Upstairs, Downstairs (1971) s01e06 Episode Script

Oh, I don't know how I'm gonna mess this blessed fightin' for her ladyship's blouse.
Eh, eh, Mr.
Hudson, your eyes are better than mine.
Oh, let's have a look.
EhI think that's about as near as you'll get it, Mrs.
Roberts.
Oh, yes, that's much better.
Thank you, Mr.
Hudson.
- You'd make a good lady's maid for somebody, Mr.
Hudson.
- No, Go away with you, Mrs.
Bridges.
I just hope Rose is looking after her ladyship properly at Southwold.
Why shouldn't she? I mean a lady's maid is a lady's maid, and a house maid is a house maid.
Uh, she looked after Miss Elizabeth, after all.
And it's only for this once, Mrs.
Roberts.
So that Rose can see something of her family.
- Emily, call Mary.
- Long as that's clear.
- Coming! - Yes, Mr.
Hudson.
Have you finished the bedrooms? Yes, Mr.
Hudson.
Well, that's a good girl.
Now pop upstairs to the morning room and light the fire, will you? Yes, Mr.
Hudson.
And quietly, Mary.
The master is not to be disturbed while he's working on his book.
Yes, Mr.
Hudson.
That girl hasn't smiled once since she come here.
Aw, it takes a wee bit of time settling into a new place, Mrs.
Bridges.
Three months isn't that long.
She looks peeky to me, unhealthy.
Perhaps Edward's been bothering her.
He wants to keep his hands to himself, Edward does.
He wants a damn good hiding, he does.
Huh, huh.
Say hello, (Eleanor).
Oh, it ain't (fol kind you).
- Aw, it's just a bit of fun.
- Who for? Why, now me to get on, see? Well?How's it coming along? Can't seem to get the lumps out.
Well, work it! Crumble it.
No, no.
Not like that, child.
Like this.
- Ohhh.
- It's all in the hands, you see? No good go picking and poking at it.
If you haven't got the hands for it, your pastry's always gonna turn out like lead.
- Still working this blooming old pizzy? - Yes.
Only he said to say he'd be dining out at his club tonight.
I don't want to know about dinner.
I want to know about lunch.
- Oh, give us a chance.
- What? - He's working on.
- Oh.
He'll want something light, then.
That's it.
That's his very words.
I'm to take it up to him on a tray.
I must sayit's a pleasure to have him here on his own for once in a while, and he's no trouble.
Specially when he's busy.
Crumble it, girl.
Crumble it.
- [ Sniff .]
- [ Sniff .]
- You've got a cold? No sir.
[ Sobbing .]
Treacherous weather this time of the year.
[ Sobbing .]
Your sure you haven't got a chill? - Quite sure, thank you sir.
- [ Sniffing .]
What's the matter? Nothing, sir.
'Scuse me, sir.
[ Bell rings .]
- Mr.
Hudson.
I thought it was too quiet to last.
- No peace for the wicked.
Oh, have you done the fire, Mary? Yes, Mr.
Hudson.
That's a good girl.
You didn't disturb him, I hope? There we are.
All your own work.
Ah, hah, you did the decorating.
That's half the battle with food.
The look of it.
Remember that.
Uh huh, you did the bulk of it.
Now, we don't tell anybody.
Just pop it in the oven and we'll see who knows the difference.
Oh, they'll know.
- I mean it stands to reason.
It isn't anybody can make pastry half as good as yours.
If you're gonna be a cook, there's something else you'll need to know.
Oh, what's that? Modesty don't get you nowhere.
[ Door opens, closes .]
You rang, sir.
Yes, Hudson, what's the matter with that house maid? Mary, sir? She was crying.
In here, sir? Just now.
Oh, I'm very sorry, sir.
I'll see that it doesn't occur again.
I'm not complaining.
I just wonder whether she was ill.
Not that I know of, sir.
Does she get on all right with the other servants? Well enough, sir.
Anyone at home is it? I understand she's an orphan, sir.
Then it can't be that, then.
What's she got to be unhappy about? I couldn't really say, sir.
Well, make it your business to find out, will you Hudson.
We ought to keep the staff reasonably cheerful, eh? I'll certainly speak to her, sir.
I'm sorry this has happened.
[ Door opens .]
How long will it be now, Mrs.
Bridges? About an hour.
Now, you get on peeling the potatoes and washing the cauliflower.
Can't have steak and kidney pie without 'tatoes and cauliflower.
[ Gasping cheerfully .]
You reckon I'll make a pastry cook one day, Mrs.
Bridges? You may do,if you remember what I've shown you.
And behave yourself! Oh, I will! Eh, put that down, Mary.
I want a word with you.
Eh, follow me.
Close the door, Mary.
[ Closes door .]
And sit down here.
Now.
Is that right, what the master has just been telling me? What about? You were crying up there in the morning room.
I couldn't help myself, Mr.
Hudson.
It just come over me.
The master was quite concerned, you know.
I didn't mean to.
Now, we can't have any of that, Mary.
It won't happen again.
You're not unhappy here, are you? No.
That young Edward hasn't been pestering you, has he? Not so you'd notice.
Aw, maybe you caught the rough edge of Mrs.
Bridges' tongue.
No, you mustn't mind about that.
She always gets a wee bit aerated when she hasn't got enough to do.
Oh, she's been very civil to me.
You want to tell me what it's all about, then? I can't.
I don't shock easily, you know.
Honest, I can't.
Oh, you'd be surprised the things I've heard on this job.
Oh, it's got nothing to do with here.
Well, that cuts both ways, Mary.
We've all got our troubles.
How we deal with them, that's our own affair.
But the way of it is when we step over that threshold, we leave all that behind us.
Now is that understood? Yes, Mr.
Hudson.
I will not have the master worried.
Do you understand? Yes, Mr.
Hudson.
Right, then.
No more of that sniveling and drawing attention to yourself or there will be trouble.
Thank you, Mr.
Hudson.
Off you go Mary.
[ Door opens, closes .]
[ Emily enters .]
Mr.
Hudson, Mrs.
Bridges says we'll be eating in less than an hour.
Yes, all right, Emily.
There's a surprise for our dinner today.
Oh, what's that? I can't tell you.
I think you're all in this together.
[ Clock chimes, carriage departing .]
Who's that? Come here.
- Mary? What on earth do you think you're doing? I was just going out, sir.
At this time of night? Without Hudson's permission? - Well? - No, sir.
You know you're not allowed to come and go as you please.
It's not good enough.
Come on.
Off you go at once.
I'll speak to Hudson.
I image he'll have something to say to you in the morning.
[ Mary starts crying .]
Oh, now, stop that.
Here.
Come here.
Come along.
[ Mary continues crying .]
Come in.
Sit down.
Here, drink this.
Come on.
Come on.
You'll like it.
Now, try and pull yourself together.
I'm sorry, sir.
[ Closes door .]
I'm sorry, sir.
Now, heaven's sake stop apologizing.
Wellwhat's this all about? I can't tell you, sir.
If I did you'd only give me the sack.
Well, I shall if you don't.
Tears and tantrums and creeping out of the house without permission.
Exactly what's going on? I - Well? I'm gonna have a baby, sir.
Oh.
I'm sorry, sir.
Well, it's a bit late for that now, isn't it? - You sure? - Yes, sir.
How far has it gone? Three months, sir.
- Before or after you came here? - Before.
Just before.
Well, that's something anyway.
Who's the father? I can't say, sir.
Can't or won't? How d'you mean? Well, you must know who's responsible or I'm not like that.
- Hmm.
It was only the once.
And you only have to slip up the once, sir.
Is he a married man? - No, sir.
Well, then what's your problem? Don't you love him? I don't even like him.
Oh, it's a bit late for that.
Now, there's a baby on the way.
You can't stay here, of course.
- No, sir.
You'll have to marry him.
If I could stomach him, which I can't.
He'll never marry me.
- Have you asked him? He wouldn't.
I just know.
Well, he'd have to provide for you and the child, at least.
- Not him.
Have you told him you're expecting? What's the point? He wouldn't own it.
He'd laugh as like as not.
That's what he'd do.
Mmm.
Where were you going then? To see this woman.
Which woman? Wellshe'll fix you up.
Only you gotta pay.
Well, I've been saving.
You mean you were going to an abortionist? What else can I do? Well, quite apart to the risk for yourself, I think we'd have to try and remember you'd be taking away a life.
D'you think I don't know that? What am I supposed to do? I'm a servant.
Who's gonna let a servant have a child and bring it up on her own? Would you? Course not.
Soon as I'd told you you said I'd have to go.
D'you think I haven't seen it happen? What am I supposed to do? Stop on time.
Sack without a reference, and then go off and have it in a ditch so the two of us can starve to death.
But, Mary, don't you realize what you're planning is murder? There's murder and murder.
At least this way it's short.
Mary, it's a crime.
And the penalties are very severe.
Can't help that.
It's a risk I've gotta take.
Would you want to lose your own child? No, of course I don't.
Well, then you mustn't.
- But, that's the only way - Mary, supposing it went wrong.
It could, you know.
Then later on when you want to get married, and you badly want a child you find you can't have one.
Or, if you never get married.
To know that you'd killed your only child.
(Had it in good feel) about that? You'd never forgive yourself.
But I'm talking about now! How am I gonna manage now? - Well, we'll I'll have to think of something.
What? I'll think of something.
You can't.
It's going to be difficult.
It'll take a bit of time, but I promise you I'll find a way.
Oh, thank you, sir.
Mary, you run along to bed now, and we'll work out something together in the morning.
Oh, I don't know how to thank you, sir.
Yes, you will go and get a good night's sleep, now.
Oh, I'll not breathe a word to anyone.
Yes, yes, that's the idea.
Oh, God bless you, sir.
Now, Mary, there is one thing you can do for me.
Oh, anything, sir.
No more tears, eh? Come along.
[ Opens door .]
I I heard a noise, sir.
Oh, Mary was going out to see a friend.
And I've told her it's far too late for that sort of thing.
After all, we all have to work in the morning.
Off you go.
Goodnight.
- Goodnight, sir.
You just be thankful, my girl, that the master's chosen to overlook it.
If he hadn't you'd be out on your ear by now.
I was only going to pop out and see a friend.
I'm not interested in what you were intending you know the rules, do you not? - Yes, Mr.
Hudson.
- Well, they're made for keeping.
I'll not have them broken and bent, to suit your convenience.
Do I make myself clear? Yes, Mr.
Hudson.
I have a much more important things to do than be bothered about under house parlor maids that will not behave themselves.
Now, this is the second time I've had occasion to speak to you.
Do you realize that, Mary? Yes, Mr.
Hudson.
There won't be a third.
Right, then.
If the master doesn't want to make an issue of it we'll leave it at that this once, and say no more.
Oh, thank you, Mr.
Hudson.
Get on with you, now.
See to the fire in the morning room.
Yes, Mr.
Hudson.
And Mary,mind what I say.
It's your last chance.
Yes, Mr.
Hudson.
Off you go, now.
[ Door opens .]
[ Door opens .]
[ Closes door .]
Good morning, sir.
Hmm? Oh, good morning.
May I see to the fire, sir? Eh, by all means.
Um.
Did Roberts say capital after last night? Beg pardon, sir? Did she say anything? Oh, yes.
She told Mr.
Hudson.
And? He ticked me off good and proper.
It's all right, though.
I said I was going to go out and see a friend.
Like you said.
Good.
I suppose you haven't had a chance to think of anything, sir? I'm afraid not, Mary.
Oh.
Well, it's not something I can settle overnight.
I do need a bit of time.
[ Door opens .]
Yes, Edward? Uh, your coffee, sir.
Oh, yes, thank you.
Shall I pour it, sir? Yes, just put it And Mrs.
Bridges wants to know what meals you'll be having in today, sir? Well, I shall beout to luncheon.
Oh, Mary, don't bother to light the fire now.
And, uh, home to dine.
Watch out, sir.
Hot filter.
Thank you, Edward.
[ Door closes .]
Oh, Mary.
What is you half-day this week? Today, sir.
Oh, better have a little talk this afternoon.
Out to lunch; in to dinner tonight.
Umm, wish he'd make up his mind.
A person doesn't know where they are.
Chop and change.
Chop and change.
Oh, cripes.
Now what have you done? I thought I told you to put that in the oven twenty minutes ago.
Oh, I'm ever so sorry.
Can't you do nothing right? I forgot.
I don't know.
Seems I've got to do everything meself.
There're times when I think your mother used no ornaments.
I said I was sorry.
Wellthat's all gonna get some wet dinner ready on the side, is it? [ Slammed oven door .]
And get on with them vegetables.
They won't be ready, neither.
Oh.
And I'll thank you not to put paper on my range.
I've told you before.
It makes clinkers.
Sorry.
- Emily! Where'd you put the cream? - In the larder, Mrs.
Bridges.
- I mean, if I hadn't seen it for myself I wouldn't have believed it.
- That girl was in the morning room with him, to sat down in there and talking Yes.
Yes, Miss Roberts.
and I mean I'm as a broad-minded as the next, but really you' think he'd have more sense.
Now let's not be too hasty, Miss Roberts.
But all we need is another scamp in the family, isn't it.
- Help! - Mr.
Hudson, help! - Help me Mr.
Hudson.
She's dead.
What happened? She was just stood there, and then she went all white.
And then when sheshe keeled over and dropped.
[ Confused excitement .]
[ Confused excitement .]
- Let's get some air here.
Get some (morphorin).
- There.
- Here, get you head down between your legs.
- That's right.
- Oh, we won't be needing that now, Miss Roberts.
Heads on up.
Chins up.
- There.
Oh, oh.
Where am I.
- You're safe and snug, and in my kitchen.
Oh, I must have fainted.
Yes, yes you did, Mary.
I'm ever so sorry, Mr.
Hudson.
How do you feel now, eh? I'm all right.
Oh, I just come over all swaimy.
- How many times has this happened to you before? Never.
Well, we'll get Mr.
Hudson to fetch the doctor, will we? - Oh, no, I seen the doctor.
And he said I was a bit run down.
Anemic, that's right.
And he gave me some pills.
I must have forgot to take me pills.
Did you have to use them, Mary? Yes, Mr.
Hudson.
Well look, I'd go and spend the rest of the day in bed, if I were you.
Oh, no, I got to go out.
Oh, now, come on dear.
Have a bit of sense.
No, please, I've got to.
Well, it's up to you, Mary.
Thanks ever so much.
- Edward, see her upstairs, will you? - Yes.
- Now, go carefully, now.
- Come on, now.
- Hold on to me.
Emily,get on with them vegetables.
Mr.
Hudson.
- Well, if you want my (chanced) opinion - We'll ask for it, Miss Roberts.
- Oh, really.
I know what you're going to say.
That girl's expecting.
That's what I'm going to say.
What makes you think that, Miss Roberts.
Um, if you don't believe me, ask Mrs.
Bridges.
She's not been able to keep nothing down in the mornings.
Not for weeks, now.
[ Sigh .]
There's no doubt about it.
No wonder the poor girl was upset.
Well, if that's the case, she'll have to go, won't she? She's dead set on getting out this afternoon.
It's my belief she's planning to do something about it.
- Well that'll make things even worse, Mrs.
Bridges.
Poor little gal.
I don't believe it.
You're making it up.
Well, that's what old Roberts say, then, and Mrs.
Bridges.
And how should they know? Because she fainted! People don't faint just cause they're goin' to have a baby.
That's all you know.
Till someone teaches you.
Would you marry the teacher, Emily? No! And you can keep up that sort of talk and to (vangland) help me! 'Expecting.
That's what that girl is.
' That was Roberts scratching about like an old hen in the barnyard.
'Och, do tell me so.
That was very interesting.
' Said Mr.
Hudson, the faithful family butler from Interkocholeeky.
' 'Course she ain't been aible to keep nothing down in the morning 'for weeks, now.
' Kitchen you caught Mrs.
Bridges - in her juice on bowl.
- What rubbish! You're making it all up.
Well, that's what they said.
I never heard 'em say it.
She thinks it because she's been carrying a heavy coal scuttle.
She's a bit frail, like me.
Heh.
Well you think what you like.
My little Irish rose.
But us old a household staff know only too well that Mary Stokes is goin' out on her day off.
That's not what you were going to say.
Oh.
That's a nice hat, Mary.
Going out for a walk? - Where's Mr.
Hudson? Oh, he's a-reading the Good Book.
[ With Scottosh brogue .]
- And Mrs.
Bridges? Having a lie-down, why? - Just to say I'll be off until six.
Oh, we'll tell 'em.
Now, you mind you behave yourself, and don't let him do anything that I wouldn't do.
Who? Whoever she's gonna go out with.
Uh, I mean,.
.
she not gonna sit all by herself in Kensington Gardens in that hat, are you? What does it matter to you? Leave her alone.
I'm only curious.
Interested in human nature.
- I'll be going now, then.
I know what she's up to.
She's going to the doctor's to find out if she's really Listen smart, will you leave off! Can't you think about anything else but girls and Girls and what? Girls having babies.
Yes I can.
What? Girls that aren't having babies, Emily.
Oh, that's enough! It's not enough, Emily, still It'll have to do for this afternoon.
Look, if you're going to help me like Mr.
Hudson says you can bring those dishes into the scullery.
If the dinner's not washed up by the time Mrs.
Bridges comes down for us it'll be I'll be murdered.
Oh, ho-ho, oh, Holy Mother of God! [ Towel thrown .]
Ow.
I'm sorry I'm late.
And, tea for two, please.
Now, Mary, I've, uh given a great deal of thought to this.
Oh, thank you, sir.
You're sure you want to have this child? I can't see how I can manage.
First things first.
Is that what you want? Yes, yes.
Well, that's settled, then.
And you keep your job with us for the time being.
Oh, thank you sir.
Later on, when you give your notice of your own accord, we'll give you first class reference.
Yes, sir.
Now, Mary, if I'm to help you, there's something you'll have to tell me.
What's that, sir? I want to know who the father is.
Well, sir, Mary, unless you tell me, I won't have any more to do with it.
I don't want to make any trouble, sir.
Sorry, Mary, I insist.
It won't do no good.
He must accept some responsibility for the child.
He won't.
We'll see.
Honest, he won't.
Mary, he can't just abandon you.
The name now.
Even if I was to tell you, he'd never admit it.
And what's more, you wouldn't even believe me.
Why shouldn't I? - Because - Well? You beinga friend of the family, and Deal with, uh, General Radford in Chester Square? [ Nods, "yes" .]
Was it one of the servants, huh? No, sir.
The son, sir.
Miles Redford? [ Nods "yes" .]
[ Sigh .]
This is a very serious accusation.
I didn't want to make it, did I? I'd never of breathed a word if you hadn't dragged it out of me.
D'you swear you're telling the truth? As I live and breathe.
He came into my room that night.
The night that I was leaving.
And he was drunk.
And, I didn't know what to do.
[ Sobbing speech .]
And he was stronger than Let's forget about it.
Can't we, sir? No.
The least he can do is to face up to the consequences.
- (Edward.
) - Uh.
I might have a word with you, sir.
Of course, Hudson.
In private, if you please, sir.
Oh.
Come in.
Thank you, sir.
[ Opens door .]
Now, what's your problem.
[ Closes door .]
I'm afraid we'll have to find another under house parlor maid, sir.
Oh, why? It's come to my attention that, uh[ Sigh .]
Well, not to put too fine a point in it, sir.
It seems that Mary is pregnant.
Is she? Oh dear, oh dear, or dear.
It's common knowledge below stairs, sir.
Yes, quite.
I'll see to it then, sir, shall I? Yes, will you do that, Hudson? Very good, sir.
Oh, although Sir? Um, you're quite right, of course.
On the other hand.
Does she have to leave immediately? Well,if I may suggest, sir, perhaps if I spoke to her, and we gave her a day or two to find some lodgings for herself.
But, of course, if the talk is out-of-hand.
Yes, yes, let's do that.
It would save unpleasantness for everyone if she were to give her notice of her own accord.
- Do you see? - Indeed, sir.
It's unpleasant for you, Hudson.
Yes, sir.
[ Opens door .]
Oh, you're back, Mary.
- Oh, I'm not late am I, Mr.
Hudson -No, no, Mary, it's, uh, it's just on (sectual).
Plenty of time to change.
Yes, Mr.
Hudson.
By the way, I have, uh,I've got something to say to you, Mary.
Let's stop in here for a minute.
[ Closes doors .]
Oh, oh, sit down, Mary.
How are you feeling now? All right, thank you, Mr.
Hudson.
I trust you had a pleasant afternoon off? D'you go far? Oh, just for a walk to Bathsee Park.
Good, good.
MaryI have been obliged to inform the master of your unfortunate condition.
It was my duty to do that.
Oh, I see.
You realize, of course, that if her ladyship hadn't been away in the country, I would have been compelled to pack you off at once, without a reference.
Yes, Mr.
Hudson.
Well, fortunately for you Mr.
Bellamy has seen fit to be lenient.
He's decided to permit you to remain here and continue your service for a wee while longer.
During which time you must take steps to find yourself some lodgings.
Did you understand, Mary.
Yes, Mr.
Hudson.
You should feel very grateful to the master for showing you such consideration.
He's a very busy man with a very high standing.
And to show such concern for a servant speaks a lot for his character.
I hope you'll always remember that, Mary.
Yes, Mr.
Hudson, I will.
Nor is it the first time that the master has shown you some leniency.
Isn't that so, Mary? I don't understand.
I'm referring to last Tuesday night.
When you tried to leave the house after eleven o'clock, and the master stopped you.
Oh, yes, he was very nice about that.
Yes.
Yes, according to Miss Roberts he, uh, spoke very kindly to you in the morning room before sending you up to bed.
Yes, he did.
I was very grateful.
Quite, quite.
Oh, will that be all now, Mr.
Hudson? Oh, yes, yes, that'll be all for the time being, Mary.
I'll go up and get changed, then.
And Marysee that you don't take advantage of the master's generous nature.
Yes, Mr.
Hudson.
Off you go and change, now.
Good day, Mr.
Radford.
Hello, Hudson.
Where's the master? If you'd care to wait, sir, I'll see if he's at home.
It's all right, Hudson, there's no need to be so damned discreet.
Oh, you are expected, are you sir? Oh, there was a message at my club asking me to call at six-thirty, so I suppose I am.
Oh, in that case, sir, Mr.
Bellamy's in the morning room.
Will you follow me, please.
[ Door opens .]
Mr.
Miles Radford to see you, sir.
-Thank you, Hudson.
- Sir.
I'm glad you could come, Miles.
No inconvenience.
.
It's on my way home.
A splendid fellowif a little dour.
Well, I didn't ask you here to discuss the merits of my servants.
Oh.
So what are we going to discuss? The, uh, condition of one of my servants.
My under housemaid, Mary.
What about your housemaid, uh, what what was her name? Her name, Miles, is Mary.
And it may interest you to know, that she is expecting a baby.
Oh, really? Yes.
And I would like to know what you're going to do about it.
- Me? - Yes, Miles, you.
Because you're the father.
The girl has told me everything.
So, you've inherited a pregnant housemaid.
Who means to have her baby.
How original.
Well, I suppose you'd rather she had an abortion.
I really don't see what any of this has to do with me.
Oh, don't you, Miles? I'll tell you why.
She won't be able to work for some time.
She'll need money and you're going to provide it.
Why me? Because you are the father.
Eh, heh, heh.
- Prove it.
- She gave me her word.
The word of a servant girl.
Whom you raped, when you were drunk.
If.
.
and I say, if I did all this as you claim, why are you so concerned? You do seem to be taking a fearful interest in an under housemaid.
Do you have some kind of special relationship with her yourself, by any chance? That's hardly worthy of you, Miles.
If it wasn't so patently absurd, it would be downright offensive.
Anyway, the girl's lying.
I don't think she is.
And I'd like to know how you're going to face your responsibilities.
They are not my responsibilities, and if they were they are none of you damned business.
Now, Miles, if you take that attitude, I shall be obliged to raise the matter with your father.
What you tell my father is neither here nor there, Mr.
Bellamy.
The facts are that an under housemaid, in whom you seem to taking a quite extraordinary interest, got herself pregnant around about the time she came here.
- Before she came here.
- Give or take a day.
On the strength of which you're making allegations which are highly damaging, and for which you haven't a shred of proof.
You know as well as I do that you took advantage of that wretched child.
- Child.
- Yes, child.
And if you think you can lie your way out of this situation, you're very much mistaken.
[ Pulled servant cord .]
I suggest you go now, and think over what I said pretty carefully.
And when you've come to your senses, and remembered your duties as a gentleman, you can come back here and tell me what arrangements you are prepared to make for her maintenance.
I refuse, absolutely, to be made responsible for some dirty little slut of a housemaid who finds herself in (fire) by the footman.
Or by anybody else for that matter.
Do I make myself clear? Get out of my house! I shall find other ways of making you pay for your shameful behavior.
What other ways? If you're planning to do what I think you are I should make quite sure you can afford the publicity.
I would really.
Mr.
Radford is leaving.
- Sir.
We met and argued and then I lost my temper, and wrote to his father, as you know.
- It never occurred to me that - It seldom does.
It seldom does.
We should be out of business if only people would consult us before committing themselves to paper.
Stillwe've got ourselves into a mess, haven't we? You don't think he's bluffing? - I wish I did.
On the contrary.
His solicitors have been - in touch with me already.
- Blackmoor and Green, fortunately.
- What's fortunate about that? - Oh, I've had dealings with them before.
They're gentlemanly.
More than can be said for their client.
- May be.
Nonetheless they're demanding a retraction.
Not at any price! I've seen a copy of you letter.
You'd be well-advised to contain your indignation.
At the moment they're concern is that you should not repeat your accusations.
But you pursue the matter and no question their instructions are to make a case of it.
But the truth! Oh, my dear Richard, you can be painfully naif.
You ought to know by now that the law has rather less relation to truth, whatever that me be, than politics have to democracy, whatever that is.
The law of libel most particularly.
He's the father of that child.
According to a servant girl.
I believe she's telling the truth.
Even if she is, that's no defense.
- For who? - For you.
Juries, like judges, are naturally conservative.
In the unlikely event that they believe this Miss, whatever her name is, Stokes.
Stokes, who, let me remind you in the circumstances has nothing to gain by lying.
So has he.
Less, apparently.
The honorable Miles Radford, gentlemen don't lie.
Ho, ho, don't they.
My point is that the only thing twelve men good and true are likely to have in common these days is a degree of respect to their superiors.
Call it what you like.
I take a less cynical view of my fellow men.
My dear boy, that's your privilege.
But even assuming that they accept that what you and Mary Stokes maintain is true,true in substance and in fact,can you show you published it without malice and in good faith, or that it's in the public interest that this rather unsavory tale be broadcast? I don't know.
- I doubt it.
Let me ask you something.
What is you interest in this girl, honestly? I simply felt sorry for her.
I think she's been shamefully misused.
- But there must be dozens of people in you constituency, say, - who are in as bad a state or worse, shouldn't they? Perhaps.
She happens to be in my house.
Precisely.
What are you suggesting? I'm suggesting nothing.
But for a man in your position to go to such uncommon lengths to help a girl who regrettably became pregnant within days of entering in employ.
This sole and wretched girl after dark observed by your wife's maid meeting her in tea shops.
Rushing into print with allegations that you can't prove, and young Radford flatly denies.
A man with anything to be ashamed of would have acted more circumspectly.
I believe you.
But you must understand the construction that's likely to be placed on your actions, let alone your motives if it comes to court.
[ Gasp .]
Ohhhh.
What we have to do is to try and rescue you from the consequences of your--to put it charitably-- social ineptitude and legal idiocy.
- What am I to do? - Nothing.
- What? - Absolutely nothing.
I'll talk to the other side and see if matters can't be arranged decently.
Radford won't publicity anymore than you do.
You said he didn't give a damn.
Oh, I'm talking about the father.
The boy is of no consequence.
Yeah.
Well, I'll see what can be done.
Meantime, I must ask you not to complicate matters further.
Do nothing.
Say nothing.
Talk to no one.
Most especially that girl.
But I've promised I'd help.
More fool you are.
I just can't abandon her.
Oh, drat the wretched girl.
Avoid her like the plague.
Anymore crass moves from you and you're simply feeding ammunition to the other side, and they've got enough already--unless I can make them see reason-- to put you in the public pillory.
I'll let you know if I make any headway.
I can't help feeling responsible.
I can't help your feelings, and you're not in a position to indulge them.
You have prior responsibilities.
Your wife, your family, you constituents, tour party even, if it comes to that.
Think about them for a change.
Now, you go home, and if you must put pen to paper get on your life of Balfour.
How's that coming along, by the way? Oh, uh, [ Sigh .]
it seems peculiarly unimportant at the moment.
Well, if this comes out into the open, a life of Gladstone, might the more appropriate.
I don't find that particularly funny.
It wasn't meant to be.
Huh.
Is that right what they're saying? Wha' about? That you're likeand you know.
Have one on the way.
Yes.
Ohhhh.
I don't know.
It's a good job you haven't got my (man) to reckon with.
If it was me she'd of half killed me.
(Gettin' jiggety.
) And that's a mortal sin.
Who told you I was gonna do that? Mrs.
Bridges was telling Mr.
Hudson that that was what you was planning on doing.
Well I was, too.
But I'm not gonna now.
- You wouldn't want that on your conscience, now would you? - No.
How do you manage? You won't tell anyone, will you? Oh, no.
Mr.
Bellamy says he's gonna help.
How! I donno, but he willhe said.
I want to know is why? Who (are) you getting at? It's beyond me why the master should concern himself about an under housemaid who's going to have an illegitimate child.
Unless, of course You've got a nasty mind, you know, Roberts.
Well, I can't help what I saw, can I? - What did you see? - Never you mind.
- I wasn't asking you.
- Going's on behind closed doors.
Ha! Why, it's a scandal a minute in this house, isn't it? Facts are facts.
And the sooner she's out of here, bag and baggage, the better for all of us.
- You speak for yourself, Roberts.
- I'm sure I'm only thinking of the master's good name.
You what? (You old) no count! - Really! Do you hear that? - Well, you only had it - You should have it coming to you.
- Now then, now then.
- Why (you two) - are you giving notice like any decent body would do? How would you know? And not take advantage of the master being soft and Lady Marjorie being away! - God almighty! - Now, now, Emily, keep out - She's suffered enough, - without someone picking on her, hasn't she? - And, exactly who's fault is that? [ Confused argument .]
- If we are to believe you are, too.
But the rest of you digging up dirt! You don't think I know about you! The fickles you around to, around Mattie at the back door! That's regular purse.
And you and her ladyship's dressmaker! - Diddling her rot leverage on shares haven't been made! - There are models and models.
- You don't have to tell me that! Oh, you're all such sticklers for doing what's right, aren't you? We mustn't have the master worried, must we? We're all one big happy family, aren't we? So long as we stick to a few rotten rules.
We can put on false faces, and feel all smug, and cheat and fiddle as much as we please.
But let a girl get took advantage of just once we won't stop at hearing of her misery, will we? Dirty little chump! We have to make out that something's dirty between her and the one man who's lifted a finger to help.
And why! 'Cause you haven't got an ounce of charity between the lot of you! That's bloody why! You're to come upstairs, Mary.
Well, she found her tongue, didn't she? - Well, what's going to happen, do you think? - Oh, use your (loaf), Emily.
Oh, she'll be getting her notice, of course.
Oh, that's not right.
- Good riddance, if you ask me.
- Oh, we've had a bellyful of your opinions.
But Mr.
Bellamy promised he'd help her.
How can he? Well, he oughtn't to of said he would, if he can't.
You don't understand.
He's got to think about himself.
Poor little bitch.
She got no more than she asked for.
Huh, be thankful you haven't.
But dare there.
I can't help but feel sorry for her.
She was banking on him that much.
- But, he's trying to help.
Oh, I suppose you can say that.
It's more than the rest of us can say.
[ Door opens; closes .]
She's in the hall, sir.
I sent her up.
Better, I should do the talking, I suggest.
[ Door opens .]
You sent for me, sir? It's, uh, Mary, isn't it? Yes, sir.
I am Sir Geoffrey Dillon.
Pleased to meet you, sir.
Come in, Mary, shut the door.
[ Closes door .]
Sit down.
I'm you master's solicitor.
Do you know what a solicitor is? Like a lawyer.
Good girl.
Good girl.
Which I've gone to try to help him to get out of trouble.
Now, you don't want to make trouble for him, do you? Oh, no sir, never.
I didn't think you did.
Well thing is, though, I'm afraid you have.
Oh, I didn't mean to sir, I'm sure.
- Be fair.
- Uh, we agreed, I should handle this.
- I was wrong.
- I urged you.
- For pity's sake.
The least I can do is offer the girl a first-hand explanation.
Mary, I know I promised I could help.
I meant to, and I thought I could.
The thing is, there are legal difficulties which you probably won't understand.
Firstly, Mr.
Radford flatly denies having had anything to do with you.
I could have told you he'd say that.
I did, didn't I? The problem is not only does he deny these allegations he's threatening to take me into court if I repeat them.
Oh for, for telling the truth? Do you believe I told you the truth? Yes, Mary, I do.
The thing is I can't prove it.
It's his word against yours.
What's more to the point, is that if we pursue it, he'll not only take Mr.
Bellamy to court, he'll try to make out that your master has some sort of interest in lying.
- I don't understand.
- Mary, the suggestion is that you got pregnant after you came here.
And that the reason I tried to help is because I am responsible.
But, that's not true.
You don't believe that's true? True or false, let it come to court, that's what he'll say.
- Why? The fact of the matter is that he hasn't got a penny of his own.
But, the family.
If it comes to the point they'll stand by him.
You can't win.
And even if you did, some of the mud is going to stick.
Now, do you want that to happen to Mr.
Bellamy? Oh, after him being so good and kind.
That's the last thing I'd want.
Then you'll help us? Yes, of course.
What you want me to do.
Just tell me.
We want you to admit that your allegation was false.
That you deliberately misled Mr.
Bellamy.
But, I told you the truth.
Which we cannot prove.
That being so, the only thing to do is to admit that it was all an unfortunate mistake.
You retract.
Mr.
Bellamy apologizes.
They let the matter drop.
Believe me, it's the only way.
So, if you'll just come over to the desk and sign this piece of paper.
Is that what you want? I'm afraid there's no alternative.
All right.
There we are.
Just there.
Mary Stokes.
Thank you.
Well, that takes care of that.
And what happens to me? Out of the goodness of his heart, Mr.
Bellamy behaved, to say the least, foolishly.
Now, what I suggest is that you leave Lady Marjorie's employment at once, with a reference and a month's wages, to which Mr.
Bellamy is very kindly adding 25 pounds as an "ex gratia" payment to help to tide you over your present difficulties.
- Mary, believe me, this is not - If only you knew how I believed you.
Now, don't be ungrateful.
- If I hadn't I'd of gotten rid of it by now, wouldn't I? I got used to the idea of having to manage on me own.
I suppose I ought to thank you for trying.
Take the money.
No.
I'll take me wages.
I've earned them.
Now, I'll have me references.
Here, you can keep that! Along with that bit of paper you wanted making out as I'm a lier, when you know I'm not.
I thought they was bad enough downstairsbut you! You keep it.
- My dear boy, let her go.
[ Door closes .]
She's right, you know.
I shouldn't have raised her hopes if I couldn't carry it through.
It's my experience that most of the harm in this world is done by people trying, quite gratuitously, to do more good than they can possibly achieve.
Give me an honest villain any day.
- [ Sigh .]
Must be a better way of managing this.
Well, let me know if you discover what it is.
I've been to a good deal of trouble to get you out of this situation, which could have ruined you financially and socially, and put "paid" to any political ambitions you may have.
That's Let's not be under any illusions.
Anything I was able to do was only incidentally for you.
My chief concern throughout has been to protect Lady Marjorie.
After all, the only thing you and I have in common is the Southwold's put us where we are today.
Thank you for reminding me.
- Not at all.
- Good day.
My dear Richard, you're old enough now to be ruled by your head.
Well, Mary, I'm sorry it's come to this.
Me and all.
There's things being said on all sides, but the fact of the matter is Here.
What's this? We passed the hat 'round.
Well, it's- it's not a lot, but, uh Every little helps.
You'll not think too badly of us, Mary.
Well,you find out who your friends are, don't you? - Stop and have a bit of supper.
No, I gotta find some lodgings.
I've heard the Salvation's helpful.
Yes.
And pop in when you're passing.
Yes.
There's not a lot we can do, but uh, you know, you can have a little chat.
Warm and a cup of tea.
Thanks.
And mind how you go.
Good luck, then.
You'll let us know how you get on, Mary? Oh, I'll manage.
Even if it's only to spite her.
[ Door closes .]
Supper ready, Mrs.
Bridges? When you are, Mr.
Hudson Well, let's get on with it, shall we? Look alive, girl! [ Sigh .]