A Woman of Substance (2026) s01e02 Episode Script

1
Oh, she's never going to retire.
We'd have to take her out
and shoot her.
Mother and her bloody determination!
Harte Enterprises
needs new leadership.
Mummy's time is over.
It's our time.
- Right.
- Right.
I was wondering
what'll hit her hardest.
The business losses
or all her children hating her.
But I suspect she'll be so busy
checking share prices
she'll barely remember
any of our names!
Hmm.
This is off
the record, Mr Fairley?
I've waited years
for my children to show
any kind of initiative
or ambition.
A coup! I'm almost impressed.
I hope you know…
I didn't try to entrap them.
But when I realised
they were planning
a takeover…
That Tokyo report you wanted.
Oh, thank you, my love.
It's starting to stabilise,
at least.
We're reassuring the markets.
Well, you've a lot
on your plate, so…
Uh, Paula,
this is Mr Jim Fairley.
He runs a magazine
nobody's heard of.
Actually, lots of people
have heard of it.
And he's the grandson
of a person I once knew.
I'm the grandson
of Edwin Fairley.
My granddaughter, Paula,
head of operations.
Pleased to meet you.
Yes, well, thank you,
Mr Fairley.
I shall make arrangements
for the reopening
of your magazine.
Really?
That's not why I brought you here…
But thank you.
A Fairley and a journalist?
Grandy, surely you haven't
given him an interview?
Of course not!
Betrayal is in his blood,
and betrayal
can creep up on you.
I'll go and make sure
he's escorted out of the building.
Mr Fairley? Mr Fairley?
- Going down?
- Can I have a word?
Excuse me. Could you hold?
Going down.
We're in the middle of a crisis.
What the hell are you doing here?
I was listening back
to an interview
and some information
fell into my lap.
I'm hoping that sharing it
might encourage your
grandmother to trust me.
What are you up to?
Anything I can do
to get her to accept us.
Fat chance. She hates you.
How do YOU feel about me?
Don't be needy.
I am needy when it comes to you.
It's pathetic.
- Do you love me?
- Stop it!
I love you. Say it.
I love you. You know I do.
And I will tell her.
Just not today.
She's hated you
for half a century.
Hating your entire family
runs through her veins.
Fuck my whole family.
Fuck everything but you
- and me.
- Not here.
Jim!
Go.
Everyone's running around
talking about share prices.
I thought
today called for biscuits.
You know, Jerry,
the older I get,
the fewer people I can trust.
But you're at the top of the list.
In fact, at this rate,
the list may only be
you and Paula.
- Mrs Harte.
- Thanks, Jerry.
Emma!
Emma, wait for me. Emma…
Someone will see.
Everyone's asleep.
I'll never forget
this night, never…
Me neither.
I have to get ready for work.
Answer that, Emma Harte.
Where have you been?
I'm so sorry.
I'll clear this up.
My breakfast tray
needs clearing.
Oh, of course.
Where are you going?
- I thought…
- Have you seen my hair?
It looks…
Shall I fix the pins for you?
Do you think it needs fixing?
No, I think it looks beautiful,
I just…
Why aren't you tidying?
Look at this place.
My husband will be here
any moment, I expect.
I went down a storm
at the party, didn't I?
You were a triumph.
Everyone said so.
I wonder how Adam will thank me.
Perhaps you could try on
some of those dresses
you asked me to alter for you,
so you look
your absolute best if…
Do you remember
that clever idea you had
to get me to alter them?
I could get them now,
if you like?
A shilling a gown,
I think you said.
Did I?
Yes, you did say that.
Emma…
All of this ambition -
you ought to be careful.
No man wants to be worried
about a woman
with thoughts in her head.
They're much more interested
in necks.
And you have the kind of neck
that drives men wild.
You should show it off.
There must be some boy
that you want to make
positively feral, is there?
Tell me.
The only thing I plan on making
is dresses, Mrs Fairley.
Shall I fetch those?
You want to take advantage
of me, do you?
- You think I'm stupid.
- Of course not.
Why is my breakfast tray
still here?
I'm sorry, Mrs Fairley.
He doesn't know
what he's talking about.
Trust me, Father,
the rumours of a strike
are nonsense.
They can't afford one.
What do you think, Olivia?
Well, I, um…
We can't allow
relations with the workers
to deteriorate any further.
I fear mediation may not be
one of your strengths, Gerald.
You have an idea?
I wonder if maybe
Edwin's sensibilities
lend themselves more to
a delicate situation like this.
I don't think that Edwin's
weak-minded sentimentalism
- is going to help.
- Olivia's quite right.
As usual.
We need a different approach.
It's important
that Edwin learns the ropes.
But what about
finishing university?
You have the summer.
And unless I'm mistaken, Edwin,
you failed to make any plans
with Sir Vikram's daughter.
Well… yes.
As Priya seems
utterly uninterested
in Gerald here, it falls to you.
The mill will be half yours
one day, Edwin.
It's time you started…
God's sake!
I'm so sorry, Squire Fairley.
- What are you doing?
- Helping.
We're in the middle
of a conversation. Sit down!
Sorry, Master Edwin.
"Helping"!
Honestly, you're not a child
anymore, Edwin.
You'll head over to the mill
this afternoon
and Gerald will show you
the ropes. Understood?
- Yes, Father.
- Good. Gerald?
Yes, Father.
- What happened?
- I tripped.
In front of Squire Fairley?
It were an accident.
Hey!
Oh!
You touch her again
and I will string you up.
Do you hear me?
Same goes for Mary.
Oh. Sorry.
I'll get out of your way.
No, no, no. No, no.
I don't want you out of my way.
I can't bear this.
You won't even look at me.
Well,
I have no right to look…
Just as I had no right to…
God, I'm so ashamed.
I'm not.
It's you I want to be with.
We can't do this to Adele.
And what about
what she's doing to us?
- She's unwell.
- Yes!
Always. Constantly.
But for God's sake, is it not
an illness of her own making?
The doctors tell me so
all the time.
I've tried,
but she is determined
to live a life of misery.
And I used to think
that was my only choice, too.
But last night she was…
Perhaps she'll be back
to her old self.
She always gives me just enough.
Just enough for me
to keep believing
that she is still the woman
that I fell in love with.
And I used to think
that was hope. It's not!
It's insanity!
Last night with you…
… that was hope.
Well, then, I am afraid
I am as bad as my sister
because I cannot give you
what you are hoping for.
Why should all three of us
be miserable?
Who does it help?
Bit of a bruise coming through.
But anything that keeps people
wary of you
must be a good thing.
- I'm so sick of this.
- Ah, he won't touch you again.
I mean, this life!
Working like a dog
and being treated worse!
How's home?
Silent.
The funeral - when is it?
Won't be a proper one.
Gave me Dad what I'd saved
from the sewing an' that.
But it still won't get us
so much as a pebble
to mark where…
We'll do our own
at top of the world.
That was her place.
You'll get out, Emma.
You'll do whatever you like…
… and make your fortune, too.
Like I will.
I saw it in you
the moment I met you.
We're climbers, you and me.
And we won't give up
until we reach the top.
And then when we do,
we'll have earned it.
Not like them up there.
They just happened to be born
in the right house.
It's not their fault
they're rich
any more than it's ours
for being poor.
No. Don't you go
making that mistake
of thinking we're all the same.
Emma. Could you…?
There's a problem
with the fireplaces.
Of course.
- Mr O'Neill.
- Sir.
I'm so sorry.
I wanted to help…
Masters of the house don't help.
Emma…
Emma!
What happened to your face?
Who hurt you?
If it's someone who works here,
I'll have them punished.
What if it were Gerald?
Was it Gerald?
No.
- I'm confused…
- Never mind!
You can't be seen favouring me
and I can't risk getting fired
over troublemaking.
- I wouldn't worry about…
- This is not just about me!
I've a family to support
and barely enough food
on the table as it is!
I won't see 'em starve
over a measly slap in the face!
Last night
should never have happened!
Do not put that one there…
Emma. Look, see?
Even Master Edwin can't beat me.
I'll have to try harder
next time. I'm out of practise.
Build them back up again.
Like a skyscraper.
What do you know
about skyscrapers?
What you doing here?
Losing at skittles, apparently.
But I hear
you normally do the same.
Emma's quite good, to be fair.
Yeah. For a girl.
Oh! I think you'll find
being a girl's
got nowt to do with it.
- I'm just good.
- Mm.
I let her beat me sometimes.
She gets in a right mood
if I don't.
Oh-ho-ho-ho!
Luck. That was luck.
Let's be honest.
Oh, no, what's happened
to that mirror?
Got tired of looking at me,
I expect.
Oh, don't say things like that.
Your mind will believe it.
Last night went rather well,
don't you think?
Adam was delighted.
Did you see?
Yeah.
When I got the Chandras
up to dance,
I turned the whole thing around.
And now that I'm better,
you can finally go home.
Can't you?
Oh, you're perfectly well now,
are you? All fixed?
Why didn't you join us
at breakfast, then?
I don't eat breakfast.
I see what it does to your hips.
Ow!
- Just a joke, darling.
- Right.
I do understand
why you stayed so long, Olivia.
It must be desperately lonely
in that empty grey house
of yours. And here,
you have a ready-made family
to play with.
But it's not real, darling.
You know that, don't you?
That's not why I'm here.
It's too late for children,
of course, but…
… there are plenty of men…
- Stop it!
- What?
You don't look THAT old.
Not like me.
I'm ravaged.
You know you're beautiful.
Yes.
But… not irresistible.
Do you know,
men never used to be able
to control themselves around me.
Adam wanted me every minute.
His hands were never off me.
You know, you're lucky, Olivia.
Your worth
has never been determined
by a man's desire for you.
Your main thing is your mind.
Always has been.
Not like me. I've lost mine.
But yours is intact.
You should rest.
I know how much
Adam values your mind.
I can tell
by the way he looks at you.
I'll send someone up
about the mirror.
What's wrong?
I've spent my whole life
applauding my sister
and taking care of her…
… putting her needs
before mine.
And she's never once thanked me
or even noticed.
I'm not conceited enough
or grand enough
to think that I deserve happiness.
Certainly not like this.
But I would… like to know…
… how happiness feels.
What are you saying?
Kiss me.
Kiss me again.
Mm!
- Am I…?
- Yes.
Is this…?
Uh…
It's not…?
Oh…!
- Sorry, I, uh…
- No, it's fine. It's fine.
I- I… I'm sorry, I was…
We're rushing into things
and it's not what you deserve.
This isn't some sordid affair,
this is, uh…
We should take our time.
You're right…
Yes. Do you need me to…?
Oh.
Oh, yes.
Oh, Madame Butterfly!
- The opera?
- Yes, it's playing in Leeds.
We should go. You and I.
Tomorrow.
You love the theatre, don't you?
Yes. Um, but…
Do you have plans?
No, of course not.
It's settled, then. The theatre.
Well, I have some work
to do tonight.
And I shall see you
for breakfast.
What are you two playing at?
I know you're stalling
cos you think I'm gonna win.
Hurry up.
It's not staying.
Master Edwin, in't it?
That's right. Mr Harte.
Good to meet you.
Aye. What you doing here?
Losing at skittles.
He was just passing.
I came to speak to you,
actually, Mr Harte.
Oh, aye?
What can I do for you?
I'm looking to fill a position
at the mill.
Well, I got no experience
in operating
that kind of machinery.
It's a new role I'm creating.
More supervisory.
A sort of bridge
between the management
and the workforce.
There have been
escalating tensions recently,
and I need someone who's
well respected in the community
to mediate and rally the troops,
so to speak.
So I asked around.
Your name kept coming up.
I got no experience in that
kind of thing, either, so…
Well, how much does it pay?
- Frank!
- What?
We could offer
40 shillings a week.
Per week?!
40… you say?
Well, it's, er…
Aye, well, man can't say no
to that, can he?
Thank you. Thank you, sir.
Very generous.
It's you doing me the favour.
So, if you come by the mill
tomorrow, we'll talk terms.
- Aye, I'll be there.
- Excellent.
Well, I'll leave you all
to your evening.
What was that all about?
I have no idea.
Emma, what have you been saying
in that house?
That I can't
take care of this family?
No. Dad, you don't have to do it.
- I know you'll hate it.
- I can't turn down that wage.
It's done now.
Leave it, Emma.
Right.
Are we ready
to say goodbye to your mam?
Where'd you find that?
In Mam's box under the bed.
I know it must have cost you a lot,
but she kept it so special.
Thought she'd want it.
It's nowt to do with me.
Didn't know she still had it.
- Then who gave it to her?
- Don't bring it.
Come on, Frank.
- OK, but…
- Emma. Just leave it. Please.
What's that, then?
Who did this?
I think my friend.
It must have been Mac.
She loved it up here.
Thanks, love.
Right. Here you go.
I wrote something down
that I wanted to…
… wanted to say to her.
I put in my…
It was in 'ere.
It was here.
I thought of some things to say
to her. Some words and that.
And, um… I can't…
I can't find 'em.
It's all right.
I've left 'em.
I wanted to tell Mum…
I wanted to tell her
that I love her.
She knows.
She knows.
It's all right, son.
See you tonight, lad, yeah?
See ya.
Thank you, Emma.
I know it's very short notice.
I were nearly done
with them anyway.
"Was."
I "was" nearly done.
Or "finished", you could say.
I was nearly finished.
Thank you, miss.
You're really talented, Emma.
You know?
You must keep at this.
You could really
make something of yourself.
- I were thinking, miss…
- Mm?
These uniforms,
they look nice and all,
but it'd make working in them
easier if there were pockets
and more room in the skirt.
If I had cloth,
I could make new ones,
for cheaper
than you usually pay.
Three shillings per uniform?
Half upfront?
Yes, it's a good idea.
You could use offcuts
from the mill.
Oh…!
I don't remember this one.
Oh, I'm ever so sorry.
That belongs to Mrs Fairley.
I've been doing some sewing
for her, too.
Oh. Right, yes.
No, that is much more her.
It would fit you, though.
I can make sure of it.
I could do it now,
for my usual rate. I work fast.
Oh, no.
I think you'd look lovely in it, miss.
It's just the sort of thing
people wear to operas…
… I would think, anyway.
I shouldn't.
Mrs Fairley won't miss it.
She's so many.
Why not try it on?
What's that?
One of Adele's?
Oh. Yes.
I borrowed it. Do you like it?
It's… not very you.
Well, I could change.
No time now. It'll do.
Shall we?
I should have asked you
before offering your father
that job.
I'm an insensitive idiot.
Are we just saying things
that are obvious?
I'm so sorry. It was never
meant to feel like charity.
He'll hate it.
Being outside in the sun,
the wind, the rain -
that's what keeps him sane.
That's what me mam used to say.
I got overexcited.
Which can happen
when you're an idiot.
Emma, I know I've had it easier
than most,
but my life's not perfect.
Why? Has Daddy given you a mill
that you don't want?
My dad can't pay for
a proper funeral for me mam.
So stop distracting me
with flights of fancy
about a life I can never have
and let me work for one
that's actually in reach!
Our future IS in reach, Emma.
It's all I think about.
I wish I could have walked in
and asked your father
for your hand.
One day I will.
I promise you, Emma.
It will happen.
Till then, this was all
I could think of to help.
But if you want me to say
the job's not there anymore…
No.
I won't break my promise
to me mam.
I have to stick to the plan
and keep me hours up,
and the sewing. Which doesn't
leave much time for us.
I'll take any second I can get.
Ah. Master Edwin.
Just checking
all's in order here.
Yeah. Seems to be. Good.
Good.
Mrs Fairley's calling for you.
You're in demand.
Aren't you?
You know,
I am feeling much better.
Glad to hear it, Mrs Fairley.
I think I will try on
those dresses
you've been tailoring for me.
Yes, of course. I'm still
working my way through,
but I'll fetch a few.
There's a red one.
Satin. Low at the neck.
Adam loves me in it.
That one's not quite finished yet.
Perfect time to try it on, then.
- There's pins all over it.
- I don't care.
That's the one I want.
Is there any reason, Emma,
I can't have what I want?
Good.
Then I'll wait here
until you bring it.
I'm gonna get fired! I will!
I won't let that happen.
I'll speak to my mother,
- explain…
- How?
How are you going to explain
why you even care?
It's them! Back early!
Oh, thank God!
It's a miracle!
Have I done something wrong?
Not unless you gave me
this headache.
I know it's not that.
Why am I here?
You said you wanted
to turn back, so…
No.
Oh, God, this is so humiliating.
What is?
I'll leave. I'll go back home.
I've outstayed my welcome.
But I need you.
What part of me exactly
do you so badly need?
- Every part.
- You don't desire me.
Of course I…
Olivia, you are beautiful…
Why am I here?
My sister doesn't want me here.
You claim you wish
I was your wife, but I'm not.
Who am I?
I'm not even your mistress.
I'm nothing
but an embarrassment!
- That is not true.
- Don't follow me!
Miss Wainwright…
I'm ever so sorry,
but Mrs Fairley has asked
for the dress. That dress.
I didn't know what to say,
but I've already
kept her waiting
- and I'm afraid she'll find…
- Yes, she can have it.
Really? Oh, thank you so much.
It's hers. It's all hers.
Thank you so much,
Miss Wainwright.
Adele!
What are you doing to my life?!
Do you know that you are
my greatest aggravation?
The source of all my misery?
Why, Squire Fairley,
you flatter me!
You've quite literally
trapped me in this
limbo of a marriage.
How dare you! You and I
were either heaven or hell.
We are never so tedious
as to be in between.
This isn't a game, Adele.
This is my life.
And you're stopping me
from living it!
You may have confined yourself
to these four walls,
but I'M the one
you're keeping in a prison.
I don't have a wife! And yet
I am not free to find one!
Even if I wanted to,
even if there was someone,
anyone who would be good for me!
Adam…
… you don't want good.
Who wants good?
Neither of us.
We've always wanted bad.
I can see what you want, Adam.
Adele… Adele…
I can feel it.
You want wicked, Adam.
You want desperate.
You want white-hot heat,
and to be all over me.
Every part of me.
Inside and out.
That's what you always want.
I'm the only one
who makes your skin
feel like fire, Adam, aren't I?
I know you.
I'm inside you.
Not now, Emma.
Oh!
You must see it now…
Don't you?
How much I need you?
Yes.
Ever so sorry for keeping you
waiting, Mrs Fairley.
Had a few bits to finish off,
but hopefully
it's worth the wait.
I think I need to see it on.
Of course, yeah. I'll help you.
No, not on me. On you.
- I'm not sure how that…
- Indulge me.
Well, take off
what you're wearing.
Now, Emma.
I need to speak to the boys.
Not about…?
No, no.
Just some mill business.
Do you need me?
I do. Very much so.
But not right now.
You… rest.
Right.
If you want anything changing,
I can do it tonight.
I do think
you'd have a better idea
if you tried it on yourself,
though.
My decanter needs filling.
Be a darling and run downstairs.
Yes, of course.
No, no. No.
Leave that on.
I can't go downstairs
wearing this.
- Why?
- It wouldn't be appropriate.
But it suits you.
Mrs Fairley,
I'm supposed to be working.
Which is exactly why
I asked you to get me a drink.
- It'll take me ten seconds…
- My decanter needs filling.
Now.
Right away, Mrs Fairley.
Who's that out there?
It's Emma, sir.
Come in, please.
Our drinks need refreshing.
I'll be there in a moment, sir.
I'm fetching something
for Mrs Fairley.
Mrs Fairley can wait!
Get in here!
Now!
How can we be sure
this supervisor
won't galvanise the men further?
Gerald?
Hmm?
What the hell are you wearing?
I'm so sorry, sir.
Have you stolen that?
No! Mrs Fairley insisted.
Take it off.
Who do you think you are?
Hmm?
I think I'm no-one, sir.
I'm sorry.
That was uncalled for.
- Completely unacceptable.
- I meant you, Father.
There's no need to speak to Emma
or any of the staff like that.
Especially when it's clearly
one of mother's little games!
Edwin,
I can speak to her
however I want.
I pay her.
Barely!
I just think…
Did I ask you to think?!
It would appear Emma Harte
is not the only one
who has forgotten her place
in this house.
Sorry, Father.
Sir Vikram offered
that you visit them in London.
Your spending more time
with Sir Vikram's daughter
could prove most beneficial
for both families.
You should leave first thing.
I'll send a telegram ahead
to let them know
that you're coming.
I'm sure Priya will want
to pick out her best dress.
They're sacking me, aren't they?
He's sending me to London.
I couldn't leave
without saying goodbye.
How long will you be gone for?
There may be a wedding
on the cards.
You know you're the only one
of the family I trust?
- Dad!
- What's wrong?
I don't want you to respect me.
Those people
are never going to see you
as anything more than a maid.
Come with me. Why not?