Original subtitles

I'm delighted to announce the engagement

of Lady Adella Fitzherbert to Lord Hugo Arthur Bathurst.

I need to tell you something. Don't think me and you can go any further.

I want them stored safely for the duration.

The duration of what, Mrs Dryden? The Hardacres.

You could cut ten men. And if I don't?

Then we'll vote to remove you.

We strike. Strike! Strike!

Use these as a helping hand. Cure for stoutness.

She collapsed outside. Liza?

I just wanna go back to our old lives. We're Hardacres.

We never, ever give up. We fight.

Liza? Sweetheart?

How you feeling, love?

I've got a headache. Go away.

She's upset, and she's embarrassed.

It might be easier if she wasn't outnumbered.

I wanna help. I know, I know you do.

But I think this one has to be me.

If you're sure.

There are some things I need to organise,

but I need you all down at the docks at four o'clock.

Are you gonna tell me what this big idea is?

HE CHUCKLES

Let's see if I can pull it off first.

I'll be in the study if you need me.

SHE SNORES

Morning! STARTLED SNORE

Oh. Oh. Oh, morning.

Oh. Crikey, how long have you been up?

A little while. Someone woke me with their snoring.

Hm. HE CLEARS THROAT

Maybes we could, you know, see-see one another again,

do things properly?

I-I-I don't even know your real name.

I have to get back. I have to see how Liza is.

Erm... I made us some breakfast. Maybe next time, eh?

Yeah, well, erm... SHE CLEARS THROAT

It was nice, erm...

...seeing you, but, erm,

I'm not really a breakfast or... next time kind of woman.

Wha... ?

Oh, Liza, let me look at you.

No. Why not?

Cos I'm a big, fat, ugly idiot.

Hey. You're none of those things.

You're perfect, and I wouldn't change a hair on your head.

That's not true.

You've been saying for ages I should be more ladylike.

More like Adella. Is that why you took those pills?

Cos of me?

Hugo Bathurst said I were a greedy mule.

What? If I'd have known that, I'd have punched him myself.

You shouldn't care what some silly toff thinks.

You do, Mum.

You care what Lady Emma and all the circle think.

And anyway, Hugo's right. I don't want to be like this.

Like what? Like I am.

What about if I only take one a day? Liza, you collapsed.

You don't need to take pills.

You don't need to do anything. You don't need to change.

I only got sick because I took too many.

Adella takes one a day, and she's fine.

Is that where you got them from? Adella?

Emma gives them to her.

Are you able to get up? Get dressed?

Right, get ready, and then you're coming with me.

Beesley? Beesley. Carriage, please.

CLICKS FINGERS Wilson? Carriage.

Er, where have you been? I went for a walk.

Ah, there's my girl.

How are you feeling? Can you wait outside for me, please?

PILLS RATTLE

These. These came from Lady Fitzherbert.

PAPERS THUD I've had enough of this woman.

I'll need my coat, Beesley.

Liza is ashamed of the way that she is, who she is.

Now, the pills may have come from Emma,

but that came from me.

I'm the one that fell for her nonsense,

so I'm the one that's gonna set things right.

Well, I'm not missing that.

Ma'am, please. No, please... Out of my way.

You're not... Sorry, milady, I couldn't stop them.

What on earth? Ladies, what a pleasant surprise.

May we offer you some refreshments?

We won't be stopping. Yours, I believe.

They made my daughter sick.

MOUTHS Well, I'm sorry to hear that.

But I don't see what that's got to do with me.

Well, she wouldn't have had them in the first place if not for you.

You put our Liza in danger.

Danger? Well, she looks fine to me.

And, I must say, a little daintier too, dear.

Oh, just say the word, Mary.

I used to think that you were better than me.

EMMA CHUCKLES

All cos you knew how to dress nice, speak proper.

Cos you grew up in fancy rooms like this.

You know where I grew up?

Not really. The workhouse...

...where you and your ladies say is full of the lazy and undeserving.

Well, that explains a lot.

And I put up with your insults.

All cos I thought that my past was something to be ashamed of.

But it's not. No.

I'm proud of where I came from, who I am.

And I'm proud of the woman who raised me.

And I'm proud of the daughter I raised too.

She's strong, smart, and independent.

And I'm gonna make sure she knows

she can be whatever kind of woman she wants to be.

She can live whatever life she chooses.

Cos she's worth more than being auctioned off

as a brood mare to some chinless wonder.

And so are you, sweetheart. So much more.

Enough! Do something, George!

Maybe we should all just take a moment...

You are a nasty piece of work, Lady Emma!

You're twisted, you're cold,

oh, and you're vicious.

And everyone can see it. MARY EXHALES SHARPLY

As clear as they can see the misery and the loneliness inside of you.

And I wouldn't swap a second of my life for yours.

We're done here. Let's go.

GULLS SQUAWKING, CROWD CHATTERING

What's your father up to this time? Don't ask me.

Haven't a bloody clue. Miss Liza?

I hope you're feeling better. I am.

Mr Saunders... You can... Callum.

Callum, after that stupid Fitzherbert party,

you were so kind to me, and I was a bit of an arse in return.

I'm sorry. Oh, it was nothing.

Don't give it another thought.

Thank you.

You cunning bugger. Now this, this is clever, Sam.

You gave me the idea. Mm.

I knew you'd come good, Sam Hardacre.

I can't wait to see the board's faces.

Well, you won't have to. I've invited them here for a re-vote.

Let's get this pointless charade over with, Hardacre.

We'll be holding the vote out here.

What? Well, there isn't room inside.

I'd like you to meet our new shareholders.

I divided my interests in the business

equally amongst the workers.

Every soul who toils on this dock now owns a piece of it,

every man and woman a share of the profits.

And the decisions. Yeah.

Remind me, Mr Hugill... it's one shareholder, one vote, yes?

What, even the women?

Especially the women, you big balloon!

THEY LAUGH

All those in favour of a shorter working week...

and no lay-offs... say aye!

Aye! CHEERING

GLASS CLINKING Aye, come on, then.

Let's get inside. DOG BARKS

CHATTERING

Listen up, everybody! CHATTERING STOPS

To us! CHEERING AND LAUGHTER

And... to the return of Fred,

a much better gaffer than Joe bloody Hardacre!

CHEERING

Betsy.

Oh, don't be wasting your tears.

I know it hurts now, but one day,

you'll see that boy's trouble, and you're better off without him.

It's not that easy.

Oh, Mum. Oh!

SHE CRIES

BANGING ON DOOR Mary!

Mary!

BANGING CONTINUES Mary!

I need to see Mary. Mrs Hardacre is sleeping...

Mary! Please, Mum, stop!

What's wrong? I'm terribly sorry, ma'am.

There he is. I ought to wring your bloody neck!

What is going on? Betsy's pregnant.

And guess who's responsible?

Oh, Betsy.

Jesus. You told me you were just friends.

It was a mistake. A mistake?

WOMEN GASP

Like lying to me about Fred was a mistake?

Dad, listen to me, please!

These are decisions that you made to serve yourself!

I'm sorry. Sorry's not good enough this time.

JOE GROANS

We'll fix this. You have my word, Lena.

You'd better. Come on.

HE SNIFFS

You'll marry her.

Bed.

You heard your mother. You'll marry that girl.

HE CRIES

GULLS SQUAWKING, DOG BARKS

I've a feeling it's going to rain.

You dared to show your face, then? Can I talk to Betsy?

Depends... on what you've got to say for yourself.

Let him talk, Mum.

I want us to get married.

We can live in a cottage on the estate,

and I'll provide for you and the baby.

Come up to the house tomorrow.

Mama?

May I speak with you?

Can it wait till morning?

I've invitations to write, and a headache.

Please, Mama.

I don't want to marry Hugo.

This is that Hardacre woman putting nonsense into your head.

It's not just about what she said.

Hugo doesn't love me, and I don't love him.

What has that got to do with anything?

When I first came here,

I found an estate... half the size I was promised

and riddled with debt.

My dowry the only thing to keep it afloat.

I know. You've told me the story. I'm sorry...

You should be grateful that you have me to protect you.

I put all my time and effort into arranging a match

far better than my parents ever did for me.

I am grateful, I just... Then we put this down to nerves.

And have no more talk of these childish emotions.

Now go to bed.

EXHALES SHARPLY

BIRDSONG

No. Light fingers, girl, light.

You want to buff the lacquer to a sheen,

not remove it completely.

Er... Go and help Mrs Henderson.

We both never wanted them to be parents at their age, did we?

What I don't want is Betsy and my grandchild

hidden away like some dirty secret.

Lena... we're both gonna be grandmothers to this little baby.

And you honestly think I'm gonna let that happen?

The old Mary, never, but this new one,

won't she be more concerned what her new, rich friends think?

I won't have my daughter made to feel ashamed.

I will never let that happen. I won't.

I love Betsy like she's one of my own,

and I will protect her and that baby with everything I have.

Do you hear?

Now, I know it doesn't look like much,

but I am gonna fix it up.

Come on, show you inside.

You can decorate it however you want.

Is this what YOU want?

I wanna take care of you and the baby.

But do you love me? Aye, course.

Are you interested at all in whether I love you?

Because you've never asked.

Let's just get on with it.

Morning. Morning.

Where are you off to? I need to send a telegram.

Look... I'm a straightforward bloke.

I say what I think, and I don't muck about.

Well, we haven't really got time at our age, have we?

I'm really fond of you. Fond of me?

You don't know anything about me.

Well... I know you make me laugh.

I-I-I know you're someone I'd like to spend more time with,

you know, get to know better.

SHE SCOFFS Honestly.

One brief dalliance, and it's all flowers,

and breakfasts, and wanting to get to know me?

Fine. Er... I'll leave you be.

Let's start with the basics, shall we?

You'll need a bed... a cradle... curtains...

I think we ought to have tea.

Perhaps you could go downstairs and ask Maggie?

Yeah. Yeah, of course.

DOOR OPENS

DOOR CLOSES, SHE WEEPS

I'm sorry.

Best to let it out.

I know he's trying... but only cos he has to.

He says he loves me, but he doesn't. Not really.

That's not what matters.

Love... might come... between you and Joe Hardacre.

It might not.

But there will be love...

...because you... will love your precious little baby.

You can't imagine how much.

What matters is that you get to stay together,

to be their mother.

That is all that matters.

Mary Hardacre may be many things...

but she understands what it is to be a mother.

She will keep you both safe... and together.

You will get through this.

But you must be brave.

Thank you.

Right.

Where were we?

Curtains.

Mm.

GEORGE GRUNTS

Well, now, isn't this pleasant, hm? HE CHUCKLES

A lovely... family evening.

GEORGE CHUCKLES, CLEARS THROAT

Perhaps we can converse? About what?

Just, maybe, how our days were?

CLOCK TICKING

Yes.

I heard from Sam Hardacre...

We are to have nothing more to do with that family.

Well, your wish has been granted.

He won't be investing in the vineyard.

I told you it was an idiotic plan.

Would you mind, old chap? M'lord. Yes.

GEORGE EXHALES HEAVILY

The thing is no Hardacre investment means no vineyard.

And without that,

though we can just about afford Adella's wedding,

the dowry is beyond us.

I'm sorry, darling. I tried. Oh, Papa.

My poor, poor Papa.

Oh. Maybe it's for the best.

I can't possibly marry Hugo... Leave us, Adella.

The date is set, the notices are published.

To cancel now would be social ruin.

But what about afterwards? A dowry will be expected, Emma.

Adella will simply need to produce an heir as soon as possible.

Hugo won't be the first to discover

that promises made before a wedding are not always kept.

You destroyed every dream I ever had.

You will not take Adella's match away from me too.

She will have a proper station in this world

if it's the last thing I do.

Raise a glass to Joe and Betsy.

Joe and Betsy! Welcome to the family.

Right, I would like to raise a glass to our Mary.

Oh! For sticking up to Lady Sour-Face up the road.

Hear, hear. That's the last time she messes with us.

Aye.

Right, that's enough of the speeches.

Go on, Ma, give us one of your songs.

Oh, go on, then. LAUGHTER

MA RUBS HANDS TOGETHER Right.

CLEARS THROAT

♪ Last week, up my alley came a toff

♪ Right old geezer With a nasty cough

♪ Sees me And he takes his topper off

♪ In a very gentlemanly... ♪

Whay! Who said you could have a party without me?

Harry! SHE GASPS

Why aren't you at school? Come here.

Oh. Welcome home, son.

Ma sent me a telegram. Oh, of course she did.

"There's to be a baby and a wedding, stop.

"Not necessarily in that order, stop.

"Come home, stop."

What? You could've put it a bit more delicately.

Now, I don't think it's you that's pregnant, Ma?

LAUGHTER

So is anyone gonna tell me what I've missed?

Blimey.

I leave you for half a term, and look what happens.

THEY LAUGH Never a dull moment.

How are you doing at school? It's brilliant.

And how are your lessons? Are you keeping up with the rest of them?

Top of English and arithmetic.

That's our Harry. Mm-hm.

What are the other lads like? Have you made any friends?

Oh, loads. We have a right laugh.

I'm proud of you, son. We all are.

Cheers.

Mm. I'll say this for the Hardacres.

All them years I worked for the Cavendishes,

they never sent so much as a brandy below stairs, let alone champagne.

And they'd have had Betsy Temple sent away as soon as look at her.

Well, it goes to show class can be as much about how people behave

as it is what they're born with.

CLOCK CHIMES

KNOCKING

I need your help.

I don't understand.

I thought you said the Hardacres couldn't be trusted with all this.

All you need to understand is that I want it all putting back.

You do the silver in the upstairs cabinet,

and I'll do the china.

And be careful.

SHE CHUCKLES

POT CLATTERS

Aye, aye.

'I caught the girl red-handed, stealing on your orders, no doubt.'

She wasn't stealing. I was putting them back.

You're nothing but a common thief. I was keeping them safe.

Keeping them safe from what?

Oh. From us.

It's OUR stuff.

We bought this house as a job lot -

fixtures, fittings and any old junk that goes with it.

It is not any old junk!

The contents of this house are precious, collected

and loved over generations.

They are to be appreciated, not... Not what?

Not wasted on the likes of us?

SHE EXHALES Right.

It's clear your position here's become untenable...

and I think a month's severance is more than fair.

I'll be gone first thing.

SHE SIGHS

Adella? Shhh!

What are you doing out here alone? I have a secret to tell you.

I'm running away...

..to America.

There's a ship from Liverpool to New York next week.

A lady can't just run off to America unaccompanied.

What if I wasn't unaccompanied?

I can't. You can.

No, you don't understand.

I'm engaged... to Betsy Temple.

SHE SCOFFS

That mouse from the docks?

Does she make you feel... like I do?

A person can be whoever they want in America.

We could be the toast of New York City...

...free from the rules of our parents.

You and me.

I could make you so happy. SHE BREATHES HEAVILY

I can't.

I owe it to Betsy... and to me mum and dad.

The wedding's on Thursday. Why so fast?

I see. And do you love this Betsy Temple?

I've seen what marriage without love does to people.

I'll be at the walled garden... on Wednesday night.

I'll wait for you until midnight.

Ma, are you bringing a guest tomorrow?

I was gonna invite Chinny and Billy Three-Fingers.

They love a good do. No, you'll do no such thing.

You see, I was thinking of a certain groundskeeper

I saw you talking to the other day.

I don't know what you're insinuating...

but he owed me money from poker.

Oh, is that what it's about? Right.

I mean, I should've known better.

A fine figure of a man like Victor

would never go for a mad baggage like you.

Well...

...we had a brief dalliance, if you must know. Oh.

And he was very keen.

A bit too keen for my liking.

Ma, you really can be a stubborn old woman sometimes.

MA SIGHS Do you know that?

You shouldn't be too proud to accept

a bit of love... a bit of companionship.

Ah, men are more trouble than they're worth.

Oh.

Crikey.

I thought it would be small, given the circumstances.

Well, we're delighted at Betsy joining our family,

and we wanted to show that.

What do you think, love?

It's like a fairy tale. CHUCKLING

Well, the vicar's waiting for us at the church,

so let's get this rehearsal done

so we know what we're doing come morning, yeah?

BELLS RING

Tomorrow, we will gather here

for the joining of two people in holy matrimony.

Love is the greatest gift that life can give us.

We must open our hearts and feel worthy

to love and be loved.

And marriage...

...is a sacred institution...

...a promise to love one another for the rest of your lives...

...forever and ever, till death do you part...

VOICE ECHOES

I know this isn't what you would've chosen...

...but that baby's coming,

and it'll change everything for the good.

You promise? Oh, Betsy.

What you've got to come, oh, I've never felt love like it.

I love them that much, I used to bite their little bottoms.

Mrs Dryden said you understood what it was to be a mother.

Mrs Dryden? I shouldn't say, but...

...I think maybe she were once in trouble herself.

She said I were lucky...

...cos you'd keep me and the baby together.

And I will. I will, sweetheart.

Come here.

Right, I like to drink,

I like to curse, I like a flutter on the dogs,

and I'm very happy with myself exactly the way I am.

So if anything were to happen between us - IF -

I won't be changing a thing.

Right. Right, so, would you like to come to a wedding?

HUBBUB

BABY CRIES Oh, sorry.

Mrs Hardacre. I brought you a reference.

It speaks of your dedication and tireless service.

It doesn't mention... the other situation.

Thank you.

I also didn't mention the kindness that you showed Betsy...

...but I wanted to thank you in person for that.

The girl is all right?

You know, I could really use a good housekeeper

to oversee the wedding tomorrow.

But if you want to use that to find other work elsewhere,

I do understand.

You couldn't sleep, eh?

I thought I'd take myself out on a walk, tire myself out.

Nerves? Aye.

I was terrified...

...the night before my wedding.

But you knew... you and mum loved each other?

I thought I did.

Looking back, I'm not even sure I knew what it meant then.

Me and your mum,

we were little more than kids when we got married.

It was a leap of faith.

But you'd do it all again? Ah, Joe.

I'd crawl on broken glass to do it again.

I know your head's been turned by this Fitzherbert girl...

...and all of this.

But the key to a happy life

isn't people you have to pretend to be something else for.

It's them who see you as you are and love you anyway.

Betsy knows you, son.

And you'll see this is just the start.

And one day, you'll be telling your son the same thing.

Don't wander too late.

I can't believe you're getting married.

I can't believe I'm gonna be living with a boy. Eurgh.

Well, at least you don't need to be nervous about the wedding night.

LIZA CHUCKLES

I'm sorry I've been such a rubbish friend to you, Betsy.

I should've been there for you to talk to.

I could say the same to you.

But we're both here now.

KNOCKING

Joe?

Go away. It's bad luck for you to see her before the wedding.

It's all right.

What's wrong?

You asked me if I cared whether you love me.

I do.

You're right. I pretend to be someone I'm not...

...because I'm scared that no-one will love me

for the way I really am.

Oh, Joe.

I know I've given you a hundred reasons not to,

but I wanna be good enough for you to love.

You and the baby. You really want to try?

I want us to be happy, Betsy.

And I'll work so hard to make that happen...

...if you'll let me.

HE EXHALES

SHE SIGHS

No, no, this simply won't do.

I don't like this neckline...

...and it needs to be tighter in the waist.

Of course, milady. Stand up straight, Adella!

For heaven's sake, how can the girl measure you with you slouching?

ADELLA SCREAMS Stop it!

What on earth do you think you're doing?

Leave us. Yes, milady.

Well, it all sounds very lively in here.

Are we having a nice time? I don't want this.

That is Chinese silk! It's not the wretched silk.

I don't want any of it.

Not Hugo, not this stupid wedding, not a loveless marriage.

Stop this nonsense.

I don't want to end up like you.

You don't have to marry him.

Have you lost your mind? I may never have been more sane.

Oh, I know there's no hope for us but maybe there's some for Adella.

Don't do this to me. She is my daughter!

I love her!

And I will not fail her any more.

I'll take social ruin

before I condemn her to the same unhappiness

we have wasted our lives enduring.

You don't want this marriage? No.

Then there will be no wedding.

SHE EXHALES

HORSE CHUFFS

I need the sorrel, girl. I'm looking!

Are we on course for the wedding breakfast?

It's so beautiful. Er, you'll be changing, I hope.

I most certainly will not.

MARY SIGHS And just so you know,

I'll be bringing a gentleman friend to the ceremony. Oh.

May you have a wonderful day. What the...?

Thank you, Mrs Dryden, and welcome back.

What's all this? It's something of a hobby.

I thought a photograph would be a nice memento of the day.

That's a crackin' idea.

You'd better get down to the church before Betsy comes down.

Harry, have you got the rings?

Harry?

Very funny. I'm serious.

Harry, you had one bloody job. They've got to be here somewhere.

Oh, no, no, no, no! Joe can't be seeing Betsy.

We don't need any more bad luck. Harry's lost the rings.

You boys should be at the church already.

Oh, hang on, I found 'em. MA CHUCKLES

Harry! Lucky for you.

It's, er, a little unconventional,

but shall we have a picture now, given we're all here?

Aye, we've never been ones for convention, anyway.

You ready? I am. Are you?

Yes.

Weddings. What a bloody fuss, eh?

Oh, I know. It's nice for Betsy, but you won't catch me doing it.

Sorry, Liza, if you could just move slightly to the... Yeah.

Beautiful.

We'll see about that.

Herring on three.

One, two, three!

Herring! POP

Right, come on.

And then they all lived happily ever after. Mm.

Well, it's certainly looking that way.

Let's go.

Come here.

Ooh.