[Theme music playing] ♪ ♪ Mature Jennifer: Children incline to happiness.

That is their gift.

They burst through the open door.

They run towards the smiling face.

They embrace what is offered.

They celebrate the small things, for they will not be small things themselves for long.

We have more power when we are older.

We make choices.

We make progress.

We like to believe we make something of ourselves.

[Clack] But we were made and we were marked when we were so much younger, when, if we were lucky, we were free to incline to all the happiness we wanted.

Millicent: Phyllis, you're back.

Phyllis: Millicent!

When did you arrive?

I came home in the small hours, without a hitch.

Then on the way to clinic, I get a puncture.

Well, you look remarkably sanguine, all things considered.

The Devonshire air was clearly something of a tonic.

It was better than you had during the dustbin strike, by all accounts.

We have scoured, and we have scrubbed, but the odor still haunts us.

I'm just glad little Nurse Clifford pulled through.

I should be keeping an eye on her.

Oh, I almost forgot.

Just a little something.

Oh!

Clotted cream fudge.

What a treat!

Do you require a lift to the clinic?

That would be appreciated.

I'd rather not be late on my first day back.

[Bicycle bell rings] Morning, ladies!

Nurse Aylward, I can see you're underslip.

♪ I've been given a date for a disciplinary hearing.

Has Mrs. Midgely's complaint been upheld?

It seems it has.

The legal language is so brutal.

Misconduct and disobedience?

I don't recognize myself in those words.

Nor do I, Nurse Highland.

You are one of our most competent, diligent, and hardworking midwives, and you will be cleared of these charges.

We simply have to trust in the process.

I have to believe in myself, don't I?

Yes, you do.

How's that?

Bye-bye.

Afternoon, Fred.

You don't happen to sell shoelaces, do you?

Ah!

Strawberry or licorice?

Didn't know you were partial.

I meant real shoelaces.

Mine snapped.

[Sets candy on counter] I think Violet put them... Oh!

Here you are.

Last pair.

3 and 9 pence.

I need to smarten myself up.

I've been invited to a film premiere.

The "Bucking Bronco" one.

"Bronco Bullfrog," to be attended by Her Royal Highness Princess Anne.

Not you too.

That's all I've heard about from Violet for the past week.

You would have thought God was coming out to Tower Hamlets, not mere royalty.

They filmed it here.

I think it's nice they're going to be showing it here.

Most of the actors are local kids, and I helped the crew find the extras.

Here...Violet's having the fur replaced on here robes, and I've been threatened with a new suit.

There's no getting out of this one.

How many tickets they send you?

2.

[Door bell jingles] Ah!

Afternoon, Mr. and Mrs. Berridge.

Nip in the air today.

Shelagh: Oh, aren't those lovely new shoes?

Millicent: May I have your urine sample, please, Mrs. Berridge?

Joyce: Oh, I can take that for you.

Oh!

Ah!

[Crash] Careful!

I'm so sorry.

It just slipped out of my hand.

Well, it wasn't my fault.

Accidents happen.

Shall we go through, Mrs. Berridge?

It's fine.

We'll go to the park.

How does that sound?

Go to the park?

Yeah, go on.

Whoa!

I'll see you when you're done, love.

♪ Good to see you again.

May I help?

Are you looking for something in particular?

It's--it's not for me.

It's for my mum.

She needs... it's something the Council Hygiene Department usually delivers.

Might you be looking for these?

[Box thumps on counter] That's it.

Thank you.

Uh... Oh, your mum sometimes phones an order in, Mr. Briscoe, and this is the brand that she generally favors.

I'll take them then.

♪ [Rips off blood pressure cuff] [Babies crying] Would you like to pop your jumper off?

It's quite warm in here.

I'm cold.

It's because I'm tired.

I was up all night with Kerry and this one kicking.

How much did your first baby weigh, Mrs. Berridge, can you remember?

6 pounds.

And your husband?

Berridge: He was in an orphanage from a baby.

I don't think he knows.

He never knew his real mum and dad.

Blood pressure is a little low.

And baby seems small for dates.

How are you feeling in terms of your general health, Mrs. Berridge?

I'm fine.

I just need to catch up on my sleep.

Sometimes it's hard to take as much care of yourself as you should when you're having a second baby.

Maybe we just need to keep a closer eye on you.

And we're not letting you off the premises unless you have another go at giving us that urine sample.

♪ [Dog barking in distance] Shelagh: Mrs. Berridge, have you got something for me?

I tried, but there was nothing doing.

I'll bring one next week.

♪ May I have a quick word, Sister Catherine?

Mrs. Berridge and her husband both used to take heroin.

Heroin?

We didn't know what it was in Poplar 5 years ago.

But the problem has grown and grown, and I wish I could say its use was unknown in pregnant women, but I can't.

Is that why she was being so cagey about replacing the sample and why the baby feels small?

I would say baby is borderline, but I must confess, I feel uneasy.

I think we should make a house call tomorrow.

So do I.

♪ [Bicycle bell dings] [Bottles clink] I simply don't know what one has to do or whom one has to speak to to get tickets to this film gala.

We haven't had royalty in Poplar since Princess Margaret came to open the old community center.

I had a call from the surgery regarding Ellen Briscoe.

Mrs...

I remember Ellen Briscoe.

She told Dr. Turner he had an unsatisfactory bedside manner.

Veronica: That's outrageous!

He could go on "Opportunity Knocks" with his bedside manner.

Phyllis: Well, it seems the other doctor didn't score very highly on the Clap-o-meter either, because she's reregistered with us and someone has taken the blank cards out of my Rolodex, Sister Veronica.

Mmm.

[Objects rustling in drawer] Thank you.

♪ Take a seat.

Thank you.

Good morning, Sister.

Good morning, Dr. Turner.

It looks as though most of our methadone patients have come back again.

Hmm.

That's good.

Well, it shows it's working.

This treatment is so new, it could still go either way, but I think we can all feel encouraged.

[Children talking indistinctly] Oh, nurse, I'm so glad you came.

Mum's in agony.

She told me she was falling apart at the seams this morning.

Mr. Briscoe!

I didn't recognize you.

You're looking very smart.

I'm working at Woodall's, the gentleman's outfitters.

Oh, that's a well-established firm.

It's a nice opening for a youngster.

It's a bit of a dead-end job, really.

But it's not too far, so I can pop back to see mum when I need to.

[Door latch clicks] Ellen: Mark?

Marky, is that you?

Come on in.

Dr. Turner: How are you feeling, Laurence?

Are the cravings any more manageable with the methadone?

They haven't gone completely, but I can cope with them now.

Little by little, eh?

Hey, less of a little.

It's been a few months now.

[Man coughing] You said we were pioneers when you got me on this program.

It was as experimental for me as it was for you, but it's given rise to a lot of interest and hope, which is probably more important.

You know, I've managed to hold down regular work on the building sites.

Me and Jacqui have got ourselves a wee council flat and another baby on the way.

Good for you.

This is not what I thought it would be a year ago.

I'm grateful.

Well, I am grateful to you for sticking with it.

Here's your methadone for the week.

[Ring] [Ring] [Mail latch creaks] Mrs. Berridge!

Midwife calling!

Jacqui: Be right there.

[Unlatching door] Just a second.

Hello.

Was I supposed to be expecting you?

♪ I'm afraid things have gone downhill for me since we last met, nurse.

I'm in almost constant pain.

That should be more comfortable.

Phyllis: You've a very capable young man here, Mrs. Briscoe.

Why don't you tell me about yourself?

Oh, mum likes me to keep notes.

I'll step out when you do the procedure.

Uh.

[Baby babbling] Sorry.

Can you do my other arm?

This one's aching from carrying Kerry around all day, and she still doesn't like being put down.

♪ Oh, Mrs. Berridge.

Has this been going on for a long time?

No, it was only once.

It's not anything.

I'm all right.

I'm all right, I promise.

Jacqui, you're not all right.

And if you don't tell us the truth and let us help you, baby is not going to be all right, either.

I don't want to hurt my baby.

I don't want that.

Is it heroin again, Jacqui?

Yes.

And does your husband know?

No.

Phyllis: The medication you're on for the underactive thyroid should have relieved your symptoms.

Hmm!

And I see that your last doctor wanted you to stop your enemas.

That's the reason I left.

Well, I can't go unless I have a washout.

I get that blocked, worse cramps than childbirth.

And I have a commode because my legs mean I can't walk to the privy.

I'll--I'll get back to work.

I'll see you later, Mum.

OK?

Mark: Thank you, nurse.

[Door opens] His mind's elsewhere.

I suspect a lady friend.

That's nice.

He's a good lad.

Well, she'll have to be a good girl if he's planning on getting spliced.

Ha ha!

It won't be easy living cheek by jowl.

Young folk these days tend to want their own homes.

Mark will live with me.

Ha!

I lived with my mother.

Shall we get you on your left side, Mrs. Briscoe?

And the towel under you.

Unfortunately, Jacqui, your baby will have been exposed to the drugs you've taken.

You're saying my baby's an addict.

It will need very special care once it's born, because it will have become accustomed to having heroin in its bloodstream.

So it is an addict!

Dr. Turner: None of this is ideal, but we can help by weaning you off the drug, starting now.

I would like to give you controlled injections of a different opiate to help ease your withdrawal.

It will ease things for the baby, too.

No.

I don't want no more drugs.

I got myself clean before without interference.

I'll do it the same way this time.

Dr. Turner: Oh, the offer is open.

Please consider it... for your baby's sake.

♪ This has been so lovely.

Am I allowed to say I look forward to it all day?

Yes, as long as I'm allowed to as well.

We need to have a proper night out soon.

[Dishes rattling] ♪ As long as you're completely recovered.

I can't believe how much better I feel.

The grapes have helped, obviously.

♪ Ah!

"Bronco Bullfrog."

The Royal Film Gala!

It looks tremendous.

An East End film about East End kids.

Wait till I tell Trixie.

She's still trying to get tickets.

I believe she even asked Mrs. Buckle and got a flat no.

[Both chuckling] Coming off heroin is going to be a nightmare combined with pregnancy whether she agrees to the opiate therapy or not.

I'll have to talk to the Linchmere and see what they suggest.

Veronica: I'm concerned for little Kerry.

Can father be relied upon, or should we look into foster care?

Mr. Berridge hasn't been taking drugs.

His urine test came back negative from my clinic.

Does he know that his wife is taking heroin again?

Shelagh: She's adamant that he doesn't.

Seems she's managed to hide it from everyone.

I'm sorry.

[Crying] I'm so sorry!

[Exhales] Why did you take it, Jacqui?

Why?

You're pregnant, love.

I know.

And I hate myself for it.

♪ But you're never around, and I was lonely.

I'm working!

I'm trying to give us a decent go at things.

Catherine: I can quite see that you don't want to put your job at risk, but do you have someone who can babysit for Kerry?

Laurence: No, I haven't and she hasn't.

I haven't seen my family in 3 years.

Mum hates Laurence.

She made me choose him or her.

♪ My dad was a bit more tolerant, but Mum wouldn't have it.

Kerry: Da!

They've never even met Kerry.

[Kerry babbling] It must be very difficult.

Sister Veronica can help... as your health visitor.

She might be able to find a nursery place for Kerry.

Laurence: No, I'll-- I'll take time off work and we'll scrabble through.

We are all the family we need.

Dr. Turner: All right, you three.

We have something very special for pudding tonight.

Raspberry ripple ice cream!

Kids: Yay!

Because we are celebrating.

Celebrating what?

The fact that the final adoption papers for a certain Miss May Turner are now in place.

And we are going to the Magistrates' Court to sign them!

Oh!

Yay!

♪ Nurse Crane said you asked to see me.

Please, sit down.

I have spoken with our superior, Mother Mildred.

And we have agreed that we would like to invite you to take your first vows and become a novice in the order.

♪ Do you feel I'm ready?

Monica Joan: As St. Paul told Timothy, "Seek not to be ready, but be always in a state of readiness."

You don't have to give your answer now.

I would like to give it, if that is acceptable.

♪ Yes.

I want to enter the vowed life.

[Crying] Yes.

I--I want to join the order.

Yes, I want to be your sister.

Because I want to give all that I am to Him.

♪ 10 out of 10.

You can get dressed now.

All I have to do is to sign these forms, and then you can hand them in at the recruiting office.

Dr. Turner, were you in the Royal Army Medical Corps?

I certainly was.

Well, when I saw an advert for the RAMC, it was perfect.

I've always been interested in two things.

Nursing because of my mum, I suppose, and the Army because... well, just because.

Because of you!

You've got a lot to offer, Mark.

And you'll get a lot out of it, too.

Well, good morning.

What brings you here?

Is something amiss with Mother?

She was fine when I took her her breakfast.

Oh.

Uh, Nurse Crane, do--do you mind not telling Mum you saw me here?

I was having my Army medical.

I see.

My lips are sealed.

I still haven't told her.

They could send me anywhere in the world, and then what would she do?

Let's just take this one step at a time, shall we?

Jacqui: Ohh!

My back aches!

Just killing me!

It's the drug working its way out of your body, Jacqui.

I can't do this!

[Vomiting] You are doing so well.

Ooh...

Sister, is there any possibility that mother is in labor?

Ooh... ♪ I think she is having a contraction.

I'm not ready.

I'm not ready!

My body's not ready.

Catherine: I think it is, Jacqui.

All will be well, because bodies know a thing or two.

And so do we.

Uhh!

[Breathing hard] Mrs. Briscoe!

District nurse calling!

♪ It's Nurse Crane, come for your procedure.

One moment!

I'm not decent!

Jacqui, how about a little gas and air for your next contraction?

No, I don't want any drugs.

I've hurt my baby enough.

This won't harm baby.

It'll just take the edge off your pain.

[Groaning] [Water breaks] Ohh!

Oh!

I think my waters are broken!

Catherine: I can tell you've done this before.

Wonderful.

Let's get you onto the bed.

We have meconium.

Baby's in distress.

♪ 180.

Baby needs to be born now.

Aaaah!

♪ It's good to see you're able to get up and fetch yourself some snacks, Mrs. Briscoe.

Don't know what you're talking about.

I lead the most terrible life.

Stuck here needing help to go to the toilet, unable to feed myself.

It doesn't need to be.

These legs just need exercising.

And you've got a lazy bowel from too much laxative dependance.

Both can be rectified.

What does that mean?

It means that with a little hard work, you can get your independence back.

That's cruel, that is, and typical of the medical profession.

Do you think I haven't tried everything?

I'm going to make your next appointment with Dr. Turner at the surgery, Mrs. Briscoe.

How am I supposed to get to the surgery?

I can't walk.

I'd be in a state of collapse.

I'm sure we can provide tea and a biscuit to revive you.

♪ It appears you favor custard creams.

[Jacqui vomiting, coughing] ♪ Aaah!

This is just baby's head crowning, Jacqui.

The stinging won't last long.

Slow the delivery down if you can.

Small, short breaths through this next contraction.

[Exhaling] Wonderful.

That's wonderful.

Just like that.

You're a dab hand at this, Jacqui.

Jacqui: Oh, really?

I feel like I've made a mess of everything!

Why, you're a lovely mother to Kerry.

And you're going to be a lovely mother to this one, too.

Aaah!

Blow again.

Blow again...like this.

[Blowing slowly] [Blowing slowly] Superb work.

Baby's head has been delivered.

Now we need gentle pushes to deliver the rest of baby.

[Grunting] ♪ Uhh!

Clamp and cut now.

Congratulations, Jacqui.

You have a son.

Oh, one of each!

Kerry wanted a little brother.

♪ Jacqui: Oh, can I hold him?

Dr. Turner: The little fella just needs cleaning up and a bit of help with his breathing.

What's wrong with his breathing?

Oh, nothing.

He's just a bit of a lazybones.

♪ Call the ambulance.

Is this because of what I did?

Is this my fault?

[Suctioning] Come on, little soldier.

♪ [Crying] ♪ [Sighs] [Crying continues] Shelagh: We're going to take baby to St. Cuthbert's, Jacqui.

He can have specialist help there and will be very well looked after.

[Crying continues] [Crying] He can't go without me.

You've got to stay here, Jacqui.

You need looking after yourself.

[Vomiting] ♪ Wait.

Oh, wait, wait, wait.

[Crying slows] Michael.

Can we call him Michael?

After your father?

Why would you want to call him after your father?

Because I haven't stopped thinking about him... or my mum.

In spite of everything that's been said, in spite of everything that's been done, and I know that they loved me as a newborn, just like I love this little squirt.

Your parents cut you off, Jacqui, because of me.

It wasn't my parents.

It was my mum.

My dad was a good dad.

All right, if that's what you want.

♪ Dr. Turner: His temperature's stable, but you must keep him warm.

[Crying loudly] Jacqui: I'm sorry, Michael.

♪ It's no good, son.

I'm spent.

I can't do anymore.

Yes, you can.

Aah.

Well done!

There's only a few more, Mum.

And the taxi's right outside the door.

OK. [Sighs] ♪ Cyril: Afternoon.

How are you?

I'm getting by.

I've heard about the accusation.

Mmm.

I'm sorry.

It sound like a clear case of racial prejudice to me.

They asked us to come here, and we did.

I can't say it's ever been quite the welcome that they promised.

I arrived at this very port.

I've scarcely traveled a mile since then, but sometimes I feel like an astronaut.

I've come so far and learned to breathe such different air.

Mmm...so did I.

And this is home now, whether I'm happy or whether I'm not, whether I'm wanted or whether I'm not.

I can't go back.

♪ She can't get out of the cab, or she won't.

Won't or can't?

You go back to your mother and wait in the taxi.

Keep the meter running if need be.

♪ Jacqui?

Mrs. Berridge!

♪ I'm sorry, Doctor, but there's no world in which I can make it up those stairs.

My legs don't work.

In which case I will have to examine you in the taxi.

Oh!

There's no dignity in this.

[Slams door] A word of thanks to Doctor for his consideration would be nice.

Any chance we can do a deal on the meter?

St. Cuthbert's called to say Mrs. Berridge has just been seen leaving the special care nursery with her husband.

Oh!

Well, thank goodness we know where she is.

Did she try to take the baby?

Baby Michael remains in his incubator.

So at least one patient is in the proper place.

♪ Dr. Turner: I've tested them thoroughly, and there's certainly nothing wrong with your reflexes, Mrs. Briscoe.

What about my thyroid?

Your levels have been tested in the last 3 months.

Things look spot on in that regard.

I sacked my last doctor for saying that, and you're ignoring my arthritis.

I can't walk.

Mark, he's calling me a liar!

I'm gonna have one of my attacks.

I can feel it coming on.

Mrs. Briscoe, there is no reason we can't get you back on your feet if we all work together.

You can have occupational therapy, and we can work out a plan to help you with your bowels.

Ha.

But you have to want to do it.

What am I gonna do?

It's me Army interview tomorrow.

Then tell her.

She's not as helpless as she'd have you believe.

And perhaps she needs to hear it.

♪ Why...I thought I had never seen you happier than when you were ready to enter the novitiate.

♪ [Crying] I was happier in that moment than I have ever been... before or since.

But this life, any life, it doesn't just consist of moments, does it?

No.

It consists of years in which we face life in all its aspects, all its difficulties in our search for happiness and peace of mind.

Hmm.

My peace of mind has so many enemies.

Is it permissible to say that?

Admission is essential.

♪ I've been caring for a very vulnerable mother.

And...I see myself in her.

Her family cut her off because of the path she chose.

As have yours.

And--and I cannot reconcile myself to it.

I've caused my parents so much pain that... just like my patient caused her parents.

She wanted more.

I wanted more.

You wanted something greater.

Whatever our desires were, the end result has been the same.

Things have been lost and broken, perhaps forever.

♪ My family could not accept my calling, and they could not forgive me when I answered God.

But with his help, acceptance and forgiveness are within my gift.

Sister, am I wrong to want their blessing when I have so many others?

You may be wrong to assume that they will never give it.

Emotions sometimes take time to soften.

Write to them, invite them, and I will pray for a beneficent reply.

♪ Short or long?

Do you think this is suitable for the premiere, Joyce?

I can go back and change it.

Just keep it low-key, Rosalind.

You don't want to draw any more attention to yourselves than necessary.

Even stepping out with a Black man is going to get you unwanted attention.

So you keep saying.

So, ladies, I've continued to apply discreet pressure, and Mrs. Buckle, keen to showcase Poplar's most upstanding citizens, finally provided tickets for us all.

I thought it might be a nice way to celebrate after your hearing.

Celebrate?

If I lose at that hearing, I will lose everything!

My registration, my job, and my home!

And you just come breezing in here, talking about celebrating!

[Door opens] [Slam] We've just been really insensitive.

Yes, I'm afraid we have.

We'll apologize once Joyce has had a chance to collect herself.

In the meantime, I want to talk to you about your shoes.

Mark: I have some news, Mum.

Something exciting that will mean change for us.

I passed my medical test.

Got my final interview tomorrow.

That was me thinking you had a lady friend.

If I pass, I get to train at Aldershot for 16 weeks, and then I get posted somewhere.

Maybe-- maybe even overseas.

♪ What'll become of me?

I'll make sure you're all right, Mum, but I can't work in a gentlemen's outfitters for the rest of my life.

It's suffocating me.

[Paper rustling] I've sacrificed my life for you, raised you on my own since we lost your dad and for what?

To be told I suffocate you?

Please don't do this, Mum.

I don't want you to do anything for me anymore.

Live your life.

Live your dream.

Go.

I won't be accused of standing in your way.

Get out!

Get out!

Now!

♪ Catherine: How you feeling, Jacqui?

Much better.

The pains and the sweating have gone.

Michael's doing nicely, too.

Shall I put some milk in this for Kerry?

Jacqui: I haven't been to the shops yet.

[Kerry babbling] Where is your husband today?

Back on the building site.

Someone has to earn, don't they?

Well, when Sister Catherine's finished, we'll go through the forms for milk and orange juice, and I'll tell you about the social worker you've been assigned.

His name is Mr. Robinson.

He's very nice.

We don't need a welfare officer.

I'm off drugs, and my husband is working.

♪ I've got butterflies in my tummy.

So have I.

[Door opens] [Keys jingle] Ellen, crying: Ohh!

Mrs. Briscoe, what happened?

I fell down the stairs, hit my head.

I can't move.

You're lucky I decided to call in.

I need Mark.

Can you get Mark?

♪ It's a miracle.

No bump, cut, or bruise.

And somehow, in your fall, your cup of tea didn't spill a drop.

If I hadn't stopped by, it's Mark who would have found you here, isn't it?

May's mother Miss Esther Tang, who currently remains living in Hong Kong, has now completed the formal agreement for the adoption.

Man: Thank you, Mr. Hallett.

So, May, today is the big day.

We are going to make a formal decision that Dr. and Mrs. Turner will be your legal father and legal mother.

Are you happy about that?

I've been happy for a long time, just knowing it will happen.

Man: Then are we all agreed?

♪ The adoption order has been made.

Congratulations!

♪ There you go, sir.

My pleasure.

Good to see you.

Nurse Crane.

I'm sorry to interrupt your work, Mr. Briscoe.

I need to speak to you about your mother.

There's been an incident.

An incident?

Is she-- is she all right?

No harm was done at all, but there are some facts of which you need to be apprised.

♪ Thank you for your advice, Sister Monica Joan.

I'm writing to my family.

Oh, just a moment.

♪ A missive of such import deserves a special letterhead and bond.

♪ Oh, Marky, I've had a terrible day.

I know.

I spoke to Nurse Crane.

I want to talk, but not here.

I set the table for tea downstairs.

I'll see you there.

♪ We've managed to get ourselves into a right mess, Mum.

Don't you think?

♪ You're too young to be an invalid, and I'm too young to be looking after you.

It's not healthy.

Not healthy?

What more do you want, Mark?

I want us to be honest with each other.

I want you to support me in my ambitions, and I want you to have your own dreams, too.

"Dreams"?

At my age?

I put my dreams aside to bring you up.

You're gonna have to get them out again, Mum, and spruce them up, 'cause... 'cause I'm gonna take this job if I get it.

I want to see the world.

I'll make you proud.

I promise.

♪ I want you to want this for me, Mum.

I want your blessing.

♪ [Knock on door] [Door opens] Joyce: My work shoes are gone.

And my uniform.

Have you seen them?

Oh... [Crying] Thank you.

Don't cry, or you'll make me cry.

I felt so alone.

Trixie: Never.

Not here, and not with us.

You have friends, Joyce.

And what's more, you now have an immaculately ironed uniform and a perfectly polished pair of shoes.

[Door closes] [Tosses keys on table] [Kerry babbling] Hello.

How you doing?

Want to come up?

There we go.

1, 2, 3...Ah!

We'll have a wee play here while Mummy's snoozing?

[Kerry giggles] ♪ Hey, Jacqui.

Hey.

What's going on?

What are you doing back home?

We weren't expecting you.

♪ Where's your wedding ring?

I lost it.

Don't lie to me, Jacqui.

♪ Jacqui.

You sold your wedding ring for this?

I mean, where did you even get this from?

Don't.

Please!

Please!

It's so hard without Michael.

I'll--I'll be fine when he comes home.

It's just to get me through.

You're not gonna get him back with this!

Don't look at me like that... like I'm dirty, like I'm bad.

I would never have taken it if I hadn't met you.

We've moved on, Jacqui.

At least I moved on.

I'm doing my best here to stay clean, to--to give this family a decent go.

Don't throw it away, please!

You know what it's like.

You could do it with me.

No... You wanted me to take it with you once.

Remember?

And I did, because I love you.

And now I'm asking you, just--just take it with me.

♪ You think I'm selfish, that I'm standing in my son's way?

I think you're afraid of being alone, and you don't have to be.

You'll miss him, but you won't lose him.

He'll visit.

He's clearly devoted to you, as I was to my mother.

It was hard for her when I left home to train.

But then she found things to do which had been impossible with me clinging to her skirts.

What do you miss most?

♪ I used to like a jumble sale.

That's something to aim for, but small steps first.

Let's see if you can get these shoes on yourself.

♪ Ready?

Good.

Then we shall go.

♪ [Knocking] Hello?

Mrs. Berridge?

Mr. Berridge?

[Kerry crying] Kerry.

We need to get in.

[Loud thump, lock rattles] [Kerry crying] Mrs. Berridge?

Mr. Berridge?

Is anyone home?

She's hungry.

And she hasn't been changed for hours.

She's wet and dirty.

Maybe Mrs. Berridge is still sleeping.

♪ [Knocking] ♪ [Gasps] Oh, no.

♪ There's no pulse, and they're cold.

Oh.

I'll contact the police and try to trace next of kin.

♪ [Sighs] [Siren] Julienne: Nurse Highland has won 3 awards for excellence-- 1 for outstanding performance for her midwifery examinations and 2 whilst training to be a nurse.

Man: Nevertheless, we are here to address a complaint of negligence by Mrs. Bernadette Midgley.

Mrs. Midgely's accusations are entirely unfounded.

She is seeking to escape responsibility for her own personal decision to refuse care from a nurse whose race she considered distasteful.

I consider that appalling.

Man: That is not what we are here to discuss, sister.

♪ [Kerry babbling] [Sighs] I thought I'd driven it home to him at the methadone clinic.

Turning back to heroin after abstinence increases the risk of accidental overdose.

There's also been talk of contaminated drugs in the area.

What the dealers call "dodgy gear."

Yes, I've heard about that, too.

[Kerry babbling] The inquest may reveal more... for all the good it will do.

These poor children.

[Kerry continues babbling] We have to hope that Mr. Robinson has some luck back at the office, tracing the children's grandparents.

[Kerry continues babbling] Mrs. Midgley said you made her feel uncomfortable and criticized.

That was never my intention.

I was encouraging her to exercise, as stipulated in the new medical advice, which encourages ambulation after giving birth.

Man: And can you explain why you left without conducting an examination?

I wanted to examine her.

She was in pain in her calf, and to me the area looked red as though it was inflamed.

I tried, and she refused to cooperate.

She said she didn't want-- she didn't want a Black person to touch her.

♪ [Glass clinking] What's all this?

Why are there boxes in the hall?

Are you moving house?

No.

I'm sorting stuff out for a jumble sale.

Your mother's making progress.

I take it there's news?

Oh... Oh, son.

♪ Oh, oh, careful, Mum.

Oh.

I'm not dead yet.

♪ Well done.

You go and spread your wings.

♪ Man: Ahem.

We have concluded that there was no disobedience and no misconduct on the part of Nurse Highland.

I am exonerated?

Completely.

Sister Julienne's comments regarding Mrs. Midgely's attitude have been made a matter of record.

Thank you.

There will be no further action.

♪ And that completes my case notes on Jacqui Berridge.

"Mother deceased, drug overdose," and the date.

"Footnote--Baby and older sibling transferred to care of maternal grandparents."

That is something, I suppose.

Sometimes our prayers are answered, but not always in the way that we desire.

[Footsteps approaching] There's a letter for you, sister.

It's addressed to "Miss S.

Cantwell."

Catherine: This is my sister's writing.

"Dear Sandra, thank you for the invitation "to your first vow ceremony.

"Nothing will stop me from being there, "even if I have to come on my own.

I miss you, and I love you."

♪ Sounds as though my parents and my other siblings still can't come to terms with my vocation, but Helen has.

I will have family with me.

♪ I think we're all going to represent Poplar very well.

Mrs. Buckle will be quite delighted.

You look absolutely smashing, lass.

Ah!

It's not every day you get to walk round the corner and rub shoulders with royalty.

Rosalind has gone on ahead with Cyril.

Shall we go?

Yes.

I'm terrified we're to get there after Princess Anne.

Man: Oi!

Can't you do better than that, little blonde like you?

Man 2: You'll lose him in the dark.

I beg your pardon?

Just ignore them.

Why should I ignore them?

If I ignore them, then they'll assume that they've made their point and make it again with someone else.

And then nothing is ever going to change.

Change will come, Rosalind, but it's going to take time.

And we haven't got any more time to waste.

I want to be with you, Cyril.

I want to share things with you-- days and dreams and plans and conversations and coffee after work and nights out, with the both of us looking beautiful.

And you do look very, very beautiful.

So do you.

♪ Is it allowed to say that a man looks beautiful?

♪ [People talking and laughing] [Camera shutters clicking] Mature Jennifer: Babies are born, but families are forged.

Year after year after year, the stuff of belonging is tempered and strengthened, shaped by life and its chances and demands, created by love and all that we let go.

♪ And even in loss, new life is given back to us.

There will always be another open door.

♪ There will always be another gift, another celebration, something to pass from hand to hand.

It may only be a small thing, and the pleasure it brings may be entirely fleeting, but embrace it.

Be at peace with it.

And like a child, embrace all the happiness it brings.

[Laughter] Come in, come in!

There's been a fire at Arbery with mothers-to-be there.

Joyce: Hello again, Paula.

Come on, honey.

Let's get you inside.

If you're looking for us to take her in, the answer's no.

[Laughing] Man: Oi!

What do you think you're playing at?