01x01 - Episode 1

[bunniefuu]

(Joyous crying)

It's all right, darling.

It's marvellous.

♪ Just kiss me once and kiss me twice ♪
♪ Then kiss me once again ♪
♪ It's been a long, long time ♪
♪ Haven't felt like this, my dear Since can't remember when ♪
♪ It's been a long, long time ♪
♪ You'll never know how Many dreams I've dreamed about you ♪
♪ Or just how empty they all seemed without you ♪
♪ So kiss me once, then kiss me twice ♪
♪ Then kiss me once again ♪
♪ It's been a long, long time. ♪

(Loud hustle and bustle)

Here you are, madam.

How much?

Grand.

OK.

Lewis, come on.

Madam.

Is one of those men Daddy?

Good afternoon, madam.

Yes, I'm meeting my husband.

Never mind.

We'll get you out of that bloody uniform.

Lizzie.

We can burn it.

Shake hands, then.

These aren't bad.

No.

Excuse me.

Carmichael still sending over plenty of pheasant?

Yes.

Excuse me, sir.

I should think you're sick of them!

Sir?

Do answer him, Gilbert.

Lewis.

Was it very hot in the desert?

Very.

Were there snakes?

A few.

Were there camels?

Yes, lots.

Did you ride on any?

No.

Did you sh**t people to death or blow them up?

Let Daddy eat his lunch.

But did you sh**t people or blow them up?

Nobody wants to talk about things like that.

Do you like chops?

Chops are jolly nice. Don't you think so?

They're not bad. Did they give you jelly in the desert?

Talkative, isn't he?

Not always. We've been so excited, haven't we?

Well, eat your lunch, Lewis, and be quiet, there's a good chap.

Does Daddy tuck me in? I can't remember.

I'll ask him. Now, go to sleep.

I want to know everything in your mind.

What you're thinking.

If you're happy.

All right.

I was thinking how nice it is to be on proper sheets.

You weren't.

I was!

And, er...

How much I enjoyed lunch.

No jelly in North Africa then?

Actually, we did have jelly at Christmas.

Why didn't you tell him? He would have been thrilled.

Mummy?

Of course I don't mind.

Are you sure?

Can I? Can I?

Lewis...

No, no, no, no, let him go.

Shall we?

He gets on so well with those boys.

You probably don't remember them, they are all grown up.

Look! It's, er, Dicky and Claire.

Dicky?

Oh. Hail the returning hero!

Well done, good man. My God, look at you!

You look like a darkie! Are you ready for the office?

Absolutely. Absolutely.

It's a good thing you kept the flat in London, we need all hands on deck. Sorry, Elizabeth.

Oh, no.

Oh, look at this lot.

Lewis! Lewis! Come here!

This is a graveyard, Lewis, not a schoolyard. Just behave.

Have to get your house back in order, eh, Gilbert?

Perhaps we'll see you in church more often?

(Organ music)

I don't like him. Sh!

Why didn't he go and fight like Daddy?

Why does he get to tell everyone what to do?

Sh! Because he likes it.

Good morning, everyone. Please stand.

♪ Thine be the glory ♪
♪ Risen conquering son. ♪
♪ The rising of the sun ♪
♪ The running of the deer... ♪

(Muffled arguing)

Get up from there.

Look at you, you are going to have to change before the guests arrive.

Sorry.

I am sick and tired of you, Kit. You do nothing but make a mess.

If God knew he'd send him to hell! It's not fair.

Stay still. I'll do you up.

Tamsin, are you playing?

No.

Dicky wanted to see me in his study, or the library...

The study or the library, or the blue room or the pink standing-up room.

What royal line is Dicky from?

Oh, yes, it's the Northern Line, straight out from Camden Town!

Lizzie, you promised to behave about this.

Oh, go on! Here.

(He knocks)

Ah! Gilbert!

Psst!

It's Lewis and Tom!

And Ed.

And Norman!

Have you seen the others?

Maybe they're outside.

There are spiders in here.

There's one on your head.

(Laughter)

Ssh!

Not too bad, eh?

Darling, I love parties.

There you are.

He did it at last, thank God.

Really?!

When Ronnie Mulhall retires.

That's marvellous! Lewis, did you hear?! Daddy's been promoted!

He's so clever!

Steady on...

It's wonderful!

In you get. Come on.

You'll freeze.

Happy birthday, darling.

Look.

Happy birthday.

Thanks.

Hop in.

Right, here you are, now. You won't fall. Don't worry.

That's it. Feet on pedals. Ready.

There we are. Wonderful.

Typical!

She'll have to go back.

She can't, it's miles!

Don't do that! You'll get covered!

Go back! Back!

What shall I do with my bike?

Kit, you're ruining everything!

She can go on my crossbar.

That looks pretty nearly bust up.

Come on, then.

All right?

Let's go!

Go.

Lean back!

Shall we go further along?

To the wreck? It's quite far.

I don't mind.

I love it here, we must make Daddy come.

Yeah.

Chin-chin!

Oh, very elegant.

It's not too bad, once you're in!

I can see the boat but it's all silted in.

I'm going to get the rudder off it.

It's all buried! Can't get it.

Never mind! Come and have some more to eat!

Psst. Olive?

Thank you.

Right then!

Right then?

This dashed rudder. I'm going to get it.

You can't get it, you're only a girl!

I say I can get it, and I'll wager £50.

£250 says you can't.

I bloody, bloody can, Lewis Robert Aldridge!

Ah! Woo-ha-ha-ha!

Where's this wreck then?

There. There!

You won't get it!

You just watch me.

You're right, it's stuck.

Mummy?

Help!

Help!

Lewis! Lewis! Lewis!

(Murmuring)

Glad to see you up and about, Lewis.

Let me introduce you. You know me, of course.

I've known you since you were born, haven't I?

That gentleman there is Mr Liley. He's what we call a coroner.

That's somebody who finds about things, often sad things, like deaths.

And you know Constable Wilson.

Don't worry.

All you need to do is answer the questions that I or Mr Liley put to you, calmly and sensibly. Do you understand?

Let's start with an easy one, shall we? What's your name?

Lewis Robert Aldridge.

And how old are you?

Ten.

Well done, good boy.

Now, do you remember what happened last Thursday?

Do you remember what happened on that very bad day?

You went for a picnic with your mother, didn't you?

Did you have a nice picnic?

Yes, thank you.

I know this is very difficult for you, Lewis.

We're all very sorry indeed.

Can you think you could tell us, in your own words, what happened then?

Lewis? Can you tell us what happened to your mummy?

Everyone needs to know, Lewis.

I went swimming.

I was trying to get the rudder off the wreck that's there.

But I couldn't and my...

My...

It's all right. Try again.

I wanted to get the rudder off the boat.

And you asked her to help you?

No. She said she would do it.

Did you help her?

No. I was watching.

Did you see what went wrong?

Did you see your mother get into trouble in the water?

Did you try to help her?

Tell me what happened!

Gilbert!

Try to remember what happened to your mother.

It's all right.

Lizzie is dead.

Lizzie d*ed ten days ago.

My wife, Elizabeth, is dead.

My wife d*ed recently.

Lizzie is dead.

Mummy!

How was the trip?

All right.

Daddy!

Come on. Lewis, come on now.

None of that. Come on.

Lewis.

(Train whistle blows)

(Piano music plays on radio)

(Man speaks on radio)

(Applause on radio)

What a good boy.

You can help me peel the potatoes, if you like.

(William tell overture plays on radio)

'Does daddy tuck me in? I can't remember.'

'I'll ask him.'

Now go to sleep.

(She kisses his forehead)

(Light switch clicks)

(Dog barks)

(Footsteps approach)

Sit down, Lewis.

Your report arrived this morning.

And...

I have some very good news for you.

Some weeks ago, I met a...

You see, you are to have a new mother.

I've met a charming young lady. She's called Alice Fanshawe.

I think you'll like her very much.

We're going to be married in the Spring.

You'll meet her next holidays.

I don't want you to be difficult about this, Lewis.

You'll see it's the right thing.

Run along. There's a good chap. We'll look at your report later.

(Clattering upstairs)

(Glass breaks)

(Loud smashing, lewis screams)

What was that?

Lewis?

Oh, my God. Lewis!

(He sobs breathlessly)

Right! Stop that.

Do you hear me?

Get off!

Stop. Lewis.

Stop crying.

Don't touch me!

Jane? Jane, will you take him?

No! You take him. You do it!

Stop it!

Argh! Just get off!

Get off me!

Stop! Stop!

Lewis. For goodness' sake, calm down!

(Lewis hyperventilates)

(Panting)

A lot of fathers would thrash you for doing a thing like that.

You are my little boy Lewis, and I want you to make me proud, not ashamed.

Are you a bad person, to behave in such a terrible way?

Is that what you want to be?

Now.

You to listen to me very, very carefully.

Do not make your mother's death an excuse.

Ever.

It would be like hurting her all over again. Do you understand?

Now, why don't you go and help Jane clear up the mess you've made?

Lewis?

Thank you.

(He breathes deeply)

♪ No more days of school! ♪
♪ No more days of sorrow! ♪
♪ No more Latin, no more French ♪
♪ No more sitting on the old school bench ♪
♪ We'll be home tomorrow ♪
♪ No more pencils... ♪

Where's your present, Lewis?

♪ No more teachers dirty looks! ♪

(Door opens)

(Giggling)

Teacher: Happy Easter, boys.

All boys but Lewis: Hooray!

Chairs!

(Children chatter and shout)

Sissy!

(Train whistle blows)

Hurry up.

Make sure you didn't leave anything on the train.

Come on, move on.

(Children tease and laugh)

Boy: Come on! This way!

Announcer: .. your train is now on platform two.

Lewis!

Woman in station: Henry, darling! Hi, Henry!

Hello! You must be Lewis. I'm Alice.

How do you do?

How do you do?

You got my present then?

Yes.

Good. Let's get on, shall we?

Lewis?

Don't...

It's not awfully nice here, is it?

Won't you come with us?

Lewis, come on!

You haven't even opened your present!

Wasn't it exciting to get a lovely present at school?

Were all the other boys jealous?

It's a girl's present.

Lewis, that was very rude.

It doesn't matter.

Come on then, let's find a taxi.

Come on, keep up.

Man: You all right?

Second man: Steady!

(Horse whinnies)

Alice: Thank you.

(Man groans as he lifts furniture)

Upstairs, first on the right.

Righto.

Am I all right, do you think?

All right for what?

All right for him.

I want him to like me.

Alice, it's not for him to like or dislike you.

I want him to, though.

I should get him some jigsaws, or something.

(He snickers)

Jigsaws?

(He snickers)

(She laughs)

Hmm.

Brrrr!

(She giggles)

Go on. Go on. Here.

Hello.

How long have you had it?

I got it for Christmas!

(Boys converse inaudibly)

(Alice sighs)

Jolly cold.

Oh, awful.

It's his pride and joy.

How old is your boy?

He's 11.

I thought so.

Paul's 12.

Nanny's gone to visit her family in Pontefract or some ghastly place.

I've been at my wit's end.

Oh, we don't have a nanny.

It's only Lewis, and he's away at school.

His mother -- I mean...

I'm not his mother. I'm his stepmother.

She was...

It wasn't divorce.

She's dead.

How dreadful.

Yes.

One's used to fathers, of course... but a mother?

How did she die?

She drowned.

I see.

How horrible.

And when did you and his father meet?

Last November.

Well, men can't manage alone, can they?

Watch out!

Oh, no.

You're soaked!

I am sort of freezing.

Oh, gosh!

Oh, dear, what a mess!

I didn't mean to.

It doesn't matter!

Lewis, isn't it?

I'm Mrs Dunford-Wood.

How do you do?

I was so sorry to hear about your mother.

Thanks.

I think we ought to be going, Lewis, don't you? Goodbye.

Nice to meet you!

I'm sorry.

I've said I'm sorry.

Come along!

Don't you know it's rude to stare?

I wasn't.

Yes, you were.

Stop it.

Why is it that you are perfectly fine, most of the time?

But... you save all this for me?

Why can't you make a bloody effort?

Everyone else does!

Come on!

And the spare room will be the nursery.

I can make curtains.

I'll try.

You'll try.

(Faint sighs of pleasure)

(Muffled speech)

I can see it!

(He gasps)

(Church bells ring out)

Kit!

Well, I'm going out to the car.

At last!

First church-Sunday of the holidays, Kit. Everyone will be there.

(Church organ plays)

How's your arm?

Oh! Much better, thank you.

Poor old you!

Only myself to blame.

What on earth was Claire doing up a ladder in the first place?

You'd think they'd have someone to see to the orchard.

(Chatter and laughter)

We could go into Turville.

Too far.

Too hot.

Turville?

Don't mind.

I have a blister.

You little ones can go home if you like.

We could swim?

I don't have my bathing suit. None of us do.

You could tuck your skirt up.

You don't mind getting your legs wet, do you?

Silly!

Anyway, I'd rather go into Woldham.

I've got money.

We could swim first.

I don't want to.

Nor do I.

No.

Lewis?

No.

See?

Well, Lewis wouldn't.

So that's that.

I think Woldham would be fun! Woldham would be fun, wouldn't it?

I have a blister.

We have to be back for lunch.

What?

Why wouldn't I?

Why wouldn't I want to go to the river?

Come on, Lewis, everybody knows why.

Ed!

Say it, then.

Say it.

You're being stupid.

Why say it?

Because of your mother.

So what?

What about that?

Nothing.

You're being ridiculous.

Don't laugh.

I'm not.

Don't f*cking laugh!

How dare you speak like that in front of the girls?

No-one asked you to come along, anyway.

You can't be surprised if the subject of swimming comes up on a hot day. You can't expect special treatment.

It's not our fault about your poor mama.

It's not our fault she was drunk!

Ed!

Where's Mrs Phelps?

Wait here. Kit, go and get some ice or something, I'm going to call Dr Straechen.

Does it look bad?

You were horrible to Lewis.

He hit me!

Where is he?

Oh, Lord! Ed!

What about the Aldridge boy?

What did he do afterwards?

He just ran off into the woods.

No, he didn't, he walked.

Shut up, Kit.

What was he thinking, doing a thing like that?

Why?

(Phone rings)

You keep saying that, you keep saying that...

Hello?

.. but you had no reason.

Harry, yes, how's Ed?

I had to stop him!

Stop him what?

We're so sorry.

What?

Yes, of course.

What possible reason was there to do this thing?

There wasn't one.

Then there is something very wrong with you.

Up higher.

Good!

Over here.

Go on!

Oh! Bad luck.

Thanks.

Hello, sweetheart, do you want some company?

Can I have a light, darling?

No, I'm all right.

(Men shout aggressively)

(Muted jazz music plays)

Go on, then.

(Loud jazz music and chatter)

(Cheering and applause)

(Mellow music plays)

You were looking at me.

Sorry.

Don't be.

Do you always look at women like that?

Like what?

Dirty.

Waifs and strays, Miss Jeannie.

It's all right, Jack.

All right, all right. What do you want?

Gin.

You can get a rum.

You drink that now.

Thanks.

Night, George.

Night.

Bloody hell!

I've got nowhere to go.

No, really! I've missed my last train.

Come here a second.

You're a baby.

I'm Jeanie Lee. What's your name?

Lewis.

Lewis what?

Lewis Aldridge.

Get another train, Lewis Aldridge.

Where to, miss?

Oh, Alice! Claire says to call her.

Thank you so much for coming so soon.

Good morning, Sir, any word?

No, no. He took the school train, My wife went to meet him.

Is that your son?

I am so sorry.

Get up!

Do you want me to send you away?

There are places to put boys like you.

Have you any notion how harshly you would be treated anywhere but here?

You are a burden.

Lewis, do you know how difficult it is to look after you?

You frightened him, I think.

I don't think he even heard.

I'm not pregnant.

It's not exactly a surprise though, is it?

I'm sorry.

He'll be back at school soon. Things will be easier then.

Is he so much like her?

Does just having him in the house...

You know nothing about it!

I want to be a mother.

(Door shuts firmly)

Song: "Winter Wonderland"

What are you doing?

Nothing.

Happy Christmas!

You too.

How is it?

All right, thanks.

Have you seen any of them?

No!

There they are!

Do you remember when we went down New Hill on my bike?

I was six! I was terrified!

So was I.

Were you?

You're never out with anyone any more.

I'm not really either.

People can be rather boring, I think.

I just stay home in the holidays.

Sometimes not, though.

Not home, I mean.

I read Anna Karenina!

Have you read it? I didn't like Anna. I thought she was a drip.

I started to read Of Human Bondage, but then my mummy stopped me...

There we are. Have you got a drink?

Tamsin looks gorgeous, beautiful girl. Isn't she lovely?

I'm a lucky one!

You should finish it.

What?

Oh...

Hello.

Happy Christmas.

(They chuckle)

Kit, I need you. The little ones have scattered.

Coming.

I think everybody had a very good time, don't you?

Why aren't you in bed?

Mummy said I needn't.

Well, go now.

NOW.

All right!

Good night, Daddy.

Good night, Mummy.

(Knock at door)

Is that you in there, Kit?

Bed now girls... lights out.

There they go, the scourge of the village.

Back by five!

Yes, Mum.

Morning, Ed!

Morning, Mrs Johnson!

Of course, Harry doesn't believe our Ed could possibly be head-boy material, yet there he is.

That's three whole pounds, Mr Rogers.

Fred's the same. Butter wouldn't melt at school, hooligan at home.

Who'd be a mother?

How is Lewis?

Fine! Thank you.

Is he enjoying the holidays?

Yes.

So glad.

(Jazz music plays)

G'wan now, boy. G'wan home.

Still here?

Waiting.

And you wait so well.

Here... Here... Here.

(They gasp)

(They pant)

Would you mind if I used the telephone?

No, I don't mind if you use the telephone.

Doesn't your mummy know where you are?

Let's you run about town all hours, does she?

No.

Look, I'll see you out there.

That was nice...

Thanks.

It has been late before.

But ten days... Wouldn't you be happy?

You know I would.

It's been a long time for you.

Waiting.

You're looking very pretty.

Try not to think about it.

I'm not!

Just get dressed.

Alchemilla is attractive.

Yes, but slugs always get it.

That's hostas.

Oh, yes. Alchemilla, 'pretty when it rains'.

Will Lewis be coming with us to the Johnsons'?

Family party. Yes, of course.

Lewis?

You'd think no-one had ever seen meat before!

Of course, we have ours delivered.

And I was almost driven to ordering from London direct and be done with it!

Excuse me. Sorry.

Lewis? Lewis, come on!

(She sobs)

Alice, the Johnson's asked us for one, didn't they?

Yes. Just a moment.

What have you done?

For God's sake, Lewis.

Mustn't be late.

We will see you there.

Right.

Let me do it.

It's disgusting.

A disgusting thing to do.

I know.

Lewis!

Alice?

Wait... clean shirt.

Alice, come along!

One minute.

Here.

Please don't tell Dad.

Please.

I promise... just go.

These boys, once they get through their National Service, will get useful positions.

Absolutely.

Hope so!

I'm talking about the other sort of lads who've had the misfortune to be brought up in a country that takes care of them.

We see it at Carmichaels, don't we, Gilbert?

In the office boys and messengers.

'Fraid so.

The '30s were very different.

The '20s and '30s were very different.

One finds the same problem with domestic help.

So, Lewis, how is school?

Fine, thank you, Sir.

Tamsin! You must be delighted to have finished with all that?

Yes, Mr Aldridge, I'm so relieved.

Treating you all right, are they?

Yes.

Still a keen cricketer?

Oh, rugger, last term, was it?

I said, rugby, last term, did you hear?

Your father says you're always getting in trouble for one thing or another, always getting yourself flogged for something.

No, no, I said... No.

We all remember getting flogged!

Certainly do.

Things aren't going too badly, are they, Lewis?

Why don't you answer your father?

I said...

I heard you.

Then you should answer when you're spoken to.

Sorry.

Come on, Dicky. We've got it under control.

Have you?

For God's sake, Gilbert, look at him!

Extraordinary behaviour!

That was uncalled for.

I beg your pardon. Forgive me.

I was there not long after Elizabeth was drowned, the boy was unmoved.

It was unnatural.

Yes, well, nobody actually saw what happened, did they?

You're horrible! Why can't you leave him alone!?

Oh, dear... See? You're not the only ones!

In here.

What are you doing in here?

What are you doing?

Nothing.

Mr Johnson doesn't want you in here.

Have you been stealing things?

No.

This is my house, too. We want you to go.

Nobody wants you here.

Eh?

Daddy!

Grab him!

Get him down. Get him down. Get him on the floor.

What did I tell you, Gilbert?

Lewis! Lewis, stop! Stop!

Stop. Stop.

Everything's fine, not to worry, just a bit of a scrap.

What happened? Fred! Oh!

My God! Let me see.

Can you get up?

Are you saying he does this to himself?

Yes.

Just to hurt himself?

Come forward.

I had always thought because you are a girl, when you misbehaved, I shouldn't punish you as I would a boy.

Only Mummy?

Your behaviour today was appalling.

Really?

I won't have it.

Storming out like that, shouting, in front of everybody.

Over that chair.

What?

Over that chair.

(She gasps)

(Phone rings)

Girls! Girls! The church is on fire!

(Phone continues ringing)

David?

It's all right.

Hello there, Kit.

Hello.

How are you?

Is Lewis all right?

Nothing for you to worry about.

Off you go.

As you may know, taking into account your age and your background, there has been some discussion as to whether you should take up your National Service in lieu of a custodial sentence.

I must tell you, however, that in matters of national security, the Army are rather choosier than that.

You have shown neither remorse or contrition... and therefore, I sentence you to a period of 2½ years imprisonment.

Your National Service will commence upon your release.

The date dependent on your conduct whilst you are incarcerated.