The Paradise (2012) s01e05 Episode Script
Episode 5
Have you been out, Denise? Running an errand, sir, for Miss Audrey.
You seem to have run rather a few errands for Miss Audrey lately.
I don't mind, sir.
Gives me a chance to take a look at the other shops, see what they're up to.
I think it's beginning to irk Miss Audrey that I rather like the errands.
Let humility be your friend, Denise.
Miss Audrey can be forgiving, she'll soon forget you were in charge of her department for a short while.
You may not see it yet, but she could be your greatest ally.
I do see that, sir.
I would like for her to like me.
Thank you, sir.
Your Lordship? The expansion, how is it proceeding? The barber is proving a little difficult, sir.
But we need his premises to extend along the street.
We have made him a generous offer.
Well, clearly not generous enough.
You have the funds, Moray.
If you are seen to stall it will look like impotence, the little shops will appear to be ruling the roost.
The whole city knows I am backing you.
I'll be taken for a fool.
I assure you, sir, it will all be settled as soon as I Good.
Because it must.
Take up the loan soon, Moray, or the funds will be withdrawn.
Your Lordship, may I say, I did exactly as you bid me with Katherine.
I have made no approach, I have not attempted to interfere with her and Peter Adler.
Good, however, my daughter is no longer enjoying the company of Mr Adler.
I'm sorry.
I, I didn't know that.
It appears you can win her even by leaving her alone.
Perhaps even more when you stay away from her.
She will contact you, I dare say.
I'll leave you to decide how you must respond.
Now there's something mighty puzzling to set your eyes on! Why would she go shopping at them shops, when she knows Mr Moray won't be happy about that? Would he? The funds from Glendenning are in place, we must conclude the purchase quickly.
The barber is one of the few shops on the street still prospering, so it will require a generous offer to press him into a speedy agreement.
Have the papers ready.
Dudley, you look to me like a man in need of a close shave.
Put them by the door, girls.
I want to create a crush that spills out onto the street.
It is the little inspirations which keep us ticking over till we find the next big idea to make us flourish.
Madam? Miss Glendenning.
Do come in.
Well What a charming little store you have, Mr Lovett.
Thank you, ma'am.
Yes.
I am assured I can expect the finest stitching.
You wish me to you would like me to? My own dressmaker is indisposed.
I have taken a fancy to something particularly elegant.
Simple.
Look at that velvet.
Heavens, and such organdy and taffeta.
I can see I will require more than one garment.
Miss Glendenning, ma'am, may I ask, I'm very grateful you should come into my shop.
I am sure you could call on any store hereabouts.
I consider it my public duty to favour enterprises like yours, the old craft shops that have served our community since I was a girl.
We do not want to lose you, do we? And we mustn't let Mr Moray believe that he rules the world.
I can't begin to tell you, ma'am, what this means to me.
May I suggest we begin with the organdy? What you are doing next door, Mr Moray, it's a marvel.
I said to myself, that man will own the whole street.
Nothing less than a true marvel.
Opportunity, sir, that's what this is for me.
What are your plans, Bradley? I'm going to take me apron off.
I've been listening to the same old stories from the same old faces, day after day.
I want more.
Then I suggest we conclude our business swiftly.
That we will.
I was, erm, thinking, sir, perhaps, you know rather than you just buying me shop, there might be another way.
Another way? If I could come into The Paradise, a kind of partner in the business.
That is not possible.
The Paradise is mine, alone.
No, no, I'm not saying I'll be your equal or nothing like that.
No.
I just want to wear a suit every day.
I see you fellers, you get respect from people.
Huh? Bradley Burroughs, Junior Partner.
Hah? I might be admired as a man of the world.
Bradley, with an offer like this, you could set yourself up anywhere.
I stand in me shop every day, watching them coming and going, walking right past me heading into The Paradise.
This is me chance, you see? Those are my terms.
I think, what you need, Mr Burroughs, is some time to reconsider your position.
I bid you good day.
If I do not get Burroughs to sell now, I will lose the funds.
I must have the barber-shop, it is the only way for us to begin our development along the street.
Sir, if I may? Burroughs holds all the cards.
He could easily sit in his shop for years.
Perhaps you should give him what he wants.
For now.
Once he is made partner, once he has signed papers, do we really want to say The Paradise has a dolt like him in a position of authority? Let us just hear Jonas out, Dudley.
If I might suggest.
Burroughs is little more than a child.
He sees The Paradise as a playground.
He has little business aspirations.
If you could bear it, sir, we'll keep him on the shop floor and help him see how he's not made for The Paradise.
I have no other course.
Now is the moment to expand and I must grasp it.
So I will agree to Burroughs' terms, but I need something that protects The Paradise.
Sir, we could quite simply insert a clause into his contract, to say that as soon as Burroughs steps over the line we will pay him what you promised and remove him.
Dudley, I need you to keep check on Burroughs.
And keep him away from me.
I always said, didn't I say? If we hold on, the best of times will be with us.
An order like this, bespoke work and not cheap, Denise, it will keep me going.
That's wonderful, Uncle.
A true sign of faith.
Quality, see.
People will always come back to quality.
Miss Glendenning told me, if she is happy with her dress she has a mind to order more.
If she is a customer then, do you see what this means? Yes.
I will admit, I let myself lose heart a little, your own uncle unable to give you work.
I've let it torment me.
But this order.
It's not just the money, Denise.
Do you see? This is a sign of things to come.
Yes.
The best of times.
The best of times.
Denise.
Oh.
Mr Moray, sir.
I was visiting my uncle.
I hope Edmund is well? He is, sir.
His spirits are greatly improved.
Because he has work.
Orders from What is it you are trying to tell me, Denise? She has been placing orders at the shops up and down the street, sir.
No-one knew if you were aware of it.
She has ordered a dress from my uncle.
Who has? Miss Glendenning, sir.
She was going down the street, shop to shop.
She had her well-to-do friends with her.
Dripping with furs.
Dripping.
Why would Miss Glendenning do that? Mr Moray won't be, will he? Pleased.
Doesn't sound too smart, does it? We're expanding The Paradise and she's taking her trade elsewhere.
Miss Audrey, I had a notion, for our department, I was looking into the barber-shop window Gentlemen? The idea is, ma'am, on the quietest afternoon of the week Gentlemen in Ladieswear? Have you lost your senses, girl? There would be no ladies present, Miss Audrey.
We would open the department only to gentlemen, so they might be assisted in finding gifts for their wives.
I cannot imagine anything more vulgar.
The lingerie, it was a considerable cost to import it, it is intended to draw in refined ladies, we have not sold any yet.
We must think of ways to light up the quiet times.
Indeed, sir I do have a notion.
The Gentlemen's Afternoon.
Thursdays from 1.
00, I thought we might banish the ladies to let their husbands can come into the department to browse for gifts for them.
Yes.
Yes, that might be something different.
It is certainly worth a try.
Thank you, Mr Moray, sir.
Inspiration came to me deep in the night, as it so often does.
Let's try it out, tomorrow.
I will invite some men from The Club.
We must give the gentlemen a warm welcome, girls.
Oh, we will, sir.
Put them at their ease, recommend expensive trinkets to them.
Mr Moray, sir, I believe Gentlemen's Afternoon is such a sorrowful notion.
And why is that, Clara? Gentlemen need pleasures, too, sir.
They so often deny themselves comforts.
Why do you suppose that is? Perhaps it is that some pleasures, Clara, leave the Devil to pay.
He will hardly look at me now.
Since she turned up.
He wasn't looking at you anymore anyway.
It was one night, Clara.
It's gone.
So's my milk teeth and they're not coming back.
No.
He was like a broken boy child in my arms.
That means something.
It has to.
He was sobbing, Pauline, and whispering about his wife.
Clara.
I don't like it when you talk about his wife.
It scares me.
It is forbidden.
Did you see her? Miss Audrey.
I can't believe it.
Everyone knows it was my idea and she stood there, smiling! It is dishonest! But it is dishonest! She thinks we're no more that halfwits from Weebles.
Peeb.
It's Peebles.
Peeb.
Yeah, well, she plays the innocent, that's what.
She has her eyes set on Moray and I'm not going to let her steal him.
Oh, steal him from Miss Glendenning? Steal him from me.
I saw Jonas Franks writing about her in that black book of his.
There will be something in there, I know it.
I can feel it.
Something shows she's not the little virgin cherub girl.
Clara.
Why must you think like this? Denise is Denise.
That's all.
I've talked to her and all she is, is Denise.
No, there'll be something in that book, then you'll all see.
Because Mr Moray is purchasing the barber-shop, Bradley Burroughs will be working with us, in the store.
I'm depending on you both to help him along.
Yes, Mr Dudley, sir.
So we are to like him? It is all to enable Mr Moray to expand The Paradise in a peaceful way.
So let us all tread carefully and all will be well with the world.
Sir.
Might I say something? He is a barber.
A barber in a suit is still a barber.
But we are to tread, Sam, carefully.
Bradley.
Welcome.
Now, I was wondering, do I get my own office? Ah.
Office.
We will get to that.
The challenge for a Junior Partner is to master the shop floor.
This is where the real work is done, where the excitement and delight is to be found.
Ah, right, yeah, I see that now.
So, erm, when do I get to see Mr Moray? As we are partners.
Soon.
Soon enough.
Soon.
Isn't this grand.
I have arranged for Sam here, to take you through the rudiments.
There is nothing about the subtle art of sales that Sam doesn't know about.
We are about to embark, girls, your attention, if you please.
We are soon to commence on what could be an historical day for Ladieswear.
Perhaps we will all look back and remember the day that Gentlemen descended upon us.
It's almost time.
Step to it.
Girls! No, no! Decorum! Decorum! Gentlemen want seemliness and respectability.
Not the gentlemen I know.
Bosoms must not be accentuated.
All displays must be moderated.
There.
There.
I'd like to clear up any misunderstandings there might be about the Gentlemen's Afternoon, Denise.
What misunderstandings might there be, Miss Audrey? What you must appreciate, Denise is that what truly matters is that Ladieswear shines in Mr Moray's eyes.
Ma'am, you said the thought of gentlemen in ladieswear was vulgar.
Do not be impudent, girl.
It was, as you presented it.
In my presentment all will be decorum.
There.
The matter is settled.
I am sure you will agree.
Yes, Miss Audrey.
Girls, remember, decorum.
Come this way, gentlemen, we'll show you our corsets.
Girls! So, before we consider the customer, we must consider ourselves.
How is my appearance? Well, to be honest, Sam, your shave is not the best I have ever seen.
When I say "my appearance" what I mean is YOUR appearance.
Oh.
Oh? Grand.
It's Pauline, isn't it? I've seen you passing me shop.
I seen you watching.
I'm here now.
What we have here is feathers and ribbons and all manner of notions.
You probably don't know what a notion is.
It's everything.
Things that get attached to clothes, snaps and collar stays.
And buttons, of course and needles and notions.
And pins and seam rippers.
There.
Excuse me, I have a sudden passion to sort buttons.
It suits you.
Haberdashery.
Oh, a girl might swoon with such compliments! Er, there's a dog fight tonight.
I thought we might go, together.
Oh.
Thank you so much.
Let me consider your captivating proposal.
There, I have considered it.
No, thank you.
Have you considered something like this? Sir, if I may, your lucky lady will swoon, sir, swoon, sir, I promise you, if you were to spoil her with feathers.
Miss Audrey! What is this? We have heard those who say The Paradise is no more than a Palace of Sin! But we expected better of you! Ladies, let me It is no wonder that you wish to keep us excluded.
But they have purchased many gifts.
For you! If this is the sordid manner in which you conduct your business, we must consider whether we wish to frequent your establishment.
What is Mr Moray going to suppose when he sees what a calamity Gentlemen's Afternoon turned out to be? I can't believe how much progress you have made, uncle.
Oh, yes.
There were times in the old days when we had to produce a dress overnight.
The trick is to be fast and splendid.
It is more than splendid, it is beautiful.
A dressmaker, Denise, a real dressmaker, an artist, he needs to know flawless stitching, how to cut finely, has to have a delicate eye but more than anything else, we need to know people.
A woman will love her dress because it was made to fit her character, not just her body.
Now, some girls want to get lost in the crowd, to be pretty and no more.
There are certain types who want to attract only one man.
Their dress must have a secret, hidden beauty.
So, we need to study them all.
What about Katherine Glendenning? What does she want? She needs to be adored.
Oh, tomorrow evening I have arranged for Miss Glendenning to come for a fitting.
I am on my own now.
I need a woman to do the fitting.
You will help me, won't you? I'd like to but it is forbidden to take on work.
Denise, we are family, you'd not wish to see me lose this opportunity to survive? Girls are dismissed if they are caught.
And I might lose everything I have if you won't help me.
It was a disgrace.
Those girls were flaunting themselves.
They were virtually canoodling.
The idea of it.
Gentlemen in the proximity of Undergarments, in public.
One can't help but wonder if Moray has lost his touch.
Perhaps we should join you, Katherine, in your rebuffing of The Paradise.
Yes.
What are you doing, Katherine? Oh, it is nothing.
I am simply entertaining myself.
Hardly.
It has the look of provocation.
Does it? I do hope so.
Why would you want to provoke Moray? Perhaps I enjoy the joust.
There is such pleasure in seeing Moray riled.
We were expecting you to announce a date for your engagement to Mr Adler.
And now you provoke Moray, by shopping along the street? Oh, that is simply to get his attention.
My real weapon is much more powerful.
I am avoiding him, ignoring him, abandoning him.
The day will come soon when he will realise that he must devote himself to me.
Katherine.
Dear Katherine.
Isn't there a hazard in your plan? Oh.
What is that? What if Moray does not come? Then I must provoke him some more.
Everyone's talking, sir, about Gentlemen's Afternoon, how so many wives are complaining.
The whole city is laughing at us, so I hear.
It was rather unfortunate.
Poor Miss Audrey will be blamed but, it wasn't her making.
Sir, it was Denise.
That girl, sir, she's been here five minutes and she behaves like she owns the place.
She plays the coy country girl, but we all know she has her eyes set on Mr Moray.
It's not gossip, sir.
If you don't believe me, it will be in Mr Jonas's book.
Ask him, sir.
He puts everything in that book of his.
I do believe he does.
Now, Clara, back to work.
Yes, sir.
Sir, erm, did Mr Jonas appear before Mr Moray's wife died, or after? Before, just, not long before.
Do you suppose he wrote about Mrs Moray, her death in that book? You are dallying, Clara.
You know what Miss Audrey will say.
A sin, sir.
Hands as lovely as these.
Ah, they should not be hidden inside of gloves.
Fingers this delightful should be dangled for the world to see.
Excuse me, Madam.
Mr Burroughs, may I speak with you? What are you doing at the glove counter? Well, I know all there is to know about men's grooming.
If you imagine you can touch a customer in this way I will take you off the shop floor.
I am a partner here.
No! You are a novice.
We work hard to maintain the best of standards.
And I will not let you put that at risk by man-handling I am a partner in this business.
I have a contract that says so.
What are you a partner in? Huh? Nothing.
You.
Fetch a cup of tea.
Yes, sir.
Pauline.
I realise, dog fights might not be a girl's idea of romance.
But er, I thought you might be grateful, a young man asking you to walk out.
Why should I be grateful? You're not exactly the prettiest girl in the shop, that's all.
Oh! Is that so? Well, let me tell you what you are, a suit don't make a man.
Especially one that don't fit.
Go to your dog fight.
Try some of your romancing on one of the dogs.
We must learn from our mistakes, and Gentlemen's Afternoon was a mistake.
Mr Moray, sir, I always said there was a danger that this event lacked decorum.
Let me apologise most humbly and gravely.
It should never have happened.
When I come to think about it, I do believe one of the girls might have ventured this proposal to me.
I will look into who is to blame.
We've lost sight of what our purpose is here.
It is the ladies' desires we must appeal to.
Oh! You, you echo my thoughts exactly, sir.
I said as much to the girls this morning, "We must stir the passions of the ladies.
"That is our one devotion.
" Didn't I say just that, girls? We must do more than that.
We must put right what we have done wrong.
Our task is to make a gesture to the ladies, to show them that it is their dreams which The Paradise caters for.
Let us conjure something tantalising for them.
Splendid! You have inspired us, Mr Moray, sir.
We are inspired.
So What shall we do for them? Anyone? Rest assured, Mr Moray, we will provide you with something irresistible.
Very good.
Thank you, girls.
Denise.
What about you? Do you have any ideas? No, sir.
Are you going to tell me what's troubling you, Moray? I almost let Clara back into my rooms.
Back into your rooms? Is that what you call it? I don't know what came over me.
I simply felt an overwhelming need to be in a woman's arms.
It is weakness.
If you carry on like this, it will only get worse.
You could put a stop to all of it, if you will settle down.
It's too late for that.
Your work is exceptional, Mr Lovett.
Thank you, ma'am.
And your custom is valued indeed.
This material is so light.
It doesn't feel like a dress at all.
I feel as though I might be wearing a night dress.
I took the liberty, ma'am, the material is somewhat darker than the shade you chose, but I felt it befits your complexion.
It does.
What do you think, Denise? I think you look adorable, ma'am.
I expect you consider it rather odd that I should come to your uncle for a dress? He is a fine dressmaker, ma'am.
You know what I mean.
With The Paradise right across the street.
It is not for me to say, ma'am.
And have the staff at The Paradise been talking? It must have caused something of a stir.
Your work is so exquisite, Mr Lovett, a dress as fine as this, it's a wonder you don't display it in your window, for all the world to see.
Why, if this city could know that I had made a dress for you, I mean, with your permission? Denise, it is forbidden for employees of The Paradise to seek sewing outside of the store.
Sir, I was helping my uncle, because On this occasion, I will not see you dismissed.
Thank you, Mr Jonas, sir.
Mr Moray expects loyalty.
Do you understand why that loyalty has to be total? From all of us? If loyalty is not absolute, then it is nothing.
Bradley, Mr Burroughs, sir.
After the embarrassing incident at the glove counter it seems clear to us that things might not work out for you here.
Might I suggest you permit Mr Moray to buy you out, and for you to find some other destiny? I know what you and Dudley think of me.
I know what it is you whisper behind your hands.
"Well, now we have him.
"We'll use the incident with the gloves to be rid of him.
" Is it time to throw your clause at me? The one in the contract that says, "Any partner who brings The Paradise "into disrepute forfeits all rights and all status as an associate.
" Your contract doesn't scare me.
I know what a partner is and I know what a partner does and I want to be treated as such.
That is for Mr Moray to decide.
You tell him this.
Now, I have lived next door a long old time.
I was next door when Helene so tragically and mysteriously died.
Mr Burroughs, do I detect a suggestion of threat in your mention of Mr Moray's wife? That Sunday when Moray brought his wife here, when there was no-one else around, I was right next door when she had a little accident.
You tell him that and you see if he is still so keen to throw us out.
Might I suggest you tread extremely carefully when making accusations against Mr Moray? And might I suggest that you tell him I am here to stay? Moray and I will be the best of friends.
Like I said, we should celebrate.
I heard that Burroughs was indiscrete with a customer, how long before we can remove him? Sir, if I may, Burroughs is a nuisance, but let us not react too swiftly.
Do I have your permission to deal with him? Yes, yes, deal with him.
Darling, you're here at last! I have missed you, Moray.
Katherine, I must speak with you.
Moray, I don't think you have met Charles and Margaret.
Come and say hello.
Your dress is in the window of Lovett's shop.
Oh, darling, you take everything so personally.
You haven't even got a refreshment.
I am a disgrace.
You think you can waltz up and down the street, half the city is talking about it! Juliet, Moray wants me all to himself for a while.
I want you to leave.
You will leave now.
If you will not behave like a gentleman then It is cruel, what you are doing! You toy with those shopkeepers, as you toy with everyone.
You use them to tease me.
You let them believe they might survive when you know it is hopeless.
You are a spoilt child.
You always will be.
I lost two customers because he said the stupidest things.
His breath could clear the store.
He's too busy peering at the girls.
The matter is in hand.
Burroughs will not be with us for much longer.
He says he is a partner, sir.
That can't be right.
So it must be wrong.
Such things are not your concern, Pauline.
There have been some dealings made necessary by Mr Moray to expand the store.
Will there be new departments, sir? I do hope so.
Will I get a new counter, sir? Did you tell Burroughs? It is not possible to remove him at this time.
Then we must make it possible.
I spoke to Mr Moray.
He has granted me authority to deal with Burroughs as I see fit.
What is going on? Why has that man suddenly become untouchable? You know as well as I do, sir, expansion.
Now, if you'll excuse me? I wish to pay you the full amount, Mr Lovett.
I have changed my mind.
I no longer like the shade, the cut I won't be needing the dress.
You never wanted a garment from me, did you, ma'am? I am sorry if I have caused you I do not wish to waste your time.
There.
The full amount.
Men like me, you can buy and sell at your pleasure.
You are paid in full.
What more can you want? Do you truly have no idea what this means? Can you not even begin to see? A man's pride My whole life It means nothing to you.
This is not about work.
It's not money.
It is love.
It is what I am.
I will take your money, Miss Glendenning.
But I will finish your order because I said I would.
And then I can look myself in the mirror and know I am a man of my word.
Very well.
Gentlemen's Afternoon was your idea, wasn't it? Yes, sir.
It was, sir.
And you know why it wouldn't work, don't you? I do now, sir.
And you have an idea how I might remedy my reputation with the ladies.
Your loyalty is to me, not to Miss Audrey.
Isn't it? Yes, sir.
Then you must tell me.
The lingerie you brought from Paris, the garments are so beautiful.
So seductive.
But the ladies find it discomfiting to be seen considering them.
If we were to make it fun, entertaining.
Sir, what I thought was Ladies After Dark.
Ladies After Dark? After the store is closed, it would be by invitation only.
Exclusive.
The ladies would have the store to themselves.
We could decorate Ladieswear for them.
Yes, candles, low lamps.
So they can try on the lingerie.
Or have it modelled for them.
We might make quite an event of it.
Because what women want is to be desired.
To be adored.
Ladies After Dark.
Denise, you are my little champion.
Mr Moray's not in his office, sir.
He's not nowhere to be found.
He was here a while ago.
He must have gone out.
No matter.
Please tell him I called by and I will see him tonight.
Certainly, Miss Glendenning.
He was there, sir, but he said he wasn't there.
Back to work, Arthur.
Usually when we advertise an event, we do it with banners and trumpets.
Ladies After Dark will be different.
There will be no posters.
There will be no announcements.
We must conjure up the idea that most of us are missing out on something so seductive that it can only be done in secret.
Miss Audrey, I'd like you to draw up a list of ladies we might present with exclusive invitations.
Sir, I shall personally see to it that the personal invitations are indeed personal.
We must create a sense of mystique and curiosity, the whole occasion must be shrouded in tantalising secrecy.
If this event is a success, as it most surely will be, it will become a regular feature.
It's Clara, isn't it? I've noticed you coming and going.
Suppose I, er, told you that I might fall for you? I look at a pretty girl like you I just want my chance, you see, to take a girl out dancing.
Don't you realise? Isn't it obvious? No girl in this store will ever walk out with you.
I have a position here.
Partner.
Moray's partner.
I have known him since he were married.
I know things that mean I won't be laughed at and humiliated.
Pauline.
If a man like Mr Moray, or Mr Dudley were to court you, you would not wish to offend them, or spurn them.
They are gentlemen.
You are a barber.
No, no, I'm not a barber.
Not anymore.
Look at this.
I'm wearing a suit.
Hey! Look will ya spurn me still? Will ya? Will ya? Let go of me.
Look, I'm not a barber! Get off her! Leave her alone! It don't hurt that much, sir.
Only most of the time.
Moray, you asked me to manage Burroughs, you suggested it was vital I keep him in check, but in no time I was left powerless.
You gave all authority to Jonas.
When will you put a stop it? Jonas, I want Burroughs dismissed immediately.
Arthur.
You can go now.
Mr Moray, sir, if I may? I have the distinct impression that Mr Burroughs would not take well to being removed from The Paradise so quickly.
What does it matter what he feels? He is a danger to our business.
We have good cause.
What you say is true enough, gentlemen, but if I may? Let us suppose we dispose of Burroughs.
He would most certainly take his tale of ill-treatment up and down the street.
Next time you wish to purchase a property, Mr Moray, sir, you would undoubtedly face suspicion and resistance.
What do you suggest, Jonas? If you could permit me a few days with Burroughs, to work on him, perhaps he might get to a place where he concludes of his own accord that it is time for him to depart.
Papa.
Yes.
I'm afraid it's your Papa.
Moray isn't coming, Katherine.
You have toyed with him and now it is his turn to toy with you.
Not at all.
We had no arrangements.
Moray will be busy with his store, that is all.
I find it puzzling, why you should pursue a man who will have nothing to do with you.
I find it still more baffling why I should let you.
Because you can't stop me.
Now you are toying with me.
Denise.
What are you doing here? I'm sorry, sir, I know I shouldn't be in the store at this time, I'll go now.
Wait.
All the other girls have gone out for the evening, you're here, at work.
It isn't work, sir.
You are a curiosity, Denise.
What brought you here? Since I was a girl, living in a small town, it wasn't enough.
I always wanted more.
It is a wonderful feeling, more.
I know it well.
I feel as though I belong in The Paradise.
I feel as though I am part of something, something so thrilling, it's as though I can see the world changing before my eyes, and I can touch it, I can make it happen.
I shall have to keep my eye on you, Denise, or you'll be the one who steals my throne from me.
Come on.
We must put Ladieswear back in proper order, or you will be in terrible trouble with Miss Audrey in the morning.
All I said to him was "barber".
I thought he would strangle me.
His hands were on my neck like strangler's hands.
But he is still here in The Paradise, isn't he? Why is that? "I have known Moray since he's been married.
" That's what he said to me.
"I know things that mean I shan't be shifted from here.
" What could he know? Moray's wife, of course.
You're not going to ask him, are you? Clara, he might strangle again.
Burroughs doesn't frighten me.
All you have to do is smile at him and he is a puppy dog.
Mr Jonas, sir.
There you go, sir.
Thank you, Arthur.
Clara.
Sir.
I saw you'd left your book here.
I was about to fetch it to you.
Thank you.
Sir.
I came to The Paradise after Mr Moray's wife died.
They talk of her like she was a saint.
You know it is forbidden to speak of her.
Allow me one question only, sir.
Please.
Was Helene as tender-hearted as they say? Peerless.
Inspiration came to me deep in the night, Madam, as it so often does.
I suddenly thought to myself, wouldn't it be wonderful if the Ladies might consider lingerie in a, shall we say, mischievous atmosphere? Only those who have invitations know that they have invitations.
So we must ask you to keep word of the gathering shrouded in the deepest mystery.
Mr Burroughs, has Mr Moray spoken to you? Moray? Ah, no, no.
What about? He felt it more fitting to invite you himself, but he must be engaged in urgent business.
Invite me? A party.
It is an occasion of a rather private nature, so best keep knowledge of this to yourself.
Like, er, Ladies After Dark? Like Ladies After Dark.
Mr Moray and some of his friends, once a month or so they It is a private club, where there is entertainment.
Girls? We can travel in the same carriage.
Mr Burroughs, sir, it is vital that you tell no-one where we are going tonight.
Mr Moray's reputation depends upon it.
Meet me in the alleyway at 8.
00.
8.
00.
Splendid.
Well done, girls.
I'm sorry, sir, I don't quite know how to say this.
You have my permission to say whatever you wish, Denise.
Sir, the ladies will be here soon.
Gentlemen aren't allowed in here.
Then I had best be on my way.
Good luck, ladies.
If you should see anything that appeals, ladies, simply speak privately with myself or one of the girls.
Confidentiality is totally assured.
Don't you wish Mr Moray could be here to see your success? You see it, Clara, perhaps that's enough for me this time.
I'm not sure my husband deserves such glamour, but I do rather like the thought of wearing it.
At least your husband will notice.
Perhaps I will take the silk, as well as the lace.
Denise.
Two days, sir.
He can't simply vanish.
We can't just leave the counter unattended.
I'll put Williams on Men's Grooming.
Mr Burroughs didn't say nothing to no-one, sir.
About going nowhere.
Did he say something to you, Mr Dudley, sir? Has Mr Moray fired him, sir? Perhaps Bradley decided The Paradise wasn't for him after all.
Threats? Explicit threats, sir.
What sort of threats? I would go as far as to call it blackmail, sir.
Mr Burroughs insisted on staying here or he would cause great harm to you personally.
Well, spit it out, Jonas.
What trouble? He alluded to living next door, sir.
He also alluded to your wife's death.
Burroughs told me.
He heard screams.
He ran into The Paradise.
He saw you, sir, in particular distress, looking down at where your wife lay and you said Why didn't you tell me about this? Since I'm responsible for us letting Burroughs into the store, I thought it might be better if I rectify the problem.
Where is he? I'd rather you did not ask that, Mr Moray, sir.
Rest assured, Burroughs no longer presents a danger to you.
What have you done, Jonas? Only my duty, sir.
My loyalty to you is assured.
You may go now, Jonas.
Thank you, darling, for coming so quickly.
From your note, I thought perhaps you were ill.
I'm sorry, Moray.
I want to stop this.
Stop hurting people, stop hurting you.
I just want to devote myself to loving you.
Will you let me do that? You imagine you can do to the rest of us what you've done to Burroughs.
I saw him getting into your carriage, sir, on the night he vanished.
Young Arthur is afraid of Jonas.
The boy does not know the meaning of what he saw.
Heavens! Mr Jonas.
You seem to have run rather a few errands for Miss Audrey lately.
I don't mind, sir.
Gives me a chance to take a look at the other shops, see what they're up to.
I think it's beginning to irk Miss Audrey that I rather like the errands.
Let humility be your friend, Denise.
Miss Audrey can be forgiving, she'll soon forget you were in charge of her department for a short while.
You may not see it yet, but she could be your greatest ally.
I do see that, sir.
I would like for her to like me.
Thank you, sir.
Your Lordship? The expansion, how is it proceeding? The barber is proving a little difficult, sir.
But we need his premises to extend along the street.
We have made him a generous offer.
Well, clearly not generous enough.
You have the funds, Moray.
If you are seen to stall it will look like impotence, the little shops will appear to be ruling the roost.
The whole city knows I am backing you.
I'll be taken for a fool.
I assure you, sir, it will all be settled as soon as I Good.
Because it must.
Take up the loan soon, Moray, or the funds will be withdrawn.
Your Lordship, may I say, I did exactly as you bid me with Katherine.
I have made no approach, I have not attempted to interfere with her and Peter Adler.
Good, however, my daughter is no longer enjoying the company of Mr Adler.
I'm sorry.
I, I didn't know that.
It appears you can win her even by leaving her alone.
Perhaps even more when you stay away from her.
She will contact you, I dare say.
I'll leave you to decide how you must respond.
Now there's something mighty puzzling to set your eyes on! Why would she go shopping at them shops, when she knows Mr Moray won't be happy about that? Would he? The funds from Glendenning are in place, we must conclude the purchase quickly.
The barber is one of the few shops on the street still prospering, so it will require a generous offer to press him into a speedy agreement.
Have the papers ready.
Dudley, you look to me like a man in need of a close shave.
Put them by the door, girls.
I want to create a crush that spills out onto the street.
It is the little inspirations which keep us ticking over till we find the next big idea to make us flourish.
Madam? Miss Glendenning.
Do come in.
Well What a charming little store you have, Mr Lovett.
Thank you, ma'am.
Yes.
I am assured I can expect the finest stitching.
You wish me to you would like me to? My own dressmaker is indisposed.
I have taken a fancy to something particularly elegant.
Simple.
Look at that velvet.
Heavens, and such organdy and taffeta.
I can see I will require more than one garment.
Miss Glendenning, ma'am, may I ask, I'm very grateful you should come into my shop.
I am sure you could call on any store hereabouts.
I consider it my public duty to favour enterprises like yours, the old craft shops that have served our community since I was a girl.
We do not want to lose you, do we? And we mustn't let Mr Moray believe that he rules the world.
I can't begin to tell you, ma'am, what this means to me.
May I suggest we begin with the organdy? What you are doing next door, Mr Moray, it's a marvel.
I said to myself, that man will own the whole street.
Nothing less than a true marvel.
Opportunity, sir, that's what this is for me.
What are your plans, Bradley? I'm going to take me apron off.
I've been listening to the same old stories from the same old faces, day after day.
I want more.
Then I suggest we conclude our business swiftly.
That we will.
I was, erm, thinking, sir, perhaps, you know rather than you just buying me shop, there might be another way.
Another way? If I could come into The Paradise, a kind of partner in the business.
That is not possible.
The Paradise is mine, alone.
No, no, I'm not saying I'll be your equal or nothing like that.
No.
I just want to wear a suit every day.
I see you fellers, you get respect from people.
Huh? Bradley Burroughs, Junior Partner.
Hah? I might be admired as a man of the world.
Bradley, with an offer like this, you could set yourself up anywhere.
I stand in me shop every day, watching them coming and going, walking right past me heading into The Paradise.
This is me chance, you see? Those are my terms.
I think, what you need, Mr Burroughs, is some time to reconsider your position.
I bid you good day.
If I do not get Burroughs to sell now, I will lose the funds.
I must have the barber-shop, it is the only way for us to begin our development along the street.
Sir, if I may? Burroughs holds all the cards.
He could easily sit in his shop for years.
Perhaps you should give him what he wants.
For now.
Once he is made partner, once he has signed papers, do we really want to say The Paradise has a dolt like him in a position of authority? Let us just hear Jonas out, Dudley.
If I might suggest.
Burroughs is little more than a child.
He sees The Paradise as a playground.
He has little business aspirations.
If you could bear it, sir, we'll keep him on the shop floor and help him see how he's not made for The Paradise.
I have no other course.
Now is the moment to expand and I must grasp it.
So I will agree to Burroughs' terms, but I need something that protects The Paradise.
Sir, we could quite simply insert a clause into his contract, to say that as soon as Burroughs steps over the line we will pay him what you promised and remove him.
Dudley, I need you to keep check on Burroughs.
And keep him away from me.
I always said, didn't I say? If we hold on, the best of times will be with us.
An order like this, bespoke work and not cheap, Denise, it will keep me going.
That's wonderful, Uncle.
A true sign of faith.
Quality, see.
People will always come back to quality.
Miss Glendenning told me, if she is happy with her dress she has a mind to order more.
If she is a customer then, do you see what this means? Yes.
I will admit, I let myself lose heart a little, your own uncle unable to give you work.
I've let it torment me.
But this order.
It's not just the money, Denise.
Do you see? This is a sign of things to come.
Yes.
The best of times.
The best of times.
Denise.
Oh.
Mr Moray, sir.
I was visiting my uncle.
I hope Edmund is well? He is, sir.
His spirits are greatly improved.
Because he has work.
Orders from What is it you are trying to tell me, Denise? She has been placing orders at the shops up and down the street, sir.
No-one knew if you were aware of it.
She has ordered a dress from my uncle.
Who has? Miss Glendenning, sir.
She was going down the street, shop to shop.
She had her well-to-do friends with her.
Dripping with furs.
Dripping.
Why would Miss Glendenning do that? Mr Moray won't be, will he? Pleased.
Doesn't sound too smart, does it? We're expanding The Paradise and she's taking her trade elsewhere.
Miss Audrey, I had a notion, for our department, I was looking into the barber-shop window Gentlemen? The idea is, ma'am, on the quietest afternoon of the week Gentlemen in Ladieswear? Have you lost your senses, girl? There would be no ladies present, Miss Audrey.
We would open the department only to gentlemen, so they might be assisted in finding gifts for their wives.
I cannot imagine anything more vulgar.
The lingerie, it was a considerable cost to import it, it is intended to draw in refined ladies, we have not sold any yet.
We must think of ways to light up the quiet times.
Indeed, sir I do have a notion.
The Gentlemen's Afternoon.
Thursdays from 1.
00, I thought we might banish the ladies to let their husbands can come into the department to browse for gifts for them.
Yes.
Yes, that might be something different.
It is certainly worth a try.
Thank you, Mr Moray, sir.
Inspiration came to me deep in the night, as it so often does.
Let's try it out, tomorrow.
I will invite some men from The Club.
We must give the gentlemen a warm welcome, girls.
Oh, we will, sir.
Put them at their ease, recommend expensive trinkets to them.
Mr Moray, sir, I believe Gentlemen's Afternoon is such a sorrowful notion.
And why is that, Clara? Gentlemen need pleasures, too, sir.
They so often deny themselves comforts.
Why do you suppose that is? Perhaps it is that some pleasures, Clara, leave the Devil to pay.
He will hardly look at me now.
Since she turned up.
He wasn't looking at you anymore anyway.
It was one night, Clara.
It's gone.
So's my milk teeth and they're not coming back.
No.
He was like a broken boy child in my arms.
That means something.
It has to.
He was sobbing, Pauline, and whispering about his wife.
Clara.
I don't like it when you talk about his wife.
It scares me.
It is forbidden.
Did you see her? Miss Audrey.
I can't believe it.
Everyone knows it was my idea and she stood there, smiling! It is dishonest! But it is dishonest! She thinks we're no more that halfwits from Weebles.
Peeb.
It's Peebles.
Peeb.
Yeah, well, she plays the innocent, that's what.
She has her eyes set on Moray and I'm not going to let her steal him.
Oh, steal him from Miss Glendenning? Steal him from me.
I saw Jonas Franks writing about her in that black book of his.
There will be something in there, I know it.
I can feel it.
Something shows she's not the little virgin cherub girl.
Clara.
Why must you think like this? Denise is Denise.
That's all.
I've talked to her and all she is, is Denise.
No, there'll be something in that book, then you'll all see.
Because Mr Moray is purchasing the barber-shop, Bradley Burroughs will be working with us, in the store.
I'm depending on you both to help him along.
Yes, Mr Dudley, sir.
So we are to like him? It is all to enable Mr Moray to expand The Paradise in a peaceful way.
So let us all tread carefully and all will be well with the world.
Sir.
Might I say something? He is a barber.
A barber in a suit is still a barber.
But we are to tread, Sam, carefully.
Bradley.
Welcome.
Now, I was wondering, do I get my own office? Ah.
Office.
We will get to that.
The challenge for a Junior Partner is to master the shop floor.
This is where the real work is done, where the excitement and delight is to be found.
Ah, right, yeah, I see that now.
So, erm, when do I get to see Mr Moray? As we are partners.
Soon.
Soon enough.
Soon.
Isn't this grand.
I have arranged for Sam here, to take you through the rudiments.
There is nothing about the subtle art of sales that Sam doesn't know about.
We are about to embark, girls, your attention, if you please.
We are soon to commence on what could be an historical day for Ladieswear.
Perhaps we will all look back and remember the day that Gentlemen descended upon us.
It's almost time.
Step to it.
Girls! No, no! Decorum! Decorum! Gentlemen want seemliness and respectability.
Not the gentlemen I know.
Bosoms must not be accentuated.
All displays must be moderated.
There.
There.
I'd like to clear up any misunderstandings there might be about the Gentlemen's Afternoon, Denise.
What misunderstandings might there be, Miss Audrey? What you must appreciate, Denise is that what truly matters is that Ladieswear shines in Mr Moray's eyes.
Ma'am, you said the thought of gentlemen in ladieswear was vulgar.
Do not be impudent, girl.
It was, as you presented it.
In my presentment all will be decorum.
There.
The matter is settled.
I am sure you will agree.
Yes, Miss Audrey.
Girls, remember, decorum.
Come this way, gentlemen, we'll show you our corsets.
Girls! So, before we consider the customer, we must consider ourselves.
How is my appearance? Well, to be honest, Sam, your shave is not the best I have ever seen.
When I say "my appearance" what I mean is YOUR appearance.
Oh.
Oh? Grand.
It's Pauline, isn't it? I've seen you passing me shop.
I seen you watching.
I'm here now.
What we have here is feathers and ribbons and all manner of notions.
You probably don't know what a notion is.
It's everything.
Things that get attached to clothes, snaps and collar stays.
And buttons, of course and needles and notions.
And pins and seam rippers.
There.
Excuse me, I have a sudden passion to sort buttons.
It suits you.
Haberdashery.
Oh, a girl might swoon with such compliments! Er, there's a dog fight tonight.
I thought we might go, together.
Oh.
Thank you so much.
Let me consider your captivating proposal.
There, I have considered it.
No, thank you.
Have you considered something like this? Sir, if I may, your lucky lady will swoon, sir, swoon, sir, I promise you, if you were to spoil her with feathers.
Miss Audrey! What is this? We have heard those who say The Paradise is no more than a Palace of Sin! But we expected better of you! Ladies, let me It is no wonder that you wish to keep us excluded.
But they have purchased many gifts.
For you! If this is the sordid manner in which you conduct your business, we must consider whether we wish to frequent your establishment.
What is Mr Moray going to suppose when he sees what a calamity Gentlemen's Afternoon turned out to be? I can't believe how much progress you have made, uncle.
Oh, yes.
There were times in the old days when we had to produce a dress overnight.
The trick is to be fast and splendid.
It is more than splendid, it is beautiful.
A dressmaker, Denise, a real dressmaker, an artist, he needs to know flawless stitching, how to cut finely, has to have a delicate eye but more than anything else, we need to know people.
A woman will love her dress because it was made to fit her character, not just her body.
Now, some girls want to get lost in the crowd, to be pretty and no more.
There are certain types who want to attract only one man.
Their dress must have a secret, hidden beauty.
So, we need to study them all.
What about Katherine Glendenning? What does she want? She needs to be adored.
Oh, tomorrow evening I have arranged for Miss Glendenning to come for a fitting.
I am on my own now.
I need a woman to do the fitting.
You will help me, won't you? I'd like to but it is forbidden to take on work.
Denise, we are family, you'd not wish to see me lose this opportunity to survive? Girls are dismissed if they are caught.
And I might lose everything I have if you won't help me.
It was a disgrace.
Those girls were flaunting themselves.
They were virtually canoodling.
The idea of it.
Gentlemen in the proximity of Undergarments, in public.
One can't help but wonder if Moray has lost his touch.
Perhaps we should join you, Katherine, in your rebuffing of The Paradise.
Yes.
What are you doing, Katherine? Oh, it is nothing.
I am simply entertaining myself.
Hardly.
It has the look of provocation.
Does it? I do hope so.
Why would you want to provoke Moray? Perhaps I enjoy the joust.
There is such pleasure in seeing Moray riled.
We were expecting you to announce a date for your engagement to Mr Adler.
And now you provoke Moray, by shopping along the street? Oh, that is simply to get his attention.
My real weapon is much more powerful.
I am avoiding him, ignoring him, abandoning him.
The day will come soon when he will realise that he must devote himself to me.
Katherine.
Dear Katherine.
Isn't there a hazard in your plan? Oh.
What is that? What if Moray does not come? Then I must provoke him some more.
Everyone's talking, sir, about Gentlemen's Afternoon, how so many wives are complaining.
The whole city is laughing at us, so I hear.
It was rather unfortunate.
Poor Miss Audrey will be blamed but, it wasn't her making.
Sir, it was Denise.
That girl, sir, she's been here five minutes and she behaves like she owns the place.
She plays the coy country girl, but we all know she has her eyes set on Mr Moray.
It's not gossip, sir.
If you don't believe me, it will be in Mr Jonas's book.
Ask him, sir.
He puts everything in that book of his.
I do believe he does.
Now, Clara, back to work.
Yes, sir.
Sir, erm, did Mr Jonas appear before Mr Moray's wife died, or after? Before, just, not long before.
Do you suppose he wrote about Mrs Moray, her death in that book? You are dallying, Clara.
You know what Miss Audrey will say.
A sin, sir.
Hands as lovely as these.
Ah, they should not be hidden inside of gloves.
Fingers this delightful should be dangled for the world to see.
Excuse me, Madam.
Mr Burroughs, may I speak with you? What are you doing at the glove counter? Well, I know all there is to know about men's grooming.
If you imagine you can touch a customer in this way I will take you off the shop floor.
I am a partner here.
No! You are a novice.
We work hard to maintain the best of standards.
And I will not let you put that at risk by man-handling I am a partner in this business.
I have a contract that says so.
What are you a partner in? Huh? Nothing.
You.
Fetch a cup of tea.
Yes, sir.
Pauline.
I realise, dog fights might not be a girl's idea of romance.
But er, I thought you might be grateful, a young man asking you to walk out.
Why should I be grateful? You're not exactly the prettiest girl in the shop, that's all.
Oh! Is that so? Well, let me tell you what you are, a suit don't make a man.
Especially one that don't fit.
Go to your dog fight.
Try some of your romancing on one of the dogs.
We must learn from our mistakes, and Gentlemen's Afternoon was a mistake.
Mr Moray, sir, I always said there was a danger that this event lacked decorum.
Let me apologise most humbly and gravely.
It should never have happened.
When I come to think about it, I do believe one of the girls might have ventured this proposal to me.
I will look into who is to blame.
We've lost sight of what our purpose is here.
It is the ladies' desires we must appeal to.
Oh! You, you echo my thoughts exactly, sir.
I said as much to the girls this morning, "We must stir the passions of the ladies.
"That is our one devotion.
" Didn't I say just that, girls? We must do more than that.
We must put right what we have done wrong.
Our task is to make a gesture to the ladies, to show them that it is their dreams which The Paradise caters for.
Let us conjure something tantalising for them.
Splendid! You have inspired us, Mr Moray, sir.
We are inspired.
So What shall we do for them? Anyone? Rest assured, Mr Moray, we will provide you with something irresistible.
Very good.
Thank you, girls.
Denise.
What about you? Do you have any ideas? No, sir.
Are you going to tell me what's troubling you, Moray? I almost let Clara back into my rooms.
Back into your rooms? Is that what you call it? I don't know what came over me.
I simply felt an overwhelming need to be in a woman's arms.
It is weakness.
If you carry on like this, it will only get worse.
You could put a stop to all of it, if you will settle down.
It's too late for that.
Your work is exceptional, Mr Lovett.
Thank you, ma'am.
And your custom is valued indeed.
This material is so light.
It doesn't feel like a dress at all.
I feel as though I might be wearing a night dress.
I took the liberty, ma'am, the material is somewhat darker than the shade you chose, but I felt it befits your complexion.
It does.
What do you think, Denise? I think you look adorable, ma'am.
I expect you consider it rather odd that I should come to your uncle for a dress? He is a fine dressmaker, ma'am.
You know what I mean.
With The Paradise right across the street.
It is not for me to say, ma'am.
And have the staff at The Paradise been talking? It must have caused something of a stir.
Your work is so exquisite, Mr Lovett, a dress as fine as this, it's a wonder you don't display it in your window, for all the world to see.
Why, if this city could know that I had made a dress for you, I mean, with your permission? Denise, it is forbidden for employees of The Paradise to seek sewing outside of the store.
Sir, I was helping my uncle, because On this occasion, I will not see you dismissed.
Thank you, Mr Jonas, sir.
Mr Moray expects loyalty.
Do you understand why that loyalty has to be total? From all of us? If loyalty is not absolute, then it is nothing.
Bradley, Mr Burroughs, sir.
After the embarrassing incident at the glove counter it seems clear to us that things might not work out for you here.
Might I suggest you permit Mr Moray to buy you out, and for you to find some other destiny? I know what you and Dudley think of me.
I know what it is you whisper behind your hands.
"Well, now we have him.
"We'll use the incident with the gloves to be rid of him.
" Is it time to throw your clause at me? The one in the contract that says, "Any partner who brings The Paradise "into disrepute forfeits all rights and all status as an associate.
" Your contract doesn't scare me.
I know what a partner is and I know what a partner does and I want to be treated as such.
That is for Mr Moray to decide.
You tell him this.
Now, I have lived next door a long old time.
I was next door when Helene so tragically and mysteriously died.
Mr Burroughs, do I detect a suggestion of threat in your mention of Mr Moray's wife? That Sunday when Moray brought his wife here, when there was no-one else around, I was right next door when she had a little accident.
You tell him that and you see if he is still so keen to throw us out.
Might I suggest you tread extremely carefully when making accusations against Mr Moray? And might I suggest that you tell him I am here to stay? Moray and I will be the best of friends.
Like I said, we should celebrate.
I heard that Burroughs was indiscrete with a customer, how long before we can remove him? Sir, if I may, Burroughs is a nuisance, but let us not react too swiftly.
Do I have your permission to deal with him? Yes, yes, deal with him.
Darling, you're here at last! I have missed you, Moray.
Katherine, I must speak with you.
Moray, I don't think you have met Charles and Margaret.
Come and say hello.
Your dress is in the window of Lovett's shop.
Oh, darling, you take everything so personally.
You haven't even got a refreshment.
I am a disgrace.
You think you can waltz up and down the street, half the city is talking about it! Juliet, Moray wants me all to himself for a while.
I want you to leave.
You will leave now.
If you will not behave like a gentleman then It is cruel, what you are doing! You toy with those shopkeepers, as you toy with everyone.
You use them to tease me.
You let them believe they might survive when you know it is hopeless.
You are a spoilt child.
You always will be.
I lost two customers because he said the stupidest things.
His breath could clear the store.
He's too busy peering at the girls.
The matter is in hand.
Burroughs will not be with us for much longer.
He says he is a partner, sir.
That can't be right.
So it must be wrong.
Such things are not your concern, Pauline.
There have been some dealings made necessary by Mr Moray to expand the store.
Will there be new departments, sir? I do hope so.
Will I get a new counter, sir? Did you tell Burroughs? It is not possible to remove him at this time.
Then we must make it possible.
I spoke to Mr Moray.
He has granted me authority to deal with Burroughs as I see fit.
What is going on? Why has that man suddenly become untouchable? You know as well as I do, sir, expansion.
Now, if you'll excuse me? I wish to pay you the full amount, Mr Lovett.
I have changed my mind.
I no longer like the shade, the cut I won't be needing the dress.
You never wanted a garment from me, did you, ma'am? I am sorry if I have caused you I do not wish to waste your time.
There.
The full amount.
Men like me, you can buy and sell at your pleasure.
You are paid in full.
What more can you want? Do you truly have no idea what this means? Can you not even begin to see? A man's pride My whole life It means nothing to you.
This is not about work.
It's not money.
It is love.
It is what I am.
I will take your money, Miss Glendenning.
But I will finish your order because I said I would.
And then I can look myself in the mirror and know I am a man of my word.
Very well.
Gentlemen's Afternoon was your idea, wasn't it? Yes, sir.
It was, sir.
And you know why it wouldn't work, don't you? I do now, sir.
And you have an idea how I might remedy my reputation with the ladies.
Your loyalty is to me, not to Miss Audrey.
Isn't it? Yes, sir.
Then you must tell me.
The lingerie you brought from Paris, the garments are so beautiful.
So seductive.
But the ladies find it discomfiting to be seen considering them.
If we were to make it fun, entertaining.
Sir, what I thought was Ladies After Dark.
Ladies After Dark? After the store is closed, it would be by invitation only.
Exclusive.
The ladies would have the store to themselves.
We could decorate Ladieswear for them.
Yes, candles, low lamps.
So they can try on the lingerie.
Or have it modelled for them.
We might make quite an event of it.
Because what women want is to be desired.
To be adored.
Ladies After Dark.
Denise, you are my little champion.
Mr Moray's not in his office, sir.
He's not nowhere to be found.
He was here a while ago.
He must have gone out.
No matter.
Please tell him I called by and I will see him tonight.
Certainly, Miss Glendenning.
He was there, sir, but he said he wasn't there.
Back to work, Arthur.
Usually when we advertise an event, we do it with banners and trumpets.
Ladies After Dark will be different.
There will be no posters.
There will be no announcements.
We must conjure up the idea that most of us are missing out on something so seductive that it can only be done in secret.
Miss Audrey, I'd like you to draw up a list of ladies we might present with exclusive invitations.
Sir, I shall personally see to it that the personal invitations are indeed personal.
We must create a sense of mystique and curiosity, the whole occasion must be shrouded in tantalising secrecy.
If this event is a success, as it most surely will be, it will become a regular feature.
It's Clara, isn't it? I've noticed you coming and going.
Suppose I, er, told you that I might fall for you? I look at a pretty girl like you I just want my chance, you see, to take a girl out dancing.
Don't you realise? Isn't it obvious? No girl in this store will ever walk out with you.
I have a position here.
Partner.
Moray's partner.
I have known him since he were married.
I know things that mean I won't be laughed at and humiliated.
Pauline.
If a man like Mr Moray, or Mr Dudley were to court you, you would not wish to offend them, or spurn them.
They are gentlemen.
You are a barber.
No, no, I'm not a barber.
Not anymore.
Look at this.
I'm wearing a suit.
Hey! Look will ya spurn me still? Will ya? Will ya? Let go of me.
Look, I'm not a barber! Get off her! Leave her alone! It don't hurt that much, sir.
Only most of the time.
Moray, you asked me to manage Burroughs, you suggested it was vital I keep him in check, but in no time I was left powerless.
You gave all authority to Jonas.
When will you put a stop it? Jonas, I want Burroughs dismissed immediately.
Arthur.
You can go now.
Mr Moray, sir, if I may? I have the distinct impression that Mr Burroughs would not take well to being removed from The Paradise so quickly.
What does it matter what he feels? He is a danger to our business.
We have good cause.
What you say is true enough, gentlemen, but if I may? Let us suppose we dispose of Burroughs.
He would most certainly take his tale of ill-treatment up and down the street.
Next time you wish to purchase a property, Mr Moray, sir, you would undoubtedly face suspicion and resistance.
What do you suggest, Jonas? If you could permit me a few days with Burroughs, to work on him, perhaps he might get to a place where he concludes of his own accord that it is time for him to depart.
Papa.
Yes.
I'm afraid it's your Papa.
Moray isn't coming, Katherine.
You have toyed with him and now it is his turn to toy with you.
Not at all.
We had no arrangements.
Moray will be busy with his store, that is all.
I find it puzzling, why you should pursue a man who will have nothing to do with you.
I find it still more baffling why I should let you.
Because you can't stop me.
Now you are toying with me.
Denise.
What are you doing here? I'm sorry, sir, I know I shouldn't be in the store at this time, I'll go now.
Wait.
All the other girls have gone out for the evening, you're here, at work.
It isn't work, sir.
You are a curiosity, Denise.
What brought you here? Since I was a girl, living in a small town, it wasn't enough.
I always wanted more.
It is a wonderful feeling, more.
I know it well.
I feel as though I belong in The Paradise.
I feel as though I am part of something, something so thrilling, it's as though I can see the world changing before my eyes, and I can touch it, I can make it happen.
I shall have to keep my eye on you, Denise, or you'll be the one who steals my throne from me.
Come on.
We must put Ladieswear back in proper order, or you will be in terrible trouble with Miss Audrey in the morning.
All I said to him was "barber".
I thought he would strangle me.
His hands were on my neck like strangler's hands.
But he is still here in The Paradise, isn't he? Why is that? "I have known Moray since he's been married.
" That's what he said to me.
"I know things that mean I shan't be shifted from here.
" What could he know? Moray's wife, of course.
You're not going to ask him, are you? Clara, he might strangle again.
Burroughs doesn't frighten me.
All you have to do is smile at him and he is a puppy dog.
Mr Jonas, sir.
There you go, sir.
Thank you, Arthur.
Clara.
Sir.
I saw you'd left your book here.
I was about to fetch it to you.
Thank you.
Sir.
I came to The Paradise after Mr Moray's wife died.
They talk of her like she was a saint.
You know it is forbidden to speak of her.
Allow me one question only, sir.
Please.
Was Helene as tender-hearted as they say? Peerless.
Inspiration came to me deep in the night, Madam, as it so often does.
I suddenly thought to myself, wouldn't it be wonderful if the Ladies might consider lingerie in a, shall we say, mischievous atmosphere? Only those who have invitations know that they have invitations.
So we must ask you to keep word of the gathering shrouded in the deepest mystery.
Mr Burroughs, has Mr Moray spoken to you? Moray? Ah, no, no.
What about? He felt it more fitting to invite you himself, but he must be engaged in urgent business.
Invite me? A party.
It is an occasion of a rather private nature, so best keep knowledge of this to yourself.
Like, er, Ladies After Dark? Like Ladies After Dark.
Mr Moray and some of his friends, once a month or so they It is a private club, where there is entertainment.
Girls? We can travel in the same carriage.
Mr Burroughs, sir, it is vital that you tell no-one where we are going tonight.
Mr Moray's reputation depends upon it.
Meet me in the alleyway at 8.
00.
8.
00.
Splendid.
Well done, girls.
I'm sorry, sir, I don't quite know how to say this.
You have my permission to say whatever you wish, Denise.
Sir, the ladies will be here soon.
Gentlemen aren't allowed in here.
Then I had best be on my way.
Good luck, ladies.
If you should see anything that appeals, ladies, simply speak privately with myself or one of the girls.
Confidentiality is totally assured.
Don't you wish Mr Moray could be here to see your success? You see it, Clara, perhaps that's enough for me this time.
I'm not sure my husband deserves such glamour, but I do rather like the thought of wearing it.
At least your husband will notice.
Perhaps I will take the silk, as well as the lace.
Denise.
Two days, sir.
He can't simply vanish.
We can't just leave the counter unattended.
I'll put Williams on Men's Grooming.
Mr Burroughs didn't say nothing to no-one, sir.
About going nowhere.
Did he say something to you, Mr Dudley, sir? Has Mr Moray fired him, sir? Perhaps Bradley decided The Paradise wasn't for him after all.
Threats? Explicit threats, sir.
What sort of threats? I would go as far as to call it blackmail, sir.
Mr Burroughs insisted on staying here or he would cause great harm to you personally.
Well, spit it out, Jonas.
What trouble? He alluded to living next door, sir.
He also alluded to your wife's death.
Burroughs told me.
He heard screams.
He ran into The Paradise.
He saw you, sir, in particular distress, looking down at where your wife lay and you said Why didn't you tell me about this? Since I'm responsible for us letting Burroughs into the store, I thought it might be better if I rectify the problem.
Where is he? I'd rather you did not ask that, Mr Moray, sir.
Rest assured, Burroughs no longer presents a danger to you.
What have you done, Jonas? Only my duty, sir.
My loyalty to you is assured.
You may go now, Jonas.
Thank you, darling, for coming so quickly.
From your note, I thought perhaps you were ill.
I'm sorry, Moray.
I want to stop this.
Stop hurting people, stop hurting you.
I just want to devote myself to loving you.
Will you let me do that? You imagine you can do to the rest of us what you've done to Burroughs.
I saw him getting into your carriage, sir, on the night he vanished.
Young Arthur is afraid of Jonas.
The boy does not know the meaning of what he saw.
Heavens! Mr Jonas.