1 00:00:44,000 --> 00:00:45,957 (Bell rings) 2 00:00:46,000 --> 00:00:48,640 (Bell rings and fades) 3 00:00:49,720 --> 00:00:51,711 (Gentle organ music) 4 00:00:55,040 --> 00:00:57,111 How nice to see you. Bye-bye. 5 00:00:57,160 --> 00:00:59,515 Good morning, Ned. Good morning, Rector. 6 00:00:59,560 --> 00:01:02,200 Thank you again for mending the church clock. 7 00:01:02,240 --> 00:01:04,231 Any time, Rector. Any time. 8 00:01:04,920 --> 00:01:07,560 Oh, my goodness! Is it that late? 9 00:01:07,600 --> 00:01:10,592 I must have been rather carried away by my sermon. 10 00:01:12,000 --> 00:01:14,992 Good morning, Rector. Spring is almost upon us. 11 00:01:15,040 --> 00:01:17,953 Yes, indeed, Miss Frobisher. As I said in my sermon... 12 00:01:18,000 --> 00:01:20,389 Good morning, Rector. Lovely sermon for length. 13 00:01:20,440 --> 00:01:23,273 Such a pity Mr DeVere wasn't in church to hear it. 14 00:01:23,320 --> 00:01:26,039 Yes, I suppose he does know that as the new squire 15 00:01:26,080 --> 00:01:28,640 he is churchwarden and chairman of the church council? 16 00:01:28,680 --> 00:01:30,159 If he doesn't, he will. 17 00:01:30,200 --> 00:01:32,237 I'll see that he is in church next Sunday. 18 00:01:32,280 --> 00:01:34,794 Thank you, Mrs Fforbes-Hamilton. 19 00:01:34,840 --> 00:01:36,751 Well, really, Marjory! 20 00:01:36,800 --> 00:01:40,156 You'd think he'd take the trouble to turn up on his first Sunday. 21 00:01:40,200 --> 00:01:41,998 I felt such a fool. 22 00:01:42,040 --> 00:01:44,350 Well, I thought you read the lesson beautifully. 23 00:01:44,400 --> 00:01:46,994 Yes, I suppose I did all things considered. 24 00:01:47,040 --> 00:01:51,955 But nobody should be expected to pronounce it without at least three days' notice. 25 00:01:52,640 --> 00:01:55,598 I'd liked to have heard what Mr DeVere would have made of it. 26 00:01:55,640 --> 00:01:57,836 Some kind of meatloaf, probably. 27 00:01:57,880 --> 00:02:02,670 Do you realise, the Rector's sermon on stewardship was entirely for his benefit? 28 00:02:02,720 --> 00:02:05,314 How do you know that the Rector was getting at Mr DeVere? 29 00:02:05,360 --> 00:02:06,839 Because I fold him to. 30 00:02:06,880 --> 00:02:11,670 DeVere has been here a whole week and hasn't shown interest in anything, not even the farm. 31 00:02:11,720 --> 00:02:13,358 Morning, Miss Fforbes. Ned. 32 00:02:13,400 --> 00:02:16,791 Could you call in at the Old Lodge and look at my longcase clock? 33 00:02:16,840 --> 00:02:18,399 The Webster again, is it? 34 00:02:18,440 --> 00:02:21,910 It "bings" when it should "bong", and generally sounds very unhappy. 35 00:02:21,960 --> 00:02:24,520 They don't like changing houses. Upsets them. 36 00:02:24,560 --> 00:02:26,551 Yes, I know how it feels. 37 00:02:26,600 --> 00:02:28,511 I'll see what I can do. Thank you. 38 00:02:28,560 --> 00:02:32,758 Marjory, will you take Ned to the Old Lodge and tell Brabinger to put the coffee on? 39 00:02:32,800 --> 00:02:35,269 Well, where are you going? To see Mr DeVere, 40 00:02:35,320 --> 00:02:37,470 and remind him of his Sabbath duties. 41 00:02:57,840 --> 00:02:59,831 Ah, thank you. 42 00:03:04,160 --> 00:03:07,232 Oh! I'm sorry. I didn't realise it was you. 43 00:03:07,280 --> 00:03:10,432 I mean... Well, it's so early. It's nearly 11 o'clock. 44 00:03:10,480 --> 00:03:12,756 Is it? I didn't realise it was that early. 45 00:03:12,800 --> 00:03:15,758 Well, are you coming in? You're wearing your pyjamas. 46 00:03:15,800 --> 00:03:18,872 Don't worry. I expect we can find some for you. Come in. 47 00:03:23,640 --> 00:03:25,711 Well...please sit down. 48 00:03:27,960 --> 00:03:31,510 I could rustle up a mug of instant coffee. No, thank you. 49 00:03:31,560 --> 00:03:35,758 Mother's not up yet. I'm fending for myself. Haven't you anyone to look after you? 50 00:03:35,800 --> 00:03:39,395 Yes. All the people I took over from you, but not a sign of them this morning. 51 00:03:39,440 --> 00:03:41,829 Of course not. They were in church. 52 00:03:41,880 --> 00:03:44,076 Oh. You should have been there as well. 53 00:03:44,120 --> 00:03:47,636 Why? What happened? A lot of things, since you ask. 54 00:03:47,680 --> 00:03:51,514 For one thing, we prayed for you. If I'd have known, I'd have shaved. 55 00:03:52,240 --> 00:03:54,834 And the Rector gave a few words of welcome to you 56 00:03:54,880 --> 00:03:58,350 and preached a sermon on stewardship and duty just for you. 57 00:03:58,400 --> 00:04:01,313 That's all right. I'm used to being talked about behind my back. 58 00:04:01,360 --> 00:04:06,196 But instead of discharging your manorial duties, like reading the lesson and taking the collection, 59 00:04:06,240 --> 00:04:09,392 you were sitting here in your pyjamas, reading the newspaper. 60 00:04:09,440 --> 00:04:12,478 You should have been in church. But it's Sunday. 61 00:04:12,520 --> 00:04:15,717 This is the only chance I get to find out what's going on in the world. 62 00:04:15,760 --> 00:04:18,832 If you'd been in church, you'd know what's going on in the world. 63 00:04:18,880 --> 00:04:21,474 We also prayed for an earth tremor in Afghanistan. 64 00:04:21,520 --> 00:04:24,831 Good Lord! It looks as though your prayers were answered. 65 00:04:26,800 --> 00:04:32,159 You didn't put in a few words for share prices for Cavendish Foods, did you? 66 00:04:32,200 --> 00:04:33,679 No, you didn't. 67 00:04:33,720 --> 00:04:36,712 You won't find anything about real life in the newspaper. 68 00:04:36,760 --> 00:04:39,559 Unless you look at the nature column. You're not listening. 69 00:04:40,280 --> 00:04:45,070 Sorry. I'm trying to think of a word meaning, "Dance before the Post Horn Gallop." 70 00:04:45,120 --> 00:04:47,191 What? Crossword. 71 00:04:47,240 --> 00:04:50,073 We were talking about you not going to church. Foxtrot. 72 00:04:50,120 --> 00:04:51,633 I beg your pardon. 73 00:04:51,680 --> 00:04:54,433 "Dance before the Post Horn Gallop." Foxtrot. 74 00:04:54,480 --> 00:04:57,677 Don't change the subject. We were discussing your not going to church. 75 00:04:57,720 --> 00:05:00,997 But I'm not religious. Religion doesn't come into it. 76 00:05:01,040 --> 00:05:04,715 It's what happens after church that matters. There's work to be done here. 77 00:05:04,760 --> 00:05:08,037 We don't spend our Sundays driving to a lay-by for a barbecue. 78 00:05:08,080 --> 00:05:10,720 It's Spring. One of our busiest times. 79 00:05:10,760 --> 00:05:14,640 There's the lambing to attend to, the Spring sowing and tree-planting. 80 00:05:14,680 --> 00:05:19,117 There are 1,001 jobs I've noticed need doing and someone has got to give the instruction. 81 00:05:19,160 --> 00:05:21,071 Well, give me a chance to find my feet. 82 00:05:21,120 --> 00:05:22,599 The top lake needs draining. 83 00:05:22,640 --> 00:05:26,599 It's full of stolen supermarket trolleys that your customers have dumped. 84 00:05:26,640 --> 00:05:29,712 Really? If I was still in charge, all this would be done. 85 00:05:29,760 --> 00:05:31,717 Well, I'm waiting for Bob-A-Job week. 86 00:05:31,760 --> 00:05:33,159 No, sorry. 87 00:05:33,200 --> 00:05:35,714 I suppose I'll just have to find things out as I go along. 88 00:05:36,520 --> 00:05:38,955 Well...is there anything you want to know? 89 00:05:39,640 --> 00:05:41,631 Yes, one thing. What? 90 00:05:41,680 --> 00:05:44,240 What's a vessel for the fastidious? 91 00:05:44,280 --> 00:05:47,750 Something, something something, something, something, O, something. 92 00:05:48,640 --> 00:05:51,314 I don't do the junior crossword, Mr DeVere. 93 00:05:53,240 --> 00:05:55,311 Fusspot! What? 94 00:05:55,360 --> 00:05:56,839 Fusspot. 95 00:05:56,880 --> 00:06:00,111 Vessel for the fastidious. Fusspot. 96 00:06:03,840 --> 00:06:06,798 (Mechanism whirs and clock mis-chimes) 97 00:06:09,080 --> 00:06:12,436 Ah So that's where my screwdriver got to. 98 00:06:13,200 --> 00:06:15,271 I've missed it this past two year. 99 00:06:16,000 --> 00:06:17,991 Now try it. 100 00:06:20,560 --> 00:06:22,676 (Cuckoo-like chime) 101 00:06:23,520 --> 00:06:26,194 So sorry to keep you waiting. Is it mended? 102 00:06:26,240 --> 00:06:29,551 Hospital case, I'm afraid, Mrs Fforbes. I'l have to take him in. 103 00:06:29,600 --> 00:06:33,594 Well, I'm sure you know best, Ned. Brabinger, will you help Ned with the Webster? 104 00:06:33,640 --> 00:06:36,234 Do I smell coffee? In the drawing room, madam. 105 00:06:36,280 --> 00:06:38,271 Oh, thank you. Marjory? 106 00:06:39,240 --> 00:06:41,231 Oh, isn't that lovely? 107 00:06:42,000 --> 00:06:45,197 Mr DeVere actually offered me a cup of instant coffee, 108 00:06:45,240 --> 00:06:46,992 and in a mug, too. 109 00:06:47,040 --> 00:06:49,509 I often have instant coffee in a mug. 110 00:06:49,560 --> 00:06:51,949 Yes, I dare say you do, Marjory. 111 00:06:52,000 --> 00:06:55,152 In your case, there's some excuse. You live on your own... 112 00:06:55,200 --> 00:06:57,157 and such lapses go unnoticed. 113 00:06:57,200 --> 00:06:59,271 Well, Mr DeVere lives on his own. 114 00:06:59,320 --> 00:07:02,995 No, he doesn't. He lives with his mother and a small household staff. 115 00:07:03,040 --> 00:07:06,317 Besides, he's Lord of the Manor and should set an example. 116 00:07:06,920 --> 00:07:08,911 (Clock clangs) 117 00:07:08,960 --> 00:07:12,191 Do you think it's wise letting Ned repair the Webster? 118 00:07:12,240 --> 00:07:16,154 Why not? He's always done our clocks. And they're always breaking down. 119 00:07:16,200 --> 00:07:19,079 If I were to take that clock into a shop in Maribury, 120 00:07:19,120 --> 00:07:23,159 they'd try to persuade me to throw it away and buy a Quartz Digital Teasmade. 121 00:07:24,200 --> 00:07:27,352 There's hardly a clock in the neighbourhood he hasn't broken. 122 00:07:27,400 --> 00:07:30,040 What about that clock at Marbury St Nicholas he mended? 123 00:07:30,080 --> 00:07:32,276 Must be the only church clock with a cuckoo in it. 124 00:07:32,320 --> 00:07:35,392 If you don't give him the work, he'll never get better. 125 00:07:37,000 --> 00:07:39,594 He's been doing it for 37 years. 126 00:07:39,640 --> 00:07:42,598 There you are. You can't expect him to get it right first time. 127 00:07:43,600 --> 00:07:46,558 The point is, he is old Grantleigh. 128 00:07:46,600 --> 00:07:49,592 His actual ability to do the job doesn't come into it. 129 00:07:49,640 --> 00:07:51,677 He's always available. 130 00:07:51,720 --> 00:07:54,599 Very respectful. Nothing is too much trouble to him. 131 00:07:54,640 --> 00:07:56,677 He's polite and he's cheap. 132 00:07:56,720 --> 00:07:58,711 (Clock clangs) 133 00:07:59,720 --> 00:08:02,633 You don't change custom just because you feel like it. 134 00:08:02,680 --> 00:08:05,320 That's the sort of thing Mr DeVere would do. 135 00:08:05,360 --> 00:08:07,033 How did you get on with him? 136 00:08:07,080 --> 00:08:09,071 Oh, I told him a thing or two. 137 00:08:09,120 --> 00:08:11,111 In fact, I read him the riot act. 138 00:08:11,160 --> 00:08:15,677 I hope you weren't too severe. You don't want to blow your chances of...well, you know. 139 00:08:15,720 --> 00:08:18,917 I won't have anything to do with a man who doesn't go to church on Sunday 140 00:08:18,960 --> 00:08:21,520 and appears to have absolutely no interest in farming. 141 00:08:21,560 --> 00:08:26,157 Oh, dear. Does that mean he's turning out to be not quite so convenient as you thought? 142 00:08:26,200 --> 00:08:27,952 No, Marjory, it doesn't. 143 00:08:28,000 --> 00:08:31,436 Of course, he's quite beyond the pale at the moment, 144 00:08:31,480 --> 00:08:35,439 but that doesn't mean he can't be moulded into something more suitable. 145 00:08:35,480 --> 00:08:37,039 How are you going to do that? 146 00:08:37,080 --> 00:08:38,639 I can't pretend it will be easy. 147 00:08:38,680 --> 00:08:43,151 You can't squeeze 400 years of tradition into a few months without problems. 148 00:08:43,200 --> 00:08:46,272 But with a bit of luck I shan't have to do it entirely unaided. 149 00:08:46,320 --> 00:08:48,436 Who's going to help you? His mother. 150 00:08:48,480 --> 00:08:51,757 Why should she help? She wants to be well thought of locally. 151 00:08:51,800 --> 00:08:53,438 I find her quite charming. 152 00:08:53,480 --> 00:08:56,199 She's not one of us, of course, and never will be. 153 00:08:56,880 --> 00:09:00,555 But at least she knows the difference between silver and EPNS. 154 00:09:02,640 --> 00:09:06,429 Really, Bedrich, you should be ashamed of yourself. 155 00:09:06,480 --> 00:09:09,598 Why? What have I done? It is what you have not done. 156 00:09:09,640 --> 00:09:11,950 You have not had your bath. You have not shaved. 157 00:09:12,000 --> 00:09:15,630 You have not dressed. And then you invite a lady into the house. 158 00:09:15,680 --> 00:09:17,557 I couldn't leave her on the doorstep. 159 00:09:17,600 --> 00:09:19,432 You should have been ready for her. 160 00:09:19,480 --> 00:09:22,393 At 11 o'clock on a Sunday morning? At any time. 161 00:09:22,440 --> 00:09:24,829 I didn't move in here to be badgered by all and sundry. 162 00:09:24,880 --> 00:09:29,351 She is not "all and sundry". She's Audrey Fforbes-Hamilton. 163 00:09:29,400 --> 00:09:31,471 And I'm Richard DeVere. 164 00:09:31,520 --> 00:09:35,275 Oh, yes, you're a very successful man. 165 00:09:35,320 --> 00:09:39,439 But underneath Richard DeVere of Cavendish foods, 166 00:09:39,480 --> 00:09:42,233 you are Bedrich Polouvicka. 167 00:09:43,320 --> 00:09:47,473 I'm not ashamed of that, Mother. Of course not. That is not what I'm saying. 168 00:09:47,520 --> 00:09:50,273 Anyway, what's underneath Audrey Fforbes-Hamilton? 169 00:09:50,320 --> 00:09:52,880 All the other Fforbes-Hamiltons. 170 00:09:52,920 --> 00:09:55,912 Right back for 400 years. 171 00:09:55,960 --> 00:09:58,270 I have been looking round the church. 172 00:09:58,320 --> 00:10:00,880 You should see the plaques all over the walls. 173 00:10:00,920 --> 00:10:04,276 Admirals, generals, ambassadors... 174 00:10:04,320 --> 00:10:05,958 Important people, Bedrich. 175 00:10:06,000 --> 00:10:10,153 Yes, no doubt descended from land thieves, cattle rustlers and court prostitutes. 176 00:10:10,880 --> 00:10:14,271 Sometimes you are so stupid. 177 00:10:14,320 --> 00:10:19,076 Can't you understand that she has got roots? 178 00:10:19,120 --> 00:10:20,599 All you've got is money. 179 00:10:20,640 --> 00:10:22,790 And what do you do? 180 00:10:22,840 --> 00:10:25,036 You give her instant coffee. 181 00:10:26,760 --> 00:10:28,876 It's very good instant coffee. 182 00:10:28,920 --> 00:10:30,911 It's my own brand. 183 00:10:32,640 --> 00:10:36,873 Go upstairs and make yourself presentable. Why? Is she coming back? 184 00:10:36,920 --> 00:10:40,231 The way you treated her, you would be lucky if she ever comes back. 185 00:10:40,280 --> 00:10:41,714 Want to bet? 186 00:10:41,760 --> 00:10:44,513 Upstairs! Yes, Mother. 187 00:10:46,880 --> 00:10:51,317 The most depressing thing about leaving the Manor is that I don't get invitations any more. 188 00:10:51,360 --> 00:10:53,715 Nobody seems to want us single women. 189 00:10:53,760 --> 00:10:57,116 The mantelpiece up there positively bristled with stiffies. 190 00:10:57,160 --> 00:11:01,438 All those gilt-edged cards asking us to Ascot and Henley and Goodwood. 191 00:11:01,480 --> 00:11:04,996 To think I won't be going to Glyndebourne this year, and I did so enjoy it. 192 00:11:05,040 --> 00:11:08,510 Apart from having to sit through those interminable operas. 193 00:11:08,560 --> 00:11:11,120 You've got two cards. That's two more than I've got. 194 00:11:11,160 --> 00:11:12,878 You're welcome to them. 195 00:11:12,920 --> 00:11:17,118 One is an invitation to patronise Phone-A-Car Cabs 196 00:11:17,160 --> 00:11:21,393 and the other's a real social highlight - an offer to solve my drain problem. 197 00:11:22,840 --> 00:11:25,514 You've written "refused" on them. Wouldn't you? 198 00:11:25,560 --> 00:11:27,597 That Mr DeVere's got a lot to answer for. 199 00:11:27,640 --> 00:11:29,631 I can't see how you can blame him, Aud. 200 00:11:29,680 --> 00:11:32,069 Before he moved in, I was in demand. 201 00:11:32,120 --> 00:11:34,430 Now see what I've got to look forward to. 202 00:11:34,480 --> 00:11:37,552 The Muslim new year and high tide at Aberystwyth. 203 00:11:38,440 --> 00:11:40,511 Nothing to wear for either. 204 00:11:40,560 --> 00:11:44,872 No, that's where my invitations have gone to. To that man at the Manor. 205 00:11:44,920 --> 00:11:46,558 Do you think he might need a consort? 206 00:11:46,600 --> 00:11:49,877 I won't consort with a man who shirks his responsibilities. 207 00:11:49,920 --> 00:11:53,197 Give him a chance, Aud. He's only just moved in. 208 00:11:53,240 --> 00:11:55,959 But there's work to be done now, Marjory, and I told him. 209 00:11:56,000 --> 00:11:58,674 Look out there. It's Spring. 210 00:11:58,720 --> 00:12:01,633 If he had any flair for farming, he would be out there working, 211 00:12:01,680 --> 00:12:04,752 as would anyone who was at one with the rhythm of the earth 212 00:12:04,800 --> 00:12:06,916 and the changing seasons. 213 00:12:06,960 --> 00:12:10,669 Oh, how my heart skips with every winter calf 214 00:12:10,720 --> 00:12:14,076 feeling the softness of meadow grass for the first time. 215 00:12:14,120 --> 00:12:16,634 Oh, how my soul leaps for joy 216 00:12:16,680 --> 00:12:19,240 with the bleat of every new-born lamb, 217 00:12:19,280 --> 00:12:21,112 with every egg which hatches 218 00:12:21,160 --> 00:12:26,473 and with every creature feeling the first warmth of a sunbeam at the end of a long winter. 219 00:12:26,520 --> 00:12:29,638 Audrey, how wonderful! Did you tell him all that? 220 00:12:29,680 --> 00:12:32,638 No. I just read it in The Countryman's nature column. 221 00:12:33,320 --> 00:12:35,357 They're my sentiments precisely. 222 00:12:35,400 --> 00:12:39,598 And it is my intention to have DeVere feeling the same, and going to church. 223 00:12:39,640 --> 00:12:43,429 I promised the Rector I would deliver him next Sunday, and deliver him I shall. 224 00:12:43,480 --> 00:12:46,438 How are you going to do that? Never you mind. 225 00:12:46,480 --> 00:12:50,394 May I clear the coffee, madam? Yes, thank you, Brabinger. 226 00:12:50,440 --> 00:12:53,353 Well...let's do the crossword. 227 00:12:53,400 --> 00:12:56,995 There's nothing like a little intellectual stimulus on a Sunday morning. 228 00:12:57,040 --> 00:12:58,997 Indeed, madam. 229 00:12:59,040 --> 00:13:00,758 Come along, Marjory. 230 00:13:01,480 --> 00:13:03,994 "Dance before the Post Horn Gallop." Seven letters. 231 00:13:04,040 --> 00:13:06,395 -Ah... Don't tell us, Brabinger. 232 00:13:07,680 --> 00:13:09,671 Yes. Of course. 233 00:13:09,720 --> 00:13:11,916 Of course. Fusspot. 234 00:13:12,800 --> 00:13:15,076 Isn't that what you were going to say, Brabinger? 235 00:13:15,120 --> 00:13:17,111 No, madam. I was quite wrong. 236 00:13:17,160 --> 00:13:20,118 I was thinking it might be...foxtrot. 237 00:13:22,920 --> 00:13:24,638 But I won't be ordered about, Mother. 238 00:13:24,680 --> 00:13:28,594 But she knows far more about this place than you do. 239 00:13:28,640 --> 00:13:31,393 That doesn't mean I have to go to church and the other things. 240 00:13:31,440 --> 00:13:35,718 Really, Bedrich, sometimes you are so high-handed. 241 00:13:35,760 --> 00:13:39,037 There is a saying in old Czechoslovakia: 242 00:13:39,080 --> 00:13:44,758 "He who sits on the highest pinnacle still sits on his own backside." 243 00:13:45,720 --> 00:13:47,199 What's that supposed to mean? 244 00:13:47,240 --> 00:13:51,950 It means that a little humility might go a long way. 245 00:13:52,000 --> 00:13:56,073 Never forget where you have come from or where you are going to. 246 00:13:56,120 --> 00:13:58,111 She has connections. 247 00:13:58,160 --> 00:14:00,151 She might be very useful to you. 248 00:14:00,200 --> 00:14:03,238 Yes, but if I take orders from her now, I'l never get her off my back. 249 00:14:03,280 --> 00:14:05,590 "Do this. Do that. Drain the lake." 250 00:14:06,680 --> 00:14:09,240 Is that all she told you to do? 251 00:14:09,280 --> 00:14:10,998 Well, it's all I can remember. 252 00:14:11,040 --> 00:14:12,917 Then do it. 253 00:14:13,640 --> 00:14:18,555 After all, she wants to be real sure that you mean to do right by this place. 254 00:14:18,600 --> 00:14:21,274 Mother, I give the orders round here! Not her. 255 00:14:21,320 --> 00:14:23,709 I'm the boss. -Do it. 256 00:14:23,760 --> 00:14:25,956 Yes, Mother. 257 00:14:26,000 --> 00:14:27,752 And another thing... 258 00:14:27,800 --> 00:14:30,110 I think you might invite her to dinner. 259 00:14:30,160 --> 00:14:31,992 It would be very nice for me. 260 00:14:32,040 --> 00:14:34,998 I think she and I have much in common. 261 00:14:35,040 --> 00:14:36,713 I wonder if she knits. 262 00:14:36,760 --> 00:14:38,910 Mother, I don't think this is very wise. 263 00:14:38,960 --> 00:14:41,031 -Doit. Yes, Mother. 264 00:15:28,080 --> 00:15:30,071 Farmer DeVere, I presume. 265 00:15:30,120 --> 00:15:33,317 There's more to farming than dressing up for it, you know. 266 00:15:33,360 --> 00:15:35,351 (Laughs) 267 00:15:37,480 --> 00:15:39,153 Sir. 268 00:15:39,200 --> 00:15:41,589 Afternoon. Ned, isn't it? 269 00:15:41,640 --> 00:15:45,190 That's right, sir. Been Ned as long as I can remember. 270 00:15:45,240 --> 00:15:46,719 First it were Young Ned. 271 00:15:46,760 --> 00:15:48,239 Then it were just Ned. 272 00:15:48,280 --> 00:15:49,873 Now it's Old Ned. 273 00:15:49,920 --> 00:15:53,550 Yes. Well, it comes to us all in the end, I suppose. 274 00:15:53,600 --> 00:15:55,637 That it do, sir. 275 00:15:55,680 --> 00:15:57,830 (Birdsong) Sounds like rain. 276 00:15:59,040 --> 00:16:01,190 How can you tell? No, don't tell me. 277 00:16:01,880 --> 00:16:03,996 Clouds. 278 00:16:05,000 --> 00:16:06,479 Bird formation? 279 00:16:06,520 --> 00:16:08,431 Cows lying down? 280 00:16:08,480 --> 00:16:09,879 No. 281 00:16:09,920 --> 00:16:12,355 You said it sounded like rain. I know. 282 00:16:13,080 --> 00:16:17,153 You heard it on the wind. No, sir. I heard it on the weather forecast. 283 00:16:18,000 --> 00:16:21,391 So you be from London, then, sir? Yes, that's right. 284 00:16:21,440 --> 00:16:24,432 Ah, went there once myself. Never took to it. 285 00:16:24,480 --> 00:16:28,189 All them crowds. People jostling in the street. 286 00:16:28,240 --> 00:16:31,949 Place full of foreigners. Filthy air. 287 00:16:32,000 --> 00:16:34,310 And the traffic! Oh! 288 00:16:34,360 --> 00:16:36,590 When was that? -1926. 289 00:16:40,000 --> 00:16:43,959 If you're looking for Mrs Fforbes, sir, her be up by the bridge, over the brook. 290 00:16:44,000 --> 00:16:45,559 Oh. Right. 291 00:17:12,000 --> 00:17:13,832 Hooray! I've won! 292 00:17:15,560 --> 00:17:17,471 Have you been following me? 293 00:17:17,520 --> 00:17:18,999 No. 294 00:17:19,040 --> 00:17:22,396 Then why, when we've got a thousand acres in which to ignore one another, 295 00:17:22,440 --> 00:17:24,829 do we end up in the same square yard? 296 00:17:25,560 --> 00:17:26,630 Fate? 297 00:17:26,680 --> 00:17:30,196 Fate's lived on this estate long enough to know it's way about. 298 00:17:31,120 --> 00:17:33,157 What are you doing? Thinking. 299 00:17:33,880 --> 00:17:39,432 I'm trying to fix the estate in my memory, in its ideal form, before it goes to wrack and ruin. 300 00:17:39,480 --> 00:17:42,438 No, I didn't mean that. I mean, what's this... 301 00:17:45,440 --> 00:17:47,829 that you're doing on the bridge? Oh, here? 302 00:17:47,880 --> 00:17:49,279 Yes. On the bridge? 303 00:17:49,320 --> 00:17:51,834 Yes. Waiting for Alec Guinness. 304 00:17:52,640 --> 00:17:54,756 Now you're here, you'd better be Piglet. 305 00:17:54,800 --> 00:17:56,438 I'm sorry? Piglet? 306 00:17:56,480 --> 00:17:59,199 I'l be Pooh. I was Eeyore last time. 307 00:18:00,040 --> 00:18:02,031 Well, what's this? Pooh sticks. 308 00:18:03,240 --> 00:18:06,358 What's...Pooh sticks? 309 00:18:06,400 --> 00:18:09,279 Pooh sticks. It's a game we always used to play here. 310 00:18:09,320 --> 00:18:11,914 Invented by Winnie-the-Pooh. The who? 311 00:18:11,960 --> 00:18:13,394 Oh, glory. 312 00:18:13,440 --> 00:18:17,354 To think that Grantleigh is in the hands of a man who has no interest in farming, 313 00:18:17,400 --> 00:18:21,473 doesn't go to church and now it turns out - hasn't heard of Winnie-the-Pooh. 314 00:18:21,520 --> 00:18:24,831 You think AA Milne is a motoring organisation, I suppose? 315 00:18:25,640 --> 00:18:27,438 Come on. 316 00:18:27,480 --> 00:18:29,232 Throw. 317 00:18:34,160 --> 00:18:36,959 Ah, what a shame. Yours must have got caught up in something. 318 00:18:37,000 --> 00:18:40,675 What do you mean mine? It's yours that didn't come through. I've won. 319 00:18:40,720 --> 00:18:42,233 No. That's my Pooh stick. 320 00:18:42,280 --> 00:18:43,918 No, it's not. Yes, it is. 321 00:18:43,960 --> 00:18:45,997 It is not. Yes, it is. 322 00:18:46,040 --> 00:18:47,474 I remember it distinctly. 323 00:18:47,520 --> 00:18:48,954 Typical. 324 00:18:49,000 --> 00:18:52,072 Not only do you miss church and fail in all your other duties, 325 00:18:52,120 --> 00:18:53,918 but you cheat in Pooh sticks. 326 00:18:53,960 --> 00:18:55,473 I do not cheat. 327 00:18:55,520 --> 00:18:57,591 And I won't fail in my duties either. 328 00:18:57,640 --> 00:19:00,314 You've been here a whole week and you haven't done a thing. 329 00:19:01,760 --> 00:19:03,797 Oh, no? 330 00:19:05,360 --> 00:19:08,239 Ahl So you've drained the lake. 331 00:19:08,960 --> 00:19:11,031 Hallelujah. Well, i's a start. 332 00:19:12,040 --> 00:19:14,873 So...your first act as a farmer. 333 00:19:14,920 --> 00:19:17,719 No, my last as a grocer. We needed the trolleys. 334 00:19:18,440 --> 00:19:20,158 Now look what you've done. 335 00:19:20,200 --> 00:19:22,316 Because I didn't go to church on Sunday? 336 00:19:22,360 --> 00:19:24,874 Make a dash for it. Right. Your place or mine? 337 00:19:24,920 --> 00:19:26,433 Mine. 338 00:19:33,000 --> 00:19:35,514 Well, here we are. 339 00:19:35,560 --> 00:19:38,632 Yes, here we are. Only, this isn't your place, it's mine. 340 00:19:38,680 --> 00:19:40,830 Oh, I'm terribly sorry. 341 00:19:40,880 --> 00:19:43,520 Force of habit. I suppose I'm trespassing. 342 00:19:43,560 --> 00:19:45,551 That's all right. I won't prosecute. 343 00:19:45,600 --> 00:19:47,989 This is one of the wettest counties in England. 344 00:19:48,040 --> 00:19:50,316 I don't mind, so long as it doesn't shrink. 345 00:19:51,160 --> 00:19:55,313 I didn't pay nearly a million to end up owning a bonsai bowling green. 346 00:19:56,080 --> 00:19:58,435 That's right. Do sit down. Thank you. 347 00:19:59,840 --> 00:20:01,751 I want to talk to you. What about? 348 00:20:01,800 --> 00:20:04,872 Well, on the bridge just now, you said you were thinking. 349 00:20:04,920 --> 00:20:06,479 -Did I? -Mm. 350 00:20:06,520 --> 00:20:10,195 I'd be interested to know... what you were thinking about. 351 00:20:10,240 --> 00:20:11,833 Nothing. 352 00:20:12,520 --> 00:20:15,273 Is there any harm in savouring the joys of Spring? 353 00:20:15,320 --> 00:20:18,358 I'm just enjoying the feeling that in spite of the circumstances, 354 00:20:18,400 --> 00:20:20,391 God may still be in his heaven. 355 00:20:20,440 --> 00:20:23,671 That is except for ten o'clock on Sunday mornings when he is in church. 356 00:20:23,720 --> 00:20:26,280 You're still brooding about that, are you? No. 357 00:20:26,320 --> 00:20:28,118 It's just that there are some of us left 358 00:20:28,160 --> 00:20:32,074 who are at one with the rhythms of the earth and the changing of the seasons. 359 00:20:32,120 --> 00:20:36,034 If you knew how my heart leaps with every winter calf... 360 00:20:36,800 --> 00:20:39,360 ..enjoying meadow grass for the first time. 361 00:20:39,400 --> 00:20:42,916 How my soul skips for joy... 362 00:20:42,960 --> 00:20:46,749 with the bleat of every egg that hatches. 363 00:20:47,480 --> 00:20:53,271 And with every creature feeling a sunbeam at the end of Winter...on his back. 364 00:20:55,120 --> 00:20:56,599 That's very poetic. 365 00:20:56,640 --> 00:21:00,793 Yes, the estate still inspires me to these spontaneous outbursts. 366 00:21:00,840 --> 00:21:04,959 My sentiments precisely. Don't worry. With me in charge, everything will be in it's place. 367 00:21:05,000 --> 00:21:08,959 Sheep in the meadow. Cows in the corn. That's what I'm afraid of, Mr DeVere. 368 00:21:09,000 --> 00:21:10,911 The cows shouldn't be in the corn. 369 00:21:10,960 --> 00:21:14,237 Well, there you are. I still have so much to learn about the country. 370 00:21:14,280 --> 00:21:17,716 I's such a mystery to me. What's a mystery? 371 00:21:17,760 --> 00:21:18,989 Well... 372 00:21:19,040 --> 00:21:22,317 For example, this morning I saw some cows in a field with a bull. 373 00:21:22,360 --> 00:21:25,512 Yes? He was with all the cows he could want. 374 00:21:25,560 --> 00:21:27,551 Well? And he was eating. 375 00:21:29,920 --> 00:21:34,357 If you can't talk sensibly, I shall leave. No... Don't do that. 376 00:21:34,400 --> 00:21:38,234 I'll come straight to the point. I want to talk about our honeymoon. 377 00:21:38,280 --> 00:21:39,759 I beg your pardon? 378 00:21:39,800 --> 00:21:41,313 Our honeymoon. 379 00:21:41,360 --> 00:21:43,237 A political honeymoon. 380 00:21:43,280 --> 00:21:46,193 Like 100 trouble-free days of settling in. 381 00:21:46,240 --> 00:21:49,312 I don't understand. I want a truce. 382 00:21:49,360 --> 00:21:50,919 Room for manoeuvre. 383 00:21:50,960 --> 00:21:53,998 You've made your position very clear. You resent me. 384 00:21:54,040 --> 00:21:57,158 You resent my circumstances and background as opposed to yours. 385 00:21:57,200 --> 00:22:00,238 You resent my having the Manor. Well, that I understand. 386 00:22:00,280 --> 00:22:02,556 Now let me make my position clear. 387 00:22:03,400 --> 00:22:05,835 I'm not going to let this place disintegrate. 388 00:22:05,880 --> 00:22:08,110 But to make a go of it, I could do with your help 389 00:22:08,160 --> 00:22:11,118 as much as I could do without your hostility and barracking. 390 00:22:11,840 --> 00:22:13,797 I may not be what you want for the Manor, 391 00:22:13,840 --> 00:22:16,480 but you're not altogether what I need as a neighbour. 392 00:22:16,520 --> 00:22:18,716 But we're stuck with each other 393 00:22:18,760 --> 00:22:21,832 and so we have to decide which way things are going to go. 394 00:22:21,880 --> 00:22:23,109 -And... Mr DeVere... 395 00:22:23,160 --> 00:22:25,800 How would you like to have dinner here on Saturday? 396 00:22:27,720 --> 00:22:29,757 Yes, I'd love to. Thank you. 397 00:22:30,560 --> 00:22:33,120 If you would like to come to church with me on Sunday. 398 00:22:34,280 --> 00:22:35,759 It's a deal. 399 00:22:35,800 --> 00:22:39,475 And on Saturday, you can tell me in a nice, relaxed way... 400 00:22:39,520 --> 00:22:41,909 exactly how you do things in the country. 401 00:22:41,960 --> 00:22:43,439 That would be lovely. 402 00:22:43,480 --> 00:22:45,949 And on Sunday, you will read the second lesson. 403 00:22:46,000 --> 00:22:49,675 What about the first lesson? I shall read it to show you how it's done. 404 00:22:51,440 --> 00:22:54,751 I tell you, Mother, I've got her in the palm of my hand. 405 00:22:54,800 --> 00:22:57,872 Right there. Just where I want her. 406 00:22:57,920 --> 00:23:00,389 Wasn't I right? Yes, Mother. Surrender. 407 00:23:00,440 --> 00:23:03,159 Total unconditional surrender. 408 00:23:03,200 --> 00:23:06,352 Whose? Hers! Well, you know me. 409 00:23:06,400 --> 00:23:09,153 I'm the one who runs things round here. 410 00:23:09,200 --> 00:23:12,238 Now, let me see. Matthew, Chapter 19. 411 00:23:12,280 --> 00:23:14,635 Hm? I'm reading the lesson in church tomorrow. 412 00:23:14,680 --> 00:23:15,715 Oh. C413 00:23:15,760 --> 00:23:19,549 "I tell you this. It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle 414 00:23:19,600 --> 00:23:22,319 than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God." 415 00:23:25,680 --> 00:23:28,194 Do you think she chose that deliberately? 416 00:23:28,240 --> 00:23:30,595 You should not joke about such things. 417 00:23:30,640 --> 00:23:31,994 I wouldn't put it past her. 418 00:23:32,040 --> 00:23:36,159 But by the time I've got this place sorted out, I won't be a rich man. 419 00:23:38,520 --> 00:23:39,919 Mother? -Mm? 420 00:23:39,960 --> 00:23:41,394 What are you doing? 421 00:23:42,560 --> 00:23:45,279 Red wine is supposed to be chambréd. 422 00:23:45,960 --> 00:23:47,678 It's the champagne that... 423 00:23:47,720 --> 00:23:49,791 Oh, my God! 424 00:23:50,560 --> 00:23:52,073 Oh! Oh! 425 00:23:54,840 --> 00:23:56,831 (Cork pops) 426 00:24:00,360 --> 00:24:04,911 Well, that's an expensive way of keeping the sparrows off the vegetables. 427 00:24:06,480 --> 00:24:09,472 Weaken their resistance with a taste of the high life. 428 00:24:09,520 --> 00:24:13,878 Mother, remember - chill champagne, warm red wine. 429 00:24:13,920 --> 00:24:15,672 I shouldn't bother. 430 00:24:15,720 --> 00:24:17,438 I don't think she's coming. 431 00:24:17,480 --> 00:24:20,438 She's very late. She's trying to see what she can get away with. 432 00:24:20,480 --> 00:24:22,391 She won't get away with this. (Bell) 433 00:24:22,440 --> 00:24:24,078 Ah. 434 00:24:26,280 --> 00:24:29,830 Now, straighten yourself up, Bedrich. Oh, Mother! 435 00:24:31,240 --> 00:24:35,120 Oh, Mother... Please don't call me Bedrich in front of her. 436 00:24:35,160 --> 00:24:37,071 No. 437 00:24:39,440 --> 00:24:41,829 Oh, how very nice to see you. Nice to see you. 438 00:24:41,880 --> 00:24:44,315 Nice of you to come out in this cold weather. 439 00:24:44,360 --> 00:24:46,670 Thank you. Good evening. 440 00:24:46,720 --> 00:24:49,075 Mr DeVere...yours, I think. 441 00:24:49,120 --> 00:24:52,238 Oh, sorry. I should think so. It got poor Brabinger. 442 00:24:52,280 --> 00:24:55,318 I'm sorry I'm late. 40 minutes, to be precise. 443 00:24:55,360 --> 00:24:59,274 My clock's being repaired. Brabinger and I are both at sixes and sevens. 444 00:24:59,320 --> 00:25:01,789 Besides, it's polite to be 20 minutes late. 445 00:25:01,840 --> 00:25:04,753 But you're 40 minutes late. I'm just doubly polite. 446 00:25:05,480 --> 00:25:07,756 Take Mrs Fforbes-Hamilton's coat. 447 00:25:07,800 --> 00:25:11,430 Oh, I'm sorry. Oh! What a beautiful dress. 448 00:25:12,400 --> 00:25:15,597 Well, serve the champagne, Bedrich. 449 00:25:17,440 --> 00:25:20,273 Champagne? Are we celebrating? 450 00:25:20,320 --> 00:25:24,154 Yes, I hope we're toasting the beginning of a long and fruitful partnership. 451 00:25:24,200 --> 00:25:29,229 Who knows? To the future of Grantleigh Estate, anyway. It's not so controversial. 452 00:25:29,280 --> 00:25:31,078 I'll drink to that. 453 00:25:31,120 --> 00:25:34,476 To the student farmer. (Laughs) I'll drink to that, too. 454 00:25:34,520 --> 00:25:37,592 To the rhythm of the earth and the changing of the seasons. 455 00:25:37,640 --> 00:25:39,631 Down the hitch. 456 00:25:41,720 --> 00:25:43,711 Will you sit down? 457 00:25:46,160 --> 00:25:47,878 Ooh, I see you've been practising. 458 00:25:47,920 --> 00:25:50,753 Oh, yes, you'll find that I keep my side of any bargain. 459 00:25:50,800 --> 00:25:53,269 I'm afraid you've been wasting your time. Why? 460 00:25:53,320 --> 00:25:56,153 We don't use the New English Bible. Does that matter? 461 00:25:56,200 --> 00:25:59,750 Of course. The Bible in the church has been in use for hundreds of years. 462 00:25:59,800 --> 00:26:01,791 We don't need this newfangled version. 463 00:26:01,840 --> 00:26:06,471 Besides, I object to having my favourite stories read out in Civil Service jargon. 464 00:26:07,200 --> 00:26:08,918 Traditions are important. 465 00:26:08,960 --> 00:26:10,997 You'd prefer your services in Latin? 466 00:26:11,040 --> 00:26:14,715 What would be the point of that? Tradition. Your church was built when? 467 00:26:14,760 --> 00:26:16,512 1366. 468 00:26:16,560 --> 00:26:19,598 I've been looking at the list of Vergers. Rectors. 469 00:26:19,640 --> 00:26:22,393 It's old enough to have started with its services in Latin. 470 00:26:22,440 --> 00:26:24,875 If tradition is so important, why change to English? 471 00:26:24,920 --> 00:26:28,276 It was probably something to do with the people who were here before us. 472 00:26:28,320 --> 00:26:32,712 The point is, since we've been here - a little matter of 400 years - 473 00:26:32,760 --> 00:26:37,960 the services have been conducted in the proper way, according to the King James Bible. 474 00:26:38,000 --> 00:26:40,719 We don't have any truck with this new form of service, 475 00:26:40,760 --> 00:26:45,789 any more than we would expect the Rector to call himself a team vicar and be known as Pete. 476 00:26:47,160 --> 00:26:49,754 I think we ought to go in and eat. 477 00:26:49,800 --> 00:26:52,235 It's all right, Mother. I'll be a good boy. 478 00:26:52,280 --> 00:26:57,195 And I promise you that tomorrow morning I'll read the lesson as to the Manor born. 479 00:26:57,240 --> 00:27:00,119 And I promise you that I shall be there to see that you do. 480 00:27:10,760 --> 00:27:13,320 (Clock chimes) Shh. 481 00:27:16,920 --> 00:27:19,196 Your Webster is back, madam. 482 00:27:19,240 --> 00:27:23,234 Yes, it is. Is it working properly? In every way, madam. 483 00:27:23,280 --> 00:27:24,270 Good. 484 00:27:24,320 --> 00:27:26,436 Did you have a good evening with Mr DeVere? 485 00:27:26,480 --> 00:27:28,153 Yes, thank you, Brabinger. 486 00:27:28,200 --> 00:27:30,669 Did you put him right on a few things, madam? 487 00:27:31,320 --> 00:27:35,109 Now, you be careful what you say about Mr DeVere, Brabinger. 488 00:27:35,160 --> 00:27:37,151 I beg your pardon. 489 00:27:37,200 --> 00:27:42,070 I've heard some very unkind and unjust things said about him in this house. 490 00:27:42,120 --> 00:27:46,000 But I... I've never said a word against him, madam, ever. 491 00:27:46,040 --> 00:27:48,395 Maybe, but you have listened. 492 00:27:49,200 --> 00:27:51,191 I want no more of it. 493 00:27:51,240 --> 00:27:53,959 Well, church in the morning. 494 00:27:54,000 --> 00:27:57,038 Good night, Brabinger. Good night, madam. 495 00:28:31,400 --> 00:28:33,391 (Church organ plays) 496 00:28:46,080 --> 00:28:48,310 Thank you for seeing to the clock, Ned. 497 00:28:50,360 --> 00:28:52,749 How pleasant to see you in church, Mr DeVere. 498 00:28:52,800 --> 00:28:54,996 Thank you for reading the lesson so well. 499 00:28:55,040 --> 00:28:57,316 Oh... Yes, wasn't he super, Rector? 500 00:28:57,360 --> 00:29:00,432 Do you know, for the first time I heard every word. 501 00:29:00,480 --> 00:29:01,709 Oh. 502 00:29:03,200 --> 00:29:07,353 Good morning. You stood me up. What's happened? 503 00:29:07,400 --> 00:29:10,153 Ah, there's always one... 504 00:29:10,200 --> 00:29:12,669 on the morning the clocks go forward. 505 00:29:12,720 --> 00:29:15,633 I never thought it would be you, Mrs Fforbes-Hamilton. 506 00:29:15,680 --> 00:29:17,671 The clocks go forward, did you say? 507 00:29:17,720 --> 00:29:20,519 Well, ours did. Thanks to Ned. 508 00:29:20,560 --> 00:29:22,039 (Bell rings and fades) 509 00:29:22,760 --> 00:29:25,400 It doesn't sound too happy about it. 510 00:29:25,440 --> 00:29:28,831 Fancy you of all people forgetting, Audrey. 511 00:29:28,880 --> 00:29:32,953 Yes, of all people. Someone who's so at one with the rhythms of the earth 512 00:29:33,000 --> 00:29:36,197 and the changing of the seasons. Dear, oh, dear. 513 00:29:36,240 --> 00:29:40,359 I bet this is the first time in 400 years there hasn't been a Fforbes-Hamilton in church. 514 00:29:40,400 --> 00:29:42,391 That's where you're wrong, Mr DeVere. 515 00:29:42,440 --> 00:29:48,436 If you had looked carefully, you'd have seen that the church is stuffed with Fforbes-Hamiltons.