Mr.

Holbrook has left everything to a nephew, Mr.

Edgar Miller, who was born some 20 miles from Cranford, inveigled his way into the sugar business, and made a considerable fortune.

How can he want to sell a place as fine as Woodley?

He has told the executors he has neither time nor inclination to bring it up-to-date.

Will there be much excitement, do you suppose?

Do you think people will flock just to poke through his belongings?

No one of delicate sensibility could be remotely interested.

It has the odor of grave robbing about it.

How much do you think this will fetch?

White work?

Pence.

People don’t appreciate it these days.

Oh!

There’s some splendid forks here.

Two-pronged.

Quite like the ones my father used to have.

AUCTIONEER: Ten pound?

Ten pound three shillings!

Ten pound three shillings.

Ten pound four shillings?

No, one moment.

Gone!

To the reverend gentleman over there.

A most useful purchase.

I’m learning that a house needs as many mirrors as it has daughters.

-Why have you both come today?

Is nobody ill?

-SOPHY: Helen!

This poor young man doesn’t own a stick of furniture.

I said it was time to start planning for his future.

And now, an oval table poised on a pedestal.

Am I offered two guineas?

Chinese lacquer work.

Highly desirable.

Am I offered two guineas?

Come on, there must be two guineas out there to start me off with this.

Come on, two guineas now.

There’s two guineas, two guineas.

Two pounds five shillings.

Two pound five shilling?

Two pounds five shilling?

Two pounds five shilling, thank you.

Two pounds seven shilling, sir?

Two pounds seven shilling?

Two pounds seven, sir?

Two pounds seven, two pounds seven shilling.

Two pound eight shilling?

Two pound eight shillings?

Two pound eight shilling!

Two pound ten shilling, sir?

Two pound ten, sir.

Two pound ten.

Two pound ten shilling!

(ALL GASPING) Two-ten, two... No?

Sold!

To the gentleman on my left!

(ALL CLAPPING) If I’m not mistaken, you have the look of a bachelor about you, sir.

(ALL LAUGHING) -Hope you have a lady in mind for this.

-Of course.

And on to lot 32, Mr.

Holbrook’s personal effects.

It’s very like him.

It is.

One and sixpence, indeed.

I will not hear of remuneration.

Thank you.

It’s a very elegant piece of furniture, Dr.

Harrison.

So well preserved!

Even the silk of the work bag hasn’t frayed.

-The work bag?

-Underneath.

It’s a lady’s sewing table.

The auctioneer didn’t say.

Were you planning to put specimens inside it?

Do use it, if you’d like to.

Thank you.

MISS TOMKINSON: Perhaps you have been remiss in not responding to Dr.

Harrison’s overtures.

I fear you have not encouraged him enough.

How can I encourage or discourage him when he does not call?

This is the best chance of marriage I have ever had, and it is fading away.

We have each other.

And what will become of me when you are gone?

-Where is Captain Brown today?

-At the railway works.

And he wrote that he must go to Manchester again.

He’s never at home.

Mary, did you ever hear from Major Gordon?

No, but I suppose we did not think to.

His connection in Cranford was always with your house.

I wasn’t sure if you had sent him a mourning card after Miss Deborah died.

I’m afraid I overlooked it.

He would have written if you had, I know it.

-He held her in such high regard.

-And she him.

I often wonder if he thinks of us, in India.

Major Gordon will not have forgotten you.

I’m sure of it.

(SCOFFS) How can any man forget a woman who turns him down twice?

Mary, I’m sure of something too.

He will never come back.

MR.

CARTER: This is how it begins.

A mark on a map, a double line of tape.

Those are just surveyors.

As the railway comes closer, it’ll devour every acre in its path.

-Will it come over that hill?

-It’ll come through it.

Take a sample.

They’ll split the hill in half using gunpowder.

-Captain Brown.

-Sir.

I’ve written to Lady Ludlow according to Sir Charles’ instructions.

Here, deliver this.

Go straight there.

-Let me show you our progress.

-A fine day for your labors, Captain.

(WIND BLOWING) What do you mean it has been lost?

-The wind blew it out of my hand, madam.

-Your hand?

Why was it not put safely in a pocket?

It’s all right.

I can tell you what it said.

It’s from Captain Brown.

He works for Sir Charles Maulver.

It’s about the railway.

Captain Brown wants leave to bring his surveyors on your land to better assess the price.

Captain Brown told you this?

No, madam.

I read it in the letter.

You read a letter addressed to me?

I couldn’t help myself.

I read everything.

And who taught you to read?

I was training him up as a clerk.

I have more correspondence than can be dealt with without help.

There are plenty of people who can read and write in Cranford.

Harry Gregson ought to be working in the fields.

Harry Gregson ought to be in school.

Mr.

Carter!

Do you think I’m made of stone?

Do you think the endless drip of water may make a dent in me?

Madam, please!

You must attune to the times.

My father once made us keep a journal in two columns.

On one side, we were to put down in the morning what we thought would be the events of the day.

And at night, we were to put down on the other side what had actually happened.

It was an interesting exercise.

I remember sitting with Deborah by the bedroom fire in the rectory as if it was yesterday.

She said she would have liked to have married an archdeacon and write his sermons.

Yet she remained unmarried all her life.

And for all I know, never even spoke to a bachelor archdeacon.

But what of your dreams, Miss Matty?

What did you hope would happen to you?

I was never at all ambitious.

Although, I think I could have managed a house.

My mother used to call me her right hand.

Mary, have you ever felt yearning in your heart when you see a mother with a baby in her arms?

I have not felt it yet, Miss Matty.

I dream sometimes that I have a little child.

She’s always the same.

A sweet rosy girl, not more than two years of age.

She never grows any bigger, though she has come to me for decades.

When does she come?

When she’s very sorry or very glad.

She does not speak or make any sound at all.

Just puts her mouth up to be kissed, like real babies do to their mothers.

And for a moment, when I wake, I really do feel the clasp of her arms around my neck.

I’ve always been so very fond of little children.

But I was not like Deborah, I could not have written sermons.

I do understand that since the expansion of the postal service, you’ve been obliged to read and write more letters.

So I have brought a helpmate for you.

Someone who can already read with ease and write with a fine, clear hand.

You’ll feel the benefit at once.

Would you come in, my dear?

-A lady?

-Yes, Mr.

Carter.

Sir, please, you must attune to the times.

Mrs.

Rose, have you heard what has occurred?

Her Majesty the Queen has been brought to bed again.

The Prince of Wales is still a babe in arms.

I’m surprised at the Prince Consort.

And they have named her Alice Maud Mary.

I’m not at all sure what I think of Maud.

It is not a name I’ve heard used in Cranford, but... My Aunt Holbrook’s sewing table.

I think Dr.

Harrison likes to see me comfortable, given that it is he who makes the mending.

That is as good as a betrothal.

And Mrs.

Rose is very near as old as you and I. Also, markedly grey beneath her cap, which I am not.

Do you not think she’s been altogether swift in throwing off her widow’s weeds?

Miss Pole, once a soul has known affection, it is more alert to the advantage of it.

You are out to trounce me because you have had a husband and I have not.

Bread and butter?

I’ve long been rehearsing what to say when a young man came to me with a request such as this.

You would imagine I would have all manner of bon mots and admonishments laid by for such an occasion.

I think, sir, that perhaps you should ask me if my intentions are honorable.

-Are they?

-Utterly.

I am not yet in a position to ask for Sophy’s hand, but I will do so as soon as my practice has grown and I can offer her a comfortable home.

That is if the notion is agreeable to you.

Well, you know I have no money to settle on her.

I consider it my privilege to provide, sir.

I only regret I cannot do it yet.

She deserves some enjoyment before settling into marriage.

I will never treat her with anything less than the utmost respect and delicacy, sir.

I have seen you setting store by her, you know, for these several months.

I have loved her 20 years.

Come along.

I think we will find Sophy in the garden.

Oh!

Sophy, my dear, I’ve been talking to Dr.

Harrison.

My father was not stern with you, was he?

No, not stern.

Only careful.

I should have been surprised if he had not been.

Least, I do not think he was stern.

I’m afraid I’m not a clever judge of countenance.

I think it’s why I chose to be a doctor.

Patients have only two expressions.

Pleasure that you have come to cure them and fear that you will not.

-Do you think he’s watching?

-Yes.

Dr.

Harrison!

Miss Tomkinson.

I hope nothing is amiss.

No, not at all.

Caroline is out paying calls this afternoon.

I wonder, would you step inside?

You are clearly intending to remain in Cranford, Dr.

Harrison.

I’ve become greatly attached to the town and to certain of its residents.

I cannot deny that you have taken very gentle care of Caroline’s health.

I was not sure about you at first, but her palpitations do appear to plague her less.

It’s been a joy to see her flourish, madam.

Dr.

Harrison, as we are today enjoying informal conversation rather than professional intercourse, I wonder, might I ask whether you are materially secure?

Well, I hope to become so.

In a year or two.

At present I owe nothing, earn a little, and hope for much.

Do you postpone the notion of matrimony on those grounds?

I fear I must, Miss Tomkinson.

Marriage is not just a joy, it has its obligations, too.

I have a sum of money put aside for Caroline so that she might have a dowry when she marries.

What a generous gesture.

It is more than a gesture.

It is £4000.

We have lived frugally.

Although, our late father was not devoid of means.

But what if her future husband does not welcome the arrangement?

When I marry, I’d like to know I have built the foundation of our life and home myself.

But he has given me no indication of his feelings.

My dear, that table says it all.

Besides, I suspect he made other more discreet declarations in the past when you were still in mourning.

Well, he brought me a broom once, and gloves.

Gloves?

Yes, lavender kid.

-When did he present you with them?

-February.

Hmm!

Valentine’s Day.

(STUTTERING) Well, I think it was perhaps the week of Valentine’s Day.

Oh, my dear Mrs.

Rose!

Do you know nothing of the lore of love?

To give gloves at such a time is tantamount to a proposal!

Oh!

(DOOR OPENING) Martha said there was some milk left over.

She thought you might like it warm with a little honey in it.

She’s a good girl.

Deborah always said she would turn out well.

The silhouette looks handsome there.

I couldn’t have put it anywhere downstairs.

But even up here, I find I’m afraid at what dear Deborah would say.

-About your remembering Mr.

Holbrook?

-Mmm-hmm.

Although I do not think my brother would condemn me.

I’m sure that he would not.

He promised you muslin for your wedding gown.

From a place called Chunderabaddad, or some such, where the weaving was done.

(MATTY SIGHING) I must make a sad sight for anyone looking down from heaven.

MARY: Dear Major Gordon, and now that the railway keeps her father occupied, Jessie candidly regrets her refusal of your suit, whilst Captain Brown has said that he would like to see her wed.

Before I close, sir, I must also ask if, while stationed in India, you might make delicate inquiries on a friend’s behalf.

Do you always do your z’s with a tail?

Lady Ludlow despises z’s without them.

(SIGHING) I find I’m out of ink, Harry.

Could you make some more?

Mr.

Carter, your work will be done by noon with so many hands assisting.

And yet you told Lady Ludlow you were so overwhelmed with correspondence, you could not cope without a dedicated clerk.

I needed no help, I simply hoped to help another.

Harry is a clever boy.

Under your tutelage, he’s become quite personable.

You might even recruit him for the May Day pageant.

The boy has much potential.

I had hoped to convince Lady Ludlow of it.

I have the fondest respect for Lady Ludlow.

But she will always look at Harry and see a poacher’s child.

Just as you will always look at me and see a woman.

I know my presence does not please you.

I had thought to stick my pen behind my ear and say "Zounds!"

from time to time, but it will not convince you of my worth.

Please forgive me for speaking so plainly, but you are a milliner.

Do you think I long to stitch caps and sew feathers on to bonnets?

I find myself obliged to earn my living and society offered me no other opportunity.

I hope that when you dream schooling for the masses, you intend it for girls as well as boys.

-Of course.

-Because once the educated woman is no longer thought a novelty, room will be made for her in all trades and professions.

Then, I believe, we will know what progress is.

(DOOR OPENING) This is my favorite ledger, miss.

I like the way the nib feels against the paper.

(FOOTSTEPS APPROACHING) Mr.

Carter!

I came to see how the new arrangement fares.

And it is well I did, for I see that the old arrangement remains in place!

-Lady Ludlow... -Do not involve yourself, my dear.

This is Mr.

Carter’s doing.

And I deplore it all the more because he knows my views.

I let the last transgression pass.

I now see that that was unwise.

I will decide this boy’s future in due course.

The truth is, Dr.

Harrison, I am plagued by headaches and do not like Miss Matty to hear about them.

Miss Deborah died after a headache, and any mention of the malady makes her very anxious.

Headaches can sometimes be caused by nerves.

By living in a situation which restricts.

By disappointment with one’s lot.

Oh!

You phrase it all so well, and you look so sincere whilst you’re saying it.

-I am sincere.

-You may spare me your kindness.

Truly, you may.

I have no reason to be nervous.

I’m not restricted and I’m too young to be disappointed with my lot.

My only vexation is that I cannot read or write as well or for as long as I would like to.

And the more I struggle, the worse the headaches get.

Come here for me.

I want you to look into the window.

Now, I think the problem might not be with your head, but with your eyes.

You may be farsighted or even have an astigmatism.

-Astigmatism?

-It is a refractive error.

Can it be remedied?

I lack the skill, but I am acquainted with an expert.

-Better or worse?

-Worse.

Better or worse?

Better.

I would get these made up properly.

You can have lenses made out of glass or else of quartz or even beryl.

-Precious stones?

-Let’s stick with the glass.

No need to guild the lily.

(VIOLIN PLAYING) And in.

And out.

Watch this, Peggy.

It’s the only tricky bit.

And round.

And finish.

That was wonderful.

Next week, Peggy, you’ll be quite perfect.

Good day.

(LAUGHING) What a nice little trap.

I hired it from the George.

Girls, hurry up!

Right.

Lizzie, hurry up.

...told Papa they were over there.

He wants samples and sketches this time.

Do you ever look at Lizzie and Helen and marvel that you were once a child and ran and laughed like that?

By the time I was Lizzie’s age, mother had died.

I was bringing Walter up.

I had no time to play.

After my father passed away, I was sent to school at Blackheath.

When I came home for the holiday, the house was hushed and my mother silent.

I used to think she was not pleased to see me.

Later she confessed the reverse was true.

I suppose she did not like to show it.

In case she found she couldn’t stop.

Which would have been alarming for us both.

What was she like?

Fair, a widow and reserved.

But I’m sure she loved you.

I can see it now.

I couldn’t always then.

HELEN: Sophy!

We’re waiting for you.

I think the world of you, Martha.

I think the world of you.

You’re happy with Miss Matilda, aren’t you?

Oh, it’s the best place I’ve ever had.

The kitchen’s a bit gloomy of an evening, but you can’t put a price on kindness.

Only I don’t think we should wed until I can get us a place of our own.

I don’t mind.

It’s not for want of your working for it.

I promise you, if we’re no further on this time next year, I’ll build us a place with my own bare hands.

Jem, I’m not living in a wooden house.

Ever so quiet round here, Martha.

All right, only look sharp.

I’ve got Miss Matty’s tea to get.

Is your letter very droll, Mary dear?

It’s from Dr.

Marshland.

He thinks it will be shocking, and so he tells me to take off my spectacles before I read it.

(LAUGHING) Who wrote to you today?

Oh, this is from the bank.

It’s some sort of printed sheet, not personally meant for me at all.

It’s very dull communication.

Oh, this is pleasant.

Johnson’s Universal Stores hosts a presentation of this season’s silks and fashions.

Tea will be served to favored clients.

Oh!

Am I a favored client, do you suppose?

I am certain you must be.

Look, the invitation is in his own hand.

And I am summoned, too.

Although I’m sure we do not wish to attend.

Well, I would not trouble you to go, Mary dear.

You have more clothes than you care about.

But before my sister left us, we had much discussion about new gowns, and I think she would urge me to go and view the silks.

She did not like seeing us shabby.

She thought it demonstrated want of rectitude.

(GRUNTS) Will we cover it with those branches, or do you reckon it’s gonna take ivy?

How much do you care about being able to see out?

Well, I wouldn’t object to it, but it’s not the custom.

Oh, yeah.

Letter.

It’s from me mum.

"Aunt Clegg felt prey to dropsy in the second week of Lent.

"She had hid a will behind the clock.

"The clock came to me and you are left a token, too.

"I enclose the legacy."

It’s a five pound note.

-I can scarce credit it.

-Five pounds?

Let me out of this contraption.

I’m off!

-Are we heading down the George?

-No.

I reckon I’m going to go buy my Martha something.

Maybe a shawl, then save the rest.

A shawl?

If she had her way, it’d be a wedding ring.

How brilliant!

(WOMEN GIGGLING) I never thought to see such an array as this in Cranford.

Look, maize with a cornflower spot.

It quite lifts the heart.

(ALL TALKING AT ONCE) MR.

JOHNSON: Well, if it would be of interest, I could sell you some very soft lining.

I think I have the complexion for this plaid.

People might think you were Scotch.

Or stripe.

Ah, stripes.

Very diminishing for the robust figure.

Oh, don’t you think it’s so kind of Mr.

Johnson to give us this sort of entertainment?

MR.

JOHNSON: Or perhaps you would prefer this?

WOMAN: You think he would give us some macaroons.

I am not at all diverted.

Matters of fashion are all the same to those of superior breeding.

Is that violet veil a taffeta or a muslin?

-Muslin, six and nine a yard.

-Oh.

MRS.

FORESTER: Oh!

Splendid Mr.

Hearne.

He made such a fine job of my new gate.

I’ve not had a goose in my garden since.

And I still should not let him walk out with a maid of mine.

He’s a most respectable and hardworking young man, Mrs.

Jamieson.

6"2’ in his stockinged feet, do you suppose?

Why else would they choose him as Jack-in-the-Green?

I know what it is, but where’s it come from?

I got it as a legacy from an aunt.

I don’t query how you came by it, only the bank upon which it is drawn.

It’s the Town and County.

It’s a good bank, isn’t it?

It’s in Manchester.

It’s in the Manchester Guardian too, and things are going ill for it.

I’ll not take it, it won’t be honored.

You may pay in cash, naturally.

Do you reckon I can just go out and pick up money off the pavement?

Excuse me.

May I see the note that is in question?

I’m a shareholder of that bank.

Is this note a forgery?

No, but by the end of the week, it’ll be worthless.

Town and County is in trouble and looks probable to fail.

I will give you five good sovereigns for that note, Jem Hearne.

If the bank is to fail, I cannot have it on my conscience that good honest people will lose an amount that means so much to them.

Miss Matty, I wouldn’t want you losing out on account of me.

I shan’t.

I’m sure of it.

In a day or two, that note will be as good as gold again.

Come, Jem, do not distress my feelings.

Now, buy Martha that shawl.

I considered it my duty.

And will you consider it your duty to give sovereigns in exchange for every Town and County note you meet with?

Forgive me.

I’ve never been of a very decided mind, but when I was in the shop, the course of action seemed quite clear to me.

Because it was not a personal letter, she thought it could not be of any consequence.

Now when I retrieve it, I read all about this extraordinary meeting.

It is not until Friday.

Miss Matty may still attend if she should wish.

But it is unlikely to be a calm affair.

Captain Brown, I do not wish to take you away from Cranford when you are here so little, but are you likely to be in Manchester this Friday?

I can arrange to be.

Harry Gregson.

I’m pleased that you are punctual.

Mr.

Carter taught me to tell the clock, my lady.

And a great many other things besides.

I am aware of the respect you have for Mr.

Carter.

But I feel his influence upon you has not been all together kind.

Help is needed with the cattle.

And I have found you occupation with the livestock on the farm.

I work for Mr.

Carter.

He pays me out of his own pocket.

That is no longer the case.

I’ve been giving money to my mother.

I quite understand.

Since the poaching affair, your father has proved slightly more responsible.

But hedging and ditching is seasonal work.

And sooner or later, he may need to poach to feed you and if he does, I’ll not step in again.

Once you start work in the cowsheds, you will be a formal employee of the Hanbury estate.

The wage will be of the utmost advantage to your family.

And you will keep the position all your life.

Did you know about this?

Until an hour ago, no.

I am sorry, Harry.

For what?

Teaching me to read?

I will never be sorry for teaching you to read.

I only regret that the world is such that you could be punished for learning.

You can’t stop this happening, can you, Mr.

Carter?

And I’m sorry to say the bank’s meeting closed in uproar.

It was an ugly scene.

And nothing can be done for the people who invested there?

None of their money will ever be returned?

The bank is broken.

Every penny in it lost.

I’m sorry, Miss Matty, to bring you such sad news.

It is not your fault.

Can I offer you some tea?

And you must have other investments?

Some.

Certainly.

I have lived on very meager funds for years, Miss Matty.

It can be done.

Now, I must leave.

I’m expected at the railway works.

But if I can be of any comfort or assistance, send for me.

Please.

What are these other investments, Miss Matty?

What is it that you plan to live on?

I have a small amount in savings.

It was never thought sufficient to invest.

I did not want to dismay poor Captain Brown.

It’s unpleasant for him to bring such news.

Oh, Miss Matty.

I can’t believe you’re giving me notice.

I can’t.

Jem’s taken that shawl back to Johnson’s.

He’s bringing you back the whole five pounds.

Martha, this concerns so much more than the shawl and the five pounds.

I don’t care.

I’ll never leave you, Miss Matty.

Never.

-Martha... -I know when I’ve got a good mistress, even if you don’t know when you’ve got a good servant.

MARY: Martha, you must listen to reason.

Reason?

Reason just means what someone else has got to say.

I can talk reason when I’ve got a mind to.

And I’ve got a mind to now.

I’ve got clothes put away and a little bit saved.

I’ll work for no pay.

You can give me notice every hour of the day if you like, but I’m stopping.

Martha, your loyalty does you credit and Miss Matty will be lost without you.

-You’re staying with her.

-I wouldn’t dream of leaving.

But I at least can pay my way here with the allowance I get from my father.

The truth of the matter is that Miss Matty is now going to have such a meager sum to live upon, she will not even be able to find the money for your food.

Indeed, she will be hard-pressed to find the money for her own.

Is it as bad as that?

It is every bit as bad as that.

Lorentia, my dear, I wish you to come out with me.

It would be a pleasure, Lady Ludlow.

I have had a letter this morning from Lord Septimus in Italy, and I have not shared its contents with Mr.

Carter.

Very well.

And he will not accompany us this afternoon.

(MEN SHOUTING) (LOUD EXPLOSION) Captain Brown, my lady.

I represent Sir Charles at the works.

If your ladyship would care to come with me to the engineer’s office, I would be delighted to exhibit all the plans.

It is but a short way off.

And do those plans include a map of the line going all the way to Cranford, depicting the route it would take across my land?

Sir Charles asked that they be drawn up in full.

(EXPLOSION) Then I will see them.

The plan is for a new and superior residence for Septimus in Italy.

He enclosed it with his letter.

-The cost of building this will be... -Considerable.

His rented villa no longer suits the requirements of his health.

His doctors suggest that he moves to Lake Lugarno.

I cannot deny him.

I should, I know I should.

But I find I must wrestle my reverence for Hanbury with my regard for him.

And he is always the victor.

My lady, he will inherit the estate.

Surely his well-being goes hand in hand with that of Hanbury.

You cannot know what it is to have a son, Mr.

Carter.

Perhaps I cannot know, but I think I can imagine it.

Then you must understand that I have but one choice.

To give him all that he asks and leave a mortgage on the estate when I die.

Or to give him all that he asks and sell one-third of my estate to the railway.

You do not look happy, Caroline.

What has lowered your spirits so?

Dr.

Harrison’s neglect of me.

He is not neglectful.

Nearly mindful of your health.

If he were truly mindful of it, he would declare himself.

I cannot idle along like this forever.

I’m almost 33.

The May Day atmosphere will bring him out.

You sound very certain.

He is a man with much respect for the romantic almanac.

In the lore of love, May Day is nigh on as valued as St Valentine’s.

I haven’t a grey hair myself.

I use it only as a preventative measure.

It smells a little odd, Miss Pole.

It has indigo in it, which is an African vegetable.

Oh.

What if Dr.

Harrison comes back?

He’s only gone out to lance a carbuncle.

Trust us, Mrs.

Rose, we will work like the wind.

(PEOPLE CHATTERING) -MAN 1: Put the yellow one up there.

-MAN 2: Hold still.

How’s that?

Come on, get it up there.

-How’s that?

-Got it.

(DRUMS AND FIDDLES PLAY) Come on!

(ALL CHEERING) If I say so myself, Mrs.

Rose, I have taken years away from you.

Well, I should not deny it.

I should not wonder if the doctor went down upon his knee before all Cranford.

What a peaceful evening, Dr.

Harrison.

It is indeed.

And warm.

Lovely flowers.

When I was a girl, I always liked to bring in May Day branches.

It was said that, "Where blossom led, true love would follow."

Oh, yes.

Perhaps this year such invocation is not needed?

Perhaps true love has already found a home here?

You should not doubt it for a moment.

(WHOOPING) (SOBBING) (DOOR OPENING) Oh Martha.

That is beautifully done Now fetch your best bonnet.

Let’s enjoy this lovely day.

My dear Mrs.

Rose, how very charming you look today.

Do please come and join Dr.

Harrison and me.

Thank you.

You are doing very well.

Nobody has noticed there is anything amiss.

People will find out soon.

How will it be revealed?

Will the bank come and take my furniture away?

You’re not bankrupt.

You do not owe a penny.

I owe Mr.

Goddard, the butcher, for a neck of mutton.

Oh, that isn’t of much account.

Well, it is to me.

The little I have must go so many ways.

CAROLINE: Good afternoon.

Such a delightful day.

We believe that it will prove so.

My lady.

Pass me the crown, Harry.

Martha!

Martha!

What is it Martha, just wait!

Come out from under there!

This is an honor.

It’s a different story when you want something.

[sighs] Jem and I have decided to get married!

We what?

But you have not been engaged.

We’ve been speaking of it for a while and see no reason for delay, do we, Jem?

-What... -He’ll come to.

He’s just overjoyed with the suddenness of it all.

You do not look quite certain, Jem.

We were meant to be saving up.

Well, there’ll be no need if we get ourselves a nice quiet lodger.

Which is why we’ve come to you today.

We’ll set up in a house that’d suit us all together.

You can have the parlor and we’ll live at the back.

Martha... I thought you wanted it as much as I do.

I do, I do, one day, but... Marriage!

Marriage nails a man, Martha.

Schemes such as this with lodgers... I’m sorry, I’m all flummoxed.

I hope you don’t think my dismay reflects my opinion of you, madam.

It’s just that this is such quick work.

Martha, my dear, you cannot forge such a plan just to benefit me.

Matrimony is a very solemn thing.

Thank you, Miss Matilda.

I’ve always thought it so.

Then why do you object to it?

I don’t object as such.

I dare say I shan’t mind once it’s done.

I hope the Lord forgives you, Jem Hearne, because I won’t!

I’m sorry, I’m just a bit fluttered.

(LIVELY MUSIC PLAYING) Ah, this is a fine sight, is it not?

And you, my dear Mrs.

Rose, do you enjoy it, too?

Oh, I bless you for inviting me to Cranford, Dr.

Morgan.

I thought when I came that my best years were done with.

This is the first of many May Days, Dr.

Morgan, I’m sure.

-Did you hear that, Dr.

Harrison?

-What?

I’m surprised you can hear any conversation with Sophy Hutton banging on that tambourine.

It’s my headache.

And watching those girls revolving makes me giddy.

The blood is draining from her face.

Dr.

Harrison, can you see it?

It is hard to tell against a dress so brightly colored.

Go to the refreshment tent and get a glass of water.

I see Sophy Hutton’s parasol is idle by the rector’s seat.

Reverend Hutton.

-Might I borrow this?

-Oh, please.

My sister has suffered a nervous eclipse.

Oh, I’m sorry to hear that.

I think it will be resolved without mishap.

We expect her engagement to be announced today, and anticipation has taken its toll.

-An engagement?

Am I the first to know?

-I think it appropriate.

Her fiancé is a proud man, but she has a substantial dowry.

I expect the banns to be called very soon.

Is she marrying a gentleman from Cranford?

She will be marrying Dr.

Harrison.

Will you excuse me a moment?

Miss Matty, you have sat long enough alone.

I think it sensible to seek out your friends.

We must still conceal my misfortune from them.

They would want to know.

So that they might console you.

I do not wish to solicit sympathy.

There’s many a person with less than I. Think of poor Martha.

What will her future be?

She has no family at all.

-Dr.

Harrison.

-Sophy.

I thought your dancing was quite wonderful.

I did not think that you would be swayed by money.

What money?

Caroline Tomkinson’s dowry.

Do not ask me to go into vulgar detail.

It is enough that I find you promised to another.

-I do not know what you mean.

-You know everything.

£4000.

-Although you pretended to spurn it.

-Spurn it?

Yes, as one masquerading as a gentleman would.

Sir, I do not understand this charge.

I have no interest in this lady’s hand.

What?

Sister?

Your pretense to ignorance compounds the crime.

I did not spurn Miss Caroline’s dowry, it was not offered to me.

Any why should it be when I have an understanding with another?

Yes, a very definite understanding.

Mrs.

Rose, defend your fiancé.

Mrs.

Rose?

We’re not formally engaged, but we share an understanding.

-Don’t we?

-Sophy, go and find your sisters.

I would rather not.

If Dr.

Harrison is to defend himself, I think it only right I should stay here to hear him.

I do not understand how I’ve given this impression.

My only understanding is with the Reverend Hutton and it concerns his daughter.

(MRS.

ROSE GASPING) Oh, Mrs.

Rose!

I will escort you home.

You will come to me at my house to explain your betrayal of my faith in you.

And what of my sister and myself?

Who will be our advocate?

Who will demand amends for us?

He sent me a valentine.

It spoke of marriage.

I kept it.

I could produce it in a court of law as evidence of breach of promise.

He can breach as many promises as he likes.

It is my trust he has broken.

And my daughter’s heart.

Come along.

DR.

HARRISON: Sophy.

Take deep breaths.

That’s good.