Episode 5

Previously on "Mr.

Selfridge."

There's some concern about Mr. Selfridge's lavish spending.

He does seem to blend his personal and professional expenses.

You slept with that woman, didn't you?

Kitty, I'm so sorry.

Mae!

I nearly mistook you for a movie star there.

Flatterer.

D'ANCONA: No more meetings.

I've made myself clear.

(glass shatters) "Mr. Selfridge," tonight on Masterpiece.

♪ ♪ Ladies and gentlemen, doors will open at 9:00. Business as usual.

Shame about your front.

Don't play games.

I thought it best to meet here.

Neutral ground.

So, where are we on payment of your debt?

I need some time.

But soon.

I give you my word.

If I dealt in "words," I'd have been out of the business years ago.

You're mistaking me for some two-bit gambler.

All gamblers are the same.

You're the highest risk I've ever known because you really are a man who doesn't know how or when to stop.

You'll get your money.

You have until 9:00 Monday morning.

Terms have changed.

I would have come to a reasonable arrangement, but you weren't listening.

Now I want the payment in full, plus half for the inconvenience, or you might find things get personal.

Do we finally understand each other?

♪ ♪ It's dreadful, just dreadful.

A Police Inspector McNeish called, and he's on his way.

I'm so sorry, Mr. Selfridge.

Who would do such a thing?

Vandalism, most probably.

Mr. Crabb, I need to borrow from the company.

Can you arrange it?

Insurance will cover the cost of the damage.

Forget about the damage.

Can you help me?

I'm afraid I had to agree to place a moratorium on the chairman's account.

Mr.

Keen insisted.

But you didn't consult me?

After the expense of France, the film, I had to offer an olive branch until you make inroads on the store debts you've accumulated.

I had no choice, Mr. Selfridge.

No, I understand.

If the funds are needed for further expansion or the long-term benefit of the company... No, we'll leave it here for now.

Thank you, Mr. Crabb, that'll be all.

I can't believe it-- shocking.

My girls don't know what to think.

What's everybody saying, Kitty?

Tell your girls what I've told mine, Connie.

It's not the end of the world.

Some things you can't fix.

A broken window isn't one of them.

Excuse me.

Yes, of course.

Arthur, when you have a moment, could I see you in my office?

Yes, certainly.

HARRY: I regret I can't be more helpful, Inspector.

You are certain you can't think of anyone?

A business rival, perhaps?

It's down to hooligans.

Mr. Towler, increase nighttime security.

Thank you very much, Inspector.

Hooligans might do one window.

This attack had to be well coordinated.

Inspector McNeish has got a good point, Mr. Selfridge.

You would have had to know what you were doing to smash glass that thick.

We'll appeal for witnesses.

Mr. Towler will liaise closely with you, Inspector.

I want this buried.

Over and buried.

Publicity will only lead to a frenzy of speculation.

Which might go some way to helping us find the perpetrators.

I have a store to run.

Thank you very much, Inspector.

Thank you for your time.

GEORGE: I'll see you out, Inspector.

(door closes) All right, what the hell's going on?

Is there something you're not telling me?

If you could just focus on the provincial stores.

Look at the figures for Cambridge.

The figures for Sheffield.

They're worse than hopeless, Gordon.

The families running those stores need time to make the new injections of cash work for them.

Don't take an attack on the store out on me, Father.

That's not fair.

You're right.

I'm sorry.

You've had a huge shock.

I'll stick around for a few days to help out.

I'll leave you to it.

(door closes) I intend to inform the chief today, Arthur, but first, well... To cut a long story short, this Saturday, Josie and I will be getting married.

(gasps) Oh, I couldn't be happier for you and Josie.

What wonderful news.

But goodness, this Saturday doesn't give you much time.

I meant...

I know.

I know what you meant.

Things have to be hurried now.

Which is why I must apologize for not giving you more notice...

I'll be there with Mildred, of course I will.

...to be my best man, Arthur.

Would you do me that honor?

Nothing would give me greater pleasure.

MAE: Right, ladies, let's start our brochure shoot with my exclusive summer collection.

Thank you.

And make sure you stress "exclusive" in the brochure editorial.

Right, let's see what you've done with this bar area.

We've got champagne on ice, we've got crystal glasses, we've got the silver ashtray.

You wanted the look of the private club.

Oh, it's a bit dull.

VICTOR: Scenic props from Colleano's as promised.

No extra charge for delivery.

And where do you think you're going?

How can I help?

I'll be straight with you, Jimmy.

I'm in a terrible mess.

The windows were broken by D'Ancona, my gaming agent.

Right.

You owe him money.

A huge amount.

Which I don't have.

Harry, you know I'd help, but I'm just on the brink of a deal right now.

Give me a month.

I don't have a month.

I'm to pay 75,000 pounds, due Monday.

What about assets?

Everything's leased-- cars, houses.

I can't borrow another penny from the store.

Okay.

No, no, no, no, no.

This is silly.

There's accessible funds spread out across the Selfridge Holdings.

Let me take a look, see what I can come up with.

Harry, that's the Jimmy magic: moving funds from one sector of a company to fund another.

Come on, Harry, we understand the ups and downs of business.

The thing is, this isn't about business.

This is about me.

All the more reason to come up with a solution, then.

Leave it with me.

A little bit more celebration, girls.

Smiles, glasses higher.

A little bit more.

Perfect.

(flashbulb clicks) I can't believe I let you talk me into this.

Oh, stop it.

It'll be fun reliving your Palm Court days.

You just weren't always so well dressed.

I wasn't always dressed.

I remember.

So do I.

How times have changed.

I was a lady then.

(laughs) And now you're Lord of London nights, and I'm a... You'll always be Lady Mae to me.

We're not late, are we?

Oh, good lord, no.

(clears throat) (knocking) Yes?

Hello.

Hello.

You surviving the shock of the broken windows?

I must be-- I'm being measured for a suit.

A special event?

None more special.

I'd better get a dress then, hadn't I?

Have you spoken to Mr. Selfridge yet?

Not yet.

I will.

Later today.

All right.

Mind if I join you?

I'm not sure I mind what you do, Frank.

You don't mean that.

I gave up the career opportunity of a lifetime-- several lifetimes-- for you, Frank, and what did you give me?

A cheap affair.

It's wasn't an affair.

Even cheaper.

It meant nothing.

To you.

Don't speak for me.

Men do foolish things.

That's your excuse?

That's it?

You must think so little of me.

So little of all our years together.

Kitty, it was a mad trip.

There was lots of drink and... Don't.

You let me down.

You let us down.

And I can't forget that.

What does that mean?

I want you out of the house by this evening.

Oh, Kitty!

Kitty?

Sis?

Frank, what's happened?

That one's going to be in Madam Rennard's new brochure.

Oh!

It's never been done in this country before.

She's seen them in Paris.

Imagine that-- a whole brochure just about her ready to wear.

It suits you.

Mm... Not in pink.

Do you have anything in cream?

We can have it made up.

That's the point: who you are and who you want to be.

You love this job, don't you?

I suppose it's not very important.

Not in the grand scheme of... No, but work sees you through a lot.

I know just the person to make this dress.

(flashbulb clicks) Got it.

Right, let's move on.

How's my favorite girl?

Grandpa!

You say that to Mommy too.

Well, I say it to all my favorite girls.

How many of us are there?

I keep wanting to say, "Would sir like some coffee now?"

Or pour someone some sherry or something.

How you doing, Harry?

Good to see you.

He is the authentic touch that I need for my club scene.

You won't find anything more authentic than me.

Harry.

Oh, excuse me.

It's staring you in the face, Harry.

Sell the non-profitable provincial stores.

The buildings are worth far more than the businesses.

I know investors who would leap at the chance to own those properties.

I could get the money for you tomorrow on your promissory notes.

Come on, Harry, think about it.

In your bank account by close of day tomorrow.

That would break Gordon's heart.

Have you seen this?

Today's late edition.

It says the windows were your fault.

I've got it under control.

Were we attacked because of your personal gambling debts?

This needn't concern you, Gordon.

I have a right to know what's going on around here!

Just because I'm not here every day doesn't mean you can shut me out.

Not today, Gordon, please.

Not today.

Baby soft skin in the morning, madam.

CONNIE: I want to strangle Frank!

Can't talk about it now, Connie.

If George did that to me... George never would.

That's the difference.

Are you really throwing him out of the house?

I'd never be able to trust him again.

I can't live like that.

I won't.

My father and Miss Mardle are getting married.

It's really short notice, but I was hoping Miss Brockless could do her dress.

I'm already a woman short.

I can't afford for Miss Brockless to fall behind in her workload.

I'm sure my father would greatly appreciate it, Miss Ellis.

Miss Mardle's already selected material.

Ready, Miss Brockless?

Well, off you go.

They haven't got all day to wait for the likes of you.

No, thanks.

A story about the broken window was one thing, but why'd you have to make it personal?

We didn't write about your family.

We wrote about you.

You said yourself you chose this life.

Now, don't blame me if my reporter digs deep and finds dirt.

If she got it wrong, I'll print another retraction.

You're never gonna stop, are you?

I can't do business with turncoats.

What's that supposed to mean?

I'm pulling every advertisement.

You'll never see a penny again from Selfridge's.

You've made idle threats before.

There is nothing idle about that threat.

You'll regret it, sir.

Gorgeous.

Right, last shot.

VICTOR: Better do as she says, ladies, she's a bossy one.

I have the Royal Box at the opera Friday night.

The Prince of Wales loathes the opera.

If you could bear the company of his bore of a private secretary.

I can bear the company of anyone for the opera.

Wonderful.

Mr. Colleano, you are a natural.

Done, done.

Mae, we can swing by Colleano's afterwards.

A little more down to earth.

All right, we'll do that.

Victor, you can get changed.

The next tableau is just the ladies.

HARRY: I need those numbers as soon as possible, Mr. Crabb.

Chief, there's something I need to tell you.

I've made my peace with it now, chief.

We're keeping it in the family: Mr. Crabb and you, for the present.

Roger... Is there anything that I can do?

Anything at all?

I have Miss Mardle back in my life.

I have no choice in dying, which makes the other choices all the more important.

In the end, it's about family and the love we take with us.

There must be something that I can do.

Well, Josie needs someone to give her away.

Obviously, I can't.

I would be honored.

Thank you, chief.

Look at mommy and smile, Tatiana.

Right.

So just relax.

Pretend that you're at home and you're sat with your mommy by the fire and you're going to read this lovely book together.

All right?

Perfect.

Done.

It's just like the old days, you know?

When I used to work here.

Just let someone else carry the strain of owning the place.

Are you not enjoying running the club anymore, Victor?

You sleep in the day, you work in the night.

You never really get the time to think if you're enjoying it or not.

Well, you should make time.

Part of the fun's being here with you.

Can I say that?

You just did.

PHOTOGRAPHER: And smile.

(knocking) Sorry to interrupt your evening, Mrs. Selfridge.

I was hoping to catch a word with Mr. Gordon before he returns to Sheffield.

He's decided to stay for a few days, as it happens.

Please, come in.

I thought it best to call on you at home for reasons of privacy.

My wife and I share everything, Mr.

Keen.

A truly damning accusation, don't you think?

Idle speculation.

Then surely your father should sue?

Gordon is often away, as you know, Mr.

Keen.

His father doesn't consult him on his every move.

The Civic Building Society has asked me to speak with you about your father.

What about him?

They want him to put a stop to this bad publicity.

He gets plenty of good publicity too.

This headline is personal.

Whether true or not, it reflects appallingly on the company as a whole.

There was a time your father was the company.

Those days are over.

Thank you for the tea.

I'll see myself out.

I think my father's in very serious trouble, Grace.

Get me the company lawyer.

I urgently need to speak about Harry Selfridge.

Kitty?

Kitty?

I know you're not keen on going down this route, but I took the liberty of making some phone calls.

These are letters of intent from some of the wealthiest investors in the country.

They want your properties, Harry.

Prime locations, street frontage-- the building values have never been so high.

But it's the properties they want, not the companies?

Once you've sold, you've sold.

You sign these and I'm telling you, any bank would salivate to underwrite them.

All your problems disappear by close of day tomorrow.

I can't do it, Jimmy.

Too many families involved.

They'd make a handsome profit too.

It's not all about the profit.

Take my solution, Harry, not as a business associate, but as a friend.

Let me help you.

I can't lay my mistakes on Gordon.

Thank you for your hard work.

(knocking) Extra security's in place for the night, Mr. Selfridge.

They'll call me if there's anything untoward.

Thank you.

A man like D'Ancona doesn't make idle threats.

You've only got a few days.

What are you going to do?

You might be my brother-in-law, but I'd still like to biff you one.

Be my guest.

Thanks for coming.

You don't know how lucky you are.

How could you be so stupid?

It was a moment of madness.

I'm not sure I understand myself.

Now, Kitty is a proud girl.

You're gonna have to humble yourself.

Find a way to get through to her.

She's thrown me out, George.

I've got no one to turn to.

I'm glad Mr. Grove told you.

The burden of silence has been weighing heavily on me.

Is there really nothing we can do?

Support him and his family as best we can.

Um...

I tried all the high interest finance houses in London, chief.

Last week, they'd have jumped over one another to give you a loan.

Now no one will touch me because of one newspaper headline.

Thank you, Mr. Crabb.

You did your best.

Anything else you'd like me to try?

There's only one thing I can do.

But it's too terrible a decision to make.

It just needs a couple of extra tucks.

It's beautiful.

You're a magician, Miss Brockless.

Goodness, is that really me?

Do you know, I don't think I can do it justice.

You look beautiful.

I never thought of a bridesmaid.

Meryl, would you...?

Thank you.

That means a lot to me.

Good.

MISS ELLIS: Ah, the wanderer returns.

I'll expect this work completed by tomorrow.

But that will take all night, Miss Ellis.

Not my problem.

And there's plenty more backed up when you've finished that lot.

Unless you feel you're not up to it.

Miss Brockless?

♪ ♪ Oh, look at this darling mother of pearl hair clasp, Jenny.

Let's get two.

Miss Dolly.

Miss Dolly.

Credit is no longer available.

Well, I'll have a word with Mr. Selfridge.

Excellent idea.

You cut us off without a say so, Harry?

You crossed a line with that dance in the Palm Court.

It was stupid of us.

We're sorry, Harry.

Apology accepted, now if you'll excuse me... Was the newspaper headline true?

(laughs) Thought you'd get one last spree, Rosie?

We owe you so much.

You'll never know.

Now get out.

We've been talking a long while about going back to New York, haven't we, Jenny?

Maybe it's about time.

What do you think, Harry?

You can do whatever you like as far as I'm concerned.

Mind yourself, Jenny.

Don't let those so-and-sos grind you down, Harry.

Hello.

It's just for a few days, Connie.

FRANK: I know this is awkward for you.

I'd be so grateful.

George Towler, you've got soft mush for a brain!

Well, don't expect me to lay out the red carpet for a philanderer.

I'm really sorry.

Not half as sorry as I'm going to be.

(door slams) ♪ ♪ The first round's on me.

Mae, there's people here I'd love you to meet.

Actually Jimmy, the opera was enough for one night.

Can't we do this another time?

You'll get a second wind once we start dancing.

Oh no, I don't want to dance.

Hi there.

Nice to meet you.

We must talk business.

Yes, let's set up a meeting.

They still look at you, Mae.

Stick with me.

You were the toast of London once.

You will be again.

Great to see you.

Great to see you too, Jimmy.

Fine, you do your business mingling.

I'll be with Victor.

See you later.

Excuse me, Mr. Dillon.

Put the bar on the wall... MAN: Excuse me.

You're needed in the office, Mr. Colleano.

Forgive me one and all.

I best see to this, won't be a tick.

I love America.

What did you think of it?

Time to go.

Oh no, I'm not ready to go yet.

Did you hear what I said?

Yes, and I said I'm not ready to go.

I'll make my own way home.

Oh, sorry.

Cheers, Lewis.

I just wanted to say good night.

Where's Jimmy?

Oh, he's gone.

And to be honest, I'm quite relieved.

He's a little too demanding for me.

Could never have happened.

Maybe it should have been us.

Maybe it still could be.

Dinner for two?

Monday night?

I can close the club.

Just us and a private jazz band.

I'd love that.

Thank you.

(sighs) You know what?

I've lost my appetite.

You think she found the prize in you?

Well, let me tell you, Frank Edwards, you got the prize in her.

Because my sister will always be first prize, and you are just a weak, grubby runner-up.

I deserved that.

Have you told Kitty how sorry you are?

I said men can be foolish.

And you're the writer?

A man of words?

I got stuck.

We were talking about having a baby, and then suddenly all this stuff came out.

Listen, Frank, Kitty's different.

Connie's always wanted a baby, and now we've been blessed.

But Kitty was born to fly.

If you thought you could pin her down by having a baby, it wouldn't have worked.

She got this big job offer in New York when I was struggling at work.

I was jealous.

Small and petty and ridiculously jealous.

You're right-- you were.

But if you love one another the way I think you do, there's always hope.

I wish I could believe that.

Alice, Alice!

We agreed I'd wear the white one for the wedding!

You said you wanted the lilac!

No, I didn't.

Give it to me now.

This thing is strangling me!

We're never going to be ready on time.

All right, enough!

Everyone to your rooms now!

Alice, you give that back!

(deep exhale) I can't do this to you.

I don't know what I was thinking.

Why on earth would you want to take on this unruly lot?

Roger...

It's not fair on you.

You walk in a room and I think, "Oh!

I hadn't even realized part of me had left."

You know when someone's hurt or slighted me when no one else would even notice.

Josie... You've left me desolate when you broke my heart.

But insanely happy when you put it all back together again.

I don't deserve you.

It's called love, my darling.

And I am utterly incapable of not feeling it for you.

And believe me, I have tried.

And that's all I have to say on the matter.

Why don't you call down that motley mob and see if we can't get them through that front door without killing each another.

Do you think your godfather has forgotten the ring, Arthur?

VICAR: All rise.

Oh, I say.

Here we go.

Would you, Arthur?

Thank you.

Thank you.

At last.

It's the dust mites, Mildred.

Churches are plagued with them.

Please be seated.

Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today in the sight of God and in the face of this congregation to join together this man and this women in holy matrimony.

Thank you, Arthur.

VICAR: I now pronounce you man and wife.

Welcome to the family, Mrs. Grove.

MERYL: Bravo!

Yes!

Well done, father!

Please!

This is a house of worship.

Today, Reverend, this is a house of happiness.

Complete happiness.

(laughs) Oh, Roger... Congratulations, Mr. and Mrs. Grove.

I wish you all the joy in the world.

Kitty... Kitty, please!

Why waste our time?

If I can imagine it, let's just say you've said it.

You're sorry, you made a mistake, you never meant to hurt me, give you another chance.

Do I have to be interviewed through the door?

A seat in the living room won't add anything more original.

I would say those things if you'd hear me out.

Well, I've saved you the trouble.

Kitty...

I'm not that woman, Frank!

Turn a blind eye, "Boys will be boys."

It's not me.

I have far too much respect for myself, even if you don't.

So save your fancy words for the type of woman that'll listen.

I'd appreciate it now if you walked away.

Call Elizabeth Arden.

See if the job is still available.

She'd be a lucky woman to get a star like you.

And I hope New York is kinder to you than I've been.

We've got a long way to go.

I'm coming!

Bye!

Have a nice time.

Take care, my dear Meryl.

Come on, we've all said goodbye!

I'm coming!

Give me a kiss, Mrs. Grove.

Bye bye.

Bye!

(honking horn) Oh, you're making ever such a scene!

Drive safely!

(honking) Just married!

I've been trying to get ahold of Mr. D'Ancona, but he's advised his office that your agreement terminated at 9:00.

It is after 9:00 now, Mr. Selfridge.

Keep trying, Miss Plunkett.

Keep trying.

ROSALIE: "'Afraid?'

murmured that rat, "his eyes shining with unutterable love.

'Afraid?'"

Excuse me, ma'am.

Mr. Selfridge has arranged to see these gentlemen here for a private meeting, apparently.

He didn't say anything to me-- I'll call him.

Please, gentlemen, take... What do you think you're doing?

It's a robbery!

Mommy, mommy!

Fraser, call the police!

Thank you.

Why don't you call your father, Mrs. De Bolotoff?

See what he has to say?

I'll be there as soon as I can, Rosalie.

No, no, don't call the police.

I'm on my way.

Rosalie!

Rosalie!

Are you all right?

Where's Tatiana?

In her bed.

She fell asleep crying.

She was terrified.

I'm so sorry, darling.

They took silver.

Paintings, china...

They took the jewelry Ma left for me.

Oh, Rosalie... How could you let this happen to us, Pa?

I don't know.

I'd run with Violette into the hall every evening.

Our Pa was home!

Our wonderful, funny, amazing father.

You'd scoop us up, a safe pair of hands.

I can be that man again.

I don't feel safe with you anymore.

The truth is, I don't think you feel safe with you anymore.

They're all still on sale, so...

Excuse me.

I spoke with Miss Arden.

The job offer's still open.

Good.

And I'm taking it.

You should.

I'm pleased for you.

Looks like you do know me after all.

Thank you for coming.

Gordon, I need your help.

I've been a fool.

I've made many mistakes.

And other people suffer for them.

The truth is I'm flat broke.

You're... You're what?

Pa, are you serious?

How did you let that happen?

It doesn't matter how.

I don't have a single line of credit left open to me.

Look, you know I'd help if I could, but every penny was reinvested in the provincial stores.

You want to sell them.

I'm sorry.

I understand what I'm asking.

But it's my only option.

Jimmy's putting it all into place now.

I wish you'd come to me first.

Jimmy's the man to broker these deals.

Trust him?

Of course.

Listen...

I know the years you put into those stores.

Those years came between us.

I know-- I let them.

Of course I want to help you.

Sell whatever you have to.

I can run the remaining companies from London.

Thank you.

All that I ever wanted to do is work by your side.

I'll make it right.

Don't ever come near my family or my store again.

You terrified my daughter and my granddaughter.

What kind of a man does something like that?

Indeed.

♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ Victor.

What are you doing here?

We're closed.

The door was open.

You expecting someone?

None of your business.

It is my business if that someone is Mae.

Who do you think you're talking to, Jimmy?

You might have past history.

We're the couple now.

You don't own a woman like Mae, Jimmy.

Keep away from her.

Do you know something?

Might have taken her a bit of time to realize this, but she's way out of your league.

Now come on, get out of here.

JIMMY: Get your hands off me!

(loud thud) Next time on Masterpiece.

WOMAN: You don't have to hide anymore.

You're not in the frame.

I killed him.

I've created a new position for you: managing director at Selfridge's Oxford Street.

(applause) CONNIE: So, are you still telling people you and Frank are together?

Kitty!

"Mr. Selfridge," next time on Masterpiece.

Go to our website, listen to our new podcast, watch video, and more.

"Mr. Selfridge" season four is available on Blu-ray and DVD.

The companion book is also available.

To order, visit shopPBS.org or call us at 1-800-PLAY-PBS.

Captioned by Media Access Group at WGBH access.wgbh.org