The Scapegoat Page #2

But now we just have to wait.

I can't give the authorisation without him.

You know what my brother's like.

It's ridiculous, this rule about not

having a fire in the morning.

Why economise on wood

when we live in a forest?

Perhaps you'd have a word

with Charlotte?

And have her give me one of her looks?

No thank you.

Anyway, it's your responsibility.

- I've had some fresh toast made for you, Miss Spence.

- Thank you, Charlotte.

Mr Spence has just telephoned from a

public house in Peterborough.

- What's he doing there?

- It's a bit early, even for Johnny.

He had to stay the night there.

He was feeling indisposed.

Did he say anything

about the contract?

No.

Will that be all, Mrs Spence?

Er... yes, Charlotte. Thank you.

He won't be back for hours now.

Inconsiderate bastard.

Who is... Who is it?

It's me, sir. George.

Oh, my God...

I'm... I'm sorry, who is it?

Could you please open the door, sir?

It's locked.

Perhaps you might consider

unlocking it, sir.

No, it...

Um... I...

- I think you must have the wrong room.

- We'll have you out of here in a jiffy, sir.

- Let me help you get dressed.

- What?

No thank you.

I'm quite capable of dressing myself.

Please? I'll be quite all right.

- Shall I get you some coffee, then, sir?

- No.

I'm so sorry. That was um... That was very rude.

I just need to find my things.

I understand, sir.

- I'm sorry. Someone seems to have stolen my clothes.

- I made you one of my specials.

- Right, um... I think I should...

- Back in one, sir. Always the best way.

That's very good.

What is it... was it?

- Vodka mainly, sir. Just how you like it.

- Thank you.

You should get the landlord up here.

I need to sort this out.

Don't worry, sir. I've had a word,

and his discretion is assured.

Fine. I'll do it myself.

Ah, just the man. Look... The fellow

I met last night has run off with all my things.

- I can't find my wallet...

- Don't worry, sir.

You settled everything

very generously last night.

No, no.

The man who paid last night wasn't me.

- I mean, we swapped coats, but...

- Don't upset yourself, Mr Spence.

I'm... I'm not upset,

and I'm not Mr Spence.

- I'll just put your things in the car, Mr Spence.

- No!

Er... put them wherever you want.

They're not my things.

Wait here.

Look, I'm not who you think I am.

Look, you can ask me any question you want.

I wouldn't know the answer.

I don't even know who you are.

Don't...

My God...

That's a Silver Wraith.

That's incredible.

Four-speed transmission,

coachwork by Hooper. Am I right?

It's beautiful.

Are you intending to drive, sir?

- Could I?

- Of course.

If you want to.

Oh, my God! I'm...

I'm so sorry! I didn't...

Perhaps it would be better

if I drove, sir.

I'm... I did... I didn't see...

Oh, my Goodness! I'll...

I'll pay for the damage of course. I'm...

- All will be all right once we get you back, sir.

- I'm so sorry.

- We'll be home before you know it.

- Yes. Er...

I'm...

- Johnny! Johnny!

- Sorry?

I haven't got time to talk. It's the Williamson dinner at six.

One of us has to be there.

- What the devil's happened to the car, George?

- Entirely my fault, sir.

Well, it can come out of your wages.

Come on! I've got to go!

Would you please stop shouting?

It wasn't George's fault. It was mine.

I'll pay for the damage.

I haven't got time for this.

I'll take your bag upstairs, sir.

Thank you.

Daddy! You're back!

I've missed you so much!

I have terrible news.

Mrs Simpson is dead.

Mrs Simpson is dead?

That... that is terrible news.

- You don't look very upset.

- No, no, I am. I am.

I didn't even know she was ill.

Would you come up and see her

after my bath?

- You mean she's here?

- Of course.

I told Father McReady he couldn't bury her

until you came back.

You just have to promise that

you'll come up.

I promise.

Yes, it's him.

Darling?

- God, you look a mess. Where have you been?

- He really was ill.

You might at least apologise.

We've been waiting all day for you.

- I was so worried.

- Aren't you going to kiss either of us?

Look... Um...

there's been a mistake.

I met whoever you think I am last night

and we had a few drinks... too many, I'm afraid,

and then, this morning, when I woke up,

he had stolen my clothes and my luggage

and my wallet,

and taken off without any explanation.

Anyway, I came here this afternoon

to find out exactly what was going on.

He's been drinking.

I can smell it from here.

- I'm going up to change for dinner. Come on, Frances.

- Pl...

Did you talk to Paul?

He's been in a state all day about the contract.

- Is he the one who was just rude to me?

- It's not funny!

You might at least have telephoned.

There you are, Mr Spence. Her Ladyship has

asked me to send you up the moment you arrive.

- I'm not Mr...

- Please don't keep her waiting.

We were expecting you yesterday

and she's getting quite anxious.

Was there anything else you wanted?

No, no. Nothing at all.

I am, of course, going upstairs.

- Annie?

- Oh, my God!

- What are you doing? Are you mad?

- I'm...

Everyone's getting changed for dinner.

The servants are everywhere.

Annie's just getting me some shampoo.

She'll be back in a minute.

You are an idiot.

Mmm...

Come and find me after dinner.

Paul won't be back till late.

I've made sure of that.

Annie, dear, can you come and help me?

I want it properly rubbed in.

Yes, madam.

You disgust me!

Her Ladyship was most insistent on

seeing you immediately, sir.

- Right.

- She's expecting you for supper.

Why don't I take this from you,

and you lead the way?

Shall I?

You beastly boy.

Come and give your mother a kiss.

Father McReady, would you think me

rude if I cut short our little game

so I can talk to my prodigal here?

- No, of course not, Your Ladyship.

- What's the tally now?

I think I owe you 2/4 pence,

Your Ladyship.

How very thrilling.

We must make a note of that so we don't forget.

Where's my little book?

Well, I'm sure you and Johnny

have a great deal to discuss.

- In nomine Patris et Filii et Spiritus Sancti.

- Amen.

Good to have you safe home, Johnny.

- Enjoy your dinner.

- Thank you.

Now, come and sit beside me.

What's the matter?

You look ill.

What have you done with your tie?

- I'm sorry, I'm feeling a little...

- Hungover.

Serves you right.

I suppose you found some little tart

to amuse yourself with last night,

though goodness knows why you had to

go to Peterborough to find one.

So, did you settle with

the Levertons?

Did you agree the new contract?

Don't play the fool with me, Johnny.

Did you or didn't you?

Yes, I did.

Good.

Oh, I knew you could manage it.

Paul is such a baby.

I knew that if you talked to them,

you'd make them see it our way.

You're a Spence.

The only one in this house,

as far as I'm concerned.

Ah... where's my present?

Johnny, I'm not in the mood.

I need it. We expected you yesterday.

That'll be Annie, ma'am.

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