Original subtitles

MATURE JENNIFER: A new beginning is a welcome thing.

A new week, a new job, a new term at school.

Each brings the thrill of a clean slate,

a shining start.

Donny's off sick, so you've got extra.

I'll pay you a bit more.

Ta very much, Mr Buckle.

The heart leaps up at the chance to try again,

to do our best,

to sow the seed of something that will grow.

ALARM CLOCK RINGS

Autumn is when we plant the promises of spring...

unsullied, pure and perfect.

I should have received this over an hour ago.

Sorry, missus. Donny's off sick.

I live within yards, and there is no excuse to be late.

And it's Miss.

SIGHS

MATTHEW GROANS

TRIXIE: I'll get out.

It'll be quicker on foot.

I'll be glad when you don't have to pack a suitcase

to come and see me,

and I can wake up next to you every morning.

Oh, Matthew...

It was so lovely to get away.

Did you the power of good.

Yeah.

You do rather excel at taking my mind off things, Nurse Franklin.

Oh! Good morning, Nurse Franklin. Morning.

I'm so sorry.

There were hold-ups at Westminster and Poplar.

You're first midwife on call.

Now, did you and Mr Aylward enjoy your weekend away?

We did.

He desperately needed a break after the funeral.

He's so concerned about his mother,

he never thinks of himself.

How is Lady Aylward?

Taking each day as it comes.

That's all you can do, take each day as it comes.

I came to bid good morning.

Morning, Sister. Must change, sorry.

You want us to arrange medicals for child workers?

The administration for it alone could take hours.

In the last week, I have seen children

skivvy in kitchens,

work in factories and the markets.

The conditions are atrocious - some as bad as Hong Kong.

Someone needs to look out for them.

I agree, in principle, but...

It's one evening clinic with routine medical checks, that's all.

It could reach the vulnerable.

But one evening clinic only.

The diary is full of prior commitments.

Excellent. When?

Well, you're available at the end of this week, Dr Turner.

Thursday evening?

Thursday evening. Perfect.

Heather O'Dwyer.

INDISTINCT RESPONSE

She doesn't appear to be in our records.

ON PHONE: She says the pain won't stop and there's water...

Take some deep breaths. Where is she now?

Go back to her, and I'll be as quick as I can.

BIKE BELL RINGS Midwife coming through!

WOMAN SCREAMS INDOORS

No, thank you.

WOMAN WAILS AND SOBS

Oh, thank goodness you're here.

She says the pain won't stop,

and there's water all over the floor.

Hello, Heather. I'm Nurse Franklin. I'm a midwife.

How often are you getting the pains?

GROANS All the time.

How many weeks' pregnant are you, sweetie?

Dunno. I ain't told no-one.

Right, Heather. I need you to lie on the sofa

so that I can feel your tummy to see which way baby's lying.

HEATHER GRUNTS

GROANING

Good. Baby's in the right position.

I'm going to listen to baby's heart now.

FAINT HEARTBEATS

Lovely and strong.

GROANS LOUDLY

Breathe through it. That's it.

EXHALES SLOWLY A nice big breath.

Good girl, Heather.

I'll need to examine you down below

because your baby will come out through your undercarriage.

When I check down there, I'll have a good idea

how soon that will be.

Can you collect as many clean towels,

sheets and newspapers as you can?

The towels won't get ruined, will they? My mother wouldn't like that.

Do what she says, Nigel!

So is there any chance you would swap with me?

I know it's your evening surgery on Thursday.

I can't change the day or the time, I'm afraid.

It's important that my constituents are able to speak to me.

These ARE your constituents.

And it's a council initiative.

How about the slot after me?

Now, the Spanish dancing teacher's away on holiday.

Ah. Spain?

Skegness - not so keen on the heat.

And I'll make sure that Mr Buckle signs up with his paper boys.

Paper boys?

SHE GROANS

You're doing so well, sweetie.

SOBS

I've brought some water.

Nigel. Is that it? DOOR SLAMS

Oh, my goodness. She's not...

You never said she was pregnant!

We haven't told anyone, Mum.

And she's having it now? On my new rug?

Do her parents know?

No! And you're not to tell 'em!

Gonna be hard hiding a baby.

Could you get plenty of warm water for me, please, Mrs... er...?

Jones.

Goodness' sake... Go and get some more towels and keep out the way.

The next time you have a contraction,

I want you to push with all your might, Heather.

No screaming.

Save all your energy for pushing baby out.

No. I can't do it!

It's too hard.

It won't come out. You're doing it.

No! You're nearly there.

Keep pushing. Keep pushing, good girl.

Keep going.

Keep pushing. That's it, well done!

Head's out.

One more push.

With your next contraction, the baby's shoulders,

and he'll be here.

Come on, sweetie, you're nearly there.

SHE STRAINS

You have a beautiful baby daughter.

BABY CRIES

She's perfect.

They arrive at 5:30, finish by seven,

enough time to get some shuteye before school,

and I pay extra for Sundays because the bag's heavier.

How heavy?

I hope you're not implying I don't look after them.

All my boys get a scarf in the winter, and a hat.

Of course she's not implying that.

It's a council scheme,

and I want you setting a good example, Fred Buckle.

FAINT CONVERSATIONS

PASSER-BY: Hello.

DOG WHINES

Where is your proprietrix?

DOG WHINES

Oh, let me help you.

Good boy.

DOG WHINES

YELPS

See?

That didn't hurt, did it?

TRIXIE: Unbooked mother and healthy newborn.

Could you run a nice warm bath, Nurse Crane?

I'll give this one a bottle.

Is mother not feeding baby?

Not at the moment. Maybe later.

I'll bring you a cup of tea with two sugars

and get that bath running.

Can I leave this here, Mr Buckle?

What is it?

It's to help me be quicker.

I hate to say this -

I've had a complaint about you today.

Late with the papers.

Joey, lad, what's going on?

I was a bit tired, Mr Buckle.

I'm sorry.

Don't sack me!

I need this job.

I'll be faster with my pram. Oi, oi, oi.

No-one's talking about sacking ya.

You're one of my best boys. Now, wait there.

Dr Turner and the health visitor are running a clinic.

It's a council thing for kids that work.

What's it about?

A sort of health MOT - check you over, make sure you're all right,

make sure you're not being mistreated.

HE CHUCKLES You want me to lie?

Oi!

Now... Thursday. Clinic. Florrie. Phwoot!

Ah, yes. I see the tear.

It's very small.

It doesn't need stitches.

Good. That can be quite uncomfortable.

I can't stop crying.

I don't know what's going on with me.

When was your last period?

It'll give us an idea if baby's early, or just small.

I dunno, I...

I only started last year.

How old are you, lass?

15.

And your parents don't know?

DR TURNER: Well, we should contact them.

They're away till the first of September.

Oh, it's the second today, sweetie.

Bloody hell.

Don't call them. You can't let them know.

You've got to keep it... What's it? ..confidential!

Sorry, Heather. You're 15. I must tell them.

DOOR CLOSES

CYRIL: Thank you for coming, Mrs Buckle.

I've had my stitches out and the nurse said I'm healing well.

With my holiday and sick leave,

I have two weeks off.

Lucille and I agreed it was the right use of our savings

for me to get a ticket to Jamaica.

When are you going?

Tomorrow morning.

Oh! Nurse Crane is kindly taking me to the airport.

I can't think of anything better

than for you to get some sun

and be with the person you love,

and for you two to sort out any problems.

A baby?!

She's still a child herself.

How did we not know?

Teenage pregnancies can often be very well hidden.

Heather was scared, anxious of you knowing.

What did she have, Doctor?

A girl.

And she is perfect.

A little small, but she's thriving.

What will happen to her?

Ultimately, it will depend on you.

Heather's a minor,

and we will still need to speak to Social Services.

I know it's a big shock for you both, but...

Heather is still a child.

She needs your support.

Martin! Trevor!

Look at the state of your ears.

Go in the kitchen. You're going to be late for school.

I told 'em to wash, but they wouldn't listen.

WATER RUNS

I had a bad night. JOEY: Martin!

Gah, you're neck's filthy and all. Go get the coats.

Trevor!

You both wash yourselves tomorrow, yeah? Yeah.

HE SIGHS I'll clear out that skin, Dad.

I'll change your sheets after taking the boys to school.

Hey. Hey, hey.

You're a good boy. You know that?

God'll let me straight into heaven.

Did you read this, Dad?

Mr Buckle gave it me yesterday.

Empty that out for us, would ya? HE SNIFFLES

Don't reckon I'll have time to go. Some nosey council scheme.

Aren't you forgetting something?

Come on. Go, go.

BABY CRIES

Is that Heather O'Dwyer's baby? Are you her parents?

Would you like to come in?

FATHER CHUCKLES SOFTLY

She's such a tiny little thing.

She's five pound five. She's doing very well.

Some clothes for Heather and the baby.

Is she feeding her?

We're giving her a bottle. Heather wasn't up to feeding baby.

So she's not named her?

Not yet, no.

Well, you've done it now.

A baby, Heather! What were you thinking?

Did your brother know? He was meant to keep an eye on you.

No, Dad. I hid it every time Sean came round.

I wasn't showing, not much.

Who else knows about this?

Nigel.

His mum only found out when I had it.

Well, you're getting married the moment you're 16.

Course, it can't be in church. No, the shame of it!

I don't want to marry Nigel! I don't love him.

He was my first boyfriend, he'd better not be my last.

Sweet Jesus... You're disgusting!

Mrs O'Dwyer, these questions can wait.

Back to bed, Heather. Rest.

What did you think would happen when you had the baby, Heather?

I-I dunno. I thought I could give her away without you knowing.

Give away your own flesh and blood like she's nothing?

I wanted her to have a better life.

Better than yours? You ungrateful...

That's enough. Please leave. Heather needs her rest.

MOTHER TUTS

I'm not giving her up cos I don't care.

I can't care...

..because she'll be going...

off with a new family.

That isn't really your decision, sweetie.

What do you mean? I had her!

You're a minor. It's your parents' and Social Services' decision.

Would you like to see her?

SHE SOBS

I cannot lie.

My heart always falls a little at sliced Spam.

Colette loves it. She tried Spam fritters last week.

First for me as well.

But, erm, I'll always try something once. Thank you.

Gratitude should wait until after partaking.

MUFFLED LAUGHTER

Sorry I'm late.

Just dropped Cyril off at Heathrow.

I hope he finds the trip beneficial

and we see them both very soon.

And how are your wedding preparations coming along?

We found a lovely little church in Chelsea.

We're still firming up the dates. It will be November.

Gosh, two months! Oh. Time is ticking.

The bells are provisionally booked

but I still need to work out the music,

the hymns, the readings, the order of service... There's so much.

I have every confidence that you will have it all under control.

You overestimate my capabilities.

Ah, now, I've never seen anyone so organised about anything.

Have your bridesmaids confirmed?

Yes. Cousin Polly's twins.

They're blonde, six and look like me.

It will give a wonderful symmetry to the wedding photos.

I just need to do their fittings.

Gosh, lass, you're cutting it a bit fine.

I'm seeing them soon.

DOG WHINES

Oh!

Dogs are not sanctioned within.

DOG WHIMPERS

I am not the legislator.

WHINES

HEATHER SIGHS

Your temperature's rather high. How are you feeling?

BABY CRIES SOFTLY Hot and bored.

ANGRILY: And that baby won't stop crying.

It's giving me a headache.

Yes, well, I'm afraid that's what babies do.

There's rather an odour.

When was the last time you changed your pad?

When I woke up.

You must change it every few hours.

I think you have an infection. I'll fetch Dr Turner.

Looks like you have visitors.

Keep it brief, please.

I'd like Dr Turner to see her shortly.

Heather? Hello. I'm Miss Scriven, child welfare officer.

What are you here for?

She's here to work out what we do with you.

You're coming home with the baby.

Deal with your mistake.

I want to work out how to support Heather.

That's slightly different.

Would you tell her there's no more of her shenanigans and carrying on?

You know, I can hear what you're saying. I am here.

Heather, we haven't finished yet. I need to go and change.

Oh! This is a most promising start.

Please enter.

I talked to the chemist. He said to give this a go.

Thought we could try it on your back.

They'll say anything to get your money.

You've got to give it a try, Dad.

Maybe it'll work this time.

HE SIGHS

You should speak to the doctor.

Stan knocked for you earlier. He said he hadn't seen you all summer.

I've been busy, ain't I?

You shouldn't be too busy for your mates. You gotta make time.

Like this clinic thing.

You need to go. No, Dad, I'm tired.

Exactly. You're always tired. You can tell 'em that.

I don't want you ending up like me, son.

And I don't want them coming round here poking their noses.

We can't keep Miss Scriven waiting any longer.

I'm afraid Heather's gone.

What do you mean? Gone where?

We don't know, but she's not here in the building.

What about the baby?

The baby's still in the nursery.

Can you go home in case she turns up?

I don't think she'll have gone far.

See what a problem she is?

Jane Fellows.

Now, Eddie, if you could remove your jumper before you go on the scales.

Did you get this whilst you were working at the fish market?

I didn't set the fish fast enough.

My boss got cross. Your boss? It doesn't hurt now, though.

It shouldn't have hurt at all. You shouldn't have been hit.

I'll need to get the doctor to take a look.

How long have you had this, Barry?

About a month. Started halfway through the holidays.

Can you stand on the scales for me?

You are very underweight.

How often do you eat?

I always try and eat once a day.

I will give you a prescription to clear the rash.

Sister Veronica can tell you about free school dinners.

Dr Turner, do you have a moment?

I've not seen her since you left.

I came to visit, but she was asleep.

We left a present for the baby.

How is she? Do the parents know yet?

The baby's doing well. Her parents have been informed.

If you'll excuse me, I need to find Heather.

Thank you so much. Thank you. Oh, you're very welcome.

SIGHS

I've found impetigo, worms,

nits, mistreatment, malnutrition...

The list goes on.

They're being exploited.

Cheap labour and appalling conditions.

This shouldn't be happening in the welfare state.

Thank you, Sister, for suggesting it.

You can live with me and Mum, you and the baby.

I can't afford a place of my own just yet

but I want to do the right thing.

I don't want to marry you, Nigel, or any of it.

I didn't mean to have a baby.

Then what do you want?

It's obviously not me.

I keep thinking about how tiny she was, her little face.

Who does she look like? Hope it's not me.

I don't know.

I-I ain't seen her. Why not?

She's not sick, is she? No.

I... I...

I just haven't felt like it.

You ain't seen your own kid?

Don't you love her at least?

Mum said you were a tart.

So?

What did your mum and dad say?

I don't give a crap what anyone else thinks.

Heather...

carry on like this, and you'll have no-one.

DOOR OPENS AND CLOSES

DOOR OPENS

I'm Joey Fletcher.

Joseph.

Late again?

Rather a habit.

If you could wait a few moments...

How are you feeling?

Your breathing's a little fast.

Tired. It's all them early starts.

You have swollen glands,

and these bruises as well.

I'm concerned.

You're underweight.

You're not going to tell Mr Buckle, are you?

I need that job.

The truancy officer told me your school attendance could be better.

Yeah. I do well, though. Ask him.

I did.

They said you were grammar school material.

With them poshos? No, thanks!

HE LAUGHS I went to grammar school.

It was far from posh.

I will take some blood samples

and then we can work out how to get you better.

I told her parents if there's no sign of her,

we'll have to inform the police.

Poor girl. DOOR OPENS ABRUPTLY

I'm sorry.

Thank goodness you came back!

Running never solves anything.

BOTTLE CLINKS

DOG WHINES

Oh...

Hello again!

You are still prohibited from entering.

DOG WHINES

But you were sent at a time of loneliness,

and we must accept what we are sent.

Come inside.

I have a name for you that works most advantageously.

Nothing!

Good boy!

Joey's medical records say

he lives with his parents and two brothers.

His father saw us once about a skin condition two years ago.

I should pay a tactful home visit

whilst you wait for the results of the blood tests.

Agreed.

I'll also write directly to the council about this scheme.

It should run at the start of every school term.

It's been eye-opening.

SHE SNIFFS

HEATHER PANTS

Going by the tenderness of your uterus and your temperature,

you've got a puerperal infection.

Will I be all right?

You will after some antibiotics.

They'll treat the infection.

You should feel much better very soon.

Meantime, we'll move you to your own room.

I'm nothing but a big mistake.

No, no, you're not.

You're not very well, which makes life feel impossible.

In a few days' time, you'll feel different, I promise. Trust me.

When I'm better, can I see my baby?

KNOCK ON DOOR

Who is it? Sister Veronica, health visitor.

The door was open. I-I did... knock.

Erm...

I've come about Joey.

We saw him last night at a clinic for working children.

Where's Mrs Fletcher?

She left. A year and a half ago.

What did you want to say about Joey?

He isn't well.

We don't know why.

The doctor did some blood tests.

I presume Joey has been carrying the burden since your wife left?

I do what I can.

I don't like to go out.

We're fine. We can cope.

Joey shouldn't be coping alone.

There are agencies which can help.

Social services?

No, thanks.

They split families apart.

Not always. I grew up in a home cos they said my mum couldn't cope.

Don't you try and tell me what it's like! No!

No, thanks.

You said what you had to say.

Get out.

DOOR OPENS AND CLOSES

BABY FUSSES

Can I hold her?

Of course you can. You're her mother.

Is she angry with me I haven't seen her?

She's just happy to be with you.

She'll know your voice.

She heard it every day.

Mr Fletcher's skin condition is very bad.

I suspect psoriasis. RINGING TONE

Joey's doing everything -

looking after his brothers, cooking, cleaning and

financially supporting the family. The more I hear, the worse it gets.

Dr Turner, Joey Fletcher's results are in.

The hospital insists on speaking to you.

Dr Turner.

FAINT WHEEZING

Joey?

Are you all right?

Mum!

Joey? What's happened?

I'm all right. Sorry. Let's get you to Dr Turner. Can you stand?

Right, I'll carry you, then.

I'll call. I'll say that you're on your way.

Oh! Sister, could Colette talk to you later?

She has a special request.

As long as she knocks first.

Oh, Sister, are you all right?

Oh, no, it's Nothing.

Nothing. Don't let me stop you from leaving.

DOG WHIMPERS

What was that?

It was Nothing!

OK. Yeah.

DOOR CLOSES

SIGHS

See?

A most advantageous name. WHINES

CHUCKLES

EXHALES SLOWLY, THEN WINCES

And again.

Big breath in. And out.

I've had your blood tests back.

You are very poorly, and anaemic.

There aren't enough red blood cells to carry around your oxygen,

and that's why you're so tired.

I'm sending you to hospital immediately.

No!

I gotta go home.

My mum'll worry.

Sister Veronica visited your home.

We know your mum isn't there.

We know you're looking after everyone.

If I go to hospital,

what'll happen to them?

You can't make me. Hey, hey, hey!

Joey, lad, listen to the doctor.

He's helping ya.

You have no choice in the matter.

I'm afraid you're far too ill to go home.

I'll talk to your father.

Nurse Franklin, thank you for coming.

I thought it'd be easier to talk here.

How are Heather and Baby?

Heather's infection is well under control.

Baby's thriving. And for the first time today,

Heather spent half an hour with the baby.

That sounds much more promising.

Has she named her yet?

No.

But there's real affection.

SCOFFS

Nurse Franklin, I've just explained that the council proposes

Heather is placed under a supervision order

to return home with our support, help and guidance.

When will THIS happen?

It'll go to juvenile court in the next fortnight.

Heather's going to court?

What about what SHE wants?

What if she doesn't want

to return home? The baby will come here.

Heather will go elsewhere, under our care.

Does Heather have a say in any of this?

I will act in her best interests.

Why can't he have the tests here?

Because Joey is seriously unwell.

When I examined him,

he had an enlarged liver and spleen.

That's far from normal.

And that's why I had to send him to hospital. So what is it?

I wouldn't want to say until we have the facts.

But it's bad? Joey can no longer help you.

Is there anyone else who can?

Then, it has to be you.

How? Look at me.

Look at my face.

Mr Fletcher, you have no other choice.

Joey is sick, and he's worked himself

into the ground to support you.

Come to my surgery tomorrow

and we can discuss your treatment.

I brought you these.

How you doing?

Never laid in anything so clean.

You'll be able to rest.

No early-morning starts for you.

Why do they need to do a bone marrow test on me tomorrow?

They probably just want to rule things out.

Be nothing to worry about.

KNOCK ON DOOR

Enter, if you must.

Go on, Colette.

Sister, my teacher asked us

to paint a portrait of someone inspise...

Inspirational.

She picked you.

I am not inspirational.

I am merely God's servant, doing his bidding.

But I am happy to agree.

Oh, thank you. I'll go get your things.

His name is Nothing, so we need not lie.

He is all alone.

Can I stroke him?

Mm.

This is your only real option right now.

You'll still be with your baby.

Miss Scriven will help and support you,

and so will your parents.

Mum'll love telling everyone what a bad person I am.

You know they never wanted any more children.

Mum said I was a drink too many at a party.

A mistake.

That's my family nickname.

Mistake. Oh, Heather,

that's not what you are at all.

It's imperative you try to make this work

with your parents, sweetie.

They could be your baby's guardians.

If it doesn't...

..you two may be separated.

But she's my daughter.

And I know her name now.

It's Keely.

How's the portrait coming along?

There is NOTHING we enjoy more. BOTH CHUCKLE

CLEARS THROAT I wondered if we might give thought

to Nurse Franklin's wedding.

You were wondering about readings.

I have a wonderfully apt list.

I've marked the ones of note.

And I could help you find some hymns.

We could listen to them together. There's such a variety.

Oh, and you can have other music, too.

You could have a jazz quartet.

Oh, yes, I do like a live band. Something less traditional, too.

Sister Monica Joan, I believe

you had some thoughts.

No.

I have Nothing on my mind.

GIGGLES

That's the anaesthetic.

Should take the sting off a bit.

Now, you'll need to be a very brave young man for me.

WINCES

EXHALES SHAKILY

Well done, Joey.

And we'll start aspirating now.

Well done.

You can put your top back on.

Now, have you heard of psoriasis before?

It's an issue with your immune system.

Your body makes too many skin cells,

and the process of new skin turning into old skin

and shedding happens at an accelerated rate.

That's why it keeps flaking off?

Exactly.

Was there something which happened before it started?

My wife said she was going to leave me.

Left a few months later.

I mean,

how can you love someone who looks like this, eh?

We can't cure it,

but there's a lot we can do to relieve your symptoms.

CLEARS THROAT

I'm trying to paint your face, Sister Monica Joan.

I'm sorry.

I keep forgetting. SIGHS

Be still and know that I am God.

SISTER MONICA JOAN INHALES SHARPLY

Less than a week back at school, and they all have nits.

That must be a record!

GIRLS LAUGH, TV PLAYS IN BACKGROUND

ON TV: What was the year of the Indian mutiny?

Children, you can all go upstairs, and don't touch your hair.

BOTH: Aww... Go on.

That's it.

That was Dr Gallagher, Joey's consultant.

He has leukaemia.

Oh, Patrick.

That young boy...

Can it be treated?

Dr Gallagher's worked on a new programme

for other young people with it.

He found that the chemotherapy induced remission in some cases.

So there is hope for him.

Shows some early promise, at least.

But, Shelagh, the side-effects are brutal.

Does Joey know?

Only his parents will be told.

I'm going to be starting you on a series of treatments.

You'll be staying here, in the hospital.

What have I got, Doctor?

No need to worry about that now. Let's concentrate on getting you

better. You'll be on a drip.

Is it cancer?

Nan had that.

What will Dad do if I'm here?

He can't cope! He's started treatment.

And I've talked to your mother.

She's coming back for a while to look after

Martin and Trevor, and to see you.

Mum's coming back?

Here?

BABY FUSSES

♪ Oh, but there are just some things

♪ Time can never mend

♪ Thank God you've come into my arms again

♪ Cos now you're showing me what life is for

♪ I'm feeling like I've never before

♪ Gone is the misery... ♪

These new ointments work alongside these new tablets.

The doctor sounded pleased

and said your skin was responding well.

KNOCK ON DOOR

That's her.

Shall I let her in?

DOOR OPENS

Your mum's back.

GASPS I've missed you.

You two go play outside, yeah?

Cancer?

He's only young.

How long had he been poorly, Gerard?

I don't know. You must have noticed something.

I don't know. Joey's always tired, but he's up early

for his paper round... It's cancer, Gerard. You should have taken him

to see the doctor. Well, maybe if you'd been here, you could have

done that. But you walked out.

You left us! Will you please stop?

Joey has a long road of treatment ahead of him,

and that's what you need to concentrate on.

He's really not well, Pam.

Our poor boy...

Please don't tell me it's more bad news about the wedding.

Trixie, I'm so sorry.

The deadline for the printing

of the order of service is tomorrow.

It just slipped my mind.

Goodness.

I've still not decided.

What was your bad news?

Cousin Polly and her girls were due to meet me

for their fittings and they... they didn't show up.

The couturier said that I've missed the deadline

and he can no longer make their dresses.

Oh, Trixie, I'm so sorry.

I'm sorry.

Have you spoken to your cousin?

Maybe she got lost. I can't reach her.

I've tried and tried. It's not like her at all.

Speak to Mrs Buckle. Some of her dresses are very haughty couture.

LAUGHS

Haute couture.

Yes, they are.

Heather consorts with local undesirables,

several of whom she's engaged in sexual activity with.

WHISPERS: I can't believe she said that.

She's just laying out the evidence. Stay calm.

You visited the family home and spoke to the parents?

On a number of occasions.

I also met with Heather, Your Worship.

And what were your conclusions?

A supervision order is the only way

I can see that her parents will give her the care she needs.

There was an... inflexibility

and unwillingness to respond to Heather, a young girl

crying out for love and affection.

Her parents left her alone for four weeks.

She had one visit a week for an older sibling.

FOOTSTEPS APPROACH

Sister?

Nothing.

Oh.

I told her what she was doing was wrong, but she wouldn't listen.

You told her a lot.

Did YOU listen?

I did it exactly the same as the others.

Yes, she was a mistake, but we gave her

what the others had.

Your Worship, I'm Nurse Franklin, Heather's midwife.

You'll have to wait to speak, Nurse Franklin.

No, that's all right. Go on. Thank you, Your Worship.

Heather's family nickname was Mistake.

Can you imagine how that feels,

day in, day out, to be told that?

Did you call the others that, too?

But they weren't.

But I didn't mean it like that. It was just a joke.

It WAS a mistake, but a happy one.

I've watched Heather's growing relationship with her daughter.

Her parents don't plan to adopt Keely.

Heather will be there.

I know there was once a close bond

between father and daughter. I hope that can be built on,

especially now he's retired.

Thank you, Nurse Franklin.

Well, I think we've heard enough to retire

and make our decision.

Will the court please stand?

Hey.

I've got someone to see you, son.

WEAKLY: Mum?

Mum!

I've missed you.

I'm so sorry I haven't been here.

I'm sorry I didn't look after you.

That I let you look after me.

Don't blame yourself, Dad.

We just did what had to be done. Didn't we?

SOFTLY: Yeah.

Now you've seen me, are you going?

No, love. No.

I've moved back here, a couple of streets up.

The court may sit.

JUDGE CLEARS THROAT

A two-year supervision order

will be put in place to support Heather O'Dwyer.

We believe she will suffer harm without it.

She has not received the parental care needed.

Now, you will be assigned a probation officer

to work closely with you.

You must cooperate,

and you must go back to school

as soon as your baby is settled.

You're being given another chance, Heather.

Do you understand?

Yes, Your Worship.

I do.

Thank you.

FATHER CLEARS THROAT

We're going to make it work.

I give my word.

We both will.

They said I can go home for a visit tomorrow.

Must be getting better, eh?

I brought your wages.

I put a bit extra.

Sick pay.

I've decided I want to be a doctor, Fred.

Like Dr Turner. Help people like my dad get better.

Now Mum's back, I can go back to school.

Reckon I can get into the grammar.

"Dr Fletcher" - what do you think?

Er, sounds brilliant, Joey.

Er, I'll...

I'll just get you some more water.

Welcome home, love.

Hey...

Hey, let me show you to your room.

Grandad's made it ready for you.

Tea?

I got those biscuits you like.

Thanks, Mum.

SISTER MONICA JOAN: Nothing? Nothing!

Beg your pardon, Sister? Nothing.

Where did YOU spring from?

Here, give that back!

You found Nothing! I found a dog,

and he's pinched my cheese!

Has he eaten it? The cheese is under the dresser.

I know nothing of this matter. I must go.

I'm having my portrait finished this afternoon.

Why...

Oh, grab...

Oh!

I don't fancy that cheese now.

These look like a couple of out-of-date coupons and a circular.

Trixie, are you all right?

Cousin Polly's husband's been posted to Germany.

She's sorry, but her girls can't be bridesmaids.

She wrote three weeks ago.

Oh, lass. Oh, I'm so sorry.

I know how important this was to you.

Yes.

Yes, it was.

FOOTSTEPS APPROACH

Nancy, would you follow me, please?

Why WAS the cheese under the dresser?

I think you'd better speak to Sister Monica Joan.

KNOCK ON DOOR

DOOR OPENS Knock-knock.

I have no bridesmaids. And I realised that I only want

bridesmaids who I care for deeply.

Will you be mine, Colette?

And will you be my chief bridesmaid, Nancy?

Oh, I'd love to! Yes, please!

One should always accept help when it's offered.

I'd like you to pick my readings, and to read one.

And I'd like for you to pick my hymns.

I can't do all this alone. I would be honoured.

But first, I must inquire about the dog.

What dog?

There's Nothing here.

Then, how do you explain...

..this?

DOG WHINES

GIGGLES

But he can stay with me, in my room.

He's been there all week, and you did not know.

I am sorry, but this is a clinical house.

We simply cannot allow pets.

He is such a comfort to me,

and I he.

His owners abandoned him.

Or they're looking and can't find him

because he's cooped up here.

They might be desperate.

I'll have to speak to the dog warden.

Then we'll know.

Until then, he must be consigned

to your room only.

I must ensure that you are not so alone in the future.

I have been remiss.

And me.

You have been busy.

I should never be too busy for you.

MATURE JENNIFER: Sometimes the fates decree

that we should start our lives afresh.

We must forgive where we condemned,

and seek to mend the things we shattered.

Nothing may ever be perfect again,

but there is always beauty somewhere.

Hold it close, breathe it in,

in case it cannot stay.

The heart will always find its place.

Some call it home, some call it friendship.

Thank you! If we're lucky, we can call it love.

SHARP BARK

And love is a process of lifelong learning,

a lesson in where we belong and what defines us,

an education in the things we can never measure,

a page forever fresh and waiting to be turned.

The photographer just called.

I don't think he's going to make it.

We've got half of Poplar here in their Sunday best!

You and I know this place is not fit

to bring a new baby into.

When they tell you you're a geriatric mother, you take the hint!

I'm afraid you've picked up something rather nasty.

Hepatitis, just the latest case in the district.

You fear the worst? I think we both know the odds.