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You don't believe him?
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It's Mother you have to convince. He's very agitated. Wait here.
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Emma in Wonderland. Welcome, Mrs. Peel. We've been expecting you. We hope you'll enjoy your stay with us. Decontamination is almost complete.
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Decontamination ?
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And you've a new wardrobe. He does want you to look attractive. He tells me you're very beautiful.
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Doctor Peel, I presume?
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And you must be Steed. Please don't get up.
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I was about to throw in the towel.
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I had a spot of bother at the door.
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I shouldn't wonder. Not a woman inside Boodles since
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1922. Why the kippers?
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Red herring would have been too obvious, don't you think?
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So what was all this some sort of test?
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Congratulations, you've penetrated a bastion of male privilege. I guessed you weren't a stickler for Tradition, doctor.
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Whereas you are.
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Dyed in the wool. But I can admire someone who doesn't play by the rules.
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Rules are made to be broken.
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Not by me. Play by the rules, Doctor, or the game is nothing.
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And just what is the game?
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I say, this is all terribly formal. Must I go an calling you Dr. Peel?
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Under the circumstances, you may call me Mrs. Peel.
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Much better.
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And now that we've settled the matter of honorifics, will you kindly explain why you wished me to meet you?
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I didn't. Mother did.
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Mother?
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... Showers followed by sunny periods.
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We're not here to talk about the weather, surely.
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Ah ... From Trubshaw's. My shoemaker.
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A kipper. Or a red herring? What were they investigating?
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My father always wanted a boy.
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Really? I fail to see the connection.
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I had a feeling you would. Touche!
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Do you?
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Yes indeed. I need protection.
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I thought we were on our way.
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Oh, absolutely, but Trubshaw's a man worth meeting. No point setting out half shod.
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Or half cocked.
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Steed, we really must be
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Ahh. Perfect fit. The luxury of a handmade shoe. As unique as a face or a fingerprint. Or should I say DNA?
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You can but I wish you wouldn't ...
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Thank you, Trubshaw ...
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That place is so absurd, so out of date ...
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Do you really think so?
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You know what I mean. This car and you. Nobody walks around like that. Milk?
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Not all Tradition is bad, Mrs. Peel. No thank you.
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But why? What's the point?
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A Gentleman has to have a code. This is part of mine. A uniform. Think of it as my suit of shining armor.
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And I suppose you're the knight.
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The most unpredictable piece on the board. And always ready to protect his queen.
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That's predictable. When I find a queen in need of protection I'll let you know.
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Sir August Merryweather ... why are we seeing him first?
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As per mother's instructions.
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Do we always follow Mother's instructions?
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For a man in my position
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Just what is your position, if you don't mind my asking. How did a stuffed shirt like you get into this line of work?
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They call me in when they've reached a dead end. Freelance. Like yourself.
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I have no choice. Why should you risk your life?
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After our fencing match, I was rather hoping you would do the risking. More tea?
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No thanks.
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I meant me.
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According to Mother, Sir August owns half of the Highlands. A millionaire. Former head of Special Projects at the Ministry. Now ...
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An eccentric recluse?
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Not so much eccentric. More barking mad. He has a wife called June. And a daughter somewhere Julie.
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June, July ... August?
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The family does seem to be somewhat meteorologically inclined.
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Any other vices?
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All of a piece, really. A fanatical weatherman. Chairman of BROLLY. British Royal Organisation For Lasting Liquid Years. Thinks British weather has been tampered with by ... aliens.
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So ... I distract him while you snoop around? How?
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Small talk. Try the weather.
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Ah, Brenda ... Mrs. Peel?
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You should be dead. How do you feel?
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Strange.
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You were very lucky. Four shots to the heart. I found you after I slipped away from Sir August. Mother brought you here. Not me you should thank.
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I wasn't about to.
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I mean your man Trubshaw. Your bulletproof waistcoat. I thought you were just overdressed.
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I might say the same.
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Mother and Dr. Darling have me under observation. They think I tried to kill you.
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Why should they think that?
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You told them. You said I arrived on a camel, shot you four times. Left you for dead.
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Frankly that's how I remember it.
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But that's absurd. I may not be overfond of you, Steed, but it's not my style.
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Perhaps your memory plays tricks, Mrs. Peel.
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That's possible. Sir August was convinced he'd met me before. But I'd never met him. Another odd thing. When it rained, he said it was just as someone had promised.
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Did he say who?
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No. But he must know. Incidentally, my double left you with this.
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An invitation. To a 'formal picnic'...?
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Did you say formal? I must dress.
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I must say, you look more your old self
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You mean my other self ...
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Either way ... may I ask: why you dress in that fashion?
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I should have thought that was obvious ... I'm in mourning.
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Colonel Crabtree. International Satellite Systems. Formerly of the Ministry.
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How on earth can you tell?
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Elementary, Mrs. Peel. Trubshaw isn't the only shoemaker still practicing his trade ...
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Very good, Steed ...
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What on earth?
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Any ideas?
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Well, he was a fellow of the Royal Zoological Society ...
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Is that written in his shoe?
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Common knowledge, Mrs. Peel ...
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