Berkeley Square (1998) s01e10 Episode Script

1 Jos Carrera for his beautiful bride @JosC on Gab.
Com A sorry business, Randall.
Yes, ma'am.
I find myself in a most difficult position.
I came to this house at the request of Mrs.
Hutchinson to safeguard both the physical and moral welfare of her niece during a delicate period in her development.
It is a duty I take most seriously.
Yes, ma'am.
And now I find that the young woman with whom she has a companionship, the same young woman who is entrusted with the care of two small children, is proven to be so lax in her own morality as to borne a child out of wedlock.
Hello, please, love.
I looking for a bloke Dan Smythe.
I'm told he sometimes comes here.
He's over there in the corner.
Ta.
The last time I stayed in this house two years ago was to offer comfort to my niece and her husband on the tragic loss of one of their own children.
I accept that your pain and grief must be no less now than theirs was then.
I cannot find it in me to add to your distress.
That, together with the children's obvious well-being and affection for you, persuades me to let you keep your position in this house provided that Miss Isabel is told nothing of these events.
Of course, ma'am.
Thank you.
I will not have her innocence tainted.
What are you doing still awake? What's going on? What's happening downstairs? Nothing that should worry you, my pet.
The maids told Flory that the police were here and then you had to go downstairs.
It's nothing.
Don't fib.
You and I always tell each other the truth.
It was a bare-knuckle fight for alot of money.
I know there was no love lost between Ned and Lenny Flynn.
And with no one will back me up considering they think it was murder.
So no one would come forward, not even to save Ned? Not by themselves, no.
What about with a little bit of persuasion? What sort of persuasion was you thinking of? Does the police know it's Charlie? Not yet.
Will you get sent away if they find out? I really don't know, my love.
You can't, you can't go away.
What if Nanny Simmons comes back? Shush, shush, shush now.
Hey, we're made of tougher stuff than that, aren't we? Now we just have to do what we can for the best.
Won't we? Come on, then.
Please, what's going on? I didn't kill no one, least of all a little baby.
Please, Mr.
Tomkins.
Tell me what's happening? Where am I going? Do I get a lawyer? What? You'll find out soon enough.
Irene? Irene, sing your song for me.
I need to feel better.
Come on, out of it.
I told Harry to make a proper appointment to see Aunt Eff, to come in his uniform and everything.
Then he can ask her for my hand in marriage.
It'll work.
I know it will.
I do hope so.
It will.
It's only because she's such a stickler for protocol.
Once Harry does the decent thing, she'll adore him as much as I do.
So, if you go now? What? Well, I can't go, can I? I'm gated.
And I can't trust any of the other servants not to sneak on me or to bring a message back.
I have things to attend to this morning but I'll see if I can get to it this afternoon.
No, I absolutely insist that you go now.
Elsa Bronowski.
You are charged on the following count.
That on or about the twelfth day of August in the year of our Lord 1902, you did with malice and fore thought bring about the murder of William John Randall, by means of the administration of a poisonous substance towit the morphine compound Laudanum.
Do you plead guilty or not guilty? Not guilty.
In view of the severity in this case, I cannot grant bail.
Therefore, you will be taken from this place and held at Holloway prison until your trial at the Old Bailey.
Harriett, we are going to see Miss Turner, as usual.
If we were going anywhere different, I'll tell you.
When will I be sent away, then? Morning.
Darling, I keep telling you, you won't be sent away anywhere.
Tom was.
Hannah.
Oh, am I glad to see you.
Me too.
So much I need to tell you.
Listen, I can't talk now.
My whole life is collapsing around my ears and I can't do anything about it until I have delivered a stupid message from a silly frivolous ninny to her stupid lover.
God save me from lovers, Matty.
They think the whole world revolves around them.
So, we talk later, alright? Right.
Well, if she don't be bothered to say what she wants for supper, they can have fish cakes and lump it.
She might be feeling unwell again.
I'll go and see if she's upstairs.
It's time you weren't here.
Why? Do you want rid of me? No.
I just thought you had a meeting this morning, that's all.
Possibly.
Probably.
And if I do, I shall cancel it.
What? Oh, I have missed that smile.
I've neglected you for too long, my love.
I'm not going to let it happen anymore.
So, if you'd like my company today? Yes, I would.
So, what do we do? Take a boat on the river? In this weather? Well, we can wrap up well.
Take a blanket.
Hot water bottles.
You're quite mad.
No, just happy.
One thing I have learnt is that there are very few second chances in life and I'm determined to enjoy every moment of this one.
Mrs.
McCluskey, would you mind waiting for a reply before entering my room in future? Yes, ma'am.
I do beg your pardon.
I didn't think.
I meanI'm sorry.
Ah, morning Gibbons.
Your Lordship.
I was just taking a post to the box, sir.
Do you have any more to go? No, no, I don't think so, thank you.
I'll hang onto this one for the time being, though.
Sir.
What is the meaning of this? I beg your pardon? Why have you written to Hugh? All I've done is ask him to consider how deeply he has hurt you and to try and find some way of regaining his place in your affections.
I'm not going through all the distress again.
I'm not going to allow you to But George.
Decided, Connie.
The boy's a scoundrel.
He's still your son.
I have lost my son.
His world's come to an end if he don't get a cuddle from you.
He's perfectly happy with you.
Well, will you have a look at his body? Think there's a bit of nappy rash on the way.
See to it then.
Oh Nanny, please.
I don't want to do it anymore.
That Nanny Simmons has been doping him and mistreating him since the day he was born.
So the final heartbreak is that poor little Charlie was murdered.
Or as good as.
Oh my.
So what happens to Mrs.
Bronowski? She's going to be moved to prison this evening to await trial.
I'm going to have to go see a solicitor I know, but the first thing I have to do is find Mrs.
Simmons.
Well, have you any idea where she went? Mr.
Bowles will have an address where she came from.
That'll be a start.
And if you do find her, you know the truth about Billy will come out Well, then it's just gonna have to come out and the devil take the hindmost.
No, I cannot let Mrs.
Bronowski hang for something she didn't do.
God, Maddy.
I am so sorry.
So, what with one thing and other, that is why you got short shrift this morning.
Don't worry about that.
I was only gonna tell you about my romantic problems.
You're quite right.
Lovers do think the whole world revolves around them.
You have a lover? You're back? I've been out of my mind with worry and here's you two standing around gossiping.
Well, what happened, girl? Did you see him? What did he say? I do apologize Miss Isabel.
Captain Mason said that you were quite right and he would put the matter in hand as soon as he could.
Thank you.
I would have appreciated knowing this as soon as you'd returned, Hannah.
You may find my plight amusing but I can assure you, I take my future happiness very seriously indeed.
I always thought nannies had a quiet life.
Well spotted Gibbons.
They do need replating.
I'll mention it to her Ladyship this afternoon.
Right, then.
Oh, wait please.
I haven't finished.
Good afternoon, Weston.
How may I help you? I am I just wanted to ask if it'd be convenient to have another reading lesson this evening.
Another time perhaps.
I am rather busy tonight, I'm afraid.
Oh, right.
Front door.
Mr Fowler, have I done something to upset you? No, of course not, Weston.
Only um, you've been so kind and and teaching me letters and everything.
I thought we were friends.
We are indeed.
Then Your judgement is quite right this time.
When, in the past, perhaps it hasn't been.
What? Let me read you something.
Talks have begun between representatives of the Tsar of Russia and factory workers in a move to quell the growing riots and disturbances among the Russian peasantry.
For centuries, the Russian royal family has held absolute power in their country.
And now they are paying the price for it.
Power comes in many forms and it is very easy to take advantage of it, Lydia regardless of the happiness of others.
I have no wish to be thought to be doing the same.
I tried to get in touch with that solicitor that we met, Mr.
Scott.
But he's gone away to Italy for two months.
Now, I do have an address for Nanny Simmons, though.
I'll give it to the police.
No, no, it's better if you go yourself.
They think I'm a wicked Jewish baby farmer.
They want me guilty, just to make an example.
They'll waste time.
They won't go.
Alright, I'll do it.
I'll find her.
We'll have the truth out.
And he starts talking about Russia, about taking advantage and that.
When I don't know what he's on about.
We were becoming really good friends and that.
And now it's all gone funny.
Well, it sounds as if he's very fond of you, that's all.
And me of him.
Well, what's that got to do with taking advantage in Russia? Lydia, he watched you get rather badly misused by someone who should have known better.
You mean, Lord Hugh? Because you weren't in a position to reject him as you would have done someone of your own class.
That is taking advantage.
Mr.
Fowler's in a somewhat a position of authority so Yeah but you he don't wanna No! Oh, goodness gracious me.
Are you saying he might be, you know? No, couldn't be.
Could he? Who knows? When people live in the same house, seeing each other every day Yeah, but Why you looking like that for? Mathilda Wickham, have you got a sweetheart? I suppose so.
Do you remember Ned? The footman that came on the picnic with us? Oh, but he's well, he's ever so nice, yeah.
You kept that a bit quiet.
Yeah, well, it's very recent.
Oh, goodness me.
You're Jack being sweet on Hannah, you and Ned, now what you say about Mr.
Fowler.
Well, I don't know what's gonna become of this all.
I really don't.
Right then, Mrs.
Bronowski.
Irene, goodbye.
Keep singing.
What are you yelling all over the place? Irene's gone.
Gone? Gone where? Found her dead a couple of hours ago.
Yeah, she may have been a mad old vagrant but she was worth ten of the likes of you.
Good evening, Weston.
Mr.
Fowler.
I'm sorry, Master George, but it's not my place to advise.
It has been for the last 40 years.
Perhaps that's been quite long enough.
Please, Nanny.
You've known me longer than anyone.
Known Hugh.
Once people are out of the nursery, they become people I don't know.
So I really don't see how I can help you.
Evening, your Lordship.
Weston.
There he is, over there.
What? The big fella by the bar? Yeah.
Wonder if the other bloke's you'll have to fight at all.
Are you sure this is gonna work? Yeah, of course it will.
Want a word with you, Pat.
What about? Ned Jones.
The night Lenny Flynn died.
That's the last thing I want to talk about.
Outside, eh.
You're going to make me, are you? That brought around five minutes ago.
Well, come on.
What does it say? So good to see you.
I've been so worried about you.
Told you I'd be alright.
Where are you? Where are you staying? Chelsea barracks.
What? Private Peter Clancy.
Light infantry.
At your service.
Oh my goodness.
Nah, it's alright sweetheart.
It's great.
Perhaps not as good (unknown) but it's all found and it's safe.
Keep your head down, there's no questions asked, no answers given.
Yeah, but what Shhh I told you, it's alright.
Now, tell me how you are.
Been a nerve in than the last few days, I can tell you.
Did you talk to Jack? He said he'd try and find your mate, Dan.
But I haven't heard from him since.
I don't know what's happening.
Sorry, mate.
So, I stay in prison till trial at Old Bailey.
I know.
It could be worse.
In Poland, they don't even get a trial.
This has gone far enough.
You were not going to court.
How are you going to stop it? By telling the truth, that's how.
Whatever the consequences, they have to believe me.
Why? I mean, why will they have to believe you? Did you find Mrs.
Simmons? No, I told you I couldn't.
So, what evidence have they got? The only thing they've got is a dead baby, dead and murdered baby, Hannah.
So you tell them the truth and they'll say you murdered Charlie in order to put Billy in his place.
You'll hang.
Well, then, hang I will.
Every mistake in this mess has been mine, Mrs.
Bronowski, not yours, and I'm not having you pay the price for it.
Billy will pay.
What? If you get noble and tell the truth about the changelings, you hang.
Do you think Billy's safe with Hutchinson's? Well, no, but you'll be free.
No, no, no.
I'll be in prison.
An accessory to murder.
And Billy will be in an orphanage.
How long do you think he'll last? His grandmother, Lady Harmonsworth.
She'll have him.
With a mothers is for a mother? Well, then, I won't tell them anything about Charles.
I'll just say that I murdered my own baby and we leave it at that.
And I got you the Laudanum so we both hang.
Yes, well, at least Billy would be safe.
Yes, yes, until they find another Mrs.
Simmons, til Bertie spills beans Oh, stop it.
I'm just trying to help but I just don't know what else to do.
Sit down.
Sleep well, did we lads? Alright, alright, who's gonna tell me what all this about? No.
Yes.
It's best for everybody.
I can't let you do it.
I don't think you have a choice.
But I Look.
My dear Hannah.
I've had my life.
it's been a long, tiring life.
Everything I ever had was taken away from me without my say-so.
My whole family, even my own baby, my country, and never was there anything I could do about it.
nothing to make things better for myself, for anybody.
Suddenly there's you and Billy and I love and you love.
and sunshine and it's the best time of of my life, the best time of my whole life, Hannah.
Just this one time, silly old Mrs.
Bronowski can do something.
Keep loved one safe, make things better.
No.
When my baby was born, I had dreams for him.
Billy's the only one left to grow up and make it all worth while.
And you're the only one who can see that it happens.
For all of us, Hannah.
So all I was trying to do was to get Houlihan down there to backup Dan's story.
Well, you certainly got him here.
Ask him.
It weren't just Houlihan, they all did.
Look at my original statement.
I am.
Shawn O'Praugh Kevin Keely Well? Well, tell him.
You see, sir, I can understand why nobody wants to admit to gambling at an illegal fisticuffs but I can't see why they deny just happening to be present on a scrap between gentlemen gets a little bit out of hand, as it were.
Can you? No, I can't.
Alright, I was there.
Take his statement, shall we? Should I make him have his stewed prunes or should I try with something else? Maybe he just don't like stewed prunes.
I don't know.
Well, what do you think, Nanny? I don't think anything.
Please, I can't do it on my own.
It's time you learn then, isn't it? Right.
In that case, I shan't listen to another word you say, shall I? I shall do things exactly as I want to.
So you can retire to your neice in Bournemouth whenever you like because I can manage perfectly well here on my own.
So, we'll have these off for a start, shall we? You don't walk so we don't need shoes.
And I don't fancy go into the park this afternoon either, not in this weather.
You don't need fresh air.
And if he doesn't want to sleep tonight, I put a spot of rum in his milk, shall I? That should do the trick.
And while we're at it, I am flipping freezing in here.
Let's let this open.
(unknown) shall we? I know it spits but while a few burns on Ivo won't hurt him, will it? Teach him not to go near it.
You are a wicked, wicked girl.
Oh, so you do have an opinion, then? Nanny, you wouldn't stand by and let me do without, would you? Not it made the slightest chance of any harm coming to little Ivo, would you? No, of course I wouldn't.
Just because they're all grown up downstairs didn't mean to say they can't come to any harm, does it? But it's all my fault.
Oh, yes.
And what would you say if I came running to you saying something was my fault? You'd say, 'then deal with it, Lydia'.
That's what you'd say.
You tell me to mend what needs mending and stop crying over spilt milk.
That's what you'd say.
So you see, Sir, my baby's not dead at all.
You substituted him for your employer's child? That's right.
Miss Randall, the child was murdered.
I know that now but I didn't then.
You know, it all just makes sense now.
The way Mrs.
Simmons just up and left.
Mrs.
Simmons? The last Nanny I told you who has now disappeared? Yes.
I was mad.
I know I was.
It just seemed to make sense at the time.
You carried a dead child all across London and nobody even noticed? Yes.
And you put your own child in its place and nobody noticed that either? Yes.
Well, I think I'm gonna have another word with your employer.
Ned left to go down and make a statement but they drop the murder charge.
Eight people have told the same story.
Jack.
Oh, your poor face.
Hey, steady old dame, everyone knows I'm your brother.
So, he was telling the truth? Yeah, he was.
So you can love him without feeling guilty now, can't ya? Jack, thank you.
The welfare of the young people of the families is still very much my concern.
So I hope you will allow me to express my opinion.
Full steam ahead, Nanny.
Master Hugh been very badly served by all of us.
What do you mean? I have indulged him to excess, you, your Lordship, have ignored him, and you, your Ladyship, have replaced his mother.
Not with malicious intent, I admit, but nonetheless, I mean.
It's no wonder the boys affections are adled and misplaced.
What are you suggesting? Absolute truth, your Lordship.
Do you or do you not love Master Hugh? He's flesh-and-blood, damn it.
Well, then, since her Ladyship has been kind enough to attempt a reconciliation, you should accept, with gratitude.
We don't turn a kindness from the door, do we? In case it should never return.
No, Nanny.
Ned! Ned! Matty, I told you, it's Peter Clancy.
No, it's not.
It's Ned Jones.
Or Ned McCluskey or any name you choose.
You're joking.
Jack did it.
You still got to go in, answer some questions but it's not a murder charge anymore.
Oh, yes! You choose.
What? Jones or McCluskey? You're going to be the one who's gonna be called Mrs whoever is it, so you better choose.
I did so hope this wouldn't happen You will understand if I ask for your absolute discretion, Detective Pearson.
So, you think this is a matter that simply requires discretion, do you? Of course, it is.
The poor girl is quite unbalanced by her grief.
It's an absurd story.
And you are quite certain the child is your great nephew.
I'm not in my dotage yet, young man.
Of course not, Mrs.
Saunders.
Forgive me.
Would it be possible to see the child myself? By all means.
If you think you're more capable of recognizing a member of my own family than I am.
Now, listen to me, Bertie.
It is desperately, desperately important that you tell the truth now.
Do you understand? None of the half truths or or any other stories that we, we made up together on Coronation day, alright? Everything that has happened it's no one's fault but mine.
And promise me, promise me you'll tell the truth.
Come along then, Master Albert.
Let's take you to your Aunt.
So, you're Master Albert, are you? Yes, sir.
And who's this? It's Charlie, my baby brother.
Is he indeed? I must say you don't look much like him.
I did when I was little, sir.
Didn't I, Aunt Effie.
I've grown up a bit since then.
So, are we gonna talk to this other woman she said was involved? No, it's obvious the Randall girl is talking demented nonsense.
I can't see much point bothering Miss Wickam, can you? It's alright.
Everything's gonna be alright.
They dropping the murder charges.
He's a free man.
And he's, um asked me to marry him.
Oh my good God.
What? I'm going to be your mother-in-law.
I hope this is a joke, son.
No sir, I'm quite serious.
No, no, no.
Look, I'll give you another chance, alright? You do not really wish to leave the regiment, do you, Clancy? Iyes, I do, sir.
I've changed my mind No, you haven't.
Because people what wish to leave the regiment: a) before their time is up and b) while said regiment is on active service gets classed as deserters and then they get shot.
Active service, sir? Haven't you heard? We're shipping out to Somaliland.
End of next week.
Anyway.
Thought you'd like to know on Nanny Collins.
She's still a bit thoughtful like but I think she'll be back to her old self in no time.
She's very fortunate to have such a kindly and affectionate nursemaid as you, Weston.
Why have you stopped calling me Lydia? I think it's for the best.
Is it what you're saying about Russia, about taking advantage, and that? Yes, yes it is.
Only I don't think it's fair, see.
Because that makes me feel like I'm taking advantage of you by asking you to teach me reading and writing.
Because we're not even, are we? Now as I really and truly want to learn my letters, I'd appreciate it very much if you go back to calling me Lydia please.
Thank you.
I shall.
Well then, Lydia shall we begin with the alphabet? If that's what you think best, Mr Fowler.
Now, make a man of you, Ned.
Travel completes the education, that's whay they say.
And Africa? Plenty of people have paid good money to go somewhere like that.
What's going on? Your mother says I'm so sorry.
You can't go to Africa.
I have to.
No you don't.
Get a transfer to another regimen.
You don't even know anything about fighting.
Well, I wouldn't say that.
You know perfectly well what I mean.
After all the trouble I went to.
I moved Heaven and Earth Matty, there's just no way out of it.
It's not fair.
I think I'll take my cocoa up to bed with me.
See you in the morning.
Goodnight.
Come on.
I'll come back, Matty.
These things don't last forever.
Six months.
A year maybe.
You said you wouldn't let go of me.
What time do you have to be back at the barracks? It was no hurry.
Don't go back on duty till tomorrow morning.
Neither do I.
Hannah, he's coming.
Aunt Effie says how he's allowed to come and talk to her this morning.
Isn't it exciting? Yes.
First of all, she said it was just some baby but she was boarding, but then one time I heard her say it was her grandson.
Then she says it belongs to some pal of hers, and I'm not even sure it was the same baby.
Yes, oh yes.
I knew what it was.
In fact, I recognized the smell as soon as I opened the bottle.
It was clearly tincture of Laudanum which is a substance commonly used to pacify infants, or so I'm led to believe.
I'm grateful you had the courtesy to come and see me, Captain Mason.
But my rejection of you as a suitor for my niece is not based on the trivial flouting of social convention, reprehensible though that may be.
It is based on my conviction that you are dishonest, dishonorable, deceitful and in short, sir, a complete bounder.
And that a marriage between yourself and my niece would result not only in disgrace to this family, but in shame and heartbreak to Isabel herself.
And that's an end to it, sir.
I bid you good-day.
I said I heard.
Thing is, Aunt Eff, I'd rather set my heart on marrying young Isabel and she on me.
Can't think why but there we are.
So long and short of it is, either married we get with full military whatnots, or I sue for breach of promise.
You wouldn't.
Well, I wouldn't want to, of course.
It's never nice to see a young girl have her virtue, or lack of it, discussed in the courts.
Laughed about in public.
It tends to send them into a sort of decline.
But needs must stay, Aunt Eff.
Disappointed fortunes.
Chaps honor being impugned in the mess, all that.
You unspeakable swine.
Good afternoon, Aunt Eff.
Shall I give Isabel the good news or will you? To my great sadness, your worship, I have seen many such cases in my time.
The so-called baby farmers keep the infant subdued with small doses of such substances as arsenic or alcohol or, as in this case, tincture of Laudanum.
Such repeated dosing to tiny infants does frequently result in their death.
She's not back yet? I don't know where she is, Miss Isabel.
Sorry.
Elsa Bronowski.
You've been found guilty of murdering the infant, William John Randall.
I don't care if she's out visiting or shopping or where she is.
The point is she should be here.
This is the happiest and most important day of my life.
She should be here to share it with me.
The sentence of this Court is that you should be taken from here to a place of confinement.
And there, to a place of execution where you will be hanged by neck until you are dead.
Jolly selfish is all I can say.
No! She hasn't been feeling terribly well.
Maybe she's gone to see the doctor again.
You are sweet, Bertie, and I'm very thoughtless.
I forgot she wasn't quite herself.
Your wrong! It's not true! Remove that person.
Mrs.
Bronowski.
Stupid girl.
Never mind.
When she does come home, I've got the very best news for her.
It'll cheer her her up enormously.
The execution will take place today of Elsa Bronowski found guilty last week of murdering the infant son of Miss Hannah Randall, the servant.
A little quieter, if you please, Simmons.
I beg your pardon, sir.
You alright, my dear? You look quite pale.
I've been feeling little unwell each morningfor the past week.
Oh my dear.
Oh, do Miss Turner, please.
Literally might not get another chance to see troops marching out for years.
Special duty only as I shant be sailing with them but still, be a bit of a sight.
If Nanny Randall is agreeable.
What? Cousin Isabel wants to cancel lessons this morning so we can go and watch the soldiers.
Oh, come on, Hannah, please.
You've hardly been out of the house for a week.
The fresh air will do you good.
Harriett is going with Nanny Wickam.
No, that's fine.
We'll all go.
Will he be able to say goodbye? No, because he'll be busy marching but he will be able to smile so you must smile too.
And wave as hard as you can so it doesn't feel bad about going.
I going to throw (unknown) flowers at him.
You do that.
You may waive your handkerchief discreetly but there'll be no calling out for disgracefullness.
No, Nanny.
I am the resurrection and the life, saith the Lord he that believeth in me, though he were dead yet shall he live.
I am NOT Christian.
and whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die.
Please stop it.
It's for your comfort to make you feel better.
I kept silence yay even from good words but it was pain and grief to me, my heart was hot within me and while I was thus musing the fire kindled and at the last I spake with my tongue.
Come on, Nanny.
Cheer up.
You'll make them feel badly about going.
We're made of tougher stuff than that.
Indeed we are, Bertie.
Indeed we are.