And this for £20, Mr Jarndyce
All signed "R Carstone"
This for 30
And this, again, for 20
And this, again for 20
140 all told
Exactly, Mr Jarndyce
Ah, Miss Summerson Mr Vholes has brought an ugly report of poor Rick's situation, Esther
I have staved off many little matters for Mr C, but there is a limit to staving off
and we have reached it So what is to happen?
I believe he intends to sell out of the army, Miss Summerson
That will buy him a little time, but face him with new difficulties
mundane, but real enough
Food, lodgings and so on
You see my difficulty, Esther I can go behind his back but I can't help him openly
He would never accept it Let me go down to Deal and talk to him
If he would only give up this wretched case, everything could be put right
Even now You might think that, Miss Summerson, but it is my duty
to point out that Mr Carstone has an interest in Jarndyce and Jarndyce, and a right to pursue that interest
It is not for me to tell him to give up that interest
All right, Mr Vholes
Miss Summerson will communicate with Mr Carstone
Will you allow me to give you some lunch before you leave?
Thank you, no
My digestion is much impaired
I am a poor knife and fork at any time
With your permission, I will take my leave, sir
Why didn't our guardian send for me when Mr Vholes was here?
I don't know, Ada After all, Richard's affairs are of more concern to me than to you or to him
They're of concern to us all, Ada
Perhaps he didn't want you upset
He thinks of me as a child still
I want to come down to Deal with you when you go
I think that's a very good idea Perhaps between us we can make him see sense
I don't like it, Esther
When you speak of Richard as if you think he's taken leave of his senses
I didn't mean it like that
I've made up my mind
I shall come of age soon and have my own inheritance
It isn't very large, but it could save Richard from having to sell out of the army
Ada, are you sure it won't be throwing good money after bad?
I don't care
I love him and I want to help him , and that's all I know
Rosa, come and sit down by me
Rosa, remember I told you that I might have to send you away? Yes, m'lady
I have written to Mr Rouncewell, and he will come for you tomorrow
So soon?
Yes, it must be soon
Rosa, I did not want to part with you,
but it is for the best
I hope you will think kindly of me, Rosa,
whatever you hear about me
Ah ! Here we are, ladies
As snug and cosy a room as any you'll find in Deal
Is this your first visit here? Yes, it is
Are you meeting someone from the Indiaman?
She's due to drop anchor off the Downs, on the afternoon tide
Lots of folks gone down to see her boats coming to shore
No, we've come to see an officer who's billeted here
I wonder, could you tell us how to get to the barracks?
Surely, Miss Nothing easier
KNOCK ON DOOR Yes?
Esther
Ada
What are you doing here?
Who would have thought of seeing you?
I was just writing to you Come in, sit down I , er
I've nothing to offer you but myself, I'm afraid
That's all we wanted Well
So what were you writing?
May we read it? Oh, no need
You can
read it in the room
It's all up with me here
If you'd have come an hour or two later, I'd have been gone
Yes, I'm selling out That's the end of another career
Is it really as hopeless as that?
It is
I'm so near disgrace here, they'd rather be rid of me
And it's not just the debts
I've lost my appetite for soldiering
I can't give my heart to it, or my mind or my soul or
I can't attend to anything while those villains in court hold my fate
The regiment's ordered abroad How could I leave things hanging?
How could I trust even Vholes to see to my affairs unless I was at his back?
Richard I came here to tell you I want you to have my inheritance
That portion of it which is mine alone, and will come to me soon,
so that you can set yourself right with the regiment and remain in the service
You would do that for me? Of course I would
I'd do more I'd do anything
Ada !
I shall never forget this
But you know, of course, I could never accept it
Not to stay in this wretched life
I was never meant to be a soldier, and I won't waste your inheritance
Your little fortune will be devoted to what promises a better return
Where you and I have a larger stake Our birthright Richard!
I shall only have one thing on my mind now
And Vholes and I will work at it, I swear it
It's no use arguing My mind is made up
Just give me an hour or two to wind things up here, and I'll
meet you back at the inn and we'll all travel back to London tomorrow
All right, ladies ! Let them through !
Where on earth did all these people come from ?
Ah, it's the Indiaman, Miss
Some of them are from it, and some to greet 'em
The doctor himself is staying here What doctor?
Why, surely you've heard of him , Miss? Woodcourt
The hero of the wreck Why, here they are now, I believe
Miss Summerson
HE COUGHS AND RETCHES
Mr Snagsby! No loitering here, son
Move on And quick about it
Go on, get out of it
What's the matter, officer?
Just riff raff, Mr Snagsby
I sent him off
KNOCK ON DOOR
Is that you, Ada? No, Miss Summerson, it's Allan Woodcourt
I heard of your illness
I wished very much to have been nearer, but no doubt you were well looked after
Oh, yes. Er, my maid, Charley, was an excellent nurse
And you are quite recovered now?
I feel as well as I ever did
And I
am as you see me
Yes
You needn't pity me, Mr Woodcourt
I was never vain about my looks, so there's no harm done
The marks will fade, you know, until no one will be able to tell
I've told you, I don't want pity
If they fade, they fade If they don't, I shall still think myself very lucky to be alive
I never quite thought of that before, you know? No, nor did I
Of course, your shipwreck
I heard you were very brave
How much good will it do me?
I left England as a penniless surgeon, and I'm coming back as one
Can't even afford a decent suit of clothes
I ran into Richard Carstone downstairs He said he envied me
I don't think many men would
Oh, please
How do you think he looked?
Very much as before Eager, cheerful
But I do see a change in him
Before I'd have described him as animated Now, perhaps, "agitated"
would be the better word
Is there something that worries him ?
Only this dreadful Chancery case
Mr Woodcourt, would you do something for me?
Anything, if I can Would you look out for Richard in London?
He needs a good friend more than anything
Gladly I could do with a good friend myself
Now, what do you say?
Shall we all dine together here at the inn?
A free man
A free man You don't know how happy I am , Woodcourt, to be out of that confounded barracks
I feel like I'm starting life all over again
Here, among my friends
To friendship!
To friendship
Ah ! Well, mother
Come in, sit down You have time?
Aye Let 'em wait awhile
I remember you sitting there when you were five years old,
with your brother beside you
Fighting and quarrelling, no doubt
Oh, no
That came later
He was a very sweet natured boy
And later on he was never really bad, just wild
If you say so, mother
I do say so
He was a dear boy
I suppose he's buried in some foreign field now
Come now, mother
You've still got me
And little enough I see you !
Well, never mind that
I know you're a busy man
How's my grandson?
Oh, sends his love
He's all right
Still pining for that Rosa of yours
I offered to educate the girl out of my own pocket, and they sent me away with a flea in my ear
And now they want to cast her off
It's not what I wanted for him
A girl from the village
Well, weren't you a boy from the village?
I was, but I'm not any more, mother
I'm as well set up as them upstairs now
Might buy them out one day when I've had enough of hard work
God knows I'd like to, if it were only to see the look on his face
I am afraid you will have a rather chill, damp journey, sir
We're used to that
Come here, child
You must do as he says, Rosa
Mr Rouncewell will take good care of you
Come, Rosa You do care for my lad, don't you? Yes, sir
Well, then
She seems reluctant to go, sir
Well, she's not well bred, you see, Sir Leicester
If she had remained here, she would have improved, no doubt
Good day, Sir Leicester
Good day, Lady Dedlock
Come along, Rosa
Insolent blackguard !
Jo?
Woodcourt At Deal?
Yes We all had supper together at the inn
He was very attentive to Esther
Ada, he was not
He was polite and kind, like a gentleman
But he got on very well with Richard,
and he has promised to be a friend to him in London
A friend to Rick in London?
So Rick is selling out after all?
It was all done before we got there
Nothing we could say would make him change his mind
Where is he to live?
I think near Mr Vholes's office
Very convenient for Mr Vholes
He will have Rick safely in his sticky web, all the better to
consume him entirely at his leisure Stop!
I can't bear to hear Richard spoken about like that
He has made his decision and I think we should allow him to know what's best for him
Ada, Ada, I
I don't think we should discuss it any more
Is anything the matter? Let me look at you, boy
I'm a doctor, I'm not gonna hurt you Wait a minute Don't I know you?
Didn't they call you to the Coroner's Court?
I never done nothing, sir
It's true, sir
St Albans? Yes, sir And a young lady took pity on him and took him home and nursed him
Only he ran away in the night, and left her with the fever, and she nearly died of it, sir
Poor little thing Isn't there anything you can do for him ?
My guess is he has pneumonia, in both lungs, and more besides
Come on, then
Let's find you a place where you can be comfortable
Oh, be careful with him , Mr Squod Are you sure you can manage it?
Don't you worry, Miss Flite, he's no weight at all to carry, poor wee scrap
What's this? General George, my dear physician, Mr Woodcourt,
sought my assistance in finding a place for this poor young patient, and I immediately thought of you
"General George will help us out, " I said Bring him over here, Phil
Lay him down
The thing is, I don't want to take him to a hospital or a workhouse
He is terrified that he will be found by a man who has been harrying him
A man called Bucket
An inspector of police I know him , sir
And I've seen this boy before Not lately, though
He looks very bad, sir
I fear he is
Well, he's welcome to stay here for as long as it takes
one way or t'other
That's very good of you, Sergeant George
He seems agitated, like Jo?
Anything that we can do for you, to set your mind at rest?
Is there a friend that we could call?
Mr Snagsby
And the lady
Could you tell her I never meant her no harm ?
I shall, Jo I shall
Thought you'd wish to know, sir
Sir Leicester and his lady came to town today
Did they now?
She sent the maid away
The pretty girl, the one you mentioned
Gone
Thought you'd wish to know, Mr Tulkinghorn
Thank you, Clamb
And how do you find yourself?
My poor lad
I'm in luck here, Mr Snagsby
I'm very cosy here
I never meant to do it, sir
Do what, Jo?
Make the make the lady ill
Near to die
She is coming here herself, Jo
You can tell her yourself
Pray God he lives that long
There's very little I can do for him
Poor lad
(Hold up, my boy Hold up We'll beat this, so we will )
Don't let the other one come
Inspector Bucket, Jo? No, he won't come here
No, the other one
You know him , Mr Snagsby
Where I was took Behind the big desk
It was him
set the Inspector on to me
That's when all my troubles started No, no, Jo
He wouldn't harm you Who?
Who do you speak of?
Why, Mr Tulkinghorn
Tulkinghorn
Well? I thought we had an agreement, Lady Dedlock
What agreement?
That you would take no action without reference to me
You have violated that agreement by sending that girl away
What possible harm can it do to spare an innocent girl from the taint of scandal?
If I wish to protect my secret It is not your secret any longer
It is my secret, in trust for Sir Leicester and the family
I consider our agreement to be broken, Lady Dedlock,
and I reserve the right to take what action I see fit
You must do as you wish
Then that is all I have to trouble you with this evening
Wait
Do you mean to tell Sir Leicester tonight?
No
Not tonight
Tomorrow, then?
It may be tomorrow
Good evening, Lady Dedlock
What's the matter, Jo?
I thought I was
Tom All Alone's again It was just a dream , Jo
You're safe now
You're with friends
Not for very long, though
I'm going, ain't I ? Moving on
Like the copper said, right?
You don't have to go anywhere, Jo
Where did you think of going?
Burying ground
That's where
By and by, Jo Not yet
It's getting very dark
I thought there'd be a light coming
Jo?
Did you ever know a prayer?
No, Miss Jo, can you say what I say?
Our Father
which art in heaven
art in heaven Heaven hallowed
Dead
Dead, Your Majesty
Dead, my Lords and gentlemen
Dead, Your Worships Dead, Right Reverends of every order and degree
Dead and dying thus around us
Every day
Beg pardon, my lady I thought you'd retired for the night
Sir Leicester has retired for the night I am going out
Call for the carriage, my lady?
Not necessary, Mercury I simply want a breath of fresh air
So will you be so good as to unbolt the door?
Very good, my lady
At least the poor lad'll have a proper burial
Mr Jarndyce, he'll see to that
Clergyman
Brass handled coffin
All proper and shipshape
He's a good man, that Mr Jarndyce
That man bears a heavy weight of blame, Phil
Mr Jarndyce? What's he done?
Not Jarndyce
Tulkinghorn
It all comes back to Tulkinghorn He's like the old enemy himself
I'm going out, Phil
Where are you going at this time of night?
Never you mind
I'll be going home, then, Mr Tulkinghorn
All right, Clamb Goodnight then, sir
Goodnight
Oh Beg pardon, sir No harm done
Goodnight
Who's there?
Who's there, I say? !
You !
GUN FIRES
Mr Tulkinghorn?
Where d'you get to last night, guv'nor?
Just a little walk, Phil.
What, with a pistol in your pocket?
Ow!
You numskulls! You wild beasts!
Have a care, there! Now put me down softly. Softly!
Yeah. There we are.
Judy, shake me up.
BONES CRACK George, my old friend.
I'm no friend of yours, and you know it.
What do you want? No need to take that tone with me, George.
I've come to take an inventory of all your goods prior to taking possession of the premises.
Now what do you say to that?
Oi, steady on.
Judy, Judy, Judy! He's gonna kill me! JUDY SCREAMS
Get me out of here! You'll regret this, George.
Mr Tulkinghorn will hear of this.
Shot through the heart.
Take a seat, Mr Clamb.
And a drop of this.
You've had a shock.
At least, I hope you have.
Go on. He don't mind now.
Shot through the heart late last evening, I should say.
No weapon on the scene.
So we can surmise that this was no accident.
What we are looking at is a murder.
Are you with me, Mr Clamb?
It's a terrible thought, Inspector.
It's a terrible thing.
This is very good wine.
No sign of a struggle.
No sign of a robbery.
So, I deduce, correct me if I'm going astray, Mr Clamb,
that this murder was committed by someone who knew Mr Tulkinghorn and didn't like him.
That could be quite a long list.
Come on, old fellow.
This is no time for discretion.
Would you care to give me any names?
There's a man, sir, I don't accuse him.
No, no, I understand. Come on.
He goes under the name...
of Sergeant George.
I know the man.
He felt he was being persecuted by my...employer.
And was he? That's not for me to say, Inspector.
But he has been here more than once and uttered threats.
Threats?
That's serious.
And as I was leaving last night, I nearly ran into him just outside.
And did he go up? That I can't say, Inspector.
That's all right.
Anyone else you'd like to mention?
Not that I can think of.
Mr Tulkinghorn's clerk?
He was most insistent on seeing you in person, Sir Leicester. For what reason?
He didn't give a reason, Sir Leicester, but said it was a matter of the utmost importance.
I will see him.
Have things come to such a pass that Tulkinghorn now sends his clerk
instead of attending upon us himself?
It would seem so.
Mr Clamb.
Well, Mr Clamb?
Sir Leicester. Lady Dedlock.
My master is dead.
What?
Tulkinghorn dead?
Well...how? Was he taken ill?
I'm very sorry to say that he was murdered, sir.
Shot through the heart
in his office
late last evening.
Shot? Tulkinghorn shot?
In his own office?
Tulkinghorn murdered?
This is an outrage. Tulkinghorn murdered, then none of us is safe.
Is there a policeman in charge of the investigation?
Yes - Mr Bucket, sir. Send Mr Bucket to me.
I intend to see to it that the ruffians
who perpetrated this outrage against civilisation suffer the full majesty of the law.
Sorry, sir, no-one to go up without Inspector Bucket's say-so.
What's Inspector Bucket got to do with it?
He's in charge of the investigation. Investigation? Now, move along, sir.
You move along yourself!
I've got urgent business with my solicitor.
And tell him it's Mr Smallweed!
Constable! Let him come in.
I should think so. Now make way!
Oh, steady, steady, you're shaking me to splinters.
Ooh.
Ooh, my bones. Set him down.
Ooh!
And keep the rest of 'em out.
Now what is this?
Oh, Lord!
Oh, my eye.
He don't look well.
Nor would you if you'd been shot through the heart.
Mr Smallweed, right?
Not had the pleasure before but I heard a deal about you.
I know who done this.
Oh, yes? Who, then?
What's it worth? Three years hard labour for withholding evidence if you don't cough up, my friend.
Oh, I'm your friend, am I?
Don't sound very friendly to me.
Come on. Who's the murderer?
Man called George.
Some call him Sergeant George.
He threatened to kill me not an hour ago.
Aimed his pistol right between my eyes.
I've heard him threaten to kill Mr Tulkinghorn scores of times.
Scores of times? In this very room, sir.
And you'd swear to that in court, would you? I would.
Circumstantial evidence, Mr Smallweed. Not conclusive.
Interesting, though.
And what brought you here this morning?
Oh, course.
The shock nearly drove it from my mind.
Mr Tulkinghorn's been holding some letters of mine. I come to collect 'em. Oh?
And what letters were these? Private letters. From a lady.
My property, though.
I'll just look 'em out and take 'em, shall I? No, you shan't, Mr Smallweed.
Constable! You can't do that.
I demand my property. Take him away.
This is an outrage! I demand justice! Ooh, my bones!
Have a care there, you brimstone beasts, or I'll have the law on you!
We ARE the law, Mr Smallweed.
Caddy Jellyby's had her baby.
Caddy Turveydrop I should say now.
Oh, dear.
What is it?
The baby is very poorly
and Caddy is ill herself.
I think I should go to her.
By all means, if you think it'll do her good. Well, she thinks so.
Then...
let us all stay on in London.
I have some business I could be attending to.
PIANO PLAYS A DANCE
Oh, Miss Summerson. I'm ever so glad you're here.
I've been very anxious about Caddy.
No need for anxiety, none at all.
My own personal physician, Mr Growler, is attending her.
Good day to you, ladies. You are welcome.
BABY CRIES I've been treating them both with my black mixture four times a day.
Its powerful purgative action will soon see them both right.
Burns out the badness, do you see?
Indeed, I have frequent recourse to it myself to keep out the winter cold.
Also very beneficial, you might be interested to know, for colic and gout.
And may be rubbed gently into the skin in cases of scabies and pustules.
Burns out the badness in every case.
I think perhaps...
it would do me good if I could keep it down.
I don't think it can be right to treat the mother and baby with the same mixture.
Oh? And what do you think you know about the matter, Miss?
Enough to say that your services are no longer required, Mr Growler. Thank you for your attendance.
You may send in your bill.
Oh, I see, hoity-toity.
Well, I don't stay where I'm not wanted.
But I may say my black mixture has never been called into question before.
Good day to you.
Esther, are you sure? Quite sure.
I'm going to send for Mr Woodcourt.
Mr Bucket,
I want you to understand the importance of this inquiry.
Murder is always important, Sir Leicester Dedlock, Baronet.
Sir Leicester will do perfectly well, Bucket.
Mr Tulkinghorn, you must understand,
was a very true and loyal servant of this family.
As was his father before him.
I wish to offer a reward of 100 guineas
to anyone who can provide information leading to the conviction
of the blackguard who perpetrated this vile deed.
My wife, Lady Dedlock, has been greatly shaken by this.
Murder's a shaking thing, Sir Leicester Dedlock, Baronet.
Not sure a reward will be necessary though.
You mean you've identified the culprit already? We have a suspect.
Then for God's sake, arrest the man.
The thing is, we have to be sure we've got the right man.
The evidence so far is only circumstantial.
It may be him, it may not.
I suppose you have to consider every possibility.
Exactly, my lady.
But the man may escape, may leave the country. Not this man, sir.
He won't do that. Don't worry, sir.
Don't worry, my lady. We've got our eye on him.
Sir Leicester Dedlock, Baronet.
Is she very bad?
I shouldn't be too anxious.
She has a good constitution
and the human body has a wonderful capacity to heal itself.
She's near the crisis now.
I did do right?
To send that man away?
Absolutely right.
Your friend was...
lucky that you came when you did.
Miss Clare, this is a pleasant surprise.
I came to ask for directions to Mr Carstone's lodgings.
I am not sure...
it is in Mr Carstone's interest to be distracted just at present.
I think I know him better than you do, Mr Vholes.
So will you direct me, please?
With the greatest respect, Miss Clare, if he were to leave off now,
it might bring about a reversal of his fortunes.
And of yours.
I haven't come to persuade him to leave you, Mr Vholes,
though I wish he would leave you.
I've come to see him because I love him.
Now will you direct me?
Nothing would give me greater pleasure.
Ada.
Richard, what a miserable place.
Not now you're here.
He might have a change of heart, guv'nor.
Mr Tulkinghorn? I don't think so.
No heart there at all.
And his friend Mr Smallweed.
Just a little ball of bitterness and spite.
I'm sorry, Phil. I said I'd look after you and I haven't been able to.
Don't you worry about me, guv'nor.
Old soldiers never die, eh?
Maybe you'll go back to the country?
How would that be? I couldn't do it, Phil.
Turn up like a bad penny after all these years?
No, I've still got a bit of pride left.
But what if you got it wrong all along?
What if they was waiting for you and longing for you all this time?
Not them.
I'm the black sheep of the family, I am.
Always was, always will be.
You know what?
It's my birthday today.
Is it?
I'm sorry, Phil,
then I've ruined that as well.
Very good of you to invite me, sir, on such an auspicious occasion.
We think very highly of you here Mr Woodcourt. Don't we, Esther?
Indeed we do.
He saved Caddy's life.
If you please, sir, Mr Carstone.
Ah.
Rick, my boy, you are welcome.
Come, shake hands.
I'm very glad you're here.
Well, for Ada's birthday.
Woodcourt.
Well, shall we sit down?
Esther?
Happy birthday.
Very handsome of you, guv'nor.
Mmm, not a bad bit of pie this.
It's a good bit of pie, guv'nor. We're not done for yet, eh?
No, no. Not by no means.
It's very good to be sitting down at table with you again, Rick.
I came because Ada particularly wanted me to, sir.
I wouldn't have come for any other reason.
Well, let's not dwell on our differences now.
I cannot help but dwell upon them, sir, when...
No, I have to say it. When you stand between me and my rightful claim...
No, Richard. ..To what is mine.
Not now.
Not tonight.
Please.
For my sake?
For your sake then.
I humbly beg your pardon, sir.
Well... You're forgiven.
HE COUGHS
You're right. I'm truly sorry.
What should all this wretched business matter on Ada's birthday?
Ada, I beg your pardon.
I beg everybody's pardon.
Do you ever feel, Woodcourt, as though you're lost in a fog
and suddenly everything becomes clear?
I wish I could see my way to making a living a little more clearly.
Perhaps I could be of some help to you.
Could I perhaps secure you a post in the north country where you nearly went before? Or overseas, indeed?
I begin to think that you want to see the back of me, Mr Jarndyce.
Oh, no, no, not at all. But things seem to be more difficult for you in London.
They are, sir, but I'm not ready to leave yet.
There's far too much to keep me here.
Well, here's to Ada.
21 years old today.
ALL: To Ada.
Now you're 21, you can do whatever you want.
I can, can't I? And I shall.
How did you think Richard looked?
I think he's grown thinner.
He ate almost nothing, Ada.
I do love him so, Esther.
I love him, too.
But not in the same way, I think.
Hmm.
Mr Woodcourt looked very well this evening.
Yes. And he thought you looked very well, too.
I believe he barely took his eyes off you.
Oh, don't talk nonsense, Ada.
You like him too, don't you? I admire him as a doctor.
And I like him very much as a friend.
And I hope he thinks of me as a friend and that's all.
How can you be so blind, Esther?
Anyone can see he's in love with you.
Stop that, I don't want to hear it. Why not?
Perhaps you should know...
.that Mr Jarndyce and I are engaged to be married.
I don't believe you.
How long have you been engaged to him?
Quite a while now.
And you never told me?
You kept it a secret.
Esther, how could you? I'm sorry.
He wanted us to be absolutely sure it wasn't a mistake before we told anybody.
And are you?
Yes.
Quite sure.
PHIL: Present arms!
At the ready.
In your own time, advance!
Go, guv'nor. Give it some.
My word. Steady on, George.
What's all this?
Bit of entertainment, like.
Phil, it's his birthday.
Oh, I see,
savage amusements.
Is that a bottle of wine?
I believe it is. Will you take a glass, Mr Bucket?
I will, George. Thank you kindly.
I was just coming down the street, you know, and I thought,
there's George's place, I wonder how he's getting on?
Pretty bad, Mr Bucket, and that's a fact.
We're broken, and that's the long and short of it.
No, not a fine, strong fellow like you.
Never. I won't hear of it.
Not bad wine, this.
Not as good as Mr Tulkinghorn's, but the company's better here.
Here's to you. Happy birthday and may you have many more.
Thank you, sir.
And now to a less pleasant matter.
Friendship is friendship, but duty is duty.
I never want the two to clash if I can help it.
So I hope you won't think any the worse of me, George.
Why should I?
Because I'm taking you into custody and I hope you'll go quietly.
Taking me into custody?
What for? I'm arresting you for the murder of Mr Tulkinghorn of Lincoln's Inn Fields.
I have to tell you, George, things look bad for you.
You were seen that night lurking about Tulkinghorn's place.
True enough, I was there.
I can't deny it.
Is that all, George?
Come on, you can do better than that.
What good will it do me?
You've made your mind up, I can see that.
Let's hear your story all the same.
Well...I went there
and I took my pistol with me.
I didn't know what I should do, and that's the truth.
I hated that man.
I climbed the steps up to his office, but when I got there I couldn't go in.
I've killed men often enough in the heat of battle but...
I couldn't shoot a man in cold blood.
So I come away.
That is the truth
and you can believe it or not.
Maybe I do, George, and maybe I don't.
Did you see anyone else while you was there?
I bumped into a man in the dark as I was going in.
Tulkinghorn's clerk, it might have been.
Frightened the wits out of him.
Anyone else?
Come on, there was someone else, wasn't there?
I never saw her face.
Ah, a woman.
On the stairs.
As I was going down, she was coming up.
She had a black-fringed shawl held over her face.
Well, now, a woman.
A woman with a black-fringed shawl.
BELL TOLLS
Well, well, well. What's she doing here?
Oi! Missy! Mademoiselle! Hold on there, Missy, just a word!
All right, Missy. Later'll do as well as sooner.
This is a wretched business, George. How are they treating you?
Very well, sir.
At all events, it's no worse here than Army life.
Except that they're gonna hang me for something I didn't do.
Although I can't deny I've wished him dead, more than once.
Have you spoken to a lawyer?
No, sir. I don't take kindly to the breed and I'd rather have nothing to do with them.
But you must be properly defended. Let me engage a barrister for you.
I'll gladly meet the cost of it.
I'm innocent, Mr Jarndyce.
That's my defence.
I'm grateful to you all for your concern,
but no lawyers for me.
Of course he's innocent. No-one who knew him could doubt that.
But he was at the scene of the crime. He was armed.
He made threats against the dead man.
If he simply declares his innocence in court, I'm afraid the jury will convict him and he'll hang.
We must get him to change his mind.
I have an idea.
Mr Squod, you know him better than anybody.
Could you not persuade him to defend himself? Me, Miss?
I'm not a persuading sort of a man.
And the guv'nor's not the sort of a man to be persuaded.
I'd like to help but I don't see how I can.
Is there anybody else who could talk to him?
Does he have any relations?
Anyone else who cares for him?
Ah, that's the question.
The answer is, yes, he does.
But it's a secret and I promised never to speak of it.
His life may depend upon it, Mr Squod.
He has a mother...
he hasn't seen since he was a young man when he ran away to join the Army.
He was his mother's favourite, I believe.
Must have broke her heart when he ran away.
What I reckon is, if she was to come to him,
if she was to forgive him, like,
she could get him to change his mind.
But do you know her name? Or how she could be found?
Yes, I do.
Her name's Mrs Rouncewell.
She lives in Lincolnshire.
She works as a housekeeper in a place called Chesney Wold.
This just come, sir.
Give it here.
Who gave you this? Just some little guttersnipe, sir.
Said, "It's for Mr Bucket" and run off.
All right, Constable.
Did you require something, sir?
You remember the night of the murder?
You told me you saw a man you thought was Sergeant George?
Yes, sir.
See anyone else?
Like a woman?
A woman with a black-fringed shawl, by any chance?
No, sir, I didn't see anybody else.
Ah. That's a shame.
But it was dark, sir. I only saw the Sergeant cos he just about knocked into me.
But, begging your pardon, sir, I understood you'd made an arrest.
I have.
I've arrested George.
Sometimes you have to do something and be seen to do something.
And sometimes, just doing something for the sake of doing something,
will make something else happen.
Very good, sir.
May I ask, Inspector, if you will be needing to use Mr Tulkinghorn's office for very much longer?
Not much longer, my good friend.
I think things are just boiling up nicely.
I've brought someone to see you, George.
Mother?
George.
Why did you wait so long?
I don't...
How have you come here, Mother? Your friends sent to me.
Did you think I wouldn't come running?
Oh, George. George.
My dear boy.
I never meant to bring shame on you, Mother. Nor have you, George.
I never did it, Mother.
Mr Tulkinghorn, I never did it.
Course you didn't.
And no-one who knew you would ever think you could.
We'll soon have you out of here.
But why didn't you come to see me all these years?
We never cared what you'd done with yourself.
I just wanted to see you, George.
Well, here I am, Mother.
In jail. Arrested for murder, and likely to be hanged.
Not the best of circumstances.
I'm very sorry it had to be like this. Oh, don't talk nonsense, boy.
Mr Jarndyce says there's no good evidence against you.
All you need is a good lawyer, and you'll be free in no time.
I won't have a lawyer, Mother. Yes, you will.
You'll have the best lawyer in London.
Your brother Robert will pay the bills and be glad to do it.
Does he know about this? No, how could he?
I came straight here with Mr Jarndyce.
I don't want him to know about this. And I don't want his help.
Why ever not, George?
HE SIGHS HEAVILY
Because we had harsh words when I left.
And he's a man of wealth now, and I never amounted to much.
And now I'm about as low as a man can be.
I'd be ashamed to meet him, Mother.
I'll accept a lawyer, if I must, but not paid for by him.
Oh, George.
You're just as silly as you ever were.
FOOTSTEPS APPROACH
All done, all done. This was a good day's work.
You found Mrs Rouncewell? I found her, she came.
Mother and son reunited, tears of joy and so on.
And George has agreed to a lawyer representing him.
Do you think Sergeant George will be freed now? I think there's a very good chance of it.
I don't think Inspector Bucket believed he was guilty. Then I'm happy for Sergeant George. Hmm.
Of course I am.
Well, he's a good man.
One of the best of men.
What is it, Esther? Nothing, nothing.
Come on, my dear.
I know you better than that.
I can't help thinking, who will Inspector Bucket arrest now?
Well, the guilty party, one would hope.
My mother believed that Mr Tulkinghorn was her enemy.
That he held her in his power
because of a secret he had discovered from her past.
Because of me.
Well?
What follows?
I think she felt relieved when Mr Tulkinghorn was no longer there to torment her.
Esther.
Esther, you can't think... No. No, no.
But others might think it. Inspector Bucket might think it.
Come, come. You know and I know that your mother is utterly incapable of such a thing.
Yes. Of course, you're right.
I must get along or I'll be late. I promised I'd visit Caddy this morning.
Esther, there really is no need to worry.
If ever there was a woman above suspicion, it's Lady Dedlock.
And the name, madam?
You know very well who I am, Mr Mercury.
Mrs Rouncewell. My Lady's housekeeper at Chesney Wold.
And I am here to see my mistress on a matter of private business.
I'll just see if she's at home.
Wait here, please.
Her Ladyship will see you now, if you'd care to come up.
Seems very strange to see you in London, Mrs Rouncewell.
What can I do for you?
If you please, m'lady,
I don't know whether you have heard.
My son is in prison.
Arrested for murder.
Your son?!
Arrested for murder? Not the son you have met, m'lady.
His brother, George, who left home very young to join the Army.
He is wrongly accused.
I didn't know who else to turn to.
And who is your son supposed to have murdered?
Mr Tulkinghorn.
I see. And what had your soldier son to do with Mr Tulkinghorn?
There was a debt.
But there was a dispute about it,
and a boy died at my son's place.
And George held Mr Tulkinghorn to blame for it.
What boy? A poor crossing-sweeper boy that they called Jo.
I don't know the ins and outs of it,
but George was very angry with Mr Tulkinghorn about it
and people knew that.
Forgive me, Mrs Rouncewell.
But it sounds as if the police had good reason to arrest your son.
But he's innocent, m'lady!
I know him. He'd never do a thing like that.
Many a mother has said that before, Mrs Rouncewell.
Lady Dedlock,
before I left Chesney Wold,
I received a letter.
I don't know who wrote it,
and it made no sense to me at all because when it came,
I'd never heard of any murder.
But now I think perhaps you do know something, m'lady.
And that you might be able to help my son.
Do you wish for me to read this?
Not in my presence, m'lady, please.
And please believe I don't give it any credit.
But if there is anything that you know or anyone you suspect, I beg you to consider it
and think of my son.
Thank you, m'lady.
Mother and child both doing very well, I'm happy to say.
Thank you, Mr Woodcourt. Thanks indeed, noble practitioner of the Hippocratic art.
What wonders you have worked here.
How I wish we could reward you in accordance with your deserts.
But we are poor folk, Mr Woodcourt, poor wretched creatures.
All our money goes on finery for him, the old fraud.
I could...cook him!
I can tell you're feeling better, Caddy. I'll see you get paid, Mr Woodcourt.
Somehow. No need to think about that now.
But you do need to think about money, don't you?
There's no need to be anxious about me.
I'm not exactly starving, you know.
You could do with a new coat, I think.
It's a good thing I'm not vain about my appearance, or I'd be mortified.
I'd be glad to mend it for you.
I'm very good with a needle, though I say it myself. Would you?
I think that would mean more to me than a new coat.
Have you seen much of Richard lately, Mr Woodcourt?
I haven't seen him for a few days.
What with Mrs Turveydrop and my other patients.
Why, are you worried about him?
I'm sure Ada has heard from him, but she says not.
It's not like her to keep anything from me. I'm afraid she may be hiding some bad news.
I'll go and look him up in his lodgings this evening.
A glass of wine does raise the spirits, don't you find?
Why d'you look at me like that?
You think I'm a poor sort of fellow, don't you?
Not a bit of it.
In one way I envy you very much.
Really? Why's that?
You have the love of a very dear girl.
Lord, you're not in love with her yourself, are you?
No. No.
Oh, yes, of course.
Esther.
HE COUGHS
Esther.
Do you think I have a chance with her? I think she likes you very much.
She's a strange little creature in some ways.
Takes her housekeeping duties very seriously and so on.
She's very attached to Jarndyce, too, I must admit.
Still, not even a fellow like that would keep a girl cooped up for the rest of her life
just to sort out his linen cupboards.
Well, well.
Esther.
Good for you, Woodcourt.
If you like her, you should ask her.
I intend to.
Morning, Miss Esther. Good morning, Harriet.
I was just coming down, Esther. Have you heard from Richard?
No. Not for a while.
Shall we go down, then? Yes.
Yes.
Ada, I should like to go and visit Richard and see how he's getting on.
Oh?
Why that, now? Well, I had a note from Mr Woodcourt, who's a little concerned about his health.
Oh, well I should go, not you.
Go together.
Give him my best love. That suit you, Ada?
Yes. Very well.
There's a letter for you, sir.
Addressed to you here, sir, care of Sir Leicester Dedlock.
Oh yes? Give it here.
Hmm.
That's old news, that is.
Got a pinch of snuff for me, Mr Mercury?
Thank ye kindly. I'll do the same by you one day.
Well, take a pinch yourself. We're all friends here.
Don't mind if I do.
Fine ladies and gentlemen are all very well,
but I prefer below stairs on the whole.
Recalling the night of the murder, did Lady Dedlock go out at all that night, do you remember?
Yes, she did. Yes, I thought she did.
On her own, was she? Yes.
M'lady likes a little walk at night. Quite on her own.
Fresh night air, she says. Yes, that's all in order.
But that night, that particular night...
.I'll just take another pinch of this very fine snuff of yours, Mr Mercury.
That particular night, can you recall what she was wearing?
No, sir.
No, sir? Can't recall?
Might she have gone out with a black-fringed shawl, by any chance?
Hand on my heart, Mr Bucket, I can't be sure.
M'lady often goes out.
M'lady has such a lot of clothes.
I can't be sure. I'm sorry, Mr Bucket.
Don't torment yourself, Mr Mercury.
You've been very helpful. A fount of wisdom.
Just a tiny pinch more.
Now where we seen hand like that?
Well, well, well.
I've got a little errand for you, Mr Clamb.
Have you, Mr Bucket?
You remember that French maid who was brought here one time?
Miss Hortense? That's the one.
I want her brought here, Clamb.
Had you not better get one of your policemen to bring her here, sir?
No, Mr Clamb.
That wouldn't strike the young lady as a friendly thing to do.
You just go and tell her a gentleman wants to see her
in Mr Tulkinghorn's office,
and it will be to her advantage to accompany you there.
As a favour to me, Mr Clamb.
Quickly, past Vholes's office.
I detest that man.
Here, this is the house.
You seem to know your way very well.
Do I?
Ada, my love.
COUGHING: Esther.
Richard, what is it?
Nothing, nothing. Frog in my throat.
Is this a healthy place to live, do you think?
It's near the law courts and it's near Vholes.
Perhaps a change from both would be good for your health.
No. We're doing very well at present. We really are spinning along.
Ask Vholes. He's giving them no rest.
We shall rouse up that nest of sleepers, mark my words.
Come and sit down, my love.
I can't pretend with her, you see.
I fluctuate a little, that's the truth.
Sometimes I hope, and sometimes I...
Well, not despair exactly, but pretty close.
It's all such weary, weary work.
Esther, I'm not going back with you to Bleak House.
But where will you sleep, Ada?
With my husband.
We were married as soon as I came of age.
Sorry I kept it a secret from you.
But you kept a secret from me.
Don't be angry with us.
HE COUGHS
So, YOU bring me 'ere.
What d'you want?
Not the first time we've been together in this room, my dear. So what?
I saw you at the funeral.
I never realised you were such an admirer of our deceased friend.
It is no crime to attend a funeral.
No, but someone's been writing letters, my dear. Oh, yes?
"Lady Dedlock, murderess." And what of it?
Look at this. You remember, you wrote your address for me?
Now look at the note.
Same handwriting, would you agree?
Oh, the great detective(!)
So pleased with himself.
Yes, I wrote the letters because you so clearly get everything wrong.
I know it was Lady Dedlock who killed that man.
Oh, you do, do you?
How's that, then? I saw her that night. I followed her 'ere.
Excellent.
I wonder now, did you notice what she was wearing?
She wore a black dress.
And she covered her face with a black-fringed shawl.
Black-fringed shawl.
I wonder now,
if you was to go to her house,
could you find that shawl for me?
Of course. I know where all her clothes are kept. I was her maid, stupid man!
All right, all right.
Now listen to me.
This is my plan...
Here we are, my dear.
My friend should be waiting.
HE KNOCKS ON DOOR
All right, Mr Mercury?
This is for you. You still here?!
As you see, some of us know how to hold our tongues. Come on.
A bientot, mademoiselle.
Steady, you mad beasts!
I'm not a sack of potatoes! Ow!
I'll dock you tuppence for that.
Now down gently.
Judy, shake me up.
Mr Clamb, good evening.
If you're looking for Mr Bucket, he's not here.
I'm not looking for him. I'm looking for you.
And I've found you, ain't I? What can I do for you, Mr Smallweed?
Private business. Out, the lot of you! You too, Judy.
I'll call you when I need ya.
You've got some letters of mine here, Mr Clamb.
Of great personal and sentimental value.
Mr Tulkinghorn was gonna pay me a lot of money for 'em, and now I'm out of pocket. So I want 'em back!
Mr Smallweed, this office is full of letters. How am I to know which ones you mean?
They're tied up with pink ribbon, and addressed to a Captain Hawdon.
As I recall, Mr Smallweed, Mr Tulkinghorn paid you for those letters.
In fact, I think I could lay my hand on the receipt.
Well, what use are they to him? Or you? Or his estate now?
I know how to make money out of 'em and you don't.
Well, it's a pity you don't own 'em, then.
Ain't it, Mr Smallweed? All right!
All right. I'll go shares with ya.
Oh, I don't know, Mr Smallweed.
I think that would be wrong. Well, who's to know?
Come on, Mr Clamb.
Who's gonna pay your wages now?
I'm offering you a partnership.
Nothing ventured, nothing gained.
Bucket...?
Bucket! I thought that disagreeable business was all done with.
Perhaps he has come to claim the reward, my dear. Rather presumptuous.
One would have thought that he would at least wait until the fellow was convicted and hanged.
Mr Bucket.
Sir Leicester Dedlock, Baronet.
My Lady Dedlock. Mr Bucket, how goes the world with you?
Tolerably well, sir. Tolerably well.
Was there something you wanted, Mr Bucket? Yes, sir, there was.
A few questions I'd like to put to Her Ladyship.
The devil you would!? I have no objection.
Let him ask his questions.
Perhaps your ladyship would be more comfortable if I put them to you in private?
No. Whatever you have to say to me, you may say in front of my husband.
Very good, my lady.
Won't take long.
Did you go out on the night of the murder?
Mr Mercury tells me... Yes.
I did, I believe.
I do sometimes feel the need to take the air before retiring.
Nothing wrong with that. Where did you go?
I really cannot recall, Mr Bucket.
The purpose of the walk was to take the air,
not to go anywhere in particular.
Just so, of course.
Can you recollect what you was wearing, my lady?
What an extraordinary question.
No, I cannot. Quite a chilly night, as I recall.
Would you have had a black-fringed shawl with you, by any chance?
I do not believe I possess any such garment.
You see, the thing is, a lady, or shall we say a woman,
was seen in the vicinity of Mr Tulkinghorn's that night,
wearing just such a shawl, held over her face.
That is very interesting, Mr Bucket, but as I say, I do not believe I possess any such thing.
Very good.
With your permission, Sir Leicester?
What is that woman doing here?
Leave my house or I shall have you ejected. You have no business here!
Stay where you are.
I say Mademoiselle Hortense has business here. Law business.
And NO-ONE is above the law.
Not even Sir Leicester Dedlock, Baronet.
Find it? Yes.
Show it.
Where d'you find it? In my lady's closet.
You let that creature... Steady, Sir Leicester.
And Mercury was with me when I found it. Give it here.
D'you recognise this shawl, my lady?
Yes, I do recognise it now.
Very good.
Memory can play funny tricks.
Now, I wonder if you can remember any more about that night?
Perhaps if I tell you that Sergeant George,
the fellow we've got locked up, says he saw a woman with a black-fringed shawl
on the stairs leading up to Mr Tulkinghorn's office.
This is not the only black-fringed shawl in London, I believe.
And, as I say, I cannot remember wearing it.
Perhaps if I say this young lady says she followed you that night?
You see? Now you must tell the truth.
Be quiet, mademoiselle, please.
Lady Dedlock?
I did walk as far as Mr Tulkinghorn's office that night.
I had remembered something I wanted to say to him. Ah!
Very good.
You were taking the air,
you remembered you had something to say to Mr Tulkinghorn.
You thought you might as well pop up and have a word with him right away.
Did you have that word with him, my lady?
No, I did not.
I knocked on the door but I received no reply.
I came away. Liar!
I believe I passed someone on the stairs.
That would have been Mr George.
And that clears up the last point that's been puzzling me.
With your permission again, Sir Leicester?
Now, Constable, you can arrest this lady for the murder of Mr Tulkinghorn.
No. No! You fool! Her! Her!
Hortense Jaboulet.
You are arrested for the murder of Mr Josiah Tulkinghorn of Lincoln's Inn Fields. Take her away.
Non! Laissez-moi, cochon! Constable, can't you hold this woman still?
You stupid man. Why do you do this?
Why should you think I killed that man?
Just calm yourself a bit, Miss, and I'll tell you.
You see, I never thought George had the murdering look about him,
but I always thought you had.
And then there was the murder weapon.
Anything to say about that? Non.
No, because after we'd had our little chat, the very next day
you took a trip to the country and dropped a pistol into a pond.
And my man, who'd been following you since the night before,
got very wet fishing it out.
So, there we are, Miss. All over, bar the springing of the trap.
You! I wish I could send you straight to hell!
I'm sure you do, my dear.
Unpleasant, distasteful, coarse fellow.
What is it, my dear? Hmm?
Don't much care for that fellow, Bucket, questioning you as if...
Well, as if you were a common criminal.
Well, I suppose he has his work to do.
I don't care for the way he goes about it.
Making free with one's house.
Making a show of everything, like a conjuror at a music hall.
Don't care for the man.
Well, it's over now.
No harm done.
You take it very well, my dear.
What was it that you were going to see Tulkinghorn about that night?
Do you know, I cannot remember.
I suppose it must have seemed important at the time,
but I really cannot recall it now.
Poor Tulkinghorn, what an end -
to be shot through the heart by a domestic servant.
Doesn't bear thinking about.
There we are George, me old friend.
A free man, I said, and free you are.
And here's your friends to greet you.
Oh, George. George.
Hello, Mother. Steady on.
All right, guv'nor?
Well, I'm a free man, for what good it'll do me.
I've not a penny to me name and nowhere to lay me head.
But we'll get by, Phil.
We'll stick together like we always do. We'll find something.
You don't have to. Now, mother. No, listen to me George.
You don't have to, because you're coming home with me to Chesney Wold.
I had a little word with Sir Leicester.
"No-one knows horses like my George", I told him.
"Well," he said, "He can come and help look after mine."
I'm coming too, guv'nor. His Lordship give the word.
There we are then.
I expect you'd be wanting to thank me, George.
Thank you? For what?
If I hadn't wrongfully arrested you, none of this would have happened.
You'd never have seen your ma again,
and you'd have still been swimming over your head in debt and misery.
Oh, George, no! Let him go this minute.
Beg your pardon, Mr Bucket.
No hard feelings, George. All in a day's work.
Come on then, George, before you get in any more trouble.
Mr Bucket?
Lady to see you.
All right, Constable.
Er, Lady Dedlock? This is an unexpected pleasure, my lady.
Take a seat, why don't you?
Can I rely on your discretion?
I think so, Lady Dedlock.
What am I required to be discreet about?
I told you that I was going to see Mr Tulkinghorn
on the night of his death. You did.
Will I be called as a witness at the trial of Hortense Jaboulet?
It's possible, my lady.
I should be grateful...
.very grateful,
if my name could be kept out of the case.
Yes, I dare say, my lady.
I do not ask this for my own sake.
Is that a fact? My husband...
Sir Leicester Dedlock, Baronet.
.is not in good health.
If the family name were dragged into the public prints,
the shock might be too great for him.
Things might come out that were better kept quiet.
Things that are nothing to do with the case. Hmm?
That is possible.
I agree with you.
The evidence against Mademoiselle Jaboulet is solid as a rock.
She's confessed to it. She's proud of it.
All because he said he'd help her to a position and then changed his mind.
Bang.
We don't want to confuse the jury, do we? No, inspector.
Whatever Mr Tulkinghorn may have known, or not,
he's taken it with him to the grave.
Rubbish! Rubbish.
Rubbish! Rubbish!
What you looking so pleased about, you Beelzebub beast?
I've half a mind to skin you and roast you!
CAT HISSES Huh!
DOOR BELL RINGS What's that?! Judy, shake me up.
Shop's shut! Whoever you are, we don't want your custom!
Get out of it! Sling your hook! Last warning.
It's only me, Mr Smallweed.
Didn't you hear what I said? Get out! Sling your hook before I pepper you.
That's not very friendly, Mr Smallweed.
You see, I've been thinking about the advice you gave me.
About what's going to happen to me now and all that.
Do you think I care what happens to you, Clamb?
I'm not the District Provident Society. I'm a man of business!
Yes, I understand that, Mr Smallweed.
Business is what I've come about.
50-50?
Ah! Sorry to be back so late.
Were you anxious? No, not anxious.
But I missed you, Esther.
And where's Ada?
Still in London.
But where's she staying? Sit down.
She's staying with Richard, in his lodgings.
They are married.
They have been married for weeks
and she never told me about it till now.
So...they're married?
I always thought it would come,
but it's come a little sooner than I thought.
Is that all you can say about it? Are you not angry with them?
No.
If they are happy, I'm happy.
Of course I shall miss Ada,
as I missed Rick these long months.
They live in that damp, poky little place!
And Richard looking so ill and wasted. Well, they're together.
I expect that matters more to them than anything.
And we are together, too. Yes.
Well, well, our little household's thinning fast.
Things haven't turned out quite as I imagined they would when you first came here.
No, I don't suppose things ever do turn out quite as we imagine them.
But I hope you think they have not turned out...
too badly?
No.
No, of course not.
Carstone, are you there?
I see you are engaged. What is your business, Mr Woodcourt?
No business. I thought we might take a walk together, Carstone.
As you can see...
As you observed, Mr Woodcourt, Mr Carstone is engaged at present.
Perhaps another time.
Yes, right. Very well.
He looked wretched, but quite set on staying where he was.
And Mr Skimpole was there?
Oh, yes, large as life.
Making himself very much at home.
I don't like that man. Nor do I. I never did.
But Mr Jarndyce has always had a soft spot for him.
He's coming here this evening.
You remember Jo, the crossing-sweeper boy? Of course.
When I found Jo in the street half-dead,
he told me you looked after him at Bleak House when he had the fever.
Yes, but he ran away.
No, he was taken.
And Inspector Bucket told me it was Skimpole who gave him away,
for money, of course,
and because he was afraid of catching the infection himself.
Tulkinghorn wanted the boy moved on,
and Skimpole was all too happy to help.
Not caring if the boy lived or died.
I think I shall speak to Mr Skimpole about this.
DOOR BELL RINGS Out! Out! Closed for business.
Hello, Mr Smallweed. Urgh!
Kenge and Carboys.
Mr Guppy, the ladies' man.
Well, I know what you're after. Do you, Mr Smallweed? I do.
These. Well, yes, Mr Smallweed.
As a matter of fact, my client is still interested in acquiring the letters.
She was good enough to tell me so only yesterday. Well, she can't have 'em! So there!
HE LAUGHS
That's very short-sighted of you Mr Smallweed, if I may say so.
My client is a person of considerable means.
So's mine! With knobs on!
Ha! That's jiggered you.
Well, who is it then, eh?
Use your noddle, Mr Ladies' Man.
Never mind the wife, I'm selling to the husband,
Sir Leicester Dedlock, Bart.
How's that for the highest bidder?
And nothing for Guppy of Kenge and Carboys. Now, go on, sling your hook.
Out! Out! Out!
DOORBELL RINGS
HE BANGS ON THE DOOR
All right, all right.
Mr Guppy to see Lady Dedlock, matter of extreme urgency.
Well, you can't. She isn't here.
Sir Leicester and Lady Dedlock have gone down to Chesney Wold.
Right.
Ah, Miss Summerson. Delightful. And looking as lovely as ever.
And busy about all your little tasks, I have no doubt. Is Mr Jarndyce not at home?
He will be here in a little while.
Then we shall just have to amuse each other until he comes.
Ah, perhaps I might help myself?
Why not? You always do. What keen observation.
Indeed, here is the world and its delights,
and here is Harold Skimpole to partake of them. Will you join me?
Mr Skimpole, I want to talk to you about Richard Carstone.
Dear Rick. Ada is very anxious about him.
She thinks your visits do him no good and I agree with her.
I want you to promise to leave him alone. My dear Miss Summerson,
far be it for me to go anywhere where I am not wanted.
Richard is ill and he is poor. He is penniless.
There is no more to be got from him.
You and Mr Vholes have had it all. I am bewildered, Miss Summerson.
If my friends choose to lend me money, what am I to do? You seem to forget what a child I am.
Yes, I do know what sort of a child you are.
When that poor boy Jo was lying ill and near to death, you took a bribe.
How much was it, five pounds, to betray his whereabouts? Can you deny it?
A bribe, Miss Summerson? I don't even understand the meaning of the word. Oh yes, I think you do.
And what would Mr Jarndyce say if I told him how you betrayed his trust?
Betrayed his...
Betrayed his trust?
No. No, you've lost me there.
These are matters that Harold Skimpole cannot possibly understand.
But I do sense a certain something in the atmosphere.
And do you know, I think I might take my leave now.
Do give my apologies to my dear friend, Jarndyce.
Perhaps might not be seeing so much of each other in the future.
And to my dear friend Richard and his lovely wife.
And coming to your excellent self, Miss Summerson...
No need to pretend, Mr Skimpole. Goodbye.
Skimpole. Sorry to be late.
Just going, in fact. Oh!
Events. Events. People and so on.
Huh. Goodbye.
Odd. He's an odd man.
Mr Guppy, my lady.
Mr Guppy, you are all wet.
Er, yes, my lady. A thousand apologies.
I tried to get a cab at the station, no luck.
Walked all the way, ran part of it. Calm yourself, Mr Guppy.
Have you brought the letters?
I beg Your Ladyship's pardon, but no,
I have not.
Were they destroyed? Smallweed's got 'em.
Who is Smallweed?
He's a man, my lady.
I believe he's coming here to make mischief with 'em.
I see. I thought you ought to know.
He don't stop at nothing, Smallweed don't.
I came as quick as I could to tell you, my lady.
I'm sorry I could not be of more service.
Thank you, Mr Guppy.
Wait there one moment.
Fortnum! Fortnum!
There is a man named Smallweed.
He is not to be admitted under any circumstances. Is that understood?
I'm very sorry, my lady,
I've just shown him into the library.
Well, Mr Smallweed. What can I do for you?
That's very civil of you, sir.
Very civil. That's a gentleman, that is. Shake me up a bit!
That's enough, you poll parrot.
Mr Smallweed... You don't know me, sir,
but I was a client and a good friend of Mr Tulkinghorn, deceased.
I was useful to him and he was useful to me.
Now, I come into some letters
that belonged to a man who went by the name of Nemo, a law-writer.
These letters was from his sweetheart, his little lovey-dovey,
and very tender they was, too.
Mr Smallweed, I don't understand how this concerns me.
What if I was to tell you that his little lovey-dovey signed herself Honoria Barbary?
What? Ain't such a common name, now, is it?
Ah, concerns you now, don't it?
Honoria Barbary as was.
Lady Honoria Dedlock as is.
And her sweetheart, Nemo, real name Captain Hawdon.
And the child she had by him that he never set eyes on.
This is the most preposterous nonsense.
I'll hear no more. Fortnum!
Fortnum! Wait a bit! Wait till you see the writing. 'Ere, have a look at this.
Take 'em over to him, Judy.
Show him 'em. Don't let him touch 'em!
How about that then, Sir Leicester Dedlock?
You ever seen a hand like that before?
Sir? No.
No, no. Go away.
What do you want? £500!
I had thought of selling 'em on the market to the highest bidder,
but I thought you'd like to keep it private.
Well, do you want 'em or not?!
I've come a long way today, and my bones have been all shook up.
£500, yes or no?
For your lady's honour, and your family's honour.
Mr Tulkinghorn, he was very keen on that and I bet you are too, eh?
So, what do you say?
Very well, Mr Smallweed.
What did I tell you, Judy? A true copper-bottomed gent.
Let's shake hands on it.
Steady!
Mrs Rouncewell, are you there?
Mrs Rouncewell,
would you have the goodness to ask my lady to come down to the library?
My lady has gone out, sir.
Gone out? Yes, sir.
If you please, sir, she left this for you.
"You know my secret now.
"And, of course, our life together is over.
"I will encumber you no more.
"I hope you will be able to forget the unworthy woman
"on whom you have wasted a most generous devotion,
"and who writes this last adieu."
HE COUGHS
Oh!
SIR LEICESTER MUMBLES DELIRIOUSLY
Please, sir, don't tire yourself.
I came as quick as I could.
She's gone then?
Give him the slate. Maybe he can write a bit.
I'll do me best, sir.
Left your clothes behind, and your jewels.
Did you take any money?
Hello, what's this?
"Esther."
He's fretting something terrible.
Tell him Bucket's on the case, and no time to be lost.
My guess is she's gone south.
But where?
That I don't know,
but I do know where to start.
Miss Summerson, you'll excuse me being direct.
This is a matter of life and death and time is short.
The fact is, I know that you are Lady Dedlock's daughter.
How?
Let's just say I've known for some time.
How isn't important.
I'll need your help, Miss.
Lady Dedlock has gone missing,
and I fear for her life.
Has she tried to see you, Miss?
No notes? No messages?
No, no. Nothing at all. I wouldn't have expected it.
The last time I spoke to her
she said we would never be able to meet again.
She may do yet.
I believe her to be in a desperate state, Miss.
And people in desperate states
often do go back on things they've said.
Well, I'll put the word out about her and search in the usual places.
What do you mean by "the usual places"?
Tom All Alone's, Miss, to start with.
And then the river.
Desperate folk very often seem to find their way there.
The doctor will tell you that. I want to come with you.
I wouldn't advise it, Miss.
She's my mother.
KNOCK ON DOOR
Oh, my lady! What's the matter?
Oh, look at the state of you.
I was hoping to see Esther Summerson.
I went to Bleak House, but it was all shut up.
I was hoping you could tell me where I might find her.
I think they're all in London, my lady.
But I don't know where. London?
Won't you stay a while and rest? Come and sit by the fire.
No. No, thank you. You're... You're very kind, but I must go on.
At least wait until your clothes are dried out.
My lady, stop!
Looking for a lady. A lady!
Know what that is?
Dark, about the size of this lady, here.
Has she been seen?
Come on, wake up!
Looking for a lady!
All right, sir?
La...?
No, sir. No news yet.
But Mr Bucket's on the trail, sir.
And there's none better at finding folk,
whether they want to be found or not.
What is this place? This is where they bring the drowned of the river.
Man.
Woman, not her.
Man.
Can't hardly tell what this one is.
Too long dead for us, anyways. Man.
Man.
Woman.
Not her.
Poor creature.
Well I'm stumped, I have to admit it.
We've covered all the hotels, the hostels,
the sixpenny doss-houses even.
Nothing. KNOCK AT THE DOOR
Please, Miss, a boy brought this for you. He wouldn't wait. He ran off.
Thank you.
Whose writing is it? My mother's.
"I have wandered a long distance and I know that I must soon die.
"I have done all I could to be lost.
"I have nothing about me by which I may be recognised.
"Farewell, my dear one.
"The place where I shall lie down, if I can get so far,
"has been often in my mind.
"Forgive me."
Why didn't I think of it?
Come on!
SOBBING
If she had only known,
George Rouncewell,
how much I loved her.
And how little I cared
about what the world would think of her.
Oh, my dear, so delighted!
So glad to see you.
Are you going to visit our Jarndyce wards?
Yes, I am. Ooh, I must tell you.
I have made Mr Carstone my executor, to administrate my will.
I... I have reflected that if I should wear out,
he could take over my judgement,
being so very regular in his attendance.
I am sure he will be very honoured.
It was to have been Mr Gridley had that honour,
but he wore out, poor man,
and predeceased me.
But all of this is in confidence.
Not a word to anyone. Another secret.
I've added to my collection of birds.
Really? Yes. Two more. Keep them caged up with the others. D'you know what they're called?
The wards in Jarndyce. Oh.
Oh, oh,
but they will be set free, you know -
on the Day of Judgement. They will fly free.
I must leave you now. Goodbye.
Ada?
Ada, are you upset?
Is it Richard?
He's so ill...
and weak.
He hardly eats anything.
But he forces himself out every day, all day, to court.
He's there still and nothing comes of it.
And he has his heart set on it, Esther,
on winning this wretched case.
He has his heart set on you, too, Ada.
I suppose so.
But I hoped that when we were married, it would be different,
that it might change him.
That he would think more about us,
our life together...
.and the child he'll be father to.
You're going to have a baby?
Oh, Ada. Ada! This will bring him to his senses, if nothing else will.
Do you think so? I'm sure of it!
To see his own child, to care for it and watch it grow.
Now I'm afraid.
Afraid of what?
I can't say it.
It's too terrible.
I'm afraid he won't live to see his child.
Here we are.
Miss Summerson.
Mrs Carstone. I met Richard outside the court and walked back with him.
Gave Vholes the slip for once.
He's a good fellow but...
weary work when you've had a day of him.
What a lot of old rubbish, eh?
Good to see you, Esther.
Sorry I'm not quite the thing.
Get so dreadfully tired these days.
Well, I won't tire you any more.
Don't go on my account.
I'll come again soon.
I'll walk with you, if I may.
It's consumption, and he hasn't the constitution to fight it any more.
He needs rest, a strengthening diet.
I've told him all this but it's hopeless. He won't listen.
Poor Richard.
I have some news,
news about myself that I wanted you to know. Good news, I hope.
Yes, yes, I think so. I hope so.
Shall we sit down for a moment?
I don't know whether Mr Jarndyce has mentioned anything about it,
but he has helped me to obtain a position, a salaried post in the north country.
It'll mean an end to all my money worries.
So, will you take it? I think I must.
Opportunities like this don't come twice.
I'm very happy for you.
Of course, you will be very much missed.
By you? Yes, of course by me.
And by others. But I'm sure you know this.
Never mind about the others.
You say you will miss me?
Yes, I shall, very much.
Then come with me. As my wife!
You must know that I've been in love with you almost since we first met.
Several times I've come so close to telling you, and I am sure you feel something for me, too.
No, Mr Woodcourt.
Please stop. Allan.
Call me Allan, Esther.
I can't marry you, Allan.
I can't love you.
Except as a friend, a very good and dear friend.
Then I am completely mistaken about your feelings?
Just stop, please. It won't do.
Is this because of Mr Jarndyce?
Yes.
It's taking gratitude too far, Esther.
He wouldn't want to keep you from marrying someone you love,
however good a housekeeper you are. Mr Jarndyce and I are engaged to be married.
Good God, you... You can't mean it.
I am very honoured by your proposal,
but I never expected it.
I never thought you felt anything for me but pity.
I don't want you to feel honoured by my proposal.
I want you to marry me. I want you to love me, as I love you.
I have told you,
I am not free to love you.
I can't listen to any more of this.
I'm going now. Please don't follow me.
SOBBING COMES FROM WITHIN THE ROOM
Rubbish. Rubbish. Rubbish...
Give it a rest, Grandad! You done all right out of them old letters.
I did an' all.
Sold 'em twice over!
Rich pickings, Judy. Well, call it a day, then. Let the rag and bone man have the rest.
That is not the spirit that made this country great, Judy!
There's more here, I know it.
Rubbish, rubbish, rubbish.
Bodge up, you brimstone beast. Let's see what you're sitting on.
Ding-dong!
Hello! What's this?
"Last Will and Testament."
Jarndyce.
Guardian. What is it, my dear?
I have a confession to make.
A confession? Yes.
You proposed and I agreed that we should keep our engagement a secret.
Yes. I have not been able to keep my promise.
I have told two people,
Ada...
.and Mr Woodcourt.
I see.
There's no need for you to explain why, Esther, and...
I forgive you.
Then...
I think we should agree to get married very soon,
if you still want to marry me, then it shall be a secret from no-one.
Are you sure, Esther? Quite sure.
Then...
.shall we say
in a month?
In a month.
SMALLWEED CHUCKLES
"I do declare this only to be my last will and testament."
Signed John Jarndyce.
Evening, Mr Smallweed.
What you got there?
Nothing. Hand it over.
Oi! My property, Mr Bucket.
Hand it over, Mr Smallweed.
Shan't. Shan't?
You don't happen to know why they killed the pig?
No.
On account of his having too much cheek.
Don't you get into the same position, because it ain't worthy of you.
Hand it over. Now.
Well, well, well!
You're looking very well, if I might say so, Miss Summerson.
Quite exquisite, if I might be so bold.
Kenge. Oi, Guppy, what about me?
I wasn't aware you had any interest in Jarndyce and Jarndyce, Mr Smallweed. Well, I have, then.
That's better.
Judy, shake me up.
All right, Mr Kenge, we're all ready.
Mr Jarndyce, it would appear that this will is a good and true will
of later date than any other so far produced in Jarndyce and Jarndyce.
It reduces your bequest considerably, while greatly advancing the prospects
of Mr Richard Carstone and Miss Ada Clare. Mrs Carstone.
Just so.
It is our opinion that this will resolves all the difficulties in Jarndyce and Jarndyce.
Richard and Ada will get their inheritance after all?
As soon as next term begins.
What do you think? Will I do?
The cuffs are a little frayed but no matter.
We won, Ada!
We won! I was right after all, and they were all wrong, all the rest of them. We shall be rich!
But more than that,
we shall have justice at last.
And then we shall be able to get on with our lives again.
Yes. Yes! No more lawyers, no more courts.
We can move to the country, Ada. We can watch our children grow up
in green fields, breathing pure air instead of this...
pestilential stench!
Are you ready? Shall we go?
Ready as I'll ever be.
I vowed never to set foot in court again.
But for Richard's sake, and Ada's, I must make an exception.
But it's a happy day, isn't it? I suppose so.
I find it hard to believe in any happiness coming from that place, in particular from that case.
But if you tell me it's a happy day,
then of course I must believe you.
KNOCK ON DOOR
If you please, sir, it's a gentleman and a lady.
Mr Guppy and Mrs Guppy.
Mr Guppy.
Mrs Guppy.
I... We were just on our way out.
My business will not take very long, sir, and it concerns Miss Summerson.
Then please say what you have to say.
Will you sit down, Mrs Guppy? Ooh.
I'm much obliged, I'm sure.
Now, Mother.
I had an idea that I should see Miss Summerson by herself.
I wasn't quite prepared for your esteemed presence, Mr Jarndyce.
But no matter.
All the better, perhaps, for you are, as I believe and understand, Miss Summerson's guardian.
I am. Then, sir,
I'm pleased to inform you that I am out of my articles at Kenge
and Carboys and admitted to the role of attorneys in my own right.
And I have taken a house in the locality of Walcot Square, in Lambeth.
In short, I am setting up on my own in the legal profession, and I intend to do very well in it.
I'm sure you will, Mr Guppy.
Well, Miss Summerson,
here we are again.
May I say that, ever since I first encountered you,
your image has been imprinted on my heart.
There was a time, I think you remember that time, when I thought
that I'd got over it, but in truth I never did.
I find I love you more than ever.
Therefore, what I said when we last spoke on these matters, I now repudiate with all my heart.
And, with Mr Jarndyce's approval, I beg to lay the house in Walcot Square,
the business and meself
before you, Miss Summerson, for your acceptance.
Mr Guppy...
.I am touched and honoured by your renewed proposal.
And I am very sorry to have to disappoint you, but my answer is the same as it was before.
You're turning me down?
I am.
I'm sorry, Mr Guppy.
Sorry? I should think so!
You should be ashamed of yourself! Ain't my son good enough for you?
He's too good for you, that's what! Get out! Get out, the pair of you!
No, mother... Get out!
It's unreasonable to ask us to leave our own rooms.
Go on, get out, the pair of you or I'll throw you out!
Mother! What?
Hold your tongue!
Mr Jarndyce,
my apologies.
I am mortified.
Miss Summerson, I take my leave.
If ever I can be of service to you,
please do not hesitate to ask.
Thank you, Mr Guppy.
Farewell.
Come, Mother.
Our friend Guppy's made us very late. The court may have already risen.
But surely, with the new will... Excuse me, do you know what court is on? Jarndyce and Jarndyce.
But it's all over. For the day?
Order! Order! Silence in court!
Silence! Silence!
Silence!
This has been a protracted case.
It has been a complex case.
Jarndyce and Jarndyce has been termed, not inaptly,
a monument of chancery practice.
However, nothing lasts for ever.
The discovery of a new and valid will removes all doubt from the case.
It is quite clear
that the chief beneficiaries of the Jarndyce estate
should be Mr Richard Carstone and Miss Ada Clare...
now Mrs Carstone.
Unfortunately...
this revelation
has coincided with another -
that the whole estate
has been absorbed in costs.
And thus the whole suit lapses
and melts away.
Jarndyce and Jarndyce...
.is no more.
All rise! My Lord!
Ada.
Yes, my dear love?
It's all right, isn't it?
Yes, everything's all right now.
Everything's come clear.
Such a long dark time.
But we can begin again now.
Yes... Yes.
Start the world all over again.
You and I...and our child.
Yes. My love, yes, we will.
Are you there, sir?
Here I am, Rick.
You're a good man.
You saw more clearly than I.
I wronged you.
Dear Rick,
we were all bewildered, more or less.
What does it matter now?
I was thinking,
I should like to come back to Bleak House,
when I'm a little stronger.
If you will take me back, sir.
And Ada, too. Gladly, Rick.
Gladly.
Ada?
I'm always here, my darling.
I've done you so many wrongs.
I have married you to poverty...
.and trouble.
I've scattered your means to the winds.
Can you forgive me?
Before I begin the world again?
Now, my dears. Hope, Joy, Youth, Peace, Rest, Life.
Your time has come.
Fly free, my little ones.
Dust, Ashes, Waste, Want, Ruin!
Be spared.
Come, Madness, Death.
Good fellow.
Words, Wigs, Rags.
Plunder, Precedent, Jargon.
Sheepskin.
Ooh.
And last, but not least, the Wards in Jarndyce.
Goodbye, my little ones.
Esther. Ada.
What would you say to a little holiday? A holiday?
Where did you think of going?
Into Yorkshire. A county I've seen very little of, but the Dales are beautiful.
Would you like to see the Dales, Ada?
I should, one day.
But I'd be just as happy to stay here. A holiday would do us good.
And there's a place in Yorkshire I'd particularly like to show you, Esther. What place is that?
I won't spoil the surprise by telling you. I think you'll like it when you see it.
If no-one has any objections, I propose we leave tomorrow.
Here we are.
This is what I wanted you to see.
This house? This house.
Do you like it? Yes.
In a way, it reminds me of Bleak House.
Good.
Ada, would you mind waiting here? I want Esther to see this closer to.
Thank you.
Bleak House?
Yes, my dear.
Your Bleak House.
I don't understand. Are we to come and live here?
You will live here, Esther.
I will not.
What do you mean? I don't understand you.
I made a mistake, Esther.
I took advantage of your gratitude and your affection.
When you were very young,
I dreamed of making you my wife one day,
and I tried to make myself believe it was right.
But it was wrong.
I think I knew it even before Woodcourt went away.
And when he returned,
I was sure of it.
I would never be able to make you happy, Esther.
Not as a young woman should be made happy by her husband.
I was a fool ever to think that I could. But...
I know you love Allan Woodcourt.
I do love you.
In another way, yes.
We shall always love each other.
Now, come. No.
No tears.
This is to be a day of joy.