Original subtitles

(FOOTSTEPS APPROACHING)

(GLASS SHATTERING)

(ROOSTER CROWING)

(SWING MUSIC PLAYING ON RADIO)

BEA: Mummy's getting married. Mummy's getting married.

Mummy's getting married.

Mummy's getting married.

Well, it won't be happening at all

if Lady Hoxley hadn't let you stay at the farm.

Mummy's very lucky, isn't she?

Yeah, good old Lady Hoxley.

Didn't stop her drumming you out of the Land Army though, did it?

I'm more than happy to be a farmer's wife.

I think you'll find it's farmhand's wife.

What?

Puncture the girl's dreams, why don't you?

Do you know, if your mouth was any bigger, it'd meet round the back?

Where's Annie got to?

Well, she went into Condover to get some more lace.

I know, but that were ages ago.

Don't understand her not telling Harry about the wedding.

If she doesn't write to him, she can't tell him anything, can she?

Yeah, well, that's none of our business, is it?

No, but if that were my John in a foreign hospital...

Then we'd all know about it, wouldn't we?

What is wrong with her lately?

Twelve weeks, and I haven't forgotten a single detail of your face.

Shh.

It's good to see you, Adam Blackfield.

It's nice to see you, too, Annie Barratt.

(CHUCKLING)

Shall we shake hands?

I think that's the done thing.

So,

how are the preparations?

Oh, it's a madhouse. I've never seen Bea so excited.

I told her you were coming up for the wedding.

Is that all you've told her?

I could hardly tell her the truth, could I?

She is your sister.

She's also not very good at keeping secrets.

(WHISTLE BLOWING)

STATIONMASTER: All aboard, please!

Monday is dinner with the Willingdons.

Tuesday, the POW fundraising event in Condover.

Wednesday... (GASPS)

That journalist is interviewing you about your military career.

Why must you fill up every day for me with activities?

I'm not some distant aunt coming on a visit, you know.

Most importantly, tonight we're playing bridge with General Yates.

I can't tonight.

-I've got plans. -We have plans, Lawrence.

Please.

Of course.

Nancy?

Nancy?

I thought you'd forgotten I existed.

(STUTTERING) Well, have I missed something?

Well, obviously, not me.

I've not seen hide nor hair of you for ages.

That is not true.

I just couldn't get away.

I waited every night for you this week.

I'm sorry. I'm really sorry.

Well, I'll forgive you if you say we can go for a walk tonight.

(SIGHS) Lawrence, do not say what I think you're gonna say.

I can't. It's a... It's a blasted bridge evening.

-Well, can't you get out of it? -No.

Besides, it's the kind of thing where one has to have a partner.

So is this, in case you haven't noticed.

(ENGINE STARTING)

Where do babies come from, Mr Finch?

Oh, uh...

Did your father not tell you?

He can't very well tell me things from a POW camp, can he?

No, I suppose not.

(SIGHS) Here goes, then.

(PATTING)

Frederick Finch's lessons in biological

thingamajigs. Part one.

(CLEARING THROAT)

Now, um...

Uh, when... When...

When a woman and a man

fall in love,

a baby comes along.

And that's it?

Well, sometimes, flowers and chocolates are involved.

So, Bea and Billy loved each other?

Uh, well, technically, it wasn't Bea and Billy.

It was Bea and that flashy Yank.

But he didn't love Bea very much.

That's why we beat him up.

Yeah, but it's tricky.

So, the baby is Bea and the American's.

Mmm-hmm.

-But now Billy's the dad. -Mmm.

Isn't that a bit odd?

I suppose it is, yeah.

(SIGHING)

(INDISTINCT CONVERSATION)

-Oh. Didn't take him long, did it? -Just ignore him.

Well, well, well.

You know what they say about bad pennies, Mrs Barratt.

What are you doing here?

Well, that's none of your business, is it?

-What's he doing here? -He's up for Bea's wedding.

How's that husband of yours, Mrs Barratt?

He's fine.

I better go get this lace.

-Okay. -See you later.

(FOOTSTEPS APPROACHING)

It's very good of you to do this.

Ah, it's only ink and paper.

You know what I mean.

-It's good of you to give me away. -(CHUCKLING)

You've been a better father than my own dad.

Don't you go telling everybody I've got a soft side.

I'll never live it down.

(CHUCKLES) You know,

I remember the night before my wedding day.

Oh! I were as nervous as a hen in a room full of foxes.

(LAUGHING)

I drank so much to steady meself,

I wasn't even certain I was marrying the right woman.

I proposed to her under that big tree in the east field.

Do you know, I never ever wanted to marry anyone else.

(BABY CRYING)

Bea, um...

Billy...

He's not your second choice, is he?

-What you mean? -Well...

You must have known how the lad felt about you from the word "go".

You got eyes.

I didn't think Billy was interested, all right?

Yeah, but you got interested in him, didn't you?

When you realised no other offers were coming in.

That's a terrible thing to say.

-He might not be the brightest spark, -(BABY CRYING)

but he's my boy. He's all I got.

-(CRYING CONTINUES) -With Cal, I made a mistake.

What about now?

(SIGHING)

(KNOCK AT DOOR)

The shop doesn't have any lace.

Did anyone see you?

It's quite nice.

Yeah.

It's the prettiest end of town.

It is now.

I never do anything reckless or spontaneous,

yet here I am standing in a bedroom with a man that isn't my husband.

My stomach's doing cartwheels.

Mine, too.

I want you to be certain.

This had better be important, Lawrence.

It is.

I can't live like this.

Yes.

It must be difficult living in such squalor.

That's not what I mean.

I'm leaving you, Ellen.

I presume this is about the Land Girl.

I've known for some time.

To be honest, I thought it was very generous of me

allowing it to carry on

rather than having her transferred to another farm.

Or shot.

You let it continue?

I was hardly going to let your grubby little affair wreck everything, was I?

This is not a grubby little affair.

-I love her. -You're pathetic.

I can't live this lie any longer.

Then I presume that means you've told her everything?

You're not going anywhere.

You know the silo in the west field?

You've wanted it taken down for ages now.

-Well, I'll do it... -Oh.

...if I'm paid.

-I already pay you. -Well, this will be extra.

I need all the support I can get,

because I've got a family now.

I see.

Uh, son,

are you sure you know what you're getting into?

Bringing up another man's child.

-Of course. -When you could marry someone else.

Start a family of your own.

Why, that Maureen with the lazy eye in the village.

She's always had eyes for you.

Well, one eye.

Are you saying I shouldn't marry Bea?

She's a young lady. She's made mistakes.

What if she's just after a cosy life?

-I hope I'm wrong. -Just listen to yourself.

I'm trying... I'm trying to protect you.

(SCOFFS)

Son, I've been here for you all your life,

and I'll be here long after she's gone.

WOMAN ON RADIO: (SINGING) There was a time

When I was his only one

(CLEARING THROAT)

But now I'm the sad...

This place is a mess.

I want these armaments stashed away.

I'll be back in 10 minutes,

and it better be tidy!

You're gorgeous.

Thank you for noticing.

No regrets?

You?

I don't normally say soppy things,

but you've got beautiful soft skin.

(CHUCKLING)

You're surprised because I dig ditches all day.

-A bit, yeah. -(CHUCKLING)

(WHISPERS INDISTINCTLY)

I was gonna wait for you to be a free woman,

but the moment I saw you at the station,

I wanted you.

When Harry gets back to England,

I'll ask for a divorce.

Really?

(EXPLOSION)

-(COUGHING) Jimmy's still in there. -Look after him.

-(COUGHING) -ANNIE: Sit down.

DENNIS: What's happened?

(EXPLOSION)

He's not breathing.

-What are you doing here? -Leave him, I said!

Just give us some room!

(COUGHING) My chest!

Adam! Adam, come on!

Come on!

Nancy! Nancy, I've been waiting for you to be alone.

Oh, don't bother

unless you're gonna tell me that the bridge evening is cancelled.

-This is important. -(SIGHS IN DISGUST)

I don't want to hear any more excuses, Lawrence.

Well, there won't be any more excuses. I'm leaving her.

I can't stand it any longer.

When?

Tomorrow.

-I see. -Hey.

I want you to come with me.

All those doubting Thomases who said war wouldn't come here.

This has proved them wrong.

They should listen to an experienced soldier.

And now

we've got collaborators amongst us.

Traitors.

But I'm not going to let the enemy get away with it.

Not this time.

So, I'll see you tomorrow at the church?

You will.

Lawrence...

(SIGHING)

I thought one soldier was a goner, and then Tucker wouldn't stop shouting.

I'm sorry, lot, I forgot the lace after all that.

You were very brave by all accounts.

Yeah.

(DOOR OPENING)

You're ready to go then?

-I'll miss you, Mr Finch. -I'm still here.

Aren't you gonna say it back?

Well, I'll miss you, Miss Holloway.

Not for much longer, eh?

All right, son?

Of course he is.

Give us a hand with the door.

Annie, this came for you earlier.

So, where have you really been all day?

Never you mind. I had things to do.

What is it?

Why, it's Harry.

(BREATHING HEAVILY)

He's back.

(CHURCH BELL TOLLING)

(EXHALES)

Don't look at me like that.

-Why won't you see Harry? -Oh, why should I?

I mean, it's not as if we married for the right reasons, is it?

But he was there for us.

He got us away from Dad.

And he's changed.

How would you know that?

You've read his letters, haven't you?

Yeah.

And the way he writes about his feelings...

-That's not the Harry we knew. -No, it isn't.

He's injured, and he's feeling sorry for himself.

You've got to see him.

He saved us. Remember?

It's not that straightforward.

Why not?

Hey! Hey!

-I will ask you one thing. -What?

Where were you before the explosion?

Coincidence you coming back just before someone tries to kill me?

What was it?

Revenge for what happened to your mother?

You're sick.

But you and Adam were just friends. You barely know each other.

But we've been writing to each other for months now.

Telephoning sometimes.

It's been going on since he left.

I love him, Bea.

That's where I was yesterday.

How could you? You knew Harry was still alive.

Do you think I'm proud of myself?

Do you think that any of this has been easy?

I couldn't tell you, I couldn't tell anyone,

and now Harry is back.

Yeah, and you have to see him.

Billy.

You forgot your buttonhole.

You should be in your suit by now.

Plenty of time.

Right.

Do you think Bea sees me as second best?

Hey, where's this come from?

Something me dad said.

Am I being a fool marrying her?

Don't be so daft.

That girl thinks the world of you.

Maybe she'd think the world of any man willing to take her on.

(SIGHING)

Billy!

Now, the makeup has been donated by Annie,

who provided the cleansing cream,

Joyce, who provided the pancake, thank you very much,

Esther, the rouge, and me, who's giving you her red lipstick.

But that's your favourite.

I don't need it any more.

Thank you.

Thank you both.

That was a nice thing to do.

Nancy! Lady Hoxley wants to see you.

-Why? -Didn't say.

Well, is Lord Hoxley with her?

Better go and see the old witch.

(FOOTSTEPS APPROACHING)

Whatever does he see in such a vulgar little commoner?

I didn't intend for this to happen, but we love each other.

(SCOFFS)

Don't be absurd.

Girls like you fall in love every week.

It's been going on for a long time, if you must know.

I do know.

Your little friend Joyce told me months ago.

-She told you? -Does that surprise you?

This stops now.

-Do you understand? -It's too late.

£100.

It's yours if you simply walk away.

Have a drink, and thank the Lord that no one died.

It were a faulty grenade, I heard.

Cedric. (CHUCKLES)

It wasn't an accident.

Oh, he's clever.

Covering his tracks, spreading rumours,

but I'm a hunter.

I know how to trap him.

Who?

Adam Blackfield. He's comes to settle a score with me.

Aw, he's just got a job over at Condover, that's all.

Of course.

The munitions factory.

Dennis, that doesn't mean anything. Dennis! Dennis!

This is all a game to him.

So, you might as well make some money,

and I'll manage my errant husband.

What do you think I am?

I think we know exactly what you are.

You can keep your money.

-Very well then. -If that's all.

Wait.

There's something you should know about Lawrence.

She is about to tell you

that I am not the great war hero I'm made out to be.

What?

But your leg.

Darling, you have to understand.

I was desperate.

I was up to my waist every day in mud.

You could never dry out.

The noise of the shelling.

People dying around me.

My friends being shot to bits.

I couldn't bear it any longer.

-I took my gun... -(SCOFFS)

Darling...

Nancy!

(KNOCK AT DOOR)

Annie.

You know, I...

I do understand why you can't face seeing him.

It's not that simple.

No.

No one ever said it was.

But marrying a man just so you can get away from home,

it was never gonna blossom into real love, was it?

I hoped it would.

You've got to go and see him

and see if there's anything left of your marriage.

And what if there isn't?

Well,

then you can start to get on with the rest of your life.

LAWRENCE: Nancy!

Nancy!

Nancy! Please!

Why didn't you tell me before?

I didn't realise a single moment was gonna shape the rest of my life.

Every day since, I have been living a lie.

-Well, I know the truth now. -And see how it's upset you.

I didn't think we had any secrets.

You know me.

I just want to spend the rest of my life with you.

But how can I trust you now?

Oh, darling.

Think about what we have.

I love you.

I'm leaving Ellen. My life isn't here any more. My life is with you.

I'm gonna come by the farm,

and I hope with all my heart that you'll be waiting.

Oh, I have missed you so much.

JOHN: Mmm!

-You look fantastic. -Mmm.

-Oh, well, that's the country air. -(LAUGHING)

-A medal? -Uh, you get that just for turning up.

-Here, when can we be alone? -(CHUCKLING) Stop it.

Martin Reeves, reporting for duty, sir.

-Pleased to meet you, sir. -And is it true you're a real gunner?

-Yeah. -(NANCY CLEARING THROAT)

Thank you.

Now, you're sure Mrs Ambrose has looked after children before?

Look, relax. Esther says she's like the old woman who's lived in a shoe.

(BOTH CHUCKLING)

-Aren't you coming with us, Nancy? -Well, I'll see you there.

What did Lady Hoxley say?

Oh, I'll tell you later. Go on, you're gonna be late.

How can he do this to me? Where is he?

Maybe he's just been delayed, okay?

Um, he's not in the pub.

He's probably back at the farm.

Stop worrying. Adam's gone to look for him.

Oh, don't fret. I'm sure you haven't been jilted.

What did you say that for?

Every time I open my mouth, I'm wrong?

Oh, finally he realises.

I think I could know where Billy might be.

-Where? -No.

-I'll come with you. -I know what I'm doing.

Billy?

-Billy? -Planning to blow up the farm as well?

I don't want no trouble.

You're a traitor!

I'm saying it nicely.

The only thing I want you saying is a confession.

Stop!

Don't be stupid.

I was in the Great War. I know how to use it.

Move!

Inside!

Did you get the explosives from the munitions dump?

Oh, come on, you're crazy.

Answer the question! Get on your knees!

Are you gonna kill me?

Oh, you expect mercy after what you did?

I didn't blow anything up.

I know what you are.

I know how you're carrying on with a war hero's wife.

You're a collaborator scum as well!

I had nothing to do with this.

Did you get the explosives from the munitions dump?

Answer me or I'll shoot you!

What's going on here?

Got the man responsible for the explosion, sir!

Come on, Dennis, this isn't the way.

But I'm doing my duty.

Like we did in the Great War, sir.

We had to stand up for what we believed in, now, didn't we?

Give me the gun, Tucker.

But we need to make an example, sir.

You're not really gonna shoot him.

He won't confess and yet we know he did it.

What else we gonna do, sir?

But that's murder.

We could say he tried to escape.

Make it seem like, uh, we had no choice.

You'll stick by me, won't you, sir?

I will not be party to murder.

What about loyalty?

First you save the Morrell girl

and then you show the white feather to this scum?

-Where's your backbone? -Pull yourself together, man!

Well, if you won't help me, I'll do it myself!

-Give me the gun! -Stand back, sir!

-Tucker! -Don't come any closer.

-I'm warning you! -NANCY: Lawrence?

-(GRUNTING) -Lawrence?

Stop it! Please, stop!

Oh, my...

(CRYING) Listen to me! Just stop it, please!

(GUNSHOT)

(NANCY SCREAMING)

(BEA PANTING)

What are you playing at?

I came here to think.

Is that all I get?

You've made me look a complete fool.

(SIGHING)

(NANCY CRYING)

-Oh, God! -(GASPING)

Get someone!

Look, use this.

I'll get some help.

Lawrence.

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

I can't be second best.

-You're not. -I marry you,

it makes a decent woman of you and puts a roof over your head.

Maybe you'd marry anyone to get that.

Maybe some girls would.

If I only wanted a roof over my head...

Your dad and Esther already let me stay at the farm, don't they?

But how do I know you love me?

You have to trust me,

just the same as I trust you.

All I know is

I love you,

and all I've ever wanted was to marry you, Billy Finch.

I'll always know that I made the right choice,

even if you don't.

I've always loved you.

Ever since the first time I saw you smile.

And I always will.

(SIGHING)

I'm so, so sorry.

(SIGHING)

Is that a kiss goodbye?

Not if you don't want it to be.

Let's get married.

(CHUCKLING)

-(KISSING) -BILLY: Come on!

But you've got the wrong man.

(CRYING)

Please. Please, hold on.

Lawrence, hold on.

Lawrence, I love you.

Lawrence!

(CHURCH BELLS TOLLING)

Go on.

-Ready? -Yeah.

ELLEN: Thank you very much.

MAN: Of course. I'm so sorry.

(SIGHS)

Finally, he was a hero.

Is that all you care about?

You may leave us now.

(CRYING)

(ORGAN PLAYING)

(CROWD CHEERING)

I don't believe it.

-Are you all right? -Yeah, yeah.

I thought I was a goner, though. He was completely off his rocker.

She looks so happy to be married.

I've made arrangements to see Harry.

FREDERICK: Hey, hey, hey!

(GIRLS CLAMOURING)

(INAUDIBLE)

(HORN HONKING)

Knock-knock.

Finch is ready to take you to the station.

Oh, thanks.

Listen, I'm sorry about telling Lady Hoxley.

I'm sorry about John.

Well, water under the bridge then.

I'd really like that.

I can't imagine life without Lawrence.

What am I gonna do, Joyce?

Oh, love, you just... You remember him how he was,

'cause then they're alive forever, then.

It's gonna be strange without you here.

(CHUCKLES) Well, I'm sure you won't miss me moaning.

No, plenty of time for that when you get back.

Who said I'm coming back?

(CHUCKLES)

All right, go on.

(HORN HONKING)

Thank you.

-Good luck. -Thanks.

-Quickly now. -Oh. All right.

-Come on, girls. -Well, squeeze in.

Smile.

(CAMERA CLICKING)

NANCY: I'll see you.

BILLY: Look after yourself.

-You all right? -I'm fine.

ANNIE: Bye!

-Bye! -Bye!

It'll be nice to sleep in a comfortable bed for a few weeks.

You'll have to wake up at 5:30 every day so you don't lose the habit.

(NANCY LAUGHING)

Take care of yourself.

It's always been my motto.

Thanks. Oops.

(SIGHING)

(STATIONMASTER BLOWING WHISTLE)

Harry?

Never thought I'd see you again.

They let me out for the day.

Told me not to stay too long, and not to overdo it.

(CLEARING THROAT)

I had no idea you were so...

If you had written, I might have told you.

Well, I couldn't.

(STUTTERING) It's all right.

You'd given me up for dead, is it?

It's bound to have knocked you for six.

I don't mind admitting it.

When you didn't reply, I was scared.

I thought you might not love me any more.

When you telephoned the hospital...

It gave me hope, that's all.

So stupid.

Last time we were here,

we spent all our time rowing.

Well, things have changed.

You're right there.

The war's over for me.

It means I'll get a pension,

and

me doctor says I might be able to come home.

Might be able?

If you were there to look after me.

-(WHISTLE BLOWING) -Oh! It's going to be boring.

There are only three trains each day.

No one even wants to come here.

-Excuse me. -Oh, um...

Are you stationed at Pasture Farm?

Oh, yes, but I'm on compassionate leave.

Oh, so what's it like? The Land Army.

Well, uh...

It's early starts, cold baths,

-hard work, sunburn, blisters. -Hmm.

-Oh, and this scratchy uniform. -Sounds wonderful.

It is.

Uh, you'll catch the farmer if you hurry.

Oh, come on.

I do appreciate all you've done for us,

but I'm in the Land Army now.

I've made a life here for myself.

If you come back home, then your war's over, too, Annie.

What about my duty?

You're my wife.

I need you.

It's not that simple.

I know.

Last time I was here,

I couldn't wait to get away.

This time, I want to stay forever.

Well, you can't.

You said yourself you have to go back there.

(SIGHING)

Now you're the one who can't wait to go.

Could you take my case, please?

Well, I would, but, um... Ooh, oh, my bad back.

Uh, follow me.

(CHUCKLING)