November, 1912. An old face appears at the back door late one night. Alfred Harris, one-time Footman at 165, turns up on the run. He'd left Eaton Place seven years earlier back in 1905 after having a homosexual affair with a visiting German Baron.
Rose conceals Alfred for as long as she can, feeding him scraps and telling Hudson she's feeding an injured pigeon in one of the outbuildings. When Hudson discovers the truth, and who it is, he wants Alfred sent packing. However; Rose, being the soft-hearted and romantic fool that she is, believes a cock and bull story from Alfred about him having gone 'straight', and having had an affair with a young woman, and that they were forbidden to continue the liaison which has resulted in his return and being jobless.
Quite by chance; Sir Geoffrey Dillon is visiting the Bellamys when Alfred is discovered, and learning the history of Alfred, and his previous departure, it comes to light that he is in fact on the run for murder!
This was an outstanding episode in my opinion, which includes one of the most dramatic scenes as Edward (Christopher Beeny) is held at knife point by Alfred for some time. It's odd to note that this episode did not feature in 'The Best Of' season which was a long run of what was believed to be the very best episodes from the five seasons in 1976, just after the final series had ended.
Rose conceals Alfred for as long as she can, feeding him scraps and telling Hudson she's feeding an injured pigeon in one of the outbuildings. When Hudson discovers the truth, and who it is, he wants Alfred sent packing. However; Rose, being the soft-hearted and romantic fool that she is, believes a cock and bull story from Alfred about him having gone 'straight', and having had an affair with a young woman, and that they were forbidden to continue the liaison which has resulted in his return and being jobless.
Quite by chance; Sir Geoffrey Dillon is visiting the Bellamys when Alfred is discovered, and learning the history of Alfred, and his previous departure, it comes to light that he is in fact on the run for murder!
This was an outstanding episode in my opinion, which includes one of the most dramatic scenes as Edward (Christopher Beeny) is held at knife point by Alfred for some time. It's odd to note that this episode did not feature in 'The Best Of' season which was a long run of what was believed to be the very best episodes from the five seasons in 1976, just after the final series had ended.
