Father Brown

'Providing a much-needed window for Northern Rhodesian painters,

the Lusaka Art Society held a most interesting exhibition.

It had a completely comprehensive nature,

ranging from this most striking sculpture by Miss Jean Warrington

to this vivid depiction of an African village

by Lady Felicia Montague.

And here she is now.

Patron of the Lusaka Art Society,

Lady Felicia's a pretty picture herself

and always the epitome of grace and decorum.

One thing's for certain,

his Excellency, the Governor Montgomery Montague

is a lucky man to have such a beautiful and devoted wife.

Why do you always do that?

Because it makes you laugh.

- Stop it. - It makes you look happy.

Have you thought any more about...?

It's all I can think about.

And?

You're asking me to give up my whole life.

My marriage. Everything.

To live happily ever after...

.. more or less.

You're mad.

What would everybody think?

This isn't about what people think.

- And Monty? - You're just an accessory to him.

I am not an accessory!

That's why you need someone who can see that.

Don't make the same mistake twice.

How dare you suggest my marriage was a mistake.

Do you love him? Are you happy?

Felicia?

You're as naive and reckless now as you were ten years ago.

Maybe that's why I turned you down.

You turned me down because you were scared,

like you are now.

We love each other, don't we?

Don't we?

Then call me an old romantic

but I don't think anything should get in the way of that.

I know what I'm asking.

This could be the most terrifying thing you've ever done. But...

.. it could also make you the happiest you've ever been.

Yes.

Yes? - Yes. - Yes!

I love you.

Ooooh!

Uh, uh, not yet!

What's the camera for?

Homes and Garden Magazine

are holding a "Queen of the Kitchen" competition.

Oh, maybe I could pose for it.

You can't boil an egg.

- Father, would you do the honours? - Of course.

Oooh, very good.

Very regal.

Finished?

Yes. Now you may eat.

Typical. We show up after all this time

and the first thing we see is you gorging yourselves!

Sid! Lady Felicia!

Don't all talk at once. It's not a pretty picture.

Oooh, I've missed these!

- Father Brown. - You may have two.

Why didn't you tell us you were coming?

It was a last minute decision.

We felt like a change from the Rhodesian climate.

And there's nothing quite like the Kembleford rain.

For your information, the weather here has been beautiful.

Oh, every day in Kembleford is like a day in paradise.

That was actually quite convincing.

Thank you! I'm thinking of becoming an actress.

No!

So there I was, in the jungle...

- In the garden. - .. face-to-face with this lion...

- Cub. - It was not a cub. - How big are we talking?

- Big enough it could've ripped me to shreds. - So, cat-sized then?

- It was bigger than a cat. - But smaller than a fox.

- A most magnificent gift. - Ah...

I used to keep it for best, but now I never go anywhere without it.

- Thank you. - It makes you look positively regal.

Oh!

You do know that this is the exact same handbag that the Duchess of...

Windsor.

Well, you have mentioned it a couple of times.

Oh!

So how long have we got you?

I'm not entirely sure yet, which reminds me...

.. I have a train to catch.

- But we've hardly seen you. - I'm meeting Monty in London.

He's there on business, but I should be back tomorrow. Sid...

She runs me ragged.

Yes, when you're not lounging by the pool with a beer in your hand.

It gets hot out there.

You've got to keep cool. It's health and safety.

Is everything all right?

Absolutely.

Ta-ta.

From the look of undisguised loathing on your face,

I take it you remember me.

- What do you want? - A moment of your time.

I'm catching a train.

- To see your husband? - Yes.

To tell him about your lover, Benedict Northam?

I don't know what you're talking about.

"Call me an old romantic,

"but I don't think anything should stand in the way of our love.

- "I understand this would be the most terrifying thing..." - Stop.

It was very moving. I almost shed a tear.

I'm not surprised you said yes.

You said it several times, in fact,

during the rest of your stay in his room that afternoon.

- Would you like to see the transcript? - Why?

I'll explain everything in the car.

Trust me, it's in your best interests.

A Soviet Spy?

We've been tracking him for months. His diplomatic missions are a cover.

So why haven't you had him arrested?

Two weeks ago, we discovered an infiltrator

at the Ministry of Defence -- one of our scientists.

Under interrogation, he confessed to photographing certain blueprints.

We believe that Benedict will take possession of that film tomorrow

at an arts fundraiser he's holding at his house.

You want me to be YOUR spy.

Duplicity is one of your strengths, is it not?

If you see an opportunity,

you're to replace the original film with this duplicate.

It contains misinformation,

it'll have them chasing their tails for months.

Bring the original to me.

Benedict is not a traitor.

There's only one way for you to find out.

You can't blackmail me into doing your dirty work

every time it suits you.

My dear, the stakes for you are far higher

- than your reputation and marriage. - Meaning?

Meaning that if you don't co-operate, it might give us

cause to suspect you of collusion with the enemy.

I would hate to see your pretty face distended at the end of a rope.

Now, be a good girl, do your job.

If not for me, then for Queen and country.

- Yes? - I'm looking for Benedict Northam.

Have you got an appointment?

Appointment?

Felicia!

I wasn't expecting you until tomorrow.

Surprise!

- Have I come at a bad time? - No, not at all.

Sir, we still have to finalise the details for the fundraiser.

The guest lists, the catering...

Well, I rely entirely on your judgement, Ms Winslow.

I suddenly find myself preoccupied.

Yes, of course.

My private secretary.

Naturally.

Not here.

You haven't told Monty.

He was tied up in meetings. He couldn't see me.

Well, send him a telegram.

"I'm leaving you. Stop. Marriage over. Stop."

This isn't a joke.

I'm sorry.

Oh, what's wrong?

Nothing.

I can always tell when your smile doesn't reach your eyes.

I don't know whether to find that romantic or...

Or what?

Unsettling that you observe me so closely.

I can't help myself.

Cold feet?

How do I know that I can trust you?

I would never betray you.

Well, those are just words. They don't mean anything.

And what about that? Does that mean anything?

If you think one kiss can just magically...

- All night? - Well, the bed's not been slept in.

He's got her up to no good, I guarantee it.

I say call the police.

Police? What are you all doing here?

Where have you been?

London. I told you.

We were worried about you.

I saw you leave the station with Daniel Whittaker.

Lady Felicia, what's going on?

It's a personal matter, Father.

- Oh, between you and MI5? - Are you in danger?

Of course not.

Then why do you look so uneasy?

I appreciate your concern, all of you,

but I would ask that you don't pry any further.

We are not prying.

We are trying to help.

Why? So you can gossip it all over Kembleford?

I'm sorry. It's been a trying morning.

But I don't need your help

and, at the risk of sounding rude, I'd rather be alone.

I have a fundraiser to attend this evening

and I need... 40 winks.

I'll go alone. I'll be less conspicuous.