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(SOFT PIANO MELODY)

(HORNS PLAY "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen")

Time is not a straight line.

'Tis more like a vast wheel.

On the rim of which we stand, at different points, rarely meeting.

Rarely...

There's no shame in it.

I know there isn't.

People come in, sometimes, you know, and it can be a big shock.

People who've never had to- To claim. Yeah. No.

I get that. I am looking for work.

Yeah. I know, love.

It's just hard, y'know, with the children.

And Rich wasn't one for planning ahead.

Again, I'm very sorry for your loss.

Oh, you're a musician!

Used to be. And would you be looking to-

No. No, I am not interested in that any more.

I just want to get my head down. Earn. For the kids.

(BABY COUGHS) What's his-

Oh yeah, this is Ben.

He was a surprise.

Aw, nice.

Right! That's done.

Should be about six weeks to process.

(LAUGHS) Six weeks?

Yep standard, I'm afraid. And it's nearly Christmas too.

Still, touch wood, something might turn up before then, eh?

Ah a secret boyfriend. What?

She's got a secret boyfriend. This is how they meet.

Like, every Wednesday outside the Pound Shop.

The boyfriend works in the City or something. Loads of dosh.

He's married but not happy.

She wants commitment but he's unsure.

So she hangs onto these little moments with him,

like they're treasure... Or she just needs a new toothbrush.

What about him? First date!

Yeah? He's looking for his ideal girl.

Someone that he can whisk away from all this.

Like Prince Charming and Cinderella.

And him? Now he's...

He's...

Sorry. Sorry. That took longer than I thought.

Come on. Time to eat.

Jamie!

Is it chips? It's chips. Come on.

(BRASS CHRISTMAS MUSIC PLAYS)

(MUSIC FADES)

Use a thingy. Eh?

A thingy! You'll stain it.

Mum! Tell him.

Shhh! I've just got Ben down.

Tell him what? His tea again. I just told him.

It'll mark the wood. Oh it doesn't matter.

Stupid thing just gets in the way.

It'll have to go. What?! No. No. No. You can't!

Jamie! Phone!

But I'm on Level 5. Not at the table!

Dad wouldn't have minded. Well, Dad's not here, is he?

(DOORBELL RINGS)

Are you expecting anyone?

Mrs Allen? Is it?

Mrs Christine Allen?

Oh God... Your lot came round yesterday.

My lot?

Jehovah's Witnesses?

Oh good Lord... No.

Well, that is to say,

I represent a firm of solicitors.

The firm of Blunden, Blunden, Claverton and... erm...

I am the senior partner in the firm of Blunden, Blunden, Claverton

and...

Oh what is that young fellow's name?

Oh... no matter.

The point is that I bring news!

News which I trust will prove entirely welcome to you.

May I come in?

Yeah. Yeah. Err... Yeah...

Nasty night. Is it?

Oh yes.

Pray continue your... erm... Chips.

Repast. I must apologise for disturbing you.

Sit down, please. Sorry there's not much room in here.

Would you like a cup of tea?

The chair I accept with gratitude.

But the tea alas I must decline.

It has been many years since I have been allowed to...

Since I have drunk tea.

(PIANO KEYS CLANK) Oh!

Sorry.

You play?

Not anymore. We had to move out rather suddenly.

There's no room to swing a cat here.

You have cut to the heart of the matter, madam.

I shall do likewise.

I should like to offer you a job.

Well, that is to say a responsible position.

My firm is seeking a reliable person to act as a caretaker

for a property which we have in our charge.

The owner died without direct heirs

and, though we've been endeavouring to trace more distant relatives,

so far, we have met with little success.

Meanwhile, the house has to be cared for.

For various reasons, we have had some difficulty in finding

anyone willing to take the post. Why? What's wrong with it?

Don't be so rude.

No, no. It's a perfectly valid question, Jamie.

The house is... well it's very remote, you see.

Somewhat ruined. Would we have to live there?

Oh no, there's a cottage nearby. That is where you would reside.

Rent-free. Your duties would be very light.

Keeping an eye on the old place. To see that everything is in order.

What do you say?

Erm...

The country air would be most beneficial

especially for the young people. I'm not going.

And perhaps the remoteness might encourage you to take up

your music again.

(BABY CRYING) Excuse me. I am sorry, I...

(DOOR CLOSES)

Un ange passe.

Sorry? Lucy. Jamie.

Now we're alone,

I wonder if I might ask you both a question.

How do you know our names? Jamie!

What? I reckon he's been snooping around. Spying on us.

Don't be so stupid.

Maybe he's looking for a family with no relatives so he can kill us!

Maybe he's trying to get us to that old house so he can eat us!

I saw this thing- Go ahead, Mr...

Blunden.

Do you think you would be afraid...

..if you saw a ghost?

No.

I guess it would depend on what on what sort of ghost it would be.

These ghosts might appear to you...

..well, very much like ordinary people.

Children, perhaps, of your own age. Or even an old man like myself.

Oh that would be ok. We wouldn't be scared of anything like that.

Dunno. Spooky kids are the worst. Did you see that movie with-

Sometimes, ghosts are people who come back seeking help.

They cannot rest for the knowledge of the harm they have done.

And the longing to put it right...

We'd... We'd try to help... if we could.

Wouldn't we, Jamie? (GRUNTS)

I think you understand. Children sometimes do.

But when they grow up they lose the power to believe in the erm...

..unlikely.

I must not stay. I may have been too long.

The wheel of time... I'll go get my mum -

No! No! No. No. No.

If you will just tell her to call at my chambers tomorrow

that would be splendid. Goodnight.

Goodnight, my dears -

Hang on. Where is it?

Yes... Sensible boy!

Will you be there? Will I?

Possibly. Possibly.

Claverton will be. Yes and erm...

Oh, what is that young fellow's name?

Tomorrow now, yes? Don't fail me...

Tell them... I sent you.

Blunden's the name. Blunden.

Oh, has he gone?

This is where we have to go. Tomorrow. About the job.

I'm not leaving London. No way. Why not?

The country. What's wrong with the country?

Everything! James...

Don't call me that. Only Dad called me that.

We are going, aren't we, mum? No rent.

Well, I don't suppose it would hurt to go and see...

We have to! It sounds well romantic!

A cottage. A old ruined house-

Where he can eat us. Shut up.

Mum?

(BABY GURGLES)

Job?

Yes. As a caretaker. Mr Blunden told us that there was-

Mr Blunden? I don't think that's very likely.

He probably just gave us an out of date card.

Like the rest of him. Out of date. Did you see his clothes?

He was probably on his way to a fancy dress party...

Or something. It is nearly Christmas.

Look. He- I mean- a man came to see us. Last night. He was...

he said- (BABY STARTS TO CRY)

You're looking for a caretaker for a house, aren't you?

It's a bit remote.

Yes. But that job hasn't been advertised yet. How come-

Mr Blunden. He called round. In person.

And recommended my mum for the job.

Are you Smith? What?

Of Blunden, Claverton and Smith?

I have the honour to be a partner, yes.

Though no-one ever tells me anything, it seems.

Sorry if I was a bit abrupt.

Mr Blunden hasn't been in the office for a while.

He's not been very well, you see, Mrs...?

Allen.

I'll let Mr Claverton know you're here.

Thanks.

Look!

That's him, isn't it? It's Mr Blunden.

Mr Claverton will see you now. Thank you.

Sit quietly, ok?

I see you've found Mr Blunden's portrait.

Yeah.

Fancy dress party. Haha. Caught you out.

Uh?

That picture is in fact of Mr Blunden's great-great-great

grandfather.

The original you might say! He died two hundred years ago.

But he's... he's- I mean, he's looks exactly like...

Oh there's a strong family resemblance.

The nose in particular follows the Blunden line. Runs in the family.

Haha.

Like I say, it surprises me that you saw him.

He's not been at all well...

Mind... wanders...

Two hundred years...

We'll erm... We'll write to confirm arrangements.

Probably take few months to sort out.

But, no reason why problem. Hmm?

Can't tell you what a relief this is.

Country air'll put colour in your cheeks!

World of good. That's what Mr Blunden said.

Hmm. Yes. Explained... mother.

Though Mr Blunden's been in contact with you -

omitted to mention fact me!

But err not to worry! Ideal for the job. House needs...

sensitive care.

In the village... you'll hear stories.

House haunted.

All that guff. Won't mind that, hmm? Will you?

Hmm? Country superstition. Nothing more. Hmm?

What a dump. It's beautiful!

I mean... what are we gonna do all day?

James...

Jamie...

You promised you were gonna give it a go.

Look on this as a new start. For all of us. OK?

Come on...

Lend us your phone? What's wrong with yours?

Battery.

(CAMERA SNAPS)

(CAMERA SNAPS)

Come on. It's an adventure!

Well I'm sure we can do wonders with the place.

Oh!

Sorry about that. I didn't mean to- Gave you quite a start I expect!

I'm Jill. Jill Tucker. I'm to show you the ropes.

Not that there's much to show. The old house is just about standing!

Full of all sorts of junk. Now, the cottage...

..it's quite modest, you know. But not so bad.

The last lot, the Bryant's, they left in a hurry.

Why? Oh y'know...

Family trouble, they said. Called away, urgent.

Shall we?

What's the wifi? Out here? You must be joking.

Mrs Tucker- Jill, love. Jill.

Jill. Are there any...

Oh... Bless you. Of course there are!

We're not so backward as you might think down here.

Indoor plumbing and- No! I meant, is it...

..haunted?

Don't ask silly questions, Lucy. Jill doesn't have time for-

Oh no, that's alright, love! You're bound to wonder, aren't you?

Big old place like that. No, it's just a lot of rumours.

Always happens when a place is left empty.

Nothing to be afraid of.

Right. After all, they're only kiddies.

Who are?

Who are what? Only kiddies?

I expect that Mrs Tucker means it's only the children

from the village who gossip about ghosts and things.

That's right, love! That's right!

(LIGHT SWITCH FLICKS)

Oh that's a bugger. I'll get my Dave onto that tomorrow.

WHISPERING: You asleep?

Yes.

Not sharing a room after tonight. Just so you know.

Obviously. Obviously.

Need my own space. Well, yeah. Me too.

I want to go back.

Oh come on, give it a chance.

I miss the noise! And the tube! And the... the muck!

Miss London. Miss my mates.

You'll make new friends. After summer, when we start school.

Miss Dad.

I mean, how can there not be wifi?

(SOFT PIANO MELODY)

(SNORING)

(BIRDS CHIRP)

(ADVENTUROUS MUSIC)

(FADES INTO SOFT PIANO AND STOPS)

(CURIOUS MUSIC STARTS)

(DOOR CREAKS)

(SOFT PIANO MELODY)

(DISTANT MAN SHOUTING) Sara! Miss Sara!

(WOMAN WHISPERS) Please, Mrs Wickens! He's only a child!

(SLOW, FOREBODING MUSIC PLAYS)

(CHOKED COUGHING)

(FAST, PANICKED MUSIC)

(SUDDEN SILENCE)

(BIRDSONG)

Luce! What is it?

What? It's just mist. It wasn't, though. It was...

Ghosts? You saw ghosts?

I think so. They were just...there. A boy and a girl.

Probably just kids from the village.

Anyway, you told the old man that we wouldn't be afraid!

And what's the first thing you do, run away!

(GASPS)

Sorry. 'Causes of the mist... we thought you were...

Ghosts?

I suppose if we say we are ghosts, you'll run away again?

You're not ghosts! Ghosts are all, like see-through and stuff.

You seem very well-informed. I am! Ghosts don't do any harm.

In fact... in fact, they're often people in need of help.

Who told you that? An old man we know.

Was it Mr Blunden? Yes!

Blundering Blunden! He's a silly old fool!

Don't, Georgie! Please don't say it. It causes him so much pain.

You must remember that it's never too late to right a wrong

if you are truly sorry.

So he says.

You guys can't be ghosts, can you? I mean you'd have to be... dead.

Of course we're not dead!

Stupid! We're no more dead than you are.

(GRUNTING) Ok, ok!

It all depends on your point of view really.

Seen from where you are, I suppose we are ghosts in a way. But...

..from where we are, we're not ghosts at all.

Time is not what you think it is.

It's not a straight line along which you move.

It's more like a great wheel, turning.

And you two, and Georgie and I, are on different parts of it.

It's simple! It was the writing on the window!

It's in the book!

A message appeared you see, telling us that something was hidden

in the library. A book. Good place to hide one!

(LAUGHING) A special book.

Unfortunately, getting into here wasn't easy.

Mrs Wickens has forbidden it.

Mrs Wickens? Who's-

Oh, I've got a little ahead of myself.

How should I begin?

Once... upon a time?

Yes.

Once upon a time... (CREAKING)

My name is Sara Latimer and this is my brother Georgie.

We live here at Langley Park with our Mama and Papa...

And everything was wonderful. Until...

(CRASHING) (BOTH GASP)

(HARP FLUTTERS)

And so we acquired two guardians. Papa's solicitor, Mr Blunden...

And Uncle Bertie... Papa's half-brother...

Charmed.

He's not a bad fellow, really. Only... weak.

He started to come down to Langley Park more and more

as he so enjoyed the country air. (CASH REGISTER RINGS)

The trouble really began on one of his trips to London.

(LAUGHTER AND MUSIC)

Uncle Bertie is a patron of the Arts...

Cor.

..and he fell in love with one of the artistes at the ballet.

Her name is Arabella.

She is very pretty, but in her mind she is only a child.

(EXAGGERATED KISSING NOISE)

And as for her parents...

Mrs Wickens soon took over the running of the house.

And all the servants were dismissed.

Save poor put-upon Meakin.

Stand up straight!

And Tom, of course. The gardener's boy.

He's been very kind to us.

Tom Fletcher?! What use is he?

He's only a servant. Georgie!

All he has ever lacked is opportunity.

But I am teaching him and he learns very quickly.

But that is by the by.

That is the situation you find us in now.

And I believe that Mr and Mrs Wickens mean to do us in.

You see, Georgie here inherits the house and thirty thousand pounds

when he comes of age. Unless...

WHISPERS:Unless I die!

Them rascally brats is still too fat, Wickens!

Somefink has to be done,

or else our poor Bella ain't never gonna inherit.

Pretty, pretty...

Starvin' them is too slow. Somefink else'll have to happen.

Some... terrible... haccident...

We wrote to Mr Blunden but he wouldn't listen.

And then, one night came the mysterious message...

We waited patiently until we were able to get into the library unseen.

And there it was.

A very old book full of recipes, remedies and potions.

And one of them: A Charm to Move the Wheel of Time...

We found all the herbs that the Charm spoke of.

And then we brewed them together over the nursery fire.

But- I mean- what if it'd been poison?

I thought of that.

So I put some in Mrs Wickens' gin to see if she would die or not.

(SNIGGERS)

It was either her or the cat.

Besides, she didn't die at all.

She just fell asleep in that chair all day.

Then she woke up in a fearful temper and said she'd had terrible dreams.

She gets like that from the gin most days.

What's up? It's the potion.

It wears off after a time.

We begin to feel thin and light-headed.

And then we find ourselves back in our own time,

exactly at the point where we left.

We must be swift! So, what can we do?

You want us to come back with you? It is our only hope.

You're the first people who haven't run away at the sight of us!

Please say you'll help! Sara...

Don't be afraid Georgie.

Remember, when you get back I shall be there too.

It's because he is so young. He always goes back first.

The Wheel of Time...

Quickly! Let me show you what herbs you need-

No need! (CAMERA SNAPS)

When you've made the potion, meet us tomorrow at the same time.

By the fountain. Promise you won't fail us!

Promise!

St John's Wort...

Thank God for google.

(CHURCH BELLS RING)

Lovely to see you again. Thanks for fitting us in.

Excellent sermon, vicar, excellent.

Derek, please. Call me Derek.

I was only saying to Geraldine, vicar, wasn't I?

Eh?

Self-sacrifice! Oh yes. Yes yes yes.

We must look out for others. It's the only truly Christian way.

I'm always saying that, aren't I? Yes. Always.

Oh, Mrs Monk-Burton, this is-

Mrs Allen, yes? And who's this little one?

(LONG FART)

How charming.

Jamie! There's a way we can make sure everything'll go ok!

All we have to do is make sure there aren't any graves

with their names on!

What? Sara and Georgie's names I mean.

Then we'll definitely know that they didn't die! Won't we?

I mean, I know everyone dies eventually.

But they wouldn't have died as kids!

We'll know in advance that we saved them.

So we can go into the past knowing that everything will be OK!

Well- It's brilliant!

They might have been buried somewhere else for all we know.

Oh come on. It won't take long to- What's up?

Sara Latimer. George Latimer died...

Oh my God.

That’s... that’s two hundred years ago today!

Langley... Park... Fire... I can save you the trouble!

I'm Dave. I sort things round here. Pipes. Drains. Graves.

Yeah, I heard about those stories when we first moved down here.

People seeing ghosts and all that.

So I went and saw the old sexton.

I reckon he knew every little grave in this churchyard.

Bloody tragedy.

What happened?

It was a fire.

And they was asleep in bed.

Started in the library, I think.

And by the time the flames were noticed,

the old place was burning like a furnace.

Did no-one try to help?

Down there, there's a little grave...

..without a stone.

It's covered in violets and forget-me-nots in season.

This young lad apparently climbed the drainpipe

to get to the kiddies' window.

But somehow the pipe gave way.

Down he came. Neck broken.

And then there was their guardian.

Now he was on his way back to London when his carriage broke down.

And he saw the flames so he came galloping back like a mad man.

(HORSE WHINNIES)

"Too late!" he kept on saying. "Too late! It's all my fault!"

"All my fault" He couldn't get in.

'Cause of the flames, you see.

He died of grief, apparently.

Although some reckon, he was never right in the head again.

No-one seems to know for sure.

And some says they've seen his ghost too!

Wandering round the old house. Along with the kiddies.

Have other people really seen them? Oh yeah!

The people that lived in the caretaker's cottage,

they saw them a couple of times. Through the mist.

And then that was that! They packed their bags and skedaddled.

There's some new people in the house apparently.

Yeah. Yeah well, good luck to them, say I!

They... are us.

Oh... You're- Yeah.

And you must be- Dave Tucker. Yeah, Jilly's fella.

Listen, you don't want to listen to anything I say!

It's just silly stories!

Oh God, I'm gonna get it in the neck now.

They're not coming, are they?

I so wanted it to be true.

I thought, maybe if it worked.

The charm, I mean, maybe... What?

We could go back. Go back and...

..and save Dad.

Oh, Jamie...

What are we even doing here?

All this just 'cause some old guy appears out of nowhere

and offers Mum a job.

It's insane! I'm sorry!

Mrs Wickens has locked Georgie in the cellar. That's why I'm late.

The most important thing is to get you back with me.

What is it?

Nothing. Let's get going. You've seen the grave, haven't you?

You know? Yes. I know.

A... a fire?

Georgie doesn't know. He's too young to understand.

A fire it was. Will be. Two hundred years ago today.

You're here. Yes. I'm here.

You understand now, my dears?

It is because of what happened that we need your help.

You see, we are going to try to change the Pattern of the Wheel.

To change Time.

Once, a very long ago when I was alive...

..I did something wrong.

With terrible consequences.

Not by accident, but out of unkindness...

..callousness. It is all forgiven long ago.

But now there is a chance, just a chance,

that I might be able to put right the terrible wrong that I did.

It is not an easy thing that I ask of you.

Why should we trust you?

I have done nothing to deserve it, I know.

What do you want us to do?

That will come clear, soon enough.

I began all of this with the message on the window.

Instructions as to where to find the book.

I span the Wheel, as it were.

But I have no idea how it will all work out or how the Pattern

may be changed.

I do have some small powers at my disposal.

And I give you my solemn oath that I will do my utmost to guard you

against all the dangers however they may come.

We must hurry! I only drank a little of the mixture.

Well? Will you trust me? Lucy?

Jamie?

Thank you. Thank you.

Eugh.

(BACKWARD SINGING) (MECHANISMS WHIRRING)

(CLOCK TICKING)

(GASPS)

(A DOOR OPENS)

And there you is!

What're you doing, mooning around out 'ere?

Consorting with that gardener's boy, I have no doubt!

No Mrs Wickens. MOCKING:"No, Mrs Wickens!"

Not only 'ave you got no sense, Miss,

you ain't got no taste neither!

I don't think she can see us! What?

(SNIFFING) You smell too nice...

She can't see us! We're the ghosts to her!

I don't know 'ow a heducated gent like your dear uncle can abide

'aving you in the same 'ouse!

And setting such a bad example for my dear Bella, an' all!

But why can't she see us?

Too old. Too insensitive. Old? Insensitive! Why you little-

No, no! I said my hands were growing cold. And... sensitive.

And who's fault is that? Sneaking about into the rhododendrons

to keep your hassignations!

I only came out to speak a word to poor Georgie.

Don't talk to me about that little brat!

It's so cold and dark down in the cellar.

Won't you please let him out? After the things he said to me.

He'll be lucky if he gets out afore Candlemas!

He'll be lucky if I don't flay him alive and wear his skin

around me skirts for a chatelaine!

Oh but please-

You shut your bone-box, you little trollop!

You can join him in the bleedin' cellar if you're so fond

of his company! Gert inside!

We've got to get in!

Now what do we do?

Maybe we can walk through walls? We're not proper ghosts are we?

Just on another part of the Wheel. The Wheel of Time.

God, Jamie. We're really here! Two hundred years ago!

How do we get inside then?

Pretty, pretty...

(Clattering)

(QUIET) Meakin!!

Enough of your claptrap or I will tan your hide.

Meakin!! Yes, Ma'am?

Stand up straight! Yes, Ma'am.

Why I hever burdened myself with a useless great harticle

like you, I'll never know! Listing like a bleedin' shipwreck!

Sorry, Ma'am. Hescort this baggage to the cellar.

Yes, Ma'am. Come along, Miss Sara.

# When I was in service in Rosemary Lane.

# I won the goodwill of my master did I

# He called for a candle to light him to bed.

# And likewise a silk handkerchief to tie up his head #

Don't I look a picture, Ma? Oh yes indeed, my love!

Turn around and let your old mother have a proper look.

Oh yes!

Your Bertie will be struck all of a 'eap when he sees ya!

Won't he, Meakin? Stand up straight!

Oh, yes, ma'am. She's pretty as a Gainsborough.

Sara? You look very beautiful, Bella.

I'm sorry if I makes you feel all dowdy and dull, like, Sara.

T'ain't my intention.

I just can't help it if I is so bonny.

LUCY: She looks like a pig. A pig in a wig!

(SCREAMING)

What the bleedin' 'ell!??

I thought they couldn't see us!

Maybe she can!

Remember what Mr Blunden said about children believing.

Fan her, Meakin, fan her!

There, there, Miss Bella. You'll rupture sumfink.

Bella has only the mind of a child. I think she can see you.

What is it Bella my love?

It's a ghost, Ma, that's what it is! A ghost!

(SCREAMING) Two of 'em!

Hush, now. There ain't nothing there you silly girl!

There ain't no such thing as ghosts! Least I bleedin' 'ope not.

I've got an idea.

Listen to me, Bella Wickens!

I shall haunt you! Haunt you until your dying day...

Unless...

Yes? Yes, speak on, fearful shade!

Unless you release Master Georgie from the cellar!

Eh?

Release him! Do as you are...err...

Um... Bidden? Bidden!

Bidden or be tormented by spirits for the rest of eternity!

Haha. Brilliant.

Let little Georgie out of the cellar, Ma.

What?

Then they'll go away.

What'll go away? Who? Them!

There ain't nothing there! You been at the laudanum again?

But there is, Ma, there is!

Let... them... gooooooooo!

Oh, Glory! What is this infernal row?!

Bella! My little Pontefract Cake!

What the deuce has been going on here, Mrs Wickens?

Poor Bella has got the screaming abdabs!

Oh Bertie! Bertie!

(WHIMPERS)

Tell her to let him out or they'll be after me again!

Let who out? What have you been up to?

He was so very rude to me, you see, sir - Master Georgie -

it's why I locked him up... Then release him at once!

But, Bertie- At once, do you hear me?

I won't have my little syllabub distressed like this!

Yes! And fetch smelling salts.

But all them stairs, sir. My old heart won't take it-

Smelling salts, mother-in-law. Post haste! Meakin!

Release Master Georgie. Sara, go with her.

Yes, Uncle Bertie.

I shall deal with you... later!

I don't suppose you're from the New World are you?!

Sort of. I guess.

The new world! I've heard it's a wonderful place!

Fearful long journey, I expect.

But when I'm older and Miss Sara has taught me to read and write,

that's where I'll go. America! The thing is, Tom...

We think Mrs Wickens is planning something.

We believes she means us harm.

Just say the word and I'm there. I'd do anything for Miss Sara.

Maybe you guys could just run away!

Then there's no chance of you getting hurt!

I do not believe it works like that.

For now, everything must go on as it did before.

Is there anything special about tonight?

Midsummer's, ain't it! Mr Blunden is coming for dinner.

And Miss Bella did say something about a special surprise.

Like an entertainment. Oh God, imagine.

I must attempt to intercede with Mr Blunden. Make him understand.

Bloody Blunden! He thinks of nothing but his fees!

Wait until I inherit. I shall throw him out on his ear!

Tom, I think it's best if you stay out here.

Then we'll know we have a friend on the outside.

Anything you say, Miss.

Come on, we have to get going.

We have to be careful about him.

Who Tom? What do you mean?

(GASPS) You like Sara, don't you?

No! Are you jealous, Jamie Allen?

No! No... What?

Well we know he gets killed too, don't we?

He falls off the drainpipe.

We have to stop that from happening as well. Right?

Right!

(GRUNTS WITH EFFORT)

Thank you.

Are you... quite alright?

Yes, sir. Thank you, sir. More or less.

'Long as I keeps my eyes on the horizon, like.

Blunden, my dear fellow!

Fine day', ain't it? Fine.

"It was a bright and cheerful afternoon,

towards the end of the sunny month of June..."

It won't be such a fine tomorrow, Albert,

unless we have a serious conversation about your finances...

Yes, well... Not now, eh? The air is like wine!

"When the north wind congregates in crowds,

the floating mountains of the silver clouds..."

Shelley, Blunden, Shelley!

Husband! Get in 'ere!

Waste of a nice room, if you ask me.

What use 'ave books ever been to a body, eh?

Exactly!

Never done me any good.

You can't read. Exactly!

Good for nothing but kindling, eh 'usband?

Pretty, pretty...

But just a nice little conflagration, eh?

Enough to make it look haccidental, like.

I can leave that with you, can't I? Oh yeah. Yeah.

All that 'orrible learning what they tried to force on me at school.

Whummph! But when...?

Later, 'usband. Once the 'ouse is quiet.

(CHUCKLES)

(BOTH CHUCKLE)

Candied plum sir?

What do you think, Blunden? Charmin', ain't it?

Such profligacy is unwise. Darkness is cheap.

Albert, you'd do well to remember that.

Is this going on for long?

It's imperative that we return to London tonight.

You're sure it can't be avoided?

Would that it could. But your creditors are pressing.

And if you are to stave off ruin...

Yes. Well. Keep your voice down, old boy.

No need for a general broadcasting.

(DOOR CREAKS) That bleedin' door!

I mean, that wretched door!

Always flapping open and letting in all manner of draughts!

You must get that fixed Bertie dear.

Don't want my Bella catching the hinfluenza!

I shall add it to the list, mother-in-law.

The growing list... Psst!

Psst!

Oh right. Is it time? Yes.

Ladies and gentlemen.

As you know, in order to do me the honour - the very great honour -

of becoming my wife, dearest Arabella was forced to give up

her life on the boards. And though Drury Lane's loss was my gain,

it would be remiss of me indeed,

to forbid my little egg-custard from entertaining her public,

just as she did when first we met.

To that end, may I proudly present... err...

WHISPERS:"The Soldier's Widow" or "Return from Waterloo".

Eh?

SHOUTING:"The Soldier's Widow" or "Return from Waterloo".

Yes. Well. There we are.

(SCATTERED APPLAUSE)

(HURDY-GURDY BEGINS TO PLAY)

# Sad was the plaint of the wandering stranger,

# Hungry and pale was the infant she bore.

# Returned from a land of misfortune and danger,

# She hoped to find peace on her dear native shore.

# Oh neat was her cottage and great was her treasure

# A treasure to her more than diamond or pearl.

(MUTED) # In the smiles of her husband consisted of pleasure

# And sweet were the caresses of her little girl. #

What is the meaning of this?? (HURDY-GURDY FALTERS)

Eh? You wicked, wicked girl!

Blunden! What the dickens do you mean by that?

Oh please, Mr Blunden! You must believe us.

It's Mrs Wickens! What?

She means to murder us! Oh, you must not leave us alone with her!

You little she-devil!

What the deuce is going on here? This! This! This!

Alberous slanderous insult against your unfortunate mother-in-law!

But it's true! It's all true!

She means to murder us to get Georgie's inheritance!

She cannot mean to accuse my Mama!

Of course not, my dear. We all know that your mother is...

A drunken old witch! A splendid woman.

You cheeky little blee-!

You sees what I has to deal with, sir?

Indeed Mrs Wickens. Shameful conduct. Shameful.

But what should I do? I am, by nature, too soft.

When what they needs, is a firm hand.

Mr Blunden, please! You must listen!

Or she will murder us - tonight!

Lock them up, Mrs Wickens! Lock them up!

Stand up. Stand up. Stand up straight.

Don't you look at me with your little piggy eyes...

It's all happening again isn't it?

What are we gonna do? Shut it! Shut it!

Turn those ugly little eyes away from me and you!

There's two of you!

Yes. There are two of us.

Though we are not the same man.

But he would not know you.

He is a shallow, insensitive creature.

He does not know the terrible fate that awaits those two children.

Nor the dreadful burden of guilt which he will shortly assume.

I shall be content to leave everything in your hands,

mother-in-law. I fear Blunden and I must be off to London.

Yes, yes. Business, you understand.

I understand your impatience my dears.

But for the time being, everything must go on as before.

So I has your permission to-

Oh, cold comfort, yes. Gruel. Early to bed.

When the time for action comes, I shall return.

Never fear.

Never fear.

Lock them up Mrs Wickens. Lock them up.

And throw away the key.

I knows just where to put them.

(LOCK TURNS)

(SNIGGERS)

I've got an idea. What?

You stay here! Stay here!

Never fear, my little gumdrop.

I shall return as soon as ever I can to your precious embrace.

What's she done with Miss Sara? You got a knife?

What? Yeah. 'Course. What you gonna do? Stab old Wickens?

The thought of them little bleeders plotting and scheming against

my poor Ma... Miniature anarchists!

A new regime will start upon my return, have no fear.

What she done with them?! She's locked them in the nursery.

There's a drainpipe over there. I can shin up that in no time!

No. Don't risk it. What?

It's too dangerous, Tom. Don't try it. You mustn't!

Get on. We'll find another way.

That part of the house was built less than fifteen years back.

It's as solid as the rock of Gibraltar!

(CLEARS THROAT)

Yes. I shall count the moments, my little sugar-loaf.

Mistress Arabella.

I s'pose you want to be the one who saves her. Is that it?

'Course not. It's just...

Ok. But be careful, right? At least wait until dark.

Yes, grandma.

(HORSES WHINNY)

Is you sure, Ma'am?

Yes, Meakin. You deserve an evening off.

Midsummer tomorrow. Thank you, Ma'am.

You go and surprise your old dad, eh? How is he?

Not bad. Farting's stopped.

That's good. Give him my very best.

We'll see you bright and bonnie tomorrow.

Yea, Ma'am. Goodnight.

(TUTS)

I 'as a little job for you, Bella...

For Miss Sara and Master Georgie.

Oh.

That's very good of you, I must say, Ma,

after them awful things what they said about you.

Yes. Very good of me.

Now makes sure they drinks it all up, Bella. All of it.

(EXCITED NOISES)

Goodbye, blasted Gulliver!

Ta ta, Robinson bleedin' Crusoe!

Farewell...

Principia Mathematica.

(BOOK SLAMS DOWN)

(GASPS)

Where've you been? Remember what Dave Tucker said?

Mr Blunden came back when he saw the fire but he was too late?

Well, I've made sure he'll get back a lot sooner.

I've cut the horse's harness half-way through.

That's brilliant!

But what if that was supposed to happen anyway.

Dave said the coach was meant to break down.

(FRUSTRATED MOAN)

All in hand.

Did they drink it all? Yes, ma.

They was real hungry too, only Sara wouldn't eat any of the biscuits.

She insisted that Georgie have them.

Well, let her go hungry then, the little fool.

If that's all the thanks I gets for me kindness!

You didn't tell 'em I sent the hot milk, though, did you?

Ow, ma! You're hurting me! Did ya?

No. 'Course not. I told them what you told me to say.

That I done it secretly out of the kindness of my heart.

There's a good girl.

Only... I don't want them to think I'm going soft, see?

Now take that tray to the kitchen, love. And wash them cups...

..thoroughly. Yes ma.

We've got to get that key. Knock something over!

Break something!

(SCRAPING)

Oh Gawd! That gave me a turn.

Too much gin. Or not enough.

(PANICKED WAILING)

Oh. Oh. Stop. This place is haunted!

(GHOSTLY WAILS)

(PANICKED PANTING)

Stop her!

(DOOR SLAMS SHUT)

Why didn't you- I couldn't.

Couldn't break that vase because...

it wasn't broken in our time.

We can't... we can't change anything!

We were stupid to even try!

It's just not time yet. When it is, Mr Blunden will come.

You'll see.

Tom?!

Tom! Tom! Tom! Tom, you gotta come down!

Tom! Tom! Tom! It's not safe. Don't worry about me...

This is as easy as falling off a log.

(LAUGHING)

Pretty... Pretty...

This is it! It's happening NOW! Where's Mr Blunden?

Sara open the window. Sara! Can you hear me?

(ALL MUTED)Sara! Georgie! Wake up Georgie!

How can they be asleep? They know it's tonight. They ...

The drinks! What?

The drinks Bella gave them. They must have been drugged!

Oh great. Because we needed more problems.

Look, if the door's locked we'll need an axe or something.

There must be something. You stay here and...

and stop Tom from falling off that drainpipe, ok?

Whatever you do, don't let him fall. What if that part can't be changed?

Just...try your best, OK?

(SNIFFING)

Poor mites. What a tragedy...

"If only we'd been in time to save 'em, Bertie, dear..."

(SOBBING TURNS TO LAUGHTER)

Oh Gawd!

Pretty! Pretty!

Just a little conflagration I said!

Not the Great Fire of bleedin' London!

'Usband! Out!

Wickens!!

Pretty...

(CREAKING) (SCREAMING)

(WAILS)

Yes!

Oh Gawd, you weren’t meant to get so out of hand.

Ma! Ma! The 'ole bleedin' place is going up!

I only did it for you, my love. Only for you.

What do you mean? Make yourself scarce, girl. Go on!

Ma, what do you mean? Go on...

(QUIET) Miss Sara, open the window please. Miss Sara?

You! Get down from there you little vermin.

Miss Sara, open the window please...

If you won't come down, I'll bring you down...

Miss Sara, opens the window please.

Sara?! Master Georgie?! Can you hear me!

(THE HANDLE RATTLES)

Miss Sara open the window. Please.

Sara please!

(CONFUSED WHIMPERING)

Sara. Sara. I think she's waking up.

Do yer think you had me beat then, eh?

Did yer think I'd let yer play the hero and spoil it all now?

You won't touch her. You won't touch either of them!

I'll kill you before you touch her! I'll kill you!

(LAUGHS)

Get them out! Get them both out!

(TENSE MUSIC)

(WHACK) Ugh!

(LAUGHS)

Lucy!

(BOTH PANTING)

Have to go back. Let me!

Be careful...

Jamie!

Come on, come on!

Not so smart are you now Mrs.

(WHACK) Ugh!

Tom! (COUGHS)

(HACKING COUGH)

Tom! Is he alright?

I'm going back for Georgie now.

Look!

(RATTLING)

(METAL SCREECHES) (PANICKED MOANS)

(SCREAMS)

(HORSE WHINNIES)

Too late! Too late! It's all my fault!

I can't do it! I would if I could!

You're too late, Mr Blunden! You're always too late!

It's impossible.

Jamie.

James.

It's time! Look straight ahead.

And do not be afraid.

(POWERFUL, UPLIFTING MUSIC)

(COUGHING)

Georgie? Georgie? Come on, wake up Georgie.

I cannot hold them back for long. GO!

At last!

At... last!

Go Georgie, go!

Sara? Sara?

No! Not now! Not yet!

Jamie! Jamie! No!

I won't go back... Not yet! Not without Jamie!

(BIRDSONG)

(PAINED GASP)

Jamie? Jamie?!

Oh God. Jamie wake up.

Somehow, it's like he's been drugged.

It's like he's there but... just out of reach.

Like he's trying to wake up. It's all very strange.

Are you're sure there's nothing else you want to tell us?

Like what?

You two weren't playing a game? Got out of hand?

The truth is...

..Jamie is lost in Time.

We met these ghosts who... Well, not ghosts, really. Time travellers.

From two hundred years ago. Who lived up at the house.

And they came to us for help because some very bad people

were trying to kill them. And they wanted us to stop it happening.

Even though it had already happened. If you see what I mean.

And Mr Blunden - he was the old man who came to our flat.

He was from their time too. But also our time - this time -

like he's two people at once.

And he helped us go back two hundred years to try and change

the course of history. At least, that's what the plan was.

And then there was a fire. An awful fire.

And I think Jamie hasn't got back yet.

He's sort of drifting between then and now.

And I don't know how to get him back.

You two weren't playing a game? Got out of hand?

No. I just found him like that.

I'm sure he'll wake up in no time. Put us all to rights.

Anyway, I don't think we should move him for now.

I'll see myself out.

I'll be back, mum. I won't be long.

No. No. Lucy. Please... Please.. Don't go out.

I promise I won't be long.

The good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.

Frederick Percival Blunden.

Who gave his life for the children in his care.

June 24th, 1821.

It's changed! Oh it's changed!

We did it! Time has changed!

Oh, Mr Blunden...

We did it.

(TINKLING) (GASPS)

Hello.

Oh God, Jamie...Jamie...Jamie

I'm... I'm sorry. I got held up.

(ALL LAUGH)

(SOFT PIANO MELODY STOPS AND STARTS)

("We Three Kings" ON PIANO)

Mum! (PIANO STOPS)

It's Mr Claverton, he's coming to see us.

Oh God. We have to leave, don't we?

He just says it's urgent.

I knew it. I knew it was too good to be true.

Back to London. Back to the noise.

Well... to begin at the beginning.

Been through this with mother.

But, best explain as affects you too. And then some!

For some time now, firm's been engaged in tracing the records

of the Latimer family.

Once owned house.

Our late client, Mr Michael Latimer, had no children.

So family died out. His branch, at least.

What we do know is that this Michael Latimer's

great-great grandfather, George, had a sister, Sara...

Sara? Yes.

Georgie?

Doubt we'd ever have found out what happened to Sara Latimer.

Or Sara Fletcher as she became.

But, just the other day, strangest thing happened...

Letter arrived at the office from Sara herself.

What?

Not, of course, that she is still living! Haha. No. No. No.

Very old letter indeed.

Seems that George Latimer quarrelled with his sister when she decided

to marry a young man who had for many years

been a gardener on the estate.

Those days. Marriage like that, oof scandal!

Sadly, seems the breach between brother and sister never healed.

Georgie! The little snob! After all Tom did for them!

Shh! Sara and Tom.

How romantic.

Well then Mr Claverton's enquiries took him to the United States.

Where Sara and Tom emigrated.

They had one child. Georgina.

Who married a young American called...

Alan!

Alan who?

Alan who!?

Allen... A - double L -E -N!

Roderick Paterson Allen, in point of fact.

Your dad's great-great grandfather!

(GASPS) You mean?

The house and everything? House. Everything!

The whole estate. It's all ours!

Shut up! (ALL LAUGH)

Isn't it amazing? Merry Christmas!

That you had been living here all this time,

it's an extraordinary coincidence. Or so we thought.

But upon reflection, not at all sure that our Mr Blunden

hadn't known all along.

He's not been well, as you know. Not quite himself.

You can say that again.

Indeed, my suspicion is he may have been responsible

for finding Sara Latimer's letter. Yeah, I think you're probably right.

Well why don't you ask him?

Ask?

(CHEERY MELODY)

It really is a lovely spot, isn't it?

Good to know that it will once more be in safe hands.

The Wheel of Time turns again.

Well. We'll leave you in peace. Legal stuff to go through. Boring.

But that's for another day...

My dears. Lucy. Jamie.

Come along, Claverton. And... um... (STAMMERS)

Smith. Yes. Smith. Yes.

Don't suppose... well... Yes?

You never did see any... ghosts?

We're all ghosts in a way. Don't you think?

It just depends on your point of view.

(PLAYFUL MUSIC)

Goodbye.

Goodbye. Hmm.

Oh, goodbye.

Goodbye. Thank you very much for coming.

Thank you very much for having us. Ta ta!

Pretty...

Farewell.

Ta ta. Thank you very much.

Goodbye my dears.

Goodbye.Bye.

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