Call the Midwife s14e107 Episode Script

MATURE JENNIFER:
Children incline to happiness.
That is their gift.
They burst through the open door.
They run towards the smiling face.
They embrace what is offered.
They celebrate the small things,
for they will not be small
things themselves for long.
We have more power when we are older.
We make choices. We make progress.
We like to believe we make
something of ourselves.
But we were made and we were marked
when we were so much younger,
when, if we were lucky,
we were free to incline
to all the happiness we wanted.
- Phyllis, you're back!
- Millicent!
When did you arrive?
I came home in the small hours
without a hitch.
Then, on the way to clinic,
I get a puncture.
You look remarkably sanguine,
all things considered.
The Devonshire air was clearly
something of a tonic.
It was better than you had
during the dustmen's strike,
by all accounts.
We have scoured and we have scrubbed,
but the odour still haunts us.
I'm just glad little
Nurse Clifford pulled through.
I shall be keeping an eye on her.
Oh, I almost forgot.
Just a little something.
Oh! Clotted cream fudge!
What a treat!
Do you require a lift to the clinic?
That would be appreciated.
I'd rather not be late
on my first day back.
Morning, ladies.
Nurse Aylward, I can see
your under-slip.
I have been given a date
for a disciplinary hearing.
Has Mrs Midgely's complaint
been upheld?
It seems it has.
The legal language is so brutal.
"Misconduct and disobedience"?
I don't recognise myself
in those words.
Nor do I, Nurse Highland.
You are one of our
most competent, diligent
and hard-working midwives,
and you will be cleared
of these charges.
We simply have to trust in the process.
How can I trust in a process
that might be as prejudiced
as the person who made the complaint?
We have Dr Turner's records
and Sister Catherine's statement,
which relates to your previous visit,
which she witnessed,
and I myself will attend
as your character witness.
I don't feel I can ask you to do that.
This is the second time
you've had to help me
try to resolve a crisis.
You have not asked me.
I have stepped forward
because that is my privilege.
And if you are referring to the matter
of your divorce
from an abusive husband,
that is my privilege, too.
You will be moving on from that,
and you will move on from this, too.
I have to believe in myself, don't I?
Yes, you do.
How's that? Bye-bye.
Afternoon, Fred.
You don't happen to sell
shoelaces, do you?
Ah, strawberry or liquorice?
Didn't know you were partial.
I meant real shoelaces.
Mine snapped.
Oh, I think Violet put them
Oh! There.
Last pair.
- Three and ninepence.
- I need to smarten myself up.
I've been invited to a film premiere.
The bucking bronco one.
Bronco Bullfrog.
To be attended by Her Royal Highness
Princess Anne.
Not you, too!
That's all I've heard about
from Violet for the past week.
You would have thought God was
coming out to Tower Hamlets,
- not mere royalty.
- They filmed it here.
I think it's nice they're
going to be showing it here.
Most of the actors are local kids,
and I helped the crew find the extras.
Here.
Violet's having the fur
replaced on her robes,
and I've been threatened
with a new suit.
There's no getting out of this one.
How many tickets did they send you?
Two.
There we go.
BABY FUSSES
Afternoon, Mr and Mrs Berridge.
- Nip in the air today.
- Hmm.
Oh, aren't those lovely new shoes?
May I have your urine sample,
please, Mrs Berridge?
Oh, I can take that for you.
JAR SHATTERS, SHE GASPS
Careful!
I'm so sorry.
It just slipped out of my hand.
- Well, it wasn't my fault!
- Accidents happen.
Shall we go through, Mrs Berridge?
It's fine. We'll go to the park.
How does that sound?
Go to the park? Come on.
Ohh! I'll see you
when you're done, love.
It's lovely to see you again.
May I help?
Are you looking for something
in particular?
It's not for me. It's for my mum.
She needs
..something the council hygiene
department usually delivers.
Might you be looking for these?
Yep. That's it. Thank you.
- Uh
- Oh, your mum sometimes
phones an order in, Mr Briscoe,
and this is the brand
that she generally favours.
I'll take them, then.
Would you like to pop your jumper off?
It's quite warm in here.
I'm cold.
It's because I'm tired.
I was up all night with Kerry,
and this one kicking.
How much did your first baby weigh
Mrs Berridge? Can you remember?
Six pounds.
And your husband?
He was in an orphanage from a baby.
I don't think he knows.
He never knew his real mum and dad.
Blood pressure is a little low,
and baby seems small for dates.
How are you feeling in terms of your
general health, Mrs Berridge?
I'm fine.
I just need to catch up on my sleep.
Sometimes it's hard to take
as much care of yourself
as you should when
you're having a second baby.
Maybe we just need to keep
a closer eye on you.
And we're not letting you
off the premises
unless you have another go
at giving us that urine sample.
Oh, thank you, Sister.
I should have done that.
It was the work of moments,
and really rather satisfying.
Sister Julienne,
might it be possible,
until my hearing is over,
not to work directly with the patients?
And may I take some of my holiday leave
to give me time to prepare my case?
You're a good nurse
and you are needed, Joyce.
I will give you
whatever time off you require,
but, please, don't hide yourself away.
It is others who should be
ashamed, not you.
Mrs Berridge, have you got
something for me?
I tried, but there was nothing doing.
I'll bring one next week.
May I have a quick word,
Sister Catherine?
Mrs Berridge and her husband
both used to take heroin.
Heroin?
We didn't know what it was
in Poplar five years ago,
but the problem has grown and grown,
and I wish I could say its use
was unknown in pregnant women,
but I can't.
Is that why she was being so cagey
about replacing the sample,
and why the baby feels small?
I would say baby is borderline,
but I must confess I feel uneasy.
I think we should make
a house call tomorrow.
So do I.
I simply don't know what one has to do
or whom one has to speak to
to get tickets to this film gala.
We haven't had royalty in Poplar
since Princess Margaret came to open
the old community centre.
I had a call from the surgery
regarding Ellen Briscoe, Mrs.
Nurse Crane, if you don't find
Ellen Briscoe, Mrs,
filed correctly under B,
I shall run around the allotment
in my corselet and stockings.
I'm not so much interested
in B for Briscoe
as B for blanks.
I need a new card for her.
She left the practice, so I
took her out of my Rolodex,
and now she's back,
so she needs to go back in.
I remember Ellen Briscoe.
She told Dr Turner he had an
unsatisfactory bedside manner.
That's outrageous!
He could go on Opportunity Knocks
with his bedside manner.
Well, it seems the other doctor
didn't score very highly
on the clapometer either,
because she's re-registered with us,
and someone has taken the blank cards
out of my Rolodex, Sister Veronica!
SHE CLEARS HER THROA
Thank you.
MAN COUGHS
Take a seat.
Morning, Sister.
Morning, Dr Turner.
It looks as though most of our methadone
patients have come back again.
Oh. That's good.
Well, it shows it's working.
This treatment is so new,
it could still go either way,
but I think we can all feel encouraged.
Oh, Nurse, I'm so glad you came.
Mum's in agony.
She told me she was falling apart
at the seams this morning.
Mr Briscoe! I didn't recognise you.
You're looking very smart.
I'm working at Woodall's,
the gentlemen's outfitters.
Oh, that's a well-established firm.
It's a nice opening for a youngster.
It's a bit of a dead-end job, really,
but it's not too far,
so I can pop back to see Mum
when I need to.
Mark? Marky, is that you?
Come in.
How are you feeling, Laurence?
Are the cravings any more
manageable with the methadone?
They haven't gone completely,
but I can cope with them now.
Little by little, eh?
Less of the "little".
It's been a few months now.
You said we were pioneers
when you got me on this programme.
It was as experimental for me
as it was for you.
But it's given rise to
a lot of interest,
and hope, which is probably
more important.
I mean, I've managed to
hold down regular work
on the building sites.
Me and Jacqui have got
ourselves a wee council flat
- and another baby on the way.
- Good for you.
This is not where
I thought I'd be a year ago,
and I'm grateful.
Well, I am grateful to you
for sticking with it.
Here's your methadone for the week.
DOORBELL RINGS
DOORBELL RINGS
Mrs Berridge!
Midwife calling.
I'll be right there. Just a second.
KEY RATTLES IN LCOK
Hello?
Was I supposed to be expecting you?
I'm afraid things
have gone downhill for me
since we last met, Nurse.
I'm in almost constant pain.
That should be more comfortable.
You've a very capable young man
here, Mrs Briscoe.
Why don't you tell me about yourself?
Mum likes me to keep notes.
I'll step out
when you do the procedure.
Sorry, can you do my other arm?
This one's aching from carrying
Kerry around all day,
and she still doesn't like
being put down
Oh, Mrs Berridge.
Has this been going on for a long time?
No.
It was only once. It's not anything.
I'm all right.
I'm all right, I promise.
Jacqui, you're not all right.
And if you don't tell us
the truth and let us help you,
baby is not going to be
all right either.
I don't want to hurt my baby.
I don't want that.
Is it heroin again, Jacqui?
Yes.
And does your husband know?
No.
The medication you're on
for the underactive thyroid
- should have relieved your symptoms.
- MRS BRISCOE SCOFFS
And I see that your last doctor
wanted you
- to stop your enemas.
- That's the reason I left.
Well, I can't go
unless I have a wash-out,
I get that blocked.
Worse cramps than childbirth.
And I have a commode
because my legs mean
I can't walk to the privy.
I'll I'll get back to work.
See you later, Mum. OK?
Thank you, Nurse.
His mind's elsewhere.
I suspect a lady friend.
That's nice.
He's a good lad.
Well, she'll have to be a good girl
if he's planning on getting spliced.
SHE LAUGHS
It won't be easy, living cheek by jowl.
Young folk these days
tend to want their own homes.
Mark will live with me.
I lived with my mother.
Shall we get you
on your left side, Mrs Briscoe,
and the towel under you?
Unfortunately, Jacqui,
your baby will have been exposed
to the drugs you've taken.
You're saying my baby's an addict?
It will need very special care
once it's born,
because it will have become
accustomed to having heroin
in its bloodstream.
- So it is an addict!
- None of this is ideal,
but we can help by weaning you
off the drugs, starting now.
I would like to give you
controlled injections
of a different opiate,
to help ease your withdrawal.
It will ease things for the baby, too.
No! I don't want no more drugs.
I got myself clean before
without interference.
I'll do it the same way this time.
Well, the offer is open.
Please consider it
..for your baby's sake.
This has been so lovely.
Am I allowed to say
I looked forward to it all day?
Yes.
As long as I'm allowed to as well.
We need to have
a proper night out soon.
As long as you're completely recovered.
I can't believe how much better I feel.
- CYRIL CHUCKLES
- The grapes have helped. Obviously!
Bronco Bullfrog?!
- The royal film gala!
- It looks tremendous.
An East End film about East End kids.
Wait till I tell Trixie.
She's still trying to get tickets.
I believe she even asked Mrs Buckle
and got a flat no!
THEY CHUCKLE
Coming off heroin
is going to be a nightmare
combined with pregnancy.
Whether she agrees to
the opiate therapy or not,
I'll have to talk to the Linchmere
and see what they suggest.
I'm concerned for little Kerry.
Can Father be relied upon,
or should we look into foster care?
Mr Berridge hasn't been taking drugs.
His urine test came back
negative from my clinic.
Does he know that his wife
is taking heroin again?
She's adamant that he doesn't.
It seems she's managed
to hide it from everyone.
TEARFULLY: I'm sorry.
I'm so sorry.
Why did you take it, Jacqui?
Why?
You're pregnant, love.
I know.
And I hate myself for it.
But you're never around.
And I was lonely.
I'm working!
I'm trying to give us
a decent go at things.
I can quite see that you don't
want to put your job at risk,
but do you have someone
who can babysit for Kerry?
No, I haven't, and she hasn't.
I haven't seen my family
in three years.
Mum hates Laurence.
She made me choose him or her.
My dad was a bit more tolerant, but
Mum wouldn't have it.
They've never even met Kerry.
That must be very difficult.
Sister Veronica can help,
as your health visitor.
She might be able to
find a nursery place for Kerry.
No, I'll I'll take time off work,
and we'll scrabble through.
We're all the family that we need.
DR TURNER: All right,
you three, we have something
very special for pudding tonight.
Raspberry ripple ice cream!
CHILDREN CHEER
- Because we are celebrating.
- Celebrating what?
The fact that the final adoption papers
for a certain Miss May Turner
are now in place,
and we are going to the
magistrates' court to sign them!
- Yay!
- Oh!
- PHONE RINGS
- Ah! Right on cue.
That will be your big brother
calling from Edinburgh
to say congratulations.
- Hello.
- MAY: Timothy! Timothy!
Yes, Timothy.
Oh, yes, we've told them.
MAY: I can't wait to see you.
PHONE RINGS
Good morning. Violet Buckle speaking.
I'm always happy to speak
to the Gazette.
Yes.
I think the royal premiere
is a wonderful opportunity
to promote Tower Hamlets.
What do you mean, it's about
juvenile delinquents?
FRED GROANS
Ohh!
Next time you go waltzing off
to New York,
I am going to strip this
right down to its frame.
Forever playing silly beggars.
Can't you ride a different one?
It's my favourite, Fred.
It's been my favourite for years.
Lady Aylward?
SHE CHUCKLES
- Lady Aylward.
- Violet, what's the matter?
VIOLET SIGHS
Could you possibly,
and I can hardly bear
to encroach upon your time,
grace us with your company
at the premiere of this film?
But I thought you said
the tickets were at a premium.
That was before I knew it was likely
to bring Poplar into disrepute.
We need all the respectability
we can pack into that cinema.
Can't go giving Princess Anne
the wrong impression.
I'd be delighted to oblige,
but there's other respectable
people at Nonnatus House.
And there will be other tickets.
You, um, leave it with me.
SHE CLEARS HER THROA
Nurse Crane said you asked to see me.
Please, sit down.
I have spoken with our superior,
Mother Mildred,
and we have agreed that
we would like to invite you
to take your first vows and
become a novice in the Order.
Do you feel I'm ready?
As St Paul told Timothy,
"Seek not to be ready,
"but be always in a state
of readiness."
You don't have to give your answer now.
I would like to give it,
if that is acceptable.
Yes!
I want to enter the vowed life.
Yes, I want to join the Order.
Yes, I want to be your sister.
Because I want to give
all that I am to Him.
Ten out of ten.
You can get dressed now.
All I have to do
is to sign these forms,
and then you can hand them in
at the recruiting office.
Dr Turner, were you in
the Royal Army Medical Corps?
I certainly was.
When I saw an advert
for the RAMC, it was perfect.
I've always been interested
in two things -
nursing, cos of my mum, I suppose,
and the Army, because
Well, just because.
Because of you.
You've got a lot to offer, Mark,
and you'll get a lot out of it, too.
Sisters, may I direct your attention
towards the guest room
when you've finished your labours?
Guest room?
Are we expecting
Nurse Aylward's brother?
No. Nurse Corrigan is sending
Colette to stay with us.
She has a fitting
for her bridesmaid dress.
Oh, this is all happening
very late in the day.
There's not much more than
a month before the wedding.
Oh, good morning.
What brings you here?
Is something amiss with Mother?
She was fine when I took her
her breakfast.
Oh.
Nurse Crane, do you mind not
telling Mum you saw me here?
I was having my Army medical.
I see. My lips are sealed.
I still haven't told her.
They could send me
anywhere in the world,
and then what would she do?
Let's just take this one step
at a time, shall we?
Ohh, my back aches!
It's killing me!
It's the drug working its way
out of your body, Jacqui.
I can't do this!
SHE VOMITS
You're doing so well.
JACQUI GROANS
Sister, is there any possibility
that mother is in labour?
JACQUI GROANS
I think she is having a contraction.
I'm not ready!
I'm not ready. My body's not ready!
I think it is, Jacqui.
All will be well, because
bodies know a thing or two.
And so do we.
Mrs Briscoe?
District nurse calling!
It's Nurse Crane,
come for your procedure.
One moment.
I'm not decent!
Jacqui, how about a little gas and air
for your next contraction?
No, I don't want any drugs!
I've hurt my baby enough.
This won't harm baby.
- It'll just take the edge off your pain.
- JACQUI STRAINS
LIQUID SPLASHES
Oh! Oh!
I think my waters have broken!
I can tell you've done this before.
Wonderful. Let's get you onto the bed.
We have meconium.
Baby's in distress.
Baby needs to be born now.
JACQUI GROANS
It's good to see you're able to get up
and fetch yourself some snacks,
Mrs Briscoe.
I don't know what you're talking about.
I lead the most terrible life,
stuck here, needing help to go
to the toilet, unable to
- feed myself.
- It doesn't need to be.
These legs just need exercising.
And you've got a lazy bowel
from too much laxative dependence.
Both can be rectified.
What does that mean?
It means that with a little hard work,
you can get your independence back.
That's cruel, that is.
And typical of the medical profession.
Do you think I haven't tried
everything?
I'm going to make your
next appointment with Dr Turner
at the surgery, Mrs Briscoe.
How am I supposed
to get to the surgery?
I can't walk.
I'd be in a state of collapse.
I'm sure we can provide tea
and a biscuit to revive you.
It appears you favour custard creams.
VOMITING
JACQUI GROANS
This is just baby's head
crowning, Jacqui.
The stinging won't last long.
Slow the delivery down if you can.
Small, short breaths
through this next contraction.
- SHE EXHALES
- Wonderful.
That's wonderful. Just like that.
You're a dab hand at this, Jacqui.
Really? I feel like I've made
a mess of everything!
You're a lovely mother to Kerry.
And you're going to be a lovely
mother to this one, too.
JACQUI STRAINS
Blow again.
Blow again, like this.
SHE BLOWS
JACQUI EXHALES, CRIES
Superb work.
Baby's head has been delivered.
Now we need gentle pushes
to deliver the rest of baby.
SHE STRAINS
Clamp and cut now.
Congratulations, Jacqui.
You have a son.
Oh, one of each!
Kerry wanted a little brother.
Oh, can I hold him?
The little fella just needs cleaning up
and a bit of help with his breathing.
What's wrong with his breathing?
Oh, nothing.
He's just a bit of a lazybones.
Call the ambulance.
Is this because of what I did?
Is this my fault?
AIR PUFFS
Come on, little soldier.
BABY CRIES
HE SIGHS
CRYING CONTINUES
INDISTINCT CONVERSATION ON TV
Oh
When will Mum and Dad be home?
They're helping a lady have her baby,
but they'll be back soon.
Do they have to sign forms with her?
No, sweetheart. Why?
They had to sign forms with me
so that I could be their child.
You've been waiting for this
for such a long time, haven't you?
It's nearly a year.
A year is a long time, May,
but a lifetime is even longer.
And you are going to be part
of this family forever.
So come and sit with me,
and we'll have a think
about that, shall we?
BABY CRIES
We're going to take baby
to St Cuthbert's, Jacqui.
He can have specialist help there
and be very well looked after.
BABY CONTINUES CRYING
He can't go without me.
You've got to stay here, Jacqui.
You need looking after yourself.
SHE VOMITS
Wait, wait, wait. Wait!
Michael.
Can we call him Michael?
After your father?
Why would you want to call him
after your father?
Because I haven't stopped
thinking about him.
Or my mum.
In spite of everything
that's been said,
in spite of everything
that's been done.
And I know that they loved me
as a newborn,
just like I love this little scrapper.
Your parents cut you off,
Jacqui, because of me.
It wasn't my parents. It was my mum.
My dad was a good dad.
All right.
If that's what you want.
His temperature's stable,
but you must keep him warm.
- BABY CRIES
- JACQUI: I'm sorry, Michael.
MICHAEL CRIES
It's no good, son. I'm spent.
I can't do any more.
Yes, you can.
MR BRISCOE SIGHS
SHE GROANS
Well done.
Only a few more, Mum,
and the taxi's right outside the door.
OK?
Afternoon.
How are you?
I'm getting by.
I've heard about the accusation.
- Mm.
- I'm sorry.
It sounds like a clear case
of racial prejudice to me.
They asked us to come here, and we did.
I can't say it's ever been quite
the welcome that they promised.
I arrived at this very port.
I've scarcely travelled
a mile since then,
but sometimes I feel like an astronaut.
HE CHUCKLES
I've come so far
and learned to breathe
such different air.
Hmm.
So did I.
And this is home now,
whether I'm happy or whether I'm not
..whether I'm wanted
or whether I'm not.
I can't go back.
She can't get out of the cab.
Or she won't.
Won't or can't?
You go back to your mother
and wait in the taxi.
Keep the meter running, if need be.
Jacqui?
Mrs Berridge?
I'm sorry, Doctor, but there's
no world in which I can make it
up those stairs. My legs don't work.
In which case I will have to
examine you in the taxi.
Oh, there's no dignity in this!
A word of thanks to Doctor
for his consideration
would be nice.
Any chance we can do a deal
on the meter?
St Cuthbert's called to say
Mrs Berridge has just been seen
leaving the special care
nursery with her husband.
Well, thank goodness
we know where she is.
Did she try to take the baby?
Baby Michael remains in his incubator.
So
..at least one patient
is in the proper place.
I've tested them thoroughly,
and there's certainly nothing wrong
with your reflexes, Mrs Briscoe.
What about my thyroid?
Your levels have been tested
in the last three months.
Things look spot-on in that regard.
I sacked my last doctor
for saying that.
And you're ignoring my arthritis.
I can't walk! Mark?
He's calling me a liar!
I'm going to have one of my turns!
I can feel it coming on.
Mrs Briscoe, there is no reason
we can't get you
back on your feet
if we all work together.
You can have occupational therapy,
and we can work out a plan
- to help you with your bowels.
- SHE SCOFFS
But you have to want to do it.
What am I going to do?
It's my Army interview tomorrow.
Then tell her.
She's not as helpless
as she'd have you believe.
And perhaps she needs to hear it.
I don't believe it!
You've all grown so much,
they don't fit.
Does that mean
you'll have to cut these out
and measure them again?
It does.
And Nancy's changed her mind
about the style of her dress.
I've got my work cut out,
and no mistake.
No pun intended.
I thought I had never seen you
happier than when you were
ready to enter the novitiate.
I was happier in that moment than
..I have ever been
..before or since.
But this life,
any life,
it doesn't just consist
of moments, does it?
No. It consists of years,
in which we face life
in all its aspects,
all its difficulties
..in our search for happiness
and peace of mind.
My peace of mind has so many enemies.
Is it permissible to say that?
Admission is essential.
I've been caring for
a very vulnerable mother.
And
..I see myself in her.
Her family cut her off
because of the path she chose.
As have yours.
And I cannot reconcile myself to it.
I have caused my parents
so much pain
..just like my patient
caused her parents.
She wanted more.
I wanted more.
You wanted something greater.
Whatever our desires were,
the end result has been the same.
Things have been lost
and
..broken.
Perhaps forever.
My family
could not accept my calling,
and they could not forgive me
when I answered God.
But with his help,
acceptance
and forgiveness
are within my gift.
Sister,
am I wrong to want their blessing
..when I have so many others?
You may be wrong
to assume that they will never give it.
Emotions sometimes take time to soften.
Write to them,
invite them.
And I will pray for a beneficent reply.
I keep asking myself,
long or short?
Short or long?
Do you think this is suitable
for the premiere, Joyce?
I can go back and change it.
Just keep it low-key, Rosalind.
You don't want to draw any more
attention to yourselves than necessary.
Even stepping out with a black man
is going to get you unwanted attention.
So you keep saying.
So, ladies
I've continued to apply
discreet pressure
and Mrs Buckle
keen to showcase Poplar's
most upstanding citizens,
finally provided tickets for us all.
I thought it might be a nice way
to celebrate after your hearing.
Celebrate?
If I lose at that hearing,
I will lose everything -
my registration,
my job and my home!
And you just come breezing in here
talking about celebrating?!
DOOR SLAMS SHU
We've just been really insensitive.
Yes, I'm afraid we have.
We'll apologise once Joyce has had
a chance to collect herself.
In the meantime,
I want to talk to you
about your shoes.
I have some news, Mum.
It's something exciting,
but it'll mean change for us.
I passed my medical test.
I've got my final interview tomorrow.
Oh! There was
me thinking you had a lady friend.
If I pass, I get to train
at Aldershot for 16 weeks,
and then I get posted somewhere.
Maybe maybe even overseas.
What will become of me?
I'll make sure you're all right, Mum.
But I can't work
in a gentlemen's outfitters
for the rest of my life.
It's suffocating me.
I've sacrificed my life for you
..raised you on my own
since we lost your dad. And for
what? To be told I suffocate you?!
Please don't do this, Mum.
I don't want you to do anything
for me any more.
Live your life, live your dream. Go.
I won't be accused
of standing in your way.
Get out! Get out! Now!
CATHERINE:
How are you feeling, Jacqui?
Much better.
The pains and the sweating have gone.
Michael's doing nicely, too.
Shall I put some milk in this
for Kerry?
I haven't been to the shops yet.
Where is your husband today?
Back on the building site.
Someone has to earn, don't they?
Well, when Sister Catherine's
finished
we'll go through the forms for milk and
orange juice
and I'll tell you about the
social worker you've been assigned.
His name is Mr Robinson.
He's very nice.
We don't need a welfare officer.
I'm off drugs,
and my husband is working.
I've got butterflies in my tummy.
So have I.
- GROANING
- Mrs Briscoe!
- What happened?
- I fell down the stairs,
hit my head. I can't move.
You're lucky I decided to call in.
I need Mark. Can you get Mark?
It's a miracle.
No bump, cut or bruise.
And somehow,
in your fall
..your cup of tea
didn't spill a drop.
If I hadn't stopped by,
it's Mark who would have
found you here, isn't it?
May's mother, Miss Esther Tang,
who currently remains
living in Hong Kong,
has now completed the formal
agreement for the adoption.
Thank you, Mr Hallett.
So, May,
today is the big day.
We are going to make a formal decision
that Dr and Mrs Turner
will be your legal father
and legal mother.
Are you happy about that?
I've been happy for a long time,
just knowing it will happen.
Then are we all agreed?
The adoption order has been made.
Congratulations.
- There you go, sir.
- My pleasure. Good to see you.
Nurse Crane.
I'm sorry to interrupt you
at work, Mr Briscoe.
I need to speak to you
about your mother.
There's been an incident.
An incident? Is she all right?
No harm was done at all,
but there are some facts of
which you need to be apprised.
Thank you for your advice,
Sister Monica Joan.
I'm writing to my family.
Oh, just a moment.
A missive of such import
deserves a special letterhead and bond.
Oh, Marky, I've had a terrible day.
I know.
I spoke to Nurse Crane.
I want to talk.
But not here.
I've set the table for tea
downstairs. I'll see you there.
We've managed to get ourselves
into a right mess, Mum
don't you think?
You're too young to be an invalid,
and I'm too young to be looking
after you. It's not healthy.
Not healthy?
What more do you want, Mark?
I want us to be honest with each other.
I want you to support me
and my ambitions,
and I want you
to have your own dreams, too.
"Dreams"?
At my age? I put my
dreams aside to bring you up.
You're going to have to get them out
again, Mum, and spruce them up, cos
..cos I'm going to take this job
if I get it.
I want to see the world.
I'll make you proud. I promise.
I want you to want this for me, Mum.
I want your blessing.
KNOCKING, DOOR OPENS
My work shoes are gone.
And my uniform. Have you seen them?
Oh!
Thank you!
Don't cry, or you'll make me cry.
- I've felt so alone!
- Never.
Not here and not with us.
You have friends, Joyce.
And what's more, you now have
an immaculately ironed uniform
and a perfectly polished pair of shoes.
DOOR OPENS
KERRY CHATTERS
Hey! Hello! How are you doing?
Want to come up?
There we go. One, two, three!
We'll have a wee play here, will we,
while Mummy's snoozing? KERRY GIGGLES
Hey, Jacqui.
Hey. What's going on?
What are you doing back home?
We weren't expecting you.
Where's your wedding ring?
I lost it.
Don't lie to me, Jacqui.
Jacqui
You sold your wedding ring for this?
I mean, where did you even
get this from?!
Don't, please! Please!
It's so hard without Michael!
I'll be fine when he comes home!
It's just to get me through!
You're not going to
get him back like this!
Don't look at me like that
like I'm dirty, like I'm bad!
I would never have taken it
if I hadn't met you!
We've moved on, Jacqui!
At least, I moved on!
I'm doing my best here
to stay clean, to give
this family a decent go!
Don't throw it away, please!
You know what it's like.
You could do it with me.
No.
- You wanted me to take it with you once.
- Oh!
Remember?
And I did,
because I love you.
And now I'm asking you to just
..just take it with me.
You think I'm selfish
..that I'm standing in my son's way.
I think you're afraid of being alone.
And you don't have to be.
You'll miss him
..but you won't lose him.
He'll visit. He's clearly
devoted to you,
as I was to my mother.
It was hard for her
when I left home to train.
But then she found things to do
which had been impossible
with me clinging to her skirts.
What do you miss most?
I used to like a jumble sale.
That's something to aim for.
But small steps first.
Let's see if you can get
these shoes on yourself.
Ready?
Good.
Then we shall go.
Hello?
Mrs Berridge?
- Mr Berridge?
- CHILD CRIES
Kerry!
We need to get in.
- KERRY WAILS
- Mrs Berridge?
Mr Berridge?
Is anyone home?
She's hungry. And she hasn't
been changed for hours.
She's wet and dirty.
Maybe Mrs Berridge is still sleeping.
HE KNOCKS
SHE GASPS
Oh, no!
There's no pulse, and they're cold.
Oh
I'll contact the police
and try to trace next of kin.
Nurse Highland has won
three awards for excellence,
one for outstanding performance
for her midwifery examinations,
and two whilst training to be a nurse.
MAN: Nevertheless,
we are here to address
a complaint of negligence
by Mrs Bernadette Midgely.
Mrs Midgely's accusations
are entirely unfounded.
She is seeking to escape
responsibility for her own
personal decision
to refuse care from a nurse
whose race she considered distasteful.
I consider that appalling.
That is not what we are here
to discuss, Sister.
I thought I'd driven it home
to him at the methadone clinic.
Turning back to heroin after abstinence
increases the risk
of accidental overdose.
There's also been talk of
contaminated drugs in the area.
What the dealers call "dodgy gear".
Yes, I've heard about that, too.
The inquest may reveal more,
for all the good it will do.
These poor children!
We have to hope that Mr Robinson
has some luck back at the office,
tracing the children's grandparents.
Mrs Midgely said you made her feel
uncomfortable and criticised.
That was never my intention.
I was encouraging her to exercise,
as stipulated
in the new medical advice,
which encourages ambulation
after giving birth.
And can you explain why you left
without conducting an examination?
I wanted to examine her.
She was in pain, in her calf,
and to me, the area looked red,
as though it was inflamed.
I tried,
and she refused to co-operate.
She said she didn't want
She didn't want
a black person to touch her.
What's all this?
Why are there boxes in the hall?
Are you moving house?
No!
SHE CHUCKLES
I'm sorting stuff out
for a jumble sale.
Your mother's making progress.
I take it there's news.
Oh
Oh, son!
Oh! Careful, Mum.
I'm not dead yet!
Well done.
You go and spread your wings.
MAGISTRATE CLEARS THROA
We have concluded
that there was no disobedience
and no misconduct
on the part of Nurse Highland.
I am exonerated?
Completely.
Sister Julienne's comments regarding
Mrs Midgely's attitude
have been made a matter of record.
Thank you.
There will be no further action.
SHE EXHALES SHARPLY
And that completes my
case notes on Jacqui Berridge.
Mother, deceased.
Drug overdose.
And the date.
Footnote. Baby and older sibling
transferred to care
of maternal grandparents.
That is something, I suppose.
Sometimes our prayers are answered
..but not always
in the way that we desire.
There's a letter for you, Sister.
It's addressed to Miss S. Cantwell.
This is my sister's writing.
"Dear Sandra
"thank you for the invitation
to your first vow ceremony.
"Nothing will stop me from being there,
"even if I have to come on my own.
"I miss you, and I love you."
It sounds as though my parents
and my other siblings
still can't come to terms
with my vocation,
but Helen has!
I will have family with me!
I think we're all going to
represent Poplar very well.
Mrs Buckle will be quite delighted.
You look absolutely smashing, lass.
It's not every day you get to
walk round the corner
and rub shoulders with royalty.
Rosalind has gone on ahead with Cyril.
- Shall we go?
- Yes.
I'm terrified we're going to
get there after Princess Anne.
- SHE YELPS
- Oi!
Can't you do better than that?
MAN CHUCKLES
A little blonde like you?
You'll lose him in the dark.
- I beg your pardon?!
- Just ignore them.
Why should I ignore them?
If I ignore them,
then they'll assume that
they've made their point
and make it again with someone else,
and then nothing is ever
going to change.
Change will come, Rosalind.
But it's going to take time.
And we haven't got
any more time to waste.
I want to be with you, Cyril.
I want to share things with you -
days and dreams
and plans and conversations,
and coffee after work,
and nights out with both of us
looking beautiful!
And you do look very, very beautiful.
So do you.
Is it allowed, to say
that a man looks beautiful?
MATURE JENNIFER: Babies are born,
but families are forged.
Year after year after year,
the stuff of belonging
is tempered and strengthened,
shaped by life
and its chances and demands,
created by love
and all that we let go.
And even in loss,
new life is given back to us.
There will always be another open door.
There will always be another gift,
another celebration,
something to pass from hand to hand.
It may only be a small thing,
and the pleasure it brings
may be entirely fleeting.
But embrace it,
be at peace with it,
and, like a child,
embrace all the happiness it brings.
LAUGHTER
Come in, come in!
There's been a fire at Arbery,
with mothers-to-be there!
Hello again, Paula. Come on, honey,
let's get you inside.
If you're looking for us to
take her in, the answer's no.
- CHILDREN LAUGH
- Oi!
What do you think you're playing at?!
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