Emma: What I said about you at the Boxx opening was awful-no, cruel. Terrible and cruel. Yeah, that's better. 

Harriet: Emma, Maddy is on her way in. 

Emma: Oh yes, thank you Harriet. 

Harriet: I also have that financial data you requested. 

Emma: That is the scariest binder I have ever seen.

Harriet: Yeah, it's not very decorative. But that's probably because it's full of spreadsheets.

Emma: Mmm. With Alex gone, I need to stay on top of the business side of the business. 

Harriet: Do we know when he's coming back yet?

Emma: He hasn't been answering his phone for a week. I have to hand it to him though, he really managed to keep us afloat. Even as we nearly drowned in debt. 

Harriet: But we're okay now, right?

Emma: Well the Boxx opening was incredibly profitable, but we need to start paying these debts off one by one. I'll dive into that horror show after Maddy leaves. 

Harriet: Do you know what you're going to say to her yet?

Emma: I think so. I just hope she'll forgive me. I mean, when I think about what I said and who I said it in front of...

Harriet: You were under a lot of stress. I'm sure she understands.

Emma: That I've been ungrateful for her support? The truth is I've treated Maddy Bates terribly. And then there's Jane...

Maddy: What's that about Jane?

(Intro music plays)

Emma: Maddy! I'm so happy to see you! 

Harriet: Hi Maddy. I'll be at my desk if you need me.

Maddy: So what do you need, more accounting help?

Emma: No. Well, yes but no, that's not why I called you here today. Maddy, I would like to say how sorry I am for the terrible and cruel things...

Maddy: What are you doing?  

Emma: I'm apologizing...?

Maddy: Emma Woodhouse, I've known you since you were finger painting in diapers. You don't have to write a speech for me.

Emma: But I've been awful to you and to Jane... How is Jane, by the way? 

Maddy: Why don't you ask her yourself? 

Emma: She isn't exactly taking my calls...or texts...or emails...

Maddy: I can't speak for her, but she's been running around like crazy getting ready for this new job.

Emma: She did a lot of great work. I feel terrible for making her uncomfortable while she was here.

Maddy: I know she was disappointed to leave Highbury so soon, but this job is a really great opportunity for her.

Emma: Any company would be lucky to have her. I didn't realize how lucky we were.

Maddy: Oh honey, you'll bounce back. You always do. 

Emma: I could learn a thing or two from you, Maddy. You are a strong, independent businesswoman and you also manage to be kind to everyone. Nothing keeps you down, does it... 

Maddy: Jane always says, there's enough in this world pushing you down, it doesn't make any sense to lower yourself to the ground to help 'em out.

Emma: Jane is a very wise woman. 

Maddy: Thank you baby.
You know, that's exactly what Caroline said last night at dinner.

Emma: You had dinner with Caroline? Who else was there?

Maddy: Just Jane, Momma and me...and the senator of course.

Emma: Anyone else? Maybe, Alex?

Maddy: Oh no, honey, he wasn't there, but he'll be back soon.

Emma: I'm not so sure about that.

Maddy: He'll be back. You can't keep a good man down. As Momma always says, good men are like vegetables, they always "turn up," get it? Turnip.  
Now you gonna tell me what you're doing with that scary looking binder over there?

Emma: Oh, no, Maddy, don't worry about it. I've got this under control. I think.

Maddy: Come on, hand it over.

Emma: No Maddy, you've done so much already.

Maddy: You helped me in my time of need. You think I'm leaving you hanging in yours?
500 dollars for a fondue fountain? Yeah, we're gonna need a lot of magic... Tell you what, sugar puff, you got me for all your financial planning needs for two weeks free of charge. 

Emma: No, no Maddy I can't accept that. 

Maddy: Yes you can 'cause I'm offering. 

Emma: Well then at least let us pay you for your services. We made some money from the Boxx opening; it's only fair that we use some of it to officially become your clients.

Maddy: Okay. But I'm not doing this to save your bacon. I'm gonna train you how to do this yourself.

Emma: I'd really appreciate that, Maddy. I don't deserve your help, but I will gladly accept it.

Maddy: You are, and have always been a good, kind person, with the best intentions, even though sometimes, you make mistakes. 
Now I don't know about you but we need to get through some of this monetary mess. 

Emma: Where do we begin?

Maddy: Do you have any accounting software on your computer? 

Emma: Uh... There's a calculator. 

Maddy: No. Yeah, we'll need to install that asap and I'll need all your invoices and receipts.

Emma: You got it. Harriet has the folders out front.

Maddy: Now that you've taken a break from planning events and benefits, do you have any other sources of income?

Emma: I was thinking maybe I could try doing consultations again?

Maddy: Alex said you hated those.

Emma: I like to think people can change their minds.

Maddy: They certainly can. Now where can I go and work magic on these numbers?

Emma: You can use Alex's office for now. 

Maddy: Okay, well I'm just gonna keep his seat warm. Holler if you need me; I'll be knee deep in invoices, God help me.

Harriet: How did it go?

Emma: I think I'm forgiven. 

Harriet: How do you know?

Emma: She called me Sugar Puff. Maddy only does that to people she likes. 

Harriet: That sounds great, Emma.

Emma: And she even offered to help us with accounting for the next two weeks!

Harriet: Great, we can get this business back on its feet!

Emma: I felt bad accepting her help, but admitting when you're wrong is a necessary step on the road to recovery. 

Harriet: A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.

Emma: Okay, now I'm sure I didn't write that on my blog.

Harriet: It's from Lao Tzu, a Chinese philosopher, 6 century BC.

Emma: Impressive. And advice that ancient must be good!  

Harriet: So, onto the next step? 

Emma: Yes. Step two, let's call Annie.