Original subtitles

INDISTINCT CHATTER

Oh, she's never going to retire.

We'd have to take her out and shoot her.

THEY LAUGH

Mother and her bloody determination! SHE LAUGHS

Harte Enterprises needs new leadership.

Mummy's time is over.

It's our time.

Mm-hm. Right. MAN 3: Right.

I was wondering what'll hit her hardest.

The business losses or all her children hating her.

THEY LAUGH But I suspect she'll be so busy

checking share prices, she'll barely remember any of our names!

THEY LAUGH

Hm.

This is off the record, Mr Fairley? TAPE RECORDER CLICKS OFF

I've waited years for my children to show any kind of initiative

or ambition. SHE CHUCKLES SOFTLY

A coup! I'm almost impressed.

I hope you know...

...I didn't try to entrap them.

But when I realised they were planning a takeover...

KNOCKING AT DOOR

That Tokyo report you wanted.

Oh, thank you, my love.

It's starting to stabilise, at least.

We're reassuring the markets.

Well, you've a lot on your plate, so...

Uh, Paula, this is Mr Jim Fairley.

He runs a magazine nobody's heard of.

Actually, lots of people have heard of it.

And he's the grandson of a person I once knew.

I'm the grandson of Edwin Fairley.

My granddaughter, Paula, head of operations.

Pleased to meet you.

Yes, well, thank you, Mr Fairley.

I shall make arrangements for the reopening of your magazine.

Really?

That's not why I brought you...

But... thank you.

A Fairley and journalist?

Grandy, surely you haven't given him an interview.

Of course not!

Betrayal is in his blood.

And betrayal can creep up on you.

I'll go and make sure he's escorted out of the building.

DOOR CREAKS OPEN

Mr Fairley? Mr Fairley?

Going down? Can I have a word?

Excuse me. Could you hold?

Going down.

LIFT BELL DINGS

We're in the middle of a crisis.

What the hell are you doing here?

I was listening back to an interview

and some information fell into my lap.

I'm hoping that sharing it might encourage your grandmother

to trust me.

What are you up to?

Anything I can do to get her to accept us.

Fat chance.

She hates you.

How do you feel about me?

Don't be needy.

I am needy when it comes to you.

It's pathetic.

Do you love me? Stop it.

"I love you." Say it.

I love you. You know I do.

And I will tell her. Just not today.

She's hated you for half a century.

Hating your entire family runs through her veins.

Fuck my whole family.

Fuck everything but you... Not here. ..and me.

Jim!

Go.

Everyone's running around talking about share prices.

I thought today called for biscuits.

You know, Jerry, the older I get, the fewer people I can trust.

But you're at the top of the list. HE CHUCKLES SOFTLY

In fact, at this rate,

the list may only be you and Paula.

Mrs Harte. Thanks, Gerry.

Emma! SHE LAUGHS

Emma, wait for me. Emma...

Someone will see.

Everyone's asleep.

I'll never forget this night, never. Me neither.

I have to get ready for work.

BOTH LAUGH

BRUSHING

THEY BREATHE HEAVILY

SHE MOANS

HE HUMS

BELL RINGS

SHE SIGHS

Answer that, Emma Harte.

SHE EXHALES

SHE GROANS SOFTLY

KNOCKING AT DOOR

Where have you been?

I'm so sorry. I'll clear this up.

My breakfast tray needs clearing.

Oh, of course.

Where are you going?

I thought... Have you seen my hair?

It looks...

Shall I fix the pins for you?

Do you think it needs fixing?

No, I think it looks beautiful, I just... Why aren't you tidying?

Look at this place.

My husband will be here any moment, I expect.

I went down a storm at the party, didn't I?

You were a triumph. Everyone said so.

I wonder how Adam will thank me.

Perhaps you could try on some of those dresses

you asked me to alter for you,

so you look your absolute best if...

Do you remember that clever idea you had to get me to alter them?

I could get them now, if you like?

A shilling a gown, I think you said.

Did I?

Yes, you did say that. Emma.

All of this ambition, you ought to be careful.

No man wants to be worried about a woman

with thoughts in her head.

They're much more interested in necks.

And you have the kind of neck that drives men wild.

You should show it off.

There must be some boy

that you want to make positively feral, is there?

Tell me.

The only thing I plan on making is dresses, Mrs Fairley.

Shall I fetch those?

You want to take advantage of me, do you?

You think I'm stupid. Of course not, I...

Why is my breakfast tray still here?

I'm sorry, Mrs Fairley.

He doesn't know what he's talking about.

Trust me, Father, the rumours of a strike

are nonsense. They can't afford one.

What do you think, Olivia?

Well, I, um...

We can't allow relations with the workers

to deteriorate any further.

I fear mediation may not be one of your strengths, Gerald.

You have an idea?

I wonder if maybe Edwin's sensibilities lend themselves more

to a delicate situation like this.

I don't think that Edwin's weak-minded sentimentalism

is going to help. Olivia's quite right.

As usual.

We need a different approach.

It's important that Edwin learns the ropes.

But what about finishing university?

You have the summer.

And unless I'm mistaken, Edwin,

you failed to make any plans with Sir Vikram's daughter.

Well... yes.

As Priya seems utterly uninterested in Gerald here, it falls to you.

The mill will be half yours one day, Edwin.

It's time you started... SHE GASPS

God's sake!

I'm so sorry, Squire Fairley.

What are you doing? Helping.

We're in the middle of a conversation.

Sit down!

Sorry, Master Edwin.

"Helping"!

Honestly, you're not a child any more, Edwin.

You'll head over to the mill this afternoon

and Gerald will show you the ropes. Understood?

Yes, Father. Good. Gerald?

Yes, Father.

What happened? I tripped.

In front of Squire Fairley?

It were an accident.

SHE GASPS Hey!

Oh!

You touch her again and I will string you up.

Do you hear me?

Same goes for Mary.

SHE BREATHES HEAVILY

Oh. Sorry, I'm... I'll get out of your way... No, no, no.

No, no. I don't want you out of my way.

I can't bear this. You won't even look at me.

Well, I have no right to look...

Just as I had no right to...

God, I'm so ashamed.

I'm not.

It's you I want to be with.

We can't do this to Adele.

And what about what she's doing to us?

She's unwell. Yes!

Always. Constantly.

But, for God's sake,

is it not an illness of her own making?

The doctors tell me so all the time.

I've tried.

But she is determined to live a life of misery.

And I used to think that was my only choice, too.

But last night she was...

SHE STAMMERS

Perhaps she'll be back to her old self.

She always gives me just enough, just enough for me to keep believing

that she is still the woman that I fell in love with.

And I used to think that was hope. It's not!

It's insanity!

Last night with you...

...that was hope.

Well, then, I am afraid I am as bad as my sister,

because I cannot give you what you are hoping for.

Why should all three of us be miserable?

Who does it help?

SHE EXHALES

DOOR CLOSES HE SIGHS

SHE SIGHS

Bit of a bruise coming through.

SHE INHALES SHARPLY

But anything that keeps people wary of you

must be a good thing.

I'm so sick of this. Ah, he won't touch you again.

I mean, this life!

Working like a dog and being treated worse!

How's home?

Silent.

The funeral, when is it?

Won't be a proper one.

Gave me dad what I'd saved from the sewing and that.

But it still won't get us so much as a pebble to mark where...

We'll do our own. At the Top of the World.

That was her place.

You'll get out, Emma.

You'll do whatever you like.

And make your fortune, too.

Like I will.

I saw it in you the moment I met you.

We're climbers, you and me.

And we won't give up until we reach the top.

And then when we do, we'll have earned it.

Not like them up there.

They just happened to be born in the right house.

It's not their fault they're rich

any more than it's ours for being poor.

No. Don't you go making that mistake of thinking we're all the same.

FOOTSTEPS APPROACH

Emma. Could you...?

There's a problem with the fireplaces.

Of course.

Mr O'Neill. Sir.

I'm so sorry. I...I wanted to help...

Masters of the house don't help.

Emma...

Emma!

What happened to your face?

Who hurt you?

If it's someone who works here, I'll have them punished.

What if it were Gerald?

Was it Gerald?

No.

I'm confused... Never mind!

You can't be seen favouring me,

and I can't risk getting fired over troublemaking.

I wouldn't worry about... This is not just about me!

I've a family to support and barely enough food on the table as it is!

I won't see them starve over a measly slap in the face!

Last night should never have happened!

INDISTINCT CHAT OUTSIDE

Do not put that one there...

Emma. Look, see?

Even Master Edwin can't beat me.

I'll have to try harder next time. I'm out of practice.

Build them back up again.

Like a skyscraper.

What do you know about skyscrapers?

What you doing here?

Losing at skittles, apparently.

But I hear you normally do the same.

Emma is quite good, to be fair.

Yeah. For a girl.

Oh! I think you'll find being a girl's got nowt to do with it.

I'm just good. Mm.

I let her beat me sometimes.

She gets in a right mood if I don't.

Oh-ho-ho-ho!

Luck. That was luck. Let's be honest.

DOOR OPENS

DOOR CLOSES

Oh, no. What's happened to that mirror?

Got tired of looking at me, I expect.

Oh, don't say things like that.

Your mind will believe it.

DRAWER OPENS

Last night went rather well, don't you think?

Adam was delighted. Did you see?

Yeah.

When I got the Chandras up to dance

I turned the whole thing around.

OLIVIA SIGHS

And now that I'm better, you can finally go home, can't you?

Oh, you're perfectly well now, are you? All fixed?

Why don't you join us at breakfast, then?

I don't eat breakfast.

I see what it does to your hips.

Ow!

Just a joke, darling. Right.

I do understand why you stayed so long, Olivia.

It must be desperately lonely

in that empty grey house of yours.

And here, you have a ready-made family to play with.

But it's not real, darling.

You know that, don't you? That's not why I'm here.

It's too late for children, of course, but...

...there are plenty of men...

Stop it! What?

You don't look THAT old.

Not like me.

I'm ravaged.

You know you're beautiful.

Yes.

But... not irresistible.

Do you know, men never used to be able

to control themselves around me.

Adam wanted me every minute.

His hands were never off me.

You know, you're lucky, Olivia.

Your worth has never been determined

by a man's desire for you.

Your main thing is your mind. Always has been.

Not like me. I've lost mine. But yours is intact.

You should rest.

I know how much Adam values your mind.

I can tell by the way he looks at you.

I'll send someone up about the mirror.

FOOTSTEPS APPROACH

What's wrong?

I've spent my whole life applauding my sister

and taking care of her...

...putting her needs before mine.

And she's never once thanked me

or even noticed.

I'm not... conceited enough or grand enough

to think that I deserve happiness.

Certainly not like this.

But I would... like to know...

...how happiness feels.

What are you saying?

Kiss me.

Kiss me again.

Mm!

OLIVIA GASPS

THEY PANT

SHE CHUCKLES SOFTLY

HE GRUNTS

Am I...? Yes.

Is this...?

Uh...

It's not...?

Uh...

THEY GRUNT Oh...!

Sorry, I, uh... No, it's fine. It's fine.

I-I...I'm sorry, I was...

We're rushing into things and it's not what you deserve.

This isn't some sordid affair, this is, uh...

HE BREATHES UNSTEADILY

We should take our time.

You're right.

Yes. Do you need me to...?

Oh.

Oh, yes.

Oh, Madame Butterfly!

The opera? Yes, it's playing in Leeds.

We should go. You and I. Tomorrow. HE BREATHES UNSTEADILY

You love the theatre, don't you?

Yes. Um, but...

Do you have plans?

No, of course not.

It's settled, then. Theatre.

Well, I have... some work to do tonight.

And I...shall see you for breakfast. Right.

DOOR OPENS, CLOSES

HE SIGHS

FOOTSTEPS ON STAIRS

DOOR OPENS

DOOR CLOSES

What are you two playing at?

I know you're stalling cos you think I'm gonna win.

BOTH CHUCKLE

Hurry up.

It's not staying.

Master Edwin, in't it?

That's right. Mr Harte.

Good to meet you.

Aye. What you doing here?

Losing at skittles.

He was just passing.

I came to speak to you, actually, Mr Harte.

Oh, aye? What can I do for you?

I'm looking to fill a position at the mill.

Well, I got no experience in operating that kind of machinery.

It's a new role I'm creating.

More supervisory.

A sort of bridge between the management and the workforce.

There have been escalating tensions recently

and I need someone who's well-respected in the community

to mediate and rally the troops,

so to speak.

So I asked around. Your name kept coming up.

I got no experience in that kind of thing, either, so...

Well, how much does it pay?

Frank! What?

We could offer 40 shillings a week.

Per week?!

40, you say?

Well, it's, er...

...aye, well, a man can't say "no" to that, can he?

Thank you. Thank you, sir. Very generous.

It's you doing me the favour. EDWIN CHUCKLES

So, if you come by the mill tomorrow, we'll talk terms.

Aye, I'll be there. Excellent.

Well, I'll leave you all to your evening.

What was that all about?

I have no idea.

Emma, what have you been saying in that house?

That I can't take care of this family?

No. Dad, you don't have to do it. I know you'll hate it.

I can't turn down that wage.

It's done now.

Leave it, Emma.

Right.

Are we ready to say goodbye to your mam?

Where'd you find that?

In Mam's box under the bed.

I know it must have cost you a lot,

but she kept it so special. Thought she'd want it.

It's nowt to do with me.

Didn't know she still had it.

Then who gave it to her? Don't bring it.

Come on, Frank.

OK, but... Emma. Just leave it. Please.

What's that, then?

Who did this?

I think my friend.

It must have been Mac.

SHE SNIFFS

SHE EXHALES

HE EXHALES

She loved it up here.

Thanks, love.

Hey. Here you go.

I wrote something down that I wanted to...

...wanted to say to her.

I put it in my...

It was in 'ere.

It was here.

I thought of some things to say to her.

Some words and that.

And, um... I can't... I can't find 'em.

It's all right.

I've left 'em.

I wanted to tell Mum...

...I wanted to tell her that I love her.

She knows.

She knows.

FRANK SNIFFS

It's all right, son.

SHE SIGHS

MACHINERY RATTLES

DISTANT LAUGHTER, CHATTER

Oh, look.

See you tonight, lad, yeah?

See ya.

WHISTLE BLOWS

Thank you, Emma.

I know it's very short notice.

I were nearly done with them anyway.

"Was."

I "was" nearly done.

Or "finished", you could say.

I was nearly finished. Thank you, miss.

You're really talented, Emma.

You know? You must keep at this.

You could really make something of yourself.

I were thinking, miss... Mm?

...these uniforms, they look nice and all,

but it'd make working in them easier if there were pockets

and more room in the skirt.

If I had cloth, I could make new ones

for cheaper than you usually pay.

Three shillings per uniform? Half upfront?

Yes, it's a good idea.

You could use offcuts from the mill.

Oh...! I don't remember this one.

Oh, I'm ever so sorry. That belongs to Mrs Fairley.

I've been doing some sewing for her, too.

Oh. Right. Yes.

No, that is much more her.

It would fit you, though. I can make sure of it.

I could do it now, for my usual rate. I work fast.

Oh, no.

I think you'd look lovely in it, miss.

It's just the sort of thing people wear to operas...

...I would think, anyway.

SHE CHUCKLES

I shouldn't.

Mrs Fairley won't miss it.

She's so many.

Why not try it on?

SHE CHUCKLES

What's that?

One of the girl's?

Oh, yes.

I borrowed it. Do you like it?

It's... not very you.

Well, I could change.

No time now.

It'll do.

Shall we?

HORSE WHINNIES

SHE BREATHES HEAVILY

I should have asked you before offering your father that job.

I'm an insensitive idiot.

Are we just saying things that are obvious?

I'm so sorry. It was never meant to feel like charity.

He'll hate it.

Being outside in the sun, the wind, the rain -

that's what keeps him sane. That's what me mam used to say.

I got overexcited.

Which... can happen when you're an idiot.

Emma, I know I've had it easier than most,

but... my life's not perfect.

Why? Has Daddy given you a mill that you don't want?

My dad can't pay for a proper funeral for me mam.

So stop distracting me with flights of fancy

about a life I can never have

and let me work for one that's actually in reach!

Our future IS in reach, Emma.

It's all I think about.

I wish I could have walked in

and asked your father for your hand.

One day I will.

I promise you, Emma.

It will happen.

Till then, this was all I could think of to help.

But if you want me to say the job's not there any more...

No.

VOICES MURMUR

I won't break my promise to me mam.

I have to stick to the plan and keep me hours up,

and the sewing. Which doesn't leave much time for us.

I'll take any second I can get.

FOOTSTEPS APPROACH

Ah.

Master Edwin.

Just checking all's in order here.

Yeah. Seems to be. Good.

Good.

Mrs Fairley's calling for you.

You're in demand...

...aren't you?

FOOTSTEPS FADE

You know, I am feeling much better.

Glad to hear it, Mrs Fairley.

I think I will try on those dresses you've been tailoring for me.

Yes, of course. I'm still working my way through,

but I'll fetch a few.

There's a red one.

Satin. Low at the neck.

Adam loves me in it.

That one's not quite finished yet.

Perfect time to try it on, then.

There's pins all over it. I don't care.

That's the one I want.

Is there any reason, Emma, I can't have what I want?

Good.

Then I'll wait here until you bring it.

I'm gonna get fired! I will!

I won't let that happen.

I'll speak to my mother, explain... How?

How are you going to explain why you even care?

HORSE WHINNIES

It's them! Back early!

Oh, thank God!

It's a miracle!

HORSE WHINNIES

Have I done something wrong?

Not unless you gave me this headache.

I know it's not that.

Why am I here?

You said you wanted to turn back, so...

No.

Oh, God, this is so humiliating.

What is?

I'll leave. I'll go back home. I've outstayed my welcome.

But I need you.

What part of me exactly do you so badly need?

Every part.

You don't desire me.

Of course I... Olivia, you are beautiful...

Why am I here?

My sister doesn't want me here.

You claim you wish I was your wife, but I'm not.

Who am I? I'm not even your mistress.

I'm nothing but an embarrassment!

That is not true. Don't follow me!

Miss Wainwright... I'm ever so sorry,

but Mrs Fairley has asked for the dress. That dress.

I didn't know what to say,

but I've already kept her waiting

and I'm afraid she'll find... Yes, she can have it.

Really? Oh, thank you so much.

It's hers.

It's all hers.

Thank you so much, Miss Wainwright.

Adele! What are you doing to my life?!

FOOTSTEPS APPROACH

HE SIGHS

Do you know that you are my greatest aggravation?

The source of all my misery?

Why, Squire Fairley, you flatter me!

You've quite literally trapped me in this limbo of a marriage.

How dare you!

You and I were either heaven or hell.

We are never so tedious as to be in-between.

This isn't a game, Adele. This is my life.

And you're stopping me from living it!

You may have confined yourself to these four walls

but I'm the one you're keeping in a prison.

I don't have a wife! And yet I am not free to find one!

Even if I wanted to, even if there was someone,

anyone who would be good for me!

Adam...

...you don't want good.

Who wants good?

Neither of us.

Ah... We've always wanted bad.

I can see what you want, Adam.

Adele... Adele...

HE GASPS

I can feel it.

You want wicked, Adam.

You want desperate.

HE GASPS

You want white-hot heat and to be all over me.

Every part of me.

Inside and out.

That's what you always want.

I'm the only one who makes your skin

feel like fire, Adam, aren't I?

I know you.

I'm inside you.

ADELE GASPS

OLIVIA SOBS

Not now, Emma.

OLIVIA BREATHES HEAVILY

Oh...

Oh!

Ah!

You must see it now...

...don't you?

How much I need you?

Yes.

Yes.

SHE MOANS

Ever so sorry for keeping you waiting, Mrs Fairley.

Had a few bits to finish off

but hopefully it's worth the wait.

I think I need to see it on.

Of course, yeah. I'll help you.

No, not on me.

On you.

I'm not sure how that... Indulge me.

Well, take off what you're wearing.

Now, Emma.

I need to speak to the boys.

Not about...?

No, no. Just some mill business.

Do you need me?

I do. Very much so.

But not right now.

You... rest.

Right.

SHE SIGHS CONTENTEDLY

If you want anything changing, I can do it tonight.

Mm.

I do think you'd have a better idea

if you tried it on yourself, though.

My decanter needs filling.

Be a darling and run downstairs.

Yes, of course.

No, no. No.

Leave that on.

I can't go downstairs wearing this.

Why? It wouldn't be appropriate.

But it suits you.

Mrs Fairley, I'm supposed to be working.

Which is exactly why

I asked you to get me a drink.

It'll take me ten seconds... My decanter needs filling.

Now.

Right away, Mrs Fairley.

DOOR CLOSES

Who's that out there?

It's Emma, sir.

Come in, please. Our drinks need refreshing.

I'll be there in a moment, sir.

I'm fetching something for Mrs Fairley.

Mrs Fairley can wait!

Get in here!

Now!

How can we be sure this supervisor

won't galvanise the men further?

Gerald?

Hm?

HE LAUGHS

What the hell are you wearing?

I'm so sorry, sir.

Have you stolen that?

No! Mrs Fairley insisted.

Take it off.

Who do you think you are?

Hm?

I think I'm no-one, sir.

I'm sorry. SHE SOBS

That was uncalled for.

Completely unacceptable.

I meant you, Father.

There's no need to speak to Emma or any of the staff like that.

Especially when it's clearly one of Mother's little games!

Edwin...

...I can speak to her however I want.

I pay her.

Barely!

I just think...

Did I ask you to think?!

It would appear Emma Harte is not the only one

who has forgotten her place in this house.

Sorry, Father.

Sir Vikram offered that you visit them in London.

Your spending more time with Sir Vikram's daughter

could prove most beneficial for both families.

You should leave first thing.

I'll send a telegram ahead to let them know that you're coming.

I'm sure Priya will want to pick out her best dress.

EMMA YELLS

EMMA YELLS

They're sacking me, aren't they?

He's sending me to London.

I couldn't leave without saying goodbye.

How long will you be gone for?

There may be a wedding on the cards.

SHE YELLS

You know you're the only one of the family I trust?

Dad! What's wrong?

I don't want you to respect me.

Those people are never going to see you

as anything more than a maid.

Come with me. Why not?