Original subtitles

No-one can ever treat us like dirt

or make us feel like we're nothing ever again.

This is our new neighbour... Lord Fitzherbert.

Charmed, Mrs Hardacre. Oh...

I bought Shaw's Fish Merchants this afternoon. You did what?

My lady didn't introduce herself. Oh, I am no lady, Mr Ward.

Why don't we have a bit of fun?

No soup, no fish. And I thought you people were dock workers.

But underneath it all, she's a common fishwife.

It's that Dryden one that needs telling.

Are you happy here? Of course. It's everything I ever wanted.

I know what you're all thinking.

"Who does Sam Hardacre think he is?" LAUGHTER

But this sign up here, that's not a boast. It's a promise.

We're investing in this place - and not just with money.

I'm putting my flesh and blood in it.

Joe here will be running the docks. APPLAUSE

Along with Fred Holdsworth. CHEERING

Together, they will be joint managers.

I know they're young... but they've earned it.

One of them has. And remember this.

You don't just work for us. We work for you, too.

I've had good fortune, and now I wanna share it

with the finest men and women in all of England!

CHEERING AND APPLAUSE, LIZA WHISTLES

Liza! Sorry, Mum.

Lena.

Mary! It's so good to see you.

Come here. Oh!

Mind your frock, now you're a lady!

Don't. Cup of tea?

Oh, yeah, I'd kill for one, love. Come on.

Proud of you.

Congratulations, Joe. Or should I call you Mr Hardacre?

Only in front of the other employees. Employees?

Is that how you talk about your old friends now?

Well, I have to maintain discipline, Betsy.

Hark at him, putting on airs already.

"Discipline"? You? Aye. Discipline.

When you're off to your poncy school in your top hat and your stockings

and you doing your embroidery, I'll be running this place.

Give me half a chance, I reckon I could do better than you.

You couldn't. It's a man's job.

Aye. But the question is, Joe...

"Are you up to it?"

Come on, Betsy.

What do you mean, "We can't afford it"?

Well, these shindigs of yours cost a pretty penny.

Don't be vulgar, George.

This tea party will raise funds for charitable causes.

Well, if we keep spending at this rate,

we'll soon be a charitable cause.

I was asked to play hostess by the Duchess of Harrogate.

If I fail her, we dare not show our faces for the rest of the season.

Social ruin, Papa.

HE SIGHS Oh... er...

Look here.

What if we were to ask the Hardacres?

Send for the doctor - your father's gone mad.

I'm perfectly sane. HE CHUCKLES

We need money. They need friends.

Quid pro quo. And in English, George?

You throw your party, the Hardacres settle the bill.

You'd still be the hostess, just under their roof.

Well, at least their roof doesn't leak.

Have you both taken leave of your senses?

The Hardacres are trade.

Well, exactly! Let's do business with them!

HE CHUCKLES

I wish you'd asked for my advice before you bought this business.

Shaw let this place go to rack and ruin...

..but we'll turn it all around now that I'm in charge.

Yes, that's another thing.

You're not entirely in charge.

The company has an unusual constitution.

There's a board of shareholders,

and every shareholder has an equal say.

HE SIGHS

Which means... The Board can outvote me.

What's this about the Board? Nothing to worry about.

As long as they see you turning a profit - soon.

We will!

If we replace the crane, like you said,

we'll double our capacity.

That's right, Fred.

Then we can shorten our working hours. Why?

There'll be less accidents and happier workers.

I wanna prove that you can make money and treat folks right.

And to make that point,

I want a ten shilling bonus in every pay packet this week.

Are you trying to ruin yourself?

Besides, the wages have already been made up.

I can make 'em up again. It won't take long. Very good, Fred.

Here, take the safe key.

I thought I was in charge of the money.

In time, yes, when you've had a bit more experience.

Fred can handle the money for now.

I've worked on the docks my whole life.

Sure, but this is office work. You need to learn it.

Right, Joe... are you familiar with double-entry book-keeping?

No. Then we'll start there.

Well, don't you look a picture, eh? That's one word for it.

Hey, you should take pride in your uniform.

I know it's old-fashioned.

I don't think this was ever in fashion. Hey.

Don't worry, I'm only teasing.

It'll be an adventure. Mm.

Right, I've checked the list, everything's in here.

You've got different clothes for every sport.

I expect I'll be captain of the football team

and a champion wrestler (!)

And maybe you will.

I've always said our Harry can do anything he puts his mind to.

Well, not anything. Harry...

KNOCK ON DOOR You...

Visitors, ma'am.

Lady Emma Fitzherbert and Lady Adella.

Oh. Thank you, Maggie.

I'll receive them in the drawing-room. Yes.

And Miss Liza, she'll join us. Very good, ma'am.

You are... as good as anybody.

Better.

Now, promise me you'll remember that. I promise...

..if you'll do the same.

As our Lord said,

"The poor are always with us."

LIZA SCOFFS Not with you.

Well, I'm sure we all want to support the, er, less fortunate.

Indeed. Philanthropy is all the rage these days.

Our ladies' charitable circle

represents the creme de la creme of county society.

And with such connections,

we are able to do great things for women and children in distress.

Well, I'm glad to hear it.

And if I can help in any way...

You wish me to propose you to the circle?

Are you offering? Well, it won't be easy.

After all, the circle is chaired by the Duchess of Harrogate.

But...

Yes. I have it.

You shall host a gala afternoon tea here at Hardacre Hall.

Mama, what a wonderful notion. LADY EMMA GASPS

Surely, when the ladies meet you,

they will take you to their hearts...

..just as we have.

It's the most marvellous opportunity for you.

So, what do I need to do? I shall advise you on everything.

The music, the floral decorations, the, erm... menu.

I mean, it's just afternoon tea, though?

My dear... there's no such thing as "just" afternoon tea.

Woe betide the hostess who serves petit fours

crafted by an unfashionable patissier.

Hm, imagine. Have no fear.

I can tell you where exactly to open accounts.

The most chic confectioners, fruiterers, vintners, florists...

MARY SIGHS Now, you said there's to be music.

Leave that to us.

Adella is a highly accomplished pianoforte player.

Our Liza, she's a lovely little singer.

Mother! Oh, what a happy coincidence.

You shall accompany Miss Hardacre. Mm. And you'll sing.

Then it's all settled.

How fortunate we are to have such...

..fine neighbours. MARY CHUCKLES

COACHMAN: All set.

I wish you'd let one of us go with you. It wouldn't be right.

I need to show 'em I'm my own man.

QUIETLY: Yes. That's the spirit, Son.

And when you come back, you'll be an educated gentleman.

You can teach us all a thing or two.

I'll try.

Keep inside the carriage. You'll scare the horses.

No chance. They've already seen your face.

THEY LAUGH

Mind you write, Harry. Every week.

Let us know if you need anything.

I will. And don't do anything I'd do.

Now, get.

It'll be the making of him. SHE SNIFFS

Aye. I must get on.

Are you going down the docks again?

No, no. I can stay at home. No.

No, we should keep busy.

Dad...

Mum's saying I have to sing at that afternoon tea thing.

Why not? You've a grand voice.

Look, your mother has her heart set on this.

She wants them to see how great you are.

Can you not just sing me one little song?

All right, one song. One.

And she's never parading me in front of all these fancy ladies again.

Deal? Deal.

INDISTINCT CONVERSATIONS

Who does he think he is? Boss now, in't he?

THEY CHUCKLE

'Ey, what now, Joe?

Onto the next. The Lady Jane's just docked.

Yeah, but her catch is for the auction house.

No, it's for us. Ah, skipper says not.

Does he?

Says we're not to touch it, so... what do we do now?

Maybe you should ask your dad. What's the hold-up?

The Lady Jane. That's our catch, isn't it, Dad?

The skipper trying it on again, is he?

Hoping we'll up the price?

Go and tell him we made a bargain, and if he breaks it,

he'll have me to deal with. Go on.

Give it time, Joe.

It's not long since you were one of them. So were you.

I'm a lot older.

Experience, that's all you need.

That's why you're here... to learn to manage your business.

You see that sign up there?

One day, that'll read "Joe Hardacre & Son".

There'll be nobody'll prouder than your oul da.

I won't let you down.

I know.

Mrs Henderson does her best,

but I fear that some of these items

are beyond her skill.

The more sophisticated refreshments are ordered from London. Oh.

And please reassure your cook she need not burden her brain

with anything more complicated than a cucumber sandwich.

Oh. Very good, m'lady.

Mrs Henderson's a very clever cook.

For the provinces, perhaps. We're in the provinces.

Mary, dear heart, did the floral centrepieces arrive?

They're in the parlour. Did you want to see them? Oh, no.

I trust you completely...

but we should inspect them soon, of course, in case of error.

Could you be an angel? Yes.

I'll give you a full report.

If I might say so, m'lady,

if this house is to entertain decent society...

..with such a hostess...

..I thank God for the blessing of your good advice.

Remember, the reputation of this once-great house

rests upon this tea party. Oh.

And in the present situation,

this responsibility falls entirely upon you.

I understand, m'lady. I hope you do.

We've only two days to accomplish the seemingly impossible.

We're starting a flower shop now?

No. These are the flowers for the tea party.

Oh. MA CHUCKLES

Oh, I see.

That Lady Emma's taking you for every penny.

No, it's not like that.

She's helping me be accepted by ladies of quality.

And why the hell would you want that?!

What, you can't understand why I wanna make friends?

You've got friends! Be grateful for 'em.

And don't drive 'em away by playing Lady Snooty-Drawers.

MELODIC NOTES

You know, I'd rather eat my own toes than sing with you.

Perhaps you should.

It might be more enjoyable for the audience.

You haven't even heard me yet. And I am grateful for small mercies.

SHE CLEARS THROAT

# The boy I love

# Is up in the gallery

# The boy I love

# Is smiling down at me

# There he is, can't you see?

# A-waving of his handkerchief

# As merry as a robin

# Who sings from a tree... #

Where did you learn that? Music hall.

Well, Nancy Green went, and she taught me.

All the gutties share songs. Makes the work go faster.

That sounds...

What? ..fun.

Gutting fish isn't fun.

It's hard bloody work.

And you think it's easy being a lady?

I know it isn't.

JOE: Steady, steady. WORKER: Whoa, hoist that!

Keep it up, lads.

I want this crane up and running in no time.

So, how's our Joe getting on? Come on. Hurry up!

Doing very well. How did you escape?

I thought Lady Emma was gonna keep you all day.

Oh, I left her with Mrs Dryden. They won't notice I've gone.

Well, I'm glad you're here.

Mm. Well, I'm not just here to see you.

Betsy, Lena...

I've come to invite you both to a tea party for a charity.

LENA GASPS

We may not be fine ladies like some folk

but we don't need charity yet.

Give over, it's not that. I'm asking you as my guests.

Suppose we don't want to go?

Well, suppose we settle this the old way, huh?

A race? Aye.

A dozen herring. If I win, you come to the do.

If I lose, I'll tell Sam to give you the day off.

How's that sound? You're on.

Someone give this woman a knife.

Come on. Take my apron, you'll ruin your frock.

I'll give you a head start and all...

seeing as you're out of practise.

Don't you dare. As you wish, m'lady.

Betsy, be referee.

Take your marks, get set...

..go!

CROWD SHOUTS ENCOURAGEMENT

Oh, you've lost your touch, love. I have not.

MARY CHUCKLES MAN: Got seven!

Should she be doing that? I'd like to see you stop her.

MAN: Come on, girls. Well done to Mary.

I win! APPLAUSE

No, she's not. And I claim my prize.

LAUGHTER

Right...

You will come, though, won't you?

I could really do with a friendly face.

Why didn't you just say so? MARY SIGHS

Just didn't want you to think I'd gone soft.

Oh, you... LENA CHUCKLES

And only order the best stuff, mind.

Port, brandy, champagne,

whiskey, oysters, lobster.

Ooh, and them little black fish eggs.

Have you discussed this with Lady Fitzherbert?

Why? Is she coming to my poker game?

Your poker game?

I thought you were talking about afternoon tea with the Duchess.

SHE SCOFFS No.

This is much more exclusive.

SHE HUFFS So, who's invited?

Well, there's Big Jonesy,

Billy Three Fingers, Chinny the butcher... And me.

I only play with the big boys.

Then you'll like playing with me.

While you're here, Mrs...

Call me Ma. Ma'am...

..when your breakfast tray was returned this morning,

the creamer was missing.

The what now? The cream jug. It's heavy.

Solid silver. Oh, sounds expensive.

It is extremely valuable.

Well, I don't think I'd have forgotten a thing like that.

Have you checked down the back of the dresser?

SNIGGERING

Right, well, happy hunting.

And make sure you get our grub.

The Old Yards. Tomorrow night, eight o'clock sharp.

Have you heard?

Sam paid more than £1,000 for that thing.

Old man's touched in the head, if you ask me.

Here, too much brass sent him queer. JACK CHUCKLES

Something funny?

No. Could've sworn I heard talk of my father.

I said that for all your dad's fine talk,

he puts more store in lumps of metal than us.

Let it go. Your dad don't need defending.

But he's wrong.

The crane'll help all of us. JACK SCOFFS

My dad says when it's up and running,

we can do the work in half the time.

So, you're saying our hours will get cut?

No, I'm not saying that. You mean there'll be lay-offs?

No. Well, it must be one or the other. Which is it?

MEN GRUMBLE

I'll tell you when I'm good and ready. He don't know nowt.

Better we ask the boss, 'ey, lads? You leave my dad out of this.

Oh, I don't mean your dad. I mean Fred.

Fred's not in charge around here. I am.

And if I can run this place with fewer men, then I will.

I'll only keep the best,

so you crack on or you'll be turned out!

Keep talking like that, and you'll have a strike on your hands.

You wouldn't dare. Wouldn't we... "boss"?

CLAMOURING

Joe! What's going on here, then?!

I'm sure we can sort this out. Just tell us what happened.

He threatened to sack us! I never.

Well, I didn't mean it. MEN SHOUT

SAM: All right, calm down!

Nobody's getting the sack. Well, he says you're cutting back.

Cutting back working hours... not wages.

Why would you give us summat for nowt?

Because it stands to reason.

With shorter shifts you'll be better rested.

You'll work faster.

There'll be less accidents, and you all know how I feel about that.

I wanna be proud of this place.

Now, we've wasted enough time. Let's get on.

Oi! You can't let 'em get away with that.

What do you want me to do? Make an example of 'em.

Lewis and Jack? Your mates?

If you don't, I'll be a laughing stock.

You'll get over it! And so will they.

Take some time to cool down at home.

I'll see you tonight.

Buttons shone, a good tie...

BEESLEY CLEARS THROAT

Good afternoon, Master Joseph. Shove your afternoon.

# My Bonnie lies over the ocean... #

What's that?

Lady Adella is accompanying Miss Liza in the drawing room.

Oh, is she now? # My Bonnie lies over the ocean

# So bring back my Bonnie to me

# Bring back Bring back

# Oh, bring back my Bonnie to me To me

# Bring back. #

What?!

Excuse me, ladies. I just...

I thought I could hear somebody torturing a cat.

And I thought someone was putting in an 'ard day's graft?

I am. You're home, and it's just gone lunchtime.

I'm the manager. I can do what I want.

Joint manager. With Fred.

Fred's nothing.

It's my name on the sign.

And I'm sure you keep all those labourers in line.

I do.

And anyway, this whole place'll be mine one day.

I can sell up...

..move to London...

..live the high life.

I have no doubt you'll cut quite a dash.

THEY LAUGH

MAN: Chance like that... Mm.

Oh, you call this a drink? This is weaker than lemonade.

That's vintage champagne!

Here, let me liven it up for you... Steady.

Oi, Billy Three Fingers!

Look at my cards again, you'll be Billy No Fingers!

LAUGHTER

I'm out. Aw...

Just you and me then, eh? Yeah.

Read 'em and weep! LAUGHTER

She's cleaned you out, too!

The woman's unbeatable. Aye, I am!

Madam, before I pay up...

I must shake the hand

of the finest player I have ever encountered.

Aye, all right.

Come on. SHE CHUCKLES

Er... Get... Get off! LAUGHTER

Let go! How many kings you got up there, then?

Never you mind! How long have you been cheating us?

Oh, I don't know. How long have we been playing?

Twenty years!

Took me just one night to expose you!

Aye, well... that'll never happen again. Mm...

Tinny, come on! LAUGHTER

And I'll be winning back my silver jug. Knew it!

Ah, it was something and nothing, really.

I sent Joe home to calm down.

Oh, it sounds to me the job's too much for him.

He'll learn. Yeah, he'd better.

I'll keep him out of trouble from tomorrow, trust me.

TINNY BARKS

What's Tinny doing out at this hour?

Oh, it's Ma and her wretched poker game,

bringing all sorts up to the house.

At least she'll have it out of her system by your tea party. Yeah.

I've warned her she better be seen and not heard tomorrow

cos if one little thing goes wrong, there'll be a reckoning.

You look fit to lead an army into battle.

Sam, I'm fighting for our kids' future here.

I want Liza to have a better chance in life than I did.

I just want her to be happy.

You'd better hope that tomorrow goes well, then.

Aye, well, it will. You're in charge.

Sam Hardacre, don't you dare tempt fate like that.

Don't you tempt me like that.

THEY LAUGH

No, Maggie, don't touch that. I was just looking.

Is that supposed to be our house?

That... is a unique creation by a London confectioner.

Well, I could have made it. If you'd have only asked me.

It reminds me of the good old days under dear Sir William.

Our beloved Thornton Hall in sugar and cake.

Hardacre Hall.

I beg your pardon.

Maggie, you've completed your duties for now?

Yes, all of them. Not all.

Go and clean the outside privies.

The gardeners and grooms leave them in a fearful state.

But that's not my job! It is now.

And next time you answer me back,

you'll be clearing up horse muck with your bare hands.

FRED: Morning, Joe.

Can you finish this? Hi, Son.

I wanna talk about yesterday.

I don't. I blame myself.

I let you run around telling our plan to the men

before you properly understood it.

I understood. Not well enough.

So I've decided you should stay in the office for now.

I'm supposed to be manager. You will be...

as soon as you're ready.

Won't take long. You'll catch up soon enough.

Catch up? With you? Joe.

You put him up to this?!

I make my own decisions, Joe, you know that.

Right, Fred, let's see how this crane's getting on.

I'll come with you. No, you'll stay here, Joe.

See if you can balance your ledger this time.

Come on, Fred.

BELL RINGS

BELL RINGS

We're here to see Mary.

Mrs Hardacre.

May I present her with your card, ma'am?

What do you mean coming to this door?

We're here for the tea party. We have all the staff we need.

Emma, these are my dear friends, Mrs Temple and Miss Betsy Temple.

How delightful (!)

Wilson, please could you take Mrs Temple's shawl? Ma'am.

Betsy!

I thought I heard your voice! Liza!

You look beautiful.

I'd give anything for a dress like that.

I could lend you one. Are you sure?

I've a dozen upstairs! Come on!

Liza, don't exaggerate. AWKWARD CHUCKLE

Remember when we were their age?

Oh, aye. Running barefoot along the docks.

Mary, my dear, I must introduce you to the ladies.

Yes, lead the way. This way, Lena.

WHISPERS: Oh, and thank you.

SHE CLEARS THROAT

Lady Fairfax. Lady Beaumont.

This is our estimable hostess, Mrs Hardacre.

And this is Mrs Temple.

How do you do, ladies? How do you do?

How do you do? All right.

Mrs Hardacre, this is a charming floral display.

I commend your taste.

Of course, I did provide a little guidance.

WOMEN CHUCKLE

Speaking of taste,

I see you've retained Sir William's furniture.

How economical.

Waste not, want not.

Er, Mary, my dear, the Duchess has arrived.

Be advised, her opinion will make or break you.

All right?

Duchess, may I present Mrs Hardacre.

The hostess of my gala tea party.

CHICKENS CLUCK, DOG BARKS

WHIMPERS

Who's a lucky boy?

Yes, you are! Yes.

Remember, stand up straight. Don't fidget.

Ladies, our entertainment.

Smile nicely. Be a proper lady.

I'm not a proper lady. Yet.

GENTLE PIANO

Excuse me, ladies.

MA GRUNTS

Oh, do carry on.

GENTLE PIANO CONTINUES

I've changed my mind. Follow my lead.

# Oh, she sits among The cabbages and peas

# With a pretty little peapot 'Tween her knees

# She's a whiz at shelling peas

# So she sits and shells with ease

# Till that pretty little peapot's Full of peas... #

GUEST GASPS WOMAN: Oh, my goodness.

JOLLY PIANO

# Oh, she sits among The cabbages and peas

# And she talks to all The little bugs and bees

# They climb up her legs and arms

# And all round Her other charms... #

MA CACKLES

# They see lots of things Nobody ever sees. #

PIANO LID SLAMS You've delighted us long enough.

Sit down.

Fetch me my ear trumpet, dear.

I can't hear a thing!

That was quite a performance. It were funny!

It was disgusting. All that talk of peeing, and...

That's nothing to what I heard on the docks!

I thought I raised you to respect yourself,

to be a strong and independent... You did.

I tried.

But the girl I saw in that room, she didn't think much of herself.

Mum, it were just a joke!

Do you really wanna be a clown

all of your life? WOMAN SCREAMS

I thought you were worth more than that, love.

MRS HENDERSON: Mrs Dryden! Oh, no!

Oh, what a mess! No!

Who is wailing like a banshee in my kitchen?

No.

No!

You little devil!

Oi! Leave him alone. You can't prove anything.

I don't care. I'd like to wring that beast's neck.

I wouldn't. You'll catch something.

Oh! That thing has defiled Thornton Hall!

TINNY WHIMPERS

Ladies, I am so sorry.

Oh, it's not your fault.

Yeah, well, it's not Tinny's fault, either.

Accidents happen. Not in my kitchen.

How much of the food can be salvaged?

None of it is fit to eat!

Especially that London cake. Mrs Dryden...

..the cream of county society are assembled in the drawing-room.

Am I to understand you intend to starve us?

M'lady, I am beside myself.

I trusted you.

I assured the Duchess

that I would take charge of... this disaster!

A fine reward for my generosity.

Well, I think we had a narrow escape.

That grub does not agree with Tinny at all.

I don't like any of that fancy stuff myself.

Well, let's hope the charity ladies feel the same.

What is taking them so long? I'm feeling quite faint with hunger.

I would like a cup of tea now!

If I may have your attention, ladies.

What did he say?

I apologise for the slight delay, ladies,

but we have a little surprise for you all.

Welcome, ladies, to Hardacre Herring.

Fresh fried fish straight from the seaside.

Is... Is this some kind of entertainment?

It's entertainment and refreshment.

If you'd like to take a seat.

Welcome.

Can you find a smile? This means a lot to your mother.

Here, get yourself round this.

You look like you need feeding up.

Mmm! Mmm! Mm?

You, boy! Over here. Yes, ma'am.

Lady Beaumont, allow me to introduce you to my son, Joe.

Oh!

Very good.

He's very good.

Plays the part to the life. There's nobody playing a part.

We're all in the fish trade.

This is our family business.

And a very fine one, too.

POLITE LAUGHTER Joe, Lady Emma.

May I tempt you to some herring, m'lady?

Why not?

JOVIAL LIVELY CHATTER

Well, bet you never thought you'd be serving fried herring to a Duchess.

Here, when you're hungry, you just want fed, love.

Mother? Oh, no, our guests first.

Betsy? Joe.

You look... well.

A girl can change her clothes.

Don't you think it suits me?

Down to the ground.

Mr Hardacre. Lady Adella.

Would you care for some herring? No, thank you.

But could you fetch me some lemonade?

I'm parched.

Lemonade it is, m'lady.

Thank you.

You can find me over there.

What are you doing here?

Well, couldn't say no to helping out your dad, could I?

After all he's done for me.

Oh, so you're after another promotion.

Listen, Joe, I worked my arse off to get where I am,

while you sat on yours. I work hard, too.

FRED SCOFFS No, you don't.

Look, Joe, it's simple.

If you want respect like your dad,

you need to start putting in the graft.

Is that's all, is it?

I'm on your side.

But we got off on the wrong foot, and I don't like it.

I'm just trying to do right for your family and mine.

So how about we shake hands and start again?

All right.

No hard feelings? None.

BELL RINGS

Where are you going?

To the docks' office. I've, er...

..I've got some important business I need to attend to.

FOOTSTEPS APPROACH

Fred, I need to talk to you.

What about?

You tell your dad to meet us in the study

as a matter of urgency.

SAM: Just tell us, Fred, why did you need the money?

Are you in some sort of trouble?

JOE: No. Because I never took it! CALLUM: How else can you explain it?

The notes missing from the safe

tally exactly with those I found in your desk.

If you really believe I could do that,

then you're not the men I thought you were.

SAM: Fred. Fred! DOOR RATTLES

RAGGED BREATHS

A triumph, my dears.

An undisputed triumph.

So fresh. So novel.

LADY EMMA: That was my intention from the beginning.

One grows weary of cucumber sandwiches.

Actually, it were Mary's idea.

Are you part of the family business, too?

Me? No, no, no, no. I'm just a guttie, me.

METALLIC DINGS

Our true purpose today

is to raise money for worthy causes.

And we have received some exceptionally generous donations.

Thanks to the visionary management...

It is deeply gratifying to...

..of Mrs Hardacre.

Mrs Hardacre...

..would you consider joining our charitable circle?

Together, we could do so much good.

I will. Of course. DELIGHTED CHUCKLES

And thank you.

And I must say this is, erm...

..this is deeply, deeply gratifying.

SHE CHUCKLES SOFTLY