0:00:17 > 0:00:18SOBBING: It wasn't me.
0:00:20 > 0:00:23They know who did it.
0:00:26 > 0:00:27So who was it, then?
0:00:29 > 0:00:31HE WHISPERS
0:00:35 > 0:00:36MAN CLEARS THROAT
0:00:46 > 0:00:48HE SOBS
0:00:55 > 0:00:57LEVER CLANKS
0:00:57 > 0:00:58TRAP DOOR OPENS
0:01:28 > 0:01:3325 years of matrimony. A most commendable milestone.
0:01:33 > 0:01:38I agree, Father. Even if one does get less for manslaughter!
0:01:38 > 0:01:41- I thought these two were broke. - They are.
0:01:41 > 0:01:43So how come they can afford all this?
0:01:43 > 0:01:45They had a little helping hand.
0:01:45 > 0:01:48You mean...you paid for it?
0:01:48 > 0:01:50I decided they needed cheering up.
0:02:07 > 0:02:11FATHER BROWN: Daphne. Absolutely parched. Thank you very much indeed.
0:02:16 > 0:02:21- We can't tell you how grateful we are. Can we, Henry?- No.
0:02:21 > 0:02:23I always like to take care of my tenants.
0:02:23 > 0:02:25Besides, any excuse for a party.
0:02:25 > 0:02:28You will get your rent, I promise.
0:02:28 > 0:02:30You just keep growing your beautiful flowers, Edie.
0:02:30 > 0:02:32Things are bound to turn around.
0:02:42 > 0:02:44What a pretty rose.
0:02:44 > 0:02:46Not half as pretty as mine.
0:02:49 > 0:02:53She still hasn't forgiven you, then, for last year's flower show?
0:02:53 > 0:02:55No.
0:02:55 > 0:02:58My choosing Edie's flower arrangement over Mrs McCarthy's
0:02:58 > 0:03:02marked a particular low point in our relationship.
0:03:02 > 0:03:04She'll be gunning for you this year.
0:03:06 > 0:03:08Oh, dear.
0:03:08 > 0:03:10That's come around quickly.
0:03:14 > 0:03:16Here's to you, you miserable so-and-so.
0:03:16 > 0:03:18I spend my days with YOU, what do you expect?
0:03:18 > 0:03:21Ha! Lovely do.
0:03:21 > 0:03:25Yeah, Edie deserves it...
0:03:25 > 0:03:26for putting up with me.
0:03:26 > 0:03:28You're right there.
0:03:28 > 0:03:31That glass is looking a bit empty.
0:03:34 > 0:03:35Henry, how are you doing?
0:03:37 > 0:03:39Yeah, I'm all right.
0:03:39 > 0:03:41You're very much missed at St Mary's.
0:03:42 > 0:03:44Yeah, well...
0:03:45 > 0:03:49If you do want to talk, the door's always open.
0:03:51 > 0:03:53Excuse me.
0:03:53 > 0:03:55Mr Lee?
0:03:57 > 0:04:00I'm sorry to interrupt this happy occasion,
0:04:00 > 0:04:03but I have been wanting to speak to you for such a long time.
0:04:03 > 0:04:05I'm sorry, do I know you?
0:04:05 > 0:04:09No, but I'm hoping that you will remember my son, Thomas.
0:04:09 > 0:04:11You hanged him, you see.
0:04:15 > 0:04:19Lady, I hanged 120 men and women, I don't remember every one.
0:04:20 > 0:04:25This is Thomas and this is his sweetheart, Vera.
0:04:25 > 0:04:27They said he murdered her but he never did, you see?
0:04:30 > 0:04:33You do remember him, don't you?
0:04:33 > 0:04:36Mr Lee, I have found out that Vera's killer worked at
0:04:36 > 0:04:39the same Crown Court where she was a secretary.
0:04:40 > 0:04:45He was someone important, you see, and that's why they covered it up.
0:04:45 > 0:04:49That's why I had to find you - I need to clear Thomas's name.
0:04:49 > 0:04:53Did he say anything to you? Did he say anything at all?
0:04:53 > 0:04:57- He said what all the others said - nothing.- Please, Mr Lee.
0:04:58 > 0:05:02Did he mention a man called Max? He's the one who killed Vera.
0:05:02 > 0:05:03Max?
0:05:06 > 0:05:08Where did you hear all this?
0:05:10 > 0:05:12In prison.
0:05:12 > 0:05:14I need you to tell me what he said.
0:05:16 > 0:05:18I want you to leave now.
0:05:18 > 0:05:21- Please, Mr Lee! I'm his mother! - Get out!
0:05:23 > 0:05:24You coward!
0:05:47 > 0:05:49HE CLEARS THROAT
0:05:49 > 0:05:52Mrs McCarthy, what a lovely hat.
0:05:52 > 0:05:54It makes you look like royalty.
0:05:54 > 0:05:55If only!
0:05:55 > 0:05:57Mrs McCarthy...
0:05:57 > 0:06:00have you heard of a new restaurant in Cheltenham called
0:06:00 > 0:06:01Gerard's Brasserie?
0:06:01 > 0:06:06I was wondering if you'd care to join me there tomorrow lunchtime.
0:06:06 > 0:06:09Well, I have a WI meeting.
0:06:09 > 0:06:12The speaker runs a cattery in Painswick.
0:06:12 > 0:06:15Well, surely the WI can do without you for one day.
0:06:15 > 0:06:19No, I don't think I will.
0:06:19 > 0:06:22But thank you for the invitation all the same.
0:06:22 > 0:06:24- GLASS TINKLES - Ladies and Gentlemen.
0:06:26 > 0:06:29Henry and I would like to thank you all very much for coming,
0:06:29 > 0:06:33and Lady Felicia, of course, for all your kindness.
0:06:33 > 0:06:3725 years sounds a lot.
0:06:37 > 0:06:41Some of you will know it's not been our easiest year
0:06:41 > 0:06:46but we've stuck though it, together, like we always have.
0:06:46 > 0:06:51And, well, I think that's the secret of a happy marriage, really.
0:06:52 > 0:06:55So thank you, and enjoy your evening.
0:07:04 > 0:07:06What about Edie?
0:07:10 > 0:07:11Red Lion, anyone?
0:07:19 > 0:07:22Ready to sweep all before you tomorrow, Mrs M?
0:07:22 > 0:07:25Tomorrow? Oh, you mean the flower show.
0:07:25 > 0:07:27That's just a bit of fun, isn't it?
0:07:27 > 0:07:30Now, what can I do for you?
0:07:30 > 0:07:33- About George... - You can save your breath.
0:07:33 > 0:07:35You clearly put him up to that little stunt.
0:07:35 > 0:07:37Mrs M, you've got it all wrong.
0:07:37 > 0:07:40He did come and see me but only because he was feeling nervous.
0:07:40 > 0:07:44He'd wanted to ask you out for lunch for a very long time.
0:07:44 > 0:07:48He seems a jolly decent chap, and I think he really likes you.
0:07:49 > 0:07:52- Was there anything else?- No.
0:07:52 > 0:07:55Only that Gerard's Brasserie is quite the place to be at the moment
0:07:55 > 0:07:57and the Dover sole is really rather good.
0:07:57 > 0:08:00Your Cosmos looks lovely, by the way.
0:08:24 > 0:08:26Edie.
0:08:26 > 0:08:28GEORGE: Tea's up!
0:08:28 > 0:08:29George.
0:08:29 > 0:08:31Mrs McCarthy, good morning.
0:08:31 > 0:08:32May I have a word?
0:08:32 > 0:08:34Yes, yes, of course. Let me just...
0:08:37 > 0:08:38Tea, Henry.
0:08:43 > 0:08:45- Edie.- Thank you.
0:08:47 > 0:08:49Right.
0:08:49 > 0:08:53You were absolutely right about the WI being able to cope without me,
0:08:53 > 0:08:56so I was just wondering if...
0:08:56 > 0:08:57the invitation still stands?
0:08:59 > 0:09:01Yes, yes, of course! Wonderful!
0:09:01 > 0:09:04May I offer you a celebratory cuppa?
0:09:04 > 0:09:06Yes, all right.
0:09:20 > 0:09:23A year ago we had Henry's hanging work
0:09:23 > 0:09:27and you were giving us weddings and funerals at St Mary's.
0:09:27 > 0:09:29Now we have nothing.
0:09:29 > 0:09:31I was just sharing out the work, Edie.
0:09:31 > 0:09:34You're not the only florist in the area.
0:09:34 > 0:09:35I think we both know what you're doing
0:09:35 > 0:09:38has got nothing to do with fairness.
0:09:41 > 0:09:45Look, if you promise to give us some more business,
0:09:45 > 0:09:47I won't enter the flower show.
0:09:51 > 0:09:55I think I can win the competition without your charity.
0:09:55 > 0:09:56Thank you, though.
0:09:58 > 0:10:02Please, Mrs McCarthy, we're on our knees here.
0:10:04 > 0:10:05Henry?
0:10:07 > 0:10:08Henry!
0:10:08 > 0:10:10Henry?
0:10:12 > 0:10:14Henry!
0:10:17 > 0:10:19Father.
0:10:21 > 0:10:23Hemlock?
0:10:23 > 0:10:27That's what the doctor thinks, going by Henry's symptoms and the smell.
0:10:27 > 0:10:29How extraordinary.
0:10:29 > 0:10:34Poor Henry didn't notice the odd taste and drank the whole cup.
0:10:34 > 0:10:37Probably because of his excesses last night.
0:10:38 > 0:10:41How long does the doctor think he has?
0:10:41 > 0:10:43Hours. A day at most.
0:10:44 > 0:10:46The Inspector is up with him now.
0:10:54 > 0:10:56Father.
0:10:56 > 0:10:59What a terrible shock for you both.
0:11:00 > 0:11:02Who could have done such a thing?
0:11:02 > 0:11:05Edie is quite understandably wondering whether it was me.
0:11:05 > 0:11:08- I haven't said a word. - No need to, Edie.
0:11:08 > 0:11:10I made the tea and no-one else touched it.
0:11:10 > 0:11:14If I was in your position, I would think it was me too.
0:11:14 > 0:11:17Padre, what a surprise!
0:11:17 > 0:11:19Good morning, Inspector Mallory.
0:11:19 > 0:11:20Last rites and a murder.
0:11:20 > 0:11:23It's Christmas come early for you, isn't it?
0:11:23 > 0:11:25Right, George, with apologies,
0:11:25 > 0:11:29I gather you made Henry's tea, so I'll have to take a statement.
0:11:29 > 0:11:31You know the drill.
0:11:31 > 0:11:32Yes, of course.
0:11:32 > 0:11:34And please search my house.
0:11:34 > 0:11:37You don't need a warrant, I've got nothing to hide.
0:11:37 > 0:11:39I don't doubt it. Thank you, though.
0:11:39 > 0:11:42Goodfellow. All yours, Padre.
0:11:54 > 0:11:57Henry, may I?
0:12:06 > 0:12:10- I'm here to offer you confession and absolution.- No.
0:12:12 > 0:12:13Thank you.
0:12:15 > 0:12:16As you wish.
0:12:18 > 0:12:20Have you any idea who did this to you?
0:12:23 > 0:12:27May I ask, was that your first cup of tea of the day?
0:12:29 > 0:12:30Yes.
0:12:30 > 0:12:35That woman at your party, Iris Lightman,
0:12:35 > 0:12:38and the cover-up she was talking about.
0:12:38 > 0:12:42I never met a mother who thought their child was guilty.
0:12:42 > 0:12:46But do you think she could have taken her frustration out on you?
0:12:46 > 0:12:48It's possible.
0:12:49 > 0:12:51Henry, while there is still time,
0:12:51 > 0:12:54I will do all that I can to find out who did this.
0:12:55 > 0:12:57I give you my word.
0:13:06 > 0:13:09- Father.- George.
0:13:10 > 0:13:12Please don't tell me he's dead.
0:13:12 > 0:13:14The Lord in his infinite compassion
0:13:14 > 0:13:17has given Henry more time to say his goodbyes.
0:13:19 > 0:13:21I've been praying for some kind of miracle.
0:13:23 > 0:13:25You get on well with Henry, don't you?
0:13:27 > 0:13:32When we met in the Red Lion a year ago, I was a typical ex-copper.
0:13:34 > 0:13:38Drunk, broken marriage, fast heading for a hole in the ground.
0:13:40 > 0:13:42Henry had just given up the hanging job,
0:13:42 > 0:13:44so he wasn't feeling too great himself.
0:13:44 > 0:13:45DOOR OPENS
0:13:45 > 0:13:49But he insisted he wanted to help me.
0:13:49 > 0:13:52He put a spade in my hand and introduced me to the joys of nature.
0:13:52 > 0:13:55The Good Samaritan, eh?
0:13:55 > 0:13:57George.
0:13:57 > 0:14:01Sorry about this but I'm going to have to bring you in.
0:14:01 > 0:14:02Why?
0:14:02 > 0:14:06My colleagues found hemlock in your house.
0:14:09 > 0:14:11George is no murderer.
0:14:11 > 0:14:13Well, it's not looking good for him.
0:14:13 > 0:14:16No, it isn't. What do you think, Father?
0:14:20 > 0:14:24Hemlock. Strange choice of poison.
0:14:24 > 0:14:28It paralyses the body slowly but leaves the mind untouched,
0:14:28 > 0:14:32which means it increases the chance the culprit will be identified.
0:14:34 > 0:14:38George would have known that there are much more clinical toxins.
0:14:38 > 0:14:41But if he was the only person to touch the teacup...
0:14:41 > 0:14:43Well, actually we're not sure that he was.
0:14:44 > 0:14:46It was Henry's first tea of the day.
0:14:48 > 0:14:52Ground hemlock is brown, Henry's teacup was brown.
0:14:52 > 0:14:56The powder could have been placed in his cup earlier that morning
0:14:56 > 0:14:57and George wouldn't have noticed.
0:14:57 > 0:15:00So in theory, anybody could have done it?
0:15:00 > 0:15:02I need to find Iris Lightman.
0:15:02 > 0:15:07Her anger when Henry refused to help her expose the "Max" character was palpable.
0:15:07 > 0:15:11What about Edie, with all her money worries?
0:15:11 > 0:15:14She's hasn't exactly been all sweetness and light, has she?
0:15:14 > 0:15:18What did happen to all that cash that Edie's father had?
0:15:18 > 0:15:20- Vernon had money?- Oh, yeah.
0:15:20 > 0:15:23He made an absolute fortune on the black market during the war.
0:15:23 > 0:15:26I had no idea.
0:15:26 > 0:15:28Sid, I've got a small job for you.
0:15:28 > 0:15:31I want you to find out who Vernon's solicitor was.
0:15:33 > 0:15:36Sidney, your nails are filthy.
0:15:36 > 0:15:41You know me, Mrs M, always happy to get my hands dirty. Ta-ta.
0:15:43 > 0:15:45He's helping Edie out in her garden.
0:15:45 > 0:15:48Sidney Carter in a garden!
0:15:48 > 0:15:50She needs all the help she can get.
0:15:50 > 0:15:54Which is why I've decided to enter best bouquet
0:15:54 > 0:15:57- in the flower competition on her behalf.- You?
0:15:58 > 0:16:01- You're serious?- Perfectly.
0:16:01 > 0:16:04A first prize could be very good publicity for her right now.
0:16:04 > 0:16:06First prize?
0:16:06 > 0:16:08I did flower arranging at finishing school.
0:16:08 > 0:16:11I doubt you've ever read Constance Spry.
0:16:11 > 0:16:13No, I have not, and neither has the Father.
0:16:13 > 0:16:16Fortunately, he and I are of one mind
0:16:16 > 0:16:19when it comes to the floral aesthetic.
0:16:19 > 0:16:21Well, we will see about that.
0:16:23 > 0:16:26Mrs Lightman! Mrs Lightman!
0:16:30 > 0:16:32Father Brown.
0:16:32 > 0:16:34From the party.
0:16:35 > 0:16:37Did you see Henry?
0:16:37 > 0:16:40I didn't get to see him. The police stopped me.
0:16:40 > 0:16:43But you knew he'd been poisoned?
0:16:43 > 0:16:45Two policemen woke me up this morning
0:16:45 > 0:16:48asking me if I'd been near his shed.
0:16:48 > 0:16:51You must have been very angry with Henry last night.
0:16:51 > 0:16:53Why on earth would I want to poison him?
0:16:53 > 0:16:56He can't help me clear Thomas if he's dead, can he?
0:16:58 > 0:17:00No.
0:17:00 > 0:17:02You mentioned being in prison?
0:17:04 > 0:17:09On the morning they hanged Thomas, I attacked a policeman.
0:17:10 > 0:17:12- Oh.- No, well,
0:17:12 > 0:17:15I wouldn't have expected someone like you to understand.
0:17:15 > 0:17:18Look, all I know about Henry Lee, all I care about,
0:17:18 > 0:17:21is that he was the last person to look into my son's eyes.
0:17:34 > 0:17:36- Morning, Constable.- Father.
0:18:09 > 0:18:11Shame to throw away such a handsome volume.
0:18:14 > 0:18:16"For Henry,
0:18:16 > 0:18:21"the greatest of hangmen, the greatest of men. Ever, Max."
0:18:25 > 0:18:28You didn't know that your friend Max was Vera Blanchett's killer
0:18:28 > 0:18:30until Iris told you last night.
0:18:32 > 0:18:35You came home and threw away his gift in disgust.
0:18:37 > 0:18:39Henry, I am only trying to get to the bottom of this.
0:18:43 > 0:18:47Max was a senior judge...
0:18:51 > 0:18:54..at the Crown Court where Vera Blanchett was a secretary.
0:18:55 > 0:18:57He took his own life...
0:18:59 > 0:19:01..not long after I hanged Thomas.
0:19:06 > 0:19:08Now I know why.
0:19:16 > 0:19:20George, this was found snagged on the shed where you made the tea.
0:19:20 > 0:19:22Got any ideas?
0:19:22 > 0:19:24Yeah.
0:19:24 > 0:19:27That woman that Henry had a spat with at the party last night.
0:19:27 > 0:19:30She was wearing a cardigan, same colour as that.
0:19:30 > 0:19:32Iris Lightman?
0:19:32 > 0:19:34- Is that her name? - Thank you, George.
0:19:34 > 0:19:37I'm sure we'll have you out of here very shortly.
0:19:43 > 0:19:45Of all the secretaries I know,
0:19:45 > 0:19:48Jean is definitely one of the most obliging.
0:19:57 > 0:20:00Interesting?
0:20:00 > 0:20:01I'm afraid so.
0:20:14 > 0:20:15All right.
0:20:16 > 0:20:19I did go to that flower garden this morning.
0:20:21 > 0:20:25I wanted to punish Henry Lee for not speaking up.
0:20:26 > 0:20:28Punish him how, Iris?
0:20:28 > 0:20:30By hitting him with a spade.
0:20:31 > 0:20:33- A spade?- Yes!
0:20:34 > 0:20:37But as I stood there in that garden shed,
0:20:37 > 0:20:41I realised it wasn't going to solve anything, was it? So I left.
0:20:44 > 0:20:46- That's it?- Yes.
0:20:48 > 0:20:51OK. So this is what really happened.
0:20:51 > 0:20:53You put hemlock in Henry's teacup
0:20:53 > 0:20:56and then set up George Hammond for the crime.
0:20:56 > 0:20:58I don't know any George Hammond.
0:20:58 > 0:21:00Come on, Iris, make this easier on yourself.
0:21:00 > 0:21:02Where would I get hemlock?
0:21:02 > 0:21:05How would I know which cup to put it in?
0:21:05 > 0:21:08It had an "H" on it!
0:21:08 > 0:21:11Somebody else's name might have started with the letter "H", mightn't it?
0:21:11 > 0:21:13That was a risk you were ready to take
0:21:13 > 0:21:15because you're that kind of person, Iris.
0:21:15 > 0:21:18You're only two days out of prison for maiming a policeman,
0:21:18 > 0:21:19for heaven's sake!
0:21:21 > 0:21:23This is what they did to my Thomas.
0:21:23 > 0:21:27You lot, you forced a confession out of him!
0:21:28 > 0:21:32Well, you'll not put any words in my mouth.
0:21:36 > 0:21:39Just looking for a picture of your father.
0:21:40 > 0:21:42There aren't any.
0:21:43 > 0:21:45- Oh.- Why?
0:21:48 > 0:21:51I know Vernon was a libertarian.
0:21:51 > 0:21:53I know he opposed your marriage to Henry.
0:21:56 > 0:21:59What's this about, Father?
0:21:59 > 0:22:02I understand your father left you a quite substantial sum,
0:22:02 > 0:22:05to be withheld until such time
0:22:05 > 0:22:08as Henry Lee was no longer your lawful husband.
0:22:09 > 0:22:14My father's money has nothing whatsoever to do with Henry,
0:22:14 > 0:22:16or me, or you!
0:22:35 > 0:22:37- Mrs McCarthy?- Good gracious!
0:22:38 > 0:22:41Anyone would think you were spying on those two.
0:22:41 > 0:22:44- Why ever would I do that? - I have no idea.
0:22:45 > 0:22:47I fear I may have found our culprit.
0:22:49 > 0:22:52Upon Henry Lee's death, it turns out that Edie is entitled to
0:22:52 > 0:22:57her father's not insubstantial inheritance.
0:22:57 > 0:23:01Inheritance? But that makes no sense.
0:23:01 > 0:23:04When Henry was about to drink that cup of tea,
0:23:04 > 0:23:06Edie was begging me to give her some business.
0:23:06 > 0:23:08She was almost in tears.
0:23:08 > 0:23:12Now, Edie Lee is a proud, proud woman.
0:23:12 > 0:23:17She'd never humiliate herself like that if what you say is true.
0:23:17 > 0:23:19I see.
0:23:19 > 0:23:22Oh, dear.
0:23:22 > 0:23:23That poor woman.
0:23:25 > 0:23:28- Father?- Yes?
0:23:28 > 0:23:30I have to confess that my feelings
0:23:30 > 0:23:33were very hurt last year at the flower show.
0:23:33 > 0:23:35Ah, yes. I am extremely sorry about that.
0:23:35 > 0:23:38No. No, not just by you.
0:23:39 > 0:23:42When I looked at Edie's flower arrangement,
0:23:42 > 0:23:45I realised mine would never be as good.
0:23:45 > 0:23:50And I think I've been punishing her for that ever since.
0:23:50 > 0:23:53That was very brave of you to say so.
0:23:53 > 0:23:56And God, I am sure, will forgive you.
0:23:58 > 0:24:00Thank you. Thank you, Father.
0:24:00 > 0:24:03Now, I'll see you back at St Mary's.
0:24:03 > 0:24:05CAR APPROACHES
0:24:05 > 0:24:07- GEORGE:- I just pray to God we're not too late.
0:24:07 > 0:24:10- MALLORY:- Me too, George. - Father?
0:24:10 > 0:24:13Good Afternoon, Lady Felicia!
0:24:13 > 0:24:14Good work, Sid!
0:24:20 > 0:24:22- George!- Father.
0:24:24 > 0:24:26How are you, Henry?
0:24:28 > 0:24:32Mr Lee, the good news is we've got your man. Well, woman.
0:24:32 > 0:24:35It turns out Iris Lightman did this to you.
0:24:36 > 0:24:38Popped into your shed first thing yesterday
0:24:38 > 0:24:41and slipped hemlock in your teacup.
0:24:41 > 0:24:43The one thing I don't understand is
0:24:43 > 0:24:45why she's tried to fit up George here.
0:24:45 > 0:24:47I've never met the woman, Henry.
0:24:47 > 0:24:48Don't have any thoughts on it, do you?
0:24:48 > 0:24:50I saw her at the shed...
0:24:52 > 0:24:54..this morning.
0:24:56 > 0:24:59She didn't put poison in my cup.
0:24:59 > 0:25:03Well, Mrs Lightman didn't mention meeting you.
0:25:03 > 0:25:05How come you've said nothing about it till now?
0:25:05 > 0:25:07It's the truth.
0:25:07 > 0:25:09That woman poisoned you,
0:25:09 > 0:25:12so why on earth would you want to cover for her?
0:25:12 > 0:25:14She didn't do it.
0:25:15 > 0:25:17Right. Fair enough.
0:25:19 > 0:25:21I'm done here, George.
0:25:21 > 0:25:23- I'll stay here with Henry.- No!
0:25:27 > 0:25:29Just leave me alone...
0:25:29 > 0:25:31all of you!
0:25:33 > 0:25:36Iris has motive, opportunity, previous,
0:25:36 > 0:25:40and what's more she's lied to us. We've easily got enough.
0:25:44 > 0:25:46You've met her, Father.
0:25:46 > 0:25:48- Do you think she did it?- No.
0:25:50 > 0:25:51But I don't know who did.
0:25:53 > 0:25:55Why is Henry behaving so strangely towards me?
0:25:55 > 0:25:57I don't know that either.
0:25:58 > 0:26:00But let him rest.
0:26:01 > 0:26:04Haven't you got an appointment this lunchtime?
0:26:10 > 0:26:14Mrs McCarthy, sorry I'm a bit late.
0:26:14 > 0:26:15But I thought you were...
0:26:15 > 0:26:18Inspector Mallory has arrested Iris Lightman.
0:26:18 > 0:26:21And as Henry wants to be left alone...
0:26:21 > 0:26:25The inspector's also arranged a car to drop us off in Cheltenham.
0:26:25 > 0:26:27Oh!
0:26:27 > 0:26:28Oh, they're beautiful!
0:26:33 > 0:26:35That is very...
0:26:35 > 0:26:37I'll just go and get myself ready.
0:26:37 > 0:26:40There's no need. You look delightful as you are.
0:26:41 > 0:26:44At least let me change my hat.
0:26:44 > 0:26:46- And I'll just put these in water. - Of course.
0:26:51 > 0:26:52Thank you.
0:26:55 > 0:27:00I can't remember the last time I was in such a fancy place.
0:27:00 > 0:27:02Neither can I, Mrs McCarthy.
0:27:02 > 0:27:05Bridget, please. Thank you.
0:27:13 > 0:27:15I'm very glad you changed your mind.
0:27:17 > 0:27:21Now, I hear the Dover sole is particularly nice.
0:27:30 > 0:27:32- Ah, Sid.- Father.
0:27:36 > 0:27:37Bon appetit.
0:27:37 > 0:27:40Well, I wouldn't want Mrs M's flan going to waste,
0:27:40 > 0:27:43what with her being otherwise engaged, you know.
0:27:43 > 0:27:45Oh! How lovely.
0:27:48 > 0:27:51"If I had a flower for every time I thought of you,
0:27:51 > 0:27:54"I could walk through my garden forever."
0:27:54 > 0:27:56- Quite the poet, old George.- No.
0:27:58 > 0:27:59That's Tennyson.
0:28:02 > 0:28:04- Oh, dear.- What?
0:28:06 > 0:28:09I fear Mrs McCarthy is having lunch with a murderer.
0:28:09 > 0:28:11You're kidding.
0:28:11 > 0:28:13Let's just pray she's careful what she says.
0:28:19 > 0:28:23All I know is, a man named Max murdered a girl called Vera.
0:28:24 > 0:28:28Well, anyway, that's what this Iris woman told Henry.
0:28:29 > 0:28:31George?
0:28:31 > 0:28:33Are you all right?
0:28:33 > 0:28:35Yes. Yes, I'm fine.
0:28:37 > 0:28:42- Well, I'll just visit the powder room.- Of course.
0:28:57 > 0:28:58- SID:- You sure Mrs McCarthy's in danger?
0:28:58 > 0:29:00BROWN: George may well have poisoned Henry
0:29:00 > 0:29:03to stop him revealing that he killed Vera Blanchett.
0:29:03 > 0:29:05- And if George did that to Henry... - Exactly.
0:29:09 > 0:29:11Oh, that looks lovely.
0:29:11 > 0:29:14I've taken the liberty of pouring you some wine.
0:29:14 > 0:29:15Oh! Why not?
0:29:17 > 0:29:20Here's to you, Bridget, and to Henry.
0:29:20 > 0:29:22Of course. To poor Henry.
0:29:28 > 0:29:31Oh, It's quite sharp. Maybe even a little bitter.
0:29:32 > 0:29:34- Try the fish.- Yes.
0:29:40 > 0:29:42Mrs McCarthy.
0:29:42 > 0:29:45- What are you...- George.
0:29:45 > 0:29:46What on earth is going on?!
0:29:46 > 0:29:50- I'm afraid there has been a fire at St Mary's.- A fire!
0:29:50 > 0:29:52Now, the Fire Brigade have it under control, Mrs McCarthy,
0:29:52 > 0:29:56but I need you to go back with Sid and sort out a few things.
0:29:56 > 0:29:58- But I haven't even started my dinner.- I'm so sorry.
0:29:58 > 0:30:02But all things considered, I think we've had a lucky escape.
0:30:02 > 0:30:05- Right. Shall we?- The Rolls, Mrs M?
0:30:05 > 0:30:08Why didn't you just telephone the restaurant?
0:30:08 > 0:30:10The line was engaged.
0:30:12 > 0:30:15There isn't really a fire at St Mary's, is there?
0:30:18 > 0:30:21WHISPERS: George is Max.
0:30:24 > 0:30:31- Well, I think I had better get back, just, just in case...- Good idea.
0:30:31 > 0:30:33I hope we can do this again, Bridget?
0:30:33 > 0:30:35Oh, yes! Of course!
0:30:47 > 0:30:50I'd like to eat this fish but I don't think it would be safe.
0:30:53 > 0:30:56I know you killed Vera Blanchett...
0:30:57 > 0:31:00..and let an innocent boy swing for it.
0:31:03 > 0:31:06I don't know what you're talking about, Father.
0:31:06 > 0:31:10Your work took you to the Crown Court regularly.
0:31:10 > 0:31:12That's where you met Vera. She was young, impressionable.
0:31:12 > 0:31:14You were a Detective Sergeant.
0:31:15 > 0:31:17How could she refuse you?
0:31:18 > 0:31:21But she did.
0:31:21 > 0:31:24And that's when it went horribly, horribly wrong.
0:31:26 > 0:31:30I presume Max is your middle name?
0:31:31 > 0:31:35If you leave this restaurant I will call the police.
0:31:39 > 0:31:42Was it your idea to pin Vera's murder onto Thomas?
0:31:46 > 0:31:49It was my boss's idea, and his boss's.
0:31:52 > 0:31:58To protect their reputation and the "good name" of the police?
0:31:58 > 0:32:00But I did nothing to stop them!
0:32:09 > 0:32:11Did you poison Henry too?
0:32:11 > 0:32:15What? No!
0:32:15 > 0:32:16Surely he needed to be silenced.
0:32:18 > 0:32:21Thanks to Iris he knew that you were Vera's killer.
0:32:21 > 0:32:23But I only just found that out from Mrs McCarthy.
0:32:32 > 0:32:36Father, I have done some monstrous things in my time
0:32:36 > 0:32:42but believe me, I would never, ever harm Henry or Mrs McCarthy.
0:32:52 > 0:32:54Mm.
0:32:55 > 0:32:57In the time I have known you,
0:32:57 > 0:33:00I have always sensed you wanted to be a good man.
0:33:00 > 0:33:03- Do you want what happened to Thomas to ever happen again?- Of course not.
0:33:05 > 0:33:07Then go to Inspector Mallory,
0:33:07 > 0:33:10confess your crime and expose your superiors
0:33:10 > 0:33:14and the corrupt system that protected you.
0:33:14 > 0:33:16Father, I'm not sure that I'm brave enough.
0:33:21 > 0:33:22I think you are.
0:33:24 > 0:33:26God has given you the chance
0:33:26 > 0:33:29to salvage some greater good from your acts.
0:33:30 > 0:33:35I strongly suggest that you do the right thing.
0:33:45 > 0:33:48- Afternoon, sir. - Is the Inspector in?
0:33:48 > 0:33:51- He is, sir, yes. Go straight through.- Thank you.
0:33:53 > 0:33:58Oh, Sergeant, there's a man outside, he's behaving rather strangely.
0:33:58 > 0:34:01- I think he must be drunk. - Is there? Right.
0:34:02 > 0:34:04Thanks.
0:34:24 > 0:34:26I've got nothing more to say.
0:34:35 > 0:34:38- Mrs Lightman?- Who are you?
0:34:38 > 0:34:40I'm Max.
0:34:43 > 0:34:46I am so very sorry...
0:34:47 > 0:34:49..for what I did to Vera and to your son.
0:34:54 > 0:34:56How did you get in here?
0:34:58 > 0:35:01I want to confess to the murder of Vera Blanchett...
0:35:02 > 0:35:06..and to my role in a barbaric police cover-up.
0:35:08 > 0:35:10You what?
0:35:14 > 0:35:16I should have known it was too good to be true.
0:35:18 > 0:35:20Come now, Mrs McCarthy.
0:35:20 > 0:35:24Not every man who invites you out to lunch will turn out to be a murderer.
0:35:24 > 0:35:27And I didn't even get to taste the Dover sole.
0:35:29 > 0:35:31It is the merest of consolation, but I do believe that George
0:35:31 > 0:35:35is repentant about what he did to Vera and Thomas.
0:35:35 > 0:35:39And I suppose that's why he poisoned Henry as well.
0:35:40 > 0:35:42I'm not convinced it was him, actually.
0:35:42 > 0:35:45How can you even question it?
0:35:45 > 0:35:47His denial seemed sincere.
0:35:48 > 0:35:51And I don't believe he would have chosen hemlock.
0:35:51 > 0:35:53Nobody in their right mind would choose hemlock.
0:35:53 > 0:35:57Plato did. Or was that the other one?
0:35:57 > 0:36:01- Socrates.- Yes, him, exactly. - Of course. Of course!
0:36:03 > 0:36:06And all because you stayed for a cup of tea.
0:36:06 > 0:36:09You are a genius, Mrs McCarthy.
0:36:16 > 0:36:21Socrates chose hemlock for his own execution, and so did you.
0:36:21 > 0:36:22What?
0:36:22 > 0:36:26Thomas Lightman showed you that the justice system
0:36:26 > 0:36:28you had given your life to was corrupt.
0:36:28 > 0:36:32Made you wonder how many other innocent people you had hanged.
0:36:34 > 0:36:39The shock made you give up your job, the Church and embrace the bottle.
0:36:42 > 0:36:45I suspect you were looking for life's exit door
0:36:45 > 0:36:47before you left your own party.
0:36:48 > 0:36:53But when Iris Lightman told you the name of the monster
0:36:53 > 0:36:57who had caused you all this grief, it was the final straw.
0:36:59 > 0:37:04And you had to know George very well to know that he was Max.
0:37:05 > 0:37:08And you did, didn't you, Henry?
0:37:08 > 0:37:10What is this?
0:37:12 > 0:37:14I'm afraid this is the truth.
0:37:16 > 0:37:18But you didn't want your suicide to be in vain,
0:37:18 > 0:37:21you wanted justice for Vera and Thomas.
0:37:21 > 0:37:25But the problem was, you didn't trust the police
0:37:25 > 0:37:28to deal with their own corruption.
0:37:28 > 0:37:32So you had to put George on the scaffold yourself.
0:37:33 > 0:37:37So you left traces of hemlock in George's house
0:37:37 > 0:37:39and kept the rest with you.
0:37:39 > 0:37:45Then when Mrs McCarthy came to the garden, you put it in your tea,
0:37:45 > 0:37:48knowing that she would confirm George had made it.
0:37:48 > 0:37:51George Hammond did this to me.
0:37:52 > 0:37:55That's what you want the police to believe.
0:37:57 > 0:38:00And that's why you protected Iris.
0:38:01 > 0:38:02Don't worry, Henry.
0:38:04 > 0:38:07As I speak, George is in the Police Station,
0:38:07 > 0:38:10confessing to the murder of Vera. You will get your justice.
0:38:16 > 0:38:18One question.
0:38:18 > 0:38:22When you heard the name Max, why were you certain that was George?
0:38:25 > 0:38:29Thomas told me that Vera was killed by a policeman.
0:38:35 > 0:38:37Will I go to hell for this, Father?
0:38:39 > 0:38:41Jesus commanded us not to judge.
0:38:43 > 0:38:45God will have the final judgment.
0:38:48 > 0:38:50But I tell you this...
0:38:51 > 0:38:54Not for one second has He left your side.
0:39:08 > 0:39:11I've just been on the phone to the Chief Constable.
0:39:11 > 0:39:14- You're free to go.- What?
0:39:15 > 0:39:18- You can't do this. - I'm just following orders.
0:39:19 > 0:39:20I'm not going.
0:39:22 > 0:39:24You know what I think, Detective Inspector?
0:39:26 > 0:39:29That a bent copper is worse than any criminal.
0:39:29 > 0:39:32That you should swing and heads should roll.
0:39:34 > 0:39:38But it's not me who decides, is it?
0:39:38 > 0:39:41It can be, if you want it to be.
0:39:44 > 0:39:47Look, I'll get Goodfellow to throw you out if I have to.
0:39:47 > 0:39:50Inspector Mallory, if you do not charge me with the murder
0:39:50 > 0:39:54of Vera Blanchett, then I will add your name to the list that I give to
0:39:54 > 0:39:58the newspapers of all the coppers involved in this sordid business.
0:39:58 > 0:40:02And as the roof of this constabulary comes crashing down,
0:40:02 > 0:40:04you too will be buried forever.
0:40:11 > 0:40:12Thank you.
0:40:19 > 0:40:23I'm sorry that I've ended up...
0:40:24 > 0:40:26..bringing you down with me.
0:40:26 > 0:40:30At this moment I just want to come with you.
0:40:30 > 0:40:34No, Edie, you must stay and fight.
0:40:36 > 0:40:38Your father's money...
0:40:39 > 0:40:42..I want you to take it.
0:40:43 > 0:40:46- What? No. Don't ask that.- Please.
0:40:47 > 0:40:48Henry.
0:40:50 > 0:40:52Keeping our business alive...
0:40:55 > 0:40:59..that will be...keeping us alive.
0:41:03 > 0:41:05Thank you.
0:41:11 > 0:41:14You are the best thing...that ever happened...
0:41:15 > 0:41:17..in my life.
0:41:22 > 0:41:24Oh, Henry.
0:41:28 > 0:41:30Edie.
0:41:46 > 0:41:49"The stream will cease to flow.
0:41:49 > 0:41:52"The wind will cease to blow.
0:41:52 > 0:41:55"The clouds will cease to fleet.
0:41:55 > 0:41:57"The heart will cease to beat.
0:41:57 > 0:42:00"For all things must die."
0:42:03 > 0:42:06Henry chose hemlock.
0:42:06 > 0:42:08He wanted to say a proper goodbye to Edie.
0:42:09 > 0:42:13Come on, Sid, we've got a competition to win for Edie.
0:42:14 > 0:42:16The flower show!
0:42:16 > 0:42:18I forgot all about that.
0:42:18 > 0:42:21- Lady Felicia?- Yes, Mrs M?
0:42:21 > 0:42:25I was wondering if you might like one or two suggestions from me
0:42:25 > 0:42:28as to which flowers might catch Father Brown's eye?
0:42:28 > 0:42:31I thought you wanted to win the trophy for yourself?
0:42:31 > 0:42:33Yes, well, I've had a change of heart.
0:42:34 > 0:42:36Thank you.
0:43:08 > 0:43:09The winner!
0:43:14 > 0:43:15For Edie Lee.
0:43:15 > 0:43:18The grower of the best flowers in the whole of the Cotswolds!
0:43:20 > 0:43:22And next Monday,
0:43:22 > 0:43:25I will be hiring Edie as the florist for the Websters' wedding.
0:43:25 > 0:43:26Excellent.
0:43:28 > 0:43:30You look relieved, Father.
0:43:30 > 0:43:33That was the toughest yet.
0:43:33 > 0:43:35Thanks for the steer.
0:43:35 > 0:43:37Anything for a peaceful life, eh?
0:43:37 > 0:43:39Partners in crime. Who'd have thought it?
0:43:39 > 0:43:41You know what, when those two get together,
0:43:41 > 0:43:44they really are a deadly combination.
0:43:44 > 0:43:47Of course the real reason we won is
0:43:47 > 0:43:50because I knew exactly which blooms Father Brown favoured.
0:43:50 > 0:43:52What rot! If I hadn't been to finishing school,
0:43:52 > 0:43:56the whole thing would have been an unmitigated disaster!