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Hello, Tilly.

Good morning, Mr. Maddox.

Oh, fancy, innit?

Yes.

But when's it all going

to be over?

TILLY: I'm sorry?

All this, the noise and mess?

House of Eliott

has a lot to answer for.

Oh, Miss Bea and Miss Evie

have been working so hard

trying to get this thing

ready in time.

- They ain't stopped.

- I don't doubt it.

Come to think of it, haven't

seen them for a few days.

Are they all right?

Yeah, there's just so much

to do before we open.

- I must go --

- Careful now!

Do you think it'll be ready

for the grand opening?

Supposed to be last week,

wasn't it?

Yeah, it was, only Mr. Bunting

didn't like the color,

so it had to be done again.

Hugo being as difficult as ever.

He's a very nice man.

I see. He charmed you,

as well, has he?

Miss Bea hopes it'll be open

in a couple of days.

Well, I'll believe it

when I see it.

And so will I.

I better go up.

Please, after you.

Your needs

are greater than mine.

Excuse me.

Tilly?

Smocks are here.

Oh!

Move it a little closer

to the wall for me, please.

Just a little more.

Thank you so much.

No, no, no, no, not like this.

Look.

Like that.

[Wolf-whistle]

Watch it!

- Beatrice, about the boarding.

- Yes, Hugo.

Well, they've simply corked

lighter than I --

Hello, Madge!

Watch, be careful.

This is Madge Howell,

our new head seamstress.

Hugo Bunting, who's responsible

for all this chaos.

- Pleased to meet you.

- Miss Howell. Excuse me.

About this cork.

Look, they can't get the darker

shade until after we've opened.

I actually think

the lighter's better.

Evangeline agrees,

but I'd like your opinion.

Shall we go through?

I mean, it's going to be covered

in patterns most of the time.

So, what do you think?

BEA: Excuse me. Evie?

Do you think

you could show Madge...

EVIE: Oh, I was --

Look, you finish what

you're doing, Miss Evangeline.

Oh.

Now, you must be Tilly.

How did you know that?

I'm Madge.

My business to know, ain't it?

Now, what you rooting at?

I'm just trying to sort out

all of this lot.

Arrange them by colors first,

then we'll put them where

we can reach them, all right?

Now, Miss Evangeline, if you

tell me where me smock is,

I can start straightening.

Thank you.

I mean, I was asked to do

a restaurant you know.

Mad on King Tut

like everybody else.

Can you imagine the mummy's tomb

in darkest Bayswater?

I said it would give everybody

gippy tummy.

PENELOPE: Mind if I join you?

- Got no one else to talk to.

- No, of course not.

Penelope, you know

Hugo Bunting, don't you?

You did this place up,

didn't you?

I daresay it's an improvement.

But if you ask me,

it's a shocking waste of money

in times like these.

Well, between us,

we're giving employment

to a score or more people,

Miss Maddox.

We can't have the workers

living is squalor, can we?

I'm having another drink.

Would you like one?

Go on then.

Penelope, you must meet

my godfather, Desmond Gillespie.

He's a banker.

I bet he doesn't give a penny

to charity, does he?

Penelope!

I'll wait for my drink though.

Would you excuse me a moment.

WOMAN: Certainly.

Lydia?

Desmond.

How pleasant.

Glad you're still

speaking to me.

It must be, what, 18 years?

My dear Desmond, very few people

are speaking to me.

Is that champagne

they're drinking?

Allow me to get you a glass.

Oh, I must go be nice

to my aunt.

All dowagers should be

put in sacks

and thrown in the Bosphorus.

Aunt Lydia.

Thank you.

So good of you to come.

Oh, my dear, it would appear to

be the social event of the week.

Well, we're very encouraged

so many people have taken

an interest in us.

I hope, for your sake, Beatrice,

that you don't give them

too much credit.

- Here we are.

- Thank you.

Please excuse me.

I was, um, sorry to read

about Arthur.

Have you come over to gloat?

Merely because I fell out

with Henry --

Give these girls your support?

My advice, Lydia.

Only my advice.

You never came to see us.

I didn't wish to cause

any embarrassment.

Surely you did not become

a successful businessman

through strict adherence

to the proprieties.

[Laughs] Lydia,

you are incorrigible.

Maybe I can ask you

for lunch one day.

You would risk your reputation

with the mother of

a convicted felon?

Oh, hardly a felony, Lydia.

I would describe it as

an unfortunate weakness.

Thank you.

Not at all.

Weakness is something

a businessman understands.

Oh, I say!

[Door slams]

[Door closes]

Penelope.

I'm sorry.

I'm so sorry.

It's because

you didn't eat anything.

It isn't.

The champagne then?

It's just me.

Let me get Hugo

to drive you home.

I'm perfectly capable of getting

myself home, thank you.

Well, let me --

Evangeline, go back

to your party.

I'll be absolutely fine

on my own.

Better, in fact.

- I can't just let you --

- Look!

[Horn honks]

Weren't you surprised

how many turned up?

Mm. And I thought we'd ordered

too much champagne.

Was Penelope all right?

It's not like her

to feel sorry for herself.

I can understand it.

Well, she's so active,

so concerned about

everything and everybody.

But she has no life

of her own, Evie.

Well, she has --

She has a lot of people she

feels sorry for.

That's not the same as having

someone to care for.

Well, what about us?

Well, as from today, we've our

own baby to look after.

I think Aunt Lydia

was quite impressed.

She actually complimented me

on one of my designs,

in front of Mrs. Horwood.

Did you see her with

Sir Desmond?

I'd say Sir Desmond could take

care of himself, wouldn't you?

[Both laugh]

I'm never bored.

That's because you have

no imagination.

No, I've got more imagination

in my left earlobe

than you've got in your en--

Aren't you

fed up with fat dowagers?

No! You just have to tell them

what they need.

To me, they're all beginning

to look exactly the same.

The more you insult them,

the more they keep coming back.

I'm turning people away, Jack.

In the film business?

Actresses?

They're worse than dowagers.

Prettier, and more interesting.

They only ever want to talk

about themselves.

Unlike you.

I'm well-known as the most

modest, self-effacing...

Miserly...

I shall buy you a drink, Jack.

Good lord, I thought Christmas

was long gone.

To thank you for introducing me

to the Eliott girls.

Yes, I saw you

loitering around Evie.

I was merely paying her

the attention due

from any man of taste.

Something, of course,

you would not understand.

Two more.

[Bell rings]

Shall I compare her

to a beautiful day?

She is so pretty and so bright,

I do admit.

Heavy winds do shake

the greenish leaves of May,

while summertime is gone

before we know it.

I haven't quite finished it yet.

What do you think?

Oh, well, I...

You don't like it.

Oh, no, I'm not saying that,

Mr. Fox.

It -- Well, it just seems

very familiar.

Of course, it may be

that I'm a little out of touch.

Well, naturally.

I --

Most people, ordinary people,

not people like yourself...

Well, I'm perfectly ordinary.

They don't like novelty,

do they?

Nothing too original

to understand.

You stole it, didn't you?

[Laughing]

I was never very good

at avoiding detection.

Is that why you're here?

No.

That was due to

an unscrupulous merchant bank.

Gillespie/Saroyan.

Gillespie?

That sounds familiar.

Desmond Gillespie.

Really?

He's godfather

to a friend of mine.

Is he?

Then I'll say no more.

Well, no, you can't

stop now, Mr. Fox.

You must go on, please.

Are we lunching in private

because of your

celebrated discretion,

or because you would rather

not be seen with me in public?

We are here because the food

and wine are,

I trust you agree,

better than anywhere else.

Hmm.

I am not ungrateful.

You were always

good at bearing grudges.

So were you.

I'm making up for it by being

nice to Henry's daughters.

Charity?

Business.

He made his fortune stealing

other people's ideas,

Miss Maddox.

What do you mean?

I had a small

engineering company.

He took it over,

promised to build it up.

All he did was exploit

the best patents

and let the rest go hang.

So how did you end up here?

I tried to save my workers,

Miss Maddox.

And in doing so, I had to resort

to unorthodox methods.

Hmm, you mean fraud.

The only difference between

mine and Gillespie's is...

he got a knighthood

and I got four years.

Of course, I can't complain.

I have cut many a good friend

for less than what Arthur

put me through.

Ah, what's he up to?

He is a partner --

naturally, a junior partner --

in a law firm --

naturally, a minor firm --

in, of all places, Boston.

A very pleasant town.

You have visited it?

- So I'm told.

- Exactly.

There's no society

there whatever.

I'd rather die

than join him in exile.

There's nothing wrong

with starting a new life.

If you think I would give them

the satisfaction...

Them?

You know how I fought my way in,

Desmond.

You have done the same.

Using different weapons.

Would you let them

drive you out?

Of course not.

And nor shall I.

[Chuckles]

I'll drink to that.

And to the House of Eliott.

Do you mean the family

or those girls

and their dress shop?

Lydia, they are known

as couturier.

Ha!

Oh, I love the boldness, Louise!

Brown and red!

- Blood and sand.

- It's wonderful, wonderful!

- Don't you think so, Evangeline?

- Well, I --

Surely you're not encouraging

Miss Eliott to share

your enthusiasm, Hugo.

Well, of course,

interior design isn't my --

Nor is it Louise's.

I encouraged her

to do these designs.

We need some color

and excitement

instead of boring pastels

and dull, old copies

of William Morris.

It's a wonderful opportunity

to break away from the closed,

little gallery world.

Well, I do like your work,

Miss Farrer.

But if I may just be honest...

HUGO: Go on.

Go on, Evangeline.

One artist has the right

to criticize another.

Oh, I hardly know --

I wouldn't call myself

an artist.

I've learnt a lot from Hugo,

and he's nothing if not honest

about one's work.

Well, if I might just say then,

I think I would find this

a little difficult to live with,

blood and sand

in a sitting room.

[Laughs] My dear girl,

didn't I explain?

I'm sorry.

This is for

the palace of an Arabian prince.

Oh.

Of course.

HUGO: You're not going sulky

on me, are you?

EVIE: Well, you needn't have

made me feel quite so small.

HUGO: Art is something

I care deeply about,

and a talented artist is

rare enough to be cherished.

EVIE: Yes, well, I know

I'm not like Miss Farrer.

HUGO: You have your own

special talent, Evangeline.

EVIE: And what is that?

I recognize it if you don't.

You're just trying to make up

for being so beastly.

Don't you think of yourself

as an artist?

I know what I want to do,

and sometimes

I think I can do it.

But you haven't the courage

of your convictions.

You have to express yourself

in your own way, Evangeline.

That's the qualification

of a true artist.

I was rude to Miss Farrer.

Do you think I should apologize?

At least you were honest.

Louise used to worry

about upsetting people.

Only when she started

working for herself,

pleasing herself,

creating her own standards

did she become

enormously successful.

Hugo, do you --

Close your mind, and your talent

will forever remain little.

Open it, and who knows what

exotic blooms may flower.

[Humming]

[Knock on door]

Jack Maddox, I presume.

Miss Bailey,

I'm a devoted admirer.

I suppose you're going to say

you've seen all my films.

I might have missed

one or two, but --

What I want is a completely new

set of photographs.

I shall expect them

to be flattering.

You can be sure that --

And it's in the middle

of a film.

You will have to fit your

schedule around mine.

I look best in left profile

lit from behind.

- Can you do that?

- For you, Miss Bailey.

Francine.

I think we shall work

quite well together.

I'm sure of it.

It'll be both a privilege

and an education.

With you as teacher?

No, no, no.

It is I who will learn from you.

You have a face

that the camera loves.

Mr. Maddox --

No, I mean it.

I so admired your performance

in The Stranger Leaves Town.

We filmed that

in only five days.

Really?

Quite Extraordinary.

You must tell me more.

I actually hope

to direct films myself soon.

I don't suppose, knowing how

busy you are,

there'd be any chance of, um,

lunch, or perhaps dinner.

Mr. Maddox --

Jack, please.

Jack...

let's get one thing straight.

This is a professional

relationship.

You're not a bad-looking fellow.

I assure you I didn't mean

anything untoward.

I happen to be a very close

friend of the head of studio.

Sydney does not take kindly to

men who take an interest in me.

He's been known to ensure

that they never work again.

Do I make myself clear?

Good.

Now, do you still want

to take pictures of me?

- Very much.

- I'm glad.

I've made a list of the ones

I want to start with.

Am I allowed to say that

you're very beautiful?

My dear Jack, isn't this

the land of free speech?

[Chuckles]

[Door opens]

- Who was on the phone?

- Guess.

Hugo.

Sebastian.

Sebastian?

I like him, Bea.

He means no harm.

[Sighs]

All that business

wasn't his fault.

His mother deceived him in

the same way he did us.

What did he want?

Just to see us?

Why? We're no longer related.

Well, to see me then.

He's an adventurer, Evie.

I don't see that there's

anything wrong with that.

He hasn't been in touch

since before Arthur's trial.

Why should he suddenly telephone

after such a long silence?

You may have replaced Arthur

as my guardian, Bea,

but you don't have

to sound like him.

[Sighs] Evie...

I just...

I just don't want to see you...

Getting hurt?

Yes.

It would hurt more to allow

myself to get too close

to someone like Hugo

and then lose him.

But I thought you liked Hugo.

I do.

Very much.

Despite the fact I approve?

I'm just not ready to become

too attached, that's all.

But you're ready

to take up with Sebastian

the moment he crooks his finger.

It's just a day out!

A bit of fun, that's all!

Do you mean you intend

going out alone with him?

Oh, do I have to ask

your permission now?

Evie!

I work as hard as you do, Bea.

Aren't I entitled

to a day out occasionally?

Yes, of course you are, but are

you going to be alone with him?

Don't you trust me?

All right.

I never realized

how difficult it was

to run both a business

and a family.

Am I that difficult?

No.

[Sighs]

But no wonder

father failed so.

What if I feel sick?

It'll be like sailing on

the Round Pond, I promise.

I've never been

on a boat either.

What a sheltered life

you've led, Evangeline.

Not by choice.

Nevertheless, it marks you,

doesn't it?

What do you mean by that?

Well, you're afraid

to take a risk,

which I quite understand.

I am not!

Then why are you making such

a fuss about coming up with me?

Sebastian --

I'm not the Red Baron, you know.

I know that.

I've flown scores of people

across the channel

and never had a single

complaint.

Lots of them ask

for me personally

when they want to fly again.

I'm sure.

So why don't you trust me?

I do...but --

Have I ever misled you?

Do you seriously think

I'd put someone at risk

who matters so much to me?

Um, so you're sure

it'll be all right then?

Why do you think I've

been checking it so carefully?

No, no, I mean, to take

a friend on a Sunday.

I can do what I like.

The chap who owns these kites

relies on me.

Absolutely.

But shouldn't you at least

ask the man?

We're two grown-up people, Evie.

We're capable of making

our own decisions.

- If you don't believe that --

- I do, I do.

Well, then what are

we waiting for?

That's right.

Are you comfortable.

Very.

They're nice, little machines.

You wait.

Sebastian...

we won't fly too high, will we?

I won't even loop-the-loop.

Aw!

Not this time anyway.

Jack, are you there?

JACK: Shan't be a moment.

Oh. I heard the door.

- I don't want to disturb you.

- I'm nearly finished.

Just trying to get

this portfolio

of Francine Bailey ready.

On a Sunday?

It's all the same when

you're your own boss, isn't it?

She's very beautiful.

- Think so?

- Mm.

She doesn't really appeal to me.

What can I offer you?

That's all right,

I don't want to disturb you,

not if you're busy.

I can't very well take

a film star wet prints, can I?

Sit down.

Actually, I did want

to talk to you.

Business or pleasure?

Both.

I could try

and make us some tea,

though since my new

receptionist took over...

I don't need anything.

Probably just as well.

Where's Evie?

She's out.

Jack, I'm a little worried.

Beatrice, she's nearly 21.

You're going to have

to let go of her soon.

No, not about Evie.

It's about the firm.

I wish Tilly wouldn't

call it a dressmakers

when she answers the telephone.

It's a fashion house,

for goodness sake.

Now, I know it's a small thing,

but it does make a difference.

She loves that telephone.

You want her to ruin

the image you've built up?

Jack, we need more clients.

We have enough at the moment.

Well, when they finally

settle their accounts.

I suppose I thought...

I don't know.

Everyone seems so pleased

with our dresses, and yet --

Word of mouth isn't enough,

Beatrice.

You have to spread the message.

Ask Penelope.

Incidentally, she told me

something about Gillespie.

What?

Some jailbird she visits says

that his business methods

are, well, dubious.

Would you call that a reliable

source of information?

Perhaps, perhaps not.

Nevertheless, you could be

a little wary.

Well, I am wary by nature, Jack.

Surely you've noticed.

I ought to be getting these

pictures off to Francine Bailey.

It's all right, Jack.

I think I'll just clear

my head with a walk.

You should think about

advertising, Beatrice.

No, none of that

genteel snobbery.

You're in business.

Advertising's what sells things.

No doubt you're right.

Thank you, Jack.

For my invaluable advice?

For listening.

What the hell

are you playing at?!

Please, Roy.

A lady is present.

Allow me to introduce

Mr. Roy Cooper,

manager of this

little enterprise.

Nice to meet you, Mr. Cooper.

I think your plane is wonderful.

You do, do you?

What do you think you're doing?

Now, Roy, you surely

wouldn't begrudge

your best pilot

giving a girl a treat.

They're lovely.

Not so damn tight.

They're really lovely, Jack.

Of course, it all depends

on the sitter.

Oh, don't give me that, Jack.

I'm not one of your la-di-das.

I'm just a working girl

who's trying to make

the best of what

she's got while she can.

Trying to choke me off?

Leave that belt alone.

How's the film going?

The story stinks.

Monty couldn't direct

a horse and cart.

If it wasn't for Sydney,

I'd have walked weeks ago.

The studio boss?

Wouldn't that reflect

on your professionalism?

Hollywood's after me, Jack.

Why do you think I want you

to finish this portfolio?

[Knock on door]

MAN: We're ready for you now,

Miss Bailey.

How many more sessions

do you think you'll need?

A couple should do it.

Good. The sooner I'm out

of this, the better.

MAN: Thank you very much,

dresser.

Bob, would you move that,

please?

Right, everyone clear the set.

We are going to rehearse

this scene first.

[Knock on door]

Yes?

My dear Beatrice!

How good to see you.

Can I get you some tea,

or perhaps something

a little stronger?

Glass of Madeira would be

very pleasant, thank you.

- Dry, medium, or sweet?

- Medium.

I shall join you.

I had lunch with your

Aunt Lydia the other day.

Did she tell you?

We've been so busy.

I feel rather guilty.

Her spikes are still

as strong as ever.

I wouldn't let it worry you.

And Arthur?

Do you care?

I've got over my business.

I feel rather sorry for him.

I think he thought he was acting

in our interests.

Well, a self-interest is

the only reliable kind,

and he failed himself

lamentably.

Nevertheless --

Despite his and your father's

best efforts

to keep you both in servitude,

your independence is now secure.

That is one of the reasons

I've come to talk to you.

The assets realized from

the sale of the club

are invested in gilt,

and the rest are in

the shares we discussed,

which, I'm glad to say,

are rising in

a satisfactory manner.

Hmm.

Nevertheless,

things aren't going

quite as well as you expected,

are they?

We're making progress.

I know what it's like, Beatrice,

to start a new enterprise.

It's always sensible

to be prepared for setbacks.

Stick to what you can afford

to lose and do not exceed it.

Even if you fail, as many

are doing in times like this,

you have sufficient reserves

to give yourself

a comfortable income,

as long as you

do not dip into them.

That is not our intention.

You have a full order book?

We shall not fail, Sir Desmond.

I hope not, my dear.

I hope not.

Hmm.

HUGO:

Do you see what I folk art?

It has all

the virtues of simplicity

combined with

true craftsmanship.

Mm, but in clothes, Hugo,

there are new directions

which are entirely European.

Mm, very silly some of them are.

I don't agree.

Oh, if only they looked

to the past.

Not to the fake past

of the pre-Raphaelites,

but the real peasant tradition.

People don't want

to look like peasants.

I mean, would you want me

looking like --

like a shepherdess?

Evangeline Eliott,

I like you just as you are.

Haven't you lot got anything

better to do?

Work of that quality

ought to be appreciated, Tilly.

I've never seen it,

even in me previous place,

and they had some good 'uns.

How comes they let you go?

It was what you might call

a clash of personality.

Eine Von Durs.

Stupid prude.

Oh, you didn't see

eye-to-eye then?

She only had one working,

and that never saw true.

[Laughter]

All right, girls, we've followed

our prime minister's advice

for long enough.

Which was?

There are times when it is good

to sit still and go slowly.

But he doesn't work

for the House of Eliott.

MAN: Tom, can you make sure

that the bedroom scene

is being lit now, please?

FRANCINE: Go away!

[Knocks] Only me.

I just heard the news.

Jack, come in.

- Who told you? Monty?

- Yes.

He's in seventh heaven,

of course.

I reckon he told Sydney's wife,

fine pair of back-biters.

She got you the sack, I suppose.

To think I was wasting one of

the best performances

of my life.

Really?

Sydney's bed.

You know what they've done?

Monty told me they've replaced

Iris Mayva, poor cow.

Well, good luck to her.

That's not the point.

The point is

they've taken everything.

The car, the driver,

every dress I had made.

I shouldn't have thought

that was a problem.

I only wear originals, Jack.

People expect it of me.

Yes, of course.

I don't care about

that damn contract.

I've got to get myself

a whole new wardrobe

and book my passage

to Hollywood.

See that?

[Giggles]

Could be worse.

[Laughs]

What's so funny?

You are.

Would you laugh...

Mm?

if I offered

to fly you to Paris?

No.

[Laughs]

I'm serious.

So am I.

Good.

I thought I heard you.

Sorry, did I wake you, Bea?

It's all right.

Did you have a nice time?

Mm, lovely.

We went to the waxworks.

Who's "we"?

Sebastian and I.

Terrific fun.

Just the two of you?

No, there were plenty

of people around,

not to mention the dummies.

Where did you go after?

Bea, I'm not a baby anymore.

No, Evie, you're an extremely

attractive young woman,

and being alone

with Sebastian --

You don't mind me

being alone with Hugo.

Well, that's different.

Why?

Because he's more suitable?

He takes you to museums.

[Chuckles] You are so

Victorian sometimes!

I can't help when I was born.

I didn't mean that.

I just don't want you

to worry about me, Bea.

I'm not going to do

anything silly.

Like getting married, you mean?

I'm in no hurry.

Besides,

you should be the first.

At my age?

Plenty of men would be proud.

Name them.

Jack.

I'm very fond of Jack, but can

you see him as a husband?

Piggy.

A bankrupt actor?

[Chuckles] Sir Desmond.

Oh, Evie, he's father's

contemporary.

So? He's kind, he's caring,

he's as well-connected

as you can wish.

Evie, I'm not interested

in marriage!

Because of Philip White?

That was so long ago.

Besides, there are more

important things.

Like what?

Well, if you spent more time

at home, you'd know.

I'm sorry.

I'm sorry.

It's not as if there's much for

you to do here at the moment.

Of course you deserve to go out

and enjoy yourself

as much as you can.

I'm just

worrying about it too much.

The business?

What else?

It will grow.

I know it will.

Dear Evie.

You know I'm usually right.

Well, often.

Well, sometimes anyway.

My lawyer says

I haven't got a comeback.

I suspect what he means

is that the film company

pay their lawyers more.

Damn the money.

All I care about

is those dresses.

This is the last decent thing

I possess.

I thought you were going

to get some more made.

I've been around every

fashion house in London.

You think they'd be

falling over themselves,

but it's all, "Oh, no, madam,

we couldn't possibly

accommodate you on

so short a period."

JACK: Quite still now.

Thank you.

When are you off?

Three weeks.

Got a drink?

Bubbly do?

There's nothing else?

I think I may have a solution

to your problem.

Which one?

Your wardrobe.

What do you know

about things like that?

As a matter of fact,

I'm a director

of an extremely exclusive

fashion house.

I don't believe you.

The House of Eliott.

I've heard the name.

- They are, of course, expensive.

- How good are they?

They're good enough

for the Duchess of Ulster

and Dorabella Fortescue.

How big is their staff?

They're small, they've only been

in business as few months.

I need en entire wardrobe in

only three weeks, Jack.

They're very flexible.

They could take people on.

But would they?

If you were prepared

to pay for it, yes.

I told you, I've been offering

my money all round London.

Very well then, I could

introduce you to them.

When?

Now, if you like.

So we're talking about six

evening dresses...

I'm taking Sundays off.

Four two-piece outfits

and two tea dresses.

People expect so much of one.

I shall have to

take on extra staff.

It will be expensive, as I'm

sure you realize, Miss Bailey.

On the other hand, Miss Eliott,

the publicity

it would bring you...

Let's not talk

about money just now.

Well, I'm afraid I shall

have to discuss money

if we are to do the work

in the time available.

This is how much

I estimate it will cost.

Can you do it?

Yes, Miss Bailey,

if our terms are agreeable.

Finish in time,

and I'll give you a bonus.

I'm always appreciative

of good work.

- Aren't I, Jack?

- Always.

Well, I shall talk to my sister,

and we shall begin the designs.

Good.

[Conversing indistinctly]

FRANCINE: Yes.

Could you make that

a bit fuller?

Perfect.

Isn't Miss Evie clever?

Oh, you're not so bad yourself.

Right, now, your speciality

is finishing, ain't it?

Right, well, you can start on

buttonholes and bodices.

You'll get your chance,

but right now,

it's all hands to the pump.

TILLY: Hello.

If you want to come with me...

Now, you learned your cutting

with Althea, didn't you?

One of the best.

Come with me.

Now, this is a pattern we've

been working on for...

- The hem's too short.

- I think you'll find --

It looks cheap.

I want it lengthened.

Of course.

Easily done.

And the sleeves.

I wanted appliqué cuffs.

Actually, you specified --

Aren't I allowed

to change my mind?

If you've got one.

What did you say?

Look, if madam wishes a dress --

Are you going

to let her insult me?

Would you kindly return to

the workroom, please, Madge.

I shall speak to you

in due course.

Yes, Miss Beatrice.

I want her sacked!

The cheek!

The money I'm spending.

- Miss Bailey.

- She was downright rude.

I apologize on her behalf.

I insist.

We need every

experienced hand we have.

Madge is an excellent

seamstress.

We rely on her skill.

I shall make sure you do not

come into contact

with her again.

Nevertheless.

We have more important

things to discuss.

Like the matter of your cuffs.

Appliqué, you said?

I shall show you some samples.

[Doorbell rings]

EVIE: Oh, Hugo!

Oh, I completely forgot.

I'm sorry.

I meant to telephone.

We've been so busy.

What's the matter?

We're doing an entire wardrobe

for Francine Bailey.

Jolly good! You can buy me

dinner on the proceeds.

I'd love to, but it'll have

to wait for two weeks.

Do you mind?

Actually, yes.

Don't worry.

I daresay I shall survive.

Thanks.

No problems with

the smaller beading, Tilly?

No, Miss Bea.

Really enjoying meself.

It's better than sitting at home

listening to them lot moan.

Why don't you go and make

yourself something to drink?

I'm just going to finish --

I'd like a few words with Madge,

please, Tilly.

Madge.

I admire your work and the way

you organize the girls;

however, I will not have you

being rude to our clients,

no matter what the provocation.

But she's only ordinary like me.

There's no need

to give herself airs

just 'cause she cuts a dash.

That has nothing to do with you.

Miss Evangeline and I have

to put up with a great deal;

however, we will not put up

with rudeness amongst our staff.

Do I make myself clear?

Yes, Miss Beatrice.

Good.

Now, I think you should

both go home.

Long hours combined with fury

do not produce the best work.

Well, Tilly could do

with the overtime.

Well, we're just going

to finish up --

Well, no more than half an hour,

all right?

Thank you, Tilly.

Aren't you going

to ask what happened?

I don't want to know.

Of course you do.

You're dying to.

Look, Madge,

I call you my friend.

I should hope so!

But I've known Miss Bea

and Miss Evie for a long time.

It's all right.

Everything's grand.

Except for one thing.

What?

She says we've got to stop work

soon and buy ourselves a gin.

[Chuckles]

[Door unlocking]

Ooh, another poem?

No, I've decided

poetry's not for me.

There's no money in it.

Are you writing about

your experiences?

Who would want to read about

yet another injustice?

No, I'm writing a letter to my

brother in Australia,

if you must know.

He's got a small business

in Melbourne.

Maybe he'll have a job for me.

Well, they say that there's lots

of opportunities in Australia.

Trouble is we hated

each other as kids.

Yes, but you're both

grown up now.

I don't have much choice.

Gillespie's made sure

nobody will employ me here.

Hmm. You're out next week,

aren't you?

Friday.

Do you have anywhere to stay?

With my sister and her family.

But only for a week or two.

She's got

her hands full already.

What are you going to do?

I don't know.

I was good at my job,

Miss Maddox.

So good I thought I could

take on Gillespie.

That was my biggest mistake.

Yes, but if you're as innocent

as you claim you are, then --

Gillespie and his sort have got

influence everywhere.

If people knew what I know...

What do you know?

I can't tell you, Miss Maddox.

But can you prove anything?

Maybe. If I get the chance.

Yes, but you'll be able to do

something when

you're released, surely.

That's what worries me.

Gillespie might know

when I'm coming out.

I say, Tilly, sorry to disturb

you and all that,

but I need to speak

to Miss Beatrice

or Miss Evangeline.

They're around somewhere,

Miss Pen.

Have you tried out the back?

Pen! Have you come

to lend a hand?

Evie, I have got

to talk to you about Gillespie,

but since you have been in --

I know, I know,

it's nearly over.

- This is important, you know.

- Pen, just a few more days.

We really haven't seen

anyone at all.

Just, please, I want to check

this with Madge.

Madge, I'm not sure

about that color...

Jack!

JACK: You nearly made me

drop the plate!

Jack, do you remember

what I told you about Fox?

Not now, Pen.

Look, he is coming out soon,

and he is absolutely terrified

that Gillespie is going to

nobble him for a second time.

JACK: I've got to finish this

blasted portfolio.

Everybody is the same

in this house!

All too damn busy to listen!

Don't blame her.

I insisted on seeing you.

That's all right, Miss Hansen.

Look here, you know a man called

Fox doing four years for fraud?

Fox?

Yes, I remember him

very well, Miss Maddox.

Why don't you sit down?

He's told me

some things about you,

and I want to know

if they're true.

And your interest in him is?

I'm a prison visitor.

He's one of mine.

More to the point --

He told you

that I ruined him,

and you're worried that I might

do the same thing

to your friends, the Eliotts.

Well, yes.

At least you're honest,

Miss Maddox.

Which is more than one can say

for Mr. Fox.

I don't trust bankers, you see.

No, nor do I.

But then I'm a businessman.

Hmm.

Fox was a brilliant engineer

and a useless manager.

The company he started was

almost ruined when I bought it.

Please allow me to finish,

Miss Maddox.

I saved his company

and his staff.

I made certain

that his inventions

were properly exploited.

Fox, no doubt understandably,

resented losing

day-to-day control,

and he embezzled funds in order

to start

a new company

with his old workers.

They, fortunately,

realized where

their future lay and came to me.

They did?

Here, ask them.

I can give you names.

I had no alternative

but to call in the police,

otherwise, the company might

have been ruined

for a second time.

Right.

How is he, by the way?

His mind is still inventive.

Well, tell him to come

and see me when he gets out.

Maybe I can do

something for him.

Hmph.

Oh, wonderful.

Thanks, Jack.

EVIE: If only we had

a few more days.

MADGE: It's too late now,

Miss Evie.

She's sailing tomorrow.

Right.

That's it, girls.

[Cheering]

[Whistling]

Evie.

Nothing?

[Whispering] Francine Bailey,

she's gone off to America

and left nothing.

Hello, this is Miss Eliott.

Yes, Miss Bailey was supposed

to have sent us --

I realize that she sailed three

days ago, but surely she --

I'm sorry, I do realize

that you are only the maid,

but perhaps you could tell us

someone we might contact?

You've no idea?

Thank you for your help.

Good-bye.

Evie, that woman has left

without paying us.

Are you sure there hasn't been

some mistake or --

I'm sure!

We've been robbed!

Beatrice,

you're not going

to call the police?

I'm going to see if Jack has

suffered the same treatment.

What should I tell the girls?

The truth.

Jack, there must

be something we can do.

Going to the police

won't solve our problems.

But all our hard work!

Yours, too!

You know, with that money,

we would have been all right

for six months at least.

I'm just sorry

I introduced her to you.

Jack, what are we going to do?

[Sighs]

I apologize for disturbing you.

Your front door was open.

Who are you?

James Vernon.

I'm Miss Bailey's solicitor.

JACK: You have something for us?

- Mr. Jack Maddox?

- Yes, that's me.

I'm also looking for

Miss Beatrice Eliott.

Yes.

Miss Bailey asked me

to give you these.

Unfortunately, I was away on

a case until this morning.

I do apologize for the delay.

Well, excuse me.

Jack!

[Laughs]

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