In late Victorian London lived many detectives who were the rivals of Sherlock Holmes.

[ Hooves clopping ] [ Footsteps approaching ] BELLOWS: Thinking of buying something?

What?

Well, what if I am?

In the Burlington Arcade?

The likes of you?

-You cut along.

-Why?

I've got as much right here as anyone.

No, you ain't.

The gentry don't go down your streets, so you keep out of theirs.

Go on.

Move along.

Something wrong, Constable?

Well, only this here, where he don't belong.

Hello, Mr. Abel.

Remember me?

No.

No, I don't think I do.

Jaffee?

Phineas Jaffee?

Oh, you remember me -- Green Duck, Commercial Road.

BELLOWS: I'll run him in for loitering if you want.

Him and me are old mates.

Yes, I, uh -- It's all right, Constable.

You've got no business here, Jaffee.

Aren't you pleased to see an old face, Abel?

Must be five years.

Look, if you think you can put the screw on me -- Use your head, Abel.

I been straight since I come out.

Oh, yeah.

I've got a bit of business.

Well, you don't only sell jewelry.

I daresay you buys it.

Not stolen jewelry.

No, I bought this, fair and square.

Only trouble is, it's too good for down east.

"Well," I says to meself, "I'm straight.

I can go where I like.

Sutton's in the West End.

He's a top jeweler.

Besides, I used to know Abel, his assistant, when Abel was --" Well, never mind.

-Is something wrong?

Abel?

-No, Mr. Sutton.

Wrong, Mr. Sutton?

Oh, love us, no, sir.

What can I do for you, my man?

Well, uh, I've an item here, sir, which I wishes to sell.

It's good merchandise.

All I'm asking is a fair price, sir.

Here.

Help yourself.

If you would, Abel.

Yes, sir.

A pleasing object, sir?

Pleasing, indeed, Mr., uh... Jaffee, sir.

I been around long enough to know it's gold, and I'll swear that stone's a ruby.

They're all rubies, for rubies are not only red.

A set like this is extremely rare.

In Burma, where they come from, they call them ripening rubies.

Oh.

-Why do you honor me, Mr... -Jaffee, sir.

Well, 'cause of your good name, governor.

Besides, any friend of Abel's, uh... We've not met.

Oh, love us, no, sir.

Can you put a price to it?

Easily.

It's a pleasure to do business with you, sir.

The stones -- seven ripening rubies of flawless character -- are worth 5,210 guineas.

The gold filigree cost £72 and 10 shillings, workmanship and markup 50%.

Your necklace -- retail price -- is worth £8,314 and 10 shillings.

[ Inhales sharply ] Well, uh, I know you got to make a bit, sir.

I don't begrudge it.

Oh, I'm not a greedy man, sir.

All I want's a -- Here.

How come you know what it's worth, to 10 shillings?

Because I made it, Mr... ABEL: Jaffee, sir.

I made it here.

I sold it to Lady Faber of Glenister Square.

Well, it never came from no lady.

Here we are, gov.

Lady Faber.

"Lost at a ball given by the Countess of...Pargeter, Pargeter House, October 27th -- one gold necklace of seven rubies.

Also one brooch of brilliants in the shape of a new moon."

What's that?

The police list of stolen jewelry.

You don't happen to have Lady Faber's new moon in your pocket?

I should know it at once.

You see, I make all Lady Faber's jewelry.

-Fetch a constable, Abel.

-Yes, sir.

Now, look.

Just 'cause it's on some list -- Two constables, if you can find them.

Look, this ain't right.

This ain't fair.

I bought this, fair and square.

I'm getting out of here.

Oh, no!

Jewelers go better protected than greengrocers.

This season has seen a crop of unsolved robberies.

I fancy you're our first clue to them, Mr... ILLINGWORTH: Jaffee.

Phineas Jaffee.

Last inside in '89.

Receiving -- three years.

Receiving -- five years.

Charged with the Maybent robbery but found not guilty.

-He's a fool.

-Here.

Fool, Inspector?

Trying to sell you your own jewelry.

He didn't know.

For the past month, hardly a day without jewels being nabbed -- Lady this, the Duchess of that, losing a bracelet, necklace, pearls.

Why is none of the loot ever found?

Oh, I don't know.

Don't you?

This is the first piece that's come to light.

-Where'd you get it?

-I bought it.

From whom did you buy it?

Look, I swear on my mother's grave it's got nothing to do with all them robberies.

You sure this is Lady Faber's?

Lord Faber is one of my most faithful clients.

He came to my establishment in search of a fitting gift for Lady Faber on the occasion of their ruby wedding.

This is the only set of ripening rubies in Europe.

-Well?

-I said all I'm gonna say.

In that case, I shall leave you with my two strong friends.

-MAN: He won't take long, sir.

-No!

SUTTON: Tell him what you know, for heaven's sake, man.

I bought it from a sea captain.

-Where?

-In Limehouse.

[ Fingers snap ] ILLINGWORTH: Limehouse?

Yeah.

He was a double-Dutch sea captain with a wooden leg.

Now, don't you be cheeky with me, Jaffee.

SUTTON: I'll leave you, Inspector, if you've done with me.

Mr. Sutton.

Lady Faber holds a ball this evening.

Indeed.

Foreign royalty's to be present -- the, uh, Duke of Brabant.

I fancy her ladyship would like these back for the occasion.

Surely you'll need it as evidence.

When I decide to bring a charge.

In the meantime, I'll, uh, trust it with you.

-Ah, but I -- -You're a jeweler.

I'm sure it'll be safe with you.

I'm sure Lord Faber will be pleased.

His insurance company must be tired of paying out.

It'll give him hope.

Thank you, sir.

How long have you known Mr. Sutton?

Never, till today.

You go to a shop you don't know, a shop in Mayfair?

Well, why not?

"Why not?"

indeed.

-[ Bell rings ] -LADY FABER: Briggs!

Briggs!

Where are you?

Briggs!

Lady Faber.

Oh, my lady -- Later, Mr. Piercy, later.

Briggs!

Oh, not in here, you fool.

In there!

LADY FABER: Ah, Briggs.

Shall we ever be ready in time?

It's a quarter past 4:00.

The caterers promise to be tidy by 5:00, my lady.

I've been in the world too long to believe in the promises of tradespeople.

This letter must be delivered at once, Briggs.

It is to Mr. Sutton, the jeweler, at his shop.

-But, my lady -- -At once, mark you.

What time do we expect his lordship from the city?

6:00, my lady.

Oh, yes.

You see?

Everything is left to me.

-Finch, take this to -- -[ Glass shattering ] Ohh!

Dear, I know.

I should wear black.

But I refuse just because she wears black.

What do you think?

Oh, I think not, my lady.

And you're quite right.

Oh!

When did I wear pink?

Um, the Countess of Pargeter's soiree, my lady.

I knew the memory was an unhappy one.

No.

None of them please me.

You shall hurry to Mr. Freebody and purchase a pair that will go.

-Yes, my lady.

-[ Knock on door ] If that is Mr. Piercy, the Universal Provider, with more problems, tell him I've fled the country.

-Ohh!

-[ Fingers snap ] My lady, Mr. Sutton -- What?

My letter has not yet gone?

[ Stammering ] Then Ethel must take it on her way to -- Good day to you, Lady Faber.

How speedy of you, Briggs.

Thank you, my lady.

I shall speak glowingly of you to Lord Faber...

Yes, my lady.

...if he ever gets home.

Bless you for coming, Mr. Sutton.

You have read my note?

Yes, my lady, though I really don't understand -- I am in torment.

Ah, a glass of wine.

I insist.

I regret a biscuit is beyond me.

If I were even to ask, the house would fall down.

Though I say so myself, Mr. Sutton, my ball tonight will be the ball of the season.

The world knows that, and the world -- Everyone will be there -- the highest in the land and the richest in the land.

Though, between you and me, I never can tell which is the more disreputable.

And the Duke of Brabant.

He has been at every ball in London these past weeks and left them all, his face a yard long with boredom.

He must not be bored tonight.

-No, Lady Faber.

-[ Instruments tuning ] Ah.

At least the musicians are prompt in their practice.

I am here -- Because I sent for you.

Yes, quite.

But I have something.

For me?

Mr. Sutton!

My rubies!

Heavens!

Where did you get them?

A man came to my shop hoping to sell them.

A villain, of course?

Of course.

What a triumphant mischance.

-He was apprehended?

-He was.

They may be required as evidence.

-But the police have said -- -Police?

I must have them soaked in gin before I wear them.

But I assure you, Mr. Sutton, neither police nor robber shall ruin my ball.

One must fervently hope, Lady Faber.

Hope?

One does not become a great hostess on hope, Mr. Sutton.

Now, it is quite inevitable that the robber will strike again tonight.

If he could rob at the Countess of Pargeter's soiree -- which, between ourselves, was little more than a tea party -- how could he resist my splendor?

I need a guard, Mr. Sutton.

A watchdog, if you'll forgive the term.

Then surely the police should be called in.

Have the police at my ball, with their great boots and untrimmed whiskers?

I'm quite determined against that.

I really don't see why you summoned me, Lady Faber.

I am a jeweler, a tradesman.

Ah, more, sir.

Two years ago, I've heard tell there was a certain unfortunate lady -- I beg you, say no more.

There were jewels in that -- and honor -- and I believe the word is "blackmail."

You settled it and have been discreet to this day.

Yes.

You shall be at my ball.

You are to be my watchdog.

Besides, you're acquainted with most of the ladies who will be here.

You are more than a shopkeeper, Mr. Sutton -- far more.

You are a detective.

Really, Lady Faber -- I feel better.

I really do.

I even begin to look forward to this ghastly evening.

Later, Mr. Sutton?

We meet later?

[ Chuckles ] Now, Mr. Piercy, what is your problem?

Lady Faber!

[ Up-tempo music playing ] -Good evening, Admiral Wycherly.

-MRS. WYCHERLY: Good evening.

LORD FABER: Wycherly!

Margaret!

Walter.

How nice.

Um, in the morning room?

That's right.

Admiral, how happy I am to see you.

Margaret is here?

-Yes.

-Splendid.

All is well, Briggs?

No one unknown to me has yet arrived, my lady.

Including the Duke of Brabant.

Oh, where is he?

In my experience, my lady, royalty is invariably the last.

You will inform me the moment he arrives.

Yes, my lady.

There's no need to fuss, Maude.

It's going swimmingly.

BRIGGS: Good evening, Mrs. Kavanagh.

Bella, my dear!

I know I'm late, and I know that you will both forgive me.

But dinner at the Draycotts was inescapable.

But now that I'm here, I promise to make up for lost time and be the perfect guest.

My dear.

What is it, Bella?

Your rubies.

Those are your rubies.

But surely you lost them.

They were restored to me this very day by Mr. Sutton, my jeweler.

Oh, how fortunate!

Were other items found?

Alas, no.

Walter said I should not wear them for fear of upsetting other bereaved ladies.

Quite.

Lord Faber has a kind heart.

I shall leave my cloak and join you at once.

[ Sighs ] Don't look worried, Walter.

I'll not have you looking worried tonight.

What is that, Briggs?

The list of your guests, my lady.

List?

Are they at a ball or a company meeting?

It was Mr. Sutton, my lady.

-He insists I check everyone... -God!

...and that I lock the back door.

I'm happy to say I did not even know we had a back door.

Don't fidget, Walter.

-Mrs. Kavanagh!

-What is it?

Your choker.

Do you think you ought when the thieves might be about?

It is a woman's duty to look beautiful.

Nothing should stand in the way of duty.

Her ladyship loaned me out to Mrs. Markham for her soiree, and it was dreadful.

So much was took, so many ladies keeling over.

But your mistress has her jewels back.

I'm sure that means the tide is turning.

[ Hooves clopping ] Another late arrival?

Oh, that's the duke most likely, ma'am.

Oh, then I must see.

Unmarried dukes are of particular interest to widowed ladies.

[ Clopping stops ] No, I cannot see a thing.

It is dark out there -- Girl, come here.

Look -- in the shrubbery there.

I don't see nothing, ma'am.

Nor I now, but I swear I caught a glimpse of a face.

Someone is hiding out there.

I'm sure of it.

Oh, ma'am, suppose it's him.

My hostess must be informed this very minute.

[ Indistinct conversations ] Maude.

Bella, my dear, the duke arrives.

Maude, I was looking through the window just now -- Oh!

[ Bella whispering indistinctly ] -What?

-I swear it!

Oh.

Then, um -- No.

Walter must stay with me.

Um, tell Mr. Sutton.

He's inside.

But I don't know Mr. Sutton.

[ Scoffs ] Your highness.

[ Up-tempo music playing ] Mr. Sutton?

Oh, say that you are.

I am, ma'am, and at your service.

[ Gasps ] Come with me.

I think I've seen the notorious jewel thief.

I'm not mistaken, I'm sure.

You shouldn't be out here, you know.

Oh, nonsense, sir.

I'm a woman, so as curious as a cat, particularly when I have a gentleman to protect me.

-[ Rustling ] -There!

It was in that shrubbery.

Who's there?

-[ Shrub rustling ] -Ah!

I hear you.

Oh!

Mr. Sutton.

Come out this instant and show yourself.

Very well.

How brave you are!

-[ Thud ] -Oh!

Oh!

SUTTON: Ooh!

Aah!

Ooh!

Oh.

We'll soon have you locked away, my lad.

Perhaps, madam, you would call a constable?

Oh, yes, I will, at once.

That won't be necessary.

Inspector Illingworth.

You know this creature?

Why are you hiding out here like a common thief?

It's the thief I'm waiting for, sir.

You know who it is?

I know who I think it is.

I hope the lady doesn't take cold.

Yes, uh... Shall we go back inside, Mrs., uh... Kavanagh.

But I don't understand.

You're a fool, Illingworth.

Oh.

Heavens, I'm ruined.

I am known as a celibate man.

You disappoint me.

I hope that you did not mind my, um -- No, you were right to raise the alarm.

Would you forgive me if I admire your collar?

I always forgive compliments.

-I am a jeweler by trade.

-Oh.

A lot of the jewelry here tonight is the work of my hands, though not your collar.

Touting for business, Mr. Sutton?

No, it was made in -- In Paris.

Yes.

The jeweler there is... Pierre Boileau.

...is but two doors away from my dressmaker, which is most convenient.

I should hate to think of your losing it.

The policemen out there seem to think that I might.

Boileau's work is excellent.

-Take it from me, Mr. Sutton.

-Madam?

Take it off.

Remove it.

Pretend that you are the thief.

I mean it.

I...I cannot.

Mrs. Kavanagh?

Oh.

[ Laughs ] [ Clears throat ] You must not look so disapproving, Maude.

Mr. Sutton was examining the clip of my collar to see if it as safe as the maker claims.

Ah, quite so.

And your burglar?

A false alarm.

A mere inspector of police.

[ Chuckles ] My dear, I should like to present you to his highness, the Duke of Brabant.

I saw you from the ballroom and begged to be presented.

Your highness does me honor.

Do you enjoy the waltz, Mrs. Kavanagh?

-I dote on it, sir.

-Then... Look at them glittering like Christmas trees.

Foolish women.

Foolish, my lady?

Wha-- Well, I am the hostess.

Mrs. Kavanagh is a fascinating creature.

Ah, dear girl.

And rich beyond the dreams of avarice, with a great house in Cavendish Gardens.

Wealth does give a woman confidence.

Ah, Sutton.

Here to admire your handiwork?

I tell you, my firm would like this business settled.

Mind you, the police reckon that they lay the thief tonight.

The police are outside.

Indeed they are.

If you'll excuse me, Sutton.

[ Music stops, indistinct conversations ] I'll have a word with you, sir, if you'll be so kind -- outside.

First let me give you this.

No, sir, I'll -- Oh!

Forgive me, Mrs. Kavanagh.

It was a jest.

When I heard this gentleman could not steal your collar, I had to try.

I can never resist a challenge...of any sort.

Your highness is a dangerous man.

[ Mid-tempo music playing ] A delightful man.

As poor as a church mouse.

You are jealous, Mr. Sutton?

I looked him up in the Almanach de Gotha.

-He is without wealth.

-Oh!

[ Music continues ] ILLINGWORTH: Bellows!

BELLOWS: I'm here, sir.

Good work, Illingworth!

Capital work!

You, uh, have him?

We need no assistance.

Thank you, Mr. Sutton.

We'll soon have him under control.

-Oh!

-Ohh!

That's enough of that.

Now, you hold still.

Well, I'm pleased you've caught him.

It'll make you less interested in other people.

You think so, do you, Mr. Sutton?

Aah.

How very kind, Reverend... Baldwin.

Arthur Baldwin.

I am curate of Saint Bidolph's.

How nice.

I do not think that I have seen you before.

[ Gasps ] Oh!

Goodness!

I'm surrounded by gallants.

I thank you, no, um, uh, Field Marshal?

Major General, ma'am.

Dunwoodie.

It is pleasant when formality is cast aside and strangers may speak.

Yes, I approve of the new fashions.

[ Chuckles ] Our hostess is such a dear creature.

-Do you know Lady Faber?

-Well, I -- Oh, yes, of course you do.

How else would you be here?

-As it happens, I -- -Most refreshing.

I'm so pleased her necklace has been returned.

I believe it is of great value.

Such lovely rubies.

It was an anniversary present.

Soldiers don't know about such things, ma'am.

-Pardon me, ma'am.

-Oh?

But there.

Service in the army invariably leads to eccentricity.

-Now, tell me, Mr... -Uh, Baldwin.

Ah.

Are you new to London?

-Well, I -- -On what do you sermonize?

I -- Oh, I enjoy chatting to strangers.

There was no call for you to damn near throttle me.

I come to see Mr. Sutton.

ILLINGWORTH: I don't doubt it, lad, after you'd done your pilfering.

Don't be a fool, Illingworth.

How could he parade a ballroom dressed like that?

Once a villain, always a villain.

I swear to you that Abel is reformed.

Mr. Sutton, what are these creatures doing here?

Now, my dear, keep calm.

They're not here at my invitation.

Indeed we are not.

Inspector Illingworth, ma'am.

We caught this man on your premises.

I come to see Mr. Sutton, ma'am.

And why should he not?

He's Mr. Sutton's clerk.

Mr. Sutton's something.

I see your ladyship got her necklace back, after all.

You thought she would not?

It won't prevent me taking you -- It won't prevent your leaving at once.

I'll not have you here.

We have royalty in our house.

Milord -- You better cut along, Illingworth.

Very well, milady.

We shall wait outside.

I'm not interested in your movements as long as they're not inside my house.

It wasn't my doing, Sutton.

I told him I didn't really believe that -- Oh, damn it!

Well, Abel, what did you find out?

I went down to Commercial Road like you told me, gov.

And there's not a grain of truth in Jaffee's story?

But there is.

There was a Dutch ship at Limehouse Pier the night he said, and its captain does have a wooden leg.

The devil he does!

Well, I didn't see the captain.

I just heard about him down the Green Duck.

That's where he lodges when he's here, which is every 10 days, for he spends his whole time back and forth between Limehouse and Rotterdam.

The route.

What's that, gov?

The thief's route in and out of the country.

Jewels out, money in.

Is the captain at Limehouse now?

Due this very evening.

Then go and see him.

Find out what he knows.

We don't want him.

Only to know if he sold the ruby necklace to, uh, that man... -Jaffee?

-Jaffee... and where he got it.

Right.

Not that way!

Go out the back.

Gonna give them the slip, gov.

I ain't lost all my old skills, you know.

[ Woman screams ] [ Crowd murmuring ] Oh!

Sutton, as I danced, I saw -- I saw my own wrist, and my -- my bracelet is gone.

Mr. Sutton.

Mr. Sutton, you remember my lovely emerald bracelet.

It matched my... [ Gasps ] My earrings!

Where are my earrings?

My -- My emerald earrings!

Oh!

[ Sobs ] LADY FABER: Get her into the conservatory.

It's cooler there.

Mr. Sutton, will you assist?

There's no call for fuss.

-Maestro!

-Poor thing!

Such pretty emeralds, too.

Almost as nice as my pear-- My pearls!

My pearls!

Oh, no!

[ Indistinct talking ] [ Woman screams ] They're running wild!

Ladies!

Ladies and gentlemen!

Ladies, please!

[ Orchestra plays chord ] Now, the robber is here amongst us now!

[ Indistinct talking ] No one has left.

The doors are guarded.

If, therefore, everyone would agree to be searched -- No, Mr. Sutton, never in my house.

But, Maude, only the thief has anything to fear.

[ Indistinct talking ] It will be done with decorum.

With your approval, I shall help Lord Faber with the gentlemen.

May I ask another lady to help?

Lady Faber?

[ Indistinct talking ] I am at your service, Mr. Sutton.

Excellent.

And we must be searched first.

As you say.

If you please, my lord.

We shall use my study, gentlemen.

And we the morning room.

Oh, come, Maude.

Don't put such a face.

Not a damn thing!

Perhaps I hid the loot in a drawer behind the potted palm, behind the curtain.

Well, no one would want to be seen rummaging about.

Eyes will be everywhere now.

Well, come along.

Search me.

Hardly necessary, my lord.

I insist!

Oh, very well.

And then we'll have the duke in.

This business might easily involve a duke if, as I suspect, it already involves a one-legged Dutch sea captain.

[ Foghorn blowing, indistinct conversations ] ♪ ...the wages low ♪ ♪ Leave her, Johnny, leave her ♪ [ Knocking ] ♪ It's time for us to leave her ♪ [ Knocking ] Captain de Vries?

Landlord said I could come up and have a word.

♪ Tomorrow you will get your pay ♪ ♪ It's time for us to leave her ♪ ♪ There's Liverpool Pat...♪ You there, Captain?

♪ Leave her, Johnny, leave her ♪ ♪ And Yankee John, the packet rat ♪ Captain, I'm that sorry to disturb you, but my boss wondered if -- Captain?

Oh, my God.

♪ It's time for us... ♪ -[ Thud ] -Ohh!

[ Indistinct conversations ] But to be searched!

Oh!

It was most unpleasant.

How could they expect us to rob ourselves?

I think we should leave.

Look on it as amusing, ladies.

It is the only entertaining evening I've had in London.

Your highness!

Walter, we're ruined.

Nonsense, my dear.

We have searched every single lady.

And every married one, Maude.

We even searched each other.

And not a thing have we found.

We've been no luckier.

It would have been bad enough to find something and unmask the thief.

But to behave so outrageously and fail -- Now, come, my dear, a bite of supper.

I shall never eat again.

You must join your guests, Maude.

LADY FABER: Most of whom will leave at once, never to return.

-Where is Mr. Sutton?

-He'll be out directly.

-I only wanted to say goodbye.

-Oh, Bella.

No, Maude.

You know that I am always the first to leave.

My dear, soon.

My dear, very soon.

I'll wait.

[ Clears throat ] Oh.

Sutton?

Bella Kavanagh wishes to say good night.

A moment, my lord.

I took the liberty -- I'm glad to see someone can work the damn thing.

Yes.

Quite fascinating.

I'm afraid of it.

Thank you.

Yes.

Soon, I hope.

Au revoir, my friend.

All my thanks.

Do you, uh -- Do you hear all right?

Very well.

I, uh -- I must pay you.

-Oh, don't talk rot.

-I insist.

My call cost 8 shillings for three minutes.

8 shillings?

That's a lot of money.

I was telephoning a very long way.

Oh.

Nothing was found?

Not on the guests, our host, the duke, the servants, anyone.

Someone will leave this house with a small fortune in jewelry.

I can't help wondering if Maude was wrong, if we should have had the police in.

They would have been duped as we were duped.

Short of searching everyone again in the street...

I'll take my coat now, if you please.

You may search me if you wish, Mr. Sutton, for I am leaving now.

It has been a very great pleasure, Mrs. Kavanagh.

I hope we meet again.

Oh, have you eaten, sir?

It is really excellent.

Later.

I must say that excitement in being searched -- It gives the appetite an edge.

-I don't see the major general.

-The major general?

You were with him earlier.

We didn't search him.

Oh, yes, I-I saw a soldier.

But I-I don't know what became of him.

My man, there was a soldier, a major general.

Where is he now?

With your permission, sir.

Briggs.

Can I get you something, Mr. Sutton?

We didn't search the major general.

The major general.

Ah, that would be General Dunwoodie, sir.

Oh, no, sir.

He left quite early.

Your servants aren't very bright.

Oh, come, Mr. Sutton, sir.

I just asked a footman who looked at me as though I was talking Hottentot.

Not one of mine, then, sir.

One of the hired help.

Hired?

From the caterer, sir -- the Universal Provider.

I think they were more displeased at being searched by me than were the gentry by Lord Faber and yourself, sir.

The Universal Provider.

Of course.

Everyone uses them, sir.

They have an excellent name.

I'm told they, um -- Sir?

PIERCY: All those empties out and about.

Come on.

Get a move on.

How many more of those to come?

Come on, then.

Get a move on.

We haven't got all night.

How many more are there, Simon?

Oh, can I, uh -- Can I direct you, sir?

Who, uh -- Who is in charge here?

I, sir.

Mr. Piercy, at your service.

Of the Universal Provider?

No, sir, Mr. Piercy, the Universal Provider, by royal appointment.

You cater all the parties and balls?

I'd give little for one I don't cater, sir.

The Countess of Pargeter?

Mrs. Manningham-Hardy?

Lady Hallingham?

Lady Rudge?

Yes.

All my clients, sir, and most satisfied.

Henley and Ascot and the Opera House.

All your people have been searched?

Oh, every last one of them, sir.

[ Chuckles ] Even myself.

That Mr. Briggs takes a great deal on himself, for a butler.

Not enough!

I want everything, sir!

All of it!

Is it -- Is it really necessary?

It's how the stuff is got out, don't you know?

-Are you suggesting -- -I'm suggesting that some of your people -- perhaps only one -- is involved.

Whoever steals the jewelry -- Why, all he has to do is to wrap them in a napkin, hide them beneath a plate under some food, and out the back door they go.

Goodness gracious.

I see you fear for your reputation.

Indeed I do.

Everything must be examined.

Right.

We'll -- We'll have that hamper back!

Uh, everything is -- Everything is to be searched.

Even the scrap pails?

Even the scrap pails.

[ Up-tempo music playing ] PIERCY: Come on.

Come on.

Come on.

Get a move on.

[ Plates clanking ] ABEL: Gov?

Gov?

Abel!

What's happened to your head?

Don't fret about that, gov.

He's dead.

Dead?

The Dutch captain -- in his bed.

Been stabbed through the heart like a bloater on a hook.

Tonight of all nights.

[ Up-tempo music playing ] There was a Gladstone bag in the room, gov, full of gold.

I was looking at it when somebody clouted me -- the murderer, I reckon.

When I comes to, bag and whoever -- gone.

What manner of gold?

Coins.

Not sovereigns -- foreign coins.

Dutch.

Rotterdam is the center of the trade.

Who'd suspect a sea captain with a proper business of his own?

Why'd they kill him if he was so useful?

Because he exceeded his duties.

Yes.

The ripening rubies.

I don't follow.

The thief was here tonight.

We know that to our cost.

And the thief saw Lady Faber's necklace, the necklace they stole a week back.

-So they knew, Abel!

-That's more than I do.

Knew they'd been betrayed.

Not a thing, sir.

Not so much as a little bead.

Splendid, Mr. Piercy, splendid.

Thank you.

-I'm going.

-I'll come with you.

No.

Stay here.

If I'm not back in 45 minutes, bring Inspector Illingworth to this address.

-Do you think you ought to, gov?

-Now, here...is my watch.

In 45 minutes.

[ Hooves clopping ] [ Dog barks in distance ] [ Doorknob squeaks ] [ Doorknob rattles ] [ Horse whinnies ] MAN: Whoa.

[ Carriage approaching ] Whoa.

[ Hooves clopping ] [ Door closes ] [ Doorknob rattling ] Inspector Illingworth?

Mr. Sutton sends his respects, sir.

[ Indistinct conversation ] [ Woman laughs ] [ Woman laughs ] I'm pleased you used the tradesmen's entrance, Mr. Sutton.

I'll shoot without hesitation if you move.

In this room, you could hardly fail to hit someone.

I thought you were a fool, Mr. Sutton.

I was wrong.

The police will be here directly.

Police.

You hear, my friends?

You can only kill one, so each has an even chance, which is odds enough for them.

They're wrong.

I'll shoot you.

Not foolish at all.

How did he get on to us?

-She said something.

-Women!

Be quiet.

SUTTON: She said nothing.

Then tell us, Mr. Sutton.

We have a natural curiosity concerning our downfall.

Your collar, Mrs. Kavanagh.

You made the mistake of flirting with a jeweler.

Eminent jewelers are invariably rich.

That was the only reason.

I knew at once that it was paste.

Though you recognized it as by Boileau?

Oh, yes.

I telephoned him.

In Paris?

One has been able to telephone Paris these past twelvemonth.

Of course.

And Boileau was indiscreet.

He made two collars for you -- one real, one paste.

So, I wore the paste tonight because of the robberies.

A child would understand.

No woman with diamonds would ever wear paste.

You sold the real one back to Boileau months ago.

I must change my jeweler.

You are not rich, Mrs. Kavanagh, as society believes.

You have no servants.

Your house is in tatters.

I promise you my life will soon be what it was before -- Before your husband shot himself?

[ Gasps ] Mr. Sutton!

Shot himself because you ruined him with your greed?

People in Paris know, if people in London do not.

Thank goodness so few people have your precious telephone.

Tip that milk can onto the table.

I'll shoot her and be pleased to do it.

We must do as the tradesman says.

What do you want for your share, Mr. Sutton?

I know how you treat people with whom you share.

The Dutchman was murdered by your military friend.

MRS. KAVANAGH: I'll find somebody else.

You underpaid him!

He wouldn't have stolen if -- Be quiet!

To think that I need creatures like you.

I wonder about you, Mr. Sutton, jeweler.

Are you as grand as you pretend?

Do you not have a price?

[ Door opens, bells ring ] Your police.

As I promised.

So, all is lost, gentlemen.

[ Laughs ] I do not at all know how I shall fit into prison society.

[ Knock on door ] Come in, Abel.

Don't be a fool.

Never more welcome, old friend.

PIERCY: Your hands in the air... ...if you please, Mr. Sutton.

Universal Provider indeed.

Kill him, but not with that, not here.

Take him to the top of the stairs and throw him down.

He'll break his neck and be mistaken for a burglar.

The police suspect him already.

And then you shall go to Rotterdam with these.

Goodbye, Mr. Sutton, shopkeeper!

SUTTON: To take orders from a woman.

A very clever woman, Mr. Sutton, a remarkably clever woman.

What she wants she takes.

And what she don't want... she gets rid of.

[ Breathing heavily ] [ Grunts ] Aaaah!

[ Breathing heavily ] In there -- two of them!

Go!

The jewels are in the back.

You are persistent, sir!

Always, madam.

You will allow me to pass.

I have not yet done with society.

I think society has done with you, Mrs. Kavanagh.

[ Bell ringing, hooves clopping ] [ Gunshot ] Mr. Sutton, could you kindly -- No, Inspector.

I've had enough of jewels for one evening.