Season 1 | Episode 1

(birds chirping, bees buzzing) (laughing) Hey, ease up!

BOY: On your way, come on!

Come on, girls, come on, come on!

DRIVER: Get a move on!

(honking) (cows mooing) Come on!

DRIVER: Are you bloody deaf?

(scoffs) Keep the girls moving, Stan.

Slow as they want.

All right, Mom.

DRIVER: What's she playing at?

(revving engine) ♪ I can see them talking ♪ ♪ But I only hear their voices in my head ♪ ♪ Waiting for the moment they'll be calling to me ♪ ♪ And if I try, I'll remember all the words I've never said ♪ ♪ Only now the others hold no meaning for me ♪ ♪ I see with wide open eyes of blindness ♪ ♪ I leave the ever calling cries in silence ♪ ♪ Every place we go, we shouldn't go ♪ ♪ We see, we shouldn't see ♪ ♪ We know, we'll never know ♪ ♪ We'll go, then all I want ♪ ♪ All I see ♪ ♪ All I fear is waiting for me ♪ ♪ ♪ Morning.

♪ ♪ Morning.

♪ ♪ Well, all I can advise is don't get complacent.

I won't.

Asthma's a condition that can lie low for years.

Then out of the blue, something triggers an attack and suddenly, you're in trouble.

Thanks for the all-clear, doctor.

Give my regards to your mother, David.

Will do, Mrs. Campbell.

(knocking) Thank you.

Have you given any more thought to what I've asked about enlisting?

I just want to know whether or not they'd take me.

That's all.

But if they say yes, then that won't be all, will it?

Erica, I'm not going to do anything rash.

I just want to know my options.

I suppose I was hoping that the girls and me wanting you to stay with us would be the only option you'd need.

The appointment's at 3:30.

I'll be back in time for evening surgery.

♪ ♪ David's turning into a fine young man.

He is.

Best enjoy this while we can.

Hitler's got enough on his plate without picking a fight with us.

His appetite for territory seems rather insatiable.

Will you be there this evening?

If I can get away.

Oh, do try and make it, Miriam.

Turning out in force to oppose Joyce's proposition is the only way to get it thrown out.

Will you be there, Alison?

Of course, boxing gloves on, granite chin at the ready.

Excellent.

You may well need it.

I suspect it could get rather bloody.

How was the checkup?

Fine.

Good.

What can I get you, Alison?

Some tongue, please.

Oh, I was expecting you back half an hour ago, Claire.

I'm sorry, Mrs. Cameron.

Bit of a queue at Brindsley's.

And then in the grocer's, a few of us were talking about tonight's meeting.

As my employee, you'll appreciate that I expect you to vote in favor of my proposition tonight.

Staff loyalty is a quality that I hold in very high regard.

It's essential for a harmonious household.

Yes, Mrs. Cameron.

There's a list of chores on the kitchen table.

I'd like them completed by the time I return.

I'll be out all afternoon.

Yes, Mrs. Cameron.

(phone ringing) (door opens) Dr. Campbell?

This way, please.

(clock ticking) Please take a seat.

Your references are very impressive, Miss Fenchurch.

Thank you.

However, all your teaching has been in Liverpool, a large city.

Rural life, Miss Fenchurch, rural communities, rural children are things that you appear to have no experience of.

Liverpool is a large city, as you say, but it's divided into boroughs, each with its own distinct identity, like a village.

However, rural and city communities are very different, both in their population and their expectations for their children.

Children may vary in character from one community to the next, but they all share a fundamental need to be educated for the modern world.

Things change all the time.

Should we go to war, the world will change for our children more than almost anybody else, wherever they live.

They'll need to be prepared for that.

No child has ever left my care without the ability to read, write, or perform basic arithmetic, not one.

Not ever.

WOMAN: Highly laudable.

But you could continue your excellent work in Liverpool, a place you know and understand.

Why leave?

Since my father died last year, I've no reason to remain.

No other family?

No.

No friends keeping you there?

It was time for me to leave.

Because of your father?

That was a significant factor, yes.

And the others?

They were more... ...personal reasons.

That you can share with us.

I don't think Miss Fenchurch should feel compelled to share information of a more personal nature if she doesn't want to.

I'm hardly trying to compel the girl, Mrs. Collingborne.

Getting this job would mean the world to me.

The absolute world.

As we expect it would for all the candidates for this position.

Yes.

Yes, of course.

Waiting for inspiration, Mr. Simms?

Well, it has to come from somewhere!

We all assumed Pat was your muse.

Doesn't quite work like that.

See you at the meeting tonight?

Yes.

I thought you might like a sandwich.

Another coffee would be more useful.

I'm merely saying that I believe her to be a little rough around the edges.

Say what you mean, Mrs. Cameron.

Too working class?

Well, that she is of a more metropolitan background does raise the question of how well she'll fit in here.

And those are your principal objections?

The reason this country hasn't gone to the dogs like Germany is because we have always valued social stability.

Which is another way of saying that everyone should know their station and stay there.

I think we've discussed this long enough.

Now, may I suggest we put our decision to a vote?

Those in favor of a vote?

Difficult to argue against voting to vote, Mrs. Cameron.

It's one of the many things that separate us from the Nazis, Mrs. Cameron.

Don't you agree?

How did it go?

Will?

You'll be pleased to know I didn't pass the medical.

What do you mean, didn't pass?

You're the fittest man I know.

They found a little something during the examination.

What?

Well, a slight irregularity with my breathing.

How slight?

I'm sure it's nothing significant, but I need to get it looked at.

Well, then let's hope it's just enough to prevent you from going back in.

Careful what you wish for.

♪ ♪ JOYCE: Ladies, none of us should be under any illusion about the prospect of imminent war with Germany.

If and when hostilities break out, there will be much to be done to ensure that our homes and families are protected from the trials and tribulations the war will inevitably bring.

And it is for this reason that your committee proposes the Institute closes its doors until we can raise our flag again in a time of peace.

(engine roaring) (shouting) It needn't be for long.

The government assures us, if and when they begin, hostilities could be over by Christmas.

(murmuring) Madam President.

Few who lived through the last conflict will set much store by government assurances that any war against Germany will be over swiftly.

Mmm.

Mrs. Barden...

When war does begin, it will hurl us all into a period of great change-- something you, Madam President, have proven steadfastly resistant to over the course of your term in office.

Mrs. Collingborne, would you kindly control your sister?

As you know, Madam President, that isn't as straightforward as you imply.

(woman groans) (brakes squeal) Can you help me up?

Blimey!

What happened to you?

I'm in a hurry.

Ow... Ow!

Sorry.

Are you all right?

I'm late.

Where are you going?

I am more than willing to put my proposition to the vote.

Any objections to that, Mrs. Barden?

Only that the membership has been so tightly managed over the years it will almost certainly deliver whatever you ask of it.

Shame on you for not sharing my faith in our colleagues' independence of mind.

Shame.

On.

You.

If we walked slower, it might not hurt so much.

I can't walk slower, Mr. Wilson.

I'm late.

Well, why don't we leave your bike here and I'll get you to where you need to be double quick on the back of mine.

Are you sure you can carry me?

You're no heavier than a bag of mail.

Charming.

A small, light bag of mail.

Mmm.

Uncommonly pretty eyes.

Ooh.

Ow.

Hang on.

Thirteen.

Ladies, it is with some surprise I announce the vote to be... a tie.

This means that as president, I have the casting...

So sorry I'm late!

Uh...

Bit of an accident on my bike, Mrs.... Madam President.

You haven't voted yet, have you?

Indeed we have, Claire.

The vote was a tie, which means that I have the casting vote.

With all due respect, Madam President... And I cast my vote in favor of closing the Institute for the duration of the hostilities.

But...

I'm here now.

And it's lovely to see you.

But, alas, I'm afraid too late for you to vote.

I respect what you said about loyalty this morning, Mrs. Cameron.

Madam President.

If I were you, I would think very carefully about what you're about to say, young lady.

Feel free to speak your mind, Miss Hillman.

You are among friends here.

I'm not ashamed to say the thought of war scares me.

Terrifies me, if I'm honest.

But that's why I need this.

You.

I feel very strongly the Institute should stay open.

So that's how I would've voted.

That's all very well, Miss Hillman, but I'm afraid the vote is closed.

A president's casting vote should only be used when there is a genuine deadlock.

If Miss Hillman hadn't been waylaid, then she would have been present to vote with the rest of us.

Yes, but she was waylaid.

And the vote was taken, and it was a tie.

(angrily): And consequently, I had the deciding vote.

If you don't allow Miss Hillman's vote to count, I shall have little choice but to call a vote of no confidence in the president.

This could have far-reaching consequences, Mrs. Barden.

The president is, after all, elected by the members, and I urge you to think very carefully...

I demand a vote of no confidence in the president!

(murmuring) I have served this branch to the best of my ability for six long years.

I'm sorry, but I absolutely demand it.

And I categorically refuse to be subjected to this indignity and hereby offer my immediate resignation.

(murmuring) They'll come back.

I don't think they will.

Well done, Frances.

Well, one way or another, you've handed Joyce exactly what she wanted.

(wincing) What's wrong with your arm?

Shh.

It's fine.

Steph.

Show me.

(shouts in pain) Bloody hell, love.

It's nothing.

That's a cow kick.

It's my own fault.

I was in a hurry to finish milking so I could get in and dry off.

That's a bad one.

If it's no easier by morning, I'm calling Dr. Campbell.

Don't be such an old woman.

RADIO ANNOUNCER: Now a special announcement.

The German government announced tonight their response to a British communication and gave their proposals for a settlement of the Polish problem.

(banging) (keys jingling) (door opens and closes) Where's Dad?

In front of the fire.

Kettle done?

Not for an hour or so.

Right.

I've come to a decision, Ma.

What about?

Enlisting.

What?

All the lads are talking about it.

Well, you can't enlist.

You can't stop me when I'm 17.

You're forgetting one thing.

Neither can Dad.

I'm not talking about your dad.

I'm talking about your condition.

If Doc Campbell gave me the all-clear, so will the Navy.

The Navy?

As soon as I'm 17, I'm going to join the Navy.

Have you told your dad any of this?

No, he fell asleep before I could.

My mind's made up, Ma.

It's what I want.

I'll see you in the morning.

(sobbing quietly) We need to order a new stethoscope.

I suspected it was on the way out.

Just tried it on myself and it appears I'm already dead.

I'll do it first thing.

I might order a couple before they all get requisitioned by the Army.

No need to rub it in.

Not meaning to.

Just pleased on an ongoing basis.

(door closes) You're back early.

We were thrown out of the cinema.

This old chap was constantly sneezing, disturbing everyone, so Laura had a quiet word.

I politely suggested that if he was so unwell, perhaps the cinema wasn't the best place for him.

Sound medical advice, good for you.

Well, he spluttered off to the manager, who threw us out.

Though not before I told him that if we did go to war, I hoped the first German bomb dropped on England would land on his cinema.

That's a terrible thing to have said!

Not with anyone in it.

So you're banned from the cinema now?

BOTH: "For life!"

Come on.

I'm starving.

Aren't you pleased to be able to stay at home to see those two banned from every cinema in Cheshire?

What every father dreams of.

(door closes) (coughing) (coughing harder) (sheep bleating) (engines roaring overhead) (clucking) (engines roaring) How is it?

We need to keep the arm in this position for a couple of days.

After that, you can take the sling off, but you must look after it until the pain has completely gone.

She's lucky it's not broken.

"She"?

I'm not one of the bloody cows.

My apologies.

All right, Dad?

Bad enough Stan being in two minds whether to call out you or the vet.

No point in telling you to take a few days off work, I suppose?

I like a man who can answer his own questions.

Saves me the bother of stating the obvious.

Look after her.

Mmm, fresh straw and everything.

You think he's joking.

Have you spoken to him?

If this is what he wants, we can't stop him.

You've forgotten how old he is?

I was a year younger.

And if you were my son, I'd have stopped you.

You wouldn't have had the option.

Young men are drawn to war like moths to flame, Mim.

It's their chance to prove themselves.

Or be blown to pieces trying.

From a bullet or regret-- more than one way to die.

Spare me the glory of the battlefield, Bryn.

It took us years to get through it.

You still can't pour a jug with a steady hand.

That said, I'd sooner have gone than not.

David isn't ready.

No one is, you're not listening.

It's not a choice.

Not for most.

(sizzling) MAN: Well, now your precious institute's closed, perhaps I'll have your full attention.

You've always had my full attention, Bob.

No, no, your mind is frequently elsewhere when it should be focused on ensuring that the only breadwinner in the house is adequately looked after.

But if you'd allow me to work, I could help alleviate some of the financial worry.

We've had this conversation.

But... Yeah, but we've had this conversation, yes?

Mmm.

Why aren't you having any?

There's only enough bacon for one.

(dish clattering) You have it.

Hands and knees, Pat.

I'm waiting.

MIRIAM: I'm begging you to help me.

After you gave David the all-clear, he went straight down the recruitment office to find out about signing up.

When the time comes, they'll give him a medical and if they find anything relating to asthma, they simply won't take him.

Tell them he's got it.

David is a young man...

He's not a young man!

He's a boy!

A 16-year-old child.

I understand how you must be feeling.

You have two daughters who'll never see action.

You can't possibly understand how I'm feeling!

All I'm asking is you write to the recruitment office and tell them that David has a history of chronic asthma.

But Miriam, he doesn't.

It's acute at best and has, thankfully, been on the wane for a number of years.

They don't need to know that!

That's quite enough!

With all due respect, Erica, this is between me and Dr. Campbell.

Will has looked after your family for many years.

He has great affection for you all, but you're asking him to commit a malpractice.

He can't possibly do that.

I sympathize, I really do.

But you'll do nothing.

I can't do what you're asking.

If they take him, my son will die.

Miriam, I think you should leave now.

Save my child.

(door slams) (outer door slams) (sighs) She won't be the last.

The county organizer thought we had little choice but to close due to catastrophic loss of membership.

She had been in touch with Joyce, but Joyce has refused to return, which of course means that none of her supporters will either.

She suggested we join our nearest Institute for the duration.

Did she explain how we're meant to cover 16 miles there and back on bicycle?

At night, with military vehicles charging all over the place?

She did not.

So that's it.

Either way, Joyce has got what she wanted: the closure of the WI.

Well, then, not if we attract more members.

How are we going to do that?

In all honesty, I've no idea.

But that doesn't mean we give up.

I should be getting back.

And me.

(piano music begins) You did what you thought was the right thing to do.

Up to a point.

And I acted on impulse, made the situation intractably worse.

Me and my big mouth strike again.

Well, I happen to love you and your big mouth.

Thank you, Peter.

That makes me feel... marginally better.

Cookie says supper will be five minutes while the beef rests.

Thank you, Claire.

Is there something else?

I just want to thank you for letting me come and work here after Mrs. Cameron let me go.

Well, we couldn't stand by and see you suffer for speaking your mind.

Mrs. Cameron's loss is very much our gain.

You're very welcome here, Claire.

I can't thank you enough.

You just have.

Well, here's to speaking your mind.

(glasses clink) ♪ ♪ ♪ The very thought of you ♪ ♪ And I forget to do ♪ ♪ The little ordinary things that everyone ought to do ♪ ♪ I'm living in a kind of daydream ♪ ♪ I'm happy as a king ♪ ♪ And foolish though it may seem, to me, that's everything ♪ Coffee!

♪ The mere idea of you ♪ Pat, more coffee!

♪ The longing here for you ♪ ♪ You'll never know how slow the moments go ♪ ♪ Till I'm near to you ♪ ♪ I see your face in every flower ♪ ♪ Your eyes in stars above ♪ ♪ It's just the thought of you, the very thought of you ♪ ♪ My love... ♪ You're thinking about Joyce, aren't you?

I can practically hear the pistons of frustration pounding in your head.

I'm not wasting any more mental energy on that woman.

But I am thinking about how we might resurrect the Institute.

Might not mothballing be for the best for the time being, given that everyone's looking inwards now?

On the contrary.

War can be very isolating.

The Institute would provide women with a sense of community and purpose while their men are away.

I understand that, but... Shh!

Look.

What would Alison do without the WI?

I'll tell you.

She works all the hours God gives.

Without the WI to get her out of the house once a month, her life would almost entirely consist of accounts and that dog.

The bushes are dripping with blackberries this year.

Mmm?

I couldn't help noticing.

You can see them even in moonlight.

Are you all right?

What an absolutely brilliant man you are.

In four days, Alison will commemorate the loss of her George in a North Atlantic convoy 23 years ago, his name carved forever onto the village war memorial.

The very first fatality of the Great War was a merchant seaman.

In all likelihood, the very first fatality of this war will be one too, sailing the same route for the same reason: to keep this nation supplied with food.

Which is why every pound of fruit we preserve as jam is a pound that won't need to be shipped here through treacherous waters.

To that end, I have made a survey of the local area and put together this map of all the blackberry hedgerows in and around the village boundary.

There's miles of it!

And very few of us.

We can't be daunted by the first hurdle.

Frances... Well, we never made jam under Joyce Cameron.

She felt it was too down-market for her WI.

By making it now, it would serve as a signal to all the women of Great Paxford who felt excluded by Joyce and her crowd.

It would be a line in the sand between the old Institute and the new.

A line in the sand made of jam!

(laughing) Others will answer the call.

I'm sure of it.

When?

Have faith, ladies.

Hold fast.

♪ ♪ (no voice) Look at this!

It does sound good.

Mr. Farrow?

Mr. Farrow!

"Women of Great Paxford, "join us for a harvest of blackberries for the purpose of making jam."

"For the purpose of making jam."

Why not just say "To make jam?"

Because they know how to make it sound better.

Bollocks.

Unlike you.

"This will be a small part of our planned contribution "to the nation's food supply in the event of war, "and a relaunch of the village Women's Institute "following its recent closure.

"ALL welcome," "all" in capital letters.

What do you reckon?

What, baking cakes and arranging flowers?

It's not for me.

Well, this doesn't mention cakes or flowers, but it does say "all" in capital letters.

Not for me.

You should go, for the purpose of getting out more.

Leave it, Stanley, all right?

Move out.

Right.

(pan lightly clanging) (footsteps approaching) I'm trying to work, Pat.

I've been trying to keep the noise down.

Without success.

What is this?

I did explain it to you.

I was busy.

I am busy, Pat.

I work, yes?

I know you do.

We're collecting containers for blackberry picking.

Well, I paid good money for those.

I'm not gonna have you take all of them.

Choose one.

One?

But I hardly use any of them.

I said choose one, yes?

You're not being reasonable.

Fine.

I'll choose one for you.

(clock ticking) If no one else is coming, I'd best get back to my boys.

(door opens) Oh, Pat, so glad you could join us.

Any sign of others?

Not that I could see.

No one else is coming, are they?

Plus ça change, plus c'est la même chose.

Plus what?

"The more things change, the more everything stays the same."

Well, the fact that Joyce is no longer running things is irrelevant if the women of the village don't know it.

(door opens) Uh...

I see from the leaflet it's blackberries you're after.

Have you come to help pick?

Just to tell you there's masses on our land.

They're all bunched in one area, not strung out among hedgerows on busy roads.

If you're interested.

(laughs) (women humming "When the Saints Go Marching In") (women laughing) (humming) ♪ Oh, when the saints go marching in ♪ ♪ Oh, when the saints go marching in ♪ ♪ I want to be in that number ♪ ♪ Oh, when the saints go marching in ♪ ♪ Oh, when the stars fall from the sky ♪ ♪ Oh, when the stars fall from the sky ♪ (bell ringing) I brought back your bicycle.

Oh, I think you're mistaken, Mr. Wilson.

That's not mine.

It is.

Fixed the brakes, replaced the chain, cleaned and oiled the gears, added a nice new basket, repaired your saddle, changed both tires, refitted new inner tubes, and cleaned and polished your frame.

Well, that must have set you back.

The bill for parts and labor stands at you calling me "Spencer."

Oh.

Very well.

Thank you so much.

Spencer.

It's my pleasure... Um...?

Oh.

Claire.

Well, bye, then.

Claire.

Bye, Spencer.

And thanks ever so much.

Spencer.

Lovely bicycle.

Isn't he?

(laughing) ♪ Oh, when the moon turns red with blood ♪ ♪ Oh, when the moon turns red with blood ♪ ♪ I want to be in that number when the saints go marching in ♪ (sighs) Is Bob getting any work published at the moment?

A little local journalism here and there.

No new book on the horizon?

He isn't finding it easy following the success of his first novel.

I do what I can to help.

I take care of the day-to-day things so he's free to focus on his work.

Try and keep him happy so his mind can focus on being creative.

Cook him his favorite food, that sort of thing.

Tonight, I've cooked him pilchards.

Bob loves pilchards.

(radio playing faintly) There you are!

It's a lot more than I'd expected!

I want to apologize for the other day.

There's no need.

I should never have put Dr. Campbell in that position or said half the things I did.

I understand.

I can't imagine how it must feel to think of your child going off to fight.

(siren ringing) Oh!

It's heading for the village.

If Will doesn't need me, I'll be straight back.

(siren ringing) Do you want a lift?

Thank you!

What happened?

I heard Bob shouting for help.

I found him being violently sick and doubled up in pain on the hall floor.

We need to go, doc!

Tell Pat.

(birds chirping) (buzzing) (sighs contentedly) (sniffing) (sniffs) Oh!

(knocking) Pat?

Come in!

Will asked me to let you know Bob won't be discharged until tomorrow afternoon at the earliest.

Whatever it is has really knocked him for six.

I think I know what it was.

Really?

Pilchards.

What?

They must have been on the turn.

Well, don't look so worried.

Anyone can make a mistake.

♪ ♪ (women chatting) ♪ ♪ Step up, ladies!

We need your help to spare the lives of our merchant fleet.

Why won't you take my money?

If you hadn't allowed us to pick your fruit, we'd never have been able to make all this.

I'm not going until you let me pay for it.

Not for the WI, and not for you.

For the fleet.

It would be lovely to see you at our meeting this evening.

Busy, I'm afraid.

All the more reason!

Everyone gets so much from it.

Without it, I sometimes think I'd curl up in bed and never get up.

(laughing) Hello, there.

Thank you, driver.

That's all right, Miss.

Excuse me!

Oh, Mr. Wilson!

Er... Spencer.

Hi.

Would you like to try some of our jam?

Why not?

I helped make it.

Try that.

Mmm.

Delicious!

What did you do?

I, uh... ...added the delicious.

(laughing) Spencer!

Jenny!

Are you taking me for that drink, or what?

Would you like to try our jam?

No, thanks, looks awful.

I helped make it.

Probably riddled with bits of wasp.

Each pot includes an invitation to join our new Women's Institute.

Do I look like someone who'd join the WI?

Well, possibly not the old one, but the new one might entice even you.

Come on, Spence, I'm parched.

A pot of jam, Mr. Wilson?

I thought you were gonna call me Spencer.

I thought so too.

But I've changed my mind.

I didn't have him down as a wolf.

Welcome home, Bob!

Thank you.

You're welcome, sir.

I have him now, gentlemen.

Thank you so much.

Quite all right.

First steady.

How are you feeling?

You mean after you poisoned me?

I didn't realize the fish was on the turn.

Because you were too busy with your damned Institute.

No.

Why are you all dressed up?

It's the first meeting of the new... You're not going.

But...

I need you to look after me, yes?

Yes.

That's all you have to do, Patricia.

Look.

After.

Me.

No one else is coming, are they?

At least we sold all the jam.

Proves people's sense of patriotism is alive and well.

True.

(door opens) Am I late?

No, not at all!

Everyone, this is Miss Fenchurch, our school's new teacher.

How do you do?

Hello.

Hello.

Can she not speak?

Oh, on the contrary.

(whispering): Behind you.

Only you.

I thought as much.

Hardly the making of a new Institute.

Oh, excuse me!

I thought I'd come and have a look.

Is the meeting still on?

Not noticeably.

It is, inasmuch as we're here.

I'll just get the girls off the trailer.

The girls?

It's on, girls!

Come on, girls, park yourselves!

I hope you don't mind, I mentioned it to some of the women round my way.

No, of course not.

The more the merrier.

You say that now... Come on, ladies, quick as you like.

Are you staying or leaving, Mrs. Cameron?

This will fail, Mrs. Collingborne.

Lowering standards never works.

The only thing that's failed is your determined attempt to keep this Institute at the preserve of your favored snobs and sycophants.

But then that, like so much else, is about to change.

Now, if you're willing to change with us, then you are very welcome to stay, and if not...

When I want a homily on the joys of transformation, I'll listen to the organ grinder in church on Sunday, not his monkey at the village hall midweek.

Enjoy the company of your new friends while you can.

This, whatever this purports to be, can't possibly survive.

It doesn't purport to be anything.

It is Great Paxford's new Women's Institute.

If you say so, Mrs. Collingborne.

Good evening.

You are most welcome!

Good jam, by the way.

Too sweet for me, but my two loved it.

I prefer damson.

There'll be plenty on the trees in a week, and we've got a spare shed if you need to store anything.

That would be utterly fantastic.

I've got some other ideas if you'd like to hear them.

Like to?

We'd love to!

Ladies, please come in!

You are most welcome.

♪ ♪ (door closes) ERICA: I'm back!

At the beginning of the evening, it looked like no one was going to come, but by the end...

I had a call from the consultant an hour ago.

Good doctor, nice man.

And?

I have lung cancer, Erica.

What?

Apparently, I have lung cancer.

But that's... that's not possible.

They've caught it early.

You haven't got cancer, Will.

Erica...

I'm afraid I have.

But what... what do we tell the girls?

Until there's something they really need to know, can't we leave them as they are?

The whole country's in a heightened state of jumping the gun.

Let's not follow suit.

We can't just continue as normal.

Yes, as normal.

Precisely that.

For as long as possible.

Please.

"Be careful what you wish for."

Next time on Masterpiece...

David?!

WOMAN: RAF boys are notoriously flighty.

I'd never step out with one.

(barking) Where's my dog?!

I'm proposing we begin by plowing up the cricket pitch.

You know which way to vote, Pat.

JOYCE: Nothing to do with me, of course.

I'm no longer a member.

"Home Fires," next time on Masterpiece.

♪ I can see them talking ♪ ♪ But I only hear the voices in my head ♪ ♪ Waiting for the moment they'll be calling to me... ♪ Visit us at pbs.org/masterpiece to watch video and explore features, and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and other social media.

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Captioned by Media Access Group at WGBH access.wgbh.org