Original subtitles

Here he comes, the finest Irishman in Yorkshire.

YELLING Man down!

You may keep the hand.

Whether you're able to use it again is another matter.

How will we keep a roof over our heads?

KNOCKS AT DOOR Rent?

'What if we go into something for ourselves?'

'You made more in one day than I would in a week at the docks.'

'Have you considered expansion and investment?'

SCREAMING

Which of these asylums are you moving us into?

No soup, no fish.

And I thought you people were dock workers.

And you think it's easy being a lady?

I know it isn't.

Top of English and arithmetic. I'm proud of you, son.

These are decisions that you made to serve yourself!

You are a nasty piece of work, Lady Emma!

I'm proud of where I came from.

I wanna be good enough for you to love.

Herring on three. Herring!

MECHANICAL CRANKING

STEAM WHOOSHES

We mustn't be doing it right.

I followed the instructions to the letter.

Nah, must be something.

No, no, it's not catching.

Here, let me try.

I'll get this running. You go and check the wires again.

Yeah. And, Joe...

make sure everybody's ready.

Right, I'll see you inside.

Yep. Oh, Dad. It'll work.

SAM SIGHS Come on.

Sorry, mate. Sir.

Come on, girl. Not got long now.

Can you get those potatoes on two trays, two separate ones?

Pass me that, love. Just here?

Yes, please.

Oh, nice one, love. Be careful. They're not cooled down.

It's all right. It's too hot.

We're running behind, Mrs Dryden.

I know. Dinner should've been served ten minutes ago.

What am I supposed to do? There's no light!

They also serve who only stand and wait.

There you are. Come on.

Is it on? Don't be ridiculous.

This has got disaster written all over it.

I think it's exciting.

It'll mean more work for you, not less.

Mark my words. Ugh!

Joe! Joe!

That's it running now, but keep checking, make sure.

I told you. I told you.

Big idea not working, then?

Oh, it'll work. Dining room, two minutes.

Oh, come on, Joe! I can't wait!

SHE EXCLAIMS

Betsy, come on! Just leave him with Beesley.

Stop worrying.

Mind you don't wake him. Yes, Ma'am.

Come on, Mum! Quick!

So, is it gonna work? We're about to find out.

Oh! I'm excited. THEY CHUCKLE

Hurry up! Me and Harry are starving here.

Well, we have been waiting long enough.

SIGHING

Right. Is everyone ready?

Finally. Mm!

Three, two, one...

THEY GASP

LAUGHTER, LIGHT APPLAUSE

Mum, it's amazing!

CUTLERY CLINKS Oh!

I mean, it really is something, in't it?

Mm. Very modern.

Least you can see all the redecorating you've been doing now.

Oh, what else was I supposed to do for summer,

now I've firmly burnt my bridges with the ladies' circle?

Oh, you're better off.

I don't miss 'em, but I miss doing something.

Hey, we're looking to the future.

'Ere, put that away, Liza, will you? Oh, gladly.

Another unsuitable match, is it? Oh!

I don't know what's worse - when they write or when they visit.

MA CHUCKLES Can't all be bad, Liza.

You'll meet the right one.

Well, I thought our Mary would, too. SAM TUTS

MARY CHUCKLES I wish Adella weren't in London.

I need a friend to talk to, not you lot.

'Ey! There's a room full of experience here.

You should count yourself lucky.

Oh, some experience, Ma!

You scared your own suitor into quitting.

LAUGHTER You what, now?

I mean, she's not wrong, Ma.

I mean, the grounds ain't been the same since Victor left.

They look better without him moping about.

Oh, you've a cold heart, mother.

Some of us still like fresh air and hard work.

Don't we, Joe? Oh, aye. Taking shop orders,

recording the hauls, organising the transport.

It's good, reliable work. Mm.

Anyway, this, erm... Joe, this was a brilliant idea.

It was all Dad. 'Ey! That's not true.

Well, you know what they say -

if you want something done, ask a busy man.

I'm not that busy.

SHE SCOFFS

I'm not.

I'm just overseeing the shops. And the docks.

And the stocks and the finances and the property investments.

Here, look, the world is moving fast.

Can you imagine what it's gonna be like for little Samuel

whenever he runs Hardacre and Son. MA CHUCKLES

Aye. And pigs might fly when you give up the reins.

Anyway, enough work talk.

Harry is heading off next week.

We should be toasting to his last year in school.

Next stop, Oxford.

Nah, that's a dead boring toast. LIZA CHUCKLES

How about... a toast to change?

A toast to progress.

I think a toast to us.

Aye! To the bloody Hardacres.

Hear, hear. Cheers. Cheers.

Cheers. GLASSES CLINK

GEORGE CHUCKLES

Welcome home, darling.

Hello, Papa. HE CHUCKLES

Ah, Emma! Season was cut short.

Let's have lunch, and then you can tell me all about London.

Abysmal.

The people, the weather, the prospects.

All anyone spoke of was recession.

I must have something to eat, and then I'm going to see Liza.

No, you are not. I am.

Do you see what I've been dealing with all summer?

Emma... No!

She's been wretched, and I know exactly where she's learnt it from.

SHE LAUGHS

Whoo! Go on, Callum! Go on, lad! SHE LAUGHS

Look at you! You're already improving, love.

Ooh! Ooh!

My dismounts are a work in progress.

Right. So, when are mine arriving?

Er, t-tomorrow. But, Mrs Hardacre, I must warn you,

I've read th-there could be...

...health implications.

Oh. Wh-What I mean is, the shape of the seat isn't...

There's concerns that, for women...

Why? What's wrong with the shape of the seat, Callum... for women?

I have business I must discuss with Mr Hardacre.

Yeah. He's in the study.

Right, I'll take this round the back for you.

There's only so much I can do.

They'll be eating this for weeks.

The order book was crystal-clear.

Nowhere did it say 30 hams.

We did need 30 rashers for breakfast, but we've got none.

Frankly, I'm at a loss for words.

What on earth were you thinking?

It was your responsibility.

You changed everything round. Yes!

That's what happens with orders.

They change depending on the requirements of the household.

What's going on?

My apologies, Mrs Hardacre. MARY SIGHS

There has been... an error in our kitchen order.

I was... just explaining to Maggie

that this kind of carelessness is not acceptable.

I see. I have the matter in hand.

Well, I'll have a private word with Maggie...

BOOK SHUTS ...all the same.

This way.

Finally, a bit of discipline.

Please don't let me go.

I'm not letting you go, Maggie.

I'm giving you a break from that dressing-down.

But I do want to know what happened.

Mrs Dryden needed someone to help with t'kitchen orders...

what with Annie being confined and all, so I said I'd do it.

It's an extra shilling a week.

Right. And somehow, we've ended up with enough boiled ham

to feed a small army.

Was the order book not clear?

I don't know, Ma'am.

Here. Have a look.

Does that look clear to you?

Yes, Mrs Hardacre.

MARY SIGHS Oh, Maggie, love.

I can't read.

Yeah, well, it's nothing to be ashamed of.

Annie helped me memorise the orders.

But then the prices changed,

and Mrs Henderson wanted different weights,

and I messed it all up.

I'll tell Mrs Dryden I can't do the new job. Ah-ah-ah.

No, you won't.

We'll just have to figure it out, won't we? Hm?

I'll help you.

I promise. Come on.

The median number is about 10 to 15%,

and that's a trend we're seeing across all shops currently.

So we're in trouble.

Considering the entire country is suffering a severe recession,

I think we should be pleased.

But profits are reduced. Hopefully temporarily.

And the family investment?

Also slightly reduced.

SAM SIGHS DEEPLY

These are down by half, some more.

It looks bad on paper, I agree, but these are still viable assets.

Well, can we sell them?

Panicking now is the worst thing we could do.

So we ride out the storm. Exactly.

The steadfast prevail.

But it's a troubling time.

I can explain all this to Mrs Hardacre, too.

No. No, I'll do that.

She should hear it from me.

It's payday tomorrow. I'll bring the wages down to the docks.

It's really no trouble.

If the recession's hit us this hard,

can you imagine what it's like for the workers?

I need to see the mood.

DOOR SHUTS

He's finally down.

How's work?

Great. Everything's still on schedule...

considering we lost two men.

They quit? No. They left for America.

SHE SIGHS Betsy...

Don't start this again.

It'd be an adventure.

Our lives are here, in Yorkshire.

Our lives can be whatever we want.

Do you feel stuck?

No! No, Betsy.

No. Not here, with you and Samuel.

You two mean everything to me.

You know that.

It's just work.

Your dad's kept you in that job long enough.

Show him you're ready to take on more responsibility.

You are ready, Joe.

You're right.

Yeah, you're right. SHE CHUCKLES SOFTLY

Right, I'd better get back.

Thanks, love.

You must tell me everything.

Was there a queue of men, really?

Oh, no, but at one point,

there was a new suitor here every day of the week.

It's exhausting.

Who were your callers? The honourable Clarence Taylor?

Oh, I don't know what's honourable about him.

All he wanted to know is how much my dowry is.

Is he still painfully dull? LIZA SCOFFS

He spent 40 bloody minutes talking about pigeons!

Then Sir Thomas Burrows, you should have seen his...

..ear hair.

THEY LAUGH

And what about London?

The parties were boring, but I made the most of it.

And did you meet anyone you liked? No. Nobody worth meeting.

Mama was more unbearable than usual.

Oh, that sounds bloody awful.

She was upset because I have no prospects left.

Oh, don't be so daft, Adella!

I must accept it.

And I'm happy, really.

I'll cheer you on as you find your husband instead.

LIZA CHUCKLES

You've no idea, George.

Come now, Emma. Surely, it can't have been that bad?

It was absolute agony. She complained non-stop.

She kept giving people her opinion, as if anyone cares about that.

The level of patience I had to muster, George,

it would test a saint.

We're not bringing her to another season.

I can't go through that humiliation again.

We'll-We'll figure something out.

Without a dowry, no-one will take her with this disposition.

Look, Emma, I've been focusing on our property

since you've been away, and I think...

Oh, please don't add insult to injury with that worthless land.

We're ruined.

Ah.

Dear God.

What's happened?

What, is Crispin all right?

My mother.

Oh, Emma, I'm so sorry.

No, she's not dead.

Worse.

She's clearly heard something, and...

she's coming here.

HUBBUB

How you keeping? All right, all right.

How are you, Jack? Ah, well.

New baby just arrived.

Congratulations. Sleepless nights? Aye. Yeah, a few of those.

JACK EXHALES If I'm being honest with you, Sam,

I've got four mouths to feed now.

With the prices going up every week...

We'll not raise the price of herring.

It's a shame we can't live on fish alone.

But maybe you could talk to the bakers or the milkman.

You know...

I heard more and more people are trying their luck in America.

If this recession keeps up, well...

...we might have to go and all.

John.

Josephine, get the white vase. White.

Adella! Put something proper on!

Grandma won't mind what I wear.

Last time she saw you, you were a child.

You're a grown woman now. In theory, at least.

The house feels brighter already! Oh, this is splendid.

I look forward to Imelda's stories.

She tells stories so that you'll share your own.

Do not fall for it.

Must you be so dramatic? She's really not that bad.

Mama will look for any reason to stay and meddle.

We cannot give her one.

We're not to speak of Adella's failed season

or our desperate finances.

And under absolutely no circumstances

is anyone to mention... the Hardacres.

White vase! White! Yes.

PLAYS PIANO SOFTLY

Oh, my God, Liza, listen to this. Oh, stop it, Ma!

He sliced her from her throat all the way down to her...

Right, I've got something to show you both.

Spring-Heel'd Jack, this is unbelievable.

The most terrifying thing about it is that it's all true.

Give over. Oh, aye.

Spawn of the devil himself.

Right, you coming or not?

We just got comfortable, Mum.

You should try it sometime.

Oh. It's just I'd got you both a surprise.

But if you just wanna sit around... Hang on, hang on.

What surprise? Can we see it, Mum, please?

Mm. But you'd better get changed first.

Ma, will you put your hat on?

I'm not putting it on. It's bad enough wearing these.

Ladies, welcome to the future.

Well, come on!

How easy is it, Callum?

Child's play.

Just fix your gaze on the road ahead,

and whatever you do, don't stop pedalling.

OK. I'll be right behind you.

OK, that's it.

Starting with the left, and now with the...

That's it.

You can use the handlebars to turn.

Oh, oh, oh, yeah. Yes, Mrs Hardacre!

Whoo! She's going to kill herself.

Yes, Mrs Hardacre!

Come on! What you waiting for?

OK. Your turn next.

Good! MARY LAUGHS

You can use the handlebars to... Slow... Slow down.

SHE SCREAMS

CLIP-CLOP

Two days. Then she's gone. HORSE FLAPS LIPS

CARRIAGE DOOR OPENS

Hello!

How nice of you both to greet me.

Oh, what a lovely welcome.

I hope you haven't gone to too much trouble.

Mama.

My dear. Mwah.

Imelda, how are you? George.

Mm! HE CHUCKLES

I trust the journey from Bath wasn't too taxing.

Not at all.

IMELDA CLEARS THROAT

I forgot how marvellous this countryside is.

There we go.

But not as marvellous...

ADELLA GIGGLES ...as this young lady.

Grandmama. Look at you, sweetheart.

Just as angelic as the day you were born.

Ah. I've brought gifts.

I'm not sure how fitting they are.

Oh, I love them. Thank you.

I'll wear them tonight. IMELDA CHUCKLES

You shouldn't have brought gifts, Mama.

Well, I-I just wanted to show my appreciation.

Yeah, I think what Emma is trying to say

is that having you here is gift enough.

Exactly. Er, I-I've arranged lunch for us.

Yeah, if you don't mind, I'd like to stretch my legs

and have a breath of fresh air after that long journey.

Of course. So, you must show me the gardens, Adella.

We have so much to catch up on.

HE CHUCKLES NERVOUSLY

Oh. Ooh!

LIZA CHUCKLES Yeah!

It's Auntie Liza, your favourite.

I've come to see you. LIZA LAUGHS

Right. It's time for his nap.

Aw. There we go.

I thought you'd be at Malham now Adella's back,

telling her about all your new prospects.

Everything all right?

Course! Why wouldn't it be?

Joe's working hard, Samuel's happy.

Great, yeah, that... that's great.

I was your friend...

...before I was a wife or a mum, you know.

LIZA LAUGHS What you on about?

I've been here,

and you've been so busy enjoying all that attention...

Oh, hang on. Attention?

Those toffs barely know my name.

All they care about is the Hardacre bank accounts.

I thought you enjoyed it.

Betsy... There's nowt romantic about being interviewed to be a wife.

Anyway, I thought you enjoyed all this.

Oh, I do, but it's hard.

Mum's away minding Gran. I never get back to the village.

Oh, Betsy.

I miss seeing everyone.

Yeah, I'd like to visit more often, but the travel is a big undertaking.

We could visit you.

I have offered, but it never seems to suit.

And Emma stopped writing once the engagement was called off.

Then there were rumours about London.

Ah, I'm sure it was just idle gossip, but, erm...

...I had to come to see for myself.

Well, I wasn't the perfect lady.

But I'm not getting married,

so attending the season's a waste of time.

Oh! IMELDA CHUCKLES

You have the Hansen fire in you.

Darling, all that matters is your happiness.

But what is it that you want?

I've never been in love.

So you... you do want marriage, as long as there is love.

It's a ridiculous notion.

I have no dowry, and men only liked me when I said nothing at all.

But Mrs Hardacre told me that I'm worth...

well, I'm worth more than that.

Hardacre? Who are the Hardacres? Tell me everything.

Well, erm, there's my best friend, Liza Hardacre.

Mm. And Mama won't even let me...

ADELLA SIGHS Never mind.

IMELDA STUTTERS

She did mention something about, er...

Er, what was it again?

Well, there was a bit of a falling out, you see,

between Mama and Mrs Hardacre.

INAUDIBLE

KNOCKS ON DOOR

Harry, love, can I ask you something? Yes.

Now, I told Maggie I'd help her with her reading.

Right. Is there somewhere she can learn?

No idea.

Right, come on. What's going on?

You've not been yourself for weeks. You've stopped reading.

I mean, I chalked it up to nerves about your exams, but...

I'm not going back to Barlow's.

Harry...

Harry, where's this come from, love?

Has something happened?

I just don't wanna go back. That's it.

Well, what about Oxford? Hm? That's your dream, love.

I don't care about Oxford any more.

Just leave it, Mum.

HE EXHALES

I tried everything with Harry, but he refuses to go back.

He will. SHE SIGHS

I'm not gonna force him. You're worrying.

I want to do what's best for our children.

We are.

Anyway, we have bigger problems.

What? Bigger than our family? HE SIGHS

You should've seen the men today.

Their spirit's gone.

Isn't there something we can do?

Price of food's going up.

They're struggling to get by.

All right, so we just up the wages, then.

Callum says we're in no position to do that.

Is he concerned about our finances?

No, no, no, no.

It's nothing like that.

HE INHALES DEEPLY

I just need to find a solution, that's all.

HE EXHALES

I just don't know what.

DOOR OPENS

I had your maid light the candles

so I could attend to my correspondence.

This check that you gave to George,

we cannot accept it.

You cannot have people talking.

Whatever Adella told you, we don't require your intervention.

You are hiding away.

I've travelled all this way,

and you haven't even arranged a luncheon for me.

Something is wrong.

I thought you'd be too tired.

There's nothing the matter.

Are you sure?

Yes.

I'm not sure I feel right leaving you in this state.

How about we host afternoon tea?

The orangery would be perfect.

Wonderful.

A farewell party for you.

I will start the invitations straightaway.

We'll invite all the neighbours.

Of course.

I'll invite the Hardacres.

The Hardacres?

Yes. Adella tells me that her friend Liza Hardacre lives next door.

She's quite the influence.

I should like to meet them.

Is there a problem?

Of course not.

A lovely family. Good.

CUTLERY CLINKS

A letter, Mrs Hardacre.

Oh, thank you.

That's the Hansen seal.

Who? Lady Emma's family, the Danish royalty.

"Lady Imelda Hansen cordially invites you and your family

"for afternoon tea in Malham Manor."

I'll stick to my ham, thanks.

Let me see. Fine.

Well, it says here all the neighbours are invited.

Right, and you think all those neighbours insulted Lady Emma, dear?

Well, maybe not to her face. Oh!

Adella is my friend, though, Mum. It'd be rude not to go.

Oh, come on.

Aren't you just a little bit curious

to meet the woman who spawned Lady Em?

LAUGHTER She probably breathes fire.

Out both ends. She might throw a heck of a party.

Hang on. Why are you so keen to go?

Because I know you miss all that fancy stuff,

socialising and all.

And we have every right to be there.

Mum, I never get to go to Adella's house.

Might be good for everyone.

Fine. But if that Lady Emma so much as looks at me funny,

I'm gonna put her back in her place.

You know I always have your back, love.

Oh, I know.

Oh, Ma'am. I've got the latest order here.

I thought you could help me memorise them like Annie did.

Maggie, that's not how you learn to read, love.

It's all them different shops and weights and prices.

I get mixed up.

Something from the butcher's, then the baker's.

You know, if they bought everything from the same place,

it would be so much easier.

Everything in the same place.

That could be it.

Meet me in the shop.

Er, Sam... Thank you, Maggie.

Sam, wait.

Ah! You've come on a good day. My rhubarb is thriving.

MY rhubarb, you mean. HE CHUCKLES

Remember who gave you them crowns.

So, this Lady Imelda Hansen... Ah.

You've received the invitation, then.

Mm. If this is another one of Emma's attempts

to put our Mary down, I swear...

I assure you it's not.

Imelda is keen to meet Adella's friends.

Well, our friends, too.

What, and Emma's happy with that?

Emma wants her mother to be happy. SHE SCOFFS

Maybe Imelda could teach Mary a thing or two.

HE CHUCKLES

INDISTINCT MUTTERING

What's this about?

JOE PUFFS LIPS No clue. Dad?

Good people are struggling to make ends meet.

They don't want charity, and God knows I understand that,

but they do need help.

Right, and the way we do that is...?

Offer more than just fish. What?

We turn our Hardacre shops into general stores.

That means tea, bread, eggs - you name it - under one roof.

I can't make the bakers and butchers change their prices

unless we buy in bulk

and we pass those savings on to our customers.

Give them real value, not charity.

Expanding during a national recession could be risky.

You said it yourself -

people who hold their nerve get the rewards.

OK, so, you're suggesting a trial period -

convert one shop, see how it fares, then expand.

No, we have to buy in bulk to get the value that we need.

One shop is not enough.

We have to be bold.

Mm. Well, we took a chance before, and it paid off.

We can do it again.

Yes. But an expansion on that scale, you're gonna need someone to run it.

He's not wrong. You're stretched thin as it is.

Dad, I know the logistics inside and out.

The orders, the shipments, the schedules.

I've been doing this for 18 months. I can do it.

I know, son, but... Dad, you need to trust me.

How am I supposed to take over if you don't?

You're right.

It's yours. Right.

I can get on to new suppliers today.

I can get new stock, carpenters come in, new shelves.

That's if you agree.

What you asking him for? He just told you.

You're the boss, love.

Come on. Leave him to it.

DOORBELL TINKLES Right.

There you are.

I've got something fun for us to do today.

SAMUEL BABBLES

Where?

We're going to Malham Manor for afternoon tea.

BETSY SCOFFS Liza, that's your idea of fun?

LIZA SIGHS

We can make it fun, though, Betsy. Please!

Come on, let's get dressed up and have a laugh.

Me and you.

What about Samuel?

Oh, don't worry, I've found the perfect nanny.

SAMUEL GIGGLES I won't be long, I promise.

And if you need me to come back...

There'll be no problems here, dear.

Enjoy yourself.

Ah, Maggie.

I am gonna find someone to give you lessons in the evening.

Reading, writing and numeracy.

Then there's gonna be no more issues with the order books.

With respect, Mrs Hardacre,

don't you think this innovation might distract her from her duties?

No, I think it will help her work to the best of her ability.

Can Henry come too, Ma'am?

The footman. Mm. The more, the merrier.

In fact, spread the word.

Our doors are open.

Oh, hark at us, all polished up for Malham Manor.

We are going to be on our best behaviour.

Aren't we, Mary?

Damned if I care what the Fitzherberts think.

We'll be ourselves.

Oh, give over.

Come on, Ma. Get in. Thank you.

Mind your dress. Mind YOUR dress.

Oh, I'm excited.

Let's go. HORSE NEIGHS

Mama, this is Mr and Mrs Sam and Mary Hardacre.

Ooh.

And this is my mother, Lady Imelda Hansen.

The Hardacres are titans of industry.

They made a fortune in fisheries.

Do you own a port, Mr Hardacre?

Herring shops. Yeah, we started out as gutties.

But they have a huge portfolio -

properties, investments, international ventures.

From the ground up.

Very impressive indeed.

And this is... Call me Ma.

And, erm, this is our eldest, Joe, his wife, Betsy,

our youngest, Harry, and our daughter, Liza.

Liza has been such a good friend to Adella,

and Harry's studying at Barlow's, George's alma mater. Yes.

Actually, I've-I've quit school.

If you'd like to help yourself to refreshments inside.

Welcome, welcome.

She been on the Champagne already? I know.

GLASSES CLINK, CORK POPS

GUESTS CHATTER

Champagne. Mm.

HE HUMS A TUNE

Ba-ba-ba-ba-ba-ba-ba-ba.

All right, it's a bit stuffy here, isn't it?

I thought it'd be a laugh.

Ugh. I heard someone say they're gonna read poetry.

Why don't we go down to the village? No-one will notice we're gone.

Right, let's go, then. All of us. Come on, Adella.

I can't. It's Grandmama's last day.

Well, then... you cover for us.

If anyone asks, we're powdering our nose.

BETSY LAUGHS

The worst.

METAL CLINKS ON GLASS

As a patron of thespians,

You what? ...I thought today...

Thespians. ...a delightful excuse

to invite one of Bath's renowned readers,

Donald Willis.

Enjoy. LIGHT APPLAUSE

Tomorrow

And tomorrow...

Oh, God. And tomorrow

Creeps in this petty pace From day to day

To the last syllable of recorded...

Is this our punishment for turning up?

MARY SNORTS All our yesterdays

Have lighted fools

The way to dusty death.

We'll only have one drink. Be back in an hour.

I heard that reader say he's got plays to last the whole night.

BETSY LAUGHS

Two glasses of ale, please, Tom. Coming right up.

LIQUID POURS

There you are. Thank you.

CHATTER AND LAUGHTER

It's good to be back.

The seeds of Banquo kings

Rather than so Come fate into the list

And champion me to the utterance.

And now for a short break.

Ah! Thank God for that. APPLAUSE

I feel like I've aged a thousand years. I need a break.

MA SIGHS I need a top-up.

I need something stronger.

Well, we're gonna need it.

We have to sit through another hour of him.

You know, I had the butler choose the readings.

Obviously a bad mistake.

THEY CHUCKLE

Well, you know what they say -

if you want something doing right, do it yourself.

Oh! Indeed.

You know, I had terrible trouble convincing Emma

to throw this party at all.

Well, I had terrible trouble convincing Mary to come.

IMELDA LAUGHS

Well, you're all most welcome.

You know, I would have put money on Lady Em slinging mud

the minute we walked through the door.

You like a little wager, do you?

Only when I'm playing cards.

LIZA LAUGHS

Right, come on.

Right.

Excuse me. There's no rush.

Why don't you stay for a while?

SHE LAUGHS

Thank you, sir, but I'm afraid I must decline.

Too good for us now, Liza Hardacre?

"Now" don't even come into it.

I were too good for the likes of you when I were gutting fish. Move.

We just wanna go home. Please.

The lady told you to stand aside.

If I were in your shoes, I'd do as I was told.

This ain't your business. Correct.

But I could choose to make it my business.

Or alternatively...

...you could leave these two ladies alone...

...and then I'd leave you alone.

There's a good chap. Excellent choice.

SHE CLEARS THROAT

I'll have you know,

I could knock out a drunken idiot like Joshua Calder

with a single punch.

Is that so?

Then have at it.

My money's on the lady. LAUGHTER AND CHEERING

Liza, let's go. Thank you.

She ordered 30 of them.

I said we'll be eating ham till Christmas.

IMELDA LAUGHS Bite your tongue, Ma.

It's not Maggie's fault she never learnt to read.

Oh, so that is why you're setting up the little school?

Well, I just believe that education should be for everyone.

You're putting our charitable efforts to shame.

Ah, Emma!

You should hear this. Oh, I'd love to, Mother,

but the reader is about to do the closing verse,

so I think we should all make our way back over.

Thank you. Thank you. MA SIGHS

Yes. Mary.

Mm. Emma.

I know there's been some tension between you both...

IMELDA INHALES, EXHALES

...but, Emma, wasn't there something you wanted to say to Mrs Hardacre?

An apology. No, there's really no need...

No, I believe there is.

Emma. MARY SIGHS

I'm sorry, Mary...

...for past... misunderstandings.

Thank you, Lady Emma.

Well, with the girls being such fast friends,

I think you two should be as well.

IMELDA CLEARS THROAT

Away and mock the time With fairest show

False face must hide What the false heart doth know.

APPLAUSE

Such a delightful afternoon. Thank you for joining us.

Thank you, Lady Imelda. And thank you, Lady Emma.

It's been a lovely afternoon.

Until the next time.

Yes. Mm-hm. Right.

Come on, let's go.

That wasn't so bad.

Mm, take Lady Imelda over Lady Emma any day.

Splendid afternoon.

Thank you for suggesting it

and for restoring our friendship with the Hardacres.

Now, your carriage for tomorrow...

I'm staying.

Mama.

You should have told me about these Hardacres

sticking their grubby fingers in our businesses,

our schools, our marriage prospects.

It's abhorrent.

Don't you think I know that?

But you've done nothing to deter it.

I had her ousted from the ladies' circle.

But they had no problem arriving back here, bold as brass.

You've always been weak, Emma.

And I am left to clean up your mess.

I can manage this myself.

Adella has been totally taken in by them.

And I am not leaving

until everything has been reverted to the natural order.

And how do you propose to do that?

I want to make an example of them.

A warning to anybody who thinks that they can buy class.

It's impossible. They don't care what people think.

Well, it's not about humiliating them.

It's about...

...finding their weak spot.

You see, they think us... friends.

So we wait until the moment that they expose themselves

for what they really are.

They'll be back down those docks before they know what's happened.

I do hope they haven't forgotten... how to gut fish.

My method has worked for 20 years, Mrs Hardacre.

Please give it a chance. Don't leave. Look...

You know how you can make them classes work

if you just open your bloody eyes.

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

The Baron of Felixstowe.

Calling on Liza Hardacre?

The important thing is he's not a fortune-hunter.

I don't want to do any of this,

so can we just get on with the lesson so I can go?

You must stay.

You're a keen card player.

Cards, is it? All right, I will.