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Everything always happens at once.
Now, remember, I'll be back by 6:00.
Never you fear, Mr. Hudson.
Rose can help Alfred wait at tea.
If her ladyship hadn't been so particular.
"Take her some fruit, Hudson," she said.
Poor old soul.
May not be long for this world.
Well, I'd better away, then, or I'll miss my tram.
Now, mind, Alfred, and you, too, Rose.
I want everything just so
for Miss Elizabeth when she gets here.
Lady Castleton's invited for tea,
and I wouldn't be surprised if Mr. James
doesn't drop in as well.
I want everything shipshape and Bristol fashion.
Aye, aye, sir.
Yes. Well, I'd better away, then.
Oh, I hope you get there in time.
Oh, it'll just be one of her wee turns most likely, Mrs. Bridges.
And, Rose, see that the cucumber sandwiches
are nicely displayed on top of the cake stand.
Yes, Mr. Hudson.
And I do hope your mother ain't too poorly.
Thank you, Rose.
And, Alfred.
Yes, Mr. Hudson.
Careful when you're handing 'round the teacups.
Lady Castleton is a wee bit absentminded.
None too steady with her hands.
-[ Giggles ] - Emily, behave yourself.
Yes.
Well, I don't like it, but I haven't got any choice.
Not when her ladyship was so particular.
He's forgot his grapes.
Oh!
- Mr. Hudson! - Yes?
You forgot your grapes.
Oh, dear me. Thank you, Rose.
She's a good age old, Mrs. Hudson.
Aye. Not so much need for grapes as hallelujahs.
She'll go to heaven and all. Sure heaven's waiting for her.
That's enough of your religious mania, Emily.
When you die, you die, and that's an end of it.
Oh, Mrs. Bridges.
Well, spark up, girls.
We're all alive in this house, and there's work to be done.
Just because Mr. Hudson's out, that doesn't put you in charge.
And, Emily, when you've cleared up,
start cutting the bread for the cucumber sandwiches.
And, mind, you're not cutting them for elephants.
Nice, thin slices.
Yes, Mrs. Bridges.
I wonder if we'll notice any difference in Miss Elizabeth
now she's done her schooling and all that?
I don't think nothing could change Miss Elizabeth
for the worse anyhow.
No, she's all right, Miss Elizabeth.
Not one of your hoity-toity ones.
Wouldn't you say, Mrs. B.?
Oh, finicky with her food ever since she was a tiny mite.
Oh, you must know to say better than that, Mrs. Bridges.
- I speak as I find. -[ Clock chiming]
Listen. It's gone 3:00.
You'd better hurry up and change, Rose.
Here. I'll finish that for you.
[Doorbell rings]
[ Somberly ] Good afternoon, milady.
Good afternoon, Alfred.
Where's Hudson?
He had to go out, milady.
Indeed?
Mrs. Hudson was indisposed.
Mrs. Hudson?
Hudson's mother, milady. - Oh.
Her ladyship's in the morning room.
- Shall I announce you, milady? - Naturally.
But in not that graveyard voice,
or you won't be heard across the room.
Very good, milady.
Lady Castleton.
Marjorie.
MARJORIE: Aunt Kate.
What a pretty dress.
Now, my dear,
you must teach that young footman of yours to speak up.
He announced me as though I were tragic news.
Even if I am, which is quite possible,
the name should nevertheless be heard and clear,
so that one is not expected
to be like Lady Castleray or Castleruss or Castlebridge.
James.
You're looking thinner.
You should eat more.
- WATSON: [Chuckles] - And who is this?
Oh. May I present my friend Lieutenant Watson?
My great-aunt Lady Castleton.
How do you do, Lady Castleton? James has often spoken of you.
Kindly, I hope.
[Laughing] No, not at all.
Not unkindly.
M-Most kindly.
- I say. - Quite.
MARJORIE: Sit down, Billy. And you, too, James.
I do wonder what has happened to Elizabeth.
She should have been here by now.
So, this is to, um, welcome Elizabeth home from Germany?
Yes, Aunt Kate. we thought it would be nice for her.
A tea party for Elizabeth with no tea and no Elizabeth.
I have rung for the tea, Aunt Kate.
The boat train was due in at Liverpool Street an hour ago.
Oh, was it?
Yes. You were very punctual, Aunt Kate.
Let's hope Elizabeth's train was, too.
I'm playing bridge at 7:30.
-[ Doorbell rings] - Ah. There she is.
- Thank heavens. - For what?
That Elizabeth has arrived... safely.
Hello, Alfred.
ALFRED: Welcome back, Miss Elizabeth.
I'll help Pearce with the luggage.
Rose!
Oh, welcome home, Miss Elizabeth.
Oh, it's nice to see you back.
It's nice to be back, Rose. Where's Mother?
- They're in the morning room. - who?
Lady Castleton, Mr. James, and another young gentleman.
Oh, dear.
Shall I take your hat and coat? They are waiting tea for you.
Oh, no. I must go upstairs first.
- Oh. - Come with me, Rose.
Yes, miss.
And, uh, your room is all ready, miss.
PEARCE: [ Grunts ]
[ Panting ]
- Safe and sound, then. - what do you mean?
I thought you might be mown down by all them new motorcars.
Ha!
Are you ready to meet your maker, Mr. Pearce?
Readier than you are, I daresay, Elijah.
You'd better take this luggage up to Miss Elizabeth.
Who do you think I am -- a common footman?
I have her tea things to see to.
Hudson's out.
Oh, Rose, it's nice to be home.
Yes, it is nice to be home.
We all missed you, Miss Elizabeth.
Oh, I missed you, too, Rose.
I'm to maid you, as Roberts is so busy with her ladyship.
Oh? why?
Well, it's the London season,
-isn't it? -[ Knock on door]
PEARCE: Your trunk, Miss Elizabeth.
ROSE: Um, put it by the bed.
[Thud]
ELIZABETH: [ Chuckles ]
[ Laughing ] Thank you, Pearce.
I'm afraid that was very heavy.
Not too bad, Miss Elizabeth.
It's full of books we had to study.
You've no idea of how many.
Goethe, Schiller, Heine. Thank you, Rose.
Ooh.
I'm in such a whirl.
London seems so big and bustly after Dresden.
And the traffic!
All those smelly motorcars.
I suppose I shall get used to it.
Mr. Hudson says
your father's thinking of getting a Daimler motorcar.
How fashionable.
How is Father, Rose? Is he well?
Oh, yes, miss.
Good. I'm so looking forward to seeing him.
There's so much I can discuss with him now.
Do you read much, Rose?
Well, I like a good read, but I don't get much time, miss.
Well, what do you consider a good read?
Well, Mrs. Humphry ward, perhaps.
Mrs. Humphry ward?
I see I must take you in hand.
Oh, it may not be worth the trouble, miss.
Now, I do think we should go downstairs,
because Hudson's gone to see his mother
and I've got to help Alfred with the tea.
Well, you go on down. Tell Mother I won't be a jiffy.
And, Miss Elizabeth, it's so nice having you home.
Thank you, Rose.
And, Rose, I'm glad you're going to look after me.
Thank you, miss.
[Sighs]
[Up-tempo music plays]
Here! Catch!
MAN: [Shouts indistinctly]
Oh. Ermintrude.
Ermintrude.
No, no, no, no, no.
When you become a woman, you must put away childish things.
[ Smooches ]
- Mother! Darling.
- welcome home. - Oh.
- Here's Aunt Kate. - Oh, sorry, Aunt Kate.
That's all right, my child. You may kiss me.
Now let me look at you.
No.
No, Germany has not done much for you.
- Never mind. - Oh, but it has, Aunt Kate.
- It has done so much. Elizabeth.
James, how lovely.
Hello.
May I present my friend Billy Watson?
- My sister, Elizabeth. - How do you do?
- And what do you do? - Uh, soldier, actually.
Oh, how disappointing.
I'd quite made up my mind you were a poet.
Had you really? I say.
MARJORIE: Sit down, darling, and have your tea.
KATE: And how was the Channel crossing?
It was rough. Very rough.
But I didn't mind.
I stayed on deck most of the time.
It was so exciting.
I trust, Miss Bellamy, you were not indisposed.
Oh, no, no. No, I have an excellent stomach.
MARJORIE: Tea, Aunt Kate?
Thank you, and I will have another
of those cucumber sandwiches if there are any left.
Here you are, Aunt Kate.
A handsome husband or £10,000 a year.
Don't be so childish, James.
Thank you.
Uh, how did you find Germany, Miss Bellamy?
I believe they have a magnificent army.
I'm afraid I did not notice the army, Mr. Watson.
They have some wonderful musicians and philosophers.
That's not much in our line, is it, James?
We're very good at tennis, though.
Do you play tennis, Miss Bellamy?
ELIZABETH: I prefer the piano.
Really? Oh.
Oh, well, a strum on the piano in the evening
will be altogether delightful
with a spot of chatter on this and that.
To chatter through music
does not strike me as very delightful, Mr. Watson.
Fräu Beck always said that music
should be given one's full attention.
The Germans were always a dogmatic people.
If you remember, Marjorie, I suggested Switzerland.
The Swiss are far more accommodating.
The Germans are little serious. I agree, Aunt Kate.
But they are an enormously good people and very learned.
KATE: Goodness and learning are all very well
below a certain level of income.
I'm sure Father is both very good and very learned.
Oh, dear child, dear child.
Don't try to trip up your old Aunt Kate.
Your father is an exemplary politician
and wears his knowledge lightly.
Now get the child a cup of tea
before she slaughters us all with German logic.
We were talking of your coming out.
Oh, yes?
Lady Londonderry is giving a ball at the end of the month.
Your father and I thought it would be an exciting occasion
for you to make your debut.
We'll dine first with the prime minister at Carlton Gardens.
Several important Young Conservatives will be there.
Splendid!
Then we can have some good political conversation.
Don't forget, Elizabeth, that too many opinions
can prove indigestible at 17.
Perhaps we will see you at Ranala next week for the polo?
I'm afraid we'll be too busy
getting Elizabeth her new clothes.
You will have to do something about her hair.
Why?
Well, if you can't see that, child,
I'm afraid it's going to be an uphill business for your mother.
What do you think, James? Am I a fright?
Well, you'll have to, uh,
make something of yourself, Elizabeth.
Will I? Won't I do as I am?
What do you think, Mr. Watson?
Miss Bellamy, I think you're perfect in your natural state.
[ Chuckles ]
No. Of course I could be wrong.
You do think I'm a fright.
Oh, Miss Bellamy, you're -- you're just too -- too -- too...
Far "too," Elizabeth, I fear.
James, tell Elizabeth about your polo match last Saturday.
WATSON: Oh. Oh, yes, yes. It was terrific.
It was the best game of the season.
D-Do you like polo, Miss Bellamy?
Oh. No, not really.
I think sport is awfully boring.
Oh. Um, well, I-l think I'd better be going.
Lady Marjorie, thank you for allowing me to call.
Lady Castleton.
Miss Bellamy.
James. - I'll see you out, old chap.
Thank you very much.
Please excuse me, Mother, Aunt Kate, Elizabeth.
Well, I don't think you made much of a conquest there.
Should I have done?
Really, Mother. I'm only just off the train.
In any case, he seemed a very wooden young man.
A man of wood can be very dependable.
Your late great-uncle was a man of wood.
You must learn to listen more and think less.
Yes, Aunt Kate.
Sorry, Mother.
German philosophy will not help you
to fill your card at Londonderry House.
Remember that, my child, and be warned.
Goodness, have they starved you at Fräu Beck's?
On the contrary.
They have increased my capacity.
How was the old lady, then, Mr. Hudson?
Oh, not too spry, Mrs. Bridges. It's her chest, you know.
Could you do with a nice cup of tea?
I certainly could, Mrs. Bridges.
Emily, get Mr. Hudson a cup and saucer
and make a fresh pot of tea.
Look sharp, now, Emily.
EMILY: Yes, Mr. Hudson.
Everything go off Without a hitch, Alfred?
No hitches on our side, Mr. Hudson.
And what does that enigmatic remark portend?
Miss Elizabeth had a few bricks in her hand,
which she proceeded to drop on the drawing-room carpet.
Finnicking and fussing, I'll be bound.
Far from it, Mrs. B.
She woofed your lovely cake
as if she'd been shipwrecked for a month.
Now, that'll be enough disrespect from you, young man.
Cup of tea, Miss Roberts?
Well, I wouldn't say no.
Where's Rose?
Unpacking for Miss Elizabeth.
Some have greatness thrust upon them.
Listen to this, Rose.
"Roslein, Roslein, Roslein rot.
Roslein auf der Heiden."
- That's you, Rose -- Roslein. - Very pretty.
German can be a very beautiful language,
as in songs like this one.
This is by Schubert.
Words by Goethe and music by Schubert.
Fancy.
Have you heard of Schubert, Rose?
Yes, miss.
Good.
Oh, Miss Elizabeth?
Yes, Rose?
Did you really read all them books?
[Laughs ] well, not always from cover to cover.
We read the passages Fräu Beck directed us to read.
I think I shall improve your mind, Rose.
Thank you, Miss Elizabeth.
But not tonight.
Tonight I'm all at sea still.
It's so strange to be home again.
I think I shall go and practice for half an hour
-on the drawing-room piano. - Oh, Miss Elizabeth.
We've got to finish your unpacking
and then change you and do your hair for dinner.
No. I feel like practicing.
Oh, dear Rose, you will finish my unpacking.
And don't worry.
I can change and do my hair in a jiffy.
[Door opens, closes]
[Piano playing]
[ Door opens ]
[ Footsteps approaching ]
Listen.
Elizabeth really plays quite nicely.
Yes. Yes, I suppose she does.
My, I do wish she were more...
More what?
Well, more sensible.
You can't expect 17-year-old sisters to be sensible.
Well, perhaps I don't mean sensible.
I just wish she were a bit more like other girls.
Be patient.
If only she were more stunning.
[Laughing] I thought she'd stunned us all completely.
Billy was very put out. I could see that.
Yes, and so were you. I could see that.
Aren't you dining at home tonight?
No. I promised to dine with Billy in the mess.
You don't think Elizabeth will mind, her first night home?
I'm sure she won't, darling.
I'm very fond of Elizabeth.
Of course you are.
Now take that worried frown off your brow
and get along with you.
Have a good time.
Thanks, Mother.
- And, James. - Hmm?
You weren't so debonair yourself at 17.
[ Laughs ] No, I suppose not.
Rather a pity we can't send Elizabeth to Sandhurst.
[ Door opens ]
[ Door closes]
And then we went on a visit to the Black Forest,
which is absolutely divvy
and makes you imagine witches and warlocks
and all sorts of Brothers Grimm things -- Ow!
I'm sorry, Miss Lizzie, but you will keep bobbing about so.
Wretched, wretched hair.
Why can't it just hang down or be out off or something?
Why can't one live like an ordinary mortal?
I don't know what you mean by that.
I'm sure every shopgirl's just as particular with her hair.
The difference being that she does it herself.
Oh, a nice mess you'd make of it, I'll be bound.
Rose, don't be naughty.
I did it myself almost every night in Dresden.
We needed no ghost from the grave to tell us that.
What a funny expression. Where did you hear it?
I don't know, miss. Where does one hear expressions?
They just pop into your head.
Yeah, but I think that's a quotation.
Rose, get me my "Bartlett's Familiar Quotations."
- It's by the bed. - Not now, Miss Lizzie.
I've got to do your hair for dinner.
Oh, drat dinner. Drat hair.
Drat, drat, drat!
Miss Elizabeth, I must do your hair.
Oh, for heaven's sake, Rose. Leave me alone!
Oh, Miss Lizzie, what a temper. And we were such good friends.
And so we are, Rose dearest, if only you wouldn't fuss so.
I'm sure you wouldn't wish
to go to Lady Londonderry's beastly ball
looking like a stuffed peacock.
Oh, I'm sure I'd be lucky enough to get half the chance, miss.
Nonsense.
I mean to do something with my life.
[Knock on door]
RICHARD: Elizabeth, may I come in?
Father!
How's my Liza? [ Laughs ]
Wild as ever.
What are we gonna make of her, Rose?
A flaming beauty, eh?
Sir, it won't be for want of trying.
Oh, Father, it's so good to see you.
[ Smooches ]
And you, too, my dearest.
Now, Rose wants to get on with your hair.
You look as though you've been dragged
through a hedge backwards.
All right. But stay with me. Please?
Well, of course.
Well, and how was the good Fräu Beck?
Oh, we got on very well.
She sends you her... [Speaking German]
Danke schön, Fräulein!
So, work done. Now it's play for a time, eh?
Oh, not too much play, I hope, Father.
Oh, nonsense. London will be good for you.
Even fun, I should think, after provincial Germany.
Besides, I want my girl to shine in society.
I won't be a junior minister forever, you know.
In fact, if Rose weren't here,
I might tell you there was hope of a cabinet post.
Father, how wonderful!
Oh, Rose is as secret as the tomb.
Well, it's not settled, of course.
A great deal depends on one's family in these matters.
No, Father. You're too important.
Oh, no.
No politician ever gets to the top on his own, Elizabeth.
He has a brilliant wife behind him or even...
...an enchanting daughter.
I'm not very good at enchanting.
You just wait until your mother and Rose
are finished teaching you a few spells.
It won't come easily to you, you know.
You're not your father's daughter for nothing.
I've suffered greater agonies in the drawing room
than ever in a House of Commons debate.
Really?
Oh, yes.
But what I can stomach, you can. Of that I feel sure.
For my sake, eh?
Well, I must go and change, or I shall be late.
I'm dining at home tonight with the pride of the Bellamys.
Oh. [ Chuckles ]
Well, that's it, Rose.
I am going to enchant.
What do you think of this, Elizabeth?
A skein of pink chiffon, gold spangled net,
and fine appliqué lace.
A cleaving line is imparted to the figure by the lace,
carried down the center front,
flanked by clusters of pink chenille fringe
sparkling with diamanté.
It sounds like a firework display at the Crystal Palace.
Do be serious and take an interest.
What do you think of this hairstyle, milady?
Oh, that's nice, Rose. That's very nice.
You have excellent taste.
Now, Elizabeth, what about this one?
Elizabeth, what are you doing?
Darling, do try and put your mind to the business on hand.
Madame Dubois wants the material for your balldress in a week,
and we haven't even chosen a style yet.
Now, don't you think that's pretty?
Yes, Mother.
What are you grinning for?
I want a tip, don't I?
Saucy!
Now, that'll be the material for Miss Elizabeth's ball gown.
Oh, sakes! Can I see?
Now, keep your wet hands off it.
Alfred!
ALFRED: What is it?
Take this parcel upstairs.
And you get on with the scrubbing.
"They shall have linen bonnets on their heads.
They shall not gird themselves
with anything that causeth sweat."
Where's Rose?
[ French accent] Upstairs with the dressmaker.
She hasn't changed the linen in the master's bedroom.
The whole place is tapsal-teerie.
Les hanches.
Voilà.
92 centimetres.
92? Ce n'est pas possible C'est énorme.
[ Laughs ] Mais non, Madame.
Mademoiselle Elisabeth ales hanches immense.
C'est quelque toujours cenflmetres.
Je ne comprends jamais les inches,
même aprè s quatorze ans habite en Angleterre.
Ce n'est pas important.
Depends where the inches are.
Encore un fois, s'il vous voulez.
Mademoiselle.
Voyons.
Voilà. No, no, no.
C'est mate . 92 cenflmètres.
92 centimeters.
Voilà. Ca suffit.
[Knock on door]
[ Door opens ]
ALFRED: Package from Doringer's for her ladyship.
Good.
Thank you, Rose. Bring the scissors, will you?
Eh, maintenant, Madame Dubois, regardez!
- Oh! - Do you like it?
[ Gasps ] Oh. Oest ravissant!
Isn't it?
MADAME DUBOIS: Quelle souplesse.
C'est magnifique.
C'est royale.
Where's Rose again?
Where do you think?
The drawing-room grate has not been attended to.
You can't expect a lady's maid
to get down on her hands and knees to a grate.
Lady's maid, my foot. She's my head house parlourmaid.
- Emily? - Yes, Mr. Hudson?
Wash your hands and face and go and find Rose for me.
What, me, go upstairs?
Yes, and look sharp about it, my girl.
Oh, yes, Mr. Hudson!
Are you engaged for this dance, Miss Bellamy?
No.
No, no, no! Consult your program!
She should pretend to be shortsighted.
Well, what ever for?
It's considered attractive.
Says so in "Home and Chat."
[Both laughing]
Now, once again.
[Grunting]
[High-pitched voice] A-Are you free for this gallop,
Miss Bellamy?
-[ Laughing ] No. - what?
- Uh, yes. - what?
No.
Oh, then -- then may I have the pleasure?
You may take the risk, Lord Chumley-Fotheringly.
Delightful.
Now, come on, Rose. The music.
Right. Put the chair out of the way.
- Now, come on. -[ Slow introduction plays]
Wait for it.
Right.
[Tempo increases]
♫ Ta-ra-ra-boom-di-ay. ♫
ROSE: ♫ Ta-ra-ra-boom-di-ay. ♫
- ♫ Ta-ra-ra-boom-di-ay. ♫ - Rose!
Pardon me, Miss Elizabeth.
But Mr. Hudson wants Rose,
and he told me to come up and get her.
[Voice breaking] And he's in a terrible panic.
I do beg your pardon, Miss Elizabeth.
JAMES: Come on. Hey!
Ta-ra-ra-boom-di-ay.
BOTH: Ta-ra-ra-boom-di-ay.
Ta-ra-ra-
[ Both laugh ]
[Knock on door]
Come in.
You sent for me, Mr. Hudson?
Yes.
It is half past 11:00, my girl,
and the drawing-room grate is not done yet.
I will not have you neglecting the work you're paid to do.
I'm sorry, Mr. Hudson. It won't occur again.
Where have you been since breakfast?
I've been helping Mr. James teach Miss Elizabeth to gallop.
Good grief. Did she not learn to gallop in Germany?
What did she go there for?
It seems it was all book learning.
Book learning is no use to a young lady.
And another thing, Rose.
I agreed with her ladyship
that you should attend to Miss Elizabeth for a bit,
seeing that Miss Roberts has got her work out out.
But don't abuse your privileges, mind.
No, Mr. Hudson.
It seems that Miss Elizabeth's coming out
is worse than a censure debate in Parliament
for setting the whole house on edge.
Yes, Mr. Hudson.
That will be all, Rose.
And get that grate done immediately.
Yes, Mr. Hudson.
♫ Ta-ra-ra-boom-di-ay. ♫
[Sighs]
Walk towards me.
Turn.
Walk away.
Turn.
Smile.
Extend your hand.
Two fingers for acquaintance, three for a family friend.
And now sit.
Very good.
You really are improving.
And now what do you talk about?
The weather.
It's always safe to begin with the weather.
I follow my partner's lead.
If he's interested in racing, I'm interested in racing.
If cards, cards.
No personalities, no politics.
Not even to politicians?
Especially not to politicians.
They want to enjoy themselves.
I don't suppose any young man will come near me anyway.
That we'll have to see.
But if you are a wallflower, what do you do?
I talk animatedly to my chaperone.
And if a young man turns up, I keep talking and smiling.
Yes, and don't forget,
let him think he's interrupted a scintillating conversation.
You'd scarcely noticed you were not engaged for the dance.
You'd been unaware of the music.
And I accept him -- ha -- with delighted surprise.
Oh, Mother.
What is the difference between this and being an actress?
Don't try to be shocking, and do sit properly.
RICHARD: Marjorie! - we're in here, dear.
Wonderful news about the Londonderrys' ball.
The king and queen are going to be there.
I've spoken to Francis Knowles,
and Elizabeth is to be presented.
Richard, how splendid.
Francis suggests that Aunt Kate present her.
Der lieber Gott!
Haven't you finished yet, Rose? I want to see it.
There. Go on. Have a look.
[Gasps ]
Oh, Mother of God, is that really me?
[ Laughs ]
What on earth are you doing, Rose?
Ah, practicing.
Well, I'll not have the servants' hall
turned into a hairdressing salon.
EMILY: [Giggles]
Come down at once, Emily,
and take that bird's nest off your head.
ROSE: [ Laughs ]
Cor! Look at Cinderella!
Lead me to my coach, milord.
Coach, indeed.
You get on with the saucepans,
or you won't be finished before midnight.
Poor little Cinders.
Here, what's it all in aid of, then, Rose?
Oh, I'm practicing Miss Lizzie's hairstyle
for the Londonderry ball.
Could you do one for me
so I could wear it to the Feathers on Saturday night?
[ Laughter]
Why aren't you waiting outside with the carriage?
'Cause they ain't down yet. That's why.
Here, you ought to practice on Mrs. Bridges.
Lovely head of hair that, plenty of scope.
Something to get your hands into.
-[ Laughter] Cheeky!
All right, all right. Keep your hair on.
[ Laughter]
You'd better get on with the mending, Rose.
You're not a lady's maid all the time, you know.
No, Mrs. Bridges.
[Bell rings]
That's me. We're off.
Where are you going tonight, then?
Oh, one of them working-class plays
'round at the Royal Court in Sloane Square.
- EMILY: [Snorts] - So long, gorgeous.
- Ooh!
[Conversing in French]
Rose, put those against the skirt.
[Speaks French]
Oh. Oh, no, madame.
-[ Speaks French] -[ Knock on door]
RICHARD: May I come into the workshop?
Sweatshop.
Oh, just a moment, Richard.
Rose, quickly -- Miss Elizabeth's tiara.
Thank you.
There. Lovely.
All right, Richard. You can come in now.
Well, what do you think?
Oh, yes, yes.
Very nice indeed.
C'est un grande succès, Madame Dubois.
Félicitations.
Oh, merci, monsieur, merci.
It's so tight.
Oh, c'est la non, mademoiselle.
It's all very well, but don't expect me
-to breathe, will you? RICHARD: Of course not.
You'll be carried into the ball,
sat down on the wallflower's bench,
and that'll be the end of you.
It's no joking matter.
The best I can manage at the moment is a stiff-legged hop.
But the polka's all the rage this season.
♫ Ta-ra-ra-bum-bum-ba-ba ♫
[ Laughter]
What about the hair?
Rose is in charge of that.
Rose, show Mr. Bellamy the style we've chosen.
Enchanting.
I see I am going to be a very proud father.
Well, don't look so gloomy, lad.
It's not the second coming, you know.
Only the Londonderry's ball.
You won't look so smug on the day of judgment.
Is that right, cooker?
Not when you smell the fires of hell burning.
Oh, I don't know.
The company there might be a darn sight more larky
than the other place.
Mustn't like to carry your weight of sin.
You don't like carrying nothing.
Now, then, you two, look sharp. They'll be leaving any minute.
Horses ready, Mr. Pearce?
Groomed and shining like coal.
ALFRED: [ Neighs ]
And we're ready to meet our maker if need be.
Well, that won't be necessary for the moment.
Carry on, Mr. Pearce.
Alfred!
You may call the rest of the staff.
Are you sure you won't take a glass of sherry, Aunt Kate?
Marjorie and Elizabeth may be a few minutes yet.
No, thank you, Richard.
Since I'm to be seated on the prime minister's left at dinner,
I prefer to keep a clear head.
[Chuckles] In case he fires an unexpected question at you.
RICHARD: Such as your views on the Irish question.
Such is why my cousin Charles refuses to serve in his cabinet.
I can hardly inform him between mouthfuls of roast duck
that cousin Charles thinks him
the most ineffectual prime minister we've had
since Lord North.
RICHARD: So how will you answer?
Oh, I shall become very feminine,
change the subject to the Italian gardens at Southborough.
[ Laughs ] Is he going on to the ball?
- who? - Mr. Balfour.
I doubt it.
He doesn't care much for social functions.
James, you must dance with your sister.
- Oh, naturally. - And your Aunt Kate.
- Ah, that'll be a pleasure. - Fiddlesticks.
- Are they ready, Hudson? - HUDSON: Shortly, sir.
The carriages are at the door. [Clears throat]
I have taken the liberty of assembling the staff, sir,
to see Miss Elizabeth, sir.
Excellent idea.
Come along, then.
We'll go and meet them in the hall.
Good evening, Mrs. Bridges.
MRS. BRIDGES: Good evening, sir.
T-They're just coming, and they look beautiful!
Oh, I-l do beg your pardon, sir.
M-Milady.
- Oh! - Oh!
I'm sorry to have kept you waiting.
MADAME DUBOIS: Mademoiselle! Mademoiselle!
[Speaks French]
[ Laughter]
RICHARD: Disaster averted.
KATE: Very nice, my dears. You look charming.
- Thank you, Aunt Kate. - Now, how shall we go?
I'll share one of Aunt Kate's carriages with James,
and you and Elizabeth can go with Pearce.
That'll give you more room. Come along, then.
Yes. we've got quite a way, you know, to Covent Garden.
[ Laughter, indistinct conversations]
I've never seen them look so lovely.
Don't -- Don't you think so, Mrs. Bridges?
[ Indistinct conversations]
ROSE: Our Miss Lizzie
will be the belle of the ball, all right.
Well, I think you did a very good piece of work there, Rose.
Thank you, Mr. Hudson.
I feel this calls for a small célébration, eh, madame?
Oh, Monsieur Hudson.
Seeing that we have the honour of a guest from France,
I daresay we can lay our hands
on a wee bottle of Château Lafitte '91.
MRS. BRIDGES: Ooh.
Come along, then. Let us all repair downstairs.
Madame? -[ Indistinct conversations]
[Up-tempo music playing]
[ Music ends, applause]
Uh, s-shall we sit down here?
Why not?
Uh, c-could I get you a water ice, Miss Bellamy?
No, thank you.
Oh.
[Waltz plays]
Oh, I believe this our waltz.
I'm still giddy from the polka.
Will you excuse me, Mr. Watson?
Gladly, uh, I-if you insist.
I do insist.
Oh, please feel free to find another partner
if you want to dance.
L-if you're sure?
Quite sure.
I say, that's awfully decent of you.
Hello, Elizabeth. All alone?
- where's Billy? - waltzing.
- what about you? - Not waltzing.
But I thought he was engaged to you for the first three dances.
I relinquished the pleasure.
Oh, Elizabeth.
Why can't you take an interest in things
instead of sulking out here on your own?
I prefer it out here.
But you won't get another partner
unless you show yourself.
I don't want another partner, thank you.
And I refuse to sit among those rattled old dowagers,
listening to their vicious gossip.
If you could only see your face.
It's not a funeral, you know.
Why can't you smile and be happy?
Because I'm not happy, James. I'm hating every minute of it.
I don't think I can stand any more.
You're not even trying.
If I have to say here much longer, I shall scream out loud.
Why can't you be more like other girls, eh?
Huh. There you are.
I do hope I haven't kept you waiting.
JAMES: You were like a flash of lightning.
Oh.
May I present my sister, Elizabeth?
Miss Cynthia Cartright.
- How do you do? - How do you do?
Isn't it a wonderful ball?
And such a divvy band.
- well, as a matter of fact -- - Excuse us.
Come on, Cynthia.
There you are, Elizabeth.
Have you seen your father and Aunt Kate?
- No. - This is where we were to meet,
-isn't it? - Yes, it is.
Mother, may I present Miss Cynthia Cartright?
- How do you do? - Good evening, Lady Marjorie.
I believe we met at Cowes last year.
JAMES: On the squadron lawn.
Oh, yes. Of course. I remember.
You were wearing a very pretty hat.
KATE: The dresses get more extravagant every season.
RICHARD: Aunt Kate.
MARJORIE: Oh, there you are. I was beginning to wonder.
RICHARD: Don't fuss, Marjorie.
The royal party have only just arrived.
Where's Elizabeth?
Well, she was sitting there a moment ago.
[ "God Save the Queen" plays]
The king and queen.
We ought to start going in now. We don't want to be late.
James?
- Yes, Father? - Go and find Elizabeth.
- She was here a moment ago. - well, she disappeared.
The presentations are about to start.
- Go and find her. Right.
Where on earth could she have got to?
She's probably had an attack of nerves
and gone to the cloakroom.
- I'll go and see. - Thank you.
Tell her she must hurry.
MAN (announcing): Lady Rosemary Scott Kent.
What could she be doing? It really is too bad of her.
If she doesn't come in a moment, I'll have to go in without her.
MAN (announcing): Carol and Mrs. Jaggers
She's going to be late, the silly girl.
She was sitting on that sofa a minute ago.
She must have slipped away deliberately.
I'll never forgive her.
MAN (announcing): Marchioness of Trent, Lady Harrow.
CYNTHIA: She's not in the cloakroom,
and I've looked everywhere.
Richard, what should we do?
The footman downstairs said she left a few minutes ago.
She had her cloak on and ran out through the front door.
- She left the ball by herself? - She can't have.
MAN (announcing): Lady Castleton and Miss Elizabeth Bellamy.
I'll have to go in and explain.
She must have taken leave of her senses.
MAN (announcing): Lady Castleton...
Oh, Richard, how could she let us down like this?
How could she?
[Clock chiming]
[ Hoofbeats ]
That's them.
Come on. wake up, my girl. They're back.
Your young lady will want undressing and putting to bed.
Oh. Oh, no.
See, the life of a lady's maid isn't all cherries, Rose.
I know.
Hudson, where's Miss Elizabeth?
Sir?
MARJORIE: She must have come home.
I don't think so, milady.
At least I didn't hear her. Did you, Miss Roberts?
No, no, Mr. Hudson.
Rose?
Oh. Uh, yes, sir?
- Go and find Miss Elizabeth. - Oh, but, sir --
Do as you're told. Go and look in her room.
Brandy in the morning room, Hudson.
Very good, sir.
Everything all right, I trust.
We're not sure, Hudson. Fetch the brandy.
Yes, sir.
Proper do, isn't it, Mr. Hudson?
It is neither proper nor a do, Miss Roberts.
Miss Elizabeth?
Miss Lizzie?
Miss Elizabeth?
-[ Door opens] - well?
She's not in her room, sir.
I see.
That will do, Hudson. I think you'd better go to bed.
Very good, sir.
Rose can wait up for Miss Elizabeth.
Yes, sir.
After all you've done for her, to behave like this.
Well, never mind that now. Where is she?
An innocent 17-year-old girl loose in the streets of London.
I think we ought to notify the police.
Oh, no, James.
Suppose the newspapers got hold of it.
- what can she be thinking of? - Has it occurred to you
that something may have happened to her?
Nonsense.
She's more than capable of taking care of herself.
No, she's just done this to annoy us.
Elizabeth is not like that.
No? what about her behavior at dinner?
I know. I know.
Interrupting Hugh Cecil
and quoting yarns from some obscure German philosopher.
I don't think he minded.
He was very startled. I can assure you of that.
It was a pretty awful show, you must admit.
Well, talking won't help.
I think you two had better go to bed.
I'll wait up for her.
If she's not here by daylight, I'll telephone the police.
Come along, James. I'm exhausted.
Good night, Richard.
It was to have been such a happy evening for all of us.
Elizabeth, it seems, had other ideas.
[Sighs]
Is there anything I can do, Father?
No, thank you, James.
You'd better go to bed.
- Good night. - Good night.
[Clock chiming]
[Knock on door]
-[ Knocking continues] - Oh.
Miss Elizabeth.
Come in and sit down, for goodness' sake.
What ever has happened to you?
Your father's half out of his mind.
Where have you been?
I ran away from the ball.
Oh, Rose, it was awful.
What do you mean, you ran away?
It was sickening. Absolutely sickening.
All those ridiculous stuffed shirts,
those repulsive flirting females.
The great yawning boredom of their chatter.
"What do you think of the floor?"
"What do you think of the band?"
"What do you think of the weather?"
"And did you see the king's filly race at Newmarket?"
Oh, God, it was more than I could stand.
So I ran away through the front door.
You ran away?
Oh, the shame of it all.
Shame indeed.
No, not the running away, silly.
The shame of all that waste and extravagance
when outside there --
there is so much poverty and hardship.
Where have you been all this time?
I've been walking through the streets.
How people stared.
Police constable -- "Are you all right, miss?"
"Oh, yes, Officer. Don't bother about me".
Look after the hungry, the weak, the oppressed.
I'm from a good home.
"Good night, Officer."
Good night, London.
Oh, I'm exhausted.
Your father's waiting up for you.
Oh, no. I can't face him now.
Coward.
What did you say, Rose?
Coward.
I shall slap your face.
I'll slap yours.
Rose! - Don't "Rose" me.
You stand there in your finery looking a proper mess and all.
Everything we've all done for you turned to ridicule.
Don't "Rose" me.
Oh, you don't understand what you're talking about.
No, I'm ignorant, no doubt. I didn't go to Germany.
All I know is your father and mother
are worried out of their minds and you sit here complaining
because you was invited to the grandest ball of the season.
The season? What season?
All seasons are alike to the poor and hungry.
What do you care about poor people?
You only care about yourself.
You ran away, you're a coward,
and you'll break your father's heart.
Hold your tongue, Rose.
Father will understand.
Course he will, 'cause he loves you.
He may even forgive you in time, though your mother never will.
And I never will.
You!
What on earth has it got to do with you?
You mind your place.
I'll mind mine when you mind yours.
Rose!
Don't keep saying "Rose" in that hoity-toity way.
I know what my place is.
Up at 6:00, do the grates, light the fires, make the tea,
draw the baths, serve the breakfast,
make the beds, change the linen, answer all the bells.
I know what my place is, all right. Do you know yours?
I know it's not my place to argue with you.
Ah.
You don't like a few home truths.
You're a spoilt brat.
When you don't like something, you run away from it,
all full of grand reasons and love of the poor.
But when a housemaid tells you what she thinks of you,
you soon put her in place fast enough.
Rose, that isn't true!
Then prove it.
Go and apologize to your father. He's waiting upstairs.
No, I can't.
I won't.
There you are. Coward.
Will you stop saying that, Rose? You make me so angry.
Good! So am I!
All right.
Just give me one reason -- one good reason
why I should conform to all this silliness when I hate it so.
Oh, I'll give you a reason, and you know it as well as I do.
Your father.
All right. I did my best for his sake.
I sat through dinner, trying to be intelligent,
but nobody wanted to listen.
Of course they didn't want to listen to you.
You're only 17.
You ain't got nothing to say yet.
I've plenty to say.
Then you'd best keep it to yourself.
I won't be able to keep my hands off you much longer.
- what a lady. - You little --
Oh.
Ow, Rose! You're hurting! I'll tell!
- I bet you would and all. -[ Moans ]
Now sit down and listen to me.
I do my work as best I can 'cause one day I mean to be
a proper lady's maid to a proper lady.
Now, Mr. Hudson runs this house like a clockwork machine.
Mrs. Bridges may be an old cow, but she cooks a dream,
and her meals are a pleasure to put on the table.
We're the bottom of the ladder, see?
We're the -- the wheels of the cart.
And we're content it should be so
'cause the master's a proper gentleman
what we really like and respect
and does his work right in the eyes of the Parliament.
And my lady's a beauty and very genteel.
And we feel that we, this whole house,
is a part of London society.
London society.
It's the parrot house at the Zoological Gardens.
London society I said, and London society I meant.
Well, that's the hub of the empire, isn't it?
The empire on which the sun will never set.
If you can't feel the glow of that like I can,
I'm sorry for you.
I don't suppose you've ever been up Piccadilly
on a Saturday night on top of an omnibus.
Oh, that's when you feel its great heart thumping.
That's when you're proud to be part of it.
I know my place, all right.
I'm proud of my place, as long as you, all of you,
know yours and keep to it.
Now, how would it be if I was to go singing and dancing
in the drawing room or sliding down the banisters?
Well, no more must you step out of line.
If you're not a proper lady,
then I don't want to be your lady's maid.
That's all I've got to say.
Now you can tell on me and have me turned out.
[Sobs softly]
I wish you would slide down the banisters.
Oh, Rose.
I love you very much,
and -- and I'm sorry if I was rude to you.
I don't blame you for giving me a piece of your mind,
but I've got a mind, too, you know.
I know what I've done is dreadful for Father.
I know I've got to eat humble pie for the time being,
but I'm not going to be cowed, Rose.
There are ideas stirring in this great city.
Oh, I-l don't understand everything.
I'm -- I'm uncertain and muddled sometimes.
But if only half of what I read is true,
then London society may be heading for a nasty surprise.
Well, then they're wicked books and ought to be banned.
No, Rose.
They're good and difficult books,
and they're written by good and serious men.
I told you I don't understand everything,
but I mean to one day.
Well, you're cleverer than me.
No, Rose, I'm not cleverer than you,
and I'm not worse or better either.
I love you very much.
More like a sister than a servant.
Oh, then that's not right, and I've overstepped my place.
- Oh, damn your place, Rose! - Oh, Miss Elizabeth!
And now, just for your sake,
I'm going to be brave and face up to Father.
Now, give me a kiss and say we're friends again.
- Oh! - oh
- Lead me to the slaughter. -[ Laughs ]
Where is he?
He's in the morning room.
Come with me, Rose.
Very good, Miss Elizabeth.
Wish me luck.
Good luck.
And remember, he loves you.
Miss Elizabeth, sir.
Eliza.
[Sighs]
[ Yawns ]
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