Original subtitles

I'm Arthur Lewis, and I suspect you must be Master Hardacre.

The sooner you accept that this is MY classroom,

the quicker you may actually learn something.

Please give it a chance. Don't leave.

Did Liza not deceive you about her true intentions?

Is that how a real friend behaves?

Why are you asking your grandmother about Captain Blackwood?

I need you to consider other ideas.

If we don't make a profit, how can we help?

No more Mrs Harris. I'm gonna be a teacher.

Are you all right? I don't...

GASPS Sam!

HEAVY BREATHING

COUGHING

104. The fever's still on the rise.

I tried everything to get it down, but he won't even take water.

Yes, well, that's to be expected at this stage.

Stage? Stage of what?

SAM COUGHS

I'm sorry to say it, Mrs Hardacre,

but I'm fairly sure it's Russian flu.

What?

The next few days will be crucial as the fever reaches its peak.

If he develops pneumonia, he may start to cough up blood.

You have to keep his temperature down. Give him plenty of fluids.

And, Mrs Hardacre, it's highly contagious.

Potentially fatal.

If anybody doesn't need to be here, get them out.

Look sharp. That's right. Pack your bags and go.

Do I have to go? Those were the doctor's orders.

Have a heart, Mrs Dryden. I don't want to stay with my mam.

I know, but this is for your own protection. Now go and pack.

We've got to go. Doctor's orders.

Come along.

Quickly.

What is this?

I knew you'd be busy supervising the evacuation,

so I asked Smith to attend to your personal effects.

I shall not desert my post.

The captain goes down with his ship.

Only if it is sinking.

Until then, you must be protected. Mrs Hardacre insisted.

Well, I shall speak to her myself. She won't see you.

She must. I'm the head of her staff.

Infirmaries need housekeepers, not butlers.

Besides...

...you have a family.

Your dad is very poorly. He needs complete rest and quiet.

I know you've sent all the servants away,

but we can still see him, though, can't we?

No, not yet, love.

Dr Mason says there's a risk it might be catching.

What were his diagnosis, exactly?

Exhaustion.

A little bit of fever. What sort of fever?

Well, he hasn't done his full examination yet, but whatever it is,

we don't want it spreading.

So for now, I just want everyone to stay at home

just to be on the safe side.

So, who's gonna look after Dad? Me.

I mean, I can manage with Mrs Dryden.

Mrs Dryden? Yes. She has experience.

She nursed Sir William in his final illness.

Well, no wonder he dropped dead. Ma...

Well, who would you rather be stuck in a sick room with, her or me?

I want to be there with someone who don't argue all t'time.

I do not argue all the time.

Good. Now, do as you're told. Carry on as normal.

Your dad, he's gonna be right as rain in a day or two.

You'll see. It's fine.

'Your mum said to stay away for the moment.'

What if my dad's worse than what she's saying?

What if he doesn't... Stop it.

You mustn't think like that.

Whatever happens, we've got each other, haven't we?

The three of us. Aye.

I'll go to the shop.

I'll go see Callum.

Send him my regards.

Keep busy, Joe. That's how you can help your dad.

Yeah.

BABY BABBLES

It's time we made a start on the Iliad.

I think you'll enjoy the story.

You don't have to stay, you know?

I made a commitment to your family. But you don't know the truth.

I cornered Dr Mason before he left.

I made him tell me... Russian flu.

So you do know.

Your mother told me to leave. I insisted on staying.

But if she just told us...

She would have had to worry about all of you.

As it is, she can concentrate on looking after your father.

SIGHS

As Homer says, kalon kakon - terrible beauty.

Are you still doing lessons today? You heard Mum.

We're to carry on as normal.

I'm bored, Harry.

Have you read the Sherlock Holmes stories?

You should. They're top-hole stuff.

I don't only read Greek and Latin, you know.

THEY CHUCKLE

Try... The Sign Of Four.

It's full of intrigue, international gangs and mysterious messages.

Oh.

No, no, no, no, no, no. Let it be, love.

It's gonna help you with your breathing.

You're OK.

Here, give him this.

Ma... what are you doing? I told you not to be in here.

I know. But I wanted to bring him some proper medicine.

Dandelion, yarrow, verges, rue.

Everything you need to bring down a fever.

Your old wives' remedies won't help with this. No?

Well, you better tell me what it is, then.

Lying to the youngs is one thing, but not to me.

I'm not leaving here until you tell me the truth.

It's Russian flu.

Right.

Well, you're gonna need my help.

No, we don't. Dr Mason's given us all the treatments that we need.

We've got quinine, carbolic smoke ball.

That's a waste of money. Just give him some of this.

Please, just stay away.

Please.

I can't lose you too.

Fine.

HE COUGHS AND SPLUTTERS

BELL RINGS

Mr Beesley?

Mrs Dryden?

Is anybody home?

What are you doing here? I came to see Liza.

Well, you can't. We're in quarantine.

Quarantine? Why?

Never you mind. Be on your way.

No, I won't leave.

Not until you give me an explanation.

All right, Lady Muck.

If you must know, it's Russian flu.

Do you understand?

Now git!

Morning, Callum. Joe. How's Sam and Miss Liza?

And just everyone. You know as much as I do.

But I'm here. I'm making sure that everything's in order.

Well, you'll find all the accounts up to date.

Oh, and these are for your father's attention...

when he's better, of course.

They're mostly advertising circulars,

but there are some matters of concern.

This says we're selling mouldy herring.

Yes, we've had several letters on that subject.

I'm looking into it.

No. No need. I'll... I'll take care of this.

Oh...

Very good.

Mr Hardacre has the Russian flu.

They're in quarantine.

I heard that's very infectious.

It can spread very fast... in certain classes.

Happily, rarely troubles our sort of people.

Well, it has now. Liza is my friend,

and if there's anything I can do to help her, I will.

I agree completely, my dear.

We must send a hamper to poor Mr Hardacre.

Some good beef tea

and some whisky to keep his strength up.

Yes, Grandmama.

Russian flu.

Dreadful business, but an opportunity for us.

Mama, this is hardly the time.

Mr Hardacre may be dying. Oh, he'll pull through.

Irish peasants are a sturdy breed.

But with the Hardacres in quarantine,

his wife won't be able to teach her little school.

Yes. What of it?

Well, as educated ladies,

it is our duty to enlighten the ignorant.

Is it?

Some fresh linen, ma'am. Oh. Thank you.

And this arrived for you. What is it?

A letter from Lady Fitzherbert. What does she want?

Open it, Mrs Dryden. I haven't got time for this, love.

She offers to help with your evening classes.

Will you accept?

Lady Emma teaching dock workers? No. No, I don't think so.

But... Betsy might appreciate the help.

Look, I've got to get back to Sam. Just... Oh, just...

Oh, just tell Betsy to do whatever she thinks is best.

Very good, ma'am. Thank you.

DOOR CLOSES, SAM COUGHING

Sorry.

Here, I'll help you.

Sam.

Sam?

Sam? Sam?

Sam? Sam? What's happened?

He's gone. Oh, God.

No! Sorry. Not like that. He's gone missing.

Where can he be? I don't know. Help me find him.

Sam?

Sam?!

Oh, Sam. There you are.

What are you doing?

I kept telling him the bloody crane's blocking it.

What?

My heart's fine. Tell Joe I'll be back at work tomorrow.

Joe's gone, love. It's me, it's Mary.

Don't tell Mary about the money. What money?

No, Sam. Please. Please. You're delirious.

You need to rest, my love. You need to go to bed. Ma!

Sam! Sam. Come on. We're gonna be late.

Late? Late for your shift.

Come on. You know what Joe's like. Let's go.

That's it. Come on, hurry up.

Come on. This way.

I need to get down to the docks... Mum, what's happening?

Erm... Your dad's just confused.

He's worn out with the fever.

I see you're taking your responsibilities seriously.

My first class is this evening.

Nothing too advanced.

Too much education is bad for the lower classes.

They grow fretful and insolent.

Then why did you insist that I teach them?

My dear, I am sending you into the bosom of the enemy.

Not as a missionary... but as a spy.

You make it sound so ugly.

You must befriend these navvies and gutties,

and make them trust you.

And then find me a scandal that will destroy the Hardacres.

What if there isn't one? Oh, don't be absurd.

Every family has its secrets.

And especially a family like that.

You'll find the best lemons are actually in Sicily.

Harry!

Did you see Dad?

They found him in the study. He was so confused.

He thought he were back at docks. What's wrong with him, Harry?

Mum told you. It's just a fever.

But you know more, don't you?

No.

You're lying. Just tell me what's going on, Harry.

I'll tell you exactly what's going on.

I'm trying to study and get into Oxford,

and you're keeping me from my work.

All right. You learn your Greek.

Go to Oxford. Since that's what really matters.

Mr Selby. From Cartwright's Canning?

Mr Hardacre.

Thank you for meeting me at such short notice.

You caught me just in time.

Back over to the States tomorrow.

You sound like you're from round here.

Yorkshire born and bred.

There's more opportunities in the New World.

Over there, we don't just do things the way they've always been done.

We find ways to do them better.

Not that I need to tell you about that, hey?

Look at everything you've accomplished.

Hardacre Herring. Hardacre Stores.

Oh, well, it were my dad, mostly.

But I have been in the business since the beginning, so...

I see. And is Mr Hardacre Senior available today?

No. But I am, so you can deal with me.

No disrespect,

but we only have the one machine in England at the present time

and a number of appointments with prospective buyers. You understand?

Cancel them. I'll take it.

I'm being very serious, Mr Selby.

I'll put 50% down right now. Cash.

Mum, can I come in? Er, no.

No, you can't, Liza.

Please, Mum. I need to see Dad. Please.

I can't. We don't know how this thing spreads.

And some doctors think it travels through the air. What thing?

Why won't you tell me what's wrong?

I just... I just know that I'm not going to be nursing the two of you.

So just go downstairs. Go on. Do as you're told.

Liza, go! All right, I'm going.

Mrs Hardacre...

Yes? If I may?

It is my duty to speak.

Not as your housekeeper, but as a woman.

Well, go on, then. Let's hear it.

Sometimes, in our darkest hours...

...we are forced to make decisions that cannot be undone.

Even if our choices haunt us forever.

I know what you're saying, Mrs Dryden.

But there'll be no regrets here.

Sam will see his children when he recovers.

Very good, Mrs Hardacre.

Now go and get some rest. I can manage here.

Yes, ma'am.

BREATHES WHEEZILY

'Dear Miss Hardacre, I was most sincerely sorry

'to hear of Mr Hardacre's indisposition

'and beg to know if I can be of any assistance.

'Yours in sympathy, Captain Edward Blackwood.'

'Dear Captain Blackwood,

'we are trying to meet the challenge bravely

'and pray that my father will be out of the woods soon.

'The doctor will see him tomorrow at noon.

'Yours in gratitude... Liza Hardacre.'

Come on, everyone, let's welcome Lady Fitzherbert.

Thank you, Betty. Good evening, ladies and gentlemen.

Is she quite all right?

What's wrong with her?

It's not the Russian flu, if that's what you're fearing.

Then what is it? Nowt but hunger is my guess.

Hunger? She's six young 'uns.

Goes without to keep 'em fed.

Oh. I see.

Well... nobody can be expected to learn on an empty stomach.

You there. You work for Mrs Hardacre, don't you?

Yes, your ladyship. I'm Maggie.

Well, then, Maggie, go and get this lady something to eat.

And what about the rest of us, then, 'ey?

Is anybody else about to swoon with starvation?

Nobody? Good.

Then I suggest we begin.

Let's start with a bit of reading.

BREATHES WHEEZILY

Sam?

Sam?

Sam! Sam.

Sam, please... Sam! HE COUGHS

Oh, thank God! Cough it up, you're all right.

You're all right.

Mrs Dryden! Mrs Dryden!

Mrs Hardacre... He's burning up. And look.

We must lower his temperature.

No, the ice has melted. Keep him upright.

I'll fetch some more.

Oh, Sam.

Sam. Please.

I know you. I know you can beat this.

HE GASPS

SHE SOBS

DOG BARKS

Good morning. I thought all you chaps were housebound.

Well, fresh air never did no harm,

and I needed to get out and clear my head.

Walk with me. Lead on.

So, how is Sam?

Fighting this thing with all he's got.

But Mary won't let me anywhere near him.

Anyway, rhubarb's looking well.

Oh, it's positively thriving.

For once in my life, I've finally done something right.

You put yourself down too much.

Remember, you were the one that saved Adella

from marrying that horse-faced inbred.

HE CHUCKLES

Emma reminds me every day how I've ruined all our lives.

Again. "Again." How do you mean again?

But let's be honest, I've let her down far too often.

How? My investments failed.

I couldn't manage a dowry for Adella

until Imelda, of course, kindly offered.

That was good of her.

No, it should have been me. I'm the man.

I'm supposed to be the provider.

There's more to providing than money.

Not to Emma. Are you sure about that?

You know, sometimes all a person needs is a sympathetic ear

and a little bit of attention, even if they think they don't want it.

Speaking of which, I have to get back.

Come on, Tinny! Where is that bloody dog?

Captain Blackwood. Miss Hardacre.

You understood my message. Of course.

What's going on? Do you need help? No, no.

It's just... Well, it's my dad.

I think...

I think he might be, er...

...he might be dying.

Surely not. Your father's a young man. He's strong.

I know...

but nobody will tell me anything. They just keep lying.

And I don't know where to go or who I could...

I've just been feeling...

feeling really... Lonely.

Well, I'm here now.

Perhaps I could provide a distraction, for a while at least.

Ma, I told you, you can't be here. I don't want to hear it.

He needs rest, and so do you. Bed, now.

I can't sleep. If he needs anything, I'll be here.

SHE SIGHS

Canned goods. It's the answer to all our problems.

No mould, no complaints, no waste.

I don't disagree, but we can buy tins of food in bulk.

We don't need to manufacture our own.

No, no. But this way we cut out the middle man.

More savings for our customers, and more profit for us.

It's a good idea, but we can't rush into it. This is an unknown company.

Well, I've already paid half down. Cash.

Callum, I had to. I would have lost the deal.

Joe, this is... It's reckless.

That's the problem with this country.

Doing things the way they've always been done. But I'm different.

I'm like my dad. I've got vision.

If you think this would impress your father...

I'm not doing it for him. I'm doing it for my son.

I'm building a future. The world's moving fast, Callum.

We either move with it or we get left behind.

You know we're overstretched,

and the shops are far from paying their way.

So let's hope your vision is accurate.

Do the men and women always sit so closely together?

Why, should they not? We can move them if you'd...

Oh, no. I want to do everything just as Mrs Hardacre does.

Maggie.

Read that note aloud.

Well, what's wrong with you, girl? Has the cat got your tongue?

If he could write it, you can read it.

Read it aloud!

I can't. I'm just stupid, that's all.

Like Mam says.

And she's right. So you can stick your class up your...

Maggie! Don't you dare leave this room.

The rest of you can take a well-earned rest

while I talk to Maggie.

Come on, everyone. You heard her. Let's go.

Why didn't you read it aloud?

I couldn't.

You couldn't or you wouldn't?

You don't understand.

I try... and I try...

...but the letters, I can't keep hold of them.

I'm just stupid, that's all.

Well...

...you're not stupid.

You just need instruction.

I believe that you try.

And I want to help you.

On one condition.

You must never, ever listen to your mother again.

On the docks with all my family. And I had a best friend.

Thank you. INDISTINCT

The finest ones really are at the top. My experience.

INDISTINCT

When I was in Sudan, I didn't have any.

Oh, bravo! Good shot.

I'm glad it were only an apple. Me too.

GUNSHOT

I'll let you in on a secret.

I never enjoy shooting anything living.

But you're a soldier. Not by choice.

It's traditional for the second son.

Well, I was the second son.

I didn't know.

I was in the Sudan when I heard the news.

My brother, gone. Couldn't even attend the funeral.

Just keep a stiff upper lip and keep fighting.

I was suddenly the heir. The future baron. I was rich.

I had everything in the world to live for.

Apart from the person I care for the most.

Captain Blackwood.

Edward, please. Edward.

I know just how you feel. I promise I do.

I wish there was something I could do to make it all better.

There's only one thing in the world I really want, Miss Hardacre.

Liza.

Liza.

I should like to spend the rest of my life with you.

I shouldn't speak of such things. It's improper. It's unforgivable.

You're forgiven.

Thank you. What is it?

Have they turned you away again?

No. I didn't even make it to the house.

What happened? Is something wrong?

Oh, come on. Tell Grandmama.

I saw Liza and Edward Blackwood in the woods together.

Alone?

But don't tell anyone. No, no, of course not.

But if this should get out... Liza is ruined.

Unless, of course, they are engaged.

She can't be. She would have told me.

Yes, of course.

After all... you are her dearest friend.

Your love letter to Maggie.

Not a bad effort.

But you'll need to improve your spelling

if you really wish to impress the young ladies.

CLASS CHUCKLES Shh.

CLEARS HER THROAT

Try this.

This way, you can concentrate on one word at a time.

Sound it out.

T-huh... there.

Good. Keep going.

There... Wuh-ah-s.

Was. Was.

There was.

Good girl.

"My son. Why are you crying?

"Why has sorrow overtaken you?"

Very good. So Achilles, great warrior,

is overcome with grief for his friend Patroclus.

Do you think that makes him any less heroic? No.

It makes it more real.

And that is why this story has been retold for centuries.

It reminds us of the human experiences we all share.

I know what you're trying to do. Of course you do.

You've got a very sensitive heart.

And it's all right to be scared.

HARRY SOBS

I can't even think about it.

If Dad dies, I...

You have a loving family.

You look after each other. That's what's important right now.

I'm gonna go find Lize.

EXHALES

Ma. How is he?

His fever's broken.

RELIEVED GASP

Must have been the yarrow.

You look better now you've had a rest.

I've never seen him like that. So weak.

He's worn himself out with that bloody shop business.

Always taking on too much. Don't pretend you're any different.

Who got us out of the docks and into this house, 'ey?

Don't try to stop him changing the world.

He can't help himself any more than you can.

Listen to your mother.

Where have you been?

Just walking. On your own?!

I had nobody else to go with, did I?

I know. Liza, can we please talk?

What about? Dad.

What's happened to him? Nothing.

I just thought you should know... it's Russian flu.

I made Dr Mason tell me. I should have told you, but...

It's all right. You were just trying to protect me.

Actually, I think I was trying to protect myself.

I didn't want it to be real. I'm so sorry.

It's all right.

I'm scared.

I know. So am I.

Oh, there you are.

Mum? Is he all right?

He's sitting up and eating.

The doctor says he's gonna be all right. Come here.

He's gonna make a full recovery.

DOOR OPENS

Ah, the great teacher returns.

I trust you've imparted bucketloads of wisdom?

Don't be silly, George. I'm not.

I think it's wonderful you found yourself a new vocation.

And... so have I.

What's this? Rhubarb. I grow it myself.

And this is for you, my dear...

to congratulate you on your new endeavour.

Flowers are more traditional, George.

Oh, well, never mind. Back to the plot.

Farmer's work is never done.

Ah, Imelda! HE CHUCKLES

What on earth is that? Rhubarb, Mother.

How vulgar. Now...

...what did you glean?

Well, there was considerable fraternising between the sexes.

Which must surely lead to impure thoughts.

And most dreadful letter writing.

Excellent. Bartholomew Balfour will be most impressed.

I shall write to him immediately...

at the National Vigilance Association

so he can take action.

You've done well, my dear.

I thought it was the end.

Well, I didn't, not for a moment.

Liar. Hm.

Sam, when you were, erm...

when you were bad with a fever, you said something.

What? "Don't tell Mary about the money."

Ah... What did you mean by that?

The shops. The takings weren't what we'd hoped for.

Well, they'll pay the way in the end.

Yes, but, Mary, Joe's in charge, and he's struggling.

I had to sell other investments to keep them afloat.

Wait.

You sold them without consulting me? I didn't want to worry you.

Look how that's turned out. I'm sorry.

I can see that. KNOCKING

We'll talk about it when you're better.

Joe, Callum's here.

You heard about Dad?

I'm on my way to see him. But I wanted to speak to you first.

Is this about the canning machine? Yes.

So, I've heard from my contacts in the States

and got reports on other firms who use Cartwright's machines. Right.

They've all increased their profits.

Cartwright's are reliable and efficient.

And you secured the deal at a bargain price.

So... So, well done, Joe.

You really are your father's son. Yeah. Thank you.

Are you sure you feel strong enough? Oh, I am fighting fit, me.

But, erm, before they all come in...

...we should talk about Joe. Why?

He's not ready, Mary. SHE SIGHS

I mean, he has big ideas, but he doesn't know what he doesn't know.

And... he's impetuous.

Oh, that's just young men for you.

Yeah, but he's not just any young man. He's my son.

It's the only reason he's in that job.

Well, you did right. You gave him a chance.

And one day he'll do the same for young Samuel.

Yeah, but there's a lot riding on this.

I might need to rein him in, Mary.

I need to make sure that he doesn't fail.

All right. I trust you.

But, listen... no more secrets, do you hear?

No. No more secrets.

Ever. Mm!

Mum! SAM CHUCKLES

Hiya, Dad.

You're obviously feeling better.

You all right?

No formalities here. Grab a seat.

Oh, I'm starving.

Right... So, come on, what have I missed?

I have my own plan in motion.

All you have to do is stay out of the way.

These'll look pretty in the ballroom.

Liza Hardacre, will you marry me?

Oi, don't walk away from me! Why don't you trust me?

Cos I've trusted everything you've ever told me. It's never enough.

It's just how she is. It's all I've ever known.

We have to do something. We're helpless to stop her.

Are we helpless, or just choosing to be?

No-one messes with the Hardacres! No-one!