Murder Before Evensong (2025) s01e04 Episode Script

1
Now, I've asked you once.
Don't make me ask you again.
What can I do for you?
Let's start with you forging
your father's paintings,
and we'll go from there, shall we?
You mean my mum could
have been originally from here
and went to the rutland
estate to have me?
- A reverso?
- Yeah, that's right.
It was a wedding gift from Jane.
These men, nicknamed the
scallywags, were a secret army.
There's going to be a demonstration
outside the hospital later.
It's just going to make trouble.
He is all alone, and the
one person that he wants
in his corner has Abandoned him.
Not easily. He was in the water a while.
Right.
Do you want to tell me
again what happened?
I was out early, checking the traps.
Rabbits and such.
I saw something in the water.
I realized, so I dragged him out.
Right.
If you'd like to go with the officer,
we'll need to take a swab
and your clothes for testing.
Picking up another lens.
Someone cut his throat.
- Like Anthony?
- Similar.
No sign of a fight.
Single wound like before.
More slash, though. Less stab.
That's awful.
Do you think it was the same person?
Chances are. Don't you think?
Whoever it was, they're
quite the artist with a knife.
- Any idea when?
- It's hard to tell,
what with the body being in the water.
But at the moment, they're saying
sometime yesterday evening.
And Nathan found the body?
Of course, it gave him a good excuse
for any blood found on his clothes.
Look, he wouldn't be the
first killer to find the body.
They think it makes
them appear less guilty.
Do you ever look for the good in people?
I'll leave that to you.
Have you seen this?
Blimey.
Painted during the war, I'd have thought.
How can you tell?
Crosses of Lorraine.
They were the symbol
of the free French.
Remember, they trained
here during the war.
So what?
All hell breaks loose,
and these two don't care?
They just dance while
the rest of the world burns?
Look at the way he's holding her.
I think it's about the possibility of love
in the midst of despair.
My version is more realistic.
I'm going to talk to Jane thwaite.
- Can you be there?
- She's a suspect?
A person of interest, certainly.
- But
- she links both men.
She kept her involvement
with Anthony a secret,
and we only have her word
that they weren't in a relationship.
Maybe ned did kill Anthony,
and then she killed ned.
- Why? Revenge?
- Why not?
Well, she said she'd forgiven ned.
- She wanted them to try again.
- Right.
And she has an alibi, of sorts.
She was with me yesterday evening.
- How long for?
- An hour more.
She called ned from the
rectory, left him a message.
Okay.
Listen, you might want to
look a bit closer at Alex, too.
He was Anthony's forger.
- Was he?
- Apparently, he wanted out,
and Anthony threatened to tell his father
if Alex didn't carry on.
Does anyone around
here not have a secret?
Neil.
Ned's watch the reverso.
Where is it?
Come.
Pa.
Honor said the police are
coming to interview everyone later.
Yeah. That's right.
Only they might want to talk to you
about something else as well.
What do you mean?
About Anthony forging
and selling those paintings.
How do you know about that?
'Cause I was the one that forged them.
I'm sorry, pa.
I wasn't thinking.
It it got out of hand.
I never meant to Go.
- Pa?
- Just go, Alexander.
- Pa.
- I swear to
I am not going to throw
away 15 years without a fight.
But mostly
it's because I love you, ned.
Okay, just so I'm clear,
you went from here to the
rectory to speak to Daniel,
and you talked, and then
you made that phone call.
- That's right.
- And afterwards?
I came straight home.
But he still wasn't here, so I
waited for him to come back.
When he didn't, I got
more and more worried,
and I didn't know what to do.
Any minute, I expected
him to walk through the door,
and we'd talk and we'd
sort things out, and
everything would be
Sorry.
It's alright.
When you last saw him,
was ned wearing his watch?
Yeah. Yeah, I think so. He always wore it.
And it's not here?
No.
Why?
He wasn't wearing it when he was found.
And you think whoever
did this, they they took it?
It's possible. Yeah.
Ned told us that he
was researching a story
about a man called curling.
Yeah. That's right.
It's it's all in there.
Do you mind if I take a look?
If you like.
- Alright?
- Yeah.
Well, it must have been a
bit of a shock finding him, like.
Yeah.
Well, keep busy, that's the thing.
Get your mind off it.
That hedge down behind
the stables needs trimming.
Where were you last night?
Out with a couple of mates.
Yeah. Who?
No one you know.
What do you want all that for?
Well, Anthony and ned
were both researching
champ ton during the war,
so Jane isn't the only link between them.
Still a bit of a stretch.
Perhaps.
You know, if the murders are connected,
that's you off the hook.
I don't think anyone's out to kill you.
That's something, I suppose.
Still, keep digging up other people's dirt,
that might change.
What, so the police
are just going to give up?
Well, since no one thinks that I was
the intended murder victim,
the letters aren't part of
the investigation anymore.
We've been the victims of a vicious
and sustained assault with vile threats.
- We?
- Enormous dead rodents
hanging Willy-nilly from the rafters.
Another man in charge
suddenly turns around
and says, "sorry, not my aisle."
Well, I'll be having a few
words to say to that ds vanloo
- when I next see him.
- And what happened to "Neil"?
So, what do we do now?
Well, I've got Ernie Cobb's
funeral to get ready for.
Harry's dad?
Died the day you arrived.
You make it sound like the
two events are connected.
- You should be there, too.
- I don't see why.
I didn't know him from
a hole in the ground.
If you see what I mean.
Well, you are my mother.
I think you should acknowledge
that you have a certain
standing in the community,
wouldn't you say?
Well, when you put it like that.
We have entrusted our
brother Ernest to god's mercy,
and we now commit
his body to the ground.
Earth to earth.
Ashes to ashes.
Dust to dust.
In sure and certain
hope of the resurrection
to eternal life through
our lord Jesus Christ.
- Amen.
- Amen.
It was a lovely send-off.
Just a shame there
weren't a few more people.
Audrey, so nice of you to attend.
It's the least I can do.
I'm sure Harry and
Katrina are very grateful.
Even though Ernie wouldn't have known
who on earth you were.
As mother of the vicar,
I have a certain standing
in the community.
It's important to acknowledge
that, don't you think?
I've never been in the boathouse before.
Alex and I used to play there as kids.
Do you know anything about the mural?
It was painted by one
of the French soldiers
who came over to train.
I think he was an artist before the war.
Hervé something.
Pa will know.
He told me once that hervé had
been kind to him and Anthony.
I think he tried teaching them French.
Needless to say, it didn't stick.
Alright, I'm heading off.
- If you want to stay
- Excuse me.
- Rector, do you have a moment?
- Of course.
I wanted to ask if I could have
a look at the parish records.
If you like. Why?
I'm beginning to think my mum
might have originally been from here
and went to rutland to have me.
Thought there might be
something in the records.
You could just ask around.
It's in living memory for a lot
of people around here, isn't it?
Anecdotal evidence. That's
what you're looking for.
Do you think someone might remember?
In a small community like this?
In my experience,
if some silly little tart
gets herself into trouble,
someone always remembers.
Make you think, don't they? Funerals.
What's that bit? Something
about shadows fleeing.
"We have but a short time to live.
Like a flower, we
blossom and then wither.
Like a shadow, we flee and never stay."
That's the one.
And poor Jane thwaite knows that
better than anyone at the moment.
I imagine she does.
You know, honor de
floures was telling me
she was out riding yesterday evening,
and she saw Jane on
the path by the lake.
By the lake?
Imagine one minute you're
enjoying a walk hello
the next, the police are
knocking at your door.
Talk about shadows fleeing.
What is it? Not another note?
That's from the diocesan registrar.
I'm facing an allegation of misconduct
bringing the church into disrepute.
I've been summoned to
explain myself to bishop cregan.
For getting arrested at that protest.
I told you not to cross him.
So, what are you going to do?
Well, the only thing I can do.
- Accept it.
- Fight it!
- How?
- It's a ridiculous charge.
Really? 'Cause it's not
like you didn't get arrested.
I'm aware of that.
And now you think you can just waltz in
and take on the bishop of all people?
Don't worry about it.
Is that meant to make me feel better?
I will think of something.
Well, think fast,
because I don't want
you making me homeless
for a second time.
Crypt.
No crypt.
- Pa?
- Yep.
It's a bit rough, but I
I thought I'd put my skills to better use.
Right.
I thought perhaps when it's done
and varnished and everything,
we could put it somewhere.
Anyway.
So, look, I've decided
it's not good for you
to be messing around all
day doing whatever it is you do,
but you're clearly bored and aimless,
and I can't go on.
So You need to get a job.
- A job?
- Yep, yep.
Earn your keep. See how you like it.
And if I don't?
Alexander, I've had enough
of you showing utter contempt
for your birthright whilst
enjoying the comfort
luxury that that birthright affords you.
Get a job, or find somewhere else to live.
Christ.
Mother said you'd be here.
I needed to get out of the house.
"Sulking in the sacristy"
was how she described it.
How alliterative.
She also gave me a hard time
over your threatening letters.
She seemed to take it quite personally.
I noticed.
I told him we'd done all we could,
but it's a dead end.
Anyway, here they are.
Okay. Well, thanks for trying.
What are those?
Floor plans. 1726 and 1943.
And you're looking at them because
Well, look, 1726 shows there
used to be a crypt under there,
but during the war in
1943, it's disappeared.
Now, why would
anyone hide the existence
of something like that?
I'm guessing you've got an idea.
Well, I told you about
the scallywags, didn't I?
Yeah, some sort of guerrilla army
in case the Germans invaded, right?
Right.
Well, Anthony had been
looking for their secret bunker.
I-I wonder if that's what
he was doing when he died.
And you think it's in here
because of those plans?
A bit farfetched, don't you think?
I thought maybe a hidden
entrance of some sort.
Right.
Do you fancy a drink?
You make it sound so medieval.
Right now it's just the
bishop who decides.
I make my case, and
he either dismisses it
or recommends a tribunal.
Let me get this straight.
The bloke you were protesting against
now gets to be your judge and jury?
Okay, that does sound a bit medieval.
Hard to see it ending well for you.
You sound like my mother.
Is that why you had
to get out of the house?
Because you had a row?
We don't row, as such.
We exchange a few
broadsides and then retreat,
wounded, to a safe harbor.
Until the next time.
By the way,
you might have been
right about Jane thwaite.
How do you mean?
Well, it's probably nothing,
and I only heard it third hand.
But according to my mother,
honor saw Jane on the path
by the lake yesterday evening
before she came to me.
- What was she doing there?
- I have no idea.
But given the window you've
got for the time of death,
she could have killed ned first
and then used me as her alibi.
Look at you.
We'll make a detective of you yet.
I'm afraid there's nothing
more we can do to help.
- Alright. Thank you. - Goodbye.
What is it?
That was the insurance company.
They say we aren't covered.
What?
We don't have accidental
damage or something.
We have to pay for everything ourselves.
If we do that, how the hell
can we afford to go to France?
Okay, and you still think
the war has something to do with this?
Yes.
You reckon there's a
connection between the murders
and something that
happened 40 years ago?
- Yes, I do.
- I don't see it.
Well, it doesn't mean it's not there.
Okay, you find the connection,
and then we'll talk again.
- Do you want a lift home?
- No, no.
There's someone I need to see.
Hi, Kath. Have you got a minute?
I wanted a quick chat.
Of course.
What about?
Harry Cobb.
I may be wrong and if that is
the case, I do apologize, but
Well, earlier today,
you reacted It's alright.
Whatever it is, you can
say it in front of dora.
No secrets here.
Well, it was something my mother said,
in her usual warm
and understanding way.
She she disparaged
girls who fell pregnant.
I saw your expression,
and it looked like it hurt,
like she was talking about you.
Don't you think it's time Harry knew?
What if he blames me?
For giving him up?
And for lying this whole time.
What if he doesn't want
We say hello.
It's nice.
I can see him and the
baby And nobody knows.
It all works.
I'm not sure I'm ready to risk that.
There you are.
Yeah, I went for a drink with Neil.
Good.
As long as you weren't
stewing on your own.
No.
- Have you eaten?
- Had some crisps.
I-I could do you a soup. Sandwich?
- I'm fine.
- It's no bother.
Then thank you. I'd like that.
Crisps.
Jane, we have a witness
who saw you on the path by the lake
the evening your husband died.
So?
So, I'm wondering why
you didn't mention it.
I was looking for ned.
It's one of his favorite places to go.
He loved taking photos there.
Something about the light.
I thought perhaps I might find him.
But then, to be honest,
I had second thoughts.
Why?
Because I realized I was actually afraid.
Of your husband?
Yeah.
And I thought if I'm afraid of him,
what does that say about our marriage?
And that's when you went
to see canon clement?
Yes.
Why didn't you tell me this yesterday?
I don't know.
I wasn't really thinking straight.
Okay.
For the time being, I think it's best
if you don't leave the area.
I'll show myself out.
You've been out here for hours.
I didn't know better. I'd
say you're avoiding me.
Harry's going to start asking questions.
You can't stop him.
I know.
And Audrey's right.
Somebody always remembers.
Ernie and Jane are both gone.
You kept your side of the bargain.
And if Harry's asking,
it's because he's ready to hear the truth.
Kath?
Will you come with me?
I think I'm ready.
Sir.
I've been going over Anthony
bowness' bank records.
Right.
I noticed he made
withdrawals once a month
on or about the same date.
Always the same branch.
So, over a period of six months,
- he withdrew £3,000?
- In cash.
Regular as clockwork.
Why would he do that?
Blackmail?
Hi, Kath.
You said you were looking
for your real mum and dad.
Yeah, that's right.
I can help you with that.
I'm afraid your father died in the war.
I see.
But your mum Is very much alive.
When I found out I was pregnant,
lord de floures sent me
to rutland to have you.
Ernie and Jean worked
at the big house there,
and Jean couldn't have babies.
It was the obvious solution.
They were desperate, so, you know,
it worked out well for them.
After a week or so, I came back here.
That must have been hard.
That was the deal.
I went back to work
and did my best to forget.
But then a few years later,
there was a vacancy
at champ ton house,
and Ernie was sent to fill it.
So, Harry ended up
here Under your nose.
And you didn't say a thing.
No, I promised Ernie and Jane.
I don't think I could have done that.
It was for the best.
And I got to watch my baby grow up.
How many girls like me got to do that?
Corinne, have we got the items
that were in Anthony
bowness' pockets when he died?
Are you looking for
something in particular?
This ticket.
Find out where this bus route goes.
Public house.
Yeah, I remember him.
Are you sure?
How many people do
you think we get in here,
want angostura bitters and tonic?
- Was he in here recently?
- Yeah.
He'd come in, I don't
know, every few weeks.
Always sat over there.
Did he meet anyone?
- Always the same bloke.
- Right.
Can you describe him for me?
About 60. Beard. Rough looking.
Big old gray coat.
And he smelt a bit as well.
You know, animals and earth and that.
Quite a day.
Thank you.
For what?
Pushing me.
I was so worried what would happen,
but it was lovely.
I'm glad.
You know
There was another reason
why I wanted you to tell him.
I needed to know when
the time comes that you
would have someone,
that you wouldn't be
I don't like the idea of
you being on your own.
You know, with no one to boss around.
Well, I don't boss people around.
Much.
Peas in a pod?
Peas in a pod.
Patrick liversidge.
Open up! Police!
Open the door!
Noisy bugger, aren't you?
What are you doing?
Dusting for fingerprints.
I saw it on "Juliet bravo."
Yardley talcum powder?
Better than that imperial
leather muck you use.
It's a bit heavy on the scent, but still.
First of all, the police
have already looked.
There aren't any prints.
Secondly, and I think the
facts will back me up on this,
they don't use yardley's English lavender.
At least I'm doing something.
Feel free to jump in at any time.
You're right. I'm sorry.
First, I'm going to fix a drink.
Would you like one?
A noilly. Splendid idea.
I don't know what you're talking about.
The barman says that
he saw you meeting
with Anthony bowness.
Why would that be?
He must be confused.
He says he saw Anthony
give you a package
on more than one occasion.
What can I say? Not me.
Sir.
This was in an old tire around the back.
And, this was under the sink.
Patrick liversidge,
I am arresting you on
suspicion of the murders
of Anthony bowness and ned thwaite.
You don't have to say anything
unless you wish to do so.
Anything you say may be put
into writing and given in evidence.
Do you understand?
- Come on.
- Alright.
That lavender is quite strong.
Well, if you will use half a tin.
Perhaps you ought to
give some to Kath and dora.
Because?
Well, they were going to visit
the lavender fields in France.
But since dora flooded the
house, they can't afford to.
- Aren't they insured?
- Apparently not.
We had a flood once
when you were little.
- Do you remember?
- Vaguely.
The tap broke on the kitchen sink.
Water poured out. We couldn't stop it.
Your father was useless, of course.
So, I had to go out into the street
to find the main stop
tap in my dressing gown.
Can you imagine? In
front of the whole street.
I was mortified.
- On the street?
- What?
The main stop tap. It was on the street?
Of course, so you can
get to it in an emergency.
It wouldn't be much good
anywhere else, would it?
I have to go.
Gerd breutner?
Born in Hamburg.
I was right.