Episode 3 Call the Midwife

'Not everyone in Poplar was moving to the brand-new homes in the sky.

'Countless streets and tenements

'were still home to sprawling close-knit families...'

Angie, can you do me a favour?

'..whose roots were deeply sunk in East End soil.

'They preferred to do without more modern conveniences

'in favour of a place where the neighbours were cousins,

'in-laws, siblings, aunts.'

Yeah, it's clean, in you go.

'Where no door was locked,

'where each house held familiar comfort

'and the reassurance of a loving touch.

'They felt so safe.'

Go on, then.

Go on, then, help yourselves.

Take that round to Stan.

Go on, hurry up, you're going to be late.

That's it, Jeanette. Big push. You can do it.

-I can't! I can't! Tell her, Nana Meg!

-Of course you can, love.

I can't wait to meet my first great-grandchild.

I have your baby's head!

Now I need another one, just like that!

BABY CRIES

Well done, Jeanette!

Well done, it's a beautiful girl.

It's a little girl, Kath!

Girl!

Our Jeanette's had a little girl, Stan.

That's me a great-grandma now.

Bloody hell! Not another one of you lot!

-Are you not eating that?

-No, I'm a bit off.

You got any Syrup of Figs over there?

-I'll have a look. Maybe you'll feel hungry by lunchtime, eh?

-Yeah.

Hey, Meg.

Lovely about the baby.

Auntie Meg...what's it look like?

The baby...? Is it...?

Well, you know.

SHE is beautiful.

And she looks like my great-granddaughter.

-Do you have a name for her?

-Marina.

Because her daddy had to cross the sea to find us.

I said it must be after the water in the Limehouse Basin!

I've been here since I was six!

You're an old romantic, ain't you, girl?

Everyone sends their love.

Even old Stan nearly cracked a smile.

You ready for a sandwich yet?

Oh, no, Nana, I couldn't eat a thing.

It must be lovely having everyone so close by.

Do you know what, Nurse? It is.

You don't get that in them fancy new flats, do you?

I'm 63 years old and I've never spent a day on me own in me life.

Wouldn't want to neither, would I?

It's Marina Margaret, Nana Meg. Middle name's after you.

Hello! Long night?

Not really, Mrs Lovell's ninth.

Morning! Ooh!

Morning, Sister. Do you need a hand?

Oh, I have a little helper waiting.

Thank you, Irene!

Are you off on your rounds?

I'm actually going to collect my ill-gotten gains from gambling.

The vicar's wife sold me a ticket to the WI raffle

and I appear to have won a meal

-in an Indian restaurant in the West End.

-Oh.

Rather embarrassing actually.

No, lucky you!

Gosh, how exotic.

We were given some Indian food once by a patient.

-I'm rather jealous.

-Come with me, then.

It's a table for two.

Me?

Unless you didn't like the food the patient brought?

No, no, it was delicious.

Well, that's arranged.

What was it?

Oh. A boy.

-Enjoy your day off!

-I will.

That's it, round, round.

BELL RINGS

What do we say to Sister Winifred?!

ALL: Thank you, Sister Win-i-fred.

Thank for all your hard work.

Class dismissed.

You're so good with them.

You must've made a marvellous teacher.

Oh, I think that would be overstating it.

But I did enjoy the work. As do you - I can tell.

Do you miss it?

Sorry, that's rather personal.

Well, I have no regrets about the path I chose.

But I have to admit, this time with the children is lovely.

Of course midwifery is all about children too.

THUD >

Oh, Miss Whitmore!

I feel very silly. I probably just stood up too quickly.

Possibly. But your pulse is still rather rapid.

-Is it your monthly period, by any chance?

-No.

-Your cycle is regular?

-Usually.

Maybe a little off recently.

It happens sometimes.

Oh, you are slightly clammy. May I?

Oh!

There you go.

Gosh, how embarrassing.

Probably picked something up off one of the children.

You know what it's like.

Is this happening a lot, Miss Whitmore?

Once or twice. It's nothing.

Miss Whitmore, when you said your cycle was irregular,

did you mean your periods were late or more frequent or...

..not happening at all?

The last one.

Miss Whitmore, I'm sorry, but you understand I have to ask.

Is there any chance at all that...

you might be pregnant?

Oh, dear.

Hello, Fred!

Oh, no!

Everything all right, Sister?

I was hoping for Fred.

Someone has to tell him

to bring some more of his wife's home-made jam.

It all seems to have disappeared!

I just saw him. I'm sure he won't be long.

Well, I hope not!

It's quite small, I know, but I hope you'll be happy here.

I certainly was.

It's perfect. Thank you.

Hello.

I saw the bags.

I'm afraid there's quite a lot to tidy away.

Well, luckily that's my forte.

I'm sorry, I can see that this has come as a shock

and I expect you'll want some time to discuss this with your...

your fiance.

-In the meantime...

-He isn't my fiance.

That won't affect the care you get from us.

I am going to give you some iron tablets,

but, otherwise, I'm pleased to say, things look very healthy.

Thank you.

I'm so stupid!

I know it isn't ideal, but we're here to help you.

Please don't tell anyone at school.

I would never reveal a patient's private information.

But...you're going to have to give them a reason...

..for leaving.

Miss Whitmore, even a married lady wouldn't be allowed

to continue teaching if she were expecting. You know that.

And in your situation, it would be quite impossible.

But I need to work.

-And I love my job.

-I'm sure, when you talk to your boyfriend,

he'll want to do the right thing.

It really doesn't have to be the end of the world.

He's married.

Oh.

You must be exhausted now!

I must be. I don't feel it.

There.

I've waited such a long time to sit beside you

looking at a bunch of flowers in a vase.

Under the same roof at last.

Just you and me...

and Trixie...and...

Barbara...and...

-Nurse...

-Nurse Crane. And quite a few nuns!

It's a beautiful dress.

Thank you. I didn't need it, of course, but I couldn't resist.

I haven't exactly been a social butterfly

since I broke it off with Tom.

-I think I'm turning into a middle-aged spinster.

-No!

A fate worse than death, I'm sure.

Oh, I didn't mean...

I just occasionally feel as though I'm destined never to go out again!

Of course you will.

I know that, really.

Do you ever...

Do you ever wish you hadn't broken it off with Tom?

No. We're much better suited as friends.

And hopefully we'll both find other people one day.

Of course you will, Trixie.

There.

You look absolutely wonderful.

KNOCK AT DOOR

Miss Whitmore! Is everything all right?

Yes, fine, thank you. Sorry, Mrs Tucker, I won't be long.

I hope not, young lady.

That lovely fried egg is congealing on the plate.

RETCHING >

Midwife.

Oh, Nurse. I'm so glad you're here.

KNOCK AT DOOR

Oh, don't come in, Benny!

It's Nurse Mount, Jeanette.

-Ohh!

-How long has she been like this?

Started feeling poorly early hours.

I called the doctor and she's on the list,

-but I think she's getting worse.

-An infection maybe.

Sometimes they develop a few days after giving birth.

Oh! Oh...! Nana!

-BENNY:

-What is it?

-Go away!

Nana, I don't want him to see me like this...

Don't worry love. I'll sort it.

I-I'll give him something to do.

All right, Stan?

What are you doing here?

-I brought you something.

-I ain't hungry.

Come on, got to keep your strength up.

Pass me my teeth, then.

Just try to take a sip.

Just a little.

She's very dehydrated, Mrs Mahoney.

I don't think we can wait for Dr Turner.

What's she doing with her hand?

Mrs Mahoney, could you go call an ambulance, please?

Look...it's early.

It might not...you know...happen.

I'm sorry, but it's true, isn't it?

And sometimes...if you have the money...

there are things that you can, you know...do.

What are you saying?

You'd send me to some butcher in a back alley?

No! Not like that, of course not.

A proper doctor. I've heard that in Harley Street there are...

You know...

And do you?

Have the money?

I expect not.

No.

Neither do I.

You were wearing that dress the first day I met you.

I know.

I have to get back.

My upper sixth have an exam.

Jeremy...

We still love each other, don't we?

Of course.

You have a beautiful daughter.

I'm delighted to say she seems absolutely healthy.

What's she going to do without her mum?

I know it must be very worrying,

but I'm sure they'll find out why your wife is sick

and get her home to you as soon as they can.

In the meantime, you are both in expert hands.

Mrs Mahoney has cared for a lot of babies.

I certainly have, Doctor.

We'll be all right, love.

I'll take that key, thank you.

What?

You went through my things!

This is a respectable establishment. Miss Whitmore.

-I've just paid next month's rent.

-Which will serve in lieu of notice.

Mrs Tucker, I don't have enough money...

I'm sure your gentleman friend will help you out.

You should be ashamed of yourself, you little madam.

So should you, Mrs Tucker. At least I'm not a thief!

I think you should ask Sister Julienne

to take you off other midwifery duties until we know what this is.

If it's what you suspect,

-then we want to minimise the chance of contamination.

-I will.

I hope I'm wrong, but the only time I've seen those pink spots...

that plucking movement on the sheets

-was with my mother and sister in the prison camp.

-Typhoid.

We say nothing until we know for sure.

No sense in spreading panic. But we should be ready.

It's Dorothy.

I'm sorry to call you at home, but I need...

'I'm sorry, madam, I think you have the wrong number.'

Jeremy, I know you can't talk, but listen...

-'Quite all right. Goodbye.'

-Jeremy, please...

I mean, it's not "going out" going out, I'm sure.

It's just he's won a meal in a raffle and he's got to take someone.

It's just I don't want to upset Trixie.

The best thing you can do is to tell her straight out,

just like you told me.

In my experience, it's the withholding of information

that could lead to... misunderstanding.

I expect you're right.

How do you know it isn't "going out" going out?

Well, I don't...

I don't think it...

I think, if it wasn't, you might not be so concerned.

Look at these beauties!

Summer on a little green stalk!

Mmm. Delicious, Fred.

I'll pick you some, Mr Hereward. Oh, and I got you this.

My Violet's strawberry jam.

Nectar of the gods.

If she let me sell it, I'd make a fortune.

And don't tell Sister Monica Joan.

-Are you sure you can spare all this, Fred?

-You could do with feeding up.

Unlike meself. Married life's wonderful,

but good for the waistline it ain't.

Well, you seem to be thriving on it.

Yeah, I'm in the pink!

D'you know what? I never thought I'd remarry.

I always thought you had one chance at it and that's it.

Then you see someone that's been there all the time and...bingo!

Funny old world, innit?

It is.

Oh, Mr Hereward, I've got a bone to pick with you!

I hear you won the meal up the West End in the WI raffle.

-I was after that!

-If you'd've asked me a couple of days ago, Fred,

you could've had it, and welcome.

But I'm afraid I've asked Nurse Gilbert to come along.

Well, I never.

TRAINS RATTLING

If it is typhoid,

we have the list of registered carriers at the surgery.

No-one else in the family seems ill?

Not as far as I know.

But the extended family's huge.

Patsy, even if you're right,

the antibiotic treatment now is really effective.

-Typhoid isn't like it was when...

-I know that, Delia!

I'm talking about the prevention of spread.

Who wants toast?

Actually, I think I'm going to go and read my book.

Patsy! That was really rude!

-Poor Delia was only trying to help.

-I know.

If I'd had a rotten day like yours, I expect I'd be tetchy too.

Have some of Violet's jam

before Sister Monica Joan gets her hands on it.

Then go and say sorry to our new housemate.

Miss Whitmore!

I'm sorry, Sister. I...I didn't know where else to go.

Sister Julienne is telephoning the Women's Hostel.

That's very kind.

They have a place for you.

It may be rather more spartan than you're used to,

but it's economical and will be safe and adequate, I'm sure.

Thank you, Sister. I'm very grateful.

You're welcome, Miss Whitmore.

BELL RINGS

If you would excuse us now, my sisters and I must go into compline.

Yes, of course.

NUNS SINGING: Psalm 91.

# Who so dwelleth under the defence of the most High

# Nor for the arrow that flieth by day

# For the pestilence that walketh in darkness

# Nor for the sickness that destroyeth in the noonday

# A thousand shall fall beside thee

# And ten thousand at thy right hand

# But it shall not come nigh thee

# He shall defend thee under his wings

# And thou shalt be safe under his feathers

# His faithfulness and truth

# Shall be thy shield and buckler

# Thou shalt not be afraid for any terror by night

# Nor for the arrow that flieth by day... #

Sorry.

I knew you were thinking about your mother and sister,

but I would never have mentioned them.

I know how difficult it is for you to talk about the camp.

-I've been thinking about them all day.

-Of course you have!

It must've brought back so many awful memories.

I so wanted to let you comfort me.

But I didn't know how to do it with the others there.

Patsy, if me being here makes you uncomfortable, I can go.

-I'm sure I'd find somewhere...

-No!

I don't want that. I want you here.

I nearly lost you once already.

But you didn't.

Can I help you?

I think we're on District together this morning, Trixie.

Not necessarily. There have been one or two changes this morning.

And I've been talking with Dr Turner.

I'm afraid Mrs Su's typhoid diagnosis

-has been confirmed by the London.

-Oh, no!

Nurse Mount, you did exceptionally well

-in getting her to the hospital when you did.

-Hear, hear.

-Thank you, Sister Julienne.

-As you've already been exposed,

you'll continue to work with Dr Turner and the family

and you'll be removed from other midwifery duties as a precaution.

Yes, Sister.

Sister, the other residents of the Croxford Buildings

-will need to be informed.

-Of course, Sister.

This is all very worrying, of course.

But if we identify the source quickly,

I have high hopes that this will remain an isolated case.

-Nurse Crane.

-Thank you, Sister.

Nurse Gilbert, home visits.

Nurse Franklin, you're on District, as expected.

KNOCKING ON DOOR < Come on, hurry up!

Yes, yes, sorry.

Sister? Now that Miss Whitmore is at the women's hostel,

we're no longer her nearest practice.

Should I send her records on?

Has she requested that we do?

I just thought that with Sister Evangelina away

and Nurse Mount unable to take midwifery cases,

it might, well, ease the load a little.

Is something troubling you, Sister?

I noticed last night that you were a little more subdued than usual.

Sorry.

It's not a criticism.

I know that we're here to help without judgment, but...

..but I'm struggling to do so in Miss Whitmore's case.

You've dealt with unmarried mothers before.

And with great compassion.

They were...

..less like me!

To be a teacher is a privilege and a great responsibility!

And to..have an affair, with a married man, is...

An error of judgment. For which she is paying a heavy price.

Rather heavier, I imagine, than that paid by the gentleman involved.

Yes, Sister Julienne.

Your loyalty to your former profession is laudable, Sister,

but remember, you're no longer a teacher, you're a midwife.

Therefore, Miss Whitmore is simply a mother.

CHILDREN: Miss Whitmore!

Yes, yes, I'm here! Come on, sit back down, sit back down!

Miss Whitmore?

I'm awfully sorry I'm late, Miss Dawkins.

Could you go and wait outside my office, please?

Miss Lewis will mind your class.

Mr Roberts? It's Sister Mary Cynthia. District Nurse.

Stan?!

They won't even let me see her.

I'm afraid when something is this infectious, patients are kept in isolation.

I mean, typhoid! I thought that went out with the Ark!

Or at least the war.

It is unusual nowadays. In this country, at any rate.

Mrs Su must've eaten or drunk something

-infected by a carrier of the bacteria.

-Poor Jeanette.

Typhoid doesn't have to mean what it once did, Mrs Mahoney.

Not with these new medicines.

Exactly, Nurse Mount.

However, it is a serious illness

and we want to prevent it spreading to anyone else if we can.

We'll be keeping a close eye on the rest of you,

while we try to find out

where Mrs Su might have picked the infection up.

There is a blood test I can run

which will let us know if the bacteria is likely to be present.

In the meantime, the best thing you can do to protect yourselves

is to be extremely careful about washing your hands

after using the lavatory and before touching food.

That's it? That's the best you've got? Wash your hands?

-In 1961, for a killer disease?

-Give it a rest, Angie.

It ain't killing anyone. Weren't you listening?

Yeah, I was! He said we don't hardly get typhoid in England!

It's probably you what infected her.

Gawd knows what your lot brought in with them.

-I think everybody...

-Benny, stay where you are!

I don't want to hear another crack like that come out of your mouth, my girl.

Benny is family and that's not how we treat family.

Not in my house.

So you apologise to him or get out now.

Sorry, Benny.

This family always faces things together.

If we don't, everything falls apart.

Excuse me, sorry to interrupt.

Dr Turner, could I borrow you for a moment, please?

Yes, of course, Sister.

Two pink spots on his abdomen.

Let's see what the post mortem says.

Miss Whitmore?

I believe a gentleman delivered this to Mrs Tucker's home this morning.

-Mrs Tucker and I had a disagreement...

-Miss Whitmore,

we expect all our staff to be of exemplary moral character.

A serious allegation has been made.

I would like you to tell me whether or not it's true.

I'd rather not have to ask you to open your letter.

If I could just stay until the end of term?

It's only a few more weeks.

I'm sorry, Miss Whitmore. You know that won't be possible.

I have to ask you to leave with immediate effect.

Can I say goodbye to the children?

I don't think that would be a good idea.

Anything you can tell me about what she ate at the time would help.

-I'll do me best.

-Thank you.

Did Stan have typhoid? That's what they're all saying.

No, love. Stan weren't like Jeanette.

Stan was knocking back Syrup of Figs like lemonade.

I'm afraid that doesn't rule it out, Mrs Mahoney.

Typhoid is complicated.

Sometimes two people can have completely different symptoms.

Do you think Angie's right? Could it be me?

Do you think I picked it up in China as a kid?

I made Stan a sandwich the other day.

If Mr Roberts was infected, it wasn't just the other day.

It would've been around the same time as your wife,

possibly from the same source.

MUSIC: Take Good Care Of My Baby by Bobby Vee

# My tears are falling

# Cos you've taken her away

# And though it really hurts me so

# There's something that I've gotta say

# Take good care of my baby

# Please don't ever make her blue

# Just tell her that you love her

# Make sure you're thinking of her

# In every thing you say and do

# Take good care of my baby

# Now don't you ever make her cry

# Just let your love surround her

# Paint a rainbow all around her

# Don't let her see a cloudy sky... #

We've missed the lab collection.

I can take them up there. I'm not allowed to work in clinic anyway.

The clinic!

-D'you mind?

-No.

-Thank you so much.

And can you tell them it's urgent?

Mm-hm.

Can I help you?

Sorry. I'm Nurse Mount, I'm Mrs Su's midwife. How is she?

We've managed to re-hydrate her,

but it'll take another 24 hours for the Chloramphenicol to take effect.

Really, it all depends on whether we can get her through that.

What does one wear to an Indian restaurant?

Well, I don't expect you have to wear a sari or anything.

Just wear what you'd wear to any other meal out.

Well, I don't have a lot of experience of meals out.

With a man.

Not any, actually.

I don't really know what to do.

One of the drawbacks of being a vicar's daughter.

Unless your dining companion happens to be a vicar.

KNOCK AT DOOR

Can I come in? Trixie's out like a light...

Goodness, what's going on in here?

Tom won an Indian meal in a raffle and he asked me to go with him,

but I haven't told Trixie yet, so please don't.

-I'm awfully worried about it and I don't have anything to wear.

-Gosh.

I've told her just to be straightforward.

Nothing good ever came of keeping secrets. Did it, Nurse Mount?

(Stop staring.)

Does the 15 go past the London?

Yes, love.

What's the matter?

Are you all right?

Oh, Lord... 'Ere, call for an ambulance, will ya?

All right, love.

That's my teacher.

I think if it was in something processed like corned beef,

the bacteria would have had a far wider reach by now.

Have there been any family weddings or street parties?

Yes! Potato salad. Often a harbinger of doom.

-Sister Monica Joan, there isn't a lot of that left.

-Ah, quite!

I'm sorry to disturb so early,

but I have to visit Mrs Su's family

and I wondered if I could take Nurse Mount with me.

-Is there news?

-Not about Mrs Su herself.

But it's been confirmed -

Mr Roberts died of acute peritonitis

as a result of undiagnosed typhoid infection.

And the test results are back.

I think we may have found our carrier.

-Me?

-The test would suggest that.

No, no, it can't be.

I ain't never had typhoid.

I'm afraid you have.

Probably very mildly as a child.

The bacteria can lie dormant for many years.

And once you know you're a carrier, managing it's quite straightforward.

Just good, old-fashioned soap and water.

Oh, Lord...

-Take her off me!

-It's all right, she's not in any danger.

Take her!

I need to wash me hands.

-What's going on?

-Oh, Benny, I'm so sorry...

-What?

-Jeanette?

-I made her sick, Benny.

I didn't mean to, but I did... Oh, God...

I killed poor old Stan Roberts.

The register of typhoid carriers exists

to help control and contain future outbreaks.

I know it must feel intrusive,

-but it is an effective way of preventing people becoming ill.

-Yes.

It's very important the register is kept up-to-date,

so you would need to let us know of any change of address right away.

-I've lived in the same flat all my life, Mrs Turner.

-I know.

Though if you did want to move, it could be arranged quite quickly.

There's a points system for re-housing

and your carrier status would give you priority.

Will they make me move?

Make me leave my family?

Of course not, Mrs Mahoney.

You've managed wonderfully well up till now.

There are actually very few restrictions on typhoid carriers.

And most of them are just simple hygiene and common sense.

Little bunch of freesias, maybe, when you meet her.

Not as obvious as roses, but still classy.

The ladies like that.

I'm sure Nurse Gilbert's not thinking that way at all.

I'm sure she's only interested in the Indian food.

Oh! Packet of Rennies then!

Only joking. What you want for spicy food is milk.

Stops it blowing your head off.

Don't have water with it whatever you do, it makes it worse.

I learned that the hard way in North Africa.

Miss Whitmore was registered with us very recently.

You wanted to see me, Sister? Oh, hello Sergeant Noakes.

-Hello, Sister.

-Please, sit down, Sister.

I'm afraid Sergeant Noakes has some unfortunate news

about Miss Whitmore.

She's in hospital, Sister.

It's believed she attempted to abort her baby.

-Did she succeed?

-No.

She had been pierced with a sharp object causing great blood loss.

She miscarried the baby later that evening.

Miss Whitmore almost didn't survive herself.

Have they performed a hysterectomy?

I believe so, yes. The hospital will let us know

when she's ready to be interviewed.

She's to be interviewed by the police? In hospital?

We have to find out who did this to Miss Whitmore.

What if the...injury was self-inflicted?

Well...

Offence Against the Persons Act, 1861, it's still a crime, Sister.

SOBBING

Oh, my dear, dear Sister Winifred.

It's upsetting, I know.

-I am to blame.

-No.

She was alone and desperate for a friend.

I knew that, Sister, and I didn't help.

You did help.

No! I judged!

And now it's too late.

But, Sister...

Miss Whitmore has never had more need of a friend than now.

You washed your hands five minutes ago, Mrs Mahoney.

And you don't need to use a brush.

It ain't hot enough.

Can I have a jam sandwich, Nana Meg?

No! I told you! Ask your mum.

I can't do that no more.

Now, go away!

I feel so dirty!

You're not dirty.

Just hold her. Please.

I can't.

When I look at her, I see Jeanette, all sick.

And when I go outside, I think of Stan!

< Hello, love.

Hello, Miss Whitmore.

Hello, Sister.

I brought you some of your things.

I expect the room was rather a mess.

Oh, I'm so sorry, Miss Whitmore,

I should've helped you more.

Please don't hate me.

Oh, of course not! Never...

I'm awfully frightened, Sister.

I'm here, Miss Whitmore. I'm here.

Sister...

I'd like to stay with her, Sergeant Noakes.

I think that would be in order.

Hello.

Oh, a boy for Mrs Antonacci. Have you seen Trixie?

Mrs Williams...

Oh, no.

You're cutting it rather fine, Nurse Gilbert.

I know! And I haven't had a chance to talk to Trixie.

I've left it too late.

Never mind, can't be helped now. I've set out your things.

Oh, thank you!

I smell of sweat and amniotic fluid.

Gosh, Phyllis. You're an absolute brick!

Did you pay someone to perform a procedure

intended to result in the abortion of your baby?

You're quite sure of that?

I didn't have enough money for anything like that, Sergeant.

So, when your injuries occurred, you were alone?

Completely.

I'm afraid you seem to have rather a lot of night shifts coming up.

I don't like to do that, but with Nurse Mount unavailable...

I don't mind. Needs must, I suppose.

As long as I can still have Tuesday evenings. I have a...commitment.

-Set in stone, Nurse Franklin.

-Thank you.

-I do have an idea where you go on Tuesday evenings.

-Oh...

I don't want to pry.

Suffice to say, that I've been apprised of the rudiments,

and it all seems very sensible to me.

Does she really have to be arrested?

Sergeant, she'll never have a family!

She almost lost her life.

Surely that's enough.

Can't you...

..look the other way?

It isn't up to me, Sister. I think it's unlikely

that my superiors will think it's worth pursuing Miss Whitmore.

It's the abortionists they want.

That's wonderful news, Mr Su!

Have they told you when she'll be allowed home?

Er, not yet. But they said I can take Marina in to see her soon.

Only bad thing is, er, Jeanette keeps asking for her Nana Meg.

Meg hasn't seen her?

Thinks she'll make her sick again.

I keep telling her she won't, but don't make no difference.

Jeanette don't care about her being a carrier.

She just wants her Nana Meg back. We all do.

I don't think I'll ever have to eat again!

Fred was right about the milk, though!

I don't feel like there's steam coming out of my ears any more.

Thank you, Tom. I had the most splendid time.

So did I.

Goodnight.

Goodnight, Barbara.

Poor Mrs Mahoney.

Such a spirited woman.

I do not like to hear of her brought low.

What use is she to her family if her spirit is broken?

We are nothing if we are not of use.

I know.

Pass me that plant, please.

The yellow one.

Hurry! There is much to do.

I don't think these are for planting, Sister Monica Joan.

I think these may be weeds that Fred's already pulled up.

I do not believe in weeds. Look at that glorious colour!

A weed is simply a flower

that someone decides is in the wrong place.

Why should the Taraxacum struggle in the cracks?

It deserves an efficacious spot in which to flourish!

Just look. That's all I ask.

I can't imagine living up here. Like a bird in a nest.

Look.

Hot water, whenever you need it.

Space for a fridge.

You don't even need to take the rubbish out -

you just drop it down a chute.

And think how easy it would be to clean.

No need to scrub those poor hands till they bleed.

I'm always going to have it, aren't I?

Meg...I know what typhoid can cost a family.

I really do.

Your family didn't lose Jeanette.

Please don't let them lose you.

Is this a punishment?

On the contrary, Sister. I believe it's intended to be a compliment.

The school governors approached the Mother House directly.

I can't.

I'm not a teacher any more. I'm a midwife.

You reminded me of that yourself.

I did.

But this is an extraordinary situation.

And it is only for a few weeks.

A permanent replacement will be there for the new term.

How can I take the job she loved?

It feels like a betrayal.

Mother Jesu Emmanuel would not ask this

if she did not think it for the best.

And I must remind you that you have taken a vow of obedience.

Yes, Sister Julienne.

As have I.

'By 1961, the state had lost its appetite

'for prosecuting lonely, desperate women.

'So, when sufficiently recovered...

'Dorothy Whitmore was allowed to go.

'But if she was not charged, she was punished.

'Dismissed from teaching, she went elsewhere to forget,

'be forgotten and to start afresh.

'Like legions of others.

'Shame is born in public, and lived out secretly.

'What is not seen cannot be scrubbed away.

'But so much can be made bearable by love.

'By cherishing what is, and not condemning fault or flaw.

'By never locking doors, by keeping hearts open

'and holding each other forever in the light.'

Hospital routines are rather gruelling.

Are you sure you don't want to send one of the youngsters?

It's only for a week.

-You will do the right thing by my daughter!

-Dad, stop it!

That's enough, Mr Lanyard.

-I'll be asleep when she's born. You'll look after her?

-I will.

-I've come to enquire about Baby Cottingham.

-Baby Cottingham?

Trixie knows about us, Tom.

Afternoon, Tom. Afternoon, Barbara.