Hetty Feather (2015) s02e02 Episode Script

COOK: And you are? - Ida Battersea, new kitchen maid.
Don't cross Matron and never fraternise with the Foundlings.
A well run hospital is both my duty and my pleasure.
If Matron was to hear about this.
- Hear about what? We didn't take anything from the girls.
You know us, we're always innocent.
If they get in trouble, we all do.
Any other misdemeanours today Feather, will be dealt with firmly.
HETTY: Then, at once KNOCKING SOUND The hospital ghost appeared.
Joseph Twigg, the ghostly Foundling boy.
Boo! Every Foundling had a past life a family they never knew.
Who is my mother, where is she now and who am I? These questions haunted me.
But I would never stop looking for the answers.
For all of us Foundlings there was a real past but whenever I reached out to touch it it disappeared, just like a ghost.
THUNDER CRASHES When will it stop? When it passes over.
- That could be all night.
I know.
I'll tell you a story.
Not again.
Boring.
A soppy story all about your squirrel tree.
That will get us to sleep! Why don't I tell you a scary story then? - Like you could scare me.
I'd like to see her try.
It was a dark and stormy night when the lady of the house heard footsteps.
She opened the scullery door then she saw her.
The ghost of Flora, the lonely kitchen maid.
It was her footsteps.
- Ghoulish walking around the night, just like we hear in the tower.
THUNDER CRASHES Can you hear footsteps in the tower? And tapping at the walls.
- Shadows on the floor.
You mean your stupid tower's haunted? By the ghostly Foundling boy.
Everyone knows about Joseph Twigg.
That's probably where he died.
And you know what they say? When his ghost is around, you feel a cool breeze and his bony fingers touching your hair.
GIRLS SCREAM Sheila Ormsby.
What a surprise! It was Hetty, Nurse.
She was scaring us with stories of Joseph Twigg.
The ghost boy who haunts the hospital.
Do you think I was born yesterday? Tomorrow.
Hard chores instead of embroidery.
And no more sneaking about after dark.
Otherwise the Ghostly Foundling Boy will come and he will torment you.
NURSE MACCLESFIELD LAUGHS MATRON: Please follow me.
- We are grateful for your time Matron.
Our pleasure Mr McCartney, Mrs McCartney.
A friend came to visit on Admissions Day.
She told us every detail.
- But we wanted to see for ourselves.
As one of the wealthiest brokers in the capital I'm almost embarrassed not to have been involved with such a worthy cause before.
New patrons are always very welcome.
So, where would you like to start? The boys in lessons? Let's start with the young ladies.
I've brought treats.
Foundling girls are this way.
We like to keep our children busy.
Hard work and education are the cornerstones of the hospital They brought treats 'White sheep, white sheep, on a blue hill, When the wind stops, you all stand still' 'When the wind blows, you walk away slow.
White sheep, white sheep, where do you - ' NURSE MACCLESFIELD SNORES Nurse Macclesfield? Ah, Joseph Twigg stay away from me! BOYS LAUGH Twigg? Isn't he the ghost that haunts the hospital? Ghosts indeed.
Who believes in them, ey? Are you featherbrained or something? Me? Get in the corner for the rest of the class.
No way - What did he do to deserve that? It suits you, Mathias.
Yeah, you should wear a dunce's hat all the time.
Quiet, you boys! Mr and Mrs McCartney, here are our senior Foundlings.
All our girls are taught to embroider.
- Such pretty work Almost fine enough for Bond Street.
Thank you, m'lady.
A pleasure to meet you, m'lady.
Perhaps your guests would like to take a handkerchief as a souvenir of their visit? May I? - With our compliments, Mrs McCartney.
What a sweet girl.
Yes.
Always so charming.
Thank you so much, m'lady.
Oh, my it is the child! Oh, Mrs McCartney, whatever is the matter? I think she needs some air I'll go and get Cranbourne with the smelling salts.
Last year, we lost our only child.
Lucy.
Our friend who visited said the girl looked so like her we should see for ourselves And she does So very much.
Same hair.
- The same beautiful eyes Dear me What a dreadful shock.
If there would be any comfort in it, you are more than welcome to come and see Polly.
We allow visitors to watch them dine each Sunday.
There is a small a charge for entry.
That's not why we're here.
We do not wish to merely see the child.
- We want to adopt her.
I'm afraid that's not possible.
There is always a chance - however slim - that a Foundling may be claimed by their real mother.
Adoption is against hospital rules But we'd give her a good life.
- The girl would have every extravagance a prosperous future.
I am quite certain but - - And in return we are prepared to make a most generous donation.
For my wife's happiness Matron - you name the price.
Well I see however What Matron is trying to say even with a donation, adoption is not possible.
Colonel Brigwell would say the same.
Well Perhaps then it's the Colonel we need to speak to.
Shall we, my dear? Brigwell will tell them the rules.
He is the rules.
Indeed.
Dunce And he believes in ghosties! - That's how daft he is.
His knees would be knocking if he saw a spook What? And yours wouldn't? - Never.
Let's show them a real spook.
Our very own Ghostly Foundling Boy.
Then we'll see who's scared.
- And stupid.
Good idea.
Let's talk at the end of the lesson.
Ghosts need to look the part.
Colonel - Ah, Matron! The McCartneys have explained their situation and in this instance, I think we should grant their request.
You're giving permission to adopt? The child would have the most wonderful future and as for the donation - We can afford to be helpful.
I see.
- A wonderful outcome all round.
I do appreciate your fastidiousness, Matron but adoption in this case is for the greater good - of the child and the hospital.
Of course, Colonel Brigwell.
Cranbourne, tell them to hold the carriage.
We have much to discuss.
What was all that about? Them toffs want to adopt someone to become a rich girl! POLLY: Whatever I did to cause such a dizzy spell, m'lady it wasn't my intention.
Please accept my sincere apologies.
Polly has always been such a good girl.
Thank you, dear child But that is not the nature of this meeting.
Lemon biscuit? You may.
Our Cook used to make them for our daughter you see.
Lucy's favourite.
We rather hope you'll like them too.
- Thank you.
May I share it with my friends? Of course you may.
Now Polly - The McCartneys have some news.
HETTY: Polly! - HARRIET: What happened? The McCartneys, they want to adopt me.
They want to what? Matron - Your friend's leaving us.
Forever? Polly will depart for her new home tomorrow.
She has a privileged life ahead of her.
Unlike some.
Polly, this can't be happening - Off to your lunch now.
BELL RINGS What now? Tell Cranbourne me and Ned volunteered to clean the writing slates.
He knows Nurse Macc gets them done every week.
- Got it.
We'll cover but be quick.
Ned, follow me.
You have to tell them, you don't want to leave.
How can I? They're so kind.
Mrs McCartney even brought lemon biscuits for me.
She sounds lovely.
She might sound lovely today but what about when you get to know her.
You might hate her, she might hate you.
Hetty I mean you don't even like the biscuits they gave you.
I didn't get the chance.
I saved that for us to share.
Oh, sorry.
They said I'd have my own bedroom and a governess.
That has to be better than being a Foundling.
What, leaving to become a dead girl? I don't think so.
Hetty, this isn't about you.
No, it's about Polly.
The first friend I ever made here.
You're sweet, but this Lucy might have been like Sheila.
And besides, I'd miss you.
- Me too.
And me.
You're the only friends I've ever known but there's nothing we can do.
- Isn't there? Just you leave it to me.
Last kitchen maid, I caught her pinching a pie crust.
Never! - She didn't last long after that.
Straight back to it, Ida.
Dining tables need a polish.
Let's go.
NURSE MACCLESFIELD: Finish up, girls.
Matron shall be checking all arithmetic this week.
And woe betide anyone Polly, you haven't even started! It's boring.
- 'Boring'.
I'll give you boring, you little - - Polly's been out of sorts! It's the McCartneys, Nurse.
Oh, those Well in that case, take her outside for a breath of fresh air and then straight back to class.
Both of you.
Er We finished nurse, shall I deliver this week's arithmetic to Matron? Yes, take Elisabeth to help.
They'll only want good girls for their daughters.
That's for sure.
Someone's in a rush.
Matron sent us.
We need more sugar for the visitor's tea.
Not for us of course, sweet enough.
Help them fetch it will you, Ida.
My bunions won't cope with much more traipsing.
Be quick about it.
- Yes, Cook.
Be right with you.
New kitchen maid.
This should be easy.
Right A china bowl and some fine linen.
We're in a rush Polly - sugar from the pantry.
You always are.
I met you didn't I.
Think so.
- I couldn't forget that hair.
I've not seen another Foundling with hair like that.
Unique, that's me.
- Well, isn't that nice to know Hetty.
That's your name isn't it? - That's right.
Now leave the rest to us You don't want to be late for Cook.
Thanks, Hetty.
Phew She can talk What are you doing here? - Could say the same for you.
Tough.
That's what we came for.
- No way.
This mission's a matter of pride.
- Tonight we're spooking Vince and Judd We'll show them who's scared of ghosts! - That's not pride - that's a prank.
For Polly - this is a matter of life and death.
Almost literally - What? She's being adopted - to become a dead girl.
And we have to stop it.
- 'We? ' I need the flour first then we meet up later to scare Vince.
He's always got it coming.
- Good idea.
Before that, we all help Polly.
I only came back for a tray.
If you're up to no good, I'll need to tell Cook.
Didn't Cook tell you? Foundlings aren't allowed to be left unsupervised in the kitchen.
If you snitch, you're in lumber.
Well I never! KNOCKS ON DOOR Excuse me, Matron.
This week's arithmetic.
Thank you, girls.
Nice to meet you, I'm Sheila by the way.
Elisabeth.
Er, perhaps you'd like me to pour you some more tea? Er, there really is no need.
- That would be lovely.
If this doesn't work, you're going to have to tell them you don't want to leave.
And you don't want to be adopted.
Looking like that, no one would have you.
Thank you for the tea.
And remember the name's Sheila.
Sheila Ormsby.
Now girls, we have matters to discuss.
I'm certain I wasn't meant to be a Foundling.
I was destined for the finer things in life.
How are you today, m'lady? - MATRON: Sheila? I'd make you such a wonderful daughter.
I have no idea where she got such information They want to adopt someone.
I heard them.
- Yes - but not just anyone.
Polly She's been taken ill.
- Come quick, Matron.
I'll be back in a minute.
- The child.
Polly? I'm sure there's nothing for you to be concerned about.
What's happened Feather? One minute she was fine the next she ate some biscuit and she came out in a rash.
And then she collapsed.
Please, I need the infirmary.
Just like when she got stung by a bee.
All red and itchy I could never eat another lemon biscuit again.
She's not right for them, Matron.
- Mm.
Foundlings back to your classrooms.
Now! Lemon biscuit did you say? - Yes, Matron.
Odd Because I smell the distinct scent of raspberry.
Well Matron, she's my friend, you can't just send her away! I'm afraid, it's all been agreed.
Polly has a future anyone would yearn for.
Come on, let's get you cleaned up.
Polly! - No Matron, please! Just as I thought - the excitement proved all too much.
Oh that is good news - Well, what do you say Polly? We just want to love you like real parents would.
We'd do anything to make you happy.
- Anything at all.
Polly! - Well? It's not what you think.
The McCartneys want to adopt me so I can have a good life.
You said yes? It's for the best, Hetty.
They promised I can still be your friend too.
I can write and I can visit.
That's wonderful.
- I can even bring you gifts.
They're just trying to buy your love.
- What if they are? She'd be Polly McCartney.
With no hard chores anymore.
I'd still be me.
And once I'm on the outside, I can help you.
If you don't get a letter back from your borrowed family, I could help - Help me find my mother? - I'll be free.
I can find out things.
And tell you when I visit.
I want you to be happy Polly, that's all that matters.
I'll still miss you.
- Me too.
Poor Hetty - losing her friend, couldn't happen to a nicer girl.
HANDBELL RINGS Break's over girls! Back to your dorms.
Come on.
Forget the She-Mob.
Hang a yellow duster in the girl's dorm window.
Signal to the boys.
Tonight's Polly's last night.
Time to have some fun.
Oi.
Where are you going? - Ghost-hunting.
On the look-out for Joseph Twigg.
Come if you like - If you're brave enough.
Us? - We're not stupid.
We don't believe in ghosts.
- Nothing to be scared of then is there? KNOCKS ON DOOR What was that? - It's him.
The Ghostly Foundling Boy.
Didn't you know - he always knocks three times before he appears.
Yeah - likely story AAAAARRGGHHH! - Joseph Twigg! - Run! Get out! Now who are the dunces? - Like we didn't already know Did you see their faces? - They fell for it! The trick with the flour worked brilliantly.
Thanks for your help, girls! Polly, we'll never forget it.
Or you He screamed so loud.
- 'AAAAARRGGHHH!'.
They'll never call me dunce again.
- This is the best last night ever! We'll always be friends.
- Always Promise you'll never forget me - Hetty Feather? How could I? Here she is So pretty - All set Polly? A happy ending indeed Who knows, in a few years Matron may have to curtsey to you.
Best wishes, Polly.
- Thank you, Matron.
Bye Hetty.
- Not bye.
Just 'see you soon'.
Your carriage awaits Take care I'll write soon! I can write to Polly can't I, Matron? Oh yes, yes.
I have the McCartneys' address right here.
Mrs McCartney - when will we come back to visit? Dear child, this is your new life now.
HORSE NEIGHS Well, Feather.
What are you waiting for? Polly's address, Matron.
May I write to her today? But you said - they promised her - Do you think I'm a fool? You can't play me, Feather.
I always win.
You lied to me.
- Call it a lesson.
Learn it now - or you'll be sorry.
I am watching you.
Who's scared now Feather? I'd lost my best friend.
And my battle with Matron went on.
But if she ever thought she'd win, she was wrong Like Polly, you can change a name, but you can't change the person inside.
But until I found my mother, I didn't really know who I was inside.
One day, I'd find the answers to all of my questions.
And I'd find her.
Then I wouldn't be the ghost of who I was anymore I'd be real, I'd be me.
Jem's coming today and he said meet by the gates at noon.
He looks like my brother Jem.
Your uncle is the Earl of Ellesley.
Yes.
Hetty is my family.
If you want jam ask your own sister.
I pray that the matter of your family inheritance is soon resolved.
You've kept your secrets from me.
Now you don't have any secrets anymore.
He wants us to steal from the kitchen.
My letters from Jem! What have you done with them? Tell Hetty she can have it back when she brings us what we need.