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1 Shoo! Shoo!

Everyone agrees that life is beautiful.

And we all accept that it is fragile.

But do we always remember how interconnected we are?

How everything we do touches other people's lives

and echoes far away, in other places?

Angela! Coming!

If we do not, perhaps we should!

Our reach is so much greater than we know.

Meanwhile, Mr Cottered, of the Robin Hood Estate,

recently had prostate surgery,

and in keeping with new policies,

has been discharged with a catheter in place.

I'm still not convinced that that's a safe practice.

But it was Nurse Highland who went on the training course,

so the care of Mr Cottered will fall to her.

The equipment arrived from central supplies this morning.

Is his catheter supposed to be in place in the long term?

No. It's to address urinary retention,

which he had the first time they removed it.

This removal is planned in three days.

Nurse Highland, while you're at Robin Hood Estate,

could I trouble you to call in on Nerys Williams?

She was recently widowed with three very young children,

and was rehoused from a homeless hostel.

Course.

Her youngest child has severe nappy rash,

all three are underweight

and the whole family have impetigo.

This is a rather vulnerable young family, I'm afraid.

Hello, everyone. Please do come in.

Find a space, and make yourselves comfortable.

Hello, Mrs Lasley.

Another lovely dress.

Thank you.

I brought my husband, so he can see the techniques.

I'm hoping relaxation will move things along.

I've been practising,

but I'm not sure I'm breathing right.

I never knew you could breathe wrong.

The whole point about relaxation

is that it stops you from worrying and teaches you

to draw on your inner sense of calm.

Hold my bag, Don.

Make sure I'm not flashing my knickers.

I've taken the morning off especially for this.

The perks of being your own boss.

Welcome, everybody, to our pregnancy relaxation class.

These sessions are to help you feel serene and prepared.

Mrs Williams? I'm Nurse Highland.

I see you've got your coat on - are you about to head out?

No. It's just a bit nippy.

Shh, shh.

It's all right, honey.

This looks very sore.

How often do you change her nappy?

- As often as I can. - Mm.

But I get all behind.

I don't always have a clean one.

Keeping up with laundry isn't easy.

But babies' urine contains ammonia,

which irritates the skin.

Look, I'm going to give you some barrier cream.

A thick layer of this every two hours will really help.

But if you don't have a dry nappy for her,

you can let her go without one while you're at the house.

I can give it a try, I suppose.

Sister Veronica also asked me to give you some cream

for those little scabs around yours and the children's faces.

Well, we picked it up at the hostel.

We aren't dirty, Nurse.

Honey, you're doing your best.

In fact, you're doing well.

- And I love my children! - Nobody thinks otherwise.

But fate has dealt you a cruel blow,

and you're going to need help to get back on your feet.

Do you have any family that could help?

- Or friends? - Nah.

I was with Trevor from when I was 14.

He was my family and my best friend.

He was everything.

- Hey! - Shh! Be quiet!

The old man downstairs gets cross.

Maybe someone needs to remind him

that he was a child once too.

Remember...

contractions come in waves.

Picture them as soft, blue waves.

Picture a sparkle of sunshine on them.

Each wave rises, rises, rises to a crest

and then gently breaks against the sand.

Don...

you keep... You keep breathing.

- It's putting me off. - Remember that rhythm.

And remember the calm you're feeling now

as we come to the end of our session.

So, when you feel ready,

open your eyes,

have a gentle stretch, and take your time getting up.

Don, help me.

OK...

Ooh.

You know what you could use in here?

Vending machines?

My own business. Pop a coin in, out comes tea, coffee,

hot chocolate, with milk, without, sugar -

whatever you like - push of a button.

And you think this will catch on?

Oh, yeah, business is booming, innit, Norm?

- Mm, we're very lucky. - Let me know if you want a demo.

Come round my premises, and I'll show you the full range.

Mr Cottered?

Last time someone stuck their nose through my letterbox,

- they got a nasty surprise. - Are you Mr Cottered?

Depends who's asking.

I'm Nurse Highland.

I'm here to see you following your surgery.

Any cigs on you?

I've run out.

Knocked on a couple of doors but nobody answers.

I'm afraid I don't carry them with me, Mr Cottered.

Have you not lived here very long, Mr Cottered?

Not long.

The council moved me while I was in hospital.

I had no choice,

after living in the same street me whole life.

It's hard to leave your birthplace.

Where you from, then?

I was born in Trinidad. But now I live in England.

How have you been finding the catheter?

I just look in my trousers.

No blood in your urine? Or any pain?

I do need to check for signs of infection.

- Shall we move you to your bed? - I beg your bloody pardon?

It's easier if you're lying down.

It's easier if you clear off!

Mr Cottered!

Do you want to end up back in hospital,

or are you going to let me do my job?

That's absolutely spot-on.

It should have been here two days ago!

Babies aren't the most punctual creatures, I'm afraid.

I know. But I can't wait.

Anyone'd think we're having triplets.

Look at these!

They're called Baby-gros.

All-in-one, the latest trend.

I went mad and bought a dozen!

No-one could accuse you of being unprepared!

Shall we see where Baby's sitting at the moment?

I've three weeks' meals in the freezer.

I had to buy a recipe book.

I don't know anyone else with a freezer,

so I had no-one to ask.

Your baby's head is beautifully engaged.

I don't think you'll be waiting too much longer.

Are you managing to empty the bag yourself

- without difficulty? - I'm not incapable.

Then I'll be back tomorrow.

Is there anything else I can help you with before I go?

You'll have to speak slower - I can't understand you.

Do you need help with anything else?

Me whatsit's not working.

As I said, everything looks fine.

No, I mean...

..me whatsit!

Water heater!

Curtain pole's hanging off an' all.

I'm afraid my skills don't stretch that far,

- Mr Cottered. - Bit of shopping, then?

When you come back?

Paper and fags and mint imperials.

Give you the money, obviously.

I'm not a charity case.

I just can't walk very far.

I'll see what I can do.

Mr Cottered! Whatever are you doing?

I have to listen to that racket all day long.

That woman, she's got no control over them, no rules!

Mrs Williams is trying her best.

Yeah, well, you would defend her.

I beg your pardon?

Kindness costs nothing, Mr Cottered.

That's the rule I like to live by.

I'll see you tomorrow, then.

Homity pie! My favourite.

Tuck in, quick, before the carnivores swoop.

The divine embrace of sustenance,

warmth, shared blessings.

True wealth indeed.

Speaking of wealth, I have an important announcement

for the attention of Nurses Crane, Aylward,

Clifford and Highland.

Oh, really? What's that?

Your wage packets are on the table in the hall,

ready to be signed for and collected after tea.

And, thanks to the Royal College of Nursing,

the backdated pay rises are included.

- Oh! - Ooh!

♪ Everything is beautiful... ♪

I can't help feeling guilty.

The sisters didn't benefit from a pay rise.

They've taken vows of poverty.

But we work hard for this.

Harder than most.

Not harder than the sisters, though.

I'd love to buy them something, as a token of our esteem.

They wouldn't be allowed to accept it if we did.

What will you do with yours?

Just... enjoy having it for now.

And enjoy the fact that we fought for it and won.

- Mummy? - Shh, shh, shh, shh.

I'll be back soon.

You go back to sleep,

and when you wake up, I'll be here, I promise.

Do you want a cuppa for after you've practised your breathing?

I'm not practising, Don.

These are real, not like yesterday.

- What? - It's finally started!

Why didn't you wake me up?

Come on!

We've got to go to the maternity home!

Stop panicking, Don!

I am... serene and prepared.

The Daily Gazette and a packet of 20 Chamberlains, please.

Bit of a leap from menthol!

It's for one of my district patients.

- Ah. - Oh, and mint imperials.

Mr Cottered!

How did you guess?

He used to come in here every day like clockwork.

Then he just stopped.

Well, I'm glad he's still alive and kicking.

I was worried.

I was worried that he'd gone to the other side.

Mm. Only to the other side of Poplar,

in the Robin Hood Estate.

He's not at all happy about it.

Well, he didn't have the sunniest disposition to start with.

Hmm, not the easiest of patients

but, as my grandmother used to say,

sometimes you have to kill with kindness.

Loneliness can harden a person.

Perhaps I could drop by and see him.

I'm sure he'd be delighted.

Delighted might be pushing it!

Not if you bring your toolkit.

5cm already.

You were right, Nurse.

The... the pain started soon after you left.

You should have come in straight away.

I know, but I'd just read in my books about them...

..oh, Braxton something?

- Hicks? - Yeah, that's the one, yeah.

I thought it might have been them.

I reckon I could write some of them books myself now,

the amount of studying I've done.

It's like being back at school.

Well, you get full marks from me.

Mr Lasley, may I suggest

you go home and put your feet up,

instead of wearing out those smart shoes

on my reception floor?

I'm confident a man of your standing

is in possession of a telephone.

Four years. First in the street.

But, but I'd, er... I'd like to stay,

if you don't mind.

I-I'll sit down.

You won't even know I'm here.

Mr Cottered, just keep making sure the tube is always straight,

so the catheter drains properly.

Can you hear that?

On and off all bloody morning.

Again.

Reckon she leaves them.

Mr Cottered, please. There's no need for that.

Right. That's us all done for today, Mr Cottered.

Oh, whoa now! Hold your horses!

You think I'm a senile old man, don't you?

You can just pocket my money and I'll forget?

I know your kind.

Are you accusing me of theft, Mr Cottered?

Your shopping.

And your change.

Please, go ahead and count it.

It's all there.

Dr Turner and I will be back tomorrow

to remove your catheter.

I'm sure you'll give him a much warmer reception.

The baby's head is about to be born, Norma.

Gentle pushes now,

that's right.

Gentle.

Yes. Pant through it.

Perfect!

You're a star student!

Shoulders next.

Keep going!

Congratulations! You've got a daughter!

I knew it was a girl.

I didn't want to tempt fate by saying it out loud, but...

..I just knew. I felt it.

Can I hold her?

I-I want to hold my little girl.

Is something wrong?

Norma, I just need to get the doctor to check Baby over.

Nerys?

Are the children on their own?

I'm here!

My babies, I'm here!

Mummy, where were you?

I'm here, I'm here.

Dr Turner, I'd like you to look at Baby Lasley, please.

What is it? What... what's happening?

We're just checking Baby over, Mrs Lasley.

Won't take too long.

We are going to put her

under the heat lamp for a few minutes,

get her nice and warm.

Let's get this placenta delivered, shall we?

It's definitely a meningocele.

This blister is full of spinal fluid.

We haven't seen a case of spina bifida for a long time,

but... you know the drill.

Cover the lesion with a dressing and nurse Baby on her front.

Poor little love.

I don't think I'm seeing any cranial swelling, but I can't be sure.

The specialist needs to see her.

And you need to see the parents.

You can leave her with me.

Come on, sweetheart.

It started two weeks ago.

I saw the advert in a shop window.

A couple of hours every morning,

making breakfast for the night-shift workers at a factory.

It's just...

4.30 till 6.30

and then back home before they wake up.

I was so scared the first couple of times, but...

they didn't even notice I was gone.

And what happened this morning?

The kitchen supervisor made us stay back,

then the bus was late.

It's never happened before.

Nerys, I know times are hard, but this can't go on.

If social services find out, you could lose the children.

You won't tell them, will you?

I swear on my life, I'll never do it again.

I understand.

Thank you.

What do you mean, there's a problem with her back?

We can't be sure of all the details yet,

but it does seem

her spinal cord hasn't developed quite as it should.

We think she may have a condition known as spina bifida.

S-Spina bifida - I've heard of that. It's bad, isn't it?

Some cases are less or more severe than others.

But she will need an operation.

And quite soon.

And she'll be all right after that?

We need her to be normal, Doctor.

We need her to be able to walk.

I'm going to talk to St Cuthbert's,

then we'll take it from there.

This morning, I received the date for our meeting

at the Board of Health.

Whew.

That doesn't give us very long to prepare.

But we are prepared.

We've been preparing for months.

Are you content that we proceed as planned,

with you as the sole representative of Nonnatus House?

I'm more than content - I'm extremely keen.

But the most important thing

is not that I'm the sole representative -

it is that I'm the secular representative.

If that's what the Order needs, I'll provide it.

And I'll be proud to do so.

There have been nursing sisters in Poplar for over 100 years.

We did God's work, we did good work.

I can't quite believe that we aren't wanted any more.

They don't want the thing that drives you.

God, or religious vocation, or the habit,

or however they describe the thing that seems to frighten them.

But they do need you.

Your effort, your drive and your dedication.

The people need all of those things.

And it's the people we do it for.

She looks perfect.

I don't understand.

I did everything they said in the books

and at the classes.

Of course you did.

This is not your fault.

Well, then, why has it happened?

I don't know, but you mustn't blame yourself.

The ambulance has arrived to take Baby to hospital.

Mrs Lasley, I will travel in the ambulance with her.

Your little girl will be in the best hands

at St Cuthbert's, I promise.

We'll give you a couple of minutes to say goodbye.

It looks as though this catheter's done its job, Mr Cottered.

But we can take it out now,

as long as you promise to keep drinking lots of water.

I never drink water.

I'll have tea.

Tea will do.

Nurse Highland will be checking up on you.

Aren't I the lucky one?

Right, let's crack on with it.

You might feel a twinge of discomfort,

but it won't take long.

Oh! Saved by the bell.

Ah, I'll go, Mr Cottered. You stay right where you are.

Fred! You came!

Of course I did, I'm a man of my word.

Is now a good time?

Ah, ooh, bloody hell!

Mrs Lasley?

There's no need to get up.

You should be in bed resting - you've just had a baby.

I'm going home.

Mr Lasley?

We've made a decision, haven't we?

Yeah.

We've been thinking about everything.

What this, um, spina bifida means for her -

for all of us.

And...

..we don't think we can give her what she needs.

She'll be better off in care.

No!

Please, give it time.

Time won't change anything, though, will it?

Apart from make it harder.

Mr Lasley?

It's a joint decision.

Can you please at least just wait until I get Nurse Turner...?

There's no point.

Mr and Mrs Lasley? Where are you going?

We're not changing our minds.

I endured less torture as a prisoner of war.

You have my sympathy, Alf.

Here...

I brought your usual.

Oh!

- Oh... - No, no.

On the house. Consider it a gift from a friend.

How'd you know where to find me?

Nurse Highland, she give me the heads up.

She's a good girl, that one, isn't she?

Now, I believe

you've got a couple of jobs that need doing.

I came as soon as I heard.

Perhaps they just need time.

This will change their lives for ever.

They seemed rather unequivocal about the matter.

You'd be surprised how often this happens.

People underestimate their own strengths and abilities

to cope with a disabled child.

They surely can't just abandon her?

She's poorly and needs her parents.

Oh, the poor wee mite.

Let us pray by divine grace that this is just shock,

and they have a change of heart.

Either way, we need to inform social services.

Right, your curtain pole's up.

It should stay put as long as you don't go swinging on it.

Anything else?

Er, yeah. Water heater's playing silly beggars.

It don't want to do its job.

Ooh...

I shouldn't go messing with it.

It belongs to the council.

- They wouldn't like it at all. - Council!

Chocolate teapot, more like.

Look, I-I'll see if I can get someone out to look at it.

OK.

- I'll get out of your hair. - Hmm.

Well, it's been like Piccadilly Circus here

the past few days. I'll be glad of a bit of peace.

Fred...

Thank you.

You're most welcome.

Oh...

Social services do have a legal requirement

for the child's welfare,

but currently we have very limited resources.

Especially with so many impoverished children being taken into care.

What exactly are you saying, Miss Jenkins?

I'm saying that in this particular case, there is a...

..reluctance to get involved.

Well, two respectable parents, a healthy income.

We believe, if anyone is in a position

to care for a disabled child, then it is Mr and Mrs Lasley.

What has their social standing got to do with it?

Rather a lot.

If we assume responsibility, then it may open the floodgates

for other similar cases to come tumbling through.

She's a baby, not a piece of luggage.

Indeed.

I'm aware how difficult this is for all concerned.

But we must focus on persuading the parents

to take responsibility for their own child.

And if they won't?

Then it is rather a no-man's land, I'm afraid.

Come on, then.

Good boy.

Fred Buckle!

Get that creature off the table immediately!

You've nursed it for days.

He ain't half doing well, Vi.

Didn't think he'd have stood a chance.

How do you know "it" is male?

I don't.

But I don't like saying "it".

It sounds...

..inhuman.

Well, it is inhuman - it's a bird.

What?

Do I have gravy on my face?

Can't a man just sit in quiet admiration of his wife?

Have you broken something, Fred?

I'm counting my blessings, Vi.

It's a terrible thing to be all alone in this world.

I'm a very lucky man,

and I don't take it for granted.

How was that, Mr Cottered?

Were you able to pass urine easily?

Yes.

Do I get a badge?

Excellent. Then I'll be off.

And you'll be pleased to hear you won't have to see me anymore.

Oh, right. No more visits?

No. We're all done.

Can I get that in writing?

You know where we are if you need anything.

It is. Thank you.

Goodbye.

The operation was a success.

Baby Lasley is back on the ward and stable.

Do her parents know?

Sister says they haven't been in touch.

Then I will speak to them.

Everything seems to be reducing nicely.

We'd expect your milk to come in around now.

Would you like something to dry it up?

So, um...

what's next, then?

Well, that is what we wanted to discuss.

Social services feel, as do we, that the best outcome

is for your daughter to be cared for at home.

Best for who?

Hmm? We... we can't give her what she needs

so it's not best for her and...

isn't that the most important thing?

You would have lots of support, Mrs Lasley.

- Perhaps some home help. - I don't want any of that.

I want more children,

and I'm not getting any younger.

I don't have the time to give her all the attention she needs.

It would be impossible to have her here at home.

All her things are in here.

They said at the department store

that I should wash it first, even though it's all new.

So I have.

I wasn't expecting you today.

Checking up on me?

No, honey, just doing my job.

I can see you've been using the cream,

the rashes are clearing up beautifully.

I've also brought you some orange juice

and some milk tokens.

Thank you.

You've helped me so much already.

Other help is available.

I... I can speak to your health visitor?

No, no. There's no need.

Very well. If you're happy, I'm happy.

I'll call in next week.

Come in!

I thought sustenance may be required,

even though you are in possession of a kettle.

Thank you.

I'm working on my opening address.

And I've managed to get as far as introducing myself

and making it clear that I'm not a nun.

That should be entirely obvious from the outset.

Well, that's the point, really, isn't it?

Is there anything else I can assist you with?

You could test me on statistics?

I can't afford to make a single error,

if they put me on the spot

and they will put me on the spot!

"Comparative perinatal mortality rates

"across Greater London, borough by borough"?

Mm. We shall start at 1969 and work our way backwards.

Mr Lasley.

You must think we're terrible people.

I mean, I would,

if it was someone else.

God doesn't judge, Mr Lasley,

and so neither do I.

We won't ever get over it.

Even if we're blessed with more children.

We'll never be the same again.

Is Dr Turner here?

No, he's out on call at the moment.

Good! I bought him a present with some of the money

from my pay rise.

An electric coffee percolator.

I'm going to set it up in the kitchen

- before he gets back. - But I am Dr Turner's coffee maker!

Exactly.

And now you don't have to be any more!

I hate this bloody cover!

I've been thinking...

let's arrange a trip to the cinema

to celebrate our pay rise.

Great idea.

The Italian Job is on.

Michael Caine is just a dream!

Let's make a night of it.

- Ah, we should ask Phyllis and Trixie too. - Yes!

Do you ever think about the sort of mother you'd make?

Hm! Doesn't every woman?

I've always thought I'd be rather good at it.

But suddenly I'm not so sure.

What makes you say that?

Because...

..you can feel certain about anything, can't you?

Before it's actually happened.

But...

even with the best will in the world,

the reality can be so different.

What a marvellous invention.

Yes...

..but the coffee can be quite costly.

- Your coffee, Dr Turner. - Ah!

I'm afraid it's from the percolator.

Mm.

St Cuthbert's have been in touch.

They are very happy with Baby's progress

since her surgery last week.

She's ready to be discharged home.

Where is home for Baby Lasley?

With us.

I've told the hospital that we will take care of her

till we know what's happening.

We can't keep calling her Baby Lasley.

She needs a name, even if it is only temporary.

Born in June...

June.

Oh, that's lovely.

I don't need to instruct either of you on wound care,

but keeping this dressing dry is imperative

until the stitches are removed.

Her observation and feeding chart is all drawn up.

Should I keep a record of her position too?

Yes.

The instructions are to keep her on her side

or her tummy until the operation site is completely healed.

Aside from nursing concerns,

we shall also have to register her birth.

Don't the parents do that?

In this case, they have declined.

As the midwife who delivered baby June,

the task falls to you, if you are willing.

I'm more than willing.

It... just seems so sad.

Come on, you stupid bloody thing!

Two copies of a birth certificate

for Miss June Lasley.

There, there.

Baby, baby...

close your eyes...

..now the sun's not in the sky...

Come on, come on.

Oh, here, give her to me.

Come sit down.

We need to get everyone as far away from the building as possible.

It looks like a gas explosion.

Move away from the building, it's not safe!

Move as far back as you can.

Ambulances and the fire brigade are on their way.

Can we all do as this gentleman says,

and keep as far away from the building as possible?

We need to evacuate the area.

Put your head between your legs if you feel faint.

Yeah, that's right.

Nerys?

My babies! My babies are in there!

- Let me go! - You can't go in, it's not safe!

- What flat? - Flat 5!

Flat 5!

- Fred, no! - Sir! What are you doing?!

Come back!

It's going to be all right.

Come on.

Out the way!

Flat 5 - there are three children, all under five.

They're in there alone. On the ground floor, flat 2,

there's an elderly gentleman, Mr Cottered.

He hasn't come out yet.

I think his flat is the site of the explosion.

Hello?

Can anybody hear me?

- In here! - Alf?

- I can't open the door! - Stand back!

The children, they were crying.

- Here. Get them out. Please. - Come here.

The mother left 'em.

That's it. Don't worry about me.

I'll be back for you.

- Sit tight, Alf. - OK.

Come on, I've got you, you're safe now. Come on.

It's the fire brigade! Tell me where you are!

Up here!

Alf, they're getting you out,

don't worry.

Come on, that's it, come on, everybody out...

Look! There they are!

Mummy!

Oh, darlings...

Shh. Shh.

Fred, what are you doing?

I've got to go and help Mr Cottered!

Sir, you cannot go inside!

Please stay well back.

Stand back, please. Stand back.

Move aside.

Alf!

Alf?!

That's it. Open your eyes.

Can you hear me? Help's here now.

Had to get the kiddies out.

- Are they safe? - Yes, they are. Thanks to you.

Anybody not in need of urgent medical care,

please make your way to St Oswald's church hall,

where assistance will be waiting.

Thank you. Thank you so much for saving my babies.

Don't thank me. Thank that gentleman there. It's all down to him.

Mr Cottered?

Thank you.

Oh...

Kindness.

I went to the factory as soon as we'd spoken,

and I told them I wasn't coming back.

They said it was too short notice

and if I didn't work my notice then I wouldn't get paid.

I begged, but they wouldn't listen.

You'll have to tell them now, won't you?

I know there's nothing I can say.

Can I take your name, please?

It's... It's Nerys Williams.

I need to go and tend to the other residents, but...

please make sure Mrs Williams and her children are looked after, won't you?

I'm sorry, Nerys.

Nigel!

Nigel!

Oh, there he is!

Honestly, I've been looking for him for about an hour!

It's actually Fred's responsibility to feed him,

but heaven only knows where he's got to.

Oh, Nurse Clifford,

how is that poor little baby? I-I have heard.

She's doing very well after her operation, but...

I'm afraid we've still no idea what's to become of her.

Thank you, Fred. You didn't need to bring me back.

Well, you wouldn't have got very far on this.

I'll be round tomorrow to fix it.

Oh!

Chicory!

The devil's work!

The last time I partook of this insidious plant,

I was kept awake all night by the most...

relentless and turbulent symphony of...

internal disturbances.

Come and sit down, lass.

It doesn't matter how long it's been, Vi.

Once in service, always in service.

It just kicks straight back in again.

Primal instinct.

Well...

..if your primal instinct could direct you away

from explosions in the future,

I'd be very grateful to it.

The fire brigade have now confirmed that the cause

of the explosion

appears to have been a defective water heater.

The council want bringing to book over that.

I hope there's going to be an enquiry.

There'll be no enquiry.

If there were no serious injuries - those are the rules,

regardless of risk to life or limb in the future.

The local authority is supposed to look after local people.

Yet there's more cost-cutting

and more abnegation of responsibility

than you can shake a stick at!

I'm sorry for my tone, Sister.

I entirely agree with your tone and with your sentiments.

Nurse Aylward's research has confirmed

my own opinion on the matter.

And might we enquire as to what that is?

The council cannot do without us.

And neither can the people that we serve.

I should have got help for Nerys sooner.

I should have tell somebody what she was doing.

If those children had been hurt,

then it would have been my fault too.

Joyce, how can you say that?

Because it's true.

Because...

I saw something of my own childhood

in that family, and it clouded my decisions.

What sort of a professional does that make me?

A kind-hearted one.

A human one.

I've heard nothing from social services

since my meeting with Miss Jenkins,

and the Lasleys remain resolute in their decision.

It just cannot go on, Sister.

With the best will in the world,

we can't provide everything that baby needs.

You have gone above and beyond the call of duty,

as usual, Sister Veronica.

Everyone has.

Duty has very little to do with it in the end.

The life we've chosen...

..is about love.

And we shall continue to act with love

and in the best interests of little June.

But that will require some difficult decisions.

I presume we are of the same mind with regard to next steps.

I'll contact the Mother House orphanage.

Nurse Aylward.

How very smart you look.

Ah. This was a birthday purchase from Bergdorf Goodman,

courtesy of my husband.

I persuaded him that it was an investment...

and so it's proved.

I've always been a believer in a tailored costume.

A well-cut jacket seems to give you a bit more backbone.

And a good pair of heels helps a woman walk taller,

in more ways than one.

I'll take your word for that.

- Hmm. - Thank you.

I would walk every step of the way with you, if I could.

I would sit beside you in that room, if I could.

But I'm afraid it would slightly defeat the object.

I'll be speaking with your voice as well as my own, Sister.

You may not be visible, but you're not erased.

I will be supporting you in the very best way I can,

and the way Dr Threapwood would hate the most.

- By praying? - Yes.

And not on my knees in chapel, either.

But on my feet, whilst I am working,

because that is what we do.

Dr Threapwood won't hear that from me.

I'm rather puzzling my head over your credentials, your ladyship.

Do you come to us as a working nurse,

or perhaps as some sort of benefactress?

I come as the executive representative

- of Nonnatus House. - Executive representative?

I must ask you to enlighten me.

It's in the manner of a management position.

If I was a working nurse, I'd be in uniform.

And if I was a benefactress, I wouldn't be here at all,

I'd just be at home, writing cheques.

Instead, you come to ask me to write cheques.

I think we both know nothing is quite that easy.

Indeed.

My position has not altered since I last met with Sister Julienne.

But it must. Which is why she's sent me.

Now, if you'll allow me to begin...

This is for her.

Something I've written. For when she's older.

You can decide when...

..if she should have it.

I will take the very best care of it.

Thank you.

Thank you, Lady Aylward.

I'm sure we very much appreciate you speaking from the heart.

I'm not speaking from the heart.

I'm speaking from a place of reason backed with facts.

One can memorise facts,

and one can build policy around them.

Do you know, Dr Threapwood, exactly how many

domiciliary cases were attended by Nonnatus House last year?

Home births have reduced by half since 1962.

And new mothers are being discharged from hospital

earlier and earlier.

Last year, Nonnatus House made

817 midwifery-related house calls,

which exceeded council provision by 16%,

whilst costing 42% less.

Your passion does you credit, Lady Aylward, but...

This isn't passion, Dr Threapwood.

This is public service.

This is pragmatism.

Every single day, Nonnatus House makes it possible

for the council to fulfil the brief of the National Health Service,

which is to care for people from the cradle to the grave.

And which, in turn, is a modern manifesto

for a modern age!

Meanwhile, you keep referring to Nonnatus House

as if it were entirely separate

- from the religious Sisters of St Raymond. - It probably could be.

More than half the personnel are secular.

But if it was, it would cost you twice as much,

and you can't afford that.

- We garner our resources carefully. - I know you do.

You may not like the sisters' habits, Dr Threapwood.

You may not like their vows of chastity or obedience to God,

but without their vow of poverty,

you could not carry out essential work.

It is better.

It's better than better.

It's a fresh start.

And the child welfare officer's been really good.

Organised a nursery place

and helping me find work to fit around the children.

I thought I was done for.

You are a good mother, Nerys.

You were also a desperate mother.

The board has concluded its deliberations.

We're assuming your executive position

enables you to convey the news to Nonnatus House?

It does.

A good day's work, I think.

Our supplications were answered?

Yes.

And justice has been done. We live to fight another day!

No... we live to serve.

- The usual, please, Fred. - What are you doing back here?

They let me out of hospital early - good behaviour.

Well, I'm glad to hear it.

Mr Cottered!

It's so good to see you up on your feet.

Well, I have you to thank for that.

And, um, whatever this young lady's having, please, Fred.

Everything we do, we do together,

whether we choose it or not,

whether we know it or not.

If we lack the power to change another's life,

we can still care.

That counts as action.

If we cannot stop the wound from bleeding,

we can try to help it heal.

For that is love.

And everyone knows that love is beautiful,

strongest...

..when given to fragile things.

Love is the chain that links us,

the armour that shields us.

Love is the arrow that pierces the heavens,

and sets us free.

Greetings, Sister.

I'm Catherine Cantwell.

I've got seven kids already.

And what you can do for me is get me an abortion.

My child deserves better.

And so do you.

There's another rail strike.

We're meant to be vaccinating

dozens of children today!

We'll get you through this, and that's a promise.

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