Remember Me Hetty Feather

Do you want to find out about Matron's secret? Or not?

You're Blanche, aren't you? I used to be your best friend.

-I don't remember.

-You can't play me, Feather. I always win.

-You lied to me.

-Call it a lesson.

-THEY SNIGGER

-And you let her get away with it?

-This place is all I've got.

And I'll do anything I can to make sure I stay.

A word of advice. Tread very carefully, child.

'With some stories, it's hard to know where to begin.

'But I suppose it all started when Blanche came back.'

-Where did you get that?

-Matron.

'Blanche wasn't like the rest of us.

'Everyone was wary of her, even Matron.'

That's my bed!

Yours is over there.

-Leave her.

-She can't just take my bed.

-What do you want?

-We used to be best friends.

-I can't believe you don't remember.

-I don't remember a lot of things.

Listen, whatever deal you've got going on in here with Matron,

-you still need friends.

-You want me to join your she-mob?

Just think about it.

That's all we're saying.

'Yes, that was where it began,

'but none of us could have guessed where it would end.'

BLANCHE WHIMPERS

Blanche, don't worry.

It's just me. Did you have a bad dream?

I don't dream.

I do. I have nightmares all the time.

Still?

You remember!

Monica,

please stay.

BELL RINGS

What are you doing there?

-Um...

-We swapped.

The bed was too hard.

Still want to be my friend?

Is that yes?

It's a maybe.

Toffee?

Ah! Can we get more of these?

-Yeah, I will split them three ways.

-Four ways!

Three ways.

Four's a crowd.

Three ways it is then.

Trouble in the she-mob.

She's slovenly, insolent, and her work would disgrace a five-year-old.

-Maybe a spell in the tent...

-No!

-Blanche Newbold is not to be punished.

-But...

-She's a disruptive influence on the other girls.

-Then discipline them.

But you leave Blanche to me.

-Good morning, Stan.

-Morning, Hetty, Sheila.

I was passing the baker's this morning,

happened to find some fancy cakes at two a penny and I thought

about those girls that always brighten my morning with a smile.

-Thank you, Stan.

-Thank you!

Does your employer pay you to flirt, boy? Huh?

And you of all people should refrain from talking to young men,

lest you end up like your mothers.

-How dare you!

-Yes, sir. Sorry, sir. Can I help you, sir?

Mr Overton.

I have an appointment with Matron Bottomley and Colonel Brigwell.

-Er... This way, sir.

-Right.

-What's old Overcharge doing here?

-I don't know. Who is he?

Just the most expensive painter and decorator in this part of town.

Oh, dear, oh, dear, oh, dear.

Tut, tut, tut.

-This paintwork is sadly in need of restoration.

-Hm.

Matron, you should have sent for me months ago.

Well, alas, funds would not allow.

The foundlings' welfare must come first.

Of course, but we must keep up standards, Matron.

But we are agreed that Mr Overton should repaint the stairway.

I suppose so.

But I have to say, your services are somewhat expensive.

Like highway robbery. Stan's the name. Stan Pollard.

I'll make this place look new at a shilling a day.

-How dare you interrupt your betters!

-A shilling a day?

A job like this needs a skilled craftsman,

-not a delivery boy.

-I'm not just a delivery boy.

I've been doing jobs like this since I was a nipper.

My dad taught me.

-I hardly think you're suitable.

-You know what?

I like this young man's spirit.

Enterprise, determination, the qualities that built this Empire.

Stan Pollard, you're hired.

Mr Sutton runs a printing concern,

which specialises in religious tracts.

Not only has he donated a printing press for the hospital,

but he has kindly agreed to instruct you in its use.

You may sit.

Another one looking for cheap labour.

If any of you show sufficient aptitude,

I may consider taking on an apprentice.

You mean we wouldn't have to join the army?

Can I work on it?

I've always wanted to know how a printing press works!

We'll work on it.

(Saves us from heavy lifting in the garden.)

-And me.

-Me too.

-Me too.

-Me too.

-And me.

We'll start here. You can do the other end.

Why are you doing this? Is it just because I saw you cry?

Actually, you can do the whole corridor.

We're going to go back to the dorm.

-I can't.

-Yes, you can. You're with me now.

Matron won't touch us.

Don't listen to her! She's using you!

Let...me...go! Let me pass!

Hey! Hey! What is going on?

Monica just attacked Elizabeth for no reason.

Didn't she?

Elizabeth?

Yes.

She did.

I thought you two were friends.

Disgusting behaviour.

Girls...!

If you can't use a mop properly, you'll have to manage without one.

Get on your knees, scrub this corridor by hand.

-Stan? What are you doing?

-Sorry, Nurse. I'm working here.

You're going to have to use the back stairs.

But... Oh!

Remember, it is

essential that you use exactly the correct amount of ink.

Sir, the recreation bell went ages ago.

Oh, just go then,

if you would rather run around outside than learn an honest trade.

Please, may I stay, sir? It's fascinating.

And you show a natural aptitude for the work.

Tell me, have you ever considered being a printer's apprentice?

BELL RINGS

-Elspeth Brown?

-Yes, Nurse Macclesfield.

-Amber Church?

-Yes, Nurse Macclesfield.

Monica Clackett?

-Monica Clackett?

-She's not here, Nurse.

Where is she?

-You don't think she's tried to run away...

-Well, if she has,

there shall be consequences for all of you.

Especially her friends.

That's not fair.

-We're not her friends.

-Hardly know the girl.

-SCREAM

-< Come quickly!

What was that?

Er... Some foolishness, no doubt.

One of the junior girls playing a silly joke.

-That wasn't a joke.

-Jane Davis?

-Yes, Nurse Macclesfield.

-Poppy Coates?

-Yes, Nurse Macclesfield.

-Betsy Harrison?

Yes, Nurse Macclesfield.

-Ellie Hughes?

-Yes, Nurse Macclesfield.

Girls...

I have something to tell you.

It is very sad news and I hope

that you will bear it bravely,

like faithful Christians.

This morning, there was an accident.

Monica Clackett fell down the staircase in the hall.

A doctor was summoned immediately,

but the Good Lord has seen fit to deliver Monica from this

sinful world and clasp her to his bosom.

Now, let us pray.

Bless us, O Lord, and these, Thy gifts,

Which we receive through Your bounty.

-Amen.

-Amen.

-Amen.

QUIET SOBBING

Girls, I'm sure you're very upset. If you need someone to talk to...

You will not talk to the kitchen staff.

Know your place, Ida Patterson.

Yes, ma'am.

What is it, Sheila?

How did the accident happen?

Well, it seems that, for some reason,

Monica broke our rules

and went inside the hospital during recreation period.

And realising she was late for lessons, she ran down the staircase,

and sadly, she fell.

How could she just fall?

A careless delivery boy left a paintbrush covered with

paint on the stairs.

The poor child must have slipped on it.

Stan. It was Stan's fault?

It was nobody's fault. It was merely unfortunate. That is all.

-What is it, Elizabeth?

-Will there be a funeral, Matron?

SOBBING

We will pray for her in chapel

and you should add her to your own nightly prayers.

Now, let us speak of this no more.

Eat.

I can't believe it.

I just want to say, Matron was wrong.

I know for a fact I cleared everything up

and put it inside when I went for lunch.

-So sorry about that poor girl.

-Her name was Monica.

But I know I didn't cause the accident.

-Then you should tell somebody. Mr Cranbourne, Colonel Brigwell!

-I did.

They believe Matron. I'm just a delivery boy.

-What's Matron trying to hide?

-Hey, you mustn't talk like that, Hetty.

You could get into a lot of trouble.

But Matron's always lying.

Listen,

I saw Matron after...

After she found Monica.

The poor woman was beside herself.

-Matron was?

-The look on her face, I've never seen the like.

I know you think Matron's a monster,

but she's human,

like the rest of us.

I can't lose my job over this.

Me and me brothers, we'll end up in the workhouse!

I don't believe it. Poor Monica. She was...

Of the three of them, she was the least worst.

Yeah, that's right.

I know she wasn't our friend, but...

-It wasn't your fault.

-It was an accident.

And Stan's being blamed for it and he feels awful.

Well, he should have cleared his painting stuff up then,

-shouldn't he?

-That's the thing, he swears he did.

We have to help. Find out the truth.

But it's not going to bring her back though, is it?

No, but her life meant something.

She was worth more than just a short prayer in chapel. We all are.

RATTLING

Well?

Um...we thought we heard an intruder in the attic.

Really?

So, I'd better fetch Matron and Mr Cranbourne, had I?

No, please don't tell anyone.

It's just that we sometimes go up to the tower to talk to the boys.

The boys?

It's the only way I can see my brother.

Please, Ida.

All right. I didn't see this.

And I don't ever want to see it again.

Be more careful in future.

-Yes, Ida.

-Yes, Ida.

What are you doing? That's way too much ink!

No. It's the right amount.

I told you! Not too much ink!

I'm sorry, sir. I...I miscalculated.

Well...accidents will happen. Huh!

It wasn't an accident.

We did it on purpose.

Yeah. To get out of this boring job!

Ned? Is this true?

Yes, sir.

Then you may get out. All three of you!

Return to your normal duties! I don't want to see you here again!

-Yes, sir.

-Yes, sir.

-Yes, sir.

Sorry. We had to get out of there somehow.

I know, I just really like working on the printing press.

I know, but we need your detective skills. Look!

So, if she slipped on the wet paintbrush up there...

..and the brush fell down the stairs,

it seems to make sense.

Look at this! The white paint is newer than the blue.

He's right. Stan was working on the arches.

So, why was the brush dipped in blue paint?

Somebody wanted to make it look like Stan caused the accident.

We need to get the message to Hetty.

After such a disaster, I really do think

we should tell the dairy to dismiss the boy.

-We can't do that to Stan.

-I agree.

After all, anyone can make mistakes.

You're too generous, Matron.

May I say that your conduct during this...

..dreadful affair has been admirable.

Even...inspirational.

Aw. Hm-hm!

That's addressed to me! Give it back!

-I'll tell Matron!

-Give it back!

What?! What does it say?!

The boys say Matron was lying about the paint!

Poor Stan.

So, what really happened, then?

-I'll find out.

-No, WE'LL find out.

-Look at this.

-What's that doing there?!

It's still damp.

But why would somebody hide it?

Sheila?

Hetty!

Breaking rules again, Hetty Feather!

And you, Sheila, I thought better of you!

-Please, Nurse...

-DON'T make excuses to me.

Save them for Matron.

So sorry to disturb you, Matron,

but I found these two neglecting their duties.

Wandering around the hospital.

We weren't wandering, we were investigating.

-Investigating?

-Investigating what?

What happened to Monica! It wasn't Stan's fault!

The paint stains were the wrong colour.

And we found a broken mop that someone tried to hide.

Ask Matron. Ask her what really happened.

Please.

She has already told us. Haven't you, Matron?

No.

The truth is...when I found...

..when I found the girl...

..I realised immediately what must have happened.

SHE GASPS

You're late!

But who left the mop on the stairs?

Um...

It...it was me.

It was my fault!

-Stan, what are you doing?

-Sorry, Nurse, I'm working here.

You're going to have to use the back stairs.

But...

SHE SIGHS

It was my fault!

I'm sorry, Mable. I wanted to spare you this.

NURSE SOBS

Allowing Stan to be blamed, it was a misjudgement, but I...

I did it to help a friend.

I thought a slight concealment might be for the good of all.

And I think in my position, many would have done the same.

-TEARFUL:

-Thank you!

God forgive me.

I understand, Matron.

T-The shock, the grief.

You were not thinking clearly.

I am so sorry, Mr Cranbourne.

As you say, Matron, we all make mistakes.

Stan Pollard is afraid he's going to lose his job.

Yes. We must...we must set his mind at rest.

I-I-I will tell him that his brush did not cause the accident.

And as for the rest of this...unfortunate incident,

I think it best we keep it to ourselves.

What about Monica?

People deserve to know the truth.

My dear children, I understand your pain and your grief and your anger,

but what difference would it make?

She could be dismissed.

(Matron?)

And that would make you feel better?

Really?

Monica is gone and we cannot change that.

And...it was nobody's fault.

And at times like this, we must look to each other

for love...and forgiveness.

Now...girls, return to your duties.

There will be no punishments today.

NURSE SOBS

'We couldn't bring Monica back,

'but that didn't mean we had to forget her.'

Why are we doing this?

Because she was your friend.

I can't think what to say.

Anything. What she used to say,

what she used to do, what she liked, what she didn't like.

Cabbage.

Boiled cabbage.

She said it smelled like someone had broken wind.

She used to swap with me for potatoes.

She liked potatoes.

-And hopscotch.

-Hopscotch?

When we were little, it was our game.

Monica used to name the squares after different towns.

Oxford, Edinburgh, Manchester, York.

We used to say that we'd...really visit them one day.

She loved to sing.

She was tone-deaf.

But she didn't know that.

And we never told her.

'And so we all helped each other to remember.

'And we found a way to make our memories last.'

-That's not a prayer book.

-No.

It's a special order.

'Sometimes, sad things just happen and nobody knows why.

'But whatever the reason,

'remembering Monica always brought us together.

'To the rest of the world, she was just a foundling girl.

'But she was one of us.

'Her life was as important as anyone else's.

'And we made sure that everybody knew.'

Lady Asquith's butler will be paying us a visit today.

I have never been so mortified.

He will be setting you a number of tasks.

The girl who shows the greatest aptitude

will be awarded a testimonial.

We're all going into service, Hetty, let's try and do well.

I think Hetty's more interested in the boys visiting.

Dr Webster is wonderful. So full of stories!

And here we are!

-The snake, it's gone! It is gone!

-PANICKED SCREAMS

HE SCREAMS

If anyone deserves to become an earl, then it is you.

He's a thief!