MATURE JENNIFER: When we look back in time,
what do we remember best?
The sweet, repeated patterns of our ordinary lives,
or the days that sparkled
with the sheen of something different?
News, a treat, an invitation?
The answer may not matter.
Sometimes the simple gift of memory is all.
Good morning. Good morning.
Post! Something for everyone today.
I know you're all coming,
but I wanted to invite you officially.
Oh, Trixie.
How beautiful.
Oh, would you look at this!
The paper, it's like silk.
Raised print! Very fancy.
"The pleasure of the company of Miss Ann Corrigan
"and Miss Colette Corrigan is requested."
One feared we had lost the calligraphic arts.
To see one's name rendered so!
Consider my "respondez, s'il vous plait"
to be "Oh, mon plaisir".
Thank you, Sister Monica Joan.
I shall reply with a formal RSVP in due course.
But I wouldn't miss it for the world.
I have to be there. I'm chief bridesmaid.
Is formal attire required?
Yes, it is.
I assume those who have taken holy orders are excused.
Of course, Sister. BOTH CHUCKLE
So what does that mean for the rest of us?
You'll look lovely whatever you wear.
You could come in your uniform as long as you're there.
If you think I'm going to wear my uniform
to my first society wedding,
you've got another think coming.
It's hardly a society wedding!
Well, you may be going down the aisle
as the humble Nurse Trixie Franklin,
but you'll be walking back up it as Lady Aylward.
Right. I think that's enough wedding talk.
Time to start the day.
Clinical room in five minutes, please.
I'm so pleased for them. For Trixie.
Oh, the quality of the invitation
was most impressive.
I believe it was between three to four sheets' thickness.
Thank you. Don't thank me yet.
Yet more missives from the Health Department.
Anything interesting?
That very much depends on your definition of the term.
I appreciate the work that's being done
to eradicate communicable disease,
but every time they add a condition
to the reportable list,
it does generate more paperwork.
It's fascinating stuff, though.
The statistics they're collecting -
everything from food poisoning to leprosy.
Thankfully, we've not had a case of that for a while.
Sadly, the same can't be said for hepatitis.
It does appear we've had a small spike of infections.
Is that something we should be worried about?
I'd certainly like us to keep on top of
chasing recent contacts of anyone infected.
I will keep you abreast of any further cases.
CHILD CRYING
Good morning, Mr O'Connor. I'm here to see your wife.
Is she ready for me?
Yeah, that's why we're heading out.
I don't think there's enough room for us all in there.
Come on.
Good afternoon. Afternoon.
I'm sorry.
It's the little things you miss.
Like good bread.
God, yeah. I don't think the butter over here
is up to much either. Mm-mm.
I'm all done.
Everything seems just grand.
But you've not got long to go now.
Mrs O'Connor, we need to have
that talk about where you're going to have this baby.
I won't go to hospital again.
I've told you that.
I know you had a bad time.
It was horrible.
Cold. And like I wasn't even a person.
I'm really sorry that happened to you,
but you and I know this place
is not fit to bring a new baby into.
There's no running water, for a start.
We're on the housing list.
And if you get somewhere
before you go into labour, that's grand.
If not, we'll need to bring you into the maternity home
when the time comes.
CHATTER
Thank you. If you could have a seat.
We can help a lot of families with all this.
And just for letting someone take a few snaps
for a competition. Yes.
A very welcome contribution.
Especially for those without refrigeration.
Now they can give the children a bowl of cornflakes
for breakfast without worrying about
spoilt milk. Indeed.
Over the years, I've found
a little quid pro quo goes a long way.
Bentley's Dairy gets its photographs,
we get some welcome provisions.
A land flowing with milk and honey.
Well, I'm not comparing myself to Moses, Sister.
But I am rather pleased.
You can enter as many categories as you like.
Bonny Babies, Super Siblings, Fabulous Families.
What do you win? A year's supply
of Bentley Dairy products.
Everything from your daily pinta to tinned rice pudding.
An excellent source of calcium.
Good for growing bones.
What do you say? Yeah.
Are you entering, Doctor?
Er, I first need to speak to Shelagh.
Well, if anyone has a bonny family...
I thought I was all done with this carry-on.
I've got four teenagers.
My eldest is doing their exams next year.
I don't know where that girl
got her brains from, but it wasn't me.
CHUCKLES
So this one was a bit of a surprise?
A happy one. Me and Arthur loved a house full of babies.
All the fun of the fair, if you know what I mean.
Oh, I have an idea. I've four of my own.
Oh, well, then. I'm preaching to the converted, then.
So how are we feeling today?
If I'm honest, my back's been griping since I woke up.
I thought it was just
all the usual morning aches and pains,
but it's not going away. You think you're in labour?
Oh, it's starting to feel that way.
STRAINS
Well, let me examine you
and see if it is all systems go.
I see you're down to go to St Cuthbert's.
I had my other four at home,
but I wanted all the help I could get this time.
Well, when they tell you you're a geriatric mother,
you take the hint.
Come on, Paul.
Are you sure you want to come?
They had me queuing for hours yesterday.
Well, maybe when they see me, they'll put us to the front.
I don't think it works like that at the housing office.
Well, it needs to. We've only a week left in this place.
They need to know that.
CHILD BABBLES
Breathe, and all will be well.
Remember? I said that to you once before.
I do - when you delivered my first.
A little boy, with lungs like bellows.
Little girl, you mean.
He woke the street when he came into the world!
You must be thinking of someone else, Sister.
The ambulance is here.
Ready? Yeah. As I'll ever be.
That's it.
I don't think we've moved in the last hour.
What can they be doing in there?
Your guess is as good as mine.
Sorry, but that's it. We're not seeing anyone else today.
What do you mean? We've been waiting for hours.
Well, we can only process so many people in one day.
So what are we supposed to do?
Come back tomorrow.
Come on.
SIGHS
The caravan's gone!
They said we had another week.
Maurice...
...what are we going to do?
SIGHS
Here?
We can't stay here.
They're knocking the place down.
Not tonight. They only boarded the place up last week.
Maurice... Look, do you think
we have the money for a hotel?
No. I'll go back to Housing
first thing in the morning. I'll tell 'em all about it, OK?
Just keep a look-out.
Right. Quick, quick.
DOOR OPENS
HE COUGHS
Hello, stranger!
When did you get back? Just this afternoon.
Oh! So how was it?
Did you have nice weather?
Of course they did! It's the West Indies.
That is what you ask someone when they've
been away on holiday. The weather
was very nice, thank you.
And how was Lucille?
Lucille is still in Jamaica.
She's fine.
She's taken to her new job,
and it's doing her good to be with her family.
She sends her love.
But you decided to come back.
I have a good job here, and some good friends.
This is my home.
Well, I'm not having you
rattling around in that flat on your own.
You're to come to us for your tea whenever you want.
That's very kind of you, but I...
No, no, no! No ifs or buts.
We don't want you sitting up there on your own,
staring at four walls.
Actually, I have no intention of doing anything of the sort.
I know what I have to do.
But thank you.
CREAKING
DRIPPING
SQUEAKING
What's that smell?
The plumbing.
That's why they're getting rid of these places.
It's just for tonight.
I know.
Oh!
Hello. Nurse.
DOOR OPENS
How can I help you? Mr Mason?
I'm here to see Rosemary.
Oh, she's upstairs.
This is Jean, our eldest. She'll take you up.
Hello, Jean.
Excuse me.
Bit of an odd question,
but have you seen a caravan round here?
We're not leaving the housing office
until we're all sorted. I promise.
There you go, sweetheart.
There you go, lad.
Good boy. Eat it all up.
You're not having any?
Maybe later.
Oh!
You feeling poorly?
No.
Didn't sleep a wink.
I could hear rats running about half the night.
So it's not the baby, then, no?
For the love of God, don't wish that on us.
The midwife said it could happen any day now.
This baby needs to stay right where it is
until we've a place for it.
IMELDA: Paul, you can eat that. Go on.
LINE RINGING
Operator?
FROM PHONE: Yes, sir. How can I help?
Put me through to the police. Right away.
Hello, Mrs Mason.
I wasn't expecting to see you for a few days.
I thought you were going to take full advantage
of St Cuthbert's' hospitality.
Well, I thought I might as well be laying in my own bed
instead of one of theirs. Oh, she's beautiful.
Does she have a name yet?
Jacqueline. Aw.
I've just fed her, so she'll be asleep in a minute.
Then why don't we give you the once-over first
instead of disturbing her?
Have you had any bleeding?
Nothing unusual.
How are you feeling otherwise?
Oh, Mrs Mason!
Sorry.
Being stupid. Not at all.
What's upsetting you?
I knew I wouldn't bounce back like I did with my other kids.
I knew I'd be tired.
I just didn't know I'd feel so ill.
Ill? How exactly do you mean?
I don't know. I've got no energy
and I ache all over.
Have you a sore throat, runny nose?
No, nothing like that.
What about your appetite? Oh, I can't face anything.
I just...
I feel like I want to go to bed and just stay there.
I think we should get the doctor to pay you a visit.
Trixie, do you think Matthew
might help me find a lost patient?
If he can.
Imelda O'Connor. She's due any day.
Her and her husband have been living in a caravan
on one of the building sites,
and now it's nowhere to be seen.
I thought Matthew might know who owned the site.
I can ask him,
but there's probably nothing to worry about.
The family will have just moved on.
And I might be the reason for it.
I think I frightened her off.
She's scared of hospitals,
and I told her she couldn't have a homebirth.
I'm sure that's not the case.
What have I told you about knocking on this door?
Come back at seven o'clock.
I'm sorry. My name is Cyril Robinson.
The new volunteer.
Sorry, mate.
In you come.
I've been the manager here last few years.
Officially, I work for the council.
They pay for the place, but not much.
So we have to be realistic about what we can do.
We're not the Housing.
We're not an 'ospital.
We're a warm bed and a hot meal.
Understood.
So how'd you hear about us?
Er, somebody at my church. God-botherer, are you?
I believe in the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Great. Well, next Sunday, you can say one for me.
But when you come here, you leave the Bible at home.
Last thing I need is any bleeding hearts
or soft touches. Good. Because that's not me.
Great. Well, we'll find out tonight.
I'm putting you on the door.
Are you sure you've seen someone? Round here.
What is it?
Get back inside.
Oi!
Come out. We know you're in there.
Go and have a look!
CREAKING
CHILD BABBLES
Sh!
FOOTSTEPS
IMELDA GASPS
MUFFLED GASP
SQUEAKING
BANGING ON DOOR
Nobody's in there. You must have imagined it.
I think they're gone.
Let's just give it another minute.
BREATHES RAGGEDLY
Imelda?
I think I'm having contractions.
BABY GURGLES
Any history of problems
with your gall bladder, Mrs Mason?
Gallstones?
No, Doctor. Nothing like that.
Oh! Oh, my apologies.
Yes, you're very tender over your liver.
No wonder you've been feeling under the weather.
I'm afraid you've picked up something rather nasty,
Mrs Mason. What?
Hepatitis. You might have heard it called infective jaundice?
Well, is it serious?
Not usually.
And what about the baby?
Oh, she seems absolutely fine,
but I'm going to advise you
to switch from breast-feeding to bottle.
Cos I can give her it?
It's just a sensible precaution.
I-I-I see.
What about everyone else?
Under the circumstances, the best practice
would be for you to go back into hospital.
No! What, and leave my baby?
Cos I can't take her with me, can I?
No. Then I'm not going.
Then Mrs Turner will need to explain
how to keep the rest of the household safe.
Hepatitis can be passed on through contact with faeces.
And I'm sure you always wash your hands,
but you're going to have to be extra careful.
That means no sharing towels, toothbrushes, bedding.
And I don't want you cooking for anyone.
And how long has all this got to go on for?
Well, until the infection has passed through your system.
I'm afraid that could be several weeks.
ROSEMARY SIGHS
For the love of God, Imelda,
let me take you somewhere
I can get you some help. No!
But you can't have it here. Look at the state
of this place. Wherever we go,
they'll ask questions,
and the first thing they'll ask us is our address.
And when we tell them
we haven't got one... I don't care,
as long as you and the baby are all right.
They won't let us keep the baby!
They'll take it away.
They'll take Paul away.
IMELDA SOBS
GASPS
I tried my best for us, Imelda.
I know.
I'm not blaming you.
I have to do this.
OK?
You have to let me.
TILL DINGS There you go.
We run a bit of a guesthouse upstairs.
There's four of them,
but we have another two arriving in the morning.
All using one bathroom?
I'm sorry. It won't do.
Do you think they're the reason my Rosemary's poorly?
Have they had any symptoms?
Not as far as I know.
Then they're the ones at risk.
It will be very difficult to prevent further infection
without removing Rosemary from your home.
They'll have to go.
STRAINS
Imelda, what can I do? Do you need anything?
No.
GROANS
It's there. I can feel the head.
Good! That's good. You're doing so well, love.
So I spoke to the building company.
All they could tell me was that
they'd finished the work on the new high-rise,
so the caravan had been sent on to the next job.
Would the O'Connors have gone with it?
I...wouldn't have thought so.
I mean, they shouldn't really have
been there in the first place.
Those things are hardly designed for families.
I don't think the O'Connors had much choice.
Er, no, I... I suppose not.
I'll go and see what's keeping Trixie.
Oh...
CHILD CRYING
It's all right.
Mammy's just being a little bit noisy.
YELLS AND WHIMPERS
HIGH-PITCHED YELL
GASPS
You did it!
My God, you did it!
Do we cut the cord now?
You have to tie it first. That's what they did with Paul.
Maurice? Why isn't she crying?
What do we do?
I don't know.
I don't know why she won't...
Come on, now. Come on. Come on for Daddy. Come on.
I don't know, I don't know, I don't know, I don't know!
I don't know, I don't know... Come on for Daddy.
I don't know. I don't know, I don't know, I don't know...
BABY CRIES
CHATTER
That's better. Yeah, go on.
The photographer just called.
His car's broken down in Hackney.
I don't think he's going to make it.
What?
We've got half of Poplar here in their Sunday best!
Maybe we can reschedule.
Absolutely not.
Keep 'em busy.
I won't be long.
Milk churn?
Why don't you come with us to the photoshoot?
We could pick up Colette on the way.
Er, yes. That shouldn't be a problem.
Thanks. I'll not bother.
There's not really a category for me and Colette.
Well, I suppose she's hardly a Bonny Baby any more.
What about Fabulous Families?
I don't really think that fits either.
Thank you anyway.
Come on, then, Jonty.
Aren't you having your sandwiches, Sister?
I have no appetite for another cold collation.
We can keep you company until you've eaten.
No.
I shall not dine tonight.
You ready for this? I think so.
Remember, first come, first served,
20, and then we're done.
And they're out by 8am.
Got it? Got it.
Then wagons roll.
All right, lads? Come on in.
Good evening. Welcome.
Good evening.
Sister?
It's time for compline.
Not this night.
Sorry?
I said I will not be attending this evening.
The spirit is willing...
..but the flesh is weak.
Teddy! Teddy, no.
Slow down! That's enough! You'll crease your clothes.
Right. I reckon I've got enough spare film
to get everyone.
So who's first?
MUSIC: Bend Me, Shape Me by Amen Corner
Look at me!
# You're the only woman I need
# And, baby, you know it... #
Try and make the baby smile.
# You can make this beggar a king
# A clown or a poet
# Bend me, shape me any way you want me
# Long as you love me, it's all right
# Bend me, shape me any way you want me
# You got the power... # Sit together!
# To turn on the light
Turn your tin round.
Look at me!
# Bend me, shape me any way you want me
# You got the power to turn on the light... #
That's good, that's good. Get closer together.
# Any way you want me
# Long as you love me, it's all right. #
Good evening and welcome.
Oh! Sorry.
That's it for tonight.
Come on, mate. We're full.
Please. It's bloody freezing out here.
I'm so sorry.
I'll sleep on the floor. What harm can I do?
I'm sorry. Those are the rules.
Hey.
COINS CLINK
Get yourself something to eat.
I'm sorry.
COINS CLINK
Not easy, is it?
No, it's not.
By the way, if you think he's going to spend
what you gave him on his dinner, you're dafter than you look.
Kitchen could do with an extra pair of hands.
She seems quite unwell.
I should have realised something wasn't quite right
when she refused to eat yesterday evening.
Her appetite hasn't been good for a while,
but she always manages something.
And then she missed compline.
I thought she was being provocative.
I refused to be provoked.
I didn't think for one moment... Of course you didn't.
Now, then. What's all this?
I do not wish to be here.
Please let me leave.
Where would you go?
I want to go home.
You are home, Sister.
Sister, look at her eyes.
They're looking a bit yellow.
Let's give the doctor a call.
BABY STIRS
The way she's eating,
won't be long until she's on tea and toast.
Nearly took the bottle out of me hand this morning.
I'm very glad to hear that. BABY CRIES
You know, I can't wait to take her out in her pram,
show her off to all the neighbours. I don't blame you.
So when might that be?
Mrs Mason, the doctor explained. You're still infectious.
Oh, so you say. But I feel tonnes better.
How would you feel if you made your neighbours ill?
We're still trying to work out where your infection came from.
It's odd that no-one else in the house seems to have it.
Odd? Well, it's a good thing, isn't it?
Well, yes, but we need to know where the infection started.
The couple of weeks before you had the baby,
did you go anywhere, perhaps out to eat?
Oh, yeah. I was up west doing the twist.
You saw me!
I was like the side of a house.
Perhaps you had a friend visit.
Because if you did, we'll need to contact them.
If you could just think...
I don't need to bloody think, cos I didn't go anywhere
and I didn't see anyone.
For you, ma'am. Thank you.
Buongiorno. Hi.
Oh! Perfect timing.
For me? Thank you.
Well, the RSVPs are flying in, all saying,
"We'll be attending, with bells on."
That's good. Isn't it?
Means we can make a start on the table plan.
We?
Well, I need to know about any potential diplomatic incidents -
you know, warring aunts, kissing cousins.
It's how I'll find out your family secrets. Mmm.
Matthew?
CHUCKLES: Sorry.
I have another meeting with the solicitor this afternoon.
Yet more decisions to be made about my father's estate.
Well, I'm sure you'll make good ones.
I hardly know any more.
Sometimes I'm sorely tempted to flip a coin.
What's the worst that could happen?
Nothing too disastrous.
Could ruin my father's legacy. Destroy our future.
Is that all? BOTH LAUGH
You know, if you wanted to postpone... No.
I just don't want to... Absolutely not.
Matthew, you've just lost your father.
You have so much to worry about.
The one thing I'm not worried about is marrying you.
This is the only thing keeping me going.
Anyway, my father thought the world of you.
I can't think of a more fitting tribute to him
than for us to start our lives together as soon as possible.
SHE GASPS
SHE GRIMACES
She's jaundiced, and her liver is enlarged.
Hepatitis. Just the latest case in the district.
I'm minded not to move her.
For a start, I don't need to tell anyone in this house
how to prevent the spread of infection.
I should hope not.
There's nothing she needs that she can't get here.
Agreed.
She will need to be kept hydrated.
Painkillers, if you feel it's necessary.
Other than that, I'm afraid we just have to hope
she can fight the infection off.
I won't pretend her age isn't a concern.
Thank you, Doctor.
Thank you. Thank you.
Oh!
Hello, young man.
I heard you were back.
I was wondering when our paths would cross.
I haven't been avoiding you.
I'm just keeping myself busy.
I understand.
But there's no need to be a stranger.
You're always welcome here.
I appreciate that.
She won't take it.
Imelda, you look terrible.
I'm fine. I just... I just need her to eat.
Sure? You feel cold to me.
Are you still bleeding?
Yeah.
A lot more than last time. Right, that's enough.
I'm going to get help. Go to the nuns.
They'll know what to do. Right.
Now, you be a good boy.
Look after your mammy. Daddy'll be back soon.
Any news on Sister Monica Joan?
She's comfortable, but no better.
I have to admit, she's got me very worried.
Me too.
I was sad you didn't make it to the photo session.
I was looking forward to taking a snap of you and your Colette.
Don't know why. We've no chance of winning.
Oh, the competition means nothing.
It's just that Colette grows up a little bit more
every time I see her.
She'll be all grown-up before you know it.
I just thought you might like to capture the fleeting moment.
I didn't come along, because I didn't think it was right.
What makes you say that?
The only category we could enter is the one for families.
And we're not a family.
We don't even live together.
You're more a family than plenty of others.
You've only to look at the two of you
to see the love.
And after you fought so hard to be in Colette's life?
You're a family, lass.
And I never want you to think otherwise.
You hear me?
I hear you.
NANCY SIGHS
So, I've a couple of shots to use up
before I send the films off.
What do you say?
BANGING AT DOOR
BANGING CONTINUES
I need you. I mean, I need a nurse.
Mr O'Connor! I've been looking for you.
They chucked us out. And now she's had the baby,
and something's not right. It barely cries, and she's cold,
and she's clammy... Wait here.
I'll go and grab my bag and then you show me where she is.
OK.
Hey, hey! You were at the hostel last night.
Are you all right? Get off of me!
HE COUGHS
Come on. What are you doing?
Get off me. I'm taking you to a doctor.
I don't need a bloody doctor.
We'll let the doctor decide that.
DOOR OPENS
Oh, you poor things.
We did our best.
Promise we did.
It's going to be all right.
Tell me, when did you give birth?
Yesterday.
Has she fed? Hardly at all.
Imelda, I'm going to need you to listen to me.
Your baby's very cold.
The best thing for you to do is to hold her
nice and close to your body.
That's it.
You just hold her...
..and let her warm up next to you.
Did the afterbirth come away?
Yeah.
Maurice got rid of it.
Let me just have a feel.
That's it.
Imelda...
..I'm going to give you an injection. Mmm?
It's going to be all right. We found you.
Go outside and call an ambulance.
Maurice? It's going to be all right.
They'll look after you.
Off you go.
DOOR OPENS AND CLOSES
Leon, I think you've picked up hepatitis.
I'm afraid it's doing the rounds at the moment.
Will I live?
That is rather up to you. May I?
I take it you didn't come by these medically?
Leon...
I don't know what led you down this path,
but I would like to help you get off it.
I wouldn't waste your time.
That's not how I see it.
You're a young man.
You don't want to spend the rest of your life like this.
There are hospitals that treat addiction now.
I... I could make some calls.
BABY CRIES
BABY GURGLES
Why won't you let a doctor help you?
Oh, by getting me to give up the only thing that makes me happy?
No, thanks, mate. The only thing? That can't be true.
You wouldn't say that if you knew anything about my life.
Then tell me. Make me understand.
Right.
My mother didn't want me when I was born, so she gave me away.
But it turns out the people who took me in
didn't want me either, in the end.
So they put me in children's homes,
where they made it pretty bloody clear
that no-one would ever want me.
I'm sorry.
Even then, I still didn't learn my lesson.
I decided I'd give my mother another chance.
And it went all right at first.
I thought I was finally going to get what I wanted.
A family?
It turns out she's already got a new family.
Why does she need someone like me to screw it up?
Well, I am pleased to say baby is warming up nicely
in the incubator and has quite the appetite.
We'll put you on a course of antibiotics
to knock any infection on the head.
Next time, come to us.
There'll always be a bed for you here.
An abandoned building is no place for a labouring mother,
and certainly not a newborn baby.
Thank you.
Where's Paul?
He's just outside. Can you get him?
I want him to see that Mammy's getting better.
Yeah, in a minute.
What is it?
We've had to find somewhere for Paul to stay for the next few nights.
He can't stay with me? Where's he going to go?
Social Services has found someone to look after him.
Erm... My little girl stays with a foster family,
and they're lovely.
But what about Maurice? Can't he look after him?
The only place for Maurice to stay is a hostel for men.
And even if Paul could go there, you wouldn't want him to.
Can I say goodbye?
Of course.
Look.
There's my big boy!
Hey. Do you want to have a sit there? Hey.
Look, look. CHILD MURMURS
There's so much, isn't there? Are you going to be good?
CHILD MURMURS
Come here and give your mammy a kiss.
CHILD SQUEALS
Come...
CHILD PROTESTS
All right. Are you going to say bye?
Look. Bye-bye, Mam.
I'll see you soon, sweetheart. Yeah, come on.
CHILD GURGLES
Is that really the best we can do?
It's not their fault they have no home.
In my experience, the fault rarely lies with the homeless.
Then who is to blame?
It's a long list.
At the top of it, I'd write "circumstances".
Once one thing goes wrong for a family, it...
It's hard to stop the next catastrophe,
and the next and the next.
It takes on a terrible momentum all of its own.
SHE SIGHS
SOBBING
You cannot keep me captive!
It isn't allowed.
You're not allowed!
It's all right, Sister. Just rest.
Please...
Please.
I don't want to be here.
SOBS: You do not understand.
I understand. I understand.
KNOCK AT DOOR
SOBBING CONTINUES Come in.
DOOR OPENS
I heard my friend is unwell.
I came to see her and to give you some respite.
You won't get much in the way of conversation.
She's very confused.
I'm not sure I have much to say either,
but a great deal to think about.
DOOR OPENS
Sister...
DOOR CLOSES
My friend...
..has come home.
You were missed.
And I missed you.
I hope you're not using my clinical room
as a tea-making facility.
This is purely medicinal.
I thought I might see if I could aid Sister Monica Jones' recovery.
In that case, carry on.
I think we'd try anything at this point.
You fear the worst?
Hepatitis in someone of her age?
I think we both know the odds.
That poor family came here to help build new homes
and they can't even find one to live in, not even a caravan.
How can that be right?
It's difficult.
It only takes days to tear down the old buildings.
It can be months before they're replaced.
And then homes have to be allocated on a basis of need.
The bureaucracy involved in that
is... HE CHUCKLES
Well, hasn't this been thought about in any way?
Seems pretty simple to me -
make sure there's enough homes for the families that need them.
You think I'm naive.
No, not at all.
All I know is that splitting up families
and handing their children over to complete strangers
shouldn't be the only option.
SHOP BELL RINGS
Wait! Please, Leon!
I'm sorry. I know what you must be thinking.
You were going to tell 'em.
You were going to tell your husband, your family,
change your mind! No. I had the baby.
And then I wasn't well.
I wanted to let you know, but how could I?
I don't even know where you live!
Leon! I want to tell 'em. I do.
But you haven't!
Le-...
Rosemary?
What are you doing out and about?
Let's get you inside.
It sounds like a decent place.
It is. We've looked into it, and it's safe and clean.
But only me and the kids can stay there?
I'm afraid so.
It's better than nothing. What about you?
I'll be fine. They've put me on that Kensal Rise job.
But that's the other side of London! Where are you going to stay?
I'll find a doss-house or something.
No! Look, this way, we can save up money.
By the time I'm done, we'll have enough for a deposit and rent.
And I'll be looking in on you and the baby. I promise.
Thank you...
..for not giving up on my family.
Family are so important.
I never had one.
SHE SOBS
You don't need to tell me.
But if there's anything I can do...
It's my mess to clear up.
You were right.
I had been somewhere,
seen someone before I fell ill.
Was it that young man I saw you speaking with?
He's my son.
She'd remembered right, the sister.
It was a boy she delivered, my Leon.
But I was young...
..and I wasn't married. So you couldn't keep him.
I thought I'd never see him again...
..and then there he was.
He'd got my name somehow and then he tracked me down.
My parents owned this place for years.
Everyone knew 'em.
So all he had to do was ask about.
And I was happy when I saw him.
But he's had some problems.
And I had my other kids to think about.
Of course. And there's Arthur.
We always promised we wouldn't keep any secrets from each other,
so I just didn't know how to tell him.
Oh! What are you lot up to?
We got you a treat, Mum - your favourite. Fresh cream cakes?!
There's one for each of us.
Oh, you're good children.
But there's one missing.
I'll see myself out.
Arthur...
..we need to talk.
What are you doing here?
We're going to go have our photo taken.
So maybe you should do something about that hair.
Mmm? Hmm?
I was just a kid, Arthur.
I couldn't look after him, you see.
About a year later, I met you, and we were so happy.
And I know what we said about secrets.
Well, what did I know? I was only a lad myself.
And I just didn't know how to tell you.
Oh, come here. It's all right.
SHE SOBS
INDISTINCT CHATTER
Ah! Welcome to the meeting of the Housing Subcommittee.
Any apologies?
No apologies? Good.
Now, have we all read the minutes from the last meeting?
MURMURS OF AGREEMENT Any objections on page one?
On page two? Excuse me. If I may...
I'm sorry. We can't hear from the floor
until "matters arising".
You'll have to wait for that part of the agenda.
No, I'm sorry, but I won't.
This is exactly the problem that I came here to discuss.
This stultifying bureaucracy -
it is why we have a housing crisis in Poplar.
Interminable queues at the Housing office.
It's turning people in need away.
I came here to ask for some concrete action,
for this committee to recognise that they cannot simply
tear down people's houses and then refuse to offer an alternative.
With respect, haven't you done your fair share of tearing things down?
Yes, I have. But I might have reconsidered
if I'd been made aware of the total lack of urgency in this committee.
That's hardly fair.
We take the problems of the ward very seriously,
and there are procedures.
And there are families being torn apart!
Children being put into foster care
whilst their parents sleep in hostels.
And you think that turning up here and shouting the odds
is going to solve anything?
No.
But I would...
..really like to discuss some possible solutions.
And furthermore, I would like to help in any way I can.
BABY COOS
I've got someone who wants to see you.
Hello, Mum. Oh!
Oh, no, none of that.
You'll scare the poor sod off again. THEY LAUGH
ENGINE TURNS OFF
Who knew council subcommittees could be...so exciting?
HE CHUCKLES
I loved my father, but the way he did business...
I think I need to make some changes now that he's gone. Mmm.
TRIXIE SIGHS
Oh...
TRIXIE SIGHS
Councillor Buckle.
I... I hope you didn't think I was attacking you personally.
Aren't I part of the "stultifying bureaucracy"?
Violet...
It only hurt...
..because you weren't wrong.
I mean, that committee moves at the speed of treacle.
It needs a good kick up the...
Well, you know what.
But what it could really do with is some fresh blood.
Me? Mmm.
Council elections are next year.
And your bridesmaids' dresses are nearly ready for a fitting,
so I will give you a call.
Thank you.
We've had a delivery.
The photos? How have they turned out?
Rather well.
It appears we've had a winner.
Your picture of the Shahs has secured the Fabulous Families award
for the district and is being put forward for the national final.
Well...
..isn't that something?
A little more?
DOOR CLOSES
I've brought something to show you, Sister.
I only took it to use up the roll,
but I think it turned out rather well, don't you?
CHUCKLES: Sister?
I am weary.
Perhaps you could let me be?
MATURE JENNIFER: What matters most - memory itself
or the love that feeds and frames it?
Love lasts longer, so perhaps love wins.
Love inspires.
Love nurtures.
Love can be rekindled.
And love knows many ways of being.
It can be captured in a kiss or a fleeting look.
It can be made immortal in a photograph.
Love lives within the present and the past.
Love has a future.
We must not forget that.
TRIXIE: Is that my brother?! It certainly is!
I've been in training for this for 20 years.
I want it to look like Arnold.
Loads of black hair and eyes like pennies.
Mrs Yue, it needs something English.
Nonnatus House is not going to close.
Matthew's mother sold the family tiara!
No! What am I supposed to secure the veil with?!