10x03 - Episode 3

[bunniefuu]

GIRLS GIGGLE

MATURE JENNIFER: Everyone needs
a place of safety.

Somewhere that bathes us
in warmth and reassurance.

Hello!

Somewhere where the door
is always open

and where it can be closed

to keep us secure and safe
from harm.

Sometimes a smell or a taste
will take us back to childhood.

A simple dish
can become a talisman,

warding off the perils
of the world outside.

We all find ways
to build our strongholds.

Life can be so bleak
without the benison of shelter.

Good afternoon, Nurse.

I hope you gave it a good wash
this time, Mrs Williams.

SHE LAUGHS

Washed and scrubbed,
don't you worry. Thank you.

Excuse me, is Dr Turner here?

He is,
but he's only seeing referrals.

I'd like to see Dr Turner, please.

If I may take your name, Mrs...?

It's Louise Wrigley - Miss.

And if I can have
your co-op card, Miss Wrigley?

I don't have one.

Well, you should have
been issued with one

when your pregnancy was confirmed.

But that's the whole point.

I need to see the doctor
to have my pregnancy confirmed.

If you're not actually pregnant...

No, I am.

That's why he did the test.
And he said he'd know by today.

Please, I really have to know.

Oh, very well.

If you'll take a seat,
I shall speak with Dr Turner.

That's another two pounds this week,
Mrs Williams.

Me know, Nurse, but I'm big-boned.

I know it's hard,

but we have to try
and limit your weight gain.

Did you look at the pamphlet
me did give you

about healthy eating?

Yes, yes. But, er, hope
you don't mind me tell you,

you need to put on some weight,
you look too magga.

My weight is just fine, thank you.

I don't understand.

I've seen the test result,
Miss Wrigley,

and it confirmed
that you're not pregnant.

It isn't the news
you were hoping for?

It's not that, it's just
the test must be wrong.

It's generally very reliable.

But I know how I feel.

I'm feeling sick all the time
and I'm sort of tender, there.

I've got all the symptoms.

I can see why
that might be confusing, but...

What if you did another test?
Just in case?

We can certainly examine you,

- if it would put your mind at rest.
- Yes.

Yes, please, Doctor.

Can you do it now?

Your blood pressure is up
a little, Mrs Williams.

And I see there was
a trace of glucose

in your last urine test.

Ah, the nurse said it was
probably the jam jar.

It's possible, but we'll need
to repeat the test

and keep a close eye
between now and the birth.

Now, I hope you haven't been
trying to do too much.

I'm fine, Sister, just tired.

Then, I'm not as young as I was
the last time around.

- SHE LAUGHS
- And this one

presses down on my bladder
like anything.

Lie back for me.

Baby's certainly a very good size.

Hah, the other two were just
the same,

nine pounds, and ten and a half -

big, bonny and healthy,
the pair of them.

That's good to hear.

Now, while my hand is
on Baby's head,

I'd like you to slowly sit up for
me.

That's it.

There! I can feel the head
dropping nicely down

into the pelvis.

- Hah! At least we know it fit.
- It does.

But given Baby's size,

we do still need to plan
for a hospital delivery.

I told you, Mrs Turner.

I'm having this baby
in my own house.

I promise you,
you'll receive excellent care

at St Cuthbert's.

I don't doubt it.

My Antony is a porter there.

And Lord knows he does a fine job.

But I delivered two babies in
one room with no running water.

I mean to do it properly this time.

Hospital are for sick people.

Babies should be born at home.

Right.

That's fine.

We'll just give you a moment
to slip your things back on.

Please, just tell me.

I'm pregnant, aren't I?

No, Miss Wrigley.

Having examined you,

I can say with certainty

that there is no sign
of a pregnancy.

I see.

I'll let you get dressed.

And then if you'd like
to talk further...

No. Thank you, Doctor.

Miss Wrigley, it's perfectly
natural to feel anxious

about an unexpected pregnancy,

but there are several contraceptive
options available...

Thank you.

That won't be necessary.

Bless, O Father, thy gifts to
our use and us to thy service,

for the sake of Jesus Christ,
our Lord.

- Amen.
- Amen.

It seems we are to have a visitor.

Oh, yes?

A young curate who requires
temporary lodgings

before joining his new parish
in Newcastle.

And where will the young
gentleman be sleeping?

He will take the spare room
at the top of the house.

I'm assured he'll be
perfectly happy up there.

Glad to hear it.

Mm!

Is your tooth
still troubling you, Sister?

No, no, no, it's much better,
thank you.

I do not understand.

Is the Bishop labouring
under the misapprehension

that we are some form
of lodging house?

No, he isn't.

But it seemed the least we could do.

Do try and eat something.

I have no appetite for Spam.

I believe the other is fish paste.

The contents of the sandwich
is immaterial.

It does not ameliorate
the blandness of the bread.

That was wonderful, Lucille.

Proper Guyanese pepper pot,
just like my mother used to make.

THEY CHUCKLE
I'm glad you like it.

BOTH LAUGH

You don't need to do that.

We can't leave them
soaking in the sink.

Don't forget
you're living in a church.

- HE CHUCKLES
- And wonderful it is, too.

No-one stealing my milk.

No long queues for the bathroom.

Now you're just showing off.

I thought it was bad
with three sisters,

but if I don't get
in the bathroom before Trixie,

me not get in at all.

I'm sorry, I shouldn't gloat.

Here, I wanted to show you this.

My mother sent it.

That's my cousin Rose
and her family.

- Them the ones who live near Shell Beach?
- Mm-hm.

She said the whole family
are going down there

for Uncle John's birthday.

They're having
a big celebration by the sea.

When I was a little girl,

I always had my birthday party
at the beach.

My mother would make a special
picnic

and we all swimming in the sea.

So far from Poplar, that's for sure.

Everton, plate in the sink.
The nurse is here.

I hope you're not standing
on your feet

- all day, Mrs Williams.
- Uh-uh.

I just run the iron
over a few sheets.

Gayle, put these away for me -
third shelf.

- SHE CHUCKLES
- Good girl.

You have them well trained.

A place for everything

and everything in its place -

that's what my mother taught me.

Ooh!

- Are you very thirsty?
- Uh-uh.

Uh-uh. I just get hot
when I'm ironing.

You have to really try for rest
while you can.

I tell you, Nurse,

I've been waiting for this
likkle one for so long.

Well, you're three days overdue,

so I doubt you'll be waiting
much longer.

Hello, Nurse.

- So, how's she doing?
- Me like to see her

slowing down a bit.

Mm-hm, I did tell her.

She should put her feet up,

- watch that new television I bought her.
- Me not want to waste my time

- watching the television.
- SHE CHUCKLES

And, Antony, if you've finished
with the cot,

move it over to the bedroom window.

The midwife don't want
to keep bumping into it

every five minutes.

Mrs Williams, you know I said
that when labour starts,

you need for go
straight to the hospital?

It's safest for you and for Baby.

Well, er, we'll just see how we go.

Ah! Cyril, just the man.
I've got something for you.

Oh, yes?

A bunch of silk flowers.

Oh, Fred, you really are too kind.

Oh, get on with you.

Mrs Wallace dropped them
in for the church,

- asked me to keep 'em safe.
- It's much appreciated.

Now, then, Fred Buckle,
what did we say?

This is a newsagent's,
not a lending library.

Yeah, I know that, Vi.
It's just that, um...

Alfie Norris, two weeks owing.

Joe Hinds, three weeks owing.

Yeah, but to be fair,
poor old Joe, he's laid up

- with the old lumbago, ain't he?
- If he can walk to the shop,

then he can put his hand
in his pocket.

You all right there, Cyril?

I just wondered if you might have
such a thing as a picnic basket.

Ah, picnic basket?

Well, I do, as it happens.

Although I couldn't tell you
the last time I used it.

Are you planning a treat
for a certain nurse?

Thought I'd surprise Lucille
with a trip to the coast.

Oh, now that is what
I call romantic.

I think you took it down
the shed, Fred.

SHE CLEARS THROAT

Looking for something,
Sister Frances?

Oh, no. I was just...

I thought we might have
some oil of cloves.

Chemist on Commercial Road
is open late.

But you can't avoid the dentist
for ever, you know.

SHE SIGHS

DOOR SHUTS

Of course. No, I quite understand.

Well, leave it with me
and I'll see what I can do.

You're welcome.

- Everything all right?
- That was St Cuthbert's.

One of their Sister Tutors
has sprained her ankle

and they need someone to carry out
the pupil midwife assessments.

I'm going to see if Nonnatus
can spare anyone.

They need every extra penny
they can find.

And all the while
the clock is ticking.

Don't, Patrick.

Doesn't bear thinking about.

In six months' time,
there could be no more Nonnatus.

And what would that mean
for the maternity home?

How would we keep it going
without their support?

We have to pray
it doesn't come to that.

I'm not sure prayer alone
will be enough.

Good afternoon.

Good afternoon, Nurse Anderson.

I put the special request
to one side for you.

Heaven knows, the additional
income would be welcome,

but it's not possible at present.

We only just managed to cope

when Nurse Franklin
was at the Lady Emily Clinic,

for all the good it did us.

There has to be something else
we can try.

An avenue
we haven't yet explored.

I hope you're right, but,
at present,

I'm at a loss to know
what it might be.

KNOCK ON DOOR

Sorry to interrupt,
Sister Julienne,

but I looked into
the spare room on the top floor

and the mice have got into
the mattress.

In that case, he'll just have
to use the camp bed.

Are you expecting a visitor?

A curate. It's a shame we can't
charge for board and lodging.

Oh, Mrs Turner? Might I ask
your opinion on something?

The study found that
a temporary form of diabetes

can develop during pregnancy,

even when a mother has
no history of the condition.

Patients who presented
with excessive weight gain

and glucose in their urine

went on to have much larger babies,

often resulting
in obstructed deliveries.

And this made me
think of Patricia Williams.

She's gained an excessive
amount of weight

and we've seen
a trace of glucose in her urine

on more than one occasion.

You're absolutely right,
and I've spoken to Dr Turner

about sending her
for a glucose tolerance test.

And her baby is also
measuring very large.

Do you think it's possible

she could have developed
this form of diabetes?

It's certainly
a very interesting theory.

True -
that doesn't necessarily point

to an abnormal condition, though.

I know it's only the one study,

but we frequently see
that larger women,

with glucose in their urine,
end up having larger babies.

It may simply be linked to
unmonitored weight gain.

But if they were found
to have a form of diabetes,

that might open up the possibility

of treating the condition

and reducing the risk
of complications

later in the pregnancy.

Could prove a very exciting
development,

once it's been thoroughly
researched.

You know, Patrick, I think
I'd like to put myself forward

for the Sister Tutor position
at St Cuthbert's.

- I thought you might.
- You did?

Not only are you a clinically
excellent midwife, Shelagh,

but you've always been as fascinated
by the science as I am.

Makes you a natural teacher.

I'm rather rusty, though.

It's been a while since
I used my teaching skills.

Then it'll be a good chance
to get back in the saddle.

SHE WINCES

SHE GROANS

You all right there, love?

Can you help me, please?

SHE SIGHS

Good Lord, you look like
the wreck of the Hesperus.

- SHE SIGHS
- Here.

Whyever didn't you drive?

Oh, for the simple reason

that my car is currently
at the garage.

Miss Higgins, you're very late.
You've not forgotten

I'll be at the hospital today?

No, I have not.

Nurse Crane says you spoke
to her about adding a patient

to the district nursing round,

but I've looked and I can find
nothing about it.

Well, then,
if you don't mind my saying,

you can't have
looked terribly hard. Hmm.

Here we are.

"Louise Wrigley,
admitted to St Cuthbert's

"for a suspected kidney infection,

"discharged early due
to their current lack of beds."

Wonderful. Thank you, Miss Higgins.

You're most welcome, Mrs Turner.

- Mrs Williams?
- Mm.

We're ready for your glucose
tolerance test.

Oh, but I thought I was
supposed to drink something.

Blood test first,
then glucose drink,

then three more tests.

Oh, all right.

- Come in, Sister.
- Thank you.

You were discharged from
St Cuthbert's yesterday,

is that right?

And how have you been feeling
since then?

Not too good, to be honest, Sister.

Pain in my side's
been getting worse.

And this morning,
when I went to spend a penny,

it looked like there was blood.

In your urine?

Hmm, well, that doesn't sound too
good.

Er...

Hmm. The hospital tested
for a urinary tract infection

but it came back negative.

That's what they said.

Then they just sent me home.

Well, first things first,
I'll take a urine sample.

Then, if needs be,

I can ask the doctor to call in
on his rounds.

- How does that sound?
- Thank you, Sister.

Hmm, right.

Pupil Midwives, I'm Sister Turner,

and I shall be supervising
your work today.

Thank you for being on time.

I consider punctuality
to be the sign

of a well-organised mind.

Yes, Sister.

- Shall we go onto the ward?
- I'm sorry, Sister.

Mr Armitage hasn't
finished his rounds yet.

He's always late.

But don't worry, he never stays
very long.

Good morning, ladies.

So, you've mainly been feeling
the pain on the left side?

And in my back.

Have you had any other symptoms?

I've been feeling dizzy

and sometimes it feels like
my heart's going really fast.

And the Sister said there was
blood in my urine sample.

Your heart rate seems to be
normal at the moment.

Do you think I might need to go
back to the hospital?

I don't think that would be
necessary right now,

but I would like to take
some blood while I'm here,

then I'll run some tests.

Do you live alone, Miss Wrigley?

And, er, are you in work
at present?

I was let go.

Oh, I'm sorry to hear that.

Mrs Williams, were you here

- to see the consultant?
- I was, yes, Mrs Turner.

Is everything all right?

Three hours I waited,
to be spoken to like that.

I won't be coming here again.

Mr Armitage?

I believe you've just seen

one of my patients, Mrs Williams.

She was referred
for a glucose tolerance test.

Ah, yes, well, no surprises there.

Third trimester, severely obese.

I told her she just needs
to eat less.

Only a colleague of mine was reading

a recent study on latent
diabetes in pregnancy...

I am aware of the study.

And I would caution your colleague
in the strongest terms

against confusing her patients
with complicated theories.

Oh, Shelagh. You're not still
worrying over it, are you?

The consultant was so rude, Patrick.

I just keep thinking,
if that's how he spoke to me,

imagine how he made
poor Patricia Williams feel.

Still, Mrs Williams won't be
helped by you losing sleep.

Oh, Lucille, my sincere apologies,

but I fear Sister Frances'
visit to the dentist

has become a matter of urgency.

Might I prevail upon you
to forgo your afternoon off

and take over her rounds?

Of course. I only plan
on doing me laundry.

Oh, thank you.

So, you've got two different
types of sandwiches

and a bit of pork pie,

and I made you a few angel cakes,

so mind you don't squash 'em.

You really didn't have to go
to so much trouble.

Nonsense, it's my pleasure.

So how are you planning
on getting there?

I have borrowed a car from
the garage for the afternoon.

Thought we should travel in style.

There you go. Pop these in.

There. Scrubbed up all right,
didn't it?

It's perfect. Thank you.

PHONE RINGS

Good morning. Dr Turner's surgery.

It's Louise Wrigley. I need
the doctor to come and see me.

I'm afraid Dr Turner
has already begun his rounds.

Er, if you can tell me
what the problem is?

He came to see me before,
and I'm still in pain.

Then might I suggest you come
into the surgery?

I can offer you an appointment

this afternoon at...

Really!

PHONE RINGS

Nonnatus House. Midwife speaking.

I see.

All right. Not to worry,
Mr Williams.

A midwife will be with you
presently.

Patricia Williams. It seems

her contractions started
during the night.

But she didn't want to bother us

till she was sure Baby was coming.

And till she was sure

it would be too late
to send her to the hospital.

Lucille!

Oh, sorry, Cyril.

Can't stop.

- Me have a lady in labour.
- I wanted to surprise you.

I thought it was your afternoon off.
I've borrowed a car.

Oh, I'm so sorry.

Sister Frances had to go
to the dentist, so we swap.

I have tomorrow instead.

- SHE GROANS
- The midwife is here now, Pat.

How are you doing, Mrs Williams?

Getting there, I think.

They're coming every few minutes
now.

It's a shame you didn't call us
sooner, but never mind.

Let's get you upstairs, shall we?

Did you call Jasmine?

I did.
I've a shift at the hospital,

but Pat's sister will be here
for the children.

Tell her there's a plate of
cold beef

and she can give them tinned peaches
or...

All right, let's not worry
about the catering.

You have more important things
to think about.

Well, don't just stand there.

Go to work!

Miss Wrigley.

I'm sorry, Sister,
but my side is really hurting,

and I called the surgery

but they wouldn't let me see
the doctor.

Goodness! Er, well,
you'd better come inside.

No, of course, Miss Higgins.

Clearly there's been
a misunderstanding.

I don't think we require
an ambulance.

I shall take it from here.

All right. Bye.

I think we should get you home.

SHE GROANS

That's it, Mrs Williams.

Breathe nice and deep. There you go.

I don't remember it hurting
this much the last time.

Me know, my precious,
and as soon as this one arrive,

you'll forget all over again.

SHE GROANS

I'm just sorry you went to
all that trouble for nothing.

Oh, what a shame, but not to worry,

the cakes will keep,
and you can have the sandwiches

for your tea.

No, really. You should have them.
But thank you again.

What?

- Well, at least get a plate.
- It's a picnic!

Have you eaten anything today?

Well, I'm not surprised
you're feeling dizzy.

I wasn't well enough
to get to the shops.

Have you any family nearby?

Anyone who can pop in
with a few bits?

My sister's in Kent, and my mum...

Well, she's on her own
and she's not too well herself.

Perhaps a neighbour, then?

I don't know them.

I was in Dartford before. I had
a position as a hospital clerk.

But then I was let go
and I had to move.

SHE STRAINS
That's it.

Bear down for me, Mrs Williams.

Keep going, keep going.

You're doing so well, Pat.

Then... then why isn't it coming?

Baby have quite a tight curve
to negotiate on the way out,

so we're going to try
and change position again.

I've been pushing for so long.

I can't do any more.

I know it's hard and I can see
you're getting tired, precious.

This isn't right, I told you.

This doesn't feel
like the last time.

Jasmine, will you run down
and call the surgery?

Say Nurse Anderson would like
Dr Turner's assistance

and ask him to come
as soon as he can.

This is ever so kind of you.

There's money in my purse
for the bread.

Oh, just mind you don't skip
any more meals.

Oh, goodness,
I really must be getting on.

Of course. Thank you, Sister.

SHE GROANS
What's the matter?

- SHE GROANS
- Oh, it's my leg.

Oh, it's like a spasm in my thigh.

It's all right.
It's probably just a cramp.

They can be terribly painful.

- I'm sorry, you need to go.
- Oh, I'm afraid I do.

But I'll mop up
that tea before I leave you.

SISTER FRANCES: Sister Monica Joan,
it's time for compline.

Sister?

DOOR SHUTS

All right, Mrs Williams,

the local anaesthetic
should be working now.

This isn't what I wanted.

- Just stay nice and calm.
- No!

The head's still too high.

We shouldn't delay any further.

If you could call for an ambulance,
please?

What is it? Where's she going?

I'm afraid your baby's
not comfortable, Mrs Williams.

We're going to need to deliver
by Caesarean section.

- No, no, no, no, please, no.
- Steady now. Now steady.

Don't be alarmed. Nurse Anderson
will accompany you to the hospital.

SHE GASPS

SHE SCREAMS AND CRIES

Nurse? What's happening?
Is she all right?

Your wife needs a Caesarean section,
so they're taking her into theatre.

But she wanted to have the baby
at home.

I know, Mr Williams,

but sometimes we don't get to
decide.

Oh, dear, oh, dear,
what have we here?

I believe a return visit
to the dentist may be in order.

He's made it worse, not better.

Well, I can't send you
on rounds in this state.

Any news?

Patricia Williams' baby was
successfully delivered by Caesarean.

And what was the weight?

lb, oz.

TRIXIE: Oh, my.

Our next patient, Mrs Williams,

was overweight at the start
of the pregnancy

and gained more weight
than recommended,

with several episodes of glycosuria.

But the patient's weight

and the size of the baby
caused the labour to obstruct,

resulting in a Caesarean.

Was a head fitting performed at
her last antenatal appointment?

It was, but to quote
an old midwife's adage,

"You may see the size of the field,

"but you can't guarantee
the size of the gate."

Mrs Williams,
this is Pupil Midwife Richards.

She's just going to check
your dressing.

Please, when can I see my baby?

We need to keep your baby quiet
in an incubator

for a few days, Mrs Williams,

just while we get his feeding
established.

And you need complete bed rest

so your incision can begin to heal.

I just want to see him.

I know, but it won't be for long.

As I'm sure Mr Armitage explained,

he won't experience
any long-term ill effects.

He didn't talk to me about my baby.

He just told me I should have
exercised more self-control.

My son could've d*ed...

...and I've no-one but myself
to blame.

As your midwife,
I'm telling you, you did

a wonderful job under
very difficult circumstances.

To be honest, Miss Wrigley's
proving rather a puzzle.

Her blood test was negative

and there's no obvious explanation

for the blood in her urine.

Then there are her other symptoms,

the pain and the elevated
heart rate.

She's also experiencing leg cramps.

I'm beginning to wonder if it might
be some form of rheumatoid disease.

Lupus can affect the kidneys.

And there are others
which can cause quite vague

- and varied symptoms.
- Right.

Erm, I did wonder,

I just thought her mood
seemed rather low.

She hasn't any family support
and she's obviously lonely.

You think she may have been
tempted to exaggerate

some of her symptoms?

Well, possibly. The pain in her side
did seem to come and go.

But there was definitely blood
in the urine.

Yes, but it is very concerning.

- SHE SIGHS HEAVILY
- Well, that sounded heartfelt.

Well, with Mrs Turner
otherwise engaged,

her administrative responsibilities

have fallen to me,
along with everything else.

Might I suggest a brief respite?

Well, I had planned to eat
my sandwiches at my desk.

My friend in Bury St Edmunds
has invited me

to spend a week with her in August.

Oh. Suffolk is a most
attractive county.

It is. But she's a rather talkative
woman.

My thoughts have also been
turned to travel of late.

I fear I've been sorely perezosa -

lazy -
and neglected my Spanish vocabulary.

Is there a trip in the offing?

I should so like to see
the Alhambra.

Next year, perhaps, funds allowing.

How wonderful.

Well, it might make
a nice change from Suffolk.

- Nurse! Please can I ju...?
- SHE GROANS

Oh, dear.

Sorry. Lucille's had to cover
for Sister Frances again.

Oh.

HE SIGHS

Louise?

Oh, don't bother parking up.

Your presence is required
at young Mr Robinson's flat.

What's all this?

I wanted to take you
to Canvey Island.

What for?

A picnic by the sea, but, alas,
Sister Frances's toothache

and the English weather
were against us.

I don't really understand.

I got the feeling
you were missing home.

I wanted to try and give you
a bit of sun and sand.

It's a lovely thought.

But it's not the beach
or the weather I miss.

It's hearing you talk about family

and not being able
to get to know them,

or wanting to introduce you
to my sisters

but knowing I can't.

It just makes me a bit sad
sometimes.

I know.

BOTH CHUCKLE

I keep thinking how it'd be
if we'd met at church back home.

I'd come calling in my Sunday suit.

- Wow!
- I'd have tried my best

to make a good impression
on your mother

and talked to your father very
seriously about my prospects.

And he'd have ignored you and
made you wait upon the porch.

I don't doubt it.

But the truth is,
if we hadn't both left home,

we'd probably never have met.

And it's a long way
from Guyana to Jamaica.

Not quite as far as Poplar.

No, but there are still ways
to bridge the gap.

We only have a camp bed
to offer you,

I'm afraid, Mr Spragg.

Oh, that'll do me fine. I can't
tell you how grateful I am.

And you must let me
repay your generosity, Sister.

Oh, no, that really...

Corpus Christi is almost upon us.

Perhaps I could conduct

a Eucharistic service in the chapel.

Oh... yes.

Yes, that would be wonderful.

I must say,
I'm relieved to find you in.

I've tried to visit several times.

I know, Sister, I'm sorry.

I had some things I had to do.

Well, it's good you felt
well enough to go out.

I didn't, really.

And how are you feeling today?

Really bad, Sister.

Just pop this under your arm for me.

I've got such a pain in my head.

And I'm all hot and cold.

Have you been vomiting?

I was sick in the night.

Well, your temperature seems normal.

When I was sick, it looked like
there was blood in it.

- I see.
- That's bad, isn't it?

Not necessarily.

Let me just empty this out.

Are you sure you should be doing
this?

They took the stitches out
this morning

so the nurse said
they can't make me stay.

But even so...

I am getting my baby
and I'm going home!

All right, I'll just rinse this out.

My head hurts so much, Sister.

What did you do to your finger,
Louise?

Nothing, it's just a scratch.

May I see it, please?

How did you do this?

I don't remember.

Louise, when a patient
has blood in their vomit,

it usually looks like
little brown specks.

But yours was bright red.

More like the blood from a cut.

I don't know what you mean.

Could the blood in the bowl
have come from your finger?

No, of course not.

And what about the blood
that was in your urine?

No, that's cos I'm sick,

you know that.

I just think it seems strange...

I wouldn't lie about it!

Why would I lie? Why would
I want to be sick if I wasn't?

That doesn't make any sense.

It's all right. It's all right.

I'm not well, Sister.

Truly. I'm not well.

Fred just needs you to choose
some roses for the chapel.

"The Sacraments
were not ordained of Christ

"to be gazed upon, or carried about,

"but that we should use them."

Even so, it would do you good
to get some fresh air.

We'll all help.
We can even make it like

the flower processions
they have in Spain.

They are Roman Catholic.

I made ginger snaps.

SHE SIGHS IN FRUSTRATION

She wouldn't admit
to what she's been doing,

but I'm certain of it.

I have to say,
it confirms my suspicions.

I did some ringing around,

and it appears Miss Wrigley
has been seeking treatment

from at least
two other GPs' surgeries.

And I dare say providing them

with contaminated samples as well.

But why do it?
What could she hope to gain?

With this type of behaviour,
a lot of it's about attention.

When you're a patient,

you become the focus of your carers.

But to take it to such an extreme?

When people feel desperate,

they resort to desperate measures.

At least now we can try and
get her the help she needs.

The hybrid teas should be out
in full bloom next week.

But I know you like
the French Lace floribunda,

and I'm not quite sure whether
they will be out in time.

What do you think, Sister?

I think you have little need
of my opinion

but have been told to distract.

Sister Julienne thought
you seemed a bit fed up.

You should talk to her, you know.

About what you told me.

It might help.

Some things exist beyond
the realm of logical debate.

The ineffable,
by its very definition,

defies description.

I know that you've been finding
things very hard, Miss Wrigley,

and I don't think we've been
helping you in the right way.

Well, that's why I'm going
to see a specialist, isn't it?

So he can find out
what's wrong with me.

I have made a referral
to a consultant

who deals in renal problems...

Because I'll do whatever it takes,

if I need an operation
or tablets, whatever he says.

I just want to get well again.

I would also like you to see
another specialist.

Someone who focuses more on...

...psychiatric disorders.

Why would I do that?

Louise...

...I believe that there are
elements of your illness

that may not be purely physical.

What, so you're saying
it's all in my head,

that I'm making it up?!

Is that what you told him?
That I'm a liar?

- No, no, not at all.
- Nobody's calling you a liar.

Far from it.

And I'm not saying
you're not suffering.

The mind is a complex
and delicate organ,

and it needs the same care
as any other organ in the body.

I don't believe this.

I'm in pain all the time.

There's blood in my urine.

I can barely walk, it gets so bad.

And there's the vomiting
and the cramps...

I know this may be difficult
to accept,

but I want you to understand
that a mental illness

is no less serious than
a physical one.

I don't need a psychiatrist,
I need medical treatment.

Why won't you listen to me?

I really think this will be
the best way forward.

How bad do things have to be
before you'll help me?

- BABY CRIES
- Hush.

Hush, sweetheart.

It's all right.

- Eh?
- BABY CRIES

Oh!

- SHE PANTS
- Jasmine!

Jasmine, you need
to pick him up.

You can't hear the baby crying?

Me know,
me just have warmed a bottle.

Be sure it's not too hot.

Watch him head.

Jasmine, you need to watch him head.

Will you just do as I ask?

BABY WAILS

Mrs Williams, how are you doing?

Yeah, I'm fine.

You need to tip it more.

Right, if I could have a moment
to examine Mrs Williams, please?

Are you feeling hot, Mrs Williams?

I'm burning up.

Me need to take a look at your scar.

KNOCK ON DOOR

Come in.

Mr Spragg, I do hope your
accommodation has proven adequate.

Yes, thank you, Sister.

The camp bed is extremely
comfortable.

I'm pleased to hear it.

But I wanted to ask...

...I understand from Sister Frances

that you have an elderly sister

who finds it difficult
to attend chapel,

and I wondered if I might...

...offer my assistance.

SHE SIGHS

Hmm, I'm afraid your wound has
become infected, Mrs Williams.

I'll need to prescribe
a course of antibiotics.

KNOCK ON DOOR

She all right, Doctor?

It's because she came home
too soon, isn't it?

It would have been better

if she'd been monitored
in hospital for longer.

But don't worry,

the antibiotics should start
working quite quickly.

Mrs Williams, I know that

while you were pregnant you had
a glucose tolerance test.

- That's right.
- Well,

it's not uncommon for a woman
who's gained a lot of weight

to have an abnormal result.

But in your case, it's possible

that during your pregnancy,

you may have developed a condition

called latent diabetes.

No-one said anything about diabetes.

Well, latent diabetes is something

we've only just started
to be aware of.

There hasn't been a lot of
research done about it yet,

but we think it can affect
the baby's development,

causing it to grow larger,

which then makes the delivery
more difficult.

So, what, I'm diabetic now?

And what about Paul?
Him diabetic as well?

No, no, not at all.

In both mother and baby, the
condition disappears after delivery.

Your son is perfectly healthy.

As are you.

It's just one thing after another.

You've had a difficult time,
Mrs Williams.

Difficult?

I can't even hold my son.

I can't feed him, I can't bathe him.

Me know, but it will get easier.

I waited so long.

We almost give up.

Then I found out I was pregnant.

Me little miracle, me little Paul.

He's my reward
for all the hard work,

all the years it take

for build a life in this place.

And now, it ruined,

as I ruined it.

Mrs Williams, you still have
a beautiful, healthy baby.

Things may not be
quite the way you wanted,

but it doesn't make
that any less precious.

I've never seen her like this,
Nurse.

Anything goes wrong, Pat's the one
who finds a way forward.

You know, Mr Williams,

you don't always need
a grand gesture.

Sometimes a few
little practical changes

can do just as well.

I would be more than happy

to bring the sacrament to you,
Sister,

during or after the service,
whichever you would prefer.

You are offering to bring me
the Communion for the Sick?

Absolutely.

So, you are under the impression
that I am ill?

Well, no, but...

Or perhaps you offer
the Eucharist as a viaticum

for my final journey to the beyond?

I merely meant,
given your current situation...

Despite my situation,

I can assure you I do not
yet require the Last Rites.

I may be verging on decrepitude,

but I am not yet dead!

Mr Spragg only wished to include you

in the celebration, Sister.

Louise, it's Sister Hilda.
May I come in?

Louise?

Louise, sit up for me!

MUFFLED GROANS

Louise, how many pills did you take?

Louise, I need you to vomit for me.

That's it. There you go.

I knew you'd come.

I'm going to call
for the doctor, all right?

I think she did this on purpose.

She knew I was coming.
I told her I'd bring some food.

Louise desperately needs
proper psychiatric help...

...and if she won't agree to that,

then she'll have to be certified.

It's not something
I ever like to do,

but at least then
I'll be able to arrange

for the Linchmere to admit her.

I doubt they'll be able
to organise transportation

until the morning.

I'll stay with her.

You said it yourself, Patrick,
you had no choice.

But I know only too well what places
like the Linchmere are like.

Mental illness is exactly that,
an illness.

HE SIGHS

But when I think of the kind of life

Louise Wrigley will have now,

the stigma and the hopelessness...

It may be the only possible outcome,

but that doesn't make it a good one.

You said you had something
to show me.

- It doesn't matter right now.
- No, it sounded important.

All right.

Now, this is still very rough.

And it may be a little ambitious,

but I thought, nothing ventured...

What do you think?

I think it's a marvellous idea.

You know, children, you have
an exceptionally clever mother.

CHILDREN: Yay!

SHE GIGGLES

You packed my suitcase.

Just some underthings
and nightclothes.

We'll add your toothbrush
in the morning.

They should have anything else
you need.

I had to go to hospital
when I was little.

Did you?

For appendicitis.

Mum just said I was making it up.

She said I should stop crying,

or she'd give me something
to cry about.

She did, too.

Gave me the strap
and made me stand in the yard.

You poor thing.

The next day, the pain got so bad

I fell down in the street.

That must have been
very frightening.

It was wonderful.

The nurses were so kind.

They put me in a clean nightie

and one of them used to sit
and put her hand on my forehead.

And it was so cool and soft.

I felt like nothing bad
could ever happen.

I just wanted to stay there
for ever.

The ambulance is coming, isn't it?

It'll be here first thing.

Just try and sleep.

I'm suggesting we provide
a number of places

for pupil midwives

needing to take part two

of their midwifery training.

We're certainly sufficiently busy

to give them good district
experience.

You can just start with one

and see how that goes.

But is this something
that the board would consider?

I spoke with the Officer for Health.

There's such a shortage
of training places in London,

he's extremely keen
to adopt the proposal.

It would come
with substantial funding,

enough to replace
your existing shortfall

and more than cover the increased
rent for Nonnatus House.

You'll be able to charge
for bed and board.

And once the individual midwives
are approved,

they'll receive a salary increase

for supervising pupils.

EMOTIONAL: Oh, Shelagh...

...I really do believe this might

be the answer to my prayers.

What you doing?

Just you wait and see.

Our midwives will have
to have approval, of course,

and the pupils will require
accommodation,

which means
a complete reorganisation,

but to know that the future
of the Order in Poplar

is assured for years to come...

Sister, it is good news, is it not?

Perhaps, for those
who may live to see it.

Oh, Sister...

...if only you would
unburden yourself to me.

You know I would do
anything I can to help.

There can be no help.

Where there was certainty,

there is emptiness.

Where once I heard his voice,

be it as a whisper or a shout,
now...

...now there is nothing.

Nothing at all.

The light by which I led my life...

...it is no more.

And worst of all...

...I fear it never was.

Sister...

...a crisis of faith may come
to any of us at any time.

We must try to look on it
as a test...

...a chance to examine
how much we are worth

and how far we can extend ourselves

in the service and praise of God.

Then I have failed.

Hold firm. He will return.

SOFT GRUNTING

You all right there, Mr Williams?

- HE CHUCKLES
- Yes, Nurse.

Just moving it up to the bedroom.

Good morning.

Look like somebody been busy.

Don't look at me!

I've had no say in the matter.

Antony raised the base of the cot,

so now she can stroke
the baby's head.

And we work out a system for
feeding.

See?

Most ingenious.

- Let me go fetch the milk.
- Mm-hm.

Me glad for see you getting back
to your old self, Mrs Williams.

Oh, we're doing just fine.

BABY CRIES

Aren't we, my angel?

The Lord gave me
three happy, healthy children.

Don't reckon
I can ask for more than that.

BANGING

Will you two watch me paintwork?!

Antony Williams,
if that is a scratch...

I must warn you,
my artistry has limits.

There are no limits when
one seeks to glorify our Lord.

And you don't think
Sister Monica Joan'll mind

if we do it for her?

We simply need to support her
in any way we can.

I've been thinking
how many others there must be,

like Louise Wrigley...

...who we only encounter
when it's too late.

There are certainly many
who are fragile and vulnerable

who go unnoticed.

But if one could provide
a listening ear

in that moment of crisis...

What did you have in mind, Sister?

I would like to volunteer
for the Samaritans.

I realise they are a secular
organisation and, of course,

any involvement would need to take
place around my other duties.

I think it's an extremely valuable
and worthwhile use of your time.

You've written a letter?

To your parents -

introducing myself and assuring them

of my honourable intentions.

If that's not too forward.

I think it's a beautiful gesture.

And I shall tell your mother
as much when I write to her.

HONKING

MATURE JENNIFER: The world
is not as bleak or as vast

as we imagine.

We are stronger than we think,

and less alone.

Other people are our armour...

...and our barricades.

They are our place of safety.

Too often we say,
"We're only human,"

as though humanity is
a small thing, a frail state,

something feeble and constrained.

But to be human is to embrace
all the power that there is.

It is not always easy.

But it can be so very beautiful.

And so we grow and we nurture.

We protect and we accept.

We listen, we witness,

we learn...

...and we love.

BELL DINGS

CHEERING

Everyone calls me Nancy.

Like Nancy Sinatra!

Would it be possible to speak
with Nurse Franklin?

This is Nurse Franklin speaking.

It is lovely having you home, son.

It's lovely being home.

I don't care if the Parthenon's
the best hotel in London,

it's not a patch on this.

Yes!