonight.

Oh, do it for me now,
would you, dear?

Very well.

I'll get the ingredients
straight after dinner.

Ruby, I need
some more grapes peeled.

That water
should be boiling hot.

What smells so delicious?

Quiche Lorraine.

The Countess de Ternay's
favourite dish.

Oh.
Is she coming here again?

Has to, don't she?
She'd go hungry else.

What do you mean, Ruby?

You foolish, ignorant creature.

She's a French countess.

Only by marriage.
She's Viennese.

And she's living
at the Savoy Hotel.

Cast off without a penny,
having shot her husband,

And Lady Digby Cave
went into a dress shop

and found her husband
buying her a dress.

And so she slapped her face
in public.

And then she had a screaming fit
just like you and me.

Well, me.

Who's been telling you
this wicked nonsense?

- Edward.
- Oh! Edward.

James?
- Mm?

Couldn't you investigate her?

Well, just a little.

Well, how do you investigate
someone a little?

Besides,
if anyone's fortune-hunting,

it's Father, not Lili.

No, I think we should wish him
happy hunting and a rich wife.

She hasn't come yet?

HAZEL:
It's not 1:00.

Hazel, now,
this is quite ridiculous.

My favourite tiepin is missing.
One little thing after another.

Your tiepin?

Well, Rose did tell me that
your cufflink turned up again

as if by magic.

So why not look
a little more carefully

for your favourite tiepin?

It's nearly 1:00,

and I cannot go to lunch
Without a pin in my cravat.

You mean your favourite pin.
In your smartest cravat.

JAMES:
Quite right, Father.

As Hudson would say,
"Standards!"

Now, myself, I think
I'm going to pop upstairs

and change into my best tie.

Maroon has a certain gaiety,
don't you think?

Now a turquoise cravat pin
in a small red-leather case.

Well?

I've not seen it, Mr. Hudson,

and I've turned
his room out thorough.

Ruby?

[ Sobbing ]

Oh, what would she want
with a cravat pin?

Anyway, she's not allowed
in the rooms upstairs.

Well, I haven't seen it,
Mr. Hudson.

Gwyneth?

Oh, no, Mr. Hudson.

I'd never go
in a gentleman's bedroom.

Not since my last place,

Where I became the object

of my employer's unlawful
and unbridled lust, see?

His eyes would strip the clothes
from my poor female body --

Yes, yes, all right.
Thank you, Gwyneth.

Now, I want you all

to keep a sharp lookout
for this cravat pin.

On the stairs.

On the landings.

In all the rooms,
in every corner.

I intend to find it.

Or whoever it was that took it.

Now you may
go about your duties.

[Whispering]

What are you doing, Gwyneth?

I thought afternoon work
was quite over.

I'm not at all tired, madam.

I was tidying your desk, madam.

Thank you.
But there's no need.

I'm quite fascinated
by the different colours

seen in the pattern along
this side of your desk, madam.

It's been exposed
to rather more sunshine

than the other side,
has it not, madam?

You do have a healthy curiosity,
Gwyneth.

And you're very knowledgeable.

Oh.

Thank you, madam.

May I confide in you, madam?

Well, yes, of course.
What is it?

Madam, why is everyone so blind?

They see
only what they want to see.

Edward is quite right,
and so is Ruby.

Well, what about?

The Countess de Ternay
is a wicked woman.

She killed her husband in Vienna

and had her face slapped by
Lady Digby Cave in a dress shop.

- Oh, really, Gwyneth?
- She's quite penniless.

And her brother lives off
what gentlemen give her.

Yet she's here to lunch
nearly every day,

and poor Mr. Bellamy's
quite taken in.

Thank you, Gwyneth.

How do you know all this?

Well, I shall have to explain.

And since you've been
gracious enough

to engage me in your household,

I feel I owe it to you
to be honest.

About my true identity.

Yes?

I beg you, Mrs. Bellamy, never
to reveal it to a living soul.

I feel I can trust you.

Oh, of course you can.

I am the natural daughter

of the Viscountess Ellerdale,
you see,

by her husband's estate agent.

His lordship had me
Well cared for and educated,

but I chose domestic service.

You see, although I cannot
be accepted in society,

as a servant,
I can live among those who are.

Well, thank you, Gwyneth,

for warning me
about the countess

and for telling me
all about yourself.

I will respect your confidence.

You're not angry, madam?

No, I'm not.

- Thank you, madam.
- Thank you, Gwyneth.

RICHARD: Charming.
Quite charming.

A-And most evocative.

[ Chuckles ]

You know, uh...

[ Chuckles ]

...this is really
rather scandalous, Lili.

[ Chuckles ]

What, for us
to be here unchaperoned?

Well, this is
an artist's studio,

and to artists,
all things are allowed.

- You think so?
- Yes.

Oh.

I have devoted much of my life

not so much to my brother,
perhaps, but to his talent.

Since our parents died,
I have been a mother to it.

Oh, I-l like his work.

Though I suspect
he would not wish me to.

It has a deliberate, um,

uh, perversity, I-l think.

Yes?

Lili, I--

Richard.

My brother, who depends upon me
for money.

Lili.

Oh, I get so tired
of hiding things.

Oh, my poor Lili.

I am very fond of you, Richard.

And I of you.

You have the most --
the most beautiful shoulders.

I'm -- I'm sorry.

But you are so beautiful.

Yes, and we are here alone,
and now I am quite helpless.

Forgive me.

Oh, it's not a question of
forgiveness but of honesty.

I am a -- a scandalous lady,
Richard.

I don't mind very much
at the moment, my dearest.

Oh, but you should!
I am really very wicked.

[ Laughs ]

I -- I shot my husband.

There was a quarrel.

It was his gun, meant for me.

And there was an accident.

I was declared innocent
by the police.

I did not love my husband.
He did not expect me to.

He was 25 years older than me.
I was very young.

But I married him so Kurt could
have his paints and canvasses.

Oh.

Kurt is very extravagant.

Then I met a man I did love.

The Baron de Rasse.

I could not help myself.

That is my nature.

It is to love.

But so few are worth
the loving, Richard.

Am I?

Well, if you kissed me again,
I might know for sure.

You will be compromised, Lili.

Oh, yes, Richard, please.

Lili.

Mm! wait!
Richard, wait.

Also Lady Digby Cave
slapped my face

in a dress shop recently

when her husband
was buying me a dress.

[ Laughs ]

Well, she did not think
it was funny.

You're adorable, Lili.
I love you.

I'll buy you a dozen dresses

to join the thousand
you have already.

I...

What now?

I don't want gifts
from you, Richard.

I want more.

I want your soul.

If you can find it,
you can have it.

Have you any more confessions?

Oh, many, many, many.

I won't believe them,
but do go on.

You have
the most fascinating mouth,

especially when you're saying
those dreadful things.

Mr. Bellamy, I'm appalled.

You, an English gentleman,

take advantage of my absence
in this way

when I have eaten at your table.

Kurt, what is the matter
with you?

What is the matter with you,
sister?

Shall I throw you out, sir,
or will you go?

[ Laughs]
I will go.

I can remember
this sort of occurrence

from my extreme youth.

Only then it was husbands,
not brothers.

Oh, Richard dearest.

- Have lunch with me tomorrow.
- Oh, we shall see.

I'll meet you downstairs
in the foyer at 1:00.

Richard...

We'll go somewhere quiet.

-[ Door closes]
- Just in time, I hope.

We were mistaken, you see.

That man's not wealthy.
Hm!

Lady Marjorie left the bulk
of her estate

to the daughter and son.

[ Laughs ]

We have wasted our time.

[ Laughs ]

Kindly have mercy on me
and order me some tea.

[ Laughs ]

I like him better
than any man I have ever met.

Our minds match, Kurt.

Then you must not see him again,

lest your liking of him gets
the better of your common sense.

Could I not be allowed to love
just a little?

Don't deceive yourself, Lili.
You have not the capacity.

And who has made me thus?

Not I.

You are a woman made like a man,
with promiscuous desires.

- It is your misfortune.
Please don't, Kurt.

- But is it not true?
- Yes, it is true.

Other women
do not seem to be like me.

Oh, they talk much
of love and romance.

But what really happens
between a man and a woman,

they choose to forget.

In the gutters
there is more honesty.

There speaks my Lili.

Now, there is a certain
Spencer Stanton of Greenwich.

A wealthy shipping merchant.

Lili, don't look so downcast.

By the way, how much of
the truth did you tell Bellamy?

Enough.

Of your interesting past?

Another five minutes, and I
would have told him much more.

Then, my dear, I am afraid you
will have seen the back of him.

You think so, huh?

Mm-hmm.

Perhaps.

Have you ever been in love,
Rose?

- Once.
- Tell me about it.

It's not for telling.

I'm in love, Rose.

Do you still see him?

Yes.

When?

Every day.

Who is it?

It's my secret.

"Never seek to tell your love,
love that never can be told."

That's a poem.
Blake.

Never heard of him.

Rose, have you ever...

...you know,
like they do upstairs?

Country weekends and that?

No, of course I've not.

I think it's disgusting.

Well, you can understand the men
with common women,

or even us maids who can't
help ourselves sometimes.

But that ladies should allow it!

And they're so grand
and their clothes so special.

I don't understand it.

I think the good Lord

should have arranged things
more decent.

Well, my mother and father
were quite happy.

All cozy and warm.

Course, they're dead now.

But they're laying side by side
in the same grave,

just like they did in bed.

Don't speak like that.

People must take their happiness
where they find it.

When I was little...

...a man showed himself to me.

Oh, Gwyneth.

All the wickedness in the world
put in one place to get me.

I ran and ran.

I couldn't tell my mum,
poor soul.

She was ill, dying.

Oh, I should never have left her
in the first place.

Then it wouldn't have happened.

No, you mustn't think like that.

I do.

I try to be good always, Rose,

but sometimes
I can't help myself.

What do you mean?

I...

...can't keep my mouth shut.

I make up stories, see?

And I do dreadful things.

Oh, can I tell you?

Please?

Then I'll have to
give my notice.

It's the master.

What about him?

Oh, I'm sure he wouldn't mind.

Gwyneth.

What is it?

I must have something of his
to keep.

Then I put the others back, see?

It's like a kind of talisman.

Otherwise I get very tired,
I think.

All the work I do.

Mrs. Bridges, could you
come here a moment, please?

You're needed.

The Countess de Ternay
is quite plainly unsuitable.

Yes, James.

She's an adventuress.
A murderess, they say.

Yes, James.

An adulteress too.

Possibly.

If you wish to be seen in public
with such a woman,

I can't stop you.

Thank you
for your permission, James.

[ Door opens ]

Richard.

Your tiepin has been found.

And your other single cufflink.

Where?
Here, let me do it.

In the apron pocket
of the new maid.

Oh.

Is she a little mad,
do you think?

Oh, not mad but a little
eccentric, certainly.

Oh, if she's dishonest, Hazel,
you must dismiss her.

I think that's a little harsh,
James.

No, no, no. Servants only
take advantage of kindness.

That's what Mother
always used to say.

Give them an inch,
and they take a mile.

She must go at once.

No.

Reprimand her.
And then forget about it.

Those are my orders, James.

What would she want with
a single oufflink and a tiepin?

She has conceived a fondness
for you, Richard.

Oh, no.
Really?

Yes.
Poor creature.

Well...

She'll get over it.

I must go.

To luncheon with, uh, Lili.

Let off, eh?

It's more than you deserve,
my girl.

I don't know what comes over me.

From now on
you must pray for guidance

to the Almighty Father, my girl,

that he might deliver you
from the powers of temptation.

Here on earth you can be sure

that we will be keeping
a close watch on you.

Please watch me and save me.

You see...

...I hurt inside.

I'm lonely.

[ Sobbing ]

Well, you've got us, Gwyneth.

And I can't get the winter
curtains up on my own.

Only, please, try not to do
everything better than me.

I'll try not.

Oh, and Rose, the attic grates
are in a shocking state.

- Quite rusted in some parts.
- Oh, but --

You will see to it
that Gwyneth makes up

some of
her excellent Brunswick black

and attends to them.

And I'll take you out walking
one Sunday, Gwyneth.

If Mr. Hudson lets me,
of course.

It's not fair.

What's not fair, Ruby?

Nothing, Mrs. Bridges.

It won't do, of course.

Of course not.

We're each as bad as the other.

I know.

But we are much nicer
than the people 'round us.

Oh?

Yes.

But we must love them.

We have our duties to them.

And we cannot hurt them.

I suppose not.

Will you be very grieved?

Oh...

A little.

You?

Well, uh...

I am a man for marriage
or nothing.

I don't think either of us can
afford to marry without money.

No.

Richard, it is a lovely day.

After lunch I should like to
walk along the river to Chelsea.

We must enjoy what we have,
which is the day and each other.

Tomorrow I am to meet

Mr. Spencer Stanton
of Greenwich.

Greenwich?

Oh, dear.

How else is a woman to live?

It is that or take in washing.

We all live as we must, I think.

You are right.

We must try to enjoy this day.

This evening we shall part,
go back to our everyday lives...

...and our boring tasks.

These moments are precious.

They should be gathered in
and treasured.

They're all we have.

- Where might you be off to?
- Away.

Do not disturb yourself,
Mrs. Bridges.

I've left a little note for
Mrs. Bellamy on the hall table.

Do you mean to say
you're sneaking off

without giving notice
nor nothing?

That's right.
I'm on my way.

Why?

Like I said,
I'm desirous of change.

Cheerio.

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