♪ ♪
So, I want to be hired for
being good at what I do, not because I wear a bonnet.
Use what you have to your advantage.
♪ ♪
FITZROY: Put me on administration duty, sir.
I'd be good at that.
My heart soars at the prospect
of our esteemed publication
being center stage of such an intriguing mystery.
I would be delighted
to take you up on your offer
of that homemade steamed pudding,
Miss Woods.
♪ ♪
(thunder claps)
(whimpers)
(click)
♪ ♪
Ya! Whoa, whoa! (horses trotting)
ELIZA: I'm simply making the point that I do not care for the man.
IVY: I'm well aware of that, but perhaps
you've misjudged him. I assure you,
he is every bit the prig that I've described.
Well, we're all entitled to our opinions.
If you insist on this dalliance with Mr. Potts,
the least you can do is convince him to allow me
access to the mortuary.
Firstly, we are merely friends.
Secondly, if we were more than that--
which we are not--
I couldn't possibly ask Barnabus to change his rules.
Barnabus?
I have shopping to do.
But the market's that way.
I'm going to Pettifer's
in Hanwell Street. Buying a new hat?
Oh, let me guess, does this have
anything to do with a certain Barnabus?
I don't have time for this.
Are you seeing him today?
Goodbye, Lizzie.
♪ ♪
(horses trotting)
(indistinct street chatter)
♪ ♪
(typewriters clacking, indistinct chattering)
(knocking)
NASH: Yes, what is it?
I have that information on the lady detective, sir.
Come.
(flashbulb bursting)
♪ ♪
(indistinct chattering)
Miss Scarlet?
Mr. Doyle, assistant to Dr. Flint.
My employer had hoped that you might grant us a meeting?
Dr. Flint would like to hire you
on a rather sensitive issue.
But are up to the job, young lady?
I can assure you,
I have had many satisfied clients.
By the looks of you,
one puff of wind
would see you fall over.
We received this anonymous letter.
It advised that a bottle of our elixir had been poisoned,
and placed on the shelf of one of our market stalls.
We had it tested, and indeed,
it does contain a toxin
derived from a plant known as the Angel of Inferno.
♪ ♪
"£1,000 to be left at St. Pancras station.
"If it is not forthcoming,
"the money demanded will increase,
and a second poisoning will occur."
This is dated several days ago,
and the deadline has passed.
Why didn't you engage me sooner?
DOYLE: With regard to the case,
we wish to keep it from public knowledge.
As such, you will have to sign
a confidentiality agreement.
Oh.
Oh. Well, I'll have to read it thoroughly first.
Do you want this case or not, young lady?
It's hard to believe
you're in a position to be fussy.
My name is Miss Scarlet.
If I am to be your client,
I shall call you whatever I damn well please!
I'm sorry,
I am extremely busy with other cases at the moment.
So, in regards to yours... Please.
I will of course find time to take it.
Where do I sign?
(Fitzroy humming)
(indistinct chatter)
FITZROY: ♪ I am the very model of a modern major-general ♪
♪ I've information vegetable, ♪
♪ Animal, and mineral ♪
♪ I know the kings of England
♪ And I quote the fights historical ♪
♪ From Marathon to Waterloo ♪
♪ In order categorical ♪
♪ I'm very good at integral ♪
♪ And differential calculus ♪
♪ I know the scientific names of beings animalculous ♪
♪ In short, in matters vegetable, ♪
♪ Animal, and mineral ♪
♪ I am the very model of a modern major... ♪
(door opening)
Hello, Father.
I thought it impossible that
you could disappoint me any further,
but clearly I was wrong.
I am only glad your mother isn't alive to see this.
(indistinct chatter)
POLICE COMMISSIONER (muffled): You are supposed to be
a police detective, not a filing clerk!
Why wasn't I informed of this?
Where is Inspector Wellington?
Can I help you, sir?
You were meant to teach my son to be a detective,
yet now, I find him filing here
like some junior clerk!
WILLIAM: Ah, yes.
Well, I can explain, sir.
Your son is an extremely
proficient police officer. However...
he has been in the force for barely half a year,
and entering at detective level means
he still has a great deal to learn.
Did my son request this position?
No, sir.
I took the decision
to put him on administration duty,
since I felt it imperative that he
acquire the knowledge from the ground up.
Well, listen carefully, Inspector Wellington,
because I am going to tell you
exactly what is going to happen here.
Fitzroy will be reinstated as a police detective
with immediate effect.
The feeble, insubstantial character
that has blighted him since birth
will be knocked out of him,
and he will be turned into a man that his family
can finally be proud of.
The police commissioner's words, sir, not mine.
(chuckles) He's insisting that Fitzroy
make inspector by the end of the year.
The police commissioner gets
what the police commissioner wants.
You can't be serious, sir.
My job is to ensure the effective running
of this constabulary.
Half my time is financial planning.
And the last few months,
I've been petitioning the commissioner
to push the home office to review our budgets.
In the last ten years, this city has grown with
eight extra miles of new residential streets
to patrol in Tottenham alone.
But surely the fate of his son
is an entirely separate matter, sir?
You have a lot to learn if you think that is the case.
(sighs) Look, Fitzroy is a thoroughly decent young man,
but he's no detective, let alone inspector material.
The streets are getting more violent
year on year, and if he is placed back in action,
he will not only put his own life at risk,
but my men, too.
Just take a seat, eh?
(sighs)
You and I have been at odds recently.
However...
in this instance, there is nothing you have said
that I do not concur with.
But be that as it may,
I'm afraid we have no choice in the matter.
Which is why I've made a decision.
Sir?
Fitzroy will be taken from your command,
and placed under Detective Phelps.
Phelps hates the lad, sir.
(laughs) Well, in that case,
he'll either give up or die trying.
And if that happens,
I'm sure his family will receive a medal,
which I'm sure will go down well with his father.
♪ ♪
Listen to me, laddie.
You've got a good future ahead of you.
Fitzroy will only blacken your reputation.
Is that what you want?
Course not, sir.
Good.
Then he will transfer to Detective Phelps
with immediate effect.
And that is an order.
Yes, sir.
(whistling)
ELIZA: Good afternoon, Mr. Potts.
Miss Scarlet.
I was in need of your advice.
I have a question on the poisonous properties
of a particular plant.
Miss Scarlet, my break is over
and I must return to my duties.
I cannot loiter here on the street
discussing botany with you.
I quite understand, Mr. Potts.
So perhaps I should come inside?
(breathless laugh)
The British Library is a mere ten-minute stroll
from this very spot.
I'm sure you'll find the answer
to all manner of questions within its hallowed walls.
Now, if you'll excuse me...
(lock turning)
Ivy was asking after you this morning.
(turning stops)
♪ ♪
Was she? Yes.
I of course gave a very agreeable account of you
and will happily continue to do so.
What are you saying, exactly?
You scratch my back and I'll scratch yours.
A lady should not say such unseemly things.
It is not Christian.
If you help me,
I will continue to sing your praises.
That...
That is blackmail.
That is business.
(deep sigh)
So, do we have a deal?
There's a man.
He seems to be watching you.
♪ ♪
I'll be back,
Mr. Potts.
God save us all.
♪ ♪
(knocking)
Come.
Dear God.
That's your father's handiwork, I assume?
Sir, I'd like to convey
how much I am looking forward to
coming back to the field,
but I think there's been some mistake.
I've been told to report to Detective Phelps.
There's been no mistake.
But Detective Phelps loathes me.
He thinks I'm just some spoilt toff
born with a silver spoon in my mouth.
Detective Phelps is
a very good officer. He's a thug!
Detective Phelps is your superior
and you will show respect.
Is that understood?
Yes, sir.
Now, if there's nothing else?
I just...
I don't understand why I can't stay under your command.
Are you somehow suggesting
that I would give you an easier time of it?
Of course not, sir. Good.
Now get back to work.
Yes, sir.
(door opening, closing)
(indistinct street chatter)
♪ ♪
(door closing)
(horse snorts)
♪ ♪
(horse whinnies)
(horse hooves clomping)
(door closing)
Why are you following me?
(door closing)
How I have longed to meet the lady detective.
Mr. Patrick Nash, proprietor.
Well, then I'll ask you instead.
Why are you following me?
Now, when I first heard about you, Miss Scarlet,
I assumed being a detective was a mere hobby.
You might find the odd rich lady's missing poodle,
but you'd soon tire of it.
In fact, my men were so amused
by the idea of a female detective,
they took bets on how long you'd last.
(men snickering)
But weeks went by, and then months,
and you were still in the game.
And somehow you became less amusing.
What do you want?
You are determined, ambitious, hungry.
The holy trinity.
In short, I want you to come and work for me.
Shall we step into my office, talk terms?
I've heard of your agency, Mr. Nash,
and the means by which you and your men investigate.
I hear blackmail
is your favored tool.
Surely you know better than to listen to rumors?
Thank you for your offer, but no thank you.
So please call off your dogs.
(small chuckle)
That is a shame, since we are kindred spirits.
As an Irishman,
I know what it is to face prejudice.
(laughs) I can assure you
we have nothing in common.
That's not strictly true.
We have Dr. Flint's case, for one.
There is a reason why you were brought
onto his case so late in the day.
Dr. Flint came to see me first,
but I was too expensive, of course,
so he went to see Gill and Son.
They were also too costly for the old miser.
So he went around the city, to no avail,
until he found someone with the lowest fees in London.
You.
You're selling yourself short.
What I charge is no business of yours.
It is when I have to undercut you.
I'll be sending one of my men
to let Dr. Flint know I've changed my mind.
He can have my services. For free.
Unless, of course,
you wish to reconsider my offer?
Well, in that case,
may the best man win.
I look forward to it,
Miss Scarlet.
I do love a challenge!
(chuckles)
(indistinct street chatter)
The Royal Botanical Society is always happy
to welcome in new members, Miss Belfry.
Well, that is music to my ears, Mr. Humphries.
I'm only an amateur enthusiast,
but I do love to be close to nature.
Yes.
Oh, my.
what a lovely shrub.
Oh, that is no shrub, Miss Belfry.
That is a fern.
Osmunda regalis, to be precise.
How I do love to be corrected, Mr. Humphries.
(light chuckle) Mm.
In fact,
perhaps you might give me your expert advice
on another plant.
Mm-hmm.
The, uh, Angel of Inferno. Mm.
Its poisonous properties and exotic location
have quite captured my imagination.
As you have captured mine, my dear.
(both chuckle)
And please, correct me if I am wrong,
but did I read that it not only grows
on the volcanic slopes of Guatemala,
but also here at the society?
Indeed, we do have the plant.
However, due to its toxic capabilities,
it is kept in a section for members only.
And, at present, you are not a member.
(small chuckle)
I could add your name to our waiting list...
our very long waiting list.
Or perhaps, as curator, I may be able to
move your name to the top.
That is so kind, Mr. Humphries.
Er, but might I have a little peep
at your membership list first?
As an unmarried lady,
it's imperative I associate
with only the right sort. Oh, of course.
I have the list in my office. However, I am overdue
for my next appointment,
so perhaps you could come back tomorrow?
(chuckling): Oh!
How I do love roses.
Oh!
Oh, my goodness.
I seem to have pricked my finger.
Oh!
My dear Miss Belfry.
(swats) (startles)
I'm feeling a little faint,
Mr. Humphries.
Might I attend to my injury
in the privacy of your office?
Of course.
My appointment can wait. (chuckles)
Alone.
♪ ♪
(rattling)
(door opening)
I do not need your help, Mr. Humphries.
Nor would I be free to give it to you
at this precise moment, Miss Belfry.
You see, the police are here
and require my assistance on an urgent matter.
NASH: The membership list, Mr. Humphries?
Of course, Inspector Bates.
Just a moment.
Inspector Bates, you say?
I am well acquainted with the officers at Scotland Yard,
but have not heard mention of you before.
You are well-acquainted with Scotland Yard?
In what capacity, madam?
I mean, you don't look like a law-breaker to me.
How exactly are you acquainted, Miss Belfry?
My uncle works for the Home Office.
Oh, I have many friends in that department.
What's his name?
Mr...
Fenchurch.
Ah yes, Mr. Fenchurch.
Met him on a number of occasions.
It's just a shame that one man's reputation
can be lost forever.
I'd wager many of his colleagues
have frequented that particular East End brothel.
It's just unfortunate that he was caught.
Mm.
Look, I don't wish to be rude, Mr. Humphries,
but this is a...
confidential matter.
Oh, absolutely, Inspector.
If you don't mind, Miss Belfry.
(indistinct street chatter)
Well, I hope you've had a better day than I have.
I doubt it.
And the cause, since you ask...
I didn't.
...is him.
Nash & Sons.
Not that the man has any sons.
He's a liar and a crook.
Aye, his means of investigation are debatable,
but that's why the metropolitan police use him.
He gets results, no questions asked.
Well, he's undercutting me with a client.
A client who he himself is a very unpleasant man.
So if you're here for
some pleasant company, William,
then you've come to the wrong place.
(sighs) In fact, I've had a horrible day.
Every man I've had to deal with has been detestable.
Well, I'm glad I dropped by.
(door closes) (sighs)
I'm glad you did, too.
'Cause the fact is,
this Nash has ten times my resources,
and I need your help, William.
Eliza, my world doesn't revolve around you.
I have my own problems. I am trying to hunt down a blackmailer.
And if I don't,
another bottle of this will be poisoned.
Or even worse, Nash will win the case.
Nash winning the case
is worse than a member of the public dying?
(scoffs) Don't twist my words.
I didn't.
Eliza, this is serious.
Have the police been informed?
No.
It's highly confidential.
Not when there's a threat to life it isn't.
I want all the details of this investigation.
But I've signed a confidentiality agreement.
Do you think that I want or need more cases?
(sighs) But as an officer of the law,
when there's a danger to the general public,
then the police must investigate.
Fine.
I need time to write up my notes.
I'll bring you what I have
by the end of the day. (sighs)
I know that look.
What look?
The look that is covering a multitude of calculations
that are currently racing through your head.
I have no idea what you're talking about, William.
Of course you don't.
End of the day, Eliza.
(door opening)
(frustrated exhalation)
(door closes)
IVY: You should have a proper hot dinner at home this evening.
Eating supper at your desk, it's not right.
I don't know what your father'd say.
Actually I do know what your father'd say--
"Don't bother, Ivy, she doesn't listen anyway."
What exactly are you looking for?
Whoever this poisoner is,
they had access to the Botanical Society.
It's the only place, other than Guatemala,
that grows this Angel of Inferno.
I've tried to establish who the members are,
but as yet, I've only found a few.
And of those, I can find
absolutely no connection to Dr. Flint.
Shouldn't you be on your way to Scotland Yard by now?
I thought you had to share your findings
with Inspector Wellington... And I will.
But I have until the end of day.
I'm determined to find some leads first.
If Scotland Yard crack this case,
I want to get some credit.
Moreover, I desperately don't want Nash to win.
Well, can't you get Moses to help you?
Well, I would if I knew where he was.
Where does he disappear to?
I have learnt not to ask.
I saw Mr. Potts earlier.
He said he liked your new hat. Did he?
(gasps) So you did see him today!
I love this stuff.
Used it for years.
It really is a cure for everything.
Coughs and colds
and better at getting out stubborn stains
than any soap can.
It's also clearly an excellent tool
for a subject change.
I can assure you, Dr. Flint is no doctor.
Nor is this elixir anything other flavored water.
It's all a con.
Excuse me, but I remember a certain young lady
used to love it as a girl.
But back then, it had a different name--
Flint and Doyle's Magic Medicine.
In fact, sometimes I think
you pretended to have a sore throat
just so I could give you a spoonful.
Did you just say Flint and Doyle?
(indistinct chatter)
(horse hooves clopping)
Breathe in.
And breathe out.
(exhales)
I don't like the sound of that at all.
There is a crackle on your chest, Cedric.
(mumbles) What have I told you
about going out without a blanket?
I have told him many times Dr. Stanhope,
that he should get a new carriage.
Will you two stop fussing over me like I was a child!
(knocking, door opening) (grunting)
Miss Scarlet.
Please forgive the unexpected visit.
But I was hoping to have a private word with Mr. Doyle.
Whatever you have to say to Mr. Doyle,
you can say to me.
Your unwillingness to share your findings
suggests you have made no inroads.
No matter, since now I have an additional agency
working for me.
Yes, I am aware of that.
Nash & Sons.
Not that he has any sons.
They are confident
that they will have the blackmailer
in custody by this time tomorrow.
Come along now, please, Cedric.
(coughing) I will return to my practice,
and I can drop you at home on the way.
(door closing) You wished to speak to me?
Please.
Um...
The remedy you manufacture,
at one time it had a slightly different name.
Flint and Doyle's Magic Medicine.
My father met Dr. Flint when he went to India,
looking for ingredients for a health remedy.
They became partners and my father moved over here.
Nobody would have bought
a product called Flint and Mahajan,
so my father changed his name to Doyle.
I know all too well that dilemma.
It's still my father's name that hangs outside my office.
(exhales)
They built the business together,
and then, when my father died...
Dr. Flint took his name off the product.
Surely such an action would cause some resentment?
Dr. Flint has been a good employer to me.
And if I am under suspicion, then you are mistaken.
I have to consider all possibilities, Mr. Doyle.
If you will excuse me, I have work to do.
As you wish.
(door opens, closes)
♪ ♪
I do apologize. (shrieks)
My purse! She's stolen my purse!
Thief! Thief!
She's stolen my purse!
What are you talking about? Oh, thank goodness.
She's taken my purse!
(chuckling): I have done no such thing!
I saw her take it
and put it in her pocket.
Don't be ridiculous!
♪ ♪
There! She has it. You see?
No... Come with me, madam.
It wasn't me who took it!
♪ ♪
(hooves clomping, distant bell tolling)
(knock at door)
Inspector Wellington.
How nice to see you.
Hello, Ivy. (clears throat)
I'm looking for Eliza.
She's not at her office.
Ah, well, she's not here either I'm afraid.
Would you like to leave a message?
She was meant to deliver some information to me,
but it seems to have slipped her mind.
Do you mind if I come in and wait?
I was just about to have dinner.
Oh.
Well, that would be most welcome.
That woman is nothing but an opportunist.
I mean, you'd think I would have learned by now wouldn't you?
But, no, still I give her the benefit of the doubt.
She never had any intention of bringing me that file.
None whatsoever.
She has no thought for anything other than her own gain.
Well, that's a little unfair, Inspector Wellington.
Yes, Eliza has her faults,
but she's just trying to make her way in life.
(inhales) More beans, Mr. Potts?
(awkward chuckle)
Thank you, Miss Woods.
Inspector?
Mm.
Thank you.
You surely agree with me, don't you, Mr. Potts?
She's caused you many a headache.
You're always saying how impossible she can be.
Well, I'm not sure those were my exact words
No, your exact words were, "impossible, untrustworthy,
and un-Christian."
(stammers)
Miss Scarlet can be somewhat single-minded.
But I think
what Miss Woods is saying does also have some truth.
Miss Scarlet is a woman.
trying to build a business in, in a world
usually the reserve of a man.
Come on, admit it, you loathe her.
(laughing forcefully)
No!
I never suggested anything as strongly as loathe!
We merely see things, uh, in a different light.
If anything, I admire her fortitude.
(clears throat)
Well, you've changed your tune.
I remember you saying...
(loudly): Miss Woods,
this really is a delicious dinner.
The beans so crisp and fresh.
(chuckles)
The dumplings so plump and moist.
It's a pleasure to cook for a gentleman.
Ah. (chuckles)
She'd better have a damn good explanation
when I catch up with her. (awkward laugh)
(fork clatters on plate)
(turns lock, keys jingling)
I'm free to go?
I had no idea you were down here all night.
I could've kept you company.
I'll be sure to mention that to Inspector Wellington
when I thank him for bailing me.
Nah, the skipper ain't due in for another hour.
What?
Wasn't him that bailed ya.
(indistinct chatter)
My dear Miss Scarlet.
What a pleasure it is to be once again
in your... convivial company.
Likewise, Mr. Sinclaire.
You are the reason for my bail?
Indeed I am.
And I'm quite certain that a woman with such
an enquiring mind
must have many questions
as to why Basil Sinclaire would do such a thing?
But....
allow me to explain, my dear.
The simple fact is that whenever you have featured
in my publication, it has sold exponentially.
And as chief correspondent of the "Illustrated Police News,"
it would be remiss of me not to pursue the further adventures
of the lady detective.
You want to write a story about me?
(chuckling): Oh, my dear Miss Scarlet.
If you wish to call your latest investigation a mere story,
that is your prerogative.
I, myself, would rather an intoxicating blend
of blackmail, poison, and witchcraft.
(laughs)
My investigation is highly confidential.
But I can confirm there's no witchcraft involved.
Forgive my directness,
but as a steward of the people,
it would be cruel of me
to deprive them of my tales of this great city of ours.
Do I make myself quite clear?
No.
I will write this article with or without your cooperation.
And either you will be my heroine,
or Mr. Nash will be my hero.
The choice, as they say, is yours.
This is blackmail.
This is business.
♪ ♪
OFFICER: Let's go! Let's go!
(indistinct shouting)
(bullets clattering to the ground)
Oh, what the hell?!
Were you born this stupid?
Wagon's outside. I'll be out in a minute.
Christ alive, Fitzroy!
You take much longer, and I'll shoot you myself!
That snake Cooper will have scarpered at this rate!
You doing a raid on the Cooper mob?
Well, that's the plan, if this moron would hurry up.
Detective Fitzroy needs to come with me.
A case has just come up
and I need his help.
But the guv'nor said that he was--
I'm your governor, and I'm telling you that Fitzroy
is with me.
Yes, Duke.
Thank you, sir.
I don't know what you're talking about.
Come along.
(horse whinnies, people chattering)
I assume this visit is confirmation of your desire
to become a member,
Miss Belfry? (polite chuckle)
Although I am rather concerned regarding this, um,
wayward uncle of yours in the Home Office,
Oh, no need, Mr. Humphries.
Since the scandal, my family have cut ties.
Ah, well, in that case,
I would be honored to brief you on every detail.
However,
you might remember my mention of a rather long waiting list.
So, perhaps dinner to discuss moving your name to the top?
Oh...
That would have been delightful,
however I find myself somewhat under the weather.
(chuckling): My overenthusiasm with
the roses yesterday.
My little prick has become infected.
Oh, my dear Miss Belfry.
It's nothing.
Just some foul-smelling pus.
It's extremely frustrating
as it also prevented me
from attending your lecture last night.
(chuckling): Oh, well, it was more of a book launch.
The Woolwich Trust were selling
their new publication to raise funds.
It's a very good cause, medicine for the poor.
But yes, I see why you would have been interested,
given your fascination with botany.
In fact their book has a chapter on your Angel of Inferno.
Apparently, the toxin derived from the leaves
has a luminous quality.
A plant that glows in the dark.
Yes, imagine that.
How extraordinary.
May I buy a copy of the book?
Oh, that nice police inspector who you met in my office--
he attended the launch, he bought the last copy.
Yes, I meant to ask you about him.
Did he, uh, find what he was looking for
in your membership list?
I have no idea.
(chuckles)
(playfully): Confidential case, apparently.
But he did say he was close to making an arrest.
♪ ♪
This book.
What is it called?
Oh... (hits key)
Here is a copy of the advertisement
from last night's launch.
You'll find the book in any good bookshop
"Kill or Cure?: The Poisonous Properties of Plants."
Now... to the other matter?
Dinner.
(soft chuckle)
Let me just find my diary.
Shall we say Monday? (papers rustling)
Which should give your infection time to heal.
Here we are...
So, um...
Miss Belfry?
(hooves clomping, people chattering)
(footsteps approaching)
(door opens)
(sighs)
Oh...
Before you start huffing and puffing,
I can explain.
Firstly, I neither huff nor puff.
Secondly, I have no inclination to be lied to again.
I want that case file. Now!
And I would have given it to you last night
had I not been arrested on some trumped up charge made by Nash!
I spent the night in a cell!
And yes, uh huh, I had been released for hours
and I could have brought it to you,
but I'm a professional, William,
and I wanted one last crack at finding a lead!
(chuckling): Because the idiot that I am wants you to think,
"Hasn't she done a good job?
Well done, Eliza!"
Not that you'd ever actually say it to me.
I have said that to you many times.
Not nearly enough!
Here! Have the damn case!
I'm at a dead-end anyway,
which I'm sure will amuse you!
This is you, uh, being professional, is it?
(sighs)
I apologize.
I have had a very trying few days.
But I meant what I said.
I delayed handing in the case
because I do want you to think well of my skills.
(sighs)
Fine.
Come on.
Where am I going?
At least give me the credit to know
that this little outburst had one objective only.
To induce guilt so that I would consent to you
working the case with me. (scoffs)
That is unfounded, unfair, and absolutely not true.
Just stop talking and bring the file.
♪ ♪
(papers rustling)
For the last year, Dr. Flint has been looking for land
to build an additional factory.
He found some cheap wasteland in the East End,
but it had already been earmarked by a charity.
They were going to build a hospital for the poor,
but Flint outbid them, and bought the land instead.
This is good work indeed, Detective.
This charity, would they be called the Woolwich Trust
by any chance?
The very one.
Get a list of members of this Woolwich Trust.
Yes, sir.
(door closes)
So Mr. Doyle attends the fundraiser
for the Woolwich Trust's book,
which means he must support their cause.
Medicine for the poor.
And the same Woolwich Trust was the benevolent association
who planned to build a hospital, until Flint stole their land.
Mr. Doyle was also personally betrayed by Flint
when his father's name was taken off their remedy.
He should now be a partner,
but instead is just a lowly assistant.
Sounds like we've got our man.
(tools clattering)
Mr. Doyle?
(sniffs) He's still breathing.
Just.
♪ ♪
What are you doing?
♪ ♪
(turns lantern switch)
He's been poisoned.
♪ ♪
No doubt I shall be next.
I received this.
Same envelope.
Same typeface.
It's from the blackmailer.
I could have told you that!
Your skills of deduction
leave much to be desired.
What does it say?
I haven't opened it because I do not care what it says!
Whoever is doing this has taken the only thing I care about.
If Nicholas was
your prime suspect,
then you're no detective at all.
(sobbing): He is the closest thing
I have to a son! (door closes)
Oh, Cedric...
Nicholas is a strong young man,
and I have seen to it
that he will receive the best care here.
(door opens)
Dr. Stanhope?
How is Mr. Doyle?
Really?
Extremely poorly.
Never was a kinder soul than Nicholas Doyle.
Cedric's a fool to himself.
You speak of the blackmail?
You believe Dr. Flint should pay the money demanded?
To stop this madness, yes.
£2,000 is nothing to him.
And my belief is he could be next.
And he's not a man of strong constitution.
NURSE: Dr. Stanhope. Excuse me.
I must confer with the doctors here.
Fitzroy's made a list
of all the members of the Woolwich Trust.
I don't need to see the list, William.
I know who the blackmailer is.
SINCLAIRE: The Curator of the Royal Botanical Society?
ELIZA: Mr. Humphries.
He had access to the poisonous plant, the Angel of Inferno.
And the poison was luminous, you say?
Indeed.
And this second blackmail letter you mention?
But this is still sealed?
Oh well, I thought it would enhance your story,
Mr. Sinclaire.
The lady detective so sure of the blackmailer,
she had no need to open their second letter.
Bravo, Miss Scarlet.
I do believe you have missed your calling.
You are a natural when it comes to the art of, uh,
spinning a story.
Almost as good as myself.
That is high praise indeed coming from
the chief correspondent himself.
(opens letter)
Ah yes...
Just as I thought.
You see, Mr. Sinclaire?
The letter X has a
distinctive faulty mark in both.
Just like the first blackmail letter.
Which means they were all typed from the same typewriter.
The curator's typewriter!
Precisely.
So this, uh... (papers rustling)
...Humphries had access to the poison
and to the typewriter that wrote both
of the blackmail letters.
(papers rustling) And he was also a member
of the Woolwich Trust.
They had procured cheap land
to build a hospital for the poor,
but Dr. Flint outbid them.
He bought the land for himself to build a new factory instead.
This extortion was an act of revenge.
(clears throat)
No witchcraft, though?
(chuckling): No, I'm afraid not.
Although... the luminous quality of the poison
has a touch of black magic,
does it not?
Indeed.
I am meeting Inspector Wellington
in precisely one hour at the Botanical Society,
when Mr. Humphries will be arrested.
I assume you'd like to attend?
♪ ♪
So you see, Dr. Flint,
my evidence points quite firmly
to Mr. Humphries here.
I want that scoundrel locked up!
I am no blackmailer!
NASH: Ah, Miss Scarlet,
I was just explaining to my client,
Dr. Flint, how I deduced Mr. Humphries was the culprit.
And you make sure you put our contact details
in your piece, Sinclaire.
I would not wish to pass up an opportunity
for promotion.
You were under the pay of Nash all along?
Mr. Nash is one of our most generous advertisers.
We must repay our patrons where we can.
And sharing my evidence was just the ticket?
NASH: That's a tad ungrateful, Miss Scarlet.
Without my bail, you'd still be in a police cell.
You were the reason I was there in the first place!
HUMPHRIES: Why do you keep calling her
Miss Scarlet?
This is Miss Belfry,
the lady that wished to join the society because...
Just as I am no police inspector, Mr. Humphries,
this is no lady.
She is a private detective.
Impressive, is she not?
Well, I'd love to stay and chat,
but I'm afraid
I really must get on.
(snaps fingers) Let's take him down to Scotland Yard.
Please!
Please, there's been a terrible mistake!
Dr. Flint?
(door closes)
I knew Mr. Sinclaire was double crossing me.
That's why I lied to him to mislead Nash.
Mr. Humphries is not your blackmailer.
But the typewriter?
Oh, that particular make,
the Remington first edition,
has a common fault with its letter X.
But if Humphries is not the blackmailer, then who is?
George.
Emmett, how could you do this to me?!
We were going to build a hospital.
A place where the poor could finally be nursed
and looked after.
We spent years fundraising to buy that piece of land,
somewhere we could finally afford.
And then you come along
and take it from us because it was cheap.
Cheap, like you are, Cedric.
The money Dr. Stanhope demanded was to be funneled
back into the charity.
It was recompense for what they paid out in
planning permission and architect's drawings
over the years.
It would also have gone some way to finding
another site for the hospital.
How did you know it was him?
Well, he knew the increased amount
the blackmailer was demanding
without having even seen the letter.
It was sealed until I opened it in my office.
And contrary to what I told Mr. Sinclaire,
Mr. Humphries is not a member of the Woolwich Trust,
but Dr. Stanhope is.
He's their chairman.
He's also on the board of the Botanical Society
and had access to the poisonous plant.
Now, about Nicholas?
Dr. Stanhope administered a mild dose of poison.
(voiceover): His intention was to render Mr. Doyle unconscious,
not to kill him.
FLINT: I have reinstated your father's name on our product.
And you will be my partner, as is right.
I want our company to buy that land and to donate it,
so the hospital for the poor
can still be built.
(soft chuckle)
And we shall donate it in your father's name.
(laughing): My friend.
My dear, dear friend. (chuckles)
♪ ♪
(train whistle blaring)
(sighs)
I will never trust that toad Sinclaire again.
Why you trusted him in the first place is a mystery to me.
I heard what you did for young Fitzroy.
Pulling him from that raid on the Cooper gang.
He cannot speak highly enough of you.
They're not just a gang,
they are the most brutal criminals in the city.
He's very lucky to have you look out for him.
Please do not give me that indulgent smile.
It's not indulgence, it's affection!
Of course it is.
William, do not presume to be able to read my mind.
If I could then I am quite sure that we would never speak again.
(laughs)
Miss. Do give my best to Mr. Potts.
I'm not going to the mortuary, I'm going home.
I know, but from what I've seen,
I believe he'll be a frequent visitor.
Ivy seems quite taken with him.
(chuckles)
Miss Scarlet.
Detective Fitzroy.
(door closes)
If you can drag your eyes
from Miss Scarlet for a moment,
a fraud case has just come in, Detective. Yes, sir.
The jewelers on Montgomery Street--
Hayman & Bloom.
Get me everything you can find on them.
Yes, sir. (closes door)
Inspector.
I hear you plucked young Fitzroy from Detective Phelps
to assist you instead. Yes, sir, he has an encyclopedic knowledge
on poisons and I needed his insight on a case.
Encyclopedic, you say?
WILLIAM: Mm.
Impressive.
Well, get to it, Detective.
Yes, sir.
You disobeyed another direct order, Inspector.
(clears throat)
I apologize, sir, but as I said... Laddie.
I was born on the streets of Glasgow, just like you,
and I am as savvy as the day I was born.
Do not assume my comfortable position here
has turned me otherwise.
(door opens)
Ah, good day, Commissioner.
I have a whiskey with your name on it waiting on my desk.
Well, I hope it's large one.
Home Office are a bloody bugger to deal with.
(chuckles) Large and strong.
Just how I like my women.
(both laughing)
♪ ♪
(sighs)
(hoofbeats clomping)
(horse nickers)
Miss Scarlet.
I wished to congratulate you in person
on your magnificent win.
Well played.
Thank you.
How nice to have the opportunity
to wish you commiserations in person, Mr. Nash.
For I believe this evening's edition
of the "Illustrated Police News" will be leaving the printers
and on its way to be devoured by its readership.
How they will be eating up Mr. Sinclaire's story,
only later to discover that the genius Mr. Nash
accused the wrong man.
It is no matter.
Sinclaire will issue an apology
to Mr. Humphries in the next edition.
Oh, I think you'll find that a man such as Mr. Humphries
will want a little more than that.
A lawsuit, perhaps?
(laughs)
What a woman you are.
No, I'm afraid I'm even more eager
to have you work for me than ever.
Well, my answer is still no.
Then what can I do to make you change your mind, I wonder?
Nothing.
There's always something.
Even you, Miss Scarlet, will have your price.
I suppose I could try blackmail?
Your Jamaican friend surely has a past.
There's no doubt a tale there.
However, perhaps I'd rather you come to me willingly,
not coerced.
♪ ♪
I can play as dirty as you, sir.
So believe me when I say,
you do not want me as an enemy.
No, I want you as my employee.
So take some time, think about my offer.
Until then...
Miss Scarlet.
(birds twittering)
(click)
♪ ♪
ELIZA: This entire scene is exactly
as it was in the novel.
WILLIAM: If someone is that keen
to replicate the book,
then it is possible that they could kill again.
(screams)
ELIZA: Whatever secrets he knows
he'll take them to the grave.
I've been offered a promotion.
The job's in Glasgow.
♪ ♪
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♪ ♪