Episode 7

rrect references, didn't she?

Previously on "Mr.

Selfridge."

Then you know I have no choice.

Your references, and two weeks' pay.

You know me better than I know myself.

I've always believed in you.

Why'd I ever let you go to Paris?

Whiteley's?

JIMMY: I want to be part of it.

It's beautiful-- a palace.

Police are looking elsewhere.

MAN: Victor Colleano.

I think they've been looking in the wrong place.

Would you like me to dig, boss?

Good morning.

Morning.

Mr. Selfridge, can I get anything for you and your guest?

Coffee-- a pot.

Mr. Dillon and I have been putting the hours in.

We just shook hands on Whiteley's.

You're looking at the youngest department store owner in London.

That is quite an achievement.

Thank you, sir.

I could barely get past the door three months ago.

The English aren't immune to a whiff of fortune, which is fortunate for those of us who lack a title.

I don't have any more than I had yesterday.

In fact, I...

I have nothing left now.

I've spent the whole of my life like that.

I put everything into the next project.

That's what I did with Selfridge's, and that's how I'm gonna turn around Whiteley's.

Fortune favors the brave.

♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ Just a moment.

Hello, Mr. Selfridge.

Hello.

I'm going to be announcing my purchase of Whiteley's.

A big launch.

I'd love for you to come.

My pleasure.

Great.

Thank you.

Morning, Arthur.

Morning, Roger.

Is everything all right?

Well, I haven't spoken to him about it yet, but I'm going to talk to the chief about retiring.

The place won't be the same without you.

It's the end of an era.

Oh, I...

I know what you meant, dear friend.

Mr. Dillon's accountants look like children.

About as young as we were when we started out.

I was never that young.

Okay Harry, we've been through the financial reports on Whiteley's and we are good to go.

We can get the contracts drawn up as soon as tomorrow.

I must advise you it's a tight turnaround.

All I need to know is whether the company is solvent.

Yes, it is.

Well then, I'm happy.

Well, I'm... Gordon, trust me, we know enough to go through with this.

I was merely going to say, "I'm with you, Pa." Great.

Excuse me.

Ah, chief!

This is a big day for you, Mr. Gordon.

I'm so pleased you and your father are going into business.

If I can be of any assistance, do not hesitate to ask.

I'd be more than willing to help with any business plan.

We have everything under control.

Thank you, though.

Thank you.

Marvelous.

I know you want this deal done quickly, but we haven't had enough time to do a full assessment.

There is a problem with some of the suppliers.

There are some bills outstanding.

No, no, no, we don't have time for that.

I've worked with Harry Selfridge-- he can do anything.

Now, let's get on with it.

Miss Grove, can I help you?

I was looking for Miss Brockless.

I don't see how Miss Brockless' whereabouts are any of your concern.

Well, she wasn't here yesterday, either.

Is she ill?

Miss Brockless is no longer employed by Selfridge's.

What?

You heard.

Now back to Fashion, where you belong.

You've overstepped yourself.

You wait till my father hears about this.

I think you should speak to your father.

After all, he's the one who dismissed her in the first place.

Father.

Meryl, what on earth are you doing up here?

This is senior management only.

Is it true?

You gave Tilly notice?

Tilly?

Miss Brockless.

Oh.

I...

I did.

How could you?

Meryl, I do not have the energy for one of your tantrums.

I don't want to fight.

I just want to know why.

Sit down.

It seems Miss Brockless was let go by her previous employer due to inappropriate behavior.

What inappropriate behavior?

The term they used was "scandalous."

I gave Miss Brockless every opportunity to defend her reputation, but she wouldn't, or couldn't.

So you just sacked her?

I think it best we put this matter behind us.

She's my friend.

She was decent and fair, which is more than I can say about you.

This isn't simply a business acquisition.

This is two great dynasties coming together in a historic union in order to provide the best possible service to customers around the world.

(applause) (flashbulbs popping) Surely, you don't expect us to actually turn up and work for you?

No, you've done enough damage already.

Your father will be turning in his grave.

Mr. Selfridge, will you be renaming Whiteley's?

There is only one Selfridge's.

Mr. Dillon, will it be business as usual at Whiteley's?

It's going to be business and more!

A business reborn.

(applause) (flashbulbs popping) I couldn't be more proud of you, son.

Thank you, Mother.

It feels like a new beginning.

It is.

Big day for you, Mr. Dillon.

A step up from your little trusts.

Those little trusts made a lot of people a lot of money, and they're not the only string to my bow.

Oh, that's right, you and Victor Colleano promoted that boxing match, didn't you?

Do much business with Colleano before he died?

Not a lot, no.

Why?

Did you fall out?

Why on earth would you be interested in Victor Colleano?

I'm investigating his death.

They say Victor had made a lot of enemies by the time he died.

I wondered if you were one of them.

What are you insinuating?

No, no, no, come on, what are you insinuating?

Everyone knows Victor consorted with gamblers and criminals.

That's where you should be looking.

Calm down, son, I was only asking.

Well, ask somebody else.

Calm down, Jimmy.

You're walking yourself to the gallows.

I can handle men like him.

♪ ♪ Correct me if I'm wrong, Mr. Crabb, but aren't those documents confidential?

I was merely... That is, I was... (sighs) Guilty as charged.

I'm just used to looking after the chief's interests.

Feeling a little left out, are we?

Come on, now.

You just have to accept that the chief operates in a wider world that we have no part in.

Perhaps you'd like to explain what the Whiteley's floor plans are doing spread out on your desk?

Hm?

What are you...?

Go away, Meryl.

I just want to talk to you.

Stay here.

Is she yours?

Who else's would she be?

I take it this is the reason why you lost your previous position?

You don't know anything about me.

So put me right.

(knocking) Ah, Mr. Crabb.

What can I do for you?

Mr. Selfridge, I have a confession to make.

I've taken the liberty of reading the documents to support the purchase of Whiteley's.

That's my personal business, Mr. Crabb.

That's a serious offense.

Oh, I...

I feel terrible, I promise you.

I'm teasing you, Mr. Crabb.

Oh, very droll.

(chuckling) Whiteley's accounts are, to be frank, a mess.

I had to fire their chief accountant-- one of Whiteley's old boys.

It's quiet here at the moment.

I'd be happy to pop over to Bayswater and see if I couldn't impose a little order on the chaos.

I'm not sure what the Selfridge's board would say about that.

Well, I won't tell them if you won't.

Thank you, Mr. Crabb.

I would appreciate that.

(clears throat) Yes?

Arthur Crabb.

I'm from Selfridge's.

I did call.

Yes, good afternoon.

I wonder if you'd be so good as to point me in the direction of the accounts department.

Of course.

Is there anything I can do to help?

A cup of tea, please.

A strong one.

Can I help you, Mr. Towler?

No, sir.

I'm fine.

Jolly good.

(knocking) Please don't lock up, I'm still here.

Mildred!

If the mountain won't come to Mohammed...

It's only a cold collation.

A little ham, beef, tomatoes from the greenhouse.

Look at you, all alone in the dark.

Haven't you done enough for Harry Selfridge?

It's become a bit of a habit.

I don't seem to be able to stop myself.

You're too good to him, I've always said.

Oh!

(sniffs) And you're too good to me.

Here, have some tea.

Oh!

Arthur, I'm so sorry.

It's no matter.

You couldn't possibly make it any more chaotic.

Is something the matter?

(clears throat) You were late home yesterday, Meryl.

Is Fashion keeping you busy?

I visited Miss Brockless.

Oh, and how is Tilly?

Pretty desperate, which is understandable, seeing as Father sacked her.

What?

Well, when did this happen?

I don't think this is appropriate conversation for the breakfast table.

Particularly not in front of the children.

I don't mind.

She had a baby out of wedlock.

Did she?

Did you really expect her to talk to you about that?

I was thinking of the reputation of the store.

What's Selfridge's got to do with it?

Work's been hell for her thanks to Miss Ellis.

Tilly told me she was engaged to the father.

When his parents found out, they packed him up and shipped him off.

It was only afterwards she realized she was pregnant.

You and I can hardly judge.

That was different.

What was different?

That's quite enough, Ernest.

I didn't do anything!

I'm sorry.

I should never have said that in front of your children.

I have to go to work.

I thought you said you were going to retire?

I've been at Selfridge's for 30 years.

I can't just walk away in a day.

Have you told Mr. Selfridge yet?

Not yet, but I will.

I'm beginning to get a grip on the situation, but I'm afraid it's not good news.

Several of the suppliers are refusing to do business until a series of outstanding debts have been met.

What the hell have those Whiteley brothers been up to?

Mr. Crabb, I need you to contact those suppliers and get them to extend our credit.

Let them know that Whiteley's is under new ownership.

I've already tried, Chief, but they won't be moved.

What, all of them?

I'm afraid so.

The fact that you're new owners only makes them believe there are new resources.

They'll only accept cash payment.

They want their balance sheets cleared.

That's ridiculous.

I'm surprised the accountants didn't bring this to your attention.

We need to find out the state of our store.

Right, what about the other stock rooms?

This room directly feeds the store.

It would be the last to fall this empty.

He's right-- we're almost out of stock.

I don't have any more money for this.

So what's the answer?

I've used up all of my contingency.

None of us have spare cash.

And if we can't get credit, then we can't get stock.

No stock, and we're out of business.

We'll find a way to solve this.

Good morning, Madame Rennard.

Miss Ellis.

I wonder, could you furnish me with Tilly Brockless's address?

I'm not sure I hold it.

It'll be in the staff ledger-- it's right behind you.

I just need it so that I can reinstate her.

So, you're happy for some girls to get special treatment, are you?

It seems to me that you and your girls have been giving Miss Brockless very special treatment.

Miss Brockless did not fit.

If you insist on overruling me on this matter, then I'll have to consider my position.

Very well, I accept.

What?

Unless I'm very much mistaken, you just tendered your resignation.

That's certainly what I heard.

I've done nothing wrong.

Then you'll know how it feels.

Keep your head down.

I never did nothing-- it was all you.

Oh, ally?

Yes!

Mr. Grove... Gosh are you quite well?

(groans) No, it was my daughter that discovered Miss Brockless had been a victim of a bullying campaign.

It's my duty to put the situation right.

Well, I'm sorry, but you don't look to be in a fit state to be going anywhere.

I know Miss Brockless-- why don't I go and see her?

Thank you.

Meryl was only standing up for what is right.

I would hate to let my daughter down.

I'm sure I can persuade her to return.

Thank you.

Fourth floor, please.

(elevator dings) Thank you.

(sighs) (groans) Mrs. Grove!

Oh!

How are you?

I'm quiet all right.

I just had a bit of a turn.

He collapsed.

What?

I'm feeling much better.

Thank you.

Roger!

Thank you, Miss Plunkett.

Roger, what's going on?

I think I've been leaning a little too heavily on my medication.

Well, how much have you been taking?

Well, I needed to finish my work.

But you said you wanted to retire.

I did.

And then the chief bought Whiteley's and I saw him starting a new chapter, and I confess, I wanted to be a part of it.

So, I've been devising a business plan.

It's stupid, I know.

I should never go there.

But... it made me feel like I had a future too.

It's ridiculous.

I shall retire today.

Has Mr. Selfridge seen this?

Mrs. Grove, I don't think we have enough time for this.

Please, Mr. Selfridge, just two minutes.

Mr. Grove has been working on a business plan to reinvigorate Whiteley's.

I think you should take a look.

Thank you.

Chief.

So, the first thing I'd change is the layout of the store.

It's an elementary mistake to lead in with menswear, as we know.

We've known for years it's the women who lead their husbands into a store, not the other way around.

(laughs) So, by rearranging Perfume, Cosmetics, and Stationery, we can place Accessories on the floor, and then this area, which is completely unused, could be for cross-promotion display.

So you have four departments on the ground floor as opposed to the current three.

Very impressive.

We could single some departments out for a daily sales review.

Perhaps Perfume?

Accessories has the broadest range of suppliers.

It could provide the fastest picture of the relationships throughout the store.

I have to say, I wish you all worked for Whiteley's.

Fantastic.

With all you by my side, I feel like I could do anything.

Actually, my wife is insisting that I retire.

She's right.

It's high time I started to slow down.

That's such a shame, Mr. Grove.

You'll be sorely missed.

HARRY: Indeed, you will.

By none more than me.

Selfridge's has been my life.

I shall miss you all very dearly.

Perhaps you would consider acting as an advisor to Whiteley's, and help us implement some of these ideas.

Well, as long as it were no more than one day a week.

Of course.

I could probably manage two.

Jimmy!

I haven't had the chance to congratulate you on Whiteley's.

Thank you, Mae.

And how's everything else with you?

You seemed a little shaken up by that journalist at the launch.

Everything's fine.

It didn't look fine.

He was just asking about my business, that's all.

Sorry, I've got to dash.

All right?

(groans) May I get you anything?

I have everything I want.

Thank you.

I'm not coming back.

Oh, have you found something better?

I will.

Your friend Meryl fought very hard to get you reinstated.

I didn't ask for her charity.

No, I think you'd call it loyalty.

Yeah, well, I'm not going back there with everyone judging me.

Who's judging you?

You, for starters.

Darling, I spent five years on the stage.

Do you really think you're the first girl I've met who was left holding a baby?

You were on the stage?

And not a very respectable one at that.

What about Miss Ellis?

Sarah Ellis no longer works at Selfridge's.

You're very talented.

It'd be a shame to see that all go to waste.

I'll hold your position open until the morning.

Hello?

He's gone.

He's gone.

(sobbing) I should've been here.

I'm so stupid.

I thought we had months.

It was very quick.

He just fell asleep.

The last thing we did was fight.

He loved you.

And he knew you loved him.

Yes.

I'm sorry?

Thank you.

(faint conversation) Roger's gone.

What do you mean "gone"?

CRABB: He passed away this afternoon.

What?

CRABB: Mr. Grove was very ill. Something he bravely chose to keep to himself.

Mr. Grove worked here at the very beginning.

His labors are in every brick of this building.

Every department, every display.

He was as much a part of this store as my name.

He was my friend, and part of the wider Selfridge family to which we all belong.

(sniffling) I came as soon as I could.

Mr. Selfridge, you didn't have to.

What else was I gonna do?

How am I going to look after them?

(crying) I don't know the first thing about being a mother.

You just have to be there.

They're at sea.

They just need something to cling on to.

We wasted so much time and danced around for years, Roger and I.

We had so little time.

But you were together in the end.

That's what matters.

(crying) You certainly knew when Roger was in the building.

However much I liked Mr. Grove, I used to be terrified of him.

Really?

He was always delightful to me.

He used to give me sherbets from the cafe.

This is when I first went to work at the store.

Well, Roger had mellowed considerably by your time.

I don't think he cracked a smile once in the first year we were open.

Isn't that right, Mr. Crabb?

I seem to remember there wasn't a great deal to smile about.

We almost didn't open.

Several times.

And we wouldn't have, if it weren't for him.

I remember those days.

I was a lowly assistant.

I used to hide when Mr. Grove would come down on the floor.

You didn't.

I did!

He must've thought I was always hopping the wag!

Mr. Grove.

ALL: Mr. Grove.

Thank you for coming.

I've arranged for my car to take you home.

Oh, we don't want to be any trouble.

I think just this once.

Thank you, Mr. Selfridge.

Thank you, Chief.

You're welcome.

I'm going up.

That was a lovely evening, Pa. Goodnight, sweetheart.

Goodnight, Mae.

Goodnight.

Thank you.

I should be going, too.

Don't.

If I stay any longer, people will talk.

I don't want to be alone.

Well, that's not a very flattering reason to ask a woman to stay the night, Harry.

I mean it.

Stay with me.

PRIEST: We have entrusted our brother to God's mercy, and we now commit his body to the ground-- earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust-- in sure and certain hope of the resurrection to eternal life through our Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our frail bodies that they may be conformed to his glorious body, who died, was buried, and rose again for us.

To him, be glory forever.

Amen.

ALL: Amen.

(crying) It's okay.

I've got you.

I've got you.

It's all right.

Mae, wait.

Let me accompany you.

Harry, we can't do this.

I'm your employee, for heaven's sake.

We both have our reputations...

I don't care about that.

I know what I feel.

Neither of us know how we feel.

The last few days, they've been awful.

It's hard to even think clearly.

Let us at least talk... No, Harry, not now.

I need to offer my condolences.

MAE: Josie, I am so sorry.

Thank you.

And Meryl.

I saw your father not long before he died.

He clearly cared about you very deeply.

What are you talking about?

Well, he reinstated Miss Brockless because of you.

It was very important to him.

He obviously thought the world of you, my dear.

Oh, my dear Meryl.

I was such a spoiled brat.

Well, you were difficult and stubborn.

You stood up for what you believed in.

Just like him.

You are your father's daughter, Meryl.

He's in everything you do.

He was so proud of you, and so am I. I hear you've got a car, Ernest.

It's a roadster.

I have a model of it.

Why don't you show me?

I'm not sure it would be right time to play with toys today.

I'm sure it would be fine.

I used to look after Ernest for a little while when he was a baby.

You'll be a great father.

I'm not sure I know what that means.

Mine wasn't much of a role model.

Mine wasn't around at all.

Doesn't mean we have to repeat their mistakes.

You have a lot to look forward to.

Sounds like I'm not the only one.

They're saying with Whiteley's, you'll have a mile of windows in London.

Madame Rennard?

Joe Tooby, London Herald.

I wondered if I might have a word.

Hardly the time.

How well do you know Jimmy Dillon?

I've just been to a funeral.

Or do you think I'm wearing black because it's the fashion?

Well, I'm investigating the death of Victor Colleano.

See, I asked your friend Dillon about Victor Colleano's death and he acted like I was accusing him of something.

Were they enemies?

Wait, you asked Jimmy about Victor at the Whiteley's launch?

Yeah, why?

No reason.

I'm gonna find out what happened to Victor anyway, so you might as well talk to me now.

CONNIE: He'll be missed.

He was a good man.

Thank you so much for coming.

Bye.

George.

♪ ♪ (crying) Josie?

No, Meryl.

You shouldn't have to see me like this.

You don't need to be strong for me.

Why don't we just try and be there for each other?

I found myself drawn here.

It's hard to believe we were here with him just the other day.

We should do something with his model, put it under glass.

The best thing we can do to commemorate him is to put these ideas into action.

We need to find a way of buying stock first.

I think I have an answer to that.

I believe you could sell sand in the Sahara, but you'd still need sand.

Selling the provincial stores to property developers means that we have warehouses full of stock with no stores to put it in.

This will be a temporary fix, but we can sell the stock to Whiteley's.

So the provincial stores no longer need to pay for storage and won't be lumbered with last year's merchandise gathering dust.

Everybody wins.

Well, as chief executive of the provincial stores, I'm happy to offer Whiteley's credit.

What are we waiting for?

The stock needs to be inside and on Whiteley's shelves by opening time.

Not a word to anyone.

Come on then, lads.

Our suppliers wouldn't be happy to hear about this.

You Selfridges are incredible.

We're just getting started.

(doorbell ringing) Well, this is a pleasant surprise.

Come in.

Can I get you a drink?

I'll come straight to it.

Why did you lie to me?

That journalist at the launch.

You told me he just asked you routine business questions.

He did.

He asked you about Victor.

Yes-- my business with Victor.

He told me that he specifically asked you about Victor's death and that you reacted suspiciously.

You think I had something to do with it?

Did you?

How can you think that, Mae?

I've seen your temper.

Yes, I blow up once in a while, and I'm not proud of it.

But do you really think I'm capable of murder?

(laughs) I'm sorry, Jimmy.

Mae, I know we've had our differences.

But you've been closer to me than anyone.

Victor's death...

It's upset me so much.

I don't know what to think anymore.

That reporter works for Lord Wynnstay.

He's after anything he can smear Harry with.

Now I'm his business partner, I'm fair game.

If they blacken my name, they bring him down.

You know what the press are like, Mae.

I'm sorry to say it, but you're helping them stir up trouble.

For me and Harry.

Mae, have you thought what this could do to him?

Just how damaging you could be?

Oh, I'm so sorry, Jimmy.

I shouldn't have come here.

Goodnight.

Next time on Masterpiece... Now that Whiteley's is on an even keel, I need to leave it in your hands for a while.

They're running out of stock at Whiteley's.

We'll have to close the doors within three days if we can't restock those shelves.

Why have you been avoiding me, Mae?

I'm not avoiding you.

I'm not blind.

Ever since we spent the night together... "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