Upstairs, Downstairs
The Pre-War Years 3

Hudson was the son of a gillie and so James took him along as loader when he was invited to a weekend's shooting. Hudson was tempted by the offer of the position of butler at the large house but, after much soul searching, he decided to stay on at Eaton Place.

Christmas 1913 at Eaton Place, Goodwill to All Men.

Rose saying goodbye in A Perfect Stranger as a taxi takes her away to her new life with Gregory Wilmot in Australia. She was soon back at 165, though, after having got cold feet at the dock.

In 1914, the staff of Eaton Place joined the festive Bank Holiday crowds at Herne Bay in Kent. After dipping their toes in the sea and picnicking on the beach, they went to watch a concert party. During the performance the compere announced that war was imminent. It was to be the last carefree day for many years.