Original subtitles

People have said a great many things about me,

some of them not very kind.

But now, I shall tell it as it really happened, my own true story.

I was born in a little village, to poor but honest parents.

I grew up an only child, but very happy.

Everybody said how pretty I was, though I was a good girl.

And then the worst of ills befell me.

Both my parents were carried off by the smallpox.

- Fanny Hill? - Yes, ma'am, if you please.

Don't you know me?

Esther Davis. We used to play together.

I'm just home on a little visit.

I didn't know you, Esther. Besides, you've grown so fine now.

I'm very sorry for your loss, Fanny.

What did you think of doing now?

To tell the truth, Esther, don't know what I shall do.

I'll tell you a thing. How should you like to come down to London with me

and seek your fortune?

I done very well there as a ladies' maid and waiting on the gentlemen,

and why shouldn't you?

Will the work be very hard, Esther?

Well, now, being in service can be very hard,

but for a well-mannered girl like you,

I think you might find a good place and do very well out of it, too.

How should I do well?

By attending to your master's wishes,

and by being eager and respectful, and by preserving your virtue.

You may even get your master to marry you. He'll dress you in the finest silks.

I've know some who've done that, and none prettier than you.

My dear young woman, if I might put in a word?

- Yes, sir? - We should not behave virtuously

in the hope of earthly rewards.

That is not the true path.

Then what would you have us do, sir?

Roll on our backs and let the gentlemen make free with us?

Esther gave me all her best advice and protection.

At the same time, she charged me for her services

by making me pay both our travelling costs, which I did with all cheerfulness.

London town. It was so exciting with the noise, the hurry, the people.

I felt after all my troubles I might truly find fortune and happiness there.

Esther, however, gave me no time to linger,

and took us straight to the Intelligence Office.

Come on.

Two chambermaids and a ladies' maid.

- What place is this? - Employment bureau, to seek a place.

- I haven't got a bucket. - It doesn't signify.

I'll wager you'll get a place just as you are.

Stand there with the other girls and I'll see if I can put in a word for you.

Oh, what a bit of luck. Mrs Brown's here.

- Who's she? - Over there.

She's a famous, kind mistress. A girl would be lucky to get a place with her.

You wait there and I'll go and speak with her.

Mrs Brown?

Esther Davis. And how are you keeping?

- Pretty well, an't please you. - Looking for a place, are you?

Indeed, no, ma'am. I'm very well suited as I am.

But I have brought you a little treasure all the way from the country. Look there.

Oh, my stars! Oh, you can pick 'em, Esther. I'll say that for you.

I shall go and speak with her.

If you please, ma'am, I have brought her all the way from Lancashire,

and she never had to pay a penny.

As soon as I saw her, I thought, "Mrs Brown..."

Give me your hand, Esther.

Thank you kindly, ma'am.

Fanny, this is Mrs Brown who I spoke to you about.

I'll leave you now, Fanny. I have to go back to my own place.

- They'll be wondering where I am. - When shall I see you?

Soon enough, I dare say.

Be good.

Now then, Miss. Don't be frightened. Fanny, was it?

Yes, ma'am. Frances Hill, but they call me Fanny.

I know I'm a bit slight built, but I'm not afraid of hard work.

I'm sure you're not, my dear. But I have girls enough for rough work.

What I'm looking for today is a nice, well-mannered girl,

dainty enough to wait on the gentlemen.

Now, take your bonnet off.

That's it. Shake down your curls.

Oh, very nice.

Oh, yes. Yes. Very sweet, very wholesome.

Thank you, ma'am.

I've taken a fancy to you, Fanny. I think you'll do me very well.

So what d'you say? Should you want to come home with me?

Yes, if you please, ma'am!

What a sweet little thing you are, to be sure. As fresh as a little flower.

- I think I shall be very happy with you. - Thank you, ma'am. You're very kind.

You see, all my daughters are grown up and gone now,

and I have to make do with my nieces, as I call them.

Should you like to be one of my nieces, do you think?

- Yes an't please you, ma'am. - Oh, good. That's it.

Ooh! Ooh!

Whoa, there! Whoa!

Only me.

Take Fanny's bags up for her, Susan. She's come to live with us.

She's my new niece, so she is.

Mrs Brown has got ever such a lot of nieces, Fanny.

You get along, Susan, and mind your tongue.

And tell Phoebe to meet us in the parlour.

No, I shan't! So there, you dirty beasts!

- Oops. Begs pardon, ma'am. - All right, Emma.

They arrived in a St George with Audrey.

I said I wouldn't. They said they'd make me...

Her words meant nothing to me,

because I was in a fine, well-furnished house, as it seemed to me then,

that I was persuaded I must have got into a very reputable family

and that I was very lucky.

Sit you down, my love. You must be tired to the bone after your travelling.

You eat your fill. Then Phoebe shall show you where you sleep.

Oh, here she comes now.

Oh, Mrs Brown, what a little beauty!

Fanny Hill, fresh from the country.

How should you like her for your bedfellow, Phoebe?

Very well, ma'am, I should say!

Come give me a kiss, my dear!

There we are. Now we're the best of friends!

- Ha-ha! Oh, my love! - Come on, Fanny. Drink up, my dear!

Fanny was wondering if she might wait upon the gentlemen, Phoebe?

Should you like that, Fanny?

I think you could make a gentleman very happy once you've had training.

I put all my new girls in with Phoebe.

She'll train you up and bring you on. She has the gift for it.

And the inclination.

Oh, bless her heart. I do believe she's ready for her bed.

Take her up, Phoebe, and make her comfortable.

- But is there no work for me to do? - No, bless your heart.

Phoebe shall do what needs to be done.

Away with you, and sweet dreams to both of you.

No call to be shy with me, dear. We're both made the same, after all.

Come on, let me help.

What a little sweetheart you are, to be sure.

ln you go, then.

There we are. That's cosy.

Shall we be the best of friends, Fanny?

Yes, an't please you.

Give us a kiss then.

That's it.

And another.

Now a third time for best friends.

Oh, the face on you! Didn't anyone ever tell you that's how best friends kiss?

No.

Did you like it, Fanny?

Yes.

Then you shall have as many as you like.

- Did you never kiss a lad, Fanny? - Oh, no.

- Should you like to? - Yes, perhaps.

I think they'd like it, too, such a lovely little thing as you are.

What are you doing, Phoebe?

I'm only stroking you a little, dear. It'll help you to sleep.

I'm almost ashamed to say I never thought to stop her,

but lay there all tame and passive as she could wish,

and her freedom raised no other emotions in me

than those of a strange and till then unfelt pleasure.

Well, what should I have done?

What would you have me do? Run screaming for Mrs Brown?

I was alone in the world. Phoebe was kind and gentle with me.

Who are you to say that we were doing wrong?

Besides, I believe that God made our bodies to give us pleasure.

Oh, Phoebe!

Oh, you darling little thing!

And so I gave down my first virgin tribute to Venus.

Well, now, Miss.

And what sort of time is this to be still lolling in your bed?

Oh, I beg your pardon most humbly. I must have overslept.

You stay where you are, my dear.

I was only teasing you, to be sure.

Phoebe here tells me she was very well pleased with you last night.

So was you with her, I believe.

Never mind. I like my girls to get on well together.

Phoebe tells me you're an affectionate little thing.

The gentlemen will be well pleased with that.

ln fact, my dear, there was a very fine gentleman

most anxious to meet you and make your acquaintance.

But first we must rig you out and make you proper for society.

Phoebe?

Imagine the delight, to cast aside my dowdy country clothes

and have Phoebe take such care in dressing me.

I felt like a princess.

There, now.

The gentleman Mrs Brown spoke of

who wants to meet you is coming to tea today.

And if you please him, you could find yourself with a rich husband.

How should you like that, Fanny?

I don't know, I never thought I should be looking for a husband yet.

Well, gentlemen nowadays likes them very young.

ls he very young himself, Phoebe?

No, not very young, but he is a very fine gentleman.

- ls he handsome? - Handsome?

No, I couldn't say he was exactly handsome,

but he has an air about him, you know?

And he's very eager to meet with you.

You just come along with me and see what you think of him, eh?

Now there you are, Fanny.

I'd like you to meet my cousin Mr Crofts who's been so eager to see you.

Isn't she a beauty, Mr Crofts?

Very pretty, very pretty.

Come here, my dear.

That's it. So you're fresh from the country, are you, Fanny?

And innocent as the day she was born.

That's guaranteed, warranted, signed and sealed, sir.

The genuine article. Phoebe?

And down below, I guarantee you'll find

she's tight as the Chatsworth lock on the National Safe.

Will you make an appointment to have a conversation?

No. Now. Now.

So, what d'you think, Fanny?

- D'you like him? - Not at all. He's old.

His breath smells horrible foul. I don't like the way he looks at me.

Advise you wait a little, sir. She's not groomed up to it yet.

- She might be terrified. - I'll take my chance of that.

He's very charming when you get to know him.

All he wants to do is talk with you a little while.

Just sit down there a moment.

A little treasure like that?

I can't accommodate you for less than 1 50 guineas.

1 00. No more.

I don't want to haggle with you, Mr Crofts.

How if we say 50 to attempt her, another hundred if you carry the day?

Done.

Go very gentle with her, sir.

I've never seen such an innocent little lamb.

Be very kind and soft with her, I implore you.

She's never seen what a man has in his breeches,

let alone a monster such as yours.

Get away with you. She's from the country.

She's seen rams and bulls and stallions, ain't she?

There. Now let the dogs eat the rabbit.

We're going to leave you a while with Mr Crofts, Fanny.

You'll be sure and entertain him prettily. Can you do that for me, Fanny?

- If you please... - Good girl. Come, Phoebe.

This'll end in tears.

How will you take your tea, sir?

Never mind about tea. I didn't come here to drink tea.

Move up and let me sit beside you. That's the way.

Now, Miss, let's get a sight of those rosy-tipped bubbies.

No, sir. Please, sir. Don't be rude, sir.

Come, come, child, No need to overact your part.

There. Oh, yes. Very sweet, very nice.

Very dainty and never touched by man's hands.

Please, sir! No!

You be a good girl. You'll be well rewarded.

Stop, I beg you!

Oh, no, sir! Stop!

I beg you, sir! You're frightening me!

Open up, open up, little pig, little pig. Will you let me come in?

No, please, sir! I'll tell Mrs Brown!

Never mind Miss Brown. Open your legs, you silly slut!

Get off me, you nasty filthy old man!

Ooh! Got a bit of fight in you!

Help! Help!

Are you dead, sir?

No, I'm not dead,

but I might as well be.

This is all your doing, you coquettish little cock-teaser,

pressing your thighs together so a man can't help but go off at half-cock!

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

- And I'll have my money back! - I shall tell Mrs Brown of you.

Mrs Brown! Mrs Brown!

Oh, dear! Whatever's the matter?

Come here, my darling. Did he use you rudely, darling?

He was all over me like a mad beast, Phoebe.

Mr Crofts, I'm surprised at you. Didn't I tell you to go gently with her?

Go gently? She wouldn't let me go at all.

I didn't lay out 50 guineas to spend in my breeches. I want my money back.

We'll discuss this in private, if you please.

Take another glass of wine, my love. It'll settle your nerves.

Who'd have thought he'd be so rough and so rude?

He won't be coming here no more. You can be sure of that.

I told you.

Well, there's no harm done in the end.

He didn't hurt you, did he, my love? Not to speak of.

Indeed, from what he said, you hurt him more than he hurt you!

Whack-whack-whacking him about his ears!

- You gave him what for, you did! - I did, didn't I?

And serve him right, the old devil, treating an innocent little girl like that.

Let's drink a toast to his damnation!

I know. How could I have been so naïve?

But they talked me over and made such a pet of me,

I thought myself quite the little heroine.

They gave me to understand that Mrs Brown's was a kind of gentlemen's club,

where the men could be free and even meet their sweethearts there.

I thought the gentlemen took too many liberties with the other girls,

though they used me with great politeness.

Don't be frightened. You've nothing to fear from me.

What do they call you?

Fanny, an't please you, sir.

You do please me, Fanny. I've not seen you here before.

I came here but a week ago from Lancashire.

From Lancashire? That's a long way.

And I suppose you left a deal of broken hearts behind you?

No, indeed, sir, I don't think so.

- You play the innocent maid very well. - I am an innocent maid, sir.

- That is... - As innocent as makes no difference.

I believe you, Fanny.

I wonder, do you quite realise what a wicked place you have come to

and what is likely to become of you here?

No, indeed, sir, it isn't a wicked place.

Mrs Brown and everyone's been very kind.

There was a nasty man who wanted to be rude but Mrs Brown sent him away.

Well, I'm glad to hear it.

But, you know, there will be others.

And sooner or later... Well, every maid comes to it sooner or later.

When I come to it, as you call it, sir,

it will be with my sweetheart and no one else!

So you do have a sweetheart, do you?

Not yet, sir.

Oh, Fanny. You nearly break my heart.

Fortunately, I have no interest in breaking yours.

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

Your innocence.

And the rapidly approaching end of it.

Not at my hands, though.

I prefer a woman who has learnt more of life's bitter lessons.

Perhaps we'll meet again one day.

And now, I wish you goodnight and good luck.

Oh, Fanny. We thought you'd made a conquest!

Not I, I'm sure. He was such a strange gentleman.

He's a very rich gentleman, Fanny. And very particular.

Any girl he chose would think herself lucky. Made for life.

- What did he want? - I don't know.

Fanny, you're such a little innocent.

She told me...

What? You mean you've never seen it done before?

What? Don't tease me.

We're not teasing you. Should you like to see Mrs Brown with her sweetheart?

Does Mrs Brown truly have a sweetheart?

And more than one, but she loves a soldier best.

Ssh!

- Here they come. - Ooh!

See, Fanny? Come close.

She's a jolly old thing, ain't she, Fanny?

He's got his hands full. Have you ever seen such a pair?

Oh, my dear!

- Teach your girls a thing or two! - Now for the main affair.

Oh, Lord! What a sight!

He could hardly miss such a mark as that, could he?

If only he would turn and face us.

Come on, Corporal. Give us a look. It's for a young girl's education.

Meow!

Anyone there?

What a truncheon!

It's so big!

It needs to be, Fanny, for a job such as this.

Now, look close. You can see where it goes.

Oh, Fanny, doesn't it make you feel all warm?

And so the sight of Mrs Brown and her paramour

gave the last dying blow to my native innocence.

And though I didn't fancy the look of the soldier,

I did long to know what it was like to lie with a man.

What's going on?

Oh, I see.

Don't be angry with me, Phoebe.

Susan and Emma, to the reception room.

There's a party of young gentlemen arrived.

As for you, my dear, it's past your bedtime.

Let her come with us, Phoebe. We'll take care of her.

I know you're taking care, Susan Johnson,

and little Miss here ain't for any old Tom or Dick.

Now get along or I'll tell your mistress you've been spying on her.

That's it. Ooh! Ooh, yes! Shove on! Shove on!

May I just peep in and see the gentlemen, Phoebe?

May I just peep in and see the gentlemen, Phoebe?

Indeed no, or they'll be all over you.

- Come, now. Up the stairs. - Come, now, Charlie.

Madam! Allow me to present myself.

You're out of your way. The ladies are all in the reception.

I want to make the acquaintance of this lady.

Sir, she's not for you or anybody. She's promised.

If I could simply sit with her, talk a little, gaze into her eyes?

Madam, I truly believe I have met the love of my life.

- What is your name? - Never you mind.

- Fanny, sir. - And now goodnight, sir.

There are plenty of beautiful ladies for you. Take your friend away.

But I don't want anybody else! I am in love!

- Fanny... - Come, Fanny!

He seemed like a very pleasant young gentleman.

He was as drunk as a weasel.

- I thought he had a sweet face. - So he had.

It's no good getting sweet on this one or that one. We take what we're given.

Mrs Brown has arranged for you

to meet with a fine young gentleman arriving in town next week.

What if I don't like him?

I think you'd better like this one, Fanny, or Mrs Brown won't be at all pleased.

- We all have to start somewhere. - Can I not choose my own sweetheart?

Bless you. No, that'd never do.

Mrs Brown has laid out a deal of money for your keep and your fine dresses

and she'll want to see a profit on it. That's only reasonable.

So the gentleman will pay Mrs Brown to be my sweetheart?

That's right.

And to do what the soldier did with Mrs Brown?

That's right, and more besides,

like kissing and caressing and calling you his lovey-dove,

and giving you presents and money to spend.

You're a very lucky girl, Fanny.

That thing the soldier had...

Did you like the look of it?

It was so big, Phoebe, and angry-looking.

Corporal Kite is pretty big built, as I recall.

How... How could a thing like that get inside me?

Oh, you'd be amazed, my dear.

This dear thing you have between your legs is a wonderful instrument.

Before long, you'll be wishing men were bigger built than they are.

Won't it hurt, Phoebe?

A little, it will, the first time,

but after that, nothing but pleasure.

And this lovely little thing,

if you use it right, can make your fortune, Fanny.

Now, you be a good girl and put your hand here,

and we'll see if we can't fetch off together.

Oh, that's it, Fanny...

My head was full of all that Phoebe had told me.

Was this to be my home? Was this to be my life?

Dear girl...

ls it...Fanny?

Yes, sir.

I thought I had died and gone to heaven.

Are you an angel, Fanny?

No. I'm flesh and blood.

How is it you're sleeping down here on your own, sir? Where's your friend?

He left me here when I said I'd have no one but you.

I drank some more wine to drown my sorrows and so fell asleep.

And now I'm very happy I did.

Will you kiss me, Fanny?

Yes, sir. Gladly.

And now shall we go to bed? Make up for time that we've lost?

No. Indeed I cannot. I would be in such trouble with Mrs Brown.

Why should that be? Of course I'd pay you, and her, too.

I'm promised to another gentleman, sir,

who'll pay Mrs Brown a deal of money to take my maidenhead.

You mean, you...you're a virgin?

Yes, sir.

Oh, then, please forgive my forwardness.

I took you for one of the girls of the house.

I am one. At least they're grooming me up to be one.

I didn't understand it at first. It's only my maidenhead that makes me special.

When that's gone, I have to go with any man that comes.

- And will you like that, Fanny? - Not at all, I believe.

But the other girls seem happy enough. And I have nowhere else to go.

Wouldn't you rather be kept by one man,

who'd love and protect you and not suffer you to be had by anybody else?

I don't know.

Perhaps I would.

- It would depend who he was. - What if it was me, Fanny?

Should you like it then?

Yes. I think I should.

But it's not possible. Mrs Brown won't let me.

Fanny, your body is yours, not Mrs Brown's.

You should give it to whom you choose.

That's not how anybody sees it here. I'm a piece of goods to them.

She'd never be able to maintain it in a court of law.

Fanny, will you trust me and come away with me?

I don't even know your name.

Um... My name is Charles. Charles Standing.

My father is a merchant in the City,

and my allowance is enough for us to live on, if we're careful.

The moment I saw your pretty face I knew no other girl would do for me.

You do like me, don't you, Fanny?

Very well, so far.

But we don't know anything about each other.

I think we know all we need to know.

I fell in love with you the moment I saw you.

Come away with me.

All right. I will!

So what do you think of that?

Out of the frying pan into the fire?

I little knew what a risk I was taking.

He could have been a ruffian with a stable of girls for hire,

but I don't think so, do you?

We all know a blundering innocent when we see one,

and he was very handsome.

Come here, darling.

Who's that?

ls that you, Fanny?

Come back here, you ungrateful little...

Phoebe! Emma! Get down here!

I'll find you, Fanny! You owe me, Fanny Hill!

And so I began another new life.

Hey!

So. It's a room for a married couple you're looking for, is it?

Yes, that's right, Mrs Jones.

Been married long, have you?

Er... No. Not very long.

No. Well, you look like a nice respectable young couple to me.

Oh, we absolutely are.

But...um...

We'd be obliged if you'd be discreet.

Oh, I'm very discreet.

We...er...haven't announced the marriage yet.

Families, you know? Troubles with the families.

We're keeping it a secret until the families are reconciled.

Well, I'd have you know that this is a very respectable lodging house.

My second floor is let to a gentleman from the Italian embassy and his lady.

Very nice, quiet people. You won't hear a sound from them.

Except she does sing a little in the mornings, arias and so forth.

Italian, you see.

But you seem a very nice, quiet young lady, Mrs Standing.

Thank you, ma'am.

Half a guinea a week for these rooms and a closet.

My own maid will wait upon you.

Laundry and services by arrangement for a small extra consideration.

- Will that be satisfactory? - Eminently so, Mrs Jones.

ls there anything else you need?

Er... No. I don't think so, Mrs Jones.

Well, then. I'll leave you to settle in and make yourselves comfortable.

Thank you, Mrs Jones.

I like to keep a very quiet house, Mr Standing.

Oh, that's just as I should wish it, Mrs Jones.

Shall we, Fanny?

Are you sure you want to try it?

Yes.

Phoebe said it will hurt a little, just at first.

I will be very gentle with you.

Will you not undress, too?

Shall I help you, as you helped me?

Your skin is so soft and smooth.

You smell so sweet.

- Ow! - Sorry...

-Perhaps if I... - Ow!

- Shall I stop? - No. Press on, press on.

I can bear it. Ow!

- I'm hurting you. - No, no. I am well.

If you'd just hold still a while...

I cannot!

Oh, God...

Oh, Fanny...

Well, and what was your first time like?

A paradise of sensual delight?

No, I didn't think so.

But I did love my sweet innocent Charles, right from the first, I think,

and once the smart of my wounds had eased,

after the application of a little soothing ointment and several glasses of port,

we tried again with much greater success.

What floods of bliss, what melting transports,

what agonies of delight!

Words don't really do justice to it, do they?

For three days, we never left the room.

- Hmm... - What a lucky girl I am.

Now, Fanny, what would you like to do today?

Anything you like.

Well, lovely as you are with nothing on at all, unimprovably lovely,

I think perhaps we might visit the shops and buy you a dress or two.

What do you think of that?

Who will buy my lovely flowers?

Nosegay? Roses for the lady?

Nosegay?

- Would you like one, Fanny? - Really?

- But of course. - But your allowance.

I guarantee when my father sees you, he'll double it.

Come. ln we go.

Choose whichever hat you want.

Good day, sir, madam. What is it you desire today?

Esther? ls it you?

Fanny Hill! Well, I never did!

So you work here now, do you? I thought you were in service.

I was always fond of millinery.

This is my husband, Esther.

Oh. Pleased to meet you, sir.

And you, ma'am.

Esther and me knew each other when we were little girls.

Esther, that woman you took me to.

She took me to a bad place.

No! Oh, Fanny.

Well, it looks like you've done yourself very well out of it.

Good day, sir. Good day, madam.

Ah, Mrs Cole. This is my school friend Fanny. You remember? I spoke of her.

I believe I do. But you never told me what a beauty she was.

Very happy to make your acquaintance.

I do hope my Esther has been taking care of you?

- Yes, thank you, ma'am. -

Was it fancy goods, sir? Esther will see you through.

This way, sir.

Bye, Fanny. Bye, sir.

Esther? I was hoping...

Now, let's see if I can't find the prettiest bonnet in the shop

to go with that lovely face.

Fanny Hill!

Look at her, bold as brass, ungrateful little hussy.

Lay hold of her, Phoebe. You're coming back with me.

There you are. Still a lovely little armful.

Don't say you've forgotten about all the fun we had!

Get off her! This lady is my lawful wedded wife.

Oh, so that's the way of it!

Well, sir, if you want her, you'll pay me compensation for all I laid out on her.

I dare say 200 guineas would cover it.

Damn your impudence. You should hang your head in shame.

Compensation? I've a good mind to lay evidence against you with a magistrate

as a bawd and a corrupter of innocent young maids.

Come, Phoebe.

My brave hero!

I was brave, wasn't I?

Not that I could have paid. The last of my allowance went on the bonnet.

Brave and kind and handsome

and sweet and good.

And penniless.

We were penniless, or very nearly so,

but we were young and in love,

and I was simple enough to believe that you could live on love.

Charles was the universe to me.

It was such a happy time, every day a new source of joy,

and so the days turned into weeks and months.

Fanny?

Today we are going to visit my father.

- I have something I want to ask him. - What?

His consent to our marriage.

- Will you marry me? - Oh, yes!

Charles, my boy!

- What damned impudent trick is this? - I...I don't understand, sir.

What do you mean?

You bring this little whore here to make a fool of me?

Little whore? Indeed, sir, you are mistaken.

This is Miss Fanny Hill, my sweetheart.

Aye. That was the name. Fanny Hill.

A swindling trickster of a whore!

I tell you, sir, she is not.

I apologise for my father's behaviour.

To hell with apologies. She's a whore. You found her in a brothel, didn't you?

That is not material, sir.

Not material? I'll tell you what's material.

You went whoring in a brothel

and took one home and thought you'd foist her on the family.

Or you found her in the street

and she passed herself off as a maid come new from the country.

Which one is it? Are you a knave or a fool?

- Neither, sir. - I can tell you you're one or the other.

Missy, you're a thieving whore, ain't you?

No, sir, I am not, nor never was, as I think you should know.

What is this? Fanny, have you met my father?

That's for him to say. Have we met before, sir?

Don't you try and blackmail and cozen me, missy.

- I know what I know, there's an end of it. - And I know what I know too, sir.

Should you like your son to hear it?

- Out of my house, the pair of you! - Father, I beg you.

Surely we can clear up this misunderstanding.

There's no misunderstanding. You have been cozened by a whore!

Cast her off now or you'll never see a penny of my money again.

No, sir. I shan't.

I love her and she will be my wife, with or without your consent.

Then go! And be damned to you!

Very well, sir.

Come, Fanny.

And anything she says of me is lies!

Damned little whore!

I'm very sorry you should have been subjected to such insults.

If he had not been my father, I should have called him out and killed him.

Words can't hurt me, Charles,

but I am sorry to see you quarrel with your father.

How could he have taken you for a whore?

- He was mistaken. - No, he knew you.

How did he know you, Fanny?

He saw me going into the place and knew it to be a bawdy house.

No, it was more than that. You said you could tell what you knew of him.

What do you know of him? Tell me the truth, Fanny.

You and I should have no secrets.

Whatever it is, I shan't be angry with you.

- They said his name was Mr Crofts. - Yes? And?

He paid Mrs Brown 50 guineas to attempt my maidenhead.

But I refused him.

The old goat.

And so I had for love what he couldn't buy with money.

Small wonder he was angry.

- But you're not angry? - How could I be angry with you?

We'll find a way through this.

Good afternoon. If I could trouble you for the rent, Mr Standing.

We've got a week or two behind, haven't we?

Have we? Thank you for reminding me, Mrs Jones.

I'll see to that by and by.

And don't forget about the sundries. You've been very heavy on the laundry.

- It all mounts up. - Yes, Mrs Jones. By and by.

- By and by. - All very well by and by, Mr Standing.

Mr Standing!

That woman!

- It'll be all right. - Fanny...

Every penny I have comes from my father.

He never had me educated for any profession.

I have nothing but the allowance he makes me.

And that's on the understanding that I enter the family business.

If he's cast me off, we're ruined.

Then I think you must go back to him.

Tell him I bear him no ill will. We'll let bygones be bygones.

And tell him you'll go into his business immediate

and learn it and work hard in it. That'll please him.

And if you weren't steady before,

you have me to keep you steady now. Tell him that.

And tell him he has a grandchild on the way, Charlie.

That'll please him.

A grandchild?

ls that true?

I think it is, Charlie.

- Mr Standing? - By and by, Mrs Jones!

It's not the rent, Mr Standing, It's a message for you. Very urgent.

Your father's man's been here. Go back to your father's house

where you'll hear something to your advantage, he says.

There. He's regretting his harsh words already.

I'll go to him directly.

And what a piece of news I shall have to tell him!

I shan't be long.

I'll bring you up a nice glass of wine, shall I?

No, thank you, Mrs Jones.

Well, no skin off my nose, Mrs Standing.

Only me.

Oh, dear. All on your own in the dark?

- I thought I'd bring you a bit of supper. - Thank you, Mrs Jones.

I hope he hasn't had an accident.

I'm sure he hasn't, Mrs Jones.

I expect he and his father have had a lot to talk about.

Yes, well, but you don't need to worry, my dear.

I could always find a way to make sure you was all right.

He's not back yet, then?

- I hope he hasn't run away. - I shall seek him at his father's.

ls that wise?

Don't care if it's wise. Perhaps he's being kept there against his will.

He wouldn't leave me. I'm carrying his child.

I'd better come with you.

Back again, is it, missy?

And you've brought your bawd with you this time.

Well, there's no business for you here, my dear.

I beg you, sir. Don't mock me.

I've come to ask if you know where Charlie is.

Yes, I do know where Charlie is.

He's on a ship bound for the West Indies, that's where he is.

He's made his mind up to knuckle down and go into the family business.

I don't believe you. He'd never leave me of his own free will.

Free will or not, he's gone, missy, and you'll never set eyes on him again.

- Fanny! - Get her out. Get out yourself.

Get out the pair of you! What's she doing on the floor?

Having your grandchild, that's what!

Not in my house she ain't!

Get her out before I set the dogs on you!

- Can you stand, dear, if I help you? - That's it, that's it. Get her out!

Get her out! Get her out!

Get her out! Get her out!

Well, here we are, at last.

You was that poorly we thought we'd lost you.

You did lose the baby, of course,

but on the whole I'd say it was a blessing in disguise in the circumstances.

And now we have to think of what's to be done.

You've got no money at all, have you, dear?

And you've run up a terrible bill, what with the back rent and all the laundry,

and the medicine and the apothecary,

and the nursing you back to your old self.

I was wondering what you thought you were going to do about it.

Because, you see, if you can't pay, it's a case of the debtors' prison.

Then I shall go there. My heart's broken and I hardly care what happens to me.

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

It would break my heart to see so tender a young creature in a place like that,

with all the rogues in London preying on you

and the turnkey's as bad.

There's poor women go in there and never get out for the whole of their lives.

Then what am I to do? What am I to do?

Even as my health recovered, I was consumed with grief

for my lost baby and my dear Charles.

I barely left my rooms for fear he might return and I should miss him.

Fanny? I've brought somebody to see you.

Come in.

Oh.

- I remember you. - I am glad to hear it.

Fanny Hill? How should you like to come down to London with me

and seek your fortune there?

What I'm looking for today is a nice, well-mannered girl,

dainty enough to wait on the gentlemen.

You be a good girl and you'll be well rewarded.

So the gentleman will pay Mrs Brown to be my sweetheart?

Perhaps we will meet again one day.

Madam, I truly believe I've met the love of my life.

- Will you marry me? - Oh, yes!

Out of my house, the pair of you!

- Every penny comes from my father. - Then you must go back to him.

Perhaps he's there against his will.

He wouldn't leave me. I'm carrying his child.

He's on a ship to the West Indies, that's where Charlie is.

Then what am I to do?

- I remember you. - I am glad to hear it.

Time, that great comforter,

did begin to ease the violence of my suffering

over the loss of my lover and my baby.

My health returned to me,

and, although still despairing,

I was intrigued why this near-stranger had walked back into my life.

This is my proposal.

I will pay all your debts,

and set up an establishment for you here, with a maid of your own,

and a man to drive you about as you require.

I will visit you two or three times a week and spend the night with you.

The rest of your time is your own, though you will not take other lovers.

There, now, Fanny. What a lucky young woman you are!

And if I say no?

It doesn't bear thinking of, my dear.

Then...I accept.

Good.

I believe you will have no cause to repent your knowledge of me, Fanny.

- Sorry, my lady. - No harm done.

I knew him only as Mr H. I cannot say his real name.

He was a very wealthy man, the brother of an earl.

The first time I lay with him I felt nothing,

I was too full of shock and grief.

Had anyone told me I should have know any man but Charles,

I would have spat in his face,

but our virtues and our vices depend too much on our circumstances.

The second time, I was determined still to feel nothing,

meaning to preserve a faithfulness to Charles.

But Mr H was too patient and too skilful for me,

and I am ashamed to say, my body betrayed me.

And so I learned the extremes of sensual delight

need have nothing to do with true love.

A cruel lesson for a girl with a romantic disposition,

but I think many women have made that bittersweet discovery for themselves.

Now I was truly learning to be a woman of pleasure.

I suppose you've had a great many women in your time.

I have, Fanny, though none more delightful than you.

I don't love you, you know. And I shall never do.

- My love belongs to my husband. - I know that.

Does it make you angry?

It amuses me, Fanny,

that I make so free with your body, yet not have your heart.

Do you think me very wicked?

Not at all.

You are what you are, and it pleases me.

You are exactly what I should wish you to be.

Will you teach me things?

I thought I already had taught you a thing or two, Fanny.

No, not that sort of thing.

I mean, the things that gentlemen know, like poetry and history and music,

and how to speak well.

Why would you want to know such things?

So that I can be a better companion to you... And for their own sake.

I thought young women were only interested in fine silks and jewellery.

You can give me those, too, if you like.

You shall have both.

And in the months that followed, he was as good as his word.

"They that have power to hurt, and will do none."

"They that have power to hur', and will do none."

- Hurt. - Hurt.

"That do not do the thing they most do show,

"who moving others are themselves as stone,

"unmoved."

Unmov-ed. Unmov-ed.

"Unmov-ed, cold,

"and to temptation slow.

"They rightly do inherit heaven's graces.

"And husband nature's riches from expense.

"They are the lords and owners of their faces.

"Others but stewards of their excellence."

Lord, but I love you, Fanny.

Do you know what hell it is to own your body but not your heart?

- I thought it amused you. - Not any more, Fanny.

Not any more.

Despite his generosity and his considerable talents

and endowments,

I could not offer him the love he found for me.

Whatever my body now allowed, my heart remained true to another.

Charles was always in my thoughts.

I would visit the places we had been together as a sort of pilgrimage,

and sometimes I even thought I saw him in the street.

Thank you, William.

- Oh, Miss... - What is it, William?

Er...

Nothing, Miss.

Oh, Miss.

- How could you? - A passing whim.

A little relief from my torment, Fanny.

I'm surprised you're angry, caring nothing for me as you do.

You can hardly be jealous.

But I was, or rather I was piqued that he should treat me with such contempt.

I resolved that I should have a little private revenge upon him.

William? Come quickly.

What is it, Miss?

William, I have such a cramp in my calf.

Shut the door and come over here.

- What shall I do, Miss? - Why, rub it, William. What else?

Take off my shoe and stocking.

Now chafe it with your hands.

Like this, Miss?

Slower.

Squeeze harder.

I begin to feel a little relief.

Go higher, William.

- That's it. -

A little higher again.

Oh!

William, what's this?

I'm sorry, Miss. I can't help myself.

Oh, William, I think you love me.

Oh, but I do, Miss, and that's a fact.

Sweet William, I think you need a little relief as well.

- Shall we let the monster out? - Monster? What if my master comes?

It's not his day to visit.

Come. Let's see what treasures you're hiding there.

I saw, with wonder and surprise,

not the plaything of a boy, nor the weapon of a man,

but a positive maypole that would have done credit to a young giant,

such a breadth of animated ivory!

ln short, it stood an object of terror and delight,

and with no little trepidation,

I guided the furious battering ram into my...

Oh, it is so hard to find a dainty way of putting it,

and I've never cared for coarse language.

I guided it into my palpitating and pleasure-thirsty channel.

There.

Oh, William! Oh, William!

Sweet William!

Oh, Miss! Oh, Miss, Miss!

Oh, Lord...

Well, William? What have you to say for yourself?

I'm very, very sorry, sir. I don't know what came over me.

It was like there was this wild beast inside me.

One minute I was chafing her leg like she asked me to,

and the next, I don't know how, I was on her, in her and up her.

Like a ram in rut.

And I'm very, very sorry and it won't happen again.

Indeed not! Damn your impudence!

I've a mind to flog you and throw you naked in the gutter!

I beg you, sir. Don't be too harsh on him.

It was all my doing. I wanted to get back at you for you know very well what.

William would never have laid a finger on me if I hadn't encouraged him.

ln fact, I confess. I downright seduced him.

I take all the responsibility, my dear sir, and I will bear all the punishment.

Will you indeed?

That is fair and honest of you, Fanny.

William, I propose to treat you kindly.

But you cannot remain in my service after this...this insult to my dignity.

I will send you back to your father and bid him take care of you,

lest you run amok amongst the girls in the village.

- Go and pack your box. - Yes, sir.

- Thank you, sir. I am very, very sorry. - Get out.

- Goodbye, Miss. - Out!

Fanny, what have you done?

Come here.

Don't be horrid to me.

I did no more than you did.

What's sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander, isn't it?

- You hurt my pride. - Your pride?

The pride of a whore?

Fanny, you have hurt a good deal more than that. Do you not realise?

I cannot possibly continue with you after this.

Why not? We're all square now.

Do you think I did any worse than you did?

- You really mean it, don't you? - I do, Fanny.

Don't cast me off. Haven't I been good to you till this little bit of silliness?

You have been good to me.

You have been all I ever desired in a woman.

I always knew I should never have your heart,

but I did think you had a little respect for me.

I do.

I didn't like you at first,

but I came to respect you and almost love you.

Truly.

And you have taught me so much about the art of love

and poetry and philosophy

and elevated conversation,

so I can near enough pass as a lady.

Indeed you nearly can.

I think you love me too much to cast me off.

Then you are wrong.

It is because I love you too much that I do.

So, let's make an end of it.

I will pay your outstanding bills, and 50 guineas over.

You have today to pack your box and leave.

I never want to see you again.

Very well, if that's what you want.

Don't think I'll fret. I did my crying when I lost my true love Charles.

I shan't be shedding any tears over you.

And don't fear you have ruined me. I shall do very well.

I'm sure you will, Fanny.

But I didn't see how I was going to manage it.

After being spoiled and pampered by Mr H,

how could I go back to being poor and honest?

But then I remembered Esther and Mrs Cole.

Perhaps, after all, I could find myself a place there.

Here you are at last, my dear.

We've been expecting you and you are very welcome.

Mrs Cole, I've come to throw myself on your mercy.

There's no need to explain. We've heard all about it, haven't we?

I said to Esther, there'll always be a place for you here.

I must tell you, I have no skills in the millinery, ma'am.

I can do sewing and a little embroidery, but nothing fancy.

Oh, you're still such a simpleton, Fanny!

You're sitting on your livelihood, same as I am.

That's enough, you know I don't like coarse talk,

especially at the front of the house.

I er...I think I should tell you, Fanny... May I call you Fanny?

...that millinery is only part of what we do here.

If er...if you would...care to inspect?

- - No, I'm not sure that I care to, ma'am.

Oh, just a little peep.

This way.

Perhaps this will be more to your liking.

Would you care to sit down, my dear? You're looking very pink in the cheeks.

I won't do it. I've been used to something better than this.

Well, perhaps you have.

You have been the mistress of a great man.

But have you found another to take his place?

Not yet.

Think of this as a temporary stratagem.

Spend a little time on your back to get back on your feet, so to speak.

What must I do?

Nothing you don't care to do, my dear.

You'll find my house vastly superior to Mrs Brown's.

Only gentlemen of quality.

- That's what you all say. - Make enquiries, Fanny.

You'll find that every word I speak is truth.

Now, how should you like to be a virgin again, Fanny?

Very well, ma'am, if it could be managed.

But I hope you don't intend to sacrifice me to some foul-breathed old monster.

No, thank you very much.

ls that what happened at Mrs Brown's?

Nothing like that will happen to you here.

No, the young man I have in mind for you

is as sweet and fresh as a little lamb.

He has been privately tutored in the country, hardly laid eyes on a girl,

but now his father has decided it's time he completed his education,

so to speak.

He wants a young, fresh country girl for his son's first time.

Do you think you could...play the part?

Fanny, my dear. This is Mr Harding.

And this is the Honourable Master Percival Harding.

He'll be a lord one day.

Go and sit with the Honourable, Fanny. Don't be shy.

While I...speak to his father.

You may take her hand if you wish, Master Percival.

You're quite sure, sir, you wouldn't rather have

one of my more experienced young ladies for your son?

Oh, I don't want the boy corrupted. And I don't want him infected either.

That little girl looks very well,

and I'm sure she knows what goes with what.

They're both of them so bashful, I hardly know how they will manage.

Perhaps if you, or I, or both of us, were to stay here with them

and give them a little help and guidance as to what goes where...

Fanny is such an innocent.

Well, the notion does have a certain piquancy.

But I think we can safely let nature take its course, Mrs Cole.

Perhaps we can.

Yes...

Be gentle with my little Fanny, sir.

I had no anxiety about Master Percival's gentleness.

He was as timid as a little rabbit.

The difficulty was, how was I to get him to do anything,

given that I was supposed to be as innocent as he was?

Are we going to be sweethearts now?

Should you like to be my sweetheart?

Do you... Do you know what sweethearts do?

Well, my father said it's all the same as any other animal,

dog and a bitch, cow and a bull.

And have you really seen them doing what they do?

Would you like to try it?

It looks so very rough and rude,

and surely it must hurt.

And the bull has a great steaming red thing that goes into the cow.

- And does the cow enjoy it? - I don't know.

I have a thing,

but it is quite small and white.

May I see it?

Mrs Cole said that if we liked each other, we should take off all our clothes

and get into bed and hold each other close,

and that nature would take its course.

Would that be a good notion, do you think?

But there is no bed here.

I think if we go through that door there we may find one. Shall we try it?

I was aware that I was sounding less and less like a timid maid,

but I was anxious to proceed to the main business,

and see whether the little white thing of which he spoke

would be sturdy enough to effect an entrance.

But as Mrs Cole said, nature is a wonderful teacher.

Hold me tight, Percy.

Mmm, how lovely and warm.

Will you give me a kiss, Percy?

ls it time to climb on your back now?

Oh!

I think we may do it face to face.

How shall we do that?

Like this.

Suppose I lift my leg like this. And my other one...

Come on, my son!

- It's in! It's in! - Well done. Well done!

Fanny, my dear. I am delighted with you!

You played your part so well,

Master Percival is head over heels in love with you. And his father too.

He was so anxious to see his son acquit himself well.

Indeed, Mrs Cole, when I first saw his little dart, I was a little anxious,

but he rose to the occasion so prettily and so often,

I'm half in love with him myself.

The father wanted you to have this little present, Fanny,

over and above the fee agreed,

and he has requested a weekly appointment for his son,

and another for himself, on the same terms.

Oh, Fanny, I do hope you'll decide to stay with us some little while.

Well, having at present nowhere else to go...

You won't regret it, Fanny, my dear!

Mrs Cole and her girls were a very merry little family,

and I warmed to them.

But I could not help reflecting at the same time, here we all were,

all young, all of us with the bloom of youth and beauty still on us,

and I wondered what would become of us all.

Age and experience will stand you well in most professions,

but not this one.

We are like actresses on the stage.

Our days in the sunshine are brilliant but short,

a little longer than the mayfly's, but not much.

But for now, all was tenderness and good humour.

And Mrs Cole arranged a little ball to welcome me into the fellowship

and make the acquaintance of her more favoured and generous clients.

Ladies and gentlemen, honour your partners.

ln that merry rout, that melting pot, that salmagundi of heated flesh,

I gave myself wholly up to pleasure,

for Mrs Cole's motto was "Do as thou wilt shall be the whole of the law'"

We were all as deep in the pleasures of the flesh as each other,

so there was no one to point the finger of accusation.

But though Mrs Cole claimed that we had recreated the innocent pleasures

of the Garden of Eden before sin and death came on the scene,

in the midst of it all I sometimes felt a little private pang of conscience.

When I thought of what I had been and what I was now,

a common whore, to put it plainly, a vehicle for hire.

And the life of even a common whore can have its complications.

Fanny!

Why, Percy, have you mistook the day? You're not expected until Thursday.

- I had to come, Fanny. - You must learn patience.

Please, Fanny. I'm in torment.

Mrs Cole. Would you? As a special favour?

Just this once, my dear. You may take him through.

Why, Percy, what's brought this on?

Where's the fire?

- Are you truly my sweetheart? - You know I am.

- Why can I not see you every day? - Because Mrs Cole wouldn't like it.

Then leave her house and come and live with me.

You couldn't afford me. I have to think of my other sweethearts.

I hate them! I hate you for having them.

My father, too.

Oh, Percival, don't be sad.

You are my dearest love, truly.

I suppose you say the same to them?

Some of them, yes. The softer ones like you.

I see it now. You're nothing but a whore.

And what if I am? I've been a very good whore for you.

If you don't care for it now, then you can go your own way. See if I care.

Plenty more fish in the sea besides you. Well, go on, then.

Go and find yourself a nice, high-born lady

and see if you like her better than me.

I can do very well without you.

You made me love you.

And now you break my heart.

There, there.

Well, what was I supposed to do?

Am I to blame if he fell in love with me?

- - Silly boy.

Louisa, Mr Walters is here for you.

Fanny, would you care to pick up a basket of fruit for your and the girls?

- Gladly, ma'am. - Then take my purse.

- I think I can trust you not to run away. - Indeed you can, ma'am.

You've been very kind and very good to me, so you have.

I just want you to be happy here, Fanny.

Nosegay? Nosegay?

Lovely plump chickens. Come and get 'em. Lovely plump chickens.

Here today.

- Good afternoon. - Afternoon, ma'am.

I'll take a dozen apples, six pears and two pounds of cherries, if you please.

Very good, Miss.

- You are f-fond of fruit? - It isn't all for me, sir.

Who, then?

I work in a milliner's. There are other girls besides me and my mistress.

And you are all f-fond of fruit?

We are, sir. Are not you?

I have but little appetite for anything these days.

B-but I'll p-pay for your fruit if you let me walk you home.

- No need for that, sir. - The p-paying or the w-walking home?

Neither, sir. I'd have you know I'm a respectable girl.

I'm sure you are, and I'm glad to hear it.

Might I know your name?

It's none of your business, sir.

No, indeed, but I should like to make it so.

If you won't let me walk you home,

then let me f-follow you, at a respectful distance.

I should like to make the acquaintance of your m-mistress,

so that we might be p-properly introduced.

Well, sir, if you put it like that, I don't see how I can stop you.

Mrs Cole, a gentleman spoke to me and followed me home.

I couldn't very well stop him. He said he wanted to make your acquaintance.

Here he comes now. I hope I haven't done wrong, Mrs Cole.

- Does he know about this house? - I don't think so.

- Very well, dear. Leave it to me. -

Good day, sir.

Madam. May I speak with you about a matter of private business?

Certainly, sir. Would you care to come through to the parlour?

Mr Norbert, you astonish me.

My Fanny is a good girl and one of my best little seamstresses

and as dear to me as my own daughter.

Mrs Cole, she has struck a bolt into my heart.

Am I to understand that you are asking for her hand in marriage?

I know what sort of house you keep here.

Have I not wasted my inheritance in places such as this all over Europe?

And now, ma'am, I beg your kind indulgence to end my days here.

I don't expect to live long and I wish to die happy.

My dear sir, this is not a hospital.

Aware of it, ma'am, and your humble servant is no pauper.

Oh...

I have £1 ,000 left of my patrimony.

I think that will see me out with something to spare.

I want to come and live here, with you and your girls.

I confess I am too debilitated to do them much damage,

though I entertain the hope that once more before I die,

I shall be able to scale Cupid's summit.

So, you wish to...

To take meals with you all, and chat,

and be affectionate and friendly, nothing more.

- Mrs Cole? - Yes, my dear?

If conversation and company is all he wants,

I should be glad to give him his chance of happiness.

Well said, my little angel.

I thank you from the heart for your k-kind words.

- Mrs Cole? - Well, what can I say?

I believe you have charmed us, Mr Norbert.

And so Mr Norbert came to be part of our little society,

privy to all our little secrets.

I said, "Oh, sir, there's nothing to be shy about,"

and he said, "It's rather small, Harriet,"

and I said, "Oh, size don't matter, I'm sure it's a pretty one.

"Shall we get it out and have a look?"

Get it out? I was hard put to it to find it!

But there it was at last, this tiny little thing.

It was like a little wren peeping out of a bush.

"Oh, Mr Barville, what a monster!" I said.

Barville? He was at school with me. Liked to be whipped.

He still does. Esther's your girl for that.

I am, Mr Norbert.

Just say the word any time you want a little conversation with Mr Birch.

No, you're very kind, my dear,

but my constitution wouldn't withstand anything so frisky.

Simply to be here in your company,

listening to your tales, is bliss enough for me.

I'm curious to know how all you delightful creatures came to live here.

You, Louisa. By what steps did you come here?

My story's not such a happy one, sir.

I ran away from home when I was only 1 5.

Life was very hard and work was scarce.

I think I should have wasted away or gone mad.

but for Esther here who found me and brought me here to Mrs Cole.

I don't know what I've done to deserve such kindness, indeed.

There, there, now, Louisa.

And Fanny?

Oh, I came to London with a friend who cruelly deceived me

and left me to the mercy of a bawd called Mrs Brown.

I met my sweetheart at Mrs Brown's.

He took me away and we were very happy. Then his father parted us.

I don't think I shall ever be truly happy till I find him again,

but till now, this is a good a place as any.

Fanny?

So, do we have only each other for company this evening?

Yes, sir. A party of officers came in and the girls are kept very busy,

but I swore I wouldn't see you left on your own.

You're a good girl, Fanny.

And I thought that perhaps tonight you might tell me a little of your life,

without the others by to giggle and poke fun.

- No, no, Fanny, it's n-not a pretty tale. - I should like to hear it.

Were you ever in love, sir?

I was, Fanny. I believe I was.

There was a little maid on our home farm,

Annette, who took my fancy, and I took hers,

and we took each other's maidenheads.

She told me she loved me more than life itself.

And you loved her, too?

I did. I think I did.

- The...damn fool that I was. - What, sir? What happened?

I let her go.

She was lovely, I thought, but there would be many more like her.

There were not.

Did you ever see her again, sir?

Sometimes, when the lights are low, late at night, in a place such as this,

sometimes I think I have seen her, or seen her double.

Sometimes, Fanny, you remind me of my lost love.

Do I, sir?

That was why I followed you home,

and now that I've got to know you, will you let me try, Fanny?

Annette!

Annette! Oh! Oh!

There... There...

Well done, Mr Norbert.

Mr Norbert?

Oh, Lord.

Mrs Cole?

Mrs Cole! Mrs Cole!

It had all been too much for Mr Norbert.

It was a strange and eerie sensation

to be lying there with the dart of a dead man lodged inside me.

But nonetheless, I was proud to have played my part

in enabling him to die a happy man.

Whether his soul went to heaven or hell I leave to others to determine.

I was now something of a heroine at Mrs Cole's.

Here's a toast to Fanny, for conjuring a cockstand from a dying man!

To Fanny!

To Fanny!

You think yourself quite the queen of the May now, Fanny Hill.

Not at all, I assure you.

You were ever one to give yourself airs and think yourself better than the next.

Not I, Esther, truly.

I think you forget who it was that brought you to London.

Aye, and left me to the tender mercies of Mrs Brown.

You done yourself very well out of it!

I don't want to quarrel, Esther.

I am quite prepared to let bygones be bygones if you are.

I wonder if you'll say that when you've met my latest gallant, Fanny.

Why, who is he?

Wouldn't you like to know?

No, indeed, sir. How am I to choose between two such stallions?

I heard of a girl who could ride two horses at once,

but she was in a travelling fair.

Come, sirs.

It disturbed me to see my old lover again.

I didn't care to have my new territory invaded by my past.

But, when he came to me later, I was ready to do battle with him.

Well, Fanny?

- I hope I find you well. - Very well, as you see.

And anybody's, now.

Anybody I fancy,

and for a price.

- And very much sought after. - So I hear.

I wonder...

Do you still read poetry, Fanny?

There you are. I'm so sorry to have neglected you.

Thank you for looking after him, Fanny, but you need not have troubled yourself.

I wonder you were so silly as to court his anger, Fanny.

He is so generous, and such a passionate lover.

- I'm glad he pleases you, Esther. - Oh, he does.

But not, I think, as much as I please him.

Oh, I had to laugh the other night

when he was speaking of a silly little country wench he used to keep

who was so innocent she hardly knew a St George from a gamahuching.

I wonder who that could have been.

- Perhaps it was me, Esther. - D'you know, I believe it was.

Well, he's learnt his lesson now.

He tells me 50 times a day he's so much better off with me.

Does he? Well, you may tell him from his silly little country wench

I'm very happy he has found his true love, for I want none of him.

No, I shall not. I shall tell him what everybody knows,

that you can't bear to see me with him and you wish you had him back.

You're a stallion, sir, aren't you?

Unhand this lady, sir.

- Damn you, sir. I'll do no such thing. - Unhand her, I say!

- Shall we stop playing this game? - What game, sir?

You know very well what game. Trying to make each other jealous.

- ls that what we're doing? - Enough of this!

Come back to me, Fanny. I miss you.

There.

Let all be forgiven. I want you back.

I'm sorry. It's too late for that now. I'm happy where I am.

Listen to me, Fanny. I love you. I cannot live without you.

- I am begging you. - I don't want your love.

You know who I love, and I'd never love you.

I'd rather be a whore and keep my feelings to myself.

Then be damned to you!

Be damned to you for the sly, conniving, cozening, little whore that you are!

I thought you were different from the rest.

I thought to raise you from the gutters and stews and make a fine lady of you,

but I see you'd rather wallow in the filth!

Damn you, Fanny! Be damned to you and your whole rotten crew!

I'll see the whole gang of you rot in hell!

Oh!

His words had wounded me.

But I knew his wound was the greater.

Nothing he said could touch my heart.

And all his words came from jealousy and love.

Indeed, I felt sorry for him,

but not sorry enough to take him back.

I felt happy and secure at Mrs Cole's,

which had become almost a family to me.

I said to the gentlemen, "Are you interested in fancy goods?"

To which he replied, "The fancier the better!"

Ma'am, ma'am, it's the watch!

We will have entrance, by order of the justice!

This is outrageous!

By order of his worship, you're all to go before the Justice,

on account of evidence that you keep a bawdy house here

and a stable of notorious whores.

Fanny Hill, Louisa Martin, Harriet Blackstone, Esther Davis.

Bar the doors there! Come 'ere, you slut! Line 'em up!

ln truth, sir, I run a humble millinery business here.

Could we not come to some agreement?

Unhand me, sir!

And tell your men to take their filthy paws off my girls!

Take her to the magistrate, and the rest.

Get 'em out of my sight!

I have never known such rudeness in my life.

Mrs Cole had shielded me to the end, disguising my escape.

Now, indeed, I was alone.

I had nothing, and there was not a soul to help me.

Go on, get off here!

- Come here! - Let me go, sir. Let me pass.

Have a heart. I've been at sea three months and I long for company.

Damn your eyes, sir. You take me for a common street whore?

I'll take you any way you like, my dear!

I knew what it was to be a creature of the street, at everybody's mercy.

How had I come to this, who thought so highly of myself?

ln my heart I knew in essence it was no different from my gay life at Mrs Cole's.

The characters and the scenery might be different,

but I was playing the same part.

I longed to leave it all behind and find my way home.

But what was home to me now?

Help... Help me!

What is it, sir?

Footpads, robbed me. I...I can't catch my breath...

Please, Miss, I beg you...

Let me, sir.

Thank you. You're very kind.

Now, if I help you, can we get you home, sir?

It's not far.

Anthony? Polly?

- Sir? What is it? - Take my cloak, will you?

What happened to you, sir?

My dear young lady, let Polly help you tidy up a bit

and then you must take a little supper with me

and I'll send you home in my own carriage.

It was a strange thing,

but from the moment I came into Mr Goodyear's house I felt at peace.

Thank you, thank you.

I hope your family are not anxious about you being from home so late at night.

My dear girl, what is it?

I have no family, sir.

Nor any home.

My husband died, not two months back,

and being unable to pay the rent,

I was turned out of my lodging without a penny.

What a shocking thing.

Indeed, it's tantamount to driving a virtuous young widow into sin,

for how else

can a destitute young woman live these days but by selling her body?

I would never do that, sir. I would rather starve.

It pained me to tell a fib to this good old man,

but I feared that the truth might shock him,

and I would find myself back on the streets again.

Well, there are no two ways about it. One good turn deserves another.

You must stay here at my expense until you have found your feet.

And what shall I call you?

My name is Fanny, Fanny Hill.

You are very welcome, Fanny.

It didn't take long. Within two weeks, I was appointed housekeeper,

and given keys to every chest and cupboard in the house.

I could have robbed him and run off with all his riches, but he trusted me.

And I was beginning to find that virtue has its pleasures as well as vice.

There you are, sir.

Fanny?

- I was wondering, Fanny... - Yes, sir?

You have brought such light into my life.

I would be happy if you would live it out with me, only as my companion.

Thank you, sir.

And so for three months I endeavoured to deserve the love he bestowed on me.

I was proud and happy he wanted me for myself and not my body.

I had not known that since I was a little girl.

Sadly, it was not to last.

He died as he lived, peacefully and quietly.

I know he was happy and I was genuinely sorry to lose him.

He left me everything. I was now a very wealthy young woman.

I left London for the north, for my native Lancashire,

for it seemed the only place that I could belong.

I had no idea what my life would lead to,

or what would be waiting for me around the next corner.

Stop!

Stop!

Stop the carriage, I say!

Whoa, there!

Whoa, whoa!

Stop the carriage.

Hold it there, sir.

- Charles! - Fanny, my love!

If you knew how long I've been searching.

We repaired to the nearest inn and he told me his story.

I thought I'd never see you again, Fanny.

I was kidnapped by my father, press-ganged by him,

forced to work on his plantations.

I managed to get away, but we were wrecked on the Irish coast,

and I lost everything I had.

But I found you.

I found you.

You won't love me any more. You know nothing of what's happened to me.

Ssh. I do.

I've learnt a lot in looking for you.

You are not to blame.

What else were you meant to do in the circumstances?

Let's put the past behind us and marry as we once intended to.

You don't have to. I would be happy to be your mistress.

But I will only be happy if you are my wife.

Oh, Charlie!

And so we renewed our love in the most delightful way.

And there you have it.

We purchased a fine house and live very happy in it.

So far.

As to the moral of my story, must stories have morals?

It seems to me life is very complicated,

and we must all get through it the best we can.

Virtue is always preferable to vice, but we can't always choose, can we?