Lark Rise to Candleford (2008) s02e10 Episode Script

Episode Ten

'The last few days of summer were a time of headiness and plenty.
'And while the Lark Rise men brought home the harvest, in a Candleford, Constable Patterson was also toiling, 'smug in the expectation of his annual triumph at the Candleford harvest show.
'The annual show brought about another yearly episode, Mrs Patterson's deathbed.
' "Cash prize" "biggestpotato.
" Take it away.
I can hardly bear to look at food.
Just maybe a bite of Banbury cake.
There you go, Lisbeth.
You must rue the day you married such a poor weak apology for a woman.
Not at all, Lisbeth.
I'll be in the garden if you need me.
Of course you will.
I'll sit with you if you like.
You'll only keep me awake.
I'll just At least you'll have plenty of time for gardening when I'm gone.
Now, Lisbeth Of course, when I am, no need to waste your time grieving.
A police constable must have a wife.
And you've my permission to get yourself another without delay.
Don't talk like that, Lisbeth.
BICYCLE BELL RINGS Oi! Urgh.
.
Oh Alf! What are you doing here? I thought you were out on the fields this week.
Harvest is in now.
I'm back with your Pa.
Just waiting for him and you know, reading about the Candleford harvest show and its best produce and preserves, its prizes, its home baking and I am particularly looking forward to the dancing, even if I do have two left feet.
I'll bet Nan is looking forward to the dancing too.
She is.
And so must you be.
Yes.
There'll be plenty of handsome fellows queuing up to dance with you.
WHISTLE BLAST Oi, you two.
Arless! Got my eye on you.
I seen you loitering.
I ain't loitering, just reading a poster.
Reading?! Oh, yes? Thinking of entering, were you? I might, it's a free country.
Might take one of them blue ribbons off you this year, as well.
Two shillings cash prize for the biggest tater.
A fellow from Lark Rise might find a use for that.
Need a garden to grow taters in, young Arless.
Last time I looked, your family didn't even have a house.
There are plenty of fine gardens in Lark Rise, Constable Patterson.
Is that so, miss? I've been watching you on that dandy horse of yours and you're a public hazard.
I shall be filing a report.
You ought to bring that vehicle to the police station now for a safety inspection.
SCREAMING > SCREAMS CONTINUE > Mouse, mouse, mouse, mouse, mouse, mouse, mouse, mouse, mouse Stop that excruciating noise.
There, there.
A hazard of the harvest season.
That is all.
WHACK! Oh, dear.
A tedious addendum to provincial life.
Can I help you, Constable Patterson? I I .
.
just wondered if I could be of any SHE SNIFFS Oh! Oh, I beg pardon, ma'am.
I was Oh, I Ladies.
Now, Miss Ellison, was it four yards of the plain grey worsted? Ruby? And he was snapping away at Alfie and threatening me with a safety inspection.
Oh, dear.
I must prepare some calf's foot jelly before Constable Patterson confiscates your bicycle.
Ma'am, what has calf's foot jelly got to do with my bicycle? It's that time of year.
I must visit Mrs Patterson with treats and comforts.
As the harvest show approaches, she goes into hibernation and her seasonal sickness brings out the worst in Constable Patterson.
I woke up with his whistle whistling in my ear this morning.
What kind of a sickness? Oh, don't worry, a little cajoling and some home-made fudge usually nudges her from her bed.
Minnie, I need you to do some shopping.
SHOP BELL RINGS A man that can reduce three women to silence, clearly has a gift that many men would pay for.
The harvest show.
Yes, quite a grand affair this year, I believe.
No leaky old tent for us.
The function room is free.
Still, a generous gesture.
Are you interested in being one of the judges? Some of the baking categories perhaps? Well, I'm flattered to be asked but I'm afraid I must decline.
The invitation is from the council, Dorcas, it's not from me.
Oh, it doesn't matter who asks, James, I simply have no wish to judge my neighbours' efforts.
Nor do I want anyone to travel to Ingleston to shoe their horses or buy their stamps because I've failed to appreciate the glories of their Banbury cake.
It is not a role for a businesswoman, believe me.
Perhaps one of the councilmen's wives could I'm sorry to have wasted your time.
James, I'm sorry, that was tactless.
I'll inform the council of your answer.
Although I have to say, I hadn't noticed a reluctance to sit in judgment before.
Hello there.
Look who was waiting to meet us on the road again.
Evening, Nan.
Evening, Mrs Timmins.
Alf was just telling me about the harvest home dinner up at the Old Monday's farm.
Sounds better than the one at ours.
It was quite some spread.
Twister went without his tea on Saturday night just so he could do it justice.
Old Monday thinks one good meal makes up for paying starvation wages the rest of the year.
Well, Mr Timmins, I'm hoping that next year, I'll be there to take advantage for myself.
No, Nan, I told you, they don't make you bring your girl, just wives and Alfie ain't planning on being in the fields next year, Nan.
I got these today, indenture papers.
We'll get you signed up as an official apprentice.
No more fieldwork for you then, Alfie, eh? Um, no.
Oh, well, looks I'll have to be content with a show in Candleford, Cabbage Patterson strutting around like a peacock with his prizes.
You never know, it might be someone else's turn this year.
I'm certain if the jelly doesn't restore you, then the fudge surely will.
I told him I don't want no visitors.
But as a neighbour I felt < WHISTLE BLASTS You think that noise is bad, you want to hear him snoring.
Please eat something, it'll make you feel better.
I can't, I ain't got no appetite.
Do you have any other symptoms? I'm tired.
I'm Oh, I don't know.
I can't feel the blood in my feet.
Neither can I, but I assume it's there.
Mrs Patterson, I know you are feeling poorly and I know it must be difficult with your husband so busy but perhaps a little fresh air and company would help? It would be wonderful if you were well to come to the show this year.
And I'm sure your husband would Oh, you're sure? You know Why are you such an expert on my life, Dorcas Lane? It ain't like everything in yours is so perfect, you got time to stick your nose into mine.
No, I'm sorry.
I didn't mean to < WHISTLE BLAST Oh, can't a woman even die in peace? I live in mortal fear of seeing another one.
Of course, all this doesn't help.
Next year we shall decorate with wax comestibles.
Altogether more refined.
Now what is the word on la saison nouvelle? Everything all right, ladies? Oh, good Lord! Constable Patterson, we are closed! Window dressing.
Oh! Yes, ma'am.
Sorry, I'm I'm, er Yes, um it's unusual for your blinds to be drawn at this hour, that's all.
I wanted to check nothing was amiss and, after this morning's upset Oh, that's thoughtful of you.
Isn't it, sister? Indeed.
Oh, and I brought this.
Oh, my! Um, got a lot of them this year.
Wouldn't want it to go to waste.
SHOP BELL RINGS Well! What a neighbourly gesture.
Everything I say, he takes as some sort of personal slight.
The most unrelated topic turns into the same old conversation.
I offered him my friendship, but I don't know if it will be possible.
He's bruised, Dorcas.
Hurting.
So everyone keeps telling me.
They seem to forget that I, too, was bruised and hurt by this experience.
I am the one whose trust was Sorry, that sounds Oh, Emma, I bore myself with this! I'm sorry to bring it to your door.
Dorcas, don't be sorry! I'm glad you came to me.
We're family.
As if I ain't ever brought any of my troubles to yours! Me and all of Candleford! I think I prefer it that way round.
Well, it's easier to keep a clear head on other people's problems.
I don't even know if I have that any more.
I've been to see the constable's wife today.
Her seasonal sickness I seem to have misjudged it very badly, Emma.
How do you mean? I breezed in there thinking I had all the answers.
Never imagining that there might be something really wrong.
And is there? I don't know.
I kept saying the wrong thing and I couldn't seem to ask the right questions.
I'm sure you didn't, Dorcas.
Perhaps sometimes you just have to wait until someone is ready to be helped.
I've promised a dance each to two of the young smiths and three to the butcher's boy.
That's nice.
Yes, now we mustn't forget, Minnie, the Harvest Festival is primarily a religious occasion.
A time of thanksgiving and contemplation.
Although I must admit I am rather looking forward to the dancing this year myself.
Now take care.
It is very, very hot.
HE INHALES DEEPLY You see why I couldn't do this at the Rectory with all those children? The Harvest Show would not be the Harvest show without Miss Ellison's apple bramble jelly.
Next year it shall be Mrs Brown's apple bramble jelly.
I shall be making it in our very own kitchen.
Laura, the butcher's boy has a brother in the army.
He should be home for the show.
He's ever so handsome and he's seen a tiger and everything! Oh, Minnie, I ain't even decided if I'm going yet.
Oh, Laura! There was this story in Miss Ruby's magazine about this beautiful young woman, who was so broken-hearted, she shut herself away and didn't even notice when Everything all right, ladies? Yes, ma'am.
It's fine, Minnie.
I'm just going upstairs to read my book.
So am I, Laura, so am I.
I've been looking forward to it all day.
Now, your mother had wise words for me, and this for you.
Oh, she's so good at making them.
And did you see Mrs Patterson? Did she like the treats? Oh, I'm afraid I was wrong, Laura.
It would appear that this year Mrs Patterson's illness is not something that can be cured with treats.
I got something to show you.
Something that'll wipe the smirk off Cabbage Patterson's face.
You remember them taters everyone grew a while back? What were they called? They were massive things.
When I was little they'd weigh 'em at the Wagon and Horses to see who'd grown the biggest.
White elephants? Eugh! Terrible things.
Tasted of nothing.
Boiled to mush when you cooked 'em.
Big, though.
Yes, they were big.
Well, my Pa never dug ours up.
He went off to sea and Ma weren't much of a gardener Look! That's them all right.
Em, look at the size of this one! I don't know why you're all excited about those things.
A nice Ashleaf Kidney, or an Early Rose.
Two shillings at the Candleford show, Emma.
It says so on the poster.
Satisfaction of seein' Cabbage lose, a bonus.
Told you reading was worth it.
If you just clear up around here and Robert! This ain't Alf's garden any more.
They're his taters! And people have been carrying off plants from this garden all year round.
I know.
But if the landlord comes? He never does.
I'm just sick of the way that Peeler is with me, Emma.
He talks to me like I'm nothin'.
Less than that.
Name's Arless so you never amount to nothin'.
Just don't get yourself caught.
And see if you can find anything in there actually worth cooking.
Good day, sir.
SHOP BELL RINGS Miss Pearl? Oh, stamps for these, please.
Nine pence please, ma'am.
Oh, yes.
Miss Pearl, is everything all right? Constable Paterson.
Have you noticed him behaving strangely? No more than usual! Thruppence back, ma'am.
What exactly do you mean by strangely? Well, you know how he is when Mrs Patterson is ill.
And it does seem worse this year.
He must be worried.
What is there to worry about there, but bone idleness? Lying in bed supping her neighbours' cooking all winter.
We'd all like to take a rest when the weather turns but Look at that! Oh, he's at it again! Oh, and I missed it! He's been here again, hasn't he? What is it this time? Damsons, Victorias, carrots and leeks, onions, potatoes.
These plums are absolutely delicious.
I might have another, actually.
Oh, for goodness' sake! What are we supposed to do with all of this? Andlook! THIS is too much.
Pearl, what are you doing! You love dahlias! Oh, Ruby, my dear.
You are such an innocent.
What would you do without me to protect you from? From what? From vegetables? What are you doing? I think it's time I made Elizabeth Patterson some soup.
Just be gentle there.
Too much weight behind your hand and the stone Mind on that girl of yours instead of the job in hand, eh? Sorry, I don't know what's the matter with me.
Not to worry, son.
You're bound to be rusty after time away in the fields.
All the more reason to get these indenture papers signed for your apprenticeship and do this properly, eh? Reckon so.
You know, it in't all on you with the family now, Alf.
The little 'uns couldn't be in better hands than Queenie's.
And Sal'll be off to a place soon.
Someone else sending money home.
You can afford this now.
You can afford to get a trade.
You're right.
You're right.
Can't think of a better way to show the likes of Cabbage Patterson what you're made of than a trade in your hands, can you? Maybe not.
But takin' that two shilling off him's goin' to be a start! THEY CHUCKLE Come on.
Miss Pearl.
I brought some soup.
For your wife.
Constable.
The gifts you have brought us - the produce.
Don't mention it, ma'am.
It's my pleasure.
They have to stop.
What? It is too much.
It attracts mice.
Well, no, er, what you need for that is Constable Patterson! Everything my sister and I have here in Candleford, we have worked for.
No husband, no family to help.
We have achieved through diligence, hard work and spotless reputation.
All the more admirable for that, ma'am.
Thank you.
But reputation for a woman is a precarious thing.
And these gifts These Neighbourly gestures is all.
I may be many things, Constable, but I am not stupid.
I see no neighbourly gestures to the ironmonger's or the forge and there were none to us when your wife was hale and hearty.
You may be capable of self-delusion, Constable Patterson, but there is no deluding me! A man cannot help his feelings, Miss Pearl.
Perhaps not.
But he can keep them to himself.
I meant nothing dishonourable, ma'am.
Nothing improper.
Were you not a married man, no doubt my sister would be flattered by your attentions, but even if you mean nothing improper by it, I cannot allow you to risk Ruby's happiness.
It ain't Miss Ruby, ma'am.
What? Them feelings I spoke of.
They ain't for Miss Ruby, ma'am.
They're for you.
Oh! That's disgusting! I forbid you to I, I Oh! HE SIGHS HEAVILY Oh! Thank heavens you're back! I've just seen two of them in the kitchen! Oh.
I'll get the poker.
Yes, White Elephants.
What, them big, tasteless, mushy things? It's not the taste that matters, Laura.
It's the weight.
And White Elephants are heavy.
Where do I sign up? Right here.
Under Constable Patterson.
Where'd you plant 'em? Queenie's? Been growing in our garden since I was a nipper.
Don't tell the landlord.
Your Ma thinks it might be trespass, but you know, morally Oh, yes, morally That'll help when he's collared by Good morning, Constable Patterson.
And I'll take a penny stamp with that, please, Laura.
Can I help you? Er, my seed catalogues in yet? No, sorry, I haven't seen them yet.
Constable Patterson? I hope your wife gets better soon.
Oh, yes.
And when they found her CRYING:.
.
quite dead and cold as stone SNIFFING .
.
she was still there, by the window.
Quite alone.
Never to know that her one true chance of love had passed her by.
Oh, for goodness sake, Ruby.
Stop filling the child's head with that codswallop.
Minnie, doesn't Miss Lane have any work for you to do? Yes, ma'am.
She sent me out for some tacking thread.
But can you imagine it, ma'am? Not to know him when she saw him? SOBBING: To miss out her only chance of love! Minnie! SHE CONTINUES SOBBING Oh, no.
It was the only one that survived, ma'am.
Heartless so-and-so didn't even put a stone in.
Not even the compassion to do it properly.
Oh, dear.
That's awful.
But I, I don't think my sister and I will be able to Don't think we'll be able to what, Ruby? Constable? Ma'am.
This lovely little kitten needs a home.
I thought it might help with the mouse problem, ma'am.
But I understand if you don't.
Thank you.
It's a very kind thought.
Ruby, my dear, would you find that old blanket with the scorch mark on it? Pearl I don't really like cats.
Do you like mice? (No.
) I wouldn't have come, ma'am, if I hadn't found them.
But I wanted to apologise for my behaviour.
My outburst.
We won't speak any more about it, Constable.
It's forgotten already.
Thank you, ma'am.
This little fellow will give my poker a rest.
Yes, your skills with the poker were most impressive, ma'am.
Er Sorry, I Where did you find him? Oh On the, er The old mill stream on the road to Fordlow there, you know, by the little copse of trees there? I walk there most days to point duty and back.
I know it.
I know it very well.
By a coincidence, it is a way I sometimes walk myself.
Seven years on apprentice wages? There ain't no chance of us getting a home is there? Starting a family.
It's a long time, I know, but if I can better myself, get a craft, a stonemason like Robert, well, that's gotta be worth it.
I s'pose.
This is a chance to make something of myself.
Build a better life.
I like this life.
I was born to it.
Well, so was I but .
.
this is my chance.
Where are you goin'? I'll tell you when you catch me! And this one here? Mugwort? En Francais? Armoise.
Armoise Sounds nicer like that, don't it? It is a very elegant language.
Indeed, ma'am, it is.
Oh, I do love this time of year.
Everything so .
.
ripe.
So do I, ma'am.
I should go, my sister will be wondering where I am.
But it has been a very pleasant chance encounter, Constable Patterson.
Your knowledge of the local flora is unsurpassed.
I'll walk back with you ma'am.
I'm going back myself.
Perhaps not.
There are vicious tongues in Candleford who would take even the most innocent of encounters and Ha-ha! Hey! What you up to? I was just looking' for Poachin', is it? I know your type! No! Alfie? Is everything all right? Go on! Be off with you! Before I lock you up! And stay out of these woods.
There's traps set in here that could have your leg off! Come away, now.
We'll go somewhere a bit more private than this.
It's all right, ma'am.
They're gone.
Just some Lark Rise riff-raff.
Did they see me? I don't think so, ma'am.
Thanks to your admirably quick reactions, ma'am.
But I shall investigate further, if necessary.
Oh dear, you're all Some people have the most wicked minds, Constable Patterson.
They would see wrongdoing .
.
in any situation, even one as blameless as Oh! Oh, my.
.
Oh, I can't believe I I am so sorry Oh, Miss Pearl No, no! You don't! SHE SNIFFS You didn't?! Oh, you did, you horrible little beast! Go away! Oh! Oh! DOOR BELL DINGS AS DOOR OPENS Sorry, we're closed! CAT MIAOWS Oh, Pearl, we have got to get rid of that thing.
You won't believe what it's done to the blue silk I cut Oh, my word! What happened to you? Don't fuss, Ruby.
I slipped by a bramble bush, that is all.
Oh, dear.
Poor you.
You and nature have never really seen eye to eye, have you? I really can't think why you wanted to go for a walk in it.
I'd put that thing down if I were you.
Oh, I don't know.
I think nature's rather growing on me.
Be dark soon.
You're right.
I'll just stir round these a bit more.
You're like my pa.
He'd say you've got to tickle Mother Earth to make her yield.
I reckon he's got a point.
I had to tidy up bit myself.
Don't know why.
Landlord's job now, in't it? Well, it must be hard to see it all neglected.
Breaks my heart, and that's the truth, Nan.
Oh, Alfie.
It's good seein' you here, though.
Feels right somehow.
Feels right bein' here.
You'd want curtains in a nice cheerful colour, wouldn't you? I reckon you would.
Maybe a nice honeysuckle round the door.
My favourite! Get out of there! Quick! Landlord? Cabbage Patterson! You found 'em! Thank you.
Oh, these children of mine.
Honestly! You never know where they're going to hide things.
Evening, Constable.
Ma'am? Just a minute, young Arless.
Wouldn't mind a chat.
Man to man, as it were.
It's all right, ladies, go on.
I'll wait.
Nothing to worry about, Miss, we won't be long.
I'm not one to stand in the way of love's young dream.
Come on, Nan.
> Been doin' a spot of gardening? Lookin' for Mrs Timmins' things is all.
Oh, it's lookin' good in here.
Better than it's looked for a long time.
In fact, better than it looked when your ma was livin' here! Is it? I don't take much notice of them things.
Yet your name is in the book for the Candleford Harvest Show.
Funny, that.
Wonder what the landlord might think? Might get the wrong end of the stick.
You can't prove nothin'.
Me? Nothin' to do with me.
Way I see it iserm I don't see it! Sometimes, that's best, don't you think? NOT to see it? Don't want to cause any upset, if you don't have to.
Yes? Reckon.
Good lad.
Well, be nice to have some healthy competition.
I'll see you at the show.
How extraordinary! I think it should go in pride of place.
Good morning.
I have the entrants to the Harvest Show here.
It should give you an idea of the numbers in each class, though there are always one or two extras.
Thank you.
Are you well? Yes.
You? Of course.
Morning, Miss Lane.
Miss Ruby, good morning.
Are you alone? I do hope Miss Pearl is not unwell.
My sister is hale and hearty, Miss Lane.
And taking breakfast with a cat.
A cat? Constable Patterson rescued a kitten.
He thought it might help with the harvest mice.
Really? Well, yes, it will.
It's the best thing for it.
We have a cat who lives in the forge Yes, Miss Lane the forge.
Not the house.
Not the shop.
Not on the kitchen table at breakfast, hair everywhere, and I'm sure it has fleas.
I couldn't eat a bite.
I shall starve to death at this rate.
Don't people surprise you? I must say I wouldn't have expected Pearl to become so attached.
Hmmph! Who knows what to expect from her at the moment? I spoke to the young Lark Rise fellow.
Nothing to worry about on his account, ma'am.
Thank you.
Tres galant.
Might you be taking a walk out that way again? Well .
.
it is a pleasant walk.
Perhaps even .
.
this afternoon? You're so beautiful, Miss Pearl.
What? Oh, sorry.
You must have heard it a million times.
No.
Not quite a million.
Au revoir.
Au revoir.
Ruby.
I didn't hear you come in.
How could you, Pearl? How could I what? An assignation! Don't be silly, Ruby.
Don't "Don't be silly, Ruby" me.
That man is married! Do you know what this could do to us? What woman is going to want to buy a dress from a From a husband stealer! Ruby! You, of all people! You have always been so careful, so afraid of scandal.
Yet you are willing to risk everything we've worked for .
.
for Cabbage Patterson! Don't call him that! Everyone calls him that and you know it.
Although it seems his interests extend further than we thought.
Don't be tawdry, Ruby.
It isn't like that, not at all.
A friendship.
Elizabeth herself has said she wants him to remarry when she is gone.
When she's gone? Pearl! Elizabeth Patterson is no older than you! She rests for two months a year eating soup and wine jelly! She will probably live for ever! Oh, what's happened to you? You're always telling me that I'm naive.
But this? What's happened is that somebody cares for me, Ruby.
Somebody makes me happy.
I had resigned myself to a life without these feelings.
But it is impossible.
You must see that.
Pearl .
.
please don't go.
Please, please give it up.
I can't.
DOOR OPENS AND CLOSES FOOTSTEPS APPROACH DOOR OPENS Need anything? Where have you been? Just the garden.
DOOR OPENS Good morning, Ruby.
Morning.
I wonder, could I speak with Pearl? She's not here, I'm afraid.
Can I help? Do you know where she is? No.
We don't live in each other's pockets, you know.
Oh, Ruby Constable Patterson Are you there? Hello? Mrs Patterson! You're better.
Am I? I ain't decided about that yet.
May as well give these some care and attention while I'm here.
Don't look like anyone else is bothering.
Seems to have had his mind elsewhere of late.
Constable Patterson's been really worried about you.
You think so? Of course.
I've seen you, looking up at my window.
Why do you do that? I suppose I was just wondering about you, that's all.
I suppose I I wondered if you were sad.
Well Ain't no-one ever asked me that one before.
I used to love this garden when we first came here.
I used to love pottering around in it.
Don't you now? Oh, it loses its appeal when your husband never wants to do anything else.
But now that I remember, there is something rather satisfying about it.
The worst of it, Miss Lane, the very worst, is not the scandal, although we will be ruined when this gets out.
The worst is knowing that my sister will be so hurt.
For she will, won't she? There can be no happy outcome to this.
It is hard to think of one.
I want to help her, to save her from her folly, but she won't listen.
I will talk to her.
It's what I No, Dorcas! She mustn't know I told you.
She'd never forgive me.
Very well.
There is someone else to whom I can speak.
Leave it to me.
You try to rest and save your strength.
I don't have any strength.
Pearl has always been strong for both of us.
Oh, Ruby, you do have strength.
And your sister is going to need it.
Going to the Harvest Show? I ain't decided yet.
Oh.
Missing your fella? The clock lad? Ain't much gets past me.
We probably weren't right for each other.
Well, better you see it now, love.
It's better that than walking down the aisle with all your hopes and dreams and next you know you're standin' in a garden in your nightdress, wondering how you got there.
And why you can't hardly remember the people that either of you were.
But you must still be those people.
Inside, I mean.
Do you think so? I used to be so full of life.
And look at me.
A sad old shell that curls up into a ball, because she can't bear the thought of another year gone by with nothing changed.
You're not a sad old shell.
You ain't even old.
You're I'll tell you what, Ma'am.
I'll go to the Harvest Show if you will.
Why not?! Oh.
These came for your husband.
Thank you.
If you see him before I do, will you tell him something? Course.
You tell him I ain't dead yet.
It's gossip and slander, Miss Lane! Slander, Miss Lane, may I remind you, is a criminal offence! Constable Patterson, I am trying to be as sensitive as I can.
But the fact remains, that, whether you choose to acknowledge here it or not, we both know the truth of this matter, and I am asking you to protect not only Miss Pratt's reputation, but your own.
As a policeman you KNOCK ON DOOR Yes? Sorry, Miss Lane, but I need your signature on this.
Thank you, Laura.
Constable Patterson.
Ma'am.
Did you get your catalogues? I left them with your wife.
What? Ain't you been home? She seemed so much better, sir.
She's up and about and she might be attending the Harvest Show and everything.
She said that? Thank you, ma'am.
What else did she say? Oh, she said to tell you that she ain't dead yet.
She said you'd know what that meant.
She knows.
Constable Patterson, if you care anything for Pearl and her future at all, you know what you have to do.
"Weekly Chronicle "Tower of London.
" What are you doing in here? Just thought I'd take a look.
When I lived here, this was just a pattern.
Never really thought of it as words.
You've achieved a lot, Alf.
You should be proud of yourself.
I can't do it, Robert.
I can't wait seven years to be a stonemason.
It was a nice dream, but I need to earn a living now.
Earn a lot better if you wait.
It's not just about that, Robert.
It's who I am.
I've been on the land since I was 12, and it seeps into you somehow.
I hate the thought of never feeling the weight of a plough shaft as it cuts a clean, straight furrow again, or looking out across a field of grain and breathing in the weather and knowing that tomorrow is gonna be just the day to harvest.
There are things I want to do, Robert.
So many things, but I need a man's wage to do 'em on.
I hope ain't disappointed you.
I am truly grateful for all you've done for me.
Of course you ain't.
I respect a man who loves his craft.
How are them white elephants coming along? Massive! Come and have a look.
Now you're talking.
What will you do if you win them two shillings? Save it.
You wanted to see me, Miss Lane? Do you have something for me? Someone actually, not something.
Please come through.
We've had it, Pearl.
She knows.
I don't know how it happened, but she knows.
You told her, didn't you? You told Lisbeth Patterson! My own sister! You just couldn't bear to let me have my one little moment of happiness! No, I didn't, Pearl, I promise.
Pearl You told her, too.
Didn't you?! How many others? Did you place a notice in the Candleford News? Everything I've done for you, Ruby, and you do this to me.
I didn't tell Lisbeth Patterson.
Pearl, please, no-one has told Mrs Patterson, but she is at this very mo Ladies.
Mrs Patterson.
You look very well, Mrs Patterson.
Thank you.
Miss Pearl The soup was delicious.
It did me a power of good and I've just come to return what's yours.
And I'm trusting you'll be doing the same for me.
We don't know what you mean by Ruby Thank you.
Oh, Miss Lane.
The calf's-foot jelly was a tonic.
She must think I'm such a fool.
Oh, Pearl.
You are not the first woman who has loved where she should not.
Nor the last.
To have my head turned like a silly girl.
I'm sorry, Ruby.
Shhh, shhh.
It's all right.
I'm here.
Hello, Lisbeth.
Arthur.
Let's do some work in the garden.
Constable Patterson did win first prize for best cabbage.
The Harvest Show did bring all of its usual triumphs, but there were others who were newer to success.
And that year's show brought other changes too.
Mrs Patterson never did take to her death bed again.
And for some of us younger ones, it was time to move on, too, to let go of the past.
To dance.
Rainwater rendered the name and address illegible.
I have only just discovered for whom it was intended.
I would consider it a great favour if Robert were to give me away.
He ain't even from Lark Rise! He's a family man and strong arm to lean on.
That's all Miss Ellison means.
I hear it so clearly.
A child crying.
Help! Alf's going to the farm.
He says he's going to kill the farmer's son! You have a son? I have a son.

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