Original subtitles

104. Fever still on the rise.

I'm fairly sure it's Russian flu. It's highly contagious.

I am sending you into the bosom of the enemy.

There's a spy. Find me a scandal.

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

I saw Liza and Edward Blackwood in the woods.

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

Concentrate on one word at a time. Good girl.

We only have one machine in England at the present time.

We should talk about Joe. He's not ready, Mary.

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

This is beautiful. Mm.

You know, there was a moment there where I thought my time was up.

And in this moment, all I felt was a...

...a terrible sadness.

Pain. Confusion.

Like I was gonna leave you and the children behind.

I'm not ready for that. Oh, don't.

HE EXHALES

OK? Yeah.

Is there a way to thank Mrs Dryden and the staff?

Mm, yeah.

Yeah, I have an idea.

TAPS GLASS

Right. We're gonna have a ball.

A servants' ball.

Oh. What the hell's that?

Mr Lewis.

Servants' balls are inspired by the Twelfth Night tradition

of reversing roles.

So, for one evening, we're gonna swap roles with the staff.

Yeah. So, Mr Beesley, Mrs Dryden and the rest of the staff,

they're gonna dress up and have a dance.

And we'll do the rest. Serve them food, you mean?

Not just serve it, Harry. We're gonna make it ourselves.

Oh, we're gonna do everything.

We're gonna arrange the music, prepare the ballroom.

Collect coats. We're even gonna tidy up after.

Yeah, and everyone will get a role.

And the staff will get a well-deserved night off.

Sounds wonderful. Yeah, it really does.

All right, well, that's settled, then.

Mr Beesley and I will let Mrs Dryden know.

Ma'am.

See you later.

LIZA INHALES, SIGHS

I've got a visitor coming this morning.

I want you to meet him.

Captain Blackwood? Yeah.

Why do I have the feeling I'm missing something?

Hm. No?

You'll see.

Oh.

So, you fought in Burma and Sudan?

I did, Mr Hardacre, although I'm not sure any battle experience

quite prepares one for the pressure I'm feeling here this morning.

CHUCKLING

You're doing fine, Captain Blackwood.

So far.

I gather you're in the process of leaving the army.

Yes. I've resigned my commission. Have you now?

So, do you see your future back down south, Captain?

I did, Mr Hardacre.

Although the north has a growing appeal.

You must excuse me.

I have a reunion in Grimsby with my old regiment this evening.

Oh, well, in that case...

Liza, will you show Captain Blackwood out, and we'll...

SNAPS FINGERS

Behave yourselves.

Your parents are wonderful, as is your rather formidable grandmother.

Oh, that were nothing. You should see her when she's had a few.

I'd like to tell them about our promise to be wed.

Unless you're having second thoughts.

Why would I have second thoughts about marrying Edward Blackwood?

There is something bothering me, though.

Go on.

Well, isn't it obvious?

You're blue blood and speak proper,

and I'm... from herring and speak Yorkshire.

My darling.

What I'm interested in is how you make me feel.

Which is more alive than I can ever remember.

And I love your accent. SHE CHUCKLES

You know, I can't believe I'm saying this,

but our daughter is smitten with the future baron of Felixstowe.

He's clearly brave.

He's a lot more open-minded than many of us thought.

I like him. Yeah, so do I.

George Baxter. Who?

Oh, a squaddie she fell for 40 year ago.

Never, ever trust a soldier.

Ma, George Baxter was a drunken, womanising layabout.

You can't seriously be comparing him to Captain Blackwood.

Soldiers are all the same.

Buggering off abroad, girl in every port.

You want that for our Liza?

Captain Blackwood's leaving the army.

So he says. MARY TUTS

Morning, Harry.

What's going on?

Well, given the excellent progress you've made

with your Latin and Greek

and the cheery mood pervading Hardacre Hall this week,

I thought we'd do something a little different.

Travel broadens the mind, they say,

so today, I'm going to talk about my grand tour.

Really? Take a seat.

You went to the Colosseum.

And it was as magnificent as I'd hoped.

I also went to the Parthenon.

And then Delphi and Olympia.

That was after Rome and Pompeii, of course.

And my favourite of all, the Amalfi Coast.

It has a beautiful rugged shoreline

with turquoise water and pastel-coloured fishing villages.

Who is that?

Julian Dunsley, a chum from school.

You look very happy.

It was a marvellous time.

How long did you travel together? Six months.

My mother fell ill, so I came home early.

Fortunately, Julian was an excellent letter writer.

He made me feel as if I was still travelling with him.

Sounds like Julian was a wonderful companion.

Yes, he was.

These figures are surprisingly good.

Turnover's up 6% this past fortnight.

And the profit's up by 4%.

Over the same period, your other investments also rallied somewhat.

It seems Hardacre and Son was in safe hands in my absence.

I shouldn't have been worried.

Well done, Joe.

You didn't tell your father about the canning machine investment?

I want it to be a surprise. Fair enough.

Callum, I have a job for you. Come with me.

Liza is head over heels with that Captain Blackwood.

Sorry, Callum. Oh, no.

It's wonderful. How can I help?

I want to know whether Blackwood really has left the army.

You want me to confirm he's resigned his commission?

Exactly. The man seems too good to be true.

Now, I need to know whether his intentions are honourable.

I'll be honest, ma'am,

I'm not entirely comfortable going behind Liza's back.

Look, if he is lying, doesn't Liza deserve to know?

I don't want to see her getting hurt.

Neither do I.

Right, well, soldiers from Blackwood's regiment are in Grimsby.

Try speaking to some of them.

And not a word to our Liza. Of course.

Well, go on, then.

Don't worry. My family will do everything.

All you need to do is dress up and enjoy yourself.

Sir William always refused to host servants' balls.

Oh. And may I ask why?

Sir William feared impropriety amongst the servants.

And he was right to fear it.

I've heard some shocking tales from other houses.

But it is Mrs Hardacre's right to do things differently

if she pleases.

Mrs Dryden?

Yes, ma'am. Oh. Thank you.

This is a terrible idea.

Might such a gesture not deepen pride amongst our staff?

By letting them taste privilege, then snatching it away?

I'll wager it will have entirely the opposite effect.

The kind hand gathers more than the clenched fist.

Mrs Dryden.

I have the greatest admiration for you

and your organisation, Mr Balfour,

which is why I wrote to you about Mrs Hardacre's school.

Yes. Thank you for bringing it to my attention.

So, will you investigate?

Lady Hansen, co-education of the sexes is,

of course, undesirable.

But does the threat of a single classroom

really justify the expenditure of our time and energy?

I can assure you it does, Mr Balfour.

Mrs Hardacre is entirely unqualified,

and her classroom is a hotbed of immorality,

as you will discover when you see for yourself.

Hmm. Very well.

I shall pay a visit.

But I shall need evidence of more than mixed instruction

if I'm to take this any further.

I shall get you that evidence, Mr Balfour.

Well, I finished Pride And Prejudice. Thank you.

I like Mr Bingley the best.

Really? I preferred Mr Wickham. Oh.

I'll give you Persuasion next.

So, you must be so relieved about your father.

Yeah, I am. But, look, Adella, I'm...

I'm really sorry about just disappearing.

Don't be silly, Liza.

Thank you, Adella.

So, apart from your father's return from the dead, what have I missed?

Quite a lot, actually.

For one, me and Edward Blackwood met up in secret.

You little minx! THEY LAUGH

What do you like best about him?

I like that when he tells me he loves me for who I am,

I believe him.

Then it sounds like you've hit the jackpot.

We're having a servants' ball this Friday.

Really? Yeah. I want you to come.

We can say "yes, ma'am" to Mrs Dryden,

and we can get Mr Beesley tipsy.

I'd like that. Good.

I'm starting to think those two might need a chaperone.

THEY CHUCKLE

So, I would win that trick? Yes, you would, absolutely.

What are you doing here, Ma?

Oh, your grandmother asked me

to help her with her bridge, Miss Hardacre.

And she's the most enthusiastic pupil.

Next time I play with Imelda, I want to know what I'm bloody well doing.

What's this?

That is our rhubarb jam. Try it.

You should have seen Dryden's face

when she found us making it in the kitchen.

THEY CHUCKLE

That's really good. You sound surprised.

I'm gonna ask Joe to put it in our shops.

Mmm!

Well, give it a name first. Well, like what?

Ma's Rhubarb Jam. Well, what about George?

Oh, I think people would prefer to imagine you making their jam

to this doddering old fool.

Ma's Rhubarb Jam.

Yeah, I like it.

I have persuaded Bartholomew to take a look at Mrs Hardacre's school.

His organisation can ask for it to be closed.

But first, he needs more evidence of depravity.

I see.

So while I'm sure you want to finish now that Mary Hardacre is back,

I'm afraid you're going to have to continue with that ridiculous class.

All right.

Yes, Mother. APPROACHING FOOTSTEPS

I have some very exciting news.

The Hardacres are having a servants' ball.

They're what? How ghastly.

Liza's asked me to help them serve their staff. I said yes.

I thought you and the Hardacre girl had had a contretemps.

That's all fine now.

What's more, she's owned up to her...

courtship with Captain Blackwood.

Courtship? LADY EMMA SNORTS

Actually, Mother, it sounds quite serious.

Edward Blackwood?!

They are dragging down Adella and demeaning you.

That family has to be stopped.

Oh!

Find me some scandal in your class.

Please, Emma. Hm?

Joe? You all right, Dad?

Were you gonna tell me about these complaints?

I took care of it.

You took care of it? Yeah.

Did you tell our shops to sell old supplies of fish?

No, I told them to expand the life of the stock.

How?

By scraping off the mould and topping up the salt water.

Well, that explains the increase in profits. Hold on.

You told me to reduce the waste. That's what you wanted.

Reducing waste doesn't mean cutting corners, Joe.

I'm not cutting corners.

Those methods are fine, and you know that.

Well, this man's father was ill.

And I wrote to him apologising.

Yes, the fish he bought were off. That was warm weather.

And our staff, they shouldn't have sold that.

This isn't milk, it isn't bread, it's herring.

It's what we built our reputation on.

I know. We're giving them quality and cheap prices.

It's a struggle, Dad. Yeah, I know it is.

I know it is. JOE SIGHS

We'll let it lie. All right? All right.

"Miss Evelyn clutched the letter with trem...

"trembling hands.

"The words hinted at a terror creeping closer

"than any sane mind dared admit."

Bravo, Maggie! I... I-I'm sorry, I just...

No, no, I agree, Lady Emma. That was excellent, Maggie.

A definite improvement.

It really was. Mm.

I read the beef kidney recipe from Mrs Beeton's Cookbook

out to Mrs Henderson yesterday.

You should have seen her face.

LAUGHTER And Mrs Dryden's.

Ah, that's wonderful.

Right. Has anyone else been using the reading?

I read my tally book at the butcher's.

Turns out they were charging me for lamb

instead of mutton and all sorts.

What did you do? I gave him a piece of my mind.

I went to the butcher's down the road.

Saving myself four pence a week now.

Well, there you go. Well done, Franny.

Franny! Come here now.

Er, no, excuse me, you can't just barge in here.

You're supposed to be making my tea.

Let go. Will you leave her alone, please?

You telling me what to do with my own wife? Yes.

WOMEN GASP, CLAMOURING

Stop it! Leave her alone!

CLAMOURING Oh, my word. Someone go after him!

So, afterwards, some of the girls said

they had to lie to their husbands to come to the classes.

Why shouldn't women get the same opportunities to learn?

It's not right. Maybe someone should make a stand.

Yeah, maybe they should. Be careful, though.

You'll be annoying a load of husbands.

Coming through! Steady on, son.

Sorry. Feeling good for the Oxford interview?

Aye. Mr Lewis thinks I have a good chance of getting in.

Then I'm sure you have, love.

After Oxford, I wanna do a grand tour, just like Mr Lewis.

See the sights of Southern Europe, come back a gentleman.

Mr Lewis has had quite the impact.

See you at dinner. Mm-hm.

Oh, Mr Lewis is a miracle worker. Mm-hm.

Oh, Liza has asked

if Captain Blackwood can join us for dinner this evening.

And? I said yes, of course.

Ma'am. Well?

So, I spoke to some of Captain Blackwood's former regiment,

as you requested. And?

They had only good things to say about him.

Loyal, dependable, brave as a lion.

Hmm. And what about this resignation?

Mm, confirmed in last week's London Gazette.

An honourable discharge.

Thank you, Callum. That is very good news.

I wish I had a more valiant story, but the truth is...

...I stumbled and fell.

And the next thing, these robed fighters closed in on me.

Blades flashing. Sudanese insurgents.

But my men formed a wall of bayonets and shielded me.

And it was in that moment I knew for sure

that strength lies not in rank,

but in those you have beside you.

Amen to that. So many adventures.

So, how come you... you quit the army?

I'm ready for a different sort of excitement, Mr Hardacre.

I hear you rescued Betsy and my sister

from Joshua Calder at The Lucky Sailor.

Liza's convinced she could've taken him out herself.

I could have!

So when might we get the opportunity

to meet your parents, Captain Blackwood?

They don't venture north very often, sadly.

I imagine your uncle tries to tempt them up here.

With little success, I'm afraid.

You have an uncle in the area? Yes.

It's who he's staying with at Morley House.

Your business sounds most progressive, Mr Hardacre.

After dinner, I'd love to hear more about it.

I'd be delighted.

So, you'd like to know more about Hardacre and Son?

Yes, Mr Hardacre, of course, but...

Well, that isn't actually the reason

I wanted to speak with you this evening.

I didn't think it was. EDWARD CHUCKLES

You have a wonderful daughter.

She makes me very happy.

It seems the feeling is mutual.

I assume you have a question for me? Yes. Of course.

I would like your permission to propose to Liza.

And if my daughter accepts, do you give me your solemn word

that you'll do everything in your power to keep her happy?

With all my heart.

Well, in that case, Captain Blackwood...

...my answer is yes.

You're quiet. Oh, just a bit tired.

Anything to report from the classroom?

Well, a husband came to take his wife away.

He wasn't happy about her attending.

It was all rather vulgar.

Yes, well, it's helpful, but not quite enough.

Keep looking.

Yes, Mother.

LAUGHTER Shh, shh!

Come on, come on. He clearly makes her very happy.

Oh, yes, he does. It's just happening so fast.

You know, it feels like yesterday that girl was asleep

in the basket next to me on the dock.

Fast. Mm.

Mary...

I knew ten seconds after clapping eyes on you that you were the one.

Aw.

If anything, I'd say Blackwood's been dragging his heels.

THEY CHUCKLE

YAWNS

I signalled hearts.

Yes, I know.

So why are you playing the eight of clubs?

I'm not sure. Oh, for crying out loud.

How am I supposed to get any better with you making mistakes like that?

You're welcome to find a better player to practice with.

I would if I could, believe me. Right.

Well, I'm off to collect the labels for our jam.

SIGHS

Mrs Dryden. Lord Fitzherbert.

Bugger it.

MA SIGHS

Begging your pardon, ma'am. Yes.

I may be able to help you.

Opus nostrum perfectum est.

Our work is done.

These will look pretty in the ballroom.

BOTH CHUCKLE

Will you manage with that? I'll be all right.

I'm very grateful to be experiencing a ball

at Hardacre Hall before I move on to pastures new.

You're leaving? Well, yes.

Once you've done your Oxford entrance,

my work here will be done.

Of course.

I should have realised that.

Declare boldly, defend wisely, and bid only what you mean.

Reckless bidding is the ruin of the drawing room.

Where did you learn all this, then?

I taught myself through many a long afternoon

watching Lady Cavendish and her acquaintances play bridge.

Or Russian whist, as it's also known.

I was drawn to the discipline of the game.

Oh. That's what I find the hardest.

It's disorder that troubles me, ma'am.

And do these fine ladies ever let you play?

Only if they were short.

I bet you wiped the floor with them.

MA CHUCKLES

You're a dark horse, Mrs D.

That's what I like to see - Hardacres getting their hands dirty.

Captain Blackwood. Good morning, ma'am.

Oh, Lord Fitzherbert brought these over for you, ma'am.

Is that supposed to be me? Of course it's you.

It looks wrong. That's cos you're smiling.

Very funny Don't put them in the shop.

I weren't going to, but I might put a few on the shelf.

Show the world that lovely mug of yours.

BETSY LAUGHS Don't you dare.

"She awoke tied to a four-poster bed

"with the scent of gunpowder in the air.

"A note pinned to her chemise which read:

" 'Gone to rob the mail. Don't wait up.

" 'Yours in crime, Jack.' "

LAUGHTER

It's very good. DOOR OPENS

Sorry I'm late. Franny, I'm glad you're here.

I hope you're all right. Yeah.

You all right?

No, no, no, no!

I'm gonna ask you to leave my classroom right now.

Get out of my way. You do realise your wife's here

to make you both richer.

Are you saying I can't support her?

You should do as Mrs Hardacre says, Mr Davies.

OK.

You all right?

Going home later's gonna be fun FRANNY LAUGHS

I don't care, though.

Thank you.

Thank you, Emma. I...

I'm not sure what came over me.

You saw what I saw - unfairness, something worth fighting for.

And fight we shall.

'My dearest Arthur, before you leave me,

'I wanted to write to you about a matter of great importance.

'I must speak candidly.

'I have... developed feelings towards you of a romantic nature.

'I can't help the way I feel.

'I apologise for sharing such feelings, but...

'my heart can no longer feign silence.

'I hope and pray that you might feel the same way towards me.

'I look forward to hearing from you.

'Your devoted pupil, Harry Hardacre.'

And the Hardacres prepared the food themselves?

Yes, they prepared everything. Extraordinary.

And you still want to attend?

Of course.

Liza invited me, and she's a good friend.

In my experience, girls are good friends

until a man like Edward Blackwood comes along,

and then they're dropped like a stone.

Liza's not like that.

Are you sure?

Yes, I am.

I must go.

Those Hardacres are so uncouth.

Why can't Adella see it?

Oh.

What are you reading?

Where did you get this filth?

Mrs Hardacre was using it in our class today.

She's teaching those creatures to read this?

She uses quite a lot of these, actually.

Seems to quite enjoy them.

Heaven knows why.

Well, this is it, Emma.

This is our chance.

Who's it from?

Ma Hardacre...

...is ready for another game of bridge.

SHE CHUCKLES Says "name the day".

Two opportunities.

Now we prepare our attack.

STRING INSTRUMENTS TUNING

There you are. Sorry I'm late, Mrs Dryden.

So am I.

I have made very clear the standards

Mr Beesley and I expect you all to maintain this evening.

No excessive drinking and no improper fraternisation.

Is that understood? Yes, Mrs Dryden.

Otherwise, I will have you polishing brass until the century turns.

STRINGS PLAYING

Well, this is fun, in't it Shh! They'll hear.

I made them all by myself.

Extremely tasty, Miss Hardacre.

Could do with a bit more seasoning.

Ma'am.

What's wrong?

Too low. Eh?

The platter, it's too low. Oh.

I'm sorry, ma'am. SHE CHUCKLES

Well, take one, then.

I won't. Thank you.

THEY LAUGH

Right, I won't be long. Right.

That jam of yours, put out half a dozen jars this afternoon.

Sold the whole bloody lot.

You're joking? Mm-hm.

Oh, it'll be your beautiful face on the label, Ma.

Oh, very funny

Liza.

I need to be alone with you.

To jam. To jam.

We can't be on our own for long.

We're only having a drink and a canape.

Liza Hardacre...

...will you marry me?

Yes, Edward Blackwood.

I will.

Bloody hell! THEY LAUGH

They are hating this. Maybe Mrs Dryden was right.

Don't worry. It'll warm up.

Meanwhile, Mrs Hardacre, you and I have a lot to celebrate.

Oh, we do.

MUSIC ENDS, APPLAUSE

Oh, hello. We're being summoned.

MARY GASPS

I think I know why.

Oh, I am so happy for you both.

Congratulations. Thank you.

The ring is beautiful, Captain Blackwood.

Honestly, I'm just relieved she said yes, Mrs Hardacre.

I can't believe you both knew he was going to ask and kept quiet.

Neither can I.

Perhaps we should make an announcement.

Tomorrow, Captain Blackwood. Tonight's all about the staff.

Yeah. We can't let this wonderful news overshadow their evening.

Of course.

But we do need some help getting the dancing going.

It's OK. Thank you, Mr Gordon.

'The Blue Danube' by Johann Strauss II

GLASS CLINKS

MUSIC STOPS

Ladies and gentlemen, forgive my interruption,

but I have some very happy news to share.

Miss Liza Hardacre...

...is engaged to be married to Captain Blackwood.

CHEERING

Is this true?

You've got your work cut out there, pal. I know.

LAUGHTER Oi!

Oh! It's amazing. MA GASPS

Oh!

Our Liza, future Baroness of Felixstowe.

THEY LAUGH Don't sound real.

Liza, such wonderful news. Oh.

I couldn't tell you yesterday cos we were keeping it a secret. I'm sorry.

Bet you never thought you'd be on the shelf

longer than Liza, hey, Adella?

LIZA CHUCKLES

Erm... Don't mind him.

MUSIC RESUMES What on earth possessed you?

Well, well, well, Beesley, you're certainly embracing

the rebellious spirit of the evening.

I hope you didn't mind, sir. No.

What, allowing our joy into your evening?

We should be thanking you, Mr Beesley.

But I will be asking for a dance, mind.

Mrs Dryden.

Oh, no, I couldn't. Oh, come on.

Please, Mr Hardacre.

I haven't done it since I was a girl.

You see, you're a natural, Mrs Dryden.

STRINGS PLAY WALTZ

'Tritsch-Tratsch-Polka' by Johann Strauss II

Right. Come on, Mr Lewis.

Let's see if your feet are as clever as the rest of you.

I fear not. I'll be the judge of that. Come on.

Give us your hands. All right. Do you know the polka?

Go to the right. Ready?

Ma'am.

You'll have to wait your turn, Callum.

I have information.

Are you absolutely sure?

Quite sure.

You told me he was honourable.

I believed that at the time.

Send for Liza.

What's going on?

Callum? Liza, take a seat.

No, I don't wanna sit down. What's going on?

Tell her, Callum.

Captain Blackwood's regiment colleagues told me he was staying

with an old army friend rather than his uncle.

So earlier today, I paid a visit to Morley House to check, and...

...I learned that not only

does Captain Blackwood not have an uncle in the area...

...but that his entire family have in fact disowned him.

What?

But why?

The family have hushed it up, but over the past three months,

Captain Blackwood has squandered the family fortune

at his London gentleman's club.

He's broke, Liza.

He's stony broke.

Just a fortune hunter like all the others.

I'm sorry.

I don't believe you. You're wrong, you've got...

I wish I was, Miss Liza.

My darling, come. They want us to dance another polka.

HE CLEARS HIS THROAT

What is it?

Have your parents disowned you?

HE SCOFFS What?

Are you after my family's money?

Of course not. I want the truth, Edward.

I didn't tell you, Liza, because I didn't want to worry you.

Look at me.

Now tell me you love me.

I love you.

No, you don't.

My darling, please. I really do love you.

I've loved you from the moment we first met

and that is the only thing that really matters.

Captain Blackwood...

half an hour ago, I spoke with Joshua Calder,

the man you paid two shillings to harangue Miss Hardacre in the pub

so you could step in and rescue her.

What?

Mr Calder is ready to swear in court that this was what occurred.

The whole thing's been a lie from the start?

Darling, not a lie. I wanted to be with you.

Only you.

Look, I know this isn't exactly what you thought,

but one day, my parents will forgive me.

We can still be happy together.

And one day, you will be the Baroness of Felixstowe.

You could make me your queen

and I wouldn't wanna spend one more minute with you.

What? You're nothing but a liar.

And you, Liza... you and your family...

...will only ever be common, ignorant fish workers.

You need to leave now, Blackwood.

Get your filthy hands off me! Get out of this house, you bastard!

Is that all you've got, Hardacre?

It's not too late, you know, Liza.

And you won't get a better offer. Not with that pig of an accent.

LIZA GRUNTS

GUN CLICKS

If you're not off Hardacre property by the time I count to ten...

One, two, three, four!

No-one messes with the Hardacres. No-one.

We only have two days to organise this harvest festival.

And this class is doing some real good, Mr Balfour.

Let me be the judge of that.

I'd like to invite some of our students up

to recite some harvest poetry. APPLAUSE

I'm sorry. I can't do it.

The Devon sisters

are seemingly wealthy, renowned card players.

You and I, there's a pair. Consider us a team.

I'd like my letter back. What letter?

It was a new reading list.

Maybe one of the servants took it by mistake.

Our little secret.