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There he is! My boy!Hello Mum.

You're too young to be getting married,

you should still be at home with your mammy.

He'd be an old man

before he get wed if it was up to you.

-Hello, son. -Hello, dad.

Let me take those.

You all right there, pa?Aye... just a bit sore.

They've got him working all hours plating ships at the dock.

You'd think we're already at war the rate they're building.

It won't come to that,

but I'm happy to do my bit all the same.

Aye. You did that the first time around.

You sure you don't want to join us tonight, pa?

Well...Och, your father's got no time for all that carry on.

Have you, dear?Er... no.

No, I suppose not.I'll carry these inside for you.

It might be James' last night as a single man--

but don't drink too much.

More importantly, don't let James drink too much.

I want him walking Helen down that aisle tomorrow, not staggering.

You can lead a horse to water, Mrs H.,

but you can't make it guzzle six pints of Sharpe's brew.

If you pour it down his bloomin' neck, you can.

Oh, don't be so fussy, Clancy. It's just for one night.

Mr Mulligan will be back to pick you up tomorrow evening.

What're you doing? It's only five and twenty to six.

Finished for the day.

Already?

Plenty of bread.

The Harris' cat that needed spaying?

Done.And there's milk too.

What about Mulligan's hell hound, Clancy?

Oh, the usual vomiting but there's something on his chest too.

I've administered digoxin,

but we'll keep him overnight, see how he responds.

Well make sure he's locked away, or he'll chew the place to pieces.

Slow and steady wins the race.

Look, I know this must be hard for you both,

but your days of molly-coddling me are over.

I'm a fully-functioning member of society now.

You'll just have to find someone else to mother-hen.

Ah Jim! Perfect timing.

Mrs Hall's got your first tipple of the evening.

Parents get settled in all right?

Yes, they're staying at the Falcon Inn again.

You know James, this wedding business is really rather inconsiderate of you.

Oh, is it, Siegfried?

Yes, it damned well is.

And then there's this honeymoon you're drifting gaily off on.

You can't begrudge the boy a holiday.

A week in North Riding? Lovely.

It's not lovely, it's bloody awful.

A whole week!

And I'm here, running around disappearing halfway up my own backside!

Oh, only halfway? We should've booked in for two.

I'm sorry, Helen, but spring is our busiest time of year.

I didn't mean to land you in it like this.

No, he's only had it booked in for six months.

Exactly, you don't plan ahead.

You go belting in without a care in the world.

Now hang on a minute, it was you who--

Marriage is a serious step, it shouldn't be undertaken without serious thought.

May I remind you of the old saying,

"Marry in haste, repent at leisure."

Well-- Um...

Oh, not you two. I meant people. Other people.

You'll probably be fine.

Are we sure, we don't want him to say a few words at the service?

Even if he does rather leave me in the lurch.

We are keeping it small tomorrow, Mrs H,

but if you did want to bring Gerald along...

Lord, no. We just walk our dogs together.

I completely understand that you want to keep it to your nearest and dearest.

And sorry to you too, Siegfried.

Oh, nothing to apologize for.

I wouldn't want any of them to get the wrong idea.

Them?

Um, hadn't we better eat? We're due at the Drovers in what? An hour?

Don't you mean, them.

So many lovely things.

Almost too much choice.

Ring?

Safely stowed in my--

Oh, my God.

Ah... just joking! It's just a joke!

Can I check?

Almost offended.

Your life wouldn't be worth living. Do we understand one another?

Thanks, Triss.

Ohh. Let's eat.

Thank you, Mrs H.

The first time I ever saw you,

I was so distracted, I got off the bus in the middle of nowhere.

Alton Cross.

I remember wondering what you were up to.

I never imagined for a second this is where we'd end up.

Yes, you did.

Yes. Yes. I did.

I'd better hop on. I'll see you tomorrow.

Count on it.

Still time to change your mind.

Not for anything in the world.

Gentlemen.

I'm sure you are aware of the growing tensions in Europe.

University-educated men like yourselves would likely come into the army as officers.

It would be nice being the one giving orders for a change.

Are the RAF looking for recruits?

There will be officers from the other branches visiting here soon, I'm sure.

You're wasting your time with these two I'm afraid.

Oh, hang on a minute. I'm perfectly capable--

Reserved occupation. Vet.

Like fathers.

They have a more important role to play.

Now then, gentlemen, I think we have got some business to attend to.

Come along, look lively!

Best man buys the first round?

One last look?Ahh!

Spoil sport.

You are going to be all right?

Don't worry about me.

Er, don't wait up.

Look after James.Don't you misbehave either!

Right, you two be careful up on that roof.

And you...steady with my ale.

Can I have your room? Since you're not coming back this time.

My bed'll barely be cold before you're in it.

Well what'd you expect? It's way more comfy.

'Course you can. I'll be back here every day.

Hey, nothing's going to change.

Just because I'm getting married, it won't be any different.

You know, Mum would be so proud of you. Everything you've done for us.

Don't--you'll set me off.

I love you to your ruddy bones.

Even if you are an annoying little tyke.

Less of the little now.

Aye. Less of the little.

Now then lad, I'm under strict orders to make sure

you don't get in trouble, so, um...

...go steady on that ale.

Tom, sort out James, will you?

Same again, Maggie.A shot of Dunville's coming up.

Something stronger?

No, no more Tom, look, I've plenty left here.

It's empty!

Which is plenty enough for me!

He's empty!

A yard of ale, if you wouldn't mind please, Maggie.

I'll bring it over.

Arthur, shelf in stock room.

Thanks, Arthur.

I still don't see what he's got that I haven't.

That tells a story of its own.

Ah, just in time, big brother.

Um, how much is that, Maggie?

But Tristan, you're a fully functioning member of society now.

Yes, I am a tiny bit short.Go on.

It's a hell of a thing.

One cow we sold turned out to have tuberculosis.

Me whole herd might be infected. It's the waiting.

I can barely sleep for worrying about it.

Losing your herd is a terrible thing to contemplate.

It's not me herd, it's the infected milk that might come from it.

People will be drinking that! We need to know.

Sorry, I shouldn't be spoiling your fun like this.

No, it's fine.Have a good one, lad.

He lost his first son to TB ten years ago.

Young Wilf there and his Dad had a struggle.

Milk from his old herd.

You know you're in trouble when they serve drinks by their length.

No...No, I can't.

Can't?Wh-- I shouldn't.

Come on. Come on!

Ooh! Blimey. It smells like a brewery in here.

No, Maggie, you're a married woman.

Uh, Jess, it's just you!

Breakfast will be on the table in five minutes.

Okay.

Where's James? I hope you didn't lose him last night?

I confess the details are a little hazy.

No, no, no...the ring!

Oh, God.

You certainly seem in a better state than your brother.

The exuberance of youth is no match for the resilience of experience.

Yours, I believe? I found them covered in mud.

I--I may've had a slight tumble on my way home.

I found them in the pantry.

I was in need of cheese.

You took your clothes off for a slice of cheddar?

I was not entirely compos mentis.

And I found this in the pocket.

I thought it prudent to relieve Tristan of the responsibility.

He left it on the table last night, I doubt he even realized.

Breakfast will just be a minute. The rat's yours, I presume?

Ah...Yes! I do now recall.

Do you?

Not particularly, no.

And what about James? His bed don't look like it's been slept in.

Here he is, the worst man.

He did come home with you?

Ring all safe and sound?

Mm-hmm. Yep.

How're you getting on with your prize?

Prize? What prize? What are you talking about?

Siegfried got himself embroiled in a drinking contest. We all did, actually.

Would you both please--

I don't remember any contest.

Oh it wasn't, you drank us under the table.

Did I?

Where's James?

Oh, God!

What is it?!

You better take the Rover, it'll be quicker!

Ahhh...

Keys! Where are the keys?!

On the hook, where they live.

Live! Yes, yes!

Got a brew for you.

Thank you.

Get cracking, shall we?

Don't want you late to church.

No.

I said you shouldn't the night before your wedding.

But you wouldn't take no for an answer, insisted on coming back, no matter what.

Well, we don't like to let our clients down.

You said, you wanted to get started first thing this morning.

I'm sorry, started on what?Oh, dear me,

you were three sheets to the wind, weren't you, lad?

The testing. The TB testing.TB testing?

The cows? Me herd?I see, of course.

Aye. We picked up your equipment on the way.

I would've brought you in the house, but you insisted on the barn.

Couldn't shift you for love nor money.

Oh, I wouldn't want to impose on you.

That's not Heskin Fell?Aye, that it be.

Now, shall we get started?

There they are. I'll get the lads together.

It won't take long to round them up.

Once they're in the crush it should be easy enough.

Unless you're worried it'll be cutting it fine?

We should be all right.

What's that face?

Bloody typical.

A decent breakfast on the day that you're leaving us.

I heard you come in last night, along with half the county.

It were very dark, hard to see where I were going.

I said I'd do breakfast this morning.

Hmm. Saying and doing are two different things.

What happened?

Happened? Nothing happened. I'm going to muck out Candy and Joan.

Love, sit--sit yourself down.

I'm fine, dad, I'd rather keep busy.

Hmm.Hmm.

Jim? Jim?

Seven, eight.

What you sayin' there, Mister Herriot?

All good so far, Mr Henry, no sign of TB in the half we've done.

Thank the good lord for that.

Let's have the next one through then.

It is kind of ya to come up so fast, Mister Herriot.

I'm sorry to hear about your son.

You go over and over it, don't you?

Wondering if you might have done something different, but...

they weren't testin' it same way back then.

Come on, Wilfred, get another through.

Come on! Stubborn beggar won't shift.

I saw that recruiting officer got stuck into you too last night?

Aye. He did that.

Though Wilf didn't take much persuading.

I was under the impression farming was a reserved occupation.

Oh it is... for the older folk.

But there's nothing stopping these young lads

from signing up, if that's what they want to do.

I'm proud of him for standing up.

So you should be. James!

Triss, what are you doing here?

I think I would be neglecting my best man duties

if I didn't ask you the same question.

Mr Henry needed his cows testing.

I'm getting an eerie sense of deja-vu,

only last time it was Helen hiding up in the Dales having second thoughts.

I'm not having second thoughts.

I told him it could wait 'til after his wedding.

Jim, you're getting married in two hours' time!

If any of these cows have tuberculosis and we don't pick it up,

it could spread through the rest of the herd and into the milk.

We're here now, and we've a job to do.

We'll get it done.

Knock knock!

So I'm clearing out the bedsit for Helen and James, and I found this.

What's this?

Handsome creature.

Ah... well, I was younger then, you see.

Still, the years haven't been completely unki--

you're talking about the horse, aren't you?

That's Sergeant Maurice Oliver. Has his own practice now.

I haven't seen all this stuff for years.

Evelyn boxed it all up before she died...

She was very practical.

She knew that I was perhaps a bit lacking in that respect.

There's a lot more boxes up there.

Oh! Yes, I had to get a day's extension to my leave so we could marry.

We didn't even have the time to buy a ring.

I tied a knot in a length of twine.

Very practical. Evelyn would approve. Hmm.

You've forgotten where you put it, haven't you?

No. Absolutely not.

Mrs Hall? Mrs HALL!

Mrs HALL!

You really will burst something one of these days.

The ring box. It was right there and--

Oh dear.

Let me. You'll be absolutely reeking when you walk down the aisle.

I've time for a bath afterwards.

Well, it's hardly putting you in a romantic mood.

I'd rather keep myself busy.

To keep your mind off it?Because I like to be busy.

Why don't you stop? I can fill the bath for you if you like.

What're you up to?

Nothing, I'm not up to anything.

And what're you hiding back there for?

No one's hiding. I were just...

there's a few stones out of place.

The wedding in't till this afternoon.

Ah, we know.

We're a right to worry, though, haven't we? Y'know, after last time.

You have got form.

I called off one wedding.

It happened once, that doesn't mean I've got form.

I love James. I'm marrying James. Today, this afternoon.

And nothing's going to get in t'way of that.

At least I think it won't.

You think?

Helen?

I've just got so much running through me mind.

Y'know, I mean...

what about the chickens?

The chickens?

What about them?

And then there's the cows.

What're you talking about, lass? The chickens are fine.

I'll be milking the cows.

And then I think what it might be like to be married--

Oh, what you... James in't... bad.

Dad!

All right then, he's good.

No father could wish for more for his daughter.

But I'm telling you, I'm not going through all that bloody nonsense again,

I'm just not!

Oh.

You're having me on. She's having me on. Very funny.

I'll go and see to the pigs.

You're gonna give me a bloody heart attack one day, you!

You can pack it in an' all.

I thought farmers and vets were protected?

They are. We are. Reserved occupations.

But Wilfred was able to volunteer. Maybe we could too.

Looking after animals keeps food on plates.

Doubtless you'll protect more people by preventing TB spread then you ever would

with a gun in your hand.

It's a shame for the women of the world, though...

I mean, I would look good in a uniform.

Right, this looks like the last one, come on.

Confirm cow number seventy-six.

Six.

Seven, seven.

Your herd's in good shape, Mr Henry.

Thank the Lord for that.

Grand work, Mister Herriot.

That's the last one. Come on then, let's go.

Are we missing some?

No, no I don't think so...

There's one left to do.

She could be in the bracken down by the stream.

Wilfred, get down in the gully and look for a cow.

I'm afraid we really must be getting going, Mister Henry.

He's right.

I won't have you missing your wedding.

Thank you for coming up so fast.

Make sure you keep her away from the rest of the herd

or we'll have to test them all again. Will do.

Now don't keep that young lass waiting a moment longer.

Thank you, Mister Henry.

Dad, Dad!

Mister Herriot!

She must have done something to her leg, Mister Herriot.

There we are, Clancy. Oh, I'm sorry, that doesn't taste very nice, does it?

Shouldn't they be back by now?

My brother is reliably unreliable.

And what about this one? Still no luck?

For a dog with a fondness for vomiting

he's been decidedly uncooperative.

I've tried linseed oil, salt water, and now mustard and then soda crystals.

See if that doesn't force the issue.

One wonders if a lesson might've been learned.

What are you implying, Mrs Hall?

There's no implying, I'm straight up telling you

sticking your beak in has created this mess.

I dispute that.

Because of my actions, we know exactly where the ring is.

It's inside a dog.

Well, if I'd left it with Tristan,

we wouldn't have a bloody clue where it was.

At least this way we're sure.For all the good it does us.

I think it's extremely unfair of you, given the efforts I've made.

I let Tristan run surgery entirely by himself and you know how much I value James.

That doesn't change the fact he's getting married today

and because of your meddling, there's no blooming ring,

and he's up in the Dales instead of here getting ready for his wedding.

It was James' choice to go up to Henry's.

Oh, I'm sure the way you went on last night had nothing to do with it.

Which one? That one.

I'm touched you even asked.

I don't know why you're carrying on like this.

I'd finished.

You know, Herriot has a much thicker skin than you give him credit for.

He's only up at that farm because you made him feel guilty about going away.

Why're you giving me these?

I need you to run me up to Heston Grange.

I said I'd help Helen get ready.

And you need to get over to Henry's and bring that boy back.

What about Clancy? I've just given him an emetic,

I can't very well leave him.

You really are the most ridiculous creature.

I hope you're referring to the dog?

Did you put James' suit in the back?

He won't have time to come back 'ere.

Yes, yes.

Definite signs of crepitus. Did you hear the cracking as the bone moved?

What're you saying, Mister Herriot?

It's not great.

Mister Henry, the metacarpus is fractured.

The bone's only staying in place because these muscles of hers

are holding it there and it's causing her a great deal of pain.

Right. If there's nothing that can be done.

That's the way of it.

No need to delay yourself any further, Mister Herriot.

Time to get thee wed.

Wilfred, fetch me gun would you?

That's it?

We tried. Not very hard, from where I'm standing.

Wilfred!Sorry, pa,

but they're meant to help. Otherwise what's the point in them?

I suppose we could try a splint.

It'll keep the weight off the leg and maybe give it a chance to heal.

It's a long shot, but at least then we can say we've exhausted everything.

What about your wedding?Well, we'll go straight to the church when we're done.

Helen'll have to take me as I am.

Thanks for doing this again.

Oh it's my pleasure, for a mother without daughters,

this is something I never thought I'd get to do.

Once, let alone twice.

First time were a bit more rushed.

It were.

Though we managed to turn you out half decent in the end.

I never wanted a big wedding.

It were Hugh's idea to invite half the county.

I expect he were obliged.Mm.

I just wanted it to be Jenny and our parents.

Well, dad.

I wish me mam were here.

She is... in you, and in your sister.

And in every part of this house she made your home.

I remember when me mum did that.

She was so cross with me and Jenny for fighting,

she thumped the pan down, sending the soup all over the place.

That sounds familiar.

She were raging, but she had leeks and all sorts dangling from her hair,

smoke were rising up from t'pan burning the wood.

Me and Jenny couldn't stop laughing.

Pretty quick, she were laughing too.

All three of us in hysterics.

Me Dad thought we'd lost our minds when he came in.

She wouldn't want you lookin' back.

Makin' your own mark in the world.

Aye.

Were you nervous?

I didn't have time to be,

Robert only had a few days' leave.

Not just about the wedding. Everything after.

We were in love.

Robert were kind, and a good man.

It didn't turn out how I'd hoped.

The war put paid to that.

But when I married him,

I didn't have any doubts at all.

You don't have any doubts about James, do you?

Definitely not.

Right.

Lovely.

Give us a minute, would you?

Mrs Pumphrey's sorry she can't be here,

but Tricki has promised to tell her all about it.

Funny looking thing in't it?

Mister Alderson, apologize at once!

Hah, alright.

Er, right, um...

I'm sorry, Tricki.

Your sister is aware of the time is she?

Oh, keep your hair on, dad.

Look all right?

Aye. Middling.

I'll see you there.

Careful on that bike.

Herriot?

Mister Henry?

This was never going to work.

Then the question does beg to be asked.

What was I supposed to do? Just walk away?

What on earth d'you think you're doing?

I... Good afternoon, William

I'm afraid I'm going to have to take this one away with me.

I need to splint the leg.

It's your wedding day, you damned fool!

I'm sorry.

I've never known anyone with more passion and dedication to the care of animals.

But he still doesn't know when to call it a day.

I thought that maybe if she keeps the weight off it...

You know perfectly well that's just going to prolong the inevitable.

Out of the way, let me see.

James, it's your wedding.

I understand you felt you had to do this, but really,

some things are more important.

Mister Henry, we've done everything we can for her

and she must be in terrible pain.

I understand.

Thanks for trying Mister Herriot. Wilfred?

You shouldn't have to do that today.

I'll do it.

Very good.

I'll follow you.

I'd rather not stay, if you don't mind.

Bye, old lass.

Used one before?

When I was much younger.

Safety's still on.

You've not got the stomach for it.

Thank you.

Someone's got to do it.

Siegfreid? Why is Clancy coming to the wedding with us?

Hmm?

Oh, he's been a friend of the practice for some time now.

It'd be strange if he wasn't there.

I didn't sleep the night before my wedding.

My head going a thousand miles an hour.

Did you ever worry about what kind of husband you would be?

What sort of man?

Hmm.

Too late.

If I decided...

what if I was needed somewhere else...

Somewhere else? What are you talking about?

Wilfred signed up.James... No!

What you do, what we do, is far more important than any...

You shouldn't even be contemplating such a thing, today of all days.

You're too important here.

You're staying here. And that's a bloody end to it.

You know, it is the tradition that the groom arrives before the bride.

He'll be here.

Come on!

Shoes, Siegfried, where are my shoes?

Borrow mine!Not while you're driving!

Siegfried!

There we go.

They're too big.

Wellies it is then.

Oh, well done!

That's absolutely perfect timing.

What is?

What's wrong with him?

That's it, Clancy, good lad!

Oh, well done!

Alright lad, take a breath, she's not here yet.

Oh, thank Christ. Heavens...

Huuuh! James... wellies?

Take mine.

What happened to your good shoes?

You missing something?

Oh God. Thank God.

You know Tristan, you really ought to start taking

your responsibilities more seriously.

Use me as your example, I pride myself on always, always--

Siegfried.

It's nothing to do with me. You're on your own.

Siegfried, you need to help!

I don't... I'm sorry. Helen's right behind us!

I know!She's going to hurt me.

Something... something will- Oh, God! Come on, Clancy.

Don't eat your lead, please. Don't eat your lead!

Oh! Don't ask.

Clancy!

Clancy!

Excuse me, sorry, sorry everybody.

Sieg--

Sorry!By the skin of your teeth.

Well, that we're here at all is something of a miracle.

Siegfried!

Hold this.

Sieg--Ready to go?

Yes, yes. Absolutely. Tip top.

It's the ring, isn't it?

Help!

Please be seated.

Will thou have this woman... and will thou have this man to be thy wedded husband...

and to live together according to God's law, in the holy state of matrimony?

Wilt thou love him, comfort him, honor and keep him, in sickness and in health?

And forsaking all others, keeping thee only unto him for as long as you both shall live.

I will.

Excellent.

Now, the ring.

The ring?

Tristan?

Ah, the ring. You want the ring?

Here.

At this point in the service that is the tradition.

But how do we feel about tradition, In these modern--

Triss?

It's all right, I pocketed it before we went out last night for safe--

My other jacket!

Perhaps this might suffice?

Perfect.

Absolutely perfect.

Shall we proceed?

Repeat after me.

I, James Alfred HerriotI, James Alfred Herriot.

Take thee...

Take thee, Helen Rosemary Alderson,

to have and to hold from this day forward,

for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer; in sickness and in health,

to love and to cherish, till death us do part,

according to God's holy law, and thereto I give thee my troth.

I memorized it.Of course you did.

Now, the bride. Repeat after me.

I, Helen Rosemary Alderson.

I, Helen Rosemary Alderson.

Take thee, James Alfred Herriot

To have and to hold from this day forward...

for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer,

in sickness and in health,

to love and to cherish, till death us do part,

according to God's holy law, and thereto I give thee my troth.

I didn't want you showing me up.

You may now...

...kiss the bride.

Nice. Yeah.

So good, Mrs H.You'll get yourself a bellyache,

carryin' on like that.

I better take it off his hands.You'll let me have that.

We don't spoil that nice suit of yours, do we?

Thanks so much for all this.Oh, you're more than welcome.

Now, you better get goin', or it'll get dark

before you arrive.

Have fun!

Now, you look after her, Jim.

You're the best, love.

Dad. Bye, Love.

Now, I've just had the tires done, so don't let him

slide it around, like he's at Monte Carlo.

Dreams do come true, eh lad?

Aye. Seems they do.

Now, James, I was just telling--

Ah, leave the man be.

Have fun!

You-you take it.Don't look at me.

Bye! Bye!

Go all right with Henry's cow?

She was in terrible pain.

It was the best thing.

Doesn't make it any easier.

James felt he couldn't give up.

His sense of duty will be the death of him one of these days.

How was it today?

No drama or last-minute wobbles? No.

None. You? No.

Stop the car. Pull over up here.

You know this is the furthest I've ever been from home.

James? Look at this.

Oh! James, is that you?

How was it? Good trip?

Yeah. Hello!

Has he seen it yet? The sign.

Good God, why is that thing always out of its cage?

I did notice the sign, but... why?

Name above the door.

Wedding present, well, not a present.

You've deserved it, earned it.

Commitment to the cause and whatnot.

Sorry, deserved what?

I am--He's making you partner.

Oh, Mrs Hall, I was really rather hoping to tell him that myself.

Partnership?

In the practice? Fifty fifty split?

Well, plenty of time to iron out all the details.

Thank you, Siegfried.

Really.Yes, thank you.

Oh good God, no need to get all dewy-eyed about it.

The boy's happy, leave him be.

See you again soon.

You're back! How was it?

I want to hear all about it.

Let me just get changed and then we'll go to the Drovers.

Actually, we thought we might go and get settled in the bedsit.

Didn't we James? We did?

Oh, right, we did. We did.

Oh James, you'll find another little wedding present installed in your...

new home.

At least it'll save traipsing all the way downstairs.

We'll find somewhere new. I promise.

Shhh. James, it's perfect.

As long as we're together, it will be perfect.

Someone else will get that.

Oh, for goodness sake!

Darrowby, two-two-nine-seven.