12x07 - Episode 7

[bunniefuu]

MATURE JENNIFER: When we look
back in time,

what do we remember best?

The sweet, repeated patterns
of our ordinary lives,

or the days that sparkled

with the sheen of something different?

News, a treat, an invitation?

The answer may not matter.

Sometimes the simple gift
of memory is all.

- Good morning.
- Good morning.

Post! Something for everyone today.

I know you're all coming,

but I wanted to invite you officially.

Oh, Trixie.

How beautiful.

Oh, would you look at this!

The paper, it's like silk.

Raised print! Very fancy.

"The pleasure of the company
of Miss Ann Corrigan

"and Miss Colette Corrigan
is requested.”

One feared we had lost
the calligraphic arts.

To see one's name rendered so!

Consider my "respondez, s'il vous plait"

to be "Oh, mon plaisir".

Thank you, Sister Monica Joan.

I shall reply with
a formal RSVP in due course.

But I wouldn't miss it for the world.

I have to be there.
I'm chief bridesmaid.

Is formal attire required?

Yes, it is.

I assume those who have taken
holy orders are excused.

Of course, Sister.
BOTH CHUCKLE

So what does that mean
for the rest of us?

You'll look lovely whatever you wear.

You could come in your uniform
as long as you're there.

If you think I'm going to wear
my uniform

to my first society wedding,

you've got another think coming.

It's hardly a society wedding!

Well, you may be going down the aisle

as the humble Nurse Trixie Franklin,

but you'll be walking
back up it as Lady Aylward.

Right. I think
that's enough wedding talk.

Time to start the day.

Clinical room in five minutes, please.

I'm so pleased for them. For Trixie.

Oh, the quality of the invitation

was most impressive.

I believe it was between three
to four sheets' thickness.

- Thank you.
- Don't thank me yet.

Yet more missives
from the Health Department.

Anything interesting?

That very much depends
on your definition of the term.

I appreciate the work that's being done

to eradicate communicable disease,

but every time they add a condition

to the reportable list,

it does generate more paperwork.

It's fascinating stuff, though.

The statistics they're collecting...

everything from food poisoning
to leprosy.

Thankfully, we've not had
a case of that for a while.

Sadly, the same can't be said
for hepatitis.

It does appear we've had
a small spike of infections.

Is that something
we should be worried about?

I'd certainly like us to keep on top of

chasing recent contacts
of anyone infected.

I will keep you abreast
of any further cases.

CHILD CRYING

Good morning, Mr O'Connor.
I'm here to see your wife.

Is she ready for me?

Yeah, that's why we're heading out.

I don't think there's enough
room for us all in there.

Come on.

- Good afternoon.
- Afternoon.

I'm sorry.

It's the little things you miss.

Like good bread.

God, yeah. I don't think
the butter over here

- is up to much either.
- Mm-mm.

I'm all done.

Everything seems just grand.

But you've not got long to go now.

Mrs O'Connor, we need to have

that talk about where
you're going to have this baby.

I won't go to hospital again.

I've told you that.

I know you had a bad time.

It was horrible.

Cold. And like I wasn't even a person.

I'm really sorry that happened to you,

but you and I know this place

is not fit to bring a new baby into.

There's no running water, for a start.

We're on the housing list.

And if you get somewhere

before you go into labour, that's grand.

If not, we'll need to bring you
into the maternity home

when the time comes.

CHATTER

Thank you. If you could have a seat.

We can help a lot of families
with all this.

And just for letting someone
take a few snaps

- for a competition.
- Yes.

A very welcome contribution.

Especially for
those without refrigeration.

Now they can give the children
a bowl of cornflakes

for breakfast without worrying about

- spoilt milk.
- Indeed.

Over the years, I've found

a little quid pro quo goes a long way.

Bentley's Dairy gets its photographs,

we get some welcome provisions.

A land flowing with milk and honey.

Well, I'm not comparing
myself to Moses, Sister.

But I am rather pleased.

You can enter as many
categories as you like.

Bonny Babies, Super Siblings,
Fabulous Families.

- What do you win?
- A year's supply

of Bentley Dairy products.

Everything from your daily
pinta to tinned rice pudding.

An excellent source of calcium.

Good for growing bones.

- What do you say?
- Yeah.

Are you entering, Doctor?

Er, I first need to speak to Shelagh.

Well, if anyone has a bonny family...

I thought I was all done
with this carry-on.

I've got four teenagers.

My eldest is doing their exams
next year.

I don't know where that girl

got her brains from, but it wasn't me.

CHUCKLES

So this one was a bit of a surprise?

A happy one. Me and Arthur
loved a house full of babies.

All the fun of the fair,
if you know what I mean.

Oh, I have an idea. I've four of my own.

Oh, well, then. I'm preaching
to the converted, then.

So how are we feeling today?

If I'm honest, my back's been
griping since I woke up.

I thought it was just

all the usual morning aches and pains,

- but it's not going away.
- You think you're in labour?

Oh, it's starting to feel that way.

STRAINS

Well, let me examine you

and see if it is all systems go.

I see you're down
to go to St Cuthbert's.

I had my other four at home,

but I wanted all the help
I could get this time.

Well, when they tell you
you're a geriatric mother,

you take the hint.

Come on, Paul.

Are you sure you want to come?

They had me queuing for hours yesterday.

Well, maybe when they see me,
they'll put us to the front.

I don't think it works like
that at the housing office.

Well, it needs to. We've only
a week left in this place.

They need to know that.

CHILD BABBLES

Breathe, and all will be well.

Remember? I said that to you
once before.

I do - when you delivered my first.

A little boy, with lungs like bellows.

Little girl, you mean.

He woke the street
when he came into the world!

You must be thinking of
someone else, Sister.

The ambulance is here.

- Ready?
- Yeah. As I'll ever be.

That's it.

I don't think
we've moved in the last hour.

What can they be doing in there?

Your guess is as good as mine.

Sorry, but that's it. We're not
seeing anyone else today.

What do you mean?
We've been waiting for hours.

Well, we can only process
so many people in one day.

So what are we supposed to do?

Come back tomorrow.

Come on.

SIGHS

The caravan's gone!

They said we had another week.

Maurice...

...what are we going to do?

SIGHS

Here?

We can't stay here.

They're knocking the place down.

Not tonight. They only boarded
the place up last week.

- Maurice...
- Look, do you think

we have the money for a hotel?

No.

I'll go back to Housing first thing in the
morning. I'll tell 'em all about it, OK?

Just keep a look-out.

Right. Quick, quick.

DOOR OPENS

HE COUGHS

Hello, stranger!

- When did you get back?
- Just this afternoon.

Oh! So how was it?

Did you have nice weather?

Of course they did!
It's the West Indies.

That is what you ask someone
when they've

- been away on holiday.
- The weather

was very nice, thank you.

And how was Lucille?

Lucille is still in Jamaica.

She's fine.

She's taken to her new job,

and it's doing her good
to be with her family.

She sends her love.

But you decided to come back.

I have a good job here,
and some good friends.

This is my home.

Well, I'm not having you

rattling around in that flat
on your own.

You're to come to us for
your tea whenever you want.

That's very kind of you, but I...

No, no, no! No ifs or buts.

We don't want you
sitting up there on your own,

staring at four walls.

Actually, I have no intention
of doing anything of the sort.

I know what I have to do.

But thank you.

CREAKING

DRIPPING

SQUEAKING

What's that smell?

The plumbing.

That's why they're getting rid
of these places.

It's just for tonight.

I know.

Oh!

- Hello.
- Nurse.

DOOR OPENS

How can I help you?

Mr Mason? I'm here to see Rosemary.

Oh, she's upstairs.

This is Jean, our eldest.
She'll take you up.

Hello, Jean.

Excuse me.

Bit of an odd question,

but have you seen a caravan round here?

We're not leaving the housing office

until we're all sorted. I promise.

There you go, sweetheart.

There you go, lad.

Good boy. Eat it all up.

You're not having any?

Maybe later.

Oh!

You feeling poorly?

No.

Didn't sleep a wink.

I could hear rats
running about half the night.

So it's not the baby, then, no?

For the love of God,
don't wish that on us.

The midwife said it could
happen any day now.

This baby needs to stay
right where it is

until we've a place for it.

IMELDA:
Paul, you can eat that. Go on.

LINE RINGING

Operator?

FROM PHONE: Yes, sir. How can I help?

- Put me through to the police.
- Right away.

Hello, Mrs Mason.

I wasn't expecting to see you
for a few days.

I thought you were going
to take full advantage

of St Cuthbert's' hospitality.

Well, I thought I might as well
be laying in my own bed

instead of one of theirs.

Oh, she's beautiful.

Does she have a name yet?

- Jacqueline.
- Aw.

I've just fed her, so she'll be
asleep in a minute.

Then why don't we give you
the once-over first

instead of disturbing her?

Have you had any bleeding?

Nothing unusual.

How are you feeling otherwise?

Oh, Mrs Mason!

Sorry.

- Being stupid.
- Not at all.

What's upsetting you?

I knew I wouldn't bounce back
like I did with my other kids.

I knew I'd be tired.

I just didn't know I'd feel so ill.

Ill? How exactly do you mean?

I don't know. I've got no energy

and I ache all over.

Have you a sore throat, runny nose?

No, nothing like that.

- What about your appetite?
- Oh, I can't face anything.

I just...

I feel like I want to go to bed
and just stay there.

I think we should get
the doctor to pay you a visit.

Trixie, do you think Matthew

might help me find a lost patient?

If he can.

Imelda O'Connor. She's due any day.

Her and her husband
have been living in a caravan

on one of the building sites,

and now it's nowhere to be seen.

I thought Matthew might know
who owned the site.

I can ask him,

but there's probably
nothing to worry about.

The family will have just moved on.

And I might be the reason for it.

I think I frightened her off.

She's scared of hospitals,

and I told her she couldn't
have a home birth.

I'm sure that's not the case.

What have I told you about
knocking on this door?

Come back at seven o'clock.

I'm sorry. My name is Cyril Robinson.

The new volunteer.

Sorry, mate.

In you come.

I've been the manager here
last few years.

Officially, I work for the council.

They pay for the place, but not much.

So we have to be realistic
about what we can do.

We're not the Housing.

We're not an 'ospital.

We're a warm bed and a hot meal.

Understood.

So how'd you hear about us?

- Er, somebody at my church.
- God-botherer, are you?

I believe in the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Great. Well, next Sunday,
you can say one for me.

But when you come here,
you leave the Bible at home.

Last thing I need is any bleeding hearts

- or soft touches.
- Good. Because that's not me.

Great. Well, we'll find out tonight.

I'm putting you on the door.

Are you sure you've seen someone?

Round here.

What is it?

Get back inside.

Oi!

Come out. We know you're in there.

Go and have a look!

CREAKING

CHILD BABBLES Sh!

FOOTSTEPS

IMELDA GASPS

MUFFLED GASP

SQUEAKING

BANGING ON DOOR

Nobody's in there.
You must have imagined it.

I think they're gone.

Let's just give it another minute.

BREATHES RAGGEDLY

Imelda?

I think I'm having contractions.

BABY GURGLES

Any history of problems

with your gall bladder, Mrs Mason?

Gallstones?

No, Doctor. Nothing like that.

- Oh!
- Oh, my apologies.

Yes, you're very tender over your liver.

No wonder you've been feeling
under the weather.

I'm afraid you've picked up
something rather nasty, Mrs Mason.

- What?
- Hepatitis.

You might have heard
it called infective jaundice?

Well, is it serious?

Not usually.

And what about the baby?

Oh, she seems absolutely fine,

but I'm going to advise you

to switch from breast-feeding to bottle.

Cos I can give her it?

It's just a sensible precaution.

I... I see.

What about everyone else?

Under the circumstances,
the best practice

would be for you
to go back into hospital.

No! What, and leave my baby?

Cos I can't take her with me, can I?

- No.
- Then I'm not going.

Then Mrs Turner will need to explain

how to keep the rest
of the household safe.

Hepatitis can be passed on
through contact with faeces.

And I'm sure you always wash your hands,

but you're going to have to be
extra careful.

That means no sharing towels,
toothbrushes, bedding.

And I don't want you cooking for anyone.

And how long has all this
got to go on for?

Well, until the infection
has passed through your system.

I'm afraid that could be several weeks.

ROSEMARY SIGHS

For the love of God, Imelda,
let me take you somewhere

- I cn get you some help.
- No!

But you can't have it here.
Look at the state of this place.

Wherever we go,

they'll ask questions,

and the first thing
they'll ask us is our address.

And when we tell them

- we haven't got one...
- I don't care,

as long as you and the baby
are all right.

They won't let us keep the baby!

They'll take it away.

They'll take Paul away.

IMELDA SOBS

GASPS

I tried my best for us, Imelda.

I know.

I know.

I'm not blaming you.

I have to do this.

OK?

You have to let me.

TILL DINGS There you go.

We run a bit of a guest house upstairs.

There's four of them,

but we have another two
arriving in the morning.

All using one bathroom?

I'm sorry. It won't do.

Do you think they're the reason
my Rosemary's poorly?

Have they had any symptoms?

Not as far as I know.

Then they're the ones at risk.

It will be very difficult
to prevent further infection

without removing Rosemary
from your home.

They'll have to go.

STRAINS

Imelda, what can I do?
Do you need anything?

No.

GROANS

It's there. I can feel the head.

Good! That's good.
You're doing so well, love.

So I spoke to the building company.

All they could tell me was that

they'd finished the work
on the new high-rise,

so the caravan had been sent on
to the next job.

Would the O'Connors have gone with it?

I... wouldn't have thought so.

I mean, they shouldn't really
have been there in the first place.

Those things are hardly
designed for families.

I don't think the O'Connors
had much choice.

Er, no, I... I suppose not.

I'll go and see what's keeping Trixie.

Oh...

CHILD CRYING

It's all right.

Mammy's just being a little bit noisy.

YELLS AND WHIMPERS

HIGH-PITCHED YELL

GASPS

You did it!

My God, you did it!

Do we cut the cord now?

You have to tie it first.
That's what they did with Paul.

Maurice? Why isn't she crying?

What do we do?

I don't know.

I don't know why she won't...

Come on, now. Come on.
Come on for Daddy. Come on.

I don't know, I don't know,
I don't know, I don't know!

- I don't know, I don't know...
- Come on for Daddy.

I don't know. I don't know,
I don't know, I don't know...

BABY CRIES

BABY CRIES

CHATTER

CHATTER

That's better. Yeah, go on.

The photographer just called.

His car's broken down in Hackney.

I don't think he's going to make it.

What?

We've got half of Poplar here
in their Sunday best!

Maybe we can reschedule.

Absolutely not.

Keep 'em busy.

I won't be long.

Milk churn?

Why don't you come with us
to the photo sh**t?

We could pick up Colette on the way.

Er, yes. That shouldn't be a problem.

Thanks. I'll not bother.

There's not really a category
for me and Colette.

Well, I suppose she's hardly
a Bonny Baby any more.

What about Fabulous Families?

I don't really think that fits either.

Thank you anyway.

Come on, then, Jonty.

Aren't you having
your sandwiches, Sister?

I have no appetite
for another cold collation.

We can keep you company
until you've eaten.

No.

I shall not dine tonight.

- You ready for this?
- I think so.

Remember, first come, first served,

, and then we're done.

And they're out by am.

- Got it?
- Got it.

Then wagons roll.

All right, lads? Come on in.

Good evening. Welcome.

Good evening.

Sister?

It's time for compline.

Not this night.

Sorry?

I said I will not be attending
this evening.

The spirit is willing...

...but the flesh is weak.

Teddy! Teddy, no.

- Slow down!
- That's enough!

You'll crease your clothes.

Right. I reckon
I've got enough spare film

to get everyone.

So who's first?

MUSIC: Bend Me, Shape Me by Amen Corner

Look at me!

♪ You're the only woman I need

♪ And, baby, you know it... ♪

Try and make the baby smile.

♪ You can make this beggar a king

♪ A clown or a poet

♪ Bend me, shape me any way you want me

♪ Long as you love me, it's all right

♪ Bend me, shape me any way you want me

- ♪ You got the power... ♪
- Sit together!

♪ To turn on the light

Turn your tin round.

Look at me!

♪ Bend me, shape me any way you want me

♪ You got the power
to turn on the light... ♪

That's good, that's good.
Get closer together.

♪ Any way you want me

♪ Long as you love me, it's all right. ♪

Good evening and welcome.

Oh! Sorry.

That's it for tonight.

- Come on, mate.
- We're full.

Please. It's bloody freezing out here.

I'm so sorry.

I'll sleep on the floor.
What harm can I do?

I'm sorry. Those are the rules.

Hey.

COINS CLINK

Get yourself something to eat.

I'm sorry.

COINS CLINK

Not easy, is it?

No, it's not.

By the way, if you think
he's going to spend

what you gave him on his dinner,
you're dafter than you look.

Kitchen could do with
an extra pair of hands.

She seems quite unwell.

I should have realised
something wasn't quite right

when she refused to eat
yesterday evening.

Her appetite hasn't been good
for a while,

but she always manages something.

And then she missed compline.

I thought she was being provocative.

I refused to be provoked.

- I didn't think for one moment...
- Of course you didn't.

Now, then. What's all this?

I do not wish to be here.

Please let me leave.

Where would you go?

I want to go home.

You are home, Sister.

Sister, look at her eyes.

They're looking a bit yellow.

Let's give the doctor a call.

BABY STIRS

The way she's eating,

won't be long until she's on
tea and toast.

Nearly took the bottle
out of me hand this morning.

I'm very glad to hear that.
BABY CRIES

You know, I can't wait to take her
out in her pram,

- show her off to all the neighbours.
- I don't blame you.

So when might that be?

Mrs Mason, the doctor explained.
You're still infectious.

Oh, so you say.
But I feel tonnes better.

How would you feel if you made
your neighbours ill?

We're still trying to work out
where your infection came from.

It's odd that no-one else
in the house seems to have it.

Odd? well, it's a good thing, isn't it?

Well, yes, but we need to know
where the infection started.

The couple of weeks
before you had the baby,

did you go anywhere, perhaps out to eat?

Oh, yeah. I was up west doing the twist.

You saw me!

I was like the side of a house.

Perhaps you had a friend visit.

Because if you did,
we'll need to contact them.

If you could just think...

I don't need to bloody think,
cos I didn't go anywhere

and I didn't see anyone.

- For you, ma'am.
- Thank you.

- Buongiorno.
- Hi.

Oh! Perfect timing.

For me? Thank you.

Well, the RSVPs are flying in,
all saying,

"We'll be attending, with bells on."

- That's good.
- Isn't it?

Means we can make a start
on the table plan.

We?

Well, I need to know about
any potential diplomatic incidents...

you know, warring aunts,
kissing cousins.

It's how I'll find out
your family secrets.

Mmm.

Matthew?

CHUCKLES: Sorry.

I have another meeting with
the solicitor this afternoon.

Yet more decisions to be made
about my father's estate.

Well, I'm sure you'll make good ones.

I hardly know any more.

Sometimes I'm sorely tempted
to flip a coin.

What's the worst that could happen?

Nothing too disastrous.

Could ruin my father's legacy.
Destroy our future.

Is that all?
BOTH LAUGH

- You know, if you wanted to postpone...
- No.

- I just don't want to...
- Absolutely not.

Matthew, you've just lost your father.

You have so much to worry about.

The one thing I'm not worried about
is marrying you.

This is the only thing keeping me going.

Anyway, my father thought
the world of you.

I can't think of
a more fitting tribute to him

than for us to start our lives
together as soon as possible.

SHE GASPS

SHE GRIMACES

She's jaundiced,
and her liver is enlarged.

- Hepatitis.
- Just the latest case in the district.

I'm minded not to move her.

For a start, I don't need to
tell anyone in this house

how to prevent the spread of infection.

I should hope not.

There's nothing she needs
that she can't get here.

Agreed.

She will need to be kept hydrated.

Painkillers, if you feel it's necessary.

Other than that,
I'm afraid we just have to hope

she can fight the infection off.

I won't pretend her age isn't a concern.

Thank you, Doctor.

- Thank you.
- Thank you.

Oh!

Hello, young man.

I heard you were back.

I was wondering
when our paths would cross.

I haven't been avoiding you.

I'm just keeping myself busy.

I understand.

But there's no need to be a stranger.

You're always welcome here.

I appreciate that.

She won't take it.

Imelda, you look terrible.

I'm fine. I just...
I just need her to eat.

Sure? You feel cold to me.

Are you still bleeding?

Yeah.

A lot more than last time.

- Right, that's enough. I'm going to get help.
- Go to the nuns.

- They'll know what to do.
- Right.

Now, you be a good boy.

Look after your mammy.
Daddy'll be back soon.

Any news on Sister Monica Joan?

She's comfortable, but no better.

I have to admit,
she's got me very worried.

Me too.

I was sad you didn't make it
to the photo session.

I was looking forward to taking
a snap of you and your Colette.

Don't know why.
We've no chance of winning.

Oh, the competition means nothing.

It's just that Colette grows up
a little bit more

every time I see her.

She'll be all grown-up
before you know it.

I just thought you might like
to capture the fleeting moment.

I didn't come along, because
I didn't think it was right.

What makes you say that?

The only category we could enter
is the one for families.

And we're not a family.

We don't even live together.

You're more a family
than plenty of others.

You've only to look at the two of you

to see the love.

And after you fought so hard
to be in Colette's life?

You're a family, lass.

And I never want you to think otherwise.

You hear me?

I hear you.

NANCY SIGHS

So, I've a couple of sh*ts to use up

before I send the films off.

What do you say?

BANGING AT DOOR

BANGING CONTINUES

I need you. I mean, I need a nurse.

Mr O'Connor! I've been looking for you.

They chucked us out.
And now she's had the baby,

and something's not right.
It barely cries, and she's cold,

- and she's clammy...
- Wait here.

I'll go and grab my bag
and then you show me where she is.

OK.

Hey, hey! You were at the hostel
last night.

- Are you all right?
- Get off of me!

HE COUGHS

- Come on.
- What are you doing?

- Get off me.
- I'm taking you to a doctor.

I don't need a bloody doctor.

We'll let the doctor decide that.

DOOR OPENS

Oh, you poor things.

We did our best.

Promise we did.

It's going to be all right.

Tell me, when did you give birth?

Yesterday.

- Has she fed?
- Hardly at all.

Imelda, I'm going to need you
to listen to me.

Your baby's very cold.

The best thing for you to do
is to hold her

nice and close to your body.

That's it.

You just hold her...

...and let her warm up next to you.

Did the afterbirth come away?

Yeah.

Maurice got rid of it.

Let me just have a feel.

That's it.

Imelda...

...I'm going to give you
an injection. Mmm?

It's going to be all right.
We found you.

Go outside and call an ambulance.

- Maurice?
- It's going to be all right.

They'll look after you.

Off you go.

DOOR OPENS AND CLOSES

Leon, I think
you've picked up hepatitis.

I'm afraid it's doing the rounds
at the moment.

Will I live?

That is rather up to you. May I?

I take it you didn't
come by these medically?

Leon...

I don't know
what led you down this path,

but I would like to help you get off it.

I wouldn't waste your time.

That's not how I see it.

You're a young man.

You don't want to spend
the rest of your life like this.

There are hospitals
that treat addiction now.

I... I could make some calls.

BABY CRIES

BABY GURGLES

Why won't you let a doctor help you?

Oh, by getting me to give up
the only thing that makes me happy?

- No, thanks, mate.
- The only thing? That can't be true.

You wouldn't say that if you knew
anything about my life.

Then tell me. Make me understand.

Right.

My mother didn't want me when
I was born, so she gave me away.

But it turns out the people
who took me in

didn't want me either, in the end.

So they put me in children's homes,

where they made it pretty bloody clear

that no-one would ever want me.

I'm sorry.

Even then, I still didn't
learn my lesson.

I decided I'd give my mother
another chance.

And it went all right at first.

I thought I was finally going to get
what I wanted.

A family?

It turns out she's already got
a new family.

Why does she need someone like me
to screw it up?

Well, I am pleased to say
baby is warming up nicely

in the incubator
and has quite the appetite.

We'll put you on a course of antibiotics

to knock any infection on the head.

Next time, come to us.

There'll always be a bed for you here.

An abandoned building is no place
for a labouring mother,

and certainly not a newborn baby.

Thank you.

Where's Paul?

- He's just outside.
- Can you get him?

I want him to see
that Mammy's getting better.

Yeah, in a minute.

What is it?

We've had to find somewhere for Paul
to stay for the next few nights.

He can't stay with me?
Where's he going to go?

Social Services has found someone
to look after him.

Erm... My little girl stays
with a foster family,

and they're lovely.

But what about Maurice?
Can't he look after him?

The only place for Maurice to stay
is a hostel for men.

And even if Paul could go there,
you wouldn't want him to.

Can I say goodbye?

Of course.

Look.

There's my big boy!

- Hey.
- Do you want to have a sit there?

Hey.

Look, look.
CHILD MURMURS

There's so much, isn't there?
Are you going to be good?

CHILD MURMURS

Come here and give your mammy a kiss.

CHILD SQUEALS

Come...

CHILD PROTESTS

All right. Are you going to say bye?

Look. Bye-bye, Mam.

- I'll see you soon, sweetheart.
- Yeah, come on.

CHILD GURGLES

Is that really the best we can do?

It's not their fault they have no home.

In my experience, the fault
rarely lies with the homeless.

Then who is to blame?

It's a long list.

At the top of it,
I'd write "circumstances”.

Once one thing goes wrong
for a family, it...

It's hard to stop the next catastrophe,

and the next and the next.

It takes on a terrible momentum
all of its own.

SHE SIGHS

SOBBING

You cannot keep me c*ptive!

It isn't allowed.

You're not allowed!

It's all right, Sister. Just rest.

Please...

Please.

I don't want to be here.

SOBS: You do not understand.

I understand. I understand.

KNOCK AT DOOR

SOBBING CONTINUES Come in.

DOOR OPENS

I heard my friend is unwell.

I came to see her
and to give you some respite.

You won't get much in the way
of conversation.

She's very confused.

I'm not sure I have much to say either,

but a great deal to think about.

DOOR OPENS

Sister...

DOOR CLOSES

My friend...

...has come home.

You were missed.

And I missed you.

I hope you're not using my clinical room

as a tea-making facility.

This is purely medicinal.

I thought I might see if I could aid
Sister Monica Jones' recovery.

In that case, carry on.

I think we'd try anything at this point.

You fear the worst?

Hepatitis in someone of her age?

I think we both know the odds.

That poor family came here
to help build new homes

and they can't even find one
to live in, not even a caravan.

How can that be right?

It's difficult.

It only takes days
to tear down the old buildings.

It can be months before
they're replaced.

And then homes have to be allocated
on a basis of need.

The bureaucracy involved in that

HE CHUCKLES is...

Well, hasn't this been thought about
in any way?

Seems pretty simple to me -

make sure there's enough homes
for the families that need them.

You think I'm naive.

No, not at all.

All I know is that splitting up families

and handing their children over
to complete strangers

shouldn't be the only option.

SHOP BELL RINGS

Wait! Please, Leon!

I'm sorry. I know what
you must be thinking.

You were going to tell 'em.

You were going to tell your husband,
your family,

- change your mind!
- No. I had the baby.

And then I wasn't well.

I wanted to let you know,
but how could I?

I don't even know where you live!

Leon! I want to tell 'em. I do.

But you haven't!

Le-...

Rosemary?

What are you doing out and about?

Let's get you inside.

It sounds like a decent place.

It is. We've looked into it,
and it's safe and clean.

But only me and the kids can stay there?

I'm afraid so.

- It's better than nothing.
- What about you?

I'll be fine. They've put me
on that Kensal Rise job.

But that's the other side of London!
Where are you going to stay?

I'll find a doss-house or something.

- No!
- Look, this way, we can save up money.

By the time I'm done, we'll have
enough for a deposit and rent.

And I'll be looking in on you
and the baby. I promise.

Thank you...

...for not giving up on my family.

Family are so important.

I never had one.

SHE SOBS

You don't need to tell me.

But if there's anything I can do...

It's my mess to clear up.

You were right.

I had been somewhere,

seen someone before I fell ill

Was it that young man
I saw you speaking with?

He's my son.

She'd remembered right, the sister.

It was a boy she delivered, my Leon.

But I was young...

- ...and I wasn't married.
- So you couldn't keep him.

I thought I'd never see him again...

...and then there he was.

He'd got my name somehow
and then he tracked me down.

My parents owned this place for years.

Everyone knew 'em.

So all he had to do was ask about.

And I was happy when I saw him.

But he's had some problems.

And I had my other kids to think about.

- Of course.
- And there's Arthur.

We always promised we wouldn't keep
any secrets from each other,

so I just didn't know how to tell him.

Oh! What are you lot up to?

We got you a treat, Mum -
your favourite.

Fresh cream cakes?!

There's one for each of us.

Oh, you're good children.

But there's one missing.

I'll see myself out.

Arthur...

...we need to talk.

What are you doing here?

We're going to go have our photo taken.

So maybe you should do something
about that hair.

Mmm? Hmm?

I was just a kid, Arthur.

I couldn't look after him, you see.

About a year later, I met you,
and we were so happy.

And I know what we said about secrets.

Well, what did I know?
I was only a lad myself.

And I just didn't know how to tell you.

Oh, come here. It's all right.

SHE SOBS

INDISTINCT CHATTER

Ah! Welcome to the meeting
of the Housing Subcommittee.

Any apologies?

No apologies? Good.

Now, have we all read the minutes
from the last meeting?

MURMURS OF AGREEMENT
Any objections on page one?

- On page two?
- Excuse me. If I may...

I'm sorry. We can't hear from the floor

until "matters arising".

You'll have to wait
for that part of the agenda.

No, I'm sorry, but I won't.

This is exactly the problem
that I came here to discuss.

This stultifying bureaucracy...

it is why we have a housing crisis
in Poplar.

Interminable queues
at the Housing office.

It's turning people in need away.

I came here to ask
for some concrete action,

for this committee to recognise
that they cannot simply

tear down people's houses and then
refuse to offer an alternative.

With respect, haven't you done your
fair share of tearing things down?

Yes, I have. But
I might have reconsidered

if I'd been made aware of the total
lack of urgency in this committee.

That's hardly fair.

We take the problems of the ward
very seriously,

and there are procedures.

And there are families being torn apart!

Children being put into foster care

whilst their parents sleep in hostels.

And you think that turning up here
and shouting the odds

is going to solve anything?

No.

But I would...

...really like to discuss
some possible solutions.

And furthermore, I would like
to help in any way I can.

BABY COOS

I've got someone who wants to see you.

- Hello, Mum.
- Oh!

Oh, no, none of that.

You'll scare the poor sod off again.
THEY LAUGH

ENGINE TURNS OFF

Who knew council subcommittees
could be... so exciting?

HE CHUCKLES

I loved my father,
but the way he did business...

I think I need to make some changes
now that he's gone.

Mmm.

TRIXIE SIGHS

Oh...

TRIXIE SIGHS

Councillor Buckle.

I... I hope you didn't think
I was attacking you personally.

Aren't I part of
the "stultifying bureaucracy"?

Violet...

It only hurt...

...because you weren't wrong.

I mean, that committee moves
at the speed of treacle.

It needs a good kick up the...

Well, you know what.

But what it could really do with
is some fresh blood.

- Me?
- Mmm.

Council elections are next year.

And your bridesmaids' dresses
are nearly ready for a fitting,

so I will give you a call.

Thank you.

We've had a delivery.

The photos? How have they turned out?

Rather well.

It appears we've had a winner.

Your picture of the Shahs has
secured the Fabulous Families award

for the district and is being
put forward for the national final.

Well...

...isn't that something?

A little more?

DOOR CLOSES

I've brought something
to show you, Sister.

I only took it to use up the roll,

but I think it turned out
rather well, don't you?

CHUCKLES: Sister?

I am weary.

Perhaps you could let me be?

MATURE JENNIFER:
What matters most - memory itself

or the love that feeds and frames it?

Love lasts longer, so perhaps love wins.

Love inspires.

Love nurtures.

Love can be rekindled.

And love knows many ways of being.

It can be captured in a kiss
or a fleeting look.

It can be made immortal in a photograph.

Love lives within the present
and the past.

Love has a future.

We must not forget that.

- TRIXIE: Is that my brother?!
- It certainly is!

I've been in training for this
for years.

I want it to look like Arnold.

Loads of black hair
and eyes like pennies.

Mrs Yue, it needs something English.

Nonnatus House is not going to close.

Matthew's mother sold the family tiara!

- No!
- What am I supposed to secure the veil with?!