Hello, you.
Oh, here, I'll do that.
Helen, I mean it. James would have my guts for garters.
Are you kidding me? I promised him we'd look after you,
and I am nothing if not obstinate. Really?
I wouldn't say that were true.
Oh. No, I'm not falling for that again.
Helen. Tell me, what part of me expecting
means I can't fix a dripping tap?
There. That should do it.
Thank you, Helen. It's been driving me potty.
It'll do for now. But I'd still have someone out to have a look at it.
Oh, nonsense. I'll do it myself.
Right, better get on. Thank you, Mrs Hall.
Was it like this for you?
Everybody treating you like a crystal vase?
It's ever so quiet up there without him.
Why don't you give your dad and Jenny a visit?
I'm sure they'd love to see you.
So, what does James make of Devon?
He says it's beautiful but the Dales win hands down.
Oh, you're a godsend.
I can't tell you how much better that feels already.
Has he flown a plane yet?
It's all lectures and fitness for a few more weeks.
It sounds like they're drilling him
to within an inch of his life, poor sod.
A bit of toughening up will do him good.
He's plenty tough enough, Dad.
I don't like the thought of 'em flogging him to death.
Well, he'll come back with shoulders twice the size
and muscles bulging everywhere. How on Earth will you cope?
Jenny Alderson!
Well, you won't be wanting my back rubs any more,
I'll tell you that right now.
I forgot what it were like when you two get together.
Right, come on, Jenny. Leave this, I'll wash up.
Thanks, love. Eh, nice to see you.
What happened, Dad?
What do you mean? Have you hurt yourself?
I've twisted my knee, it's nowt.
It don't look like nowt.
He caught his foot in a rabbit hole. He won't go t'doctor.
What's the point? I've not stopped working.
He can barely get up the stairs, by the end of the day.
Here, let me have a look at it.
Oh, stop making a fuss, the pair of you.
Tell me the truth - are you coping?
You mean with him being Mr Hopalong,
or him being even grumpier than usual?
It's fine. I'm FINE.
I've been saving 'em. Thank you.
What a treat.
Nowt for you, boy.
You're just like Jess and Dash. Play me like a fiddle, they do.
Is he all right?
He's walking funny.
You're not wrong.
It's his rear end.
You all right, Rock?
One of his testicles is enlarged.
Nothing to be embarrassed about. It's probably nothing.
But you should bring him in to see Mr Farnon just to be safe.
It's best to get these things looked at before they get worse.
Speaking of Mr Farnon...
I haven't told him yet.
I'm sorry.
There never seems to be a... a right time.
You've given him all but ten years of your life, Audrey,
I know it won't be easy.
Yeah. It's just...
..I have to think of Lillian, too.
She needs me. Course she does.
I know it's not what we'd have chosen...
..but we'll be together.
If you're still sure?
I'll do it tomorrow.
Thanks for doing that.
You didn't have to.
Just don't ask me to cook 'em.
Audrey, can I talk to about something?
Of course.
I think I'm gonna move back home.
My dad's hurt his leg.
Is he all right?
Yeah, you know what he's like -
he'd say he was all right if his head fell off.
Are you thinking you'll stay there?
You'll have the baby there? I don't know.
But with James away, I suppose...
What's going on?
I'm moving back to Heston.
I'm sorry to hear that.
Richard's injured.
You've been so kind to me, both of you.
They just need my help.
No, don't be daft. You'll give her a lift, won't you?
Course, yeah.
Help her with her bags and what not. Right then.
You must leave a few things in the bedsit so you can come and go...
Yes. ..whenever you like.
Of course I will.
Let's go.
And then there were two, eh, Mrs Hall?
Hold that, you. Let me get some wire.
Oh, don't be daft, stay 'ere. You need to watch your leg.
It's you wants to be resting, not me.
I'm expecting, Dad, I'm not ill.
Yeah, well, I'm not an old man.
You're as bad as each other.
What's it feel like?
Like I've eaten all t'pies in Yorkshire.
It's exciting, but terrifying.
Well, I can't wait to be an auntie.
I-I can't feel anything.
Some days she's livelier than others.
It's easy to fret all t'time when you've no idea what's normal.
Well, you got nowt to worry about. You've done it once already with me.
That wasn't the same.
It's the giving birth part that scares me.
I wish Mam were here. Not just to help me, but...
Me, too.
She? It's a hunch.
Imagine Dad with another Alderson girl to cope with.
Oh, bugger it.
Mr Farnon. Bloody thing's still leaking.
You couldn't pass me the spanner, could you?
Mrs Hall?
Is everything all right? I, er...
I need to talk to you about my position, Mr Farnon.
Right.
The-The thing is...
You're leaving me.
I've tried to explain it as best I can in that.
I don't how much notice period you need.
I'm not sure we ever discussed it. A month seems too little.
Would... three months suffice?
Well, if you need longer, of course, I'll... I'll give you longer.
The last thing I want to do is inconvenience you.
Inconvenience me?
My divorce was approved.
A few weeks ago in fact, but, erm...
This is a chance for me to start a new life with Gerald.
And I think if I don't take it now...
..I might never.
One month should be ample, Mrs Hall.
Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa. Whoa!
What do you think you're on with?
Helping out. Oh, Dad, don't start mollycoddling.
I wouldn't bloody dare.
That better be for you.
Yeah, well, I know you don't like to be cooped up inside, so...
I didn't come here to laze about in the sun like an house dog.
Well, I weren't thinking about you,
I were thinking about t'baby. Well, that's my job!
Right.
Right, well, put that down then, you can go and feed Smokey.
Well, if you don't wanna do that,
then you could have a sit down, put your feet up. Up to you.
Fine. Fine.
Hey.
Here.
Hey.
What's up, lad?
You're not hungry?
Darrowby 2297. Oh, hello, love.
Oh, he's in surgery at the minute. But...
I could send Mr Carmody over, if you like, to have a look?
All right. Will do. Bye then.
You're wanted at Heston Grange.
When did you first notice it?
Audrey spotted it last night.
Last night?
But this must have been growing for days, if not weeks.
How did you not notice sooner? I don't know. I...
The poor creature relies on you to speak up.
You have a responsibility to do right by him.
Although tumours like this aren't unusual in dogs...
It's a tumour?
Is it serious?
Generally they're not inclined to metastasise. Erm...
spread through the body very readily,
but I should still cut it out to be safe.
No! No, I can't put him through surgery.
There must be something else you can do.
Perhaps some pills or...
It's a straightforward procedure. I can do it now if you like?
Best to get it over with.
How much of a risk is it, the surgery?
Well, no operation is entirely without risk.
I'm sorry, Mr Farnon, I need some time to think about it.
Come on, boy.
Penny for your thoughts?
It's something me mam used to say.
As in, I give you a penny, you tell me what you're thinking.
Do I have to? No.
You haven't even given me a penny.
No, it's just an expression, Richard.
Anyway, what's wrong with him?
What's going on here?
Summat up with t'calf?
It seems like Smoky may have a problem with his rumen.
One of his stomach compartments.
And why didn't you tell me? I didn't wanna bother you.
What's he eaten today? Do you know?
Well, I let him in t'orchard this morning.
He's probably just got a belly full of fruit.
That would explain the lack of rumination.
He's blocked up.
Nothing a good dose of linseed oil won't shift.
You wouldn't rather get Mr Farnon's opinion?
How many, er... years have you spent on farms, lad?
Years?
Well, we'd certainly be dealing in fractions.
I've been here four months, perhaps a quarter of that out on farms...
Yeah, I've spent the whole of my life on farms,
and I'm telling you what this calf needs is some linseed oil.
Very well.
I think I've got some in the car.
Oh! Whoa! Oh!
Are you hurt, love? No.
No, I'm all right, Dad. No harm done.
Don't know what I were bloody thinking.
You've got no business being near beasts.
Look, I'm all right, Dad.
No, you're not. You're not, I'm telling you.
If you're gonna be here with us,
you're gonna have to stay out of harm's way.
Bloody hell fire.
Dammit!
Bloody thing!
Oh, poppet.
You're really not right, are you?
Come on, come on.
Bugger it. Argh!
Ah...
Uh...
Darrowby, 2297.
'Siegfried, it's Helen.' Yes?
Oh. Er...
Well, I wondered if you could come
and have a look at a calf with a blocked stomach.
The one Carmody saw yesterday?
Mm. He gave him linseed oil, but...
Well, that should do it. I have to go. No, w-wait.
I'd really rather you came and had a look at him.
'I'm very busy, Helen.'
Is this an emergency? Well, not exactly, but...
I'll send Carmody.
This is... not good.
You should've asked for Mr Farnon. I did.
He was in one of his moods.
Yes, he does seem to have rather a lot on his plate today.
So, what do you think's the matter with him?
I suspect he's overworked.
The leak in the kitchen probably doesn't help.
Not Siegfried. Smoky.
Ah... Well...
His temperature is close to the moribund level.
And do you see his eyes have become sunken?
I feel if something drastic isn't done,
he could be dead by tomorrow.
Are you kidding?
Too much undigested food has blocked him up.
Oh... The only thing for it's a rumenotomy.
An operation to cut open his stomach
and clear out everything that shouldn't be there.
Best call Siegfried, then.
You're not scared of him, are you? No, no.
Perhaps a little?
I've got a full list.
Can you cope without water till I'm back?
I'll get someone in to fix it. Oh, don't be absurd.
I'm not paying someone. I could train a monkey to do that.
Well, any chance this monkey could start immediately?
Only, I've a lot of laundry to get through.
Did you read me letter?
Would it make any difference if I had?
I'll get it.
Darrowby, 2297.
Slow down, Carmody.
Yes, all right, I'll be there soon.
I told you not to call veterinary.
Yeah, well, it's a good job I did.
Because if it were left up to you, we'd have a dead calf on our hands.
Oh, aye. According to who?
Some nine-year-old whose farm knowledge comes from
Old MacDonald and Mother bloody Goose?
Why don't I wait outside?
Are you angry with me because you're wrong?
Who says I'm wrong?
Or is it cos you're scared? Scared?
Scared of what?
You're getting older, Dad, and if you weren't so pig-headed,
you might just admit you could do with an hand up here.
This isn't about me, or even the calf.
This is about you being mindful of your baby.
I'm perfectly capable of looking after myself and a baby, Dad.
It's not a simple as that. It really is.
I came up here to help you, and that's exactly what I'm gonna do.
Do as you're told! Just do as you're told!
Oh...
Hello, love.
When I said I'd be back for a cuppa,
I bet you didn't think it'd be this soon.
What's happened?
Come and sit down. I'll put the kettle on.
Sorry to burden you with all this, Audrey.
Suppose I just needed someone to talk to.
Don't be sorry. You can always talk to me.
Are you all right?
I'm all right.
Oh, I'm not all right.
What is it?
I've given Mr Farnon me notice.
You're leaving?
You and Gerald? Are you engaged?
In a manner of speaking. Yes.
Congratulations.
I'll come and visit as soon as the baby's born.
I promise.
I'm happy for you. I just...
You thought I'd be there for the birth.
I know.
Chock-full of fruit.
There's enough here to open a greengrocer's.
Not sure that would be very sanitary.
Right. Of course.
That's your lot.
Should be right as rain once he's sewn up.
It's a good job you called me. Might not have made it otherwise.
I, er... owe you an apology, Mr Carmody.
Quite all right.
I'll leave you to it, Mr Farnon. Of course.
All yours. Let's see what James has taught you.
Stitch him up.
Knock, knock. Dad?
This is where they've had you cooped up all these months, eh?
I know it's not much, but we've tried to make it ours.
Is that why you got the cat?
See if there's room to swing it round?
Have a seat.
Shall I make us a brew? Nah, you're all right, thanks.
I can't stop, love.
Er...
I shouldn't have shouted at you like I did.
It's all right, Dad... No, please, love.
It's not all right.
We lost a child.
Erm...
When you were three. You had a... brother.
Never got to see him smile, laugh, cry, feel his little lungs with air.
He were gone before he got here.
And your mother always used to say it were God's will,
that there was nowt we could've done.
I've never been able to forgive myself.
I don't understand.
I used to beg her to take it easy,
but she's just like you, she's stubborn as a bloody mule.
She used to work from dawn till dusk right till the...
..right till the end.
Why haven't you told me before?
We wanted to, love. The time never seemed right.
You think that being a farmer would help you prepare, but it...
..it doesn't.
Nothing does, not really.
I'm sorry, Dad.
Well, I can't have it happen again.
I miss her.
Yeah.
Me too, love.
I hate that my baby won't know her.
That she'll just be a name. No. No, love...
She'll always be more than a name. I see your mother in you every day.
And in Jenny, and all.
So in that way, she's not really gone, has she?
Anyway, love, I'd better...
I'd better get back.
Dad.
There were nothing you could've done.
Either of you.
I can't feel the baby, Audrey.
And I can't remember the last time I did.
Well, you've been moving around a lot.
You've probably just not noticed. It's normal to fret.
I were a bundle of worries.
What if I've lost it, Audrey?
Why would you say that?
I should have listened to my dad, but I didn't.
What have I done? I've been... Listen to me, love.
I'm sure there's nothing to worry about.
Where are you going?
I'm gonna see if I can get hold of the midwife.
But I've already tried that.
Is Mr Farnon at Heston?
I think so. Right. Right.
Get your coat. I'll drive.
Slow down, Audrey. We're not in a race.
Maybe not, but it's important, in't it?
Mr Farnon.
We need your help.
Are you sure you wouldn't rather do this in the farmhouse?
If it's good enough for t'cows...
Righto.
Just try to relax.
Oh, for goodness sake.
I'm not sure I'm needed here, am I? Perhaps I should make some tea.
Quiet, please.
I wish James was here.
Sometimes, it's about finding the right angle.
It's funny, I've done this hundreds of times, just never on a human.
That explains why your hand is shaking. It isn't.
I can hear your heartbeat.
Mr Carmody, please remove the ear tubes
and put them in Helen's ears.
Oh. Oh!
It's the most beautiful sound in the world.
Oh!
Thank you.
I think I'll turn in, Mr Farnon.
Get an early night.
Sorry. Don't be.
If it's not inappropriate...
do you think you might help me with some of these details?
Read me what you've got.
"Housekeeper wanted to cook and clean in veterinary practice."
Is that it? Well, they charge by the word.
I see.
Well, there's... a bit more to it than that.
Yes, well, erm, laundry and ironing for instance.
Shopping. Dining. Walking the dogs.
Fielding telephone calls. Finding your keys
and everything else you misplace. Keeping the peace.
Holding the fort. Well, quite.
Well, thank you. That's very helpful.
I'm sure you'll get plenty of applicants.
I'll place it in the paper first thing.
Mrs Hall...
..I read your letter.
I should have done that when you gave it to me.
What you said about my taking you in all those years ago...
..meant a great deal.
Well, it were the truth.
I was a bit of a mess.
And you were an absolute stalwart.
You can add that to the list.
You'd just lost Evelyn.
How could you not be a mess?
I were at sixes and sevens
trying to come to terms with what happened with Edward.
And Robert.
Well, thank you for your help with this.
You have your own life now, Mrs Hall.
You must make the most of it.
Hello, Audrey.
What's happened?
Do you mind if come in?
I know you need to go to the Lakes.
There's nothing more important than family.
But...
I don't think I'm ready to go, not just yet.
I just...
There's Helen's baby.
And there's...
..Mr Farnon.
They need me.
I see. You should go.
Of course you should.
And maybe I will join you.
When?
I don't know.
This is all my fault.
No. No, it's not.
You don't have to say any more.
I've always known this would come.
Perhaps it were never meant to be, you and me.
I'm so sorry. No...
Never meant for this... Please, Audrey.
I think it's best you go.
I need to be on me own.
Audrey! I thought I'd pop in.
See how you're doing.
Fresh this morning.
Thank you.
It's nice of you to come all this way
just to bring me a loaf of bread.
I needed some air.
Maybe a friend.
There's been a change of plan.
I'll be here for the birth after all.
Oh, Audrey. I'm so sorry.
I'm glad I'll be here.
I'll put us the kettle on.
Mr Farnon.
She's not here, I'm afraid.
Audrey and I are no longer.
I see.
I'm very sorry to hear that.
It was you I came to see.
Now, I hate the idea of him going under the knife.
But if you think it's for the best...
Why don't you bring him through?
Thank you, Mr Farnon. Would you mind if I waited out here?
I couldn't bear to watch. Of course not.
Penny for your thoughts?
I thought I'd feel different being back here.
Closer to Mam, maybe.
Aye.
But further away from James.
In a funny way, yeah.
I have to look forward, Dad.
Skeldale's my home.
And I want us to be there when he comes back. Me and the baby.
Makes sense.
It's a bugger to get a postman up here,
never mind a bloody midwife.
Will you do something for me? What?
Get that in the look that. I will, love, aye.
If it means you're gonna stop nagging me.
Yes, everything went well.
I'll send the tumour off for analysis,
but as I say, it's probably benign.
Hello, boy!
Oh!
I don't know why I was so worried.
Because the thought of hurting those we love is dreadful.
Though sometimes necessary, sadly.
It was well done, coming here today.
Thank you, Mr Farnon.
Glad you brought him in.
How is he?
He'll be right.
It's best he and I go sooner rather than later.
To the Lakes, I mean.
All things considered.
I see.
It still keeps perfect time.
Goodbye, Audrey.
Gerald.
What I meant to say is...
..thank you.
I'm going completely mad.
Where's the spanner?
Have you got it?
I'm so sorry.
Me too.
Mr Farnon, I were wondering...
..have you already posted the job listing?
Well, do you know the strangest thing,
I bumped into Mary Rudd this morning.
She told me her sister Winifred
was looking for a housekeeping position.
I see. The only trouble is,
the woman has a voice that can strip paint and she hates dogs.
Oh. Goodness.
Well, we can't have that.
Of course, I could always stay on, if...
that would be appropriate?
I think that might be the most practical thing.
Given the circumstances.
If you're sure. I completely understand...
I'm sure.
Mrs Hall, if I've taken you for granted over the years...
No.
You haven't.
Right...
I think we could both use a brew, don't you?
Ah. Yes, erm...
The thing is...
That's odd. You fixed it?
Well, the point is it's working now.
It were Gerald, weren't it?
It might have been, yes.
Of course it were.
If you've any laundry needs doing, best give it me.
I'm about to do a load.
Haven.
That's my tenth word, so that means I've won.
What? Oh. Impossible.
Yes, all right, I'll give you that.
There we go.
Best of three?
They're transferring me to Brize Norton to start bomber training.
So, when you finish your training you'll be flying over there?
I don't think I'm ready.
Well, neither did any of the women who came before you,
and yet here we all are.
If worst came to the worst, I'd be on hand to step into the breach.
No, no, absolutely not. Not one of your best ideas.
My wife, she's pregnant. I wondered if I could go back?
Should I just let every man who gets a woman knocked up
run gallivanting across the country?
I think it's started.