Episode 5 Call the Midwife

MATURE JENNY: Flight takes many forms.

It can be an unfurling of feathers, a soaring upward into light,

or a departure.

Or running away - a retreat from pain

towards a distant joy we cannot see for clouds.

Flight can be

such a very lonely enterprise.

-ALL:

-# In light inaccessible

# Hid from our eyes

# Most blessed, most glorious

# The ancient of days

# Almighty, victorious

# Thy great name we praise. #

Taxi to London Airport?

Oh, Christopher!

I would have been perfectly content walking to the Commercial Road

and flagging down a black cab.

In those shoes? And with this amount of luggage?

My godmother made it very clear that if I turn up at her house

in Portofino with anything less than four changes of clothes per day,

plus matching accessories, I'd be letting the side down.

And I'm going there for months.

How many months?

I don't know.

I haven't packed any winter clothes.

The wardrobe's still bulging with tweed and fur and gloves.

I've even left behind my favourite beaded cashmere sweater.

I've no intention of still being on the Italian Riviera

by the time it's cold enough for that.

Trixie, the moment you feel ready to come home, you're to send me

your flight details by telegram, and...

..I'll be waiting to collect you.

Even if I have to borrow Nurse Crane's snow chains

and push the car all the way here.

As a friend?

Yes. Absolutely as a friend.

Not so fast, young Beatrix Franklin!

You're not doing us out of the chance to say goodbye!

And in honour of the occasion, I am saying nothing about

the pile of laundry you've chucked in the corner of our bedroom!

THEY CHUCKLE

Take care.

-Take care of yourself.

-Thank you.

-Be safe.

-Bye, Val.

I'll send you a postcard.

Yeah, you better.

-ENGINE STARTS

-Drive safely.

Oh, don't do that, Michael.

When's your next appointment?

-What day is it?

-Tuesday.

It'll be today, then.

-Shouldn't they have told you where you're going to have it by now?

-Why?

There's plenty of time.

Let's hope. You haven't even looked for a pram yet.

All right. Will you stop going on?

Well, there's no harm in asking. Hospital or home?

Let me know what they say.

Be good for your mum.

DOOR CLOSES

Oh, a letter personally addressed to you, Sister Monica Joan.

What news is this?

Is that the appointment for your cataract surgery, Sister?

"And immediately there fell from his eyes

"as it had been scales.

"And he received sight forthwith."

And remember - with Nurse Franklin's patients spread amongst us,

it's economic with time but thorough with care.

We've been one woman down before and we made it through.

-Nil desperandum.

-Come on, then.

He's in there! I can hear him.

That's him! Go in after him.

No, don't touch him!

-Get out!

-Get him out!

Got him.

Get out. Out!

-CREW MEMBERS SHOUT

-No, please.

Get out!

-No, please!

-Get him off my ship!

No! Please!

Off and out to port.

-Get off!

-Get off!

I'm looking for my wife - Eunice Dobson.

Dobson?

She said she had an appointment.

Your wife's name is on our books, but, from our records,

it doesn't seem that she comes to clinic.

Unless she's under the care of St Cuthbert's, Mr Dobson?

She says she's been coming here for weeks.

It's her second and she's not far off.

I see.

Maybe with all this sun, she decided to stay home.

I'm sure there's some explanation.

Explanation or none, I'll add her to tomorrow's lists.

Though what time we'll get to you, I'm not quite certain.

Then allow me, Nurse Crane. I'm up that way.

I can add her to my morning rounds.

Oh. Thank you, Nurse Anderson.

I'm looking for the Seamen's Mission. C-Can you help me?

I can't help you.

I-I'm looking for the Seamen's Mission.

Sorry, son. Get on your way.

Excuse me, I-I'm looking for the Seamen's Mission. Can you help me?

Nah, I don't know it.

Excuse me, sir, can you help me?

I'm looking for the Seamen's Mission.

E-Excuse me. I need help.

Can you help me? I'm looking for the Seamen's Mission.

Over there.

What do you want?

How was the clinic? What did they say to you this time?

The usual - baby's all right, nothing to worry about.

No, they didn't, Eun.

Cos I went and you weren't there.

You haven't been going, have you?

I just don't see the point.

What - not a single appointment?

With Michael, you were there every week by this stage.

Well, it's not like how it was before, is it?

How do you mean?

I was having a baby, Kenny. I was happy.

Because then I had no idea what was facing me, did I?

Now I do.

Our Father, who art in heaven,

hallowed be thy name;

Thy kingdom come;

Thy will be done; on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread.

And forgive us our trespasses,

as we forgive those who trespass...

Hey! What's up with you?

Please...leave me.

Eunice Dobson?

I'm Nurse Anderson, a midwife.

Is there any particular reason

why you haven't been to clinic, Mrs Dobson?

No point. This one kicks - it's obviously growing.

Now I'm here, we just need to make sure everything is normal.

Especially if you haven't had any checks at all.

Nurse, there's nothing wrong.

I'm sure. But if I can take your blood pressure now...

-No. Don't touch me!

-Eunice, what is the matter with you?!

Look, I'm fine.

And if you think I'm going anywhere near a hospital this time,

you can forget it.

I suggest your wife gets some rest and I will call back later.

We can talk further then and make plans for the birth.

Look, can you just go now, please?

Thank you, Mrs Buckle.

What's all that?

Five minutes of filing, according to Councillor Woodburn.

Not to mention the fact that he wants me to find

the papers for the picnic fund somewhere in this lot an' all.

-The what?

-Old Alderman Matchett set up a charitable concern

to raise money for the Poplar picnic.

But he's been dead so long, and now it seems they've got to

spend the money by the end of the month,

so if I don't find the papers, then there's no money,

and then there's no chance of a picnic.

Well, you best get cracking, then!

I remember the picnic being the highlight of the year

during my fair-haired youth!

Well, it was for all of us.

Imagine the memories for Reggie - a day out in the countryside,

some games, apple cider!

Ooh, and I remember your little pigtails!

THEY CHUCKLE

Ugh!

Eunice Dobson's last labour resulted in an assisted delivery -

Simpson's forceps.

That would have been very distressing.

Yes. What happened when you went to see her?

She refused to be examined and became quite upset.

Were you not able to give her any reassurance?

She asked me to leave and I thought it might be best

if I did as she asked.

It's not going to be easy to gain her trust.

I'm going to go back later today and start afresh.

God loves a trier!

Spend as long as you can with her.

Time isn't always a healer. But it can open doors.

I hope so.

Most kind, Councillor Woodburn. Enjoy the rest of your evening.

Well, the good news is that I've been through every document

and there's nine and six in the picnic account.

So, why the long face?

Apparently because yours truly did such a good job organising

the beauty contest, Councillor Woodburn feels that

if Poplar wants a picnic, it's up to me to organise it.

I got the train over from Frinton at lunchtime.

It's a good job our Kenny called me,

cos she needs some sense talking into her.

SHE CLEARS HER THROAT

-What is it this time?

-Sorry to disturb you.

But it is important that we take your history

and get these checks done for Baby.

Perhaps if you and I can start again?

A cup of tea and a few liquorice torpedoes, anyone?

Liquorice torpedoes?

A thank-you present from Mrs Hagger at the sweet shop.

She gave me some violet creams as well,

but I've put them in the fridge in case they melt.

Tea, Lucille?

Tea?

There's nothing more refreshing in this kind of humidity!

At home, we used to drink black coffee with a dash of salt in it.

Did that not have a deleterious impact on the flavour?

Possibly. But it cools you down!

I wish I had a fan - a proper, fold-out one,

like my Auntie Priss had.

I'm not working up much of a breeze with my Myles Midwifery.

What is it you're worrying your head about?

Eunice Dobson.

I've never met a woman so adamant that she can't,

and won't, give birth.

If I had a penny for every woman who's shouted, "I can't do this!"

when she gets to the sharp end, I'd have...

ooh, er, 29 bob and 11 pence by now!

It is very common during labour. But unusual beforehand, I grant you.

And she is so vehement and so distressed.

It really worries me.

It sounds like she needs a good sit down with Nurse Reassurance.

You listen to what she has to say. See if the notion of a home birth,

in familiar surroundings, will help calm her nerves.

No, no. Please. No, please!

Come on! Who do you think you are - the invisible man?

Pox!

Pox! Pox!

Sorry to interrupt, ladies.

Please don't apologise. I'm sure it's an emergency.

Until further notice, we have to assume so.

Apparently a Nigerian national - a sailor -

was run out of the Seamen's Mission last night.

It seems he may have been suffering from smallpox.

Oh, no!

I thought we'd put all that to bed after last year's carry on!

Witnesses said his face was badly marked.

Have you notified the Officer for Health?

Yes. And the police are on the lookout for him.

His name is Ade Babayaro.

-SHE SIGHS

-There'll be rumours flying around

before the bobbies even get their boots on.

What shall we tell our patients if they ask?

Or if they start demanding vaccinations?

People think there's a vaccination for everything these days.

Well, there is one for smallpox.

But we can't launch it until this man is found

and his illness is confirmed.

All anyone can do in the meantime is be vigilant.

For sightings of the sailor?

Or signs of the disease in others.

We don't know where he's been or where he may go next.

Welcome home, Reggie.

-Hello, Mum!

-Oh!

Oh, you look so skinny - there's nothing of you!

Still smell nice, though.

So do you!

Right, young fella, what's it to be - toast or crumpets?

Oh, it's already sorted. That's all sorted.

I've done you some bacon butties - they're in a tray in the oven.

Just a quick breakfast, please, and then straight out.

Cos I need you two on publicity duty.

For this picnic, it's all hands on deck. See you later...

Alligator!

Eunice?

Look, love. I've finished it.

Eunice...tell me how you really feel.

EUNICE SOBS QUIETLY

THEY CHATTER

If I may have your attention, please.

When are we being vaccinated? That's all I want to know.

It's not as simple as vaccinations, Mrs Lawrence.

Why not?

He's had the polio sugar cube.

Why can't he have the smallpox one?

People died in Bradford last year.

Because until the Board of Health have confirmed the case...

What's to confirm?

There's smallpox in Sweden - I read it in the paper.

Ain't that where that sailor came from?

To put your minds at rest,

smallpox does not spread that easily by itself.

You would need to be very close to the sailor to catch it yourselves.

Now, unless you're here with a genuine condition,

I suggest you go home.

Dear Jesus...please help me.

I tried keeping it to myself.

Let me guess - the bigger Baby gets, the more fear there is?

I didn't mean for it to happen.

I wouldn't let Kenny touch me for two years...

..and then we did and the whatsit split.

The sheath?

I even tried to get rid of it.

One of them dentists near Limehouse.

But I couldn't let him near.

Not after what happened last time at that hospital.

I just couldn't!

What did happen last time, Eunice?

If you tell me, I can try to help.

The baby was stuck.

The next thing, the doctor came in and my legs were strung up...

He intervened?

He...stuck them metal things inside me, Nurse,

and I was screaming.

SHE BREATHES HEAVILY All right, Eunice.

But he just kept on pulling.

He was ripping it out of me!

I shouted for him to stop!

Eunice. Eunice, now, Michael's out there - you need to calm down!

Why wouldn't he stop?

Maybe cos that's what happens, love.

-This doesn't help!

-SHE SOBS

Pamela, please!

I love it.

But I can't have it!

Now, listen to me.

As sure as night turns to day, your baby is going to be born -

right here, at home.

And I will be there to support you the best I know how.

Well, you're going to have to think of something, Nurse.

Because I'm not having this baby.

Don't tell me - the rest of the dockers

have taken a vow of abstinence.

No, love. But rumour has it

that smallpox sailor slept rough by my bins last night!

It's been like a ghost town in here since.

Why? The dockers were vaccinated because of that outbreak last year.

It's not them they're worrying about, is it?

It's their wives and kids.

And if he's not found soon, we'll find him ourselves.

That won't be pretty.

I can appreciate the concern, but the police are searching

and all guidelines are being followed to the letter.

I should bloody well hope so.

Anyway, it's that box of tin plates you promised to Violet

for the picnic that we've come for.

Picnic? While I've got an empty pub to worry about?

You can whistle.

That sailor needs to be found.

After all, the man is out there alone somewhere, sick,

in pain and undoubtedly scared for his life.

Chara leaves from Nonnatus. Vi's organising it.

All welcome!

The charabanc's on order, so all set for an early start to Epping Forest.

So, what I need you to do is chivvy along

all the shopkeepers in Poplar, cos we need donations.

Then I want you to collect from your given area

and bring everything here to Picnic HQ.

While we're collecting,

you'll be glad to know that Fred's going to be doing the posters

and the trestle tables, benches, camping chairs and tents.

Whoa, whoa, whoa. I thought this was meant to be teamwork.

Well, it is. Someone's got to be in charge.

Ain't they, Reggie?

KNOCK AT DOOR

You're still here, Dr Turner.

For a good while yet.

I was wondering if you had a moment for some advice.

Why not? It's what everyone else is asking for today.

Patients have taken up more time enquiring about rumours

of the smallpox sailor than the symptoms they came in with.

I'm sure you were able to reassure them, Dr Turner.

I only wish I could reassure Eunice Dobson.

She's suffering such anguish -

so terrified of another forceps delivery

that she doesn't want to give birth.

I'm not sure what else I can do alone.

Then why don't we both go to see her?

How about tomorrow evening? I'll make an assessment.

Thank you, Doctor. I dislike the notion of any patient being scared.

Same here. Unfortunately, right now, many are just that.

I'm taking this lot to the institute,

so can you take this loaf straight home?

-Cos Fred might need it for his tea.

-Aye-aye, captain.

Oh, Mr Palmer, thanks so much for the flasks. Most kind.

COUGHING

Hello?

No, please...do not go near me.

I am sick.

Are you hungry?

I am hungry...

..but you must not come near me.

Thank you.

You are a good man.

But, please, you should go from me now.

If they find you with me, they'll chase you too.

I get chased.

I'm Reggie.

My name is Ade, but I cannot shake your hand.

I need help.

But you must keep it a secret.

I know a forceps delivery can be very traumatic.

But the chances of needing assistance

with a second baby are far less.

Did you know that?

I don't want to talk about it!

I really believe that we can make things better for you this time.

Do you?

Cos I don't.

Eunice! Don't talk to the doctor like that!

It's like there's this film in my head and it...

..keeps playing and playing.

Same thing, over and over.

I'm trying to switch it off all day.

All night!

And it keeps coming back on again?

Yes!

What happens in the film, Eunice?

I'm looking at the ceiling of the room.

The lights are in my eyes. And I can't move.

I can't move. I can't move.

And they come at me and I hear the metal clanging!

It's all right, Eunice. It's all right.

We can help you.

I've had the sort of help that people like you give me

and I don't want it!

There's got to be another way around this.

There's a fella at work

whose wife had something called a Caesar section.

A Caesarean is only carried out when the mother's life is at stake.

Eunice's problem isn't with her pregnancy, but her mind.

-Eunice?

-Go away!

I'm sorry, Doctor.

Her mother didn't bring her up to have things wrong with her mind,

or to make a load of fuss about nothing!

She'll just have to get on with it.

Eunice can't just "get on with it",

because, for her, this isn't about nothing.

She is clearly suffering from a phobia -

an overwhelming fear of childbirth.

And she is going to need an enormous amount of support.

Dundee cake for you, Ade.

Thank you.

32...

33 packets of biscuits, 13 of which are chocolate.

It's going to be like Billy Bunter's birthday party come this weekend!

Good, cos there's nothing worse than a feeble spread.

Where's the Dundee cake, Reggie?

Secret.

What do you mean, "secret"?

It's a secret with my friend.

What friend?

Where've you been, Reggie?

Who's taken your cake?

And who's asking you to keep secrets?

You won't be in any trouble, Reggie, we promise.

-SHE SINGS ALONG TO RADIO

-# I like it, I like it

# I like the way you run your fingers through my hair

# And I like the way... #

-I know you've spoken to that man, Reggie.

-Ade?

Yes, Ade. And I know that you've given him presents.

But when you handed him the food, did you touch him?

Tell the doctor the truth, Reggie.

Smallpox is spread by touching.

He hasn't got a temperature and there's no sign of any rash,

so we don't need to worry yet.

Ah. I'm worried silly already, Doctor.

Am I in trouble?

You were being kind.

No-one ever gets in trouble for being kind, Reggie.

But if you could remember where he was when you found him,

that would be really helpful for a lot of people.

I will see Reggie again in two days,

unless he develops symptoms in the meantime.

Thank you, Doctor.

Or if he gives you any more information.

Oh, dear! Is someone feeling under the weather?

Not yet!

We think Reggie's been in contact with the smallpox case.

Reggie! Really?

Not saying.

He'll be having his wings clipped until further notice.

And he certainly won't be going out with a cake tin under his arm!

You were wise to consult Doctor. But I'd counsel against panic.

Well, you say that.

But you weren't the one that set him up to be preyed on!

Sh, sh, sh, it's all right.

I knitted the same for Michael when he was born

and that didn't end up in the bin!

Mum! She's in no fit state!

Well, she needs to buck up, then, doesn't she?

She's known for nine months this was going to happen

and now she's expecting some sort of miracle.

There's only one way in and one way out.

Please, can you just leave me alone?

You heard what she said, Mum.

I'll take you to the station first thing in the morning.

I'm just dropping off the insulin for the evening rounds.

You've picked a nice spot for your perusals, Lucille.

Oh, it catches the sun in the evening -

it reminds me of the porch back home.

Right, I'll be two ticks!

Oh, I'm sorry, Dr Turner. Have I detained you?

Oh, no. I... I just need to get back to call the Board of Health.

There still seems to be no sign of this smallpox patient.

Please, God, do not forsake me.

Do not let me die in this terrible place.

HE SOBS

Good morning, Reggie.

Dr Turner asked me if I'd call in on my rounds.

Would you like a cup of tea, Nurse Crane?

There's one in the pot. I've been keeping Reggie's fluid levels up.

I am sufficiently watered, thank you.

-BELL RINGS

-Oh! That'll be a customer.

Right, lad.

We're good pals, you and I.

And if there's one thing neither of us like,

it's a lot of fussing and fretting.

That's two things.

Well, yes.

Meanwhile, the easiest way to get everyone to calm down

is for you to tell us where we can find your friend.

It's a secret.

I understand.

And I've kept secrets for friends because I want to help them.

But sometimes, in order to really help someone,

you have to break your promise and bring other people in.

You can just whisper it. I'll do the rest.

HE WHISPERS: Underground. Underground.

Oh...thank you.

Please help him.

Mr Babayaro?

Mr Babayaro?

Forgive my intrusion, sir, but I've been led to suppose

that you would benefit from medical assistance.

Put more plainly, that you need help.

I'm Nurse Crane. And I'm here on my own - don't worry.

If you would let me look at you, we can work out what to do.

No. Please, no.

You will catch this.

Not necessarily.

Smallpox is a very bad illness.

Don't send me home.

I have no home, nowhere to go.

You reckon this is smallpox, do you?

Well...I'm taking you to see a doctor...

..but I reckon differently.

Dr Turner? I've found him.

Ade Babayaro is currently concealed in my car

and hidden with a travel rug.

Then keep him there.

I'll bring the medical officer and their dermatologist.

In my humble opinion, this is not a case of

what all and sundry presumed it was.

God has heard my prayers.

There was smallpox in our last port, sir.

The men on the ship believed this was the same.

I also believed it.

This isn't smallpox, Mr Babayaro, and it never was.

As the medical officer confirmed, you have leprosy.

Leprosy is also a very bad illness.

In the Bible...

We've moved on since the Bible, I promise you.

And leprosy isn't as contagious as we used to think.

It even goes by a different name these days - Hansen's disease.

But you can help me?

Better than that. We can cure you.

There's even a small specialist hospital, called Jordan's,

not far away in Surrey.

You should be a new man by the time they've finished with you.

How long must he wait to be admitted?

Not long. Perhaps a few days.

I will go back to where I was before. I wait there.

If I may interject, Mr Babayaro,

I'm of the view that that would be unwise.

Nurse Crane is right.

We have a spare bedroom. You may stay there

and enjoy the peace and quiet whilst you wait to be transferred.

Perfect!

And I can call in, in the event of any problems.

You may take meals with us, if you wish.

No. With your permission, it is best I eat alone.

Vi?

Guess what - that sailor didn't have smallpox. He had leprosy.

-SHE GASPS

-A leper?

Well, don't they send them away to a colony?

Not any more. He's seen a specialist

and apparently leprosy is not contagious.

There's no chance Reggie caught a thing.

Oh! Thank goodness for that.

Can Ade come on the picnic?

Er, no, Reggie, no, not this time.

He's got to get himself better first.

Oh, cheer up, Reggie.

Look - my to-do list is as long as my arm!

I need your help.

If I die...

..I know you will continue to bless me,

to be there with me.

I want to say thank you for guiding me everywhere,

and what I have been through.

Thank you for...protecting me.

Forgive me, Sister. I am sorry.

"There came a leper to him, beseeching him,

"and kneeling down to him, and saying unto him,

" 'If thou wilt, thou can make me clean.' "

You have been cast out because of your infirmity.

I was cast out before that.

It is my life to walk alone.

How so?

Oil was found near my home in Nigeria.

My father was an elder

and when they came for the oil, there was conflict.

My escape was to go to Lagos and to sea.

So I lived, but I was cast adrift.

Ah.

We are none of us cast adrift, if we have faith.

In the cross, we find our anchor.

And don't forget, the charabanc leaves at eight o'clock!

It's upside down.

Quick - give me another one.

And don't tell Vi! Anything goes wrong with this picnic,

she'll have my guts for garters.

Ade continues to have a good appetite. He has cleared his plate.

I'm sure you'll all be delighted to know that a suitable place

has been found for our newest resident.

Ah, does that bring us to the unfortunate position

that Mr Babayaro will be leaving us?

The connection between our devotionals has been most uplifting,

and in such a brief time.

It does indeed, Sister.

Ade will be admitted to Jordan Hospital in Surrey tomorrow.

There he will receive the treatment he so requires.

And he's likely to make a full recovery, Sister?

Or will he always be marked?

The scarring is unknown. But in time, Ade will eventually be cured.

In my book, such positive news calls for another slice of Madeira cake.

Eun?

Eunice?

SOBBING

Eun?

Eun? What... What you doing? Open the door, love.

-Let me in.

-No.

It's started, Kenny...

..and I can't do it. I'm not coming out.

Eunice, open this door.

Come on, love. We don't want to wake Michael up, do we?

No.

I'm not doing it, Kenny. I can't.

Please don't do anything stupid, love, all right?

I'm going to get some help, OK?

Is that Nonnatus House? It's my wife, Eunice Dobson.

She's locked herself in the bathroom.

I think she might try and hurt herself.

You've got to send Nurse Anderson.

I'm not going to need any help, Kenny.

Call Dr Turner and tell him what's happened.

-Perhaps he can meet me there.

-Of course.

Eunice...I love you. You know that.

Michael loves you and I love you.

You'll be better off without me.

No! Eun!

SHE GROANS

Nurse Anderson asks if Dr Turner could meet her

at Eunice's flat right away.

I think I'll come too. I might be of some help.

Please let me in. You need my help in there.

Listen to her, Eun! She knows what she's doing.

No! Stay away from me, all of you.

It's coming and there's nothing I can do.

I want it over, Nurse!

Oh, I'm so...

Eunice. Please, don't do this.

I can help you, but first you need to calm down and open this door.

Nurse, I need to get her out of there.

One more try. We don't want to alarm her.

Eunice...

No matter what you do, Baby will come out anyway.

And it will be so much worse that way. Do you hear?

You don't want to hurt Baby, do you, Eunice?

You love your baby. You remember that?

SHE GROANS

Let me kick the door down.

Kenny, why don't you take a break and let me talk to her?

It's just you and me now, Eunice.

And I'm sure your contractions are very painful.

SHE GROANS

If you come out, I'm here.

I can help you cope with them.

LOCK CLICKS

Eunice...

Now all you need to do is keep looking at me.

That's it.

Come to me now.

Just keep looking at me.

That's it!

Come to me now.

Nurse Anderson got her out and into the bedroom.

Took a while, but she did it.

I've taken Michael round to the neighbours'.

You go to her, Shelagh.

Me being there would only make matters worse.

I'll be out here with Mr Dobson, just in case.

Goodbye, Ade.

And be sure to follow all hospital instructions.

These specialists do know what they're talking about.

I will pray for you.

And I for you.

For your faith, Sister.

Your prayers have set me on a firm path to wellness.

May it be the same blessings for you.

Come on, boys. Hurry up with those chairs! Over to the car.

Look after that trifle like it's the Crown Jewels, Reggie,

cos Mrs Smith will have my guts for garters if her bowl gets chipped!

I don't want to put a dampener on things, Nurse Crane.

Law of averages says you'll get two vomits and three caught shorts.

Observe these buckets - one empty, the other filled with sawdust.

Thus equipped, I am prepared for most eventualities.

Geoffrey!

Pocket.

Catapult?

Confiscated.

On the bus.

Up you get, Sister. And not too much singing, do you hear?

We don't want it getting too rowdy.

I may not be able to refrain, Mr Buckle. It is oft the journey

that provides more delight than one's destination.

I'm actually quite experienced, when it comes to childcare.

Mmm. What about when it comes to changing nappies?

It could be hours before your mum and dad catch us up!

I'm sure there'll be plenty of experts willing to advise me!

-Ah...

-SHE CHUCKLES

Go on, Alf.

-ENGINE STARTS

-Sit down, Reggie.

# Ging, gang, goolie-goolie-goolie... #

EUNICE SOBS OK! OK, Eunice.

We're nearly there.

You're doing so well.

She's... She's very close.

Come on, Eunice. You can do it.

I can't do it! Nurse, I told you, I can't!

You can! You can do it, Eunice!

You can breathe this baby out.

Look, look, look, look, look, follow me! Follow me!

SHE BREATHES DEEPLY

That's it! Good girl.

-SHE YELLS

-No!

That's it. You're doing beautifully.

That's it, Eunice.

With your next breath,

your baby's going to be born into this fine new day.

EUNICE GROANS

Nearly there, Eunice. Keep going!

BABY CRIES

You have a beautiful daughter!

You did it!

Thank you!

Thank you!

You did it!

Oh!

Oh!

Oh, my girl!

I'm so proud of you.

Ah. What about that, then, Vi, eh? We did it!

-Yes. We did.

-SHE CHUCKLES

Fred, people are just going in the bushes!

You can't have them tiddling all over the place.

I mean, this picnic's got parish connections

and it'll bring out the wasps.

You'll have to go and tell the men and I'll go and talk to the ladies.

DOORBELL RINGS

DOORBELL RINGS

I've put the cases in the hall for now.

Everything smells a bit musty.

I think everyone's gone out.

You said you didn't want any balloons or a welcoming committee.

That's why we didn't tell them we were coming home.

I still wanted to see everyone. Besides, I'm ravenous.

Gangway!

Oh! Hello!

Was that you ringing on the bell?

Sorry. Waters have broken on the other side of the borough!

Fifth baby.

Where is everyone?

Parish picnic, Epping Forest!

So wonderful you're back.

I don't like it.

I'm afraid I don't care if you don't like potted beef, Dean.

Once you've bitten into it, you can't put it back.

And I'm rationing their lemonade

if they can't obey the rules regarding the facilities.

-Oh, give it to me.

-Come on, Phyllis!

You were a demon at quoits on board ship, by all accounts.

We can vouch for that!

We certainly can!

Barbara! Tom!

Oh, Teddy!

-SHE SNIFFS

-Ooh!

We picked up a couple of stragglers on the way.

And we picked up a box of cream cakes.

I'm always rather uneasy when I see a shop open on a Sunday.

But nobody's going to be clapped in irons for a few vanilla slices.

I hope not.

We don't want your visit home ending in a Black Maria.

This isn't a visit, Phyllis.

The Bishop declared my mission to Birmingham accomplished.

We're back where we belong. For good.

CHEERING

Hurrah!

MATURE JENNY: Eunice had no more children,

and her family, now complete, became a happy one once more.

Her condition, not recognised or named for many decades,

is now known as tocophobia.

Fear can keep us tethered, terror can clip our wings,

but trust eases pain.

Hope can lighten the sky.

Love makes us courageous.

And what matters most is not

whether we hide or fly or even where our journey takes us -

but what guides us home and where we come to land.

I mean, it's just like the photo! It's perfect.

I'm in to get me cataract done.

Ripe as a French fig and ready for slicing!

I could lose my children. I have no home.

I have no means of making a living.

Am I to stand by while you corrupt their young minds?

Phyllis!

My friend - she's inside. Please help!