Lark Rise to Candleford (2008) s03e11 Episode Script

HORSE SNORTS Oh, good heavens! Oh! It is you! The clockmaker.
What are you doing here? I was missing the welcoming charms of Candleford so much, Miss Pratt, I decided to come back.
Walk on! LAURA:'Once a year, Candleford and Lark Rise and all the local villages 'looked forward to the only night when mischief was not only allowed, 'it was encouraged.
'Pranks and tricks and all manner of shocks and surprises 'were played by one neighbour on another.
' 'No-one was safe.
'No-one.
' Oh, Laura.
I was hoping to find Mr Parish.
So was I, Miss Pratt.
I've been waiting for him.
Do you intend to remain here until he returns? Is something the matter, Miss Pratt? We are blessed indeed that such a man a young man as Daniel Parish - educated, cultured, civilised, chivalrous - should favour .
.
Candleford.
It isfor us all to appreciate.
I know what a fine man Daniel is.
Oh, Laura You are a hamlet girl.
You do exhibit some talents, I suppose, but you must never lose sight of the fact that fortune has been kind to you.
Miss Pratt, why are you saying this? Sometimes people to whom life has been generous are the least grateful.
I know what I have.
I am grateful.
It is a great tradition.
For one night a year, we cast off reason and good behaviour and we indulge ourselves in a feast of mischief.
When darkness falls, folks get up to all kinds of naughtinesses!Why? As my father explained it to me, we live such principled lives, the sprite in us all must be released once in a while or it might get us into real trouble.
So, for this one night, children are permitted to sneak about and lay traps for their neighbours.
No-one must be harmed, of course.
It is my favouritest night of the whole year! Best of all, adults are freed from their responsibilities and we, too, indulge our childish delight in pranks.
We must decide who we will play a trick on.
I wonder I suspect Miss Pearl could do with a little cheering up.
Miss Pratt? If we were to play a trick on her and she didn't like it, one of her looks could make my bones shiver for a week.
Beneath Pearl's prickly front, there is a child as playful as any of us.
A harmless joke might just ginger up her mood a little.
Well, her shop window is so perfect and splendid and hoity.
Oh, Minnie you have given us the best Mischief Night trick in the whole town! I have? Forgive me.
Sir, my haste made me blind to you standing there.
It's a fine morning, all the same, wouldn't you say? For the time of year.
Excuse me.
It's a fine morning for any time of year.
Any day above ground is a good day.
I didn't mean to be rude.
Forgive me.
I have been distracted all morning by a problem.
Daniel Parish.
Fisher Bloom.
Journeyman, wanderer, clockmaker.
You may be familiar with me work.
I live by it.
What brings you back to Candleford? I often think about what I left behind here, so I decided to come back and see how it's faring.
It is faring very well indeed.
Your clock is a much-loved and cherished part of our town.
I wonder A clockmaker.
Do you know anything about the mechanics of a printing press? I have a crisis.
From a boy, I seem to be able to fix most things.
It's a gift I was given.
Today, that gift was given to me.
What are the chances of me discovering you here? I have been to Inglestone, Banbury.
I have been able to find no-one to help me.
Life is kinder to us than we realise if we chose to see it that way.
Why, Fisher! Alf Arless.
Mr Twister.
Quite a surprise.
It ain't the word I'd use - surprise.
When did you get here? A moment ago.
I was on me way to the post office.
Sir, if I could detain you to look at my machine, I have an edition that needs publishing tomorrow.
And your problem is pressing.
Let me take a look.
TWISTER: All the surprises are yet to come.
Alfie, there will be tears.
Shall we stay a while? Poor Laura.
Poor all.
Hearts will be broke.
DOOR OPENS, BELL TINKLES Oh, Miss Lane.
Miss Pratt.
You seem distracted.
Is something the matter? I was hoping to find Daniel.
I've searched half Candleford.
Have you seen him? Yes.
He was heading out of town this morning.
On which road? Did he say how long he'd be gone? Did you speak with him? Did he say when he might return? Heavens, Pearl, such urgency.
It is as though something terrible has occurred.
I had the most unexpected encounter on the road.
You would never believe who is coming to Candleford.
Fisher Bloom.
Oh, you know.
He has been commissioned to make a town clock in Inglestone.
But he's not headed for Inglestone.
He's very much coming in the direction of Candleford.
We all know the last time he was here, he enjoyed a certainentanglement with your assistant.
And now he brings his winning rustic charms to our door once more.
Fisher was already on his way when she received his letter.
In which case, his reckless, selfish intrusion must be dealt with.
I take it you mean to warn Daniel? Perhaps that is not what is best for him.
Laura did not invite Fisher.
It puts her in a most delicate position.
I am sure what you want is for Daniel to suffer as little as possible.
Wouldn't he rather hear this from Laura? Daniel.
Laura.
This gentleman has kindly agreed to look at my press to see if he might fix it.
He was here some while ago.
He made the town clock.
You may remember him.
Yes.
I do remember him.
Hello, Fisher.
Laura.
I thought it was simply something jammed, but the problem is beyond me.
It requires the eyes of a craftsman.
This old fella has seen better days.
The platen rocker's jammed and buckled.
It'll have to be straightened.
And there's a crack here.
It'll have to come off to be mended.
Will you take it on? I'll pay you, of course.
I'm just passing through, sir, on the way to Inglestone.
I'm not your man.
But seeming as you're here I can see your difficulty.
I only wish I could oblige.
Everyone knows that Fisher Bloom is always on the move.
He cannot help you, Daniel, because nothing matters more to Fisher than the road.
Oh, some things matter more.
A challenge.
When are you due in Inglestone? A day or two.
Then stay.
Have dinner with us.
Perhaps a day or so won't do me any harm.
Do you suppose Miss Lane might let me use the Forge? Here you are - black treacle for your bread.
You shall enjoy the best of times till your ma and pa come home from your auntie's.
Now, you haven't forgotten, have you? Tomorrow night, it's Mischief Night! Edmund will show you what to do.
Mm Do you fancy yourself too old for mischief now that you're working, Edmund? It's silly.
Of course it is.
It's meant to be.
Well, you'll be out playing tricks, won't you? Yes! There will be tears.
There will be hearts broke.
Fisher Bloom is come back to Candleford.
We saw him on the street.
Talking to Daniel Parish like neither one of them knew nothing about neither of the other.
We thought Emma and Robert ought to know.
Someone has to look out for our Laura.
Edmund fancies himself head of the house while his pa's away! TICKING TICKING STOPS FOOTSTEPS Oh, Daniel! How is your day? How's Laura? All is well? Of course it is.
Indeed it is, Miss Pearl.
I have fallen on good fortune.
What have you there? It is an old pocket watch of my father's.
It seems to be broken.
And you have taken it out because the clockmaker is here? Not at all.
No.
I've no idea.
Is he? I have first call on his services.
He seems a splendid fellow, and his arrival is most timely and beneficial to me.
You met him? I have persuaded him to stay in order to mend my press.
The man is under your roof? You trust him alone there? He is a craftsman, not a rogue.
What could he possibly steal? A pencil? Some paper? Ink? Since the fellow is here, I will take the watch for him to look at.
I see that Fisher Bloom is with us.
Yes.
And you have spoken with him? Yes.
And is he yet aware that you and Daniel? Yes.
I hope I do not meddle where I am not welcome, Laura, but you must admit this is a dangerous moment.
Have you told Daniel yet of your previous relationship with Fisher? I intended to but the opportunity It was not possible.
Fisher Bloom must have returned here for a reason.
He is just passing through.
We shall see.
Laura, you are young.
This matter two young men, such feelings tugging at your heart.
Such emotion could push you into haste.
There is no hurry.
If I could encourage you in one thing, it would be to see that this is not so much about which suitor a girl might chose, but what kind of life you want to have.
These are changing times.
A girl can make for herself I don't want to be like you, Miss Lane.
What do you mean, Laura? I mean no offence.
I love my work here.
But it is not enough for me.
What makes you believe you can say such a thing? I have every reason to treasure the life I have.
I only have to glance around me to see how blessed I am.
DOOR OPENS Ma'am, does Laura know our secret about Miss Pearl, about Mischief Night, about the shop window, about the other thing? No, Minnie, Laura does not know of our secret.
She has other things on her mind at the moment.
Oh, do you have secret plans for Mischief Night, Laura? I bet you do.
We will tell you our secret if you tell us yours.
I have no plan, Minnie.
I have no intention of dressing up in a silly hood and a ridiculous cloak to run around town in frivolous escapades.
Ma'am, is frivolous bad? On the contrary, Minnie.
Frivolity is essential.
When we start to take ourselves too seriously we are headed for trouble.
Ma'am, do I take myself too seriously? Not often, Minnie.
I think you are safe.
We could put frogs in her bed and snails in her tea and worms in her shoes! What are you two plotting? Frank wants to hide under Queenie's bed.
And make noises in the dark.
You've got school the next day, you'll need your sleep.
We could put salt in her milk jug.
And snails in her teapot.
What are you going to do on Mischief Night, Edmund? I'm going over to Candleford.
To see our Laura? To help our Laura.
So, tomorrow, just before closing, I will make an opportunity to sneak into the back of the Stores and unlock the back door so that we can skulk in after dark.
And in the morning, I will go over to Lark Rise to borrow the secret thing we want to borrow! Part of the fun, Sydney, is that we must all dress as dubious night prowlers, with dark clothes and hoods.
Ma'am, I know this is the best idea ever, but what if Miss Pearl don't like it? I have been thinking the same thing, but something in me believes she needs this.
We must make her laugh and hope that she will see this as an act of friendship.
If we dare, she will respond.
You do love mischief, don't you, ma'am? More than anyone I know.
I do.
I relish it.
I don't know why it appeals to me so very much.
It is one of your one weaknesses.
It is! I think it might be to our advantage to gently prepare Miss Pratt beforehand, in a roundabout way, to the idea that Mischief Night is all about neighbourliness.
You are right, ma'am, but I will be ready to run anyway.
BABY CRIES Hey, ssh! KNOCK ON DOOR Alfie, how about we have a tune in the Wagon and Horses tonight? I'm tired of hearing me own voice night after night.
I have Patience to get to sleep.
And Lizzie's having trouble with her teeth again.
I need to scrub this floor before I go to bed.
It ain't no life for a young man, is it? It is the life I have.
I'll make the most of it.
What about next year? And the years that come after that? My ma will come out of prison We all love your ma well enough, but her coming out of prison is only her way of getting into more trouble.
You supposeI don't know that, Twister? You think I don't look at the rest of my life and wonder? I have three precious sisters.
And they have me.
A man can be too good, Alfie.
And if anyone knows that I do.
DOOR OPENS AND CLOSES He will not come.
It seems that Fisher is dedicated to fixing my press.
He was working at it till after dark.
Quite a fellow.
Daniel since I did not come to Sunday lunch with you, I have been trying to tell youto explain.
You were unwell.
It is forgotten, I promise you.
If he can fix my press bytomorrow, that would mean Daniel, please listen.
I must tell you.
When Fisher was last here in Candleford, he and I were friends.
More than friends.
Oh.
I see.
You've been trying to tell me.
Does this mean you knew he was coming? He wrote to me.
And what was in this letter that made you hide it from me? Only that he was coming.
I am not obliged to tell you what was in a letter to me.
If I received such a letter, I would want to tell you.
He came to Candleford.
We met.
We liked each other.
And we It is over.
All you need to know is that it is in the past.
It feels such a relief to tell you to be done with it.
Of course.
We all have past loves.
Daniel, make no mistake, seeing Fisher, the man he is What I am trying to say is .
.
I have found what I want in you.
He will be gone in a day or two.
Then we can get on with our lives.
POST OFFICE BELL TINKLES I appreciate you working so late.
I hope to have your press working by tomorrow.
Fisher, Laura told me about you and her.
Is she the reason you came back? I mean more than to say hello.
I came back because I have a job in Inglestone.
You could have turned down the work in Inglestone.
That's true enough.
Perhaps I liked the idea of coming back this way.
Was it on your mindthat you might? You must have been curious to see how you might feel when you saw her.
Daniel, I imagined life here would be exactly as I left it.
I told meself I might speak with Laura, make peace, that she'd be over the pain I caused her.
Are you saying you feel you made a mistake in leaving? I chose to keep moving.
That's my life.
I made me decision and now I'll stick by it.
I mean no harm.
I will not seek Laura out.
I won't open old wounds.
I'll do the job I've been asked to do and then I'll be on me way.
If you wish to go now, the world will survive without one edition of the Candleford Chronicle.
Is that what you want? Is it what YOU want? I'll see the job done.
Let no man say that Fisher Bloom ran away.
Whoa! Alfie, can I borrow a scarecrow? A scarecrow? Only for one night.
And since it is wintertime, you ain't going to need him.
It is to be our mischief.
I ain't saying what we have planned, but if you come to Candleford, be sure to look in the window of the Stores.
Alfie, did you hear that Fisher Bloom is come back? I saw him with my own eyes.
Brazen as ever, he was.
I think Fisher is sweet, because I know he went, but he did come back and he is nearly friends with Daniel, and that must mean that he is good really.
He had no right to come back.
He made his choice.
He hurt Laura once and what does he want now? Trouble, that's what.
Breezing into town, expecting a welcome.
Men like Fisher Bloom, they love their freedom above all else.
They have no thought for others.
But he is a young man and he is free to choose the life he chooses.
And don't he know it.
Alfie, you do seem upset like it was your heart was broke by him, not Laura's.
My pa is made of the same selfish desire to roam.
Alfie, I have noticed you do seem to be under your burdens, and Miss Lane says Mischief Night is when we should cast off our cares and enjoy some naughty pleasures.
Is that so? It is so.
Well, perhaps I will.
Mr Bloom, I wonder if you might look at this since you are here.
I came upon it in my drawer.
It was my father's.
It's a nice piece.
Looks like the back's been taken off quite recently.
Oh, I took a look inside myself, but of course, it's all fathomless to me.
Seems to me there's a piece of grit caught inside.
How did that get in there? How are you enjoying your return to Candleford? Grand.
The attractions of a town like this might give a wanderer an itch to settle.
But surely not.
I mean, what could Candleford offer a man like you? Well, you bringing me your watch shows me there might be a life here.
There's not a clock mender for miles around.
I could set up a little business selling watches and house clocks.
Might you know of an empty premises nearby? No.
There is none.
I'd only need a small workshop.
Perhaps there might be room at the back of the Stores? That is not possible.
It's the friendliness of folks like yourself which makes Candleford such an appealing place to spend the rest of your days.
There.
That should work now.
But there's no charge.
Think of it as a gesture of appreciation.
Laura.
Daniel's a fine fella.
You're a good match, the pair of you.
I wish you well.
What I said to you at the time you were here .
.
it was true .
.
then.
But it's passed and you ought to know that I hold no feelings for you now.
Good.
Why should you hold feelings? Daniel and I want the same things.
We read the same books.
It feels different.
It feelsgrown up.
He wants to settle.
He shows such consideration.
Grown up is good.
Don't you dare mock me.
You have no right to make fun of me, Fisher Bloom.
Who do you think you are? You come back here you give me no chance to warn you to stay away.
What about what Daniel might feel? I am lucky he understands.
Another man might have found it difficult.
You do not think of such things.
Your intent is only on your own needs your own desires.
Perhaps you could do with a little growing up yourself, Fisher Bloom.
You claim that a life on the road is romantic.
Is it? Or is it simply cowardly? It's so easy to keep moving on, to leave behind responsibilities .
.
to never have to face up to other people.
For someone who has no feelings for me, that was a lot of emotion.
Oh, yes I have feelings.
But they are not of endearment.
You see how things are between Daniel and I, yet you walk in here to see me like nothing else mattered.
I came into the post office to see Miss Lane.
Oh.
But it's been most enlightening speaking with you, Laura.
Shall I fetch Miss Lane? There is no need, Laura.
What might you want with me, Mr Bloom? Could we speak in private? Thank you, Minnie.
That will be all, Minnie.
DOOR CLOSES You find us all in a state of excitement, Mr Bloom.
It is Mischief Night tonight, when all manner of tomfoolery is permitted.
What I recall of you, Miss Lane, is that every day has a splash of mischief in it.
Yes, I have been reflecting on that.
There must be a reason why I so enjoy teasing and troublemaking.
Do you suppose there is a secret streak of cruelty running through me? Me ma was a wise old bird and she said that larks and the like are the sign of a contented soul.
Then I shall defer to your mother.
Though Laura seems to think I am rather too frivolous.
Did you wish to speak with me about Laura? I want to talk to you about Inglestone.
Me work there.
You are providing them with a clock, I hear.
A railway clock.
There is a new station soon to open there.
It is most exciting.
The railway, on our doorstep.
I've seen what happens to a town when it gets a railway, Miss Lane.
The world changes.
Thank heavens it is Inglestone and not us.
I'm fond of Candleford, even if Candleford ain't so fond of me these days.
So I feel obliged to tell you what I know.
Now, the railway will bring people, it'll bring goods and it'll bring the mail.
Inglestone will become the hub of all around.
We are quite secure.
We serve our own community.
This neighbourhood needs us.
All I'll say is, Miss Lane, what I've seen on me travels.
The railway feeds some towns, so that they grow fat and greedy.
Others are left to feed off the scraps.
I've seen post offices die.
I see.
Now, I'm not wanting to scaremonger you.
I only wish to tell you, so that you can look out for yourself.
Thank you.
Is that why you came back here? I told meself it was.
Truth is .
.
I was longing to see Laura.
That's my mistake.
Cos she certainly doesn't want to see me.
And who can blame her? I'm glad I came back, cos now I know .
.
I have to let her go.
But you did let her go.
There's letting go and there's letting go.
I'll be gone from here soon enough, Miss Lane, and I'm not likely to come back, so I'll dare to say what's on me mind.
Perhaps this love of frivolity, this desire for mischief perhaps a woman like you has too much responsibility, so many people depending on you, perhaps you need a little bit of nonsense to ease the burden.
Alfie, what you said about Fisher Bloom being in Candleford, how it can only mean heartbreak for our Laura.
That man is a troublemaker and nothing more.
My ma and pa ain't here to do nothing about it, so I have a notion.
Whoa! You and me, Alfie, we'll go over to town.
You can tell Fisher that since it's Mischief Night, you are going to get me drunk.
And when I am drunk, I shall start talking and I'll tell him.
Tell him what? The secret.
I ain't following.
BELL TINKLES A cake? For me? Why? It is a new recipe and since you have such a fine palate, I thought I might ask your opinion.
You have never leaned on my palate before, Miss Lane.
Pearl, tonight is Mischief Night.
And how tasteless it is.
I shall be in bed long before the moon is up.
But isn't it good for us to indulge a little deviltry? I do so enjoy it when my neighbours play a trick on me.
Don't you ever wish you could take the opportunity to let loose with your own mischievousness? I have no wish to play at trickery and Thank you for the cake.
Excuse me, I must attend to my customers.
Then let me put this cake in the back room for you.
How are you today? What can I do for you? Oh! Oh, Minnie.
I'd forgotten it was Mischief Night.
Ain't you got no pranks to play, Laura? Put that thing down, Minnie, we must be patient.
There are still lights on in the Stores.
I surely will, ma'am.
Ma'am, might I ask you what it was that Fisher wanted with you? I can understand how this must present quite a mystery to you, Laura, but I can assure you that what Fisher came about did not concern you.
But, ma'am, what else is there? I mean, I feel I have a right to know if he asked about my feelings or I think you will find that the world does not revolve around Laura Timmins.
I'm sorry, Laura.
That was rather more harsh than I intended.
It is only your youth, I suppose, which possesses you with such self-concern.
Fisher has a true fondness for Candleford.
For all of us.
And for this reason How shall I say this? Let me find out a little more before I trouble you with this matter.
Ma'am, I am not so youthful that I must be treated as a child, if I may say so.
Laura don't be in such a hurry to grow up.
Innocence is easily lost but never regained.
Laura, the whole town will be mischiefing, and you'll be the only one at home being buttoned-up.
Ain't that extraordinary! Fisher, might we sit with you a while? Mischief Night is when boy-chaps have their first drink or two, and it's got the better of young Edmund.
I ain't drunk.
I can stand up.
I ain't drunk! Miss Pearl said she'd be gone to bed before the moon was up.
She will, Minnie.
She will.
Candleford is the best town there ever was.
I hope it doesn't ever change.
It's good to see you again, Alf Arless.
You're just as I remember you.
I never thought I'd see your face back here again.
I've often thought of the friends I made here.
I envy what you have, Alfie.
Ain't nothing for a man like you to envy in a man like me.
You're wrong, my friend.
My life I meet folks, get to know them a little, then in a week or two, I'm gone.
You have true friends.
Lifelong friends.
You get to see them through life's milestones.
Like young Edmund here, tonight.
What do I have? Passing acquaintances.
What kind of man wants that for his life? But you have adventures travel master of your own days.
Not trapped by nothing, no-one.
Sometimes that's a blessing.
Some days it's a blight.
Are you saying you've had enough of the wandering life? Sometimes an idea comes to your mind, and you don't know it's happening.
It's just there.
You don't ask for it.
You might not even see it coming.
But it's part of you.
I have a secret that no-one knows.
Alfie don't know.
You're drunk.
Miss Lane don't know.
Best not say anything else till you sober up.
I ain't a boy no more.
I shall say what I know if I want to.
I heard Laura talking to my ma.
Edmund, hold your tongue.
Let him talk.
He's got something to say to me.
Our Laura loves Daniel.
That ain't news, boy.
There's nothing secret about that.
And she's going to marry him.
She's certain in her heart that she's found the man she loves.
You see, Alfie? Fisher Bloom can pronounce all the words of wisdom under God's heaven .
.
I know nothing.
I'm no more than a fool who learns too late what truly matters.
You fellows best get going.
I've work to finish and I'd as soon be left to get on with it.
Come home.
Edmund, you head on home.
I want to stay here a little while.
I'll stay with you.
No, I have a little bit of mischief of my own I wish to enjoy.
Mr Bloom.
Miss Pratt.
I have something I think you should see.
If it's another broken watch, I'm not your man this time.
It is something that concerns you.
Please.
I promise you will be grateful for what I have to show you.
Are you sure it's OK? Yes, she's gone in.
Let's go.
Everyone knows why you have come back here, Mr Bloom.
What you ought to know is that your efforts are pointless.
It is not yet public knowledge, but Laura and Daniel are already making plans.
It's a fine thing that you should have such consideration for Daniel and Laura.
Your hopes will only cause you distress, Mr Bloom.
Laura's future is decided.
But perhaps too much consideration.
Ican't help thinking you're all of you trying too hard.
A wedding dress cannot be denied.
Your hopes will only cause you distress, Mr Bloom.
I hear the message you're trying to get across.
You want to push me down the road, and who can blame you? (You two put the scarecrow in the window.
(I will keep watch here by the stairs.
Go on.
) What is it you fear so much? I ain't some demon come here to ruin the lives of decent folks.
If Laura had plans to marry it would be the simplest thing in the world for her to tell me herself.
Why would she not? It'd settle everything.
Now I'm thinking to myself if it was all as neat and decided as you'd like me to believe, then why would you be so desperate to get rid of me? Your determination for me to go might just tempt me to stay.
If you remain here, you will meet contempt from one end of Candleford to the next.
Don't you worry your precious heart, Miss Pratt.
I'll go.
But not because I'm pushed.
I like Daniel.
I care for Laura.
I'll leave because me conscience tells me that's what's needed.
I'll go because I'm the creator of me own torment.
Good night to you, Miss Pratt.
LAUGHTER SNORING Argh! THEY SCREAM SHE LAUGHS Thought you'd fox old Queenie, did ya? You can't fox an old fox! Minnie! Beg your pardon.
I thought you were a friend of mine.
That's fine.
It's the curls in your hair DOOR SLAMS Minnie, what is it? Mischief Night is the worst night of the year, that's what.
I'm most grateful that you have remained here to see the job done.
I hope that you will permit me to pay you a fair price for your work.
DanielI told you I wouldn't seek Laura out.
I didn't keep that promise.
I saw you going into the post office.
I went to see Miss Lane.
But I did speak with Laura.
I tell you this because .
.
whether I come or go, it makes no difference how she feels for you.
You're a very fortunate man.
I know it.
Then all that's left isfarewell.
My dear, that was the most feeble Mischief Night there ever was.
Not so much as a fright.
Not even a startle came anywhere near me.
HE GASPS SHE LAUGHS I thought I would find you here.
I saw the clock had stopped.
Someone's Mischief Night trick, I expect.
How could I walk by? I am sorry I was so angry with you, Fisher.
It's to be expected.
It is.
Then why did you stop the clock? Are you accusing me? You suppose I've done this to keep you here.
I saw you going out.
Are you convinced you are that important to me? Do you suppose I've been pining ever since you left? There are bushes and wildflowers I know better than me own hand.
The pond where the yellow brandyball water lilies grow .
.
the little birch thicket where the long-tailed tits congregate.
How can you remember that so well? Here's why I came back.
The memory of you didn't fade.
It grew.
I told myself, keep moving, it'll pass.
It's not like some blinding flash.
It crept up on me.
I'd find myself smiling and I realised I was thinking of you.
Do you suppose I want to hear this now? It is too late.
I know it's too late.
And I accept that.
But the clocks have stopped.
At least, this one has anyway.
It's Mischief Night.
Why did you go out, Laura? What were you looking for? You will laugh at me, I know you will.
I was determined to be frivolous.
I was searching forsomething.
I just wandered around.
Buttoned up.
Don't you dare! It's too late.
The night's not over yet.
Dance with me.
No! What an idea! Dancing's only dancing, Laura.
Showing the world your cares are all in the past.
Ain't there fiddles and drums in your head? Don't you hear them? Come on Show the world Laura Timmins ain't buttoned up.
I can't.
This is wrong.
What's wrong with a bit of light in your eyes? Wild joy in your face? Daniel is out there.
I never know when you're playing mischief.
Folks want me to believe that you already plan to marry Daniel.
Is that what you want, Laura? Who said such a thing? The closer you get to that moment is it truly what you want? Did Daniel tell you that? Not Daniel, no.
I take it this is your handiwork, Miss Lane? I am glad you find it amusing.
You were quite correct - mischief has its purpose.
Fisher Bloom set out on the road last night.
I watched him go.
I hope you agree this is a glad day for all of us.
When I came into the Stores last night I do not wish to conceal from you, Pearl .
.
I witnessed your encounter with Fisher.
Let me apologise.
I did not intend to spy upon you.
I am sure that, in your mind, what you did was for the sake of Daniel.
If you're preparing one of your sermons on morality, Miss Lane, spare yourself the effort.
You yourself told me only yesterday that the sprite in all of us must find expression.
Surely even more so when it is in a good cause.
If what you did goes undiscovered, then you may achieve the ends you intended.
But supposing Daniel were to find out? What would it do to him? That is not possible.
Mr Bloom is gone.
We will see no more of him, and there is no-one left to tell Daniel.
Perhaps my little ruse will turn out to be a premonition of the real thing.
Would that not be a great cause for celebration? We can consider ourselves fortunate, Miss Lane.
We have had a near escape.
Mr Bloom has come and gone and left no lasting mark on our town.
If only that were true.
Oh, Laura, our conversation the other day, what you said - "It is not enough for me.
" I'm sorry, ma'am.
I only meant I understand that may be so for you.
But I would like you to understand that it is enough for me.
ALF: Whoa! Minnie, I was inCandleford last night.
I know you was.
I was looking out for you.
Well, I weren't looking out for you.
Still, it was a grand night, all the same.
Alf Arless, you ain't got no more heart than that bag of straw and rags.
And he's more handsome, an' all.
Minnie, I was wanting to tell you I don't want told.
If I live my whole life long I never want to meet a lump of a boy like Alf Arless ever again.
Daniel! I'm so glad to see you.
Will you do something for me? Will you hold me? I am so sorry, Daniel.
The town clock has stopped.
Everyone's talking about it.
Seems like it was some Mischief Night prank.
You don't think I did it, do you? Laura, I know it wasn't you.
Daniel, I am so confused.
I don't want to hurt you.
But I must ask you to be patient with me.
For us.
What are you saying, Laura? Isn't it inevitable? The shock of Fisher coming back here.
It's bound to I have tried Surely you can see that I have tried to cast these thoughts out of my mind.
What a pity it is that you must try.
I'm trying to explain to you that it is distressing it's confusing.
I can see that, Laura.
But if you loved me, truly loved me you would have no room in your head for these "thoughts".
Let's call them what they are - doubts.
You want certainties.
Life is not like that.
I am human.
I am here, telling you the truth, so that we might come through this.
Can you not see, Laura, what Fisher coming here has done to us, done to me? I look at you and I wonder, isshe thinking of him? You went to see him in the clock.
Yes I watched you.
So every day I will wonder, does she want to go to him now? And that is why I stopped the town clock.
You? I wanted to know, Laura.
I wanted to find out, if he stayed, what would happen.
And now I know.
Daniel, please it is only doubt.
I meanconfusion.
It is confusion.
I am confused.
And I am clear, Laura.
BELL TOLLS LAURA:'When that one night of mischief had passed, 'life was meant to be restored to its familiar order.
'Our little town would take on again its peaceful character.
' 'But I felt that restless longing of youth.
'I found myself remembering what my father had once told me.
'We are all a curious mixture of good and bad.
'Our best hope is to live and to act so that we do not look back with regret.
' Don't expect me to treat you with courtesy.
Why's that? Laura knows what I offered to her.
I'm here.
If I asked youto marry me Me and you, Minnie, it just ain't possible.
She does seem so naturally at home here.
We must not allow ourselves to think such thoughts.
He wishes to buy the Candleford Post Office from me.
He'll keep the staff on.
But I will be cast out of my own home.
He's bent on finishing you.
We cannot outmanoeuvre him we must outwit him.