It's a book of hate, to wreak revenge on every pompous trembling worm who taps at Mrs Castaway's door!
And you are? Sugar is all there is to my name.
Your life is going to be very different from now on.
I would like you to move to Chepstow Villas.
To live in your house?
And become Sophie's governess.
19 years... Mother...
..since we embarked on this life together.
Your life is becoming quite shrouded in mystery. I am so curious.
Who is that lady, Sophie?
Agnes, what have you done?
Please, I'm ready. Get me away!
You're my only hope!
Am I still your little girl?
Yes, of course you are.
I am not a madwoman!
Agnes is to be put away.
But, William...
No-one is going to hurt you any more. Is it time?
Lostwithiel.
This programme contains some strong language.
This programme contains scenes which some viewers may find disturbing.
This programme contains scenes of a sexual nature.
I have to t tell the p... p...
It's worse when you excite yourself.
..the police!
I have to tell the police.
Agnes may be in need of urgent rescue!
Of course, William, but... It's not a simple question of being dead or alive.
There is a fate worse than death.
As we speak, some foul hag, such as your Mrs Castaway, could be installing her in some bawdy house!
I'm quite sure Agnes is too frail to be made use of in that way.
Haven't you read More Sprees?
There's a nice little trade going in dying girls.
Or perhaps you'd forgotten?
Where was this "Convent of Health" that she blathered onto you about?
Well, I'm not sure it was a place that had a physical reality.
You know she disappeared before? Miss Sugar found her with half her toes sliced off in the snow.
Miss Sugar? The governess.
She's not a rescue girl, is she?
Oh, for heaven's sake! Of course not.
Emmeline, you're becoming fixated on that subject!
Let me think. I always think I can remember feeling...
a little different.
But if I am not the same, the next question is,
who in the world am I?
That's the great puzzle.
I'm so glad you're enjoying your Christmas book, Sophie.
Miss, has my mama still run away?
Yes.
Yes, she has. Is it history now?
I beg your pardon? History? Henry VIII?
Er, no, geography first, I think.
Why don't you draw me some animals from Australia?
Were you and Agnes close?
Close?
We barely knew each other.
She told Clara the person who f...f...found her in the snow was her only friend in the world.
She was very disturbed.
I merely escorted her back to the house.
She didn't know you at all,
yet she trusted you?
Well, she had no reason not to.
Miss. U-hum?
If Henry VIII wanted a son so badly, why didn't he marry a lady who already had one?
Because to be the king's true heir you need to be of the king's blood.
Are babies made of blood?
No.
Babies are grown in here.
How?
Well, if I had a husband,
he would plant a seed in me
and I would have a baby.
I came out of Mama, then?
Now sleeps the crimson petal
Now the white
Nor waves the cypress in the palace walk
Nor winks the gold fin in the poor free font
The firefly wakens Waken now with me
Now droops the milk-white peacock like a ghost
And like a ghost she glimmers unto me
Now lies the Earth
All Danae to the stars and all thy heart lies open to me
Now slides the silent meteor on
And leaves a shining furrow as thy thoughts in me.
Oh, Letty!
Sorry, I fell asleep, reading.
What time is it? No, it's early, only.
Mr Rackham was looking for you.
He's been fetched away.
Identification will be difficult in these circumstances, sir.
Try and focus on the parts that are least corrupted.
A word of warning, don't look for the eyes.
Eels have them. All right.
It is she.
It is my wife.
Are you sure, sir?
I'm sure.
Cover her up!
Steady, steady.
All right, sir.
'Dearest William, it is so tedious to wait even this short time to be man and wife.
'How I long to go out and hear people say, "There go the Rackhams.
'"He has just published another book and she is lately returned from Paris with 30 new dresses!"'
Ashes and dust are our only material remains.
Compared to our spiritual remains, they mean nothing.
Mrs Rackham's corporeal form...
You are a brave, brave, brave man.
I heard Sophie had a new governess.
I wonder to see her so happy!
Is she your first pupil, Miss..?
Sugar. Mrs Emmeline Fox.
No, I looked after a little boy before.
Christopher.
In Notting Hill?
I've lived many different places in London.
And I have visited many in the course of my work
with The Rescue Society.
The Rescue Society?
I confess, I've never heard of it.
Oh, Miss Sugar,
how mortified my colleagues would be to hear you say that.
If you will excuse me, Mrs Fox, I do think I should keep a close eye on Sophie today. Of course.
Let's walk together.
We are an organisation committed to reforming prostitutes.
The urgency is great. Women die or disappear every day through disease, murder, suicide.
Just yesterday, I visited a house, a place known as Mrs Castaway's,
looking for a girl I'd read about in a vile publication.
What did you find there?
The girl was long gone.
No one could say where.
And Mrs Castaway herself had died.
Died? So the new madam said, before she slammed the door in my face.
Forgive me, Miss Sugar.
Oh, you were fond of your old madam.
In my arrogance, I failed to imagine that. What an imbecile I am.
What do you want?
I wanted to verify who you were.
Who am I?
A young woman who has found her calling and means to excel at it.
If I can ever be of service.
DISTANT, REMEMBERED CRIES
SHOUTS
Christopher?
I think you've mistaken your way.
I was looking for the little boy who used to answer the door.
If it's little boys he's after, send him to Mrs Talbot's.
It's not a man, dear, it's a lady from the Rescue Society.
My name is Sugar.
I used to work here.
Sugar?
I would never have...
Oh, well come in, dear, come in.
Someone was asking for you only a couple of days ago. Your fame endures!
Quite a change, isn't it?
MOANS
May I have a word with Amy?
The girl who used to play the cello.
Alas, Amy felt our house had become too specialised for her talents.
Took the boy with her. Quite where escapes me.
So many new houses, one can hardly keep up.
With Amy gone and me no longer on what you might call the factory floor, we're two girls down.
I came to ask about my...
About Mrs Castaway.
Oh, she passed, dear.
But how? How did she die?
In her sleep, dear.
Did she leave anything for me?
A letter, a message?
And what happened to her after she was found,
her remains?
Undertakers took her away. Isn't that right, dear?
Oh, I believe so. Rookes, Brookes, something like that. Aww.
Well, do call in again, dear, if you're passing.
A charm to see you.
You do look different. My life is very different now. Is it?
You've filled out so! Ain't she? Indeed.
In fact, I wonder, is there something we should know?
LAUGHTER
WRETCHING
KNOCKING
Miss Sugar, Mr Rackham was asking if you were back.
Can you sew?
Sew? Yes, could you alter a dress of Agnes's so that it'd
fit you?
Er, no I, I don't think so.
Erm, even if I were a seamstress, Agnes and I were
very different shapes.
Shame. I'd arranged for us all to go on a little outing together tomorrow afternoon.
Us all? You, me and Sophie. To the photographer's studio.
A family portrait.
Good day, Sir.
Mr Tovey.
Madam. This way.
Sophie.
This dress must have shrunk.
I shall now summon an elephant from the sky and balance it on the tip of my nose.
Three, two, one.
Marvellous.
Hello, Sophie. Papa?
I have something for you.
Well, what do you think? William?
What a pleasant surprise.
Miss Sugar, see here. Oh, Sophie.
I look real! It's wonderful, Sophie!
And what of the group portrait?
The one of all of us together? It wasn't a success, I'm afraid. Oh, dear.
Perhaps we can try again another day? Yes, Sophie. Perhaps we will.
It is a risk, of course. The engineering is in its infancy.
Leave things as they are.
To recoup your investment you'd need ten years' excellent harvests
and no expansion from your competitors.
Oh, it's...
The next century belongs to Pears and Yardley. I can feel it in my bones.
And without an heir to succeed me...
Without an heir so far.
You are a man in his prime, William.
Do you remember when we first met?
I told you I would do anything for you.
We should be in bed. My thoughts exactly.
No...
..seriously. Look at the time.
You stupid, stupid girl.
SHE CRIES OUT IN PAIN
SHE MOANS
Hello, sir. Are you looking for me?
Sugar?
Is that... Is that you?
I had heard about Mrs C.
When did she die? Do you know?
A while ago.
She didn't leave you nothing? A letter, even?
I'm sorry.
I loved my mother.
Can I use your pot? Help yourself.
Oh, thank you. It's even clean!
Would you mind?
Light a candle for her sometimes, my mum.
Not in church!
Just in here. Can you pass me a handkerchief from my bag?
You been shopping? Pennyroyal and brewer's yeast.
One of the maids.
She tried zinc and borax?
To no avail.
I hate that the worst. Hurts like hell, the burnin'.
Poor girl.
Yes, it does.
What's this?
Light a candle for me.
'Who am I, then?
'Tell me that first, and then, if I like being that person,'
I'll come up.
'If not, I'll stay down here till I'm somebody else.
Oh, excuse me, Sophie.
I just need to go outside for a moment.
Mr Rackham!
Janey!
Follow me.
Oh, William. I'm so sorry.
BELL RINGS
That will be Dr Curlew.
For me? Do not move from this bed.
We've had quite enough sick women in this house.
I want you well.
People break necks falling off a chair.
You have fallen down a staircase
and only have a badly sprained ankle and a number of bruises to show for it.
You may not be aware of those bruises as yet, but you will be.
Keep to your bed as much as possible. I have duties to perform.
It would be much better, in your condition...
Dr Curlew,
I am employed in this house.
KNOCKING
Enter.
How is the patient?
Remarkably well. Miss Sugar is extremely robust.
Hello, Sophie. Here, take these books from me.
Oh, for heaven's sake! Aren't you the least bit curious what happened to me?
Letty said that you fell down a long, long way and I mustn't stare.
I'll be better very soon.
And now that your father...
..feels well enough to do his own correspondence, you and I can spend more time together.
And I think we are in New Zealand.
"Dear Rackers..." Rackers.
"Deepest condolences aside, anyone would think it was you who were dead.
"The new book is our best yet."
Art As Understood By The Working Man.
Less contentious than usual!
Don't you believe it! Look at that whole variety of rude working folk.
Chimney sweeps, fish-sellers, kitchen-maids, costermongers, so forth.
And show them engravings of famous paintings.
Then ask them their opinion!
So, William, do tell us what you intend to do about Constance.
Constance? We're dying to hear. Our dear Lady Bridgelow.
What about her? You don't want to marry her?
I had no idea that she had any desire to marry me!
Come on, Bill! Do you expect her to get down on bended knee and propose?
She has her pride!
So, what do you fancy?
Mrs Terence's is nearby?
The Welsh one will be taken by now and I don't much care for the others. Mrs Ford's?
Expensive for what you get.
These have a cheerful air about them. Nice weather we're having.
You never had anyone like me, dear. Me neither!
In the mouth. How much?
Go on, Sir. I don't have a sheath on me.
I went to the doctors last week, Sir.
Says I'm as clean as a kitten.
Even so... I've got a fine, silky hole, sir.
A connoisseur's conch.
Bill, are you with us?
Well, eat it, Rackers!
William?
What are you doing in here? I'm attending to your correspondence.
Are you all right? You're covered in...
Where have you been?
Oh, I know, don't I?
I know where you've been.
That is none of your business!
Just hobble off back to your room!
I have no further need for you.
Go on!
'Who am I?
'My name is Sugar. I am what you would call a fallen woman, but I assure you I did not fall.
'I was pushed.
'Vile man, eternal Adam, I indict you!'
Please forgive me. What time is it?
Almost dawn. Sugar, I am so sorry.
I wasn't myself before.
I collapsed in town, drunk.
A complete disgrace.
I'm sober now.
It will never happen again.
Of course not, William. No, I am determined.
Things are going to be different.
You'll see.
I would like you and Sophie to join me tomorrow
on a visit of my soap factory.
Wouldn't it be wiser to wait until after you're rested?
There's someone else I am meeting there,
someone I'm loath to inconvenience.
I see.
Of course you do.
I have not told you often enough what a treasure you are.
You should get some sleep now.
Take care, Cheesman.
I always do, Miss Sugar.
You are very nicely turned out, Sophie.
Look, Sophie.
We're here to meet an associate of your father's.
No, it is my fault for arriving early. I've been looking forward to it so much, you see.
It's hard to believe my humble little factory could inspire such enthusiasm.
Do you doubt my word?
Of course, what you see here is not exactly soap manufacture, as such.
That is a very dirty business and not the work of a perfumer.
Miss? I'm all right, Sophie.
This area is dedicated to the production of Rackham's Honeysuckle.
Relieves itching quite miraculously, I am told.
Here.
William, this is so amusing.
Do you really think so?
These stairs lead to the blue room, which houses the production of
Rackham's Puressence, our signature scent.
The factory was originally built to be a sewer works, which is ironic.
Ah, this is one of our new developments, Jeunesse Eternelle.
The orange colour comes from carrots.
Miss, I need to go piddle.
Mr Rackham? Is there on the premises a room with...washing facilities?
Er...someone will show you.
WHIMPERS
CRYING AND GASPING
DOOR OPENS
THUMP
GASPING
SOBBING
Please, please help me.
I'll get someone.
No! You have to help me.
Please.
Oh.
Thank you.
We must go.
Let's go.
It's a bit early for bed.
I don't mind, miss, I'm tired.
I'm very grateful to you, Sophie.
You rescued me.
Please don't die.
I won't die.
I promise.
It's all right, little one.
Don't you worry about anything. You just trust me.
BELL RINGS
Forgive the late hour. I was visiting a neighbour of yours.
What is it?
There was something I could scarcely fail to notice the last time I was in this house.
I should perhaps have spoken to you about it at the time.
You sent for me?
Yes.
Do not sit down, there's no need.
It has come to my notice that you are with child.
It is therefore impossible that you remain as my daughter's governess.
Your wages are enclosed.
Please be prepared to leave on 1st March. There has been a misunderstanding.
Further discussion is out of the question.
Do not attempt to come and see me again.
Thank you.
"Dear William, forgive me saying so, but you are mistaken.
"I was briefly afflicted with a painful swelling
"which has since passed and I now have my monthly courses,
"as you can discover to your own satisfaction."
"Dear William, please,
"every hour that I wait for your reply is torture.
"Remember that I am devoted to your sister and you and sparing you inconvenience..."
KNOCK AT DOOR
Excuse me, Miss Sugar, Mr Rackham has asked if Miss Sophie might be brought down.
We shall just tidy ourselves up a bit.
Miss Sugar, he asked me to bring Miss Sophie myself.
I see.
Could you wait outside a moment? Of course, Miss.
Come on, Sophie, stand up.
I think your father has some news for you.
Most probably he is about to tell you something,
and I want you to tell him something in return.
I want you to tell him how you feel about me.
Do you understand?
Then everything's going to be all right.
They're sending you away.
But did you tell him? I told him that I love you.
How dare he do this?
How dare he do this to my child?!
Miss Townsley.
Hello, Sophie.
I would like to introduce you to Miss Townsley.
Hello, Miss Townsley.
Have you any French, child?
French wasn't one of Miss Sugar's accomplishments.
What about the piano?
Again, I'm afraid Miss Sugar came up rather short.
I think it best Miss Sugar leave immediately to prevent further distress to Sophie.
If as you say she has formed a very strong attachment, I think that might be preferable.
But does your governess have somewhere to go?
Oh, yes. She can always go home to her mother.
DOOR OPENS
Miss Sugar!
I thought we might go for an adventure outside today, Sophie.
It's so stuffy in here. Yes, miss.
Don't forget your muffler. Yes.
What about your spy glass?
Goodness, Miss, we are taking a lot of stories with us.
We are going on a great expedition, Sophie,
who knows what provisions we may need?
Is it America tomorrow?
America tomorrow.
Heavy bags you got there, Miss.
Goin' far with them?
You're impertinent, Cheesman.
I shall speak to Mr Rackham about you on our return. Your return?
That be soon then?
I shall speak to you in private.
Sophie? Yes, Miss. I shall be back in a moment. Yes, Miss.
Ten pounds, Cheesman.
Aren't we grand! A small fortune for you.
I wondered after Mrs Rackham met her doom if you weren't hoping to take her place.
Take the money, and let us be on our way.
I saw her.
Dragged from the river.
There was nothing left to recognise.
Except her hair.
Those long blonde locks.
Full of weed and dirty water.
You see money's all well and good, Miss.
But what I'd like is something a little more personal.
I want a taste of what he's had.
CHEESMAN: Ugh! THUD
Bitch!
DOOR CREAKS
Where are we going, Miss? Somewhere nice.
Shall I carry a bag, Miss?
They're too heavy for you, Sophie.
Let's take a ride on the omnibus.
Run ahead so the conductor can see we want to get on.
Oh!
Where are we going now, Miss?
Somewhere very interesting.
I promise.
'How smug you are, reader,
'if you are a member of that sex that boasts a scrag of gristle in your trousers.
'You fancy this book will amuse you, thrill you, rescue you from the horror of boredom.
'And that, having consumed it, you will be left at liberty to resume your life as before.
'But this book is different.
'This book is a knife. Keep your wits about you.
'You will need them!'
Hello?
Open the door!
Whether I open the door or not depends on how bad a boy you've been. Have you been very bad?
I want to speak to Mrs C-Castaway!
She's long dead.
It's Sugar I'm after.
It is imperative that I f-find her.
I'll pay whatever you ask! Please lower your voice, Sir!
Firstly, the girl you call Sugar has renounced the gay life.
Secondly, your soaps and ointments are not improved by having your image on them.
Lord, grant us some places where we don't have to see a man's face.
And lastly, try Mrs Leek's.
Mr Forty Acres, we are honoured! You...
Lookin' for me, sir? No.
I am looking for Sugar.
She has stolen my daughter! Stolen?
Please, I have lost everything.
Did you know, that of every ten persons drowned in England and Wales,
six will be children? You've got her!
Hey! Hey! Seven pence, sir!
Watch your step, sir. Some of them stairs is...
CLATTER Agh!
DISEMBODIED SHRIEKING
RAILWAY GUARD'S WHISTLE
Miss?
Will we get where we're going to go in time for bed?
We're going on a very long journey, Sophie.
But when we get there, I promise, you will have the warmest, safest,
nicest bed in the whole world.
America tomorrow.
TRAIN WHISTLE
Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd
E-mail subtitling@bbc.co.uk