Episode 8 Call the Midwife

'Our future can never be wholly known to us.

'Our present, like an arrow, can point the way ahead...

'..but we never know where it will land,

'or what will be waiting for us as we fall to Earth.'

Nothing from Hong Kong?

No. Not yet.

SHE EXHALES

I shall not partake of crumpets.

They are too multicellular, and too spongiform.

And, in this case, they are too cold.

They've only just been toasted.

Grace was said betwixt their toasting and their presentation.

And it was a very long grace,

comprised almost entirely of unnecessary pauses.

I was told today that the Family Contraceptive Clinics were launching

district clinics in an attempt to cut down waiting lists.

I hope there's going to be one in our clinic.

We're going to get one in our Community Centre.

On Tuesday afternoons, in the small room at the back.

It's been suggested that patients use the side door.

But the unmarried mothers use the side door.

Why can't everyone come in at the front?

They're just women, not criminals.

I don't think you need to use quite such strong terms, Nurse Dyer.

I'm sorry, Sister.

Everyone coming to that clinic is married, or about to be.

Those are the rules.

So why should they be made to feel ashamed, or even embarrassed?

Men have been buying contraception from the barber's for years,

apparently.

A short back and sides and then, "something for the weekend."

Women should be able to take care of their health

in exactly the same way.

"I'll have a perm and the contraceptive pill."

LAUGHTER

I shall be assisting the doctor for the first few weeks,

so I will have the chance to make up my own opinion on such matters.

You seem very engrossed in your letter, Nurse Gilbert.

My father has been given a missionary posting.

Ooh!

He'll be passing through London on his way to New Guinea.

Your distress is not without foundation.

There are tales of missionaries served for luncheon in those climes,

and evidence that suggests that they are not apocryphal.

That's not why I'm upset, Sister Monica Joan.

I'm upset because he's going for three years.

There's a lot to be done in New Guinea.

And I don't want to stand in the way of that, or him.

That would be so wrong and so selfish.

But ever since I was a child, ever since I knew what love meant,

I wanted him to be the one who conducted my wedding.

I knew it, too. From the moment I met him.

Tom, we weren't even engaged then.

Other girls always seemed to dream about veils and white dresses.

I just dreamed about him standing there, waiting for me at the altar.

Ready to hand me over to a man whose face I couldn't see.

And now...

I know exactly who that man is.

But my father isn't there

because he's going to be 8,000 miles away for three years.

I don't want to wait three years, Barbara.

Nor do I.

What are we going to do?

I'm not at all content about there being a separate entrance for

the Family Contraceptive Clinic.

I'm not terribly keen either, but it's what the FCC have asked for.

Confidentiality is paramount, apparently.

Properly kept records are paramount!

And we'll have women running in round the side for contraception

then strolling through the middle corridor for their

clinic appointments without anyone booking them in.

There's hardly going to be hordes of patients going direct from

Family Planning to Antenatal.

I was talking about mothers bringing babies to the clinic.

And your role as Acting Sister doesn't entitle you to be facetious.

Please be advised that I'm not taking this personally, Nurse Crane.

Mrs Turner's clearly at the mercy of her hormones.

Could I prevail upon you to join me in the kitchen?

I'd like your opinion on a mother who's not doing what she ought.

Oh, hello, Wilma.

What can I do for you today?

I'd like a set of brass buttons,

with an anchor detail, if you got 'em, please.

Planning on running away to sea?

No, thanks! I once got sick on a pedalo at Margate.

But I am sprucing up my navy two-piece

because, as of tomorrow, I am back at work.

Gail's nearly one now and my sister Freda's going to have her.

And Debbie and Denise are both at school.

Well, fingers crossed that

Mother Nature doesn't give you another surprise.

There'll be no surprises for me, I've got everything in hand.

Can I leave these leaflets on your counter?

I'm going to be a corsetiere at Constanza.

Ooh! Constanza's a very superior brand!

Are you all right, Mrs Buckle?

I just got a bit hot and bothered sorting out my mohair two ply.

Is it the change of life?

Constanza have a corset for that - page three of the leaflet.

It's all referenced in delicate terms.

As the nurse assures me that your blood pressure

and other checks are in order, I'm pleased to say

that you'll be leaving this room with a packet of these.

I can't wait to see the back of my contraceptive douche.

Filling the cylinder with soapy water, then all that swilling.

This system is altogether simpler, Mrs Goddens.

They don't look much different to aspirin, do they?

When you think what they can do.

The most important thing to remember

is that this drug is only effective against pregnancy

if taken every single day without fail,

not just before or after sexual intercourse.

I know that.

I looked it up in the library.

In more than one book, too.

I knew there was no chance of my husband coming in -

I don't think he's been in the library in his life.

Your husband isn't aware you'll be using contraception?

My Trevor's a man's man, Doctor.

I think he's still hoping I'll give him a son.

Is it like opening a bank account? Do I need his permission?

You don't even need his knowledge, Mrs Goddens.

It's your body and they will be your pills.

I'll keep them in my handbag. He'd never dare go in there.

Tea and a Marie biscuit, just like everyone else.

Now, why haven't you been to any classes?

Because I'm a midwife?

According to your notes,

you've still not decided whether to give birth in hospital,

the maternity home, or your own bed.

I've been so busy.

And when I looked into the clinic records -

the records, I might add, that you're so particular about -

you've missed three routine check-ups in as many weeks.

I'm expecting a baby, I'm not ill.

I swear, I've never felt better.

And I'll warrant you've never felt more scared.

Oh, lass.

I've watched women becoming mothers for nigh on 30 years,

and midwife or not, you're no different from the rest.

It's time to give in,

and to give up work.

But once I stop, I won't know where to start.

Start by deciding where you're going to have this baby.

Then, unless you settle on the hospital,

which one of us you want to have deliver it.

It's one of the very few perks of our trade,

and not one we all get to take advantage of.

I'm fetching my hat, my coat and my bag.

I'm going home right now.

-Will you tell Doctor Turner?

-Yes.

And he'll be as pleased as I am.

Thank you, Phyllis. You've been a real friend.

MUSIC ON RADIO

CHEERING

This really is the loveliest, most exciting news.

You've got your work cut out,

getting a wedding together in just three weeks.

I promise you, it's all going to be as simple as we can make it.

But Barbara's father can marry us before he sets sail,

and that's the thing that matters most.

I'm sure we could have asked Fred to come and do this for us.

No, no. It'll help me to get match-fit before the baby comes.

Besides, I like this new fashion for doing-it-yourself.

It feels as though we're christening the house.

I think the best way of christening the house

would be to have the baby here.

Here? What if something goes wrong?

No, I'd be a lot happier if you went to the maternity home

as soon as you go into labour.

And I'd be much happier here,

in my own home, in my own bed,

with one beautiful wall of patterned paper behind it.

Patrick, I've made up my mind.

I'm out of bread for sandwiches tomorrow, Trevor,

and I've got a corsetry customer first thing in the morning.

Will you take some of that leftover corned beef hash?

Not cold. I don't get hungry till half past 12.

You could bring me some sandwiches then.

You don't half look beautiful, Wilma.

I'm doing something I enjoy.

And I've started wearing make-up again.

We had to have a grooming class before they gave us

our Constanza badges.

You look beautiful.

Like you did when we were young,

when we used to get up to no good on this settee,

when it was still in your grandma's house.

First payday I get, I'm going to replace this monstrosity.

My grandad died on it,

and every time the wind blows the wrong way, I'm reminded.

LAUGHTER

I reckon this one, Babs.

You don't get many opportunities in life to wear a train.

Oh, Delia! I'd look like a bride in a pantomime!

I just want something plain, simple and straight.

Oh, there's absolutely no chance of that

if you insist on using a commercial pattern.

Ever since the Duchess of Kent got married,

every girl that gets spliced has been dragging around

six feet of lace with a tulle overlay behind them.

I've no choice but to use a commercial pattern, Trixie.

All the other dressmakers are busy, so I'm having to make my own outfit.

Oh, my Auntie Jean's a seamstress at De Laine Home Furnishings.

But if we let her loose, Barbara will be coming down the aisle

in a pair of curtains and a pelmet.

-What about...?

-Oh, that is nice.

I ain't saying it's turned nippy all of a sudden,

but I ain't half glad I'm not a brass monkey.

Feel them! Bloomin' freezing!

Oh, leave them there.

You ain't half warm, Vi, ain't a touch of the flu, is it?

No, Fred. It isn't!

In case anyone is unaware,

Nurse Franklin has been summoned to her secondment at St Cuthbert's

three days early.

Lovely for Female Medical, not so good for us.

I'm afraid there's been an outbreak of impetigo in Lisbon Buildings.

It's one glad tidings after another, this morning.

So, Sister Winifred, the booking-in list,

Nurse Dyer, the postnatal round,

Nurse Gilbert, district nursing for you this week.

We've bedsores, diabetes and haemorrhoids

the length of the commercial road.

I thought sending you down that way

-would help you fit in your bridal errands.

-Oh!

Good morning! I've brought today's insulin.

And as soon as I've handed it over...

I'm officially off work until further notice.

Meanwhile, Nurse Crane reminded me that, as a midwife,

I can choose which colleague I'd like to deliver my baby.

And after a great deal of thought, I've chosen...

Sister Julienne.

Oh, my dear!

Is that all right?

Oh, yes.

Oh, thank you.

MUSIC: I've Told Every Little Star by Linda Scott

# Why haven't I told you?

# Oh, baby, I've told every little star

# Just how sweet I think you are

# Why haven't you told me? #

We'll have 30 people at the reception, or 29,

if my sister goes into labour and can't come.

When I spoke to your father he thanked me for doing it quickly

and quietly because of the money he'll save.

In fact, he said we were perfectly welcome to elope.

He's never been well-off,

but I suppose that's part of having a vocation.

I remember once, when I was little,

the fair came to the bombsite opposite the church.

I begged him to take me, and in the end he said I could have one ride.

I can still see him reaching into his pocket for that sixpence.

It was the first time I noticed that his trousers were shabby.

And then he lifted me up onto

the most beautiful horse on the carousel,

and he stood and he waved and watched as I went round.

You've never told me that.

No.

I suppose the day will come when we've told one another everything

and we won't have anything new to say

because one way or another we've shared everything that matters.

-I hope so.

-So do I.

And in the spirit of full and frank disclosure,

please be aware that I am now booked into

the Family Contraceptive Clinic,

and all measures will be in place by our wedding night.

Excess perspiration is often a problem for ladies undergoing the change of life.

Constanza have a wonderful range of perforated corsets

which allow moisture to escape and evaporate naturally.

This reduces body temperature and preserves intimate freshness.

Well, you're a convincing saleswoman, Wilma,

I'll give you that.

I've achieved the highest sales in the East London area

in the past fortnight.

My commission payment's already on its way.

Oh!

You all right, Wilma?

I must've pulled a muscle in my leg.

I walk miles every day, I'm that busy.

Oh, Nurse Crane?

This had better be more important than

the protein I've just found in Mrs Kyriakou's urine.

Oh, I'm not sure it is.

But I have an appointment in a minute in the back room.

May I be excused?

You may be excused when you've put your patients first

and worked your way through that weighing queue!

I have an appointment, Sister Julienne,

with the Family Planning doctor.

I would've been here ten minutes ago,

but Nurse Crane was cracking the whip.

I'm not sure what's wrong with her today.

At times of great happiness, Nurse Gilbert,

it is sometimes as well to remember

that others may be ploughing a less congenial path.

Do sit down.

Being a nurse,

-you'll be familiar with anatomical terms for the body.

-Yes.

In which case, all I need to tell you

is that I'm folding the diaphragm in half, like so...

and gently inserting it into the vagina before releasing it

so that it opens out into a full cup shape

and neatly covers the cervix,

preventing sperm from entering the uterus.

Now, try not to tense your muscles.

The vagina is a surprisingly elastic organ,

as midwifery will have shown you.

Yes.

You can pop your briefs back on, sit up.

Are you leaving it in?

You need to wear it for a few hours each day,

then report back to me with regard to comfort

and the snugness of the fit.

We can go up or down a size if need be.

Don't rely on it for protection though.

Oh, we aren't getting married for a week.

How does that feel?

Marvellous.

Ooh!

Ooh!

I do feel so much calmer since I gave up work.

I think you might feel the same if you could just be my husband

and not my doctor, too.

And I think it, it might be best if you don't attend the birth.

But it never occurred to me that you wouldn't want me there.

I want you there as soon as the baby's born.

But we've been in too many delivery rooms together before today.

Solving problems, preventing disasters.

And we do prevent disasters. We're a team.

Patrick...I know that you're looking at my ankles

and thinking that they're swollen.

If you're not experiencing headaches and there's no sign of proteinuria,

then it could just be the normal odoema of late pregnancy.

See? The minute you look at me, you go to work.

No.

The minute I look at you, I'll give you everything you ask for.

Phyllis, I need to talk to you.

I'm sorry, Barbara, but I've a long list of things to do this evening

and these exercises loom large on it.

You do a lot of favours for people, Phyllis,

and I'm afraid I'm about to ask you for another one.

Is it about the wedding?

Yes, it is.

And what I want to ask you is this, Phyllis -

will you be my bridesmaid?

Your-your bridesmaid?

Oh...

No. Barbara, no.

You ought to choose one of your friends.

I have chosen one of my friends.

I've chosen you.

We've been sharing a bedroom for two years, Phyllis.

Going halves on the mantelpiece and the bedside table

and taking it in turns to open the curtains and turn the light off.

And if I snore, you've never once complained, or even mentioned it.

You hardly do it on purpose.

You've taught me as much about living alongside another person

as anyone else in my life, Phyllis.

And I'm ready to move on and share everything I have with someone

who is unbelievably dear to me

and that's because you've been the very best friend I could've had.

Who's going to help me with my Spanish vocab now?

No lo se. Pero ella es muy afortunada.

I don't know, but she is going to be very lucky.

This shape settee's all the rage in Scandinavia.

I've seen Diana Dors sitting on one in Photoplay.

Diana Dors isn't Scandinavian. She's from Swindon.

For pity's sake, Trevor!

You're perched over there like Humpty Dumpty with flaming piles.

Will you get over here and sit on this new settee?

I liked the old settee.

Anyway, if you'd waited, I would've bought a new settee for you.

Why should you have to work for everything?

Cos I'm the man of the house.

I do love you, Trevor.

You aren't half old-fashioned.

There's a Babycham on the draining board, if you want it?

I don't want Babycham.

I just want you.

SHE CHUCKLES

When I heard you lived in a convent,

-I had no idea your life would be quite so...

-Entertaining?

I've been wanting to ask you something, Trixie.

And that is...

..would you agree to meet Alexandra?

Your daughter?

She's so little, Christopher.

And girls of that age are complicated creatures.

And if they're from an unhappy home, they're terribly easy to hurt.

Will you at least consider it?

Yes, I will consider it,

but I won't if I don't think I'm going to be very good for her.

Trevor! It's the epilogue!

We've both got work in the morning!

It's not such a terrible settee, really.

SHE SNORES

SNORING

Barbara?

Oh, no!

Did it not go as planned?

No.

And what's worse is I dreamed I'd finished it.

It's such a mess, Valerie.

This nylon lace has a mind of its own.

I've never seen the point of slaving away making your own clothes,

there's plenty of stuff you can buy in the shops.

The point is that it saves money.

Yeah, fair enough.

Right, miss. Bed. Now.

Before Nurse Crane wakes up

and puts in her order for her bridesmaid's dress.

We'll sort something out.

Just don't try sewing anything.

Machining that lace is like dicing with insanity.

BABY CRIES

Argh!

Thanks.

Good morning, Nurse Gilbert!

Good morning, Sister Julienne. I'm so sorry I'm late.

Nurse Dyer explained that your dress-making efforts

rather overwhelmed you.

Oh, I've decided to write to my sister

and borrow her cream two-piece that she wears for parish high days

and holidays. And a new hair band will hardly break the bank.

Banks are there to be broken on occasions such as this, lass.

And we would so very much like you to have the celebration you deserve,

that we've joined forces to provide you with the wherewithal.

In other words, we had a whip-round.

But...

We absolutely insist.

And there will be no argument.

Oh, thank you.

Oh, gosh.

Are you sure you don't want to try on a bridesmaid's dress?

I'm quite sure nobody wants to see me in ballerina-length shantung.

I shall be quite content with that boucle coat and skirt I've borrowed.

Just promise me you won't let that shop assistant in here.

If she pushes any harder for an off-the-shoulder neckline,

she'll have me to reckon with.

I've come out wearing a bra that's mended with a safety pin!

And no girdle on, either. Oh, Barbara!

I do have a favourite.

But I'm not saying which it is.

You'll need a corset under it.

I'm not buying anything that can't be worn over tights

and an elastic roll-on.

Patients and mothers at the clinic

keep giving me bootees and matinee jackets.

Oh, I could kit out an orphanage in white and lemon three ply.

Once we've seen to your checks,

I'd like to try working on some relaxation exercises.

I thought you might enjoy singing, to help you during labour.

-Singing?

-Nurse Gilbert said she'd given you

the Breathe Your Way To Serenity leaflet.

I made a list of things to do on it.

You never could sit still.

Even when you first came to us, as a postulant.

God seemed to be asking so many things of me.

I tried to do them all, even when I wasn't sure I was succeeding.

I say to myself sometimes,

"Deels, you know who you are, nobody else does.

"That doesn't matter, it's probably just as well."

But someone knew who I was once.

But it's as if she's vanished.

And because I can't reach her...

..I've just disappeared.

I'm going to get you a taxi.

I was just going to tiptoe away if you were still asleep.

Angela put a biscuit in the saucer. Pink wafer.

I could eat a pink wafer.

Oh!

Mmm.

-Am I all right to go to work today?

-Absolutely.

If there's any change in my condition, you will be informed.

-Just...

-Like any other father.

-BABY CRIES

-That's my shoe! Give it back!

Fetch your dad!

I'm sending an ambulance, Mr Goddens.

Go straight back to your flat and stay with your wife till it arrives.

No. Just go back home.

Doctor will be with you within five minutes.

SHE WHEEZES

Has she said anything about any pain in her arm?

Particularly her left arm?

Or her jaw?

No. She said her leg hurt!

But that was the other day, it wore off.

Argh!

We need to have her transferred to hospital.

What is it?

-What is it, love?

-Handbag.

She wants her handbag.

Wa-hey!

The menopause. Have you heard of it?

No.

-The change of life?

-Oh, yeah.

Well, it's driving me mad.

I've got headaches, I can't concentrate,

can't stop perspiring,

and I can't stop thinking about how things were before.

How do you mean, before?

Before this. Before now.

When I was young, and a mum,

even when we had Reggie and I became a mum to him.

And now I just don't feel like I'm anything any more.

Oh, Vi. Come here.

Side room number three, please.

I've eaten a whole packet of pink wafers

and all the pains are coming in my back.

A light snack in the first stages of labour

can actually help build up some energy.

I've said that to so many people.

I also tell them to have something nice and plain,

not gorge themselves on sugary biscuits.

Baby appears to be in a posterior position, Shelagh.

His spine is lying along your spine, which may make for a longer labour.

I knew it. I knew it before you even checked.

I've been palpating my own abdomen for weeks.

MACHINE BEEPS

Mr Goddens?

Can I go in? Can I see her?

I'm afraid your wife's still with the heart specialist.

The tests suggest she may have suffered a pulmonary embolism.

Well, what's that?

It's when a blood clot forms somewhere in the body

and travels up to the chest

and interferes with the breathing and circulation.

Well, can you operate? Can you cut it out?

We can try treating her with a blood-thinning drug called Heparin.

Do you have any children, Mr Goddens?

Three girls.

Wilma's sister's minding them.

I don't want them seeing her again.

She looks so bad I'm scared she'll scare 'em!

Mr Goddens...

..are they nearby?

SHE RETCHES

PHONE RINGS

Turner's residence.

Ah, hello! I just wondered how she was getting on?

Things are ticking over very nicely, Dr Turner.

Could I speak to her?

She's smiling and waving!

But we'll telephone if there's any news.

I'm afraid Wilma's struggling to breathe

because of the blood clot in her chest.

If we perform a procedure called a tracheotomy

we'll be able to get oxygen directly into her windpipe.

The doctor's going to bring you a consent form for you to sign.

Is there anyone else you'd like us to send for?

She was brought up a churchgoer.

Well done, well done, you're coping beautifully.

I don't feel as though I am.

You're unpacking the gas and air, aren't you?

I know the sound the catch on that case makes.

-Would you like some pethidine?

-Yes.

I thought I'd be braver than this.

This has nothing to do with bravery and more to do with common sense.

The baby's head is not sitting well on the cervix

and it's slowing things down.

Oh, please, please can I have the pethidine?

As soon as this one's over, I promise you.

We understand from speaking to Dr Turner

that Wilma went to the Family Contraceptive Clinic recently

and was prescribed the contraceptive pill?

I don't think so.

It would be useful if we knew for certain.

The specialist says that over the past year

other women taking these drugs have suffered blood clots.

They're trying to find out if there's a connection.

Why would she take contraceptives?

I wanted a son.

Our Lord Jesus Christ,

who gave commandment to the church to heal the sick,

of His great mercy make thee whole,

and by his authority committed unto me I anoint thee,

that thou mayest be healed of thy infirmities,

in the name of the Father, and of the Son and the Holy Ghost.

-Amen.

-Amen.

SHE STOPS BREATHING

SHE BREATHES

Mr Goddens and the children will have to come in soon, Tom.

There's something I have to do first.

SHELAGH GROANS

You're doing so well. Well done. That's it, just breathe.

Just breathe. There we go. There we go.

An enviable complexion, if I may say so.

You've obviously been very diligent with the cold cream.

Bit of rouge next, I think, sweetie.

And then I'll do your hair.

I'll just look in your bag to see if you brought a comb.

SHELAGH SCREAMS IN PAIN

That's it! That's it, use all of the contraction,

don't waste a moment of it.

I can't believe I used to dream of this.

It's like a nightmare.

You're doing better than you think.

-Am I?

-Yes.

And if you want to keep the pain at bay, you can always try the singing.

So many songs seem to belong to the woman I was before.

Shelagh, the religious sister.

Shelagh, who thought she'd never have a child.

And you still are all of those people.

Every woman alive is the sum of all she ever did and felt and was.

How do you know that?

I wasn't aware I did, until just now.

# Once I had a secret love

# That lived within the heart of me

# All too soon my secret love

# Became impatient to be free

# So I told a friendly star

# The way that dreamers often do

# Just how wonderful you are

# And why I'm so in love with you. #

I'd like him to come in now.

We can't be just like any other couple...because we're us.

No need to tiptoe. Mummy's quite tired, she won't wake up.

Your children are here, Wilma.

They've come for a cuddle and to say goodnight.

Breathe, Shelagh.

Gently, gently, gently.

And baby's head's born!

-Is it?

-Yes!

-Is it?

You clever girl!

It is so, so beautiful!

Sh. That's it.

You'll know when you're ready.

You have a son.

Oh!

Hello.

May the Lord bless you and keep you...

Oh, God!

..and may the Lord make His face to shine upon you...

..and give you peace.

I know you and I probably have different ideas about miracles,

but I honestly thought that's what the pill was.

And if the doctors are right, if there are issues over its safety,

then I'm suspending all belief in miracles until further notice.

I'll look in on the family at home tomorrow.

People are always in shock after a sudden death

and there's always so much organising to do.

Haven't you got a bit of organising of your own to do tomorrow?

You get married the next day.

Oh, everything seems to have fallen into place.

I shan't tell Barbara you said that.

It's funny to think it could've been you and me getting married, once.

No, Tom.

It isn't funny at all.

You and Barbara are so much better suited.

I know.

I do have high hopes for you and Christopher, though.

Do you?

It isn't straightforward.

-There's a child involved.

-Good.

Cos you're wonderful with children.

And if I didn't know that before tonight, I know it now.

I've lined up four buckets of water in the scullery.

Had I better go and fill a couple more?

It transpired you delivered the flower stall chap's youngest.

It was breech.

Plus he's my second cousin.

-What with one thing and another, we got reduced rates.

-Oh!

There she is. The focus of our attentions and our prayers.

Daddy!

-Hello.

-How do you do?

-Arthur Gilbert.

I, I'm so sorry for your loss, Mr Goddens.

I've brought some hair ribbons for the children for...

For the funeral.

They're not black. They're navy.

Wilma favoured navy.

She was so smart.

So lovely.

Alexandra and I had a lovely time last week.

It was her birthday, so I took her to Harrods and bought her a rabbit.

Oh, how lovely.

I had a rabbit when I was a little girl,

but it got shut in the cupboard under the stairs.

Did it die?

Oh, good gracious, no!

I heard him squeaking, and so I let him out.

We were best friends forever after that,

he used to let me push him around in my doll's pram.

I like your nail varnish.

Oh, do you?

It said, "Crushed Strawberries" on the bottle,

but by the time I'd put it on,

it looked more like "Squashed Tomatoes!"

I think I need someone to help me choose a different one.

Perhaps we could go and look in Boots,

after we've eaten our knickerbocker glories.

You're early, Fred.

There's a Battenberg cake by the kettle that wants a home.

Smashing.

DOOR OPENS

Just a moment!

-Oh, hello, Reggie love.

-Hello, Mum!

Sister Monica Joan, Barbara's a bride, not the Queen of the May!

If our young friend is to be married from this house,

she will depart it as we see fit.

And if she is to depart it in my vehicle,

it will be decorated with restraint.

KNOCK ON DOOR

All right, Reverend?

I heard your best man's not turning up until the morning,

so, you, me, the Parish Men's Group and a few tail-enders,

-how about it?

-How about what?

A quick round in the Black Sail, one for the road in the Hand and Shears,

and then off to Walthamstow dogs, stag party done and dusted.

One, two, three, one, two, three, one, two, three...

I got away with heading the conga line at Margaret's wedding,

but I think nuns will expect a slightly more decorous

father-daughter dance.

I think they'll love it whatever we do.

Have they been giving you lots of advice?

Not on marriage, surprisingly enough.

The person I'd really like to ask for advice is-is you.

You and Mum were so happy, for so many years.

I know.

But my bally head's gone blank.

Ow!

CLATTERING

ALARM RINGS

LAUGHTER OUTSIDE

# Happy wedding day to you

# Happy wedding day to you

# Happy Wedding Day, dear Barbara

# Happy Wedding Day to you. #

We've drawn up a rota for the bathroom.

10 minutes each, but you're last, so you get 20.

And no-one's allowed to take their rollers out until I say so!

Ah, there she is!

I was rather hoping for a vision in white, having braved

the gorgon at my lodgings

and the gaggle of gorgons at the portals here.

Good practice for New Guinea.

I was last for the bathroom, but we've run out of hot water.

Valerie's boiling kettles and we've formed a human chain.

-It's actually quite good fun.

-Oh, bless you.

You sounded just like your mother when you said that.

People had her down as a sensible sort, but she was so, so lovely.

You asked for my advice...

..but you don't need it

because you find joy in the simple things.

That's all love needs to thrive on, really.

HE CHUCKLES

Morning, Reverend, you're looking rough.

My best man just made me eat a fried egg sandwich.

You don't look too good yourself.

Violet told me not to come home drunk.

And I was drunk, so I didn't go home.

I've got your ill-gotten gains here from the dogs.

You've got a knack of spotting form, I'll give you that.

I think I just picked them for their names.

Galilee Lad and Hello Nurse!

It all comes flooding back to me.

Get the missus something nice.

BELLS RING

Please be seated.

Why aren't we driving to the door?

Trust me, and close your eyes.

Open them.

Did you do all of this for me?

I do everything for you.

Always.

'At times, the present seems most perfect

'when its seeds lie in the past.

'And others, life is rendered flawless when we look towards

'the future, glimpsing from within one golden moment all the joys

'the days to come might hold.'

'We cannot stand still because the world keeps turning.

'Every year must give way to the next

'and its stories must be folded,

'tucked away like children's clothes outgrown,

'cherished and never quite forgotten.

'1962 was a year of great change at Nonnatus House,

'but there's always change everywhere,

'there are always new faces, new tears to shed,

'new joys to invest in,

'yet the circle of love is not broken, it expands.'

MUSIC: Once Upon A Dream by Bill Fury

# Dreams can come true... #

It's snowing!

# That's what they say

# Prove that you're real

# And it's my lucky day... #

I got on the boat the day after his funeral.

I didn't know.

I didn't know you were coming back.

I did.

I always did.

And wherever I go next,

you're coming with me.

'Love bares all things.

'Love believes all things,

'hopes all things,

'endures all things

'and love never ends.'

# I met her

# Once upon a dream. #