All language subtitles for Call the Midwife S08E03 Episode 8.3.DVDRip.NonHI.en.BBC

Every birth begins as a mystery,

an enterprise whose
outcome cannot be foretold.

We think, "May all be well."

And all is well - almost always.

Your councillor is
Mrs. Violet Buckle!

But joy is only the
beginning of the journey.

And we must move
forward, fueled by faith.

More flowers?

The Rotary Club and the
Local Trader's Association.

No, I've no vases left.

We'll have to put
them in buckets.

You not going to get that?

It's not stopped all morning.

Councillor Violet
Buckle speaking.

May I ask what your
call is regarding?

- Mum!
- Oh, Reggie, love, is that you?

Congratulations, Mum.

Thank you, sweetheart.

Are you in charge now?

Not quite, no, but, as council
member for Poplar North,

I shall do my very best to
improve our local community.

You're going to be busy?

I suppose so.

Never too busy for you, Reggie.

Now, don't beat about the bush -

make it clear that it's
a very important trial

and that we're asking the mothers
of all eligible babies to take part.

Righty ho.

And tell them that Mrs. Turner's
giving a short talk at the end of clinic.

Will do.

Well, off you pop.

And don't take no for an answer.

Right, ladies. Measles!

Just take a seat. Thank you.

Good afternoon.

Dr. Turner referred me
for my post-natal check.

- Hazel Becker.
- Ah, yes.

We don't seem to
have your records yet.

We just moved from Stepney.

And before that, you were
in Cyprus, is that right?

My husband was posted
there for two years.

You'll be used to this
warm weather, then?

If you'd just like to join
the queue for weighing.

And just so you know -

Sister Hilda now runs a playgroup
here on Thursday mornings.

You'll find it an excellent
way to meet other mothers.

Right. I'll bear that in mind.

Thank you.

Can I interest you in a
measles vaccination leaflet?

Our clinic's part
of a nationwide trial

aiming to eradicate
this very serious disease.

This says measles can
kill. I didn't know that.

You see children out
on the street with it,

covered in a rash,
spreading it around!

It's a very
underestimated disease.

It can cause all sorts of
horrible complications -

blindness, heart
problems, brain damage.

- And death?
- Absolutely.

So would you like
to stay for the talk?

I suppose I'd better.

I'm sorry, Nurse, I couldn't
hear you above the racket.

Not to worry. How
are you, Betty?

Well, look at me - I'm blooming.

- Come in, come in.
- It's mine! Give it back!

Well, this is rather
disappointing.

I'm so sorry, Mrs. Turner.
I spoke to lots of mothers,

just like Nurse Franklin said,
but maybe I scared them off.

If we can't drum up
a lot more interest,

we shall have to
abandon the trial.

Not to worry.

We shall simply have
to alter our approach.

What do you have in mind?

Well, as the stick clearly
hasn't done the trick,

we'll have to dangle
a carrot or two.

I'm sure Sister Frances and I can
come up with something suitable.

If you're quite sure...

I'm sorry, but will the
talk be starting soon?

I'm afraid we've
had to postpone.

But a new date will be
announced very shortly.

Excuse the smell - we was
making jam tarts and the jam caught.

- It's mine!
- Bang, bang!

Yeah, I know the boys
should be at school.

But we was having fun.

Besides, I like
'em here with me.

You'll have the inspector
after you, if you're not careful.

Ooh, let him try!

Well, your blood pressure
looks very satisfactory.

It's like I said to Dr. Turner
- I could do this in me sleep.

Do you know, he wanted me
up at the hospital for this one?

Once you get to number
six, we like to be careful.

But you'll have two of us keeping an eye
on you, so you've nothing to worry about.

Is your, er, Donny still away?

He's on one of them
new container ships.

You know, somewhere
near Newfoundland.

And have you found someone to sit
with the others when the big day comes?

Oh, yeah.

Old Mrs. Girton from
upstairs is going to help.

See you later, Mum. I'm
going up west with Petey.

- In another new shirt?
- Got to look my best.

First things first,

we need to list all the babies who
fall within the correct age range.

- There's going to be quite a few.
- The more the merrier.

Then we just need to think of a
suitable incentive for the mothers.

Perhaps a free
gift of some sort.

Isn't that bribery?

Not when it's in the
interest of public health.

Nurse Franklin?

What is the meaning of this?

We're just retrieving some patient
files, Miss Higgins, we won't be long.

And may I ask, who
gave you permission?

It's for Dr. Turner's
measles trial.

If you have any objections, do
feel free to take it up with him.

Are you on board?

- Yeah.
- Lovely!

You could display
one in your window.

Preferably at eye level.

This looks good!

Enter.

30!

Over 30 mothers
have agreed to attend?

They have, and we were able
to hire the hall at the institute

as the toddler tap class
is currently on hiatus.

Nurse Franklin thought you might
like to give the talk yourself, Dr. Turner,

seeing as we've
such a big turnout.

I'd be happy to.

This really is excellent
work, Sister Frances.

We also noticed that Teddy's the
right age for the trial, Mrs. Turner.

Yes, that's correct.

So Nurse Franklin wondered
if you might like to have him

vaccinated as part of the talk,

to show the mothers that there's
nothing to be worried about?

Well, yes, I suppose we could.

Because, if you don't mind sticking
a big needle in your son's arm,

why should they?

Quite.

Thank you for
notifying us, Mrs. Girton.

Morning. Not bad news, I hope?

Oh, no, not at all.

My mother writes to inform me
that my cousin is getting married

to a young man she
met at the church picnic.

Oh! That's nice for her.

My mother also
wonders if there are any

"clean, well-mannered gentlemen"
attending my own church.

Nurse Dyer?

Betty Marwick's neighbor has just called
to inform us that her waters have broken.

On my way.

Nurse Anderson,
if you can assist?

Of course.

You'll have rather a full
house to contend with.

As I remember, Betty's
children can be quite lively.

There you go, sweetheart.

Now, you're going to be good
as gold for Mrs. Girton, aren't you?

Oh, Sharon, come
here, sort your plaits out!

Betty, I really need to get you into
the bedroom, so I can examine you.

Here, wait a minute, Nurse - I just
need to find the blessed hairbrush!

I've still not found
any clean bed linen.

That's quite enough, thank you.

Out you go.

You're going to have
to dismantle that tipi.

May I take this
opportunity to offer my

congratulations in
person, Councillor Buckle?

You're very kind, Nurse Crane.

But, of course, now the
hard work really begins.

Indeed.

I'm afraid I, myself, am contemplating
a curtailment of my additional duties.

Running Cubs alone has
proven somewhat onerous of late.

I hope you won't be
abandoning them entirely?

Not entirely.

But the District Commissioner has
given me leave to advertise for assistance.

I'm glad to hear it.

Now, delegation
- that's the key.

It is so terribly easy to forget

the damage that can be
caused by the measles infection.

But I have seen children
left with brain damage

or permanent hearing loss.

This common childhood illness
can have very serious consequences.

You mean they can die?

Sadly, yes, in some
cases, it can be fatal.

But if this trial proves successful,
we shall have a vaccine,

which will effectively
protect all our children.

Speaking of which,

if I can introduce our first
volunteer - my own son, Teddy.

Hello, you!

Hello.

It's Dawn Alison Becker.

October the 3rd, 1963.

Oh!

Sorry, I'm just doing
my mental arithmetic.

I'm afraid Dawn's too young
to take part, Mrs. Becker.

It's only for babies
over ten months.

That's nit-picking!
Splitting hairs!

I'm sorry.

But we have to do as
the guidelines tell us.

And in the meantime, what are
you telling these babies' mothers?

That measles can blind them,
maim them, even kill them?

But if you're under ten months,
you just have to take your chances?

Mrs. Becker, is something amiss?

Do you want to
tell her, or shall I?

She's saying that my Dawn
can't have her vaccination.

She's only eight months old.

Then Sister is correct.

But if all goes well with the
trial, it may well be that we can

vaccinate your little
girl too in a year or two.

A year or two?

I'm sorry for wasting your time!

Oh, dear. She was very angry.

No. She was very upset.

All right, precious,
we're nearly there.

Just little pushes.

Little pushes for the
head, nice and steady.

But this baby has other ideas!

You couldn't wait,
could you, sweetheart?

You couldn't wait to come
out and meet your family!

Boy or girl? Nurse?

It's a boy.

Kirk - we're calling him
Kirk, like Kirk Douglas!

Is that right?

You just lie down now.

Catch your breath for a moment.

I loved him in that one
where he was a Viking.

Do you know the one I mean?
Oh, he was that handsome!

Well, let's have a
look at him, then.

Nurse?

Betty, now, I don't
want you to be alarmed.

Well, you're alarming
me, just saying that!

You're alarming me
by just looking so kind.

Kirk is fit and well, Betty,

and he's got a
prize-winning pair of lungs!

You heard him just now.

But his top lip and - we
think - the roof of his mouth

didn't develop
properly in the womb.

So he doesn't look quite like
your others would've done.

Is that why you're
covering his face?

We didn't want you get a shock.

But you can see for
yourself, when you feel ready.

Have you uncovered him yet?

Oh, my God!

We will need the doctor
to take a look at him.

We're going to call
the maternity home

and say we're
sending you both over.

Poor little lad.

Can't believe that
nurse turned us away.

- But if Dawn's too young...
- That's not the point.

You didn't hear what
they were saying.

The horrible things that
could happen if she caught it.

They said Dawn could die.

She's not going to die.
Nothing's going to happen to her.

You've got to stop
thinking like that.

You could try
putting her in a cot.

- She's getting a bit big for that thing.
- She's fine.

And can you remember to leave
your boots outside of the flat?

She's crawling now, so I don't want you
walking in all the dirt from the factory.

I can hardly leave 'em in the
corridor. Someone'll pinch 'em.

Put them on the balcony, then!
Is that really too much to ask?

S... O... S.

Well done! Right, Pack.

We shall return to the art
of semaphore at a later date,

but for now if you would please

return your flags to the
receptacle on this table.

Now, a reminder for your mothers -
there will be no meeting on the 18th

because, as you may know,
it's the Whitsun Bank Holiday.

My Auntie Lorna's
going to Southend.

She says they have ice
creams and real live donkeys.

So I understand.

She said she'd take me next
year, but Mum says she's all talk.

All right, young man. All done.

So how big is it?

This gap in the
roof of his mouth?

It's sizable.

In a day or two, the surgeon at
St. Cuthbert's will have a look at him

and start to plan the operation.

So, once he's had
that, will he be all right?

We can repair his
lip straight away.

But the surgery inside the
mouth won't be for some months.

One step at a time.

I'll leave you
with these ladies.

I think the young
man's feeling peckish.

Is he in pain? Is
that why he's crying?

No, not at all.

It's like Doctor said,
he's just hungry.

Luckily, we have some
bottles with long teats

the little chap will be able
to drink out of quite happily.

We'll set you up with the pump.

Pump? What do you mean, pump?

- Nurse Crane!
- Good Lord!

It would behove you
to wear a heavier shoe

or at the very least to announce
your presence in a more timely fashion!

My apologies but, er, I have
come to offer my services.

In what capacity?

For the position of
Assistant Cub master,

as per your advertisement.

I have extensive experience
within the scouting community

and can provide references
from the Akela at my former pack

in Stepney, should
you require them.

Well, providing the District
Commissioner is agreeable,

I suppose we can consider the
implementation of a trial period.

- Goodnight.
- Goodnight.

I'd seen it in training,

but I'd never delivered a
baby with a cleft palate before.

It did come as quite a shock.

The condition can be
extremely disfiguring,

but a good surgeon
really can work wonders.

Of course, at this stage, the
main worry is that he'll fail to thrive.

To be honest, I didn't feel I knew
enough to offer much assistance.

Well, that's easily remedied.

I've a reference book with a
chapter on facial anomalies.

If you can visualize
the anatomy,

you'll find it helps immeasurably
with the practical care.

Phyllis, can't I tempt
you to a pedicure?

One wouldn't want to reveal unsandalworthy
feet in this glorious warm weather.

Rest assured, Trixie.

In the unlikely event
that I should don sandals,

they will be worn
with a pair of socks.

My mother never
approved of painted toes.

She said they were too forward.

But a soft pastel in a
pearl finish, it's so elegant.

It's what all the
Italians were wearing.

Why shouldn't we bring a little
Portofino glamour to Poplar?

Would you credit it?

The one time the wholesaler's
delivery comes early!

I thought I'd never get away.

Is no one here yet?

The surgery was advertised
as starting at nine sharp.

How about we get you settled in the
cafe and I'll make you a nice cup of tea?

Well, just mind
you put the sign up

because I can't have people
traipsing in, looking for iced buns,

when I'm conducting
private consultations.

Martin, feel her head.

Do you think she's hot?

Maybe a bit.

Look how flushed she is.

Or maybe she's teething.

Hey, that it, sweetheart?
Getting your first tooth?

She's been awake half the night.

She's not the only one -
that sofa's hard as a rock.

Been months since I
got a decent night's sleep.

Martin, I'm serious - I think
there's something really wrong.

A beach? Outside Nonnatus House?

That is correct.

I would like the council's
permission to create a sandpit

in the courtyard for
Whitsun Bank Holiday.

And you think this
is a... a good idea?

Well, as Nurse Crane says, if the
young ones can't get to the seaside,

then why don't we bring
the seaside to them?

I know a man I can
see about some sand.

I believe we could obtain all the
necessary materials as donations

from local builders and tradesmen,
so there would be no cost entailed.

I'm sorry, but I've never
heard anything so ridiculous.

I mean, if people are that keen,
they can always go to Tower Beach.

Oh, come on, Vi!
Where's your sense of fun?

I have to act in the best
interests of the community.

To my mind, this
would be just that.

It will certainly create a
strong feeling of civic pride.

If - and only if - you can guarantee
that every single grain of sand

is cleared by Tuesday morning.

You have my word, as an officer
of the law, Madam Councillor.

Very well, then.

We shall have a beach.

Nurse, I don't
mean to be unkind -

I know her baby's
come out a bit funny,

but wouldn't it be better to
move her to a room of her own?

Better for who, exactly?

I can't do it,
Nurse! I just can't.

My milk's in, and I've been up
all night with that flaming pump!

I can hardly get anything,
and what I did get he won't take!

You know, with the others,

I just used to clamp 'em
on and we were away!

Now look at me!

And I can hear what
they're saying out there.

Well, they won't be
saying it any more.

Meanwhile, the pump can
have its marching orders.

Shh, shh, shh, shh!

I'll mix him a feed
from powdered milk,

and we'll just concentrate
on getting it down him.

Please, I need
to see the doctor.

Do you have an appointment?

No, but I'm worried there's
something wrong with my baby.

Then I shall endeavor
to be of assistance

but, as you can see, there are
already several patients waiting.

But she's very hot. I think it
might be something serious.

- Mrs. Becker, everything all right?
- Doctor...

I was just explaining to Mrs.
Becker that, without an appointment...

Please, can you just
take a look at her?

Something's not
right, I know it.

Please.

She does have a
slight temperature.

But that's because
she's teething.

And you did have her quite
wrapped up for the time of year.

All the books say
to keep 'em warm.

I haven't taken her out without a hat
and a matinee jacket since she was born.

- The sunshine is good for them.
- Good in what way?

You don't need me to blind you
with science, but there are a lot...

I do! You do need to
blind me with science.

I need to know
everything about this.

Everything about
bringing up a child.

About getting things right,
about not letting things go wrong.

It's normal to be
anxious around the first

baby. But you're
doing really, really well.

So far.

She needs her mid-morning milk.
I have her on a very strict routine.

We can have a chat about your
worries, if you aren't in a rush.

No, I've already wasted
enough of your time.

I'll admit I wasn't aware
the vaccination trial

would generate so much
additional paperwork.

Accurate record-keeping is the
cornerstone of medical advancement.

Dr. Turner might do
well to remember that

before allowing all and sundry
access to my filing system.

Well, we're all working towards
the same goal, aren't we?

Miss Higgins tells me you let
Mrs. Becker jump the queue.

Mrs. Becker was in rather a
state about her baby's temperature.

Was anything wrong?

With the baby, no - a
simple case of teething.

But the mother was rather
in need of reassurance.

They're new to the area.

She may be feeling
a little isolated.

Perhaps I should try
and look in on her?

That would be a very
neighborly thing to do.

Excuse me, please.

You might get on better...

..if you can picture
what's going on inside.

Try putting your finger
in his mouth, like this.

And just gently
feel for the hole.

I'm scared I'll hurt him.

It's not sore.

It's not like it's an injury.
It's just the way he's made.

- Right.
- Yeah?

There we are.

God, it goes ever so far back.

That's why we need to be
careful where the teat goes.

Come on. Let's have another go.

I think it's working! I think
he's getting something!

You're good at this, Betty.

Yeah, we'll see.

It's all very well, Nurse Crane
coming up with this wild scheme of hers,

but she's no idea the
level of planning involved.

There's permits to organize,
there's road closures to be approved.

Ooh, how did you
get on with the sand?

All sorted - one ton of the
finest quality builders' sand

to be delivered Saturday
before Bank Holiday.

Well done!

I was thinking - we could have
some sort of opening ceremony,

make a bit of an occasion of it,
perhaps we could ask the mayor?

Or a certain very
attractive lady councillor?

Oh, Fred! Don't be daft.

Why not? After all, you're the
one that's making all this happen.

Sister Hilda and Nurse Dyer,

you will be assisting Mrs.
Turner at the maternity home.

Betty Marwick is to see the surgeon
at St. Cuthbert's this afternoon,

so she will need to be escorted
to and from the hospital with baby.

Of course.

Nurse Crane, do you know anything
about a rather large quantity of sand?

I'm afraid it appears
to be blocking your car.

Ready?

It's a mother's worst
nightmare, isn't it?

It was supposed to be delivered
next week and piled against the wall!

Mm.

I reckon Nolly Watling got
the wrong end of the stick.

You think?

Well, you did ask for a beach.

It will have to be moved.

I require access to
my vehicle at all times!

Well, get to it, then, Fred.

Mrs. Becker, I'm sorry
to call in unannounced,

but I understand from Dr. Turner

that your little one's been
suffering with her teeth.

Er, yes, that's right.

Well, I happen to have some
marvelous teething powders

that I thought might help.

That's very kind.

I was just changing the bed.

Oh, I won't hold you up.

No. Please, come in.

After the palate repair, your son
may have some difficulty breathing,

in which case we shall intubate.

And what's that?

It's a very simple procedure.

We insert a tube into the windpipe
which connects to a ventilator.

Oh, God!

It's unlikely he will require
assistance for more than a few days.

However, your son may experience
some hearing loss moving forward,

as well as dental
and speech issues.

But there's a great deal that can
be done with ongoing treatment.

Now, do you have any
questions, Mrs. Marwick?

She's a smashing little
eater! And so bonnie.

It must be quite lonely, on
your own with a little one,

and in a new place to boot.

I should be used to it.

We moved all the time
when Martin was in the Army.

Nevertheless, it's different
once you've a baby to care for.

Yes, it is.

I'm sorry about the
other day at the Institute.

- I shouldn't have got so upset.
- Not at all.

We all just want to
keep our children safe.

I'm afraid I shall
have to get going.

No, I'll see myself out.

But do come along to
the playgroup if you can.

It's such a help to be able
to ask others for advice

when you're a first-time mum.

I'm not a first-time mum.

You aren't?

I'm sorry.

Would you like to tell
me what happened?

No.

I don't talk about it.

Not to anyone.

Everybody said that
was the better way.

Of course.

At least now you
know what's to come.

All those operations
and treatments?

We can make sure you
have help with the children.

What, some stranger?

They won't want that.

Betty, why not have the
children come and visit?

Let them meet
their little brother.

It might make things
feel a bit more normal.

No, it'll just upset 'em.

It's hard enough.

Phyllis, I wondered
if I might ask a favor?

I don't understand.

You want to take his picture?

I know you're worried
Kirk's appearance

might come as a shock
to the other children,

so I thought, if we
show them a photograph

and let them get used to it,
then it won't seem so frightening.

I suppose.

Let's find a clean bib,
then, shall we, Nurse?

We want this young
man looking his best.

Hazel Becker's previous GP
says that she gave birth to a son

just over three years ago.

So Dawn isn't her first baby?

The little boy died in his
sleep, aged eight months.

An unexplained death?

Was any cause found?

There so seldom is.

Imagine the torture
for the parents.

Apparently, poor Hazel found the
lack of an explanation very, very hard.

Enter.

Mrs. Becker's notes, Dr. Turner,
delivered by messenger.

I did tip him out
of the petty cash.

But only sixpence because
he was chewing gum.

Is the postmortem
report included?

I took the liberty of
placing it on the top.

There's a particular detail
I felt you ought to note.

I'm sure Doctor is quite capable
of directing his own investigations.

The date of the
demise of the little boy.

He died in May, and an
anniversary is approaching.

Pain can be redoubled
at such a time,

as those of us who have
been bereaved will testify.

Hazel is locked in
grief and old patterns.

Silence and secrecy
have made things worse.

Just need my pillow.

- Will you at least try and get some sleep?
- Of course.

- You can't watch her all night.
- Shh! She's nearly asleep.

I still think we should try
putting her in her own room.

That way, you can sleep.

Sleep through her crying?
Sleep through her choking?

Sleep through her
stopping breathing?

When is this going to stop,
Hazel? We can't carry on like this!

Now look what you've done!

Shh, it's OK.

Shh! Shh!

Get away!

We shall have no
defecation here!

The thing to remember is
that Kirk looks quite poorly,

but the doctors are going to
be able to make him better.

Would you like to see
the picture too, Lynette?

Hey!

She's not stopped crying
since her mum went.

And as for them boys!

Betty's not so much
brought them up

as turned them loose
and let them run wild!

And it's too much for
me with my rheumatics.

Mum! Mum!

Slowly, slowly now.
It's not a playground.

Hello, baby Kirk!

Careful there -
mind your brother.

So you are coming
home now, are you?

Because, I'm sorry, lovey,
this lot's more than I can take.

Hey, shh, quiet!

Just give it another
couple of days.

I can't. I need to go home.

It'll be so much better
for Kirk if you stay.

I've got six kids, not just one.

And it's better for
them to have me home.

When's your husband coming back?

I don't know, depends if
he picks up another ship.

I was also thinking
about a paddling pool.

Oh, yes?

Apparently, the Brownies had a
great big one at their summer jamboree.

I think it would
be just the thing.

I mean, you can't have the
beach without the sea, can you?

I suppose not.

So I'll leave that to you, then.

And if you can ask Sister
Julienne to sign the waiver

on behalf of Nonnatus
House regarding road closures.

And, of course, there's still
the decorations to finalize.

Well, I had merely envisioned
a few swathes of bunting.

But should you wish to provide
something more elaborate...

Oh, no - bunting will be fine.

Your towering edifice of dirt has been
claimed by the local feline population.

Come Whitsun, I predict it shall
be contaminated beyond all repair.

I shall speak to Mr. Buckle
about finding some tarpaulins.

Well, I think that seems
to be everything for now.

Goodness!

This really is becoming
quite a production.

More like a three-ring circus,

and I think we know
who the ringmaster is.

I won't tell you again
- get back into bed!

It's all right! It's all
right! We're nearly there.

For God... It can't
still be too hot!

Shh!

What now?

Lynette's wet the bed again.

Mrs. Becker, I'm so
glad you could come.

I might not stay very long.
Had a bit of a broken night.

They've sent through all these
dates for follow-up appointments,

half a dozen of 'em - and it says
he's going to be at the hospital

for at least a week!

Look, what have I said about
fighting in the kitchen? Go on, get out!

He will need quite a bit of
time to recover after the surgery.

But this is just the
start, isn't it? I mean,

the surgeon says the other operations
are going to be even more serious.

Here, I need to make
up another bottle.

And that's another thing!

You know, I thought formula
was meant to make it easy.

Well, what with all the
heating and sterilizing,

and now I'm running out of the blessed
stuff, and I ain't got no time to buy any!

Just sit down a minute.
I'll make up the bottle.

Wasn't like this
with the others.

It was so easy with them.

I knew what I was doing.

He's feeling a bit hot.

That'll be from
all the screaming.

Something wrong?

The driver on the bus
goes move on down

All day long

The babies on the bus go
wa-wa-wa Wa-wa-wa, wa-wa-wa

The babies on the
bus go wa-wa-wa

All day long

The mothers on the
bus go shh-shh-shh

All day long...

No!

Goodness!

Did you see that? She
just hit my daughter!

Oh, dear.

- I'm so sorry.
- What is wrong with you?

I didn't mean...

Yeah, you should go -

you're not fit to be around
children. You hear me?

Let's all remain calm, shall we?

Copper!

Poor little soldier.

I'm afraid it looks as though
he's breathed in some of the milk

while he was feeding.

It will have been
irritating his lungs.

It's my fault. I couldn't get
it to go down the right way.

You are doing
really well, Betty.

Feeding a baby like
Kirk can be a bit tricky

till you get the hang of it.

I will give you some antibiotics
to keep any infection at bay.

I'm sorry.

It's just so much harder
now I'm on me own at home.

You're not on your
own, I promise you.

You can phone for us at
any time of the night or day.

And I will drop in and give this
one the once-over tomorrow.

I've seen so many women
struggling on their own over the years.

Husbands dead or drunk.

Or in prison or at sea.

Like Betty's other half.

Most of them cope.

But they don't always thrive.

They need support, if
they're going to do that.

Dr. Turner?

Nurse, erm...

..I was hoping to speak
to Mrs. Betty Marwick.

Is now an appropriate
moment to call?

This is not the first time I've
witnessed your son and his friend

driving in a reckless manner.

You said Keith
wasn't the one driving.

In this instance.

But both your son and his
friend have repeatedly driven

in such a manner to risk
damage to other vehicles,

not to mention the
potential to endanger life.

- We never damaged anything.
- Look, that is enough from you!

- Is there anything else?
- Not at present.

But I'll be keeping
my eye on you, son.

As if I haven't
enough to deal with!

Go on - out of my sight!

Good girl. There we go.

Oh, God! Oh, God!

Oh, no, no, no, no, no, please!

Do you know what
I thought last night?

When Kirk wouldn't stop crying
and I couldn't do anything right?

I thought it might've been
better if I'd let him slip away.

Then he wouldn't have to
deal with all he's got to come.

What kind of monster
does that make me?

It doesn't make you a monster
in any way, shape or form.

It makes you a mother, Betty.

Because you want to protect him.

When I had Keith, it was like
there was a party in the room.

Me mum was still alive, and
she was there, me Auntie Rita,

and the nun what delivered him.

I had a hard time getting
his head out but, when I did,

and when he cried, I
got a round of applause.

I'd never had a round of
applause in me whole life!

Even me husband clapped -
he was outside on the landing.

But no one's clapping now.

Kirk'd be better off
with someone else.

Someone who can
look after him properly.

Please, I think my baby's dying!

All right, you're here now.

I'll fetch the doctor.

It's measles, isn't it?

She's caught it,
and now it's too late.

It is a rash, but
it's not measles.

It's something called roseola
infantum, or sixth disease.

Is that worse?

- Is it worse? Is she going to die?
- No.

It's just a mild virus.

It's very common,
not serious at all.

It will pass in a day or two, and
Dawn will be perfectly all right.

You can't know that.
You can't be sure.

I am absolutely sure.

It must've been unbearably
painful to lose your little boy, Hazel.

I don't tell people about that.

I don't talk about it.

It's in your medical notes.

And so it should be.

A loss like that will make so many
things in your life so much harder.

Including bringing up a
lovely, healthy baby, like Dawn.

He was healthy, too.

They said that.

And he died.

I wish I could give you a
reason why that happened, Hazel.

But I can't now any more
than the doctors could then.

I can only tell you that you
are a wonderful mother...

..and I have every
confidence in you.

Do you?

Yes.

I do.

And one day, you will have
confidence in yourself again.

Because you deserve to.

I need to get her
home, in the warm.

There's a bus in a minute.

You're not getting the bus.

You have a long list for
this evening's rounds, Doctor.

I have no objection to driving
Mrs. Becker to her residence.

Betty was very clear.

She told me to contact the
adoption agency straight away.

Are you certain this
is what she wants?

I don't know.

I mean, it's not as if she's
been coping since the birth.

And it's taken its toll
on the whole family.

Her eldest son's got himself
in trouble with the police,

and now, with the baby ill,

she is really struggling.

If it's a question of practical
support, that can be provided.

Perhaps if Betty
could be persuaded

to send the older children
to school more regularly...

It's more than that.

She keeps saying it's not
like it was with the others.

She doesn't seem to feel the
urge to cuddle him or show affection.

I'm sure she's in a very
dark place at the moment.

But a few hours of peace and quiet
and a chance to get on top of things,

it should start to feel a
great deal more manageable.

I won't pretend there's an
easy solution, Nurse Dyer.

But we need to help Betty
to start helping herself.

Hazel, where have you been?

Your wife had a bit
of a scare, Mr. Becker,

but there's nothing
to worry about.

- Hazel?
- I need to put her down.

There we go.

I know you've been through a
terrible time, my dear, losing a child.

But you are stronger
than you realize.

It's like an actual pain...

..here, in my chest.

And it never goes away.

And I don't want it to go,

because that would
mean I was forgetting him.

Is she all right?

She seems a great deal calmer.

Dr. Turner did
suggest a mild sedative.

No, she won't take
it - not after last time.

The, er, the doctor in Cyprus put
her on something when Stephen...

..when, erm, when our son died.

The state she was in, she
couldn't even make it to the funeral.

That's probably for the best.

God knows, that was the
hardest thing I ever had to do.

Standing there in
the baking heat...

..watching that little
coffin go into the ground.

We all need the
chance to say goodbye.

I suppose we do.

Thought I'd help you
get the kids off to school.

If you want.

Right, you lot, where
are your schoolbags?

Ah! Not so fast!

With your dad away,
you're the man of the house.

So it's time you stepped up.

From now on, I'm putting
you on Quartermaster's duty.

You what?

One tin of powdered milk on
the go, another in the cupboard.

Soon as one runs out, you go
to the chemist and you replace it.

Got it?

Good.

I need to talk about him, Hazel.

If we don't, I'm scared about
what's going to happen to us.

What it might end
up doing to Dawn.

Maybe I shouldn't have
listened to that doctor.

Maybe if we'd have gone
to the funeral together...

It wasn't your fault.

You should've had a
chance to say goodbye.

Right, off you pop.
Good boys. Come on.

And you... see you later!

Baby milk?

What are you doing
under there? You hiding?

Ignore 'em.

Have a good look, why don't
you? That's my brother, all right?

You got something to say
about him, you say it to me!

Honestly! What are you like?

3oz.

No! Really?

Well done, Betty.
You're doing brilliantly.

I'd say your mummy's
earned a cuddle!

And you're sure
his chest is better?

Temperature's normal.

He's a thriving,
healthy little chap.

Good. Cos now we've got to
get him through the operation.

We heard back from Mrs.
Lightley at the adoption agency.

She said she could
drop by tomorrow.

Tell her not to bother.

I understand from your husband
that your little boy is buried abroad.

Yes, he is.

Well, I can't imagine
that that is entirely helpful.

No.

I'm not from a large family.

I have just the one
uncle in Canada.

And since my parents met their untimely
end, in the course of an air raid in 1941,

he has been unable
to visit their grave.

Winnipeg being quite some
distance from East Finchley.

My uncle planted a rose
bush in their memory.

He sends me photographs
of it once in a while.

And it brings us both comfort.

I venture to hope that this
might do the same for you.

That's most kind. It really is.

Thank you.

Donny! When did you get home?

I came off the ship
about an hour ago.

Can I see him?

Come here, then.

Oh, look at him! He's gorgeous!

- Now, there's a cheering sight.
- Isn't it?

Angela asked me today if she
could tell people May was her sister.

Did she?

They're really becoming
very close. It's lovely.

I was thinking that some people
foster children for years, don't they?

It does happen.

Right, come on, then!

- We don't want to be late.
- In you pop.

Come on, Reggie! Spit
spot! It's nearly half past.

Will we do?

Oh! Just look at
my handsome boys!

Madam Councillor?

On behalf of the Tower
Hamlets London Borough Council,

it gives me the greatest
of pleasure to declare this

Poplar Whitsun Bank Holiday
Play Beach open for business!

Oh, I feel like the Queen!

In you go! In you go!

Tempted to have
a paddle, Sister?

Just you try and stop me!

What's it like? Ooh!

Three cheers for
Akela! Hip hip...

Hooray!

Hip hip... ALL: Hooray!

That ice cream's melting.

Boo!

We can decide to be happy,

make much out of little,

embrace the warmth
of our ordinary days.

Life unfolds as a mystery.

An enterprise whose
outcome cannot be foretold.

We do not get what we expect.

We stumble on cracks,
are faced with imperfection.

Bonds are tested and tightened.

And our landscapes shift
in sunshine and in shade.

There is light.

There is.

Look for it.

Look for it shining over
your shoulder, on the past.

It was light where
you went once.

It is light where you are now.

It will be light where
you will go again.

Gentle, rhythmic circles.

Ooh, I've come over a bit funny.

Where are you off to in
your next-best two-piece suit?

An exhibition of photography.

What are horizons for
if not to be expanded?

Are you asking to arrange a
termination of your pregnancy?

If that's the polite
way of putting it.

Faster!