Episode 2 Call the Midwife

'A world was moving from a time of limits, of austerity,

'into one which promised endless reinvention.

'We could change the homes we lived in,

'and the clothes we wore.

'We could fly across the world, investigate new planets,

'begin to crack our own genetic code.

'But, no matter what science sought, our challenge remained the same -

'to accept what it meant to be human.

'To embrace our strengths, our weaknesses, our dreams.'

Walk, don't run.

Another letter from Hong Kong.

Don't you think you should open it?

And be late for clinic, incurring the wrath of Sister Ursula?

Have you lost your marbles, Busby?

-Two minutes, Pats, to read the letter. That's all.

-In which time,

I could have taken a patient's temperature or blood pressure.

I spoke with the Mother House.

Sister Mary Cynthia recuperates well.

Oh, I had planned to telephone myself.

Now there's no need.

Shall we make this the last?

I beg your pardon?

None of us can truly spare the time for arranging them.

Don't you agree?

Sweeties!

Pink ticket, number 16, please. Mrs Reed.

We're coming, Nurse.

You go on, love. You've got work. I'll manage from here.

She's in good hands, Mr Reed.

Your pocket.

Unlike your sisters, I won't indulge you.

Bonbons. Now.

We don't appear to have your full notes. Where were you before?

We were Whitechapel, Nurse. Dr Treneman on Alderman Row.

And this is your first pregnancy?

It is. My only baby.

Let's see how baby's getting on. Cold hands, I'm afraid.

That's all feeling jolly good.

Now, let's have a listen to baby's heartbeat. Then blood pressure,

urine sample, and we'll book you in for a home visit.

Oh, I shan't be at home. I'm to go to St Cuthbert's for my caesarean.

We'll want to see you regularly now,

and, well, it'll save you the journey.

Never dared hope for such treatment.

I think perhaps because I'm smaller,

people think the hopes are not so great.

That's it, you're getting it now, just got to keep working it.

Imagine you're in the ring with Henry Cooper.

I'm picturing the rent man, Mum.

-Hello, love!

-George!

I'll get flour all over you.

Ah, that's no worse than what's been on me today - coal, grain and sugar.

It's a good one today.

Same tomorrow - big ships coming in all week.

-Oh!

-I did well with this one, didn't I, Mum?

You both done well.

Come on then, Mister. We're waiting for you.

But pregnancy for a woman with achondroplasia is quite risky.

How can Mrs Reed not be aware of that?

I don't know, Doctor.

But she's definitely been booked in for a caesarean so, well, someone

must have discussed the potential problems of a vaginal birth.

The size of the pelvis is an obvious one,

-but there are others, and she should be aware of them.

-It's normally

wonderful seeing a mother brimming over with excitement.

In this case, it unsettles me.

Let me do a bit of digging.

Once we've seen the notes, we'll know what she knows,

and then we can work out the best way to help.

All right.

How's your father?

Pats, what did the letter say?

I haven't had the chance to read it.

-Then read it now.

-I'm trying to sleep.

Besides, if I ignore it, then it might all go away.

Why do you always make light of everything?

I know what the letter will say - "Come home."

And that will mean leaving you.

So, I'd prefer to leave it unread.

Mrs Reed's notes from Dr Treneman's surgery.

Thank you.

You look a bit better, Shelagh.

With luck, it will pass in a couple of weeks.

A year ago, I would have offered you Distaval.

A year ago, I would probably have taken it.

When I think about those poor babies born without arms or legs,

because of thalidomide...

I think about them every day.

But I think about this too, and how miraculous it is.

How lucky we are.

We ought to start telling people, really.

I'd want the children to know first.

Angela's too little to understand, but Timothy's a teenage boy.

He'll certainly understand!

Oh, Patrick!

PHONE RINGS

Nonnatus House. Midwife speaking.

Sister Winifred - Mrs Marsh is in labour.

I can't say this situation doesn't worry me.

And both parents are dwarves, so there's a high chance this baby will

be born with the same condition.

It could still be healthy.

-And it would be so loved.

-I know.

And if the genetics work out differently,

it could actually be of normal size.

-Really?

-Well, it's possible.

But it's also possible the baby will be stillborn,

or only live for hours.

And we have no way of knowing which way the dice will fall.

In which case, we must prepare Mrs Reed for every scenario.

Even the saddest.

I'll do that.

I have to.

But she's so happy!

The thought of anything going wrong will break her heart.

She already knows.

Her previous GP told her.

He also told her that she should terminate the pregnancy.

Here, Val! They're saying it's going to be today. The baby.

Make sure you pop by later, there'll be a drink on the bar for you.

All the luck to you, George.

Oh, Jessie, you're nearly there.

OK, Jessie.

Let's just take some slow breaths. Slow your breathing right down.

We're very close now.

Now, just one very gentle push, and we should see baby's head.

Perfect, absolutely perfect. And pant for me.

That's it, that's it.

Now another push for the shoulders.

I know you're exhausted, but I know you have the strength, Jessie.

Dig deep for it now and push for baby.

Well done! Well done! Baby's coming!

Ah, hear that, Jessie?

It's a little boy, Jessie.

BABY CRIES

Hello, my little one.

George and me agreed Bobby for a boy, after Dad.

George Marsh?

Are you ready for your smallpox vaccination?

Here, ain't you got something smaller?

Oh, George, don't be a baby.

Talking of which - I hear your wife's in labour.

Ow! Here, that was crafty.

It's called distraction.

Off you go. And good luck to you and Jessie.

Arthur Pilbury?

Hello.

If you'd roll your sleeve up and relax your arm.

Mrs Reed, we have your notes from Dr Treneman.

We know you understand the risks associated with your pregnancy.

All I want is to be able to help with what may lie ahead.

I wanted this baby for so long.

No-one ever thought I'd be able to fall, never mind carry.

They were wrong, Nurse. Why can't they be wrong now?

I so very, very much hope that they are.

But I have a duty to care for you as much as for baby,

and part of that's trying to prepare you.

I can feel my baby.

He kicks and wriggles when we sing to him.

He's my little miracle, Nurse.

Don't ask me to give up, because I won't.

I can't.

Here, I got it, Arthur. You rest now.

I don't have the lungs for this game no more.

Oh!

ALARM BLARES

Telephone for an ambulance and the fire brigade. Hurry!

Nurse, over here. Nurse, help this man.

Fetch fresh water and blankets.

We've only got the piped river water, Nurse.

I need clean water.

SHE WHISTLES

Go to the pub, fetch water. Fill the kegs. Hurry.

Well, don't just stand there - go with him.

Valerie Dyer. I'm a nurse. Queen Alexandra's. Army Corps.

Tell me what you need.

We need to get these men away from the building

and check them for smoke damage and burns.

I need everyone away from the building!

All right, now, deep breaths, nice and easy. Let's get you sat down.

Come and sit down.

Pump. Get the water in there now.

Through the grates, through the doors, flood it.

Can't breathe.

It's the smoke. Try not to panic. Slow, deep breaths.

Arthur Pilbury and George Marsh - they're still in there.

Oh, Lord, no.

I'm coming with you.

Look, the fire's only just out.

The bloody wiring must've caused this. It'll still be dangerous.

I'm coming with you.

So am I.

Here!

There!

HELP! HELP!

It's all right, George. We're here now.

It's Mrs Turner. I'm here with Miss Dyer.

You know me, George, Val from the pub.

Val. Val, what's happened to me?

Let him go now, George. Let me try to help Arthur.

Arthur? Arthur, can you hear me?

All right there, George. We'll get you out as soon as we can.

Me eyes. Me eyes, w...what's wrong with them?

Don't touch them, George.

-You got fresh water?

-There's none down here.

Help me, I...I can't see.

This man needs clean water, and he needs it now.

It's just a warehouse. We're not equipped.

Here's a Thermos. There's water in it.

Come on, Arthur, breathe.

Lean back, I've got you.

-I got you!

-Breathe, Arthur, breathe.

-Lean back into me.

That's it.

HE PANTS

-All right.

-Come on, Arthur.

I can't see. I can't see nothing.

-You're going to be fine, George.

-W...why can't I see?

The doctor will be here soon.

Here! Your Jessie might have had her baby by now.

We've got a book running at the Black Sail -

we all reckon it's going to be a girl.

-Do you?

-Yeah, most definitely.

Or a boy.

Each way, then!

Each way. That's the stuff.

Arthur, come on, breathe.

Don't leave me.

Leave my best customer?

I'm right here, George.

I'm right here.

This isn't too deep.

But you must have been in shock, if you didn't feel it.

All I could think of was trying to help those men.

There was nothing of any use at all there!

No first aid-box, no water, nothing.

At least there was us. And our training.

Wait till I tell my mum I've been in here!

When I was little, me and my sisters used to watch the Nonnatuns

arriving on their bikes with the big black bags on the back.

And then we'd hear that Mrs Mahoney, or Mrs Blewitt,

or Cousin Peg had had a little boy or girl.

We thought you brought the baby in the bag!

Yes, they keep them in that cupboard over there.

Where have you been nursing since you left the Army, Miss Dyer?

I haven't.

I wanted to come home,

and home's quite a nice place to be while I decide what's next.

I'm not that good at sitting with my feet up, though.

That's how I came to be pulling pints in my auntie's pub today.

It's extremely fortunate that you were.

It was awful.

You think you'd get used to the sound of men yelling,

but you never do.

I'm so sorry, Mrs Marsh.

His sight, it...

It will come back, won't it?

George has deep burns to his eyes.

BABY CRIES

I fell in love with those eyes.

It's too much for her, Dr Turner.

You know, she's only just had the baby.

Can you give her something to help her?

Mum, no, I don't want to take nothing.

I just want to know - will he see again?

We have to be very patient.

We have to wait for the swelling to come down, and then we'll know more.

He's been living for Bobby.

You'll pull him through, won't you? He's got to see you.

He's got to.

..bless, O Father, thy gifts to our use,

and us to thy service,

for Christ's sake. Amen.

Amen.

It has been a turbulent day. Let us restore ourselves.

I had meant to broach this at a later date,

but it appears an opportune moment to do so now.

During my time here, I have been struck by the lengths you go to

for your patients, above and beyond.

No request is too great a trouble.

You are ceaseless in your well-meaning involvement.

But you are encouraging dependencies which cannot be supported.

We have more patients and less staff, and we must see ourselves

as resources to be used sparingly.

You are midwives and nurses, not maids and nannies.

We are whatever is needed.

But don't you see? You will now be what is needed most -

providers of efficient health care and midwifery services.

"Now I am become Death, the destroyer of worlds."

Just as our approach must change,

so must our way of organising Nonnatus House.

There is to be no fat on the lamb.

We are to become a hub of energy and activity,

fit for the challenges of the modern world.

Those who do not earn their place must find another,

or there will be professional consequences.

And Nurse Gilbert, second call.

Up and at 'em, ladies. We've a full day ahead of us.

I would like to take Mrs Marsh to see her husband,

if he's up to visitors, but it would mean my swapping with Mrs Henderson.

That's fine. I can take care of Mrs Henderson.

It's been made more than clear that we should provide only care

that is strictly necessary, and then within an appointment.

I'm afraid your request strays into the land of extra-curricular.

And travel visas there have been cancelled.

Mr Marsh has been through a terrible trauma.

I'm quite sure that a visit from his wife is exactly what's needed,

to lift his spirits with news of his son.

We can still maintain compassion, even with efficiency.

I'm not sure I heard you correctly, Sister Winifred.

I'm a trifle deaf these days.

KNOCK AT DOOR

Midwife calling.

Mrs Reed. How are we today?

Oh, you know, still breathless, and I feel ever so big now.

I'll make us coffee, and while I do, I'd like you to look through these.

A little light reading. We recommend it for all our mothers-to-be.

But...

Nurse Mount, you made it sound as if I shouldn't hope.

We can offer no promises,

nothing to outweigh those with greater knowledge,

but at this moment, you are an expectant mother.

I think in all my talk of duty, perhaps I forgot to speak of joy.

I keep thinking how much worse this could have been.

You're such a catastrophist! But you're also a doctor,

and you know what it's like when help is needed - you just jump in.

He would have got even more involved than you, Mum!

Probably ended up fried to a crisp.

Patrick?

Now?

Best done when we're all together as a family.

Mum, the fact that your biscuit intake has rocketed,

you turn green at the mention of sardines, and Dad won't even

let you pick up a teapot, leads me to only one conclusion,

as does the embarrassed looks on your faces.

Angela and I are getting a baby sister or brother, aren't we?

Yes.

Yes, we are.

Good. And I don't want to know any other details.

-Mr Marsh, please.

-He's just over there.

George!

Jessie?

I'm here. I'm here, love. I'm here.

We got a son.

Bobby.

He's the spit of you already.

He's so beautiful.

Look, talk to the doctors, will you?

Cos the nurses ain't making no sense to me.

They're saying they don't know if me sight will come back.

Mr Marsh, I'm Sister Winifred from Nonnatus House.

I had the honour of delivering your beautiful little boy.

Well, when am I going to see again?

The doctors have said that once the swelling has gone down,

they'll be in a better position to understand.

That's not telling me nothing. Am I going to be blind?

Your eyes must be given the chance to heal.

George, we got a baby boy. Just think of him.

Without me sight, I've got nothing.

Still can't get your plaster wet, Mum?

I believe the authorities look unfavourably on child labour.

Oh, didn't I say? I'm a slow healer.

I've been thinking - if the baby's another girl, I might move out.

I might come with you. If I stay, I'll be outnumbered.

It's from the Coroner's Court.

There's to be an inquest into the death of Arthur Pilbury.

They want me to act as a witness.

I'm glad they're investigating.

Always good to make these things a matter of record.

There's no need be nervous, Shelagh.

I suppose not.

Perhaps I can make the coroner see what should be done for the future.

That's my girl.

They want George to speak up at court for Arthur.

Oh, well, that could spur him on, don't you think?

I can't say, Mum.

They was always close, him and Arthur.

He gets so tired.

We're still early days, ain't we?

I wish I could bring something in for you.

I feel I'm just making it harder.

None of that talk now. We couldn't manage without you.

We'll just have to bake more bread.

George will be back on his feet, and it'll be like normal.

Only better, cos we've got this little one.

It's like a jumping bean. I call it the morning shuffle.

Now, you're sure you're managing?

Your lungs are probably quite restricted by now.

-I'm breathless all right.

-We can ask for a home help.

No, I've got Derek. He's a whizz in a pinny.

Well, don't be brave and struggle on.

It's no struggle, Nurse. Not this little miracle.

How's our patient?

Your wife is a model mother-to-be.

Would you like to hear baby?

Sorry, do excuse me.

My word - back up to your birth weight in just a week.

Bravo, little one.

There's still no change, with George?

He says it's like being buried alive.

You mustn't give up.

It's not me who's given up.

This is the dark before the dawn, but there is always a dawn.

I think someone might have been listening to me "upstairs."

Shall I top up the meter?

No. We can manage.

Jessie?

We're just a bit short, that's all, without George's wage.

One wonders what is left to clean.

You startled me.

Indeed.

For you are close to what magicians call a hypnotic state.

It really is just cleaning.

Sister Monica Joan, is there something I can help you with?

I've committed a crime - I read your letter.

There comes a time when even the songbird

must return to its nest to hear the tune its parents sang.

He's dying.

I can't make him better.

You can ease him on his way.

I'm good at my job.

Very good at it.

I know how to look after my patients.

All of this - Nonnatus, Poplar.

Terribly good at all of it.

But losing someone?

Nope.

Not good at that at all.

We only fail when we do not try.

Now, are you sure you don't want me to wait with you?

Derek, I'll be fine. Go! Finish adapting the pram.

Sorry, after you.

Here we are, Mr Marsh - what a lovely welcome party for you.

Hello, George, love.

Jess.

There's someone else here for you, George. Bobby's here.

This is your daddy.

No. No, not like this.

He shouldn't be in a place like this.

Get him out of here!

What, you want to torture me a bit more, do you?

I brought him cos he's your son, and I thought he'd give you hope.

I can't see him, Jess! He's a stranger to me.

You think that's how I want him to know me?

I won't be a father like this, Jessie. Not like this.

And I want to be a mother like this?

On my own, unable to sleep at night for worrying

if you're suffering, if you're frightened.

I don't want it this way,

but my God, I'll make the best of it if I have to.

Cos you're alive, and I'll take you deaf, broke, or blind.

You know how much this meant to me today, bringing Bobby to you?

Bye, love.

Don't you know me yet?

I love the bones of you.

The very heart of you, George.

As I was saying, ladies...

Ladies?

SHE CLEARS THROAT

If we might continue.

For nearly nine months, you've each been providing

full bed and board for baby.

Excuse me, Nurse Gilbert, might I be excused to the little girls' room?

Oh, of course.

As I was saying, birth is a little like bank holiday weather -

you're never quite sure what you'll get.

Sister? Are you going on a picnic?

I'm not saying I wouldn't be tempted by a jam sandwich,

or a pickled onion one,

but Mrs Marsh is struggling without her husband's wage.

This is for her.

There's a packet of Rich Tea on the lower shelf, tucked away.

Biscuits are always welcome in a crisis - people drink so much tea.

Sisters. We must husband our resources carefully.

Who is to say that greater troubles will not come tomorrow?

Sister Ursula, we have always helped our neighbours where we can.

And the people in this district ARE our neighbours,

not objects of charity or pity.

They are the first to give to us when they have flowers,

or fruit, or vegetables to spare.

Be that as it may,

we cannot create the expectation of personal support at every turn.

We are here to nurse our patients, not to nanny them.

Yes, Sister.

I do not wish to be forced to discipline anyone...

..and I'm sure Sister Winifred will not waste her time again

by accompanying patients on visits to the hospital.

Jessie Marsh has just had a baby.

Her mother has arthritis. There was no-one else who could take her.

This is a close-knit community. Somebody else could have been found,

and you could have continued with your duties.

No matter what she says, this isn't the way we do things.

No, it is not.

Hello, Fred. Have you any spare carrots or maybe some potatoes?

That's a very personal question, but, yes.

We're collecting for a patient. Discreetly collecting.

You look fatigued.

I rather needed some air.

This is the Anschluss of Nonnatus,

and we must simply sit it out and wait for Churchill.

Now, of course, at the hospital,

Nurse will provide you with sanitary napkins,

breastpads, and clothes for baby.

He's got nothing to be showing off for.

THEY LAUGH

But your case must contain all that you will need for lying in.

And of course, not only your outfit for coming home,

but also baby's travelling outfit.

Do we have any seamstresses or tailors in our ranks today?

I'm a seamstress. I make all my clothes, and my husband's.

Well, I'm no expert in the world of couture,

seeing as I wear my uniform most days,

but am I right that the correct outfit is as important

as the event one is wearing it to?

I should say so.

Well, there you have it, from one who knows.

Did you make your dress?

Oh, I'd love to have something in that colour,

after the baby, of course.

Are you on the telephone?

I am. Poplar 232.

What's all this?

We had a little extra in our harvest,

and none of us could bear it going to waste.

We don't need charity.

We do, love.

It's not forever, and there's no shame in it.

Just to tide us over, then.

They were such a lovely bunch, Derek.

I'd so love to have them here one day - perhaps for a coffee morning.

Probably wouldn't want to come, would they?

It would be a trek for them.

You're not finishing the pram first?

The pram doesn't earn me money. Repairing the clock does.

Derek, we need the pram ready.

No, we don't!

We're in cloud-cuckoo-land.

I'm scared if you go into that hospital, then you won't come out.

Neither of you.

Shelagh, don't make yourself ill with anxiety about this.

I'm just afraid I won't remember everything.

Things moved so fast during the accident.

Your nerve didn't fail you then, and it won't fail you today.

Hold the line, Mrs Reed.

Yes, I've got your details here.

I will telephone the hospital and an ambulance will collect you,

and your surgery will be brought forward.

Stay perfectly calm. There's nothing to be upset about.

Hello, Mrs Turner. You look nice.

Oh, thank you.

Nervous, but nice.

I didn't know what to wear. I only ever gave evidence once before,

but it was an Army inquiry, so I just wore a uniform.

I'm glad I had shoes and a blouse to fuss about.

It took my mind off things - all the questions they might ask,

and all the answers I wanted to give

were going round and round inside my head.

Mine too.

You just want to get it right, don't you?

For the sake of the victims.

Yes.

George Marsh and Arthur Pilbury deserve better.

They weren't soldiers going into battle - they were men doing a job.

And it could've been avoided.

Mrs Shelagh Turner.

Your turn. Do your best for them.

Mrs Berry - a boy!

Oh, thank the Lord, she was two weeks overdue.

And Mrs Reed - oh, poor thing, early labour.

I'm sorry, did you say Mrs Reed?

It seems her surgery's been brought forward.

I'll go to her at once.

Nurse Mount...

I'm not letting her go through this alone.

Sister Ursula has been perfectly clear - there will be consequences.

Consequences be damned. Mrs Reed is my patient.

If I've learned one thing from Nonnatus, from you,

it's that we do what's right for our patient.

Good on her.

This woman is a primigravida with achondroplasia.

Her pelvic abnormalities bar a vaginal delivery,

thus a caesarean section is necessary.

Labour has begun at 37 weeks,

therefore we must proceed immediately and get her to theatre.

Bring her in.

I'm sorry about that, Mrs Reed.

I'll be with you in the operating theatre.

Mrs Reed?

You only have a moment.

I don't want to lose my baby.

Everyone will do all they can for you and baby.

I haven't got my case - it was all so quick.

The midwife said they'd telephone Derek, but he isn't here.

Leave it all with me.

Mr Marsh, unable to see, was in great distress.

All the while, I attempted to revive Mr Pilbury,

though very sadly it was too late by the time we got to the men.

I'm so sorry, Mrs Pilbury.

You are here to address me, Mrs Turner, nobody else.

Thank you. We're appreciative of your time.

Sir, if I might be permitted.

What we found at the dock was

a dreadful lack of anything that could have helped.

Not even the basics of fresh running water

for burns, or wound cleaning.

Thank you, Mrs Turner.

Had there been a register, we would have known where

Arthur Pilbury was. Perhaps he could have been helped sooner.

We are concerned only with the cause of the accident.

Should you not be concerned with those living with its impact?

You are free to leave.

Where is Nurse Mount?

Where she is needed.

I told you not to make yourself ill.

I'm not ill! I'm just tired.

And angry.

Still?

I did my best. I know that.

And so did Valerie Dyer.

But our best is worthless, because it won't change anything.

FOOTSTEPS

Jessie?

How are you, my love? Oh, it's good to see you.

Mr Reed? I'm Reverend Hereward.

Nurse Mount thought you might like some company while you wait.

Will you bless our baby?

Every doctor makes it sound so...inevitable.

Well, I'll do whatever you need me to do, Mr Reed, but

I've always found that by trusting in God, nothing is inevitable.

Feels like I can smell each tea leaf.

It was good of you to come, Mrs Turner.

I never thanked you, for what you did for me and Arthur that day.

You don't need to thank me.

They don't know yet, about me eyes, when the dressings come off,

but they say without the water you had on you,

well, it gives me a chance I wouldn't have had.

Then help me.

Come to the Coroner's Court.

Tell them that men like you should be protected.

Stand up like this?

No. Never.

Tell them what this accident has done to you, to Arthur.

We tried, and couldn't save him, but now we need to fight for him.

I must know - is baby all right?

I don't know, Pats. The paediatrician took it straight away.

Sir?

Do excuse me, I'm Nurse Mount, Mrs Reed's district midwife.

I ask that I be allowed to break the news to Mrs Reed.

Mrs Reed...

you have a daughter.

Yes. Yes, Penny. Your baby is well.

But...but they said she'd suffer.

No, no, Penny, she's...

Forgive the term - she's "normal" sized.

Don't you mean "big"?

-Congratulations, Mr Reed.

-Thank you.

Thank you.

What if we can't manage her?

What if she can't bear that we're dwarves?

Mrs Reed, I'm not a mother,

but I know what it is to be a child and to be afraid.

I grew up in a prisoner of war camp, you see.

Oh.

And, through all of it,

the only thing I was truly afraid of was losing my mother.

The one who loved me beyond all fear and all horror.

So do not doubt how much your child will love you,

or how little she will see of the things that worry you.

What happened?

She died.

Along with my sister.

And your father?

He survived.

But I think I was so afraid of loss, I...

I closed my heart to him.

The Mount residence. Who is speaking, please?

It's Patsy.

Miss Mount? Oh, you are all your father asks for.

Nurse Mount, may I have a few moments of your time?

Of course, Sister Ursula.

I made it clear, did I not,

that there would be consequences should you disregard my orders?

Yes. You made it very clear.

And you paid no heed. I thought you more responsible than that.

And a better nurse.

I'm trying to be the best nurse and person I can be, Sister.

Well, I find myself obliged to dock your wages.

You can spare yourself the trouble.

A refund for the time I spent with Penny Reed.

I came to Nonnatus House precisely because

I wanted to go above and beyond for my patients,

to be where I was needed most.

And right now, it seems I'm needed elsewhere.

In Hong Kong. With my dying father.

When will you go?

As soon as I can get passage from Southampton.

You've made the bravest, most caring decision that you could.

I'm proud of you, Pats.

How will we manage it?

You and I?

How will we survive the distance, and the time apart?

We'll do what everyone else does.

We'll write.

We'll wait.

We'll love.

If Mr Marsh is not here within the next few minutes,

we will move on to the next witness.

Bravo, George.

Help me up, Mrs Turner.

The chair would be easier.

I'm walking in.

Jessie?

I'm here.

I recognised your perfume.

Jessie, I... I'm sorry.

See Mr Marsh is helped to the stand.

I can't. I can't hold her.

My arms are too short.

You've carried this baby for nine months. You can hold her now.

That's it. You have her safe. You have her.

Oh, my.

Oh, my.

Where did you come from? So perfect, so beautiful.

Nurse, we're observing Mrs Reed.

Mr Simkins delivered baby yesterday...

Not today.

Mrs Reed is not a specimen, she's a mother.

Let her have this moment in private.

I'll tell Mr Simkins about this.

Is she really ours?

I've come from the court.

The verdict's in?

Arthur's death is recorded as an accident.

Accident waiting to happen, more like.

But the coroner is writing to the port authority, recommending that

there should be fresh water stations on every dock, a register of men

so their whereabouts are known,

and there will be protective eyewear for anyone working with

chemicals or flammable substances.

You did it, Mrs Turner! You made them listen.

George did it.

This is it, then.

Anything?

I got nothing, Doc.

But we got everything else.

Well, little one, you're on fine form,

bright eyed and gaining weight.

I shall follow your progress from Hong Kong with interest.

I said she'd grown.

That's the spirit, Bella.

What if she outgrows us?

We never really outgrow our parents, we just think we do.

But what if she thinks us peculiar next to all the others?

Sometimes we have to stop wondering and worrying,

and we simply have to do what scares us most.

I love you.

I can't do this.

You have to.

Your carriage has arrived. I'll grab your bag.

Goodbye. Safe journey.

-Oh, goodbye!

-Thank you.

Bye, old thing.

(I love you.)

Godspeed!

That's it. Hold his head.

You smell like home.

He's looking at you, George. He knows you.

I love you, little Bobby.

This is us now, all right? And we will manage.

And we will be grateful.

Keeping up with your Spanish?

I like to chip away at a little every day.

Keeps me occupied, prevents the mind becoming rusty.

I might take it up myself.

If I may quote a poem.

"For love of you, the air, it hurts, and my heart, and my hat,

"they hurt me.

"Who would buy it from me, this ribbon I am holding,

"and this sadness of cotton, white, for making handkerchiefs with?

"Ay, the pain it costs me to love you as I love you."

Not my words, but those of Garcia Lorca.

I'm not one for Spanish poetry - give me Tennyson any day -

but I find his words move me.

I have a volume of his poems in English,

if you should care to borrow it.

And, if I may...

..the pain it costs to love,

I believe it is always worth it.

I'll leave the volume by your door.

If we might put a two-week limit on the loan, I should appreciate it.

# Love letters straight from your heart

# Keep us so near while apart... #

'However great the scale of injury or loss,

'our frailties and pains are made bearable by others,

'their thoughts, their deeds, their reaching out.

'Their love and our endurance make us human and complete.'

Welcome home, Nurse Franklin. I'm afraid I need you to man the phone.

Me and the baby, stuck in here for 30 days,

with me mother-in-law looking after us.

You don't sound terribly keen.

They're trying to close us down.

We're to be inspected, apparently, and then they decide our fate.

Nonnatus House will not carry slackers, Nurse Gilbert.

I am not certain that Sister Ursula is fit

to be making these decisions.

What's the matter?

# Love letters straight from your heart

# I memorise every line. #