♪ [Theme music playing] ♪ ♪ Mature Jennifer, voice-over: Too often in life, we take things for granted.

The simple essentials of our days.

Warmth, light, food, choice, money.

♪ We neither know our own wealth, nor question its source or its reliability.

We assume it is all there forever, and there's no need to cherish or to earn it.

♪ Reggie!

Oh, look at you.

I've missed you.

Give me a squeeze.

Come on.

Heh heh!

Dinner's in the oven.

Fred: I've been telling Reggie our news, about the number-one woman in both our lives who's running for Mayor of Tower Hamlets.

Only men can be Mayors, like Dick Whittington.

Dick Whittington also had a talking cat.

Saying that women can't be Mayors is just another fairytale.

Just think of all the fancy hats you can buy, or gloves and shoes.

And bags.

Heh!

Now, you go and wash your hands and get all the germs off from the coach.

I am supposed to be doing my letter of application.

♪ Sister Julienne: We need to encourage our ladies to attend the postnatal classes.

We only had 3 last week.

It's the heat.

No one wants to go out of an evening to a warm hall.

Perhaps an incentive.

Refreshments.

Oh, yes, ice lollies and pink champagne.

It should be the content that draws them, especially as our next classes will be led by our pupil midwives, beginning with Nurse Clifford.

Starting next week?

No.

This.

♪ Cyril put us up for this job.

The Reverend has plans to make some money once this is all tidied up.

He wants to open a little tearoom and raise funds for the roof.

They want us to do the work.

What d'you reckon?

It could be nice.

It could be smashing.

And please be advised that the Reverend has kindly supplied us with the leftover beverages from the summer fete.

Lemonade.

Yeah!

Orangeade.

Cherryade!

Ha ha ha!

Not bad, eh?

Any shandy?

I'll buy you a shandy when we're finished.

I'm sorry I'm late.

I was at a professional engagement.

You are slightly less than punctual, but we shall let it pass.

Not every expectant mother is also a fashion model.

Heh!

It's all been a bit of a whirl since the agency took me on again.

It's more than 20 years since I was "Baby Pearl."

I've forgotten what it's like.

Baby Pearl?

I can remember seeing you on the sides of buses.

And now I'm the size of one.

[Chuckles] I still use Pearl Soap.

It's "so very kind to the complexion."

[Chuckles] Do take a seat.

♪ Rosalind: Gillian Baxter?

This way, please.

Even I can remember seeing Baby Pearl on soap wrappers.

They must have used your picture for years.

Sylvie, my agent, said she'd have charged them more if she'd known.

I'm earning nicely now, though.

And I'll be doing mother and baby work once the little one arrives.

Sister, could you possibly examine Mrs. Baxter?

I think Baby might be breech.

Gillian: Something wrong?

I am quite sure all is well.

Sometimes babies have their own idea about what constitutes a comfortable position.

Can you tell if it's a boy or girl by the way it's lying?

Heh!

I wish we could.

Nurse Clifford, would you please fetch Dr. Turner?

Of course, Sister.

My agent says if I have a girl, there'll be more opportunities.

Heh!

It's broken.

Oh.

Well, why's it done that?

Ah, I see your problem.

See that jagged piece of metal?

It's digging into the soil.

No, no, no, no.

You'll cut yourself.

Now, let's see what I've got.

[Sighs] Ahh.

Pliers.

Apparatus of the gods.

The most versatile tool in a tradesman's toolbox.

I tell you something, Reg, if you can't fix something with a pair of these, then it's well and truly bust.

[Clanking] [Grunting] Aah!

Aah!

Ooh.

You cut yourself.

♪ [Sighs] All right.

Ah.

There you go.

Good as new.

♪ Yes.

Baby seems to have made up its mind it's going to be breech.

Breech is bad, isn't it?

Sister Julienne: When you're as close to term as this, we do prefer to see Baby positioned with his head down, ready for delivery.

But it's not unusual.

Dr. Turner: And there is plenty we can do to try to get the little monkey to shift position.

It's possible we may be able to manipulate it externally, through your tummy.

Will I have to go to hospital?

No.

We just need you to come into the maternity home for a few hours.

Tomorrow, I think.

Sister Julienne: Is there someone who could bring you in?

Mother, perhaps?

I'd like my husband to come.

Is that allowed?

Of course.

Cracking job.

We pulled together.

Yeah.

We're good at that, ain't we?

I'll tell you another thing.

We're gonna pull together to get your mum through this Mayor malarkey.

She won't show it, but she's nervous, and she wants to win.

Like winning a race?

Exactly, so we have to cheer her on 'cause we're her family.

Families stick together, so we're gonna cheer and we're gonna shout and we're gonna clap 'cause, well, that's what makes hard things possible.

Yes, it does.

Come on, then, Reg.

Thumbs up.

Family.

The water's off on Friday.

They fix it Tuesday.

Then on Friday, it's off again.

It's been 3 months.

I don't know what to do.

The landlord says he's fixed it and that it's not his problem until it breaks again.

Mrs. Sweeney, you have a right to water and sanitation, and your landlord has a duty to repair the pipework, not to patch it up.

What's his name?

Mr. Regan.

Do you need his address?

If it's Mr. Bill Regan, I already have it.

I shall write to him setting out your concerns, Mrs. Sweeney, and adding a few of my own.

Thank you.

Well, as a Councillor, I'm here to help.

♪ Are you happy with fish and chips instead of me cooking?

I'm always happy with fish and chips instead of you cooking.

Ha ha.

[Kiss] Mm.

Good, because we need to spend time deciding on a sofa.

One magazine, that's all.

I forgot, I left it in the parlor.

Two ticks.

[Door opens, closes] [Sighs] Evening, Mrs. Buckle.

Oh, good evening, Sir Matthew.

How was your surgery?

No complaints from any of my tenants, I hope.

No.

And I would be very surprised these days if there were any.

Mr. Bill Regan, however, well, his name came up quite a few times.

What makes it even worse is he's a Councillor, for Stepney ward.

I know him.

He is the worst kind of slum landlord.

What we all need is a good, strong Mayor to keep him and his kind within bounds.

I haven't even written my application to the committee yet, and then I have to address the rest of the council and set out my stall before the vote at the end of the week.

I really don't know how I'm going to do it.

Well, first, you think about what you can do in the role and then you say why it matters to you.

The rest will follow.

♪ Mr. and Mrs. Baxter, I'm Mrs. Turner.

I'll be the midwife trying to turn Baby Baxter.

Now, would you mind our pupil midwives watching?

Gillian: Oh, no.

I'm used to an audience.

[Shelagh and Gillian giggling] Reggie: You drank too much pop yesterday.

Mm-mm.

Pop is full of vitamins, just what you need for a summer cold.

I'm wondering if I should just leave my application at reception.

Because the thought of handing it to the Mayor's secretary is making me really nervous.

What have you got to be nervous about?

Everything!

Do you want me to drop you off in the van?

No, thank you.

I do not want to get mulch onto my two-piece.

Why, you... [Chuckles] Reggie: There's blood on it now.

Oh, Fred!

That's all I need!

Where's the milk?

I have to try and get the stain out.

I'm sorry, Vi.

Just still seeping from yesterday.

Ohh.

People are gonna wonder what sort of home I come from.

Morning, Miss Higgins.

Didn't know you had green fingers.

I'm inclined to look upon gardening as an extra household chore, but I'm not incompetent.

♪ I'm Councillor Buckle and this is my application for the role of Mayor.

The only one so far.

[Door opens] And the deadline's at 9:00.

Ha ha!

Ah...Miss Banks.

My application for Mayor.

So...is it a one-horse race?

Violet: No, Councillor Regan.

It is not.

I am also running.

And you are?

Councillor Buckle, Poplar North.

We have met.

Have we?

Well, it's very game of you to give it a try, but I fear you're wasting your time, simply because you're a member of the fairer sex.

Mayor of Tower Hamlets' a very challenging role.

Probably best for all concerned if it goes to a man.

Violet: As we both seem to be in the business of delivering letters, I have two in my handbag which might be of interest.

This one is for you.

It regards a constituent of mine who happens to rent one of your properties.

She never knows whether she's going to have running water or sanitation from one week to the next.

This one recounts the same case for the attention of the Housing Department.

I think I'll deliver this by hand, as I'm here.

I'll clean it and put a proper dressing on, but if it doesn't start to heal, you should pop in to see Dr. Turner.

You look a bit off-color, Fred.

Hmm.

Summer cold.

Or sunstroke?

Hmm.

Well, plenty of fluids, and perhaps a couple of aspirin if you start to feel feverish.

You go to a lot of dos with Mr. Aylward.

Do you have to do a lot of social chit chat?

Of course.

But I find that comes quite naturally, especially as I'm only really there to support my spouse.

Nobody's going to bite me.

Hmm.

Now, are you up to date with all of your jabs?

Yeah.

I just can't get my head round Violet being Mayor and me being Lady Mayoress.

You could have fun, Fred.

I suppose.

I suppose she might not get elected.

Shake hands with the devil when you meet him, eh?

Yes.

[Inhales sharply] And keep this bandage on.

♪ We will need to plan for a breech birth, Mrs. Baxter.

You won't send me to hospital?

I--I can't go to hospitals.

You'll be carefully managed here at the maternity home.

It could be more complicated, so, as soon as you feel labor twinges, come back and we'll look after you and make sure you have a nice, calm delivery.

Violet: Oh, good afternoon, Sir Matthew.

Good afternoon.

Now, I have good news and bad news.

The good news is I have formally applied in writing for the position of Mayor.

Ah.

But the bad news is, so has Mr. Bill Regan.

Hmm.

Well, not to sound unsportsmanlike, but I look forward to him losing.

Hmm.

So do I. Heh!

[Bike's bell rings] Fred: Oh.

These are to say thank you for earlier.

Oh.

First of the crop.

I was going to say you shouldn't have, but your tomatoes are always divine.

Thank you, Fred.

[Speaking indistinctly] [Sighs] Reggie.

Here.

Here's your wages for your work at the church garden.

Violet: Ooh!

But that's your name.

Well, you're doing half the work.

You get half the money.

That's half.

I don't get paid at the Glasshouse village.

Well, that's because you work for your community.

I'm going to save up, take us for tea at the Napoli.

Wahay!

[Fred and Violet chuckle] Violet: Fred, we don't pay him, either, and he's-- he's always helping us in the paper shop.

Fred: Well, it's easy enough to change that.

[Sighs] The next time he earns wages, he's gonna get it in a packet with his own name on it.

Hmm.

Lovely.

Smashing.

All right.

Right, well, your first booking with Baby is at two weeks old.

Mignonette Lingerie.

Mignonette?

It's a very upmarket brand.

Well, I don't think we'll be seeing it on the side of any buses.

Gilly, darling, over here.

I think I might have to sit down.

Sylvie: Come on.

Mind over matter.

Keep your hands up, darling.

[Camera's shutter clicks] I'm in labor.

Ugh!

[Bell over door rings] You'll be pleased to know I got the blood out, Mrs. Buckle.

Why mess about with milk when God gave us chemicals?

Oh!

What a relief!

Now I just have to hope that God gives me a fair wind for the Mayoral election.

Well, you have my prayers and Pastor Robinson's, too.

We've been beseeching the Almighty ever since we heard you were standing.

How much do I owe you?

You put your purse away.

This is my contribution to your campaign.

I think you're due a round of applause, Gillian.

You're already 5 centimeters dilated.

Should I have come sooner?

I'd say your timing is absolutely perfect.

Now, with a breech baby, the cervix can take a little longer to dilate.

But Nurse Clifford has a trick to help with that.

We're going to get you off the bed and walking around the ward, so we can get gravity on our side.

[Door opens and closes] ♪ You know, Vi...

I'm not feeling too clever.

I wonder if I ought to stay home.

A Mayoral campaign is about seeing the whole package, and my package includes you, whether you like it or not.

Now, Town Hall, quarter to 4.

I'm setting off now.

[Kiss] And no excuses.

And do have a wash because you smell a bit like something that's gone off.

[Door closes] We have to do that garden, Fred.

Yeah, Reg.

You--you go ahead.

I'll--I'll catch you up.

Ohh.

Uhh!

I can't do it!

It's too hard!

Rosalind: You're doing brilliantly.

Poor Dr. Turner is standing there like an absolute spare part.

[Vomits, coughs] Rosalind: That's the ticket.

Shelagh: Now, Nurse, what do you see?

Rosalind: Baby's hips are coming.

Right.

Gillian, show us what you can do.

I want a really big, slow push.

Slowly, Gillian.

Slowly.

That's it!

[Breathing heavily] Baby's bottom is out.

Well done, mum, and well done, midwife.

Gillian: What is it?

Stephanie or Stephen?

It's Stephanie.

A girl?

I've got a daughter?

I really wanted a girl.

♪ [Straining] ♪ [Breathing heavily] [Groans] Ohh.

Oh, come on, mate.

Oh, pull yourself together.

Vi is waiting.

Long afternoon?

[Sighs] Longer for Gillian.

I keep thinking I can hear her crying.

Have a chocolate lime.

I carry barley sugars usually, but I fancied a novelty.

Thanks.

This won't go on forever.

There'll be news soon.

[Breathing heavily] Isn't it over yet?

Dr. Turner: Baby's nearly here.

You're coming right up to the finish line.

You really are, Gillian.

One more push with the next contraction.

Just relax for a moment.

Rosalind: Just breathe.

Lift Baby's body up.

Allow Baby's face to sweep the perineum very slowly.

Ohh!

This is it, Gillian!

One more slow push.

[Moaning] [Baby crying] Ha ha!

Oh!

Dr. Turner: I will never get bored of that sound.

Congratulations, Gillian.

Shelagh: Beautifully done, both of you.

[Crying] Gillian, she's so bonny.

[Door opens] Nurse Crane: Can Father be admitted?

Come on in, lad.

Liam: Is it a girl or a boy?

I don't care, really, as long as it's a baby.

Rosalind: You have a daughter, Mr. Baxter.

She's really quite nice to look at.

She'll be stunning by tomorrow.

Liam: She's stunning now.

[Crying] She's perfect.

♪ Bill: So, I did try and warn you, straight into a bunker on the 13th.

[Laughter] Ah, Councillor Buckle.

Oh.

May I introduce my wife Nora?

Actually, you may have met before.

She's very keen on her crochet.

Oh, crochet?

What a lovely hobby.

But if we have met, it must be through one of my businesses.

So, no Mr. Buckle today?

He will be joining me shortly.

[Panting] ♪ Reggie!

Need help!

Reggie!

♪ Help!

Help!

Trixie: What's wrong?

Reggie: Fred's fallen down.

He can't talk.

♪ [Speaking indistinctly] [Men laugh] ♪ The ambulance is on its way.

Reggie: Will it come fast?

Trixie: Yes.

Go downstairs and wait by the shop door until they arrive, and then bring them upstairs.

Fred, your temperature is 103 and your pulse is absolutely racing.

Let me look at your hand.

Is it bad?

It's worse than bad.

It's severely infected.

And what's more, I think you might have tetanus, but you told me you'd had your jabs.

Yes, I did.

Joyce: Tetanus?

That can be fatal.

Don't frighten Reggie.

♪ Oh.

Hmm.

♪ Oh, you poor, little lamb.

Hmm.

Oh.

[Baby crying] Nurse Clifford, would you see if Dr. Turner can step in for a moment, please?

[Baby crying] Whilst my noble opponent has run her haberdashery shop for many years... [Men chuckling] I suspect my own extensive and local property interests provide a far better grounding in civic affairs.

Mm-hmm.

Bill: Thank you.

[Men murmuring] [Baby crying, door opens] Dr. Turner: Oh, what can I do for you, Nurse Crane?

I wonder, Doctor, could you have a look at little Stephanie's legs for me?

I'm not sure things are lining up as they ought.

Oh.

You really like giving us all the runaround, don't you, Tilly Mint?

Hmm, come on.

♪ Hey.

One leg slightly longer and the creases in her thighs aren't symmetrical.

I was hoping I might be mistaken.

Oh, it does look like congenital hip dislocation.

It's more common in breech babies, too, so perhaps we shouldn't be surprised.

She needs an X-ray.

I'll call Mr. Saunders at Saint Cuthbert's.

Thank you.

Civic affairs may appear to require a grandiose approach, but what all sewers and knitters will tell you is that pull one thread and everything can fall apart.

One loose seam, and your trousers can fall down.

[Laughter] Violet: What I will bring to the role of Mayor is a keen, experienced eye for detail and a passion to ensure that this rich tapestry which is Tower Hamlets doesn't fray.

Every stitch counts, every policy counts, every person counts.

Secretary: Mrs. Buckle, I'm afraid you're wanted on the telephone.

♪ Liam: Congenital what?

I don't even know what that means.

Do you?

No, never heard of it.

Nurse Crane: Congenital just means "born with" and hip dislocation means her hip sockets haven't formed around her thigh bones, so there's nothing keeping her little legs in the right position.

Will she grow out of it?

Things could actually get harder for her as she grows older if we don't treat it now.

She could end up having trouble walking, and we don't want that.

But she looks completely normal, and you're telling me she could be crippled.

Dr. Turner: That is not going to be allowed to happen.

Try not to fret.

Try not to fret?

What sort of mother doesn't fret about her child coming out wrong?

♪ Where is he?

What are they doing to help him?

Everything they can.

They've given him penicillin to help clear the infected wound, but they've also confirmed tetanus.

Er, is that what we used to call lockjaw?

A man in our street died from that when I was a child, but we didn't have penicillin then, and, well, penicillin cures everything these-- Penicillin...can't cure tetanus, Violet.

Nothing can.

The doctors will have to let the toxin run its course, and Fred will have to find the strength to fight it.

[Sniffles] I shouted at him because of that hand, because he got blood on my two-piece.

[Sniffling] I should have sent him to the doctor and not made a fuss about a stain that isn't even there anymore.

I need to see him.

He's alone, and he'll be afraid.

Now, don't be scared when you see him.

He's having muscle spasms, which is quite normal.

Let's tidy you up.

[Door closes] ♪ Sorry, Vi.

Why are you apologizing to me, Fred Buckle?

I, uh... missed your meeting.

With good reason, as it turns out.

Oh...I am sorry I was cross.

[Sniffles] If it's any consolation, I've never been so angry with myself.

This is... bad, Vi.

Could be worse.

You're in the best possible place, and everybody's rooting for you.

How is Reggie?

Reggie's fine.

[Groaning] You've got to get better for him, Fred.

Whilst we're waiting for Stephanie to be seen, we're doubling up on nappies.

It keeps her legs at a right angle, which helps enormously, even if it does look slightly odd.

Heh!

Do you want to try and put her nappy on?

Just make sure to lift under her bottom and not by her legs.

Uh, I--I'm scared I'll do it wrong.

This specialist, will he come to see her at home?

I'm afraid you'll have to go to Saint Cuthbert's.

It really will be worth it.

Mr. Saunders is one of the best.

Hospital's the place they give you bad news.

[Baby fussing] Do you know, Reggie, I think a bowl of rice pudding is the perfect food for calming one's nerves after a trying day.

A very wise choice.

It's my favorite.

Fred's, too.

Does he like it with jam on top?

And, more importantly, do you?

No.

[Door opens] Is Fred home?

Not tonight.

Ahem.

He needs to rest.

Miss Higgins: By good fortune, there is tea in the pot.

Let it brew for two more minutes.

Is there any news I can pass on to Nonnatus House?

There have been inquiries.

The ward sister said that she would describe him as "critical but stable."

Consider me to be entirely at your service.

Thank you, Millicent.

♪ [Door opens] Is it his bad hand?

[Door closes] It's to do with his hand.

He did that helping me.

Oh.

Why am I not surprised?

[Sniffling] He spends every spare moment helping other people.

♪ I'm sorry, Reggie, love.

[Sobs] I'm sorry.

I'm sad, too.

♪ [Gasping] ♪ Can't...breathe!

There.

There, there.

All right, all right.

♪ We leave for the hospital in an hour.

Miss Higgins secured a cancellation with the specialist.

I don't like hospitals.

Well, not many people do, lass.

We could just take Stephanie.

We thought you'd prefer to be with her, and, in any case, she will need feeding.

All right...OK.

But I thought I'd be going with Mrs. Turner.

I'm afraid you're stuck with me.

Dr. Turner requested I attend.

♪ We could lie down on this.

We most certainly could.

♪ [Inhales sharply] Thought you were going to kiss me.

I've just seen the price tag.

Oof!

Nurse Crane: Give me the bag and you carry Baby.

We'll do this together.

[Baby crying] Hmm?

Really is remarkable how many patients are not up to date with their tetanus vaccinations.

Fred hadn't had one since the army.

The spores for tetanus are everywhere, especially in soil.

If Fred had come to us when he cut his hand, we could have given him the jab immediately.

Dr. Turner, do you think we should prepare leaflets reminding patients to report any flesh wounds to us?

I'm not sure anyone reads leaflets, however enticingly designed.

Small posters would be better, placed where people are likely to read them.

Hmm.

Mr. Saunders: Ah!

Nurse Crane, isn't it?

And this little lady must be Dr. Turner's patient.

This is Mrs. Baxter and her daughter Stephanie.

Thank you so much for fitting us in so quickly.

I know there's a lot to discuss.

But what I want to discuss is, will she be able to walk?

Yes, if she's treated, and that's why she's here.

[Baby crying] Nurse Crane: She was fed half an hour ago.

Mr. Saunders: Thank you.

[Door opens] [Crying continues] [Door closes] Reggie: Oh.

I'm all right, Reggie.

He can't breathe with that on.

[Wheezing] It's helping him, Reggie.

It's giving him oxygen.

[Labored breathing] ♪ Reggie, stay here.

[Door opens] [Door closes] Look after her.

Doctor: It's all right, Mr. Buckle.

We'll see if we can make you more comfortable.

♪ Family.

♪ [Wheezing] Breathe now.

♪ Sister Julienne: She's been praying since before Lauds this morning.

Refuses to rest or even partake of food.

♪ What's happening?

Where are you taking him?

Doctor: He needs more help with his breathing.

We're moving him to Intensive Care.

♪ The X-rays confirmed congenital hip dislocation in both hips.

Stephanie will wear this harness for 6 months.

[Baby cooing] It makes her look like a cripple.

Can't I put it under her clothes?

This particular harness is designed to be worn over garments to avoid skin irritation.

This harness must remain on at all times if you want her to walk.

♪ [Fred gasping] Doctor: Mr. Buckle, we're going to put you on a ventilator.

Your body needs to rest, and the machine will do the work for you.

Close your eyes now.

Leave all this to us.

[Labored breathing] Nurse Williams: No, Mrs. Baxter.

The buckles must be set exactly as Mr. Saunders instructed.

Make it tighter, please.

What about bathing?

Sponge bath only for Baby.

The harness may be removed for that or when changing clothing, but not for long.

Here's a pamphlet, a little reminder of everything we've discussed.

She hates it.

It's hurting her.

[Baby crying] It's uncomfortable, not painful.

She will get used to it.

[Crying continues] [Bell ringing] Oh, wonderful.

Your husband's here to take you back to the maternity home.

I'm not going back there.

I'm going back to my home.

It would be advisable to stay with us for a couple of days till you know the routine.

I've been shown, and I can look at the leaflet.

Liam: Hello, sweet pea.

This ain't so bad, is it?

Gillian, you'll need support.

I've got Liam.

I'll look after 'em.

Don't worry.

We'll move to home visits, twice a day, starting tomorrow morning.

Let's get away from here.

♪ [Door opens] [Door closes] Dr. Turner, I'm so glad that you've come.

We don't understand why Fred is on this machine.

He's developed an aspiration pneumonia, and it's helping him to breathe.

He must have been finding it difficult.

It will help his body to recover.

He will wake up, Doctor, won't he?

He will.

♪ Don't do that.

The nurse said her legs can't be brought together.

Can you look after her?

Need to get some sleep.

Of course.

Do you want to give her a kiss?

♪ Angela: No, Teddy.

We eat it afterwards.

That's why Mummy made extra.

Dr. Turner: Oh, this looks very industrious.

Fairy cakes for Violet and Reggie, and a card for Fred.

Dr. Turner: Do we really need glitter on a get well card?

Daddy, we always need glitter.

[Dr. Turner and Shelagh chuckle] No, Daddy!

It's the tastiest bit.

Hmm.

Heh!

♪ [Ventilator clicking] ♪ The doctor said I can talk to you.

She said I should talk to you.

She said that sometimes, very sick people can hear voices, even though they can't respond, and it can help to make them better.

[Machine wheezing] I wish I knew what to say.

♪ I can stand in a room full of Councillors, and somehow the words come out and seem to make sense, but... here with you... [Sniffles] I'm scared, Fred.

I'm scared because...

I want to say "I love you" and I want to say that you mean the world to me.

[Sniffles] And I think my heart might stop if yours does.

And I'm scared because if you hear me talking like this, you might think that I'm an imposter, because we don't do the lovey-dovey stuff, do we?

It's not us.

It's not me.

♪ So, listen to me, Fred Buckle.

I want you off this ventilator and out of this bed and back home... whenever you decide it's convenient.

There's bales of paper all over the shop, and we're overdue a Cash and Carry run.

♪ Can you hear me?

[Sobs] ♪ Liam: You told Gillian no one could see the baby.

My family are desperate to meet her.

We said no such thing.

Family support would be a great benefit.

[Doorbell rings] Gillian: Told you, no visitors.

Oh.

Hello, dears.

Sylvie: It's only me, here to see the next Baby Pearl.

Oh.

What's that on her?

Just a harness.

She got a problem with her hips.

But you can take it off, though?

Well, that's not gonna work on a poster, is it?

I have to cancel her bookings.

I mean, she can't work, can she?

What about me?

I can model, Sylvie.

You'll have your hands full, won't you, looking after this one?

I'll leave you to it, darling.

♪ [Door opens, closes] Sisters, it really is very unlikely Mr. Buckle will recover.

I fear we must face facts.

Every day, he deteriorates a little further.

Sister Monica Joan: If there's the smallest chance our friend might live... you should be praying that deliverance comes to pass, and... if he is not to be spared... you should be praying for his soul with even... greater fervor.

♪ I cannot give you orders.

I can only set you an example.

♪ [Violet sniffling] Trixie: Violet?

♪ I don't think he's gonna get better, Trixie.

[Sobbing] ♪ [Baby crying] He's not here.

Got to be quiet 'cause Mummy hasn't slept.

I fed you.

I changed your nappy.

It's not my fault you've got to wear this thing.

[Crying continues] Just stop crying.

Just shut up!

Shut up!

[Crying continues] ♪ [Door knocker knocks] ♪ Would you like some company?

Come in.

♪ [Praying quietly] ♪ [Door opens] "We beseech thee to have mercy upon this night."

[Footsteps approach] I don't want to intrude, but I couldn't stop thinking about poor Fred, and I asked Nancy if she thought I could come and think in here.

You can think here or you can pray.

I'm not praying.

I'm not sure I even want to.

I just want to be with people who are praying.

Love makes all welcome.

♪ Sister Veronica: "We beseech thee to have mercy.

[Sister Julienne joining in] "on this, thy servant visited "with thine hand; and to grant that he may take "his sickness patiently and recover his bodily health, if it be thy gracious will."

I've been looking for you.

You're meant to be at breakfast at Nonnatus House.

I can't finish the garden without Fred.

Waiting is hard when we're worried.

One needs a distraction or to keep busy.

I am also in need of distraction.

What do you say to me helping you?

I would love that.

[Indistinct] Trixie, are you writing a check out for the sofa?

I haven't agreed to this.

Life's too short, darling.

Carpe diem.

Seize the day.

[Baby crying] She's got a wet nappy.

I can feel it.

I'll change her.

[Crying continues] I'm concerned about how you're coping, Gillian.

Are you eating properly?

You can't feed Baby if you don't feed yourself.

Mr. Baxter said that his family hadn't seen Stephanie?

His mum started organizing the christening.

What about your mum?

She died last year.

Lung cancer.

Oh, I'm so sorry.

Month before I knew I was pregnant.

That's why you're so scared of hospitals?

Oh, lass, I wish I had known.

You were very brave.

I think you could both do with some fresh air.

You've been cooped up in here.

Let's get you outside.

I--I don't feel well enough.

It will do you the power of good.

♪ [Knock on door] Reggie: Who is it?

The man who's going to be Mayor--ahem-- now I'm not running.

[Bell over door rings] Ah, Councillor Buckle... so sorry to hear about your husband.

Such a shame you've pulled out of the Mayoral race.

I'm sure they'll just wave me through later today, no vote needed.

I imagine we'll meet on some committee sometime.

Be good to know that I can count on your support.

Of course.

Hmm.

Cheerio.

That is not fair.

It's not important anymore, Reggie.

Yes, it is.

That man is horrible.

My place is by Fred's side.

So is mine.

I will go to him.

[Baby crying] ♪ [Gillian sniffling] ♪ [Sighs] These were from Fred's first crop.

Sister Monica Joan: Even on his sickbed, our dear friend feeds us.

Nurse Clifford, how are your preparations for this evening's postnatal class?

I'm nearly finished.

I just need 20 minutes on the sewing machine.

[Footsteps approach] Ahem.

I need to request a favor.

Reggie is insisting that I attend the Mayoral vote, um, but I need someone to take him to be with Fred.

♪ Would you mind, Sister?

There is nothing that would give me greater honor.

♪ I'll take you in my car.

♪ [Baby crying] How old?

Just under a week.

Then get off your feet and sit down.

I will do your washing for you, and then I'll make you a cup of tea.

[Crying continues] Sit back down.

Let me.

Come here, Precious.

Gillian: Be careful.

[Mrs. Wallace chuckles] Don't do that.

You can't hold her like that.

It will hurt her.

[Sniffles] She's not well.

[Speaking indistinctly] [Sighs] I'm sorry, but it is a lady's prerogative to change her mind.

And I have changed mine.

I am still in the running for Mayoral office.

What?

On your own?

With your husband so poorly?

Not on my own.

I have a friend to support me.

Bill: Ah, Sir Matthew.

You're a difficult man to get hold of.

We must talk.

Matthew: I'm afraid it's not advisable to fraternize with the opposition.

This is my friend, Councillor Regan.

♪ [Knock on door] Gillian.

Oh, what's wrong?

Can't do it.

I don't deserve her.

[Baby fussing] ♪ Violet: As some of you may know, my husband is very poorly and in hospital, and you may, therefore, wonder why I'm here.

I'm here because I believe in the future.

I believe that my husband will get better, and I believe that Tower Hamlets can go from strength to strength.

This district is full of opportunity, and it's full of hope.

We need to harness that hope.

We need to pull together to help our community to be all that it can be.

We can do anything, and that is why I want to be Mayor.

That is why I would be proud to be Mayor.

Not because I'm special, but because I know what matters, and the thing that matters is not me, it's you.

It's all of us.

♪ Man: Ahem.

We have heard closing speeches from both candidates.

If we could now take it to a vote.

Those in favor of Councillor Buckle, raise your right hands.

♪ [Applause] ♪ Gillian: She's got to go back to the hospital so they can look after her properly.

I'm a terrible mother.

You're not.

You're a new mother who's had a tricky birth and who has an awful lot to deal with right now.

It must all feel very overwhelming.

Rosalind: Stephanie can't go to hospital.

She's not poorly.

Wish my mum was here.

Sister Veronica: Have you got any other family?

Just her and me.

Never knew my dad.

My mother brought me up on her own.

Makes a special bond when it's just the two of you.

It's a lonely place when they're gone.

[Baby crying] ♪ But you're not alone.

I'll never take her harness off again.

I promise.

I'm so ashamed.

It's going to be all right.

You're going to be an excellent mother.

And I don't know if you've noticed, but Stephanie's not crying.

She got used to it.

Heh!

♪ [Machine wheezing] ♪ He squeezed my hand.

I deem it unlikely.

How do they not know the most rudimentary skill of bed-making?

♪ His eyes are opening.

♪ Thank you for helping.

You've been so lovely.

When we have the christening for Stephanie, will you come?

If I'm not on duty, I'd love to.

And I actually have an invitation for you.

I'm running Parentcraft later today.

Would you come?

I need your expert help.

♪ Fred!

Oh, Fred.

[Kiss] You've taken us to hell and back!

No lovey-dovey stuff there.

[Chuckles] ♪ Sister Monica Joan: The Lord has expressed His gracious will.

and Fred has recovered his bodily health.

♪ Here's a novel way of carrying your baby if you can't get your pushchair up the stairs.

Gillian: It keep her legs in the right place.

I like it.

There's enough for everyone to try one.

Can we please have a round of applause for our marvelous model and her beautiful baby Stephanie?

♪ Mature Jennifer, voice-over: Sometimes in life, the things we almost lose are returned to us completely.

The things we thought flawed are shown to be entirely perfect, and thus, our affection for them grows a thousandfold.

[Baby crying] That is the nature of love itself.

It is seed and soil, root and branch.

It is the blossom and the fruit.

This is the compound interest of the heart.

Not a price, but a gift.

Not a payment, but a dividend.

We're always richer than we realize and more blessed than we can know.

We are each other's wealth and our greatest good fortune.

Celebrate this.

Hold your loved ones close and say out loud how lucky we are, how much we have.

I want to be a nurse.

Last week, she wanted to be a vet.

I'm glad you all remembered to hand in your casebooks for your mid-course review.

I can't do this today.

In which case you must come to the mother and baby clinic Tuesday afternoon and bring your sample with you.

I am glad to witness such a marvelous occurrence.