Original subtitles

MATURE JENNIFER WORTH: During Lent, we give up the things we love.

We repent...and make sacrifices.

Even the altar must go without flowers.

(BIKE BELL DINGS)

We deny ourselves pleasure.

We forgo cake, coffee, biscuits,

sugar in our tea.

- Or try to. - (VIOLET CLEARS HER THROAT)

We promise to forbid ourselves cigarettes.

And when we fail, we are policed by fellow penitents.

Enjoyment itself is contraband.

Much is ruined in pursuit of self-improvement.

And we are all exposed as very far from perfect.

Fred... It's gone. Now, that is the second time this week.

- What's that? - The milk. And don't you tell me

that the milkman made a mistake, because just look at this.

I found it just chucked on the front doormat.

The cheek of it! So you'll be having that black.

(WINCES)

(DOOR OPENS)

(DOOR CLOSES)

Mum, where've you been? It's nearly quarter to.

You'd best get off, then.

- You all right? - Course.

- What's that? - Well, I wrote a list

in case you go up the shops later.

- Since when do I need a list? - Well, it's just a few bits.

They can always wait until tomorrow.

Right, I'm on a double, remember,

and Ken won't be back till five.

Yeah, I know, I know. Go on. You don't want to be late.

All right, missy. You be good for your gran. I'll see you later, yeah?

Who is that, then? What have you been doing?

(DOOR OPENS)

- (SIGHS) - (DOOR CLOSES)

(GROANS)

We, too, have fallen prey to the purloiner of dairy products.

We had a bottle removed from our doorstep only yesterday.

For myself, I set no store by caffeinated beverages

with my morning repast,

but the younger women are sorely aggrieved at the lack of milk for their tea.

Well, I'm with them there.

I mean, it's bad enough Vi's got us giving up sugar for Lent.

I wasn't bargaining on us giving up milk too.

I have perceived a pattern to the culprit's larceny,

which suggests a period of covert surveillance might prove profitable.

Do you know? I think you might have something there, Sister.

- You are surprised! - What the hell's wrong with yer?

Hm! It's only a couple of pints of milk.

It's not like it's the crime of the century!

On this occasion, perhaps.

But this is not your first transgression, is it?

All right. Don't flip your wig!

Look, just tell her I'll pay for it, will yer? If that's her problem.

It seems we've caught our thief.

Look, I'm sorry, all right? I shouldn't have taken it.

I don't even drink milk, as a rule.

But you're supposed to have it for the baby, ain't yer?

For the bones and that?

The girl is with child.

Perhaps you should step inside, Miss...erm?

Atkins. Tina Atkins.

How far along is your pregnancy, Miss Atkins?

Dunno exactly. It's hard to keep track of dates, ain't it?

But you have been to a doctor?

Not yet.

But my monthlies have stopped.

Besides, I can just tell.

I feel...different, you know? Like there's a baby growing.

There's an antenatal clinic this afternoon at the Iris Knight Institute.

You could register with Dr Turner whilst you're there.

Hm. I suppose it can't hurt.

More porridge?

- With sugar this time? - Go on, then.

(KNOCK AT DOOR)

It was a girl?

Oh, a right cheeky little madam.

What have you got there?

It's from my Auntie Margaret who lives in Keele.

Nearly 80, and she still sends me a parcel twice a year.

Aww!

Ooh...will you look at that?!

Well... (CLEARS HER THROAT) ...we shall just have to...

...put it away...

...for Lent.

(CLEARS HER THROAT)

(INDISTINCT CHATTER)

Boo!

Just five minutes more and then we'd best get to the shop, all right, lovey?

Yeah. Oh...

(GROANS)

(GROANS)

All good, Nurse?

All good. I can hear a nice strong heartbeat.

You look a bit flushed, though, Mrs Bulmer.

It was just a rush to get here.

Are you still working at the factory?

Too right. We're paying the deposit on the house next month.

It's fine.

Really. I'm just sitting at a machine. It's not like it's hard graft.

Still, your blood pressure's higher than I'd like.

You need to try and take it easy, if you can.

Feet up as soon as you get home, and lots of early nights. All right?

- Yes, Nurse. - I mean it.

You're not far off now. And we don't want a repeat of last time.

It was all over bar the shouting by the time I got there.

- Mum did all right, though, didn't she? - All right?

She pretty much delivered the baby and still had a cake baked by teatime.

I know.

She's something else, my mum.

I was saying before, wouldn't it be perfect if this one came on Mother's Day?

Well, you never know.

(DOOR OPENS AND CLOSES NEARBY)

(DOOR OPENS AND CLOSES)

Nana!

You've grown a whole half an inch! Well done!

I'm so proud of you.

Can't you tell me my test results now?

I'm afraid it'll take a week to come back,

so you'll have to make an appointment at the surgery.

Well, I guess it ain't all bad.

So long as it means I get to see you again, Doctor.

Has anyone ever told you you've got eyes just like Paul McCartney?

No, I don't believe they have.

You have, though.

He's my third-favourite Beatle.

After John. And George.

It was my mother's favourite variety

and Aubrey assures me it will bloom by Mothering Sunday.

It's quite lovely.

He really is a most thoughtful gentleman friend.

He's invited me to accompany him to Kent at Easter to visit his sister.

Apparently, there are the most wonderful coastal walks.

I'll be off to the Brook Advisory Centre now, Nurse Crane.

Very well.

(CHILD CRIES)

Sergeant, what's going on?

A neighbour heard the little girl crying

and, as far as I can ascertain, she's been left in the house on her own

with the doors locked.

That can't be right. Her gran looks after her.

Gillian, it's Nurse Dyer. I'm helping Mummy with the baby.

Is your gran there?

Apparently, the grandmother was seen leaving the premises over an hour ago.

- CHILD: Mama... - It's all right, sweetheart.

It's gonna be all right.

Given the child's situation, I think it's best if we get this door down.

- Gillian? - Yeah.

Er, Gillian, I'm going to need you to move back down the hall

so we can open this door.

Do you understand?

Just shuffle back on your bottom.

Yeah, that's it! Keep going.

Right the way down.

Well done.

Now, um, there's going to be a big bang when the door opens,

but there's no need to be scared.

Gillian?

Gillian!

Gillian!

- What's going on? - (GROANS)

Gillian!

Gillian!

Oh, my God, is she all right?

Oh, sweetheart!

It's all right. I'm here.

What's going on? Where's my mum?

We don't know. She's not in the house.

What? She must be!

- (GROANS) - Sergeant Woolf?

(GROANS)

Sergeant Woolf?

Call for an ambulance.

Tell them we have a male, 50s, police officer, heart attack,

- and to come as quick as they can. - (GROANS)

That's it.

- Any luck with those notes? - I'm afraid not.

Perhaps you could assist us, Miss Higgins.

If you're not too busy with your pot plant.

As I said, Nurse Crane, my files are impeccable.

If any documentation is missing, you must look elsewhere.

(GASPS)

Mum! Where have you been?!

Oh, God!

You were supposed to be minding Gillian! What was going through your mind?

I don't know what was going through my mind.

You left a tiny child completely on her own!

For hours, according to Reenie!

Please, stop shouting.

What would've happened if she'd have managed to get out

and she'd have run into the road?!

I don't know what would've happened!

I don't know what did happen!

But I'm sorry. I'm really sorry!

Listen...

Gillian is safe, and that's all that matters.

Like my gran used to say,

let's all simmer down and put the kettle on, eh?

MAN: Whoa, whoa, whoa! What's going on here?

Laverne? Laverne!

- Have we been burgled or something? - No, we haven't!

So, what the ruddy hell's happened to the door?

Why don't you ask my mum?

We've all had a fright, Mr Bulmer. But there is no harm done.

We're here to enquire about a Sergeant Aubrey Woolf.

I understand he was brought in by ambulance

following a suspected cardiac incident.

One of my colleagues attended to him.

- If you'll wait one moment. - Thank you.

Won't be long now.

He's been admitted to Ward 12.

- Is he conscious? - I believe so.

Thank you.

Come on, let's go and find him.

Thank you.

(DOOR OPENS AND CLOSES)

A heart attack is a corporeal crisis of the highest order.

Sergeant Woolf was very lucky that you acted so swiftly, Nurse Dyer.

To be honest, I...I should've seen the symptoms sooner.

There was just so much else going on. And I couldn't go with him in the ambulance

because Mrs Bulmer was in such a state.

I'm only thankful the child came to no harm.

Have you spoken to Dr Turner about Florrie Watkins?

Yes, Sister. He's going to see her in the morning.

It certainly sounds as though the poor woman is developing dementia.

Oh, I hope you're wrong.

She's only 58. And that whole family relies on her completely.

That may have to change. It can be a hard thing

when a child must become the carer to a parent.

SISTER MONICA JOAN: But surely it is no more than we owe?

A repayment for all the care and sacrifices

they themselves have expended on us.

I quite agree, Sister.

For my own part, it was certainly an honour to care for my mother

in her final years.

But it didn't mean that the transition was an easy one.

(FOOTSTEPS)

I'm so sorry, Sister. The clinic at the centre was a lot busier than anticipated.

We're seeing a lot of young women seeking contraceptive advice.

VALERIE: It just shows how badly

- the centre was needed. - Hm.

My only concern is that your voluntary commitments

should not adversely affect your work, Nurse Franklin.

Of course, Sister.

(BIKE BELL DINGS)

Oh. No, thanks.

- Sure? - Yeah.

Nurse Anderson, here's the list of district visits for the day.

One more surgical discharge from St Cuthbert's and a new colostomy.

Meanwhile, Sister Hilda, you will, of course,

be having the pleasure of St Wilbert's Primary.

I have my nit comb at the ready.

Valerie, have you taken my sterile gauze? I had two rolls here

- and now I've only one. - I've not touched it.

- Are you sure? - I'd know if I had.

Goodness, I prefer you two when you're smoking.

SISTER FRANCES: I could never see the attraction of cigarettes myself.

Me neither. I can't bear the smell.

Well, it must be wonderful to be so saintly.

Personally, I always think

those who've struggled with temptation are far more interesting.

FLORRIE: I've worked hard all me life, Doctor. Early to bed, early to rise.

It's never bothered me before.

But that's changed recently?

Well, to be honest, some days

I'm so tired I can hardly put one foot in front of the other.

Why didn't you say something?

Well, I thought it would pass, you know.

Nurse Dyer also mentioned you've been having some joint pain.

Yeah, well, my ankles.

The left one especially.

And elsewhere too.

Uh, knees, wrists.

I sort of ache all over.

She's been forgetting things too.

But, then, it's no wonder if that's how she's been feeling.

So, what do you think it is, Doctor?

Your mother may have developed mature onset diabetes,

which we'll start managing with a strict diet plan.

But in the meantime,

because I'm concerned about your other symptoms,

I'd like to send you for blood tests.

And no more cleaning work for the time being.

And it might be better to find a neighbour or friend

who could take care of your daughter, Mrs Bulmer.

- Oh! - Sorry, Sister. Mind how you go.

(FAINT CHATTER)

(KNOCK AT DOOR)

Oh, sorry, Sister. I was just heading out, as it happens.

I won't keep you.

But I understand that you missed your appointment at the surgery.

Yeah, I got held up.

But it was only confirming what I knew already, weren't it?

The test was positive, yes.

But it's important that you're regularly monitored during your pregnancy,

which is why we ask all expectant mothers to attend the Tuesday clinic

on a regular basis.

All right, I can do that.

Well, not today. I've got a lot on.

But I will, I promise. I want do what's right for the baby.

Of course you do.

You know, I keep thinking about what it'll be like

with its little fingers and that soft hair they have.

I'm gonna love it so much, Sister.

And I'm gonna be a good mum. I'm gonna get a good job,

I'm going to find us a decent place to live. You'll see.

It's probably too late to make the clinic today, in any case.

Erm, you can start afresh next week.

And if you have any questions or issues of any kind, just...

Well, it's probably nothing really

but I've noticed a bit of something... down there, in me knickers.

- You mean discharge? - I suppose.

And it burns a bit when I go to the lav.

I see.

Er, you can check, if you like.

I think it might be better if I make you an appointment

as soon as possible with Dr Turner.

Yeah, all right, just so long as it don't take too long.

I've got to go see someone about a job up West.

He's a music producer. Knows everyone.

And he says he reckons he can get me a job in a boutique.

That does sound promising.

(KNOCK AT DOOR)

Come in!

(DOOR OPENS)

Oh, no! It's the nit nurse!

GIRL: Nitty Nora, head explorer!

Yup. No, you're fine. Off you go.

All clear! Thank goodness.

- TEACHER: Marnie Atkins. - Come along, dear.

I won't bite!

All right, darling, off you go.

TEACHER: Go and wait in the corridor, Marnie.

- Your blood pressure's still a bit high. - Is it?

Oh, it's nothing to worry about at this stage,

but I'll be looking in on you daily from now on - to keep an eye on it.

It's just one thing after another.

How's your mum doing?

At least she hasn't had any more funny turns.

But I can't leave Gillian with her. So I've had to stop work.

That's probably not such a bad thing.

But now I'm not bringing any money in either,

and Ken, God bless him, I know he never stops,

but it won't be enough, not for all of us.

Then there's the deposit on the house.

There's no way we can manage that now.

Truth is, Nurse...

(SOBS) ...if Mum doesn't get better, I don't know what we'll do.

(SNIFFS)

You'll take care of her.

And everything else... it'll work itself out.

Yeah, I know. You-you're right.

You're certainly looking a lot brighter.

And the ward sister tells me you managed a little more dinner.

The cod in parsley sauce

was a considerable improvement on the Spam fritters.

- Oh! - Yes.

Sister Monica Joan insisted that your card have a canine theme,

although her reasoning was not entirely clear to me.

Well, an evocation of the bulldog spirit, perhaps?

Oh, perhaps! (LAUGHS)

In any case, I was asked to convey the best wishes of all at Nonnatus.

They are praying for your speedy recovery.

Seems you are much missed.

Oh, Millicent!

Erm, you'll be speaking with Dr Carmichael in the morning?

Doctor's rounds are at 11.

According to the nurse, he likes to play a round of golf beforehand.

Well, really!

(CHUCKLES)

Sorry, Nurse, I was busy. Mum can't have heard the door.

Not to worry.

I've just put Gillian down. She needs her naps in the morning.

Oh! She's not the only one.

Mum?

- Mum! - What's wrong?

Nurse...

The whites of her eyes have gone yellow.

Come here, chick. Let's have a look at you.

Am I seeing things?

No. You're not.

Sister Julienne said I had to see the doctor straight away.

I know, Miss Atkins, but I'm afraid he's been called out to another patient.

Well, I can't wait around all day. I've got things to do.

Which is why I'm more than happy to examine you myself.

I saw you at the clinic.

That's right. I'm Nurse Turner.

- You're married to the doctor, then? - I am.

All right for some!

I knew a doctor once.

He wanted me to go and live in a mansion in the countryside,

but I don't fancy it.

Something's not right. You need to do something,

because, whatever it is, it's getting worse.

I'm a diabetic, Laverne. It does all sorts to your system.

It doesn't cause jaundice, Mrs Watkins.

This yellow tinge suggests your liver's struggling.

And it's been struggling for a while.

Her liver?

Seems likely.

But we will run some tests.

We'll get to the bottom of it, I promise.

Thank you, Doctor.

There we go. All done.

Suppose I'll have to get used to this, won't I?

Midwives poking me round and that?

Pregnancy does have its uncomfortable moments, that's for sure.

But you'll remember that from your first one.

Sorry?

Well, I noticed you have an episiotomy scar.

I presumed it was from a previous delivery.

Yeah, that's right.

I was just a kid, and my parents didn't want to know, so...

- I'm sorry. - No, it's all right.

My little boy...

He went with his dad to America.

He's got a lovely life now.

Lives in one of them big white houses with a view of the sea.

That does sound nice.

Still, it must have been hard for you.

Yeah, I suppose. But it's for the best.

And I've got a second chance now, ain't I?

- Another little baby. - Absolutely.

Now, Miss Atkins,

I'm afraid it does look as though you've picked up an infection.

What sort of infection?

Could be a number of things.

But, given the symptoms, we first need to rule out a venereal infection.

So we'll send a sample for testing.

All right, then.

Laverne?

The doctor says she's been ill for ages.

He says it's got to the point where her liver's really badly damaged.

But can't he do something about it?

I don't know.

He's doing tests.

But you don't get better from something like this.

People die from liver disease, Ken.

Oh, Verne...

How did she even get something like that?

I don't know. But I said to the doctor, "Whatever it is, it's not from drinking."

She'll have one milk stout once in a blue moon.

In front of us.

What do you mean, Ken?

What do you think I mean? She's all confused all the time.

She can't get up in the mornings.

Because she's tired!

And she's tired because she's ill!

When she left Gillian, she had some sort of blackout.

And now the doctor says her liver's shot to pieces.

What if she's having a tipple on the quiet?

I don't know how you can even say that!

You know what she went through with my gran!

She won't even have strong drink in the house!

Vernie, don't get upset. I'm just saying...something has caused this...

No, you're saying my mum's an alcoholic!

My mum.

The woman who's worked her fingers to the bone for me and Gillian,

not to mention you!

We're a family. We stick together!

And if you say anything about her like that ever again,

you're out of this house.

You're on your own.

Apologies, Sister. It took me rather a while to locate them.

They'd migrated from the employment pile

to child support and milk vouchers.

And these are the employers who may be able to offer suitable hours

to young mothers? I have Tina Atkins in mind here.

In theory, of course.

Whether they currently have openings is another matter.

How are the Bulmers getting along?

Not too good.

Laverne's mother's showing symptoms of liver cirrhosis,

but Laverne insists she's never been a drinker.

If one is determined enough, one can hide it for years.

Addiction thrives in the shadows.

Speaking of which,

Lent or no Lent, I plan to enjoy

a post-dinner Sobranie cigarette this evening

and I hereby openly admit my utter lack of self-discipline.

Fair enough.

(CLATTERING)

VIOLET: Who's there?

Who's there?!

Come on, show yourself!

Fred Buckle!

I'm sorry, Vi. I couldn't resist.

Oh, honestly!

You could've at least have used a knife.

Mmm!

Really, Patrick, could it not wait till after supper?

I'm sorry, but I know I'm missing something.

And I'm just hoping that something in here will jog my memory.

Would it help to talk about it?

A woman in her late 50s develops mature onset diabetes

despite a limited consumption of sugar,

an active lifestyle and no discernible issues with her weight.

It's possible.

Then she develops symptoms of jaundice,

suggesting advanced liver damage.

And you think the two may be connected?

I'm certain of it.

But I can't for the life of me think how.

Oh, thank you, Nurse Crane, That's very good of you.

I thought you'd have had your fill of grapes by now.

(CHUCKLES)

And no doubt Miss Higgins has been keeping you well stocked

with more enticing comestibles.

Hmm.

I hope I haven't spoken out of turn.

I...spoke with the doctor today.

His prognosis was...far from encouraging.

I'm very sorry to hear that.

Therefore, given the circumstances,

I'm compelled to reconsider my situation

concerning Miss Higgins.

Patrick, you said you were coming up.

I...I won't be long.

I've found this article.

She's no longer having periods.

Florrie Watkins's monthly bleeding stopped with the menopause.

But that's when she developed all the problems

associated with toxic levels of iron in her tissues.

You know what it is?

I know what it is.

TEACHER: Lenny Atkins, I see you.

Lovely. Not a nit in sight.

Very well done, both of you.

Straight back to your classrooms now.

Make sure you get your sister back to hers.

Of course, they'll be re-infested in days. The ones in care always are.

Do you know what happened to their mother?

Tina Atkins? She's around.

They've been back with her more than once, but it never works out.

Classic neglect.

Doesn't stop the little one crying for her, though.

No matter how badly they're treated, they always want their mother.

She's a prostitute at the docks.

Yes, I noticed that your skin was considerably more tanned

than your daughter's.

Do you spend a lot of time in the sun?

What, in Poplar? In March?

He's right, though. You have got a bit more colour than you used to.

I've spoken with the liver consultant

and we believe the darkening of your skin is related to the other symptoms.

It's a condition called haemochromatosis.

- Haemo-what? - It's something you were born with.

It means you've got too much iron in your body.

Will she get better?

The condition can be managed by blood-letting.

The consultant has already set up a plan.

Although I'm afraid it will take a few months

for us to get things under control.

And it might take even longer than that for your body to recover.

I'm...I'm not gonna die?

No, Mrs Watkins.

Now, you are going to need to make a few adjustments to your lives,

but this is something we can manage...

...and manage well.

Hear that, Mum?

Oh...

I've spoken with St Cuthbert's,

but, unfortunately, they're unable to provide a bed at present.

Do we have space at the maternity home?

You would have to address the possibility of cross-infection,

now she's been diagnosed with gonorrhoea.

I know. And I realise that's not ideal.

But without supervision,

I very much doubt that Tina will take the antibiotics,

and that would place both mother and baby at risk.

I suppose if an allocated bathroom and a lavatory for her sole use

can be provided, a workable solution could be found.

That's what I thought.

I was also a little concerned by something Tina said about her son.

Her son?

Do I have to stay here? I thought you said I'd have me own room.

Unfortunately, the side room is already occupied.

If I can ask you to slip out of your clothes and pop on the gown?

And I definitely will get my dinner, won't I?

All your meals will be provided.

Ooh, let me pull the screen round.

You were never good with needles. I remember when you were little,

you threw a blue fit when you had to have an injection.

- You gave me butterscotch. - I did. (LAUGHS)

(SOBS)

Mum, what is it? What's wrong?

I was so scared!

I thought my mind was going!

And I just kept thinking, "I won't be a burden.

"I'll jump in the river if I have to."

How could you even think that?

How could you ever think you'd be a burden?

You're my mum.

Here...

Ooh!

There are two children, a boy and a girl.

Marnie and Lenny Atkins.

- You are quite sure? - Yes, Sister.

Both have been in and out of care since infancy,

as their mother, Tina Atkins, has been unwilling, or unable, to care for them.

What of the father?

Apparently, the father, or fathers,

were not involved at any point -

except conception, obviously.

She told Mrs Turner that her son was abroad with him.

That's complete fantasy, I'm afraid.

Because the reality was too painful or perhaps too shameful to admit.

Presumably, she thought her past

would affect her chances of keeping this baby.

And, the fact is...it probably will.

Unless we can find a way to help.

I tell you what? Keep your stupid magazine! I was only looking at it anyway!

Let's get you back to bed, shall we, Miss Atkins? It's time for your medication.

Did you see that, Sister? She's accusing me of stealing.

I don't think that's very Christian-like, do you?

Selfish cow!

Here's your medication, Miss Atkins.

How old are you anyway? You look about 20.

You new to this whole nun lark, are yer?

I joined the order when I was 17.

Seriously?

What about boys and parties and stuff?

That was never really for me.

What, you mean you've never... you know?

Blimey.

(DOOR OPENS)

Look, there's Grandad.

Now you shan't miss the Round Britain Quiz.

And...I've been giving some more thought to our Easter plans.

Provided you're home by then,

a little trip to the seaside might be just what you need.

Oh...

Well, we don't need to decide yet.

And if Kent still feels too long a journey,

well, then we could consider a day trip - to Kew, perhaps, or Richmond?

Oh, I did so love the river when I was a little girl.

Millicent...

...I've spoken to my sister

and I shall be going to stay with her when I'm discharged.

Oh. Well, there you go. Kent it is!

That's a marvellous idea. A few weeks by the sea.

It-It might be considerably longer than that.

Dr Carmichael said that I need to be signed off from work

for the foreseeable future.

But he was...

...unable to tell me when...

...or, indeed, if I might ever be fit enough to return to active duty.

Oh, Aubrey. I'm so sorry.

Which is why, in the light of this development...

...I feel it would be unfair of me to continue with our relationship.

I'm not a well man, Millicent.

And...

...were we to grow closer,

I'm afraid that any happiness we might enjoy...

...might only make it that much harder on you in the end.

I'm sorry.

Of course.

I completely understand, Aubrey.

You must do what you think best.

I'd better go, then.

(CLEARS HER THROAT)

Mum's going to get better, but we don't know how long it will take.

So, we'll just have to forget about the house - for now.

And we'll have to tighten our belts and manage with what you bring in.

All right.

Because I can't go to work with nobody looking after the kids

and McIntyre's have probably already given away my job by now.

And, anyway, with the baby coming any day, I just need to get ready.

Is that it?

I think so.

And Florrie's going to get better? Yeah? They're sure about that?

That's what they've said.

Then that's all that matters, eh?

Come here.

Ooh, cor, you don't half make things hard for yourself, eh?

(DOOR OPENS)

A machinist?

To be honest, Sister, it's not really for me.

As I understand it, this work is not particularly physically demanding,

so you would be able to continue with it throughout your pregnancy.

Yeah, but once the baby comes, I'll want to look after it, won't I?

I wouldn't want to be out working.

With a regular income, you'll be in a more secure position.

I'll get payments from Assistance and that. I'll get by somehow.

Tina...I know this isn't your first child.

And...I understand it must be very difficult to talk about.

But despite what's happened in the past,

I want to do everything I can to make sure you keep this baby.

And the first step towards that is finding you regular work

so that you can show the social services that you can support yourself.

Tina?

I was too young. It wasn't my fault.

No-one's saying it was.

But with our help, in time,

you may be in a position to contact your other children.

They're better off where they are.

They're cared for.

But I know your daughter misses you very much.

Perhaps you could think about it?

I want you to go.

Oh... I'm sorry if I've upset you.

Just go.

Clean as a whistle.

Those ankles are looking better too. Well done.

Where's Florrie? She's having a lie-down.

Wonders'll never cease!

She's probably sewing, not resting,

but I told her she needs to just think about herself

and let me look after everything else.

Like you said, I can't stay her little girl for ever.

Ah, I'm sure I didn't say it quite like that.

I knew what you meant. And you were right.

No point killing ourselves for a better place to live, is there,

if we're not together to enjoy it?

No, I suppose not.

Ken wants to stay put, anyway.

Says he don't want to leave his mates down the pub. I ask you!

Oh...

Are you experiencing some discomfort, Miss Atkins?

This bed's hard as a rock. It's given me a right pain in me shoulder.

I can fetch you some painkillers.

- May I take a look? - Look, it's the bed, all right.

Just leave me alone.

(GROANS)

(SIGHS)

(DOOR OPENS)

I thought... if you were finished for the day,

you might care to join me for a cup of tea.

Thank you.

(GASPS)

Mum...

No, it can't be.

You've another week yet.

I don't think so.

I was expecting a cafe or perhaps a tearoom.

I've always had a preference for fresh air.

My mother and I used to walk for hours every Sunday.

She said it blew the cobwebs away.

And I'm inclined to agree.

I...fear I have made myself look rather foolish.

Not in the least.

One becomes so starved of companionship.

I let myself imagine it was something more than it was.

You've been disappointed in love.

It doesn't mean there wasn't love there to begin with.

(GROANS)

Nurse Dyer, you are needed.

Laverne Bulmer has gone into labour.

Sister Julienne, might I speak with you?

According to a very helpful gentleman from the Health and Welfare Service,

an adoptive family was found for the Atkins children over six months ago.

Tina was informed at her last known address

and given several opportunities to oppose the adoption.

But she never responded.

Of course, she may not have received the letters.

- How soon is it going ahead? - A mere matter of days.

It seems the wheels are already in motion.

(DOOR CLOSES)

KEN: It's all right. Here she is.

LAVERNE: Made it this time, then, Nurse?

VALERIE: Yeah, no, thanks to you, Mrs Bulmer!

You certainly like to keep me on my toes.

Right, let's take a proper look at you.

Ken, will you take her out?

- Yeah. - FLORRIE: That's it, come on, lovey.

Mum, will you stay?

Is that all right?

Oh, I never say no to reinforcements.

Let's get you on the bed, shall we?

LAVERNE: Oh!

Just give me a minute. Mum!

You hang on to me. I'm going nowhere.

Nurse Anderson was concerned it was getting worse,

but Tina refused to be examined.

If she'd have left through reception, you'd have seen her.

She's not in the bathrooms or the treatment room.

Then she must have gone out through the back door.

Tina?

(FAINT GROANS)

It hurts, Sister.

Oh, it hurts...

It's all right, my dear.

We're going to take care of you.

(GROANS)

That's it, chick, you are so nearly there.

It's too much. I'm too tired.

Come on. You take my hand. You take my strength.

I've got enough for two. I always have had.

Sister, I'll need you with her.

Tell St Cuthbert's we have a suspected ruptured ectopic pregnancy.

You don't want to wait for the ambulance?

There's no time. We need to get her into theatre before she goes into shock.

(ENGINE STARTS)

That's it. That's it, Laverne.

- You let your mum help you! - That's it. Come on.

Florrie, keep it going. Keep it going, Laverne!

Just a tiny bit more and we're there.

FLORRIE: One last push, come on.

(FLORRIE EXCLAIMS)

Well done, chicken!

(BABY CRIES)

Oh, Vernie, just look.

Oh, Vernie, just look!

Oh!

A daughter! And a granddaughter.

It's funny to think it just used to be you and me once.

- Families grow, Laverne. - We all do.

Are you going to come and meet your new daughter, then?

(DOOR CLOSES)

Sister, come this way.

You stayed with me?

You're going to feel very weak, I'm afraid. You lost a lot of blood.

And the baby?

Yes.

They said it was growing in the wrong place.

Says it all, don't it?

The surgeon was able to save your other fallopian tube.

Huh! He shouldn't have bothered.

I don't think you mean that.

Yeah. I do.

I was no good as a mother.

It would've been just the same this time.

A lot of women find motherhood very challenging.

You were alone, you were not supported.

It's no wonder that you found it a struggle.

The only good thing I ever did for those kids was give 'em up.

I don't think that's true.

Tina...

...Lenny and Marnie have been placed for adoption

and a family have been found for them.

The Health and Welfare Service did try to inform you.

I know. I got a letter.

It's not too late if you want to oppose the adoption.

I don't.

I just want you to think about it.

I don't need to.

I'm glad someone wants 'em.

Maybe they'll have a decent life.

Cos...they wouldn't have had that with me.

(DOOR CLOSES)

Sister.

I do not wish to disturb your contemplation,

but I sense a deep disquiet in your soul.

And if I may offer solace, I feel bound to do so.

I have failed a young woman in my care.

And worse than that, I...see no way to help her in the future.

Then her situation is most dire.

It is, Sister.

She believes she is unsuited to motherhood.

Indeed, she has proven herself to be.

And yet her behaviour makes further pregnancies almost inevitable.

What will become of the children?

That is my one of my concerns.

When I was a novice,

I found Lent the hardest season.

Not for the hardship of self-sacrifice -

that I willingly embraced -

but for the absence of nature's beauty in the chapel.

I always found it an invaluable aid to spiritual labour.

But then I encountered a passage that gave great illumination.

It is not the penance that we choose that is pleasing to God...

...it is the setting aside of ego and the submission to his will.

So, I must accept the world as it is, not as I would wish it to be?

To do otherwise would be a disservice to those you would assist.

- (KNOCK AT DOOR) - Come in.

(DOOR OPENS)

Please don't let me disturb you.

I wish to ask if you will arrange an appointment for Tina Atkins

at the Advisory Centre, once she is discharged.

She requires her prescription for the contraceptive pill...

...and advice.

Of course, Sister.

And perhaps you could ensure that she attends?

I shall make sure of it.

Thank you, Nurse Franklin.

(DOOR CLOSES)

"Dear Mum, thank you for looking after me and Fred.

"I know he needs lots of looking after,

"but I hope you get a rest today. Love from Reggie."

- Cheeky beggar. - Isn't that lovely?

Tea - with milk - for madame.

And...these are from me.

Consider them an apology for Auntie Margaret's cake.

Honestly!

- What's all this? - PATRICK: Go on, girls.

BOTH: Happy Mother's Day!

Oh, isn't this wonderful?

They did it all themselves.

Except for the toast.

Oh, no!

(CHUCKLES)

Oh!

MATURE JENNIFER WORTH: Not all of us will choose what we give up.

The things we love are taken, or are never ours at all.

Will you take another cup, Phyllis?

Oh, thank you, Millicent. That would be most welcome.

If we're lucky,

life is defined not by what we let go,

but what we let in.

Friendship and kind words.

Frailty and hope.

Are these for me? Thank you so much!

To be human is to be imperfect,

and to accept that is to thrive.

No path is always strewn with flowers,

but therein lies the power of each fragile, tender bloom.

- I'm early. - I'm ready.

- I am dirty. - That's not true.

One of my patients at the hospital today was clearly expecting a white midwife.

- Mrs Blair, can you please...? - Give them back!

I think we have a theme for the fashion show.

You have a responsibility to your wife and to your sons.