During Lent, we give up the things we love.
We repent and make sacrifices.
Even the altar must go without flowers.
We deny ourselves pleasure.
We forego cake, coffee, biscuits.
Sugar in our tea.
Or try to.
We promise to forbid ourselves cigarettes.
And when we fail,
we are policed by fellow penitence.
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.
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.
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've you been doing?
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 ya?
It's only a couple of pints a 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 ya?
If that's her problem.
We seem to have caught our thief.
Look, I'm sorry, all right? I shouldn't've taken it.
I don't even drink milk as a rule.
But you're supposed to have it for the baby, ain't ya? 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 are there.
- I suppose it can't hurt. - More porridge?
- With sugar this time? - Go on, then.
It was a girl?
A right cheeky little madam.
What've 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, we shall just have to
put it away...
for Lent.
Boo!
Just five minutes more and then we'd better skip to the shop.
All right, lovey?
Yeah.
- 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.
Nana!
You've grown a whole half an inch! Well done!
I'm so proud of you.
Can't you tell me my test result 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.
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.
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?
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!
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.
- Agh. - 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.
Mum! Where've 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've 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?
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.
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 am 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.
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.
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.
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.
It just shows how badly the centre was needed.
My only concern is that your voluntary commitments
should not adversely affect your work,
Nurse Franklin.
Of course, Sister.
- 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 Wilbur'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.
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.
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'd 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.
Sorry, Sister. Mind how you go.
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 going to love it so much, Sister.
And I'm going to be a good mum.
I'm going to get a good job,
I'll find us a decent place to live, you'll see.
Well, 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 as 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.
Come in!
Oh, no! It's the Nit Nurse!
Nitty Nora, head explorer!
Yup, no, you're fine. Off you go.
All clear! Thank goodness.
- Marnie Atkins. - Come along, dear. I won't bite!
All right, darling, off you go.
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.
And there's the deposit on the house.
There's no way we can manage that now.
Truth is, Nurse,
if Mum doesn't get better, I don't know what we'll do.
You'll take care of her.
And everything else,
it will 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.
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!
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 didn't fancy him.
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've 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 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.
Who's there? Who's there?
Come on, show yourself!
Fred Buckle!
I'm sorry, Vi, I couldn't resist.
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 fifties 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.
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' 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.
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 going to 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.
Oh, 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.
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 ya?
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.
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.
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 am 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.
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 Macintyres 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.
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 won't want to be out working.
With a regular income, you'll be in a more secure position.
I'll get payments from the 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 forever.
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!
Uh.
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?
No, it's the bed all right? Just leave me alone.
I thought, if you were finished for the day,
you might care to join me for a cup of tea.
Thank you.
- Mum... - No, it can't be.
You've another week yet.
I don't think so.
I was expecting a café 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.
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.
It's all right. Here she is.
Made it this time, then, Nurse?
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.
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?
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've gone out through the back door.
Tina?
It hurts, Sister.
Oh, it hurts...
It's all right, my dear.
We're going to take care of you.
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.
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.
One last push, come on.
Well done, chicken.
Oh, Vernie, just look.
A daughter! And a granddaughter.
It's funny to think it used to be you and me once.
Families grow, Laverne.
We all do.
Are you going to come and meet your new daughter, then?
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.
He shouldn't've 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 services 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.
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.
Come in.
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.
"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?
Go on, girls.
- Happy Mother's Day! - Happy Mother's Day!
Oh, isn't this wonderful?
They did it all themselves.
Except for the toast.
Oh, no!
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.
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