[ Gentle sweeping music ]
-Hello, you.
-Oh, here, I'll do that.
Helen, I mean it.
James'd 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 batty.
-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.
Sounds like they're drilling him to within an inch of his life,
poor sod.
-Bit o' toughening up'll do him good.
-He's plenty tough enough, Dad.
I don't like the thought of them flogging him to death.
-Well, he'll come back wi' shoulders twice the size,
and muscles bulging everywhere.
How on earth will you cope?
-Jenny Alderson!
-Well, you won't be wanting my backrubs anymore,
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.
-Ey, nice to see you.
-What happened, Dad?
-What do you mean?
-Have you hurt yourself?
-I've twisted me knee.
It's nowt.
-Doesn't look like nowt.
-He caught his foot in a rabbit hole.
-He won't go to doctor. -What's the point?
I've not stopped working, have I?
-He can barely get up the stairs by the end of the day.
-Here, let me have a look at it.
-Stop making a fuss, the pair of you.
-Tell me the truth. Are you coping?
-You mean with him being Mr. Hop-a-long
or him being even grumpier than usual?
-It's fine. I'm fine.
[ Door opens ]
[ Door closes ]
-I've been saving them.
-Thank you.
What a treat.
-[ Chuckles ]
Nowt for you, boy.
-You're just like Jess and Dash.
Play me like a fiddle, they do.
Is he alright?
He's walking funny.
-You're not wrong.
It's his rear end.
You alright, Rock?
[ Rock whines ]
-One of his testicles is enlarged.
It's 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 right time.
-You've given him all but 10 years of your life, Audrey.
I know it won't be easy.
It's just...
I have to think of Lillian, too.
She needs me. -Of 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 you about something?
-Of course.
-I think I'm gonna move back home.
Me Dad's hurt his leg.
-Is he alright?
-Yeah, you know what he's like.
He'd say he was alright 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 s'pose...
-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.
-Don't be daft. You'll give her a lift, won't you?
-Of course
-Help her with her bags and whatnot.
-Right, then.
-You must leave a few things in the bedsit
so you can come and go whenever you like.
-Course I will.
-And then there were two, eh, Mrs Hall?
[ Engine starts ]
-Hold that, you. I'm gonna get some wire.
-Don't be daft, stay here. 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.
-[ Sighs ]
-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 aunty.
I can't feel anything.
-Some days she's livelier than others.
It's easy to fret all the time
when you've no idea what's normal.
-Well, you've 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.
[ Laughs ]
-Bugger it.
-Mr Farnon? -Bloody thing's still leaking.
You couldn't pass me the spanner, could you?
Mrs Hall?
Is everything alright?
-I, er...
I need to talk you about my position, Mr Farnon.
-Right.
-The thing is...
-You're leaving me.
-I've tried to explain it as best I can in the letter.
I don't know 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 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, um...
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.
-Well, a month should be ample, Mrs Hall.
-Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa!
What do you think you're on with?
-Helping out.
Aw, Dad, don't start mollycoddling.
-I wouldn't bloody dare.
-That better be for you.
-I know you don't like to be cooped up inside, so...
-I didn't come here to laze about in the sun
like a 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.
Or if you don't want to do that, then you can have a sit down,
put your feet up. Up to you.
-Fine. -Alright.
-Hey.
Hey?
What's up, lad?
You not hungry?
[ Telephone rings ]
-Darrowby two-two-nine-seven.
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?
Alright, 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've 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 metastasize,
spread through the body, very readily.
But I should still cut it to 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.
C'mon, boy.
-Penny for your thoughts.
It's something me Mam used to say.
As in, I'll give you a penny
and you tell me what you're thinking.
-Do I have to? -No!
-You haven't even given me a penny.
-It's just an expression, Richard.
Anyway, what's wrong wi' him?
-What's going on 'ere?
Summat up wi' calf?
-It seems like Smokey may have a problem with his rumen,
one of his stomach compartments.
-Why didn't you tell me? -I didn't want to bother you.
-What's he eaten today, do you know?
-I let him in the orchard this morning.
He's probably just got a bellyful of fruit.
-That would explain the lack of rumination.
He's blocked up.
-Nowt that 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, so...
-I've spent the whole of my life on farms,
and I'm tellin' you, what this calf needs is some linseed oil.
-Very well.
I think I've got some in the car.
-Oh! Ooh! Bloody hell.
Are you hurt, love?
-No. I'm alright Dad. No harm done.
-I don't know what I were bloody thinking.
You've got no business being near beasts.
-Look, I'm alright Dad.
-No, 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 hellfire!
-[ Frustrated yell ]
Damn it!
[ Clunking ]
Bloody thing!
-Oh, poppet.
You're really not right, are you?
-Come on, come on...
[ Clunk ]
Bugger it!
[ Grunts ]
[ Sighs ]
[ Telephone rings ]
Darrowby two-two-nine-seven.
-Siegfried, it's Helen.
-Yes? -Oh.
-Er, well, I wondered if you could come
and look at a calf with a blocked stomach.
-The one Carmody saw yesterday? -Hmm.
-He gave him linseed oil, but... -Well that should do it.
I have to go. -No, wait. 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.
[ Telephone dings ]
-This is...
...not good.
You should have 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, Smokey!
-Ah.
Well, his temperature is close to the moribund level.
And do you see his eyes have become sunken?
I fear if something drastic isn't done,
he could be dead by tomorrow.
-Are you kidding?
-Too much undigested food has blocked him up.
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.
[ Mooing ]
-I've got a full list,
can you cope without water 'til I'm back?
-I'll get someone in to fix it.
-Don't be absurd. I'm not paying someone.
I could train a monkey to do that.
-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?
[ Telephone rings ]
I'll get it.
Darrowby two-two-nine-seven.
Slow down, Carmody.
Yes, alright, I'll be there soon.
-I told you not to call veterinary.
-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 a 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 as simple as that.
-It really is! I came up here to help you,
and that's exactly what I'm going to do.
-Do as you're told! Just do as you're told!
[ Door closes ]
-[ Sighs ]
-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.
-I'm sorry to burden you with all this, Audrey.
I suppose I just needed someone to talk to.
-Don't be sorry. You can always talk to me.
-Are you alright?
-I'm alright.
I'm not alright.
-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.
[ Sniffs ]
I just... -I'm happy for you.
-You thought I'd be there for the birth.
I know.
-He's chock full of fruit.
There's enough here to open a greengrocer's.
-I'm 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.
He might not have made it otherwise.
-I, er, owe you an apology, Mr Carmody.
-Quite alright.
-I'll leave you to it, Mr Farnon.
-Of course.
-All yours. Let's see what James has taught you.
Stitch him up.
[ Engine starts ]
-Knock, knock.
-Dad?
-So this is where they've had you cooped up
all these months, then, 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?
-No, you're alright, thanks. I can't stop, love.
I shouldn't have shouted at you like I did.
-It's alright, Dad. -No, please, love.
It's not alright.
We lost a child.
When you were three, you had a brother.
We never got to see him smile, laugh, cry,
fill his little lungs with air.
He were gone before he got here.
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.
She's just like you, she was stubborn as a bloody mule.
She used to work from dawn 'til dusk,
right 'til the...
Right 'til the end.
-Why haven't you told me before?
-We wanted to, love. The time never seemed right.
You'd think that being a farmer would help you prepare,
but it...
It don'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, an all.
So, in that way, she's not really gone, has she?
Eh, well, I better...
I better get back.
-Dad.
There was nothing you could've done.
Either of you.
[ Singing on record ]
-I can't feel the baby, Audrey.
And I can't remember the last time I did.
-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've listened to me Dad, but I didn't.
What have I done? I mean... -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.
-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, isn'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.
[ Heartbeat ]
-Oh.
It's the most beautiful sound in the world.
Thank you.
[ Laughter ]
-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, um, laundry and ironing for instance.
-Shopping, darning.
Walking the dogs. -Fielding telephone calls.
-Finding your keys and everything else you misplace.
-Keeping the peace. -Holding the fort.
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.
-[ Chuckles ]
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.
[ Dog whines ]
-Hello, Audrey!
What's happened?
-Do you mind if I 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'll 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.
-I never meant for this --
-Please, Audrey.
I think it's best you go.
I need to be on my own.
[ Door opens ]
[ Door closes ]
[ Knocking ]
-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.
And 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.
[ Knocking ]
-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 knee looked at.
-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 were 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.
-I'm 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.
[ Clock chimes ]
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, and 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 if --
-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, um, the thing is...
[ Water runs ]
That's odd...
-You fixed it.
-Well, the point is, it's working now.
-It were Gerald, weren't it?
-It might've been, yes.
-Of course it were.
[ Horn honks ]
[ Dogs bark ]
-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, alright, I'll give you that.
-Ey, there we go!
-Best of three?