Servants

In 1850 the Earl of Taplow and his family return from Italy to Taplows,their country house,with their retinue of servants,led by butler Jarvis and house-keeper Flora. George Cosmo, a confident youngster,arrives seeking employment as the second foot-man,bringing with him forged references. Whilst Flora is willing to take him at face value,Jarvis is less certain. However the sudden departure of under-butler Frank creates a vacancy which needs filling immediately. George is taken on. First footman William is not impressed but he catches the eye of Grace, nursemaid to the earls handicapped young son Harry.

William trips on a loose rug and drops young Harry,who eventually dies. Accusations fly amongst the servants as to who is to blame but the Earl concedes that it was an accident. However a planned banquet is cancelled,allowing the staff to enjoy the chefs sumptuous fare. Grace takes the death to heart and picks flowers from the Earls orangery to provide a blanket for the little boy. The Earl sees this as vandalism but blames and sacks Esther,a maid who had been tormenting Grace.

New Years Eve offers a chance for celebration for the staff, but the merriment does not extend to William, as his nightmares over Lord Harrys death continue to torment him, leaving him vulnerable to under-butler Andrew Adams goading and cruelty, which leads to a terrifying and violent showdown.