11x07 - Episode 7

[bunniefuu]

MATURE JENNIFER: Human beings thrive
on the known, and the predictable.

We like our routines...

Morning.

...the calendar and the clock.

We like the familiar, and the expected.

DOOR OPENS

Human beings are foolish.

Life is full of other plans.

Oh...

Morning, Nurse.

- Good morning.
- Morning.

Have you seen this? In a free vote,

the House of Commons
passed the Abortion Act.

Does that mean it's legal now?

Well, only as far as
the statute book is concerned.

There's still a great deal
to put in place

before any woman will be able to, well,

legally have a termination.

But that will be... next year?

At least?

And until then, shall we get on?

- Oh, sorry.
- It's always worth sharing good news.

And if it means we're any closer
to the last backstreet abortion...

- It is good news indeed.
- To the business of the day.

Nurse Robinson,
Mrs Jenner is out of hospital.

Would you check in on her?

Sister Frances,

you are required at the maternity home.

Nurse Corrigan,

you've a number of new mothers
to visit, I believe.

SINGSONG: Nurse Corrigan?

Yes, I got all that.

As for me...

Ah, yes, Mrs Corbett.

She can't have long to go now.

Another few weeks,

but she's struggling
with her symphysis pubis.

That can be very painful.

It's easy to take
for granted how the joints

of the pelvis work together
in perfect unison...

...until they don't.

I hope you can help her.

I'll do my very best. Shall we?

Oh.

Hm...

A high temperature, swollen glands,
sore throat and extreme fatigue.

- Your diagnosis, Dr Turner?
- Glandular fever.

But I already knew that.

I'm not the only one in halls
to come down with it.

Don't they call it the kissing disease?

THEY GIGGLE

It does raise the question.

Which I'm not prepared
to answer at this time.

Well, the only known cure
for glandular fever is rest,

and plenty of it.

We were right to bring you home.

Come on,

let's give your brother
some peace and quiet.

GIGGLING CONTINUES

I'm concerned.

Nurse Corrigan may have been left
to her own devices

a little too often.

Her progress has never been unequivocal.

Are you worried that
she might be slipping?

I think she sometimes loses
her concentration.

Would you like me to speak with her?

Can I suggest that, instead of running

the risk of undermining her confidence,

we show her what she IS capable of?

The poor boy looked as though
he hadn't slept for a month

when he arrived.
And I didn't say anything,

but his hair is a disgrace.

He looks like a Shetland pony!

I always thought long hair
and late nights

were rather typical for students.

I had a short back and sides,

and I was virtually nocturnal
for my first three years.

Ooh, is that so?

Because I was spending
so much time in the library

and not the pub.

Well, Timothy will be getting

his full eight hours while he's home.

Whilst I have your attention, Doctor,

the travel arrangements
for the Midwifery

and Obstetrics Conference in Chelmsford,

how many train tickets
will you be requiring?

Three - myself, Mrs Turner
and Sister Julienne

- will be attending.
- Very good.

Ooh, and in other tidings
pertinent to movement,

I have today received a postcard
from our Nurse Crane.

Ooh, and where is she now? Marrakech?

Coastal Kent.

Ah.

Back on the British landmass,
for the last week of her leave.

BABY FUSSES

Go on. Don't be shy.

I've... got an appointment.
For the baby.

Name?

Carole Reece.

Carole. It's nice to see you again.

Oh, hello!

Sister Frances helped deliver Dean.

Hello, I'm Norma. Carole's foster mum.

And how's this little fella doing?

HE CRIES

Oh, dear.

It's his skin. It's ever so dry.

I'm sure we can do something
about that. Come through.

Go with the Doctor.

It's all right, I'll just be out here.

Will you come with me?

Of course.

I know - they get younger every day.

It does look very sore.

Do you use soap in his bath?

Yeah, baby soap.
I thought that'd be all right.

In normal circumstances, it would be,

but Dean has a condition called eczema,

which means his skin is very sensitive.

I didn't know.

Well, you can dress him now.

I'm going to prescribe some lotion

and some emollient to go in his bath.

That should clear things up.

But you need to remember,
it will make Dean very slippery

when he comes out of the bath.
Like an eel.

Especially if he's a wriggler.

He really is. So, that's it?
He'll get better?

It will ease his symptoms,

but you'll have to keep an eye on him.

If you like, I could pop round,
check everything's all right?

I'm at Norma's for now.

But when I turn ,

the council are giving us
a place of our own.

Oh, good morning, Roberta.

I believe your mother's expecting me.

Yeah. She's in the kitchen.
You can just go in.

Ah, lovely.

Mrs Corbett?

It's only me.

Oh, I was hoping it would be. SHE GROANS

Please don't feel you have
to stand on my account.

I see the pain in your hips
has got worse.

In the last couple of weeks,

I've been finding it difficult
to get up the stairs.

Oh, we can't be having that.

Let me speak to Dr Turner.

Oh, you don't need to bother him.

I respectfully disagree.

Edina hates making a fuss.

Whilst I rather enjoy it.

In fact,
it's a favourite pastime of mine.

I've only two or three more weeks to go.

And there is absolutely no reason
why we can't try to ease your pain.

Thank you.

And you complain about me?

I'm going to make you that
appointment at the optician's.

How do you expect to drive a train?

His glasses are wrong.
They're giving him headaches.

That's her polite way
of saying I'm getting old.

Not at all.

You look the same
as the day I married you.

Maybe with a few more grey hairs.

I knew it!

It comes to us all, Mr Corbett.

In you go.

Let's get changed out of our uniforms.

Mummy, look!

Carole might have a little boy,

but she's no more than a child herself.

Where is she to live?

I think the council are just going
to put her in a flat

and hope for the best.

She is able to bring up her own child.

Some of us might have liked the chance.

She does seem very excited about having

a place of her own. If it's OK with you,

I would like to keep an eye
on her until she's settled.

- Did you hear that, Nurse Corrigan?
- I did.

From tomorrow, Nurse Corrigan,

you will be in charge
of the morning orders.

We think it will help you get a
better idea of how things work.

Of course if, if you don't feel ready...

I didn't say that. I'll give it a go.

ON TV: ..with early morning sunshine
giving way to the...

And what delaying tactic
did they employ tonight?

Oh, I'm sure you can guess.

"I need the light on."
"I need a glass of water."

Oh, and not forgetting,
"I'm not even tired."

Usually said with closing eyes
and nodding head.

Although, I heard that one
from our eldest this afternoon.

Even though he'd got through
a whole percolator

of black coffee trying to stay awake.

Well, you have to admire his work ethic.

Not if it's making him ill.

The glandular fever is making him ill.

And he's not going to get any better
unless he rests.

But there's no point me telling him
that. He has to hear it from you.

I don't see why.

Well, where do you think he learnt
to burn the candle at both ends?

I'll have to go in a minute.

Well, best make the most of
the time we've got then.

SHE GIGGLES
Carole?

What you doing out here?

Like I need ask.

BABY FUSSES
Go see to your baby.

Go on.

Off you go.

There's nothing here for you tonight.

No!

I'm sorry. I'm so sorry.

It was my alarm.

And... and, yes, I know how that sounds.

But I am ready to do the orders.

I have them all prepared.

Then, I'm afraid
you've wasted your time,

Nurse Corrigan. I have taken care of it.

But I- -I was ready.

The alarm...

What have you been told
about your attention to detail?

The smallest oversight
can undo all your hard work.

If you didn't know that before,
you know it now.

DOORBELL RINGS

Hello, love.
Carole said you might be coming.

BABY FUSSES

She's had a bad night.

Sorry to hear that.

I suppose that means
you've had one, too.

Oh, we're used to it, me and my Brian.

We normally foster the little ones.

But not the mums?

No, it's something new they're trying.

Not sure we'd do it again, though.

Carole might be a mum,
but she's still a bloody teenager.

You never know what mood
she's gonna be in,

and she can turn on a sixpence.

And if you want her to do anything,
you have to tell her three times.

At least!
DOOR OPENS

BABY CRIES

Go easy, Carole!
He's not a sack of potatoes.

He won't stop.

How's his skin?

As bad as ever.

Right, then let's start there.

Good morning.

Mr Corbett?

Oh, I'm sorry, Sister.
Good morning to you.

Away with the fairies?

Just a lot to think about.

And if I'm not careful,
it'll make me late.

- Please.
- Thank you.

Mrs Corbett?

Ah, that was you talking to Lionel.

Well, I needed to make sure

he was safely out of the house
before I showed you.. this.

Now, I'm not going to pretend
this will be gracing

the catwalks of Paris next season,

but this girdle should give
you some relief.

I do hope so.

That's it, nice and gentle.

Face and body first. And then?

Bottom and bits last.
Shall I take him out now?

Well, remember what I said.
Slippery like an eel.

So, a good firm grip
under both arms. And lift.

There we go.

Snug as a bug.

SHE SIGHS
Little bugger.

He's always on his best behaviour
for other people.

Well, you're not the first mum
to say that.

He just cries all the time
when he's with me.

He doesn't like me.

Hey, that's not true.

When Dean cries,
he's communicating with you.

It's the only way he can.

So, he's telling you that
he's hungry, or wet, cold, bored.

Itchy.

Or that he just needs a cuddle.

I promise you, he will never be crying

because he doesn't want you.

You're his whole world. Look.

Let's put his lotion on.

Ooh...

How's that?

Much more comfortable.

Hopefully, that will give you
some relief until baby comes along.

Things should resolve themselves
after that.

And I can still have the baby at home?

Hm, I can't see why not.

Lionel and I had always wanted
another child after Roberta,

but we were apart for a long time.

Lionel came to England first,

to work on the railway
and to get things ready for us.

But when we got here,
it wasn't as easy as we expected.

How so?

Lionel and I are Anglo-Indian.

We speak English,

we went to English-speaking schools,

we go to church...

We thought that coming to England
would feel like coming home.

It wasn't as simple as that.

But you feel at home now?

We do. Now.

And when this little one
comes along, even more so.

Caught me.

I don't smoke round the kids.

Some of them have enough
bad influences in their lives

without me being one.

How do you get on?

Good. If she keeps up the baths,

she should have Dean's eczema under
control by the end of the week.

Oh, that's good.

She's very sensitive, isn't she?

Insecure, you mean.

It's not unusual for kids
who've been in and out of care.

We've had some right clingy little ones,

following you around from room
to room in case you disappear.

Because that's what their parents did.

It sounds as though Carole's mum
would vanish

every time she got a new fella.

No wonder she's crying out
for affection.

We've had lads calling
for her at all hours.

Really?

Oh, don't you worry.
We soon see them off.

Who's gonna do that for her when
she's on her own in that flat?

I hate to say it,
but she's easy pickings.

I can't help thinking

that a pinch of prevention
is better than a pound of cure.

I could speak to Carole
about going on the pill.

She'll have enough to cope with
when she moves into her flat.

I don't think she'd be disciplined
about taking it.

The local authority do have funding
for vulnerable girls

to be fitted with an IUD.

The coil is very reliable,

and the family planning clinic
can do the procedure.

That sounds perfect.

You would need to talk Carole
through the implications.

The coil offers no protection
for venereal disease.

I'll discuss that with her.

You sound like you're in a rush.

I am. She's on her own
at the end of the week.

♪ You know I love you, baby

♪ I just can't help myself

♪ And even if you turn your back on me

♪ I wouldn't want nobody else

♪ Now you got me all hung up

♪ And there ain't nothin' I can do

♪ Because you're too much
a part of me, baby

♪ I said
You're too much a part of me, boy

♪ Yeah

♪ You're too much a part of me, baby

♪ Cos you're you

♪ Mm-mm

♪ Cos you're you, now

♪ Al right, now, now, now

♪ Too much a part of me, baby

♪ Just because you're

♪ Just because, just because
Just because you're

♪ You ah, huh

♪ Ain't no other reason

♪ whoo, whoo, whoo... ♪

Ah, how you doing, Reggie?

You home for Bonfire Night?

Well, welcome home.

Are they for Colette?

Liquorice allsorts,
her absolute favourite.

SHE GIGGLES

What are you two up to today, then?

Oh, whatever she likes.

The world's our oyster
on a Saturday - no school,

no homework, no bedtime.
SHE GIGGLES

- Have a lovely day.
- We will!

Ain't it great?

It's got everything I need.

I don't know about that.

You need somewhere to dry wet nappies.

And where's Dean gonna sleep
once he grows out of his cot?

It's all right, I'll sort something out.

Carole...

...while you're getting
your life organised,

there is something else
I think you should consider.

I've spoken to Dr Turner,

and he's suggested
that you have a coil fitted.

Do you know what that is?

So, it's a form of contraception.

But you'd have to go into
the clinic to have it put in.

Put in? Well, where does it go?

In your uterus.

Inside me?

Yeah. You won't know it's there.

And if you ever want
to have another baby...

I don't even want to do what it
takes to get pregnant again.

Well, you might not always feel
like that.

I'm done with boys - honest.

While you wait,
help yourself to a cup of tea.

Thank you.

I wonder,

is it too late to change
the arrangements

for the midwifery conference
on Saturday?

- I need you to cancel my tickets.
- May I ask why?

Timothy is still not well.

I'm sorry to hear that.

Every time I think
he's on the road to recovery,

he wears himself out
and ends up back in bed.

Well, doctors are not known
for making good patients.

It seems it's also true
of student doctors.

And Timothy is very much
his father's son.

But it seems a shame
to let my place go to waste.

Would anyone else
from Nonnatus House like to go?

Carole thinks it's a palace.
I think it's a dump.

Well, it'll be the first place
she's been able to call her own.

When you grow up in a home,
everything feels temporary.

You're just passing through.

It takes a long time
for that feeling to go away.

So is that how you feel
at Nonnatus House?

Oh, a little less every day.

And when she said
she's finished with men...

Ah, sure, haven't we all said that?

Well... Yes.

I doubt Carole
is considering taking holy orders.

SHE CHUCKLES

Nurse Corrigan,

when Sister Hilda suggested

to me that you take on morning orders,

I was sceptical. And yet,

you have risen to the occasion
admirably.

Thank you so much for saying that.

In recognition of that,

you will be accompanying me
to the Midwifery

and Obstetrics Conference in Chelmsford.

Me?

It will be an opportunity to see

the future of our profession.

Oh, I should warn you,

it will be quite an early start
on Saturday morning.

Saturday?

Is that a problem?

I like to spend my Saturdays
with Colette.

But she knows I have to work sometimes.

Oh, come in. You're my first visitor.

Well, that's good,

cos I have brought you
a house-warming gift!

They're from the allotment.
SHE LAUGHS

I've also come to check how
you're managing with Dean's eczema.

Oh, I'm just trying to get him to sleep.

I'll try not to disturb him.

I've been keeping up with his baths,

and the cream is really helping.

It doesn't seem to be helping you.

Show me your hands.

No spots or anything?

You've scratched yourself red raw.

Hm. I just itch all the time.

Do you mind if I check your sheets?

- They're clean on.
- I'm sure they are.

But I need to make sure only you
and Dean are living here.

Oh, no, I can't bear creepy crawlies.

Don't worry - if we find any,

we'll be giving them
their marching orders.

PHONE RINGS

Nonnatus House, midwife speaking.

This is Mr Corbett at Blaire Street.

- Hello, Mr Corbett.
- My wife is having terrible pain.

- How long?
- For at least an hour.

- I'm on my way.
- Thank you.

Well, the good news is that

I haven't found any unwelcome visitors.

The bad news is that

I still don't know
what's causing you to itch.

I'm trying not to.

Well, we'll try
a bit of calamine lotion,

but I think you might
need to see Dr Turner.

Maybe while you're there,
he could talk to you

about getting the coil fitted?

I already told you I don't need it!

I don't even bloody know anyone
for a start!

Carole?

I just got so used to being
with other people...

...the children's homes
and foster places.

I didn't realise it would be
so odd, being all on my own.

Oh, no, that's awful, innit?
I'm not alone.

No, but...

you don't get much in the way
of a conversation out of him.

No, you need to get out
and start making friends.

And I'll help with Dean.

Do you really mean that?

Oof!
KNOCK ON DOOR

Midwife calling.

Hello, Mrs Corbett. I'm Nurse Robinson.

I hear you're having contractions.

I think so. It's hard to tell.

With the other pains...

Of course.

Well, let's find out,
one way or the other.

Mr Corbett,

perhaps you'd like
to give us some privacy?

Oh.

Let's get you up on the bed
and see what's going on.

I hear you'll be visiting Chelmsford
on Saturday.

- How exciting!
- I suppose.

Try not to sound too enthusiastic.

Everyone else is quite green with envy.

If you want to go instead of me...

Well, I'm not sure
that's within your gift.

Sister Julienne offered
the place to you.

- And you accepted, Nurse Corrigan.
- I know.

It's just the conference is
on Saturday, and that's my day off.

So? You'll miss out on a lie-in?

No, I'll miss out on time
with my daughter.

You'll see her in the week.

I shouldn't have expected you
to understand.

Well, I certainly won't
if you don't explain yourself.

Saturdays are special for me
and Colette.

It's our time. There's no school,
no work.

I don't want to miss one.

Then, perhaps I should go in your place.

But I also don't want to miss
the conference.

Then I'm at a loss.
I'm trying to understand...

So, I have to choose between
what's good for my daughter

and what's good for me.
And to be honest,

I don't think I should have
to choose at all.

I'm sorry, Mrs Corbett,

but I don't think you'll be meeting
your baby tonight.

I think you've had
some Braxton Hicks contractions,

which is a sign your body is getting
ready for the delivery,

but not this evening.

Oh, Mrs Corbett...

I can see how disappointed you are.

I'm sorry.

I just thought...

I hoped...

The last few weeks are the hardest.

And I know you've had it harder
than most.

KNOCK ON DOOR

You can come in now, Lionel.

I was wondering
if I should start boiling water?

SHE KNOCKS ON DOOR

Sister, what I said...

I'm just feeling sorry for myself.

I'll make sure to get out the right
side of the bed in the morning.

Glad to hear it. However...

And you were right -
there'll be other Saturdays.

I'm going to the conference.

And I will try to remember
that whatever is good

for my future is good for Colette's.

Actually, I think YOU were right.

It's not at all fair that you have
to choose between your duties

as a mother and a midwife.

And they're both equally important
roles in your life.

And it's not right
that they're in conflict.

Hm, but I think they always will be.

But on this occasion, would it help

if I were to be on call
instead of you on Sunday?

You and Colette could still have
your special day.

I... I can't let you do that.

- Why on earth not?
- Because...

Sunday is your special day to spend
with someone important.

Um, I think He'll understand.

It's for a good cause.

She's got no support.

No-one to do a bit of baby-sitting

or pop round for a cup of tea.

She is cast adrift.

But there's a dance at the youth club.

- I thought it might be good for her.
- And when does the dance finish?

She'll be back before
the Great Silence. She promised.

I believe the young man is replete.
SHE GIGGLES

Whilst I have the utmost sympathy
for Carole,

we are midwives, not baby-sitters.

Do not make a habit of this.

BABY BURPS

THEY LAUGH

GIRLS LAUGH

CAR APPROACHES

I got the paper.

I think it's the right pattern,

but you'd better check
before I get it on the wall

- I'm sure it's perfect.
- Well, I don't want

to hear any complaints
once it's up there.

SHE GASPS
Sit.

Sit. Sit.

You need to keep an eye on the rice!

I know.

So, do you think
you'll sleep at all tonight?

Don't worry.

It's not the first sleepless night
I've had.

And it won't be the last...

...when the baby finally gets here!

Roberta was a good baby.

Yeah, and we were ten years younger.

So, is that what's been bothering
you? You think I'm too old?

Oh, my love, no!

I think I am.

Every day, something reminds me that
I am no longer a young man...

A new pain, a new creak.

I walk into rooms
and I forget why I'm there.

You've been that way
since you were a boy.

You have a terrible memory
and you're always daydreaming.

It's one of the reasons I love you.

But I do wish we hadn't had
to wait so long

to have this baby,

but I'm so grateful that
the wait is nearly over

and our family will finally be complete.

SIZZLING

HE GASPS
The rice!

BABY FUSSES Sh-sh-sh...

CRYING CONTINUES

CRYING INTENSIFIES
Sh-sh-sh...

I'm sorry!

I know it's not what you want
to hear, but please just listen...

Just get out!

You can't just leave me here.

I'm really sorry!

TYRES SQUEAL
Oh, watch it!

DOORBELL RINGS

Please don't be angry.

I'm not. I'm worried.

Youth club finished hours ago.
Where have you been?

Carole? Were you with a boy?

So what if I was?

Anyway, we were only talking.

And he didn't like what I had to say.

So I won't be seeing him again.

Are you bloody happy now?!

Carole, what have you done to yourself?

I think you should let me
take a look at that.

ABRUPTLY: Thanks for baby-sitting.
Don't worry, I won't ask again.

I know you want to help her.

I don't think I'm doing
a very good job of it.

Perhaps she needs to take
some responsibility for herself?

But she's so young
and so isolated and...

It's still important to maintain
a professional distance.

I know, but...

- Goodnight, Sister Julienne.
- Goodnight, Sister Frances.

RAPPING ON DOOR

Oh, hello.

You have to come.
My mother can't get out of bed.

I'm sorry to hear that.

I tried to help her, but I couldn't.

You've done the most helpful thing
possible by coming here.

Now, you go to school.
I'll look after your mummy.

Go on, off you go.

What's all this, Mrs Corbett?

I tried to get up,

but I could not.

The pain was too much.

Well, we cannot be having that.

First things first,

let's get you up
and into some fresh clothes

and I'll change those sheets for you.

- Thank you.
- After which,

we will telephone the maternity home.

You're going to need nursing care
until this baby makes its debut.

She'd scratched herself
until she was bleeding.

But there's no underlying rash.

It doesn't mean
there's no underlying cause.

BABY CRYING
Carole?

I wonder if we could have a chat?

I know I'm not your favourite person
at the moment,

but I am worried about you.

Carole?

It's Dr Turner, Carole.

You're not in any trouble.
We've just come to help.

CRYING CONTINUES

Carole...

Dean? Are you crying?

Don't worry about Dean.

Let's look after you.

Carole, can you remember what happened?

I went to pick up Dean,

but the floor just went out
from under me.

Carole, can you look at me?

Pupils reacting normally,
but the sclera is yellow.

Is jaundice what's been causing
her itching?

It's very possible.

Carole, the best place for you
is hospital.

You need a few tests,
to try and work out what's wrong.

I can't leave Dean.

No, don't worry.

I'll come with you in the ambulance
and we'll take him with us.

Now, we need to get you onto the bed.

Do you think you can stand?

Good.

You keep her warm,
while I go to the phone box.

Come on.

One concerned father -
All present and correct.

What are you doing here, Lionel?

I'm perfectly all right.
The baby is perfectly all right.

Then why have you brought her here?

So that we can make her
more comfortable,

and she has a chance to rest

before the little one
puts in an appearance.

Then this is good news.

You've barely slept for nights.

I knew I was keeping you awake at night.

You do look a little tired, Mr Corbett,

which further convinces me

that this is
the perfect course of action.

You'll both feel better
after a few days' bedrest.

Lionel,

I need you to talk
to someone about Roberta.

The ladies from the church will help.

And Roberta can have a key
on a string inside the door.

Like a proper Poplar child.

SHE CHUCKLES

See? Everything and everyone
is being looked after.

Now it is time for you to...

...relax.

Well, there's no sign of concussion
or anything else untoward,

neurologically speaking.

So why did she faint?

It could be any number of reasons.

I don't need to tell you
that it's quite common

for expectant mothers to experience
nausea and dizziness.

Expectant mothers?
No, no, she isn't pregnant.

On the contrary.

I'd say she's heading
for her third trimester.

Can I see her?

If you wish. She's been asking for you.

Erm, Dr Turner was worried
that she might be jaundiced.

Well, there's certainly
a tinge of something.

It's all a bit of a puzzle, really.

But we've taken blood for testing.

I see. Thank you.

Did they tell you?

Yes. It's not the end of the world.

I tried to just ignore it.
I thought it would just go away.

That's not usually the case, Carole.

Dare I ask about the father?

He doesn't wanna know.

Was he the boy
you were with the other night?

Why do you think
he don't want to see me any more?

It's just like Dean's dad
all over again.

I didn't want a baby
any more than either of them did.

I'm not a bloke,
so I can't just walk away.

SHE SOBS

All I want is someone to love me.

HE COUGHS

You can test me on
the limbic system, if you'd like.

Go on. Give me the major three.

Amygdala, hippocampus
and cingulate gyrus.

Good.

Now list me the complications
of glandular fever.

Enlargement of the spleen, hepatitis,

jaundice, anaemia, thrombocytopenia,

myocarditis,
meningitis and encephalitis.

But that's only in acute cases.

And the recommended treatment?

Fluids.

And rest. Complete rest.

I can't afford to fall behind
because of some stupid virus.

It's not a competition, Tim.

And if it was, it would be a marathon,

not a -yard dash.

- Well, when I was in training...
- Oh, please, no.

What?

Just not another rose-tinted story

of your adventures at medical school.

Things have changed since your day.

I'm sorry.

I didn't realise I was boring you.

You've obviously forgotten
just how hard it really is.

I'll never forget.
But that's why I worry about you.

I know this is hard for you and Mum
to accept, but I'm an adult now.

Orange squash, for God's sakes!

What would you prefer? Dry martini?

I'd prefer to not be spoken to
like a child.

But in case you hadn't realised,
I'm years old.

This is my career. My life!

It's mine if I make the wrong decisions,

mine if I make the right ones too.

And this is my degree,

to make a bloody mess of if I want to.

We aren't going to let that happen.

You can't stop me from failing, Dad.

And if you don't let go, I will fail!

All you do is... interfere.

Dad? Do you think Mum will like it?

I think she will love it very much.

- I used all her favourite colours.
- Oh?

Pink and blue and green.

Now it's time for bed.
Go and get ready...

I'm going to read you a story,
just like your mother does.

HE INHALES SHARPLY

HE GROANS

Mm! Can I smell bacon?

You aren't going anywhere
without a decent breakfast.

I'm sorry you aren't coming.

You can tell me all about it
when you get back.

I've plenty of chores to keep me busy,

including cleaning out both your bags.

You don't usually go out without it,

so I'm seizing the chance
with both hands.

You will keep an eye on Timothy,
won't you?

I shall do more than keep an eye,
I will have words.

Starting with his hair.

His hair isn't his worst of fence.

No. His worst of fence is
the way he spoke to you.

I shouldn't have said anything.

I wish you safe travel
and an illuminating day.

Drink in all the wisdom that is offered.

Every last drop!

I hope we're getting
a cup of tea as well.

WINGS FLUTTERING

CAWS

Oh...

FLUID TRICKLES

ON TANNOY: The ventouse seminar
will commence in five minutes.

I put some biscuits on the saucer,

but the drink slopped onto them a bit.

You'll just have to pretend
you've dipped them in your brew.

Oh, thank you, Nurse Corrigan.

Did you manage to get me a coffee?

Yes, I put the spoon in so you can tell.

What do you reckon
about these epidural things?

Do they sound too good to be true?

Well, the one thing that has changed
childbirth beyond all else

in recent years has been
the power of pain relief.

But how is a woman
supposed to bear down,

or change position for delivery,

if she can't feel anything
below the waist?

I can see forceps being used more often,

for a start. And yet...

I'll never forget the difference
I saw when we first got hold

of gas and air. It was like a miracle.

- What year was that?
- .

?!

No. I'm sorry. That's a joke, isn't it?

Less than ten years ago.

Epidural anaesthesia in hospital
is probably another five years off.

And it's not something
we'll ever use on the district.

But we'll get to do

the ventouse thingamajig,
though, won't we?

BELL DINGS

Oh, come on,
I want a ringside seat for this.

Carole?

They're saying the baby's coming,
but it's too early,

I know it's too early. Tell 'em.

Her waters broke over an hour ago.
Contractions are now regular.

Carole, listen to me.

I know this is frightening

and I wish we had more time
to get you ready,

but you are having the baby.

I can't, not yet.

I don't think you've got
a lot of choice in the matter.

Will you stay with me?

That's not permitted, I'm afraid.

She's years old,

she's in premature labour,

she's had no antenatal care
whatsoever for this pregnancy.

If she's going to stay calm
and co-operate with you,

she is going need moral
and emotional support.

And in a medically complicated case
like this,

I worry that you're gonna be
too busy to give her that.

There is to be no clinical
interference whatsoever.

That's fair. I'd ask the same
if you were in my delivery room.

Very well.

SHE GROANS

The machine uses suction

along with the natural force
of the contraction

in a way that is less invasive
and traumatic

than a forceps delivery.

Any questions?

OVER TANNOY: The train alongside
platform three is leaving.

SHE LAUGHS

CHEERING

I mean, who thinks of these things?

What sort of mind do you have to have

to look at a vacuum cleaner and think,

"I know where
I can best put this to use"?

Amazing!

You're glad you came?

Oh, I wouldn't have missed it
for the world.

Ah, these are ours.

So glad I didn't drive.

Much easier by train.

We may be in for an interesting journey.

I've had a lovely day, but, oh,
I'd k*ll for a cup of tea.

Easy, does it?

Ooh!

You just hang on here
whilst I sort the bed clothes out.

Thank you.

Ooh! Oh...

Oh, dear. Is that a bit of a twinge?

Actually, I think it is something else.

My dear Mrs Corbett,
was that a contraction?

I think so.

Well, that's excellent news!

There were a couple earlier,

but I didn't want to say anything
in case it was another false alarm.

Are they coming regularly?

- Not yet.
- In which case,

we'll pop you back to bed
and keep an eye on you.

WHISTLE BLOWS

FANS CHEER

- SHE GROANS
- Keep it going.

Good girl. Remember, short breaths.

SHE EXHALES RHYTHMICALLY

And rest back.

I don't think I can do this any more.

Yes, you can. You've done it before.

Not long to go now.

DR WHO THEME PLAYS ON TV

No wonder he shoved this
to the bottom of the bag.

I have firm opinions
about that pie shop.

You have firm opinions
about a lot of things.

Yes, as it happens.

You don't like my hair like this,
do you?

No, as it happens.

But if that's the way
you want to wear it,

that's your prerogative

and I shall keep my opinion to myself.

However, I can't let the way

you spoke to your father
go unchallenged.

You weren't there.

I was there to see
the hurt he felt afterwards.

And I was there this morning,

when I was vexed
and he spoke up for you.

Did he?

Of course, he did. He'd die for you.

And that doesn't mean
you don't need to apologise.

It means you need to apologise more.

SHE GROANS LOUDLY

There we go. Keep it going.
You're doing so well.

The head is almost out.

And... here we go.

Good girl. You've done it.

Baby needs oxygen.

What is it? Is it a girl?

Yes. Sister, stay with mother, please.

Shouldn't it be crying?

Why isn't it crying?

It's time, it's time!

Ooh! I tell you what,
if this goes our way,

this time next week, you,
me and your mum will be

on the Riviera, sipping
French champagne.

- ON RADIO: And now sport...
- And if it doesn't go our way?

Well, it'll be Clapham Ponds

with a bottle of dandelion and burdock.

...Manchester City: .

Sheffield United: , Leeds United: .

- Good evening, brothers and sisters.
- Good evening.

- Good evening.
- Good evening, Pastor Robinson.

- Good evening.
- Mrs Robinson.

- Good evening, Pastor.
- Good evening.

Good evening, Pastor.

Grazie mile.

Oh! Mr Aylward, didn't see you there.

I just popped in to get
a couple of iced buns for Reggie

and have a quick cup of coffee.

Are... you catching up on your post?

I do have a postcard
from Nurse Franklin.

She writes quite often, actually.

Sometimes on the back of
a view of the Bay of Naples.

Oh!

And sometimes in a sealed envelope.

And I write back.

Well, I am very glad to hear it,
Mr Aylward.

ROWDY CONVERSATION

HE CHUCKLES

I think I might go brave the toilet,
Sister.

Be right back.

Evening, Sister.
I bet you don't remember me.

Mrs Carnie? Of course I remember you!

You passed through our care many times.

Nine, all told. Six boys, three girls.

And I had you and your forceps
out for me last.

Oh, yes!

He was what we in the trade call
a bit of a whopper.

lb .

He's over st now, boxing heavyweight.

I'll tell you something,

of all the things I've done in my life,

and I've done plenty,

there ain't been nothing
to b*at being a mother

and a grandmum.

My babies have been my world.

Teas are on me.

Oh!

FANS SING

SHE GROANS

How are we doing?

We'll move you to the delivery room
before too long.

And with a little bit of luck
and a prevailing wind,

we might have a baby
before the night is out.

Oh, you have no idea
how happy that makes me.

I telephoned the Station Master,
and Lionel's train is on time

and should be
at Liverpool Street shortly.

DRAMATIC MUSIC

♪ Praise my soul The King of Heaven

♪ To His feet thy tribute bring

♪ Ransomed, healed
Restored, forgiven... ♪

ON RADIO:
Sunderland: , Everton: .

♪ ..Praise Him, praise Him
Praise Him, praise Him... ♪

Warwick can't win 'em all, Reg.

Maybe next week.

ENGINE GROANS

Oh! Uh!

WHISTLE BLOWS

WHISTLE BLOWS

SHE GASPS

CRASH

GLASS SHATTERS

THUD

SHOUTING

COMMOTION
Reg. Come on.

Dr Turner? Sister Julienne!

This way, love. Come on.

Everybody out.

- Nice and calm. Please.
- After you, Mrs Wallace.

I'm fine, go on. Go on.

- Reggie?
- Vi, under the bridge. Here.

- Reggie!
- Vi! Mum!

Oh, it's all right, my love, I'm here.

- What's happened?
- I don't know.

Some sort of expl*si*n near the bridge.

I'll have to round up
the Civil Defence Corps.

We need to move these people on now,
before anything else comes loose.

All right, leave it to me.

We also need to establish
a first-aid station,

with medical supplies.

The clinical room at Nonnatus House
is the best place for that.

I'll report back.

No. Reggie,

Fred's got work to do.

You stay and you... you look after me.

Cyril, I can't see Mrs Wallace.

She must be still inside.
Wait here, I'll go and fetch her.

All right, everybody, listen.

We need to evacuate this area now.

Follow me towards Nonnatus House

and, please, give
priority to the injured.

SHE SOBS AND MUMBLES

Mrs Wallace,
what you doing sitting here?

We need you outside,
organising everybody.

I wanted to be the last one out,

to lock up the church safely,
but I can't see the steps.

I think there's something in my eye.

It's a piece of glass.

You can take it out?

Come with me. We'll get you help.

Oh. What disaster has befallen us?

There's been some sort of collision
overhead.

It's put windows out

and we have a number of walking wounded.

I have to set up a first-aid post,
while we wait for the ambulances.

Er, there is sanctuary and comfort
here. Use me as you will.

This way. We'll get you help.

Officer, what information do you have?

There's been a train crash
and derailment,

just coming up to the bridge.

Do you know where the
train was coming from?

Chelmsford.

I fear our colleagues are on that train.

We must hold fast to hope...

...and seek to help
the wounded now before us.

LABOURED BREATHING

Sister?

Sister.
SHE SOBS

COUGHING

Excuse me...

Can you help?

Dr Turner?

Sister Julienne, can you hear me?

Come on, love. It's not safe.

No. I know people in that carriage.

- Sister Julienne!
- No, no, come, come, come.

Someone needs to go to them.

MATURE JENNIFER: Sometimes,
the sky rips open

and the earth erupts beneath our feet.

We stand, if we can stand at all,

exposed and vulnerable,

pathetic in our frailty.

Bruised and bleeding,

we are rendered merely human -

never more fragile, never more at risk,

never more in need

of all the strength that we can find.

I don't know where they are, Fred.

Mum...

- Dad and I weren't speaking.
- That can't be helped now.

I want to see my baby.
Please can I see my baby?

Make way, mate.

Embankment's on fire,
there's people trapped.

Let's see if we can make
this your very last push.

Nonnatus House will sink...

...and we will drown.