Monarch Of The Glen (2000) s03e09 Episode Script
Series 3, Episode 9
Archie: This ball is going to be the biggest day of the year.
Lascelles are bringing some major investors here to show them how they've turned the place around.
How we've turned it around.
Duncan, you'll organize the parking.
Golly, the Americans love the pipes.
Molly, our foreign visitors are expecting something between the Queen - and the brunette in "Braveheart.
" - Leave it to me.
Archie and I will be front of house pressing the flesh.
Oh, Lexie.
- You're in the kitchen.
- Surprise, surprise.
Archie: Now the next three days are going to be the most seamless, well-oiled and least accident-prone in the history of Glenbogle.
If we pull together, Lascelles could get some really good P.
R.
, and we can have a good time.
- Could you list my duties? - Yes, father.
The stone ceremony.
Concentrate on that.
It's what everyone's coming to see and it's in your hands.
You can count on me.
Why does that have a slightly hollow ring to it? ( theme music plays ) Stone of the MacDonalds? I thought that was just a legend.
An ancient symbol of MacDonald power.
It was carried into battle at Bannockburn, Midsummer's Day, 1314.
When we sent the English packing.
Not before the stone was cloven in three by an English ax.
Oh, I say, bad luck.
At Midsummer Ball, the three fragments must be joined.
About the ball the Glenbogle fragment.
- You've got one? - The largest, naturally.
You sure it's quite safe to keep it in a cake tin? My dear Kilwillie, I guard this with my life.
If lost, my family name is blackened forever.
Jolly serious.
As is the guest list, I hear.
Captains of industry? Captains? generals.
They're sending generals.
My invitation seems to have gone astray.
Generals of industry and MacDonalds only, I'm afraid.
I, Kilwillie, shunned? My dear Kilwillie, the bank is lavishing money on Glenbogle because it wishes to bask in our ancient ties and traditions.
I suggest you organize some of your own should you require access to the upper echelons.
Good day to you.
It's been 10 years since the last Midsummer Ball, and guess what? Lexie is in the kitchen.
And I'm probably expected.
We've 20 of Lascelles' top clients and 40 MacDonalds to feed.
I need you here.
And you think he needs you at the ball? This is our night.
Mine and Archie's.
You'll do a wonderful job down here.
True.
I suppose he'll be more impressed by the food on the table, than the tart on this arm.
I don't see him bursting a blood vessel to get you invited.
You are going because the bank is paying you.
You don't think he wants you there, do you? And he wants you here out of his way.
Out of whose way? You better watch her, Arch.
She's trying to get her claws into you for the ball.
Tell her she's just a bank manager.
- That's not entirely true, - don't be hard on her.
She's hoping you'll waft her out of here on a white charger.
Tell her she's just a housekeeper.
I'd never say that.
I'm flattered to have cropped up in conversation, but we have to work together, remember? For the bank, for the estate.
So cease fire? Of course, Archie.
Fine by me.
Aye.
I can't stand around here having fun.
My ball gown is arriving this morning.
Well, make sure you enjoy your night of glory.
Archie and me will still be here when you'll just be a bad memory.
( door slams ) Stella, good to see you.
Archie MacDonald, Laird of Glenbogle.
Toby Winslow, head of corporate affairs, Lascelles.
You know what we've got riding on this event? Yes, you're planning a big expansion into leisure finance and management.
Worldwide.
From this little acorn a mighty oak will grow.
- The chairman not with you? - His flight's delayed.
The old boy usually swans in to take the plaudits.
It is his train set, after all.
He's planning to hand the estate back to you, Archie.
- at the ball.
- What? - That's fantastic.
- I did say planning.
His changes of heart are legendary.
You've been warned.
Stella? Looks like it's just you and me now.
Eh, boss? Golly: Archie.
Archie.
It's about the music for the ball.
- A band from Inverness.
- The Bogle Boys will be mightily disappointed.
They played at the last ball.
You probably wouldn't remember.
Yes, of course.
The Bogle Boys.
Voted the best band in the glen four years running.
Even cut a waxing, I believe.
The Inverness lot come highly recommended.
They're brilliant, but they're not your people.
The Bogle Boys are.
Look, Golly, I know the laird has responsibilities, but isn't this going a bit far? There's 39,000 acres and all the folk that live on them, that's how far it goes.
Winslow: 300 grand.
Double it with bonuses.
And your own empire to build.
This is a huge step.
You won't be wasting your talents on the Archie MacDonalds of this world.
Big league, Stella.
Do I get time to think about it? Straight after the ball, you're out of here.
A couple of days and you're on a plane to meet your new team.
- Toby, I- - your star is rising.
As I always said it would be.
I hope that nothing goes wrong.
I mean, I'd hate to be stuck here for another six months.
Oh, don't worry.
Things would have to go badly wrong for me to leave you at Glenbogle.
How badly exactly? Boys.
This is Archie MacDonald from the big house.
Archie, this is Graeme.
This is his kid brother, lain, and that's young Alistair.
Gents, how would you like to perform again? We've got the Midsummer Ball coming up and we'd like you to play at it.
I'll no more play for that family than fly to the moon.
Aye.
your father laid him off like the rest of us.
But Graeme's a proud man.
Knocked the stuffing out of him.
Hasn't had the heart to play a note since.
Well done, Duncan.
Well, we want to impress him, right? This chairman, lord what's-his-name? Cranthorne, yes.
You collect him, Duncan, in the Land Rover.
What? And come back the scenic route.
He'll like that.
I haven't come to fight.
Well, don't go against ritual on my account.
Dinner tonight for Lord Cranthorne.
Wild salmon with all the trimmings.
Smoked duck to start.
That sounds wonderful.
But? Lord Cranthorne.
He's a bit of an oddball.
When he's in Scotland go on.
He makes a big point about a simple supper.
Bit of old scrag end, a few turnips.
Crofter's stew? Yeah, terrible if you ask me.
Well, I'm cooking for Lord Cranthorne, my girl, not you.
And what the man wants, the man gets.
I take it you knew about that.
I can't lie to you, Archie, but people like Graeme used to be proud to live in this glen.
They will be again once the estate is back on its feet.
You can't restore a man's pride by showing him the bottom line.
That's what the bank wants to see.
There are better judges of a man than the moneylenders.
Like Graeme? Oh, look, Archie.
You asked me if I thought you could run the estate and I said yes.
You never asked if I thought you could be laird of Glenbogle.
And? You've got a wee bit to go yet, son.
Duncan! Here's Lord Cranthorne now.
His family were at Bannockburn.
What? On the other side, obviously.
But it's such a long time ago.
In the history of the MacDonalds the merest blinking of an eye.
Just a little high spirits.
Not one step further.
- This is Lord Cranthorne.
- Of Bannockburn infamy.
- Who's this lunatic? - The father.
Oh, god.
Midsummer Day, 1314.
Ring any bells? Perhaps you two could catch up inside.
- You shall not pass! - Archie: father! father! Come, Cranthorne, let's grapple hand-to-hand, as our forefathers did in that bloody field.
The truth is, the Cranthorne family were more into catering at that particular skirmish.
Catering? Ha! Archie MacDonald, Lord Cranthorne.
I apologize for my father.
Mr.
MacDonald, you're part of a great tradition.
Turn it to profit, not doorstep confrontation.
Toby.
Catering.
Stella: This is a wooden copy of the Glenbogle stone.
Yeah, most of this stuff's locally made.
Comes cheaper from Taiwan.
Who'd know the difference? Well, Archie's loyal to the local people.
Narrower margins, but the local economy benefits.
I can't recall agreeing to the financing of the whole of highlands.
My lord? Archie? You've cleared my things off the billiard table.
- I thought our guests might like a game.
- I might have been consulted.
You weren't around.
There wasn't anything important, was there? No.
no.
Where did you put it all? I told Duncan to put it in the back cellar.
Ah, the back cellar.
So Lascelles give the keys to Arch, and Stella's gone.
- You sure? - Hm-mm.
After the ball is over, you, sister, are up, up, up and away.
Alexandra.
Duncan, you removed certain personal effects of mine to storage.
Ah, the train set.
aye.
It's in the back cellar.
Not quite.
You will recall a Dundee cake tin? Where are the contents, lad? - I didn't eat it.
- Of course you didn't eat it.
It's got raisins in it.
I don't like.
- They get stuck in your teeth.
- Don't play the slippery eel with me.
- Maybe I had a wee peek.
- Where did you put it? - There was nothing in it.
- Duncan I swear to you, boss, it was empty.
Archie: Yes, it's tragic, really.
They were one of the best bands in the highlands in their day.
You can't cling to the past.
No, no, of course.
But I still feel responsible.
Your responsibilities are to the bank.
500,000 of them at the last count.
You're not going to go soft on us? - No.
- ( bagpipe playing ) Molly: What's this, Lexie? Crofter's stew.
Scrag end.
Here we are.
Mutton, neeps, and tatties- a simple highland supper.
How very authentic.
Oh, thank you, your lordship.
enjoy.
( low groan ) Cranthorne: I don't know what that was.
I doubt his mother knew, either.
I take it you've hired a real chef for the ball? - Archie: Er, no.
- I suggest you do.
- I can't do that.
- Oh, nonsense.
I've hired and fired more chefs than I've had hot dinners.
Almost as many, come to think of it.
It's no big deal, Archie.
The bank's paying.
It's not the money, it's Lexie.
She'll be mortified.
I admire loyalty, but Cranthorne has spoken.
You want the keys back? Do as he says.
If Archie finds out I've lost it, oh, Molly- if I don't produce it at the ball, our boy will be deposed as head of the clan.
The shame.
Oh, come on.
think.
I'm sure I put it back in the tin when that ass Kilwillie went.
Oh, don't tell me that you two have been falling out again.
He was begging me for an invitation to the ball.
I told him it was rather exclusive.
- And then he left? - No, damn it, I left- I left.
I left Kilwillie alone with the Glenbogle fragment.
Molly, you're a genius.
But how can we get him to confess? Leave it to me.
I'll make him squeal.
We'll be "mutt and Jeff.
" "Good cop, bad cop" to you.
Splendid, woman.
We'll collar the rotter tomorrow.
yes! Hector? Molly? Now squeal, Kilwillie.
Or I'll put the arm on.
We're only here to help you, old man.
What's the matter with you both? Nice place you've got here, Kilwillie.
Yes, shame if it was smashed up.
- Now steady on-! - 'Fess up, Kilwillie, unless you'd rather bat the blab with the pigs.
Is this some sort of Esperanto? - What have you done with it? - Oh, all right.
I did take it.
But Hector was damnably rude to me.
Oh, save it for the social worker.
Hector, if you were rude you must say, "sorry.
" - ( mumbling ) sorry.
- Speak up, dear.
- Sorry.
now I will use my considerable influence- - Hector! - I'll get you an invitation.
- Well, then to Glenbogle, friends, where the ancient fragment rests in complete security.
- I sincerely hope so.
- It's better than a Dundee cake tin, Hector.
I thought it went well last night.
Lord Cranthorne's right.
It's nice to have something authentic for a wee change.
It was certainly a change, Lex.
So have you come to help me dry up? No, it's about the ball, actually.
I've decided to hire a chef.
- You said- - I know what I said.
- I was the only one you could trust.
- And I meant it.
- "I depend on you, Lexie.
" - I do, I do.
So now you drop me like a dirty rag? I did it so you could come to the ball, Lex.
Oh, Arch you're such a sweet man.
- Come in.
- Morning.
Now drama schools, draft proofing ah- dress hire.
Should I be curious? I shall go to the ball.
You're going to a lot of trouble for nothing.
So are you.
Going as a packet of wine gums? I'm going as Archie's partner.
- Who's cooking? - Ask your partner.
He fixed it for me.
Penny for them.
That is a derisory offer, Stella Moon, and you know it.
I gather Lexie isn't cooking for the ball.
Any special reason? Yes.
Cranthorne took against her crofter's stew, but I thought it best not to mention that.
Oh.
your management skills are improving.
- Problem? - Finding a chef.
"Jeff Ramsden.
" Any good? Yeah.
and at a loose end as far as I know.
I saw it in a cinema film.
A burglar placed his swag in the lavatory system for later collection.
Get on with it.
Any more of that, you can fish the bally thing out yourself.
It's been removed.
The fragment isn't there.
What? I swear to you, I put it there myself yesterday morning.
But now it's gone.
Ooh-hh I'm guessing it's some years since a MacDonald last knocked on your door.
It's a few.
We were loggers- myself, brother lain, young Alistair.
30 years we tended these forests.
10 years ago your father laid us off.
Truth to tell, it was at the Midsummer Ball.
- His timing isn't perfect.
- We played, whilst the nobs danced and cavorted before us.
Dancing this fine estate into oblivion with great grins on their faces.
Look, Graeme, I can't help the past, but I'm running it now.
The estate's back on its feet.
It staggers a bit from time to time, but it's working.
And I want you to feel part of it.
That's a fine sentiment.
It's more than that, Graeme.
Glenbogle's back, and it wants to hear its own music again.
Haven't touched this in 10 years, mate.
Do you want to play? We'll give it a go.
Before you start, I'm going, and there's nothing you can do to stop me.
Can we talk normally for once? Look, I know you're fond of Archie, and he's lucky to have you.
As his housekeeper, no doubt? Whereas you've got the great business mind.
You say the right things, hang about with all the right people.
You think Archie's just some tasty lad from down the street? He's the laird of Glenbogle.
How could you live up to that? - I love him.
- that's not hard.
The rest is.
Keep what you've got with Archie right now- his affection and respect- but don't dream of anything more.
Well, he fixed it for me to go to the ball.
Cranthorne didn't like your cooking, Lexie.
Archie was just trying to spare your feelings.
That's all.
You ready? I'm not going to go.
- What she been saying to you? - Nothing.
That you're just some little skivvy, and she's what, god's gift to banking? Well, I thought you fancied her.
I did.
Oh, come on, Lex.
You're worth 10 of her.
Duncan, will I make a fool of myself? Dressed like that, you will.
Ahem I feel like a Christmas tree.
Well, say something.
Really? Wow.
Can you have a look at the price tag for me? I can't get at it.
Oh.
I wanted to hire the dress, not buy the shop.
Oh, well.
Nice while it lasted.
Don't be such a fool, girl.
I can't take that.
Yes, you can.
- Duncan, that's all- - take it.
Thanks, Dunc.
I owe you one.
Hector: Duncan! Have you been messing about with the thunderbox? Oh, I fixed it like you said, boss.
- Some loon had put a rock in the system.
- What do you mean, loon? - "Rock"? - And where would the "rock" be now? Shouldn't we come back in the morning when it's open? The future of Glenbogle is at stake.
We have to get through this wire now.
But look at me.
I can't go in there in these clothes.
I don't think there's a dress code.
You boys go in.
I'll keep watch.
I'll help Molly.
Where's your sense of moral fortitude, man? What is the matter with you? Get through the hole.
- Hector: Go on.
- Really-! ( playing off-key ) Well, you know what they say about a bad rehearsal.
You've managed to find the musical equivalent of crofter's stew.
- Authentic? - Unpalatable.
They haven't got loose yet.
Oh, yes they have.
I don't know where from.
Wherever it is, send them back and hire some musicians.
Give them a chance.
I owe these guys.
If we're talking what you owe, Mr.
MacDonald, I think my bank has precedence over this bunch of tuneless amateurs.
Fellows, please-! We'll not embarrass you further.
You bring me in a bone shake driven by a madman, to be greeted by your father spoiling for a fight, you serve a bowl of gristle swimming in fat, and now you have no musicians.
Jeff Ramsden.
Archie, chef.
Am I glad to see you.
- What's he doing here? - This is Lord Cranthorne.
- I know who he is.
- Have we met? Yeah, just the once.
He's fired more chefs than he's had hot dinners.
Did he tell you that? Proud of it, his lordship.
I'm sure we can sort this out.
Only one thing to sort out - who's cooking tomorrow.
- Jeff, please.
- I'm sorry, mate.
I'm not hanging around to get the push again, not from that creep.
Now you have no chef, either.
Cancel the ball.
Kilwillie: Oh, Hector, I'm so tired.
Can't we just call it a day? We'll call it no such thing.
I'll leave no stone unturned.
- Duncan: got it! - Don't interrupt.
No stone- got it! Bravo! Well done! Like so many of your plans, Hector, this one was a corker until the moment of catastrophic failure.
Oh, shut up.
I won't have Lascelles associated with a catastrophe like you.
Your guests will already be on their way.
Tomorrow morning everything will be ironed out.
It'll all be running like clockwork.
If there's a disaster- there won't be any more disasters.
I promise you.
Merely assisting in certain inquiries.
We picked up these four at the municipal dump sorting through the rubbish.
Claim some connection with you.
Yes, officer.
They're mine.
Try and keep your nose clean, Lord Cranthorne.
Archie: Lord Cranthorne seems upset for some reason.
I can't think why.
The thing is, tomorrow is one of the most important days of the year.
And everything is hanging in rags.
Is there anything we can do? Well, I wonder, just for tomorrow, if you could all try to pass yourself off as normal human beings.
It's not your fault, you know.
No, but it's my responsibility.
I used to think Glenbogle was my future, you know? - It still is.
- No, no you see, I am Glenbogle's future.
There's a big difference.
35,000 acres and all the people on them- I am their future.
I can't even organize a dance.
It's just a setback.
Hm - the Bogle Boys, they didn't believe in me, either.
I believe in you.
But if things do go wrong, and I have to stay, would that be the worst thing in the world? No, of course not.
But the way things are going, I wouldn't pack just yet.
- ( knocking ) - Come in.
Hi, Arch.
What's wrong? Do you not like it? No, it's beautiful.
- Then why the long face? - My new chef's done a bunk.
You cannot be serious.
Well, who else can I ask? Good old Lexie, resident doormat.
Is that how you feel? One minute I'm going to the ball, the next minute I'm stuck in the kitchen.
Stella's right.
I'm just the housekeeper.
You know I don't think of you like that.
- You don't think of me at all.
- I do.
I do, Lexie.
a lot.
Well, you've got a funny way of showing it, Archie MacDonald.
Just go now, please.
The Glenbogle fragment retrieved from Bannockburn.
Tonight we rejoin the stone which the English broke asunder.
The ball is now an assured success.
Hmm ( door closes ) ( chuckles ) Nothing changes, Golly.
You saw how we were treated.
Not by Archie.
lain: His heart's in the right place, man, but Glenbogle is gone.
It'll never rise again.
Our ancestors thought that about the sun.
In the winter they built fires, made music, danced, so the pounding of their feet would awaken the earth.
They didn't sit in a pub, waiting for someone else to do it.
Young Archie's put his neck on the block for you.
It's time you stood up and were counted.
What's this? You didn't honestly think you could manage without me, did you? You know that I can't.
It's not your fault the chef walked out, so Lexie to the rescue.
Now away and do some lairdly duties.
Let me to my kitchen.
- I can help.
- I can manage.
I'd like to, if that's okay.
Go start on the potatoes.
I don't deserve you, you know that? What's to deserve? Where would I be without you? Probably doing the meat as well as veg.
Duncan.
Just the man.
I hate to put this on you, but our guests want to see something of the estate before the ball.
No problem.
Meet the cars at the gate.
You can walk from there.
Walk? Take them on one of your nature trails.
Show them - oh, you know so much more about it than I do.
Use your imagination.
You really should be somewhere else.
Go on.
your guests are arriving.
Amazing, all this time and effort for just one night.
Arch, it's what you were born to do.
Same as this is what I was born to do.
Each to their own, eh? I wish you were going to be there, Lex.
I'll be here, where you need me.
Now, go.
Stella will be wondering where you are, and I have work to do.
Welcome to Glenbogle.
And I'm pleased to offer, as requested, a short walking tour of the estate.
The theme of this evening's tour will be, "a day in the life of a head ranger.
" Ah, Hamish, with the Ochtaglen fragment.
It's a proud day to be a MacDonald.
And Robert, with the Kalpochie fragment.
All are safely gathered in.
'Tis as well.
We none of us want our families blackened for all eternity.
- Quite so.
- Absolutely.
Ah, Lord Cranthorne.
I've strict instructions- no wallflowers.
So this is Melissa, your buddy for the evening.
Wonderful idea, this buddy system.
Now, you two get to know each other.
I've more matches to make.
Come along.
( playing off-key ) Get that woman away from me.
You didn't hit it off? Oh, dear.
Never mind, there's a nice young man over here who's simply dying to be your buddy.
Mother, I don't think Lord Cranthorne needs a buddy.
Lexie would like some help in the kitchen.
Oh, excuse me.
- All going very well.
- Do you think so? No, a disaster, as predicted.
Not that it matters.
There are very few guests.
The others will be along soon, I'm sure.
How do you maintain your relentless optimism in the face of doom? Practice.
Hmm.
I was only trying to help.
I thought this buddy thing was all the rage.
- Who told you that? - Stella.
And so here we are.
I can't accept gratuities, gentlemen.
What have you done to them, you great white loaf? Duncan: Just following orders.
Ha- I'll bet you I know whose.
I say, old man.
You've bad news? Of the very worst kind.
The fragment has vanished again.
To lose the fragment once, Hector, is unfortunate- - to lose it- - spare me the claptrap.
I locked it in the sideboard this morning.
- Are you certain? - Cranthorne watched me.
Ask him if you don't believe me.
Cranthorne? Whose forbearers were defeated at Bannockburn by your own, which we celebrate this very night? - The same.
- Who had the means, the motive, and the opportunity to steal the Glenbogle fragment? That Cranthorne? Archie: The estate and the bank are working hand in glove.
Villain! I denounce you as a thief and a blackheart! This man has stolen the Glenbogle fragment! Gentlemen, please! Please, I'm sure we can sort this out.
On with the ball.
There's nothing to see here.
Music! dancing! I'd say we've got to the end of the road, wouldn't you? You give us just enough rope to hang ourselves and Archie along with us.
- I don't know what you're talking about.
- Hector's greeting? - The crofter's stew? - You cooked it.
The disappearing chef? And Duncan's walking tours? - Well, you know Duncan- - yeah, and so do you.
Which leads me to- "the buddy system.
" Lexie, I didn't mean any harm.
Yeah, right.
I just wanted more time here with Archie.
I never thought I'd fall for anyone again after Graham.
And then being here, I have.
Lexie, please don't hate me for it.
For loving Archie? How can I? Oh, god- bring back the old Stella, the hard-nosed bitch you could have a good scrap with.
You're going to tell him? I think that should come from you.
Golly, do you think the Bogle Boys could manage another dirge? It's not entirely inappropriate under the circumstances.
I'm sorry, boss.
Okay.
ah-! They're not for you.
Molly, take these to the patrons, please.
Hector, go and apologize to Lord Cranthorne.
Grovel, beg, crawl.
I don't care what you do, but make sure he's here in the next five minutes.
Golly, go and tell the Bogle Boys if their fingers aren't loose in the next six minutes, I'm going to pull them off one by one.
- Duncan, kitchen.
- I know you're trying to help- you go and find Stella.
She's got something to tell you.
( knocking ) You wanted something? The last few days have been a bit of a shambles- Duncan, Hector, the crofter's stew- yes, I don't know what go into them.
It was me.
I told Duncan to use the Land Rover.
I told Lexie that Cranthorne likes plain cooking.
Ah.
I wanted to stay here because I think I've fallen in love with you, Archie.
Look, Stella, I'm- I thought you might feel the same if we had more time.
Now I've made a real fool of myself.
not like me, eh? You're fond of me, aren't you? Actually, I think there might be someone else.
( softly ) Lexie.
She found me out tonight.
She didn't say anything.
She just put it right for you.
Like she always has.
Like she always will if you let her.
The last throw of the dice.
Poor Hector.
Come with me.
I want you there when it all fits together at last.
Man: Present the stones.
Hamish: Hector MacDonald a dark duty befalls me, for a part of the stone that was broken has been lost.
Just mislaid.
Oh, Archie! Fellow MacDonalds, honored guests, we've had a sassenach in our midst.
A sassenach we thrashed at Bannockburn.
Lord Cranthorne, you have witnessed us at our worst.
I'm so glad you were able to remain long enough to see us at our best.
Our unity our pride in who we are and what we've achieved, and our confidence in the future.
Lord Cranthorne would you be so kind? I'd be honored, sir.
What was broken, is now restored like this great estate.
There's a spirit in Glenbogle, and I share Hector's faith in the future.
Archie Laird Glenbogle is restored to you again.
( applause, cheers ) Graeme: Now that's worth a tune! ( playing in tune ) I've scheduled five meetings.
They're all panting to invest.
They seem to think this was a sort of themed evening.
All this chaos, then Lascelles sweeps in - bringing success and happiness.
- One travels in hope.
Toby seems to think you can manage without me.
He's offered me South America.
Not all of it? If it was, it would come in a very poor second.
You'll be missed.
I'll always carry this place in my heart, Archie, wherever I am.
Goodbye, Archie.
Goodbye.
Well, that went okay, didn't it? Better than that.
You are a wonder.
Get away.
Bet you'll never get another housekeeper like me.
You know, all this time, there's been something working away at me inside.
These last few days, I realize what it is.
Crofter's stew, probably.
Lexie, I love you.
I think I always have.
This isn't a fairy tale, Arch.
We don't get a happy ending.
We do if we love each other.
But you're the laird.
I'm still the housekeeper.
I want you to be my wife.
I couldn't live up to that.
I'd let you down.
I couldn't bear that.
You wouldn't let me down.
You never let me down.
That's different.
This- this is what I know.
- This is where I belong.
- You belong with me.
Don't.
I'm not right for you.
There are all kinds of excuses for letting happiness slip through your fingers.
Let's not do that.
Let's take our chance.
Look at this place.
If it's clean for breakfast, it'll be a miracle.
( footsteps ) ( music plays ) Take a chance? I don't have a ring.
No excuses.
( theme music plays )
Lascelles are bringing some major investors here to show them how they've turned the place around.
How we've turned it around.
Duncan, you'll organize the parking.
Golly, the Americans love the pipes.
Molly, our foreign visitors are expecting something between the Queen - and the brunette in "Braveheart.
" - Leave it to me.
Archie and I will be front of house pressing the flesh.
Oh, Lexie.
- You're in the kitchen.
- Surprise, surprise.
Archie: Now the next three days are going to be the most seamless, well-oiled and least accident-prone in the history of Glenbogle.
If we pull together, Lascelles could get some really good P.
R.
, and we can have a good time.
- Could you list my duties? - Yes, father.
The stone ceremony.
Concentrate on that.
It's what everyone's coming to see and it's in your hands.
You can count on me.
Why does that have a slightly hollow ring to it? ( theme music plays ) Stone of the MacDonalds? I thought that was just a legend.
An ancient symbol of MacDonald power.
It was carried into battle at Bannockburn, Midsummer's Day, 1314.
When we sent the English packing.
Not before the stone was cloven in three by an English ax.
Oh, I say, bad luck.
At Midsummer Ball, the three fragments must be joined.
About the ball the Glenbogle fragment.
- You've got one? - The largest, naturally.
You sure it's quite safe to keep it in a cake tin? My dear Kilwillie, I guard this with my life.
If lost, my family name is blackened forever.
Jolly serious.
As is the guest list, I hear.
Captains of industry? Captains? generals.
They're sending generals.
My invitation seems to have gone astray.
Generals of industry and MacDonalds only, I'm afraid.
I, Kilwillie, shunned? My dear Kilwillie, the bank is lavishing money on Glenbogle because it wishes to bask in our ancient ties and traditions.
I suggest you organize some of your own should you require access to the upper echelons.
Good day to you.
It's been 10 years since the last Midsummer Ball, and guess what? Lexie is in the kitchen.
And I'm probably expected.
We've 20 of Lascelles' top clients and 40 MacDonalds to feed.
I need you here.
And you think he needs you at the ball? This is our night.
Mine and Archie's.
You'll do a wonderful job down here.
True.
I suppose he'll be more impressed by the food on the table, than the tart on this arm.
I don't see him bursting a blood vessel to get you invited.
You are going because the bank is paying you.
You don't think he wants you there, do you? And he wants you here out of his way.
Out of whose way? You better watch her, Arch.
She's trying to get her claws into you for the ball.
Tell her she's just a bank manager.
- That's not entirely true, - don't be hard on her.
She's hoping you'll waft her out of here on a white charger.
Tell her she's just a housekeeper.
I'd never say that.
I'm flattered to have cropped up in conversation, but we have to work together, remember? For the bank, for the estate.
So cease fire? Of course, Archie.
Fine by me.
Aye.
I can't stand around here having fun.
My ball gown is arriving this morning.
Well, make sure you enjoy your night of glory.
Archie and me will still be here when you'll just be a bad memory.
( door slams ) Stella, good to see you.
Archie MacDonald, Laird of Glenbogle.
Toby Winslow, head of corporate affairs, Lascelles.
You know what we've got riding on this event? Yes, you're planning a big expansion into leisure finance and management.
Worldwide.
From this little acorn a mighty oak will grow.
- The chairman not with you? - His flight's delayed.
The old boy usually swans in to take the plaudits.
It is his train set, after all.
He's planning to hand the estate back to you, Archie.
- at the ball.
- What? - That's fantastic.
- I did say planning.
His changes of heart are legendary.
You've been warned.
Stella? Looks like it's just you and me now.
Eh, boss? Golly: Archie.
Archie.
It's about the music for the ball.
- A band from Inverness.
- The Bogle Boys will be mightily disappointed.
They played at the last ball.
You probably wouldn't remember.
Yes, of course.
The Bogle Boys.
Voted the best band in the glen four years running.
Even cut a waxing, I believe.
The Inverness lot come highly recommended.
They're brilliant, but they're not your people.
The Bogle Boys are.
Look, Golly, I know the laird has responsibilities, but isn't this going a bit far? There's 39,000 acres and all the folk that live on them, that's how far it goes.
Winslow: 300 grand.
Double it with bonuses.
And your own empire to build.
This is a huge step.
You won't be wasting your talents on the Archie MacDonalds of this world.
Big league, Stella.
Do I get time to think about it? Straight after the ball, you're out of here.
A couple of days and you're on a plane to meet your new team.
- Toby, I- - your star is rising.
As I always said it would be.
I hope that nothing goes wrong.
I mean, I'd hate to be stuck here for another six months.
Oh, don't worry.
Things would have to go badly wrong for me to leave you at Glenbogle.
How badly exactly? Boys.
This is Archie MacDonald from the big house.
Archie, this is Graeme.
This is his kid brother, lain, and that's young Alistair.
Gents, how would you like to perform again? We've got the Midsummer Ball coming up and we'd like you to play at it.
I'll no more play for that family than fly to the moon.
Aye.
your father laid him off like the rest of us.
But Graeme's a proud man.
Knocked the stuffing out of him.
Hasn't had the heart to play a note since.
Well done, Duncan.
Well, we want to impress him, right? This chairman, lord what's-his-name? Cranthorne, yes.
You collect him, Duncan, in the Land Rover.
What? And come back the scenic route.
He'll like that.
I haven't come to fight.
Well, don't go against ritual on my account.
Dinner tonight for Lord Cranthorne.
Wild salmon with all the trimmings.
Smoked duck to start.
That sounds wonderful.
But? Lord Cranthorne.
He's a bit of an oddball.
When he's in Scotland go on.
He makes a big point about a simple supper.
Bit of old scrag end, a few turnips.
Crofter's stew? Yeah, terrible if you ask me.
Well, I'm cooking for Lord Cranthorne, my girl, not you.
And what the man wants, the man gets.
I take it you knew about that.
I can't lie to you, Archie, but people like Graeme used to be proud to live in this glen.
They will be again once the estate is back on its feet.
You can't restore a man's pride by showing him the bottom line.
That's what the bank wants to see.
There are better judges of a man than the moneylenders.
Like Graeme? Oh, look, Archie.
You asked me if I thought you could run the estate and I said yes.
You never asked if I thought you could be laird of Glenbogle.
And? You've got a wee bit to go yet, son.
Duncan! Here's Lord Cranthorne now.
His family were at Bannockburn.
What? On the other side, obviously.
But it's such a long time ago.
In the history of the MacDonalds the merest blinking of an eye.
Just a little high spirits.
Not one step further.
- This is Lord Cranthorne.
- Of Bannockburn infamy.
- Who's this lunatic? - The father.
Oh, god.
Midsummer Day, 1314.
Ring any bells? Perhaps you two could catch up inside.
- You shall not pass! - Archie: father! father! Come, Cranthorne, let's grapple hand-to-hand, as our forefathers did in that bloody field.
The truth is, the Cranthorne family were more into catering at that particular skirmish.
Catering? Ha! Archie MacDonald, Lord Cranthorne.
I apologize for my father.
Mr.
MacDonald, you're part of a great tradition.
Turn it to profit, not doorstep confrontation.
Toby.
Catering.
Stella: This is a wooden copy of the Glenbogle stone.
Yeah, most of this stuff's locally made.
Comes cheaper from Taiwan.
Who'd know the difference? Well, Archie's loyal to the local people.
Narrower margins, but the local economy benefits.
I can't recall agreeing to the financing of the whole of highlands.
My lord? Archie? You've cleared my things off the billiard table.
- I thought our guests might like a game.
- I might have been consulted.
You weren't around.
There wasn't anything important, was there? No.
no.
Where did you put it all? I told Duncan to put it in the back cellar.
Ah, the back cellar.
So Lascelles give the keys to Arch, and Stella's gone.
- You sure? - Hm-mm.
After the ball is over, you, sister, are up, up, up and away.
Alexandra.
Duncan, you removed certain personal effects of mine to storage.
Ah, the train set.
aye.
It's in the back cellar.
Not quite.
You will recall a Dundee cake tin? Where are the contents, lad? - I didn't eat it.
- Of course you didn't eat it.
It's got raisins in it.
I don't like.
- They get stuck in your teeth.
- Don't play the slippery eel with me.
- Maybe I had a wee peek.
- Where did you put it? - There was nothing in it.
- Duncan I swear to you, boss, it was empty.
Archie: Yes, it's tragic, really.
They were one of the best bands in the highlands in their day.
You can't cling to the past.
No, no, of course.
But I still feel responsible.
Your responsibilities are to the bank.
500,000 of them at the last count.
You're not going to go soft on us? - No.
- ( bagpipe playing ) Molly: What's this, Lexie? Crofter's stew.
Scrag end.
Here we are.
Mutton, neeps, and tatties- a simple highland supper.
How very authentic.
Oh, thank you, your lordship.
enjoy.
( low groan ) Cranthorne: I don't know what that was.
I doubt his mother knew, either.
I take it you've hired a real chef for the ball? - Archie: Er, no.
- I suggest you do.
- I can't do that.
- Oh, nonsense.
I've hired and fired more chefs than I've had hot dinners.
Almost as many, come to think of it.
It's no big deal, Archie.
The bank's paying.
It's not the money, it's Lexie.
She'll be mortified.
I admire loyalty, but Cranthorne has spoken.
You want the keys back? Do as he says.
If Archie finds out I've lost it, oh, Molly- if I don't produce it at the ball, our boy will be deposed as head of the clan.
The shame.
Oh, come on.
think.
I'm sure I put it back in the tin when that ass Kilwillie went.
Oh, don't tell me that you two have been falling out again.
He was begging me for an invitation to the ball.
I told him it was rather exclusive.
- And then he left? - No, damn it, I left- I left.
I left Kilwillie alone with the Glenbogle fragment.
Molly, you're a genius.
But how can we get him to confess? Leave it to me.
I'll make him squeal.
We'll be "mutt and Jeff.
" "Good cop, bad cop" to you.
Splendid, woman.
We'll collar the rotter tomorrow.
yes! Hector? Molly? Now squeal, Kilwillie.
Or I'll put the arm on.
We're only here to help you, old man.
What's the matter with you both? Nice place you've got here, Kilwillie.
Yes, shame if it was smashed up.
- Now steady on-! - 'Fess up, Kilwillie, unless you'd rather bat the blab with the pigs.
Is this some sort of Esperanto? - What have you done with it? - Oh, all right.
I did take it.
But Hector was damnably rude to me.
Oh, save it for the social worker.
Hector, if you were rude you must say, "sorry.
" - ( mumbling ) sorry.
- Speak up, dear.
- Sorry.
now I will use my considerable influence- - Hector! - I'll get you an invitation.
- Well, then to Glenbogle, friends, where the ancient fragment rests in complete security.
- I sincerely hope so.
- It's better than a Dundee cake tin, Hector.
I thought it went well last night.
Lord Cranthorne's right.
It's nice to have something authentic for a wee change.
It was certainly a change, Lex.
So have you come to help me dry up? No, it's about the ball, actually.
I've decided to hire a chef.
- You said- - I know what I said.
- I was the only one you could trust.
- And I meant it.
- "I depend on you, Lexie.
" - I do, I do.
So now you drop me like a dirty rag? I did it so you could come to the ball, Lex.
Oh, Arch you're such a sweet man.
- Come in.
- Morning.
Now drama schools, draft proofing ah- dress hire.
Should I be curious? I shall go to the ball.
You're going to a lot of trouble for nothing.
So are you.
Going as a packet of wine gums? I'm going as Archie's partner.
- Who's cooking? - Ask your partner.
He fixed it for me.
Penny for them.
That is a derisory offer, Stella Moon, and you know it.
I gather Lexie isn't cooking for the ball.
Any special reason? Yes.
Cranthorne took against her crofter's stew, but I thought it best not to mention that.
Oh.
your management skills are improving.
- Problem? - Finding a chef.
"Jeff Ramsden.
" Any good? Yeah.
and at a loose end as far as I know.
I saw it in a cinema film.
A burglar placed his swag in the lavatory system for later collection.
Get on with it.
Any more of that, you can fish the bally thing out yourself.
It's been removed.
The fragment isn't there.
What? I swear to you, I put it there myself yesterday morning.
But now it's gone.
Ooh-hh I'm guessing it's some years since a MacDonald last knocked on your door.
It's a few.
We were loggers- myself, brother lain, young Alistair.
30 years we tended these forests.
10 years ago your father laid us off.
Truth to tell, it was at the Midsummer Ball.
- His timing isn't perfect.
- We played, whilst the nobs danced and cavorted before us.
Dancing this fine estate into oblivion with great grins on their faces.
Look, Graeme, I can't help the past, but I'm running it now.
The estate's back on its feet.
It staggers a bit from time to time, but it's working.
And I want you to feel part of it.
That's a fine sentiment.
It's more than that, Graeme.
Glenbogle's back, and it wants to hear its own music again.
Haven't touched this in 10 years, mate.
Do you want to play? We'll give it a go.
Before you start, I'm going, and there's nothing you can do to stop me.
Can we talk normally for once? Look, I know you're fond of Archie, and he's lucky to have you.
As his housekeeper, no doubt? Whereas you've got the great business mind.
You say the right things, hang about with all the right people.
You think Archie's just some tasty lad from down the street? He's the laird of Glenbogle.
How could you live up to that? - I love him.
- that's not hard.
The rest is.
Keep what you've got with Archie right now- his affection and respect- but don't dream of anything more.
Well, he fixed it for me to go to the ball.
Cranthorne didn't like your cooking, Lexie.
Archie was just trying to spare your feelings.
That's all.
You ready? I'm not going to go.
- What she been saying to you? - Nothing.
That you're just some little skivvy, and she's what, god's gift to banking? Well, I thought you fancied her.
I did.
Oh, come on, Lex.
You're worth 10 of her.
Duncan, will I make a fool of myself? Dressed like that, you will.
Ahem I feel like a Christmas tree.
Well, say something.
Really? Wow.
Can you have a look at the price tag for me? I can't get at it.
Oh.
I wanted to hire the dress, not buy the shop.
Oh, well.
Nice while it lasted.
Don't be such a fool, girl.
I can't take that.
Yes, you can.
- Duncan, that's all- - take it.
Thanks, Dunc.
I owe you one.
Hector: Duncan! Have you been messing about with the thunderbox? Oh, I fixed it like you said, boss.
- Some loon had put a rock in the system.
- What do you mean, loon? - "Rock"? - And where would the "rock" be now? Shouldn't we come back in the morning when it's open? The future of Glenbogle is at stake.
We have to get through this wire now.
But look at me.
I can't go in there in these clothes.
I don't think there's a dress code.
You boys go in.
I'll keep watch.
I'll help Molly.
Where's your sense of moral fortitude, man? What is the matter with you? Get through the hole.
- Hector: Go on.
- Really-! ( playing off-key ) Well, you know what they say about a bad rehearsal.
You've managed to find the musical equivalent of crofter's stew.
- Authentic? - Unpalatable.
They haven't got loose yet.
Oh, yes they have.
I don't know where from.
Wherever it is, send them back and hire some musicians.
Give them a chance.
I owe these guys.
If we're talking what you owe, Mr.
MacDonald, I think my bank has precedence over this bunch of tuneless amateurs.
Fellows, please-! We'll not embarrass you further.
You bring me in a bone shake driven by a madman, to be greeted by your father spoiling for a fight, you serve a bowl of gristle swimming in fat, and now you have no musicians.
Jeff Ramsden.
Archie, chef.
Am I glad to see you.
- What's he doing here? - This is Lord Cranthorne.
- I know who he is.
- Have we met? Yeah, just the once.
He's fired more chefs than he's had hot dinners.
Did he tell you that? Proud of it, his lordship.
I'm sure we can sort this out.
Only one thing to sort out - who's cooking tomorrow.
- Jeff, please.
- I'm sorry, mate.
I'm not hanging around to get the push again, not from that creep.
Now you have no chef, either.
Cancel the ball.
Kilwillie: Oh, Hector, I'm so tired.
Can't we just call it a day? We'll call it no such thing.
I'll leave no stone unturned.
- Duncan: got it! - Don't interrupt.
No stone- got it! Bravo! Well done! Like so many of your plans, Hector, this one was a corker until the moment of catastrophic failure.
Oh, shut up.
I won't have Lascelles associated with a catastrophe like you.
Your guests will already be on their way.
Tomorrow morning everything will be ironed out.
It'll all be running like clockwork.
If there's a disaster- there won't be any more disasters.
I promise you.
Merely assisting in certain inquiries.
We picked up these four at the municipal dump sorting through the rubbish.
Claim some connection with you.
Yes, officer.
They're mine.
Try and keep your nose clean, Lord Cranthorne.
Archie: Lord Cranthorne seems upset for some reason.
I can't think why.
The thing is, tomorrow is one of the most important days of the year.
And everything is hanging in rags.
Is there anything we can do? Well, I wonder, just for tomorrow, if you could all try to pass yourself off as normal human beings.
It's not your fault, you know.
No, but it's my responsibility.
I used to think Glenbogle was my future, you know? - It still is.
- No, no you see, I am Glenbogle's future.
There's a big difference.
35,000 acres and all the people on them- I am their future.
I can't even organize a dance.
It's just a setback.
Hm - the Bogle Boys, they didn't believe in me, either.
I believe in you.
But if things do go wrong, and I have to stay, would that be the worst thing in the world? No, of course not.
But the way things are going, I wouldn't pack just yet.
- ( knocking ) - Come in.
Hi, Arch.
What's wrong? Do you not like it? No, it's beautiful.
- Then why the long face? - My new chef's done a bunk.
You cannot be serious.
Well, who else can I ask? Good old Lexie, resident doormat.
Is that how you feel? One minute I'm going to the ball, the next minute I'm stuck in the kitchen.
Stella's right.
I'm just the housekeeper.
You know I don't think of you like that.
- You don't think of me at all.
- I do.
I do, Lexie.
a lot.
Well, you've got a funny way of showing it, Archie MacDonald.
Just go now, please.
The Glenbogle fragment retrieved from Bannockburn.
Tonight we rejoin the stone which the English broke asunder.
The ball is now an assured success.
Hmm ( door closes ) ( chuckles ) Nothing changes, Golly.
You saw how we were treated.
Not by Archie.
lain: His heart's in the right place, man, but Glenbogle is gone.
It'll never rise again.
Our ancestors thought that about the sun.
In the winter they built fires, made music, danced, so the pounding of their feet would awaken the earth.
They didn't sit in a pub, waiting for someone else to do it.
Young Archie's put his neck on the block for you.
It's time you stood up and were counted.
What's this? You didn't honestly think you could manage without me, did you? You know that I can't.
It's not your fault the chef walked out, so Lexie to the rescue.
Now away and do some lairdly duties.
Let me to my kitchen.
- I can help.
- I can manage.
I'd like to, if that's okay.
Go start on the potatoes.
I don't deserve you, you know that? What's to deserve? Where would I be without you? Probably doing the meat as well as veg.
Duncan.
Just the man.
I hate to put this on you, but our guests want to see something of the estate before the ball.
No problem.
Meet the cars at the gate.
You can walk from there.
Walk? Take them on one of your nature trails.
Show them - oh, you know so much more about it than I do.
Use your imagination.
You really should be somewhere else.
Go on.
your guests are arriving.
Amazing, all this time and effort for just one night.
Arch, it's what you were born to do.
Same as this is what I was born to do.
Each to their own, eh? I wish you were going to be there, Lex.
I'll be here, where you need me.
Now, go.
Stella will be wondering where you are, and I have work to do.
Welcome to Glenbogle.
And I'm pleased to offer, as requested, a short walking tour of the estate.
The theme of this evening's tour will be, "a day in the life of a head ranger.
" Ah, Hamish, with the Ochtaglen fragment.
It's a proud day to be a MacDonald.
And Robert, with the Kalpochie fragment.
All are safely gathered in.
'Tis as well.
We none of us want our families blackened for all eternity.
- Quite so.
- Absolutely.
Ah, Lord Cranthorne.
I've strict instructions- no wallflowers.
So this is Melissa, your buddy for the evening.
Wonderful idea, this buddy system.
Now, you two get to know each other.
I've more matches to make.
Come along.
( playing off-key ) Get that woman away from me.
You didn't hit it off? Oh, dear.
Never mind, there's a nice young man over here who's simply dying to be your buddy.
Mother, I don't think Lord Cranthorne needs a buddy.
Lexie would like some help in the kitchen.
Oh, excuse me.
- All going very well.
- Do you think so? No, a disaster, as predicted.
Not that it matters.
There are very few guests.
The others will be along soon, I'm sure.
How do you maintain your relentless optimism in the face of doom? Practice.
Hmm.
I was only trying to help.
I thought this buddy thing was all the rage.
- Who told you that? - Stella.
And so here we are.
I can't accept gratuities, gentlemen.
What have you done to them, you great white loaf? Duncan: Just following orders.
Ha- I'll bet you I know whose.
I say, old man.
You've bad news? Of the very worst kind.
The fragment has vanished again.
To lose the fragment once, Hector, is unfortunate- - to lose it- - spare me the claptrap.
I locked it in the sideboard this morning.
- Are you certain? - Cranthorne watched me.
Ask him if you don't believe me.
Cranthorne? Whose forbearers were defeated at Bannockburn by your own, which we celebrate this very night? - The same.
- Who had the means, the motive, and the opportunity to steal the Glenbogle fragment? That Cranthorne? Archie: The estate and the bank are working hand in glove.
Villain! I denounce you as a thief and a blackheart! This man has stolen the Glenbogle fragment! Gentlemen, please! Please, I'm sure we can sort this out.
On with the ball.
There's nothing to see here.
Music! dancing! I'd say we've got to the end of the road, wouldn't you? You give us just enough rope to hang ourselves and Archie along with us.
- I don't know what you're talking about.
- Hector's greeting? - The crofter's stew? - You cooked it.
The disappearing chef? And Duncan's walking tours? - Well, you know Duncan- - yeah, and so do you.
Which leads me to- "the buddy system.
" Lexie, I didn't mean any harm.
Yeah, right.
I just wanted more time here with Archie.
I never thought I'd fall for anyone again after Graham.
And then being here, I have.
Lexie, please don't hate me for it.
For loving Archie? How can I? Oh, god- bring back the old Stella, the hard-nosed bitch you could have a good scrap with.
You're going to tell him? I think that should come from you.
Golly, do you think the Bogle Boys could manage another dirge? It's not entirely inappropriate under the circumstances.
I'm sorry, boss.
Okay.
ah-! They're not for you.
Molly, take these to the patrons, please.
Hector, go and apologize to Lord Cranthorne.
Grovel, beg, crawl.
I don't care what you do, but make sure he's here in the next five minutes.
Golly, go and tell the Bogle Boys if their fingers aren't loose in the next six minutes, I'm going to pull them off one by one.
- Duncan, kitchen.
- I know you're trying to help- you go and find Stella.
She's got something to tell you.
( knocking ) You wanted something? The last few days have been a bit of a shambles- Duncan, Hector, the crofter's stew- yes, I don't know what go into them.
It was me.
I told Duncan to use the Land Rover.
I told Lexie that Cranthorne likes plain cooking.
Ah.
I wanted to stay here because I think I've fallen in love with you, Archie.
Look, Stella, I'm- I thought you might feel the same if we had more time.
Now I've made a real fool of myself.
not like me, eh? You're fond of me, aren't you? Actually, I think there might be someone else.
( softly ) Lexie.
She found me out tonight.
She didn't say anything.
She just put it right for you.
Like she always has.
Like she always will if you let her.
The last throw of the dice.
Poor Hector.
Come with me.
I want you there when it all fits together at last.
Man: Present the stones.
Hamish: Hector MacDonald a dark duty befalls me, for a part of the stone that was broken has been lost.
Just mislaid.
Oh, Archie! Fellow MacDonalds, honored guests, we've had a sassenach in our midst.
A sassenach we thrashed at Bannockburn.
Lord Cranthorne, you have witnessed us at our worst.
I'm so glad you were able to remain long enough to see us at our best.
Our unity our pride in who we are and what we've achieved, and our confidence in the future.
Lord Cranthorne would you be so kind? I'd be honored, sir.
What was broken, is now restored like this great estate.
There's a spirit in Glenbogle, and I share Hector's faith in the future.
Archie Laird Glenbogle is restored to you again.
( applause, cheers ) Graeme: Now that's worth a tune! ( playing in tune ) I've scheduled five meetings.
They're all panting to invest.
They seem to think this was a sort of themed evening.
All this chaos, then Lascelles sweeps in - bringing success and happiness.
- One travels in hope.
Toby seems to think you can manage without me.
He's offered me South America.
Not all of it? If it was, it would come in a very poor second.
You'll be missed.
I'll always carry this place in my heart, Archie, wherever I am.
Goodbye, Archie.
Goodbye.
Well, that went okay, didn't it? Better than that.
You are a wonder.
Get away.
Bet you'll never get another housekeeper like me.
You know, all this time, there's been something working away at me inside.
These last few days, I realize what it is.
Crofter's stew, probably.
Lexie, I love you.
I think I always have.
This isn't a fairy tale, Arch.
We don't get a happy ending.
We do if we love each other.
But you're the laird.
I'm still the housekeeper.
I want you to be my wife.
I couldn't live up to that.
I'd let you down.
I couldn't bear that.
You wouldn't let me down.
You never let me down.
That's different.
This- this is what I know.
- This is where I belong.
- You belong with me.
Don't.
I'm not right for you.
There are all kinds of excuses for letting happiness slip through your fingers.
Let's not do that.
Let's take our chance.
Look at this place.
If it's clean for breakfast, it'll be a miracle.
( footsteps ) ( music plays ) Take a chance? I don't have a ring.
No excuses.
( theme music plays )