Original subtitles

HE GRUNTS

MATURE JENNIFER: Too often in life,

we take things for granted.

The simple essentials of our days. WHIRRING

Warmth. Light.

ALL EXCLAIM AND CLAP

Food. Choice. Money.

We neither know our own wealth

nor question its source or its reliability.

We assume it is all there...

PHONE RINGS

..for ever, and there's no need to cherish or to earn it.

Oh.

SHOP BELL TINKLES

Reggie!

Oh, look at you! I've missed you!

Give me a squeeze. Come on.

SHE CHUCKLES

Dinner's in the oven.

I've been telling Reggie our news

about the number-one woman

in both our lives who's running for mayor of Tower Hamlets.

Only men can be mayors. Like Dick Whittington.

Dick Whittington also had a talking cat.

Saying that women can't be mayors

is just another fairy tale.

Just think of all the fancy hats you can buy.

And gloves. And shoes.

And bags.

Now, you go and wash your hands

and get all the germs off from the coach.

I am supposed to be doing my letter of application.

You need to encourage

our ladies to attend the postnatal classes.

We only had three last week.

It's the heat. No-one wants to go out of an evening

to a warm hall.

Perhaps an incentive? Refreshments?

Oh, yes. Ice lollies and pink champagne.

It should be the content that draws them.

Especially as our next classes will be led by our pupil midwives,

beginning with Nurse Clifford. Starting next week.

No. This.

Cyril put us up for this job.

The Reverend has plans to make some money.

Once this is all tidied up,

he wants to open a little tearoom

and raise funds for the roof.

They want us to do the work. What do you reckon?

It could be nice. It could be smashing.

And, please, be advised that the Reverend

has kindly supplied us

with the leftover beverages from the summer fete.

Lemonade!

Yeah. Orangeade.

Cherryade!

Not bad, eh?

Any shandy?

I'll buy you a shandy when we're finished.

I'm sorry I'm late.

I was at a professional engagement.

You are slightly less than punctual,

but we shall let it pass.

Not every expectant mother is also a fashion model.

It's all been a bit of a whirl

since the agency took me on again.

It's more than 20 years since I was Baby Pearl.

I've forgotten what it's like.

Baby Pearl...

I can remember seeing you on the sides of buses!

And now I'm the size of one!

I still use Pearl soap.

It's "so very kind to the complexion".

Do take a seat.

ROSALIND: Gillian Baxter?

This way, please.

Even I can remember seeing Baby Pearl on soap wrappers.

They must have used your picture for years.

Sylvie, my agent, said she'd have charged them more if she'd known.

I'm earning nicely now, though,

and I'll be doing mother-and-baby work

once the little one arrives.

Sister, could you possibly examine Mrs Baxter?

I think Baby might be breech.

GILLIAN: Something wrong?

I am quite sure all is well.

Sometimes babies have their own idea

about what constitutes a comfortable position.

Can you tell if it's a boy or a girl by the way it's lying?

I wish we could.

Nurse Clifford, would you please fetch Dr Turner?

Of course, Sister.

My agent says if I have a girl, there'll be more opportunities.

It's broken.

Oh... Why's it done that?

Ah, I see your problem. See that jagged piece of metal?

It's digging into the soil.

No, no, no, no. You'll cut yourself.

Now, let's see what I've got.

Ah...

Pliers.

Apparatus of the gods!

The most versatile tool

in the tradesman's tool box.

I'll tell you something, Reg.

If you can't fix something with a pair of these,

then it's well and truly bust.

HE GRUNTS

HE CRIES OUT

Ooh.

You cut yourself!

All right.

Ah, there you go.

Good as new.

Yes... Baby seems to have made up its mind

it's going to be breech. Breech is bad, isn't it?

When you're as close to term as this,

we do prefer to see Baby positioned with his head down,

ready for delivery. But it's not unusual.

And there is plenty we can do to try to get the little monkey

to shift position.

It's possible we may be able

to manipulate it externally through your tummy.

Will I have to go to hospital?

No. We just need you

to come into the maternity home for a few hours. Tomorrow, I think.

Is there someone who could bring you in? Mother, perhaps?

I'd like my husband to come. Is that allowed? Of course.

Nurse Clifford will take you to Miss Higgins at the desk.

Nothing like ringing in the changes!

I have to say, we were having quite a boring afternoon

until you came in. I wasn't a run-of-the-mill baby.

Looks like this one's an original, too.

Mrs Baxter will need her shoes, Nurse Clifford.

Gosh, yes, so she will!

Should we let the pupils observe tomorrow?

The more they observe, the more they'll learn.

Hmm!

A cracking job.

We pulled together.

Yeah, we're good at that, ain't we?

I'll tell you another thing. We're going to pull together

to get your mum through this mayor malarkey.

She won't show it, but she's nervous,

and she wants to win.

Like winning a race?

Exactly. So we have to cheer her on,

cos we're a family, and families stick together.

So we're going to cheer and we're going to shout,

and we're going to clap cos...

Well, that's what makes hard things possible.

Yes, it does.

Come on, then, Reg, thumbs up.

Family!

The water's off on Friday.

They fix it Tuesday.

Then on Friday it's off again.

It's been three months.

I don't know what to do.

The landlord says he's fixed it

and that it's not his problem -

until it breaks again.

Mrs Sweeney, you have a right to water and sanitation,

and your landlord has a duty to repair the pipework,

not to patch it up.

What's his name?

Mr Regan.

Do you need his address?

If it's Mr Bill Regan, I already have it.

I shall write to him,

setting out your concerns, Mrs Sweeney,

and adding a few of my own. Thank you.

Well, as a councillor, I'm here to help.

Are you happy with fish and chips instead of me cooking?

I'm always happy with fish and chips instead of you cooking.

HE CHUCKLES

Good, because we need to spend time deciding on a sofa.

Why? The Barbican apartment won't be ready for months.

Sofas take almost as long to build as flats,

and the very best have waiting lists.

So, how do we go about this?

Do you intend to show me lots of brochures?

One magazine. That's all.

Oh, I forgot. I left it in the parlour. Two ticks.

FRONT DOOR OPENS AND CLOSES

HE SIGHS

Evening, Mrs Buckle.

Oh! Good evening, Sir Matthew.

How was your surgery?

No complaints from any of my tenants, I hope. No.

And I would be very surprised these days if there were any.

Mr Bill Regan, however...

Well, his name came up quite a few times.

What makes it even worse is he's a councillor

for Stepney ward.

I know him.

He's the worst kind of slum landlord.

What we all need

is a good strong mayor to keep him and his kind within bounds.

I haven't even written

my application to the committee yet.

And then I have to address the rest of the council

and set out my stall before the vote at the end of the week.

I really don't know how I'm going to do it.

Well, first you think about what you can do in the role.

And then you say why it matters to you.

The rest will follow.

Do you have any coat hangers?

Sorry. No.

You don't really need all this. You're only in for the morning.

A woman should always think about her appearance.

You've got lovely skin.

Some smudgy dark blue eye shadow

would really bring out your eyes.

Mr and Mrs Baxter, I'm Mrs Turner.

I'll be the midwife trying to turn Baby Baxter.

Now, would you mind our pupil midwives watching?

Oh, no. I'm used to an audience.

SHE CHUCKLES

REGGIE: You drank too much pop yesterday. Uh-uh.

Pop is full of vitamins.

FRONT DOOR CLOSES

Just what you need for a summer cold.

I'm wondering if I should just leave my application

at reception, because the thought

of handing it to the mayor's secretary

is making me really nervous. What have you got to be nervous about?

Everything!

Do you want me to drop you off in the van? No, thank you.

I do not want to get mulch onto my two-piece.

Right, come here, you!

HE CHUCKLES

There's blood on it now.

Oh, Fred!

That's all I need!

Where's the milk? I'll have to try and get the stain out!

Oh, sorry, Vi.

It's still seeping from yesterday.

Oh! People are going to wonder what sort of home I come from!

Morning, Miss Higgins.

Didn't know you had green fingers.

I'm inclined to look upon gardening

as an extra household chore, but I'm not incompetent.

I'm Councillor Buckle

and this is my application for the role of mayor.

The only one so far.

DOOR OPENS And the deadline's at nine o'clock.

Ah!

Miss Banks.

My application for mayor.

So...

Is it a one-horse race?

No, Councillor Regan, it is not.

I am also running.

And you are?

Councillor Buckle, Poplar North. We have met.

Have we? Well, it's very game of you to give it a try.

But I fear you're wasting your time,

simply because you're a member of the fairer sex.

Mayor of Tower Hamlets is very challenging role.

Probably best for all concerned if it goes to a man.

As we both seem to be in the business

of delivering letters,

I have two in my handbag which might be of interest.

This one is for you.

It regards a constituent of mine

who happens to rent one of your properties.

She never knows whether

she's going to have running water or sanitation

from one week to the next.

This one recounts the same case

for the attention of the Housing Department.

I think I'll deliver this by hand...

..as I'm here.

I'll clean it and put a proper dressing on.

But if it doesn't start to heal,

you should pop in to see Dr Turner.

You look a bit off colour, Fred.

Hmm.

Summer cold...or sunstroke.

Hmm. Plenty of fluids

and perhaps a couple of aspirin if you start to feel feverish.

You go to lots of dos with Mr Aylward.

Do you have to do a lot of social chitchat?

Of course. But I find that comes quite naturally,

especially as I'm only really there to support my spouse.

Nobody's going to bite me.

Hmm.

Now, are you up to date with all of your jabs?

Yeah.

I just can't get my head round Violet being mayor

and me being lady mayoress.

You could have fun, Fred.

Oh, I suppose.

I suppose she might not get elected.

Shake hands with the devil when you meet him, eh?

Yes.

And keep this bandage on.

Mrs Turner has been able to rotate Baby a little

by applying gentle pressure.

Shall I stop? I'm so sorry,

but we are getting somewhere.

Baby's head is in a better position.

You're being very brave.

Oh, I'm sorry,

but Baby's turned back.

I have to stop. Baby's clearly far too comfortable.

I'm afraid you may be a bit bruised tomorrow.

We will need to plan for a breech birth, Mrs Baxter.

You won't send me to hospital?

I can't go to hospitals.

You'll be carefully managed here at the maternity home.

It could be more complicated,

so as soon as you feel labour twinges, come back

and we'll look after you

and make sure you have a nice calm delivery.

Oh, good afternoon, Sir Matthew.

Good afternoon.

Now, I have good news and bad news.

The good news is

I have formally applied, in writing,

for the position of mayor.

But the bad news is...

..so has Mr Bill Regan.

Well, not to sound unsportsmanlike,

but I look forward to him losing.

Ha! So do I.

Have you thought any more about standing for council?

Oh... I'd...

HE CHUCKLES

I'd like to think that I might have something to offer,

but right now my father's estate

still requires quite a bit of untangling.

As soon as I've handled one problem, another one arises.

There's a lot of property to sell and manage

and...a lot of bills to pay.

Well, I hope when things calm down,

you will consider standing,

because you could do a lot of good.

Huh. Well...

Hmm.

Thank you.

Hmm.

BICYCLE BELL RINGS

FRED: Oh!

These are to say thank you for earlier. Oh. First of the crop.

I was going to say you shouldn't have,

but your tomatoes are always divine. Thank you, Fred.

Some of these ideas for classes are so old-fashioned.

They suggest one about how to make sure you look after

the needs of the new father.

SHE LAUGHS

I'm going to lead a class on postnatal exercises.

Oh, that's good. Mm.

I have no idea what I'm going to do.

Teething?

Care of babies' skin?

Useful. But I want to do something that's for

the poorer mother. Honest opinion - what do you think?

Have you got two black eyes?

I'm wearing dark blue eye shadow.

I thought maybe you walked into a door.

There's nothing wrong with taking a bold approach

and challenging convention.

Princess Anne does it with her hats all the time.

It's coming off right now.

Did you like that, then? Shall I make it again?

HE GROANS

Reggie...

Here. Here's your wages for your work at the church garden.

VIOLET: Ooh.

But that's your name.

You're doing half the work. You get half the money.

That's half. I don't get paid at the Glasshouse Village.

Well, that's because you work for your...community.

I'm going to save up.

Take us for tea...

..at the Napoli.

Wahey!

Fred, we don't pay him either.

And he's... He's always helping us in the paper shop.

It's easy enough to change that.

And it's time he earns wages.

He's going to get it in a packet

with his own name on it.

Lovely.

You look smashing. All right.

Right. Well, your first booking with baby is at two weeks old.

Mignonette lingerie.

Mignonette? It's a very up-market brand.

Well, I don't think we'll be seeing it

on the side of any buses.

Gilly, darling, over here.

I think I might have to sit down.

Come on. Mind over matter.

Keep your hands up, darling!

CAMERA SHUTTER CLICKS

I'm in labour.

SYLVIE GROANS

You'll be pleased to know I got the blood out, Mrs Buckle.

Why mess about with milk when God gave us chemicals?

What a relief!

Now I just have to hope that God gives me a fair wind

for the mayoral election.

Well, you have my prayers and Pastor Robinson's, too.

We've been beseeching the Almighty

ever since we heard you were standing.

How much do I owe you?

You put your purse away.

This is my contribution to your campaign.

I think you're due a round of applause, Gillian.

You're already five centimetres dilated.

Should I have come sooner?

I'd say your timing is absolutely perfect.

Now, with a breech baby,

the cervix can take a little longer to dilate.

But Nurse Clifford has a trick to help with that.

We're going to get you off the bed

and walking around the ward so we can get gravity on our side.

We've got Mr Baxter in reception looking a bit lonely.

Can he come in? No, no, I don't want anyone else in here.

DOOR OPENS

You know, Vi...

I'm not feeling too clever.

I wonder if I ought to stay home.

A mayoral campaign is about seeing the whole package.

And my package includes you,

whether you like it or not.

Now, town hall, quarter to four.

I'm setting off now.

And no excuses!

And do have a wash,

because you smell a bit like something that's gone off.

DOOR CLOSES

Ready to do the garden, Fred?

Yeah, Reg. You...

You go ahead. I'll... I'll catch you up.

HE SIGHS

Could you take the used equipment

and put it in the autoclave, please, Nurse Highland?

Yours as well as mine. Of course.

Excuse me for what I'm about to do.

I usually avoid it at all costs.

Avoid what?

Making a personal call?

No.

This.

Good afternoon. This is Lady Aylward.

I'd like to speak to the manager, please.

It's regarding a visit to your furniture department.

I need you to open out of hours.

They're putting me through.

CHURCH CLOCK CHIMES THREE TIMES

SHE GROANS I can't do it. It's too hard!

You're doing brilliantly.

Poor Dr Turner is standing there like an absolute spare part.

SHE RETCHES

ROSALIND: That's the ticket.

SHELAGH: Now, Nurse, what do you see?

ROSALIND: Baby's hips are coming. Right...

Gillian, show us what you can do.

I want a really big, slow push.

SHE GROANS

Slowly, Gillian!

Slowly.

That's it!

Baby's bottom is out.

Well done, Mum.

And well done, Midwife.

What is it? Stephanie or Stephen?

It's Stephanie. A girl?

I've got a daughter?

I really wanted a girl!

HE GROANS

HE GASPS

HE GROANS

Come on, mate...

Uh, pull yourself together.

Vi's waiting.

Long afternoon? Longer for Gillian.

I keep thinking I can hear her crying.

Have a chocolate lime.

I carry barley sugars, usually, but I fancied a novelty.

Thanks.

This won't go on for ever.

There'll be news soon.

GILLIAN GROANS

Isn't it over yet?

PATRICK: Baby's nearly here. You're coming right up to the finish line.

You really are, Gillian.

ROSALIND: One more push with the next contraction.

Just relax for a moment.

Just breathe. Lift Baby's body up.

Allow Baby's face to sweep the perineum very slowly.

SHE CRIES OUT

This is it, Gillian!

One more slow push.

SHE GROANS

BABY CRIES

I will never get bored of that sound!

Congratulations, Gillian.

SHELAGH: Beautifully done, both of you.

Gillian, she's so bonnie.

DOOR OPENS

Can Father be admitted?

Come on in, lad.

Is it a girl or a boy?

I don't care, really, as long as it's a baby.

You have a daughter, Mr Buxton.

She's really quite nice to look at.

She'll be stunning by tomorrow.

She's stunning now.

She's perfect.

BILL REGAN: So, I did try and warn you.

Straight into a bunker on the 13th! LAUGHTER

Ah, Councillor Buckle!

Oh, may I introduce my wife, Nora?

Actually, you may have met before.

She's very keen on her crochet.

Ah, crochet. What a lovely hobby.

But if we have met, it must be through one of my businesses.

So, no Mr Buckle today?

He will be joining me shortly.

HE GASPS SHALLOWLY

Reggie!

Need help!

Reggie!

Help!

Help!

What's wrong? Fred's fallen down.

He can't talk.

We're supposed to supply the rest.

I'll have my car like that.

LAUGHTER

The ambulance is on his way.

Will it come fast?

Yes. Go downstairs and wait

by the shop door until they arrive

and then bring them upstairs.

Fred, your temperature is 103

and your pulse is absolutely racing.

Let me look at your hand.

FRED: Is it bad?

It's worse than bad. It's severely infected.

And what's more, I think you might have tetanus.

But you told me you'd had your jabs.

Yeah, I did.

Tetanus... That can be fatal.

Don't frighten Reggie.

Hmm.

Hmm...

Oh, you poor little lamb.

Oh!

Nurse Clifford...

Would you see if Dr Turner can step in for a moment, please?

BABY CRIES

Whilst my noble opponent

has run her haberdashery shop for many years...

LAUGHTER

..I suspect my own extensive, and local, property interests

provide a far better grounding

in civic affairs. Thank you.

BABY CRIES, DOOR OPENS

What can I do for you, Nurse Crane?

I wonder, Doctor, could you have a look

at little Stephanie's legs for me?

I'm not sure things are lining up as they ought.

You really like giving us all the run-around,

don't you, Tilly Mint?

Hmm... Come on.

Hey.

One leg slightly longer

and the creases in her thighs aren't symmetrical?

I was hoping I might be mistaken.

Well, it does look like congenital hip dislocation.

It's more common in breech babies, too,

so perhaps we shouldn't be surprised.

She needs an X-ray.

I'll call Mr Saunders at St Cuthbert's.

Thank you.

Civic affairs may appear

to require a grandiose approach,

but what all sewers and knitters will tell you

is that pull one thread and everything can fall apart.

One loose seam and your trousers can fall down.

LAUGHTER

What I will bring to the role of mayor

is a keen, experienced eye for detail

and a passion to ensure

that this rich tapestry which is Tower Hamlets

doesn't fray.

Every stitch counts,

every policy counts,

every person counts.

MAN: Very good.

Mrs Buckle, I'm afraid you're wanted on the telephone.

Congenital what? I don't even know what that means.

Do you? No. Never heard of it.

PHYLLIS: Congenital just means born with.

And hip dislocation means her hip sockets haven't formed

around her thigh bones,

so there's nothing keeping her little legs

in the right position.

Well, will she grow out of it?

Things could actually get harder for her

as she grows older - if we don't treat it now.

She could end up having trouble walking,

and we don't want that.

But she looks completely normal.

And you're telling me she could be crippled?

That is not going to be allowed to happen.

Try not to fret.

Try not to fret? What sort of mother doesn't fret

about her child coming out wrong?

Where is he?

What are they doing to help him?

Everything they can. They've given him penicillin

to help clear the infected wound.

But they've also confirmed tetanus.

Is... Is that what we used to call lockjaw?

A man in our street died from that when I was a child,

but we didn't have penicillin then, and, well,

penicillin cures everything these days... Penicillin...

..can't cure tetanus, Violet.

Nothing can.

The doctors will have to let the toxin run its course,

and Fred will have to find the strength to fight it.

SHE SNIFFS

I shouted at him because of that hand,

because he got blood on my two-piece.

I should have sent him to the doctor,

not made a fuss about a stain

that isn't even there any more.

I need to see him.

He's alone, and he'll be afraid.

Now...don't be scared when you see him.

He's having muscle spasms, which is quite normal.

Let's tidy you up.

DOOR CLOSES

Sorry, Vi.

Why are you apologising to me, Fred Buckle?

I...missed your meeting.

With good reason, as it turns out.

Oh!

I'm sorry I was cross.

If it's any consolation,

I've never been so angry with myself.

Is it bad, Vi?

Could be worse.

You're in the best possible place,

and everybody's rooting for you.

How's Reggie?

Reggie's fine.

HE GROANS

You've got to get better for him, Fred.

Whilst we're waiting for Stephanie to be seen,

we're doubling up on nappies.

It keeps her legs at a right angle, which helps enormously,

even if it does look slightly odd.

Do you want to try and put her nappy on?

Just make sure to lift under her bottom and not by her legs.

I'm scared I'll do it wrong.

This specialist... Will he come to see her at home?

I'm afraid we'll have to go to St Cuthbert's.

It really will be worth it.

Mr Saunders is one of the best.

Hospital's the place they give you bad news.

Do you know, Reggie, I think a bowl of rice pudding

is the perfect food for calming one's nerves after a trying day.

A very wise choice.

It's my favourite.

Fred's, too.

Does he like it with jam on top?

And, more importantly, do you?

No.

DOOR OPENS

Is Fred home?

Not tonight.

He needs to rest.

By good fortune, there is tea in the pot.

Let it brew for two more minutes.

Is there any news I can pass on to Nonnatus House?

There have been enquiries.

The ward sister said

that she would describe him as critical...

..but stable.

Consider me to be entirely at your service.

Thank you, Millicent.

DOOR OPENS AND CLOSES

Is it his bad hand?

It's to do with his hand.

He did that helping me.

Oh... Why am I not surprised? SHE SNIFFS

He spends every spare moment helping other people.

SHE SNIFFS

I'm sorry, Reggie, love. I'm sorry.

I'm sad, too.

HE GROANS

HE GASPS

GASPING: Can't...

Can't breathe...!

There.

HE GASPS

There, there.

HE GASPS

All right. All right.

HE GASPS

We leave for the hospital in an hour.

Miss Higgins secured a cancellation

with the specialist.

I don't like hospitals. Not many people do, lass.

We could just take Stephanie.

We thought you'd prefer to be with her.

In any case, she will need feeding.

All right.

OK. But I thought I'd be going with Mrs Turner.

I'm afraid you're stuck with me.

Dr Turner requested I attend.

TRIXIE: I need you to concentrate, Matthew.

Sit down, lean back,

relax,

and then give me your opinion.

Well, it's, um...

..impossible for me to articulate my opinion about this one.

Well...

I like the shape of it... Huh.

..but not the colour.

I'm not sure how I'd incorporate it into a decorative scheme.

Ha! You know the drill.

Sit down, lean back, relax.

MATTHEW GROANS

Whatever it was that I couldn't articulate about the other one,

this is the same, only worse.

Then why did you circle them both in this?

I didn't.

I don't use crayon.

Oh, it must have been Jonty!

Oh, thank goodness. I thought you'd developed terrible taste.

Matthew...that one!

We could lie down on this.

We most certainly could.

HE CHUCKLES

I thought you were going to kiss me.

I've just seen the price tag!

Oh!

PHYLLIS: Give me the bag and you carry Baby.

We'll do this together.

BABY CRIES

Mm?

It really is remarkable how many patients

are not up to date with their tetanus vaccinations.

Fred hadn't had one since the army.

The spores for tetanus are everywhere,

especially in soil.

If Fred had come to us when he cut his hand,

we could have given him the jab immediately.

Dr Turner, do you think we should prepare leaflets

reminding patients to report any flesh wounds to us?

I'm not sure anyone reads leaflets,

however enticingly designed.

Small posters would be better -

placed where people are likely to read them.

Hmm.

Ah, Nurse Crane, isn't it? Hmm.

And this little lady must be Dr Turner's patient.

This is Mrs Baxter and her daughter, Stephanie.

Thank you so much for fitting us in so quickly.

I know there's a lot to discuss.

But what I want to discuss is...

Will she be able to walk?

Yes, if she's treated.

And that's why she's here.

She was fed half an hour ago. Thank you.

BABY CRIES

DOOR OPENS

DOOR CLOSES

REGGIE: Oh...

All right, Reggie?

He can't breathe with that on.

It's helping him, Reggie.

It's giving him oxygen.

HE GASPS

Reggie, stay here.

HE GASPS

DOOR OPENS

DOOR CLOSES

Look after her.

It's all right, Mr Buckle.

We'll see if we can make you more comfortable.

FRED CONTINUES TO GASP

Family...

Breathe now.

She's been praying since before lauds this morning,

refuses to rest, or even partake of food.

What's happening? Where are you taking him?

He needs more help with his breathing.

We're moving him to intensive care.

The X-rays confirmed congenital hip dislocation in both hips.

Stephanie will wear this harness for six months.

BABY GURGLES

It makes her look like a cripple.

Can't I put it under her clothes?

This particular harness

is designed to be worn over garments

to avoid skin irritation.

This harness must remain on at all times...

..if you want her to walk.

FRED GASPS

Mr Buckle, we're going to put you on a ventilator.

Your body needs to rest, and the machine will do the work for you.

Close your eyes now. Leave all this to us.

No, Mrs Baxter.

The buckles must be set exactly as Mr Saunders instructed.

Make it tighter. Please.

What about bathing?

Sponge bath only for Baby.

The harness may be removed for that

or when changing clothing, but not for long.

Here's a pamphlet.

A little reminder of everything we've discussed. She hates it.

It's hurting her.

It's uncomfortable, not painful. BABY CRIES

She will get used to it.

Oh, wonderful. Your husband's here to take you back

to the maternity home.

I'm not going back there. I'm going back to my home.

It would be advisable to stay with us

for a couple of days till you know the routine.

I have been shown. And I can look at the leaflet.

Hello, sweet pea.

This ain't so bad, is it?

Gillian, you'll need support.

I've got Liam. I'll look after 'em. Don't worry.

We'll move to home visits twice a day,

starting tomorrow morning.

I need to get away from here.

DOOR CLOSES

DOOR CLOSES

Dr Turner, I'm so glad that you've come.

We don't understand why Fred is on this machine.

He's developed an aspiration pneumonia

and it's helping him to breathe.

He must have been finding it difficult.

It will help his body to recover.

He will wake up, Doctor, won't he?

He will.

Don't do that. The nurse said her legs can't be brought together.

Can you look after her? I need to get some sleep.

Of course. Do you want to give her a kiss?

No, Teddy. We eat it afterwards.

That's why Mummy made extra.

This looks very industrious.

Fairy cakes for Violet and Reggie. And a card for Fred.

Do we really need glitter on a get-well card?

Daddy, we always need glitter.

PATRICK AND SHELAGH CHUCKLE

No, Daddy!

It's the tastiest bit. Mmm!

SHE SOBS QUIETLY

VENTILATOR PUMPS

The doctor said I can talk to you.

She said I should talk to you.

She said that sometimes very sick people can hear voices...

..even though they can't respond,

and it can help to make them better.

I wish I knew what to say.

I can stand in a room full of councillors

and somehow the words come out and seem to make sense.

But...

..here with you...

I'm scared, Fred.

I'm scared because...

..I want to say I love you,

and I want to say that you mean the world to me.

And I think my heart might stop if yours does.

And I'm scared because if you hear me talking like this,

you might think that I'm an impostor,

because we don't do the lovey-dovey stuff, do we?

It's not us.

It's not me.

So, listen to me, Fred Buckle.

I want you off this ventilator

and out of this bed and back home...

..whenever you decide it's convenient.

There's bales of paper all over the shop,

and we're overdue a cash-and-carry run.

Can you hear me?

You told Gillian no-one can see the baby,

but my family are desperate to meet her. We said no such thing.

Family support would be a great benefit.

DOORBELL

Told you no visitors.

Hello, dears.

It's only me! Here to see the next Baby Pearl.

Oh... What's that on her?

Just a harness.

She's got a problem with her hips.

But you can take it off, though?

Well, that's not going to work on a poster, is it?

I'll have to cancel her bookings.

I mean, she can't work, can she?

What about me? I can model, Sylvie.

You'll have your hands full, won't you,

looking after...this one?

I'll leave you to it, darling.

DOOR OPENS

DOOR CLOSES

Sisters...

It really is very unlikely Mr Buckle will recover.

I fear we must face facts.

Every day he deteriorates a little further.

SISTER MONICA JOAN: If there's the smallest chance

our friend might live...

..you should be praying that deliverance comes to pass.

And...

..if he is not to be spared...

..you should be praying for his soul...

..with even...greater fervour!

I cannot give you orders.

I can only set you an example.

VIOLET SOBS QUIETLY Violet?

I don't think he's going to get better, Trixie.

VIOLET SOBS UNCONTROLLABLY

BABY CRIES AND SCREAMS He's not here.

You've got to be quiet, cos Mummy hasn't slept.

I fed you.

I changed your nappy.

It's not my fault you've got to wear this thing.

BABY SCREAMS

Just stop crying! Just shut up! Shut up!

BABY CONTINUES TO SCREAM

Would you like some company?

Come in.

ALL PRAY QUIETLY

We beseech thee...

DOOR OPENS

..to have mercy upon this, thy...

I don't want to intrude,

but I couldn't stop thinking about poor Fred.

And I asked Nancy

if she thought I could come and think in here.

You can think here.

Or you can pray.

I'm not praying.

I'm not sure I even want to. I just...

..want to be with people who are praying.

Love makes all welcome.

SISTER VERONICA: We beseech thee to have mercy upon this...

SISTERS: ..thy servant, visited with thine hand,

and to grant that he may take his sickness patiently...

PRAYER CONTINUES INDISTINCTLY

We've been looking for you.

You're meant to be at breakfast at Nonnatus House.

I can't finish the garden...

..without Fred.

Waiting is hard when we're worried.

One needs a distraction, or to keep busy.

I am also in need of distraction.

What do you say to me helping you?

I'd love that.

TRIXIE: ..Shillings...

Trixie, are you writing a cheque out for the sofa?

I haven't agreed to this.

Life's too short, darling.

Carpe diem!

Seize the day.

BABY CRIES

She's got a wet nappy.

I can feel it.

I'll change her.

I'm concerned about how you're coping, Gillian.

Are you eating properly?

You can't feed Baby if you don't feed yourself.

Mr Baxter said that his family hadn't seen Stephanie?

His mum's started organising the christening.

What about your mum?

She died last year.

Lung cancer.

Oh, I'm so sorry.

Month before I knew I was pregnant.

That's why you're so scared of hospitals.

Oh, lass, I wish I'd known.

You were very brave.

I think you could both do with some fresh air.

You've been cooped up in here.

Let's get you outside.

I-I don't feel well enough.

It will do you the power of good.

KNOCK AT DOOR

REGGIE: Who is it?

The man who's going to be mayor...

..now I'm not running.

DOOR OPENS

Ah! Councillor Buckle.

So sorry to hear about your husband.

Such a shame you've pulled out of the mayoral race.

I'm sure they'll just wave me through later today,

no vote needed.

I imagine we'll meet on some committee sometime.

Be good to know that I can count on your support.

Of course. Hmm.

Cheerio.

That's not fair.

It's not important any more, Reggie.

Yes, it is.

That man is horrible.

My place is by Fred's side. So is mine.

I will go to him.

BABY CRIES

BABY STILL CRYING

SHE SIGHS These were from Fred's first crop.

Even on his sickbed, our dear friend feeds us.

Nurse Clifford, how are your preparations

for this evening's postnatal class?

I'm nearly finished.

I just need 20 minutes on the sewing machine.

SHE CLEARS THROAT

I need to request a favour.

Reggie is insisting that I attend the mayoral vote.

Um, but I need someone to take him

to be with Fred.

Would you mind, Sister?

There is nothing that would give me greater honour.

I'll take you in my car.

BABY CRIES

How old? Just under a week.

Then get off your feet and sit down.

I will do your washing for you,

and then I'll make you a cup of tea.

BABY CRIES

Sit back down.

Let me.

Hello, precious. Be careful.

Don't do that!

You can't hold her like that!

It will hurt her.

She's not well.

Lovely little place...

I'm sorry,

but it is a lady's prerogative to change her mind.

And I have changed mine.

I am still in the running for mayoral office.

What? On your own?

With your husband so poorly?

Not on my own.

I have a friend to support me.

Ah, Sir Matthew!

You're a difficult man to get hold of. We must talk.

I'm afraid it's not advisable

to fraternise with the opposition.

This is my friend, Councillor Regan.

KNOCK AT DOOR

Gillian! What's wrong?

I can't do it. I don't deserve her.

BABY CRIES

As some of you may know,

my husband is very poorly and in hospital,

and you may therefore wonder why I'm here.

I'm here because I believe in the future.

I believe that my husband will get better.

And I believe that Tower Hamlets

can go from strength to strength.

This district is full of opportunity

and it's full of hope.

We need to harness that hope.

We need to pull together to help our community

to be all that it can be.

We can do anything.

And that is why I want to be mayor.

That is why I would be proud to be mayor.

Not because I'm special,

but because I know what matters.

And the thing that matters is not me.

It's you.

It's all of us.

HE CLEARS HIS THROAT We have heard closing speeches

from both candidates.

If we could now take it to a vote.

Those in favour of Councillor Buckle...

..raise your right hands.

APPLAUSE

She's got to go back to the hospital

so they can look after her properly.

I'm a terrible mother. You're not.

You're a new mother who's had a tricky birth

and who has an awful lot to deal with right now.

It must all feel very overwhelming.

ROSALIND: Stephanie can't go to hospital. She's not poorly.

I wish my mum was here.

Have you got any other family?

Just her and me.

Never knew my dad.

My mother brought me up on her own.

Makes a special bond when it's just the two of you.

It's a lonely place when they're gone.

BABY CRIES

But you're not alone.

I'll never take her harness off again.

I promise.

I'm so ashamed. Hey...

It's going to be all right.

BABY QUIETENS

You're going to be an excellent mother.

And I don't know if you've noticed,

but Stephanie's not crying.

She's got used to it.

SHE CHUCKLES

VENTILATOR PUMPING

He squeezed my hand. I deem it unlikely.

How do they not know the most rudimentary skill of bed making?

His eyes are opening.

Oh...

Thank you for helping. You've been so lovely.

When we have the christening for Stephanie,

will you come? If I'm not on duty, I'd love to.

And I actually have an invitation for you.

I'm running parentcraft later today.

Would you come?

I need your expert help.

Fred!

Oh, Fred!

You've taken us to hell and back!

No lovey-dovey stuff, now.

The Lord has expressed his gracious will,

and Fred has recovered his bodily health!

Here's a novel way of carrying your baby

if you can't get your pushchair up the stairs.

GILLIAN: Keeps her legs in the right place. I like it.

There's enough for everyone to try one.

Can we please have a round of applause

for our marvellous model, and her beautiful baby, Stephanie?

APPLAUSE

MATURE JENNIFER: Sometimes in life,

the things we almost lose

are returned to us completely...

..the things we thought flawed

are shown to be entirely perfect...

..and thus our affection for them

grows a thousandfold.

BABY CRIES

That is the nature of love itself.

It is seed and soil, root and branch.

It is the blossom and the fruit.

This is the compound interest of the heart.

Not a price, but a gift.

Not a payment, but a dividend.

We're always richer than we realise

and more blessed than we can know.

We are each other's wealth

and our greatest good fortune.

Celebrate this.

Hold your loved ones close

and say out loud,

"How lucky we are!

"How much we have!"

I want to be a nurse.

Last week she wanted to be a vet.

I'm glad you all remembered

to hand in your casebooks for your mid-course review.

I can't do this today.

In which case, you must come to the mother-and-baby clinic

Tuesday afternoon and bring your sample with you.

I am glad to witness such a marvellous occurrence.