Lark Rise to Candleford (2008) s03e01 Episode Script
Episode One
'Hamlet folk often said that poverty was not a curse' '.
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but an inconvenience.
' 'They seemed to know that lost art of being happy on little.
'Strange as it seems, 'the threat to such happiness can come not when things get worse '.
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but when good fortune promises to make life better.
' Pa! How long have you been there looking on at me? All your life, my girl.
You know, ever since you could make words, you've been writing what you see in a journal, our Laura.
I never asked you, why do you do it? It all goes by so fast.
This life deserves to be remembered.
You know, we mustn't fear change, Laura.
But neither must we be at the mercy of it.
If you want to slow the worid down, just live for today.
Are you writing down my words of wisdom? No.
I am recording how my pa ate his potato on Candleford main street.
BOTH LAUGH Minnie, have you polished all of the glasses in my private quarters as I asked you to? I surely have, mum.
All of them nearly.
Most of them.
Some.
Minnie, is this the truth? Ma'am, you have caught me out in a little fib.
I in't polished none.
And might I ask, what is the difference between a fib and a lie? Is a fib nearly the truth, mum? As I far as I can see, Minnie, there IS no difference.
DOOR OPENS AND SHUTS They say whatever you might be in need of in a small town, head for the post office.
Is it a telegram, or a postal order or perhaps stamps? It is information I am after.
I'm trying to trace someone hereabouts.
I'm journalist from the Oxford Post.
Journalist? A real writer? Daniel Parish.
I already know I've come to the right place.
Who are you attempting to trace? We know everyone from Ingleston to Banbury.
The family name is Dibber.
Why, that's my ma's name! She's Timmins now since she married my pa.
Why do you ask? That is something I wish to tell her myself.
Does she live in Candleford? Heavens, no.
Lark Rise, which is nearby.
You could take the second delivery to Lark Rise and escort this young gentleman.
I would like that very much.
Laura.
Mum, what is a journalist? These days, Minnie, a journalist is a man who turns a story into a sensation.
Sally Dibber.
Why, yes.
My Aunt Sally.
She went to live in Australia when I was no more'n a girl.
I lost touch with her, years ago now.
Mrs Dibber diedchildless.
My paper publishes the names of people who have been left Money in Chancery.
Your name, Emma Dibber, is on that list.
Oh, Lordy.
What does it mean? It means you are to inherit.
We never know at this stage the exact amount left in Chancery, but it is, I believe, quite substantial.
Inherit?! Money? Lordy! Sir Daniel, please.
Daniel You can see our surprise at this news and we are grateful for the possibility, but in't it the case that Money in Chancery most often remains out of reach of the claimants? I have pursued five cases now, and if you can produce documentary evidence of your identity, then the legacy is yours.
Can you? Papers! Yes.
Daniel, forgive my caution, but why have you come all this way to tell us this? That is simple.
Your good fortune is a wonderful story that I shall write and publish.
Our readers like nothing better than a true tale of rags to riches.
So, what must we do now? Appoint a solicitor, stake your claim and then make some plans for your new life.
How did you become a writer? What I mean to say is, how does someone become a journalist? Now, let me guess You write? Only a journal.
Observations of my neighbours and the like.
Don't apologise, Laura.
Never apologise for what you write.
Hey, Laura! Old Monday sent me home.
No wages for me today.
In't I glad I put that shilling by.
Twister! I'm tired of living off bread and lard, you slack, twisted old critter! A man can't do no farm labour when he suffers from the chronic rheumatism.
SHE SCOFFS Chronic, mind! My poor knee bones in't known no peace in 20 year.
My pa calls Lark Rise the place God made with the leftovers when he was done making the rest of the Earth.
It must be quite a contrast for you, Laura, living in Candleford.
Candleford folk do turn their noses up.
But Lark Risers love nothing better than to knock them off their pedestal.
They once fell out over the cost of a telegram.
It's perfect.
The price, madam, reflects the quality of the cut and the stitch.
Those of us who are brave enough to walk out into the worid in off-the-peg shoddiness can, of course, pay off-the-peg prices.
SHE SIGHS Pearl, I do wonder if we are wise to antagonise the customers because we cannot adapt to modern trends.
Nonsense, Ruby.
Standards endure.
Why should we stoop to hawking mass-produced sackcloth? You're right, of course.
We are not sales giris, we are seamstresses.
I do love to sew.
Ruby, why on earth have you kept this? I- I-I was rather amused by this.
This.
It's ashower-bath.
It sprays water, like a waterfall, apparently, and one washes oneself under it.
Oh, how delightful.
Margaret.
Every night, Thomas is possessed of the idea that we must endeavour.
He wakes, he wakes me.
We must endeavour together.
Every night? Sometimes eight or nine times in a night.
He can't seem to help himself.
Goodness! That is beyond the call of duty.
Thomas feels that we cannot have too much prayer.
Oh! Prayer.
Oh, I see.
With so much prayer, I wonder there is time for the real endeavour.
Mum, if I tell you something I think is the truth, but you know it in't the truth, because everyone knows you know everything, and you tell me so, is that a lie or a fib? Minnie, if we are going to dabble in the realms of moral philosophy, at least make my morning tea first, hm? What you describe is a mistake.
Sydney is such a well-behaved boy.
In his studies he is most studious.
I have never known such a dedicated pupil.
That is my problem, Margaret.
After all these months, Little Man still seems intent on behaving as if he must earn his place amongst us.
Miss Lane, I happened to be passing and I was wondering, has a missive arrived for me, post-marked Pontefract? I'm afraid we no more have a Pontefract epistle today than we did yesterday, Miss Pratt.
Or the day before.
Tomorrow, I am certain.
Mum, if the grocer gives you a penny too much in change and you keep it, is that a lie or a fib or a mistake? That, Minnie, is thieving.
Mmm.
I usually find, child, to avoid painful entanglements, the best approach is to keep it simple.
Just tell the truth at all times.
I surely will, mum.
Where is my tea? It's nearly read I in't even put the kettle on.
Oh, Minnie, how many times have I told? Oh, well done! Ma'am, my ma and pa are to inherit! Money in Chancery.
Quite a sum.
How wonderful! And is this the news our young journalist friend brought? Yes.
Daniel is going to help them stake their claim.
We are a marching band.
Therefore, we make marching music.
After four.
One, two, three Thomas Brown, you are a puzzlement.
What are you bringing your Candleford trumping music over here for? A man must pass on what he has to give.
And though I may be a humble postman, I am here to teach these children of the poor the values of discipline and diligence and duty and endurance and a life given meaning through worship, a life of divine direction.
That's a lot for a boy to learn from banging a drum.
Evening.
I wonder if I might trouble to ask you what you make of your neighbours' good fortune.
You'll be him who brought the news, are you, with Laura? Daniel Parish, Oxford Post.
Marvellous, is what it is.
At least it's happened to a deserving family.
And generous.
They're sharing kind of folk, that's what's most likeable about them.
Do you suppose it might change them? It might change their trousers.
Change their tablecloth.
But folk don't change from who they are.
Lark Rise to the bone.
Kindly to the bone, an' all.
Like neighbours halways have been haround here.
Folks stays true to where they belongs.
From the beginning.
After four.
One, two, three My dear, shall we endeavour? Lord Jesus I reckon this is the biggest and best day Lark Rise ever saw.
I thought perhaps you could ride in a carriage to meet your solicitor.
Enjoy a taste of what life is to bring.
That is very considerate of you, sir.
I can help you in your negotiations.
I have no fear of speaking with men of office, sir.
But I only meant that I have experience in these cases.
But let's be truthful.
I do wish to witness your encounter for my story.
We can't object, Robert.
All of this is happening to us because of this gentleman.
I feel so strangely strange.
Like you do before your first child.
Of course you do, my dear.
Your whole life is about to change! I hope you don't mind.
It's just it's such a long way to Banbury, I took the liberty of inviting the solicitor to meet with us at the Golden Lion Hotel in Candleford.
Walk on.
Pontef Pontef Minnie, what are you doing? I am idling, mum, and nosing where I in't no business to nose.
Good girl.
Laura, your hair don't suit your face.
It's only the truth.
That, Minnie, is merely an opinion.
You do look smart today, Sydney.
But then, you do look smart every day.
Wouldn't you like to go out into the street to rough and tumble with the other children? No, Miss Lane.
An Australian aunt.
Who'd have imagined? Quite a sum.
It does make one believe that fortune favours the philanthropic.
Robert Timmins is truly a communitarian.
Ruby, why are you so unnecessarily buoyant?! Butis there anything to be unbuoyant about? You do seem rather severe of mind today, Pearl.
Are your blisters chaffing again? Is your headache aching? Yes.
My blisters are chaffing.
My headache is aching.
Miss Ruby! Pontefra! Ruby, I must venture over to the post office for a minute.
My sister must know nothing of Pontefract.
Can I trust you with this knowledge, Minnie? I am bursting to tell someone.
What is it, ma'am? It is romance, Minnie.
I happened to see a notice in The Times.
"A man of honour and sentiment whose noble spirit "might encourage a woman to choose him for her protector and guardian.
"Such a rare lady of character may wish to correspond.
" SoI don't know what came over me.
I wrote to him.
Oh, Minnie, he's such a handsome pensmith.
And rich, too, I expect, with a name like that.
Mr Pensmith.
Mm We've been communicating for six weeks now, and I think it might be true love.
But wouldn't your sister be glad to hear of true love, ma'am? She might not understand.
She might think it sordid of me to answer an advertisement.
I simply wish to establish the relationship further before I tell her.
SIGHS AND LAUGHS It is a matter of convenience.
I would prefer to collect any correspondence from suppliers.
If my sister gets her hands on bills, she mislays them and then they may go unpaid.
I understand.
It's my ma and pa.
In a carriage! Here comes that Miss Ellison, no doubt to wail at our table.
There'll be some turmoil or other for her to witter on about for hour upon hour.
It's too late to slip out now! Mrs Turrell.
Would you like a sup of tea, Miss Ellison? Er, Mrs Margaret Mrs Brown.
Thank you.
I merely called to see how you are.
Oh, no, that is not true.
I came in search of something.
Oh, what's to search for here? Advice.
Thomas Brown and I are endeavouring, without success.
What I wish to know is, perhaps there is something we are doing or are not doing or that we are doing incorrectly.
I had no mother.
My dear.
Nature herself tells us all we need to know in them quarters.
But what I can give you is a remedy or two.
Oh, but Thomas does so object to - forgive me - superstitions.
Well, then don't tell him.
Three remedies for your problem.
First, place a skillet under the bed.
Second, steal coins from your husband's pocket at bedtime.
Third, go out at night and collect goat weed .
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naked.
Thomas, did you ever think that God makes mistakes? God? Mistakes? Minnie, that is blasphemy! But if God gives babies to giris with no husbands and no money and no wish for a sprig, and you and Mrs Brown want a child so much Minnie, hush your tongue, girl.
It's only the truth, mum, in't it? It seems to be genuine enough.
It appears the money is ours for the asking.
£120.
That is such a lot of money.
Enough to buy a home.
Here in Candleford.
Us? Live here in Candleford? Why not? Lark Rise folk can settle here if they can afford it.
Isn't that so, Miss Lane? Emma and Robert will live where they choose to.
It is certainly not for me to say.
They know best what suits them.
What happens now? We wait.
Legal process.
We have provided the documents they've asked for.
It could take days, it could take months.
On the count of four.
One, two, three, four, one, two.
They're back! Queenie, I have so much to tell you.
The inheritance, it's true.
Your face is glad enough to start a fire.
And, Queenie, we're thinking of taking a cottage in Candleford.
Who would have thought?! It's the excitement talking, Queenie.
Let her dream for today.
Quite a thing, Mr Brown, your taking on the salvation of these children's souls.
It is, sir, a calling.
In Oxford, the salvation bands march to raise charitable donations.
Charity, sir, purifies a man.
You could march to Candleford.
Up the main street there, make an event of it.
Well To lead these pilgrims in an orderly process before the good folk of Candleford.
I am inspired! I wanted to thank you.
My ma and pa are so delighted.
£120.
It's likeI don't know.
A wish.
But that's not why you came to look for me, though, is it, Laura? You meet another writer, you want to talk, ask 100 questions.
Sit with me.
Please.
Have a drink.
Ask me anything.
How do you know if you really are a writer? Would you write even if you knew no-one would ever see it just to let it pour out of you? Yes.
I suspect you are more of a writer than I am, Laura.
How could that be? I could be any kind of a writer but I am a journalist.
What I write today is there for people to read tomorrow.
That's the worid we live in now.
I want to keep up.
I am the youngest writer on our paper.
I learn quickly.
I know how to get people to tell me things.
I smile They like me.
They tell me things they shouldn't.
You see what you do to me, Laura? I never talk like this.
I have let you see right inside of me.
But I suppose I can be like this with you because we are writers.
We have A bond.
Understanding.
You came here because you want to show me your writing.
It's only scribbled nothings about our small worid.
Don't belittle what you do, Laura.
It matters.
You can admit it to me.
You must want to know if you can really write.
Well I You could help me.
Your journal would provide such insights into this place, with these people.
There comes a time in every writer's life, Laura, where you have to be brave, dare.
Can you do that? Show me your writing.
Give me your journal.
My dear, shall we endeavour? The children are still sound.
We could go back to bed.
You're a temptress.
But a working man has responsibilities Towards his employer.
One day of casting aside obligation.
You don't believe, do you? I saw the papers.
I saw the look on the solicitor's face.
It's the believing that's kept me up the night long.
You fight this because it is my money, don't you? Your money? Did I hear my own wife say such a thing? All these years, I've been setting out before dawn to bring home OUR money.
I didn't mean Yes, all these years, you have been the provider.
We depend on you.
And now it is changing and you don't like it.
You dare to say such a thing to a man in his own home, as though all I have struggled to provide is not enough.
Can you not hear what I am trying to say? I hear you well enough.
Your money.
Woman, you do with your money as you wish.
Robert, please, listen.
If you brought this money home, you would not torture yourself with the idea that we can have a new life.
Now I am asking you, let it be the same, no matter where the money's coming from.
How many times have I heard you say, "If we could get out of Lark Rise?" Now is our chance.
My husband is the best stonemason for miles around.
Everyone knows that.
Your own yard.
You could do the kind of work you love.
Not mending walls just to earn a shilling.
Wouldn't you like that? Yes.
I would.
If our good fortune can give that to you, can you not see how that makes me feel? Come on, let's go back to bed.
I can be late for work for once in my life.
Let no man say that Robert Timmins is not a man of compromise.
"I looked down at the hamlet, "the chimney pots, the shroud of mist, "the fresh green moss, the glistening ivy, "the reddish twigs with their sparkling drops.
"It all seemed to have been made for me alone.
"It delighted me.
"I felt suddenly uplifted.
My troubles didn't trouble me any more.
"This and a thousand other small, lovely sights would remain ".
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and people would come suddenly upon them and look "and be glad.
" I was right.
You are more of a writer than I could ever hope to be.
No! You are the writer.
I am a post girl in a left-behind place.
There's your ma.
I was wondering if our letter might have arrived.
Ma, the solicitor said it could be months.
I know he did, but I can't stop myself from hoping.
Your pa wants to move to Candleford.
It all looks so different somehow.
So many shops.
I never allowed myself to look at them properly before.
Oh, and look at that.
I in't never seen a sale at The Stores before.
Why not go in and try on a dress? The Stores in't for the likes of me.
If you are to live here, then you have as much right as the next person.
Isn't that so, Miss Lane? Indeed.
Only dresses I ever wore I made myself.
Come on, Emma.
If nothing else, we can relish the shivers of shock running down the spines of the Misses Pratt.
Ah! Miss Pearl.
Miss Ruby.
We were tempted by your wonderful offers.
As a valued customer, Miss Lane, we will of course steer you towards our most audacious bargains.
It is my cousin Emma who would like to try something on.
Oh Perhaps the green, Emma? I don't think I have ever seen you in chartreuse.
But look at how much it costs.
You can afford it.
Go on.
Don't you want to see yourself in such a dress? Shouldn't my ma wait until the Chancery money arrives? Yes, and our sale will be over by then, I'm certain.
I'm sure, as Mrs Timmins may soon be your neighbour, perhaps a regular customer, you would not wish to miss this moment to introduce her to your services.
Our services are of course available to any customer who can afford them.
Mrs Timmins, my newspaper will advance the price of the dress if you would like to try it.
Must we move to Candleford, Pa? We'll have Laura living on the same street.
You'll like that.
Rich or poor, Lark Rise or Candleford, we are us.
We are Timmins.
And no-one can take that away Good God! Don't you like it? You look magnificent, woman.
There was a sale on in The Stores.
A sale on at The Stores is still beyond a stonemason's wages.
The newspaper are paying till we get our money.
I wanted to say no, we'd wait.
But I pictured you looking at me.
I couldn't resist.
And now it's my turn to try and resist, is it? Em, if this is what Candleford does for you, then .
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I'm all for it.
Dare to be Daniel.
The locals used to sing that when I was a girl.
Dare to be a Daniel.
Dare to stand alone.
Dare to have a purpose firm.
Dare to make it known.
Yes.
I do know of that song.
Do you have a purpose, Daniel? And is your purpose known? Miss Lane, I see you are suspicious.
I prefer "curious".
My only purpose is to help the Timmins stake their claim.
And to write your story.
What harm can there be in this? Harm can come dressed up as all manner of kindnesses.
How old are you, Mr Parish? I am 21.
Why should that be of interest to you? Emma's dress, the march to Candleford, and now For one so young, you are quite an orchestrator.
Why do you do your job? I want to make something of myself.
What's so wrong with that? No.
What I mean is, why do you want to do this kind of work? Well, I find peoplelives interesting.
There seems to be an attitude abroad of seeking out conflict.
Relishing it.
To feed the worst in human nature.
I am often accused of being sentimental.
It's true.
I cannot deny it.
I just find it so much more interesting to seek out forgiveness and acceptance and those so easily mocked values such as generosity and loyalty and love.
The Timminses love one another in ways that cannot be captured by any old writer of articles.
Let me ask you.
Why do you do what you do? I know it is considered old-fashioned in these oh so modern times, but I love my community.
But just so long as it's all in order The poor man at his gate Is that what you believe? We shall see.
Write about love, Mr Parish.
Is that possible? I dare you.
On the count of four.
One, two, three Thomas Brown My ears have always told me that a tune is more tuneful when it is played for the pleasure of it and not the purpose.
Onward Christian Soldiers is not merely a tune.
It is a hymn of praise.
God must enjoy a comely melody, otherwise we'd all be Germans.
When a man takes up charitable works with such a jaunt, he might ask hisself what it is he wants.
Wants? Every human is human.
We all wants.
Especially those who make such an endeavour to please the Lord.
I will not The idea! To question a man's Godliness! In front of children! Have you heard about this marching to Candleford, Queenie? It sounds topping, don't it? Yes.
But I'm not sure I can let my children take part.
I mean, if we are to live in Candleford, how's it going to look, us marching up the main street with a begging bowl? I expect it will look entertaining.
Still, I in't sure it's possible, not now.
What's this? A shilling.
For taking care of Annie for me.
I've been minding that babe since she were born.
There's been no mention of a shilling.
I mean no offence, Queenie.
It's just that I feel obliged, that's all.
I told that journalist fella that people don't change.
Well, perhaps I still have a deal to learn in this life.
I'm so afraid, Queenie.
I've started something that I can't stop.
I'm not a Candleford woman.
I never shall be.
Then stop trying.
I can't.
I must go on.
Why must you? Ma, Daniel has found a place with a yard for you and Pa to take a look at.
Oh, that's grand.
We must tell your pa.
Alfie! You go fishing last night? Only a pinch.
Why didn't you knock for me? I didn't want to bother you.
Bother me? What's that look on your face? I didn't want you to think that I was after keeping your favour.
Alfie, look at me.
I am the same Robert Timmins has been fishing with you since before you had words.
I know.
OnlyCandleford and the like.
It's all different now.
Thomas, you have abandoned your instrument.
I have abandoned my cause.
But why? What about your charitable purpose? I have exploited those children, Margaret, for my own gain.
I am selfish and self-centred.
All of it Onward Christian Soldiers I have done no more than barter with my Creator, seeking to please Him in order that He might give me what I want.
But, Thomas, what is it that you want? For the Almighty to bless us with a child.
Is that so bad? It is clear now the Lord intends all to be as it is.
We shall no more endeavour.
There the matter begins and ends.
Usually, when a man avoids you, it's because there's something he doesn't want to say.
I in't no right to speak the thoughts that are washing round in my mind, sir.
Suppose I want to hear them? Everything worth knowing about in this life was taught to me by you.
I know you have to do what's best for your family, but in't it selfish to move to Candleford? Any man can do what he likes with his own life, but what I thought you've been telling me all these years is that when you're a part of something, you give back with loyalty, and the giving is the reward.
We need you here and you're going.
This place don't need me, Alfie.
I've found what I want - a life beyond constant struggle.
The seal looks rather official.
Legal.
I thought I should bring it myself, given its importance and In this envelope is our future.
Our lives.
It is not in there, Emma.
It is for you to decide.
But it is decided by this letter.
We will move to Candleford.
What is it, Emma? I've been so hasty, So eager to I can't bear the thought of leaving Lark Rise.
But I've promised Robert.
He will never forgive me.
Surely he would understand.
Robert in't from Lark Rise.
He don't have his roots here.
He's a man who wants better and I've always felt I hold him back.
When I listened to that solicitor speak, I hardly heard his words.
I could only think of what this meant to Robert.
At last.
He could leave behind the hamlet and I could give that to him.
Once we make the move, I will accept, I will settle.
Emma, to want this for your husband, to think beyond yourself, to my eyes that iseverything.
What you have is so precious.
If you were to begin a life in Candleford together with this struggle in your heart You must tell Robert.
Such pretty colours.
Thank you so much.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Goodbye.
Goodbye.
Ruby! We are awash with success.
We've never taken so much in one day.
We should have a sale every week.
Perhaps not.
The Pratts stand for standards, after all.
This event is just to suit our circumstances.
Yes, of course.
For indulgences.
Margaret? Margaret? Your story? Why? I know my readers.
I give them what they want.
That's the reality of life, the way people truly are.
Thomas, we have another one for you.
It will be in Oxford by this afternoon.
I have sent off my story.
I'm going on to Little Wittenham.
A family name there I wish to trace.
But you will miss the processión.
I mean, must you go immediately? When I finish a story, I I thought we could go for a walk this evening.
I could show you some of those places in my journal.
I really must.
I I could stayfor the processión.
The post.
All right.
I hear tell you won't be Master of the Marchers comes tomorrow, Thomas Brown.
A man may come to see himself for what he is.
Your trouble is you take this worid in earnest.
Why does a trumpet sound so glorious? So that we might glory in it.
I once saw my wife flitting about in the garden wearing nought but her flesh.
You did? Do all women do such things? Only at certain moments in their lives.
Thomas Brown, man before man, why do you suppose God made women so desirable? So that we might desire them.
It is It must beGod's purpose.
I will march.
I lied.
I don't relish the prospect of a life in Candleford, but Em has her heart set on it.
Everything you said to me, Alfie, was true and I needed to hear it.
I feel part of Lark Rise.
The threat of that being taken away makes me realise how much it matters.
Life, it's not out there, somewhere else, something better.
Life isright here.
What will you do? Bide my time.
That solicitor fella says it could be months before we hear anything.
How were your studies today, Sydney? Very well, Miss Lane.
We can't have you calling me Miss Lane.
Laura calls me ma'am.
Minnie calls me mum.
What shall we have you call me? He could call you Ma, mum.
Mum, you tell me I must tell the truth, but you in't telling the truth.
I'm only telling the truth when I say it.
Everyone knows you want to be Sydney's ma and everyone else knows he wants you to be his ma.
His ma has died and his pa in't here.
So if he calls you Ma, then that's that, in't it? It is true, in't it? It is true, Minnie.
It is true.
Minnie, what are you doing? If ever there was an occasión to break out the upside-down cake! My dear, I have a confessión to make.
Well, several confessions.
I have partaken of superstitious I have I went out I I Let us go home.
Oh.
Are we to endeavour? Endeavouring, my dear, is what we shall not do.
"It is said that God made Lark Rise with the leftovers when he was done "making the rest of the Earth.
"And now a family from this backwoods bog have inherited enough money "to move to the self-respecting market town of Candleford.
" "Robert Timmins, a man who the locals say looks out from this "savage little hamlet as though he owns the fields on one side "and is about to buy the fields on the other" "His wife who has never bought a dress before" "So poor they send their children marching down Candleford main street "to beg for clothes.
" "How will a town so determined "to cultivate its own self-importance welcome "a man who eats a potato on the square?" "According to the Post Mistress, it will send shivers down their spines.
" They change what I write.
No.
You took those from my journal and twisted them to make them sound mocking.
You wrote this.
What kind of person does such a thing? I am a journalist.
You asked for my journal and intended this.
I am a journalist.
To you I am no more than a gullible, foolish little country girl.
I am a journalist! Don't hide behind your position, your job! Daniel Parish did this to me! Have you any idea what this will do to my family? Do you have any care for any living soul? I stayed, knowing you would read it.
Does that makes me forgive you? You have the courage to hear me call you for the beast you are? I stayed so you could see me for what I am, for what I truly am.
A journalist to my core.
Hungry, greedy.
merciless, capable of anything.
And still, I stayed.
But now we'll be rid of you.
That's not how I wrote it.
You see for yourself, Pa.
But you did give him your journal.
I've never shown it to another living soul and I gave it to a stranger.
I never want to write another word.
Now you're thinking like a fool.
You are more of a writer than he could ever be.
What is it? Daniel told me the same thing himself.
BAND TUNES UP Onward Christian Soldiers.
On the count of four.
One, two, three, four.
One, two, three # Onward Christian soldiers # Marching as to the war # With the cross of Jesus # You have to tell him.
I'm so afraid.
If I open this letter, I will lose everything I have.
But I must open it and I don't know what will happen when I do.
Do you have the letter? Robert I didn't dare tell you.
I wanted to put it off until I I don't know.
Until I felt brave enough.
You open it, Robert.
There is more than £120, ready to be paid out now.
Oh, Lordy.
However, there are several claimants.
So our stake remains as much as Seven pounds, eight shillings and sixpence if we are willing to settle our claim now.
Are we willing? We are willing.
Well, that should pay for the dress and a few weeks' rent.
I feel blessed.
I thought you were keen to settle here.
No.
I thought you were keen, is all.
I was going along with it for you.
What a pair of fools! # Till every foe is vanquished # And Christ is Lord indeed # Stand up, stand up for Jesus # The solemn watchword hear # If while ye sleep He suffers # Away with shame and fear # Where'er ye meet with evil # Within you or without # Charge for the God of battles # And put the foe to rout # Stand up, stand up for Jesus # You are not gullible, Laura.
You are innocent.
There is a worid of difference.
If there's a fool here, it's me.
I want you to know that.
I always looked at the worid one way, to be used to meet my own ends, feed my own ambition.
I was wrong.
You showed me that.
I am returning to Oxford, but I could not leave without telling you the way you see life, you're right.
Don't lose that just because one fool betrayed you.
I want to dislike you.
I can't seem to do it.
What I saw in you as we walked .
.
it's true, Daniel.
You could live by that.
Can I? I believe you can.
'My pa once told me that we don't have to fear change.
' May I write to you? 'But neither do we have to be at the mercy of it.
' But I thought the sale was a tremendous success and that you took sufficient income to pay your suppliers.
My sister has spent all the money.
But how could she? What could she spend so much money on? It's working! It's working! It's working! Everyone is going to want one of these! 'But change comes in many shapes, and sometimes at quite a cost.
'To the hamlet, change came slowly but surely.
'And that is how they liked it.
'For myself, something happened.
'I found myself waiting.
' The Bishopis coming.
That treeis a woman? A witch? Yes.
But it is heathen superstition.
I do believe the whole worid is out of joint.
What brings you back here? I have a gift, for Laura.
Where my daughter's concerned, I wish you were 100 miles away.
What's it like to fall in love? I didn't know I was in love until you asked me.
If I was in love with Daniel and he came all the way to Candleford just to see me, I would tell him I loved him.
Would you tell him? Yes.
.
but an inconvenience.
' 'They seemed to know that lost art of being happy on little.
'Strange as it seems, 'the threat to such happiness can come not when things get worse '.
.
but when good fortune promises to make life better.
' Pa! How long have you been there looking on at me? All your life, my girl.
You know, ever since you could make words, you've been writing what you see in a journal, our Laura.
I never asked you, why do you do it? It all goes by so fast.
This life deserves to be remembered.
You know, we mustn't fear change, Laura.
But neither must we be at the mercy of it.
If you want to slow the worid down, just live for today.
Are you writing down my words of wisdom? No.
I am recording how my pa ate his potato on Candleford main street.
BOTH LAUGH Minnie, have you polished all of the glasses in my private quarters as I asked you to? I surely have, mum.
All of them nearly.
Most of them.
Some.
Minnie, is this the truth? Ma'am, you have caught me out in a little fib.
I in't polished none.
And might I ask, what is the difference between a fib and a lie? Is a fib nearly the truth, mum? As I far as I can see, Minnie, there IS no difference.
DOOR OPENS AND SHUTS They say whatever you might be in need of in a small town, head for the post office.
Is it a telegram, or a postal order or perhaps stamps? It is information I am after.
I'm trying to trace someone hereabouts.
I'm journalist from the Oxford Post.
Journalist? A real writer? Daniel Parish.
I already know I've come to the right place.
Who are you attempting to trace? We know everyone from Ingleston to Banbury.
The family name is Dibber.
Why, that's my ma's name! She's Timmins now since she married my pa.
Why do you ask? That is something I wish to tell her myself.
Does she live in Candleford? Heavens, no.
Lark Rise, which is nearby.
You could take the second delivery to Lark Rise and escort this young gentleman.
I would like that very much.
Laura.
Mum, what is a journalist? These days, Minnie, a journalist is a man who turns a story into a sensation.
Sally Dibber.
Why, yes.
My Aunt Sally.
She went to live in Australia when I was no more'n a girl.
I lost touch with her, years ago now.
Mrs Dibber diedchildless.
My paper publishes the names of people who have been left Money in Chancery.
Your name, Emma Dibber, is on that list.
Oh, Lordy.
What does it mean? It means you are to inherit.
We never know at this stage the exact amount left in Chancery, but it is, I believe, quite substantial.
Inherit?! Money? Lordy! Sir Daniel, please.
Daniel You can see our surprise at this news and we are grateful for the possibility, but in't it the case that Money in Chancery most often remains out of reach of the claimants? I have pursued five cases now, and if you can produce documentary evidence of your identity, then the legacy is yours.
Can you? Papers! Yes.
Daniel, forgive my caution, but why have you come all this way to tell us this? That is simple.
Your good fortune is a wonderful story that I shall write and publish.
Our readers like nothing better than a true tale of rags to riches.
So, what must we do now? Appoint a solicitor, stake your claim and then make some plans for your new life.
How did you become a writer? What I mean to say is, how does someone become a journalist? Now, let me guess You write? Only a journal.
Observations of my neighbours and the like.
Don't apologise, Laura.
Never apologise for what you write.
Hey, Laura! Old Monday sent me home.
No wages for me today.
In't I glad I put that shilling by.
Twister! I'm tired of living off bread and lard, you slack, twisted old critter! A man can't do no farm labour when he suffers from the chronic rheumatism.
SHE SCOFFS Chronic, mind! My poor knee bones in't known no peace in 20 year.
My pa calls Lark Rise the place God made with the leftovers when he was done making the rest of the Earth.
It must be quite a contrast for you, Laura, living in Candleford.
Candleford folk do turn their noses up.
But Lark Risers love nothing better than to knock them off their pedestal.
They once fell out over the cost of a telegram.
It's perfect.
The price, madam, reflects the quality of the cut and the stitch.
Those of us who are brave enough to walk out into the worid in off-the-peg shoddiness can, of course, pay off-the-peg prices.
SHE SIGHS Pearl, I do wonder if we are wise to antagonise the customers because we cannot adapt to modern trends.
Nonsense, Ruby.
Standards endure.
Why should we stoop to hawking mass-produced sackcloth? You're right, of course.
We are not sales giris, we are seamstresses.
I do love to sew.
Ruby, why on earth have you kept this? I- I-I was rather amused by this.
This.
It's ashower-bath.
It sprays water, like a waterfall, apparently, and one washes oneself under it.
Oh, how delightful.
Margaret.
Every night, Thomas is possessed of the idea that we must endeavour.
He wakes, he wakes me.
We must endeavour together.
Every night? Sometimes eight or nine times in a night.
He can't seem to help himself.
Goodness! That is beyond the call of duty.
Thomas feels that we cannot have too much prayer.
Oh! Prayer.
Oh, I see.
With so much prayer, I wonder there is time for the real endeavour.
Mum, if I tell you something I think is the truth, but you know it in't the truth, because everyone knows you know everything, and you tell me so, is that a lie or a fib? Minnie, if we are going to dabble in the realms of moral philosophy, at least make my morning tea first, hm? What you describe is a mistake.
Sydney is such a well-behaved boy.
In his studies he is most studious.
I have never known such a dedicated pupil.
That is my problem, Margaret.
After all these months, Little Man still seems intent on behaving as if he must earn his place amongst us.
Miss Lane, I happened to be passing and I was wondering, has a missive arrived for me, post-marked Pontefract? I'm afraid we no more have a Pontefract epistle today than we did yesterday, Miss Pratt.
Or the day before.
Tomorrow, I am certain.
Mum, if the grocer gives you a penny too much in change and you keep it, is that a lie or a fib or a mistake? That, Minnie, is thieving.
Mmm.
I usually find, child, to avoid painful entanglements, the best approach is to keep it simple.
Just tell the truth at all times.
I surely will, mum.
Where is my tea? It's nearly read I in't even put the kettle on.
Oh, Minnie, how many times have I told? Oh, well done! Ma'am, my ma and pa are to inherit! Money in Chancery.
Quite a sum.
How wonderful! And is this the news our young journalist friend brought? Yes.
Daniel is going to help them stake their claim.
We are a marching band.
Therefore, we make marching music.
After four.
One, two, three Thomas Brown, you are a puzzlement.
What are you bringing your Candleford trumping music over here for? A man must pass on what he has to give.
And though I may be a humble postman, I am here to teach these children of the poor the values of discipline and diligence and duty and endurance and a life given meaning through worship, a life of divine direction.
That's a lot for a boy to learn from banging a drum.
Evening.
I wonder if I might trouble to ask you what you make of your neighbours' good fortune.
You'll be him who brought the news, are you, with Laura? Daniel Parish, Oxford Post.
Marvellous, is what it is.
At least it's happened to a deserving family.
And generous.
They're sharing kind of folk, that's what's most likeable about them.
Do you suppose it might change them? It might change their trousers.
Change their tablecloth.
But folk don't change from who they are.
Lark Rise to the bone.
Kindly to the bone, an' all.
Like neighbours halways have been haround here.
Folks stays true to where they belongs.
From the beginning.
After four.
One, two, three My dear, shall we endeavour? Lord Jesus I reckon this is the biggest and best day Lark Rise ever saw.
I thought perhaps you could ride in a carriage to meet your solicitor.
Enjoy a taste of what life is to bring.
That is very considerate of you, sir.
I can help you in your negotiations.
I have no fear of speaking with men of office, sir.
But I only meant that I have experience in these cases.
But let's be truthful.
I do wish to witness your encounter for my story.
We can't object, Robert.
All of this is happening to us because of this gentleman.
I feel so strangely strange.
Like you do before your first child.
Of course you do, my dear.
Your whole life is about to change! I hope you don't mind.
It's just it's such a long way to Banbury, I took the liberty of inviting the solicitor to meet with us at the Golden Lion Hotel in Candleford.
Walk on.
Pontef Pontef Minnie, what are you doing? I am idling, mum, and nosing where I in't no business to nose.
Good girl.
Laura, your hair don't suit your face.
It's only the truth.
That, Minnie, is merely an opinion.
You do look smart today, Sydney.
But then, you do look smart every day.
Wouldn't you like to go out into the street to rough and tumble with the other children? No, Miss Lane.
An Australian aunt.
Who'd have imagined? Quite a sum.
It does make one believe that fortune favours the philanthropic.
Robert Timmins is truly a communitarian.
Ruby, why are you so unnecessarily buoyant?! Butis there anything to be unbuoyant about? You do seem rather severe of mind today, Pearl.
Are your blisters chaffing again? Is your headache aching? Yes.
My blisters are chaffing.
My headache is aching.
Miss Ruby! Pontefra! Ruby, I must venture over to the post office for a minute.
My sister must know nothing of Pontefract.
Can I trust you with this knowledge, Minnie? I am bursting to tell someone.
What is it, ma'am? It is romance, Minnie.
I happened to see a notice in The Times.
"A man of honour and sentiment whose noble spirit "might encourage a woman to choose him for her protector and guardian.
"Such a rare lady of character may wish to correspond.
" SoI don't know what came over me.
I wrote to him.
Oh, Minnie, he's such a handsome pensmith.
And rich, too, I expect, with a name like that.
Mr Pensmith.
Mm We've been communicating for six weeks now, and I think it might be true love.
But wouldn't your sister be glad to hear of true love, ma'am? She might not understand.
She might think it sordid of me to answer an advertisement.
I simply wish to establish the relationship further before I tell her.
SIGHS AND LAUGHS It is a matter of convenience.
I would prefer to collect any correspondence from suppliers.
If my sister gets her hands on bills, she mislays them and then they may go unpaid.
I understand.
It's my ma and pa.
In a carriage! Here comes that Miss Ellison, no doubt to wail at our table.
There'll be some turmoil or other for her to witter on about for hour upon hour.
It's too late to slip out now! Mrs Turrell.
Would you like a sup of tea, Miss Ellison? Er, Mrs Margaret Mrs Brown.
Thank you.
I merely called to see how you are.
Oh, no, that is not true.
I came in search of something.
Oh, what's to search for here? Advice.
Thomas Brown and I are endeavouring, without success.
What I wish to know is, perhaps there is something we are doing or are not doing or that we are doing incorrectly.
I had no mother.
My dear.
Nature herself tells us all we need to know in them quarters.
But what I can give you is a remedy or two.
Oh, but Thomas does so object to - forgive me - superstitions.
Well, then don't tell him.
Three remedies for your problem.
First, place a skillet under the bed.
Second, steal coins from your husband's pocket at bedtime.
Third, go out at night and collect goat weed .
.
naked.
Thomas, did you ever think that God makes mistakes? God? Mistakes? Minnie, that is blasphemy! But if God gives babies to giris with no husbands and no money and no wish for a sprig, and you and Mrs Brown want a child so much Minnie, hush your tongue, girl.
It's only the truth, mum, in't it? It seems to be genuine enough.
It appears the money is ours for the asking.
£120.
That is such a lot of money.
Enough to buy a home.
Here in Candleford.
Us? Live here in Candleford? Why not? Lark Rise folk can settle here if they can afford it.
Isn't that so, Miss Lane? Emma and Robert will live where they choose to.
It is certainly not for me to say.
They know best what suits them.
What happens now? We wait.
Legal process.
We have provided the documents they've asked for.
It could take days, it could take months.
On the count of four.
One, two, three, four, one, two.
They're back! Queenie, I have so much to tell you.
The inheritance, it's true.
Your face is glad enough to start a fire.
And, Queenie, we're thinking of taking a cottage in Candleford.
Who would have thought?! It's the excitement talking, Queenie.
Let her dream for today.
Quite a thing, Mr Brown, your taking on the salvation of these children's souls.
It is, sir, a calling.
In Oxford, the salvation bands march to raise charitable donations.
Charity, sir, purifies a man.
You could march to Candleford.
Up the main street there, make an event of it.
Well To lead these pilgrims in an orderly process before the good folk of Candleford.
I am inspired! I wanted to thank you.
My ma and pa are so delighted.
£120.
It's likeI don't know.
A wish.
But that's not why you came to look for me, though, is it, Laura? You meet another writer, you want to talk, ask 100 questions.
Sit with me.
Please.
Have a drink.
Ask me anything.
How do you know if you really are a writer? Would you write even if you knew no-one would ever see it just to let it pour out of you? Yes.
I suspect you are more of a writer than I am, Laura.
How could that be? I could be any kind of a writer but I am a journalist.
What I write today is there for people to read tomorrow.
That's the worid we live in now.
I want to keep up.
I am the youngest writer on our paper.
I learn quickly.
I know how to get people to tell me things.
I smile They like me.
They tell me things they shouldn't.
You see what you do to me, Laura? I never talk like this.
I have let you see right inside of me.
But I suppose I can be like this with you because we are writers.
We have A bond.
Understanding.
You came here because you want to show me your writing.
It's only scribbled nothings about our small worid.
Don't belittle what you do, Laura.
It matters.
You can admit it to me.
You must want to know if you can really write.
Well I You could help me.
Your journal would provide such insights into this place, with these people.
There comes a time in every writer's life, Laura, where you have to be brave, dare.
Can you do that? Show me your writing.
Give me your journal.
My dear, shall we endeavour? The children are still sound.
We could go back to bed.
You're a temptress.
But a working man has responsibilities Towards his employer.
One day of casting aside obligation.
You don't believe, do you? I saw the papers.
I saw the look on the solicitor's face.
It's the believing that's kept me up the night long.
You fight this because it is my money, don't you? Your money? Did I hear my own wife say such a thing? All these years, I've been setting out before dawn to bring home OUR money.
I didn't mean Yes, all these years, you have been the provider.
We depend on you.
And now it is changing and you don't like it.
You dare to say such a thing to a man in his own home, as though all I have struggled to provide is not enough.
Can you not hear what I am trying to say? I hear you well enough.
Your money.
Woman, you do with your money as you wish.
Robert, please, listen.
If you brought this money home, you would not torture yourself with the idea that we can have a new life.
Now I am asking you, let it be the same, no matter where the money's coming from.
How many times have I heard you say, "If we could get out of Lark Rise?" Now is our chance.
My husband is the best stonemason for miles around.
Everyone knows that.
Your own yard.
You could do the kind of work you love.
Not mending walls just to earn a shilling.
Wouldn't you like that? Yes.
I would.
If our good fortune can give that to you, can you not see how that makes me feel? Come on, let's go back to bed.
I can be late for work for once in my life.
Let no man say that Robert Timmins is not a man of compromise.
"I looked down at the hamlet, "the chimney pots, the shroud of mist, "the fresh green moss, the glistening ivy, "the reddish twigs with their sparkling drops.
"It all seemed to have been made for me alone.
"It delighted me.
"I felt suddenly uplifted.
My troubles didn't trouble me any more.
"This and a thousand other small, lovely sights would remain ".
.
and people would come suddenly upon them and look "and be glad.
" I was right.
You are more of a writer than I could ever hope to be.
No! You are the writer.
I am a post girl in a left-behind place.
There's your ma.
I was wondering if our letter might have arrived.
Ma, the solicitor said it could be months.
I know he did, but I can't stop myself from hoping.
Your pa wants to move to Candleford.
It all looks so different somehow.
So many shops.
I never allowed myself to look at them properly before.
Oh, and look at that.
I in't never seen a sale at The Stores before.
Why not go in and try on a dress? The Stores in't for the likes of me.
If you are to live here, then you have as much right as the next person.
Isn't that so, Miss Lane? Indeed.
Only dresses I ever wore I made myself.
Come on, Emma.
If nothing else, we can relish the shivers of shock running down the spines of the Misses Pratt.
Ah! Miss Pearl.
Miss Ruby.
We were tempted by your wonderful offers.
As a valued customer, Miss Lane, we will of course steer you towards our most audacious bargains.
It is my cousin Emma who would like to try something on.
Oh Perhaps the green, Emma? I don't think I have ever seen you in chartreuse.
But look at how much it costs.
You can afford it.
Go on.
Don't you want to see yourself in such a dress? Shouldn't my ma wait until the Chancery money arrives? Yes, and our sale will be over by then, I'm certain.
I'm sure, as Mrs Timmins may soon be your neighbour, perhaps a regular customer, you would not wish to miss this moment to introduce her to your services.
Our services are of course available to any customer who can afford them.
Mrs Timmins, my newspaper will advance the price of the dress if you would like to try it.
Must we move to Candleford, Pa? We'll have Laura living on the same street.
You'll like that.
Rich or poor, Lark Rise or Candleford, we are us.
We are Timmins.
And no-one can take that away Good God! Don't you like it? You look magnificent, woman.
There was a sale on in The Stores.
A sale on at The Stores is still beyond a stonemason's wages.
The newspaper are paying till we get our money.
I wanted to say no, we'd wait.
But I pictured you looking at me.
I couldn't resist.
And now it's my turn to try and resist, is it? Em, if this is what Candleford does for you, then .
.
I'm all for it.
Dare to be Daniel.
The locals used to sing that when I was a girl.
Dare to be a Daniel.
Dare to stand alone.
Dare to have a purpose firm.
Dare to make it known.
Yes.
I do know of that song.
Do you have a purpose, Daniel? And is your purpose known? Miss Lane, I see you are suspicious.
I prefer "curious".
My only purpose is to help the Timmins stake their claim.
And to write your story.
What harm can there be in this? Harm can come dressed up as all manner of kindnesses.
How old are you, Mr Parish? I am 21.
Why should that be of interest to you? Emma's dress, the march to Candleford, and now For one so young, you are quite an orchestrator.
Why do you do your job? I want to make something of myself.
What's so wrong with that? No.
What I mean is, why do you want to do this kind of work? Well, I find peoplelives interesting.
There seems to be an attitude abroad of seeking out conflict.
Relishing it.
To feed the worst in human nature.
I am often accused of being sentimental.
It's true.
I cannot deny it.
I just find it so much more interesting to seek out forgiveness and acceptance and those so easily mocked values such as generosity and loyalty and love.
The Timminses love one another in ways that cannot be captured by any old writer of articles.
Let me ask you.
Why do you do what you do? I know it is considered old-fashioned in these oh so modern times, but I love my community.
But just so long as it's all in order The poor man at his gate Is that what you believe? We shall see.
Write about love, Mr Parish.
Is that possible? I dare you.
On the count of four.
One, two, three Thomas Brown My ears have always told me that a tune is more tuneful when it is played for the pleasure of it and not the purpose.
Onward Christian Soldiers is not merely a tune.
It is a hymn of praise.
God must enjoy a comely melody, otherwise we'd all be Germans.
When a man takes up charitable works with such a jaunt, he might ask hisself what it is he wants.
Wants? Every human is human.
We all wants.
Especially those who make such an endeavour to please the Lord.
I will not The idea! To question a man's Godliness! In front of children! Have you heard about this marching to Candleford, Queenie? It sounds topping, don't it? Yes.
But I'm not sure I can let my children take part.
I mean, if we are to live in Candleford, how's it going to look, us marching up the main street with a begging bowl? I expect it will look entertaining.
Still, I in't sure it's possible, not now.
What's this? A shilling.
For taking care of Annie for me.
I've been minding that babe since she were born.
There's been no mention of a shilling.
I mean no offence, Queenie.
It's just that I feel obliged, that's all.
I told that journalist fella that people don't change.
Well, perhaps I still have a deal to learn in this life.
I'm so afraid, Queenie.
I've started something that I can't stop.
I'm not a Candleford woman.
I never shall be.
Then stop trying.
I can't.
I must go on.
Why must you? Ma, Daniel has found a place with a yard for you and Pa to take a look at.
Oh, that's grand.
We must tell your pa.
Alfie! You go fishing last night? Only a pinch.
Why didn't you knock for me? I didn't want to bother you.
Bother me? What's that look on your face? I didn't want you to think that I was after keeping your favour.
Alfie, look at me.
I am the same Robert Timmins has been fishing with you since before you had words.
I know.
OnlyCandleford and the like.
It's all different now.
Thomas, you have abandoned your instrument.
I have abandoned my cause.
But why? What about your charitable purpose? I have exploited those children, Margaret, for my own gain.
I am selfish and self-centred.
All of it Onward Christian Soldiers I have done no more than barter with my Creator, seeking to please Him in order that He might give me what I want.
But, Thomas, what is it that you want? For the Almighty to bless us with a child.
Is that so bad? It is clear now the Lord intends all to be as it is.
We shall no more endeavour.
There the matter begins and ends.
Usually, when a man avoids you, it's because there's something he doesn't want to say.
I in't no right to speak the thoughts that are washing round in my mind, sir.
Suppose I want to hear them? Everything worth knowing about in this life was taught to me by you.
I know you have to do what's best for your family, but in't it selfish to move to Candleford? Any man can do what he likes with his own life, but what I thought you've been telling me all these years is that when you're a part of something, you give back with loyalty, and the giving is the reward.
We need you here and you're going.
This place don't need me, Alfie.
I've found what I want - a life beyond constant struggle.
The seal looks rather official.
Legal.
I thought I should bring it myself, given its importance and In this envelope is our future.
Our lives.
It is not in there, Emma.
It is for you to decide.
But it is decided by this letter.
We will move to Candleford.
What is it, Emma? I've been so hasty, So eager to I can't bear the thought of leaving Lark Rise.
But I've promised Robert.
He will never forgive me.
Surely he would understand.
Robert in't from Lark Rise.
He don't have his roots here.
He's a man who wants better and I've always felt I hold him back.
When I listened to that solicitor speak, I hardly heard his words.
I could only think of what this meant to Robert.
At last.
He could leave behind the hamlet and I could give that to him.
Once we make the move, I will accept, I will settle.
Emma, to want this for your husband, to think beyond yourself, to my eyes that iseverything.
What you have is so precious.
If you were to begin a life in Candleford together with this struggle in your heart You must tell Robert.
Such pretty colours.
Thank you so much.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Goodbye.
Goodbye.
Ruby! We are awash with success.
We've never taken so much in one day.
We should have a sale every week.
Perhaps not.
The Pratts stand for standards, after all.
This event is just to suit our circumstances.
Yes, of course.
For indulgences.
Margaret? Margaret? Your story? Why? I know my readers.
I give them what they want.
That's the reality of life, the way people truly are.
Thomas, we have another one for you.
It will be in Oxford by this afternoon.
I have sent off my story.
I'm going on to Little Wittenham.
A family name there I wish to trace.
But you will miss the processión.
I mean, must you go immediately? When I finish a story, I I thought we could go for a walk this evening.
I could show you some of those places in my journal.
I really must.
I I could stayfor the processión.
The post.
All right.
I hear tell you won't be Master of the Marchers comes tomorrow, Thomas Brown.
A man may come to see himself for what he is.
Your trouble is you take this worid in earnest.
Why does a trumpet sound so glorious? So that we might glory in it.
I once saw my wife flitting about in the garden wearing nought but her flesh.
You did? Do all women do such things? Only at certain moments in their lives.
Thomas Brown, man before man, why do you suppose God made women so desirable? So that we might desire them.
It is It must beGod's purpose.
I will march.
I lied.
I don't relish the prospect of a life in Candleford, but Em has her heart set on it.
Everything you said to me, Alfie, was true and I needed to hear it.
I feel part of Lark Rise.
The threat of that being taken away makes me realise how much it matters.
Life, it's not out there, somewhere else, something better.
Life isright here.
What will you do? Bide my time.
That solicitor fella says it could be months before we hear anything.
How were your studies today, Sydney? Very well, Miss Lane.
We can't have you calling me Miss Lane.
Laura calls me ma'am.
Minnie calls me mum.
What shall we have you call me? He could call you Ma, mum.
Mum, you tell me I must tell the truth, but you in't telling the truth.
I'm only telling the truth when I say it.
Everyone knows you want to be Sydney's ma and everyone else knows he wants you to be his ma.
His ma has died and his pa in't here.
So if he calls you Ma, then that's that, in't it? It is true, in't it? It is true, Minnie.
It is true.
Minnie, what are you doing? If ever there was an occasión to break out the upside-down cake! My dear, I have a confessión to make.
Well, several confessions.
I have partaken of superstitious I have I went out I I Let us go home.
Oh.
Are we to endeavour? Endeavouring, my dear, is what we shall not do.
"It is said that God made Lark Rise with the leftovers when he was done "making the rest of the Earth.
"And now a family from this backwoods bog have inherited enough money "to move to the self-respecting market town of Candleford.
" "Robert Timmins, a man who the locals say looks out from this "savage little hamlet as though he owns the fields on one side "and is about to buy the fields on the other" "His wife who has never bought a dress before" "So poor they send their children marching down Candleford main street "to beg for clothes.
" "How will a town so determined "to cultivate its own self-importance welcome "a man who eats a potato on the square?" "According to the Post Mistress, it will send shivers down their spines.
" They change what I write.
No.
You took those from my journal and twisted them to make them sound mocking.
You wrote this.
What kind of person does such a thing? I am a journalist.
You asked for my journal and intended this.
I am a journalist.
To you I am no more than a gullible, foolish little country girl.
I am a journalist! Don't hide behind your position, your job! Daniel Parish did this to me! Have you any idea what this will do to my family? Do you have any care for any living soul? I stayed, knowing you would read it.
Does that makes me forgive you? You have the courage to hear me call you for the beast you are? I stayed so you could see me for what I am, for what I truly am.
A journalist to my core.
Hungry, greedy.
merciless, capable of anything.
And still, I stayed.
But now we'll be rid of you.
That's not how I wrote it.
You see for yourself, Pa.
But you did give him your journal.
I've never shown it to another living soul and I gave it to a stranger.
I never want to write another word.
Now you're thinking like a fool.
You are more of a writer than he could ever be.
What is it? Daniel told me the same thing himself.
BAND TUNES UP Onward Christian Soldiers.
On the count of four.
One, two, three, four.
One, two, three # Onward Christian soldiers # Marching as to the war # With the cross of Jesus # You have to tell him.
I'm so afraid.
If I open this letter, I will lose everything I have.
But I must open it and I don't know what will happen when I do.
Do you have the letter? Robert I didn't dare tell you.
I wanted to put it off until I I don't know.
Until I felt brave enough.
You open it, Robert.
There is more than £120, ready to be paid out now.
Oh, Lordy.
However, there are several claimants.
So our stake remains as much as Seven pounds, eight shillings and sixpence if we are willing to settle our claim now.
Are we willing? We are willing.
Well, that should pay for the dress and a few weeks' rent.
I feel blessed.
I thought you were keen to settle here.
No.
I thought you were keen, is all.
I was going along with it for you.
What a pair of fools! # Till every foe is vanquished # And Christ is Lord indeed # Stand up, stand up for Jesus # The solemn watchword hear # If while ye sleep He suffers # Away with shame and fear # Where'er ye meet with evil # Within you or without # Charge for the God of battles # And put the foe to rout # Stand up, stand up for Jesus # You are not gullible, Laura.
You are innocent.
There is a worid of difference.
If there's a fool here, it's me.
I want you to know that.
I always looked at the worid one way, to be used to meet my own ends, feed my own ambition.
I was wrong.
You showed me that.
I am returning to Oxford, but I could not leave without telling you the way you see life, you're right.
Don't lose that just because one fool betrayed you.
I want to dislike you.
I can't seem to do it.
What I saw in you as we walked .
.
it's true, Daniel.
You could live by that.
Can I? I believe you can.
'My pa once told me that we don't have to fear change.
' May I write to you? 'But neither do we have to be at the mercy of it.
' But I thought the sale was a tremendous success and that you took sufficient income to pay your suppliers.
My sister has spent all the money.
But how could she? What could she spend so much money on? It's working! It's working! It's working! Everyone is going to want one of these! 'But change comes in many shapes, and sometimes at quite a cost.
'To the hamlet, change came slowly but surely.
'And that is how they liked it.
'For myself, something happened.
'I found myself waiting.
' The Bishopis coming.
That treeis a woman? A witch? Yes.
But it is heathen superstition.
I do believe the whole worid is out of joint.
What brings you back here? I have a gift, for Laura.
Where my daughter's concerned, I wish you were 100 miles away.
What's it like to fall in love? I didn't know I was in love until you asked me.
If I was in love with Daniel and he came all the way to Candleford just to see me, I would tell him I loved him.
Would you tell him? Yes.