Original subtitles

I didn't know you owned a cottage.

Why did you two never live there?

I visited once, but I never cared for it.

Anyway, it was your grandfather's.

It was really all very basic.

Goodnight.

Goodnight, dear.

My dear Flora, your photograph is getting pretty battered

with all the travelling around in my breast pocket.

I can't tell you where we are or much of what we're doing, of course.

Much of the countryside is so beautiful that

I have to remind the men that we're not here on holiday,

but then merry hell breaks out again.

I'll spare you the details...

Aim at the olive groves, until the others get through to relieve us.

Yes, sir!

Bastards got the supply lorry before it could get through the gates, sir!

It's the driver, sir. Another dead with him.

They shot out the tyres,

and it's tipped over in the ditch. Put him with the others, quickly!

We need the MO! I think this one's still with us, sir.

The MO's dead.

Put him with the rest. Quickly!

Not another? He was in the back with the supplies.

Oh, Christ.

Set him down gently.

I need you back at the gatehouse.

We can't have the others ambushed. Do you understand? Sir...

Well, don't just sit there! Help him!

With me!

With me, come on!

Sugar...

The lorry's full of bloody sugar.

March.

Thomas March!

March, stay with me.

Stay with me! March!

Captain.

You were lucky.

No, your lot saved my life.

This...

This was your real life-saver.

I need to get your sketchpads back from our CO.

He... He's not exactly artistic.

Berryman?

Was I a beast to you at school?

Berryman!

Er, well, actually, you were always very kind.

Has anyone seen Captain Berryman?

What a relief.

Berryman, a word.

Yes, sir.

Yes. All right, then. Pass it.

Almost. Stay on it.

Left! Left! Push it, push it! Hey!

Come on! Come on, get stuck in!

I've got the joy, joy, joy, joy...

Who are you writing to?

Oh, um, a girl back home, Flora.

She's a teacher.

Here, James!

Oh.

I've known her all my life. She's almost like a sister.

Come over here! Over here!

But not entirely.

Two left feet, you.

She, um... She lost her parents in an air raid, just like me.

Almost there, almost there...

Goal!

Listen up, men.

This is Captain March.

He's an official war artist.

Now, you're not to mind him drawing you.

His work is good for morale.

Sir?

Sir, is it true that the Hun lay on tarts for their soldiers?

Yeah, how come they get tarts and we get artists?

It's the morale back home that art can raise.

It's for your wives and girlfriends, your children...

Don't let them cheek you.

Sir?

Go on, sir...

Paint me!

Put it away, Bates.

But he's raising my morale, sir!

Ready to move? Yes, sir.

Yeah? Everybody here...

Bates will drive you to a rendezvous point,

and then you'll be driven back down to the boat from there.

So, how far to the handover?

An hour at least, depending on the state of the road.

Well, in that case, nature calls. ENGINE PURRS

Are we likely to come under fire?

Hopefully not.

Save fuel, man. As you were.

Yeah, come on.

The area should have been cleared, so it's...

I could...

It's bloody embarrassing but I can't button my fly single-handed.

Oh.

Promise me that you'll come and find me?

I mean it.

Captain.

Captain Berryman!

We ought to be off, sir. Rendezvous time's not that long away.

Of course, Bates. Good man.

Thank you, Bates!

Good luck.

What's so amusing, Travis?

Patroclus, miss. Patroclus and Achilles.

I don't understand.

Your closest friend is butchered in a battle

in which he wore your armour because you disdained to fight.

You lament - perfectly understandable.

But they're not just friends, are they?

Greek for friendship, Wykeham.

Erm... Agape, miss.

Love between heroes was regarded as surpassing the love within marriage,

but in Sparta's...

Class rise.

Miss Talbot,

boys,

we have just heard that Mr Churchill has accepted Germany's surrender.

The war in Europe is at an end!

You may cheer, boys.

No more bloody war!

Eddie!

Oh!

Hello.

Are you lost?

I... I was... I was looking for Captain March,

but perhaps I have his address wrong.

No, no, no. He has the studio upstairs.

We share an entrance.

Oh.

I don't bite, unless you pay extra.

I'm Lucien...

landlord, watchdog, purveyor of shade to the gentry.

Who are you?

I'm, um... My name's Berryman.

Michael Berryman.

Enter, Michael Berryman.

You came.

We were only demobbed from Colchester this morning.

Erm... If it's... If it's not convenient.

No, don't... Don't be silly. It's...

Erm...

Ah...

So, what are your plans?

For the rest of the evening?

Bugger all.

Oh, good.

And what about...?

Sorry, I've forgotten her name.

Flora.

Flora Talbot. She...

She doesn't know I'm back yet.

Left here!

Left!

I haven't been here since my parents died.

I should have written.

I'm a coward.

I wrote to you in my head every bloody day, but I...

I wrote to you.

Really?

Nothing ever got through.

I never said I'd posted them.

Tea!

Very old tea.

Fuck, it feels cold.

I also found...

an unopened tin of shortbread.

It must be pre-war. Mmm.

Morning, March.

Captain.

Erm, how much is that going to be? Shall we go for six?

Thank you so much.

You've not mentioned her all week.

It was scarcely appropriate.

Do you love her?

I...

You'll love her too.

How cosy!

Please, Thomas.

Yeah, I don't understand how you can be so matter-of-fact.

Does she love you?

I imagine so, or she wouldn't have agreed to marry me.

Please say yes, Tom.

Say you'll be there, at least, please.

I... I've no family.

I don't want to be your bloody family.

I...

Hmm?

Please...

You have no idea, have you?

What about, Thomas?

You surely didn't think that we could set up house together

like man and wife? Please.

Just... Just be quiet.

Just... Let's just get back to London.

Nearly there.

I'm so glad you wore Mummy's brooch.

Oh, bloody hell.

You are not to cry.

Oh, there he is. Thomas!

Hello. Erm, you must be...

Daphne - older sister, matron of honour and all that.

Thomas March. How do you do?

Michael says you're an artist. How very romantic.

Oh, hardly.

Flora, how do you do?

Hello, Thomas.

You look wonderful. Worth the wait.

Thank you.

Oh, sorry that I couldn't come to your supper party.

I am horribly unsociable when I'm working.

Talking of which, I brought you something -

a wedding present.

Oh. That's so sweet.

We should probably...

Yes. Michael?

Yes.

You came.

Of course I came.

The fucking best man has to.

If any man or woman knows just cause or impediment why these two

should not be joined together, let him now speak,

or else hereafter forever hold his peace.

Do you, Michael Sadler Berryman, take Flora Agnes Talbot

to be your wedded wife?

I do.

Do you, Flora Agnes...

It seems wrong, having no-one in tears.

Well, I'd hope so.

Oh, I don't think we...

Compliments of Mr March, sir.

Thomas, you shouldn't have.

You can't get married and not have bubbles.

Thank you.

Thank you.

So, to the bride and groom.

Bless you, Thomas.

Oh, please, no speeches, anyone, or I shall cry.

So, are you...

Are you really not having a honeymoon?

We haven't a bean until Michael's salary from the bank comes through.

We used pretty much all of our savings on the deposit for the flat.

So not even a weekend in your cottage?

Erm...

Oh, dear.

Not until it has a boiler, a new bathroom and no mice.

The flat is darling, though - right on the park.

You must come for supper.

Yes, you must.

Apparently, Thomas's pad in Soho was unreconstructed Hogarth.

How marvellous.

Not really.

So, won't you miss your teaching?

Hardly. All those dirty-minded little boys.

Ah, food!

Daphne could eat a horse.

Naughty!

Thanks so much, Thomas, for everything.

You, um...

You've... You've been brilliant.

Haven't I?

Thomas, I, um...

Thomas I, um...

I really...

What?

What? What do you really?

I just...

Just give us a bloody minute, will you?

Of course.

You don't have to go through with this.

Of course I do.

If you have either sense or decency,

you'll do the same.

Well, I'll go and settle up.

You're perfection.

I feel a bit of a fraud.

Oh, darling, you'll be fine.

You'll see.

I bet he's a real goer, but sensitive with it.

It's...

What?

Tell me.

It's a lot nicer if he lets you ride up top.

Oh, Daphne!

I'm... I'm told it gets better.

Yes. I heard that too.

Mrs Berryman.

Actually, do you mind just...?

Oh, of course. Sorry, darling.

Now, if I snore, you're to throw a book at me.

Goodnight.

Back to work, Berryman.

So, who else shall we invite?

If we simply have Daphne and this new chap of hers,

the poor man will feel he's being auditioned.

Well, isn't he?

She rather implied she'd already auditioned him,

and he'd passed with flying colours.

Sorry, what was that? I was miles away.

I said, who else shall we invite?

Er, well, I ran into Richard Tremaine

at Blackfriars the other day.

You know, from the regiment. We could have him and his wife.

What about poor Thomas? We haven't seen him since the wedding.

Daphne thought he was a bit of all right,

and has all sorts of eager spinsters lined up for him.

No, I don't think so.

Why ever not?

Well, he's not terribly sociable, really.

He'd only be a dead weight.

And you can tell Daphne he's a confirmed bachelor.

She'd only take that as a personal challenge.

Ah...

Daphne.

Thank God. I'm starving.

Me too.

Oh, of course you are. Poor darling.

How many weeks to go?

Two or three.

Ooh. Let's find you a nice bench.

Such a drama this morning.

Hmm?

Bill Gladstone.

Which is he?

Victorian watercolours and china. Lives with his mother.

He was arrested, first thing this morning.

No! Why?

It turns out he was also living with the man upstairs.

One of their neighbours had sneaked,

and the police showed up at dawn and caught them together in bed.

Will he go to prison?

Almost certainly,

and Bill has a prior history of gross indecency,

which isn't as bad as buggery, but it's almost as bad.

No more handling Lady Downing's bristols for him!

Gross indecency? You mean...exposing himself?

No. You know, public lavatories.

Oh.

Now, darling, tell.

You sounded all shaky when you rang,

and I was quite worried.

It's nothing.

Hormones running riot, probably -

making me feel like a caged beast.

It is good to see you.

You know you can tell me.

You can tell me anything.

I know, but it's nothing.

Everything's fine.

Well, this is nice.

I'm sorry, darling, I was miles away...

and you've gone to so much trouble, and in your condition.

Time on my hands.

I tidied your desk this morning.

Why?

I needed some ink and it was full of junk in there.

I hope I didn't throw out anything precious.

Well, I'm a hoarder. You'll reform me yet.

Where's Thomas's painting?

I took it down. I rather hate it.

Well, perhaps I could take it to the cottage, so you...

Back to your precious cottage, you'd love that, wouldn't you?

Pudding's only pears, I'm afraid.

Oh, God.

Take this fucking thing!

What should I...

I don't want it under our roof another night. It's repellent.

Yes. I mean, what are you?

Are you safe around children?

What were you thinking, marrying me? Do you even love me?!

If I'm expected to lie around bringing forth like some brood mare,

while the two of you...

Darling. Darling, sit down...

Don't touch me!

Never touch me. You're disgusting!

Criminal!

Mr Berryman?

Oh, thank God.

It's this way.

You came just in time.

Go and have a drink, Mr Berryman.

It'll be hours yet, and it's all woman's work from here on in.

Ooh! Sorry. So sorry.

Let me put those in water. Thank you.

There's not much on offer at this time of year, even at Covent Garden.

You went all that way?

They're lovely. I like white roses.

He's... He...

He's sweet.

Bit soon to tell.

Eager feeder, though, but it hurts like hell.

I thought maybe Robert, after your father,

and James for mine.

Look, darling, I'm so...

I am far, far too tired to talk about it.

Would you like to hold him?

He's... He's asleep. Perhaps we should just leave him.

No, pick him up, please.

I really... I want the father of my child to hold his son.

Hold his head.

So, you like it?

What?

The name - Robert James.

Yes. Yes. Yes, it's perfect.

It's perfect.

Did you light a cigar?

Certainly not.

Papers!

There you go, sir. Thank you.

Papers! Get your papers...

Come on.

It took me several weeks to track you down.

How?

Your boss and I go back a long, long way.

But he's...

He's married with children. There's a lot of it about.

Thomas is in prison.

Why?

The usual - cottaging.

Oh, Christ, he really can pick them.

Gross indecency, dear.

One year.

You must visit him.

But, look, it...

No buts. He needs you.

What lies you tell are up to you.

Well, I'm told dentistry usually works.

Why me?

Because you could fuck, understand him and meet the mother.

You got under his skin.

He loves you, truly.

Right, let's be having you!

Sit yourself down.

Yeah, well, move along.

I, um...

I brought you a pad and some charcoal.

You look terrible, Thomas.

It's prison food -

permanent trots.

You look like a bank manager.

How is...

..Flora?

Yes, fine. Fine.

Though, um, motherhood seems to make her a little impatient.

She, um...

Baby boy arrived in November - Robert.

Well...

Just make sure that she doesn't...

..that she doesn't turn him into a banker too.

I, um...

We'd, um...

We'd like to ask you to be his godfather.

Well, once...once you get out.

What on earth for?

Well...

Well, whatever you think of church or children,

it's rather a good way to stay in touch

with the people who...who matter.

Don't visit again.

But... It's upsetting.

Oh.

Do something for me.

I was at school with Thomas, Mrs March.

I know who you are, Mr Berryman.

How is he?

He, er...

He's, um... He's grown a beard.

His father did that once, for Ibsen.

Does it suit him?

Yes.

Yes, he...

He looks like a submariner.

It's oddly like having him back in boarding school.

I was forbidden to visit there too, in case I embarrassed him.

Oh, you needn't look at me with such sensitivity.

I'm well aware of what he did and why he's there.

I have been storing them in his absence,

rather than leave them with that creature in Soho.

I write him letters in soft pencil on one side of cartridge paper,

so he can draw on the other.

Well, you should take this one.

It's only a study.

He must have sold the finished portrait.

I call it Man In An Orange Shirt,

but it's you, isn't it?

Yes.

So you must take it.

Oh, no, I... I couldn't possibly.

Uh, I think it's...it's wonderful, the colours...

but our...our flat's so tiny.

Perhaps, um...

Perhaps just one of the notebooks?

Oh, well, that one's damaged.

Yes, but, um...

I was there, you see.

I have a very small house in France, Mr Berryman...

..in a very small village, in Cassis.

You can go there when Thomas comes out.

He...he can paint and...and you can...

you can write something.

That's very kind of you, Mrs March, but, um, he wants...

he wants nothing more to do with me.

Oh, that's just pride.

And I have a wife and child.

Is she happy?

She's...

I, um...

I should... I should be getting home.

My darling Thomas,

you refuse my visits so you're probably tearing up my letters too,

but there's nothing else I can do but keep trying.

It's beyond my control, do you see?

All those months ago, when I had nothing to lose really,

I wrote to you in my head,

but was too cowardly to set more than lies on paper,

and now I find I no longer care.

The love I feel for you runs through me like grain through wood.

I love you, Thomas. I love you.

Your face, your voice, your touch, enter my mind at the least

opportune moments and I find I have no power to withstand them.

No desire to.

I want us to be together as we were in the cottage,

only forever, not just a weekend.

I want it to go on so long that it feels normal.

I want to do all the ordinary, un-bedroomy things

we never got around to doing -

making toast, raking leaves,

sitting in silence.

I love you, Thomas.

I've always loved you -

I see that now.

Tell me I'm not too late.

There she is.

Going to say hello? Oh, look.

So solemn. So like his pa!

I can't believe he's nearly one already.

I say, not to worry about bridge tonight if Michael's away.

Percy can always take me out somewhere instead.

Oh, tonight? But he's...

I was coming out of South Ken on my way to Christie's this morning,

and I saw him striding towards the train with his suitcase,

as well as the usual briefcase.

Oh, yes. I'm such a dolt, darling.

I'd completely forgot to tell you,

he's got some dreary conference to go to.

Banking - whither?

You know the sort of thing.

Well, we can play when he's back.

Are you all right?

Fine.

Oh, do hush, Robert.

Oh, hush!

For pity's sake!

Hello. British Savings Bank.

Hello. Can you put me through to Michael Berryman, please?

Who's calling, please? It's his wife.

Oh.

Oh, of course, those wretched teeth! How stupid of me to have forgotten.

Oh, stop it!

I can't bear it! Stop it, stop it!

Stop it!

Come to me...

Sorry.

I'm so sorry, I'm so sorry...

It's Thomas...

Thomas, dear boy! Thomas! Thomas! How are you?

Thomas. Oh, Thomas...

Well...

So, are you all right?

Let's get in the cab. Come on. We'll see you at the flat?

Yes. Get in.

Hello, darling. Get in.

Hello.

Hello.

Oh...

I'll tell you anything you...

I'd rather you didn't.

I don't want a divorce.

Please, Michael!

It wouldn't be fair to Robert.

But I...I...

I don't want to make you wretched.

I never want details.

You must never get caught.

We will never speak of it.

But, darling, I...

Please, don't you love me at all?

Of course I do.

I'm just a sister who happened to bear your child.

I...

I can live with that.

I do, I...

Lovely morning, sir.

All well?

He wants to make an entrance.

Ready?

We can't wait.

Oh! Oh!

Stop laughing at me!

Oh, dear.

Fortnum's will cheer him up.

I just need to find the gents.

We'll meet you down by the lifts.

Robert, can I help?

Sorry...

Sorry.

Who's joining me on the bus to Fortnum's? Me!

May I come too?

Don't be silly.

Michael, Flora!

Oh, Thomas!

How... H-h-how... How are you?

Fine. I'm fine.

Stunning day.

We've just been kitting someone out for boarding school,

so I'm bracing myself for a long afternoon sewing in name-tapes.

Oh, he can't be that age already?

We haven't met, Robert. I'm Thomas March.

I knew your father when he wasn't much older than you are.

Yes.

Yes, before I became respectable.

Thomas, you've been too long a stranger. We must have you over.

Yes, we must.

I've not long moved, to Cassis.

Oh, to...to your mother's place.

Yes. That's right.

I'm just over for my...my new exhibition.

It opens tonight.

Oh, bother.

Well, you could go along, darling.

Well, no, it's... It's Robert's last night of freedom.

Can't let you start school without a present, hmm? Here.

Thomas, you...you shouldn't... What do you say, Robert?

Thank you, sir.

Oh, that's our bus.

Come along, Robert.

Bye-bye, Thomas.

Goodbye, old man.

I'll find seats! We're not going that far.

Oh, let him, this once. School's not that much fun.

Two and a child to Piccadilly, please.

Two and a child to Piccadilly.

There you go, sir. Thank you.

Any more fares?

He'll drink himself to death in the sunshine.

Probably.

Was that where you were going?

Yes.

Look! They're really good ones.

Goodness!

Well, I'd put them safely away until we get home or you'll get all mucky.

Don't fidget, Bob.

"To Flora and Michael,

"in the hope the enclosed might one day hang in your drawing room.

"Thomas."

Who did you go with?

A friend.

He loved me...

but he married me to be like everybody else.

This is so not OK.

You are leaving a table of friends just to fuck a complete stranger.

You're not even out, are you?

I bet you've still not told your granny.

Here, Mrs Flora.

Ooh.

Thank you. Bless you, Rita.

Now he's had his boosters, you can take him to the park

so he can play with his friends.

And, if you ask Amanda nicely,

she'll give him a treat cos he's been brave.

All right?

Go on!

Er, Myra Nicholson?

That's me.

But, er, you can call me Steve.

Hello, Myra.

There we go.

OK.

19's a good age, but her heart's given out.

We should put her to sleep to spare her suffering.

I hadn't realised how long I'd...

Do you need a moment?

No, it's fine.

I hadn't expected to...

Bloody cat!

You know, she resented me from the start.

I'm sorry.

Ah.

I'm off now, Mrs Flora.

Oh, goodnight.

Buona notte. Buona notte. I left shepherd's pie and broccoli for you.

I turn it down so it doesn't dry out.

Oh, you spoil me. Oh!

Home at last, Adam.

Night, Rita. All good with my granny?

Same old, same old.

Well, you could take the food out of the oven.

I love your plate warmer.

What? Don't you mock me! It's generational.

My generation has toast racks and plate warmers

and yours has double espresso machines and dating apps.

How do you know about dating apps?

Oh, you know. Rita's my Google.

By the way, that jacket needs to go to the dry cleaners -

something on the shoulder.

Really?

On the back.

I do hope this is all right. She always over-seasons.

Oh!

You're looking a bit flushed.

It's, er, it's London.

Hm. You're like me. I hate crowds.

Am I like you?

Of course you are.

Dinner with Claudie next week, before her twins arrive.

Oh!

Well, she'll make a better mother than I ever did.

You did all right with me.

I was lucky. Fate gave me a second chance.

My bridge cronies always asking me, "When is he going to settle down?"

and I say to them, "You know, some of us prefer our own company."

That's what I tell them.

Hi. It's-it's Adam again, from the vet's.

I've brought...

You'd better come in.

Oh, hi. I was expecting Steve.

Of course you were. But I'm Caspar.

Do you live here, too?

I do, rather.

Oh, is that, er..?

Yes. I'm sorry it had to happen when you were away.

Hm.

Well, I have to nip to the post

but you'll find Steve in his study in need of distraction.

Hello?

You can't leave them there.

Oh, hi.

Caspar would have a fit.

Sorry, I...

I just thought I'd drop off Myra's ashes, er, on my way home.

I thought the box was quite nice.

Yeah, but it's not Biedermeier.

Caspar's been known to change hotels if the carpet upsets him.

Er, what are you working on?

A redesign of a perfect flat in Limehouse.

All my work gets undone.

I mean, if you heal a dog, right, it stays healed.

Er, unhappy people can have persistently unhappy pets.

So you're an architect?

No, erm... Caspar swept me off my feet before I qualified.

This place is really quite nice.

Your ten-minute call.

I'm sorry, erm...

So, Tracy and thingy want more bubbly,

and Gavin wants another glass of that stuff he likes.

OK. Who's "thingy"?

You know, the one with the...

Hey. Hey!

You are vast. I'm a whale. Twins. Nightmare.

What am I saying? It's brilliant!

It suits you.

Well, thank God it turns him on because it's made me so horny.

So, erm...

What?

I wanted to see you properly, but I've done that thing again.

I thought it was just going to be us.

Yeah, I know, but there's someone I want you to meet.

Hi, David.

His name is Dwight, he teaches drama.

So, Adrian.

Adam.

Yeah. How do you know David?

Er, I... Claudie was my girlfriend at uni.

Oh. Oh, but I thought you were...

Yeah, I am.

I turned him.

I love how relaxed you Brits are.

I was told you'd be all uptight and judgmental.

And two doubles with an overtrick.

Oh, that's, erm... Oh, I can't work it out.

Oh, with all this excitement, I've just got to pee.

They've been on two dates now!

What, to the theatre?

No, to a hotel.

She's on some pills.

It certainly helps her card play.

I don't understand.

I was... It was such a relief, when I could quietly give up.

But your Michael died so young.

No, he was 60.

Yes, but...

Oh, I'm just not wired that way.

Never have been.

Hey!

Hey.

We've hardly spoken.

Yeah, er, will you make my apologies, this is my round.

No, it's me you apologise to.

He better be worth it.

Let me see.

Yeah, and his face?

Oh!

Oh, yeah, he's hotter than Dwight. That voice!

It'd be like sleeping with a chainsaw.

Sorry.

I worry about you. That could be anyone.

Is that the cock of a serial killer?

This is so not OK.

You are leaving a table of friends just to fuck a complete stranger.

You used to envy me and now you're judging.

Hell, yes, I'm judging. It's not cool.

It's just weird.

I will give you a full report.

I'm not sure I want you to be godfather.

Ow! Oh, sorry, sorry.

Yeah. This...

You're-You're very passionate.

Oh, sorry.

No, no, no, don't be stupid. It was hot.

What did you say your name was again?

Oh, I didn't.

Oh, well, I-I'm Bruno.

Hello, Bruno.

I'd like to do that again.

Anything's possible.

Sorry, but, er, after that, I need to go and use the bathroom.

So just, er, play some music, will you, or something?

Where've you gone now?

Just fixing your router.

Oh, can't it wait?

Almost done.

Well, it's really kind of you to get all that kit for me,

but, I mean, apart from e-mails, I never use the internet.

I know. But I do.

Now, then, you sit down. Eat, while it's still warm. OK.

Oh, no, not again. She puts chilli in, all the time.

Poor Rita. It's fine.

So, something important, you said.

Um, from the letting agents.

They're not going ahead with the cottage.

Says it's too much work to be done to be lettable.

So, I want to give you that cottage now, rather than you have it later.

You know, it's good for a man to have a project

and it'll get you out of the city.

God. Wow.

Thank you. Hm. Thank you!

Oh, come on, there you go, eat while it's still warm, please.

You're a good boy, Merlin, all right, bye-bye.

Hello, Steve.

Yes. Yes, it is.

Er, look, erm, this is really unprofessional, but...

So, they never actually put central heating in, which is amazing!

There's a proper hole in one of the bedroom floors.

I should probably just sell it, as is.

No, no, no, it's brilliant.

You just have to dig past all the crap.

You...you can't sell. You're not seeing it. Oh...

So, erm, was it like your parents' weekend cottage, or...?

No. We never came here.

Perhaps Flora did before she let it, but I...really don't know.

Right who's...who's Flora?

Oh, my grandmother. Christ. All this depressing junk!

CLANKING

Oh, that's nice. You see?

I'd really, really like to do a job like this, Adam.

I...

It's like working on a site with my brothers when I was growing up.

The whole hands-on...

I'm bored of tarting up kitchens!

What would Caspar think of you working outside of London?

Well, we're not joined at the hip and, er,

and he's in Brighton with his latest app-squeeze.

Oh, really? Yeah.

You don't mind?

I don't own him.

What?

Do you mind kissing me?

Oh...

Am I, er...

..am I barking up the wrong tree? No. No.

Whoa!

What?

Well, it's not a porn film, I...

Listen, Adam,

there's a person in these jeans, OK?

I can't...

I can't.

This is... I'm sorry.

Sorry. Did I misread...?

I should sell the place. It's such a lot of work. Oh.

OK.

I'll make my own way from here.

Really?

Yeah.

I'll pay for your time.

Whatever.

I'll wait!

Adam? How did it go?

You were late back.

I...I took a designer friend with me for a second opinion and, er,

he likes it, but I...

So, is your instinct, what, to sell?

Probably.

Oh, that's a shame. I'd better get on.

Perhaps we could...

Scooby's ashes are here when you want to collect them, OK?

All right, bye-bye.

Look, I know you want to sell,

but I couldn't stop thinking of all you could do there.

Can I show you?

Erm, not here. Erm, we've a backlog from this morning.

I finish at five. Erm, er...

There's a cafe down the street.

Er, could you please get me Amy's profile?

I wasn't sure you'd come.

I owe you an apology. For the weekend. I...

It doesn't matter. It was my fault, I...

Anyway...

Do what you like with these.

May even help you to sell it

if you can get someone to see past the hideous wallpaper... I'm talking too much.

Sorry.

I'll shut up.

These are beautiful. Seriously.

Thank you.

I was a prat on Sunday.

I'm not used to, erm...

..you know.

No, but...

Er, thanks for doing these.

I don't know what I want to do with the cottage,

but I should pay you.

That's fine. Erm...

They're a present.

Call me, er...

..if you change your mind, or whatever.

Coffee?

Thanks.

I saw Adam Berryman again today.

I want to do that cottage, Caspar.

Well, what about Hugo's new place?

Hugo needs therapy, not new taps.

It'll be a great opportunity for me.

But countryside, country people...

You're probably right to sell it.

Gin!

Gin again.

Who did you go with?

A friend I made through work.

Steve.

Hi.

Hey, boss.

Someone's happy.

Like you wouldn't believe!

I'm not redesigning another high-end kitchen.

I'm in heaven!

So...

You skiving?

Er...

Saturday surgery is only short and they owe me so much leave.

Good.

Mr Popular.

Trust me.

Living with Caspar, I could write a thesis on sex addiction.

So...was your dad tough on you?

Erm, let's just say his model of masculinity wasn't exactly

Lord Berners.

You've no idea who that is.

No.

Just tell me that you can't explain the offside rule.

If you're closer to your opponents' goal line than both the ball and...

I so had you there.

Bitch!

If beds could talk, eh?

I'm sure this had a quiet and blameless life.

It's getting late.

I should go.

Well, I got a lot more done with you here, so...

It's only Sunday tomorrow.

Or do you have a hot date?

That old sofa, erm, folds out into a bed, of sorts.

Oh, this is so good. How did you...?

Pepper, salt, lemon...

It's just steak!

Do you both cook?

What?

Sorry. Erm, yes, we both enjoy cooking when we're in.

Thanks. We go out...a lot.

Do you mind me asking you all these questions?

I never get a chance to...

Stick around long enough to make conversation?

I'm sorry. That was mean.

Erm...

You're not even out, are you?

I bet you've still not told your granny.

Oh, Flora is so not a granny.

Not in so many words. She's...

..she's never invited confidences.

And you're scared she'd...

I, erm... I-I-I don't know.

Is that rain?

No.

This is nice.

Yeah.

Steve. Yeah? It's a picture.

Yeah. No. erm, you have grease on your hands.

Oh.

You're better off just blowing. Close your eyes.

One, two, three.

Wow.

Hm, come in.

Now, erm...

No, you're...you're going to spoil your appetite if you eat all this.

Oh, no, I've been working so hard all weekend, I'm starving.

Steve has a real vision for how we can...

Now, doesn't he have a life in London?

Er, no. Well, it's complicated.

He has Caspar.

Erm, an art dealer, but they're what Steve calls semidetached, so...

I have to show you this.

We found it in the cupboard.

I thought it was really rather lovely, you know.

It might have been...

I don't remember that.

It must have belonged to the Brewers.

Well, it's addressed to you and Grandpa.

"To Flora and Michael

"in the hope the enclosed might one day hang

"in your drawing room.

"Thomas."

Who was Thomas?

Oh, he was a friend of your grandfather's.

But we didn't like the picture and, erm,

we put it away, chucked it out.

Why did you just pretend that you...?

I can forgive.

Hm... It's how you're made.

I wish you would be discreet,

but of course, that's my age.

What?

You and the man.

There's nothing between... There's nothing...

Well, I never expected when I gave you the cottage

that you'd turn it into somewhere that you'd bring your latest...

Stop...pick-up. Just stop, right there.

You're using your father's money... Just stop!

I'm 34 years old.

And I'm still hiding in your basement.

Is it any wonder...?

It's no business of yours who I fuck.

I don't need to hear this.

I'm sorry. Silly of me to forget

that anything below the neck disgusts you!

I mean, do you ever lose control?

What do you mean? Well, did you ever need to give yourself...

I loved your grandfather!

Yes, but passion!

Yes!

I loved him!

With passion!

Shit!

All right. You win.

I've been ashamed...all my life.

And I wonder why that was! Yes, you should be ashamed.

Because it is terrible, it's disgusting to live

with other people, as if you were animals.

Animals?

Yes! ANIMALS!

Argh!

I always feel as if I'm in the wrong. It's not fair.

RINGING

Come on, Steve, come on.

The person you are calling is not available.

Shit!

Fuck!

# We are strong

# We're not looking for where we belong

# We're not cool... #

Have you got somewhere we can go that isn't halfway to Gatwick?

Yeah. Good.

PHONE BEEPS You want another drink?

Where do you think you're going?

If that was you. Here I am.

Let's go.

No, mate.

Well, what are you waiting for? Fuck off.

HE SCOFFS You want some?

Ah, yes, that's right, take it.

No... Fuck!

Hey, I...I'm sorry. I didn't know where else to go.

I-I had a huge row with...

and then I... I'm sorry.

It's your place.

God, I must stink. I need a shower.

I-I-I left a message at work.

I've taken tomorrow off. I'm sorry for waking you.

Even the shower's not working. Oh, shit. New pump comes tomorrow...

Yeah, I-I... The sink is fine. Just go to bed.

Have you...? Go to bed.

It's OK.

It's not OK.

It'll be OK.

Here.

Don't you want to talk?

I wouldn't know where to start.

OK.

Bloody hell. Bloody hell.

I'm sorry, I... Shh, shh.

I don't think I can.

Could you just hold me...

..until I sleep?

Sure.

Sure.

So, what happens now?

I want you.

But I'm going to have to tell him.

I don't do casual. I-I can't do app sex.

I need more.

OK.

No, really, I ca...

..I can't share you.

Look. Deleted it.

It's just going to feel weird me...me paying you...

No. You're just humping the help.

I will tell you when it gets weird. Yeah?

The trouble with open relationships is

they don't end with a satisfying, plate-smashing row.

They just become about coffee beans and cat litter.

Yeah.

He is so inexperienced.

Oh, is that what they call it nowadays?

You know what I mean.

Just promise me you don't think you can save him from himself.

You saved me.

You just needed pointing in the right direction.

Oh, it was a lovely send-off perfect music

and readings by all the grandchildren.

Oh, but we all knew that relations had broken down

between her and their parents years ago.

You're lucky Adam's so close.

Yes, I am, aren't I?

Flora?

Oh, sorry. Miles away. Where are we?

Agnes passed, I opened a heart and Geraldine said two clubs.

Are you quite well, dear?

Thank you.

You are a mysterious...

Look, I just want to say, I am so happy that you are all able

to help us celebrate finally getting sewage mains.

Erm, but seriously, erm,

it's good to meet Adam's surprisingly wholesome friends.

And, er, and I just...

You didn't tell me you were inviting Flora.

Flora!

Hi!

Hello.

I'm sorry, I should have rung.

D-Don't be silly.

It's good to see you.

Yes.

I came to bring you this.

Well, it belongs here. With you.

Thank you.

Come and meet Steve.

They're so sweet when they're new.

When they're sleeping. Or they've just been fed, yeah.

Steve's a honey.

You must be really glad Adam's finally met someone. Hm.

He's very...

I-I'm trying to adjust,

Claudie, I can't turn overnight into a liberal.

This is rather good, you know. March has become very collectable.

Oh, I see.

I wish I hadn't told Michael to throw away his painting.

So how well did you know Thomas March?

Not at all well.

They were at school together and in the Army.

"To Flora and Michael, in the hope that one day the enclosed

"might hang in your drawing room."

What was enclosed with it?

Oh, Thomas was probably drunk.

He must have meant the painting.

Can I have some wine?

Yes, of course.

Would you mind? I think there's something peculiar about the frame

There is? Something odd going on.

And it's just a hunch.

Oh, my goodness.

It's Grandpa, isn't it?

Hey, it's OK. Hey...

Here.

I thought I'd won.

Won what?

His love.

But Thomas March loved Michael,

and Michael loved Thomas March.

Grandpa was gay.

Yes.

Grandpa was gay.

He loved me, but he married me to be like everybody else.

How did you find out?

Oh, his love letters.

They were beautiful.

And I burnt them.

You burnt them?

I was angry and scared that Michael would be sent to prison.

Thomas was.

I thought I'd won.

I ruined both of their lives.

They hurt you, too.

Yes.

I wish I'd known him.

Oh, thank you.

Could you ever imagine...

What?

..having kids with me?

I so could.

I got so broody today with those twins around.

Me, too.

Thanks for making today so special.

Teamwork.

I'm so sorry. It's just I...

Wished you'd left it on silent?

I did delete it.

Yeah, but then you put it...

Steve, it's a habit.

I didn't... I haven't...

OK.

Steve? Steve!

Hey, Steve, come on! Steve?

Shit!

Shit!

My God, are you all right?

What's happened?

What's happened? Are you hurt?

HE SOBS Come on.

Come on now. Now, let's sit down.

Here we go. There we go.

I'm sorry. He left me.

Oh...

It's all my fault.

It's all my fucking-around fault.

Weren't you...weren't you happy together?

I've never been so happy in my life.

Oh, you must go after him.

You can't lose him.

I'm sorry...I'm sorry for waking you.

No. I'm glad you came to me.

I just thought of something.

I-I thought of something.

I'd forgotten all about it until I-I saw the painting.

Erm, here.

When I thought I was losing Michael,

oh, I fought like a tigress.

To get him back, I was all ferocity.

Oh, I was. There was no pride.

Now, this is a letter your grandfather Michael wrote,

he never sent it.

I found it after he died.

Well, you'll see. I want you to keep it.

Keep everything.

And, you know, whatever happens,

I know that your grandfather Michael and Thomas would have been

very, very proud of you.

Oh, darling.

Thank you.

"My darling Thomas. I'm at work.

"Nobody knows I'm writing to you here.

"You refuse my visits,

"so you're probably tearing up my letters, too.

"But there's nothing else I can do but keep trying.

"It's beyond my control, do you see?

"All those months ago, when I had nothing to lose, really,

"I wrote to you in my head

"but was too cowardly to set more than lies on paper.

"And now, I find I no longer care.

"The love I feel for you runs through me like grain through wood.

"I love you, Thomas.

"Your face, your voice, your touch

"enter my mind at the least opportune moments

"and I find I have no power to withstand them.

"No desire to.

"I want us to be together, as we were in the cottage.

"Only for ever, not just a weekend.

"I want it to go on so long that it feels normal.

"I think of you constantly.

"Your face, your breath on my neck at night.

"I want to do all the ordinary,

"un-bedroomy things we never got around to doing.

"Making toast. Raking leaves.

"Sitting in silence.

"I love you, Thomas.

"I've always loved you.

"I see that now.

"Tell me I'm not too late."