Hotel Portofino

Sweet in the morning, Jane.

More coffee, Ma'am?

Ah, Luce.

Here's a telegram for you, darling.

Hm-mm.

Thank you.

Ah, Miss Jane, Miss Patricia.

How did you sleep?

Like Wee Willy Winky.

Dear Lucian, have decided to surprise you.

Stop.

Arriving first.

Stop.

Rose.

Stop.

P.S. Keep the bed warm, darling.

Stop.

Paola.

But that's, that's tomorrow.

You think I'm rushing things?

Well, you have only known him a week.

It, it does seem a little bit impulsive.

I have been on my own for five years.

And I am sick of it.

Well... he does seem rather...

- Rather what? - I was going to say vigorous.

He is.

But he's absolutely smitten with me.

Not to mention extremely rich.

His family own a castle in Lake Geneva with 30 bedrooms.

And have you spoken about Lottie?

Of course. I have been totally upfront with him.

He says he loves children, and he wants to have some of his own someday.

Darling, that's wonderful.

I'm going into this with my eyes open.

Yes. Come in.

- Yes. Come in. - Sorry to interrupt, Ma'am.

There seems to be a problem downstairs.

Out with it, then.

Mr and Mrs Powell are at reception.

What? But Mr and Mrs Powell cancelled.

There's obviously been some sort of mix-up, Ma'am.

Um, should I... send them away?

No. Uh, put them in the drawing room.

Give them some tea and tell them I'll be down in a moment.

Yes, Ma'am.

Oh gosh, dear. Where will I put them?

Uh, just put them in Daddy's room.

But then where will we put him?

Well, bring him in here with you,

and I'll go and stay with Victor in his hotel.

- Oh, no. - Mummy, you are man and wife.

-It was you I was rather more worried about.

- I'm about to be. - Yes.

And besides, you did tell me to let my hair down.

Guilty as charged.

You look beautiful.

What music do you like?

Constance.

Constance!

Constance, please, we have to talk about this.

There's no point.

How can you say that?

Because! Rose is coming.

Tomorrow.

We should forget it ever happened.

Oh, well, I can't do that.

And I don't believe you can either.

What choice do we have?

Constance.

Constance.

Hello.

Sorry to pounce. But could I use your telephone?

Yes, of course.

It's long distance, I'm afraid.

My agent's just arrived in Nice to clear up the mess.

Uh, please, do go ahead.

- You can charge it to my bill. - Oh, of course.

Oh, no need to go on my account.

Oh, no. There's someone I need to speak to.

Ah.

Darling, is everything alright between you and Constance?

I just went to go and check on her.

Danioni's left her feeling shaken.

She's having a delayed reaction to last night, that's all.

Ah. It's wonderful news about Rose.

- Isn't it? - I thought perhaps

I could find a moment to have a word with her if, if...

Well, um, I, I think I'd rather we just

sort of have a go at it, if that's all right with you?

Of course. Well... and about the other thing?

It's tonight. We have to move fast.

So, you found a safe place?

I have, but I think it's rather better if you don't know,

if that's alright.

Yes, of course.

Keep you posted.

- Ah, that was quick. - Hmm, short and not very sweet.

I'm either gonna have to haul my ass back

or get myself a lawyer.

- Oh dear. - Hmm.

I don't suppose you know one?

Well, uh, there... there's Signor Bruzzone in town,

but his English is somewhat limited.

And that's being generous.

I suppose I could ask Carlo to translate.

As long as you don't mind him...

Him knowing?

My life's an open book, Bella Ainsworth.

Right.

Ah, there he is. My favourite guest.

I think Miss Jane and Miss Patricia

will be most put out to hear you call me that.

I wondered if I might ask you a small favour.

Please, anything.

Albani, old boy.

- Are you ready? - Ready and willing.

Oh, where you dragging the poor man off to now?

Drinks, with Alice's fiance.

Can't you leave him in peace to finish his tea?

The third hand will stop the conversation flagging, won't it, Carlo?

Indeed, it will.

Well...

have you packed up your things from your room?

Uh, no. I believe, uh, Billy's doing that.

I hope the favour that you wish to ask of me,

it can wait a little longer?

Yes, of course.

Of course, I, I really should apologise.

Whatever for?

Well, for asking for your daughter's hand

without first seeking your permission.

Good Lord.

I'd have hardly dared withhold it, knowing her as I do.

Don't worry, old boy. We've all been there.

Hearts aflutter and all that.

I just didn't know a man could feel

so much for just one woman.

'He loves but little who can say and count in words

how much he loves.'

Is your mother Italian?

Hmm.

She's a Farnese.

It's a noble Roman family.

Although from a very, very distant branch, you understand?

And your father, French?

No. Um, he is Swiss,

but resident in Monaco.

Gosh. He must be frightfully well off.

We Swiss are notoriously private when it comes to money.

Ah, yes.

Well, I, I spent a very happy summer in the casino

at Monte Carlo. - Ah oui?

Yes. Yes. Spending a large chunk of my annual allowance,

- as I recall. - I'm never happy losing.

Do you gamble often, Victor?

- Does not every gentleman? - Good man.

You know, we should play a hand or two.

They're reopening the local casino.

Avec plaisir.

Ah, Danioni, co... come and meet my future son-in-law.

Uh, Victor Michel, Vincenzo Danioni.

- Bonjour. - Monsieur.

Danioni is what passes for the law in this town.

Uh, and I'm due to pay you a visit, I think.

Ah, at your convenience. Enjoy.

Bye.

Bubbles come here! Oh!

Bubbles! Somebody, help!

Quickly!

Is everything alright?

Argh! Argh.

- He bit me! - Oh, savage little beast!

Oh gosh. I shall fetch some first aid.

Do calm down, ladies.

Little beast. Get away. Back!

Billy!

- We need you. - What is it, Ma'am?

Miss Jane, Bubbles has bitten her on the finger.

Oh, must have been hungry.

No, Billy, this isn't funny.

He's drawn blood and he's destroyed her notebook.

Quickly grab something to catch him with.

He's hiding under the bed. - Um... a broom?

He's under the bed.

Under there.

Alright, oop.

Bubbles.

There's... a good boy.

Have you got him?

No, Ma'am, not quite yet.

Little sod. Bloody hell.

Stodgy, and sauce rather salty.

Fair to middling.

- Ooh. - Billy, he's making a run for it!

Oh, hi.

Captured.

Aren't you a marvel?

So brave.

Blooming cheek of it!