04x06 - Midwife Crisis

[bunniefuu]

THEME MUSIC VOICE ON TAPE: Prepare to begin the operation.

Remember to keep breathing.

In and out.

As you cut in with a scalpel, blood wells up.

Do not look away from this.

It is only blood.

It's never harmed you, it can't harm you.

You are in control.

Breathe in and out.

Always in control.

In and out.

Bye.

Yeah.

The doctor will see you now.

What? She's from Truro.

This is Doctor Ellingham.

Don't forget we're due at the school in 15 minutes.

Molly O'Brien, Truro Obstetrics.

Is this a good time? What for? Patients with newborns and birthing within the next six weeks.

I am the new area midwife.

You use a snare? Sometimes.

Oh yeah - slip-wire.

You know an awful lot about an awful lot, Bert Large.

Oh, I've been around.

I bet you have! What do you think, boy? Touch of class on the menu.

Stealing's alright, I suppose, as long as we don't get caught.

Poaching's not stealing.

It doesn't matter.

What's your problem? She's only been here a week.

Yes? Why did she come over all flirty? Flirty? Yeah, always sucking up to you and acting like a girl.

Perhaps she likes me.

Dad, she's married.

With kids.

Ow! Are you OK? It's alright.

Kn*fe slipped.

Here.

Al, call the doctor.

Tell 'em we're coming in.

Mary Dawkins.

Unremarkable.

Louisa Glasson.

Not my patient.

Avril Sumpter.

Red face, four or five children, expecting another.

Anything in her history that would help me to help her.

She'll be fine.

I wouldn't worry.

Is that a fact? She's having a baby.

She's had them before.

If you want to pop round and rub her back, be my guest, I have to get on.

She's fine, she's fine, she's moved, she's fine.

Do give me a call if anything unexpected happens.

Doc! Doc! Chef's cut her finger.

Here, show the doctor.

Just a sticky plaster.

I'll do it.

All this fuss, Doctor Ellingham.

Come through.

Get out of the way.

I'm sorry to put you to this trouble, Dr Ellingham, only Bert thought it was best.

Seat.

I was going to come and see you about another matter, as it happens.

Mm? It's probably just a cold.

I wouldn't bother you only my sister's got glandular fever and I was wondering if she, she could've given it to me.

My throat is a bit sore.

Any other symptoms? Fatigue, lightheadedness? Well, yes actually, now you come to mention it.

I do sometimes get a bit dreamy.

Can you feel something? Slight tumescence.

You cook, don't you? I do, yes.

Wear gloves in the kitchen, don't sneeze in the food and see Pauline for a blood test.

Why are you nodding? You've got such a commanding manner.

I always feel safe in your hands, somehow.

Hm.

There's no point in change for change's sake.

You stick to the doctoring - which you're good at - and let me do the blood stuff.

Alright, I wouldn't be able to do a really bad one, like if someone cut their arm off or something.

You'd just have to vomit and get on with it.

But day to day, why put yourself through it? MOBILE RINGS Ellingham.

Geoffrey Rushton wants to leave sooner than they thought, so they need the new head of vascular to start in six weeks.

How do you know? Robert called.

Why did he call you? He wanted my opinion on your blood thing.

Oh, and what is your opinion? It's tricky for him, he's not the only one on the board.

Can you do lunch, Thursday - three of us? I'd need a bit more notice to get up to London.

No, he's down here at the moment on select committee business.

I suggested The Metropole in Truro.

Right.

Is that 'right' as in you'll be able to tell him you're no longer phobic? Ellingham, it's not a complicated question.

Will you be able to perform surgery in six weeks? Yes.

Then see you Thursday.

Everything alright? Yep.

(CHILDREN CHATTER) Which is louder - that? Or that? Second one.

Correct.

Everything alright? Er, yes.

That one's a bit deaf.

Dulcie? The ginger one.

Oh dear.

A grommet will sort her out.

Otherwise, most of them are fine - one or two borderline obese.

That one and that one.

Annie.

A bit tubby maybe, but hardly obese.

She wants to watch it.

How's your health? If I'm allowed to ask.

Oh, it's fine.

Just a bit tired.

Not that I'm complaining.

Are you sleeping alright? Not brilliant.

I don't know where to put this.

Bowel and waterworks? Perhaps you should finish with this patient first.

What? Oh, we're done.

We're done! Actually, it stings a bit when I pee.

Is that a worry? Do you go a lot? I want to and then not much comes.

Is that alright? What do they say in Truro? I haven't had time.

Oh, it's a long way.

Is it smelly? Hm? When you pee, does it smell differently from usual? Yes.

Urinary tract infection.

Would you like me to give you a prescription? Is that alright for the baby? I wouldn't suggest it if it wasn't, would I? No, Martin, I don't suppose you would.

I really don't know why you took this job in your condition.

Very similar to a rabbit.

Now what you're looking for is to peel it off, just like an overcoat.

No need to pluck it, not if you're serving it without the skin.

So you're not a pheasant plucker? No, but I do know how to undress a bird.

Hm? What? Look.

There's a bit of bottle.

Or jam jar glass or something.

There's another bit.

It's a car headlight.

Road k*ll.

It just flew up in front of the truck.

Not poached then? Sorry, Bert, I should've told you, but my family have always eaten any game we hit, but some people are funny about that.

No, no, it's not too bashed up.

Make sure you get all the glass out.

Yeah, lucky we found it, eh.

BELL RINGS Miss Glasson.

Louisa Glasson? Yes? Molly O'Brien.

Have you done for the day? I was just on my way.

School's over, yes, but I've got a fair bit of marking.

On your way where? Oh dear.

You wrote back about four weeks ago.

I'm your midwife, through to delivery.

Oh yes, God, sorry.

I've become so forgetful.

Not at all, you have a lot to think about.

Prescription? Mm.

I've got a bit of an infection.

It hurts when I pee.

Not antibiotics? Yes, actually.

Why? From the clinic? From my doctor.

He's not my doctor, it's complicated.

Oh.

Doctor Ellingham.

Yes.

I was pressed for time and he's very good.

As a doctor.

Well, he knows a lot.

Oh, well.

What? I could suggest other remedies, there's no need to suffer.

God forbid.

Just seems a shame to give dr*gs to a lady who's expecting.

Yes, actually, I wondered that.

I think the doctor knows best, Miss Glasson.

A mother knows best.

Sorry.

That's just my opinion.

Shall I continue? You know what, Mrs Tishell, I think I'll pass.

And in future, run your baby's symptoms past an adult before you call it an emergency.

(BABY CRIES) So you can't do nothing? They cry when hungry, feed it.

But then he'll expect it.

(BABY CRIES) You're a mother, your life has changed - get used to it.

Hi, Miss Glasson.

Hello there.

Everything alright? Daren keeps crying.

Ah.

What a beautiful child! Have you collected your prescription yet? We've just come from the chemist, Dr Ellingham.

Right, so you two know each other? Yes, we've met.

Nurse O'Brien's going to be my midwife.

Yes.

Get some sleep.

I do feel a bit sneaky, if I'm honest.

He's not your doctor, he shouldn't prescribe your medicine.

Force feeding antibiotics to an unborn infant.

I've half a mind to make a formal complaint.

Ah.

Well, thing is, it's a bit complicated.

We were going to get married.

Yes, well, we didn't.

But I got pregnant anyway.

So it is complicated.

You poor darling.

I am so sorry.

No, no, it was mutual.

I mean, I didn't want to get married.

In the end.

When you got to know him? He didn't want it either.

Men, sure.

Your trouble getting to sleep, is that mostly discomfort, do you think, or do you lie there fretting? Both, really.

But maybe I have taken on too much.

Martin thinks I have.

Hm.

What? I wonder if maybe he's poisoning your mind as well as trying to poison your body.

That's a bit harsh.

You think? Don't let go this time.

Yep.

(PUFFS) Morning.

You've got something on your shoulder.

I know! Can you believe it? Driving in this morning and it just rushed out in front of the truck.

What? What are the chances of that? Two days in a row.

I know, weird, isn't it.

Oh come on.

Give us a hand.

Poor little chap.

Here.

(GROANS) (SIGHS) Plenty of servings on it, though.

Oh yeah.

Must be worth a few quid, eh? Mates rates, hey, Bert.

(LAUGHS) Sorry to keep you waiting.

Good of you to see me on my lunch hour.

Can't afford to lose patrol time for a routine test.

No.

This way, please.

Doctor.

Roll up your sleeve, please, constable.

What is cholesterol, anyway? It's fat that clogs you up.

No, it isn't.

Pauline, go to lunch, I'll do that.

So, how come you're OK with the blood now? No disrespect but everyone knows it's an issue.

He's just being stubborn, he still hates it.

Go away, Pauline.

Mind over matter, eh? Though you do look a bit peaky, if you don't mind me saying.

(CLEARS THROAT) DOORBELL RINGS (SIGHS) Running a bath? Yes, actually.

That's the girl.

Do you mind if I come in.

What's that? Just thought I'd show you, it's a home birthing pool.

Oh.

I like to show my mothers what's available.

A home birth? Did you not consider that? Well, no, no, not really, I'd just assumed .

.

you'd be having baby in the hospital.

Yeah.

That's what they want you to assume.

Have you ever seen a birthing pool? No, no, I haven't.

Why do they, do you think? Want babies born in hospitals.

Because then the doctors are in control.

But it must be a bit safer too, yeah? Statistically, it's safer to have your baby at home, away from men who think pregnancy's a disease.

Do you have a DVD player? Yes.

One of my mothers giving birth in a pool just like this one.

It might actually be this one.

I wouldn't really be sure about a pool, actually.

It's a life-changing experience, Louisa.

All my mothers say so.

Water is such a feminine element, in the pool you are in a sanctuary.

Others need your consent to get close to you, you are in control.

Well, you and me.

I'm sure it's great for some people, but mm-mm.

Please try to keep an open mind.

Have a look at the video.

Yeah, yeah, of course.

Sorry.

Oh.

BELL RINGS Good evening, Dr Ellingham.

These examination gloves aren't pre-powdered.

Aren't they! Oh dear! I am sorry.

They are X5437s, they should be.

Oh no, now wait a minute, I see what's happened.

I am so sorry for the inconvenience, Doctor Ellingham.

But you know, now you are here, it could be regarded as providential.

I have been in an agony of indecision on a matter of some delicacy.

The gloves, Mrs Tishell.

How can I put this? I think you ought to know that one of your patients is refusing to take medication prescribed by you.

Who? Louisa Glasson.

(SOUNDS OF LABOUR) And that's less painful than a regular birth? It's not really pain, it's a woman taking charge of her power.

Yes? Yes, Louisa.

It's just a lot to think about.

It is.

Would you like to try sitting in the pool? What, now? Just to get the idea what it's like, in your own territory with your own things about you.

Try it for me.

Yeah, why not? No, it's fine, I'm OK.

Oh.

Did you prevent this patient from taking prescribed medication? Excuse me, Dr Ellingham, but I am with a client.

Perhaps you'd like to - Have you completely lost your mind? You're not seriously considering giving birth in this harpy's paddling pool, are you? How dare you! I am a fully qualified - Be quiet.

Louisa, take your medicine.

No.

What? You heard me.

Miss Glasson is making an informed decision endorsed by - I told you to shut up! No, no.

Don't you speak to her like that! You always have to be in control, don't you? I'm the doctor, I'm the expert, I'm so clever.

You don't, you don't understand women at all, do you, Martin? Well, you're not my doctor, she is, so you can take your ruddy dr*gs and you can shove them where the sun don't shine.

Goodnight, Martin.

When your infection gets worse, take these.

No, thank you.

Well done, Louisa.

Thanks.

Morning.

Oh hello, my lover.

Deer and pheasants learning to keep out of your way now, Marigold? You! Actually, I had to drive myself this morning, Michael's not at all well.

Oh, that's perfect! There's a chiller cabinet needs fetching from Tintagel.

Too big for the company vehicle.

Could you pop me over after lunch? For you, anything.

Why don't we make a trip of it, tea at Trebarwith on the way back? Lovely.

Marigold Marley's blood test's come back negative.

It's not glandular fever then.

Where's the RCH geriatric file? Mrs Mowbray's biopsy's nonmalignant.

I said it was just a lump.

Billy Piper's prostate's set for Tuesday.

Mrs Averill's come back negative.

Not a good time then? What do you want? I met Louisa on her way to school and she was looking awfully tired.

I thought you'd like to keep an eye on her, only don't say I said.

She doesn't want me to keep an eye on her! (SIGHS) Are you alright, Miss Glasson? I feel a bit shivery, actually.

Bit light-headed, a bit sweaty? My brother had it, and his kids.

Really.

It's a summer cold.

Actually, can you take powders with the baby? Mrs Tishell could help you.

Yeah.

Or I could call the midwife.

CAR STALLS Private parking.

It's all right, Doc, we're on our way.

Don't park here again.

Okey-dokey.

Here, Doc, did Marigold's glandular fever test come back yet? Yes.

You haven't got it.

Oh good.

She's still got a sore throat though, you tell him.

It's nothing.

Is it getting better or worse? Ah, let me see.

Come and see me tomorrow morning 8:45.

Alright.

Is this thing legal? Absolutely.

Off we go.

Do you ever feel like you could just keep driving and driving? Leave all the, I don't know, all the rubbish behind? Yes, I do.

Your husband, is he really poorly? He's a man, so he's at death's door, isn't he.

To tell the truth, I don't think it's much worse than what I've got.

Bit of flu, whatever, no big deal.

And you still have to work.

Call this work? More like a holiday.

THUMP What? Fresh as a daisy.

You're not thinking of cooking it though, are you? Why not? Nobody minds an apple that's fallen out of a tree.

Well it's not an apple.

As long as you know what you're doing, what's the difference? No difference, really.

No, you're right.

Oh, he's a plump little chap, eh.

Proper job.

KNOCKING Come.

I'm off then, Doctor, unless there's anything else? No, there isn't.

Dr Ellingham, this blood business - you doing Mrs Marley's finger and then taking over when I was with PC Penhale, are you wanting to do without me? I just want to know, not that I want another job, I just don't want to be caught unawares.

You won't be caught unawares.

So I can still do the blood, you're not planning to get rid of me? If there were any changes to the practice and the way things are, I'd let you know.

Bad luck.

Why do you get colds in summer? I know.

And why when you least want it? The last two weeks of summer term are my busiest all year.

That's not actually a coincidence, you know.

Stress weakens the immune system.

Oh, great.

Is it still uncomfortable when you go for a tinkle? Yes, just the same, actually.

And a cold on top of it.

What a shame Dr Ellingham had to be so unpleasant yesterday.

Yes, well, I can't blame Martin for everything though.

I mean, I'm sure he's not the only doctor who'd have recommended antibiotics.

No? And I'm sure yours wouldn't be the first baby born with a weakened immune system because of it.

Right.

Still, but some women do take - Oh Louisa, Louisa, it's not your fault.

The control of childbirth by a male-dominated health service is designed to keep women suppressed.

Put your head back and close your eyes.

Imagine you're in a meadow.

The sun is shining, the grass is soft.

You are lying in the sunlight.

Not a care in the world.

And one by one, your worries all fade away.

Aunty Joan.

What's happened? Nothing, nothing.

It's 7:30 in the morning.

Is it? Er, right, well, the thing is, um, I'm having a lunch.

A lunch.

Er, yes.

Um, there's this job in London and, um, I'm having a lunch to see someone about it.

To talk, talk about it.

In London? Yes.

The job is.

The lunch is in Truro.

What kind of job? Head of Vascular Surgery at Imperial College.

Surgery? Yes.

What about the blood? Well, um, I'm working on that, um, it's coming along.

Bit of a way to go, but definitely getting there.

Maybe I should have said something.

No, it's wonderful, Martin.

Wonderful.

What's that? Marigold's birthday today.

What you get her? It's a bit big, isn't it? Is it? She'll have to hide that from her husband.

Oh it's just a little something from her employer.

So, you want to give her a little something, do you? I'm just being friendly.

Wanna see? Mm.

And I can come up and see you.

Yes, that'll be nice.

It really is jolly good news, if you're sure you can manage it.

Yes, yes, it is.

Does Louisa know? No.

What about the child? What do you mean? Your child, seeing it as it's growing up.

I don't honestly think I'd be a natural at all that, do you? When it came to it.

You're just going to have to work twice as hard at it.

If that's what Louisa wants.

A long distance father's better than no father at all.

But the two of you are going to have to work it out together.

It won't happen by itself.

I'm going to miss you, Marty.

I'm going to miss you too, Aunty Joan.

Just don't let Louisa be the last one to find out.

PHONE RINGS Of course, there'd be water in it.

What do you think? She'll love it.

Hello.

Oh, alright, alright, yeah.

I'll tell him.

Yeah.

That was Marigold.

Her old man's flu's got worse so she's staying at home.

Marigold? Mm.

Not coming in? No.

Could you call Angela, and arrange cover? I promise you he was crying fit to bust before I brought him in.

He's got a slight temperature.

Have you got any Calpol at home? Yes.

That'll bring it down.

Do you have a thermometer? I think so.

Has he got what Miss Glasson's got? What's she got? Nasty cold.

She's off school and everything.

No, he's teething.

Give him the Calpol.

So, you're off to your meeting then.

In Truro.

Yes.

Good luck.

What? We'll keep you hydrated and ride out the storm.

Try to keep a positive attitude, Louisa.

There's nothing to be gained by letting baby feel your vexation.

Are you sure it's OK? Mothers have been having colds since time began.

Nature and Nurse O'Brien know what to do.

She's resting.

Martin.

Louisa, how are you feeling? Not very good.

What's her temperature? She has a very nasty cold, poor thing.

No, she doesn't.

What's her temperature? You're still not taking the antibiotics? No.

Ow! You've developed a kidney infection leading to rigors.

Give me the medication.

Don't you click your fingers at me.

What's rigors? Louisa, do not allow that man to bully you.

Is the baby alright? The baby wants you to take antibiotics.

What's rigors? It's your body heating up to k*ll bacteria.

Antibiotics also k*ll bacteria, they're just quicker and safer.

That's a very male point of view.

No it's not, it's a fact! The only risk this woman and her baby have been put at is a premature delivery triggered by prolonged high temperature.

Oh well done, doctor! Another victory for conveyor belt medicine.

(GAGS) Oh.

Hang on.

I am sorry, Miss Glasson, it is not your fault, you are a victim.

I beg your pardon? I'm not a victim, thank you very much.

Oh but you are, darlin'.

You are a wounded creature and the cat has pounced.

I'm not a cat.

He doesn't pounce.

Martin is a very, very good doctor.

And a man.

No, he's not.

Yes, I am.

Of course you are but that's not the point! But it is the point.

No, it isn't.

If anyone has got a problem with sex, it's you! I beg your pardon! I mean gender.

Men and women.

You know, a woman could be just as insensitive as Martin.

What? Well, you are.

Thank you for doing your best, Molly but I'm just not happy with it, so goodbye.

Goodbye, darlin'.

She does mean well.

That's alright then.

Now, take one of these every four hours.

Drink plenty of water.

You should feel the benefits pretty soon.

Thank you.

Thanks.

Actually, there was another reason I came here.

Something I wanted to tell you.

I'm having lunch.

You are? OK.

Yes, in Truro.

With my old tutor from Imperial which is a hospital.

In London.

Uh huh.

And the truth is, actually, Louisa - KNOCKING Doctor Ellingham! Thank God, I saw your car.

I'm sorry, Miss Glasson, but it's Daren.

Oh go on, Martin.

It's fine.

I'll be fine.

Right.

Take a lukewarm shower to cool down and let the penicillin do the rest.

Yeah.

Thank you, Martin.

Right, go on! His temperature has just sh*t up.

It's really, really high! It's the same as before - It was 99 just now, definitely.

Yes.

Which one's he got? They're both the same.

Look, you press the button and only worry about the lower number.

When did you last give him Calpol? I haven't got any.

Oh, for God's sake! Sorry, I thought I had.

I'll go get some from Mrs Tishell.

Thanks ever so, doctor.

You've forgotten something.

Have I? Danny.

Oh, Daren, yes.

I'd forget my head if it wasn't screwed on.

Thanks ever so, doctor.

Is anyone home? Marigold? Bert? Is that you? Hello? Come on up.

No, Michael, you stay put, don't be foolish.

I'll see to it.

(GROANS) Come on, Mari, we've got a visitor.

No, Michael, Bert understands.

Bert, tell him.

Hello, Mr Marley.

Don't worry about me.

You just stay there.

What are you doing here? That for Marigold, is it? It's just a present.

From everyone.

Oh.

He's not well at all, is he? I know.

Have you called the doctor? I don't really like to, he's not keen on house calls, is he? No.

But I could call him if you want.

Like a friend.

MOBILE RINGS PAULINE: Dr.

Ellingham? I have Mr Large for you, just putting you through.

Why? MR: LARGE: Doc? What do you want? Sorry to bother you.

Yes? But I'm out at St Breward at Marigold Marley's place.

You remember her - cut finger, she works in my restaurant.

I'm in a hurry, Bert.

It's her husband.

He isn't very well, not well at all, and I was wondering if you had any tips.

I mean, he's in bed, but he's as weak as a kitten.

Is she alright? Oh, she's fine, I think.

Just a bit peaky.

Mustn't grumble.

Has he got a temperature? I don't know, really.

Does he seem at all delirious? Ah - (SCREAMS) Michael.

My word! Bert? Michael! I have Dr Montgomery for you, Dr Ellingham, just putting you through.

No! DR MONTGOMERY: Ellingham? Oh for God's sake! Hello, Ellingham, are you alright? Yes, what do you want? Your secretary said you were going to be late.

We wondered how late.

I'm attending an emergency.

Oh.

But the thing is, Robert's got a 2.

30 train.

I can't miss it.

Ambulance wouldn't be more appropriate? Edith, there's a sick man on Bodmin Moor, I'm on Bodmin Moor and I'm a doctor.

I do think it would be good if you could get here.

He is full of apologies but he's got an emergency.

That's bloody awkward, actually.

He has got the Imperial post, hasn't he? I've been asked to look him in the eye and quiz him about his blood problem.

Thanks, Doc, it's over here.

Have you moved him? Ah, just to make him more comfortable, Doc.

And to keep him warm.

He's boiling.

Have you got a thermometer? Somewhere.

(GROANS) Right.

We need to get him on his side.

Right, Doc.

No, don't touch him.

He might have broken something.

(GROANS) That's all we've got.

It's a jam thermometer, Doc.

You use it in cooking.

Um, not just for jam, for all sorts - Right, it'll do.

I need rubber gloves.

Go see if she's got some ice.

Ice? Yes! To cool him down.

Quickly.

OK, Doc.

(GROANS) I'm a doctor.

You've had an accident.

An ambulance is on its way.

Does it hurt anywhere? Marigold? She's in the kitchen.

Does it hurt anywhere in particular? I don't think so.

(SIGHS) CHOPPING SOUND Oh, sorry, there are the gloves.

What are you doing? Breaking up the ice up, so it'll fit in the funnel.

It doesn't have to fit in the funnel.

Well how else are you going to get it in his bottom? That's not going in his bottom, the thermometer is.

Has your husband handled these? Yes.

What does he do, stuff them? Well, I do most of the cooking.

I stuff the pheasants.

Cooking! You cook them? Oh God! Well, that one may be a bit past its sell-by but it's Michael, he likes the extra flavour.

It's perfectly legal.

Marigold's alright.

Marigold is not alright.

Your immune system seems stronger than your husband's but you're both presenting symptoms of toxoplasmosis - found in wild animals and infected meat.

I've poisoned Mikey! More or less.

Oh, Michael, my love! Mikey! Oh I'll get the ice then.

Oh Mikey, Mikey.

Mari.

It was the badger burgers.

I know they were strong but I can't say no to you, my darling.

Hold that against his forehead.

You been leading him on, Pussycat, hey? Maybe a bit.

Oh, Marigold.

Not your fault, Mr Large.

She's just a sucker for flirting.

(GROANS) Is he going to be OK? Yes, now that we know what it is.

AMBULANCE SIREN WAILS Bert, you haven't been selling this stuff in your cafe, have you? Has Miss Glasson had any? Bert! She hasn't been in.

And we don't serve badger in any restaurant of mine, thank you very much.

Right.

Come in.

The patient is presenting symptoms of cerebral toxoplasmosis.

Pulse rate is elevated and he's febrile.

Louisa, you should be in bed.

I feel so much better.

Can I come in for a minute? Yes.

Oh, you're expecting someone.

Sorry.

No, that's fine.

What do you want? I just wanted to apologise, really, for not taking the antibiotics and for being rude, basically, the other night.

And I will have the baby in hospital if that's your advice.

It is.

Yes.

Louisa, um, take a seat.

Louisa - KNOCKING (SIGHS) I'll get that.

Hello, Ellingham.

Edith.

Medical emergency turn out satisfactorily? Yes, thank you.

Cerebral toxoplasmosis.

Robert was a little huffy.

But actually it helped, you not being there.

It was the haemophobia he wanted to be sure about.

I told him you were completely over it and itching to get back to London.

Tell me you can back it up.

Because, it's not official yet, they're giving it to you.

You replace Geoffrey Rushton on the 31st.

Congratulations.

You're welcome.

Oh, hello.

I just popped in to tell Martin something.

You look a bit pasty.

Are you alright? A urinary tract infection.

It's in hand.

Ah.

I'll just pop off then.

Right.

I've implemented 8 of your 14 suggestions.

I thought you'd stopped being her doctor.

It was a one-off.

Funny little thing, isn't she? Quite spiky.

I have every right to accuse you of opening my post, if you have opened my post, which you have! How else was I going to find out, I just turn up at work one day and find the place empty.

We're sharing? Well, I find that a night together works out better if both parties are in the same room, don't you think?