♪ ♪ Shoo shoo.

[Meow] ♪ [Cooing] ♪ Mature Jennifer: Everyone agrees that life is beautiful, and we all accept that it is fragile, but do we always remember how interconnected we are, how everything we do touches other people's lives and echoes far away in other places?

Teddy: Angela.

Rachel: Coming.

♪ Mature Jenny: If we do not, perhaps we should.

Our reach is so much greater than we know.

♪ Meanwhile, Mr. Cottered of the Robin Hood estate recently had prostate surgery and, in keeping with new policies, has been discharged with a catheter in place.

I'm still not convinced that that's a safe practice.

Phyllis: but it was Nurse Highland who went on the training course, so the care of Mr. Cottered will fall to her.

The equipment arrived from Central Supplies this morning.

Joyce: Is his catheter supposed to be in place in the long term?

No.

It's to address urinary retention, which he had the first time they removed it.

This removal is planned in 3 days.

Nurse Highland, while you're at Robin Hood estate, could I trouble you to call in on Nerys Williams?

She's recently widowed with 3 very young children and was rehoused from a homeless hostel.

Of course.

Her youngest child has severe nappy rash.

All 3 are underweight, and the whole family have impetigo.

This is a rather vulnerable young family, I'm afraid.

Hello, everyone.

Please do come in.

Find a space and make yourselves comfortable.

Hello, Mrs. Lasley, another lovely dress.

Thank you.

I brought my husband so he could see the techniques, hoping relaxation will move things along.

I've been practicing, but I'm not sure I'm breathing right.

I never knew you could breathe wrong.

The whole point about relaxation is that it stops you from worrying and teaches you to draw on your inner sense of calm.

Ooh.

Hold my bag, Don.

Make sure I'm not flashing my knickers.

Taking the morning off especially for this, perks of being your own boss.

♪ Shelagh: Welcome, everybody, to our pregnancy relaxation class.

These sessions are to help you feel serene and prepared.

[Brakes squeak] ♪ [Baby crying] ♪ [Crying continues] Mrs. Williams?

I'm Nurse Highland.

I see you got your coat on.

Are you about to head out?

No.

It's just a bit nippy.

Shh shh.

Joyce: It's all right, honey.

[Fussing] This looks very small.

How often do you change her nappy?

As often as I can, but I get all behind.

I don't always have a clean one.

Keeping up with laundry isn't easy, but baby's urine contains ammonia, which irritates the skin.

I'm going to give you some barrier cream.

A thick layer of this every two hours will really help, but if you don't have a dry nappy for her, you can let her go without one while you're at the house.

I can give it a try, I suppose.

Sister Veronica also asked me to give you some cream for those little scabs around yours and the children's faces.

Well, we picked it up at the hostel.

We aren't dirty, Nurse.

Honey, you're doing your best.

In fact, you're doing well.

And I love my children.

Nobody thinks otherwise, but fate has dealt you a cruel blow, and you're going to need help to get back on your feet.

Do you have any family that could help or friends?

No.

I was with Trevor from when I was 14.

He was my family and my best friend.

He was everything.

Hey!

Shh!

Be quiet.

The old man downstairs gets cross.

[Pounding] Maybe someone needs to remind him that he was a child once, too.

[Sniffles] ♪ Mrs. Lasley: Don, help me.

OK. Ooh...ooh.

Heh.

[Exhales] Thought you could use in here.

"Vending machines."

My own business.

Pop a coin in, out comes tea, coffee, hot chocolate-- with milk, without sugar, whatever you like, push of a button.

And you think this will catch on?

Oh, yeah.

Business is booming, isn't it, Norm?

Mm, we're very lucky.

Let me know if you want a demo.

Come round my premises, I'll show you the full range.

♪ Mr. Cottered?

Last time someone stuck their nose through my letterbox, they got a nasty surprise.

Are you Mr. Cottered?

Depends who's asking.

I'm Nurse Highland.

I'm here to see you following your surgery.

Any cigs on you?

I run out.

Knocked on a couple of doors, but nobody answers.

I'm afraid I don't carry them with me, Mr. Cottered.

[Creak] Oh... Have you not lived here very long, Mr. Cottered?

Not long.

The council moved me while I was in hospital-- I had no choice-- after living in the same street me whole life.

It's hard to leave your birthplace.

Where you from, then?

I was born in Trinidad, but now I live in England.

How have you been finding the catheter?

Oh, just look in my trousers.

No blood in your urine or any pain?

I do need to check for signs of infection.

Shall we move you to your bed?

I beg your bloody pardon.

It's easier if you're lying down.

It's easier if you clear off.

Mr. Cottered, do you want to end up back in hospital, or are you going to let me do my job?

Oh...

It should have been here two days ago.

Babies aren't the most punctual creatures, I'm afraid.

I know, but I can't wait.

Anyone would think we're having triplets.

Look at these.

They're called babygrows, all in one, the latest trend.

I went mad and bought a dozen.

No one could accuse you of being unprepared.

Shall we see where baby's sitting at the moment?

[Exhales] I've 3 weeks' meals in the freezer, had to buy a recipe book.

Don't know anyone else with a freezer, so I had no one to ask.

Your baby's head is beautifully engaged.

I don't think you'll be waiting too much longer.

Are you managing to empty the bag yourself without difficulty?

I'm not incapable.

Then I'll be back tomorrow.

Is there anything else I can help you with before I go?

You'll have to speak slower, can't understand you.

Do you need help with anything else?

Me whatsit's not working.

As I said, everything looks fine.

No.

I mean me whatsit-- water heater.

Curtain pole's hanging off and all.

I'm afraid my skills don't stretch that far, Mr. Cottered.

A bit of shopping, then, when you come back-- paper and fags and mint imperials.

Give you the money, obviously.

I'm not a charity case, just can't walk very far.

I'll see what I can do.

[Baby crying] [Stomping footsteps] [Pounding] Mr. Cottered, whatever are you doing?

I have to listen to that racket all day long.

That woman, she's got no control over them, no rules.

Mrs. Williams is trying her best.

Yeah.

Well, you would defend her.

I beg your pardon?

♪ Kindness costs nothing, Mr. Cottered.

That's the rule I like to live by.

I'll see you tomorrow, then.

A meaty pie, my favorite.

Mm, tuck in quick before the carnivores swoop.

The divine embrace of sustenance, warmth, shared blessings, true wealth indeed.

Speaking of wealth, I have an important announcement for the attention of Nurses Crane, Aylward, Clifford, and Highland.

Trixie: Oh, really?

What's that?

Your wage packets are on the table in the hall ready to be signed for and collected after tea... and, thanks to the Royal College of Nursing, the backdated pay rises are included.

[Gasps] [Applause and laughter] [Gulls squawking] ♪ Mummy-- Shh shh shh shh.

I'll be back soon.

You go back to sleep, and when you wake up, I'll be here, I promise.

♪ [Exhales] [Birds chirping] [Inhales] [Exhales] [Grunts] How about a cuppa for after you practiced your breathing?

I'm not practicing, Don.

These are real, not like yesterday.

What?

It's finally started.

Why didn't you wake me up?

Come on.

We got to go to a maternity home.

Stop panicking, Don.

I am serene and prepared.

♪ The "Daily Gazette" and a packet of 20 Chamberlains, please.

Bit of a leap from menthol.

Well, it's for one of my district patients.

Oh, and mint imperials.

Mr. Cottered.

How did you guess?

He used to come in here every day like clockwork.

Then he just stopped.

I'm glad he's still alive and kicking.

I was worried.

I was worried he'd gone to the other side.

Only to the other side of Poplar in the Robin Hood estate.

He's not at all happy about it.

Well, he didn't have the sunniest disposition to start with.

Hmm.

Not the easiest of patients, but, as my grandmother used to say, sometimes you have to kill with kindness.

Loneliness can harden a person.

Perhaps I could drop by and see him.

I'm sure he'd be delighted.

Delighted might be pushing it.

Not if you bring your toolkit.

5 centimeters already.

Uh...oh!

Ooh... You were right, Nurse.

The pain started soon after you left.

Well, you should have come in straightaway.

I know, but I just read in my books about them-- oh, Braxton something.

Hicks?

Yeah.

That's the one.

Yeah.

Thought it might have been them.

I reckon I could write some of them books myself now, the amount of studying I've done.

It's like being back at school.

Well, you get full marks from me.

Mr. Cottered, just keep making sure the tube is always straight so the catheter drains properly.

[Child crying] Oh... [Chair scrapes] Can you hear that?

On and off all bloody morning...again, reckon she leaves them.

Mr. Cottered, please.

There's no need for that.

Right.

That's us all done for today, Mr. Cottered.

Oh, whoa now.

Hold your horses.

You think I'm a senile, old man, don't you, you can just pocket my money, and I'll forget.

I know your kind.

Are you accusing me of theft, Mr. Cottered?

Your shopping and your change.

♪ Please.

Go ahead and count it.

It's all there.

[Child crying] ♪ Dr. Turner and I will be back tomorrow to remove your catheter.

I'm sure you'll give him a much warmer reception.

Rosalind: The baby's head is about to be born, Norma.

Gentle pushes now.

That's right.

Gentle.

Yes.

Pant through it.

Yaah...

Perfect.

You're a star student.

[Panting] Shoulders next.

Ooh...yaah... Keep going.

[Panting] [Crying] Congratulations!

You've got a daughter.

[Crying continues] Ha ha!

Oh, I knew it was a girl.

I didn't want to tempt fate by saying it out loud, but I just knew.

I felt it.

[Crying] Can I hold her?

I want to hold my little girl.

[Laughs] [Baby fussing] [Bell rings] ♪ Is something wrong?

[Fussing continues] ♪ Norma, I just need to get the doctor to check Baby over.

♪ [Door opens] [Baby crying] Nerys?

Wha--Are the children on their own?

[Crying continues] ♪ Nerys: I'm here.

My babies, I'm here.

♪ Mummy, where were you?

I'm here.

I'm here.

[Crying continues] [Door opens] Dr. Turner, I'd like you to look at Baby Lasley, please.

♪ What is it?

What's happening?

Um, just checking Baby over, Mrs. Lasley, won't take too long.

♪ Patrick: We are going to put her under the heat lamp for a few minutes, get her nice and warm.

♪ Let's get this placenta delivered, shall we?

♪ [Exhales] Patrick: It's definitely a meningocele.

This blister is full of spinal fluid.

We haven't seen a case of spina bifida for a long time, but you know the drill.

Cover the lesion with a dressing and nurse Baby on her front.

Poor, little love.

I don't think I'm seeing any cranial swelling, but I can't be sure.

The specialist needs to see her.

And you need to see the parents.

You can leave her with me.

Come on, sweetheart.

♪ It started two weeks ago.

I saw the advert in a shop window-- a couple of hours every morning making breakfast for the night shift workers at a factory.

It's just 4:30 to 6:30, and then back home before they wake up.

I was so scared the first couple of times, but they didn't even notice I was gone.

And what happened this morning?

The kitchen supervisor made us stay back.

Then the bus was late.

It's never happened before.

Nerys, I know times are hard, but this can't go on.

If Social Services find out, you could lose the children.

You won't tell them, will you?

I swear on my life, I'll never do it again.

♪ I understand.

Thank you.

[Baby fusses] What do you mean, there's a problem with her back?

We can't be sure of all the details yet, but it does seem her spinal cord hasn't developed quite as it should.

We think she may have a condition known as spina bifida.

Ohh, spina bifida.

I've heard of that.

It's bad, isn't it?

Some cases are less or more severe than others, but she will need an operation and quite soon.

She'll be all right after that?

We need her to be normal, Doctor.

We need her to be able to walk.

I'm going to talk to St. Cuthbert's.

Then we'll take it from there.

[Breathes deeply] This morning, I received the date for our meeting at the Board of Health.

Ooh, that doesn't give us very long to prepare, but we are prepared.

We've been preparing for months.

Are you content that we proceed as planned with you as the sole representative of Nonnatus House?

I'm more than content.

I'm extremely keen, but the most important thing is not that I'm the sole representative.

It is that I'm the secular representative.

If that's what the order needs, I'll provide it, and I'll be proud to do so.

Oh, there have been nursing sisters in Poplar for over a hundred years.

We did God's work.

We did good work.

Uh, I can't quite believe that we aren't wanted anymore.

They don't want the thing that drives you-- God or religious vocation or the habit or however they describe the thing that seems to frighten them-- but they do need you-- your effort, your drive, and your dedication.

The people need all of those things, and it's the people we do it for.

♪ Norma: She looks perfect.

[Breathes deeply] [Sobs] I don't understand.

I did everything they said in the books and at the classes.

Of course you did.

This is not your fault.

Well, then why has it happened?

I don't know, but you mustn't blame yourself.

[Breathing deeply] [Norma sniffles] ♪ [Door opens] Millicent: The ambulance has arrived to take Baby to hospital.

Mrs. Lasley, I will travel in the ambulance with her.

Shelagh: Your little girl will be in the best hands at St. Cuthbert's, I promise.

♪ We'll give you a couple of minutes to say good-bye.

♪ [Sobs] Oh... [Kiss] It looks as though this catheter has done its job, Mr. Cottered.

We can take it out now as long as you promise to keep drinking lots of water.

I never drink water.

I'll have tea.

Tea will do.

Nurse Highland will be checking up on you.

Aren't I the lucky one?

Right.

Let's crack on with it.

You might feel a twinge of discomfort, but it won't take long.

[Knocks on door] Oh, saved by the bell.

Joyce: Ah.

I'll go, Mr. Cottered.

You stay right where you are.

Fred, you came.

Course I did.

I'm a man of my word.

Is now a good time?

Cottered: Uh!

Ooh!

Bloody hell!

Mrs. Lasley, there's no need to get up.

You should be in bed resting.

You just had a baby.

I'm going home.

Mr. Lasley?

Norma: We've made a decision, haven't we?

Yeah.

♪ [Sniffles] Oh, we've been thinking about everything, what this spina bifida means for her, for all of us.

And we don't think we can give her what she needs.

She'll be better off in care.

No.

Please give it time.

Time won't change anything, though, will it, apart from make it harder.

Mr. Lasley?

It's a joint decision.

Can you please at least just wait until I get Nurse Turner?

No point.

♪ [Baby crying] Millicent: Mr. and Mrs. Lasley?

Where are you going?

We're not changing our minds.

♪ I endured less torture as a prisoner of war.

You have my sympathy, Alf.

Here.

Ahh...

I brought your usual.

Oh...now-- No, no, on the house.

Consider it a gift from a friend.

How did you know where to find me?

Nurse Highland.

She give me the heads-up.

She's a good girl, that one, isn't she?

I believe you've got a couple of jobs that need doing.

I came as soon as I heard.

Perhaps they just need time.

This will change their lives forever.

They seemed rather unequivocal about the matter.

You'd be surprised how often this happens.

People underestimate their own strengths and abilities to cope with a disabled child.

They surely can't just abandon her.

She's poorly and needs her parents.

The poor, wee mite.

Let us pray by divine grace that this is just shock and they have a change of heart.

Either way, we need to inform Social Services.

♪ Right.

Your curtain pole's up, should stay put as long as you don't go swinging on it.

Ha ha!

Anything else?

Oh, yeah.

Water heater's playing silly beggars.

It doesn't want to do its job.

I shouldn't go messing with it, belongs to the council.

They won't like it.

Council.

Ha ha!

Chocolate teapot, more like.

Look.

I'll-- I'll see if I can get someone out to look at it.

Ah.

I'll get out of your hair.

Mm.

Well, been like Piccadilly Circus here the past few days.

I'll be glad of a bit of peace.

♪ Fred... ♪ Thank you.

You're most welcome.

♪ [Child laughing] Ah... ♪ Social Services do have a legal requirement for the child's welfare.

Currently, we have very limited resources, especially with so many impoverished children being taken into care.

What, exactly, are you saying, Miss Jenkins?

I'm saying that in this particular case, there is a reluctance to get involved.

Well, two respectable parents, a healthy income, we believe if anyone is in a position to care for a disabled child, then it is Mr. and Mrs. Lasley.

What has their social standing got to do with it?

Rather a lot.

If we assume responsibility, then it may open the floodgates for other similar cases to come tumbling through.

Veronica: She's a baby, not a piece of luggage.

Indeed.

I'm aware how difficult this is for all concerned, but we must focus on persuading the parents to take responsibility for their own child.

And if they won't?

Then it is rather a no-man's-land, I'm afraid.

[Veronica gasps] ♪ Fred: Come on, then.

[Door opens] That's a boy.

Hee hee hee!

Fred Buckle, get that creature off the table immediately.

You've nursed it for days.

He's half doing well, Vi, didn't think he'd have stood a chance.

How do you know it is male?

I don't.

I don't like saying "it."

It sounds inhuman.

Well, it is inhuman.

It's a bird.

♪ What?

Do I have gravy on my face?

Can't a man just sit in quiet admiration of his wife?

Oh, have you broken something, Fred?

♪ I'm counting my blessings, Vi.

It's a terrible thing to be all alone in this world.

I'm a very lucky man, and I don't take it for granted.

♪ [Door opens] How was that, Mr. Cottered?

Were you able to pass urine easily?

Yes.

Do I get a badge?

Excellent.

Then I'll be off, and, you'll be pleased to hear, you won't have to see me anymore.

Oh.

Right.

No more visits?

No.

We're all done.

Can I get that in writing?

You know where we are if you need anything.

♪ [Door closes] ♪ Patrick: It is.

Thank you.

Good-bye.

The operation was a success.

Baby Lasley is back on the ward and stable.

Do her parents know?

Sister says they haven't been in touch.

Then I will speak to them.

Everything seems to be reducing nicely.

We expect your milk to come in around now.

Would you like something to dry it up?

[Exhales] So...what's next, then?

Well, that is what we wanted to discuss.

Social Services feel, as do we, that the best outcome is for your daughter to be cared for at home.

Best for who?

Hmm?

We can't give her what she needs, so it's not best for her, and isn't that the most important thing?

You would have lots of support, Mrs. Lasley, perhaps some home help.

I don't want any of that.

I want more children, and I'm not getting any younger.

I don't have the time to give her all the attention she needs.

It would be impossible to have her here at home.

♪ All her things are in here.

They said at the department store that I should wash it first, even though it's all new, so I have.

♪ Rosalind: Mr. Lasley.

♪ You must think we're terrible people.

I mean, I would if it was someone else.

God doesn't judge, Mr. Lasley, and so neither do I.

We won't ever get over it, even if we're blessed with more children.

♪ We'll never be the same again.

♪ Is Dr. Turner here?

No.

He's out on call at the moment.

Good.

I bought him a present with some of the money from my pay rise-- an electric coffee percolator.

I'm going to set it up in the kitchen before he gets back.

But I'm Dr. Turner's coffee maker.

Exactly, and now you don't have to be anymore.

♪ [Sniffles] ♪ Oh, I hate this bloody bother!

[Sobbing] ♪ [Crying] Do you ever think about the sort of mother you'd make?

Hmm.

Doesn't every woman?

I've always thought I'd be rather good at it, but suddenly, I'm not so sure.

What makes you say that?

Because you can feel certain about anything, can't you, before it's actually happened, but, even with the best will in the world, the reality can be so different.

♪ What a marvelous invention.

Yes, but the coffee can be quite costly.

Your coffee, Dr. Turner.

Ah.

I'm afraid it's from the percolator.

Mm.

St. Cuthbert's have been in touch, and they are very happy with Baby's progress since her surgery last week.

She's ready to be discharged home.

Where is home for Baby Lasley?

With us.

I've told the hospital that we will take care of her till we know what's happening.

We can't keep calling her Baby Lasley.

She needs a name, even if it is only temporary.

Born in June.

June.

Oh, that's lovely.

♪ [Fussing] ♪ Patrick: I don't need to instruct either of you on wound care, but keeping this dressing dry is imperative until the stitches are removed.

Her observation-of-feeding chart is all drawn up.

Should I keep a record of her position, too?

Yes.

Veronica: Aside from nursing concerns, we shall also have to register her birth.

Don't the parents do that?

In this case, they have declined.

As the midwife who delivered Baby June, the task falls to you if you were willing.

I'm more than willing.

It just seems so sad.

[Tapping] [Rattling] [Rattling continues] Come on, you stupid, bloody thing.

[Birds chirping] ♪ Two copies of a birth certificate for Miss June Lasley.

♪ [June crying] ♪ Shelagh: There, there, sweetie.

Baby, baby, close your eyes.

Now the sun's not in the sky.

♪ Woman: Aah!

Oh!

Oh!

Oh!

Aah!

Oh!

♪ Come on.

Come on.

Oh, here.

Give her to me.

Woman: Aah!

Oh... ♪ Please get everyone as far away from the building as possible, looks like a gas explosion.

Move away from the building.

It's not safe.

Move as far back as you can.

Ambulances and the fire brigade are on their way.

Can we all do as this gentleman says and keep as far away from the building as possible?

We need to evacuate the area.

♪ Put your head between your legs if you feel faint.

That's right.

Oh!

Nerys?

My babies, my babies are in there.

Let me go.

Joyce: You can't go in.

It's not safe.

What flat?

Flat 5.

Flat 5.

Please.

Fred!

No!

Sir, what are you doing?

Come back.

♪ Oh... ♪ Fred's going to help.

It's OK. Come on.

[Baby crying] Out of the way.

Stay back.

Flat 5, there are 3 children, all under 5.

They're in there alone.

On the ground floor, flat two, there's an elderly gentleman--Mr. Cottered.

He hasn't come out yet.

I think his flat is the site of the explosion.

[Nerys crying] [Coughing] [Baby crying] Hello?

Can anybody hear me?

Alf: They're in here.

Alf?

I can't open the door.

Stand back.

Alf: The children, they were crying.

[Baby crying] Get them out.

Fred: Come here, please.

Alf: The mother left them.

[Crying] Alf: That's it.

Don't worry about me.

I'll be back for you.

Sit tight, Alf.

Come on.

I've got you.

You're safe now.

Come on.

Man: All right, men.

Coming through!

Up here!

Alf, they're getting you out.

Don't worry.

Come on.

♪ Look.

Oh, sweetheart.

My babies... come on in.

[Coughing] There you are.

[Coughing] [Baby crying] Fred, what are you doing?

Ah.

I've got to go and help Mr. Cottered.

Sir, you cannot go inside.

Please stay well back.

[Coughing] Stand back, please.

Stand back.

Give us room.

Alf.

Alf?

That's it.

Open your eyes.

Can you hear me?

Help's here now.

I had to get the kiddies out.

Are they safe?

Yes, they are, thanks to you.

Ah.

I... Man: If somebody need urgent medical care, make your way to St. Oswald's Church hall.

Nurses will be waiting.

Thank you.

Thank you so much for saving my babies.

Don't thank me.

Thank that gentleman there.

It's all down to him.

Mr. Cottered?

♪ Thank you.

Oh, heh.

Um... ♪ Kindness.

♪ I went to the factory as soon as we'd spoken, and I told them I wasn't coming back.

They said it was too short-notice and if I didn't work my notice, then I wouldn't get paid.

I begged, but they wouldn't listen.

You have to tell them now, won't you?

I know there's nothing I could say.

Man: Can I take your name, please?

It's Nerys Williams.

I need to go and tend to the other residents, but please make sure Mrs. Williams and her children are looked after, won't you?

I'm sorry, Nerys.

♪ Uh!

Thank you, Fred.

You didn't need to bring me back.

Well, you wouldn't have got very far on this.

Ha ha!

I'll be round tomorrow to fix it.

Oop.

♪ Ooh!

[Spits] Chicory-- the devil's work.

The last time I partook of this invidious plant, I was kept awake all night by the most relentless, turbulent symphony of internal disturbances.

♪ Come and sit down, Nurse.

♪ It doesn't matter how long it's been, Vi.

Once in service, always in service.

It just kicks straight back in again.

primal instincts.

Well, if your primal instincts could direct you away from explosions in the future, I'd be very grateful to you.

♪ The fire brigade have now confirmed that the cause of the explosion appears to have been a defective water heater.

Well, the council won't bring him to book over that.

Phyllis: I hope there's going to be an inquiry.

There'll be no inquiry.

If there were no serious injuries, those are the rules, regardless of risk to life or limb in the future.

Phyllis: The local authority is supposed to look after local people, yet there's more cost-cutting and more abnegation of responsibility than you can shake a stick at.

I'm sorry for my tone, Sister.

Oh, I entirely agree with your tone and with your sentiments.

Nurse Aylward's research has confirmed my own opinion on the matter.

And might we inquire as to what that is?

The council cannot do without us, and neither can the people that we serve.

♪ I should have got help for Nerys sooner.

I should have told somebody what she was doing.

If those children had been hurt, then it would have been my fault, too.

Joyce, how can you say that?

Because it's true, because I saw something of my own childhood in that family, and it clouded my decisions.

What sort of a professional does that make me?

A kind-hearted one, a human one.

♪ I've heard nothing from Social Services since my meeting with Miss Jenkins, and the Lasleys remain resolute in their decision.

It just cannot go on, Sister.

With the best will in the world, we can't provide everything that baby needs.

You have gone above and beyond the call of duty, as usual, Sister Veronica.

Everyone has.

Duty has very little to do with it in the end.

The life we've chosen is about love.

And we shall continue to act with love and in the best interests of little June, but that will require some difficult decisions.

I presume we are of the same mind with regard to next steps.

♪ I'll contact the mother house orphanage.

♪ Nurse Aylward, how very smart you look.

Ah, this was a birthday purchase from Bergdorf Goodman, courtesy of my husband.

I persuaded him that it was an investment, and so it's proved.

I've always been a believer in a tailored costume.

A well-cut jacket seems to give you a bit more backbone.

And a good pair of heels helps a woman walk taller in more ways than one.

Well, I'll take your word for that.

Mm mm.

Thank you.

[Exhales] I would walk every step of the way with you if I could.

I would sit beside you in that room if I could, but I'm afraid it would slightly defeat the object.

I'll be speaking with your voice as well as my own, Sister.

You may not be visible, but you're not erased.

I will be supporting you in the very best way I can, and the way Dr. Threapwood would hate the most.

By praying.

Yes, and not on my knees in chapel either, but on my feet whilst I'm working because that is what we do.

Dr. Threapwood won't hear that from me.

♪ Threapwood: I'm rather puzzling my head over your credentials, Your Ladyship.

Do you come to us as a working nurse or perhaps as some sort of benefactress?

I come as the executive representative of Nonnatus House.

"Executive representative."

I must ask you to enlighten me.

It's in the manner of a management position.

If I was a working nurse, I'd be in uniform, and if I was a benefactress, I wouldn't be here at all.

I'd just be at home writing checks.

Instead, you come to ask me to write checks.

I think we both know nothing is quite that easy.

Indeed.

My position has not altered since I last met with Sister Julienne.

But it must, which is why she sent me.

Now, if you'll allow me to begin...

This is for her, something I've written for when she's older.

You can decide when-- if she should have it.

♪ I will take the very best care of it.

Thank you.

♪ Threapwood: Thank you, Lady Aylward.

I'm sure we very much appreciate you speaking from the heart.

I'm not speaking from the heart.

I'm speaking from a place of reason backed with facts.

One can memorize facts, and one can build policy around them.

Do you know, Dr. Threapwood, exactly how many domiciliary cases were attended by Nonnatus House last year?

Home births have reduced by half since 1962.

And new mothers are being discharged from hospital earlier and earlier.

Last year, Nonnatus House made 817 midwifery-related house calls, which exceeded council provision by 16% whilst costing 42% less.

♪ [Sloshing] ♪ Your passion does you credit, Lady Aylward.

This isn't passion, Dr. Threapwood.

This is public service.

This is pragmatism.

Every single day, Nonnatus House makes it possible for the council to fulfill the brief of the National Health Service, which is to care for people from the cradle to the grave.

And which, in turn, is a modern manifesto for a modern age.

Meanwhile, you keep referring to Nonnatus House as if it were entirely separate from the Religious Sisters of St. Raymond.

It probably could be-- more than half the personnel are secular-- but if it was, it would cost you twice as much, and you can't afford that.

We garner our resources carefully.

I know you do.

You may not like the sisters' habits, Dr. Threapwood.

You may not like their vows of chastity or obedience to God, but without their vow of poverty, you could not carry out essential work.

♪ It is better.

It's better than better.

It's a fresh start.

The child welfare officer has been really good, organized a nursery place and helping me find work to fit around the children.

♪ I thought I was done for.

You are a good mother, Nerys.

You are also a desperate mother.

♪ Ha ha ha!

♪ [Door opens] ♪ The board has concluded its deliberations.

We're assuming your executive position enables you to convey the news to Nonnatus House.

It does.

♪ [Footsteps] ♪ [Exhales] A good day's work, I think.

Our supplications were answered?

Yes, and justice has been done.

We live to fight another day.

No.

We live to serve.

♪ [Bell rings] ♪ The usual, please, Fred.

What are you doing back here?

Let me out of hospital early, good behavior.

Well, glad to hear it.

Mr. Cottered, it's so good to see you up on your feet.

Well, I have you to thank for that.

And whatever this young lady's having, please, Fred.

♪ Mm.

♪ Mature Jenny: Everything we do we do together, whether we choose it or not, whether we know it or not.

If we lack the power to change another's life, we can still care.

That counts as action.

♪ If we cannot stop the wound from bleeding, we can try to help it heal, for that is love and everyone knows that love is beautiful, strongest when given to fragile things.

♪ Love is the chain that links us, the armor that shields us.

Love is the arrow that pierces the heavens and sets us free.

Greetings, Sister.

I'm Catherine Cantwell.

Woman: I've got 7 kids already.

What you can do for me is get me an abortion.

Different woman: My child deserves better.

And so do you.

There's another rail strike.

We're meant to be vaccinating dozens of children today.

Catherine: We'll get you through this, and that's a promise.