Marchlands s01e02 Episode Script
Episode 2
It's been six months now.
You've just got to get on.
I'm trying.
Everything reminds me.
This imaginary friend, how long's it going to last? Until she grows out of it.
She lives here.
She's always lived here.
I don't want you talking to her any more, do you understand? She wouldn't wander off.
Why can't you just accept it? Because she wouldn't do that! But she did! I didn't know you could sign.
Who's the woman? Olive Runcie.
She's deaf, lives further out - Forest Road.
She didn't mean it! Who didn't mean it? Alice.
Oh, my God! Mark, if it's a girl, what do you think about the name Alice? RADIO: 'Prescription charges are to be reintroduced into the National Health Service' You look tired.
Do I? You and Ruth, both of you.
I'm not the only one who's noticed.
People are worried about you.
What people? What do you mean? Father Boyle.
He was asking you about you yesterday.
What did you say? I said Paul might drop in and see him.
What? He wants you to telephone.
You can't just - I can't just sit here and watch you like this day after day.
You've no right.
I'm your mother.
Oh, this is daft.
I feel like an old woman! Maybe we should get a stair lift.
I'd settle for a stair carpet.
Or the bannister getting painted.
It's all on the list.
We'll be bringing a baby home to a building site.
We'll get there, don't worry.
Don't say that.
Worrying's one of the few things I can still do.
I'm not saying it's a bad idea, just that you might have trouble persuading Ruth, that's all.
You just need to know how to ask.
What's the p Morning.
RADIO: 'We keep hearing about the deficit.
Just explain exactly what that is.
' RADIO: 'That defines everything we are talking about.
The deficit is the gap between' RADIO: 'Stay tuned to York 105 FM.
' Our concern, for now, is what Amy might do during any further episodes.
You're gonna have to keep a close eye on her.
She's not dangerous, not Amy.
What are you going to do? I'm going to arrange some tests and maybe a scan, to tell us if the issue's psychiatric or physical.
How can it be physical? Well, the symptoms could be caused by something affecting the brain itself.
Like what? The most common would be a blood clot, or temporal lobe epilepsy.
Or a tumour.
Oh, God.
(SIGHS) (DOOR RATTLES) (STIFLED LAUGH) (RATTLING CONTINUES) (SIGHS) Hmm.
Alice - 5/10/65.
Alice - 15/8/66.
Alice - 10th of October, 1967.
Hello, little Alice.
Hiya, babe.
It's only me.
Erm You're probably in a site meeting or something, it's nothing urgent.
Erm I was just wondering if you could pick up some milk on your way home.
Thanks.
See you later.
Hm.
Do you think we should tell her? Tell her what? We don't know anything yet.
What are we gonna do? We're going to find out what's wrong with her.
Whatever it is, we're going to make it better.
But, Helen, what if she - Don't! (DOOR OPENS) Hey.
Where's the funeral? You what? The suit - looks like someone died.
I should go and get changed.
How was school? Is everything all rightwith Amy and that? Yeah.
It's fine, love.
Nothing to worry about.
'Ey up.
Hey.
Got your message.
Good.
Well done.
How you doing? (SIGHS) OK.
The office had to send a courier out with court papers for a signature.
Must have cost them a fortune.
They'll charge it to the client.
That's what you law firms usually do, isn't it? I was glad to see him, actually.
The only person I spoke to all day.
(CHUCKLES) You getting lonely in the big, empty house? No.
Of course not! It's just so quiet round here, that's all.
Well, I'm back now, so you can relax.
Only a little for me, please.
Not feeling well, Ruth, love? Just not much of an appetite.
You ought to make the effort.
It's not that easy, though, is it? I spoke to Father Boyle on the telephone today.
Father Boyle? Why? He was concerned about us.
How we're getting on.
What did you say? I said we'd go in and see him, have a chat.
What? Such a nice man, very wise.
Don't you think you should have asked me first? Ruth, I'm asking you now.
What if I don't want to? I've already said we would.
He is there to help.
He hardly knows us.
He married us, he baptised Alice.
And he buried her! All the more reason.
AMY: It's not fair.
They keep asking questions about you.
But none of them believe me.
Everybody's upset and it's all your fault.
Go away.
Leave me alone.
Come on, Nisha.
I've got a meeting with the bank this morning.
If I don't write it down, you'll forget,then you'll have to make two trips.
Can't I just pick up a pizza, or something? No.
It's not just about tonight, we need some proper shopping and I can't go.
What about the internet? I don't want somebody else picking my fruit and vegetables for me.
I suppose I should be flattered.
At what? That you trust me.
Don't have any choice, do I? (MOBILE PHONE RINGS) Oh, it's Mum.
Right, I'm out of here.
See you later.
OK.
(RINGING CONTINUES) Hiya, Mum.
No, everything's fine.
Yes, he is.
Yes, he's looking after me.
Stop that! You know he is.
(SIGHS) Well, we'll get by somehow.
Open University.
(BELL TOLLS) FATHER BOYLE: The death of a child is always hard to understand.
We can't only believe when we understand.
Faith is about believing, even when we don't understand.
This isn't a crisis of faith, Father.
What about your faith in each other? I think that's what's being tested.
R-Ruth won't accept Alice is gone.
I know she's dead! But she's still here.
I can feel her.
That's just grief.
No, it's more than that! What, ghosts? Please, tell her, Father.
You do need to be careful that your genuine feelings aren't being corrupted by superstition.
It's not superstition.
It's believing, even when we don't understand.
Marriage is a covenant between two people before God.
A lifelong partnership for the good of each other and the procreation and education of offspring.
That vow can't just be abandoned.
If grief is distracting you, put it to one side.
You must remember your matrimonial responsibilities.
We've been trying.
It's been difficult to .
.
regain thatintimacy.
I'm not talking about intimacy, I'm talking about duty.
It's not about candlelight and Mantovani, it's a contract with God.
You need to fulfil your marital obligations.
And thensee if He'll bless you with another child.
(TYPING) (SIGHS) (SQUEAKING) (SQUEAKING CONTINUES) (SQUEAKING CONTINUES) (SQUEAKING CONTINUES) (SQUEAKING CONTINUES) (SQUEAKING CONTINUES) (SQUEAKING STOPS) TV: 'You seem so flat about marrying him.
Unhappy, even.
' TV: 'I am not unhappy!' What are you doing, Amy? A collage for school.
We're doing a project on fashion.
Where did you get the scissors from? Kitchen drawer.
Mum said it was all right.
OK.
But be really careful, yeah? I'm always careful.
I know, sweetheart.
I'm sorry.
(RUNNING WATER) (SIGHS) Howdy, Hopalong! What you reading? About changes to National Insurance for employers.
Any good? Great opening, flags a bit in the middle.
Do you think I look fat and bloated? No! You look radiant and blooming.
And slightly ridiculous.
You do know you've got a bin bag on your foot, don't you? I'm not supposed to get it wet.
Shit.
The bath! But I left it running.
You can't have.
Must have turned them off, then forgot.
No.
I left it running.
Well, it's off now.
No harm done.
(SIGHS) What's up? You scared me.
Listen, what happened at that clinic? Nothing.
I spoke to the doctor, then Mum and Dad spoke to the doctor, then we came home.
So why are they acting all weird? I don't know.
I've got to go back - they're gonna scan my head.
You don't think it'll hurt, do you? No.
It's just like an x-ray.
You won't feel anything.
Probably just want to see if there's a brain in there.
Sorry.
You don't wanna leave these lying around.
If Amy finds them - I'll keep them out the way.
I don't know why you're reading them.
The doctor doesn't even know what's going on yet.
She talked about possible causes.
Oh, yeah.
And what a list that was.
What's wrong? It's this business with the scissors.
I was thinking about what the psychiatrist said, about keeping an eye on her.
When she caught me looking at her like that, like .
.
like I was afraid she was gonna do something really bad.
I thought she was gonna cry.
Oh, Eddie.
I don't wanna be thinking about her like that.
Or talking about her as if she's a set of symptoms, or a case study.
She's not well, love.
We need to find out what's wrong.
That means doctors and clinics and medical jargon.
But not here, eh? This is her home.
When she's here, let's let her just be Amy, eh? Please.
Come here.
MARK: The family started a little sooner than we'd intended.
WOMAN: These things happen, don't they? Then Nisha, my partner, she broke her ankle.
Oh! So she's stuck in the house.
I've got so much on at work at the minute and can't be about as much as I'd like.
Sounds like it's all happening at once.
That's what it feels like.
But basically you'relooking for some help around the house? A bit of cleaning and some company for Nisha? Exactly.
Just for a while.
I thought it might be good to get someone in a couple of times a week.
That's why I put up the ad.
Well, I was a midwife for 25 years, before I retired.
And I can cook a little, if need be.
Sounds perfect.
And you're local, aren't you? I lived here when I was younger.
Moved back recently.
That's a bit like me.
I couldn't wait to get away when I was a kid.
Now I'm here and about to have my own.
That's nice though, isn't it? Well, the job's yours, if you want it.
But what about Nisha? Nisha? Oh, no, she'll be fine.
I'll talk to her.
I'm going back there now.
All right, lads? You all right, Mark? How's it going? All right, Scott.
Want some? Yeah.
Thanks.
So, what are you up to? Labouring.
Mum got talking to Mrs Runcie andsuddenly I'm supposed to be sorting her garden out.
The Runcies?! Sooner you than me.
Well, I need the cash.
She is a bit weird, though, her and her daughter.
No wonder.
Up there on their own, enough to drive anybody bonkers, eh? Here.
Better get going.
Thanks.
Well, if you're not back in a few hours, I'll have to call the cops.
Well, they'd only arrest you, wouldn't they? I think he's right.
We have a duty.
To have another baby? To try.
But we've been trying.
Since Alice was five.
Things are different now.
We had Alice before.
Now He might decide to bless us again.
I don't think it works like that.
He said it were a contract with God.
With responsibilitiesobligations.
And love? That, too.
All those things.
We have to try.
You don't know anything about her.
If you'd seen her - Yeah, but I didn't, did I? You did all of this behind my back.
It wasn't behind your back! It wasa surprise.
Mark, I'm six months pregnant, the last thing I need is a surprise.
Fine.
I'm sorry, I should have done things differently.
But it's done now.
Well, you're gonna have to undo it.
What? Tell her there's no job, tell her that you've made a mistake.
I can't do that.
Phone her.
I didn't take her number.
Well, when she turns up, you're gonna have to speak to her, OK? Fine.
OK.
If that's what you want.
Right, Mark.
You can clear everything by the wall, but watch out for the thorn bushes.
The hedge needs cut right back, it's not been done for ages.
Once you've got everything under control, you can tackle the lawn.
There should be a mower somewhere in the shed, so Are you listening to me? Yeah.
Yes, Mr Runcie.
Got it.
Mower's in the shed.
Right.
Well, you'd better make a start.
I've just got to go into the village for a bit, so if you need anything, ask Olive.
She reads lips.
Right.
Keep an eye on him.
So, what makes you think it's your daughter's? It was her first Communion gift.
She wore it all the time.
But whenwhen we collected the body, there were two things missing - her duffle coat and her cross.
Well, if you fell into that water, you'd try and get a heavy coat off, wouldn't you? It's not engraved, is it? No.
So it's just like hundreds of other crosses that hundreds of other little girls wear.
It's hers.
It was draped over her headstone - someone's trying to tell us something.
Tell us what? I don't know! There was no evidence of any kind of foul play.
She wouldn't just wander off on her own like that.
Kids behave differently when their parents aren't around, don't they? If you ask me, one of her old classmates has gone to visit the grave and left it there as a token of friendship.
Nothing more.
So you're not gonna investigate? Investigate what, exactly? Where it came from.
What it means.
What happened to her.
She drowned, Mrs Bowen.
Fell into Blackwater Tarn and drowned.
The case is closed.
The case is not closed! My daughter died and no-one can tell me how it happened.
For God's sake, why don't you just do your job? I am doing my job.
I've been doing it for 30 years and I can tell you this - if mothers like you did your job properly, mine would be a whole lot easier.
Now, if there's nothing else RADIO: 'You're listening to York 105 FM.
' (COUGHS) Thanks.
Sorry, I don't You know.
Oh, I look hot? Well, how do I, er What's 'thank you'? Thank you.
You're welcome.
You spoke.
You can speak? But I thought that I mean I didn't know.
Not many people do.
Why not? Not many people talk to me.
Come with me.
That? That's nothing.
Honestly.
How's he getting on? Fine.
Any problems? Good.
It's only me.
(SQUEAKING) (SQUEAKING CONTINUES) Scott? Oh, for God's sake.
What's wrong with you? Sorry.
I'm going upstairs.
Hey, keep it down, will you.
Nothing too loud.
I've got a headache.
Robert? I come in here sometimes .
.
just to remember.
Me, too.
She was such a good little girl.
That's why it's so hard to understand.
I suppose we'll never really know what happened.
We will.
I will.
I'll find out, I promise you.
I have to.
What else is there? Tell me again.
Oh, Ruth.
Tell me.
The dog The dog ran off and disappeared into the trees.
And you told Alice to wait on the track? While I went to find the dog.
She was wearing her coat? Yes, uh Her coat, she must have been.
And then? And then You were gone a few minutes.
It was only a few minutes, but when I got back to the track - She'd disappeared.
Yes.
No shout, no scream? Nothing.
She must havewandered off.
But you told her to wait.
Yes.
And she's a good girl, you said so.
She must have gone looking for me and got lost in the trees.
But you told her! Why would she do that? I don't know, Ruth.
I wish I did.
There's not a day goes by I don't regret leaving her like that.
It should have been me in that water.
Methat they had to pull out.
That would have made more sense.
It's not your fault.
I will find out what happened.
(PHONE RINGS) Well, none of the tests found anything physically wrong with Amy.
That means we now treat it as a psychiatric illness.
Which one? Erm Hard to say.
Maybe some kind of dissociative amnesia.
What's that when it's at home? It's It's like a problem in the way the mind files memory.
It's usually triggered by some sort of trauma.
It's this trigger that we'd be looking for.
Butit could be anything - school, friends, family.
That's why we work so closely with Social Services.
You're gonna get Social Services to check up on us? Where's this trauma usually located? Every case is different.
In your experience.
In my experience, it's usually something that happened at home.
I don't believe this.
Social Services? She said it's standard procedure, like the scans.
You know when they say they're looking for some trauma, what they mean is some sort of abuse.
I don't care.
If it'll help Amy get better, they can investigate whatever they like.
(DOORBELL RINGS) (DOORBELL RINGS) Oh, hello.
You must be Nisha.
I spoke to Mark yesterday and - Oh.
.
.
he asked me to - Yes.
Yes, I know.
Erm Look, I'm really sorry, but there's been a mistake.
I don't know what Mark told you, but (MOBILE PHONE RINGS) Shit.
I'm sorry, I'm gonna have to get that.
Oh, damn! Here.
Why don't you let me? (RINGING CONTINUES) Nisha's phone.
Can you tell me who's calling, please? One moment.
I'll see if she's available.
It's 'Bloody Derek'.
(It's my boss.
) (Don't want to speak to him.
) I'm sorry, she can't get to the phone right now.
Can I take a message? Tell me, Derek, do you speak to your mother like that? (STIFLES LAUGHTER) No, I'm sure you didn't.
Yes, she must be very proud.
Thank you.
Goodbye.
He'd like you to call him back when it's more convenient.
Oh, I wouldn't blame Mark.
He just thought you could use an extra pair of hands.
It is a nice thought.
This isn't exactly the easiest situation.
No, I can imagine.
Carrying a baby can be difficult enough without adding broken bones to the equation.
The truth is, it's a bit of a nightmare, really.
Well, it's quite simple - decide if you want some help around the house and then decide if you want me to provide it.
And if we get that far, we can always see how it goes for a while.
And if you're not comfortable, I'll leave.
Hm.
Anyway, I'd better go, I can see you're busy.
No.
Wait.
Erm Let's try it.
Are you sure? (CHUCKLES) Yeah.
Why not? I don't even know your name.
Oh, didn't Mark say? Well, it doesn't matter.
It's Ruth.
Ruth Bowen.
Welcome to Marchlands, Ruth.
Top of the stairs, on the left.
Thank you.
(GROANS) (PANTING) (GASPS) ALICE: 'Over here, Mummy.
Over here!' It should have been a secret.
I should never have told them about you.
I want it back the way it was before.
Alice.
Sweetheart.
Mummy's home.
Where we you, Ruth? Where were you?! You know where I was.
Not where you should have been! I think Alice drowned.
She's always wet and cold.
You mean, you see her? Is she here now?
You've just got to get on.
I'm trying.
Everything reminds me.
This imaginary friend, how long's it going to last? Until she grows out of it.
She lives here.
She's always lived here.
I don't want you talking to her any more, do you understand? She wouldn't wander off.
Why can't you just accept it? Because she wouldn't do that! But she did! I didn't know you could sign.
Who's the woman? Olive Runcie.
She's deaf, lives further out - Forest Road.
She didn't mean it! Who didn't mean it? Alice.
Oh, my God! Mark, if it's a girl, what do you think about the name Alice? RADIO: 'Prescription charges are to be reintroduced into the National Health Service' You look tired.
Do I? You and Ruth, both of you.
I'm not the only one who's noticed.
People are worried about you.
What people? What do you mean? Father Boyle.
He was asking you about you yesterday.
What did you say? I said Paul might drop in and see him.
What? He wants you to telephone.
You can't just - I can't just sit here and watch you like this day after day.
You've no right.
I'm your mother.
Oh, this is daft.
I feel like an old woman! Maybe we should get a stair lift.
I'd settle for a stair carpet.
Or the bannister getting painted.
It's all on the list.
We'll be bringing a baby home to a building site.
We'll get there, don't worry.
Don't say that.
Worrying's one of the few things I can still do.
I'm not saying it's a bad idea, just that you might have trouble persuading Ruth, that's all.
You just need to know how to ask.
What's the p Morning.
RADIO: 'We keep hearing about the deficit.
Just explain exactly what that is.
' RADIO: 'That defines everything we are talking about.
The deficit is the gap between' RADIO: 'Stay tuned to York 105 FM.
' Our concern, for now, is what Amy might do during any further episodes.
You're gonna have to keep a close eye on her.
She's not dangerous, not Amy.
What are you going to do? I'm going to arrange some tests and maybe a scan, to tell us if the issue's psychiatric or physical.
How can it be physical? Well, the symptoms could be caused by something affecting the brain itself.
Like what? The most common would be a blood clot, or temporal lobe epilepsy.
Or a tumour.
Oh, God.
(SIGHS) (DOOR RATTLES) (STIFLED LAUGH) (RATTLING CONTINUES) (SIGHS) Hmm.
Alice - 5/10/65.
Alice - 15/8/66.
Alice - 10th of October, 1967.
Hello, little Alice.
Hiya, babe.
It's only me.
Erm You're probably in a site meeting or something, it's nothing urgent.
Erm I was just wondering if you could pick up some milk on your way home.
Thanks.
See you later.
Hm.
Do you think we should tell her? Tell her what? We don't know anything yet.
What are we gonna do? We're going to find out what's wrong with her.
Whatever it is, we're going to make it better.
But, Helen, what if she - Don't! (DOOR OPENS) Hey.
Where's the funeral? You what? The suit - looks like someone died.
I should go and get changed.
How was school? Is everything all rightwith Amy and that? Yeah.
It's fine, love.
Nothing to worry about.
'Ey up.
Hey.
Got your message.
Good.
Well done.
How you doing? (SIGHS) OK.
The office had to send a courier out with court papers for a signature.
Must have cost them a fortune.
They'll charge it to the client.
That's what you law firms usually do, isn't it? I was glad to see him, actually.
The only person I spoke to all day.
(CHUCKLES) You getting lonely in the big, empty house? No.
Of course not! It's just so quiet round here, that's all.
Well, I'm back now, so you can relax.
Only a little for me, please.
Not feeling well, Ruth, love? Just not much of an appetite.
You ought to make the effort.
It's not that easy, though, is it? I spoke to Father Boyle on the telephone today.
Father Boyle? Why? He was concerned about us.
How we're getting on.
What did you say? I said we'd go in and see him, have a chat.
What? Such a nice man, very wise.
Don't you think you should have asked me first? Ruth, I'm asking you now.
What if I don't want to? I've already said we would.
He is there to help.
He hardly knows us.
He married us, he baptised Alice.
And he buried her! All the more reason.
AMY: It's not fair.
They keep asking questions about you.
But none of them believe me.
Everybody's upset and it's all your fault.
Go away.
Leave me alone.
Come on, Nisha.
I've got a meeting with the bank this morning.
If I don't write it down, you'll forget,then you'll have to make two trips.
Can't I just pick up a pizza, or something? No.
It's not just about tonight, we need some proper shopping and I can't go.
What about the internet? I don't want somebody else picking my fruit and vegetables for me.
I suppose I should be flattered.
At what? That you trust me.
Don't have any choice, do I? (MOBILE PHONE RINGS) Oh, it's Mum.
Right, I'm out of here.
See you later.
OK.
(RINGING CONTINUES) Hiya, Mum.
No, everything's fine.
Yes, he is.
Yes, he's looking after me.
Stop that! You know he is.
(SIGHS) Well, we'll get by somehow.
Open University.
(BELL TOLLS) FATHER BOYLE: The death of a child is always hard to understand.
We can't only believe when we understand.
Faith is about believing, even when we don't understand.
This isn't a crisis of faith, Father.
What about your faith in each other? I think that's what's being tested.
R-Ruth won't accept Alice is gone.
I know she's dead! But she's still here.
I can feel her.
That's just grief.
No, it's more than that! What, ghosts? Please, tell her, Father.
You do need to be careful that your genuine feelings aren't being corrupted by superstition.
It's not superstition.
It's believing, even when we don't understand.
Marriage is a covenant between two people before God.
A lifelong partnership for the good of each other and the procreation and education of offspring.
That vow can't just be abandoned.
If grief is distracting you, put it to one side.
You must remember your matrimonial responsibilities.
We've been trying.
It's been difficult to .
.
regain thatintimacy.
I'm not talking about intimacy, I'm talking about duty.
It's not about candlelight and Mantovani, it's a contract with God.
You need to fulfil your marital obligations.
And thensee if He'll bless you with another child.
(TYPING) (SIGHS) (SQUEAKING) (SQUEAKING CONTINUES) (SQUEAKING CONTINUES) (SQUEAKING CONTINUES) (SQUEAKING CONTINUES) (SQUEAKING CONTINUES) (SQUEAKING STOPS) TV: 'You seem so flat about marrying him.
Unhappy, even.
' TV: 'I am not unhappy!' What are you doing, Amy? A collage for school.
We're doing a project on fashion.
Where did you get the scissors from? Kitchen drawer.
Mum said it was all right.
OK.
But be really careful, yeah? I'm always careful.
I know, sweetheart.
I'm sorry.
(RUNNING WATER) (SIGHS) Howdy, Hopalong! What you reading? About changes to National Insurance for employers.
Any good? Great opening, flags a bit in the middle.
Do you think I look fat and bloated? No! You look radiant and blooming.
And slightly ridiculous.
You do know you've got a bin bag on your foot, don't you? I'm not supposed to get it wet.
Shit.
The bath! But I left it running.
You can't have.
Must have turned them off, then forgot.
No.
I left it running.
Well, it's off now.
No harm done.
(SIGHS) What's up? You scared me.
Listen, what happened at that clinic? Nothing.
I spoke to the doctor, then Mum and Dad spoke to the doctor, then we came home.
So why are they acting all weird? I don't know.
I've got to go back - they're gonna scan my head.
You don't think it'll hurt, do you? No.
It's just like an x-ray.
You won't feel anything.
Probably just want to see if there's a brain in there.
Sorry.
You don't wanna leave these lying around.
If Amy finds them - I'll keep them out the way.
I don't know why you're reading them.
The doctor doesn't even know what's going on yet.
She talked about possible causes.
Oh, yeah.
And what a list that was.
What's wrong? It's this business with the scissors.
I was thinking about what the psychiatrist said, about keeping an eye on her.
When she caught me looking at her like that, like .
.
like I was afraid she was gonna do something really bad.
I thought she was gonna cry.
Oh, Eddie.
I don't wanna be thinking about her like that.
Or talking about her as if she's a set of symptoms, or a case study.
She's not well, love.
We need to find out what's wrong.
That means doctors and clinics and medical jargon.
But not here, eh? This is her home.
When she's here, let's let her just be Amy, eh? Please.
Come here.
MARK: The family started a little sooner than we'd intended.
WOMAN: These things happen, don't they? Then Nisha, my partner, she broke her ankle.
Oh! So she's stuck in the house.
I've got so much on at work at the minute and can't be about as much as I'd like.
Sounds like it's all happening at once.
That's what it feels like.
But basically you'relooking for some help around the house? A bit of cleaning and some company for Nisha? Exactly.
Just for a while.
I thought it might be good to get someone in a couple of times a week.
That's why I put up the ad.
Well, I was a midwife for 25 years, before I retired.
And I can cook a little, if need be.
Sounds perfect.
And you're local, aren't you? I lived here when I was younger.
Moved back recently.
That's a bit like me.
I couldn't wait to get away when I was a kid.
Now I'm here and about to have my own.
That's nice though, isn't it? Well, the job's yours, if you want it.
But what about Nisha? Nisha? Oh, no, she'll be fine.
I'll talk to her.
I'm going back there now.
All right, lads? You all right, Mark? How's it going? All right, Scott.
Want some? Yeah.
Thanks.
So, what are you up to? Labouring.
Mum got talking to Mrs Runcie andsuddenly I'm supposed to be sorting her garden out.
The Runcies?! Sooner you than me.
Well, I need the cash.
She is a bit weird, though, her and her daughter.
No wonder.
Up there on their own, enough to drive anybody bonkers, eh? Here.
Better get going.
Thanks.
Well, if you're not back in a few hours, I'll have to call the cops.
Well, they'd only arrest you, wouldn't they? I think he's right.
We have a duty.
To have another baby? To try.
But we've been trying.
Since Alice was five.
Things are different now.
We had Alice before.
Now He might decide to bless us again.
I don't think it works like that.
He said it were a contract with God.
With responsibilitiesobligations.
And love? That, too.
All those things.
We have to try.
You don't know anything about her.
If you'd seen her - Yeah, but I didn't, did I? You did all of this behind my back.
It wasn't behind your back! It wasa surprise.
Mark, I'm six months pregnant, the last thing I need is a surprise.
Fine.
I'm sorry, I should have done things differently.
But it's done now.
Well, you're gonna have to undo it.
What? Tell her there's no job, tell her that you've made a mistake.
I can't do that.
Phone her.
I didn't take her number.
Well, when she turns up, you're gonna have to speak to her, OK? Fine.
OK.
If that's what you want.
Right, Mark.
You can clear everything by the wall, but watch out for the thorn bushes.
The hedge needs cut right back, it's not been done for ages.
Once you've got everything under control, you can tackle the lawn.
There should be a mower somewhere in the shed, so Are you listening to me? Yeah.
Yes, Mr Runcie.
Got it.
Mower's in the shed.
Right.
Well, you'd better make a start.
I've just got to go into the village for a bit, so if you need anything, ask Olive.
She reads lips.
Right.
Keep an eye on him.
So, what makes you think it's your daughter's? It was her first Communion gift.
She wore it all the time.
But whenwhen we collected the body, there were two things missing - her duffle coat and her cross.
Well, if you fell into that water, you'd try and get a heavy coat off, wouldn't you? It's not engraved, is it? No.
So it's just like hundreds of other crosses that hundreds of other little girls wear.
It's hers.
It was draped over her headstone - someone's trying to tell us something.
Tell us what? I don't know! There was no evidence of any kind of foul play.
She wouldn't just wander off on her own like that.
Kids behave differently when their parents aren't around, don't they? If you ask me, one of her old classmates has gone to visit the grave and left it there as a token of friendship.
Nothing more.
So you're not gonna investigate? Investigate what, exactly? Where it came from.
What it means.
What happened to her.
She drowned, Mrs Bowen.
Fell into Blackwater Tarn and drowned.
The case is closed.
The case is not closed! My daughter died and no-one can tell me how it happened.
For God's sake, why don't you just do your job? I am doing my job.
I've been doing it for 30 years and I can tell you this - if mothers like you did your job properly, mine would be a whole lot easier.
Now, if there's nothing else RADIO: 'You're listening to York 105 FM.
' (COUGHS) Thanks.
Sorry, I don't You know.
Oh, I look hot? Well, how do I, er What's 'thank you'? Thank you.
You're welcome.
You spoke.
You can speak? But I thought that I mean I didn't know.
Not many people do.
Why not? Not many people talk to me.
Come with me.
That? That's nothing.
Honestly.
How's he getting on? Fine.
Any problems? Good.
It's only me.
(SQUEAKING) (SQUEAKING CONTINUES) Scott? Oh, for God's sake.
What's wrong with you? Sorry.
I'm going upstairs.
Hey, keep it down, will you.
Nothing too loud.
I've got a headache.
Robert? I come in here sometimes .
.
just to remember.
Me, too.
She was such a good little girl.
That's why it's so hard to understand.
I suppose we'll never really know what happened.
We will.
I will.
I'll find out, I promise you.
I have to.
What else is there? Tell me again.
Oh, Ruth.
Tell me.
The dog The dog ran off and disappeared into the trees.
And you told Alice to wait on the track? While I went to find the dog.
She was wearing her coat? Yes, uh Her coat, she must have been.
And then? And then You were gone a few minutes.
It was only a few minutes, but when I got back to the track - She'd disappeared.
Yes.
No shout, no scream? Nothing.
She must havewandered off.
But you told her to wait.
Yes.
And she's a good girl, you said so.
She must have gone looking for me and got lost in the trees.
But you told her! Why would she do that? I don't know, Ruth.
I wish I did.
There's not a day goes by I don't regret leaving her like that.
It should have been me in that water.
Methat they had to pull out.
That would have made more sense.
It's not your fault.
I will find out what happened.
(PHONE RINGS) Well, none of the tests found anything physically wrong with Amy.
That means we now treat it as a psychiatric illness.
Which one? Erm Hard to say.
Maybe some kind of dissociative amnesia.
What's that when it's at home? It's It's like a problem in the way the mind files memory.
It's usually triggered by some sort of trauma.
It's this trigger that we'd be looking for.
Butit could be anything - school, friends, family.
That's why we work so closely with Social Services.
You're gonna get Social Services to check up on us? Where's this trauma usually located? Every case is different.
In your experience.
In my experience, it's usually something that happened at home.
I don't believe this.
Social Services? She said it's standard procedure, like the scans.
You know when they say they're looking for some trauma, what they mean is some sort of abuse.
I don't care.
If it'll help Amy get better, they can investigate whatever they like.
(DOORBELL RINGS) (DOORBELL RINGS) Oh, hello.
You must be Nisha.
I spoke to Mark yesterday and - Oh.
.
.
he asked me to - Yes.
Yes, I know.
Erm Look, I'm really sorry, but there's been a mistake.
I don't know what Mark told you, but (MOBILE PHONE RINGS) Shit.
I'm sorry, I'm gonna have to get that.
Oh, damn! Here.
Why don't you let me? (RINGING CONTINUES) Nisha's phone.
Can you tell me who's calling, please? One moment.
I'll see if she's available.
It's 'Bloody Derek'.
(It's my boss.
) (Don't want to speak to him.
) I'm sorry, she can't get to the phone right now.
Can I take a message? Tell me, Derek, do you speak to your mother like that? (STIFLES LAUGHTER) No, I'm sure you didn't.
Yes, she must be very proud.
Thank you.
Goodbye.
He'd like you to call him back when it's more convenient.
Oh, I wouldn't blame Mark.
He just thought you could use an extra pair of hands.
It is a nice thought.
This isn't exactly the easiest situation.
No, I can imagine.
Carrying a baby can be difficult enough without adding broken bones to the equation.
The truth is, it's a bit of a nightmare, really.
Well, it's quite simple - decide if you want some help around the house and then decide if you want me to provide it.
And if we get that far, we can always see how it goes for a while.
And if you're not comfortable, I'll leave.
Hm.
Anyway, I'd better go, I can see you're busy.
No.
Wait.
Erm Let's try it.
Are you sure? (CHUCKLES) Yeah.
Why not? I don't even know your name.
Oh, didn't Mark say? Well, it doesn't matter.
It's Ruth.
Ruth Bowen.
Welcome to Marchlands, Ruth.
Top of the stairs, on the left.
Thank you.
(GROANS) (PANTING) (GASPS) ALICE: 'Over here, Mummy.
Over here!' It should have been a secret.
I should never have told them about you.
I want it back the way it was before.
Alice.
Sweetheart.
Mummy's home.
Where we you, Ruth? Where were you?! You know where I was.
Not where you should have been! I think Alice drowned.
She's always wet and cold.
You mean, you see her? Is she here now?