Mr Selfridge (2013) s02e07 Episode Script

It would be a good time for you to take a business trip.
It's vital to the war effort that we know what the enemy is up to.
Don't worry Rose about this.
I won't breathe a word.
Marry me.
I can't believe you have a young man living with you in your house.
Well, I couldn't turn him away, could I? So you're signing up, then? First chance I get.
Try and stop me.
I reckon the girls love a man in uniform.
See, Dave, there's them and there's us.
You're all right, Selfridge.
These are leather manufacturers.
These companies are first rate.
These you steer clear of.
I'm glad we see eye-to-eye.
Our financial arrangement? Where did that money come from? That's none of your concern.
People are saying things about you.
This country has gone mad.
But you ARE hiding something.
He returned before the war started.
So why did he come back? The papers tell us there are spies everywhere.
These questions have to be asked.
Now the reporting restrictions are getting worse.
I want to tell my readers the truth.
The stories I'm allowed to print are only fit for the gossip columns.
The editor's always pushing me for a scoop.
Whiskers! What has whiskers got to do with it? Every time you get het up about some great injustice or other, I see your whiskers bristle.
(GIGGLES) Is that an attractive quality? Well, I'm on your arm, aren't I? That you are, Kitty Hawkins.
That you are.
What's going on, Frank? So is he a spy? Well, who knows? (LOW GOSSIPING) Would you like to call everyone to order, Mr Crabb? Ladies and gentlemen, if you don't mind.
A-hem.
(MURMURINGS CONTINUE UNABATED) Right.
Spying is treason and the punishment for treason is hanging.
Yes.
But who on earth would suspect Mr Leclair of such a thing? This is war, Miss Mardle.
People show their true colours.
Let's not rush to judgement, eh? Especially when none of us know the facts.
Yes, I agree with Mr Colleano.
Ladies and gentlemen.
If you please.
(WHISTLES LOUDLY) Thank you, Mr Colleano.
Now, I appreciate we're all shocked and distressed by the incident involving Monsieur Leclair.
One can hardly fail to notice the presence of the police in the store.
As I'm sure you're aware, it's somewhat unfortunate timing.
Mr Selfridge was been called away to Paris on store business.
In his absence, Mr Crabb and I will take the helm.
When do we expect Mr Selfridge to return? Imminently.
Imminently.
Wouldn't you say, Mr Crabb? That That was the impression Mrs Selfridge gave me.
Merely a short trip to meet some new wholesalers.
In the meantime, I would ask you to do your best to co-operate with the authorities and to answer any questions.
Anything? No, that will be all.
Thank you.
Back to business, Mr Crabb.
Paris at a moment's notice.
And yet, Mr Selfridge left no itinerary.
This is most unlike him.
He usually asks me to book his accommodation.
I can only assume he chose to make his own arrangements.
If you wish, I could try his favourite hotels.
Do so at once, Miss Plunkett.
Let me know the second you hear from him.
Yes, Mr Crabb.
You said yourself Mr Leclair has been acting strangely.
Something's wrong.
But spying Stranger things have happened.
Go to the police station.
Talk to him.
Find out what all this is about.
If anyone says anything here, I'll cover for you.
Thank you.
They can't do this.
If Pa was here, he would - He would co-operate, as are we.
He only be in France a short while.
I hate the fact they're searching our home.
There must be some kind of misunderstanding.
Then why aren't we doing anything? Henri is no spy.
Your father's lawyers are trying to ascertain what evidence the police have against him.
Miss Towler.
For God's sake, Henri.
Call me by my name.
It's good to see you, Agnes.
Look at you.
They will not even let me change my shirt.
I look terrible.
I'm sorry.
What is it that they think you've done? They believe I have a link to Germany.
And do you? It's not what they think.
What? And you explained that? That you were innocent? You don't think I've tried? They refuse to believe me.
Well, then, tell me.
Tell me and I will do everything I can to help you.
You have to trust me.
You're in great danger.
If they charge you with treason, God only knows what could happen.
But, please, all I want is the truth.
I'm no spy.
Ever since I returned to London, I've been searching for someone.
I've been looking for Valerie.
Valerie Maurel? Valerie Maurel.
She left me a year ago.
We had been happy in New York.
Or so I thought.
But then she met another man.
They left and went to Berlin.
I followed them.
I don't understand.
Why couldn't you accept them being together? I did, finally, but But you loved her very much, didn't you? I heard they had come back to England so I came back, hired a detective.
I just needed to talk to her.
Well, if you've explained all of this to the police then why won't they release you? Someone in the store has accused me of being a spy.
They think I'm lying about Valerie to conceal the truth.
Who would do such a thing? Why? That's it.
Time's up.
We haven't finished.
Yes, you have.
White gold and diamonds.
Mr Colleano shows taste.
Victor proposed last night.
I said yes.
Then you must both be very happy.
You've never approved before.
He's a good man.
You deserve nothing less.
Miss Mardle.
Mr Grove.
Miss Mardle, I feel I simply must broach a somewhat delicate subject.
Mr Grove? Your lodger.
Florin? He's a young man.
And men, we both know, have certain urges.
Urges they might find hard to control.
I'm sorry.
I'm not quite sure what you're referring to.
I'm merely concerned for your reputation.
My reputation? He gives you a certain look which only a man of similar weakness might recognise.
That is the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard.
There is NOTHING inappropriate about out arrangement.
I don't know what to say.
I'm sorry.
(LIFT DOOR PINGS) Miss Towler.
Sit down.
Mr Leclair can explain everything.
He's been looking for Valerie Maurel which is why he went to Germany.
He even hired a detective.
Which accounts for his strange behaviour.
Yet they're refusing to release him.
Someone has accused him of being a spy.
Someone from Selfridges.
It's why the police won't believe him.
But we have no idea who is accuser is? The police won't say.
But Mr Thackeray has never liked Henri especially since Mr Selfridge promoted him.
I agree.
There has been a certain rivalry.
Two creative people.
He hates him! We mustn't jump to conclusions.
Leave it to me.
You will find out who did this.
You know his life is at stake? Be assured, this matter will be dealt with.
If someone has falsely accused Henri Leclair, I will find out who that is.
Harry always stays at The Ritz when he's in Paris.
I'll keep trying other hotels.
All right.
You will call me if he does arrive? Of course, Mrs Selfridge.
Thank you.
Goodbye.
Why would he have this? It's Bill's handwriting.
Who's Bill? Bill Summertime.
He works for the Intelligence Service.
The INTELLIGENCE service? Yes, they were in touch with Harry.
I'm sorry.
I just assumed that he would have confided in you.
Where's Harry? Where's my husband? I don't know.
From the looks of this, he's in Germany.
Germany? I'm sure if they thought there was any real danger My husband runs a London store.
He's been sent into the arms of the enemy and you think there's no real danger.
Rose, I apologise.
I honestly thought that he would have discussed this with you.
I had no idea that your relationship was in - This is nothing to do with my relationship.
I need to contact my husband.
There has been an emergency here.
Henri Leclair has been arrested for spying.
Henri? You know this man Summertime.
You need to find out where Harry is.
I want my husband back.
We still have no firm idea as to when Mr Selfridge will return.
Has he contacted you at all? Not precisely.
But with all the war restrictions, he may be unable to.
Hm.
Just so.
Though, if I may say so, it is most unlike him.
He does so pride himself in keeping in touch.
Yes.
Rest assured.
The minute I hear from him, you will be the first to know.
Thank you.
It's the timing.
Somewhat unfortunate.
People are seeing conspiracies everywhere they look.
All the more reason for us to keep our heads.
Lord Egerton.
I've had the Ministry on the phone all morning bending my bloody ear! Apologies for the language, Lady Loxley.
Shoddy.
Poor workmanship.
And the worst of it is, the story is leaking faster than your damn boots! So it's a bad batch.
Teething troubles.
I'll have a word with the suppliers.
For God's sake! Everything they've sent us failed.
Poor seams.
Cheap leather.
I merely acted on the recommendations of Harry Selfridge.
And you followed his advice? To the LETTER.
Whoever is to blame, you're the one who is gonna carry the can for this if it gets out so I suggest you take steps to fix it.
NOW.
This is a new low.
Even for you, Loxley.
Young men sent to the front with boots like these.
You should be ashamed of yourself.
One can't be held to account for another man's mistakes.
I'm no fool.
One minute we're broke and the next we're rolling in it.
There's no wonder you were in such a hurry to get back to town the moment war was declared.
And you never showed a blind bit of interest in the House of Lords until you realised you could get on the Procurement Committee.
Then you take a kickback from your shady manufacturers.
Making a profit from WAR.
Oh, and now You have the nerve to try and blame the whole thing on Harry Selfridge.
It is a pity you didn't raise these concerns to your shopkeeper friend before you vouched for me.
Before you went on your little spending spree in his store.
No, don't you dare! DON'T YOU DARE! This has NOTHING to do with me! On the contrary.
You've been lavishing my money all over town and the world knows it.
And as you are aware, appearances are everything.
I may be landed gentry and you might be some .
.
tart from the stage but we do have one thing in common, Mae.
We BOTH look after No.
1.
At least I have the honesty to admit it.
(HUMS QUIETLY TO HIMSELF) Come in.
Mr Crabb .
.
I think you should see this.
Thank you, Miss Plunkett.
Mr Crabb? This letter from Mr Fletcher's family arrived with the morning post.
Dave's been killed.
One hardly knows how to react.
Ed and George? The other lads from the loading bay? No word, I'm afraid.
One must assume they remain safe.
Have you told anyone else? Mr Grove is aware.
No-one else.
In normal circumstances, Mr Selfridge would write a letter of condolence to the family himself.
But in his absence I'll do it.
Dave was my friend.
We have no idea when father will be back and this can't wait.
I'll write it.
If you're sure.
It's what Father would want.
You'll have it today.
Very good, sir.
It has to be.
Listen.
(READS) Walked in the park with K this morning.
Sometimes it takes the words of a beautiful woman to make one realise what truly matters in life.
Sorry, Miss Hawkins.
We were just reading Mr Edwards' column.
Is it true? Is it you? Miss K? I'm sure I've got no idea what you're talking about.
Look.
Right here.
(LAUGHS) Back to work, please, girls.
Timeless, wouldn't you say, Mr Grove? The finest fabrics France has to offer.
A most impressive display.
I'm sure Monsieur Leclair would appreciate it.
Yes, indeed.
His arrest is most disturbing.
I recall you had your concerns over his probity.
Information I thought you should be made aware of as Chief of Staff.
The situation is serious.
Penalties for espionage are most severe.
If someone were to suffer as a result of a wrongful conviction, that would be a tragedy indeed.
I have utter faith in the authorities.
Justice will be served.
Well, I hope so.
For all our sakes.
Writing love letters to your sweetheart? Sorry.
You were a million miles away then.
What's wrong? Mr Crabb came to see me.
He received a letter.
It's Dave.
Why is Dave writing to Mr Crabb? It's not that.
Dave was killed, Grace.
At the Front.
(SOBS) Hey.
I'm sorry.
I'm sorry.
I knew you were close.
When we had problems with the union .
.
he proved himself to be a real friend.
He understood that family was more important.
That I had to stick up for my father.
So, what are you writing? It's a letter of condolence to his family.
Mr Selfridge isn't here so it's become my responsibility.
You should hear Mr Edwards talk.
The tales he tells me.
Really, Miss Hawkins? Oh, yes! Spies in our midst.
Secret agents everywhere.
Even Buckingham Palace has got Oh, don't stop on my account.
Miss Towler, I'm sure Miss Hawkins meant no harm.
Of course she did.
She always DOES.
You're pathetic! I wouldn't be surprised if it weren't you that informed on him.
Don't you see the damage this does? Miss Towler, this is neither the time nor the place.
Leclair helped make this store what it is.
Your jobs, your lives, you have him to thank.
You don't deserve him.
Any of you.
On with your work.
So why doesn't he explain himself? He tried but the police won't believe him.
And nownow somebody's accused him.
They won't let him go till they've investigated him.
Being in love with a girl is no crime in my book.
Oh, we need We need to do something.
I'm sure Mr Thackeray's accused him but we need to prove it.
Now, I know Mr Grove is doing his best but But there's no reason we can't give him a helping hand.
LOXLEY: I used the supplier that Selfridge himself recommended for military boots.
So there's your story, Mr Edwards.
I thought you might be interested.
Yes, I would be willing to meet you.
Well, why don't you come to the house? Don't you? An inferior job by an inferior firm.
All on Selfridge's recommendations.
The reputation of my Procurement Committee is at stake here.
Not to mention the effect on morale.
Questions need to be asked.
I thought you were the man to do it.
I know Harry Selfridge.
I can't believe he'd allow this to happen.
I agree.
It seems strange.
I have tried to contact him to get his side of the story, but he's unavailable and the men are talking.
This story is about to break.
You understand I can't publish this without corroboration.
Even that would be a risk.
The man has more lawyers than lovers.
I need to speak to him myself.
I understand completely.
You must do what you think is right.
But one way or another, Mr Edwards, this story will come out.
I say it's just another word for coward.
I don't see what business it is of yours, Victor! Last time I looked, you were still family so I can still tell you what's what.
Family quarrel, Mr Colleano? You saw? My apologies.
The boy's an idiot.
Decided to call himself a pacifist.
Forgets where his loyalties should lie.
Don't be fooled by the name, Mr Thackeray.
I'm as English as the next man.
An admirable attitude.
We all have to be on our guard.
Can't trust anyone.
Personally, I'm glad someone shopped that frog Leclair.
Well, Miss Towler seems to worship him.
Though Lord knows quite why.
I'm glad we see eye-to-eye, Mr Thackeray.
I was beginning to think the world had gone mad.
Whoever turned Leclair in has done us all a favour.
I'd like to shake him by the hand.
Then why don't you? I merely did what I thought was right.
For my country and my store.
I was surprised to read your column today.
I think at least you could have consulted me before using my good name for popular entertainment.
I've been trying to see Mr Selfridge.
It's not like him to disappear without warning.
Miss Plunkett seemed most perturbed when I asked her.
He was supposed to be in Paris but nobody's been able to contact him.
They've tried the hotels? Everywhere.
It's like he's vanished into thin air.
Considering working for our rivals? (SNORTS) They're killing us.
We need a story Frank and a little bird tells me you've got something on our Mr Selfridge.
Sketchy.
Rumours.
That he cut corners on military supplies? Seems out of character for Selfridge.
We can't run it till we talk to him and he's not in the country.
I need a scoop, Frank.
So do you.
I've got another lead.
Lady Diana Manners.
Tittle tattle.
My readers want real news.
Harry Selfridge.
We can't run it till he's had right of reply and I don't know where he is.
I do.
He boarded a train last night.
But not bound for Paris.
Right now, Mr Selfridge is on a train through Holland.
All very incognito but we've got a source in the porter's lodge.
So where's he going? Germany.
Berlin.
Are you quite sure? It goes in the evening edition.
Write it, Frank.
Or I'll find someone else who WILL.
It's no good.
Maybe we should stop.
Give up.
Wait until Mr Selfridge gets back.
You're right.
My father would know the right thing to say.
Well, maybe Mr Selfridge is part of the problem.
You're trying to be like him when you should just be yourself.
So what would this Mr Selfridge do? He'd wish he hadn't offered to write this letter.
Then don't.
Do you trust me, Kitty? How do you mean? I'm serious.
Well, as much as any so-called gentleman.
And do you believe one should try and tell the truth when something really mattered? Is something wrong, Frank? I rather fear it is.
Thank you, Mr Colleano.
Ah.
You wanted to see me? Mr Colleano has told me what you said about Monsieur Leclair.
I see.
You don't deny it? Monsieur Leclair was acting suspiciously.
He'd admitted he spent time in Germany.
I came to Mr Grove with my concerns and he chose to ignore them.
What else could I do? He's explained his actions.
You believed him? I have no reason to doubt him.
He travelled to Berlin on a personal matter.
The pursuit of which then brought him to London.
Nevertheless He has risked the reputation of this store.
The store my husband owns.
He founded it on certain principles - respect for the customer, respect for the employees whether they are head of fashion or sweeping the corridors.
Perhaps I was too quick to act.
Whatever your motivation, what you did was wrong.
Are you handing me my notice? If it was up to me, then yes.
But the final decision rests with Mrs Selfridge.
However, I do insist that you accompany me to the police station where you will make a full retraction of your statement.
Collect your things.
Mr Crabb.
The newspaper.
Dreadful news.
It's all over the front page.
One can hardly believe it.
It's scandalous! Utterly scandalous! NEWSPAPER SELLER: Procurement scandal! Read all about it! Procurement scandal! Selfridge implicated! Read all about it! Read all about it! Procurement scandal! Selfridge implicated! Read all about it! Tissue of lies.
The very idea that Mr Selfridge would recommend any of these manufacturers.
We know full well these names are dubious.
(READS) High profile sources have confirmed to this journalist there are more questions to be answered.
Lord Loxley of the Military Procurement Committee has expressed his shock and surprise at the turn of events.
Loxley said that? Mr Selfridge is not available for comment.
There are rumours he is currently travelling through Germany.
But this is all nonsense! Germany? Mr Selfridge is in Paris.
We must issue a denial.
Demand an immediate retraction.
I agree.
NO! We do nothing till Mr Selfridge returns and we hear what he has to say.
Surely you don't believe there can be any basis to these allegations? Of course not.
A strident denial could simply fuel the fire.
Are you quite all right, Mrs Selfridge? Shall I open a window? Glass of water? I could ask Mrs Plunkett No, I'm fine.
Thank youMr Crabb.
I think that under the circumstances, a dignified silence is the wisest course.
At least until my husband returns.
And then, he can explain his actions himself.
So why won't you tell me where we're going? Cos we're already here.
This is where Dave's family live.
I don't know if I can do it.
Just tell them what you told me.
From the heart.
That's all that really matters Mr Selfridge.
Mrs Fletcher I'm Gordon Selfridge.
May I come in? Of course.
(FLORIN PLAYS VIOLIN) That was truly lovely.
Music is beautiful.
All I have to do is play.
Florin, there is something that has been brought to my attention.
A suggestion that I am sure is quite ridiculous but now it has been made, I feel we need to clear the air, as it were.
Yes? I'm afraid it is rather personal.
If you wish me to pay rent? Rent? Rent? Oh, goodness me, no! Not money.
Nothing to do with money.
Please.
You can say anything to me.
Very well.
I shall.
It has been suggested that you may have developed a mild ardour for me.
Something that could perhaps go beyond what is proper if we are to continue on with our domestic arrangement.
Do you understand? You are asking me if I have fallen in love with you? Well, yes.
Well, no.
No.
I merely It is true.
I have.
You've fallen in love with me? Is it so surprising? Well, frankly, yes.
I am so much older than you for a start.
And And then there are the cultural differences not to mention the I'm sorry.
I can't.
I can't.
What is this, Frank?! Just a second.
Do you believe Mr Selfridge is responsible for the boots?! Evidence is strong.
How strong? This could ruin him.
But if it's the truth, Kitty Truth?! What about character?! What about loyalty?! In all the years you've known him has he ever done anything like this? For a clever man, you can be a real fool, Frank Edwards! You called, My Lady? Are you happy with me? Of course, My Lady.
We've come a long way, haven't we, since the Gaiety.
Indeed, My Lady.
I had a very good voice.
Like an angel, My Lady.
And I could dance too.
(After a fashion.
) Do you remember we used to be jealous of those girls who got away? Married into money.
I bet they talk about me that way now.
When they're putting on their makeup and practising their scales.
You married well, My Lady.
You never used to lie to me.
Not when you were my dresser.
You used to tell me what's what.
Not that dress, Mae.
It makes your ankles look like a dray horse's fetlocks.
(GIGGLES) (You understand that I have to leave, don't you? But you can stay if you want to.
) No My Lady.
I'll get your clothes.
Oh, Jane We only take what we came with.
No more, no less.
Mr Thackeray.
I don't know if I can face him.
If he truly is innocent.
But you will.
And I will make sure Mr Selfridge knows you did your best to repair the damage.
(TELEPHONE RINGS) Loxley.
Ah, I wondered when you'd call.
Really? Yes, I am available for a comment.
Lady Loxley.
Rose, I'm sorry to call unannounced but there is something I must discuss.
I fear Loxley means to cause trouble for Harry.
I think you'll find he already has.
You knew about this, didn't you? Didn't you?! You vouched for your husband.
Harry trusted you.
I trusted you.
I made a terrible mistake.
I'm so sorry.
I promise I'm going to do everything in my power to put this right.
You must think I'm a fool.
I want nothing more to do with you.
Never contact my husband or myself again.
I understand.
(WEEPS UNCONTROLLABLY) Franco told me what you did.
Getting Mr Thackeray to confess.
Thank you.
Well, I felt quite sorry for him.
They're releasing Henri? Yes.
Mr Thackeray has agreed to withdraw his accusation.
Good.
I'm glad.
I hope he finds his girl.
Everyone deserves a little happiness.
Even the French.
You know, you could have stopped me from going there.
Not every man would have been so understanding.
Yes, well I trust you.
Believe it or not.
Well, I do love you.
Good job too.
It's not too late, My Lady.
We could turn round.
We've made our beds, Pimble.
Looks like it's time to lie in them.
(DOORBELL) Mr Grove, where is Monsieur Leclair? I'm afraid there's .
.
been a complication.
The police have refused to release him.
I don't understand.
They accepted Mr Thackeray's retraction? Indeed.
But it seems there's something else.
Since being arrested, the police have carried out some checks.
They've contacted the American police.
Purely routine.
But What is it? Monsieur Leclair has been accused of theft.
In New York.
He disappeared without answering the charges.
He's a fugitive.
Henri Leclair is a wanted man.
I thought she was gonna burst into tears.
She went as red as anything.
(LAUGHS) It's a telegram.
(CHOKES BACK THE TEARS) (HUBBUB) I'll answer all of your questions in due course.
I missed you so much.
What else is there to discuss? You OWE me.
Come back and forget this ever happened.
In war, truth isn't everything.
He had the American authorities chasing after him and never told me.
That man has brought me nothing but worry.
You're worth a hundred Henri Leclairs.
Forget about it.
A lack of customers is not an opportunity to indulge in idle chitchat.
Your problems are my problems.
That's what friends are for.
I think Harry needs a little stardust.
You wouldn't believe who's downstairs! Let's go shopping!!