The Star of Jacob Father Brown


The Star of Jacob

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CLOCK TICKS

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Oooh!

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Mrs McCarthy? We won! Cheltenham 2-1 Evesham!

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Father, in here! You have a visitor.

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Canon Fox from the Diocesan Office.

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Ah, Father.

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I trust there's nothing wrong?

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Oh, if there were, you could be sure

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Bishop Reynard would be here in person.

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No. Actually, it's about your Christmas Day Mass.

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The nativity procession is the highlight of our calendar.

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It also has a reputation for being somewhat eclectic

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in its interpretation of the Gospel.

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Last year, for instance,

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Our Lady's arrival at the stable was on the back of a goat.

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Well, we had trouble finding a donkey.

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Where the Christ Child was worshipped by, amongst others,

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five kings, two cocker spaniels

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and the Lone Ranger.

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Derek Miller.

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He made a spirited argument that if the sheep had shepherds,

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the oxen should have cowboys.

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It seemed churlish to deny him.

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And then there's your...Sunday school choir.

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What they lack in voice, they make up for in enthusiasm.

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-It is for the children.

-Not this year!

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This year, the Duke of Frome is spending Christmas at Montague.

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And, we're informed, will be attending Christmas Mass

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at St Mary's.

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As he's Britain's premier Catholic duke,

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we're keen you don't let the side down, so to speak.

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To wit, I will be attending in person.

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And as the reputation of the diocese

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rests on a somewhat dubious precedent,

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Bishop Reynard thought it judicious to put down a few markers.

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This year, he wants the full biblical line-up.

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He wants wholesome-looking children.

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He wants ox and ass

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and chorales that put King's College, Cambridge to shame.

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Damn it, he wants snow!

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I'm not sure I can stretch to snow.

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Then you'd better get praying.

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Thank you for coming, Father.

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I could curse Monty for not being here.

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Missing the Yuletide ball!

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The great and the good.

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Oh, I appreciate the moral support.

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I'm surprised you need it. The duke and you are cousins.

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You were practically brought up together.

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Oh, John and Diana are lovely.

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-Good morning, Windy.

-Hello, Nanny Langton.

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You did well for yourself, for a redhead.

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Diana! John! How lovely to see you!

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You remember Father Brown?

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Holy Mother...!

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(Oh!)

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-He's cold as ice.

-Oh, goodness!

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-Poor soul probably froze to death.

-Oh!

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May his soul rest in peace.

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That...was my intention,

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until some infernal woman started squawking!

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-(Boo!)

-What are you doing here?

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I just wanted to see where you're billeted.

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-Can't you see I've work to do?

-You don't say.

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More precious than baby Jesus, this one.

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Don't call him that.

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Why not? He's a miracle, by all accounts.

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What are you doing here?!

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-One of the cases got mixed up with the duke's.

-Huh!

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See you around.

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Trouble in trousers, that one.

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And what he sees in you is a mystery.

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Congratulations on the birth of your son and heir.

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I'm grateful for your intercessions, Father.

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Prayer succeeded when medicine failed.

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Scores of doctors and treatments.

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And when we'd finally given up hope...

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Talk of the devil!

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John will hold him.

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He cries when I do.

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I'm not sure that he likes me very much.

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THEY CHUCKLE

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Come here. Hello.

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Such a handsome boy! He looks just like his father.

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So, Windy, where's this husband of yours?

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-Windy?

-It's a childhood nickname.

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Windermere by name, bowels like bellows.

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Monty's on tour with Her Majesty, Nanny.

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Oh! God bless her.

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Did John tell you about our diamond jubilee party at Frome?

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Felicia meant the new queen, Nanny.

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I know that. I don't know what her parents were thinking of,

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allowing the girl to marry a Greek!

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We do possess a plentiful supply of cutlery.

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Nature's spoons.

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His name is Michael Negal.

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I found him in the church half-frozen to death,

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so I brought him in for a hot meal.

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Not that I've received any thanks.

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She woke me from a perfectly good sleep, and her food's over-salted.

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This is a harsh winter to be sleeping rough.

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You could perish.

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Oh. Seeing as you ask, maybe I could stay for a bit.

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Odd jobs in return for some grub and a floor in the church.

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I'm afraid that won't be possible.

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But there is a room for you here at the presbytery.

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I hope you know what you're doing.

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The Bible tells us to be hospitable to strangers

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lest they be angels in disguise.

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BELCH!

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Well, in that case, maybe he could take up my offer

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of a hot bath and some clean clothes.

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I'm attached to my dirt.

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We've been travelling companions for a long time.

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Is there an inside privy?

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Upstairs on the left.

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Good. Because this stew will take some shifting.

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BELCH!

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MICHAEL BREAKS WIND

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Time to go to sleep now, David.

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Yes, it is.

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Night-night. Night-night.

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BABY GURGLES

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Old bag's nightcap. They're run off their feet in the kitchen.

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Since when were you so considerate?

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Since they bunged me a bottle of champagne.

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I thought us two could slip away and watch the party.

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-What about Nanny?

-She'll be dead to the world in no time.

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-Half an hour.

-SHE GIGGLES

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MUSIC: Once In Royal David's City

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LOW CHATTER

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Divine outfit, Mrs M! Oh, good news!

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Harry Bainbridge has come up trumps with a donkey.

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He'll be delivered on Christmas Day.

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Bless you! One less thing to worry about.

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The honour of the parish is at stake.

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We won't stand accused of letting the side down.

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-Where is he?

-Basil!

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If I'd known you were in the area, I would have invited you.

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Delightful to see you too, Cousin(!) He's here, I take it?

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Never mind, I'll find him myself.

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-A relative of yours?

-Barely.

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Third cousin goodness knows how many times removed,

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and a thoroughly bad lot.

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Enjoying the party, Inspector?

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Does it look like it?

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I hate Christmas.

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I hate parties. And I particularly hate parties with dancing!

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Begging the question, why are you here?

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There speaks the voice of a celibate.

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Keep your eyes peeled when the dancing starts.

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5' 7", brown hair, green dress.

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If she asks, you haven't seen me!

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Aren't you excused?

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An attack of gout doesn't get me a red card.

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She merely views it as a challenge.

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A bad run of luck!

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You expect me to settle your gambling debts?

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My credit isn't what it used to be.

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Then you're a damn fool for borrowing off your expectations.

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Think of them as debts of honour.

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We wouldn't want a stain on the family name.

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You're family by default, and you've been staining my name for years.

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No more, Basil!

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From now on, you're on your own.

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If you'll excuse me, I must join my hostess.

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You'll regret this, Cuz!

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My apologies. That was very unbecoming.

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It's Basil who should be apologising.

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Will you excuse me if I go to my room?

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I think I'm starting a headache.

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As long as you don't mind me borrowing your husband for dancing.

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I'll try not to wake you when I come up.

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Forgive me for saying, but Diana doesn't seem herself.

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Oh, it's nothing.

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A touch of the baby blues, according to Nanny.

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APPLAUSE

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MUSIC: God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen

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My Lord Duke, lords, ladies and gentlemen,

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dancing will begin in the ballroom.

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ANIMATED CHATTER

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Mrs Mallory, 6:00.

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LAUGHTER

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Sorry to disturb your party, sir, but the baby marquess is missing.

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Trusty Goodfellow! What would I do without you? Lead on.

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There's no sign of forced entry.

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My babies' windows are always left open at night

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to let Captain Fresh Air fly in.

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-And you were...?

-Watching the party.

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I'm so sorry, Your Grace!

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No-one blames you, Amy. You're entitled to some fun.

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Were you with anyone?

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Oh, you stupid girl!

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I warned you he was trouble.

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George Parkin, my valet.

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Has he been with you long?

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About six months, since leaving the army.

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The problem with soldiers is they can't keep their trousers buttoned.

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And you were in bed the entire time?

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I'm a very light sleeper, if you're suggesting what I think.

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I'm not suggesting anything, Miss...

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It's Nanny Langton to you,

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and I've been minding babies for 50 years.

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-When they wake, I wake.

-Yes, ma'am.

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Nanny Langton.

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You're saying the baby didn't wake up?

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And you can write that down in your book.

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Well, what are you waiting for?

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Was anything missing?

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His eiderdown, and lamb.

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It's his favourite toy.

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He's not allowed it at night. Nanny says he'll get crooked teeth.

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But I always put it by his bed so he can see it.

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I fail to see how any of this will find him.

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It appears we're dealing with a kidnapping,

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so you can expect a ransom demand.

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I want extra constables, roadblocks at five miles,

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a full search of the grounds, with dogs,

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and a full search of the house, basement to attic.

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In the meantime, until they make contact, all you can do is wait.

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And we will pray.

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BARKING

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A terrible business.

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We assume it's a kidnapping?

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The police seem to think so.

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Although as yet, there's no ransom demand.

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-Then God willing, he'll be returned by Christmas.

-Hm.

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In the meantime, arrangements must proceed as planned.

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I trust everything is shipshape and Bristol?

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We have an ox and an ass.

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The adult choir has been practising for weeks

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and Dafydd Owen has agreed to be soloist.

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He's Eisteddfod champion tenor.

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So we're hoping the Bishop will overlook the fact he's a Methodist.

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Well, it is Christmas.

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And I took it upon myself to take care of the casting,

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so there will be no surprises this year.

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-Donkey's here.

-Already?!

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Did you not tell him he wasn't supposed to drop him off until Christmas Day?

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Tell him yourself.

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Mrs Hornby says you're not letting the maids in.

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At least let me get these clothes cleaned.

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I know what they're saying.

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No-one's saying anything.

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That it's my fault.

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Why would they say that?

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Because they know that I'm...

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Because she's got a head filled with nonsense on an empty stomach.

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Beef broth. I made it myself.

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I'm not hungry.

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And you, you, off with you!

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And find something useful to do, or I'll find it for you.

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Yes, Nanny.

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Hello.

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Padre, in case you hadn't noticed, this is a crime scene!

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Goodfellow, I've got the Commissioner, Chief Constable,

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not to mention the Home-ruddy-Secretary

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breathing down my neck,

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so please tell me I've got something to report back!

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They found half-a-dozen sets of fingerprints, sir,

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but no surprises there, it's the gardeners' ladders,

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so they'll have to be eliminated.

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-Still nothing from the kidnappers?

-No, sir.

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Inspector Mallory?

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I wonder if you would indulge me in an experiment?

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The ground is soft.

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But the bottom of the ladder has barely sunk in.

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Spare me the riddles and get to the point.

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May I demonstrate?

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-I think the Father's trying to say that...

-Thank you, Watson!

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Which means the kidnappers didn't gain entry or exit via the ladder.

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And then went to great lengths to make it look like an outside job.

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It was the Yuletide ball. The entire county was here.

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But of those, how many knew where he was sleeping?

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Or that his windows were open at night?

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Or to take his favourite toy?

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What are you implying?

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If you would let me get a word in edgeways,

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I am deducing that the kidnappers had knowledge of the baby

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and his routines.

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Which suggests an accomplice within the family.

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That's preposterous!

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How many servants accompanied Your Grace?

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Just our nursery maid and my valet.

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There's also the nanny.

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Nanny is not a servant, Inspector, more a member of the family.

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On the subject of family,

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your cousin Mr Urquhart was conspicuously present last night.

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Does anybody know of his whereabouts?

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He's in the Ochre bedroom. Slightly worse for wear, I'm afraid.

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Then I wonder if Your Grace would permit me to wake him?

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MUSIC: The Holly And The Ivy

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He looks a bit miserable.

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You'd be miserable if you had to listen to that caterwauling.

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My choir is in fine fettle, thank you very much!

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They're flat on the top Cs.

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Oh, and you'd know, would you?

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I've sang in the finest choir in existence.

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Huh! And what choir would that be exactly?

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Mind your own business.

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SHE SIGHS

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Mr Urquhart!

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You left the party last night after an argument with the duke.

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Keep the volume down.

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Every word is like a nail in my skull.

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And approximately half an hour before the baby was found missing!

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Can I ask where you went?

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Up here, in search of a bed.

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You were conspicuous by your absence when all the drama was going on.

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I was as drunk as a skunk.

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Until recently, YOU were the duke's heir.

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Two wars have left the male Langtons distinctly thin on the ground.

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Behold, the bottom of the barrel.

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The birth of the marquess must have come as quite a blow.

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Crushing!

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But, as I am first to admit,

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I would have made a spectacularly bad duke.

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If you're suggesting what I think,

0:20:310:20:33

then you're way off the mark, old chap.

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It transpires that the kidnappers may have had an accomplice

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known to the family.

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So I'm sure you'll understand my request

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when I say, don't go anywhere for the time being.

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FAINT BARKING

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Morning, Miss. Can I ask what you're doing here?

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Do you recognise this woman?

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I've never seen her before.

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Which is peculiar as she claims to be the wife of your valet,

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despite him telling my sergeant he was unmarried.

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Parkin?

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I'm sorry, Your Grace.

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He was just out of the army.

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He needed a job and it was a bachelor position.

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A man can only serve one master.

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I'm not his master, I'm his wife.

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And I live in Hambleston.

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So when he was here over Christmas, I just...

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I just wanted to give my husband a Christmas card.

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-READS:

-On Christmas morning, under the mistletoe, remember our kisses.

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That's personal.

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I can see that. Very poetic!

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I will leave whenever is convenient, Your Grace.

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I think His Grace has more pressing matters on his mind.

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Indeed. And I won't punish a man for wanting to support his family,

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nor separate him from his wife.

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When...all this is over,

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we'll look at moving both of you into a cottage.

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Thank you.

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You're doing a fine job.

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I was an apprentice to a master carpenter back in the day.

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Back in your daydreams.

0:22:340:22:36

The ass has lost its appetite.

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Is he ill?

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He's missing his friend.

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Oh, you speak Donkey as well now, do you(?)

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If you've finished, you can go to the kitchen for your tea.

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Yes, Nanny.

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Don't say I didn't warn you.

0:22:560:22:58

The likes of him would never be interested in a girl like you.

0:23:000:23:03

BARKING

0:23:050:23:06

WHISTLE

0:23:100:23:12

Can you confirm that this is your son's?

0:23:230:23:26

I'm not sure. Nanny would know.

0:23:260:23:29

I did the embroidery myself.

0:23:330:23:34

This means he's been injured, or worse!

0:23:370:23:40

If he's been kidnapped, they're hardly likely to harm the golden goose.

0:23:400:23:44

Quite.

0:23:440:23:46

It's too soon for alarm.

0:23:460:23:48

We don't even know if it's human blood yet.

0:23:480:23:51

Get that to Scenes of Crime and tell them I want the results yesterday!

0:23:510:23:54

# Above thy deep and dreamless sleep

0:23:590:24:04

# The silent stars go by... #

0:24:040:24:09

That's only half the choir. Where's the other half?

0:24:110:24:15

They're dropping like flies, I'm afraid.

0:24:150:24:18

There's been an outbreak of laryngitis.

0:24:180:24:21

Oh, my mother of God!

0:24:210:24:22

It's Christmas Eve - what are we going to do now?

0:24:220:24:26

Don't worry, Mrs McCarthy.

0:24:260:24:28

We are small but mighty...

0:24:280:24:30

..and Dafydd will carry the day.

0:24:320:24:34

# For Christ is born of Mary

0:24:340:24:40

# And gathered all above... #

0:24:400:24:46

This "unusual" interest started when, exactly?

0:24:460:24:50

The minute he arrived.

0:24:500:24:51

He was always looking for excuses to hang round the nursery.

0:24:510:24:55

Did it occur to you as odd?

0:24:550:24:58

I thought he was...

0:24:580:24:59

You thought he was "paying court".

0:25:000:25:03

And neglected to tell you he had a wife.

0:25:030:25:06

Not that we....

0:25:060:25:08

I'm not that sort of girl.

0:25:080:25:10

I don't doubt it for a second.

0:25:110:25:13

And on the night in question?

0:25:130:25:15

He bought up Nanny's cocoa from the kitchen.

0:25:150:25:18

But I think that was just an excuse to get me out of there so...

0:25:180:25:20

George Parkin brought the nanny's cocoa?

0:25:200:25:23

CLOCK PLAYS A TUNE

0:25:240:25:27

CLOCK CHIMES

0:25:300:25:34

Our thoughts and prayers are with you. How is your wife?

0:25:340:25:37

I'm afraid she's unwell and taken to bed.

0:25:380:25:41

Forgive me for saying but, even before this happened,

0:25:410:25:44

Diana hasn't seemed herself.

0:25:440:25:46

Do you know something?

0:25:460:25:49

Diana left the ball to go to bed.

0:25:490:25:50

But, the next day, I found mud on her gown.

0:25:520:25:55

I expect she went for a walk.

0:25:560:25:57

At night?

0:25:570:25:58

It's not unusual.

0:25:580:26:00

She's had great trouble sleeping since David was born.

0:26:000:26:03

Hardly surprising after what she went through.

0:26:030:26:05

-Nanny!

-What do you mean?

0:26:050:26:07

She gets confused.

0:26:070:26:08

We should never have taken her to that dreadful place.

0:26:080:26:11

What place?

0:26:110:26:13

John?

0:26:130:26:15

Diana had complications and needed surgery.

0:26:170:26:19

There wasn't time to get to the hospital,

0:26:190:26:21

so we were directed to a maternity home,

0:26:210:26:23

where there was a doctor attending another birth.

0:26:230:26:26

"Doctor"? Sawbones!

0:26:260:26:28

We nearly lost the both of them.

0:26:280:26:30

But, thanks to God, we didn't.

0:26:300:26:33

The birth announcement said that David was born at Frome.

0:26:330:26:37

I admit the sin of snobbery.

0:26:370:26:39

Well, Cedar House was a facility for unmarried mothers.

0:26:390:26:43

It's hardly an auspicious birthplace for a future Duke.

0:26:430:26:46

KNOCK ON DOOR

0:26:460:26:48

Lady Felicia, I need your permission to make a search.

0:26:500:26:53

Sarge!

0:27:030:27:04

Right. Let's see if we can find George Parkin, shall we?

0:27:070:27:10

Do you recognise this?

0:27:440:27:46

Have trouble sleeping, do we?

0:27:480:27:51

If you'd fought in two wars, then you'd have trouble sleeping.

0:27:510:27:55

Ten years in the Royal Worcester Fusiliers.

0:27:580:28:01

Honourable discharge in February.

0:28:010:28:04

And then, in April, you took employment with the Duke

0:28:050:28:09

after lying about your marital status.

0:28:090:28:12

I explained that.

0:28:120:28:13

Your wife is a very attractive woman.

0:28:140:28:17

Leaving me pondering your interest in Miss Amy who...

0:28:170:28:21

let's just say wouldn't win prizes in a beauty contest.

0:28:210:28:25

Men will be men.

0:28:260:28:27

And a man like you could have his pick.

0:28:270:28:30

I'd wager, under normal circumstances,

0:28:300:28:32

you wouldn't look at her twice.

0:28:320:28:34

And so to the night in question,

0:28:340:28:36

when you brought the Nanny's cocoa to the nursery...

0:28:360:28:40

The kitchen were run off their feet.

0:28:400:28:42

And here's the coincidence.

0:28:420:28:45

The dregs of the cocoa were tested and found to contain Nembutal.

0:28:450:28:50

Coincidentally, the very same drug we found in your possession.

0:28:510:28:55

Like you say - coincidence.

0:28:560:28:59

Too many for my liking.

0:29:000:29:02

So I'll ask you the question again -

0:29:020:29:04

who were you working with?

0:29:040:29:06

And I'll tell you again -

0:29:060:29:08

it had nothing to do with me.

0:29:080:29:10

Oh. Anything, sir?

0:29:150:29:16

A big, fat nothing.

0:29:160:29:18

Hm.

0:29:180:29:19

The Chief Constable wants you to call him back,

0:29:190:29:21

and Mrs Mallory phoned again to remind you

0:29:210:29:23

that the shops shut early on Christmas Eve.

0:29:230:29:26

Padre.

0:29:280:29:29

I don't suppose you're here to wish me a merry Christmas.

0:29:300:29:34

I heard that you had made an arrest and I was wondering...

0:29:340:29:37

If you could have a good snoop?

0:29:370:29:39

..if I could do anything?

0:29:390:29:41

Only if you could add professional torturer to your list of skills.

0:29:410:29:45

So he's admitted nothing?

0:29:450:29:46

And he's as guilty as sin. I can smell it on him.

0:29:460:29:49

I want to see my husband.

0:29:500:29:52

Out of the question.

0:29:520:29:54

He's under arrest on suspicion of conspiracy to kidnap.

0:29:540:29:58

But as you're here, Mrs Parkin, maybe we could have a chat?

0:29:580:30:01

I've nothing to say.

0:30:010:30:03

I don't need to remind you that a baby is missing.

0:30:030:30:06

So if there's anything at all you want to get off your chest...?

0:30:070:30:11

I can tell you this.

0:30:130:30:16

I swear on God's word that my husband is innocent.

0:30:160:30:20

Then you'd better pray he turns up without a scratch,

0:30:220:30:25

or your husband will be facing a murder charge.

0:30:250:30:28

And there isn't a jury in England that wouldn't see him hanged!

0:30:280:30:31

You're making a mistake.

0:30:340:30:35

See her out, Sergeant.

0:30:350:30:37

Yes, sir.

0:30:370:30:39

-This way, madam.

-I-I just want to speak to him.

0:30:390:30:41

Is that really too much to ask?

0:30:410:30:43

CHURCH BELL TOLLS

0:30:460:30:49

Merry Christmas, my Lady.

0:30:550:30:57

Merry Christmas, Father. I came to light a candle for David.

0:30:570:31:00

I take it there's still no ransom.

0:31:070:31:09

John's beside himself.

0:31:100:31:12

He's determined to attend Christmas Mass, however.

0:31:130:31:16

It seems terrible to be celebrating the birth of one child

0:31:180:31:21

-when your own is....

-BABY CRIES

0:31:210:31:25

BABY GIGGLES

0:31:270:31:29

Hello, David.

0:31:310:31:33

Hello.

0:31:340:31:36

-MALLORY:

-'Back with his parents, sir.'

0:31:360:31:38

Not a scratch on him.

0:31:390:31:41

At least it seems he was well looked after.

0:31:410:31:44

Indeed it is, sir.

0:31:440:31:46

Yes, sir. And to you, too.

0:31:480:31:50

I suppose that means Christmas dinner with the family.

0:31:520:31:54

You suppose wrong.

0:31:540:31:56

The baby may be back,

0:31:560:31:58

but his kidnappers are still at large.

0:31:580:32:00

Well, cheer up.

0:32:010:32:03

Who'd want to be stuck at home,

0:32:030:32:04

surrounded by stockings and screaming children,

0:32:040:32:07

when there's villains to apprehend?

0:32:070:32:10

Once we nabbed the valet,

0:32:240:32:26

the kidnappers knew we were closing in and panicked.

0:32:260:32:29

You still think he's involved?

0:32:290:32:31

He's guilty as Bluebeard, and his accomplice is still out there.

0:32:310:32:35

Was the church locked after Midnight Mass?

0:32:350:32:37

The church is never locked.

0:32:370:32:39

And the baby was found at seven in the morning,

0:32:390:32:41

-which gives us a window of approximately...

-Sir!

0:32:410:32:44

Your secret's safe with me, Padre.

0:32:460:32:49

-Merry Christmas.

-Ah, yes, and merry Christmas to you too.

0:32:540:32:58

DOOR CLOSES

0:32:580:33:00

Dafydd's down with the laryngitis now.

0:33:040:33:08

Could be worse.

0:33:080:33:09

We've no soloist, we've half a choir and a missing donkey.

0:33:090:33:13

Exactly how could it be worse?

0:33:140:33:17

DOOR OPENS AND CLOSES

0:33:170:33:20

You slept in the church last night.

0:33:250:33:27

Well, it's better than up there.

0:33:270:33:29

The mattress is all lumpy and you snore like an elephant in heat.

0:33:290:33:34

I have a question.

0:33:340:33:35

Oh, I hate questions.

0:33:350:33:37

But as it's Christmas, I'll let you have one. And an answer.

0:33:370:33:41

The sacristy door was locked,

0:33:410:33:43

which means that anyone entering the church

0:33:430:33:45

would have to pass by the confessional.

0:33:450:33:47

That's not a question.

0:33:470:33:48

Who did you see?

0:33:510:33:52

Jocabed.

0:33:570:33:58

Now, what's that supposed to mean?

0:33:580:34:00

That's two questions. And I have places to be.

0:34:000:34:02

And where do you have to be that's so important on Christmas?

0:34:020:34:06

I have to see a sheep about a donkey.

0:34:060:34:09

-Talking in riddles as usual.

-DOOR CLOSES

0:34:090:34:11

And who is Jocabed when he's at home?

0:34:110:34:14

She.

0:34:140:34:15

Moses' mother.

0:34:160:34:18

SHE GASPS

0:34:180:34:19

Who put the child in a basket and hid it in the bulrushes.

0:34:190:34:23

Where he was found by Pharaoh's daughter...

0:34:230:34:26

and raised a prince.

0:34:260:34:27

Well, now, where are YOU off to?

0:34:290:34:31

Canon Fox will be here...

0:34:310:34:34

SHE SIGHS

0:34:340:34:35

..in an hour

0:34:350:34:37

Have you news about my husband?

0:34:380:34:41

HE CLEARS HIS THROAT

0:34:410:34:42

He's still under arrest,

0:34:440:34:45

and the police are looking for his accomplice.

0:34:450:34:48

Contrary to appearance, the Inspector is no fool,

0:34:480:34:51

and it's only a matter of time before he works it out.

0:34:510:34:54

Works out what?

0:34:550:34:56

Mind if I sit down?

0:34:570:34:59

HE GRUNTS

0:35:040:35:06

That it was you who left the baby in the church.

0:35:100:35:12

You-you don't understand.

0:35:150:35:17

I understand a lot more than you think.

0:35:170:35:20

I know that David was born in Cedar House...

0:35:200:35:23

..and that another mother gave birth that night.

0:35:240:35:28

Was that woman you?

0:35:300:35:32

(Yes.)

0:35:330:35:35

SHE STRAINS AND SCREAMS

0:35:350:35:38

The Duchess of Frome has just arrived

0:35:380:35:40

with suspected pre-eclampsia.

0:35:400:35:42

Get some drugs in her and get it out as quickly as possible.

0:35:420:35:45

Forgive me...

0:35:480:35:50

..but, um, I thought that your poetic skills

0:35:530:35:58

left much to be desired.

0:35:580:36:00

Until I realised that is was an acrostic.

0:36:010:36:04

You swore on God's word...

0:36:060:36:08

..that your husband was innocent.

0:36:090:36:11

And I think that you were telling the truth.

0:36:110:36:15

Because you can't steal...

0:36:170:36:19

what is yours.

0:36:190:36:20

HE CLEARS HIS THROAT

0:36:230:36:24

"OUR SON SAFE."

0:36:240:36:26

They are the thieves.

0:36:280:36:30

They stole our child.

0:36:300:36:33

Where's my baby?

0:36:330:36:34

I'm afraid he didn't survive the night.

0:36:340:36:37

No!

0:36:370:36:38

-That's not true. You're lying!

-Now then...

0:36:390:36:42

-Please say you're lying!

-There's no need for hysterics.

0:36:420:36:45

You'd only have given him up for adoption.

0:36:450:36:47

'Wasn't true.'

0:36:470:36:48

We were keeping him.

0:36:500:36:53

George and I were getting married as soon as he was back from Korea.

0:36:530:36:56

Instead, he returned to find his son was dead.

0:36:560:37:00

How did you know?

0:37:020:37:04

When I saw this.

0:37:050:37:07

When he was born, I saw it as clearly as I see you.

0:37:180:37:24

BABY CRIES

0:37:240:37:25

Is it... Is it a boy or girl?

0:37:250:37:27

'And I remember thinking, if it was a girl, we'd call her Stella.'

0:37:270:37:32

Star.

0:37:320:37:33

And what if it was a boy?

0:37:330:37:35

Jacob, after my father.

0:37:350:37:38

When George got the job, it wasn't to...

0:37:400:37:44

Not at first.

0:37:460:37:47

We just wanted to know that he was happy and loved.

0:37:490:37:55

That's rich.

0:37:570:37:58

Left in the care of a senile old woman

0:37:590:38:02

while his so-called "mother" could hardly even bear to look at him.

0:38:020:38:06

'All we did was take back what was ours.

0:38:060:38:08

'He didn't make a sound.

0:38:090:38:12

'It was like he recognised me.'

0:38:120:38:15

Ah!

0:38:200:38:22

'The nightdress would have given him away at once,

0:38:220:38:24

'so I had to get rid of it.'

0:38:240:38:25

Ah. The blood was yours.

0:38:270:38:30

They thought he was dead.

0:38:310:38:32

They would have hanged his own father for murder.

0:38:340:38:38

HE PUFFS

0:38:380:38:39

You could have gone to the police.

0:38:410:38:43

The word of a servant over that of a duke?

0:38:450:38:48

The word of a duke...

0:38:490:38:52

is NOTHING to God.

0:38:520:38:54

How...?

0:38:570:38:58

Where on Earth did you find him?

0:39:000:39:03

They share a field. They don't like being separated.

0:39:030:39:06

And where are you off to now?

0:39:080:39:10

Oh... Come on.

0:39:110:39:14

Come on.

0:39:150:39:16

God heard your prayers.

0:39:360:39:37

And sent us a Christmas miracle.

0:39:400:39:42

What can I do for you, Father?

0:39:450:39:46

I came to offer my condolences

0:39:460:39:48

on the death of your son.

0:39:480:39:50

I suppose I always knew the truth would out.

0:40:010:40:03

I can explain.

0:40:040:40:06

I can't wait to hear it.

0:40:060:40:07

Diana nearly died.

0:40:090:40:10

She needed an operation and it caused...

0:40:120:40:15

The doctor said that she would never bear another child.

0:40:170:40:20

And as for our son, he was weak.

0:40:200:40:23

Fighting for his life.

0:40:230:40:24

-COUGHING

-God gives strength

0:40:240:40:26

to those that need it.

0:40:260:40:27

He gave this one strength enough for two.

0:40:290:40:31

A misbegotten by-blow destined for adoption.

0:40:320:40:35

Your son carries the weight of destiny on his shoulders.

0:40:350:40:39

They seem such fragile shoulders.

0:40:400:40:42

Your Grace...

0:40:430:40:45

Your Grace? There's no need for alarm. It's good news.

0:40:450:40:48

The Marquess has rallied and is out of danger.

0:40:480:40:52

Would you like to hold your son?

0:40:520:40:53

I'm afraid he became poorly and died during the night.

0:41:010:41:04

It's a shame.

0:41:040:41:06

There's a waiting list for boys.

0:41:060:41:08

At least he won't be mourned.

0:41:090:41:10

It's for the best.

0:41:130:41:15

You knew, but you told no-one.

0:41:160:41:20

We don't expect your sort to understand.

0:41:230:41:25

Centuries of duty and obligation,

0:41:260:41:29

destroyed in a generation by a black sheep named Urquhart.

0:41:290:41:33

Did you tell your wife?

0:41:350:41:37

That the child she'd prayed for,

0:41:370:41:39

the only child she would ever bear was dead?

0:41:390:41:42

Someone else would only have adopted him. No harm done.

0:41:420:41:45

No harm?

0:41:450:41:46

A mother who mourned him day and night.

0:41:480:41:52

And a father in prison for kidnap.

0:41:530:41:59

Parkin?

0:42:010:42:03

Oh, dear God, what have I done?

0:42:050:42:07

Nothing.

0:42:070:42:09

You've done nothing.

0:42:090:42:11

Do you think anyone will pay heed to these ramblings?

0:42:110:42:14

Listen to Nanny, John.

0:42:140:42:17

Think of your position.

0:42:170:42:19

His position...

0:42:190:42:20

..means NOTHING to God.

0:42:220:42:24

BABY FUSSES

0:42:240:42:26

There, now. Ssh, ssh, ssh...

0:42:280:42:30

What must I do?

0:42:300:42:31

What any man would do.

0:42:350:42:37

I don't defend my actions.

0:42:420:42:43

But had I known he was wanted, I would never have kept silent.

0:42:450:42:48

That woman stole my child.

0:42:510:42:54

She acted on my behalf.

0:42:540:42:56

The responsibility is mine and mine alone.

0:42:560:42:58

I told myself it was for others.

0:43:010:43:03

To spare my wife's grief, to...

0:43:040:43:06

..safeguard our family name, but in truth...

0:43:070:43:09

..it was my selfish desire for a son that blinded my integrity.

0:43:120:43:16

What's to be done?

0:43:180:43:20

I will inform the authorities and take my punishment

0:43:230:43:26

like the honourable man I once was.

0:43:260:43:28

And may God forgive me.

0:43:310:43:32

That's not in doubt.

0:43:320:43:33

The question is, Hannah,

0:43:350:43:37

can you find it in your heart to show mercy?

0:43:370:43:40

I lost one son.

0:43:440:43:47

You've lost two.

0:43:470:43:48

It's punishment enough for any man.

0:43:500:43:52

May I say goodbye?

0:43:580:44:00

You be good for your parents.

0:44:140:44:15

Hmm?

0:44:150:44:17

Make them proud.

0:44:190:44:20

DOOR CLOSES

0:44:410:44:43

-MALLORY:

-The babies were

0:44:480:44:50

"accidentally" switched at birth?

0:44:500:44:53

Lest there be any doubt, I've informed the relevant authorities

0:44:550:44:59

including the Chief Inspector and the Home Secretary.

0:44:590:45:02

And this has only just come to light

0:45:040:45:06

due to the timely intervention of Father Brown.

0:45:060:45:09

Oh, I'm late for Mass.

0:45:130:45:15

And Mrs McCarthy will no doubt be having an apoplexy.

0:45:160:45:19

I trust the case is now closed

0:45:260:45:29

and Parkin will be released

0:45:290:45:30

so that he can spend Christmas with his wife and...

0:45:300:45:33

..and child.

0:45:350:45:36

I'm very sorry for your loss.

0:45:390:45:41

Thank you, Inspector.

0:45:440:45:46

Is everything all right, sir?

0:45:530:45:55

The thing about kids is...

0:45:560:45:58

..they might be pains in the backside,

0:45:590:46:03

but at least they're your pains in the backside.

0:46:030:46:05

Amen to that.

0:46:070:46:09

-FOX:

-So we have a half-strength choir and no soloist.

0:46:180:46:21

On the bright side, there is a donkey albeit with no passenger.

0:46:210:46:26

I assume Our Lady will be making an appearance?

0:46:260:46:28

Yes, yes. Peggy Harrington.

0:46:280:46:31

This year's Queen of the May.

0:46:310:46:32

Lady Felicia has just gone to fetch her.

0:46:320:46:35

Bad news, I'm afraid.

0:46:350:46:38

It seems Peggy received a pair of roller skates from Father Christmas.

0:46:380:46:41

And what has that got to do with the price of figs?

0:46:410:46:44

Where is she?

0:46:440:46:45

The Cottage Hospital

0:46:450:46:46

with a sprained ankle and a concussion.

0:46:460:46:49

Chin up, Mrs M. We'll just have to improvise.

0:46:490:46:51

I knew you'd do the right thing.

0:46:590:47:02

I don't dare hope for your forgiveness.

0:47:020:47:05

When he looked at me, I saw hatred in his eyes.

0:47:060:47:11

I thought it was me.

0:47:120:47:14

That I was going mad.

0:47:140:47:16

That I was wicked and unnatural for not loving him.

0:47:160:47:22

Now I think he knew.

0:47:230:47:25

We both knew.

0:47:270:47:29

It was an unforgivable deception.

0:47:290:47:31

You did it because you love me, John.

0:47:310:47:34

I won't hate you for that.

0:47:340:47:36

Inspector Mallory.

0:47:380:47:40

Happy Christmas.

0:47:400:47:42

Erm... I wonder if I might beg a favour?

0:47:420:47:45

Shall we make a start?

0:47:470:47:49

# Once in royal David's city

0:48:040:48:09

# Stood a lowly cattle shed

0:48:090:48:14

# Where a mother lay her baby

0:48:140:48:20

# In a manger for his bed

0:48:200:48:24

# Mary was that mother mild

0:48:240:48:30

# Jesus Christ, her little child

0:48:300:48:35

# He came down to Earth from Heaven

0:48:360:48:41

# Who is God and Lord of all

0:48:410:48:46

# And his shelter was a stable

0:48:460:48:51

# And his cradle was a stall... #

0:48:510:48:56

And they found Mary and Joseph

0:48:570:49:00

and the Infant lying in a manger.

0:49:000:49:03

And seeing, they understood the word

0:49:050:49:08

that had been spoken to them concerning this child.

0:49:080:49:11

-This is the word of the Lord. ALL:

-Thanks be to God.

0:49:130:49:17

And now, we will stand

0:49:170:49:20

and sing hymn number 35.

0:49:200:49:23

ORGAN PLAYING While Shepherds Watched

0:49:230:49:26

Are you still unwell?

0:49:310:49:32

The doctor came.

0:49:340:49:35

I'm not ill, John.

0:49:360:49:37

I'm with child.

0:49:390:49:40

Around four months he said.

0:49:400:49:43

# The angel of the Lord came down

0:49:430:49:47

# And glory shone around

0:49:470:49:52

# Fear not, said he

0:49:540:49:57

# For mighty dread... #

0:49:570:50:00

-I am sorry.

-Of course you must go.

0:50:000:50:03

We feel terrible leaving you alone on Christmas day.

0:50:030:50:06

Oh, don't worry about me.

0:50:060:50:08

I'll be fine with a few brandy cherries and the Queen's speech.

0:50:080:50:11

She will not be alone.

0:50:110:50:13

Not when there's turkey enough for ten in the Presbytery.

0:50:130:50:16

Gosh. Really?

0:50:160:50:18

Yes. You can help me peel the sprouts.

0:50:180:50:21

Of course.

0:50:210:50:22

Goodbye, Father, and thank you for everything.

0:50:260:50:29

God be with you both.

0:50:300:50:32

Please convey my compliments to Bishop Reynard and inform him

0:50:320:50:36

I've never experienced a more uplifting Mass.

0:50:360:50:40

Well, we aim to please.

0:50:400:50:43

They're full of seasonal spirit.

0:50:550:50:57

Although I won't be much of a Santa Claus this year.

0:50:570:51:01

Still, it's not all about presents, is it?

0:51:010:51:04

Actually, sir, I did some shopping myself yesterday

0:51:040:51:06

and took the liberty

0:51:060:51:08

just in case you didn't get time.

0:51:080:51:10

There's a model Spitfire and one of those music boxes

0:51:100:51:13

with the ballerina

0:51:130:51:14

and a bottle of Elizabeth Arvon,

0:51:140:51:16

which Mrs Goodfellow is very partial to.

0:51:160:51:18

Thank you, Sergeant.

0:51:230:51:24

That's...very thoughtful.

0:51:240:51:28

You're welcome, Sir.

0:51:280:51:29

Merry Christmas.

0:51:310:51:32

Merry Christmas, Goodfellow.

0:51:340:51:36

Best be off. Donkey needs feeding.

0:51:430:51:45

Would you get a move on?

0:51:540:51:56

At this rate, we'll be eating them raw.

0:51:560:51:58

Oh, you really don't know how to peel a sprout, do you?

0:52:040:52:07

There's more than one way to skin a cat, Mrs M.

0:52:070:52:10

Yes, well, the next time I meet a cat peeling sprouts like that,

0:52:100:52:15

-I'll make sure...

-Mrs M.

0:52:150:52:17

Another sherry.

0:52:170:52:19

Oh! Thank you.

0:52:190:52:20

Absent friends.

0:52:220:52:24

Happy Christmas, Sid.

0:52:260:52:28

-Happy Christmas, Sid.

-Happy Christmas.

0:52:280:52:29

Now, where has that Michael got to?

0:52:340:52:37

He went to feed the donkey.

0:52:370:52:40

He's nothing but trouble that man.

0:52:400:52:42

Are you sure that's where he went?

0:52:440:52:46

I don't see any footprints.

0:52:460:52:48

Oh. Perhaps he's a Christmas miracle.

0:52:520:52:54

Now you're being ridiculous.

0:52:540:52:57

The thing about miracles

0:52:570:52:59

is that they do happen.

0:52:590:53:00

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