Original subtitles

(Church bells ringing)

They're as good as watchdogs, those two.

Hello, Simon . Come on in .

Oh. lsn 't it a beautiful day?

lt is, Annie. lt is.

l said to William, if it stays like this, we'll have him outside.

Aye.

l'll get you some beer.

How are you , William?

As you see me. No better, no worse.

l heard Tilly chopping away.

There's no cleaner line of trees in the county.

She does the job as good as any man .

Aye, but she's nearly 20.

She should be in service or married.

Oh. And how would you do without her?

She's been a godsend to you since her ma died.

No need to worry about her.

She's got a good head on her shoulders

Too much of a head. She reads and writes better than the parson .

- ls that right? - Aye.

- The parson 's wife taught her. - l've heard all about her.

She's as ignorant about being a parson 's wife as l am about being lady of the manor.

(Coughs)

l've been watching you , Tilly.

Oh. That's nice for you .

You chop wood like a fella.

But you don 't look like a fella.

Can l have my axe back, please?

Let me past, Hal.

l got something to ask you first.

Can l court you?

Court me?

Aye. l'll be a good catch for you .

And, well...

My ma says you're ready for it.

Well. Thanks, Hal McGrath.

But l'd rather walk out with a pig.

Now, let me past.

Thanks, Annie.

Will Tilly be up there all day?

She's her own boss. Suits herself.

Simon . You're in luck. She's coming down .

ls that Hal McGrath out there?

Aye. lt is. What's he after?

Has he got his eye on her?

Or is it the money?

Hopes to kill two birds with one stone.

He hangs about every Sunday.

Quick. Before she comes.

(William coughs)

Hello, Simon .

Why didn 't you come and rescue me?

Hal McGrath's been at me again . You'll never guess what he asked.

He wants to court me.

Hal McGrath!

Court you?

Aye. He said...

He said l was ready for it.

WlLLlAM: The gormless clot.

Keep clear of him, Tilly.

He's no good. None of the McGraths are.

Oh, l will, Simon . l will.

l don 't know. l must be getting old.

l nearly forgot to spill the news.

l'm getting married.

ANNlE: Married? No! When ?

Next month. You can dance with me at my wedding.

Dance?

But l don 't know how.

Oh, aye. l'm sure you'll manage.

Well, l best be off. You keep rested, William.

Ta-ra for now.

Who are you marrying?

Mary Foster. She's from Felling way.

Don 't you forget about that dance, now.

Tilly Trotter.

Hee-ya. Go on ! Ya.

Did you know he was getting married?

Or did you want to keep that from me, too?

We didn 't know. Don 't be perky with me, miss.

l'm not being perky, Gran .

But l'm 1 9 and yet you keep things from me.

Like that sovereign that Simon brings every month.

He's not paying back a debt.

How much could he owe to bring it all these years?

(Coughs)

Now see what your niggling's done.

Oh, l'm sorry, Granda.

l'm sorry l've upset you .

(Gasps) No... No, my dear. You'd never upset me.

You're a good lass.

You've been the light of my life since you came into it.

Your ma and da would be proud of you .

For if ye love them which love you what reward have ye?

Do not even the publicans the same?

And if ye salute your brethren only,

what do ye more than others?

Do not even the publicans so?

Be ye therefore perfect,

even as your Father in heaven is perfect.

And it was perfect, Tilly!

l do believe you're almost ready for Mr Shakespeare.

l think that will do for today, don 't you?

Yes, Mrs Ross.

Was there something else, Tilly?

ls there anything wrong?

Oh, no.

l mean , yes.

Simon ... Farmer Bentwood is getting married.

- He wants me to dance at his wedding. - Well, that's good.

lsn 't it?

But l don 't know how.

And l was wondering if you could teach me.

Well, l'm afraid l'm no expert.

But l'm sure l can help.

Wednesday? When you have your lesson ?

Oh, thanks, Mrs Ross.

Put your back into it!

Farmer Bentwood.

Good morning, Mr Sopwith.

l hear you're soon to be hitched.

lt's true, sir. Saturday, the halter'll be hung round my neck.

l hope you can manage the rider.

Oh, l can manage the rider.

Oh, by the way, sir. Can l ask?

ls it true what l hear?

lt depends what you've heard.

All rumours have a spice of truth.

They say the mine's all but finished.

Well, you set another rumour round.

My mine isn 't finished, nor likely to be.

l'm glad to hear it, sir. l really am.

- Good morning. - Good morning, ma'am.

Am l speaking with Mr Sopwith?

Yes, you are.

- l'm Lady Myton . - Oh. How do you do?

l'm sorry l haven 't been able to call on you .

Farmer Bentwood.

He's a neighbour.

Would you care to ride to Highfield and make my wife's acquaintance?

l'd be delighted.

Good.

Goodbye, Bentwood. Happy wedding next week.

Aye.

All right?

Not too fast?

Keep them here, Leyburn .

- Simes, is your mistress still in her room? - l'm afraid l don 't know, sir.

Thank you , Leyburn .

After you , Lady Myton .

- (Playful screaming) - Stop! Stop, this minute!

What's the meaning of all this noise?

CHlLDREN : Sorry, Papa.

No laughing matter. Where's Dewhurst?

ln the playroom, Papa.

Crying!

Get upstairs, all of you .

And don 't come down without my permission . Understand?

CHlLDREN : Yes, Papa.

Mrs Lucas. Kindly attend to your duties. Contain that commotion .

We've been over this before.

My various duties take me from one end of this house to the other.

There is a nursemaid.

Go upstairs. Restore order.

Now!

l'm so sorry.

What can l say?

Don 't be silly. l rather enjoyed it.

lt took me back.

l always gave my nursemaids a hell of a life.

This is Lady Myton , Eileen .

She and Lord Myton have taken Dean House.

l'm delighted to meet you .

- Please, sit down . -No, thank you . l can 't stay long.

l was hoping you'd join us for dinner next week.

l'm afraid that won 't be possible.

Oh. That's a pity.

l suppose you find this part of the world very stale after London .

Billy says he finds more to do up here.

He's very interested in engineering.

Lots of bridges, apparently.

Will you return to London , or will this be your permanent home?

Oh, we'll be staying.

Billy loves it here.

l can 't say for myself yet. But l'm going to enjoy the riding.

The country's so open and wild.

Like the people.

Lady Myton . This is Mabel Venna Price, my wife's companion .

Your ladyship.

Shall we be going, then ?

Oh.

Yes. Of course.

Goodbye, Mrs Sopwith.

l'll call again .

l'll be up shortly, my dear.

Take him to the stables, Leyburn .

Should be a good night.

- Until today fortnight. - Until today fortnight.

lf not before.

She's trouble, that one, ma'am.

Trouble? ln what way?

Well. From what l hear, she left London in a hurry.

Her name was coupled with a gentleman .

Lord Myton was all for thrashing him.

That's why they came up here.

Thank you , Mabel. l'll ring if l need you .

- What's the matter with her? - She didn 't like your guest.

My guest? She came to see you.

She's heard rumours.

lf there's any rumour to be sifted out, our Miss Price will be first down the hole.

Don 't talk like that, Mark. She's a friend.

Eileen .

Lady Myton came as a neighbour.

She wants to make friends.

Yes. She's rather adept at making friends.

Why do you listen to Price's claptrap?

l have no-one else to listen to.

You spare me very little time, these days.

Look. l've told you .

l cannot be in two or three places at the same time.

l'm up to my neck at the mine.

Come on . Smile.

That's better.

Well.

l suppose l better see if Dewhurst is still in tears.

These children will be the death of me.

(Clock chimes)

Good morning, Parson .

Tilly!

Mary, my love. l'd like you to meet a good friend, Tilly Trotter.

- Hello. - Hello.

Tilly. Hello, Tilly.

Come over here, Tilly. l've got something for you .

Pay no heed, hinny.

Been saying your prayers, Tilly? Cos l have!

l bet you know what l've been praying for.

Well, you'd better keep praying, Hal McGrath.

Because l've told you .

lf the choice is you or a pig, l'll take the pig.

? Jig

(Laughter)

Who's in there tonight?

And skip! One, two, three, four...

Again !

Go back!

Whew!

That's all there is to it.

Come Saturday, you needn 't worry. You can jig with the best of them.

Oh, thanks, Mrs Ross. l'm so happy.

BOTH: One, two, three, four.

One, two, three, four...

- You do look bonny. Doesn 't she? - Aye. She'll pass.

You should have gone to the church.

Aye. l thought you'd have liked to see Simon wed.

No-one's been kinder to you since you came here.

Simon 'll be puzzled and a bit hurt.

Eh, l wish l'd had the chance.

- lt's my frock. - Your frock? What's wrong with it?

Aw, Gran . Look! lt's all washed out.

lt's been hemmed so often , it doesn 't know if it's coming or going.

Go on . Get off with you , lass.

The jollification 'll be over afore you get there.

Tell Simon we wish him happiness.

And enjoy yourself.

l will.

Bye, Gran .

Bye, Granda.

Bye, love.

Hello, Steve.

Hello, Tilly.

Are you fishing?

Just watching. l don 't know how this salmon got up so far.

Are you off to the wedding?

Yes.

Oh, well. Best be off or it'll all be over.

You look bonnie today.

Thanks, Steve.

Come up, lass.

Hey, Tilly. Tilly! Where have you been ?

Why didn 't you come to the church?

Come on . Come and see Mary.

Hey. You remember Tilly, Mary, my love?

Mrs Bentwood. l hope you have a very happy life and want for nothing.

That's from my granny and granda an ' all.

Thank you .

As l was saying, l had to have this dress imported.

- Hello, Tilly. Have you seen my husband? -No, Mrs Ross.

l was meant to be here an hour ago, but l got caught up with a class.

- l've got three pitmen . What do you think? - For learning?

Yes. They said they wanted to learn their letters.

They'd be dismissed if their employers find out.

But, like you , they want to learn .

- But what about the parson ? - Ssh.

? Jig

Ow! Mr Fairweather!

'Tis a wedding, girl. 'Tis a wedding!

Wedding or no, you keep your hands to yourself!

Tilly, why so solemn ?

Andy Fairweather nipped my...

Oh! He nipped your... your...

Come on , Tilly. See the funny side.

The ale crept into his innards.

The next time he's claiming kinship to the Almighty, think of the day.

There's a lad l want you to meet.

Simon ! Simon !

l'll be with you in two ticks.

Bobby'll give you a dance. Now go on . Enjoy yourself.

? Jig

What's wrong? lt's a wedding, not a funeral.

Come on . Dance with me.

No, Simon .

- Come on , lass. - Simon !

Who says you can 't dance?

Well done, Tilly.

By, you're as light as a feather.

- What about that, eh? - Oh, Simon . lt was wonderful.

Er... Got to go.

You enjoy yourself.

Be happy with me today, Tilly Trotter.

? Jig

l'm sorry to...

lt's all right.

l'm off now. l just wanted to say thank you .

lt was a lovely wedding.

- You'll be all right? - l'll be fine.

- Hello, there. - Good evening, sir.

You're a long way from home.

- l've been to the wedding. - Oh, yes. Of course. The wedding.

Did you see a lady on a horse?

No, sir. Nobody but yourself.

Right. Thank you .

Good evening, sir.

- What the bloody hell are you doing? - Sorry, mister.

Come on , lads! Come on !

- Farmer Bentwood! - What is it, lad?

Tilly needs help. There's three of them...

Whoa! What are you on about?

lt's our Hal. She wouldn 't court him.

He's going to take her down .

- Then she'll have to have him. - What?

He said it was about money, that if he had Tilly, he'd find out.

Where are they going to do this?

Billings Flat. She goes home that way.

Listen , Mary.

Summat's come up. l've got to go.

- Why? Where are you going? - lt's nothing. A bit of business.

Business? On our wedding night?

What did that boy want?

He had something to tell me. l'll explain later.

l won 't be more than half an hour.

lt's been a grand day. And it's not over yet.

l hope not.

Don 't be long.

l won 't.

l promise.

Hurry up!

Hee-ya! Hee-ya!

Where's he off to?

Good evening, Mr Sopwith.

Were you looking for me?

No, Lady Myton . You weren 't even in my thoughts.

Are you sure about this, Hal?

Oh, l am sure. She's asked for it.

Ned. Go and see if she's coming.

Hee-ya! Ya!

Go on ! Go on !

She's coming!

(Screams)

Now, listen .

Listen , Tilly Trotter.

l asked to court you proper.

But you'd have none of it.

Now you will. And when your belly's full, l'll claim my own .

Aaah!

Ohhh!

(Screams)

(Distant screaming)

- No! No! - Get that net off her!

No! No!

No! Please!

l don 't like the sound of that.

lt's some yokel making his lady love squeal with delight.

No. No. Come on.

Come on .

No!

(Sobbing) No!

(Cloth tearing)

- (Horse's hooves pound) - There's somebody coming! Hal!

Simon !

Simon !

Bastard!

Let him go, man !

You'll choke him to death.

l said, let him go!

You're McGrath, aren 't you?

From the mine? Well, clear off!

lt's nowt to do with you . l was courting her. lt's family business.

And her screaming her head off?

Report to the mine manager Monday.

LAD Y M YTON : lt's all right.

There, dear. God, they're savages!

Savages!

Come on , Tilly. l'll take you home.

Thanks for your help, sir.

You could have killed him.

Pity l didn 't.

ln the name of God, what's happened?

(Coughing) What is it?

What happened, lad?

What are you doing here? Today of all days.

- (Sobbing) Oh, Gran , Gran . - Oh, hinny. Oh.

lt doesn 't take long to tell.

Hal McGrath tried to take her down , the pig.

- And he netted her to do it. -Netted her?

You know the game. Anet slung up between trees.

They used it years ago to trap ponies.

They'll stop at nothing.

They're so sure it's here.

What's here? lt's not just me he's after, is it? There's something else.

And l've got a right to know.

Granda?

Aye. You've got a right to know, lass.

Simon , you'll tell it.

lt was about 30 years ago.

My da and your granda there were bosom friends.

One day they'd been out fishing over on Sopwith 's estate

They were resting just thinking about setting off for home

Then your granda catches sight of Big Bill McGrath on the bank

crouched down by a tree trunk

They couldn 't see what he was doing

but knowing the McGraths they were certain he was up to no good

When McGrath had gone they made their way down to the river bank

The tree trunk was McGrath 's hiding place

They found a store of stolen money

More than �7 00 it turned out

God, it's gold!

That's why l bring you a sovereign every month.

We've lived on stolen money all these years.

Aye, we have, lass.

And the McGraths know.

They've guessed.

What with your granda not working but comfortable.

So Hal McGrath is bent on having you .

Here. Clean up that cut.

l wish l could do something with your coat.

Your wife'll go mad when she sees it.

And for this to have happened on your wedding day.

l'm sorry to the heart, Simon . l am, really.

l only hope your wife understands.

Aye, well.

l'd best be off.

Mr Sopwith says you've been up to no good. lt runs in the family.

Trying to rape young girls is not what he expects of his employees.

lt was none of his business. lt was personal. l was courting.

Well. He knows the girl.

He says what you did wasn 't courting.

That's what we owe you . Now get!

He's sacking us? For that?

Watch it, McGrath.

Now, tell us, Burk.

You're sure what you saw?

As true as God is my judge.

Andy's my witness. You saw, didn 't you , Andy?

Aye. Astonishing it was.

They were in this very room.

Dancing with their arms about each other.

And her, singing. lt was no hymn , l can tell you that.

And they had their skirts up, like whores on the waterfront.

lt wouldn 't have been so bad in a barn . But in a house of worship?

l'll tell you something. l do not blame the parson 's wife. No.

She's been led astray by Tilly Trotter.

Don 't be daft. She's just a lass.

Lass? No, there's always been something fishy about her.

And her grandparents. The old man hasn 't worked for years.

Yet they never seem to want.

Tell me. Why would Simon Bentwood ruin his wedding night for her, eh?

What spell did she cast on him?

Oh, for goodness' sake!

l've never heard such bloody rubbish.

Language, Tom. Remember where you are.

The Trotter girl is a witch.

Well, witch or no witch,

it's plain the parson 'll have to put a stop to his wife's gallop.

We can 't have disgrace brought on the church.

Another?

Why were you asked in on this meeting? You're for her.

When they're dancing and drinking on the altar, you'll say that isn 't witchery.

Aye, l might an ' all.

lt's a pity the stocks are lying idle in Tillson 's barn .

They could be put to good use.

Are you thinking of sitting in them?

Has she got to you an ' all?

Tom.

All right, Tom?

Aye, Bessie. l'm fine.

So, how was the meeting?

There'll be percussions up at the vicarage, take my word.

Percussions?

Aye. The parson 's wife's been up to larks with that Tilly Trotter.

Dancing in the vestry, they were, and kicking up their skirts.

l don 't blame the parson 's wife.

That Trotter girl's a bad lot.

Look what happened at Bentwood's wedding.

What made your Steve spill the beans to Bentwood, eh?

Eh? Tilly Trotter.

l'll wager.

Aye. She probably put a spell on him.

lt's a shame the stocks are gathering dust in Tillson 's barn .

They could be put to good use.

Burk, will you and Andy have a drink with us?

(Man screams)

So you're the reason l'm out of a job!

- Hal! What are you talking about? - Steady, Hal!

Leave us alone. You're hurting us!

Keep out of my business, little brother.

Or next time, l'll kill you .

(Screams in agony )

(Hal laughs)

(Screams)

Hello, Tilly.

Come on ! Let's get her away.

Whoa!

- Morning, Tom. - Morning, Burk.

It 's a pity the stocks are lying idle in Tillson 's barn

They could be put to good use

Giddy up! Come on ! Giddy up!

Come on !

Ellen , when you agreed to become my wife,

you knew there would be responsibilities.

And they would be heavily laden with decorum.

We talked about that, didn 't we?

Oh, Ellen .

l do so want you to be happy...

..and free to do as your mind directs,

but...

My position hampers us both.

l danced with Tilly for a few minutes.

lt was so innocent. They're just being spiteful.

Well, Ellen , l'm sorry to have to say this, but you must stop seeing Tilly.

Not even to teach her her letters?

No. Not even that, my dear.

The villagers have strange ideas about Tilly.

What kind of ideas?

Well...

They seem to think she has supernatural powers.

A witch? They think Tilly's a witch?

You know ignorant people thrive on superstition .

l've never heard anything so stupid.

Tilly's a sweet, innocent girl with never a bad word for anyone.

What sentence would they pass on me

if they knew there were three miners in the summerhouse

ready to take their lessons?

- Parson ! Parson ! - Dear God.

Parson !

Tom, what's wrong?

lt's young Tilly, Parson . She's in danger.

Tilly? What's happened to her?

l'm not sure. Burk Laudimer talked about putting her in stocks.

The ones kept in Tillson 's barn .

Him, Hal McGrath and Andy Fairweather are going there in Laudimer's cart.

l swear they had Tilly.

We've got to do something.

Hurry! They want authority. Brawn won 't stop them.

- Quickly. l'll bring the miners. - Ellen , no!

Mr Drew!

A friend of ours is in trouble.

l'd be obliged if you could help us.

Aye, ma'am. Lads!

TlLLY: No! No!

Oh, no! No!

Get her in , man . Get her in !

lt's done.

Not so high and mighty now, are we?

See what happens when you turn down a good offer?

No!

Witch!

Another one! Another one!

Try that!

He gets another one!

Witch!

(Distant cries)

They're here, all right.

- Lord! - Bloody maniacs!

(Bloodcurdling scream)

Ellen , what have you done?

Get me something! Quick! Anything.

Just to bind him.

(Coughing and gasping)

You've got a lot to answer for, Hal McGrath.

l'm not the only one.

Ours was just a bit of fun .

HAL: You all want stringing up!

Send for the doctor!

Come on . Let's get you out of here.

(Gurgling and choking)

Oh, my bairn .

Don 't take on , hinny.

You've done nothing to deserve this.

Why don 't you go down to the stream and tidy yourself up a bit, eh?

For God's sake, don 't let your granda hear of this.

He's very bad.

He cannae take another knock.

Not so high and mighty now are we?

See what happens when you turn down a good offer ?

(Hal laughs)

(Sobs)

Ellen ...

Don 't torture yourself.

lt was an accident.

l killed a man .

l killed him.

No-one's blaming you .

lf they hadn 't put Tilly in the stocks,

none of this would have happened.

Oh, George, l'm so sorry.

This is all my fault.

What will become of us?

Oh!

Bloody fools! l'd like to get my hands on whoever's behind this.

Does your gran know?

No. l told her a fox got one of the chickens.

lt's just as well.

She's got enough on her plate.

Why do they call me a witch, Simon ? l don 't understand.

Don 't let it worry you .

But it does!

l've never done anyone any harm, not even to wish them harm.

l'm scared, Simon .

lf it wasn 't for my granny and granda, l'd go miles away.

Somewhere where l wasn 't known .

You can 't leave. You know you can 't.

They need you and l...

They need you .

So let's hear no more of it.

Tilly, no-one is going to hurt you .

l'm going to be looking out for you now.

Thanks, Simon .

ls this your handiwork, McGrath?

l asked you a question .

Who wants to know? Your wife?

This is a warning.

Leave Tilly alone.

Or you'll have me to answer to.

And that goes for the rest of you .

What are you looking at?

(Cock crows)

(Knock at door)

ln God's name! Who's that at this hour?

l'm sorry it's so early, Tilly, but l had to see you .

Ssh.

l've come to say goodbye.

You're leaving?

We can 't stay here.

We're not welcome any more, l'm afraid.

George has decided to become a missionary.

And where he goes, l feel l must go, too.

lt's the least l can do for ruining his life.

l have to get back.

Promise me one thing.

Promise me you'll keep up your reading and writing.

l'll never forget you , Tilly.

(Bell tolls)

A month later my granda died

He never found out what happened to me Gran made sure of that

It was one less thing for him to carry to his grave

..the soul of our dear brother here departed.

We therefore commit his body to the ground.

Earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust.

ln sure and certain hope of the resurrection to eternal life,

through our Lord Jesus Christ,

who shall change our vile body, that it may be like unto his glorious body,

according to the mighty working, whereby he is able to subdue all things unto himself.

The villagers stayed away from the funeral

They blamed me for Burk Laudimer 's death

Simon was the only one who stood by us

Why don 't you go and live across there?

Look, Mary...

Don 't ''Look, Mary'' me!

You went to the old fellow's funeral at ten this morning.

Do you think the farm can run itself?

No. l don 't think the farm can run itself.

l was born and brought up on it.

l've made it what it is, so don 't try and tell me.

Once and for all, the Trotters are my friends.

Annie's an old woman and Tilly...

Tilly's just a lass.

A lass?

She's a menace!

Mary!

l've got her to thank for my wedding night

and all that's happened since.

They say she's a witch and they're right...

Don 't speak of her like that!

She's a victim of circumstance.

- Oh, is she, now? - Oh, for God's sake, woman !

You'll drive me mad afore you've finished.

Two months we've been married and now l'm driving you mad?

Well, let me tell you something.

While you're away from this farm, l won 't lift a finger.

l promised to be your wife, not a slave.

Have it your way. lf you won 't work, l'll get someone in who will.

And you can sit on your backside as you've done all your life.

Well, at least we know where we stand.

l'm off to Newcastle tomorrow.

l'll make sure the men don 't let the place fall to pieces while l'm gone.

l hate you , Simon Bentwood!

l hate you and l hate your farm!

The little witch has gone to ground.

Nobody's seen hide nor hair of her.

- Maybe she's avoiding you . - Or Farmer Bentwood got there before you !

Oh, l'll have her. l can bide my time.

What l want to know is how they're making ends meet, now the old man 's gone.

What are you getting at?

Well, you know what my dad says, they've got his money.

Well, maybe now we ought to find out.

lt seems so strange without Granda.

Aye, lass. lt does.

Listen , hinny,

isn 't it about time you made a fresh start, got away from here?

You don 't have to worry about me. l can manage on my own .

l'm not leaving you , Gran .

l mean it.

Well, one thing's certain .

You cannot lock yourself away here for ever.

They're no better than you , so don 't be afraid to look them in the eye.

All right, Gran . l won 't be long.

We're in luck. There she is.

- (Screams) - Where is it? Where have you hidden it?

- l don 't know what you're talking about. - We know you robbed what was ours.

- You'll find nothing here. - Aye. We'll see about that.

Get off me, please!

Are you going to tell me or do l have to knock it out of you?

Check the woodshed. lt must be here.

Nothing, Mick.

All right. Let's burn it, then .

Oh, no.

Oh, no, please don 't!

(Annie screams)

WOMAN : You're not wanted here, witch!

Gran .

Gran !

(Howls) Gran !

Gran !

Wake up, Gran !

Gran ?

Don 't leave me, Gran .

Don 't leave me.

(Sobs)

Come away, Tilly.

- You'll not bring her back. -No. No!

- She's gone. Come on . -No!

Whoa! Stand.

Tilly's staying with us for the time being.

She's not staying here.

The cottage has burnt down and her gran 's dead.

l'm still not having her in my house.

No? Well, l'm having her in mine.

SOPWlTH: Any more ideas on the cause of the fire?

Seems it was started deliberately.

What will become of her?

l wish l knew.

The whole village is against her.

Bloody ignorant fools.

Let me know if there's anything l can do.

Come, Tilly.

l'll never be able to thank you for what you've done for us.

But it's all finished now.

From now on , l have to stand on my own two feet.

Come on , Tilly. We'll talk about this back at the farm.

No. l'm not going back to your house.

l'm going to the cottage.

- l can live in the woodshed. - Don 't be a fool. Come back and...

No, Simon .

Don 't worry about me. l'll be all right.

Here. This will tide you over.

How much money is there left? Of my granda's, l mean .

Oh, a bit.

There isn 't any left, is there?

No.

- l can 't take it, Simon . - How will you live, eh?

Thanks.

l'll pop in and see how you are.

No, Simon , don 't come near me.

They'll be watching.

Oh, Gran !

ANNIE: Tilly! Tilly! Where are you?

Come and help us, please!

Oh, Tilly! Look at the fire! l'm frightened!

You witch!

Burn, witch!

(Screams)

- Hello. How are you? - All right, sir.

Farmer Bentwood tells me you're living here.

Yes, sir. For the time being, if you don 't mind.

But l do mind. You can 't stay here. l mean , for your own good.

How would you like to go into service?

Service, sir?

l'd like that very much.

- Do you know anything about children ? -Not much, sir.

Our children 's nursemaid has left suddenly, in tears, l believe.

How would you like to take them on ?

Yes, sir. l'll do my best.

Good. Come to the house at six o'clock. l'll tell them to expect you .

All right, sir. And thank you .

Save your thanks until you've met my little demons.

Oh, it's you from the cottage, is it?

You'd better come in .

She's here.

l've got eyes in my head, haven 't l?

You'd better tell Mrs Lucas she's here.

They wouldn 't thank me for breaking into their meal.

Sit down , lass.

She's the master's choice.

lt would pay some of us not to forget that.

Sit down . You'll be seen to in a minute.

What are you doing, Phyllis Coates?

You can see, Mrs Brackett. l'm pouring a cup of tea.

Live and let live.

l'm not afeared of her charms or any such nonsense.

People never look so bad when you've had a cup of tea.

Maggie, go and tell Mrs Lucas the Trotter girl's here.

No need.

l'll see to it.

Come along, you .

lt's the girl, Mrs Lucas. She's come.

Let's get this over with.

Come on , you .

Speak when you're spoken to

and keep your head down until you're told to lift it.

Yes, Mrs Lucas.

lt's quite all right, Mrs Lucas. You won 't be needed.

Look at me, girl.

My husband has recommended you as a nursemaid,

but he says you have no experience.

ls that so?

Yes, ma'am.

l hope you realise you are very fortunate to be given this position .

Yes, ma'am.

My children are high-spirited and l expect you to control them.

How long you remain here depends on their reaction to you .

Do you understand?

Yes, ma'am.

You may go now.

Miss Price will show you your quarters.

(Whispers) Thank the mistress.

Thank you , ma'am.

This is the children 's closet.

Jessie-Ann and John are in here,

Matthew and Luke are next to you and this is your room.

Not that you'll be in it much.

You start at six prompt.

First, you clean the schoolroom, then your own room.

You wake the children at 7:30 for breakfast.

- Other duties l'll explain tomorrow. ls that clear? - Yes, miss.

Oh, and Mrs Lucas will sort out a uniform for you .

You'll need to smarten yourself up a bit.

Up! Up!

All right, l heard you !

Don 't you ever do that to me again ,

because whatever you do to me, I'll give you twice as much back.

lt's time to get up.

Stay where you are. There's plenty of time.

You'll be in the closet in five minutes.

Matthew!

lt was an accident. l tripped, didn 't l, Luke?

l'm telling you this. lf this happens again ,

l'll make you clean up every last drop,

and then l'll go to your father and let him deal with you .

Now go and get dressed. l'll see you at breakfast.

- Your breakfast's waiting. - Thank you .

Behave yourselves, mind.

You heard what she said, so get on with it.

Are you tea or beer?

- l'd like tea, please. - Well, get it.

There's bacon in the pan .

Don 't let Ma Brackett scare you .

She's only over the kitchen .

The one to look out for is Mabel Price.

She rules the roost here, not Mrs Lucas. She only thinks she does.

And watch out for Simes. He's the footman .

He'd give his mother away for a shilling.

Pike, the butler, he's all right.

Ada you've met. She's got a slate loose.

Maggie's ignorant as a pig.

There's two gardeners and my Fred, the coachman . We're walking out.

You'll like my Fred. lt was him who told me to put you wise.

Well, thank you both.

- And l hope you'll be very happy. - Ta.

Ta very much.

Well, work to do.

Give it back!

Thank you , Ada.

- Good morning, children . CHlLDREN : Good morning, Mr Burgess.

Good morning, sir.

Oh, good morning. And your name is?

Trotter. Tilly Trotter, sir.

Tilly Trotter! Trotter Tilly! Tilly Trotter!

Now, don 't be silly, Matthew. lt's a nice name.

A name we can associate with alliteration , hm?

James Burgess. l'm delighted to meet you .

Well, come, children . Come to table. To table.

You were acquainted with Mrs Ross, l believe.

Yes, sir.

They... They were friends of mine.

- She taught you to read and write, did she not? - Yes, sir.

The world is yours, if you can read and write.

Well, what are we waiting for?

Life is short, even at its longest.

Now...

The case for the plaintiff. Open page 291 ...

What are we writing there, young Matthew?

This morning, l couldn 't believe my eyes.

lt was spooky. l've never seen them so quiet.

- Do you think she had them under a spell? - How else can you explain it?

Wait till l tell them in the village.

(Screams)

(Screams)

Tit for tat. l told you , didn 't l?

What is it? What's wrong?

What's the matter? A bad dream?

Yes, sir. He... He had a nightmare.

Come on .

You're all right. You settle down .

Father...

What is it?

Nothing.

Night-night.

Did he have a lot to eat tonight?

No, sir. And...

- And it wasn 't a nightmare. -No?

Well, sir. When l got into bed tonight, he'd put a frog in my bed.

So l decided tit for tat was the way to get the better of him.

That's why l put the frog in his nightshirt.

ln his nightshirt?

Well, l can understand your motive, but you must have scared him badly.

l'm afraid l did, sir.

And l'm very sorry.

Don 't be too sorry.

But l wouldn 't take such drastic actions again .

So, you're not dismissing me?

No, of course not.

- Good night, Trotter. - Good night, sir.

ALL: ? Here we go round the mulberry bush, early in the morning

After the frog episode Matthew and l understood each other

which made life easier for both of us

He and Luke were going to boarding school

so they wanted to enjoy life at Highfield while they could

Tilly, my dear, l have a little book l wish you to read.

Mr Burgess was kind and encouraged me to read

though the books he brought me were a far cry from Mrs Ross's Bible

Ada was more convinced than ever that l was a witch

Cook and the others seemed to follow her lead

If it hadn 't been for Phyllis and Fred life in the house would have been unbearable

As it was my life had settled into a pattern and time was flying by

l could hardly believe my day off had arrived so soon

l had nowhere to go but it didn 't matter Just to be out of the house was enough

Hello, Tilly. Sam Drew. l don 't know if you remember.

Yes, l do. Hello.

This is my sister, Katie.

We were sorry to hear about your granny.

Would... Would you like to come back to our place for tea?

- l don 't know... - lt's not far and my ma won 't mind.

Yes, l'd like to.

Well, what are we waiting for?

Ma, this is Tilly Trotter. We've asked her for tea.

Oh, away in , lass. That's if you can get in , like.

Tilly works up at the big house.

- Do you like working there? - Yes. Yes, l do.

Sunday, we're always together.

lt's the one time l have all my troubles here.

Fanny, are them griddle cakes ready?

She's been scoffing them.

No, l haven 't, our Sam. l haven 't, Ma.

We must look like a menagerie to you .

Away, then . Let's eat.

Arthur, get your backside off that seat and let Tilly sit down .

Oh, fetch the china cup. We've got company.

Do you like milk with your tea?

Yes. Yes, thank you .

You can have sugar an ' all.

Why, thank you kindly, sir.

There we are. Now, dig in . Enjoy your tea.

lt's a lovely tea, Mrs Drew. Lovely.

The following week the boys left for boarding school

There were tears all round

but it was the mistress who shed most of them

lt's all right, my darling. The time will fly. You'll soon be home.

l don 't want to go, Trotter.

l'd... l'd behave if l could stay.

lt won 't be for ever. There's the holidays to look forward to.

There, now. No more tears.

l won 't know what to do. They'll be big boys.

You'll hold your own , Master Matthew. Never fear.

- Say goodbye to your mama. BOTH: Goodbye, Mama.

My little darlings!

l shall never forgive you for this.

Goodbye, Trotter.

Goodbye, Master Matthew. Don 't worry.

Thank you , David.

Come along. About your business.

All of you .

l wonder what they were doing all that time.

You'd have thought he'd have come right back, knowing the state the mistress was in .

Aye, but which mistress?

They say that old man Myton knows what's going on .

'Tis said that Lady Agnes has got more than one on the go.

The master might be playing second fiddle.

Let them look after their business and we'll attend to ours.

lt's the end of the month. We've got to cook the books.

Are you finished?

Yes, Mrs Brackett.

Well, you can go.

Why should she? She's been here nearly two months. She's one of us.

She should have her share.

Well, it'll be coppers only, then .

Right, our takings this month.

The sale of meat and groceries brought in 25 shillings.

Fish and poultry was 1 8s/9d, the miller was �2/5s/4d,

and the eggs and fruit and veg that went to market was really good,

it was �7/1 2s/6d.

So, altogether, that's �1 2/1 s/7d.

Well, now, that's �3/5s for you , Robert,

and �3/5s for me.

�2 for Fred and �2 for Phyllis.

And �1 for you , Maggie, though you don 't deserve it.

And what do l have left?

1 1 s/7d. What are we going to do about this, then ?

- That's mine! - We said Tilly was in on this.

- Well, it had better be half, then . - That's not fair!

Well, let Trotter have it, then .

Life at Highfield changed once the boys had gone

Jessie -Ann and John enjoyed having me to themselves

and as the weeks went by they began to blossom

And so did l thanks to Mr Burgess

He would talk to me for hours about things l could never have imagined

Katie was becoming a good friend too the best friend lld ever had

And though l knew the staff would never accept me

my life at Highfield ran smoothly

Until that is one day in October when the house was turned on its head

- Morning, my dear. - Morning.

l've had a letter from Matthew.

You know, he is very homesick.

We've discussed this. The answer's no.

They're there for a reason .

Talking of children , Harry's coming home for Christmas.

That will be nice for you .

He's my son . l'll have him here as often as l can .

Whether he reminds you of my first wife or not.

l'll be back for supper.

Oh, the mine.

l don 't know why you bother.

Because, my dear, if l didn 't, we would have nothing to live on .

l know what you're saying, but l don 't know what l can do. lt's up to the master.

Rosier's men get paid half as much again , man .

l haven 't got the authority.

What's that all about?

They want more money. They say Rosier pays more.

There's no more money.

lf you want to go and work for Rosier, you can !

- Why wasn 't l told? - l didn 't know!

We weren 't told to expect you , ma'am. Does the mistress know?

No, Mrs Lucas. This is in the nature of a surprise.

Mama!

What are you doing here?

ls there anything wrong with father?

No! There's nothing wrong with him.

Then what?

Leave us, Price.

Now, my dear, do you know a person by the name of Lady Agnes Myton?

Why, yes. She's a neighbour. She visits occasionally.

She dares to visit you?

Mama, what are you implying?

Well...

Do l have to explain further?

Yes, l'm afraid you do.

The fact l'm here should be explanation enough.

You are obviously unaware that she and Mark are having an affair.

She is his mistress and makes no secret of it.

lt's the talk of the county!

Now, my dear, don 't upset yourself. l have it all worked out.

You're coming back with me and bringing the children with you .

Your happiness comes first.

Didn 't you have the slightest suspicion ?

No, Mama. What do l know of what's going on in the world when l'm tied to this room?

lt's your own fault.

No, my dear. Don 't look at me like that.

You and l know why you took to your couch.

There were other ways of gaining your freedom from his bed.

Going abroad, visiting, but you chose incarceration .

Mama, please.

Don 't you realise this has been a great shock?

Please give me a little time.

All the time in the world.

What time do you expect him back?

He's at the mine. lt could be this evening.

l wouldn 't wait till then .

You must send for him.

There's a message from your wife, sir. You're needed at home urgently.

What's wrong, Pike?

Nothing, sir. Except Mrs Forefoot Meadows has arrived.

Eileen ?

l understand your mother has arrived. ls anything wrong?

lt all depends on how one views the word ''wrong''.

l understand that l am the last to know that you have a mistress.

Well, do you admit it?

What do you expect me to do?

Your mother's already given you her version .

And do you have an explanation ?

Oh, yes, Eileen .

l have an explanation .

Just ask yourself, how long is it since we lay together?

How long is it since you even let me touch you?

lf you hadn 't taken to your couch, things might have been different.

You've made yourself an invalid, Eileen , so don 't blame me entirely.

What do you intend to do?

l'm going home with my mother.

- l shall take the children . - You will not!

Oh, l shall, Mark.

lf you make a fuss, l will take them legally.

If, however, you put no obstacle in my way,

l shall make it possible for the children to visit you occasionally.

The house was in turmoil

No-one could believe the mistress was really leaving but she was

And that meant only one thing lld soon be out of a job

Don 't put her in the trunk, Trotter. She'll be lonely.

Why won 't you come with me, Trotter?

Well, Miss Jessie, it's a long way.

Anyway, there'll be another nursemaid waiting for you .

- Tilly. - What is it, Phyllis?

There's a young lad at the back door to see you . He won 't go away.

Go on . They can 't do much more to you .

You'll be out tomorrow, anyway. l'll stay with them.

l had to see you , Tilly. l've some good news. Our Hal's gone to be a sailor.

A sailor?

Aye. And our Mick. They got into a fight with some sailors.

Ned saw them being hauled up the gangway of a clipper.

l've never laughed so much!

Hal hates water. He wouldn 't even go swimming with the lads!

- But where has he gone? - That's the funniest part of it.

Some fellow told Ned it was bound for the lndies.

They won 't be back for a year or two.

Oh, that's the best news of my life!

l was worried sick. l'll likely be out of a job tomorrow.

You've got the sack?

Not exactly. Look, l'm going to have to go in .

One of the other maids is standing in for me. Thanks for coming.

- When will l see you? - (Door shuts)

Be good.

Pack your bags, girl, and don 't be here this afternoon .

Tilly!

l thought l'd missed you .

Sorry.

Oh, well, it was too good to last.

Goodbye, Tilly, and Godspeed.

Thanks for being a friend, Phyllis.

And thank Fred for me.

Maybe I'll see you again some day.

Just a little something.

Tilly!

What brings you at this time of the day, lass?

- l've lost my job, Mrs Drew. - They sacked you?

The mistress went back to her mother with her bairns. l'm not needed.

So what'll you do?

Well, l was wondering if...

Spit it out, lass, or it'll get stuck!

Do you think l could stay here, till l get fixed up somewhere?

Well, where else?

But you might have to sleep on the mat by the fire or even standing up against the wall.

Of course you can stay here with us, lass. There'll always be a place for you to rest here.

Thanks, Mrs Drew.

- Tilly! What are you doing here? - Hello, Tilly.

- Hello, you two. - Why aren 't you working?

l got the sack. l'm staying with you till l find something else.

Aw, Tilly, that's grand!

l've told Tilly she'll be treated like one of the family.

Does that mean you'll clip her ear, like you do me?

l would, if she mithered me like you do!

Where will you sleep, Tilly?

Standing up, your ma says.

No. l sleep standing up. You can 't have my spot!

Away, that's enough! The lass'll think we're barmy.

Thanks for having me.

l'll go to Shields tomorrow. l'll find something.

Why, aye, lass, that's it. See what the morrow brings, eh?

But the morrow didn 't bring anything Or the day after

And l began to realise just how precibus that job at Highfield had been

- Any luck the day? -Nothing.

Katie, l've been thinking.

Maybe l should go down the pit.

You? Don 't be daft.

You don 't know what it's like down there.

You wouldn 't last five minutes.

Shut up, you two. Some of us are trying to get some sleep.

(Knock at door)

Come in !

What can l do for you , bonny lass?

l'm looking to be set on .

Are you now? And what's your name?

Tilly Trotter, sir. l'm staying with the Drews.

Have you been down below?

No, sir. But Katie's told me all about it.

Oh, Katie! She thinks she knows more about this hole in the ground than l do.

Are you willing to be bonded, lass?

Yes. Aye.

Right, then , make your cross there.

- You've done what? - You don 't have to, hinny.

Something else'll come up.

lt won 't, Mrs Drew. l know it won 't.

You don 't know what you're doing!

Nobody goes below unless they have to!

l have no job, no money and nowhere to live.

l'd say l have to, wouldn 't you?

l can 't stop you , Tilly, but don 't say l didn 't warn you .

lt's only because he cares for you , lass.

Right, there's a bit of dinner for you .

Are you sure about this? You can still change your mind.

l'm sure.

God help you , Tilly.

You'll need him.

That's Billy Snaith. lt's too low for the ponies down the west seam.

Come on . lf you stop every time you see that, you'll not last long.

(Neighing)

(Screams)

Don 't be frightened of 'em.

That's the one we call Charlie. He's a cheeky little bugger.

You've taken your bloody time! We'll be up to our necks, if you don 't get cracking!

Ah, shut your bloody grumbling, man !

That's Big Meggie.

She keeps 'em in their place.

Make sure you keep on the right side of her.

- ls this the new one, Katie? - Aye, Meggie. Her name's Tilly.

Well, Tilly. Don 't stand there like a stook.

There's a shovel. Katie'll show you what to do with it.

Nearly done.

You can soon get your head down .

That's your first day over with.

lt'll never seem so bad again .

And Biddy was right

As the weeks went by the mine didn 't hold any horrors for me

The work was hard but l didn 't mind that but l did hate being underground

l missed the sun and fresh air in my lungs

Sam was a big help

l knew he'd taken a shine to me and l liked him too

In fact life with the Drews crowded though it was

was turning out to be one of the happiest times of my life

The house has changed since you've been in it.

Aye, more crowded!

No, l mean it.

- Do you like living here with us? - Oh, Sam, l love it.

You're all like the brothers and sisters lnever had.

l'd like to be more than a brother to you . You know that, don 't you?

Think on it, eh? There's no rush.

All right. l'll think on it.

Come on . Let's go and give Ma a hand with tea, eh?

Tilly! Tilly! There's a gentleman on a horse, asking for you !

lt's probably Farmer Bentwood.

The friend who looked after Granny and Granda.

Well, ask him in , if you like.

No, you don't. Cheeky!

- Hello, Simon . - Hello, Tilly.

- l didn 't know where you were till the other day. - l've been here for a few weeks now.

We can 't stand here. Come for a walk.

Just a minute... l'm just going for a walk. l won 't be long.

Why don 't you ask your visitor in ?

He hasn 't got much time.

Why didn 't you come to me when you left the manor?

- You should know the answer to that. - l could have seen you were decently housed.

l am decently housed!

l'm happier than l've been in a long time.

Are you happy working down the pit? That's what l hear you're doing.

l'll give you money for a decent room in Shields, until you find summat.

l can 't bear thinking of you down there.

l feel responsible for you .

l'm responsible for myself now.

There's nobody hounding me.

l'm staying here as long as they'll have me, so don 't worry about me.

l'll always worry over you , Tilly.

No matter what comes my way in life,

no matter how much l change,

my feelings for you will always be the same.

Like when l was a little girl?

Just as you say, Tilly.

l may be starting courting soon .

Sam Drew. He wants me.

Do you want him?

Yes. Because l can 't see me doing any better.

And l'll have a house of my own .

House! l wouldn 't use 'em as sties!

No, perhaps you wouldn 't, Simon , but then , you don 't know you were born .

lf you don 't mind, l must get back.

Mrs Drew likes us all there for tea...in the sty.

l'm sorry. Tilly, l'm sorry!

Yes, so am l.

Goodbye, Simon .

Dear Mark l hope this letter finds you well

Hm!

l want to tell you my plans for the children in the Christmas holidays

l am prepared to let them stay with you a few days

Bloody woman !

- We're just not producing enough. -No, sir, but l don 't know why.

The shifts are working hard.

- Are the wages an issue? - l don 't think so, sir. They need the work.

- So, any ideas, Rice? - Some seams are getting a bit threadbare.

We probably need to open more.

Right. l'd better take a look.

Tell Forester to meet me at the pithead.

We'll make this a light one, eh?

Oi! Fill it! Or we'll have the barrowman on us.

(Betty coughs) - Take a breather, Betty.

- l'll be back in a minute. - (Coughs)

(Neighing)

l'm coming, Betty!

Trotter?

Betty, we've got to get out! Don 't panic.

Trotter!

Go on , Betty, run ! Run !

Trotter!

(Coughs)

Wake up, sir. Wake up.

That's it, sir. Wake up.

Trotter? Trotter, what happened?

There was a fall.

l can 't move!

Your legs are caught, sir.

But don 't worry. They'll be sending men down to get us out.

lt'll be all right.

- Are you hurting, sir? - lt's my neck. lt's twisted.

(Coughs)

ls that better?

Yes. Thank you .

lt won 't be long, sir.

Right, lads! We have ten on the shift unaccounted for.

And that includes Mr Sopwith and Mr Forester.

Davey, did Tilly get out?

No, Sam, I'm sorry to say.

l don 't know what it'll be like down there, so l'll be looking for volunteers.

l'll go down with the first party, Davey.

Come on , lads.

Do you think you could move some of those rocks off my feet?

- l'll try, sir. - Thank you .

l don 't think l should, sir.

lt might bring the whole lot down on top of you .

No...

All right.

lt won 't be long, sir.

Where's the little girl?

Oh...dear God.

Come on , lads. Careful as we go.

My God! lt must be 50 feet to the south face. lt's solid all the way.

We'd best get started.

(Tilly bangs on beams)

Can you hear anything?

No, sir. But they know where we are.

Would you hold my hand?

Please?

Comforting things, hands, don 't you think?

We'd be badly off without them, sir.

lndeed we would, Trotter.

lndeed we would.

- Been in there a long time. - Aye, too long.

- How's it looking? - We've made a start, Davey,

but there's a long way to go.

Get yourself away to bed. l'll see you tomorrow.

She should never have gone down , Ma.

l feel so bad.

Thank God you'd been put on the west face.

(Door opens)

Any news, son ?

No, Ma.

lt's a bad fall.

Could be days.

Dad! Dad!

Hold it, lads.

- Lads! - Aye, we're with you .

Oh, my God!

Ssh.

Oh, if only there was something l could do for you .

You're already doing something. You're here.

Don 't cry.

Oh, don 't cry.

What am l going to do if you fail me?

Come on . Don 't let's talk.

We don 't want to use up too much air.

Mrs Hanson .

Mrs Forester.

Mrs Western .

Mr Whittaker.

Sorry.

Tilly...

Have you found Tilly?

No. Not yet. Sorry.

Hold my hand.

Do you believe in God?

l don 't know, sir.

Sometimes yes, sometimes no.

l was lonely this morning.

Or was it yesterday?

l don 't know.

l'm not lonely any more, though.

That's good.

(Coughing)

Come on , lass. You'll be all right.

You'll be all right.

Get off me! Get out!

Now, now, what's all this?

Don 't ask such bloody stupid questions!

Tell me about this!

l did what l had to do.

l amputated your left leg at the knee.

Otherwise, you'd have been dead by the time they got you out.

And l'm afraid your right leg will never work again .

- You should be grateful. - Grateful?

You've taken off my bloody leg!

- lt could be worse. - Oh, could it? Really?

Well, tell me how!

You're alive. Unlike those at the mine who were killed.

Trotter... Did Trotter...?

She caught pneumonia. Still in a bad way, l hear.

Now, let's have a look at this.

Can you tell us where St Mary's Ward is, please?

That way.

Oh, Tilly, Tilly.

l wanted to come earlier, but they said you were too ill.

- Are you feeling any better? - Yes, thank you , Simon .

l've got to get you out of here.

They said l have to stay three more days.

l can get you a little place in Shields.

Oh, Simon . l couldn 't.

What have you got to lose, Tilly? lt'll be a fresh start and...

Think about it, eh?

l've got to go.

- Mrs Drew. - Mr Bentwood.

What's he after, then ?

He wants to get me a place in Shields.

Oh, so you're going to be a kept woman , are you?

No, l would never do that.

Just as well. As soon as you're well enough to leave this midden , l'm taking you home.

Home It was true

The Drew cottage was home now

And l couldn 't wait to get back

Look at you !

Come inside.

- You poor bairn . - Tilly!

Katie, get her some soup, will you , pet?

We've got you home now.

We'll soon have you back to strength.

(Knock at door)

Simes...

Send Mrs Lucas up. lneed her to run an errand for me.

Yes, sir.

(Door closes)

Hello, Tilly. How are you?

l'm fine, Phyllis. lt's nice to see you .

Oh, ta. lt isn 't me should be here. 'Tis Mrs Lucas, but she made some excuse.

The master wants you to go and visit him.

Visit him? What, now?

Aye. But are you up to the drive?

l'm all right. l'm just a bit wobbly on my legs.

You'll ride all the way. You can 't come to much harm.

l'll wait for you outside.

Take whatever comes, lass. Grab it with both hands.

He hasn 't sent for you just to tell you what a lovely day it is.

Come on .

- Thank you , Fred. - You're welcome...ma'am.

Come on . You'll be all right.

Thanks, Phyllis.

l understand the master wishes to see me.

(Knock at door) - Thank you , Simes.

Hello, Trotter.

Hello.

Come, sit down .

Leave us.

Oh, and Mrs Lucas, have tea sent up.

A good tea, mind.

So, how are you?

l'm quite well, sir, thank you .

You don 't look it. You're thin as a rake.

So l'm told, sir. Mrs Drew says she'll never be short of a clothes prop.

You're staying with the Drews, l gather.

Yes, sir.

l was sorry to hear about your legs, sir.

lt's all right, Trotter.

lt's only thanks to you l'm here at all.

l never thought l'd see the day when l had to put myself out for that little trollop.

He's not himself, Mrs Brackett.

Oh! Well, the sooner he starts being himself, the better!

There. We don 't want to keep Her Majesty waiting.

Ada!

Did you ever think we'd see daylight?

No, sir.

Nor did l.

l've wished, more than once, that l hadn 't.

Oh, don 't say that, sir.

You know the mine's finished?

So they tell me, sir.

l'm not sorry. l'm done with mining. Let someone else have it on their conscience.

You know, l knew nothing about mines.

Until l spent those days down there with you .

(Knock at door)

Thank you , Simes.

Trotter will see to me.

Come on . Tuck in .

l asked you to come for two reasons.

First, l wanted to thank you for seeing me through that awful time.

Oh, sir, l didn 't do...

No, don 't protest.

l know what you did.

And l'll never forget it.

The other thing was, would you like to come to us over the holidays

and look after the children for me? Only for a few days.

Oh, yes, sir! l'd love that!

Good. That's settled, then .

By the way...

Did you get those packages that l sent to the hospital?

Yes... Thank you .

You didn 't get them, did you?

No, sir.

Bloody lot of thieves!

l ordered special food to be sent...four times.

Things are not right in this house, Trotter. Someone will pay for this.

Please, sir, l don 't want to cause trouble.

They don 't like me, except Phyllis and Mr Leyburn .

The rumours had followed me from the village... about me being a witch.

A witch?

A very benevolent witch, l'd say.

You certainly charmed my children into some semblance of order.

Would you be good enough to pull the bell for me?

(Bell rings)

(Sighs) What now?

Maybe he's invited her to stay for dinner.

Simes...

Ask Cook to make up a hamper for Miss Trotter.

And have Leyburn ready with the coach in ten minutes.

Yes, sir.

Oh, and Simes...

Tell Cook not to skimp on the hamper.

Of course, sir.

l'll give him ''don 't skimp''!

Throwing away good food on trash!

What's he playing at, treating the girl like an equal?

- Well, l should be going, sir. - Of course.

So... When will you be fit enough to start?

Oh, any time, sir.

By the look of you , l think you need a few more days' rest.

Why not take it here?

l shouldn 't come before l'm needed.

Nonsense! You can start on Monday.

(Remembers) Hold my hand

As l remember... this is how we prepared to die, isn 't it?

lt is, sir.

You're a good girl, Trotter.

Goodbye, sir. And thank you .

- l'll be here on Monday. - Good.

Oh, Trotter, l'll send the coach for you .

On the table, please, Fred.

What's this?

- Thanks, Fred. - lt's all right, Tilly. See you Monday.

Eh, is this for us?

Look at this, Ma!

Can l have some cake, Ma?

Tilly, lass! lt's like Christmas has come early for us!

Maybe it has, Mrs Drew.

Maybe it has.

What else have we got in here?

It was strange being back in my old room

and even stranger being treated like a guest

l could only imagine what they were making of it downstairs

Why should we have to run about after her?

All she does is sit and read. He treats her like an invalid.

She's probably put a curse on him.

She helped save him. That counts for something.

Why don 't you look after her, then ?

Come on !

Are you rested?

l'll be glad for tomorrow when the children arrive.

Damn and blast you , woman !

(Knock at door)

You're wanted down below.

Very well. Thank you , Simes.

l have some bad news. The children won 't be coming.

Although my wife promises faithfully she'll send them next holidays.

That'll be nice.

Which brings us to you .

What will you do if you go back to the Drews?

Look for work, sir. That's all l can do.

What will you say if l offer you a post?

lt wouldn 't work, sir.

Down below would never accept me. They just don 't like me.

But if you had authority over them, as Price had?

l had in mind you taking the position of

nurse-cum-matron -cum-dictator of the first floor.

Them downstairs would never have it, sir.

To hell with them, Trotter!

- Am l master here or not? - Oh, yes, sir.

So, what do you say?

Wouldn 't you think... a girl who was trapped underground

and had the courage not to show her fear

would have the courage to face a few mean -minded people?

Aye, sir. You would think so.

Well?

l'll be grateful to accept, sir.

Well done, Trotter.

At least we'll have some excitement in the house.

Now...

go and ask Mrs Lucas to come and speak to me.

(Knocks)

Mrs Lucas, the master wishes to see you .

Good morning, Simes.

Master Harry.

Good morning, Mrs Lucas.

- ls Father upstairs? - Yes, Master Harry.

Trotter, can l introduce my son Harry?

- Sir. - How do you do?

She looks after me. Don 't you?

l try, sir.

Could you organise some refreshment?

(Door closes)

She's a change from the dragon of a nurse you had after the accident.

- Not just a nurse. She's in charge of the house. - Since when ?

Two days ago.

That explains the long faces downstairs.

Mrs Lucas, could you arrange refreshments for Master Harry?

Ask in the kitchen . l'm rather busy.

Ada, will you ask Cook to make some refreshments for Master Harry?

- Cook! - What?

A message from upstairs!

Refreshments for Master Harry!

- Who's asking? - Trotter!

Huh!

All right?

- Will that be all, sir? - Yes, thank you , Trotter.

So far, so good?

That's not how l'd put it, sir.

- Meaning? - The staff aren 't exactly cooperating.

They'll soften , once they get to know you .

l might be old by then !

- Good night, Trotter. - Good night, sir.

She's a witch, l tell you . A witch!

Don 't be silly, Cook.

Where else would the ignorant slut get her powers from?

She's not ignorant. She can read and write better than Mrs Lucas.

Look what happened to Parson Ross and Farmer Bentwood.

Next it'll be Mr Harry.

Did l hear my name being taken in vain ?

Well, Cook?

Yes, you did hear your name.

But it wasn 't in vain .

We were all so glad to see you back and happy, in spite of the tragedy.

And l say ''tragedy'' in more ways than one.

Really?

But things have got to such a pitch here.

Well, we can 't go on like this. None of us can .

lt's that Tilly Trotter, Master Harry.

'Tis the trouble she's caused here. Life's unbearable, sir.

ln what way?

lt isn 't right, the position she's in .

And from Mr Pike downwards, we all say the same.

We've got our heads together and either she goes, or we all go.

lt is my place, Cook, to say what the staff have or have not decided.

But things are not right in this house.

And there's got to be changes or...

Well, there'll be trouble.

lt's got to be settled.

So, am l to understand that if Trotter doesn 't go, you all go?

Yes, something along those lines.

Because l'm at the end of my tether.

Very well, then . l'll inform my father of the situation .

Father, could l have a word?

ls, erm, Trotter about?

She's upstairs, l think.

Why?

Father, how do you find her?

Find her? What do you mean ?

Well, does she...throw her weight around?

Harry, what are you getting at? She's the best thing that's happened to me since the accident.

You've heard the witch story.

No. What witch story?

Some of the staff think she's a witch.

Oh, so that's what it's all about.

- What what's all about? - lt seems they all want rid of her.

Go on .

Mrs Lucas and the cook are going to give you an ultimatum.

Either she goes or they go.

An ultimatum! l wish l were on my bloody feet.

l'd give them an ultimatum!

Well, they can all go. Every damn one that won 't take Trotter's orders can leave.

But it's almost Christmas. You can 't leave the house without staff!

Harry, there are people crying out for work.

Just think it over, Father.

Go get me a whisky. ln the dressing room.

Do you have everything you need before l go to bed, sir?

Yes, thank you , Trotter.

Are you all right?

The master wants to see you all.

And if you ask me, l think we're all in for trouble.

l understand you have a proposition to put to me. ls that so, Pike?

- Well, sir... - He finds it difficult, sir. To talk about the matter.

- The matter? - Trotter, sir.

Trotter? What about her?

We all think alike, sir. Trotter's a bad influence.

And, well, it gets your bile

when someone the likes of her throws her weight around.

That surprises me, Cook. l've always found her rather shy.

Oh, master, people can be taken in .

But we know what we know.

Well, Cook, what do you suggest l do?

- Get rid of her, master. - But if l can 't?

Well, master, then l'm afraid you'll lose your staff.

And we've served you well for over ten years.

Yes. Yes, you have.

But you haven 't served me as well as you've served yourself, have you?

In fact, you've all served yourselves well, haven't you?

How much have you made, Mrs Lucas?

And you , Cook, l understand, had a special book for your racket.

Now, your proposition is that l get rid of Trotter or you leave.

Well, for your information , l'm keeping Trotter.

So what does that tell you?

You , Simes, you , Mrs Lucas, and you , Brackett, will leave tomorrow.

l will allow one month's full pay, in lieu of notice.

Pike...you served both my father and my grandfather.

You may stay, or leave with the others.

lt's not right, sir, to be...thrown out like this!

Oh, get out!

Out!

l can 't help feeling sorry.

They didn 't feel sorry for you , did they?

They would have had you thrown out.

No. lt's a new beginning, Trotter.

And, tomorrow, you can do what we discussed.

- lt's Tilly! - Oh, hello, Tilly, lass.

- You've brought nothing? - Jimmy! Cheek!

You'd best sit down .

-Mrs Drew, can you cook? -Why, aye, lass. You know I can.

Good... You're engaged.

Miss Drew, would you care to assist your mother in the kitchen ?

Come on , lass. What's going on ? Don 't keep us in the dark.

The master found out he was being robbed and sacked his whole staff.

You've all got jobs in the manor.

- What, all of us? - All of you .

Oh, and um... Can you start tomorrow?

Eh, Tilly, it was a lucky day for us when we stumbled across you !

Merry Christmas, Biddy!

Come on , move over.

Do you want to hear all about it?

Right, well we're going tomorrow, by carriage...

How are you?

Hey, Biddy! Are you all right?

Come on !

This is Katie. Next to her we've got Jimmy.

Jimmy.

Hello, Fanny.

It felt like a new beginning for all of us

Even for the master

Welcome, all of you .

And what a Christmas!

With friends The past behind me

Tilly, l'll never be able to thank you enough.

You don 't need to, Biddy.

You don 't need to thank family.

After Christmas with Mr Harry gone

Biddy got down to the task of getting the house into shape

She set about the place like a whirlwind

l don 't think this has been touched for years!

Never mind. We'll have it looking as good as the cottage in no time.

The master took on a new lease of life too and seemed determined to get back to normal

Leave me, Pike! l can do this myself.

- Are you sure, sir? - Yes, of course l'm sure. Will you get off?

l can do this on my own .

He even ordered a new wheelchair.

- What do you think, Trotter? - l think it's wonderful, sir.

Well, what are you waiting for? Come on . Take me for a walk.

Well done, Ada. lt looks spotless.

All in all Highfield was a happy place now

We looked forward to the children coming home

Even if the dreaded Mrs Forefoot Meadows would be back

Ah, Trotter! Well, have you done your rounds?

- Yes, sir. - Everything's in order, l hope?

As far as l can see.

Now, as to the menus.

As much as l like Cook's roast beef and meat puddings,

they won 't satisfy my mother-in -law's palate.

We discussed it last night, sir.

Mrs Drew thought of a white soup, then boiled salmon with sauce,

and a roast chicken for the main course.

- And cabinet pudding and custard. - Very good. What do you think?

lt sounds very appetising to me, sir.

l'm sure Mrs Forefoot Meadows will be pleased.

Well done, Trotter.

l... l think l'll just make sure the playroom is ready, sir.

l don 't think l've been so happy since the night Harry was born .

She's allowed me three days with them.

lt's damnable.

They'll be so loud, you'll be glad to see the back of them.

As glad as l would be to see the back of you .

l was only trying to lighten your despair about the children , sir.

lf you had four children taken away from you , what would you do?

lf l had children , sir, l wouldn 't do...

You wouldn 't do anything that would cause them to be taken away.

Well, Trotter,

you have a lot to learn about the penalties for sin .

Some sentences are out of all proportion to the crime.

(Horses' hooves approaching)

The coach.

lt's them!

Well, go on !

Trotter! Trotter!

Enough, enough. Behave yourselves.

l hope you had a good journey, madam.

- Where is Mrs Lucas? - She's no longer here, madam.

What?

- Where's Simes? - He's no longer in the master's service either.

(Children shout and chatter)

What's going on here?

Stop it.

Stop that noise at once!

You'll go up to the nursery and change.

And don 't come down until l give you leave.

- Go along! - Come and see me later.

What is this? No housekeeper, no footmen , the house is all topsy-turvy.

Far from it. The house is being run as it should have been for years.

The people who work for me now don 't rob me blind.

- Rob you? - Oh, yes.

From the cook to the gardener, lining their pockets at my expense.

Fortunately, we found out about their little game and now the house runs at one third of the cost.

- A third? - Yes.

And the place is cleaner. The gardens are well looked after.

That girl, um...do you know she was there when l got down from the carriage?

- Perhaps she wanted to greet you . - Don 't be ridiculous.

She doesn 't know her place.

Her place?

She knows her place all right. She's running the house.

And looking after me.

lt isn 't right.

lt isn 't decent.

- She's... - Oh, have no fear, mother-in -law.

The proprieties...are being observed.

l don 't like it.

And neither will Eileen .

- What's Eileen got to do with this? - She's still your wife.

Well, if she's my wife, she should be here.

What do you think l've felt like these past bloody months? Being left alone.

- l'll not have swearing in my presence. - l'll swear where l bloody well like.

lf it doesn 't suit you , you know what you can do.

But don 't you come here talking to me about morality.

Don 't agitate yourself.

Three days she's allowed me.

l've a good mind to fight her for them.

Don 't talk nonsense.

The children 's place is with their mother.

And her place is here!

Yes, well.

You should have thought about that a long time ago, shouldn 't you?

- What's your name? - Biddy, master. What's yours?

- Matthew. - What are you making, Mrs Biddy?

Fairy cakes...with cream on their wings.

- Oh! - Let me have some!

- Don 't fight now. - You're definitely better than the last cook.

Oh, thank you . No more, or you'll not eat your dinners.

Hey, you'll get me wrong off your grandma, you lot.

TlLLY: For the next few days the house took on a new life

Full of children 's voices and laughter

Wait for me!

It brought new life to the master too

Gave him the chance to be a father again

The children loved being with him and wanted to be with him at every opportunity

It was hard to keep them away

Trotter said we could come down and see you , Papa.

Ssh. Ssh. Be quiet, all of you .

Remember who's in the dining room.

CHlLDREN : Grandmama. - Yes, Grandmama.

Papa, Luke has a rhyme. Go on , Luke.

Matthew, Mark, Luke and John .

Hold the donkey till l get on .

lf it kicks, pull its tail.

lf it piddles, hold the pail.

And where did you learn that?

From Brigwell, Grandmama's gardener. He taught us lots.

Papa, can we do another one?

- lt's about Grandmama. - Go on , then .

ALL: When l was a laddie, l lived with my Granny.

And many a hammering she gave me.

But now l'm a man , l can hammer my granny.

And it serves her right for hammering me!

What is this?

- Did you teach them this? -No, ma'am.

Right, off you go to bed, children . Go up with Trotter.

Ooh, that girl, teaching them such vulgarities.

No-one in this house taught them it.

Where else could they have learnt such things?

Brigwell, your gardener.

So l suggest that's the end of that conversation , don 't you?

l had hoped to have a quiet talk tonight upon a private matter.

But l see you're not in the mood.

Well, l won 't be in any better mood tomorrow.

So you may as well just sit down .

lt's difficult to know where to begin .

Eileen wishes me to assure you that, though she is sorry for your predicament,

there is no possibility of her returning here.

That being so...she wishes to be fair,

and offers you a legal separation .

You could settle on her a moderate sum.

She thinks this would be to your advantage.

Now, please don 't get angry, Mark.

She is thinking of your interests, too.

Oh, yes. A moderate sum, when l'm having to beggar myself to pay her what l do.

l gather from the children she's regained the use of her legs.

And she's walking out with a Mr Swinburne a great deal.

Well, you tell your daughter that l'll strike a bargain with her.

lf she returns my children to me, l will increase her personal allowance.

She will never let you have the children .

Well, then , l'm afraid she'll have to live within her means.

Or Mr Swinburne's.

l wish l'd seen her face.

My, but she's a horrible woman .

l just hope she doesn 't take it out on the children .

Oh, the master'll put her straight about that.

l know one thing. l'll be glad to see the back of her.

CHILDREN : Go, Luke! - What's all this about?

Fancy wasting your time fighting. What's come over you?

- l could knock your heads together. - lt's because of you , Trotter.

Me?

Luke said he was going to marry you when he grew up.

But Matthew said he wasn 't, cos he was going to marry you himself.

- Anything wrong? -No. No, they're just having a bit of a carry-on .

They're fighting about who'll marry Trotter.

They'll have to take their turn because l expect there's a queue already.

Hey, now! None of that!

Say you're sorry to Drew.

- l shan 't. - Well then , you shan 't.

But don 't expect me to tell your father what a fine fellow you are.

Trotter!

l'm...l'm sorry.

There, there now.

l don 't want to go back with Grandmama.

None of us do.

Can 't you persuade Father to keep us?

lt isn 't up to your father, Matthew. lt's your mother who has to be persuaded to come back.

Do you understand?

- Yes. - Good.

Now go in for your tea. And tell Drew that you're sorry.

TILLY: Three days wasn 't long enough for the children

Highfield was their home and it was where they wanted to be

The master was distraught to see them go

After they'd gone he went back into his shell

A depressibn seemed to settle on him that none of us could lift

He rarely came downstairs now but spent more and more time alone in his room

The house is so quiet. Everyone seems to have deserted us at once. Even Burgess.

His cold was very bad, sir.

- He lives on his own , doesn 't he? - Yes, sir.

l'd hate that...living alone.

l don 't think he minds it so much, sir.

Seems to lose himself in his books.

We should send him some food. Leyburn can take it.

l'll go, sir. l can be there and back in an hour.

Why not?

The fresh air will do you good.

What have l done to deserve so much kindness?

All that food.

And you , clucking around like a mother hen .

- l don 't take that as a compliment, Mr Burgess. - Well, you should.

The master thinks you're a wonderful hen .

l think your cold's addled your brain .

Well, l must be off. Now, you make sure you eat all this.

Trotter.

- You bring happiness to so many people. - And trouble an ' all, it would seem.

Ah, people bring trouble on themselves, my dear.

You just go on as you are,

and one day you'll come into your own .

Now, off with you .

Take care, my dear.

Tell the master l'll be back on duty soon .

- He'll be pleased to hear that. He misses you . - (Coughs)

- Goodbye, Mr Burgess. - Goodbye, my dear.

(Door closes)

Well, well. So here we are, eh?

Didn 't expect to see me today, did you , Mistress Trotter?

- (Cries out) - Done well for yourself, l hear.

Been easy in your mind lately, l expect, since l was well out the way.

Well, haven 't you got anything to say to us after all this time?

No? Not a word?

You leave go of me, Hal McGrath!

Argh!

Argh!

(Heavy thud)

Oh, my God.

My back.

l'm stuck.

l can 't move.

Give us a hand.

Don 't leave me here, you bitch.

Not with night coming on .

Then get somebody!

Do you hear?

Do you hear?

(lndistinct chatter)

WOMAN : They say love's blind, don 't they? - (Laughter)

(Clatter of crockery )

SOPWITH: ls that you , Trotter?

Trotter?

Who's out there?

What happened?

Hal McGrath, sir.

He was waiting for me outside the wood.

My God.

Did he harm you?

Come and sit down .

Have some brandy. Go on . lt'll stop that trembling.

Well?

l was on my way back from Mr Burgess's.

And he was waiting for me.

He attacked me, but l managed to push him over and he fell down a gully.

He's hurt his back. He can 't move.

Someone will have to be told.

Have some sense, Trotter.

lt's best he's left there. Let the night finish him.

He's a danger to you .

Now don 't mention this to anybody. Do you hear?

- Has anyone seen you in this state? -No, sir.

Right. Go and get yourself cleaned up.

And remember...not a word.

(Knock at door) - Come in .

Tilly, that Steve lad's at the back door. He wants to see you .

You all right?

You look a bit peaky.

l feel a bit sick, that's all.

Tell Steve l'll be down in a minute.

He's back, Tilly.

Our Hal.

He came in last night.

He was there this morning when l got in from my shift. l could have died.

He knew l'd come and tell you . He threatened to do us in .

He wouldn 't let us out of the house until tonight, but l came as soon as l could.

l know, Steve.

l've seen him.

You what?

But you're still in one piece.

The things he said he'd do to you . And he was cold sober.

So how comes you're all right?

So, you say she didn 't look well?

No, she didn 't.

And the lad looked in a bit of a state an ' all.

Shall l go see if she's all right?

No. Leave her be.

Let's just hope it's got nowt to do with that brother of his.

- So you think his back's gone? - Well, he couldn 't move.

He might die and l don 't want him on my conscience.

Tilly, you don 't know what you're saying.

l'll tell you something and it's the truth.

lt's either you or him.

He's not right in the head, not where you're concerned he's not.

And he never will be as long as he breathes.

So...the best thing...is to leave him there.

No, Steve! l couldn 't leave him there to die.

Please, Steve. Please. For my sake.

Tilly, it'll be like signing your own death warrant. And mine an ' all.

He'll hound you .

Oh, God. Why was he born ?

Go on in .

lt'll be all right.

And you promise me you'll go?

- Aye, l'll go. - Thanks, Steve.

You'd better take this.

(Bird squawks)

Hal?

Hal?

- Hal? - Steve.

l'm down here in the gully.

Oh, am l glad to see you , lad.

lt's my back.

Are the others coming?

- How did you find us? - Tilly told us where you were.

At least the little bitch has done me one favour.

Come on , lad. Give us a hand.

l can 't move.

Aye. And you'll never move again .

- What you doing, lad? - What l should have done years ago.

Argh!

(Gurgles and grunts)

Ma! Ma!

Eh, what's the matter, hinny?

l've just seen our Sam.

Hal McGrath's been found stabbed to death.

Oh, my God.

You'd better tell Tilly.

Dead? He's dead?

Aye. Dead as a doornail.

Fell on his knife, by all accounts.

So you'll have no more trouble from him.

l've got to go and see the master.

- What is it? - They've found Hal, sir.

But believe me, not as l left him.

When l last saw him, he was lying on his back over the outcrop.

lt's seems they've found him with a knife between his ribs.

A knife? Somebody must have been there after you , then .

His brother came last night.

l asked him to go and help him.

lt seems he did you a good turn .

- There's one less fear in your life now. - But l'm frightened for Steve.

But why? Only you and l know where he went last night. He won 't be implicated.

But l'd die if anything happened to Steve because of me.

And l'd die, Tilly Trotter, if anything happened to you .

TlLLY: l suppose lld known for some time how the master felt about me

But l tried to put it from my mind

The last thing l wanted was to spoil my life at Highfield

l loved life in the house

The village and its people seemed a lifetime away

All my old fears had gone

But now there was a new fear

That one day the master would ask me that questibn

And then what would l say?

l knew what happened when servants gave in to their masters

And yet l didn 't feel like a servant any more

There were times when l felt l knew him better than a wife would

Good night, Trotter.

Good night, sir.

And in some ways that's almost what lld become

l'm thinking of inviting some old friends to dinner.

- Think you can cope? - Yes, sir. l think so.

Good. Two weeks next Saturday, then .

Give us time to get organised.

So, how do l look? Like an old butterfly emerging from the chrysalis?

You look very handsome, sir.

Thank you , Trotter.

And...you look charming.

- Pike. Everything in order? - Oh, yes, sir.

And Miss Trotter has prepared a splendid menu .

Good.

Well done, men .

Ladies, welcome.

l'm delighted you could come.

- Mark. - Joan .

- How lovely to see you . - And you , my dear.

- You're looking so well, Mark. - Thank you .

Would you like to come this way, ladies?

- Olive. - Mark.

John . Thank you for coming.

Pleasure. Lovely to see you again after so long.

- Mark. - Hello.

Now, Pike. l believe the malt is that way.

lf you require anything, ladies, l'll be in the adjoining room.

- l told you , didn 't l? - lt was evident, Albert said.

Not after Myton . He wouldn 't stoop.

Educating her? What nonsense.

(All laugh)

Stanley says it's impossible to educate the peasantry.

OLlVE: Well, what are we here for? - What indeed? We'd better go in .

Girl!

- Howay. - That's it, that's champion .

- How's it going? - All right from this end, hinny.

Everything's done to a turn , l think.

lt's the pudding that worries me. This is more up my street.

We could get through this ourselves.

Right, Ada, can you manage that on your own ? Don 't drop it, whatever you do.

- Are you all right, lass? Something the matter? - Oh, nothing.

What are the ladies like?

lf they didn 't have their fine clothes on , just like everybody else.

You're learning, lass. Puts me in mind of what my Granda used to say.

Just remember, they have to go to the closet, same as you and me.

BERENlCE: You don 't know John Alston , do you , Mark?

No, l don 't think l do.

Hm. Charlie Wilson says he's on the verge of bankruptcy. lmagine!

John Alston ? He wasn 't like that at the club.

Pike.

(lndistinct chatter)

l hear Eileen 's enjoying life in Scarborough.

Really?

l wouldn 't know, Olive.

He could probably use some moral support.

(Laughter and chatting)

(Woman clears throat)

- ls everything satisfactory, sir? - Yes, thank you , Trotter.

Very good indeed.

lf you don 't mind my saying, Mark, your housekeeper seems awfully young.

Young? Does she?

Well, one normally expects more, er, experience in a housekeeper.

Oh, she has the experience, Berenice.

Damn pretty, too, if you ask me.

So, Mark, old man .

Between friends, l hear the Myton woman 's got a new bull.

Really?

- Mm. - She's certainly been round the county.

- He looks like he could explode. - l'm not surprised. They're so rude.

lt's a wonder my backside's not black and blue.

Call themselves gentry? They're riffraff if you ask me.

l'd best go get his room ready. He'll be in no mood to be kept waiting.

(lndistinct chatter)

Did you have a good evening, sir?

No, Trotter, l did not, as you put it, have a good evening.

Those three ladies came here tonight to find out one thing. Do you know what it was?

No, sir.

Probably just as well.

l can manage the rest. You must be tired. Get to bed.

Yes, sir. Good night, sir.

Oh, and, Trotter, it was an excellent meal.

l've never tasted better. Please tell Cook.

l will, sir. She'll be very pleased.

(Glass shatters)

- What is it? - Mind the glass.

The table toppled. Come on , help me up.

(Knock at door)

What happened? We heard the crash.

Nothing. The master upset the table.

ls there anything l can do, Tilly?

No, thanks, Katie. You go to bed.

lt's all right, Ada.

Leave that.

Come and sit next to me.

But, sir...

Come and sit next to me.

Give me your hand.

You know...

..the past few months l've been very lonely, but not as lonely as l was downstairs tonight.

They're your friends, sir.

Friends? l don 't have friends.

l'll tell you something.

Those men tonight. They all have mistresses.

Their wives know. They lead normal lives.

l have one affair, l lose my wife and children .

And l'm shunned because of that.

Can you understand it?

I have a confession.

l fell deliberately.

Because l wanted you near me.

- Don 't be afraid. - l'm not, sir.

- You know what l'm asking of you? - Yes.

And?

Oh, sir. l'm sorry.

l'd do anything for you , anything, but...

But lie with me.

Oh, sir. l do like you .

l like you very much.

But it wouldn 't be right. lt would alter things.

l wouldn 't be able to hold my head up.

lt's because you care for Farmer Bentwood.

Just an educated guess.

You know he can never mean anything to you .

Will you wait for him all your life?

Oh, no, sir. l'll marry some day. And have children .

l'm sorry, sir.

lt's all right, Trotter.

lt's all right. Don 't go.

Lie on the bed next to me.

- Put your head on the pillow beside me. - Sir...

Please, Trotter.

Please. Please.

You're very beautiful, Tilly.

(Distant door opens)

You'd better go.

- Where have you been ? - Just down to the kitchen . l was hungry.

- Have you been with the master all this time? - Of course not. l've been in the closet.

Oh. lt's just that... l thought l heard him talking as l was passing.

Must have been dreaming.

(Sighs)

TlLLY: l thought things would never be the same after that night

But we carried on as if nothing had happened and he never mentibned it again

In a strange way it had cleared the air

The master seemed to have accepted how l felt and somehow it brought us closer

? BACH: Prelude No.1

We were comfortable together

At ease in each other 's company

But he was still sad.

l could tell how much he wanted me but it was a commitment l couldn 't make

l didn 't know what was holding me back

l only knew l couldn 't get Simon Bentwood out of my mind

Tilly, Steve McGrath's at the back door, asking for you .

- Hello, Tilly. - Hello, Steve. How are you?

Can we talk? Somewhere private, like.

Well, l'm on duty, but...

Come on .

l want to ask you something, Tilly.

l want...

l want to marry you , Tilly.

Oh, Steve. l don 't think of you like that. You're like a brother.

You can 't put us off, Tilly, not until you marry someone else.

l'll always be glad of your friendship, Steve.

But nothing else.

lt can never be.

- l killed our Hal for you , Tilly. - Don 't say that.

l hate him because of what he did to you . What l did, l did for you .

l'm sorry, Steve. l really am.

Aye, well. l thought l'd better get in first before the farmer comes galloping over.

l haven 't seen the Farmer Bentwood for months. Why would he be here?

- Well, he's a widower now, isn 't he? - A widower?

- You didn 't know his wife was dead? -No. When ?

Four - no, six weeks gone.

l've got to go, Steve. l'm sorry.

- Goodbye. - Tilly, can l...

(Chuckles)

Very good.

Could l have a word in private, sir?

Er...excuse me, sir.

- Could l ask you a favour, sir? - Yes, Trotter. Anything. You know that.

- May l have this afternoon off? - Of course.

ln fact, l think we should arrange for you to have more afternoons off.

You spend too much time in this house and with me.

- l don 't mind that, sir. - l'm glad of that.

So, are you going into Newcastle? Or Shields?

Neither, sir.

Oh?

Did you know, sir, that Farmer Bentwood's wife had died?

Yes, l knew.

Did... Does anyone else know?

Yes. Burgess.

Oh.

He hasn 't mentioned it because l told him not to.

Surely...

if Farmer Bentwood wants you , he'll come for you .

That's how l see it.

lf l loved someone, l would make it my business...to tell them how l felt.

lt wouldn 't have been right, if she's only been gone a short while.

Six weeks. And l don 't suppose he's written to you .

Look, wouldn 't it be better if you were to wait? Give him time.

May l still have the afternoon off, sir?

Yes, Trotter. Of course.

Thank you , sir.

Who's this little lass coming up?

Can you tell me where Farmer Bentwood is, please?

Aye, you'll find him over there in the barn , pet.

Find him. She'll do more than find him!

Tilly!

Tilly!

Hold on , Tilly!

Tilly!

Tilly!

l think l'll play a little piano in the drawing room this evening.

And l'll dine downstairs. lt'll make a change.

Can you arrange it?

- Yes, sir. - Good.

? MOZART: Sonata in B flat

- How much longer do you think he'll be? - He didn 't say. He just said not to disturb him.

(Sighs) l'll be in the kitchen . Let me know if he needs me.

You're quiet tonight, lass.

l'm fine, Biddy. Just tired, that's all.

Be that walk this afternoon , likely did that.

Tilly...we've taken him up.

He's asking for you .

- Good night. -Night, pet.

Do you have everything you need, sir?

No, l haven 't. l'm tired.

lt's been a long night, for your benefit.

Well, by the look on your face this afternoon ,

if l'd asked questions you'd likely have burst into tears.

And then the whole house would have known your private business.

So, l've tired them out.

And hopefully they're all now tucked up in bed.

You can tell me what happened.

Come on . Come and sit down .

So.

Did you see him?

Well, tell me. What did he say?

He told you he was having an affair with Lady Myton , didn 't he?

What happened?

Well, you must have found something out.

Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey. Come on .

Come on .

Nobody's worth tears like these.

- (Sobs disconsolately ) - Ssh, ssh, ssh.

You don 't want to wake up the whole house.

Not after all my hard work. Hm?

Oh, sir. l'm sorry.

lt's all right.

Come on .

Tell me what happened.

l saw them together in the barn .

Oh, my God.

Tilly.

Tilly. Answer me this.

lf he came tomorrow, begging your forgiveness, would you have him?

Oh, no, sir. l couldn 't.

Not after today.

Strange, isn 't it?

How we've both suffered at the hand of one woman .

You can see she practically ruined my life.

Please...

Please, Tilly.

Don 't let her ruin yours.

Put this behind you .

You're worthy of someone better than the farmer.

l've always known that.

Go on .

Come on . Go to bed.

Start a new life tomorrow. Hm?

- Good night, sir. - Good night.

SOPWlTH: You 're worthy of someone better than the farmer

llve always known that

SOPWITH: If l loved someone l would make it my business to tell them how l felt

Tilly? What is it?

I've come to keep you company.

- You felt sorry for me. -No, it's not that.

l thought l loved Simon . But now l know different.

lt's you l love.

And l love you , Tilly.

l have done for a long time.

l've dreamt of this moment. l thought it would never happen .

All l know is that l want to make you happy.

You already have, Tilly.

You already have.