Lark Rise to Candleford (2008) s02e11 Episode Script
Episode Eleven
'That year there were sudden rains 'that came out of clear blue skies and drenched us all.
'Rich and poorman and beast.
'And I was young enough to imagine that every experience shared with 'others must feel the same to all, mean the same to all.
'But the same rain that revealed some things, obscured others.
'And I was to learn that there are as many ways of interpreting a thing 'as there are people in the world.
' It's Nan.
With the farmer's son.
Miss Lane, there are items of intimate apparel hanging in the sorting office.
Yes, sorry, Thomas, we needed to make room by the fire.
Whoever heard of rain like it? 'Tis biblical! It has certainly left us with a mystery.
I wonder Miss Lane, I protest! I cannot be expected to share the workplace with undergarments.
They're only my drawers.
Well, he'll have to get used to it if he's to live with Miss Ellison.
'Though I 'spect hers are nicer.
Less holes.
Maybe even lace Thomas, calm yourself, dry yourself and return to your duties, in that order.
CRYING Did you hear that? I heard nothing, ma'am.
Perhaps a cat has taken refuge from the rain and become locked in.
Minnie, check the cupboards.
Yes, mum.
Drawers, drawers, drawers, drawers, drawers! Robert Westerman, mason, 1795.
That's a hundred years old, see? How could she do it, Ma? Alf's so happy.
It was dark You said yourself you couldn't be sure what you saw.
They were kissing! A kiss can mean lots of things.
Queenie says if it rains today it will rain for forty days after.
Will it be raining on my birthday? Count the days and see.
Oh, another Robert.
He was left-handed.
I can tell by the chisel marks.
Did he have any children? Now that I can't tell from chisel marks.
Although there is a faintness about them, as if the man were permanently exhausted.
So I think perhaps he did.
Don't be so quick to imagine the worst, Laura.
There's more good in people than harm.
It's going to be raining at Christmas! No See? Forty days is less than seven weeks.
One, two, three, four, five, six, seven.
Nowhere near Christmas.
KNOCKING AT DOOR Miss Margaret! It's stopped raining, I best be getting back to work.
Robert Actually, Robert, it is you I came to see.
Come in.
As you know, I am soon to be married to Mr Thomas Brown and I have been wondering I would consider it a great favour if Robert were to give me away.
I'd call that a privilege, not a favour.
Butyour father was a man of strong convictions andhis views and mine were often opposed.
Are you certain I am the man to fill his shoes? My father is dead and my brother far away.
But I am a daughter of this parish and I have long thought of you as a sort of father to those living here.
Perhaps because you too are a man of strong convictions.
You do me a great honour, Miss Ellison, but it's not one to be undertaken lightly.
Perhaps we should both take a little time to consider? At such a time, one's thoughts turn not only to what one has lost, but what one never had.
You are a kind father to your children, I think.
It is very like.
But no.
This is not my sister's hand.
Oh, the mystery remains a mystery, then.
I hope Ruby is enjoying her holiday? Oh, my sister's godmother is an indulgent spendthrift, without sense or self-restraint.
I have no doubt Ruby is enjoying herself tremendously.
The envelope It is embossed.
See? The rain has erased the lettering it in places, but we may yet be able to make out the sender's name.
Messrs Thwaite and Linton? Linford? Oh! Linley! Something wholly illegible Halifax, Yorkshire.
Oh, Miss Pearl, you are a triumph! Miss Ellison has asked Robert Timmins.
Robert Timmins? Yes.
Father 'o Lark Rise.
Robert Timmins? He don't even come from Lark Rise.
He's a family man and a strong arm to lean on, that's all Miss Ellison means.
And in't this a strong arm? In't I a man to be leaned on for the length of a church-aisle? I been father to this hamlet since before Robert Timmins wore napkins! Oh, don't take on.
It in't even decided yet.
Where you going? There are injustices being done in this world that don't bear thinking on.
And I in't going to stand by! I in't going to stand by! For Messrs Thwaite and Linley of Halifax, Yorkshire, explaining the situation and asking them for whom their letter was intended.
Ma'am, you said there was no address for MessMessusus for them, just their names and the town.
And therein lies my touch of genius, Minnie.
We are going to telegraph our enquiry care of the post office in Halifax.
I have every confidence that my opposite number there will know his customers just as well as I know mine.
There are postmen, I believe, as far afield as Africa.
I like to think of them sometimes, a brotherhood separated by geography but united by the postal system and our heavenly father.
Well! Do you ever have such imaginings, Laura? Sorry? Are you all right? I'mnot very hungry.
May I be excused tea? Of course.
Can I leave the sending of the telegram to you, Thomas? Yes, ma'am.
CRYING Minnie, did you check the cupboards as I asked? I surely did, ma'am.
Well, do so again.
There is a creature trapped somewhere.
I cannot bear to hear it suffer.
BELL CHIMES Thomas Brown, you are a righteous man and will not let this injustice stand for it is an abomination in the sight of the Lord! Injustice? Abomination? Miss Ellison in't told you then? There are only two things that ever spoil my appetite, a troubled mind, and a troubled conscience.
Have you anything you wish to confess? Then I can only conclude it is your mind that is troubled.
I saw something today.
Now I know more about someone's life than they do.
Don't seem right.
Sometimes, when a telegram comes containing bad news, I see in my mind's eye the person for whom it is destined, and I feel I am the agent of some terrible destruction.
But I am only the messenger.
He is such a dear friend.
And it'll hurt him so much.
Perhaps it would be best if I said nothing.
Laura, I can tell you that to be deceived, to be lied to, and taken for a fool, whatever the reasons, is so painful So very humiliating, that it burns long, long after the heart itself has healed.
It was Nan I saw.
Alf's Nan.
It would be a difficult thing for me to talk to her about.
Then don't talk.
Sometimes it is easier to order one's thoughts on paper, is it not? THEY MAKE ANIMAL NOISES Dear God, Emma, how do you stand it? It's Noah's Ark.
You have to expect a bit of noise.
Were there no mice on the Ark? Laura get back all right? I'm worried about how hard she's taking this business with Nan.
She's all grown-up, Robert, she doesn't expect us to live her troubles for her any more.
Besides whatever you saw or didn't see in that barn, it'll work itself out one way or the other.
What will be will be Which brings me to KNOCKING AT DOOR Robert Timmins.
I wonder if I might be permitted a word? In private.
James.
It's the old house.
My mother and I were happy here.
The rain washed the mud away.
I know what it is.
What I don't understand is what you're doing.
Well, it strikes me it wouldn't take much to set it in order.
Just a question of clearing the foundations, and re-laying the walls.
James, this house has been rubble these thirty years.
Re-building it in't going to bring anything back or help you find what's lacking in your life.
There is nothing lacking in my life.
It's just that idleness bores me.
I prefer to be busy and useful.
You'll know the emptiness was there when something comes along to fill it.
You been reading the tea leaves again? Don't need to.
It's just the way of the world.
What do you suppose their business is, Mr Thwaite and Mr Linley? I think they are jewellers and Mr Thwaite has a great white beard and takes snuff.
I think you'll find it is Mr Linley who has the beard, and they are not jewellers but tobacconists.
Perhaps they're both and sell cigars with rings on! Minnie, you are lurking.
Go and be useful.
Well, I'm afraid it is closing time.
Oh, and still no news yet from Halifax? Oh, I do hate to got to sleep on a mystery.
DING! I have it! When I hear anything, I promise, you will be the first to know.
It's for you, ma'am, from Messrs Thwaite and Linley.
'Subject to your enquiry of greatest urgency, 'please deliver without delay to' Mr James Dowland, Golden Lion Hotel, Candleford.
Perhaps he didn't pay his cigar bill.
They are not tobacconists, Minnie.
They are solicitors at law.
Rainwater rendered the name and address illegible.
I have only just discovered for whom it was intended.
I wonder, could you take this for me? Yes, of course.
DISHES CLATTER I didn't know! I didn't know.
You have a son? I have a son.
I don't know who with! All I know is, he's ten years old and James didn't even know of his existence until today.
How can he have fathered the brat and not know? He wouldn't be the first.
But James, I'd never put him down as one to shirk his responsibilities.
It's a blessing, James.
And don't let anyone tell you different.
Yes.
Happy days.
Well done.
I didn't come for congratulations, I came for your advice.
Go and wet the child's head in the Wagon and Horses.
Tell them I am a very proud father.
She was the daughter of one my London suppliers.
I don't know why she didn't tell me.
I mean, I never would have Until her will was read, the boy was as unaware of my existence as I was of his.
What shall I do? What's his name, James? Sidney.
His name is Sidney.
I told you you'd know the emptiness was there when something came along to fill it.
He needs love a home.
And you need a purpose.
But I am a stranger to him.
His mother married a man of substance.
Sidney has been well provided for.
He is at a boarding school where he has been for many years.
I can't just pluck him from everything he has ever known because I need a purpose.
You are his father.
For whose benefit will that role be played? Mine or his? I have been in his shoes.
I know what it feels like, Queenie.
I know what it would feel like if, after my mother died, I had been taken from Lark Rise, from you, and set down somewhere where I knew nothing and no-one.
Is that what you want, then? To leave him where he is? It is no longer a question of what I want.
I am a father.
Reverend Ellison has devoted his life to a church I have heard you decry as 'the Tory party at prayer'! You must see that you are in every way unsuited to stand as his proxy.
I did not proffer myself for the role, Thomas Brown.
Miss Ellison asked me.
I think this is something you would be better discussing with her.
Miss Ellison's judgement is at present impaired by emotion.
She has made a foolish and ill-judged request and I must demand that you decline it.
You may 'demand' all you like.
Your wife to be, a woman for whom I have a considerable regard, has honoured me with this request and my decision will be governed by two things alone.
Her wishes and my own conscience.
And both of these are in perfect accord.
I shall be proud to walk her up the aisle.
SOBBING SOBBING CONTINUES Miss Lane? Did it wake you too? I have looked everywhere.
Oh, Laura, I cannot bear to hear it! We heard the doors slamming.
We thought there was something wrong.
Is it the cat again? I did check.
It is not a cat.
It is a child! I just can't stand to think of that little Sidney left in some school.
I'm sure they take very good care of them.
Well, how can they when there's so many? They might be clean and fed, but a child needs more than that.
A child needs attention, love.
You be thankful you stopped at five, Emma.
There's space enough in your lives yet to do more than just feed 'em and clothe 'em.
Now you're the lucky one, aren't you, my chick? You're mummy's last, her baby girl.
Plenty of everything to go round yet.
Emma? She was meant to be the last.
Oh, Emma! I haven't even told Robert yet, I haven't had the chance.
I KNOCKING - Miss Lane! - Mrs Turrill, Emma.
I am sorry to interrupt.
I wonder if I might speak with you.
Nan! Laura! Looking for your pa? I don't think he's here yet.
I've got some buttermilk saved for him, a treat for the little 'uns.
That's kind.
Did you want something? I Tell my pa, I said hello.
Nan! There was something for you.
A letter.
I know you have an understanding of dreams.
What you are describing, Dorcas, it in't a dream, though, is it? But then why do only I hear it? Well, perhaps there is a reason for that.
Drink.
Let the leaves settle, like you done last time.
I see many children.
There's a child that's grieving for what they have lost.
Mr Dowland's son? Perhaps.
There's a child coming.
I can't see where or when.
But coming soon.
There's a child I can't see clearly.
Hidden Lost A child without a name.
But why does it cry? Why does any child cry? Because it needs you.
To do what? I don't understand.
One can't help wondering what will become of the child now its poor, fallen mother is gone.
I know no more than you yourself managed to overhear at the hotel.
Mr Dowland does not mean to own him, surely? A child without a name? What did you call him? But he does have a name, Miss Pratt, he has my name.
At least he will do.
I have several telegrams to send of an urgent nature.
Of course.
If you would prefer to dictate them in privacy? Not at all.
I have nothing I wish to hide.
They concern the arrangements for the care of my son, Sidney.
He is at school at present in Yorkshire, but I hope that one day soon you will meet him, all of you.
being of the opinion that his mother's death will have been shock enough, I am instructing you to keep all arrangements for his care unchanged DISTANT SOBBING Do you have that? Yes.
All future bills, including bed, board and school fees to be directed to Mr James Dowland, The Golden Lion Hotel.
SOBBING INTENSIFIES I'm sorry.
Dorcas? James Your son, are you sure that? Are you satisfied that all is well? He has just lost his mother.
I imagine he is far from well.
You have had so little time to consider.
Perhaps you should Perhaps I should what? Make enquiries.
Find out why if he is unhappy.
Dorcas, is there no area on which you feel unqualified to give advice? No matter so personal that you do not feel you have the right to comment? I am only asking you to think.
What do you take me for? Since I have learned of his existence, I have done nothing but think - of him.
Of how he will be feeling.
Tell me, do you remember your mother? I was a baby.
Well, I remember mine and I remember what it feels like to lose her and to be alone.
And you dare to suggest that I have not sufficiently considered my son's position? It's a nice letter, Alf, lovely.
Best letter I ever had.
But I can't read.
I didn't send you no letter.
Then who? Perhaps I've got a secret admirer.
Perhaps he writes me poems.
Well, if he's gone to all that trouble, it'd be a shame not to hear it read out loud, wouldn't it? Well, go on thenwhat does he say? Alf? What is it? Who's it from? Laura.
It's from Laura.
Alf? Alf! BABY CRIES All right, I'm coming.
All right.
Shhh, shhh! There You are going to have to get used to being left on your own for a bit.
Aren't you? You're going to have to get used to it.
DOOR OPENS It's from Laura.
Alf read it and What does it say? She says she saw you in the barn with the farmer's son.
She She thinks that Alf deserves better and that you should have the courage and the NAN SIGHS .
.
decency to be honest with him.
I'm sorry, Nan.
I'm so sorry.
What does she know? What do either of them know? See something and then sit yourself down on the throne of judgement to decide for yourself what it means.
He didn't even ask me! Stupid bloody arse of a stupid Lark-Riser! He's not the only one.
THUNDER ROLLS Margaret.
My father's name, carved by Robert Timmins' hand.
Robert Timmins! I can only wonder, Margaret, with what intention you chose to give you away a man so guaranteed to offend the beliefs of both myself and your late father.
I asked him because he is a good man, a man of principle.
And are those the words the Reverend Ellison would use were he before us now? "Good man"? "Man of principle"? Thomas, please, do not raise your voice.
Or is your choice merely an act of defiance against a man whose opinions you would not have dared to flout whilst he was living? Ma! Look at you standing in your post office dispensing judgement like you were dispensing stamps.
What makes you think you have the right? Ma, what are you? Nan can't read, Laura.
She had Alf read your letter for her.
What did you think you were doing? You don't know what her life is.
You don't know what that kiss meant.
How many things can a kiss mean? Plenty! A seal of friendship, a parting of ways.
Or perhaps it was just about the fact that he's her employer's son.
What has that to do with anything? Well, it might make him a difficult man to say no to.
If any man came in here and took liberties with you, Dorcas would have him hanging from that tree outside.
But what if that man were her brother or her husband or her son? Then you'd be between the devil and the deep blue sea trying to keep your job and your self-respect.
BABY CRIES Which isn't easy, believe me.
Shhh, shhh! Ma, you don't know that's how it was.
Nor do you! Oh, Laura! I shouldn't have to be doing the thinking for you.
You're old enough.
You should know.
I've got enough to worry about wondering how I'm going to feed and clothe and love a family of six.
Ma, you don't have six children.
I haven't told your pa yet.
Don't you tell him.
But I forbid you to tell him! Do you hear me? I'm sorry You don't have to sort out my mistakes for me.
You don't.
More to the point, Laura, I can't.
LAURA SOBS I feel so responsible.
I prompted you.
I more than prompted you to write that letter.
If I'd stood by and done nothing, it would have felt like a betrayal.
Perhaps I should talk to Alf.
Laura, I am the last person to advise you.
I will.
I'm going to find him and I'm going to put things right.
If that's what you feel you must do.
But be prepared for the fact that your intervention may not be welcome.
Maybe not.
I'm not a child any more.
It's time I started taking responsibility.
Minnie, is supper ready? Oh, Miss Lane! I can hear it.
I'm haunted too! You can hear? WOMAN SOBS SOBBING CONTINUES My father always said that I was too rash .
.
my thoughts too ungoverned for considered judgement.
ButI never meant to distress Thomas Brown.
I shall tell Mr Timmins that I made a mistake .
.
and from now on I will keep my father's voice always in my mind to guide me.
I can hear him quite clearly, you know, if I try.
Quite clearly.
"Stupid, stupid girl.
" Your father sounds like a big bully to me.
Minnie! This is not something in which we should be meddling.
It is none of our business.
It's our kitchen she's crying in and it's our Thomas she's marrying! In here, still making her feel stupid, exactly like my stepfather, and he was the biggest bully that ever lived.
My father was A man of strong beliefs and great integrity, who cared about you very deeply.
Butyou are a woman of considerable insight and intellect.
Did you never think, perhaps, in your heart of hearts, that just occasionally his judgement may have been flawed? I I do recall one occasion.
Alf! Nan told my ma what happened.
I'm sorry.
You were never meant to see that letter.
I'm grateful for what you were trying to do.
But what if I was wrong? Ma says a kiss can mean a lot of things.
Friendship ora parting of ways.
Or perhaps the boss's son is a hard man to say no to if you want to keep your position.
Your ma said? I'm going to kill him.
No, Alf, I didn't mean Alf! DOOR OPENS Pa! I need your help.
It's Alf.
He's gone to the farm.
He says he's going to kill the farmer's son.
I was trying to put things right! MARGARET LAUGHS So he looked under the altar and the slippers were there, exactly where I told him they would be, with his stockings still inside them! My step-pa fell all the way down the stairs once when he was drunk.
Bump! Bump! Bump! We always hoped he'd do it again, but he never did.
I think you've made a good choice.
If I could chose a pa, it would be Mr Timmins.
I think he's the strongest, kindest man I've ever met.
It is true I could sometimes have wished my father kinder, not for myself, but for George.
He was so young when father sent him away to school.
He came home bruised in body and spirit.
I used to hear him at night, sobbing into his pillow.
And Father sent him back.
Couldn't you have stopped him? I feared his anger.
My step-pa falling down the stairs weren't the only thing the neighbours heard through the walls.
But they never did nothing.
All he could have done was shouted at them.
Excuse me.
MECHANICAL WHIRRING Nan! Where is he? No, Alfdon't! Where is he? Alf I know! I know he forced you.
Who? The farmer's son.
Laura explained.
No, I didn't mean that The farmer's son forced me?! Bloody Lark-Risers! I don't understand.
Did you want to kiss him or didn't you? Well, since you're finally asking, I wanted to buy something, but I didn't have the shilling it cost, so I offered him a kiss instead.
NAN SIGHS Mind you, I should have got change, the meal he made out of it.
A shilling? You could have borrowed a shilling off of me! You don't borrow money off a person to buy them a present! At least not where I was brought up.
Lark Rise rules are probably different.
You bought me a present? Before I knew you were such an arse.
Wellwhere is it? Oh, scat, you grubby little boy.
Go and practice on the cows! Of all the things I thought that kiss was about Ma's so angry at me, Pa, for sticking my nose in.
She's got enough to worry about without me getting into scrapes.
"Enough to worry about," how? "Enough to worry about," how, Laura? I can't.
I promised.
EMMA SOBS QUIETLY Em? What is it? What's wrong? I thought EMMA SNIVELS I thought there was going to be another baby.
But I was mistaken.
I've spent daysworrying .
.
about how we were going to manage.
And now that we don't have to Why didn't you tell me? I wanted to.
But then I thought .
.
perhaps it wasn't good news.
And after that, I didn't know how to.
It's probably for the best.
EMMA SIGHS There's barely enough to go around as it is.
I would have put food on the table, Em.
You should have as many children as your heart would wish for.
It's not about the money, Robert.
It's everything.
It's the care, the attention, the time.
EMMA SIGHS And five's a handful and a houseful.
But we've still the room to love them.
I don't feel myself in danger of running out of love, Em.
Sleep, yes.
Money, yes.
But love? DOOR OPENS I know you think I still need looking after, but I don't.
And when the new baby comes, I'm going to be a help, not a drain.
I get every third Saturday off and I can bicycle back on washdays while the baby's still in napkins.
And for next time I've heard there are ways to limit a family.
THEY STIFLE LAUGHTER I'm not making it up.
There are pamphlets! I made a mistake, Laura.
There isn't going to be a baby.
And you are not a drain on me.
You are one of the things that fuels my fire.
I was just I was feeling scared .
.
and I took it out on you.
And you were right.
I shouldn't have interfered with Alf and Nan, blundering in, not knowing what I was doing.
Oh, Laura, there are no right or wrongs about these things.
You just have to make a choice and stand by the consequences.
And you did.
You just have to be able to live with yourself - that's your only compass.
Perhaps you might ask cousin Dorcas if I could move into the smith's dorm with Thomas Brown.
I think we might be safe then.
BABY CRIES Shhh, shhh! Emma, this baby we're not going to have Robert.
I understand the arguments against, Emma.
I agree with them in my head.
But in my heart, that there could be more of what we have You are a sentimental fool, Robert Timmins.
And you were crying when I got home, for a child that's not to be.
Oh, we can't.
We really, really can't! It's a good, even number.
Six? Six children? Six.
I believe Miss Ellison was here yesterday.
She was indeed, Thomas.
We had a divergence of opinion on a certain matter.
I fear I may have put my case a little too Forcefully? "Bullying" was actually the word in my mind, the word that kept me awake last night.
I merely wished to enquire of you .
.
is she all right? Oh, Thomas.
I have a fascinating article upstairs, translated from the Russian, concerning a physician named Ivan Pavlov.
He has found that if one rings a bell every time a dog is fed, the dog will begin to salivate at the very sound of the bell.
You are most instructive, as always, Miss Lane.
If a person has been habitually bullied, Thomas, it will not take much to make them quake and cower.
You should not blame yourself.
But perhaps you should learn to tread a little lighter.
Yes, ma'am.
Thank you, ma'am.
The farmer's son was going to kill it, but I says, "I'll buy that little piglet cos there's some children "I know with the name o' Arless, that'll feed it up "till it's the biggest porker you ever saw.
" My new will should, of course, reflect these changes and make my son the sole beneficiary in the event of I'm sorry to break into your meeting, but you must read this.
I must? Please.
It concerns Sidney.
Very well.
I will give you two minutes.
Excuse me.
Well? I don't understand.
I telegraphed the school at which Sidney boards.
You did what? I said that I had recently become the guardian of a young relative.
JAMES SNORTS Please, you must listen! I told them the child's care would be a burden to me.
I said I wanted him raised in line with my expectations of a child without a name.
James, please! I beg you! Just read it.
As you can see, they are more than happy to oblige.
They take children from the age of three.
No holidays.
No visitors.
This is not a school.
It is a home for the unwanted.
Telegraph them again.
Tell them I am on my way.
Tell them I am bringing my son home.
Mr Turrill! I was looking for Thomas Brown.
I believe he often walks this way on his round.
Indeed.
I often walk this way myself.
I am walking at the moment.
Would youcare to walk with me? Thomas! Miss Margaret.
I wish to apologise.
I should not have spoken to you as I did.
If Robert Timmins is your choice, then he is your choice.
I may not like it, but I can, and I do, respect it.
Oh, Thomas! Robert Timmins? Robert Timmins?! That man can't open his mouth in public without bringing in the rights of the working man or t-t-the Irish question.
Is that the kind of speech-making you want at your wedding breakfast? I'm older than he.
I'm more of a Lark Rise man than he.
And I have the walk! You've seen! I have the walk.
Well And that is why the truly vital role, the one upon which the entire marriage service depends, is reserved for you.
Is that not so, my dear? Indeed.
Quite so.
Mr Turrill, would you do us the honour of being our ring bearer? Yes! Oh, yes.
The ring bearer! Miss Lane? Laura.
I was just listening.
To what? The silence.
And it is golden.
HORSE NICKERS LAURA: 'The Bible tells us that to everything there is a season, 'and a time to every purpose under the heaven.
'And it felt as though there would be a time for each of us also, 'that those of us who had been searching for something - a role to inhabit, 'a purpose in life - would find it.
'But finding something does not mean you get to keep it.
TWISTER LAUGHS, HORSE NEIGHS 'For there is a time to weep, as well as a time to laugh.
'A time to mourn '.
.
as well as a time to dance.
' You'll soon get used to the post office.
I don't wish to alarm you, but there is a rash on your neck and on your face.
DORCAS: Sidney, why don't you tell your pa what you do like? Start there.
I like the Post Office.
I must see Miss Margaret today! I give you tonight to prepare the child.
I don't want a father, I want Miss Lane.
Always this need to prove yourself.
You accept life and I fight it.
I will not be defeated.
'Rich and poorman and beast.
'And I was young enough to imagine that every experience shared with 'others must feel the same to all, mean the same to all.
'But the same rain that revealed some things, obscured others.
'And I was to learn that there are as many ways of interpreting a thing 'as there are people in the world.
' It's Nan.
With the farmer's son.
Miss Lane, there are items of intimate apparel hanging in the sorting office.
Yes, sorry, Thomas, we needed to make room by the fire.
Whoever heard of rain like it? 'Tis biblical! It has certainly left us with a mystery.
I wonder Miss Lane, I protest! I cannot be expected to share the workplace with undergarments.
They're only my drawers.
Well, he'll have to get used to it if he's to live with Miss Ellison.
'Though I 'spect hers are nicer.
Less holes.
Maybe even lace Thomas, calm yourself, dry yourself and return to your duties, in that order.
CRYING Did you hear that? I heard nothing, ma'am.
Perhaps a cat has taken refuge from the rain and become locked in.
Minnie, check the cupboards.
Yes, mum.
Drawers, drawers, drawers, drawers, drawers! Robert Westerman, mason, 1795.
That's a hundred years old, see? How could she do it, Ma? Alf's so happy.
It was dark You said yourself you couldn't be sure what you saw.
They were kissing! A kiss can mean lots of things.
Queenie says if it rains today it will rain for forty days after.
Will it be raining on my birthday? Count the days and see.
Oh, another Robert.
He was left-handed.
I can tell by the chisel marks.
Did he have any children? Now that I can't tell from chisel marks.
Although there is a faintness about them, as if the man were permanently exhausted.
So I think perhaps he did.
Don't be so quick to imagine the worst, Laura.
There's more good in people than harm.
It's going to be raining at Christmas! No See? Forty days is less than seven weeks.
One, two, three, four, five, six, seven.
Nowhere near Christmas.
KNOCKING AT DOOR Miss Margaret! It's stopped raining, I best be getting back to work.
Robert Actually, Robert, it is you I came to see.
Come in.
As you know, I am soon to be married to Mr Thomas Brown and I have been wondering I would consider it a great favour if Robert were to give me away.
I'd call that a privilege, not a favour.
Butyour father was a man of strong convictions andhis views and mine were often opposed.
Are you certain I am the man to fill his shoes? My father is dead and my brother far away.
But I am a daughter of this parish and I have long thought of you as a sort of father to those living here.
Perhaps because you too are a man of strong convictions.
You do me a great honour, Miss Ellison, but it's not one to be undertaken lightly.
Perhaps we should both take a little time to consider? At such a time, one's thoughts turn not only to what one has lost, but what one never had.
You are a kind father to your children, I think.
It is very like.
But no.
This is not my sister's hand.
Oh, the mystery remains a mystery, then.
I hope Ruby is enjoying her holiday? Oh, my sister's godmother is an indulgent spendthrift, without sense or self-restraint.
I have no doubt Ruby is enjoying herself tremendously.
The envelope It is embossed.
See? The rain has erased the lettering it in places, but we may yet be able to make out the sender's name.
Messrs Thwaite and Linton? Linford? Oh! Linley! Something wholly illegible Halifax, Yorkshire.
Oh, Miss Pearl, you are a triumph! Miss Ellison has asked Robert Timmins.
Robert Timmins? Yes.
Father 'o Lark Rise.
Robert Timmins? He don't even come from Lark Rise.
He's a family man and a strong arm to lean on, that's all Miss Ellison means.
And in't this a strong arm? In't I a man to be leaned on for the length of a church-aisle? I been father to this hamlet since before Robert Timmins wore napkins! Oh, don't take on.
It in't even decided yet.
Where you going? There are injustices being done in this world that don't bear thinking on.
And I in't going to stand by! I in't going to stand by! For Messrs Thwaite and Linley of Halifax, Yorkshire, explaining the situation and asking them for whom their letter was intended.
Ma'am, you said there was no address for MessMessusus for them, just their names and the town.
And therein lies my touch of genius, Minnie.
We are going to telegraph our enquiry care of the post office in Halifax.
I have every confidence that my opposite number there will know his customers just as well as I know mine.
There are postmen, I believe, as far afield as Africa.
I like to think of them sometimes, a brotherhood separated by geography but united by the postal system and our heavenly father.
Well! Do you ever have such imaginings, Laura? Sorry? Are you all right? I'mnot very hungry.
May I be excused tea? Of course.
Can I leave the sending of the telegram to you, Thomas? Yes, ma'am.
CRYING Minnie, did you check the cupboards as I asked? I surely did, ma'am.
Well, do so again.
There is a creature trapped somewhere.
I cannot bear to hear it suffer.
BELL CHIMES Thomas Brown, you are a righteous man and will not let this injustice stand for it is an abomination in the sight of the Lord! Injustice? Abomination? Miss Ellison in't told you then? There are only two things that ever spoil my appetite, a troubled mind, and a troubled conscience.
Have you anything you wish to confess? Then I can only conclude it is your mind that is troubled.
I saw something today.
Now I know more about someone's life than they do.
Don't seem right.
Sometimes, when a telegram comes containing bad news, I see in my mind's eye the person for whom it is destined, and I feel I am the agent of some terrible destruction.
But I am only the messenger.
He is such a dear friend.
And it'll hurt him so much.
Perhaps it would be best if I said nothing.
Laura, I can tell you that to be deceived, to be lied to, and taken for a fool, whatever the reasons, is so painful So very humiliating, that it burns long, long after the heart itself has healed.
It was Nan I saw.
Alf's Nan.
It would be a difficult thing for me to talk to her about.
Then don't talk.
Sometimes it is easier to order one's thoughts on paper, is it not? THEY MAKE ANIMAL NOISES Dear God, Emma, how do you stand it? It's Noah's Ark.
You have to expect a bit of noise.
Were there no mice on the Ark? Laura get back all right? I'm worried about how hard she's taking this business with Nan.
She's all grown-up, Robert, she doesn't expect us to live her troubles for her any more.
Besides whatever you saw or didn't see in that barn, it'll work itself out one way or the other.
What will be will be Which brings me to KNOCKING AT DOOR Robert Timmins.
I wonder if I might be permitted a word? In private.
James.
It's the old house.
My mother and I were happy here.
The rain washed the mud away.
I know what it is.
What I don't understand is what you're doing.
Well, it strikes me it wouldn't take much to set it in order.
Just a question of clearing the foundations, and re-laying the walls.
James, this house has been rubble these thirty years.
Re-building it in't going to bring anything back or help you find what's lacking in your life.
There is nothing lacking in my life.
It's just that idleness bores me.
I prefer to be busy and useful.
You'll know the emptiness was there when something comes along to fill it.
You been reading the tea leaves again? Don't need to.
It's just the way of the world.
What do you suppose their business is, Mr Thwaite and Mr Linley? I think they are jewellers and Mr Thwaite has a great white beard and takes snuff.
I think you'll find it is Mr Linley who has the beard, and they are not jewellers but tobacconists.
Perhaps they're both and sell cigars with rings on! Minnie, you are lurking.
Go and be useful.
Well, I'm afraid it is closing time.
Oh, and still no news yet from Halifax? Oh, I do hate to got to sleep on a mystery.
DING! I have it! When I hear anything, I promise, you will be the first to know.
It's for you, ma'am, from Messrs Thwaite and Linley.
'Subject to your enquiry of greatest urgency, 'please deliver without delay to' Mr James Dowland, Golden Lion Hotel, Candleford.
Perhaps he didn't pay his cigar bill.
They are not tobacconists, Minnie.
They are solicitors at law.
Rainwater rendered the name and address illegible.
I have only just discovered for whom it was intended.
I wonder, could you take this for me? Yes, of course.
DISHES CLATTER I didn't know! I didn't know.
You have a son? I have a son.
I don't know who with! All I know is, he's ten years old and James didn't even know of his existence until today.
How can he have fathered the brat and not know? He wouldn't be the first.
But James, I'd never put him down as one to shirk his responsibilities.
It's a blessing, James.
And don't let anyone tell you different.
Yes.
Happy days.
Well done.
I didn't come for congratulations, I came for your advice.
Go and wet the child's head in the Wagon and Horses.
Tell them I am a very proud father.
She was the daughter of one my London suppliers.
I don't know why she didn't tell me.
I mean, I never would have Until her will was read, the boy was as unaware of my existence as I was of his.
What shall I do? What's his name, James? Sidney.
His name is Sidney.
I told you you'd know the emptiness was there when something came along to fill it.
He needs love a home.
And you need a purpose.
But I am a stranger to him.
His mother married a man of substance.
Sidney has been well provided for.
He is at a boarding school where he has been for many years.
I can't just pluck him from everything he has ever known because I need a purpose.
You are his father.
For whose benefit will that role be played? Mine or his? I have been in his shoes.
I know what it feels like, Queenie.
I know what it would feel like if, after my mother died, I had been taken from Lark Rise, from you, and set down somewhere where I knew nothing and no-one.
Is that what you want, then? To leave him where he is? It is no longer a question of what I want.
I am a father.
Reverend Ellison has devoted his life to a church I have heard you decry as 'the Tory party at prayer'! You must see that you are in every way unsuited to stand as his proxy.
I did not proffer myself for the role, Thomas Brown.
Miss Ellison asked me.
I think this is something you would be better discussing with her.
Miss Ellison's judgement is at present impaired by emotion.
She has made a foolish and ill-judged request and I must demand that you decline it.
You may 'demand' all you like.
Your wife to be, a woman for whom I have a considerable regard, has honoured me with this request and my decision will be governed by two things alone.
Her wishes and my own conscience.
And both of these are in perfect accord.
I shall be proud to walk her up the aisle.
SOBBING SOBBING CONTINUES Miss Lane? Did it wake you too? I have looked everywhere.
Oh, Laura, I cannot bear to hear it! We heard the doors slamming.
We thought there was something wrong.
Is it the cat again? I did check.
It is not a cat.
It is a child! I just can't stand to think of that little Sidney left in some school.
I'm sure they take very good care of them.
Well, how can they when there's so many? They might be clean and fed, but a child needs more than that.
A child needs attention, love.
You be thankful you stopped at five, Emma.
There's space enough in your lives yet to do more than just feed 'em and clothe 'em.
Now you're the lucky one, aren't you, my chick? You're mummy's last, her baby girl.
Plenty of everything to go round yet.
Emma? She was meant to be the last.
Oh, Emma! I haven't even told Robert yet, I haven't had the chance.
I KNOCKING - Miss Lane! - Mrs Turrill, Emma.
I am sorry to interrupt.
I wonder if I might speak with you.
Nan! Laura! Looking for your pa? I don't think he's here yet.
I've got some buttermilk saved for him, a treat for the little 'uns.
That's kind.
Did you want something? I Tell my pa, I said hello.
Nan! There was something for you.
A letter.
I know you have an understanding of dreams.
What you are describing, Dorcas, it in't a dream, though, is it? But then why do only I hear it? Well, perhaps there is a reason for that.
Drink.
Let the leaves settle, like you done last time.
I see many children.
There's a child that's grieving for what they have lost.
Mr Dowland's son? Perhaps.
There's a child coming.
I can't see where or when.
But coming soon.
There's a child I can't see clearly.
Hidden Lost A child without a name.
But why does it cry? Why does any child cry? Because it needs you.
To do what? I don't understand.
One can't help wondering what will become of the child now its poor, fallen mother is gone.
I know no more than you yourself managed to overhear at the hotel.
Mr Dowland does not mean to own him, surely? A child without a name? What did you call him? But he does have a name, Miss Pratt, he has my name.
At least he will do.
I have several telegrams to send of an urgent nature.
Of course.
If you would prefer to dictate them in privacy? Not at all.
I have nothing I wish to hide.
They concern the arrangements for the care of my son, Sidney.
He is at school at present in Yorkshire, but I hope that one day soon you will meet him, all of you.
being of the opinion that his mother's death will have been shock enough, I am instructing you to keep all arrangements for his care unchanged DISTANT SOBBING Do you have that? Yes.
All future bills, including bed, board and school fees to be directed to Mr James Dowland, The Golden Lion Hotel.
SOBBING INTENSIFIES I'm sorry.
Dorcas? James Your son, are you sure that? Are you satisfied that all is well? He has just lost his mother.
I imagine he is far from well.
You have had so little time to consider.
Perhaps you should Perhaps I should what? Make enquiries.
Find out why if he is unhappy.
Dorcas, is there no area on which you feel unqualified to give advice? No matter so personal that you do not feel you have the right to comment? I am only asking you to think.
What do you take me for? Since I have learned of his existence, I have done nothing but think - of him.
Of how he will be feeling.
Tell me, do you remember your mother? I was a baby.
Well, I remember mine and I remember what it feels like to lose her and to be alone.
And you dare to suggest that I have not sufficiently considered my son's position? It's a nice letter, Alf, lovely.
Best letter I ever had.
But I can't read.
I didn't send you no letter.
Then who? Perhaps I've got a secret admirer.
Perhaps he writes me poems.
Well, if he's gone to all that trouble, it'd be a shame not to hear it read out loud, wouldn't it? Well, go on thenwhat does he say? Alf? What is it? Who's it from? Laura.
It's from Laura.
Alf? Alf! BABY CRIES All right, I'm coming.
All right.
Shhh, shhh! There You are going to have to get used to being left on your own for a bit.
Aren't you? You're going to have to get used to it.
DOOR OPENS It's from Laura.
Alf read it and What does it say? She says she saw you in the barn with the farmer's son.
She She thinks that Alf deserves better and that you should have the courage and the NAN SIGHS .
.
decency to be honest with him.
I'm sorry, Nan.
I'm so sorry.
What does she know? What do either of them know? See something and then sit yourself down on the throne of judgement to decide for yourself what it means.
He didn't even ask me! Stupid bloody arse of a stupid Lark-Riser! He's not the only one.
THUNDER ROLLS Margaret.
My father's name, carved by Robert Timmins' hand.
Robert Timmins! I can only wonder, Margaret, with what intention you chose to give you away a man so guaranteed to offend the beliefs of both myself and your late father.
I asked him because he is a good man, a man of principle.
And are those the words the Reverend Ellison would use were he before us now? "Good man"? "Man of principle"? Thomas, please, do not raise your voice.
Or is your choice merely an act of defiance against a man whose opinions you would not have dared to flout whilst he was living? Ma! Look at you standing in your post office dispensing judgement like you were dispensing stamps.
What makes you think you have the right? Ma, what are you? Nan can't read, Laura.
She had Alf read your letter for her.
What did you think you were doing? You don't know what her life is.
You don't know what that kiss meant.
How many things can a kiss mean? Plenty! A seal of friendship, a parting of ways.
Or perhaps it was just about the fact that he's her employer's son.
What has that to do with anything? Well, it might make him a difficult man to say no to.
If any man came in here and took liberties with you, Dorcas would have him hanging from that tree outside.
But what if that man were her brother or her husband or her son? Then you'd be between the devil and the deep blue sea trying to keep your job and your self-respect.
BABY CRIES Which isn't easy, believe me.
Shhh, shhh! Ma, you don't know that's how it was.
Nor do you! Oh, Laura! I shouldn't have to be doing the thinking for you.
You're old enough.
You should know.
I've got enough to worry about wondering how I'm going to feed and clothe and love a family of six.
Ma, you don't have six children.
I haven't told your pa yet.
Don't you tell him.
But I forbid you to tell him! Do you hear me? I'm sorry You don't have to sort out my mistakes for me.
You don't.
More to the point, Laura, I can't.
LAURA SOBS I feel so responsible.
I prompted you.
I more than prompted you to write that letter.
If I'd stood by and done nothing, it would have felt like a betrayal.
Perhaps I should talk to Alf.
Laura, I am the last person to advise you.
I will.
I'm going to find him and I'm going to put things right.
If that's what you feel you must do.
But be prepared for the fact that your intervention may not be welcome.
Maybe not.
I'm not a child any more.
It's time I started taking responsibility.
Minnie, is supper ready? Oh, Miss Lane! I can hear it.
I'm haunted too! You can hear? WOMAN SOBS SOBBING CONTINUES My father always said that I was too rash .
.
my thoughts too ungoverned for considered judgement.
ButI never meant to distress Thomas Brown.
I shall tell Mr Timmins that I made a mistake .
.
and from now on I will keep my father's voice always in my mind to guide me.
I can hear him quite clearly, you know, if I try.
Quite clearly.
"Stupid, stupid girl.
" Your father sounds like a big bully to me.
Minnie! This is not something in which we should be meddling.
It is none of our business.
It's our kitchen she's crying in and it's our Thomas she's marrying! In here, still making her feel stupid, exactly like my stepfather, and he was the biggest bully that ever lived.
My father was A man of strong beliefs and great integrity, who cared about you very deeply.
Butyou are a woman of considerable insight and intellect.
Did you never think, perhaps, in your heart of hearts, that just occasionally his judgement may have been flawed? I I do recall one occasion.
Alf! Nan told my ma what happened.
I'm sorry.
You were never meant to see that letter.
I'm grateful for what you were trying to do.
But what if I was wrong? Ma says a kiss can mean a lot of things.
Friendship ora parting of ways.
Or perhaps the boss's son is a hard man to say no to if you want to keep your position.
Your ma said? I'm going to kill him.
No, Alf, I didn't mean Alf! DOOR OPENS Pa! I need your help.
It's Alf.
He's gone to the farm.
He says he's going to kill the farmer's son.
I was trying to put things right! MARGARET LAUGHS So he looked under the altar and the slippers were there, exactly where I told him they would be, with his stockings still inside them! My step-pa fell all the way down the stairs once when he was drunk.
Bump! Bump! Bump! We always hoped he'd do it again, but he never did.
I think you've made a good choice.
If I could chose a pa, it would be Mr Timmins.
I think he's the strongest, kindest man I've ever met.
It is true I could sometimes have wished my father kinder, not for myself, but for George.
He was so young when father sent him away to school.
He came home bruised in body and spirit.
I used to hear him at night, sobbing into his pillow.
And Father sent him back.
Couldn't you have stopped him? I feared his anger.
My step-pa falling down the stairs weren't the only thing the neighbours heard through the walls.
But they never did nothing.
All he could have done was shouted at them.
Excuse me.
MECHANICAL WHIRRING Nan! Where is he? No, Alfdon't! Where is he? Alf I know! I know he forced you.
Who? The farmer's son.
Laura explained.
No, I didn't mean that The farmer's son forced me?! Bloody Lark-Risers! I don't understand.
Did you want to kiss him or didn't you? Well, since you're finally asking, I wanted to buy something, but I didn't have the shilling it cost, so I offered him a kiss instead.
NAN SIGHS Mind you, I should have got change, the meal he made out of it.
A shilling? You could have borrowed a shilling off of me! You don't borrow money off a person to buy them a present! At least not where I was brought up.
Lark Rise rules are probably different.
You bought me a present? Before I knew you were such an arse.
Wellwhere is it? Oh, scat, you grubby little boy.
Go and practice on the cows! Of all the things I thought that kiss was about Ma's so angry at me, Pa, for sticking my nose in.
She's got enough to worry about without me getting into scrapes.
"Enough to worry about," how? "Enough to worry about," how, Laura? I can't.
I promised.
EMMA SOBS QUIETLY Em? What is it? What's wrong? I thought EMMA SNIVELS I thought there was going to be another baby.
But I was mistaken.
I've spent daysworrying .
.
about how we were going to manage.
And now that we don't have to Why didn't you tell me? I wanted to.
But then I thought .
.
perhaps it wasn't good news.
And after that, I didn't know how to.
It's probably for the best.
EMMA SIGHS There's barely enough to go around as it is.
I would have put food on the table, Em.
You should have as many children as your heart would wish for.
It's not about the money, Robert.
It's everything.
It's the care, the attention, the time.
EMMA SIGHS And five's a handful and a houseful.
But we've still the room to love them.
I don't feel myself in danger of running out of love, Em.
Sleep, yes.
Money, yes.
But love? DOOR OPENS I know you think I still need looking after, but I don't.
And when the new baby comes, I'm going to be a help, not a drain.
I get every third Saturday off and I can bicycle back on washdays while the baby's still in napkins.
And for next time I've heard there are ways to limit a family.
THEY STIFLE LAUGHTER I'm not making it up.
There are pamphlets! I made a mistake, Laura.
There isn't going to be a baby.
And you are not a drain on me.
You are one of the things that fuels my fire.
I was just I was feeling scared .
.
and I took it out on you.
And you were right.
I shouldn't have interfered with Alf and Nan, blundering in, not knowing what I was doing.
Oh, Laura, there are no right or wrongs about these things.
You just have to make a choice and stand by the consequences.
And you did.
You just have to be able to live with yourself - that's your only compass.
Perhaps you might ask cousin Dorcas if I could move into the smith's dorm with Thomas Brown.
I think we might be safe then.
BABY CRIES Shhh, shhh! Emma, this baby we're not going to have Robert.
I understand the arguments against, Emma.
I agree with them in my head.
But in my heart, that there could be more of what we have You are a sentimental fool, Robert Timmins.
And you were crying when I got home, for a child that's not to be.
Oh, we can't.
We really, really can't! It's a good, even number.
Six? Six children? Six.
I believe Miss Ellison was here yesterday.
She was indeed, Thomas.
We had a divergence of opinion on a certain matter.
I fear I may have put my case a little too Forcefully? "Bullying" was actually the word in my mind, the word that kept me awake last night.
I merely wished to enquire of you .
.
is she all right? Oh, Thomas.
I have a fascinating article upstairs, translated from the Russian, concerning a physician named Ivan Pavlov.
He has found that if one rings a bell every time a dog is fed, the dog will begin to salivate at the very sound of the bell.
You are most instructive, as always, Miss Lane.
If a person has been habitually bullied, Thomas, it will not take much to make them quake and cower.
You should not blame yourself.
But perhaps you should learn to tread a little lighter.
Yes, ma'am.
Thank you, ma'am.
The farmer's son was going to kill it, but I says, "I'll buy that little piglet cos there's some children "I know with the name o' Arless, that'll feed it up "till it's the biggest porker you ever saw.
" My new will should, of course, reflect these changes and make my son the sole beneficiary in the event of I'm sorry to break into your meeting, but you must read this.
I must? Please.
It concerns Sidney.
Very well.
I will give you two minutes.
Excuse me.
Well? I don't understand.
I telegraphed the school at which Sidney boards.
You did what? I said that I had recently become the guardian of a young relative.
JAMES SNORTS Please, you must listen! I told them the child's care would be a burden to me.
I said I wanted him raised in line with my expectations of a child without a name.
James, please! I beg you! Just read it.
As you can see, they are more than happy to oblige.
They take children from the age of three.
No holidays.
No visitors.
This is not a school.
It is a home for the unwanted.
Telegraph them again.
Tell them I am on my way.
Tell them I am bringing my son home.
Mr Turrill! I was looking for Thomas Brown.
I believe he often walks this way on his round.
Indeed.
I often walk this way myself.
I am walking at the moment.
Would youcare to walk with me? Thomas! Miss Margaret.
I wish to apologise.
I should not have spoken to you as I did.
If Robert Timmins is your choice, then he is your choice.
I may not like it, but I can, and I do, respect it.
Oh, Thomas! Robert Timmins? Robert Timmins?! That man can't open his mouth in public without bringing in the rights of the working man or t-t-the Irish question.
Is that the kind of speech-making you want at your wedding breakfast? I'm older than he.
I'm more of a Lark Rise man than he.
And I have the walk! You've seen! I have the walk.
Well And that is why the truly vital role, the one upon which the entire marriage service depends, is reserved for you.
Is that not so, my dear? Indeed.
Quite so.
Mr Turrill, would you do us the honour of being our ring bearer? Yes! Oh, yes.
The ring bearer! Miss Lane? Laura.
I was just listening.
To what? The silence.
And it is golden.
HORSE NICKERS LAURA: 'The Bible tells us that to everything there is a season, 'and a time to every purpose under the heaven.
'And it felt as though there would be a time for each of us also, 'that those of us who had been searching for something - a role to inhabit, 'a purpose in life - would find it.
'But finding something does not mean you get to keep it.
TWISTER LAUGHS, HORSE NEIGHS 'For there is a time to weep, as well as a time to laugh.
'A time to mourn '.
.
as well as a time to dance.
' You'll soon get used to the post office.
I don't wish to alarm you, but there is a rash on your neck and on your face.
DORCAS: Sidney, why don't you tell your pa what you do like? Start there.
I like the Post Office.
I must see Miss Margaret today! I give you tonight to prepare the child.
I don't want a father, I want Miss Lane.
Always this need to prove yourself.
You accept life and I fight it.
I will not be defeated.