Original subtitles

You can call me Franny all you like, love, but I am still your mother.

Stay on the girl. We need to know what Mrs Calendar is hiding,

more than ever. This is Henry, my tutor.

We were just attending to my schooling.

And you have decided that her head is best filled with nonsense?

I'm not losing my job cos of another one of Mum's stupid schemes.

If you tell anyone we're related,

I'll cut off every inch of your hair.

HETTY: Brody says that nothing is hidden from the Lord.

But even if the Lord saw everything,

it didn't mean he wanted everyone else to.

What have I told you about coming in my room without knocking?

Living so closely together,

you'd think we'd know everything about each other.

If we're all quite ready...

As Miss Emily is turning 16 in some weeks' time,

we will be appointing a lady's maid to assist her and Mrs Calendar.

One of you has already expressed an interest,

but we will be interviewing girls with appropriate experience and a

suitable background.

I'm sure it'll be an honour even to be considered, Mrs Brody.

If Agnes gets it, does that mean you'll need a new housemaid?

I think we all know how I feel about speaking out of turn, Sheila.

But in answer to your question, "no".

Agnes, Mrs Calendar will be taking luncheon with Lady Goodall today,

so your trial will begin promptly.

Bessie, silver needs polishing.

Hetty, fireplaces need cleaning,

and, as for you, I expect my staff to be on time and properly dressed.

I'm sure a thorough scrub of the privy will help you remember that.

Peeled and a fine dice, Judy.

I'm Sheila, Mrs Whittock.

Good luck, Aggie. I told you not to call me that!

If you mess this up for me...

Living so closely together,

you wouldn't think we'd have any secrets left to hide,

but for some of us, there was always more to find out.

So that one's a stone pine? Are you sure?

Look at the colour.

Of course, it's a blue Atlas cedar.

Right. Shrubs next.

Do you mind if we don't?

I'd really like to finish my book.

Oh, all right. Erm...

I've got to get finishing with the pruning, anyway.

GIRL: Giddy-up!

Agnes, a little more decorum.

Would you like me to do yours next, Miss Constance?

I'll need those hairpins, then.

You go find your nursery maid and

I'll find a bow to tie on your pigtails.

Yes, Agnes.

That's quite a talent.

You have younger siblings, I take it.

No, ma'am.

My parents only had the one child.

According to the notes on your interview, they're out of

the country. Is that correct? What are they doing abroad?

Missionaries...in Africa.

Africa? How exciting!

They're just helping the poor and needy.

And now, perhaps, Miss Emily...?

In a minute. The dressmaker will be here shortly.

If your dress isn't finished, your father won't be happy.

Hmm?

I don't see why. My birthday's not for weeks.

He just wants to make sure everything is perfect.

I don't want a party.

What girl wouldn't want a party for her 16th birthday?

I shall be out all day.

While I'm gone, I expect you to set a good example.

Of course, I'll be on my best behaviour.

Hetty...

How would you like to wear a beautiful

hand-embroidered dress with lace trim?

It might get a bit tatty while I'm scouring the fireplaces!

I was supposed to be studying with Henry today,

but Father insists I waste the day

getting fitted for a silly dress for a silly party.

It sounds awful(!) All that lovely food, all your friends,

while some of us are having the time of our lives raking ashes!

So, how would you like to swap?

You want me to go to your party?

You're welcome to, but I think they might notice,

but you can stand in for the fitting for me.

We're practically the same size, and the dressmaker won't tell.

Brody will skin me from here to Christmas if she finds out.

Please? I could hardly refuse if you order me to do it.

Well, then, I hereby order you to take my place,

and not to tell a soul.

I thought you were Brody.

I've nearly finished.

Look. It's a present for baby Mabel.

Ma's at the top, then Tom,

and I've saved the prettiest blue thread just for you, Aggie.

What do you think? I think you should leave my name off it.

But you're our sister. Keep your voice down!

I don't get why it's a secret.

Only girls from respectable families become lady's maids.

But you didn't need to fib to get your housemaid job.

Do you think they'd have given me it if I told them my pa had left,

yours was a peddler, and Ma was bringing up the babies on her own?

If I get lady's maid, I'll be able to send more money home.

You want that, don't you? For Ma?

And then we can tell everyone.

Tell everyone what?

Personal needlework on work time?

If I catch you idling once more, Lizzie Duffet...

Now get back to the kitchen.

The custard needs stirring while Mrs Whittock's indisposed.

Keep an eye on Lizzie.

Some of the stories I've been hearing... If I had known sooner,

I never would've hired someone from such stock.

What are you doing here?

I work here, Miss Emily,

and I'm looking for Jack.

Well, I haven't seen him, and you haven't seen me, either.

What was that about?

I don't know, because I don't stick my nose in other people's business.

Fine! You won't want to know that I saw Jack earlier today, then,

seeing as it's none of my business?

Go on, then.

Greenhouse.

Ow!

No wonder Miss Emily ducked out, standing here for days on end.

I wasn't shirking. I said work comes first...

I suppose you're going to tell me

that Miss Emily gave you an order and you didn't know how to refuse?

I understand. Just like I understand that sometimes

you pretend to be sick when you're supposed to be serving

at a croquet party, so you can sneak off somewhere.

I'm sorry, Mrs Brody.

I was so worried I'd done the wrong thing.

I felt ill, so I was sort of telling the truth, and anyway,

I was only trying to help, and I'm not sure if I really did.

I'd hate for Mrs Calendar to think that I was meddling... Ow!

Thank you.

Be careful, Hetty.

If a family wants to lose a servant, then who do you think they'll pick?

Someone who keeps their head down and their eyes shut,

or someone who knows all of their secrets?

But if you were to confide in a more senior servant,

I might be able to protect you.

That's all right, but thank you.

I owe you.

I'm sure the time will come when you can repay the favour.

Jack, I wasn't sure what you wanted me to...do with the cuttings.

I-I-I was just asking Jack about...

..hellebores.

Put them on the compost, and get a move on, no slacking.

I wasn't.

I'll leave you to it. I know you wanted to be on your own.

I did, but... It's fine.

Why would I mind? I'm sure Jack knows more about gardening than me.

That's the problem with custard.

If you stop stirring, then it can curdle.

That'll make me feel better when my arms fall off.

I could stir for a while,

and you could work on your sampler.

I'll make sure Brody doesn't find out.

Thanks, Aggie. You're the best sister.

Give it here.

Perhaps I could borrow this. I'd like to make some more notes.

Of course. I don't expect I'll need it before Oxford.

You're taking a trip? I'm going to university, as you know.

I must admit, I am looking forward to striking out on my own.

Much as I love my family, I shall be happy to be living apart from them.

But you're to study here, in London, and become a doctor and save lives.

No, I'm to be a lord, not a life-saver.

Good old men study at Oxford.

Tell your father you've changed your mind.

I couldn't possibly speak to my father like that, even if I had.

What about me?! If you're in Oxford, how shall I study?

I'm sorry, but you've always known this would happen.

You know Agnes is going for that lady's maid job?

She's got all these airs and graces all of a sudden.

"Such an honour, Mrs Brody.

"As you wish, Mrs Brody.

"Ooh, Mistress Emily, this dress is most becoming."

Those veg peeling themselves, Judy?

Uh, sorry, Mrs Whittock, and my name's Sheila.

And less chatting with your sweetheart, more graft.

On your way, lad. He's not my sweetheart.

SHE SNIFFS Oh!

If there's one thing I know it's my smells,

and that is unmistakably the smell of burnt custard!

Oh, my apple Charlotte!

It wasn't my fault.

You were meant to keep stirring it!

Lizzie, did I not tell you to keep on stirring the custard?

Then why weren't you?

So much for keeping an eye on her! Sorry, Mrs Brody.

I didn't leave it... Must I remind you not to speak?

You've got it wrong! Tell her, Aggie.

Aggie?! Her name is Agnes.

Tell her, or Ma'll be very angry at us.

Your mother? You're sisters!

But you told me you were an only child.

But your parents...

..in Africa?

Not likely.

I've heard a lot about that Mrs Duffet.

There have been a fair few Mr Duffets, if you know what I mean.

Sheila!

You lied. A lady's maid is in a position of trust and integrity.

When Mr and Mrs Calendar find out about...

Agnes, get back here now!

We all know what the devil does with idle hands.

Lizzie, the fish need gutting.

Sheila, Mrs Whittock will need more eggs for her custard.

Hop to it.

"16 out of 20. Good work, Jack. Edwin."

Thank you for your time, Lord Goodall.

Did he tell you? Henry is going to Oxford.

Funnily enough, his son's studies weren't on our agenda.

But Oxford?

Henry would be so much better off in London,

reading medicine and becoming a doctor.

I think it's none of your business.

You'd do well to stay out of it.

Busybody.

Lord Goodall, wait.

Best get that soaking or you'll be scrubbing it till midnight.

I'll take mine in my parlour. Where's Agnes?

Hetty?

She's in her room, catching up on her mending.

Hiding her shame, more like.

If she's not here by 3 o'clock to help Miss Emily dress,

there'll be trouble.

Where is she really?

If she's not back by 3.00, she won't have a job to come back to.

Cover for me.

What about the stove?

Why do I have to work with a bunch of skivers?

Better than working with a know-it-all.

Jack reckons there's 14 different ways to prune a rose.

THEY LAUGH

What?

Ignore them - they're being weird.

Have you got it? You have, haven't you?

Look, I'm just trying to improve myself.

What do you mean? Got what?

If you can't see that, then you're no friend of mine.

What did I do?

Who's that?

If you so much as look at my chickens,

I'll have your eyeballs for breakfast...

Hello, Mother.

Oh, "Mother"! Hark at Lady La-di-da!

What are you doing here? Has something happened?

Come on, we'll get you home. Look, honest, Ma, there's no need...

No, you'll do as you're told, my girl, come on.

I'm sorry I haven't been to see Mabel. You're here now.

Oi, stop, it's my turn!

Oi, boys, boys!

Look who's here.

Aggie! Hello! Look at you, you've grown.

Oi!

You've still got them mudlarking, then?

Oh, don't you go turning your nose up.

There's good money to be made from the Thames.

Oh, look, look!

There she is, with your Auntie Jessamine.

Agnes, meet your little sister.

Oh!

Oh, look.

She's pleased to see you. We all are.

Aren't we?

DOOR OPENS What are you doing here?

I thought we... What did you say to my father?

No need to thank me. I simply...

Thanks to you, he's refusing to pay for my room at college.

So, you're not going to Oxford?

Oh, no, no, no, I will. Only now I have to live with my Aunt Myrtle.

Oh, that's a shame. So much for living independently

with like-minded students.

Aunt Myrtle makes my father look positively radical.

Why did you tell him I wanted to go to London?

London would be so much better... Yeah, for you, maybe.

That's all you were thinking of - your dreams and not mine.

I'm sorry. Well, how's that supposed to help?

Ma, Aggie's on her way. She's not under her tree.

I don't know where else to look. Oh, thank goodness.

Come on, if we go back now...

I'm not going back. I can't show my face there again.

Are you going to tell me what this is all about?

Cos I couldn't get anything out of this one -

clammed up tight as a tick.

Aggie fibbed about some...something.

I lied about you lot, all right?

I pretended my parents were abroad so they'd think I was respectable

enough to get a job as a lady's maid.

You were ashamed...of us?

I knew you didn't want Lizzie working with you,

but I thought it was just one of those sister things.

Promotion would have meant more money.

Oh, we don't care about money.

The first thing Edie did when she saw me is pick my pocket.

You look here, missy.

I've had people look down their noses at me all my life, judging me,

telling me I'm a bad mother.

So, my kids are a bit mucky and they don't mind their Ps and Qs?

Oh, so what?

They're happy, and you were happy...

..weren't you?

But now we're not good enough?

You'll send us your pay packet but you won't even visit

when your little sister's born?

Lizzie's risking her job to help you.

You should be proud to call her kin.

I've made such a fool of myself. They'll all be laughing at me.

Do you remember when I came out the privy

with my apron stuck in my drawers?

LAUGHTER

Or when Tom sneezed all over Mrs Girton's new hat?

Come on, you've just got to front it out and make like it doesn't matter,

and then it DOESN'T matter.

So, come on.

You're going to go back there with your head held high, yeah?

Thanks, Ma. All right.

Good girl. Go on.

Lady Goodall sends her regards.

It seems you've made quite the impression on that family today.

You should change.

Your father's expecting to see you in your dress any moment now.

You don't want to disappoint him.

I already have once today.

I've made things worse for Henry.

He'll have to live with his Aunt Myrtle and I'll...

Have no-one to study with?

That's why you wanted Henry to stay in London.

I know it's selfish, but I want to learn.

Without Henry, how am I to do that?

Sometimes it's difficult to see past what we want.

Other people want things, too, just as strongly.

Take your father - he just wants to see his beautiful,

clever daughter become a young lady.

But he doesn't let me do anything.

Most girls spend their days on needlework, painting...

Do you think Lord Goodall would let you study, with a boy no less,

if he were your father?

You must appreciate how much your father's done for you,

putting your wishes before his own.

But I don't want a party. I won't know anyone.

I can count all my friends on one finger.

I don't suppose even Henry will come now.

What better way to make friends?

Allow your father to show you off, introduce you to society,

find new friends.

Is that so much to ask?

You didn't get it from me, all right?

CLOCK CHIMES

Mr Calendar, there's something I must mention to you

about one of the maids.

What is it? I'm off to see Emily.

In her new dress, of course.

And the household staff are my wife's concern, Mrs Brody.

Perhaps we should come back later, sir.

The dress might not be ready. She's expecting me.

Of course, sir.

She was supposed to be here. She gave her word that...

Ah. A proper young lady.

And just like your mother.

You look beautiful, Emily.

AGGIE WHISPERS: Don't turn around, the pins'll show.

Very lovely, I'm sure.

Would you mind? I'd like to speak to my father.

I disobeyed you earlier when I spoke to Lord Goodall about Henry.

I'm sorry. I expressly told you not to.

I know, and it's not enough to simply dress like a lady.

I must act like one as well. I'm not a child any more.

Quite right. It's about time you... But neither is Henry.

But because of me he's to be coddled by his Aunt Myrtle rather than

living independently like a man.

If Lord Goodall understood how much I regret interfering,

if there was a way to make amends...

I'll write a letter to him.

Despite all of his strictness, he only wants his children to be happy.

Thank you, Father. Henry will be so pleased.

Good, then that's the last we shall speak of it.

Absolutely...

..until I go to university myself.

I trust you've had time to give some thought to...

I'd like to apologise, Mrs Brody.

I should never have lied and said my folks were abroad.

Although, technically, Pa is a sailor, so he probably is, anyway.

It was dishonest of me.

Yes, it was.

Although from what I've heard of your family,

I doubt you know any better.

My family are kind,

and they love me, and I'm proud of them.

I trust you wish to withdraw your application for lady's maid.

Yes, Mrs Brody.

I'm quite happy where I am...

..for now.

I know you stole my book, so at least have the decency to admit it.

I knew it was you.

I didn't take it.

It doesn't matter who did, but it wasn't me.

He's telling the truth.

He wouldn't lie.

He's your friend.

You don't want that book. Nursery rhymes are for children.

Just because you can't read doesn't mean you're a child.

From now on, we do it properly with books you're interested in.

HETTY: We all have stuff that we're embarrassed of,

that we'd rather keep hidden,

but with the people who care most about us...

..you can be honest.

There's no need to be embarrassed.

Our friends and our family,

they're the ones who can help us.

Lights out.

Brody had acted like a true friend today, but was she being honest?

Goodnight, girls.

Could I really be sure she wasn't hiding something as well?

I feel like someone's watching.

You ask a lot of questions.

Family trees are a fascinating thing.

Have you ever heard of the Wolf Boy?

He roams the forest with his pack.

TWIG SNAPS, THEY GASP

It looks like fingerprints.

The Wolf Boy... We need to tell a grown-up.

Tell a grown-up what?

Vince?

Come back here!