Miss Scarlet

ELIZA: I don't wish to sound boastful but I am the only female detective in London.

She's a what?

(groans) (gunshots) If you wish to have some kind of future with Inspector Wellington, you need to start considering what cases you take.

We are in competition, are we not?

Sir, are you and her... No.

I may have a case for you.

Make yourself at home.

(thunder claps) (whimpers) (click) (indistinct chatter) (snoring) (snorts quietly) (footsteps approaching) Lord Bullingdon.

Miss Scarlet.

(soft chuckle) I apologize for disturbing your evening.

(soft groan) However, I wanted to inform you that I have found them.

You've found them?!

My babies?

Oh!

I am most impressed!

I must admit, I wasn't entirely convinced you had it in you.

(humorless chuckle) Well, as promised when you engaged me, I offer a highly professional service.

I shall fetch my man.

He will take them home.

Lord Bullingdon?

The matter of my fee?

Oh, of course!

I shall send payment to your office on Friday.

May I ask why not now?

Because it is not convenient.

But Friday is not convenient for me.

Our contract clearly states payment in full on delivery.

I have daughters your age.

If they spoke to me in that kind of fashion, they would be reprimanded at once.

You will be paid at a time agreeable for me, young lady.

Now, I bid you good night.

(birds cooing) (wings flapping) (cooing) What in heavens name?

(cages rattling) You would not dare.

(horse trotting outside) (lightly snoring, footsteps approaching) (snorts) WILLIAM: Good morning.

Oh!

(William sniffs) What is that smell?

Never mind that!

I've been stuck here all night, William!

Where have you been?

At home.

Asleep.

Where you should have been.

But apparently you chose to disturb the peace instead.

Well, it has been three weeks since your last arrest, so I suppose this is progress of sorts.

Lucky for you the cells were all full.

(chuckling, sarcastic): Oh yes, I'm feeling extremely lucky.

What is that smell?

Manure.

I've had little experience of allotments, but after searching through at least 50 for those damn pigeons, I'm now quite the expert.

You'd be surprised at the variety of manure used.

Mm.

Most of which ended up on my dress.

Well, those pigeons will have certainly ruined such expensive velvet curtains.

You'll have to pay a fine.

(sighs) It's just so unjust.

I've been in this business long enough to know that I'm good at it, yet why do I still struggle to attract more illustrious cases?

You asking me or blaming me?

Just so that I'm clear before I answer.

I'm simply pointing out that trying to build a successful agency would not be as hard if I were man.

Mm.

Well, being a man has its disadvantages too.

(chuckling): Oh really?

Such as?

(laughs) I promise by the time we dine tomorrow I will have thought of at least half a dozen.

Four dinners in as many weeks.

People will begin to gossip.

Let them.

We're just two old friends enjoying an evening out.

(chair creaks) Well...

I should get on.

I have an important meeting to prepare for.

Oh, the new superintendent?

(sighing): Yes, and I'm determined to be in accord with him a damn sight more than I was with the last.

God rest his soul.

Ah.

Don't be too effusive, William.

It doesn't suit your face.

Are you saying that I'm ill-tempered much of the time?

I'm simply saying that your natural disposition is not one of enthusiasm.

(chuckles) You are measured.

There, how does that sound?

Like you're trying to placate me.

ALICE LEE: I demand to speak to him!

CHARLIE PHELPS: And I've told you he's a very busy man.

So I suggest you calm down and stop making a spectacle of yourself.

Sir, this lady's insisting on talking with you, but I've tried to tell her you have other matters to attend to.

You're Inspector Wellington!?

You're the one whose cast my sister aside like some dirt on your shoe!?

You need to calm yourself, madam.

You've done nothing to find her yet you've closed her case?

If this is regarding an investigation, you need to speak with the desk sergeant.

Charlie.

(pats Charlie's back) No, it's you who must answer for this!

You were in charge of her case and yet you've found nothing!

How can that be?

Get her out of here, Charlie.

(gasps) You're a disgrace!

Inspector Wellington!

A disgrace!

You know, you should be ashamed of yourself!

Do you remember the case?

Right now, I'm more concerned about him.

Who is he?

The new superintendent.

(knock at door) SUPERINTENDENT MONRO: Come!

Good morning, sir.

I just wanted to come by and introduce myself.

I'm Inspec...

I know exactly who you are.

I wanted to apologize for the scene that you've just witnessed, sir.

And to assure you that it's, it's not a regular occurrence.

No need to apologize.

Take a seat, laddie.

The general public have no idea the volume of cases we have to attend to week in, week out.

Always going to be someone unsatisfied with our service.

Yes, sir.

(sniffs) Thank you, sir.

And it was good to hear that one of my own men was from the old hometown.

You're from Glasgow, sir?

Dragged up in the tenements.

You?

Uh... workhouse.

Mm.

Nah... it was a long time ago.

So... My predecessor.

I hear you two didn't see eye to eye.

Let's just, let's say that he was from a different world to us.

(chuckles) Stuck up prig, ay?

(laughs) Ay, it's a slippery pole on the way up, unless you've been born with a silver spoon in your geggie.

Yet here you are, sir.

Ah...

Here I am.

I was fortunate.

(picks up glass) I had good governors that have championed me.

So I like to do the same for my own men.

Which is why I've brought a couple with me here to the Met.

And I expect you to show them the ropes, Wellington.

Take them under your wing.

Absolutely, sir.

Good.

Time for another?

There's always time for another, sir.

Slinte.

Slinte.

(horses trotting, people chattering) (horse whinnying) Miss Scarlet!

Miss Scarlet!

Goodness you walk fast.

I'm sorry, have we met?

It's Hattie.

Hattie Parker.

Rupert's cousin.

Oh, of course!

Rupert mentioned you were staying with his mother.

Although that was a while ago.

I haven't received a letter in some weeks.

That is why I'm here.

Rupert has written to you but mistakenly used my aunt's address.

I hid it quickly before she saw.

I do adore my cousin, but he is absentminded at the best of times.

Well, as a newly married man, Tilly is no doubt keeping him busy.

I gather it's the nighttime amusements of Berlin that keep him busiest.

And how is your aunt?

On the warpath.

Oh dear.

Who's upset her now?

You.

I didn't make Rupert go to Germany!

In fact I had no hand in his marriage to Tilly at all.

That is what I told her.

(imitating Mrs. Parker): "But Harriet," she said, "what do you know about anything?

"You're a stupid, stupid girl with not one ounce of common sense."

(soft chuckle) Rupert mentioned your father died.

I'm so sorry.

I know what it is to lose someone so dear.

It was just Papa and I for so long.

But now he has gone, I am to be my aunt's companion.

(polite chuckle) Well, it was very nice to meet you, Miss Parker, but I really should get to work.

Oh yes, your investigation agency.

I've heard all about it.

What you are doing is quite marvelous, Miss Scarlet.

Oh... Perhaps you'd like to come to tea?

Today?

Um... maybe not today...

Tomorrow?

How about Wednesday?

4:00?

Splendid!

Thank you, Miss Scarlet.

Until Wednesday.

Mm-hmm.

(sighs) (loudly drops keys and purse) Moses?

Can you please stop breaking into my office!

I like to keep you on your toes.

It's good for business.

Speaking of business, did you get it?

(coins jingling) He tried to hold back some of your fee on account of his ruined evening suit.

(coins jingling) What a load of fuss over a few pigeon droppings.

But I reasoned with him.

Well, you were clearly very persuasive.

If that's what you want to call it.

(slides chair) How was your night in Scotland Yard?

Irritating.

I take it your inspector bail you out?

He's not my inspector.

Don't get too comfortable.

This is no lodging house.

I may have a case for you.

Make yourself at home.

So what is this case?

There's a landlord in Whitechapel.

He has a guest at his boarding house.

They be looking for the services of a private detective.

(knocking on door) ELIZA (voiceover): What's the name?

MOSES (voiceover): Miss Alice Lee.

I'm sorry you saw me in that state.

Such was my rage I have no recollection you were even there.

All I saw was him.

That man who has the gall to close my sister's case without a by your leave!

(exhales) Miss Lee...

I know this is no excuse, but Inspector Wellington has a great many cases to deal with.

In fact he most likely had little to do with this investigation, but rather his men carried it out.

Inspector Wellington signed the case closed.

He's the one to answer for it.

So tell me about your sister.

Georgina is the sweetest girl.

Our parents are both dead so all we have is each other.

I was so worried when she said she wanted to come to London to work.

I tried to stop her.

I didn't think she could cope in the city but she proved me wrong.

She got a job in a shop-- Wentworth's.

Well, that's not just a shop.

Wentworth's is the best department store in the West End.

Three months ago her letters stopped.

I became so worried that I traveled down from Yorkshire to see her.

I went straight to the store but was told she no longer worked there.

One day she just didn't turn up.

They assumed she'd got another job.

So you went to the police?

I filled out a missing persons form.

And then last week I got a letter to say the case was closed.

They found nothing.

How?

How could they find nothing?

Will you help me?

Please?

My heart goes out to poor Miss Lee, but offering my services will not go down well with William.

No matter the rights or the wrongs of the case, she humiliated him in front of his new superintendent.

It's a dilemma indeed.

(sighs) How much longer is this going to take?

It will take as long as it takes.

Now stand still.

(sighs) If you wish to have some kind of future with Inspector Wellington you need to start considering what cases you take.

Ones that don't undermine his reputation.

Who says I wish to have a future with him?

Four evenings out says.

Oh, I had no idea you were keeping count.

We're just old friends, Ivy.

Then have some loyalty.

Find this woman someone else to take her case.

And keep still!

Fine.

You're right.

I will find Miss Lee an alternative investigator.

I know that look, Lizzie.

Innocent as a lamb, but there's always the devilment of a but.

(scoffs) But... first I will gather the basic information.

That way if there is anything that William has overlooked I may tell him before someone reopens the case.

It's the act of a friend, Ivy.

How selfless of you.

(sighs) On occasion I have the need to run, so I'd like my hemline a little higher please?

Over my dead body!

You are not showing your ankles.

(both laughing) MAN: Hya!

(horses trotting, people chattering) Good morning, miss?

Yes, madam, how can I help?

Well, I was hoping you might have a spare moment to talk?

About what?

Georgina Lee.

I'm working for her sister.

I'm a private detective.

(laughing): You're a what?

Do you have a few moments?

Welcome to Wentworth's, madam, the Pandora's Box of the West End.

I trust Miss Yates is serving you to your satisfaction?

She's no customer, Mr. Salisbury.

She's a private detective asking questions about Georgina.

This is a department store, madam.

If you're not intending to buy anything I would like you to leave.

Well, it will not take long.

It's, it's merely a few questions that I seek.

Well, it looks like I'll have to see you out myself then.

This way, please.

MRS. WENTWORTH: Mr. Salisbury?

What on earth is going on here?

I apologize, Mrs. Wentworth.

I was attempting to ask this lady to leave.

Not that she is a lady.

Apparently she's a private detective.

She's a what?

(groans) (clock chiming) Thank you.

I apologize for our Mr. Salisbury.

He can be a little enthusiastic.

I do not wish to cause any trouble.

It's merely a few questions I seek on behalf of Miss Lee.

Oh, that poor woman must be out of her mind with worry.

Georgina was such a sweet girl.

The customers loved her.

So diligent and attentive.

Her absence is a loss to the store.

And you do not have any idea where she might have gone?

Oh, we assumed she found a position elsewhere.

And this is what you told the police?

Well, the police didn't come to speak to me or to my husband.

And I'm glad of it, what with my wife's current condition.

And I must say we weren't aware there was even an investigation until speaking with you.

What, the police didn't come to the store?

They didn't speak to you or the other shop girls?

No.

No one did.

Now, I know you've been under the command of Superintendent Monro, and I have no doubt he has the highest standards, but different forces have different procedures, so I want you to listen carefully.

Sir, I'm still not entirely sure of the logistics of this operation.

Well, if you'd just let me finish, Detective.

Fitzroy, sir.

Uniform will enter through the back-- Oliver Fitzroy, sir.

As I was saying, we will go in through the front.

Now, to the best of our knowledge, this gang hasn't used firearms before.

However we should be prepared for anything.

And when you say "anything," sir... Oi, pretty boy, shut your gob and the let the skipper speak.

What the hell's going on with your hair?

(snickering) Enough!

I want this to run like clockwork.

So no one moves till I say.

We still have the element of surprise, so let's keep it that way.

Get to it.

Detective Fitzroy?

A word, please.

You're new, so... Not that new, actually, sir.

I was posted at Essex before this.

So I'm going to give you the benefit of the doubt, but interrupt me again and you'll be cleaning out the latrines in the cells.

Is that clear?

Yes, sir.

Sorry, sir.

Permission to speak, sir.

Permission denied.

Get to it.

(slams loudly) (people chattering) Miss Scarlet?

Miss Yates?

I can tell you some things about Georgina.

But not here.

(cheers and applause) So you think Georgina's run away?

(scoffs) I don't think.

I know.

And it's the same reason she run away from her village.

Get away from that sister.

She was terrified of her.

But it was my understanding that Georgina left Yorkshire to find a job in London.

Well, her sister would say that, wouldn't she?

Now, Georgina had a different story.

That sister was suffocating, treated her like a baby.

She even sewed Georgina's name into all her clothes like she was some little schoolgirl.

And if she stepped out of line... (smacks loudly) Why run away from London when her sister lives in Yorkshire?

Because she told Georgina she was moving down to be near her.

She'll deny it, of course, but that's the truth.

She wanted to control the poor little mare.

So where has she gone?

I told her to tell no one.

Not even me.

She needed a new start away from that one breathing down her neck.

I'm telling you-- that Miss Lee is no lady.

Not like us.

(indistinct chatter) (places stein down) I'd trust her as far as I could throw her.

Stay sharp.

(loudly bursts open) Police!

You!

Get your hands up!

Hey... where you going?

(shouting) You ain't going nowhere, son!

WILLIAM: Do something useful, Detective, check upstairs.

Make sure this is the lot of them.

That's it, nice and easy does it.

(pushes forcefully, grunts) Where's your stash?

I know it's here somewhere.

Very well, I'll find it myself.

Get them into the wagon.

Right you are, skipper.

OFFICER: Move it!

Nice cozy cell waiting for you!

OFFICER: Come on!

Good.

Gentlemen... All clear upstairs, sir.

All right.

You search down here.

I'll take upstairs.

OFFICER: Move it!

(pigeons cooing) (object rustling) (grunts) (grunting) Go on, go on.

Eh?

(grunting) (spits, laughs) Whoa... (groans) (grunting) (groans) (straining): Your revolver!

Use it!

(grunting) (cocks revolver) (sighs) (grunting) (groans) (cries out) (grunting) (panting) You always this useless, Detective!?

I dunno what to say, sir.

I don't wanna get in any more trouble.

(breathlessly): I told you to do a thorough search!

I did.

At least I believed I did.

Well, this gentleman is evidence to the contrary.

(grunts) (people chattering) I've looked into your case and spoken with some of those who knew Georgina at Wentworth's.

In particular, a Miss Jane Yates.

She has a different version of events.

(sighs) Miss Lee?

This was forwarded from my home address in Yorkshire.

I received it this morning.

(paper rustling) "Dear Mother, I'm sorry I have caused you worry.

"Please know that all is well and I will be in touch soon.

With fondest love, Georgina."

But I thought you said your mother and father were dead?

The telegram is a lie.

Georgina did not send it.

(sighs) There is something I should tell you.

Something I have never told a living soul apart from Georgina.

She's my daughter.

I was young and I had her out of wedlock.

To save the disgrace on my family we were brought up as sisters.

Georgina never calls me Mother.

Only ever Alice.

So whoever sent this knew your secret.

It must have been someone close to her.

Someone she trusted to confide in.

(hoofbeats clattering, horse whinnies) (door opens) (door closes) (knocks) Miss Yates?

It's Miss Scarlet.

(muffled chattering) (gunshots) (door bursts open, hurried footsteps) (footsteps growing faint, door opens) (panting) You sure you're all right?

Just a little shocked.

It's not every day one is shot at.

What were you doing here?

Working a case.

The Georgina Lee case.

(sighing): Her sister came into Scotland Yard...

The lady that was upset.

(footsteps, indistinct chatter nearby) You reopened one of my cases?

Am I to understand that you sought out Miss Lee's business after learning how dissatisfied she was with my service?

Of course not!

I secured the case through Moses.

Moses?

Ah...

This gets better and better... No, I didn't intend to become embroiled, it just happened.

Things have a tendency to just happen to you, Eliza.

It's about time you took some credit for your decisions.

If you had any respect for me or my position then you would not have reopened it.

Well it's a good job I did since you most certainly missed something!

(sighs) Do you have any idea how many cases I have to deal with?

I don't have the luxury of working one case at a time as you do.

Well, more's the pity!

Because the investigation into Georgina Lee was poor indeed, William!

(door opens) Sir.

What is it?

He was in the street at the time of the murder.

I thought he might know something.

And you thought that you would bring him here to the crime scene?

For God's sake man!

(slurring): Calm yourself, William.

Take him in for questioning and start using your common sense, Detective!

(door closes) William... Never call me that again in front of my men.

(door opens) So, now you wish to speak to me?

I apologize if you feel that we did not give your sister's case the attention that it deserved.

That is an understatement.

We've hundreds, if not thousands of missing person reports every year.

We endeavor to do our best.

Now, I understand that this is difficult, but we are doing everything to find Georgina.

Only because Miss Scarlet has shone a light on your incompetence.

(sighing): Perhaps we might be better concentrating on how we proceed from here.

The lady who was murdered-- Jane Yates.

Tell me about Georgina's relationship with her.

I know she worked with my sister.

I also know she's a liar.

She said Georgina was scared of me.

She told Miss Scarlet as much.

(sighs) Let's just please focus on something other than Miss Scarlet and her investigation.

At least she's done an investigation.

(inhales, distant gunshot) (distant shouting) (distant gunshot) (door opens) (gunshot) What the hell is going on here?!

OFFICER: Don't know.

(gunshot, indistinct shouting) (gun clicking) (murmuring, gun clicking) (sighs) (sighs) (quiet chatter) Who does this revolver belong to?!

(sighs) FITZROY: I can only apologize, sir.

I, I was guiding him into the cell to sober him up when he pulled the gun from my holster and...

It's beyond my comprehension how a man like you has got to the rank of detective.

Do I have permission to enlighten you, sir?

It was a rhetorical question.

Oh.

Forgive me.

I'm equally at a loss as to why a man like yourself would want to do this job.

I don't wish to be personal, but you look more like poet than a police officer.

Please do not think you offend me with your observation, sir.

I, I take that as a compliment.

You see, Lord Byron is a hero of mine, and I like to think that maybe one day I'll have some poetry of my own published... Detective Fitzroy, the simple fact is that you do not belong here.

You are a danger to yourself and to the rest of my men.

So I have no alternative but to dismiss you.

(picks up bottle) With immediate effect.

(places bottle down) (picks up glass) I understand, sir.

That means you need to leave, Detective.

Yes, of course, sir.

(clears throat) (door opens, closes) (horse whinnies, people chattering) (rifling through purse) (rifling continues, footsteps approach) (rifling stops) For heaven's sake!

You don't like me to wait in your office.

Now you don't like me to wait outside.

I could have killed you, Moses!

(laughs) You couldn't open an envelope with that thing.

What have you got for me?

So Miss Yates was making a lot more money than a mere shop girl.

According to her bank account.

That's how she was able to afford rent on such an expensive apartment.

How do you find these things out?

I am a man of many talents.

You're a man with a talent for avoiding questions.

Miss Yates was making regular payments to another account.

Know this man?

Welcome to Wentworth's, madam, the Pandora's Box of the West End.

I'm quite sure a lady as elegant as yourself knows exactly what she's looking for, however if you are in need of assistance please do not hesi... Mr. Salisbury?

Who on earth are you?

You didn't say that last night.

Clementine.

Nice to meet ya.

Would madam excuse me for one moment?

I don't know who you are!

I got a message for ya.

And if you don't stop hurting my arm I'm gonna punch you in the head!

(quietly): What message?

Where is she?

(raucous chatter) You think it is funny sending that... woman?

Well, you made it abundantly clear that I wasn't welcome in the stores.

So I thought it wise to send an associate.

Ah, if she is an associate, it tells me everything about the type of outfit you're running.

I'm more interested in the outfit that you're running, Mr. Salisbury.

As my note stated, I know that Jane Yates was depositing money into your account each month.

The fact that you're here with me now suggests that this isn't something you wish to share with anyone.

(swallows, places glass down) I arrange liaisons between the girls and rich customers.

For a fee.

Sometimes it is more than just shopping the girls oblige with.

And that's how they supplement their wages.

Could any of these... customers have wanted Jane Yates dead?

A married client, perhaps?

God only knows.

She had a lot of men.

One of the most popular girls.

I'm going to miss her.

She was a good earner.

And what of... Georgina?

Who were her regular customers?

Georgina?

She did not have any.

He would not share her with anyone else.

"He"?

He's powerful, rich.

Perhaps I have said too much.

(chattering in background) Let me be clear, Mr. Salisbury.

If you don't tell me I will shall share what information I have gleaned with Inspector Wellington of Scotland Yard.

You will lose your job, your reputation, and if anyone is unfortunate enough to be Mrs. Salisbury, your wife.

(nearby glass shatters) (grunts) (raucous chatter) It was Mr. Wentworth.

(raucous chatter continues) Tell me Wentworth's daily movements.

(clock chiming) SALISBURY (voiceover): Every day at noon he goes to Levine's Tea House.

He likes the waitresses in there.

(clock chiming) (lock clicks) These are Georgina Lee's clothes.

How do you know?

They have her name sewn into them.

If Wentworth has murdered Georgina Lee... Let's not jump to conclusions.

The most obvious motive would be to silence her over their affair.

Maybe she threatened to tell his pregnant wife?

Maybe Jane Yates found out?

The extra money she was earning might not have just been from her services on the side.

Maybe she was blackmailing Wentworth and he got rid of her too?

And this is you not jumping to conclusions, is it?

Well, one of us has to, William, since the other seems stuck in some kind of sulk.

(scoffs) I'm a grown man.

I don't sulk.

I said I was sorry for reopening the case.

Don't do that.

What?

You rewrite history and then you convince me that it's so.

All right, fine.

I didn't apologize.

(sighs) But I do now.

I am sorry, William.

I should have spoken to you first.

And if you had, and I had asked you not to take it, would it have made any difference?

OFFICER: Here you go, sir.

Sir.

Thank you.

The telegram to Miss Lee was sent from the county of Buckinghamshire.

Beaconsfield.

Wentworth has a country residence there.

Wentworth's wife's gone into labor.

He's headed to his house in the country.

DRIVER: Shall we go?

Yeah!

(banging on door) Is Mr. Wentworth home?

I'm Inspector Wellington with Scotland Yard.

I'd like to speak with him.

Now, please.

(distant baby crying) No one's allowed upstairs!

(distant crying continues) (crying grows louder) (baby crying) (crying continues) Georgina?

(crying continues) MRS. WENTWORTH: I had given up hope of ever becoming a mother.

Until one night I happened across Georgina.

The store was closed and I found her crying.

She revealed to me her affair with my husband and the pregnancy.

She told me of the secret of her family.

How her mother had been raised as her sister.

She did not want to bring any more disgrace upon them.

So you agreed to raise the baby as your own.

And pass yourself off as expecting.

Georgina was very sick during the pregnancy.

She feared she might not survive the birth.

She wrote to her friend Miss Yates to let her know where she was and if she were to die, she wanted her mother to know what she had done.

But Miss Yates used this information to blackmail us.

The humiliation of everyone knowing that my wife's pregnancy was false...

I'd be a laughingstock.

My reputation would be destroyed.

MRS. WENTWORTH: Well, perhaps you should have thought of that before getting a young woman pregnant.

I assume Miss Yates' demands became untenable, so you dealt with her?

(shuddered breath) It was me!

I went to speak to Miss Yates, and I took the revolver, just to scare her.

But when I arrived she said that I was an unnatural woman.

(crying): That I was defective for being unable to carry my own child, and she jeered at me, and the next thing I know I had pulled the trigger.

(sobbing) Thank you.

(exhales) (chains jangling) We've, uh, much to discuss.

Mm.

We still have our dinner reservation this evening.

Perhaps then?

Sir.

The Superintendent wants to see me.

I'll see you later?

Inspector Wellington.

Miss Scarlet.

(train whistle blowing) MONRO: Come in!

You requested to see me, sir?

Come in, Inspector Wellington.

There seems to have been a misunderstanding with Detective Fitzroy.

(sighing): It was no misunderstanding, sir.

The man is not equipped to be a constable, never mind a detective.

Leave us.

Yes, sir.

(door closes) Detective Fitzroy is the son of the Police Commissioner.

And on his father's instructions, Fitzroy has been elevated through the ranks, even though he has not had the sufficient experience needed to warrant these promotions.

Well, surely this cannot be allowed to continue, sir?

(sighing): I share your dismay, laddie.

I myself have been stuck with him for the last six months.

But when you come from a powerful family such as the Commissioner's... (sighs) all justice goes out the window, I'm afraid.

Are you saying that I cannot dismiss one of my own men, sir?

I'm saying you're more than capable of dealing with him, Inspector.

It's just a little arrangement.

These things have to be done from time to time to keep things well-oiled and running smoothly.

Understood?

Understood, sir.

Good.

(distant clock chiming, birds twittering) Now, no more traipsing through allotments, please.

Can't afford to keep making you new dresses.

Lizzie?

Are you listening to me?

No.

You look beautiful.

Just like your mother.

I only wish she were here to see you.

Oh, don't do that.

You know I don't like it when you get upset.

I just hate to see you alone, that's all.

I'm not alone.

I have you.

Oh!

Come here.

(knock at door) That can't be William.

He's not due for hours.

Ah... Is it Wednesday already?

I probably shouldn't.

(chuckles) My aunt says, "Harriet, no wonder no one wishes to marry you.

"You have the appetite of a man, which is most unseemly."

(chuckles) She's so funny.

My aunt means well, and requesting I come to London and be her companion was an offer of kindness.

It's an offer that benefits her too.

I do not blame you for your low opinion of my aunt, Miss Scarlet.

My cousin has told me of your history.

Which is why I have come up with the most marvelous idea.

My aunt is on the committee for the Ladies Cultural Society.

And they are always looking for new speakers.

And I thought, "How about Miss Scarlet and her detective adventures?"

Why on earth would I want to do that?

I had hoped we would become friends.

I do not have many friends in London.

Well, any at all, really.

So it would be easier if my aunt approved of you.

(sighs) Miss Parker... Hattie.

Hattie...

I have no need nor desire for your aunt's approval.

You are so lucky.

(exhales) You have such freedom.

How did you come to that conclusion?

Yes, you are a woman.

(chuckles) And according to my cousin, more often than not struggling with finance and your business.

Not to mention not being taken seriously, of course.

You're merely proving my point, I think.

But... you know who you are and what you want.

Many may not approve, but you simply do not care.

I call that freedom indeed.

(hoofbeats clattering) (door closes) Lizzie, it's Inspector Wellington.

William.

(pouring liquid) Eliza.

(tops decanter, places it down) Before we go out to dine, I need to tell you something.

Please, sit down.

(exhales) (places glass down) (clears throat) (clears throat) William, in answer to your question, would I have taken the case had you asked me not to, the simple truth is... denying me would have made me want it all the more.

My freedom to make my own decisions and to choose the work I wish to take is everything to me.

Eliza... Pl-please, let me finish.

You mean a great deal but I will not be dictated to.

I will have no master.

So if we are to have some kind of future, I thought it important to be clear where I stand before we go out to dine.

Eliza, I have canceled our dinner reservation.

Oh... (forced chuckle) It's pointless to deny the truth that if we were anything more than friends, my position would be untenable.

The fact is I am undermined already without added humiliation.

(exhales sharply) It's, uh... it's better for both of us to, to leave things as they are for now.

Good night, Eliza.

Good night, William.

(door opens) (clicks teeth, sighs) (sighs) (softly groans) (inhales) (sighs) (horse hooves clomping outside) (door shuts) (click) MAN: Last night an item of considerable value was stolen.

A sketch by Charles Darwin himself.

MAN: Scotland Yard forced yet again to turn to the lady detective.

MRS. PARKER: I will see you ruined!

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