Lark Rise to Candleford (2008) s03e09 Episode Script
Episode Nine
LAURA: There was a saying in our family that my mother often repeated .
.
you can't have have everything.
Matilda Annie Higgs came to Lark Rise fresh from training college with all the latest educational ideas.
Keen on reform, wanting to be a friend as well as a teacher to her charges.
But they scented weakness and regularly reduced her to tears.
She had no idea there were such children like this anywhere.
Miss Higgs, is that a wig? To her they were little savages.
MISS HIGGS SCREAMS Miss Higgs was carried home, never to be seen again.
So, a crisis at the school meant the class were in need of a teacher.
That poor young woman.
> Her only wish was to educate you, and look what you have done to her.
The rector will be on his way to reprimand you.
And then you will shudder, as you deserve to.
When I sat where you are, we were glad to have an education.
There weren't always a school here, you know.
Children given learning.
Can't you see how marvellous that is? Numbersand letters and stories These things are precious.
Tell us one of your stories, Ma.
I ain't here to tell you stories.
I'm here to tell you how you have behaved, and what you have done to Miss Higgs.
Please, Ma? Please, Mrs Timmins.
CHILDREN PLEAD Could they not simply send it to me, ma'am? We are, after all, a postal service.
When Head Office issues a summons, Thomas, we must all answer the call.
But I have no need of a new uniform, ma'am, which will be the same as my old uniform, which, in fact, is perfectly adequate since it has been properly cared for.
You are required to attend and sign for your new garments.
But, Oxford, ma'am! Too big.
It could be good for you to go.
You might return with a renewed appreciation of how fortunate we are to live in the wilderness, out of harm's way.
As ever, I must defer to your greater wisdom.
Laura, I am decided to be beautiful.
I am glad to hear that being beautiful is something a girl can decide for herself.
What I mean is, I am to make an effort in the mirror, like So that I can be as delicious as Miss Lane is.
Nearly.
You make me sound like a sponge cake, Minnie.
Will you help me, Laura? Will you, please? Course I will.
But you are lovely as you are, Minnie.
I want to put powders on my face and tangle my hair just so Be careful every boy isn't chasing you up the street.
Oh, I don't want every boy.
You may borrow some of my powders, girlsfor an experiment.
I will be delicious! And then one cold winter night, the doctor, an old man of 80, stopped his dogcart at the inn gate and came in for hot brandy and with a tale to tell.
He told how he had been over Lady Bridge many times at midnight, but this night, his horse would not cross without urging.
And then, there she was - the lady, dressed in white and riding a white horse.
It looked like it was made of smoke.
When I was your age, I used to ask myself, what is a story? Well, ain't it like a magic spell, taking us away someplace else? Where do stories come from? Why do we tell them to each other? Because they're strange? Perhaps.
Sometimes.
I always did like ghost stories.
But don't we tell stories because they help us to understand each other? I just like the adventure of them.
So do I, Frank! Well, never mind all my talking.
What you want to know is what happened.
Thomas Brown.
I ain't never seen you in here before on a Wednesday.
On my way back from Oxford.
Thought I might pause for a beverage and some rest.
How was the big city? Oh there's something about city folk - those men, postmen - that is pompous.
If you're in the mood for saying why, I'm in the mood for listening.
They laughed at me.
What cause have they to laugh at you? My working conditions.
Primitive, they called it.
Exploited.
No more than a lapdog of my mistress.
Do they not know that I am a servant of Her Majesty? A man's working conditions are a measure of his self-respect, what he feels he is worth.
Those Oxford postmen, they know their rights.
I know you for what you are, Robert Timmins.
A radical.
Thomas Paine, workers' rights.
You would have us all living in the manor, and our squire on the lane with a begging bowl.
They seem to have gotten under your skin, Thomas.
Everyone knows you are a man who honours the old ways but perhaps that bothers you more than you care to admit.
Too disturbed to go home? Too rattled to even discuss the matter? The day I need your opinion on my working affairs, political beliefs or duty to the crown, will be a sorry day in the life of Thomas Brown.
Those children, Robert - you could have heard a pin drop.
I liked Matilda Higgs well enough.
She seemed to have progressive ideas on education.
The reason they bring these teachers in from outside is because they're qualified.
They hung on every word I said.
I felt so cherished.
The idea of one of our own taking on the instruction of our young uns is something well worth considering.
I thought perhaps tomorrow I might teach them that beautiful antique way of handwriting that was taught to me by Miss Lowe.
You're thinking of going back into the school? There won't be no replacement teacher for some days.
It is only temporary.
Why not? Robert, you are forever telling me how it feels when you work.
That sense of purpose, that belonging.
I know what you mean now.
Em, you go and have your few days of being cherished.
Thomas! KNOCKING < Thomas! KNOCKING CONTINUES < Thomas! < Telegram to deliver.
HE SIGHS Hurry along, little lapdog.
You alone must work while the world sleeps.
Oh, Thomas, can you man the counter whilst I take my morning ride? Laura is not back yet.
Of course.
Of course.
Is everything all right, Thomas? Splendid, ma'am.
Yes, it was splendid at six o'clock this morning when I took delivery of the mail from Oxford.
It will be splendid the day long until the hour this evening when I get home in time for supper.
And doubtless it will be splendid when the knock comes on my door in the middle of the night.
Do I perceive a hint of dissatisfaction, Thomas? The letter-carriers in Oxford have an eight-hour day, fixed.
And every man has a half-day's rest every week.
I'm sure they do, but we have our own ways.
When I told them we worked Saturday evenings, they laughed.
We are used to being laughed at by our superior city brethren.
Minnie, I think perhaps powders and curls might be more appropriate in the evenings.
Yes, ma'am.
BELL RINGS Oh, Margaret.
We have had a telegram for the rector.
Has he spoken to you about it? The rector? No.
Miss Higgs was carried away with nervousness and turmoil.
They ain't got a teacher at the school.
Minnie! Goodness! I had not heard.
Thomas, did you know? No.
Why, I must go.
In my father's day, we were responsible, he and I.
Goodness! Ma'am, if I am only allowed to wear powders in the evening, then no-one will see me, only you and Laura and Sydney.
But, as I expressly explained, Minnie, this is only girlish practice for you.
The world is not yet prepared for beauty such as yours.
Yes, ma'am.
Slave hours, those Oxford postmen called our work days.
Slave hours indeed! Am I some feudal lady who keeps you tied to the wheel? Did I not personally ensure that you were excused working on Sundays? Do I not take out the mail myself sometimes on the Sabbath day? I have always understood that we have the most cordial of relations.
We do, Miss Lane.
Though I feel compelled to say, cordial entirely on your terms.
Thomas Brown, one day in Oxford and you have had your head turned! It is my own head to turn.
Longer.
Go on, you can do it.
This way of writing has been handed down through generations.
Oh, Emma! You are here.
Splendid.
I hurried over as soon as I heard I was needed.
I didn't realise you were needed, Margaret.
As the rector's daughter, it has always been my pastoral duty to take care of the school children at such times.
But your pa is no longer the rector since he passed away some while ago.
I do not mind.
Indeed, I consider it a true pleasure to provide such a service to my community.
My role here has been handed down across generations.
Duty does not wither with the passing of my father.
I didn't mean to question your willingness, Mrs Brown, only And I am free and able to take the class.
I am sure you have so many family responsibilities calling on your every hour.
Let me relieve you, Emma.
Children, I want you to show your appreciation to Mrs Timmins for looking after the class until I arrived.
Margaret I don't think it is BABY GRIZZLES Your little girl needs you to take her home, Emma.
BABY BABBLES Miss Lowe's antique method - I know it well.
A little more colour to show off those lovely cheekbones of yours.
Look at how I look! I do like being resistible.
Irresistible, Minnie.
Oh Ain't there a dance soon that I can go to? There is the school bazaar.
I shall go.
I shall go! Ohbut in the evenings.
I think we might make an exception in allowing you to wear a little face powder on this occasion, Minnie.
School bazaar! Oh, I shall be irresistible! Oooh! Minnie.
Thomas.
Ah.
Evening.
You're becoming quite a regular in here.
You'll have your own tankard next.
May we speak in confidence? Of course.
If a man were to wish his circumstances of employment to be modified to be more in accord with What I mean to say is Those men in Oxford, they enjoythey are not compelled to work every hour that God gives us.
Did you ever hear of the Eight Hour League? Tom Mann? Things are moving, Thomas.
Miss Lane is a fair employer, I have no doubt of that.
And make no mistake, whatever I say to you, I am not encouraging you to go into conflict with such a decent postmistress.
But the benefits you might enjoy are in her gift.
Not by rights.
She may be generous and good-natured, but her whim rules.
You have put into words what I have been feeling of late.
Did you know, Thomas, that in your profession, those men who first banded together to improve their situation, they had to meet in secret.
They called themselves a confederacy, protesting against low wages and extra duties.
They had the support of some societies, journalists and clergymen.
Men of the cloth? It is a great Christian endeavour to seek humane treatment for working people.
Men were sacked for taking on their employers, but in the end they triumphed.
They won those rights that your Oxford postmen boasted of.
I simply want to know what to do, how I might approach gaining a Saturday evening at home.
Same thing.
Same problem.
Same answer.
And that is? Organise.
It must hurt terribly.
It will be worse by the morning.
Now I am resistible.
Oh.
I see that you are occupied.
I feel full of vivacity, I have no thought of sleep.
I can hardly wait for tomorrow so that I might return to the classroom.
How marvellous for you, Margaret.
Don't let me interrupt.
BABY CRIES Patience, child.
You must sleep because I must sleep.
Hey, shh, shh.
Come on, come on.
BABY CRIES LOUDLY Hey, hey, hey.
Shh, shh.
Thomas I wanted to apologise for my harsh words yesterday.
It was inconsiderate of me to take such a high-handed attitude.
You have every right to question me as your employer.
Thank you, ma'am.
I did not mean to trivialise your legitimate concerns.
I hope we can put it behind us now.
Perhaps this Saturday evening we might have a meat pie with lashings of gravy.
I am afraid we cannot, ma'am, put it behind us.
The history of the working man's destiny is a catalogue of legitimate concerns cast asunder.
Minnie, what are you doing? I ain't such a pretty sight for our customers to look at today, ma'am.
I am sure they may be concerned for you, Minnie, but I doubt very much whether they would find the sight of you displeasing.
Yes, ma'am.
Thomas, only a few days ago you proudly declared yourself to be a servant of Her Majesty.
Indeed, ma'am.
But which Her Majesty? The one I chose to serve sits on the throne at Buckingham Palace.
Let us stop this before we fall into another emotional row.
Thomas, I sense that something is deeply troubling you.
I genuinely want to discuss any grievances you might have.
These matters can only be resolved through the good offices of CaPOLCA.
Capolca? What kind of word is that? The Candleford Post Office Letter Carriers Association, ma'am.
I had no idea such a body existed.
It soon will.
It would not be appropriate for us to further discuss matters in this informal manner.
CaPOLCA will be in touch, ma'am.
Thomas, please I must press on.
Heaven forbid I was late taking out the second delivery.
Minnie, will you stop this darting to and fro? It is most distracting.
What is it that is bothering you? Nothing, ma'am.
Honestly.
Then stay at your chores and stop this frantic scampering around.
I surely will, ma'am.
BELL RINGS, MINNIE SQUEALS Alfie! Why must I spend my last coppers on a stamp, for all the good it'll do? That is not like you, Alfie.
You usually bring in such a sunny disposition.
If you think my face is full of wasps, you ought to see what's in the letter.
Oh, Alf, are you sure you want to send such tidings to your mother in prison? It ain't my job to cheer her.
Ain't my job to raise her children neither, but I must.
The Slave's Dream by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.
CLEARS THROAT "Beside the ungathered rice he lay His sickle in his hand "His breast was bare His matted hair Was buried in the sand" SHE COUGHS "Again, in the mist and shadow of sleep "He saw his Native Land" COUGHING "Wide through the landscape of his dreams" CHILDREN COUGH AND GIGGLE Children, please show some consideration.
This is a most delicate poem.
"The lordly Niger flowed "Beneath the palm-trees on the plain" RISING HUBBUB "Once more a king he strode "And heard the tinkling caravans Descend the mountain" Children, please.
I want us to be friends.
Silence! Sit down! Is this any way for you to behave towards Mrs Brown after what happened to Miss Higgs? Emma, how kind of you to pop by and to dispense a little Lark Rise governance to the slightly wayward children.
I was just about totell them I have not simply popped by, Mrs Brown.
I have come to see you.
To say to you, if I may .
.
I so enjoyed my time here with the class, that I thought, until such time as a new teacher arrives, I would like .
.
I have decided to continue.
But you are not You are I am a housewife from a hamlet.
But I know my learning.
And I seem to have a gift for passing it on.
The children seem to respond to it.
Oh.
And since the school bazaar is so close at hand, and there is much to do, I am sure the school will need as much help as it can get.
Yes, well Of course.
Yes.
School bazaar.
Are you considering helping the girls with their sewing? No.
I have rather more grand plans than that.
Laura.
We must band togetherto assert our claims against capitalism.
Thomas, why are you whispering? Such radical matters must be spoken in secret.
Laura, you must join the Candleford Post Office Letter Carriers Association, CaPOLCA.
It is our only hope to voice our workers' grievances.
I have no grievances.
I love my work.
I am well paid.
I am fond of the Post Office.
Can you not see, Laura? We are at a historical moment.
The first workers' organisation in Candleford.
It is a Christian mission to care for the needs of the lowly wage-earner Lift up your eyes, Laura.
Future generations will consider uspioneers.
I do not wish to be a pioneer.
You are a Timmins.
You discuss politics with your father.
You are not some empty-headed girl.
Can I join, Thomas? I ain't never joined anything before.
You, Minnie, are a maid.
I did once take out a round.
Part of a round.
And I might again.
You are correct.
It is CaPOLCA's responsibility to care for your welfare.
You may come to our meeting.
Laura, at least join us at our first gathering, to hear the case.
Please.
Since you enjoyed our ghost story so much, I decided we might make some puppets to present our story at the school bazaar.
What an amusing notion, Emma.
I am sure we would like to do just that, in addition to making the pin-a-sight which I had planned for the bazaar.
It has long been the tradition of our school that each generation makes a pin-a-sight.
We shall pick some flowers, children, and press them and then present them inside of a magical box.
Ain't it marvellous how those oldest ideas endure? Perhaps you might make puppets with the boys and I could lead the girls in pin-a-sight making? Come outside, boys.
We will start by making the white horse.
Into the garden, girls.
When I was a student, Miss Lowe often told me I would make a wonderful teacher.
And since the replacement tutor will only be a temporary measure, I thought I might approach the governors.
I imagine I might be the ideal candidate.
Local, connected to the school, qualified.
And I have no children of my own to prevent me from taking up the post.
Do be careful, Margaret.
Look what became of Matilda Higgs.
You are very like her in many ways.
Whereas you are made of the strongest mettle, Emma.
You have a post already as Sydney's governess.
Isn't that more suited to your delicate nature? And you have everything a woman could wish for, Emma.
A family to give you fulfilment, contentment.
Do you know what we have overlooked? The school prize! The children's presentations must be judged, and the winner awarded the Honour Cup.
Perhaps Miss Lane might be judge this year? Miss Lane.
I see that you are checking on me in my own home.
Does my timekeeping meet with your satisfaction? Thomas, I came to make peace.
I have so little time to be a man in my own family.
I see that you must intrude and rob me of that.
Thomas! How can you be so rude? You are one of Miss Lane's oldest, dearest friends.
I am, first and foremost, an employee of Miss Lane.
And since this is my home and my free time, I beg that you respect my privacy.
I only wanted to convey to you there is no need for CaPOLCA.
Do you refuse your staff the right to representation? If you insist on being childish, if you demand to relate to me only as your employer, then I can play that game too.
Good evening, Margaret.
I shan't go.
But Miss Lane is to judge the school prize.
There will be a puppet show and a pin-a-sight.
I ain't never seen a puppet show.
But how can I go, looking like this? If you are worried about Alfie seeing your black eye, then he has greater concerns to occupy him.
Patience won't let him sleep when those sisters of his are running him ragged.
Ain't how you look that matters to Alfie, Minnie, but how you might help and comfort him.
She competes with me, as if to show me I am no more than a hamlet wife.
Margaret, compete? She has the gentlest nature of anyone I know.
She resents me being there.
Treats me like an intruder in her back yard.
Em, can't you see? Margaret is childless.
Still.
As time goes by, the more she feels the panic of that.
This is a position that would suit her.
And wouldn't it suit me? What if I was to say I wanted to stay on? That's not possible.
Why is it? You have children.
Annie.
What happened to one of our own taking on our young uns' instruction? What about you telling me I ought to enjoy my sense of purpose? "Go and be cherished!" For a few days, I said.
That's how it is.
I need your permission to go and be cherished for a few days.
Life is built like this.
You are a mother.
You have a home to look after, a husband to care for.
Yes, you are right.
Margaret needs understanding, Emma.
Welcome to the inaugural meeting of CaPOLCA, the Candleford Post Office Letter Carriers Association, and what an auspicious day this is.
It is beholden upon me to open the proceedings by inviting the association to nominate a leader.
Every public body needs someone at the helm who is lion-hearted, inspirational and steadfast, to champion its cause.
I believe the procedure is that someone from the floor must propose a candidate and then we vote.
So if anyone would like to proposeanyone I'm not sure I should suggest anyone as I don't really want to join an association.
FOOTSTEPS APPROACH Miss Lane, forgive me, this is a private meeting of CaPOLCA, open only to members.
I would like to become a member.
I work here in the post office, and I feel rather left out.
I propose Miss Lane for our leader, as she is already our leader, and if she weren't to be our other leader then she might be upset.
Miss Lane is our employer, Minnie, and therefore cannot be our representative in matters which relate to dealing with our employer.
If I were a member, I would propose Thomas Brown.
He has all of the qualities required - tenacity, integrity, fair-mindedness, intelligence and humility.
I propose Laura, as everybody likes Laura.
The older of Farmer Morris's boys said only today, "Where is that fine young woman?" Did he? I prefer the youngest Morris boy as he is more handsome and gentle and has such attractive teeth.
Ladies, please.
We have before us the considerable matter of anointingappointing our leader.
Someone must propose one of us.
Since you seem to know best on these matters, Thomas Yes? .
.
and since you are the one as gathered us here Yes? .
.
who would you propose? I propose Thomas Brown.
Well then let us put it to the vote.
All those in favour of Thomas Brown, raise your hands.
Miss Lane, I am afraid you are not qualified to vote.
Then since you have no opponent and since you have a landslide victory, am I qualified to offer a piece of cake in celebration of your consecration Excuse me, your appointment? Miss Lane, cake in the post office is not the same as the rights of man.
But it is lemon gingerbread! Let us put an abundance of flowers in.
We want radiance! Girls, we must do everything we can to show those boys that it is not extravagance that wins the day, but beauty.
Which boy would like to present the horse? ALL CLAMOUR James, you can be the horse.
And who would like to be the doctor? ALL CLAMOUR Lawrence, you be the doctor.
GLASS SMASHES Oh, Lizzie! It's all right.
We can mend it.
Don't look so fearful.
But you said we must win, Mrs Brown.
We will, girls.
I have every faith in you.
Oh, but those marionettes are quite magnificent, aren't they? Ah I've never known you to leave mail unsorted, Thomas.
We have reached the hour at which my hired labour is ended.
I will sort them myself.
Our neighbours will be waiting for their post from their loved ones first thing tomorrow.
I'll help you, ma'am.
Laura, think hard.
Capitalism will sometimes cajole us with the lash and at other times with charm and a call to our sympathetic nature.
Thomas, I am tired of being presented as the evil slave-driver.
I am the same Dorcas Lane I have been all of these years.
What on earth is the matter with you? You seem to have left all trace of your charitable disposition in Oxford.
You appear to have lost all sense of joy in your work.
Mine eyes have been opened, Miss Lane, that is all.
During my meal break today, most certainly not on your time, I happened to browse through the book of Post Office regulations.
The clock has struck.
It tells me that, for the last two minutes, I have been my own man.
I am no longer your chattel, Miss Lane.
Thomas I fear this battle between you and Miss Lane will get worse unless you Thomas, you look so sad.
What is it? CHILDREN LAUGH AND CHATTER Laura this town will grow .
.
stores will multiply.
We already have a hotel, a town clock.
The Post Office will doubtless expand.
What are we to pass on to future generations, those who come after us? We will give them CaPOLCA! I don't want her to be our teacher.
I want her to be our ma.
It ain't them resisting, it's you.
I've seen it coming.
You want me here, in the home, baking, washing - a wife and no more.
I am telling you what our children told me.
Does that not matter to you? Frank thinks you are favouring other boys over him and it hurts him.
Can't you see that that matters? It is an awkward situation, you being in the school.
Only because it is new.
That kind of mishap I will get better at it, that's all.
Em, you can't imagine being the teacher.
You are a mother, you have chosen this life.
Did I? No-one imprisoned you.
I did not know I had a choice.
I am a poor girl from a hamlet family.
Our Laura is allowed to fly, but not me.
In my time, I was a maid, a nurse to other people's children.
I followed it all like clockwork, but I knew I was capable of more.
I did not know there was some other life.
If you follow this it will torment you.
All you will see is what you are denied.
Why should I be denied? You are not qualified for the post.
And Margaret Brown is? I have seen her with the children.
They mock her and play upon her weakness, and yet they hang on every word I say.
How can that be right? Em No.
Em, the times in which we live the circumstances under which we are born we have to struggle against, and nobody knows that more than I.
Our children will not vanish because you suddenly feel like spreading your wings.
Last week, your face was full of joy until this thing at the school came along.
Where's it gone? Yes, let us advance ourselves, but not like this.
Not recklessly.
When a man wants to take on the world, it is called self-respect.
When a woman tries it is reckless.
You were born before your time .
.
that's all.
That's all.
Well, I shall not give in.
I shall try.
The school bazaar will show them I am capable.
That do take a lot of cooking, don't it, ma'am? Calves' foot jelly, Minnie, has been a favourite of this post office for more years than I have been alive.
Thomas loves this dish more than any other.
Ah! Thomas! Your apron is here.
I know how much you relish it when the moment arrives for you to pour out the juice.
Oh.
But how would it fit with those rules and regulations for a senior postman to put on an apron and take up cooking chores? I'm not sure CaPOLCA would approve.
Do you think you ought to consult your brethren in Oxford? In fact, you may not even be allowed to eat it when it is ready.
I would not care to compromise your rights with a savoury jelly.
DOOR OPENS The poor girl wept in my arms.
A mother in prison.
A father away at sea.
She has suffered the loss of a brother.
And the family is held together by Alf.
Thomas, I realised why it matters so much to me, being in the school.
Because it feels as if since we married, I have been holding my breath, waiting.
The teaching has helped me to breathe again.
Thomas, perhaps the time has come for us to let go.
To accept I I don't understand.
What are you saying? My dear, I have been composing a letter to the governors of the school.
An applicationto teach So you have decided alone .
.
to abandon ourlife? This is our life.
This.
You and I.
This can be enough, if There are children out there I see those children.
Happy ones, suffering ones, those mistreated.
I cannot accept that it is not intended for us.
We I mean But people, couples, have no God-given right to have children.
Perhaps our calling is to reach out to those children who might need You comfort an Arless child, suddenly our hopes are to be deserted? SLAMS BOOK ON TABLE I have kept these since I was a boy.
What am I to do with them now if we follow your latest fancy? Shall I throw them away? If we continue as we are month after month I have to bring you the bad news .
.
it will come between us.
How long, Thomas? When we married .
.
your greatest wish, regularly expressed, was to bring our child into this world.
And my calling was to overcome my feelings of hesitance in order to oblige.
So I have given myself to this hope, for us, with all of my heart.
And now you ask me to imagine my life denied? It cannot be possible never to look into the eyes of my own child.
I will not accept that.
I cannot bear to deny you.
But when the school governors come to the bazaar, it is my opportunity.
I want them to see that I am willing and able to take on the post.
Thank you.
Miss Lane.
Robert, I wonder if I might trouble you for some advice on a rather sensitive matter? I seem to be everybody's wise uncle at the moment.
Well, almost everyone.
I am in such a tangled dispute with Thomas Brown, and I am behaving like a naughty school girl towards him.
I bait him.
I tease him.
He only wants me to accommodate some concerns he has about his working conditions, yet I cannot seem to take it seriously.
Perhaps that tells you something about what this means to you.
Yes.
I do not want to formalise our relationship.
I cannot bear the thought.
He wants you to respect his position.
And I want him to see that there are benefits in the way that we operate.
I am sure you are a fair employer but you are an employer, and you have to take on that responsibility.
Forgive me if I tread too hard, but you are happy to dish out your commands, Dorcas.
And now that someone is making a few demands on you, how will you meet that challenge? You are a man who champions modern working conditions, and you have at times taken on apprentices.
Perhaps you could see both sides.
A third voice in this.
Then Thomas might see that it is not me he is beholden to, but reason.
Arbitrate? Would you? Yes.
But if I do and I find that Thomas has a case and you must adapt, will you agree to be bound by that? I will try.
That is not good enough.
Then I will.
My puppet, it's gone.
I can't find it, miss.
It's gone.
The puppets are gone.
They will be here somewhere, Emma.
I will help you look.
Come on, girls.
They can't just vanish.
They have been taken.
Taken? But why? In order that the pin-a-sight might win the Honour Cup.
Oh.
But surely Emma, you cannot believe that I would instigate I ain't saying thator condone oror wish to benefit? But you will benefit.
FOOTSTEPS My sisters wish to returns these.
They will tell you why they took them and they will offer their apologies.
Well? I'm really sorry.
Really sorry.
I am the one who must apologise.
I pressed the girls.
We must win, we must triumph.
I am sorry, girls.
Perhaps it is best if we abandon the competition.
But the children have worked so hard, made such beautiful things.
Then if we were to enter into this with mutual respect and support Yes.
Mutual respect.
Thomas Perhaps you would like to spell out your grievances.
I work long days.
Dawn till dusk and beyond.
I am on call, should a telegram need delivering out of hours.
I have no half-day's rest, as other letter-carriers do.
Those city postmen do not Miss Lane, please.
Let Thomas talk uninterrupted.
You will have your turn.
I am expected to undertake extra duties.
Saturday evenings, I am required to be here in the post office, when there is not a shop in the town, not an employer.
The inn, the constable, the hotel.
Miss Lane, please.
Thomas, what is it that you want? An eight-hour day.
Recognition that I and my fellow workers are not at Miss Lane's beck and call when she chooses to say we are available and must work.
Miss Lane, would you like to respond to Thomas's grievances? I would.
For me, the Post Office is not a job, it is a life.
Your life, Miss Lane, into which we must all Thomas! It is time for you to hold your tongue.
We work in such a leisurely fashion that every day is a half-day.
Friends and family visit us here and we all stop to enjoy their company.
It is not hard labour I demand of my staff, but to enjoy each day.
Yes, Thomas is here on Saturday evenings, but we enjoy a grand meal and much conviviality.
The reason we are here is to allow the Irish labourers the opportunity to send off news and money to their families.
They have no other opportunity to do this, as they are expected to work the fields constantly throughout the rest of the week.
Yes, I can be as stern as a school ma'am at times, but I also include my staff in my life as true friends.
Thomas .
.
do you want to say anything else before we conclude? I do.
When work must be all of a man's life .
.
I feel it is such a great injustice that I cannot accept.
It cannot be possible.
Perhaps I could have a few minutes to consider.
Thomas.
I am sorry about the calves' foot jelly.
And I regret my clock-watching.
Laura was right.
I I love my work.
I look forward to every day setting out on my round.
I have never seen you so disaffected.
What is it that is disturbing you? Margarethas decided that we should give up our hopes of She said that? Give up? "Accept" was the word she used.
I wonder if what she means is when couples find themselves in this predicament, they put so much pressure on themselves.
You cannot change things by wishing it so, nor by demanding it to be different.
I feel that if I accept .
.
then it is done.
My life will be only work.
But you cannot know what tomorrow holds.
Perhaps accepting it .
.
just for today .
.
might ease some of your burden.
I am ready.
Miss Lane .
.
you wish to keep relations on an informal understanding.
Thomas, you would like time with your family.
Perhaps, when you want time off, Thomas, you simply ask for it and expect your employer to beobliging.
Would you both agree to that? Thomas, you have an employer who has a inclination towards joshing and, well, cooking.
Can you accommodate pickled herrings and the occasional dig in the ribs? Yes.
Now for my most controversial proposal.
Miss Lane, you claim that a relaxed approach is vital, and you, Thomas, you want respect.
My proposition is that, once a week .
.
you take a half-day off Dorcas And that will leave you in charge, Senior Postman Brown.
You will see life on the other side of the fence, and you, ma'am, will pay Mr Brown the regard he deserves.
Agreed? Agreed.
Agreed.
Then we are done.
Oh! Perhaps a drink to seal the settlement.
I think CaPOLCA might permit such a gesture.
Mine is a cordial.
Of course.
Ma'am, I shall go to the bazaar! And I shan't hide from Alfie.
I will tell him I am herethere to help and comfort.
BABY CRIES I'm coming, my darling.
Just let me find the lantern.
CRASH!, ALF GROANS And so, every night at midnight, the lady in white came back to the bridge, until the hamlet folk realised that she was searching for her lost child who fell from the bridge a hundred years before.
And so they had to help her.
One cold winter night, the doctor, an old man of 80, stopped his dogcart at the inn gate Alfie, when you look at me, try to think I have only come here to help and comfort.
Alfie, any time you like, I shall take care of Patience all day long, and I shall teach her to sleep like a babe.
She is a babe.
I know.
How shall I ever decide? The pin-a-sight was the best I have ever seen, and I have looked upon and made many.
The puppet show was a rare treat and had us all gripped.
Boys, you have excelled yourselves.
Girls, you should be proud of your efforts.
I have made up my mind.
The winner is the marionette show! Boys are my one weakness.
There were things that could not be mended, not in our time, at least.
But there were matters that could be restored.
Within days, a replacement teacher arrived.
Miss Holmes came to stay.
We had an old saying that we still lived by then - you can't have everything.
He's a charmer.
He's charmed you.
Same as he's charmed all the girls! Did you do this to my daughter? Mrs Mullins Answer me! Is it your child? SOBBING Money? I saw him give it Emily.
It seems we have no choice but to accept that Daniel has a charge to answer.
I'm asking you to accept that I am honourable in this.
If you were the father, you would not dare look me in the eye.
I am in such a confusion of feelings.
Fisher Bloom? When? He is on his way.
.
you can't have have everything.
Matilda Annie Higgs came to Lark Rise fresh from training college with all the latest educational ideas.
Keen on reform, wanting to be a friend as well as a teacher to her charges.
But they scented weakness and regularly reduced her to tears.
She had no idea there were such children like this anywhere.
Miss Higgs, is that a wig? To her they were little savages.
MISS HIGGS SCREAMS Miss Higgs was carried home, never to be seen again.
So, a crisis at the school meant the class were in need of a teacher.
That poor young woman.
> Her only wish was to educate you, and look what you have done to her.
The rector will be on his way to reprimand you.
And then you will shudder, as you deserve to.
When I sat where you are, we were glad to have an education.
There weren't always a school here, you know.
Children given learning.
Can't you see how marvellous that is? Numbersand letters and stories These things are precious.
Tell us one of your stories, Ma.
I ain't here to tell you stories.
I'm here to tell you how you have behaved, and what you have done to Miss Higgs.
Please, Ma? Please, Mrs Timmins.
CHILDREN PLEAD Could they not simply send it to me, ma'am? We are, after all, a postal service.
When Head Office issues a summons, Thomas, we must all answer the call.
But I have no need of a new uniform, ma'am, which will be the same as my old uniform, which, in fact, is perfectly adequate since it has been properly cared for.
You are required to attend and sign for your new garments.
But, Oxford, ma'am! Too big.
It could be good for you to go.
You might return with a renewed appreciation of how fortunate we are to live in the wilderness, out of harm's way.
As ever, I must defer to your greater wisdom.
Laura, I am decided to be beautiful.
I am glad to hear that being beautiful is something a girl can decide for herself.
What I mean is, I am to make an effort in the mirror, like So that I can be as delicious as Miss Lane is.
Nearly.
You make me sound like a sponge cake, Minnie.
Will you help me, Laura? Will you, please? Course I will.
But you are lovely as you are, Minnie.
I want to put powders on my face and tangle my hair just so Be careful every boy isn't chasing you up the street.
Oh, I don't want every boy.
You may borrow some of my powders, girlsfor an experiment.
I will be delicious! And then one cold winter night, the doctor, an old man of 80, stopped his dogcart at the inn gate and came in for hot brandy and with a tale to tell.
He told how he had been over Lady Bridge many times at midnight, but this night, his horse would not cross without urging.
And then, there she was - the lady, dressed in white and riding a white horse.
It looked like it was made of smoke.
When I was your age, I used to ask myself, what is a story? Well, ain't it like a magic spell, taking us away someplace else? Where do stories come from? Why do we tell them to each other? Because they're strange? Perhaps.
Sometimes.
I always did like ghost stories.
But don't we tell stories because they help us to understand each other? I just like the adventure of them.
So do I, Frank! Well, never mind all my talking.
What you want to know is what happened.
Thomas Brown.
I ain't never seen you in here before on a Wednesday.
On my way back from Oxford.
Thought I might pause for a beverage and some rest.
How was the big city? Oh there's something about city folk - those men, postmen - that is pompous.
If you're in the mood for saying why, I'm in the mood for listening.
They laughed at me.
What cause have they to laugh at you? My working conditions.
Primitive, they called it.
Exploited.
No more than a lapdog of my mistress.
Do they not know that I am a servant of Her Majesty? A man's working conditions are a measure of his self-respect, what he feels he is worth.
Those Oxford postmen, they know their rights.
I know you for what you are, Robert Timmins.
A radical.
Thomas Paine, workers' rights.
You would have us all living in the manor, and our squire on the lane with a begging bowl.
They seem to have gotten under your skin, Thomas.
Everyone knows you are a man who honours the old ways but perhaps that bothers you more than you care to admit.
Too disturbed to go home? Too rattled to even discuss the matter? The day I need your opinion on my working affairs, political beliefs or duty to the crown, will be a sorry day in the life of Thomas Brown.
Those children, Robert - you could have heard a pin drop.
I liked Matilda Higgs well enough.
She seemed to have progressive ideas on education.
The reason they bring these teachers in from outside is because they're qualified.
They hung on every word I said.
I felt so cherished.
The idea of one of our own taking on the instruction of our young uns is something well worth considering.
I thought perhaps tomorrow I might teach them that beautiful antique way of handwriting that was taught to me by Miss Lowe.
You're thinking of going back into the school? There won't be no replacement teacher for some days.
It is only temporary.
Why not? Robert, you are forever telling me how it feels when you work.
That sense of purpose, that belonging.
I know what you mean now.
Em, you go and have your few days of being cherished.
Thomas! KNOCKING < Thomas! KNOCKING CONTINUES < Thomas! < Telegram to deliver.
HE SIGHS Hurry along, little lapdog.
You alone must work while the world sleeps.
Oh, Thomas, can you man the counter whilst I take my morning ride? Laura is not back yet.
Of course.
Of course.
Is everything all right, Thomas? Splendid, ma'am.
Yes, it was splendid at six o'clock this morning when I took delivery of the mail from Oxford.
It will be splendid the day long until the hour this evening when I get home in time for supper.
And doubtless it will be splendid when the knock comes on my door in the middle of the night.
Do I perceive a hint of dissatisfaction, Thomas? The letter-carriers in Oxford have an eight-hour day, fixed.
And every man has a half-day's rest every week.
I'm sure they do, but we have our own ways.
When I told them we worked Saturday evenings, they laughed.
We are used to being laughed at by our superior city brethren.
Minnie, I think perhaps powders and curls might be more appropriate in the evenings.
Yes, ma'am.
BELL RINGS Oh, Margaret.
We have had a telegram for the rector.
Has he spoken to you about it? The rector? No.
Miss Higgs was carried away with nervousness and turmoil.
They ain't got a teacher at the school.
Minnie! Goodness! I had not heard.
Thomas, did you know? No.
Why, I must go.
In my father's day, we were responsible, he and I.
Goodness! Ma'am, if I am only allowed to wear powders in the evening, then no-one will see me, only you and Laura and Sydney.
But, as I expressly explained, Minnie, this is only girlish practice for you.
The world is not yet prepared for beauty such as yours.
Yes, ma'am.
Slave hours, those Oxford postmen called our work days.
Slave hours indeed! Am I some feudal lady who keeps you tied to the wheel? Did I not personally ensure that you were excused working on Sundays? Do I not take out the mail myself sometimes on the Sabbath day? I have always understood that we have the most cordial of relations.
We do, Miss Lane.
Though I feel compelled to say, cordial entirely on your terms.
Thomas Brown, one day in Oxford and you have had your head turned! It is my own head to turn.
Longer.
Go on, you can do it.
This way of writing has been handed down through generations.
Oh, Emma! You are here.
Splendid.
I hurried over as soon as I heard I was needed.
I didn't realise you were needed, Margaret.
As the rector's daughter, it has always been my pastoral duty to take care of the school children at such times.
But your pa is no longer the rector since he passed away some while ago.
I do not mind.
Indeed, I consider it a true pleasure to provide such a service to my community.
My role here has been handed down across generations.
Duty does not wither with the passing of my father.
I didn't mean to question your willingness, Mrs Brown, only And I am free and able to take the class.
I am sure you have so many family responsibilities calling on your every hour.
Let me relieve you, Emma.
Children, I want you to show your appreciation to Mrs Timmins for looking after the class until I arrived.
Margaret I don't think it is BABY GRIZZLES Your little girl needs you to take her home, Emma.
BABY BABBLES Miss Lowe's antique method - I know it well.
A little more colour to show off those lovely cheekbones of yours.
Look at how I look! I do like being resistible.
Irresistible, Minnie.
Oh Ain't there a dance soon that I can go to? There is the school bazaar.
I shall go.
I shall go! Ohbut in the evenings.
I think we might make an exception in allowing you to wear a little face powder on this occasion, Minnie.
School bazaar! Oh, I shall be irresistible! Oooh! Minnie.
Thomas.
Ah.
Evening.
You're becoming quite a regular in here.
You'll have your own tankard next.
May we speak in confidence? Of course.
If a man were to wish his circumstances of employment to be modified to be more in accord with What I mean to say is Those men in Oxford, they enjoythey are not compelled to work every hour that God gives us.
Did you ever hear of the Eight Hour League? Tom Mann? Things are moving, Thomas.
Miss Lane is a fair employer, I have no doubt of that.
And make no mistake, whatever I say to you, I am not encouraging you to go into conflict with such a decent postmistress.
But the benefits you might enjoy are in her gift.
Not by rights.
She may be generous and good-natured, but her whim rules.
You have put into words what I have been feeling of late.
Did you know, Thomas, that in your profession, those men who first banded together to improve their situation, they had to meet in secret.
They called themselves a confederacy, protesting against low wages and extra duties.
They had the support of some societies, journalists and clergymen.
Men of the cloth? It is a great Christian endeavour to seek humane treatment for working people.
Men were sacked for taking on their employers, but in the end they triumphed.
They won those rights that your Oxford postmen boasted of.
I simply want to know what to do, how I might approach gaining a Saturday evening at home.
Same thing.
Same problem.
Same answer.
And that is? Organise.
It must hurt terribly.
It will be worse by the morning.
Now I am resistible.
Oh.
I see that you are occupied.
I feel full of vivacity, I have no thought of sleep.
I can hardly wait for tomorrow so that I might return to the classroom.
How marvellous for you, Margaret.
Don't let me interrupt.
BABY CRIES Patience, child.
You must sleep because I must sleep.
Hey, shh, shh.
Come on, come on.
BABY CRIES LOUDLY Hey, hey, hey.
Shh, shh.
Thomas I wanted to apologise for my harsh words yesterday.
It was inconsiderate of me to take such a high-handed attitude.
You have every right to question me as your employer.
Thank you, ma'am.
I did not mean to trivialise your legitimate concerns.
I hope we can put it behind us now.
Perhaps this Saturday evening we might have a meat pie with lashings of gravy.
I am afraid we cannot, ma'am, put it behind us.
The history of the working man's destiny is a catalogue of legitimate concerns cast asunder.
Minnie, what are you doing? I ain't such a pretty sight for our customers to look at today, ma'am.
I am sure they may be concerned for you, Minnie, but I doubt very much whether they would find the sight of you displeasing.
Yes, ma'am.
Thomas, only a few days ago you proudly declared yourself to be a servant of Her Majesty.
Indeed, ma'am.
But which Her Majesty? The one I chose to serve sits on the throne at Buckingham Palace.
Let us stop this before we fall into another emotional row.
Thomas, I sense that something is deeply troubling you.
I genuinely want to discuss any grievances you might have.
These matters can only be resolved through the good offices of CaPOLCA.
Capolca? What kind of word is that? The Candleford Post Office Letter Carriers Association, ma'am.
I had no idea such a body existed.
It soon will.
It would not be appropriate for us to further discuss matters in this informal manner.
CaPOLCA will be in touch, ma'am.
Thomas, please I must press on.
Heaven forbid I was late taking out the second delivery.
Minnie, will you stop this darting to and fro? It is most distracting.
What is it that is bothering you? Nothing, ma'am.
Honestly.
Then stay at your chores and stop this frantic scampering around.
I surely will, ma'am.
BELL RINGS, MINNIE SQUEALS Alfie! Why must I spend my last coppers on a stamp, for all the good it'll do? That is not like you, Alfie.
You usually bring in such a sunny disposition.
If you think my face is full of wasps, you ought to see what's in the letter.
Oh, Alf, are you sure you want to send such tidings to your mother in prison? It ain't my job to cheer her.
Ain't my job to raise her children neither, but I must.
The Slave's Dream by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.
CLEARS THROAT "Beside the ungathered rice he lay His sickle in his hand "His breast was bare His matted hair Was buried in the sand" SHE COUGHS "Again, in the mist and shadow of sleep "He saw his Native Land" COUGHING "Wide through the landscape of his dreams" CHILDREN COUGH AND GIGGLE Children, please show some consideration.
This is a most delicate poem.
"The lordly Niger flowed "Beneath the palm-trees on the plain" RISING HUBBUB "Once more a king he strode "And heard the tinkling caravans Descend the mountain" Children, please.
I want us to be friends.
Silence! Sit down! Is this any way for you to behave towards Mrs Brown after what happened to Miss Higgs? Emma, how kind of you to pop by and to dispense a little Lark Rise governance to the slightly wayward children.
I was just about totell them I have not simply popped by, Mrs Brown.
I have come to see you.
To say to you, if I may .
.
I so enjoyed my time here with the class, that I thought, until such time as a new teacher arrives, I would like .
.
I have decided to continue.
But you are not You are I am a housewife from a hamlet.
But I know my learning.
And I seem to have a gift for passing it on.
The children seem to respond to it.
Oh.
And since the school bazaar is so close at hand, and there is much to do, I am sure the school will need as much help as it can get.
Yes, well Of course.
Yes.
School bazaar.
Are you considering helping the girls with their sewing? No.
I have rather more grand plans than that.
Laura.
We must band togetherto assert our claims against capitalism.
Thomas, why are you whispering? Such radical matters must be spoken in secret.
Laura, you must join the Candleford Post Office Letter Carriers Association, CaPOLCA.
It is our only hope to voice our workers' grievances.
I have no grievances.
I love my work.
I am well paid.
I am fond of the Post Office.
Can you not see, Laura? We are at a historical moment.
The first workers' organisation in Candleford.
It is a Christian mission to care for the needs of the lowly wage-earner Lift up your eyes, Laura.
Future generations will consider uspioneers.
I do not wish to be a pioneer.
You are a Timmins.
You discuss politics with your father.
You are not some empty-headed girl.
Can I join, Thomas? I ain't never joined anything before.
You, Minnie, are a maid.
I did once take out a round.
Part of a round.
And I might again.
You are correct.
It is CaPOLCA's responsibility to care for your welfare.
You may come to our meeting.
Laura, at least join us at our first gathering, to hear the case.
Please.
Since you enjoyed our ghost story so much, I decided we might make some puppets to present our story at the school bazaar.
What an amusing notion, Emma.
I am sure we would like to do just that, in addition to making the pin-a-sight which I had planned for the bazaar.
It has long been the tradition of our school that each generation makes a pin-a-sight.
We shall pick some flowers, children, and press them and then present them inside of a magical box.
Ain't it marvellous how those oldest ideas endure? Perhaps you might make puppets with the boys and I could lead the girls in pin-a-sight making? Come outside, boys.
We will start by making the white horse.
Into the garden, girls.
When I was a student, Miss Lowe often told me I would make a wonderful teacher.
And since the replacement tutor will only be a temporary measure, I thought I might approach the governors.
I imagine I might be the ideal candidate.
Local, connected to the school, qualified.
And I have no children of my own to prevent me from taking up the post.
Do be careful, Margaret.
Look what became of Matilda Higgs.
You are very like her in many ways.
Whereas you are made of the strongest mettle, Emma.
You have a post already as Sydney's governess.
Isn't that more suited to your delicate nature? And you have everything a woman could wish for, Emma.
A family to give you fulfilment, contentment.
Do you know what we have overlooked? The school prize! The children's presentations must be judged, and the winner awarded the Honour Cup.
Perhaps Miss Lane might be judge this year? Miss Lane.
I see that you are checking on me in my own home.
Does my timekeeping meet with your satisfaction? Thomas, I came to make peace.
I have so little time to be a man in my own family.
I see that you must intrude and rob me of that.
Thomas! How can you be so rude? You are one of Miss Lane's oldest, dearest friends.
I am, first and foremost, an employee of Miss Lane.
And since this is my home and my free time, I beg that you respect my privacy.
I only wanted to convey to you there is no need for CaPOLCA.
Do you refuse your staff the right to representation? If you insist on being childish, if you demand to relate to me only as your employer, then I can play that game too.
Good evening, Margaret.
I shan't go.
But Miss Lane is to judge the school prize.
There will be a puppet show and a pin-a-sight.
I ain't never seen a puppet show.
But how can I go, looking like this? If you are worried about Alfie seeing your black eye, then he has greater concerns to occupy him.
Patience won't let him sleep when those sisters of his are running him ragged.
Ain't how you look that matters to Alfie, Minnie, but how you might help and comfort him.
She competes with me, as if to show me I am no more than a hamlet wife.
Margaret, compete? She has the gentlest nature of anyone I know.
She resents me being there.
Treats me like an intruder in her back yard.
Em, can't you see? Margaret is childless.
Still.
As time goes by, the more she feels the panic of that.
This is a position that would suit her.
And wouldn't it suit me? What if I was to say I wanted to stay on? That's not possible.
Why is it? You have children.
Annie.
What happened to one of our own taking on our young uns' instruction? What about you telling me I ought to enjoy my sense of purpose? "Go and be cherished!" For a few days, I said.
That's how it is.
I need your permission to go and be cherished for a few days.
Life is built like this.
You are a mother.
You have a home to look after, a husband to care for.
Yes, you are right.
Margaret needs understanding, Emma.
Welcome to the inaugural meeting of CaPOLCA, the Candleford Post Office Letter Carriers Association, and what an auspicious day this is.
It is beholden upon me to open the proceedings by inviting the association to nominate a leader.
Every public body needs someone at the helm who is lion-hearted, inspirational and steadfast, to champion its cause.
I believe the procedure is that someone from the floor must propose a candidate and then we vote.
So if anyone would like to proposeanyone I'm not sure I should suggest anyone as I don't really want to join an association.
FOOTSTEPS APPROACH Miss Lane, forgive me, this is a private meeting of CaPOLCA, open only to members.
I would like to become a member.
I work here in the post office, and I feel rather left out.
I propose Miss Lane for our leader, as she is already our leader, and if she weren't to be our other leader then she might be upset.
Miss Lane is our employer, Minnie, and therefore cannot be our representative in matters which relate to dealing with our employer.
If I were a member, I would propose Thomas Brown.
He has all of the qualities required - tenacity, integrity, fair-mindedness, intelligence and humility.
I propose Laura, as everybody likes Laura.
The older of Farmer Morris's boys said only today, "Where is that fine young woman?" Did he? I prefer the youngest Morris boy as he is more handsome and gentle and has such attractive teeth.
Ladies, please.
We have before us the considerable matter of anointingappointing our leader.
Someone must propose one of us.
Since you seem to know best on these matters, Thomas Yes? .
.
and since you are the one as gathered us here Yes? .
.
who would you propose? I propose Thomas Brown.
Well then let us put it to the vote.
All those in favour of Thomas Brown, raise your hands.
Miss Lane, I am afraid you are not qualified to vote.
Then since you have no opponent and since you have a landslide victory, am I qualified to offer a piece of cake in celebration of your consecration Excuse me, your appointment? Miss Lane, cake in the post office is not the same as the rights of man.
But it is lemon gingerbread! Let us put an abundance of flowers in.
We want radiance! Girls, we must do everything we can to show those boys that it is not extravagance that wins the day, but beauty.
Which boy would like to present the horse? ALL CLAMOUR James, you can be the horse.
And who would like to be the doctor? ALL CLAMOUR Lawrence, you be the doctor.
GLASS SMASHES Oh, Lizzie! It's all right.
We can mend it.
Don't look so fearful.
But you said we must win, Mrs Brown.
We will, girls.
I have every faith in you.
Oh, but those marionettes are quite magnificent, aren't they? Ah I've never known you to leave mail unsorted, Thomas.
We have reached the hour at which my hired labour is ended.
I will sort them myself.
Our neighbours will be waiting for their post from their loved ones first thing tomorrow.
I'll help you, ma'am.
Laura, think hard.
Capitalism will sometimes cajole us with the lash and at other times with charm and a call to our sympathetic nature.
Thomas, I am tired of being presented as the evil slave-driver.
I am the same Dorcas Lane I have been all of these years.
What on earth is the matter with you? You seem to have left all trace of your charitable disposition in Oxford.
You appear to have lost all sense of joy in your work.
Mine eyes have been opened, Miss Lane, that is all.
During my meal break today, most certainly not on your time, I happened to browse through the book of Post Office regulations.
The clock has struck.
It tells me that, for the last two minutes, I have been my own man.
I am no longer your chattel, Miss Lane.
Thomas I fear this battle between you and Miss Lane will get worse unless you Thomas, you look so sad.
What is it? CHILDREN LAUGH AND CHATTER Laura this town will grow .
.
stores will multiply.
We already have a hotel, a town clock.
The Post Office will doubtless expand.
What are we to pass on to future generations, those who come after us? We will give them CaPOLCA! I don't want her to be our teacher.
I want her to be our ma.
It ain't them resisting, it's you.
I've seen it coming.
You want me here, in the home, baking, washing - a wife and no more.
I am telling you what our children told me.
Does that not matter to you? Frank thinks you are favouring other boys over him and it hurts him.
Can't you see that that matters? It is an awkward situation, you being in the school.
Only because it is new.
That kind of mishap I will get better at it, that's all.
Em, you can't imagine being the teacher.
You are a mother, you have chosen this life.
Did I? No-one imprisoned you.
I did not know I had a choice.
I am a poor girl from a hamlet family.
Our Laura is allowed to fly, but not me.
In my time, I was a maid, a nurse to other people's children.
I followed it all like clockwork, but I knew I was capable of more.
I did not know there was some other life.
If you follow this it will torment you.
All you will see is what you are denied.
Why should I be denied? You are not qualified for the post.
And Margaret Brown is? I have seen her with the children.
They mock her and play upon her weakness, and yet they hang on every word I say.
How can that be right? Em No.
Em, the times in which we live the circumstances under which we are born we have to struggle against, and nobody knows that more than I.
Our children will not vanish because you suddenly feel like spreading your wings.
Last week, your face was full of joy until this thing at the school came along.
Where's it gone? Yes, let us advance ourselves, but not like this.
Not recklessly.
When a man wants to take on the world, it is called self-respect.
When a woman tries it is reckless.
You were born before your time .
.
that's all.
That's all.
Well, I shall not give in.
I shall try.
The school bazaar will show them I am capable.
That do take a lot of cooking, don't it, ma'am? Calves' foot jelly, Minnie, has been a favourite of this post office for more years than I have been alive.
Thomas loves this dish more than any other.
Ah! Thomas! Your apron is here.
I know how much you relish it when the moment arrives for you to pour out the juice.
Oh.
But how would it fit with those rules and regulations for a senior postman to put on an apron and take up cooking chores? I'm not sure CaPOLCA would approve.
Do you think you ought to consult your brethren in Oxford? In fact, you may not even be allowed to eat it when it is ready.
I would not care to compromise your rights with a savoury jelly.
DOOR OPENS The poor girl wept in my arms.
A mother in prison.
A father away at sea.
She has suffered the loss of a brother.
And the family is held together by Alf.
Thomas, I realised why it matters so much to me, being in the school.
Because it feels as if since we married, I have been holding my breath, waiting.
The teaching has helped me to breathe again.
Thomas, perhaps the time has come for us to let go.
To accept I I don't understand.
What are you saying? My dear, I have been composing a letter to the governors of the school.
An applicationto teach So you have decided alone .
.
to abandon ourlife? This is our life.
This.
You and I.
This can be enough, if There are children out there I see those children.
Happy ones, suffering ones, those mistreated.
I cannot accept that it is not intended for us.
We I mean But people, couples, have no God-given right to have children.
Perhaps our calling is to reach out to those children who might need You comfort an Arless child, suddenly our hopes are to be deserted? SLAMS BOOK ON TABLE I have kept these since I was a boy.
What am I to do with them now if we follow your latest fancy? Shall I throw them away? If we continue as we are month after month I have to bring you the bad news .
.
it will come between us.
How long, Thomas? When we married .
.
your greatest wish, regularly expressed, was to bring our child into this world.
And my calling was to overcome my feelings of hesitance in order to oblige.
So I have given myself to this hope, for us, with all of my heart.
And now you ask me to imagine my life denied? It cannot be possible never to look into the eyes of my own child.
I will not accept that.
I cannot bear to deny you.
But when the school governors come to the bazaar, it is my opportunity.
I want them to see that I am willing and able to take on the post.
Thank you.
Miss Lane.
Robert, I wonder if I might trouble you for some advice on a rather sensitive matter? I seem to be everybody's wise uncle at the moment.
Well, almost everyone.
I am in such a tangled dispute with Thomas Brown, and I am behaving like a naughty school girl towards him.
I bait him.
I tease him.
He only wants me to accommodate some concerns he has about his working conditions, yet I cannot seem to take it seriously.
Perhaps that tells you something about what this means to you.
Yes.
I do not want to formalise our relationship.
I cannot bear the thought.
He wants you to respect his position.
And I want him to see that there are benefits in the way that we operate.
I am sure you are a fair employer but you are an employer, and you have to take on that responsibility.
Forgive me if I tread too hard, but you are happy to dish out your commands, Dorcas.
And now that someone is making a few demands on you, how will you meet that challenge? You are a man who champions modern working conditions, and you have at times taken on apprentices.
Perhaps you could see both sides.
A third voice in this.
Then Thomas might see that it is not me he is beholden to, but reason.
Arbitrate? Would you? Yes.
But if I do and I find that Thomas has a case and you must adapt, will you agree to be bound by that? I will try.
That is not good enough.
Then I will.
My puppet, it's gone.
I can't find it, miss.
It's gone.
The puppets are gone.
They will be here somewhere, Emma.
I will help you look.
Come on, girls.
They can't just vanish.
They have been taken.
Taken? But why? In order that the pin-a-sight might win the Honour Cup.
Oh.
But surely Emma, you cannot believe that I would instigate I ain't saying thator condone oror wish to benefit? But you will benefit.
FOOTSTEPS My sisters wish to returns these.
They will tell you why they took them and they will offer their apologies.
Well? I'm really sorry.
Really sorry.
I am the one who must apologise.
I pressed the girls.
We must win, we must triumph.
I am sorry, girls.
Perhaps it is best if we abandon the competition.
But the children have worked so hard, made such beautiful things.
Then if we were to enter into this with mutual respect and support Yes.
Mutual respect.
Thomas Perhaps you would like to spell out your grievances.
I work long days.
Dawn till dusk and beyond.
I am on call, should a telegram need delivering out of hours.
I have no half-day's rest, as other letter-carriers do.
Those city postmen do not Miss Lane, please.
Let Thomas talk uninterrupted.
You will have your turn.
I am expected to undertake extra duties.
Saturday evenings, I am required to be here in the post office, when there is not a shop in the town, not an employer.
The inn, the constable, the hotel.
Miss Lane, please.
Thomas, what is it that you want? An eight-hour day.
Recognition that I and my fellow workers are not at Miss Lane's beck and call when she chooses to say we are available and must work.
Miss Lane, would you like to respond to Thomas's grievances? I would.
For me, the Post Office is not a job, it is a life.
Your life, Miss Lane, into which we must all Thomas! It is time for you to hold your tongue.
We work in such a leisurely fashion that every day is a half-day.
Friends and family visit us here and we all stop to enjoy their company.
It is not hard labour I demand of my staff, but to enjoy each day.
Yes, Thomas is here on Saturday evenings, but we enjoy a grand meal and much conviviality.
The reason we are here is to allow the Irish labourers the opportunity to send off news and money to their families.
They have no other opportunity to do this, as they are expected to work the fields constantly throughout the rest of the week.
Yes, I can be as stern as a school ma'am at times, but I also include my staff in my life as true friends.
Thomas .
.
do you want to say anything else before we conclude? I do.
When work must be all of a man's life .
.
I feel it is such a great injustice that I cannot accept.
It cannot be possible.
Perhaps I could have a few minutes to consider.
Thomas.
I am sorry about the calves' foot jelly.
And I regret my clock-watching.
Laura was right.
I I love my work.
I look forward to every day setting out on my round.
I have never seen you so disaffected.
What is it that is disturbing you? Margarethas decided that we should give up our hopes of She said that? Give up? "Accept" was the word she used.
I wonder if what she means is when couples find themselves in this predicament, they put so much pressure on themselves.
You cannot change things by wishing it so, nor by demanding it to be different.
I feel that if I accept .
.
then it is done.
My life will be only work.
But you cannot know what tomorrow holds.
Perhaps accepting it .
.
just for today .
.
might ease some of your burden.
I am ready.
Miss Lane .
.
you wish to keep relations on an informal understanding.
Thomas, you would like time with your family.
Perhaps, when you want time off, Thomas, you simply ask for it and expect your employer to beobliging.
Would you both agree to that? Thomas, you have an employer who has a inclination towards joshing and, well, cooking.
Can you accommodate pickled herrings and the occasional dig in the ribs? Yes.
Now for my most controversial proposal.
Miss Lane, you claim that a relaxed approach is vital, and you, Thomas, you want respect.
My proposition is that, once a week .
.
you take a half-day off Dorcas And that will leave you in charge, Senior Postman Brown.
You will see life on the other side of the fence, and you, ma'am, will pay Mr Brown the regard he deserves.
Agreed? Agreed.
Agreed.
Then we are done.
Oh! Perhaps a drink to seal the settlement.
I think CaPOLCA might permit such a gesture.
Mine is a cordial.
Of course.
Ma'am, I shall go to the bazaar! And I shan't hide from Alfie.
I will tell him I am herethere to help and comfort.
BABY CRIES I'm coming, my darling.
Just let me find the lantern.
CRASH!, ALF GROANS And so, every night at midnight, the lady in white came back to the bridge, until the hamlet folk realised that she was searching for her lost child who fell from the bridge a hundred years before.
And so they had to help her.
One cold winter night, the doctor, an old man of 80, stopped his dogcart at the inn gate Alfie, when you look at me, try to think I have only come here to help and comfort.
Alfie, any time you like, I shall take care of Patience all day long, and I shall teach her to sleep like a babe.
She is a babe.
I know.
How shall I ever decide? The pin-a-sight was the best I have ever seen, and I have looked upon and made many.
The puppet show was a rare treat and had us all gripped.
Boys, you have excelled yourselves.
Girls, you should be proud of your efforts.
I have made up my mind.
The winner is the marionette show! Boys are my one weakness.
There were things that could not be mended, not in our time, at least.
But there were matters that could be restored.
Within days, a replacement teacher arrived.
Miss Holmes came to stay.
We had an old saying that we still lived by then - you can't have everything.
He's a charmer.
He's charmed you.
Same as he's charmed all the girls! Did you do this to my daughter? Mrs Mullins Answer me! Is it your child? SOBBING Money? I saw him give it Emily.
It seems we have no choice but to accept that Daniel has a charge to answer.
I'm asking you to accept that I am honourable in this.
If you were the father, you would not dare look me in the eye.
I am in such a confusion of feelings.
Fisher Bloom? When? He is on his way.