Oh, she's never going
to retire.
We'd have to take her out
and sh**t 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!
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...
But... thank you.
A Fairley and 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.
f*ck my whole family.
f*ck everything but you...
Not here. ..and me.
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, Gerry.
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, I...
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 any more, 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'm... 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 and that.
But it still won't get us so much
as a pebble to mark where...
We'll do our own.
At the 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...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 them 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 practice.
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 is 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-h*-h*-h*!
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 don'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...?
Uh...
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. Theatre.
Well, I have... some work
to do tonight.
And I...shall see you for breakfast.
Right.
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?!
Well, it's, er...
...aye, well, a 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.
Hey. Here you go.
I wrote something down
that I wanted to...
...wanted to say to her.
I put it 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.
Oh, look.
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 the girl'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 any more...
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.
Ah... We've always wanted bad.
I can see what you want, Adam.
Adele... Adele...
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.
You must see it now...
...don't you?
How much I need you?
Yes.
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.
Mm.
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.
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?
I'm so sorry, sir.
Have you stolen that?
No! Mrs Fairley insisted.
Take it off.
Who do you think you are?
...
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?
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01x02 - Episode 2
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A drama spanning six decades, charting the rise of Emma Harte from penniless Yorkshire maid in the early 1900s to powerful 1970s business mogul.
A drama spanning six decades, charting the rise of Emma Harte from penniless Yorkshire maid in the early 1900s to powerful 1970s business mogul.