♪ ♪ (chuckling): Oh, James, look at their little faces.

Don't you wish there wasn't a war on?

♪ ♪ I made a mistake with the order.

A mistake?

We have enough gauze to see out the decade.

No... Give that to me.

You're getting a divorce?

SIEGFRIED: I'm not sure I considered his intentions towards you before now.

MRS. HALL: It was something that I needed to do.

♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ (objects shuffling) (drawer closes) SIEGFRIED: Where is it?

SIEGFRIED (moaning): Where are you?

(sighs) (drawer opens) (Siegfried grunts) (object drops) (blows out through lips) Once more unto the bag.

What have you lost?

Suture kit!

Jacket pocket?

No!

(exhales) I mean, how am I supposed to find anything in...?

In the car?

Where's James?

He should know.

Well, surgery's started.

(knocks) SIEGFRIED: James, have you... (goat bleats) (goat bell ringing) JAMES: Siegfried!

SIEGFRIED: What in heaven... JAMES: God!

Sorry, Mrs. Stokes.

James!

I was in the middle of treatment!

Ladies!

(phone ringing, vase shatters) SIEGFRIED: What are you... HELEN: I'll get it.

JAMES: Ladies, ladies!

Out of there!

(goats bleating, all exclaiming) JAMES: Ladies!

HELEN (stammers): No, sir, it must be an oversight.

Uh, yeah, I'll make sure we pay it as soon as possible.

Thank you!

(hangs up) It's a right mess in there.

JAMES: No, no, no-- dispensary.

HELEN: James, you all right?!

JAMES: Not in there!

Hilda!

Not the lunch!

MRS. HALL: Oh, heck, me ironing!

Come on, ladies, come on.

That's it.

(bleating) HELEN: No, no, no, no, not in there!

Not in my pantry!

James, what just happened?!

Gotcha!

♪ ♪ (coughs) (dog barking) I'm so sorry.

Not your fault.

(goat bleats) (softly): Come here.

(dogs barking, goats bleating) Ooh!

Get down from there!

(dogs barking) (goat bells ringing) As I was saying, Mrs. Stokes, keep her legs dry and apply this twice a day.

Aye.

This is a small animal surgery.

I know.

These are goats-- why are they here?

STOKES: Yeah, well, Betty's got mud rash, and she won't go anywhere without Hilda.

So Hilda's having a day out?

STOKES (chuckles): Aye.

We got a lift down to Darrowby with me neighbor.

Hey, the girls loved riding on that cart, didn't you?

(James chuckles) (clears throat) Will you excuse me, Mrs. Stokes?

Yes.

(murmuring) SIEGFRIED: What were you thinking?

You said we should ask owners to bring animals in if they could.

Yes, yes.

I didn't mean goats!

JAMES: What did you mean?

(doorbell rings, Helen mutters) SIEGFRIED: I meant just use your judgment!

Look at this.

Come in.

It was full yesterday.

It costs a fortune!

You can't have used it all up on one goat!

Or did you give Hilda a good dusting, too, so she wouldn't feel left out?

(shouts): I... (knock at door) (evenly): Mr. Cargill called, chasing payment for his invoice.

(goats bleat) SIEGFRIED: We're up to our eyes in farm visits, we're drowning in paperwork, and you're chucking expensive wound powder around like confetti!

The goats knocked it over when you charged in!

SIEGFRIED: I suppose we're lucky Mrs. Stokes doesn't have a cow!

JAMES: What were you doing, anyway?!

SIEGFRIED: And I don't charge in!

What did you want?!

A suture kit!

(Siegfried grunts) (chuckles): Having a right ding-dong.

HELEN: We'll send your bill, end of the month.

Yeah, oh, wait, there's no need.

I'll settle up now.

(chuckles) First prize at Women's Institute.

HELEN: Oh.

Best autumn preserve.

Thank you.

What's this?

JAMES: A hoof knife.

My hoof knife!

Well, if you leave things lying around... Perhaps instead of an equipment cupboard, we should just bury things in the garden!

Worth a try!

Who knows?

Maybe that's where I'll find...

Sorry, are you waiting for... SIEGFRIED: ...my bloody suture kit!

Excuse me.

(goat bleats) (softly): I can hear every word out there!

You're gonna have to keep it down.

Mr. Farnon.

Miss, um... Harbottle.

Yes, of course!

I'm so sorry, I, I've been wrestling goats.

(chuckles): They seem to have won.

(chuckles) Miss Harbottle and I met at the farmers' union dance last week.

The foxtrot.

Carpe diem.

Carpe diem.

♪ ♪ (exhales): You told me to call.

So I did!

So I'm here.

To discuss your offer.

♪ ♪ You need someone to take over the administrative burden, leaving you free to concentrate on your veterinary work.

SIEGFRIED: Miss Harbottle, I couldn't have said it better myself.

HARBOTTLE (chuckles): I think that was what you said, and what I said was... "Bringing order to chaos is my speciality."

HARBOTTLE: You're in the middle of lambing season.

You must be exhausted.

Especially without your brother to help.

Frankly, it's a wonder you've been able to manage at all.

Yes, I suppose it is.

Have you come far?

Oh, from Brawton.

I've just finished at Henshaw's.

The feed merchants.

Oh!

Secretary, clerk, and assistant to the manager.

Mr. Farnon, perhaps you could show me around.

Yes, of course.

Excuse me, Mrs. Hall.

(clears throat softly) James.

SIEGFRIED: This is Mrs. Herriot and Mr. Herriot.

Ah, yes, the junior partner.

Hello.

How do you do?

We have two treatment rooms.

Yes.

For small animals.

HARBOTTLE: But the majority of your practice is farm animals.

Made harder now because so many farms are shorthanded.

Hm.

And you're blazing the trail.

With your TB testing, as I recall.

Yes.

It's, it's very much a joint effort-- shall we?

HARBOTTLE: Ah!

One of our brochures.

Our second treatment room.

(phone ringing) Ah-hah, suture kit.

Oh, well!

Well done!

MRS. HALL: Darrowby 2297.

On.

Oh, hello, Mr. Dakin.

SIEGFRIED: Dispensary.

Oh, not again.

Poor Blossom.

No, you, you can't leave her like that, can you?

Ah!

My office.

(exhales) I'm afraid the paperwork rather has the upper hand at the moment.

As does everything else.

What's that?

That is Vonolel.

Hello!

(Vonolel squeaks) You know that rats are as intelligent as dogs?

Aren't you?

Yes!

And very affectionate.

Where's your cash box?

Oh, we just, um, stuff it all in here, you know.

Mm.

(coins rattling) Uh, you just stuff it?

Hm.

You go out and you leave that money there day after day?

Well, it's never come to any harm before.

How about your petty cash?

It's all in there, petty and otherwise.

(chuckles): In my experience, Mr. Farnon, what's needed to transform even the most shambolic of businesses are a few particular changes.

With the right person to implement them.

(chuckles) MRS. HALL: Mr. Farnon?

Cow's got a torn udder.

SIEGFRIED: Mr. Dakin?

Tell him I'll be up as soon as I can.

Already have.

I've seen all I need.

I'm going to get started right away.

Terms as agreed.

Hm?

You have a cow to attend to, I need to get this place shipshape.

(chuckles) Now, where's your appointment book?

Uh... (Vonolel squeaks) Oh, excellent.

Oh, thank you, Mrs. Hall.

Now, any queries I have, I shall record it on one of these.

And I...

I shall keep it here for addressing at your leisure.

A splendid idea, Miss Harbottle.

Thank you, Mr. Farnon.

(chuckles) Calm down before you talk to him.

Don't-- why didn't you ask me?!

You weren't there.

At the farmers' ball?

I didn't realize we were handing out jobs.

Well, carpe diem-- quam minimum credula postero.

Oh, that explains it, then.

What will she do?

Save us from this paperwork apocalypse.

Rescue us from our administrative quagmire.

Well, is it really that bad?

How many invoices have you sent out in the last month?

(stammers) Exactly.

We have suppliers calling daily.

We have to do something, James.

You could use an extra pair of hands.

Well, Miss Harbottle's not a vet-- that's what we're missing.

The point is, she'll allow us to be vets.

(door opens) Maybe he's right.

(door closes) Maybe she can sort things out in there.

I doubt she knows what she's in for.

She's just dazzled by the Latin and the foxtrot.

If she can get the better of that paperwork, I'll spin her around the dance floor myself.

You will not!

Well, she's here now.

♪ ♪ (clock ticking) ♪ ♪ (tutting) ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ Hello!

Good morning, Mr. Farnon!

Morning, Mr. Dakin.

Only just-- you took your time.

It's worth coming up for the view.

Always lifts the spirits.

Aye, but views don't pay bills.

And you can't see much when it rains.

♪ ♪ (goats bleating, cows lowing) Hello.

Poor old Blossom.

Let's see how bad it is this time.

Ah, it's a right mess again.

Another cow trod on her.

(shushing) Yes, well.

A sharp cow's hoof can do a great deal of damage.

I speak from bitter experience.

(chuckling) Blossom's never kicked anybody in her life.

It's up to you, but...

This is the third time I've come out to stitch her up, and I'm afraid it's going to keep on happening.

A low udder comes with age, and Blossom's getting on.

Oldest one here.

Apart from me.

She's still worth a penny or two.

She doesn't owe me anything.

It might cost more to keep her going than she brings in.

I'm just thinking of your business, Mr. Dakin.

You think she should go, then?

♪ ♪ Well, if there's nowt else for it, I'll get young Jack at Mallock's to come and pick her up.

Listen, I'll, I'll sew her up again, so she's not in pain.

There's no charge.

Oh.

I'll get you some hot water.

Thank you.

♪ ♪ (carpet sweeper rattling) HELEN (calling): James?

I'm going to the farm.

Drovers later?

JAMES: I'd love that.

(clears throat loudly) (clears throat): Mr. Herriot.

Miss Harbottle.

Um, whose handwriting is this?

Mr. Farnon's.

And this?

Same.

Oh.

HELEN: I've had a go at his paperwork before.

Good luck.

(chuckles) See you later.

The accent-- Paisley?

(chuckles): Aye-- you?

Dunbarton Road.

Oh!

Now, solving Siegfried.

Mrs. Hall says there's an art to it.

I think of it more as code-breaking.

Makes it more exciting.

Ooh, that is a tricky one.

(knock at door) (dog barking) Granular something?

(door opens) No, that's a D. GERALD (calling): Hello?

In here!

(door closes) Gerald!

I've been up the allotment.

Oh!

(sniffs deeply) Oh!

Oh, this is Miss Harbottle-- she's just joined us.

How do you do?

Mr. Hall.

Oh, no, I, I'm Gerald Hammond.

Mr. Hammond is a friend.

Oh-- I assumed... (chuckles) JAMES: Glandular!

It's "glandular fever."

Thank you.

(dogs barking) Come on, Rock.

(barking) Do you still want to go to the pictures Friday?

"A Girl Must Live."

That's the film.

Oh, sorry-- yes, I do.

(chuckles) (softly): I didn't, uh, know there was someone new.

(softly): Nor me-- one of Mr. Farnon's ideas.

Oh, one of those.

Well, till Friday.

(Rock barks) Come on, Rock.

Out we go.

♪ ♪ (people talking in background) (toddler babbling) Hello!

How's she getting on?

The belle of the farmers' ball?

Well, she's been at it all day and barely made a dent.

(snorts and laughs) (toddler babbling) WOMAN: Benjamin!

(men talking softly) WOMAN: You're not supposed to be in here.

(babbling) I know what you're thinking.

You must be thinking it, too.

We said we'd wait.

I know.

I'm just not sure what we're waiting for.

It could all be over soon.

Or it could go on for years.

(exhales): Sorry to keep you.

Hello.

The usual?

Please.

You heard anything more from Tristan?

Couple of letters.

Mostly smutty cartoons.

(chuckles) It's amazing how he can wind up Siegfried from hundreds of miles away.

(all laugh) MAGGIE: I reckon they'll all be home soon.

If it wasn't for the ration books and the victory gardens, you'd have no idea there's a war on.

♪ ♪ SIEGFRIED: Ah, Miss Harbottle.

How have you found the Herculean task of tackling our paperwork?

Invoices.

I'll pop them in the post on my way home.

You are a wonder.

And if you could take a look at these.

Scout's honor.

(chuckles) Good evening, Mr. Farnon.

Good evening.

(blows out through lips) (door opens and closes) JOE: All right, ladies and germs!

Sorry-- gentlemen!

It's the moment you've all been waiting for.

Is it going to be your lucky day?

Because it is ferret roulette!

(guests cheer and applaud) The coat is going down, the ferret's going in, but where's he gonna come out?

That's the big question!

(coins clinking) Place your bets, ladies and gentlemen, while I retrieve our little star from his dressing room.

It's the pride of Yorkshire-- here is the ferret!

(cheer and applaud) Now he's gonna go in, here he goes.

(speaking Tamil) Oh, go on, Maggie.

(coins clink) Oh, brave bet-- thank you very much!

(speaking Tamil) Okay, he's going in.

(speaking Tamil) Here he goes!

(all cheering and exclaiming) Okay, come on!

(speaking Tamil) Oh, no, is he heading to the bottom?

Yes, there he goes!

(speaking Tamil) Yes, is it gonna be that one?

Is it gonna be that one?

Is it gonna be that one?

Where's he gonna come out of?

Here we are, we're gonna see right now.

(speaking Tamil) Hey, where's he going?

(crowd clamoring) (crowd reacting) I did not know there was a hole in the pocket!

(crowd murmuring) (chuckles) (speaking Tamil) MAGGIE: Rum?

(speaking Tamil) Did you train it to do that?

Nay, that were pure luck.

(chuckles): Hello!

(speaks Tamil) Don't worry, he's a gent-- he'd never bite a lady.

Oh... And what about a vet?

Yeah, well, I don't know about that.

(Helen laughs) Oh, he's beautiful.

JOE: Yeah, he's best of the lot.

If you want rats catching, or rabbits, there's none better.

(murmurs) He's very friendly.

JOE: Yeah, they are, if you treat them right.

I've had ferrets all my life.

Me dad brought a polecat over with him, for the rats on the ships.

A polecat?

Yeah.

Bred them with Yorkshire ferrets, made them stronger.

Hybrid vigor, yeah.

What's his name?

Wilf.

(Helen chuckles) Hello, Wilf!

Huh, there's a lump here.

Oh, well, don't seem to hurt him.

(murmurs) Ferrets get nipped all the time.

Yeah, a bit of salt water will sort it out.

Doesn't look like a bite.

Bring him over to the surgery-- we'll take a look.

You can see him now.

We'll give him an anesthetic, make him sleep.

Operate on the lump, we'll remove it if we need to.

You'd do all that for a ferret?

Of course.

Thank you.

(people talking in background, coins rattling) Ferret roulette-- man's a genius.

(chuckles) ♪ ♪ (birds chirping) Thank you, driver.

(exhales) ♪ ♪ Good morning!

WOMAN: Good morning.

MAN: Morning.

(Vonolel shuffling) (squeaking) (exhales) (footsteps approaching) Ah!

You... You're there.

It sends the right message to the clients, I think.

You've moved things.

Well, a place for everything and everything in its place.

How was your visit to Mr. Dakin yesterday?

Uh, a simple job-- a cow's udder needed stitching.

I shall prepare an invoice now.

Oh, no need.

Has he paid you already?

Hand me the money and I'll balance the books.

Yes.

(clears throat loudly) I have taken the liberty of starting a cash box.

Petty and otherwise.

All transactions can be recorded in here.

Legibly.

I sometimes dip into the jug when I'm a bit short.

Oh...

I shouldn't, really.

I assume Mr. Dakin has paid you in cash and not rhubarb jam.

(coins clinking) (coins rattling) I must have spent it.

Mr. Farnon, what is the good of my trying to keep an accurate account of the money in this practice if you do not respect my methods?

(sighs) Now, there is something else I want to discuss.

(door opens) (door closes) (bucket clatters on floor) Where's the sewing basket?

Look-- I snagged it on the fence.

Put it in me darning pile-- I'll do it tonight.

(water running) Oh.

(water stops) I thought you were seeing Gerald.

I'm not out with him every night.

(inhales) Is everything all right?

I'm a married woman.

I don't want people thinking I'm... carrying on.

No one thinks that.

Well, Miss Harbottle does.

And she's got a point.

And she's got a sticky beak.

What's she said?

(sighing): Well, nothing, really.

Audrey?

I've applied for a divorce.

That must have been hard for you.

Because of Gerald?

It's nothing to do with him.

Well, it, it is.

But it's not.

Does he know?

No.

I don't want him thinking I'm...

Setting your cap at him?

I'm sure he'd understand.

Let's have a look at that sleeve.

(exhales) It's on the seam.

HARBOTTLE: Every canceled or rearranged appointment costs you money.

Animals are unpredictable.

But people less so.

Your clients are extremely predictable when it comes to paying their bills.

They're late every time, if they pay them at all.

Mm.

But it's not just jam, Mr. Farnon.

I have found references, as far as I can read them, to sausages, honey, a crate of beer.

This is a farming community.

Now and again, we get gifts in lieu of fees.

Well, how do you enter them on the balance sheets?

Uh, we twiddle things about a bit.

Have you tried the jam?

(exhales) If we ask the clients for a small fee when an animal is booked in, just to secure the appointment...

I really don't think that will work.

...we wouldn't be asking them to pay more.

Just pay better.

And preferably, in cash.

If you want an efficient system, you must be prepared to accept change.

It is nothing to be afraid of.

After all, you cannot make an omelet without breaking eggs.

I just don't think our clients... Mr. Farnon, it pains me to see a man of your talents, forward-thinking, full of vigor, be held back by antiquated practices.

(exhales) I am here to help you.

We'll give it a go.

A trial run.

Leave it with me-- thank you, Mr. Farnon!

Oh, um, one more thing.

I think the rat would be better somewhere else.

I don't want to upset it-- him.

Oh, he's not upset-- he likes company.

I'd like more space.

Ah, uh... Hello!

There, now he's out of the way, and he can still see what you're doing.

Happy?

(knocks lightly) James, you couldn't lend me a few bob, could you?

I'm doing a lecture for the Young Farmers.

They're a thirsty lot.

Is the pint jug empty?

Miss Harbottle's put it all in a box.

Are things not going quite as smoothly as you planned, Siegfried?

Of course they are-- it's an excellent system.

So you're happy with all the changes, then?

Well, why shouldn't I be?

After all, you can't make an omelet without breaking eggs.

Well, if it's too much trouble... (clears throat, imitating Harbottle) (coins rattling) Thanks, old chap.

Miss Harbottle might take some getting used to, but I think she's just what we need.

♪ ♪ (cows lowing) (animal squeaking, dog panting) (phone ringing) HARBOTTLE (calling): I'll get it, Mrs. Hall.

It's fine, I'll get it.

I think it might best if I answered the telephone calls.

(ringing continues) Well, it's usually just a case of who's free.

Well, I'm here now.

Let it be my job, then you'll be free to get on with your duties.

(ringing continues) Well, you best answer it, then.

Mm-hmm.

Darrowby 2297.

This is Miss Harbottle, secretary, clerk, and assistant to the manager.

Ah, yes, Mr. Dakin.

(door opens) JAMES: Right, who's next?

(doorbell rings) Hello, Mrs. Hepworth.

(phone hangs up) Hello, Hector-- come on in, boy.

Come in!

Veterinary said to make an appointment.

Mm-hmm, this way.

How do you do, Joe?

An appointment for... Wilf.

Me ferret.

(gasps) (chuckles): I meant your name.

Oh.

Mm-hmm.

Joe Coney.

Coney.

As in rabbit-- C-O...

Yes, thank you, I know how to spell it.

(chuckles): Course, it's not me real name.

Which is?

Jothi Chelvanayakam.

(softly): Best stick with Coney, eh?

Mr. Herriot said he'd be needing a surgical appointment, with an anesthetic.

Mm, we'll need a deposit, Mr. Coney.

Eh?

Half a crown, deductible from the cost of treatment.

I haven't got cash, but it's your lucky day.

I've summat much better.

(gasps): Oh, good Lord.

(clears throat) What's the matter?

Oh, you want me to skin it for you?

HARBOTTLE: Please, would you kindly get that thing away from me?!

JAMES: Mr. Coney.

Hey, you never said owt about half a crown.

I'm sorry?

All clients must make a deposit to receive an appointment.

Didn't Mr. Farnon mention this to you?

Just book him in, and we'll discuss the details later.

No money, no appointment.

It's all right.

I wouldn't take one if you paid me.

♪ ♪ In veterinary practice, the animal comes first.

Always.

In my book, obedience to rules is the mother of all success.

(front door closes) ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ What's this about paying to book an appointment?

It's just a trial.

So can I book Joe Coney's ferret in without a deposit?

If you must.

Miss Harbottle says I can't-- you see... Mr. Dakin telephoned.

Not Blossom again.

"A cleansing."

Oh, it's a different cow.

Can this wait?

No, it can't.

Mr. Farnon has a farm call.

Mr. Farnon and I were in the middle of a conversation.

Excuse me.

JAMES: Who's in charge here?

You and me, or Miss Harbottle?

Oh, that is ridiculous.

We need to build trust with our clients, not scare them away.

We need a functioning business.

We're not just any business-- we're vets.

If you have more blinding insights, they'll have to wait.

Not only does she not seem to care for animals, she's putting them at risk!

Whatever personal animus you may have against Miss Harbottle, I suggest you set it aside for the good of the practice.

This can't be what you want!

Look, we're all missing Tris, but this, it's madness!

Look, all I'm saying is, whatever it is you're trying to fix, Miss Harbottle is not the answer.

(rain falling) SIEGFRIED: Hello, Blossom.

How are you?

DAKIN (calling): In here!

The scar looks good.

Do you want me to take the stitches out?

Don't matter-- she's off to the knacker's.

Just waiting for Jack to come and pick her up.

Are you gonna wait around all day?

(shushing) You've got room for a few more calves in here.

Suckling calves need milk-- I sell all mine.

(cow lows) It would be an investment.

Too much work at my age.

Lugging buckets of milk around.

(vehicle horn honks outside) Oh, that'll be Jack.

(exhales) This the one?

Aye.

She must be nearly as old as you!

(laughs) Don't hit her!

She'll go wherever you want-- always has done.

DAKIN: And shut the gate.

Yeah, now, Blossom, not your fault.

Eh?

(gate closes) Goodbye, old girl.

Come on, then!

I remember the night she was born.

Snow coming down hard.

I put a sack over her to keep her warm.

I picked her up to help her stand.

She never made a fuss.

She's always been a gentle soul, has Blossom.

(chuckling): And I wouldn't like to count the thousands of gallons of milk she gave.

She still gives four a day.

No.

She don't owe me a thing.

Wait!

You said suckling calves are too much work.

But Blossom's got plenty of milk.

Put her in there, by herself.

With no cows standing on her, she'd live like royalty.

What's to do, Dakin?

Am I taking this cow or not?

(Blossom snuffling) No, she's staying here.

I fear I've misled you, Mr. Dakin.

No.

You saw there was a problem, Mr. Farnon.

And you came up with an answer.

Just wasn't the right one.

Come on, Blossom-- come on, girl.

(Blossom lows) (breathes deeply) (exhales) You're going out?

Pictures-- I'm late.

Is everything all right?

Miss Harbottle and I have had a polite disagreement.

About what?

Vonolel.

Where is he?

I insisted he stay in the warm, but... Where is he?!

(chickens clucking) I'm sorry, old chap.

(squeaks) This won't do at all.

♪ ♪ (people talking in background) Thank you.

Is it a comedy?

Yeah, and it's got Margaret Lockwood in it.

(both chuckle) Violet creams.

You're spoiling me.

(chuckles) Before we go in, there's something I wanted to say.

It's been on me mind, and I wanted you to know.

When Miss Harbottle mistook you for me husband... No, it was a simple mistake.

Well, I didn't know what to say-- I'm sorry.

You've nothing to apologize for.

Now, this is your evening off.

Let's make the most of it.

(chuckles) (newsreel music playing) NEWSREEL NARRATOR: German guns try to achieve what Nazi bombers fail to do.

From the French coast, high-velocity guns bombard our shipping.

(shells whistling) ♪ ♪ (door opens) MRS. HALL: In you go, there you are.

Yes.

(door closes) (chuckles) In you go.

(dog barks) Well, you were out late.

How were the Young Farmers?

Their devotion to the brewing industry is admirable.

(chuckles) The Women's Institute do lectures, and no one gets drunk.

Good thing, too-- they're formidable enough sober.

Mrs. Hall, I'd like your advice.

Um...

It could be argued that I'm not one readily to admit when I've made a mistake.

I've heard it said.

Miss Harbottle's convinced that she's right about everything.

I don't think she'll accept there's a problem.

How does one handle someone like that?

First, be kind.

It's not her fault you offered her a job.

Be kind.

But be honest-- she's not daft.

Be kind, be honest.

That's exactly what I had in mind.

Thank you-- I'll speak to her tonight.

Except the longer you wait... Quite right, best do it now.

♪ ♪ (exhales) (softly): Be kind, be honest.

Miss Harbottle, I wanted to say-- wanted to tell you... Miss Harbottle.

Good morning.

I wanted to tell you how very grateful I am for all the work you've put in here.

You've done so much in such a short space of time.

Thank you.

You came aboard a rudderless vessel, and steered us between the Scylla and Charybdis of chaos and debt.

You're too kind.

(chuckles) All of which is to say...

Please, you're embarrassing me-- in truth, I relish challenges, and I look forward to staying as long as the practice needs me.

Oh, and, Mr. Farnon... ♪ ♪ (exhales) When you have a moment.

♪ ♪ It's like some kind of sorcery.

So she doesn't know she's been let go.

A spectacular derailment.

What was?

He tried to give Miss Harbottle the boot.

You did?

I had a Damascene moment after you and I last spoke.

So what went wrong?

Suaviter in modo, fortiter in re.

The iron hand in the velvet glove.

It looks like I'm treating Wilf in the Drovers, then.

No, this is a veterinary practice.

Whatever happens, the animal must come first.

So what do you suggest?

Bring the ferret in tonight, after 6:00.

(softly): When Miss Harbottle's gone home.

I'll tell Joe.

Though he may need some persuading.

(people talking in background) JAMES: Hi, Joe.

What do you want?

You should never have been treated like you were.

I'm really sorry.

It weren't your fault.

I want to help Wilf.

Could you bring him by the surgery just after 6:00?

Will she be there, Miss La-Di-Dah?

It'll just be me and Mr. Farnon, don't worry.

They'll look after Wilf, and you, as well.

There's always an ale or two on offer at Skeldale.

Go on, Joe, we'll go with you!

Aye!

I think it would be better if Joe came alone.

No-- I'll come if we can all come.

Are you getting him in?

Tot of rum.

Aye, aye.

Look after Dash for me.

(Dash barks) (clock pendulum swinging) Oh!

(chuckles) Mrs. Herriot.

Have you seen Mr. Farnon?

Afraid not.

Hm, I was really hoping to see him before I went.

(breathes deeply) No matter.

I'm sure I will see him tomorrow.

Good night!

Good night.

MRS. HALL: Good night!

Good night.

The bird has flown.

SIEGFRIED: Thank you.

(singing to himself) ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ (singing to himself) She's gone.

Are you sure?

Positive.

(Maggie exhales) ♪ ♪ So, are we ready, then?

As we'll ever be.

Hey, Wilf... Oh, God!

(yelling in Tamil) ♪ ♪ (speaking Tamil) God, hang on!

(exhales): Come on now, love.

JAMES: Come in this way-- we're here!

Come through!

Now, before you say anything, I said they could come and watch!

MRS. HALL: Well, you better come in, then.

Come in-- haven't seen you for a while.

JAMES: This is Wilf, our patient.

HELEN: Shall I take your coat?

SIEGFRIED: Good evening, Wilf.

Would anybody like an ale?

Aye.

Have you got a tot of rum?

SIEGFRIED: Ladies and gentlemen, the first thing we're going to do is a biopsy of the growth.

Like coring an apple.

Take a look and, depending on the result, remove the lump in some way.

A, a lump-ectomy, so to speak.

(Maggie grunts softly) SIEGFRIED: The suffix -ectomy is a Latin version of the Greek -ektomia, "a cutting-out of."

(clears throat) Right, let's get on with it.

Now that the animal is anesthetized... (exhales) ...we'll shave the area around the lump and then use this to find out what's inside-- depending on what we find, we'll either drain it, or make an incision and then scrape it... (Joe moans) ...or cut it out.

(whispers): Siegfried.

What?

(gasps) (sighs) Right, help me get him out.

♪ ♪ (equipment shifting) ♪ ♪ Well, we know it's not an abscess.

Hmm, we know it's not a cyst, either.

♪ ♪ Yes, I don't like the look of that.

Let's make sure we get it all out.

(snorts) MRS. HALL: Feeling better?

Is it over?

Is he all right?

(door opens) It's a good job you brought him in when you did.

Any longer, and I think we'd have seen some metastases.

MRS. HALL: In English.

The operation was a success.

What operation?

I forgot to take the post.

You went behind my back.

Mr. Farnon, you have undermined my authority.

♪ ♪ An authority I should never have surrendered.

You, I am sorry to say, Mr. Farnon, are disorganized, erratic, and irresponsible.

And you are ignoring the fact that we are vets.

We put animals before profits.

♪ ♪ Your ambition and talent are unquestioned, Miss Harbottle.

But this is not a place for you.

I'm afraid I'll have to let you go.

You can't sack me, Mr. Farnon.

Why not?

Because I resign.

I see.

HARBOTTLE: Perhaps we should have left it at the foxtrot.

(door opens and closes) (people talking and laughing in background) Here we are, Joe.

Thanks, Mr. Herriot, Mr. Farnon.

SIEGFRIED: Don't mention it.

Let me settle up with you.

MAGGIE: Don't worry about it, Joe.

(coins rattle) We had a whip-round earlier.

Your mates said it was worth it to watch you keel over like a sack of spuds.

(all laugh) Are you sure?

'Cause I've half a dozen rabbits out back, if you'd rather... That's quite all right, Joe, thank you.

MAGGIE: Usual for you all?

I'll get these-- least I can do.

I realize I made everyone's lives a bit miserable.

Thank you, Siegfried.

I hope you're not planning on using those!

I'll pay it back.

If not in cash, then in labor.

(Dash barks) Dash!

Hello!

Hello!

HELEN: Hello!

Did Uncle Herriot forget you?

No.

Maybe.

Come on, let's get you a pork pie.

Poor Siegfried.

Carpe diem kind of bit him in the bum, didn't it?

(both laugh) I don't know, maybe it wasn't such a terrible idea.

Miss Harbottle?

No, carpe diem.

I've been thinking about what you said.

And I'm starting to think that we should carpe some diem.

Are you saying what I think you're saying?

If you want to start a family... You know I do.

Me, too.

Well, then!

Shall we... ...get cracking?

Well, I was trying to think of something a bit more romantic.

♪ ♪ (chuckles) ♪ ♪ JAMES: He comes highly recommended.

We'll finally have a new assistant.

He won't last.

(dog barks) Oh, Uncle Herriot, thank goodness.

Do you always treat your animals like people?

The animals are the easy part, of course.

It's the people who cause all the bother.

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