The Hardacres (2024) s01e06 Episode Script

1
I'm delighted to announce
the engagement
of Lady Adella Fitzherbert
to Lord Hugo Arthur Bathurst.
I need to tell you something. Don't
think me and you can go any further.
I want them stored safely
for the duration.
The duration of what, Mrs Dryden?
The Hardacres.
You could cut ten men.
And if I don't?
Then we'll vote to remove you.
We strike.
Strike! Strike!
Use these as a helping hand.
Cure for stoutness.
She collapsed outside.
Liza?
I just wanna go back
to our old lives. We're Hardacres.
We never, ever give up. We fight.
Liza? Sweetheart?
How you feeling, love?
I've got a headache. Go away.
She's upset, and she's embarrassed.
It might be easier
if she wasn't outnumbered.
I wanna help.
I know, I know you do.
But I think this one has to be me.
If you're sure.
There are some things
I need to organise,
but I need you all
down at the docks at four o'clock.
Are you gonna tell me
what this big idea is?
HE CHUCKLES
Let's see
if I can pull it off first.
I'll be in the study if you need me.
SHE SNORES
Morning!
STARTLED SNORE
Oh. Oh. Oh, morning.
Oh.
Crikey, how long have you been up?
A little while.
Someone woke me with their snoring.
Hm.
HE CLEARS THROA
Maybes we could, you know,
see-see one another again,
do things properly?
I-I-I don't even know
your real name.
I have to get back.
I have to see how Liza is.
Erm I made us some breakfast.
Maybe next time, eh?
Yeah, well, erm
SHE CLEARS THROA
It was nice, erm
seeing you, but, erm,
I'm not really a breakfast
or next time kind of woman.
Wha ?
Oh, Liza, let me look at you.
No.
Why not?
Cos I'm a big, fat, ugly idiot.
Hey. You're none of those things.
You're perfect, and I wouldn't
change a hair on your head.
That's not true.
You've been saying for ages
I should be more ladylike.
More like Adella.
Is that why you took those pills?
Cos of me?
Hugo Bathurst said
I were a greedy mule.
What? If I'd have known that,
I'd have punched him myself.
You shouldn't care
what some silly toff thinks.
You do, Mum.
You care what Lady Emma
and all the circle think.
And anyway, Hugo's right.
I don't want to be like this.
Like what?
Like I am.
What about if I only take one a day?
Liza, you collapsed.
You don't need to take pills.
You don't need to do anything.
You don't need to change.
I only got sick
because I took too many.
Adella takes one a day,
and she's fine.
Is that where you got them from?
Adella?
Emma gives them to her.
Are you able to get up? Get dressed?
Right, get ready,
and then you're coming with me.
Beesley? Beesley. Carriage, please.
CLICKS FINGERS
Wilson? Carriage.
Er, where have you been?
I went for a walk.
Ah, there's my girl.
How are you feeling?
Can you wait outside for me, please?
PILLS RATTLE
These.
These came from Lady Fitzherbert.
PAPERS THUD
I've had enough of this woman.
I'll need my coat, Beesley.
Liza is ashamed
of the way that she is, who she is.
Now, the pills
may have come from Emma,
but that came from me.
I'm the one
that fell for her nonsense,
so I'm the one
that's gonna set things right.
Well, I'm not missing that.
Ma'am, please. No, please
Out of my way.
You're not
Sorry, milady, I couldn't stop them.
What on earth?
Ladies, what a pleasant surprise.
May we offer you some refreshments?
We won't be stopping.
Yours, I believe.
They made my daughter sick.
MOUTHS
Well, I'm sorry to hear that.
But I don't see
what that's got to do with me.
Well, she wouldn't have had them
in the first place if not for you.
You put our Liza in danger.
Danger?
Well, she looks fine to me.
And, I must say,
a little daintier too, dear.
Oh, just say the word, Mary.
I used to think
that you were better than me.
EMMA CHUCKLES
All cos you knew how to dress nice,
speak proper.
Cos you grew up
in fancy rooms like this.
You know where I grew up?
Not really.
The workhouse
where you and your ladies say
is full of the lazy and undeserving.
Well, that explains a lot.
And I put up with your insults.
All cos I thought that my past
was something to be ashamed of.
But it's not. No.
I'm proud of where I came from,
who I am.
And I'm proud
of the woman who raised me.
And I'm proud
of the daughter I raised too.
She's strong, smart,
and independent.
And I'm gonna make sure she knows
she can be whatever kind of woman
she wants to be.
She can live
whatever life she chooses.
Cos she's worth more
than being auctioned off
as a brood mare
to some chinless wonder.
And so are you, sweetheart.
So much more.
Enough! Do something, George!
Maybe we should all just take
a moment
You are a nasty piece of work,
Lady Emma!
You're twisted, you're cold,
oh, and you're vicious.
And everyone can see it.
MARY EXHALES SHARPLY
As clear as they can see the misery
and the loneliness inside of you.
And I wouldn't swap
a second of my life for yours.
We're done here. Let's go.
GULLS SQUAWKING,
CROWD CHATTERING
What's your father up to this time?
Don't ask me.
Haven't a bloody clue.
Miss Liza?
I hope you're feeling better.
I am.
Mr Saunders
You can Callum.
Callum,
after that stupid Fitzherbert party,
you were so kind to me, and
I was a bit of an arse in return.
I'm sorry.
Oh, it was nothing.
Don't give it another thought.
Thank you.
You cunning bugger.
Now this, this is clever, Sam.
You gave me the idea.
Mm.
I knew you'd come good,
Sam Hardacre.
I can't wait to see
the board's faces.
Well, you won't have to. I've
invited them here for a re-vote.
Let's get this pointless charade
over with, Hardacre.
We'll be holding the vote out here.
What?
Well, there isn't room inside.
I'd like you to meet
our new shareholders.
I divided
my interests in the business
equally amongst the workers.
Every soul who toils on this dock
now owns a piece of it,
every man and woman
a share of the profits.
And the decisions.
Yeah.
Remind me, Mr Hugill
it's one shareholder, one vote, yes?
What, even the women?
Especially the women,
you big balloon!
THEY LAUGH
All those in favour
of a shorter working week
and no lay-offs say aye!
Aye!
CHEERING
GLASS CLINKING
Aye, come on, then.
Let's get inside.
DOG BARKS
CHATTERING
Listen up, everybody!
CHATTERING STOPS
To us!
CHEERING AND LAUGHTER
And to the return of Fred,
a much better gaffer
than Joe bloody Hardacre!
CHEERING
Betsy.
Oh, don't be wasting your tears.
I know it hurts now, but one day,
you'll see that boy's trouble,
and you're better off without him.
It's not that easy.
Oh, Mum. Oh!
SHE CRIES
BANGING ON DOOR
Mary!
Mary!
BANGING CONTINUES
Mary!
I need to see Mary.
Mrs Hardacre is sleeping
Mary!
Please, Mum, stop!
What's wrong?
I'm terribly sorry, ma'am.
There he is.
I ought to wring your bloody neck!
What is going on?
Betsy's pregnant.
And guess who's responsible?
Oh, Betsy.
Jesus.
You told me you were just friends.
It was a mistake.
A mistake?
WOMEN GASP
Like lying to me
about Fred was a mistake?
Dad, listen to me, please!
These are decisions
that you made to serve yourself!
I'm sorry.
Sorry's not good enough this time.
JOE GROANS
We'll fix this.
You have my word, Lena.
You'd better. Come on.
HE SNIFFS
You'll marry her.
Bed.
You heard your mother.
You'll marry that girl.
HE CRIES
GULLS SQUAWKING,
DOG BARKS
I've a feeling
it's going to rain.
You dared to show your face, then?
Can I talk to Betsy?
Depends on what you've got to say
for yourself.
Let him talk, Mum.
I want us to get married.
We can live
in a cottage on the estate,
and I'll provide
for you and the baby.
Come up to the house tomorrow.
Mama?
May I speak with you?
Can it wait till morning?
I've invitations to write,
and a headache.
Please, Mama.
I don't want to marry Hugo.
This is that Hardacre woman
putting nonsense into your head.
It's not just about
what she said.
Hugo doesn't love me,
and I don't love him.
What has that got to do
with anything?
When I first came here,
I found an estate
half the size I was promised
and riddled with debt.
My dowry the only thing
to keep it afloat.
I know. You've told me the story.
I'm sorry
You should be grateful
that you have me to protect you.
I put all my time and effort
into arranging a match
far better
than my parents ever did for me.
I am grateful, I just
Then we put this down to nerves.
And have no more talk
of these childish emotions.
Now go to bed.
EXHALES SHARPLY
BIRDSONG
No. Light fingers, girl, light.
You want to buff the lacquer
to a sheen,
not remove it completely.
Er Go and help Mrs Henderson.
We both never wanted them
to be parents at their age, did we?
What I don't want
is Betsy and my grandchild
hidden away like some dirty secret.
Lena we're both gonna be
grandmothers to this little baby.
And you honestly think
I'm gonna let that happen?
The old Mary, never,
but this new one,
won't she be more concerned
what her new, rich friends think?
I won't have
my daughter made to feel ashamed.
I will never let that happen.
I won't.
I love Betsy
like she's one of my own,
and I will protect her and that baby
with everything I have.
Do you hear?
Now, I know
it doesn't look like much,
but I am gonna fix it up.
Come on, show you inside.
You can decorate it
however you want.
Is this what YOU want?
I wanna take care
of you and the baby.
But do you love me?
Aye, course.
Are you interested at all
in whether I love you?
Because you've never asked.
Let's just get on with it.
Morning.
Morning.
Where are you off to?
I need to send a telegram.
Look I'm a straightforward bloke.
I say what I think,
and I don't muck about.
Well, we haven't really got time
at our age, have we?
I'm really fond of you.
Fond of me?
You don't know anything about me.
Well I know you make me laugh.
I-I-I know you're someone
I'd like to spend more time with,
you know, get to know better.
SHE SCOFFS
Honestly.
One brief dalliance,
and it's all flowers,
and breakfasts,
and wanting to get to know me?
Fine. Er I'll leave you be.
Let's start with the basics,
shall we?
You'll need
a bed a cradle curtains
I think we ought to have tea.
Perhaps you could go downstairs
and ask Maggie?
Yeah. Yeah, of course.
DOOR OPENS
DOOR CLOSES,
SHE WEEPS
I'm sorry.
Best to let it out.
I know he's trying
but only cos he has to.
He says he loves me, but he doesn't.
Not really.
That's not what matters.
Love might come
between you and Joe Hardacre.
It might not.
But there will be love
because you will love
your precious little baby.
You can't imagine how much.
What matters
is that you get to stay together,
to be their mother.
That is all that matters.
Mary Hardacre may be many things
but she understands
what it is to be a mother.
She will keep you both safe
and together.
You will get through this.
But you must be brave.
Thank you.
Right.
Where were we?
Curtains.
Mm.
GEORGE GRUNTS
Well, now, isn't this pleasant, hm?
HE CHUCKLES
A lovely family evening.
GEORGE CHUCKLES,
CLEARS THROA
Perhaps we can converse?
About what?
Just, maybe, how our days were?
CLOCK TICKING
Yes.
I heard from Sam Hardacre
We are to have nothing more
to do with that family.
Well, your wish has been granted.
He won't be investing
in the vineyard.
I told you it was an idiotic plan.
Would you mind, old chap?
M'lord. Yes.
GEORGE EXHALES HEAVILY
The thing is no Hardacre investment
means no vineyard.
And without that,
though we can just about afford
Adella's wedding,
the dowry is beyond us.
I'm sorry, darling. I tried.
Oh, Papa.
My poor, poor Papa.
Oh.
Maybe it's for the best.
I can't possibly marry Hugo
Leave us, Adella.
The date is set,
the notices are published.
To cancel now would be social ruin.
But what about afterwards?
A dowry will be expected, Emma.
Adella will simply need to produce
an heir as soon as possible.
Hugo won't be the first
to discover
that promises made before a wedding
are not always kept.
You destroyed
every dream I ever had.
You will not take Adella's match
away from me too.
She will have a proper station
in this world
if it's the last thing I do.
Raise a glass to Joe and Betsy.
Joe and Betsy!
Welcome to the family.
Right, I would like to raise a glass
to our Mary.
Oh! For sticking up
to Lady Sour-Face up the road.
Hear, hear. That's the last time
she messes with us.
Aye.
Right,
that's enough of the speeches.
Go on, Ma,
give us one of your songs.
Oh, go on, then.
LAUGHTER
MA RUBS HANDS TOGETHER
Right.
CLEARS THROA
Last week, up my alley came a toff
Right old geezer
With a nasty cough
Sees me
And he takes his topper off
In a very gentlemanly ♪
Whay! Who said
you could have a party without me?
Harry!
SHE GASPS
Why aren't you at school? Come here.
Oh.
Welcome home, son.
Ma sent me a telegram.
Oh, of course she did.
"There's to be a baby
and a wedding, stop.
"Not necessarily in that order, stop.
"Come home, stop."
What? You could've put it
a bit more delicately.
Now, I don't think
it's you that's pregnant, Ma?
LAUGHTER
So is anyone gonna tell me
what I've missed?
Blimey.
I leave you for half a term,
and look what happens.
THEY LAUGH
Never a dull moment.
How are you doing at school?
It's brilliant.
And how are your lessons? Are you
keeping up with the rest of them?
Top of English and arithmetic.
That's our Harry.
Mm-hm.
What are the other lads like?
Have you made any friends?
Oh, loads. We have a right laugh.
I'm proud of you, son.
We all are.
Cheers.
Mm.
I'll say this for the Hardacres.
All them years
I worked for the Cavendishes,
they never sent so much as a brandy
below stairs, let alone champagne.
And they'd have had Betsy Temple
sent away as soon as look at her.
Well, it goes to show class can be
as much about how people behave
as it is what they're born with.
CLOCK CHIMES
KNOCKING
I need your help.
I don't understand.
I thought you said the Hardacres
couldn't be trusted with all this.
All you need to understand
is that I want it all putting back.
You do the silver
in the upstairs cabinet,
and I'll do the china.
And be careful.
SHE CHUCKLES
POT CLATTERS
Aye, aye.
'I caught the girl red-handed,
stealing on your orders, no doubt.'
She wasn't stealing.
I was putting them back.
You're nothing but a common thief.
I was keeping them safe.
Keeping them safe from what?
Oh. From us.
It's OUR stuff.
We bought this house as a job lot -
fixtures, fittings
and any old junk that goes with it.
It is not any old junk!
The contents of this house
are precious, collected
and loved over generations.
They are to be appreciated, not
Not what?
Not wasted on the likes of us?
SHE EXHALES
Right.
It's clear your position here's
become untenable
and I think a month's severance
is more than fair.
I'll be gone first thing.
SHE SIGHS
Adella?
Shhh!
What are you doing out here alone?
I have a secret to tell you.
I'm running away
..to America.
There's a ship from Liverpool
to New York next week.
A lady can't just run off to America
unaccompanied.
What if I wasn't unaccompanied?
I can't.
You can.
No, you don't understand.
I'm engaged to Betsy Temple.
SHE SCOFFS
That mouse from the docks?
Does she make you feel like I do?
A person can be whoever they want
in America.
We could be
the toast of New York City
free from
the rules of our parents.
You and me.
I could make you so happy.
SHE BREATHES HEAVILY
I can't.
I owe it to Betsy
and to me mum and dad.
The wedding's on Thursday.
Why so fast?
I see.
And do you love this Betsy Temple?
I've seen what marriage without love
does to people.
I'll be at the walled garden
on Wednesday night.
I'll wait for you until midnight.
Ma, are you bringing a guest
tomorrow?
I was gonna invite
Chinny and Billy Three-Fingers.
They love a good do.
No, you'll do no such thing.
You see, I was thinking
of a certain groundskeeper
I saw you talking to the other day.
I don't know
what you're insinuating
but he owed me money from poker.
Oh, is that what it's about? Right.
I mean, I should've known better.
A fine figure of a man like Victor
would never go
for a mad baggage like you.
Well
we had a brief dalliance,
if you must know. Oh.
And he was very keen.
A bit too keen for my liking.
Ma, you really can be
a stubborn old woman sometimes.
MA SIGHS
Do you know that?
You shouldn't be too proud to accept
a bit of love
a bit of companionship.
Ah, men are more trouble
than they're worth.
Oh.
Crikey.
I thought it would be small,
given the circumstances.
Well, we're delighted
at Betsy joining our family,
and we wanted to show that.
What do you think, love?
It's like a fairy tale.
CHUCKLING
Well, the vicar's waiting for us
at the church,
so let's get this rehearsal done
so we know what
we're doing come morning, yeah?
BELLS RING
Tomorrow, we will gather here
for the joining of two people
in holy matrimony.
Love is the greatest gift
that life can give us.
We must open our hearts
and feel worthy
to love and be loved.
And marriage
is a sacred institution
a promise to love one another
for the rest of your lives
forever and ever,
till death do you part
VOICE ECHOES
I know this isn't
what you would've chosen
but that baby's coming,
and it'll change everything
for the good.
You promise?
Oh, Betsy.
What you've got to come,
oh, I've never felt love like it.
I love them that much,
I used to bite their little bottoms.
Mrs Dryden said you understood
what it was to be a mother.
Mrs Dryden?
I shouldn't say, but
I think maybe
she were once in trouble herself.
She said I were lucky
cos you'd keep me and the baby
together.
And I will. I will, sweetheart.
Come here.
Right, I like to drink,
I like to curse,
I like a flutter on the dogs,
and I'm very happy with myself
exactly the way I am.
So if anything were to happen
between us - IF -
I won't be changing a thing.
Right. Right, so,
would you like to come to a wedding?
HUBBUB
BABY CRIES
Oh, sorry.
Mrs Hardacre.
I brought you a reference.
It speaks of your dedication
and tireless service.
It doesn't mention
the other situation.
Thank you.
I also didn't mention the kindness
that you showed Betsy
but I wanted to thank you
in person for that.
The girl is all right?
You know, I could really use
a good housekeeper
to oversee the wedding tomorrow.
But if you want to use that to find
other work elsewhere,
I do understand.
You couldn't sleep, eh?
I thought I'd take myself
out on a walk, tire myself out.
Nerves?
Aye.
I was terrified
the night before my wedding.
But you knew
you and mum loved each other?
I thought I did.
Looking back, I'm not even sure
I knew what it meant then.
Me and your mum,
we were little more than kids
when we got married.
It was a leap of faith.
But you'd do it all again?
Ah, Joe.
I'd crawl on broken glass
to do it again.
I know your head's been turned
by this Fitzherbert girl
and all of this.
But the key to a happy life
isn't people you have to pretend
to be something else for.
It's them who see you as you are
and love you anyway.
Betsy knows you, son.
And you'll see
this is just the start.
And one day, you'll be telling
your son the same thing.
Don't wander too late.
I can't believe
you're getting married.
I can't believe I'm gonna be living
with a boy. Eurgh.
Well, at least you don't need to be
nervous about the wedding night.
LIZA CHUCKLES
I'm sorry I've been
such a rubbish friend to you, Betsy.
I should've been there
for you to talk to.
I could say the same to you.
But we're both here now.
KNOCKING
Joe?
Go away. It's bad luck for you
to see her before the wedding.
It's all right.
What's wrong?
You asked me
if I cared whether you love me.
I do.
You're right.
I pretend to be someone I'm not
because I'm scared
that no-one will love me
for the way I really am.
Oh, Joe.
I know I've given you
a hundred reasons not to,
but I wanna be good enough
for you to love.
You and the baby.
You really want to try?
I want us to be happy, Betsy.
And I'll work so hard
to make that happen
if you'll let me.
HE EXHALES
SHE SIGHS
No, no, this simply won't do.
I don't like this neckline
and it needs to be tighter
in the waist.
Of course, milady.
Stand up straight, Adella!
For heaven's sake, how can the girl
measure you with you slouching?
ADELLA SCREAMS
Stop it!
What on earth
do you think you're doing?
Leave us.
Yes, milady.
Well, it all sounds very lively
in here.
Are we having a nice time?
I don't want this.
That is Chinese silk!
It's not the wretched silk.
I don't want any of it.
Not Hugo, not this stupid wedding,
not a loveless marriage.
Stop this nonsense.
I don't want to end up like you.
You don't have to marry him.
Have you lost your mind?
I may never have been more sane.
Oh, I know there's no hope for us
but maybe there's some for Adella.
Don't do this to me.
She is my daughter!
I love her!
And I will not fail her any more.
I'll take social ruin
before I condemn her
to the same unhappiness
we have wasted our lives enduring.
You don't want this marriage?
No.
Then there will be no wedding.
SHE EXHALES
HORSE CHUFFS
I need the sorrel, girl.
I'm looking!
Are we on course
for the wedding breakfast?
It's so beautiful.
Er, you'll be changing, I hope.
I most certainly will not.
MARY SIGHS
And just so you know,
I'll be bringing a gentleman friend
to the ceremony. Oh.
May you have a wonderful day.
What the?
Thank you, Mrs Dryden,
and welcome back.
What's all this?
It's something of a hobby.
I thought a photograph
would be a nice memento of the day.
That's a crackin' idea.
You'd better get down to the church
before Betsy comes down.
Harry, have you got the rings?
Harry?
Very funny.
I'm serious.
Harry, you had one bloody job.
They've got to be here somewhere.
Oh, no, no, no, no!
Joe can't be seeing Betsy.
We don't need any more bad luck.
Harry's lost the rings.
You boys should be
at the church already.
Oh, hang on, I found 'em.
MA CHUCKLES
Harry!
Lucky for you.
It's, er, a little unconventional,
but shall we have a picture now,
given we're all here?
Aye, we've never been ones
for convention, anyway.
You ready?
I am. Are you?
Yes.
Weddings. What a bloody fuss, eh?
Oh, I know. It's nice for Betsy,
but you won't catch me doing it.
Sorry, Liza, if you could just move
slightly to the Yeah.
Beautiful.
We'll see about that.
Herring on three.
One, two, three!
Herring!
POP
Right, come on.
And then they all lived
happily ever after. Mm.
Well,
it's certainly looking that way.
Let's go.
Come here.
Ooh.