Skip to playerSkip to main contentSkip to footer
  • 5/7/2025
#ladychatterleyslover #cambridgespies #bethfreed25
When Dorcas and Emma each want to give Laura the same gift for Christmas, an old family wound is opened up and Laura finds herself torn between two mothers. As the inhabitants of Lark Rise and Candleford prepare for the festivities, loyalties are tested and, amid the gift-giving and carol-singing, tensions are building. However, the arrival of a ragged, barefooted young woman, who goes by the name of Cinderella Doe, introduces a note of Christmas mystery. Dorcas also receives a Christmas letter from Sir Timothy. Starring: Julia Sawalha, Olivia Hallinan, Claudie Blakley, Brendan Coyle.
Transcript
00:00:00My first Christmas in Candleford promised to be far more exotic than anything I'd ever known in Dark Rise.
00:00:30But these are also times when we can forget how fortunate we are.
00:00:41The wind do blow.
00:00:47There are those who spend their whole lives searching for the sense of belonging that the rest of us take for granted.
00:00:56The wind do blow.
00:01:02The best of intentions can pull families apart, so that parents and children can be divided by their wish to love and be loved.
00:01:26I'm not sure we will meet the goose this year with Matthew gone to take care of his brother.
00:01:32And you, Thomas, going off to visit your sisters?
00:01:38Once a year, no more. My sisters insist.
00:01:42I think they appreciate my sermon before Christmas lunch.
00:01:46Although they are not so much a devout family.
00:01:48God meant us to celebrate Christ's birthday in the company of our loved ones.
00:01:52Not hanging baubles from the ceiling.
00:01:54Dear Thomas, I can't imagine that you are not so much a devout family.
00:01:58God meant us to celebrate Christ's birthday in the company of our loved ones.
00:02:02Not hanging baubles from the ceiling.
00:02:04Dear Thomas, I can't imagine for one moment you believe that.
00:02:06For all you grumble, you hang the decorations with such care, you give yourself away too easily.
00:02:10Ma'am, Miss Lane, I cannot, I will not allow you to consider that I would ever indulge Christmas.
00:02:14Then I shall take up your share of indulgence, Thomas Browne. I will have the goose anyway.
00:02:20Ma'am, if I'm returning to Larkroy's on Christmas Eve, then you'll be spending Christmas.
00:02:26You'll be spending Christmas on Christmas.
00:02:28Oh, dear Thomas, I can't imagine for one moment you believe that.
00:02:30For all you grumble, you hang the decorations with such care, you give yourself away too easily.
00:02:34Ma'am, Miss Lane, I cannot, I will not allow you to consider that I would ever indulge Christmas.
00:02:38Then I shall take up your share of indulgence, Thomas Browne.
00:02:40If you leave, then you'll be spending Christmas Day on your own.
00:02:45I have no intention of feeling sorry for myself.
00:02:48I shall fill the house with exotic treats and invite my neighbours in.
00:02:53I shan't want for company.
00:02:55If nothing else, I can share a glass of mulled wine with the sisters Pratt.
00:02:59Ma'am, Miss Ruby and Miss Pearl have plans to spend the festivities in Paris.
00:03:06Canterford is promising to be a ghost town this Yuletide.
00:03:10Stand.
00:03:11Ladies, if I may, you have just put a charm on the morning.
00:03:28Oh.
00:03:29Big part of you.
00:03:30Walter?
00:03:31As soon as we arrive in Paris, we must visit the Bon Marché.
00:03:42Ruby, you must remember to pack our furs.
00:03:46Yes, I will.
00:03:47I thought we might also take a walk.
00:03:49The largest department store in the world.
00:03:52I'm sure it will inspire us.
00:03:54Perhaps while we are there, we might examine one or two small premises.
00:03:58Make one or two dauntless steps in the direction of expansion.
00:04:03How do you think we might just enjoy a walk down the Champs-Elysées?
00:04:06The Prats of Paris.
00:04:08It has a certain ring of success to it.
00:04:11Walk on.
00:04:12I shall put clean sheets on every bed come Christmas Eve.
00:04:17We will get her home.
00:04:20And I would dearly love to lock that door.
00:04:24As if there ain't no world out there.
00:04:27It's just us.
00:04:30Our family.
00:04:32The Timmins.
00:04:35Our Laura under our own roof.
00:04:48It's a beautiful gift, Emma.
00:04:51Laura will cherish it all her life long.
00:04:57Ma'am?
00:05:07Ma'am?
00:05:27The ghost of the good stuff is better than nothing.
00:05:42Mind, we'll have to find a penny or two from somewhere.
00:05:48Or the little ones will have no more than a cabbage in their stockings.
00:05:51Perhaps we might encourage Pa to seek out a bit of work to tie this by.
00:05:55Don't you go upsetting your Pa.
00:05:58He needs more time to find his land legs, that's all.
00:06:01There ain't a lot of call for master riggers in Lark Rise.
00:06:04He's had an ear on three months.
00:06:07How much longer will he need?
00:06:09This ear is from the waters of Constantinople.
00:06:14And the women in that port are all goddesses.
00:06:18Oh, we shall have the best of Christmases, just you see.
00:06:23We shall feather the foam.
00:06:25Something always turns up.
00:06:27Love and joy come to you and to your wassle too.
00:06:33Twister, didn't you used to go wassling in your younger days?
00:06:36Wassling!
00:06:37I had my banjo then.
00:06:40Whatever happened to that old banjo?
00:06:42And I was the most thriving, wassling man this side of Banbury.
00:06:47Isn't that right, Queenie, my dear?
00:06:49Oh, you can wassle all right.
00:06:51He was bringing home his makings where Twister fell short.
00:06:55Isn't that right, Twister, my dear?
00:06:59Oh, that's the milk cart going.
00:07:01I'm away to Candlesford.
00:07:03What business have you got in Candlesford, Caroline?
00:07:05Family business. None of your business business.
00:07:09Ned! Ned! Wait for me, I'm coming with you!
00:07:13Ned! Ned, I need a ride!
00:07:15Oh, Thomas.
00:07:19There you are.
00:07:22Here I am, Miss Margaret.
00:07:23Second delivery.
00:07:25Same as yesterday.
00:07:26God permitting, same as tomorrow.
00:07:29I was wondering if...
00:07:31when your sisters might be expecting you.
00:07:34Christmas Eve.
00:07:35Same as last year.
00:07:36Same as the year before.
00:07:38It seems, since my father is going off to Winchester,
00:07:42seems a pity that you and I cannot have...
00:07:45Our Christmas.
00:07:47Yes.
00:07:48Together, so to speak.
00:07:51Miss Margaret,
00:07:53since you are free at Christmas...
00:07:55Yes.
00:07:56And I feel the hand of God at work in these circumstances...
00:07:58Yes.
00:07:59Since I will be away,
00:08:01Miss Lane might need a Christmas companion.
00:08:08Miss Lane?
00:08:09Oh, my dear.
00:08:14Would there be or has there been a letter from my Walter?
00:08:19Perhaps one with naval markings on it?
00:08:22I cannot say if there is or was.
00:08:25Well, I am not asking you to read it to me.
00:08:27No, that would be disgraceful.
00:08:28Only you can tell me if there is one.
00:08:30Post office regulations, Mrs Earlis.
00:08:32I'm forbidden.
00:08:34Laura Timmons, I have spanked your arse many a time and it isn't too late now.
00:08:40Don't you give me all your hoity-toity Candleford regulations.
00:08:44Mrs Arliss, it won't be necessary for you to spank Laura.
00:08:48The regulations, as I'm sure you know by now, are not Candleford's but the post office's.
00:08:53And I am therefore the one responsible for imposing them.
00:08:57I do hope you won't threaten to punish me so enthusiastically.
00:09:00Oh no, Miss Lane. No. I'm just trying to discover, Miss Lane, since it is Christmas and since I do have four children at home.
00:09:09Four? A baby.
00:09:13I do have five children at home. I think I have a right to know if my husband is seeking a ship.
00:09:19And if he's found one. And if my little ones ain't gonna have a pa at Christmas.
00:09:23Yes, I do sympathise.
00:09:26I have every respect for regulations, Miss Lane. Of course I do.
00:09:30But couldn't you wink like this if there is a letter?
00:09:35And maybe fix your hair like this if there isn't?
00:09:39Mrs Arliss, such skullduggery is not the way of the post office. I am sorry.
00:09:44Mrs Arliss, you are staring at us.
00:09:56I'm looking to see it in your faces. Should I hope or should I fear?
00:10:03Yes, there it is. I should hope. I knew it. My mind has been running away with itself. My Walter wouldn't take off. Not again. Not at Christmas.
00:10:14Oh, ma'am. I feel as though I have betrayed her. Knowing a letter went out for Mr Arliss this morning.
00:10:25We deliver letters, Laura. That is all. It is not for us to meddle in the lives of our neighbours.
00:10:30I know what I am. I can up the toes and nose and attitudes God gave me. But give a man a banjo and you'll find out what kind of man he truly is.
00:10:49You all right there?
00:11:06Don't the cold bite your bones out.
00:11:10You need a night by a warm fire. My home is there in Larkrise.
00:11:17There ain't flames enough in this world to warm my carcass. How about a traveller tell you your fortune, sir?
00:11:26Meaning no offence, miss. I ain't one for the likes of omens and prophecies. Where are you headed?
00:11:34I've been searching for a man named Jeremiah Mears. Was he known near abouts?
00:11:42I ain't heard the name, no. No one has. But he's out there somewhere. Somewhere.
00:11:56You have a daughter. I have three daughters. Every man around here has daughters.
00:12:04But your daughter has two mothers. That can be a gift or a torment for a family.
00:12:11The wind do blow.
00:12:14The wind do blow.
00:12:16Ma'am. The doorbell sounded. But when I looked there was no one there. And the door is closed.
00:12:31Oh. Perhaps it was some mysterious Christmas spirit come looking for a stamp.
00:12:38Oh, Laura. I do enjoy your overactive mind when it runs away with itself.
00:12:46Perhaps you could take some ghost stories to bed with you. To intensify your senses. Every little creak on the stair.
00:12:53Don't you believe in the spirit world, ma'am?
00:12:56There are enough things in this world to disturb us, Laura. Without us seeking them out in the shadows in the night.
00:13:03You see this one? They took from the shores of Sebastopol. Water so deep, they call it the Black Sea.
00:13:30If you look closely enough and you have eyes for it, you can see the Black. Hmm?
00:13:39I can see it. Yes, I can see it. Walter, tell them about Zanzibar, about the exoticals.
00:13:47This one. This one here, I took from the Indian Ocean during my time in Zanzibar.
00:13:55The most exotic women that ever blessed God's Earth.
00:14:02Dark skin, shines like midnight. Fabulously beautiful.
00:14:10But mind, not one of them can hold a candle up to your mar.
00:14:16There's someone at our window.
00:14:28Who is it, Caroline?
00:14:31Didn't know one. Wind is all.
00:14:34The window blow.
00:14:48Mara, the shut windows, they're glowing with lights. The whole town, it's like a picture. It feels like Christmas should be.
00:15:06Right, that's splendid air, Laura.
00:15:09I only hope a Hamlet Christmas won't be a disappointment to you.
00:15:13We're all looking forward to having you back on your own roof again.
00:15:17Mara, I happen to see. I wasn't looking, I promise.
00:15:26But Miss Lane is giving me...
00:15:29It has my name on it.
00:15:32The most beautiful leather.
00:15:36It's the loveliest thing I've ever known.
00:15:40A journal.
00:15:43Why?
00:15:46Yes.
00:15:49What a... thoughtful gift.
00:16:01The window blow.
00:16:04Mara, Miss Lane will be alone at Christmas.
00:16:07With Zillir Ghan.
00:16:10She's so determined to be brave.
00:16:14She's so kindly to everyone.
00:16:17Perhaps you would like to stay with Cousin Dorcas over Christmas, Laura.
00:16:22Could I?
00:16:25Could I truly?
00:16:28You wouldn't mind?
00:16:30Because she can't leave the post office, you see. It's tradition. She belongs there.
00:16:34Of course.
00:16:37Why not?
00:16:39She is your family, after all.
00:16:49Miss Lane.
00:16:51Miss Margaret.
00:16:52Come in.
00:16:53I always think it is the figs which make a mince pie.
00:17:02Forgive me for being so forward in putting myself forward.
00:17:07Thomas has explained to me not that he has confided in me anything of a sensitive nature.
00:17:13Only, since my father is in Winchester on his pilgrimage again this year, and since you are without a maid, it seemed to me I might serve as your Christmas companion.
00:17:26Christmas companion.
00:17:29For the duration.
00:17:34Thomas assured me you would welcome some delicate company in the evenings.
00:17:40Miss Margaret.
00:17:43You have come to my rescue.
00:17:46And I would indeed appreciate some delicate company.
00:17:51We must sleep on the voyage over.
00:17:54Oh, but I'm so looking forward to gazing out at the sea, even at night.
00:17:59Oh, all right.
00:18:00Ruby, we must be properly invigorated to fully appreciate.
00:18:04Harry!
00:18:06Yes, pal.
00:18:07The wind to blow.
00:18:33Ruby, what are you thinking of?
00:18:35Oh, surely we can show a little compassion.
00:18:42Where are your senses, girl?
00:18:44A piece of our finery draped over a vagabond?
00:18:48Our reputation will be in shreds now.
00:18:50Come along back up here.
00:18:52Never mind the cape.
00:18:54The damage is done.
00:19:00Walk on!
00:19:05I'm sorry, pal.
00:19:06I don't quite know what came over me.
00:19:08A sentimental heart.
00:19:09That's what came over you.
00:19:10Weakness, Ruby, is not a virtue.
00:19:12It is a vice that only leads to more weakness.
00:19:16Pearl, you can go and hop.
00:19:20Go and hop?
00:19:21I have no intention of spending Christmas in Paris with a wicked heartless parrot and...
00:19:28Ruby, you can get out of this carriage.
00:19:30You are beyond yourself and I will not travel one yard further with you.
00:19:34Why would I visit the Bon Marche with an ugly, mean-eyed, crack-skinned hag's face?
00:19:40Get out!
00:19:42Get out!
00:19:44Walk on!
00:19:45Thomas talks about the post office teas all of the time.
00:20:01Thomas has told me of the delights of herrings, eggs, sausages, pastries...
00:20:07Though not normally all at once, Miss Margaret.
00:20:10I thought it might set you up for your long journey to your sisters, Thomas.
00:20:14Ma'am, Miss Lane.
00:20:16My ma'am says that I can stay here for Christmas.
00:20:19I can remain at the post office with you.
00:20:21You're sure?
00:20:22She offered it herself.
00:20:26I will go.
00:20:28You didn't badger your mother.
00:20:30No, ma'am. I promise you.
00:20:32Well, this promises to be the best post office Christmas we have ever had.
00:20:36What is it, Thomas?
00:20:42It's, er, my sisters.
00:20:46Their plans have changed.
00:20:48They are unable to entertain me.
00:20:51Regretfully.
00:20:53Oh.
00:20:55It appears I will remain here.
00:20:58In the post office, after all.
00:21:01For Christmas.
00:21:03Oh.
00:21:13That beggar woman's been on my mind all day long.
00:21:16Wandering out there with a hard winter coming in.
00:21:19Oh, Robert, what have I done?
00:21:21I can only know that if you tell me.
00:21:24The words just leapt out of my mouth.
00:21:26I can still hardly believe I said that.
00:21:28Em, the mystery of it is too much for a man who likes plain talking.
00:21:32I have told our Laura that she should spend Christmas in Candleford with cousin Dorcas.
00:21:38But, woman, you have been pestering me about her coming home for weeks.
00:21:45Why would you do such a thing?
00:21:47Perhaps I felt pity for Dorcas and it would be nice for Laura.
00:21:52And the truth is, I don't know.
00:21:56I was overcome by a feeling of...
00:22:01an impulse.
00:22:04Oh, it is done.
00:22:06And there is no turning back.
00:22:09I know well enough a way to turn back.
00:22:11Miss Pratt, innit?
00:22:23Yeah.
00:22:25And it's her coat.
00:22:28Here, man.
00:22:29Take my jacket.
00:22:33The man with this old coat may be no more than her own rag,
00:22:36but you wearing it make it fine enough.
00:22:39Come on.
00:22:44That's it.
00:22:46There.
00:22:48I'm grateful for you.
00:22:50Your true chivalry.
00:22:52It's Mr. Arliss, isn't it?
00:22:54Walter House.
00:22:55Master Ricker.
00:22:57How did you come to be out here in the woods, all shivering and alone?
00:23:04The advantage of telling your troubles to me, Miss Pratt.
00:23:08Is that I'm a man of no matter.
00:23:18Silent night, holy night.
00:23:22All is calm, all is bright.
00:23:25Round yon virgin mother and child.
00:23:26Holy infant so tender and mild.
00:23:27Sleep in heavenly peace.
00:23:41Sleep in heavenly peace.
00:23:43Gentlemen, what a treat.
00:23:48Not entirely without motivation, Miss Lane.
00:23:51Twister and I were wondering if you might allow us to sing carols here, outside the post office.
00:23:56Oh, that would be splendid. Thank you.
00:23:58In interest for the Christmas spirit of it, there'll be a cap on the ground.
00:24:03Though that will provide a feeling of good cheer all about.
00:24:06It's the best of spots for catching folks with a few pennies in their pockets.
00:24:11Peace on earth outside of my own front door.
00:24:14How can I object?
00:24:16Yes, you have my permission.
00:24:17Glad tidings of great joy I bring to you and all mankind.
00:24:24I don't know why those awful words came into my mouth.
00:24:30It was like I had no choice in the matter.
00:24:35But...
00:24:37But you believed every word of them.
00:24:40They were things that have been torturing my mind for so many years.
00:24:45And now I'm all torn up with shame and regret.
00:24:50And perhaps a little relief.
00:24:53Well, yes, a little.
00:24:56Little.
00:24:58In truth, more than a little.
00:25:00And perhaps it isn't such a bad thing this happened.
00:25:04It may, excuse the vulgarity, burst the boil.
00:25:10I do think the boil has been burst.
00:25:15My problem is I have to go home and face the boil in all her vindictive splendor.
00:25:19I have to go home and face the boil.
00:25:20I have to go home and face the boil.
00:25:23Oh, wee.
00:25:25You hold on, tight.
00:25:27The world will soon start spinning.
00:25:29I promise you.
00:25:49I do hope I won't be spoiling Laura too much with so many extravagances.
00:25:56Just leave it on the table here, please.
00:26:02Do you know, I'm rather enjoying having the responsibility of the kitchen to myself.
00:26:09To be honest, I didn't think I could do it, but once I was started, I realised I knew more than I thought I did.
00:26:16But the truth is, the reason I do it, the pate, the stuffing, all of it, is to fill the kitchen with all those smells and flavours.
00:26:27And the sentimental hope that they might bring something back.
00:26:33Something that is lost.
00:26:36You see, Mr Timmons, I may appear to you to be the forbidding, meddlesome postmistress, but I am a hopelessly emotional creature.
00:26:46Christmas can do that to the best of us.
00:26:49It takes our emotions to a place where we long for the comfort of family.
00:26:54Which is why I am so grateful to you for permitting Laura to stay here with me.
00:26:58If it were anyone else making such an offer, I would be suspicious that there was something wrong.
00:27:03But since it is you and Emma, I can trust that it is simply a gesture of true kinship.
00:27:09Now, I have some gifts for Emma and the children and you, of course.
00:27:15Now, I am utterly selfish when it comes to buying gifts for people.
00:27:19I give no thought to the recipient.
00:27:21I simply buy what I would want them to have.
00:27:23Oh, now, I have been wittering on.
00:27:25Was there something you want to speak with me about?
00:27:28Yes, there was.
00:27:28Do you know the name Jeremiah Mears?
00:27:37No, I don't.
00:27:40It comes from an old Norse word, Meyer, which means marsh.
00:27:44Though I do love my local history, I pick it up over the counter.
00:27:49Why do you ask?
00:27:50I came upon a beggar woman in the woods.
00:27:53She was searching for this man, Mears.
00:27:55In the woods at this time of year, she will freeze.
00:27:57My thoughts exactly.
00:28:00Jeremiah Mears.
00:28:02I will ask our local historians.
00:28:04Over the counter.
00:28:08I've been fretting a day long about poor cousin Dorcas.
00:28:13It's not too much about you telling her the way things must be,
00:28:17but my part.
00:28:19You've set in her heart to hoping.
00:28:23I would invite her here, but I know it's not what she wants.
00:28:28Was she sorely upset when she sent gifts?
00:28:32Em, I didn't tell Dorcas.
00:28:38I couldn't, not when I saw the need in her.
00:28:41Need?
00:28:42Dorcas Lane?
00:28:44She can have any number of friends and neighbours by her side.
00:28:48With her dates and figs and the like.
00:28:53Turkish delights.
00:28:55Why must she have our Laura too?
00:28:57Our Laura is quite happy to...
00:28:59A child might be grateful to come home to her family.
00:29:06Might consider her ma and pa before her employer.
00:29:11Is that what this is about?
00:29:15You think she would rather be there than here with us?
00:29:20What is done now?
00:29:24We will make the most of it.
00:29:26We have four other children.
00:29:30We will give them the Christmas they deserve.
00:29:32It's not all about Laura Timmons.
00:29:36We will forget such brutal, undeserved words were spoken.
00:29:44We will put behind us that Paris has been lost.
00:29:49It is my own fault.
00:29:51It is my own fault.
00:29:52I've been too soft on you.
00:29:54Well, I intend to rescue you no more.
00:30:00Good.
00:30:04Did you say good?
00:30:06I am tired of your bullying, you old boyle.
00:30:15Festering boyle.
00:30:19Ruby.
00:30:21You are beyond felicity.
00:30:27Oh, you speak like a baboon who swallowed a dictionary.
00:30:36But, I'm sorry...
00:30:37I'm sorry.
00:30:38I'm sorry.
00:30:40I'm sorry.
00:30:44I'm sorry.
00:30:47Did you spill something on the stairs?
00:30:48No, ma'am.
00:30:52Look.
00:30:59Look.
00:31:00Look.
00:31:01Look.
00:31:02Look.
00:31:03Look.
00:31:04Who's the post office ever had ghosts?
00:31:11Oh, yes.
00:31:13Thomas invokes the Holy Ghost at every opportunity.
00:31:15Honestly, Laura, I'm a woman with Darwin on my bookshelves.
00:31:18Do you really think I can give credence to phantoms in the night?
00:31:21I need a warm bath to put me in the mood for sleep again.
00:31:28Now, Laura, stop this nonsense.
00:31:31Thomas must have left a window open, that is all.
00:31:34Let's be logical.
00:31:37Why on earth would a ghost want to trouble us?
00:31:40Why now?
00:31:42At Christmas?
00:31:46The wind do blow.
00:32:04Let's go.
00:32:07Let's go.
00:32:09Let's go.
00:32:12Let's go.
00:32:46Something is knocking.
00:32:54Yes, I know, Nora.
00:32:55I can hear it.
00:32:59Miss Lane.
00:33:02What should we do, ma'am?
00:33:04We will do as we would do in a rational world.
00:33:07We will open the door.
00:33:12I'll be ready.
00:33:16Mary is off.
00:33:22Mary is cancelled.
00:33:25Go and hop.
00:33:40Can anyone countenance what could have come over the girl after all I've given her?
00:33:45All the years of giving, giving.
00:33:48I give, Miss Lane.
00:33:49Do I not give?
00:33:50And the look on her face.
00:33:53Miss Lane, the look.
00:33:54One can only describe it as malevolence.
00:33:57Malevolent.
00:33:59My own sister.
00:34:01As if she was possessed.
00:34:04Perhaps anymore.
00:34:05I throw myself on your mercy, Miss Lane.
00:34:08I cannot possibly let her see me like this so deeply, deeply overcome.
00:34:14Well, this is turning into quite a Christmas one way or another.
00:34:18Thomas Brown, perhaps you could fetch my suitcase.
00:34:25Ah.
00:34:26You mean...
00:34:28...to tonight.
00:34:30Now, to go out onto the street.
00:34:33I left it on the doorstep.
00:34:34My sister has not been the same since you gave a perfectly good cape to that tramp on the lane.
00:34:46The tramp?
00:34:49Can I ask you how she was dressed?
00:34:51She had on...
00:34:52...sane.
00:34:55Can you countenance?
00:34:57A man's dressing gown.
00:34:58If my sister wasn't...
00:35:26You know what?
00:35:27Oh, my goodness.
00:35:27The wind will blow.
00:35:57There's something going on behind those eyes of yours.
00:36:16Dorcas Lane has had made Frau Laura a fine leather journal with her name on it.
00:36:27Laura saw it by accident there said it and I am being weak and self-pitying if it was
00:36:43about a journal you might be Dorcas Lane postmistress independent woman taste and
00:36:53wealth ain't afraid to let the world see it loved in every quarter of the country what
00:37:02young girl wouldn't want her for a man.
00:37:11Give Laura the journal Emma.
00:37:20Sometimes we must trust other people.
00:37:23We can't know how Laura will feel, but who knows how things will turn out.
00:37:31If you don't give it to her you will be doing something terrible to yourself and I won't
00:37:34let that happen.
00:37:36Do it.
00:37:38Take the chance.
00:37:41Trust.
00:37:42It only takes a bit of courage.
00:37:49Here we come a-wasslin' among the leaves of green.
00:37:55Here we come a-wandrin' so fair to be seen.
00:37:59Love and joy come to you and to heal your whistle too and God bless you and send you Happy New
00:38:08Year.
00:38:09And God send you a Happy New Year.
00:38:14We're gonna save every penny we make Alfie.
00:38:20I'm gonna show Queenie that a man can be the man he never was meant to be.
00:38:25Miss Lane, will you give us a verse?
00:38:29Them as is passing might find that pleasing enough to open their purses.
00:38:33You won't get me singing gentlemen.
00:38:35I don't have the voice for it.
00:38:37Everyone has a voice Miss Lane.
00:38:39Not everyone has a tune.
00:38:42But I must admit your carol singing is rather a success here outside of the post office.
00:38:47The best time for wasslin' is midnight Christmas Eve.
00:38:51See, folks with a drink in them tend to have boneless generosity about them.
00:38:56I used to love carols at midnight as a child.
00:39:00What a wonderful idea.
00:39:03We can make an event of it.
00:39:05Decorate the post office.
00:39:07Oh, this is turning out to be quite a Christmas.
00:39:23The wind do blow.
00:39:28Ain't this the coldest winter ever there was?
00:39:31Perhaps I could tell your fortune, my darling.
00:39:34For a tater or an onion for the pot.
00:39:37Come in.
00:39:38I have a stew on the stove.
00:39:41My husband said he saw you in the woods.
00:39:44Oh, but you have such thoughts on your mind.
00:39:48Is it written in my face?
00:39:51Oh, they're only small troubles.
00:39:54Any woman with a daughter away in service has to get over the same thing.
00:40:00You're gonna have to find out if they're true.
00:40:03These thoughts are yours.
00:40:05How can you claim to know my thoughts?
00:40:13My.
00:40:14Look at your poor feet.
00:40:16You're wet soaked.
00:40:19Come stand by the stove.
00:40:21Till we dry you out.
00:40:29A daughter's love.
00:40:33Your feet aren't getting dry at all.
00:40:35Here, let me wipe them for you.
00:40:50We'll find out if it's true.
00:40:52What's in your mind.
00:40:54You were set on it.
00:40:55Be careful you don't break the whole world in her.
00:41:05Yes.
00:41:07Yes, I do feel it.
00:41:25You ain't got no kit bag, Walter.
00:41:39You can't leave.
00:41:45Go on.
00:41:47Get gone.
00:41:49Go.
00:41:51Go.
00:41:55Go.
00:42:07But you can leave.
00:42:09Of course you can.
00:42:11If the sea is calling.
00:42:13A kit bag or no kit bag.
00:42:16You'll be gone.
00:42:20Oh, Caroline.
00:42:21What's put such thunder in your face?
00:42:26Oh, the truth.
00:42:28Heard my Walter snoring that snory snores.
00:42:31Every time he gets a yearning for the sea, innit?
00:42:33Yearning is only yearning, Caroline.
00:42:36If Walter found local work...
00:42:39No, it's more than a hankering.
00:42:41He was wearing his boots in bed.
00:42:43That means he's getting himself ready to leave.
00:42:46Still, my dear, there's time to talk to him and...
00:42:48No, there ain't.
00:42:49I seen the letter.
00:42:51There's a ship.
00:42:53Oh, my.
00:42:55I've been looking in them waters.
00:42:57When I seen it.
00:42:59The reason.
00:43:01All my life I've been wondering, why does my man run off to sea at every opportunity?
00:43:05And now I've seen the truth of it.
00:43:08I ain't wife enough for him.
00:43:10Because I'm too much.
00:43:12Caroline, how can you be too much if you ain't enough?
00:43:14I give him no rest.
00:43:16I'm loud.
00:43:18I'm coarse.
00:43:20There's a baby every time he so much as looks fondly upon me.
00:43:23And I cause terrible mayhem at every turn.
00:43:26True enough, my dear.
00:43:28But you're the same woman he married.
00:43:31Walter just loves the sea, Caroline.
00:43:34There's something right about it.
00:43:38I felt compelled to know the truth about it.
00:43:43As if there was something else in that cottage.
00:43:46As if the knock-in and the cold wind made me take the letter out of his pocket.
00:43:52That's how I felt when that gypsy woman knocked at my door.
00:43:57What gypsy woman?
00:43:59I keep wondering if it was a dream.
00:44:02That ain't no dream.
00:44:05That's the same woman her Robert saw out in the woods looking for Jeremiah Mears.
00:44:10Is there anything peculiar about her?
00:44:12Her feet, they were wet through and even though I wiped them, they wouldn't dry.
00:44:27Now I saw her again here yesterday.
00:44:30She's about here somewhere.
00:44:33We'll search every inch of these woods.
00:44:36What good is decoration is that?
00:44:40What joy is there in gifts?
00:44:42There is a thought in our head about one lost soul out here in the freezing coma.
00:45:05You're too late, Robert.
00:45:23You couldn't save her, Robert.
00:45:24Because you're nigh on 80 years too late.
00:45:25I heard a tale at my father's knee of a body that was found in that pond.
00:45:35A young woman.
00:45:38Nobody knew who she was, see?
00:45:40A traveller.
00:45:41So they took her out and buried her.
00:45:44But not in the graveyard.
00:45:46In the woods.
00:45:48This girl who died.
00:45:50I heard a tale at my father's knee.
00:45:52Of a body that was found in that pond.
00:45:54A young woman.
00:45:56Nobody knew who she was, see?
00:45:58A traveller.
00:46:00So they took her out and buried her.
00:46:03But not in the graveyard.
00:46:05In the woods.
00:46:07This girl who died.
00:46:10You're saying it's the same one I spoke to out in the forest?
00:46:14The tale must be true.
00:46:16But why is her spirit still here, searching?
00:46:21Queenie, I have every respect for what you know of the history of your hamlet.
00:46:27Jeremiah Mears was a local man.
00:46:31Local family.
00:46:33I found all their stones up in the graveyard.
00:46:38Perhaps the girl I spoke to wasn't looking for the man.
00:46:43She was looking for his grave.
00:46:46Or his descendants.
00:46:48She looked to be in poor fettle perhaps her mind has gone.
00:46:52All of her is gone, Robert.
00:46:54Why don't we go and look for her grave in the woods?
00:46:59And then we'll see.
00:47:02You must be doing well.
00:47:05Going over to Candleford every day.
00:47:07We is.
00:47:09Candleford folk appreciate the carol well sung.
00:47:11And Miss Lane has arranged for her carol singing at midnight on Christmas Eve.
00:47:14Decorating the post office, the street.
00:47:18We will need two hats to put on the ground.
00:47:22Three!
00:47:23Oh my gosh.
00:47:24It's not fun.
00:47:25It's a good time let go!
00:47:26Yes!
00:47:27I don't know.
00:47:57I don't know.
00:48:04Child?
00:48:05Do you remember, Laura, when you were a child?
00:48:27We used to sing carols in Hamlet at midnight on Christmas Eve.
00:48:32We're bringing it back this year.
00:48:34Why, that's strange.
00:48:35Did you know that Miss Lane is planning...
00:48:37There's nothing strange about it.
00:48:39We're intent on making this the best lark-rise Christmas ever.
00:48:44Do you not remember?
00:48:47I would wake you up to come out and listen.
00:48:52Your little face would glow.
00:48:56You would hold my hand as I sang.
00:49:02Mara, why are you doing this?
00:49:03What am I doing?
00:49:06I'm reminding you of the best of time.
00:49:11That's all.
00:49:14Family times.
00:49:17Our times.
00:49:18Do you seem pretty?
00:49:29Are you in trouble?
00:49:53In trouble?
00:49:54Why would I be in trouble?
00:49:55We had when we were in trouble.
00:49:57I'm not hiding.
00:49:58I'm...
00:49:58Why, Miss Pratt?
00:49:59Are you in trouble?
00:50:00No.
00:50:01No, I was just explaining to...
00:50:02Oh, look at you.
00:50:03You're shivering.
00:50:05Here.
00:50:06Your tiny little toe must be near freezing off.
00:50:09Come on, let's put you near a roaring fire.
00:50:11No, I couldn't.
00:50:12That's not possible.
00:50:13Come on.
00:50:13No, I'd really appreciate you, but I...
00:50:15No, no, no, but a lovely...
00:50:16No, no, no, but a lovely...
00:50:16Why?
00:50:16Kind of.
00:50:21Have you offered me the choice between warm toes and a bottle of champagne every time
00:50:26I would choose a bottle of champagne?
00:50:31May I offer you a bite, Miss Pratt?
00:50:34Here, have a bowl of my best peas pudding.
00:50:38You don't mind a bit of wind, do you?
00:50:40Just peas pudding is fabled for it.
00:50:41No, no, no, I don't mind.
00:50:44A gust of warm air this time of year, most welcome.
00:50:48Yes.
00:50:59Mrs Orlis, I'm full of admiration for you.
00:51:06Admiration?
00:51:07For me?
00:51:08You keep your family together, in the most difficult circumstances.
00:51:14Well, I don't keep them together, do I?
00:51:17I'm not capable of that.
00:51:20There ain't nothing more in this whole world that I would wish for.
00:51:25Still, what on earth were you doing out there?
00:51:29I must go.
00:51:35Oh, Sister Feef, wondering where I am.
00:51:39Oh, Walter, and you the gentleman.
00:51:42This lady needs escorting for fear of collapsing in the road.
00:51:47Right.
00:51:47Why must you always run away?
00:52:01I ain't running away.
00:52:02It's a car to the ocean.
00:52:04Well, perhaps that's what you believe, but I know, you see.
00:52:07I am the child of a father who took to the road.
00:52:10I don't think anybody runs away, too.
00:52:13I believe we run away from.
00:52:15That is what I see in your face now.
00:52:25The advantage of telling your troubles to me is that I am a woman of no matter.
00:52:29I don't know how to be with them.
00:52:38I mean, get the legs for it.
00:52:41The soul for it.
00:52:43I feel them every time.
00:52:46I go because I see them.
00:52:47They better off without me.
00:52:51Go home.
00:52:54Go and be with your family.
00:52:56Don't tell them about your tales of the sea.
00:52:59Ask about them.
00:53:01Their day.
00:53:03Their lives.
00:53:05Meet them.
00:53:07Try to see them.
00:53:10I know I'm intruding, but I could not live with myself if I did not tell you what I know to be true.
00:53:16What goes on in a child's heart when her father runs.
00:53:22Please.
00:53:24Try.
00:53:26For one day.
00:53:29Surely we can do, for one day, that which seems impossible for a lifetime.
00:53:43Singing the day long makes a man's throat too croaked for tea.
00:53:46There's the inn now, waiting across the street to quench our thirst with a nice warm beer.
00:53:52Just the one, eh?
00:53:54That's only a few pennies.
00:53:56Who's to know?
00:53:57Let's see how much we have.
00:53:58Oh, I can't do it.
00:54:02I've swore to myself and it would undo my soul if I sucked one sip of that ill-got-ale.
00:54:08Alfie, you must press that money into your pocket till we get us back to Larkroy's.
00:54:13Take me to my own door, hand it to me there.
00:54:17Push me across the threshold if you have to.
00:54:19I will take my making zone this time.
00:54:21I will lay them on the table.
00:54:25Oh, what Christmas joy to prove a woman wrong.
00:54:29Laura, what is it?
00:54:38I'm sorry, ma'am. I'll come right down.
00:54:43Did something happen in Larkroy's to upset you?
00:54:49It did, didn't it?
00:54:52My ma'am seems so out of sorts.
00:54:56It's my fault. I know it is.
00:54:59She seems so hurt.
00:55:03It must be because I've said I'll spend Christmas here.
00:55:06But it was her idea.
00:55:08Your father assured me.
00:55:11She wants me there with her.
00:55:14I can feel she does.
00:55:19We will go over to Larkroy's and speak with her face to face.
00:55:29We've done it, Alfie boy.
00:55:32We've done it.
00:55:34The finest old wasplet man this side of Banbury.
00:55:37The wind blows.
00:55:49The wind blows.
00:55:59Queenie!
00:56:00Power!
00:56:01What are you searching for?
00:56:05A grave.
00:56:07Or something that looks like a grave.
00:56:09Or something that might have been a grave.
00:56:13Or a piece of wood with a name on it.
00:56:16I think I half remember seeing something out here.
00:56:20A name.
00:56:23Where?
00:56:23Where did you see it, Laura?
00:56:27Show me.
00:56:28Robert, may I speak with you about our Christmas arrangements?
00:56:49I am more than a little concerned that Emma may have...
00:56:54Well, that there may be a misunderstanding.
00:56:57Oh, it is more than a misunderstanding, ma'am.
00:57:01It is the thing my wife fears most in this world.
00:57:05Emma torments herself with thoughts that she is not mother enough for our Laura.
00:57:11Emma?
00:57:12Not mother enough?
00:57:15But she's the living spirit of motherhood.
00:57:18She has such grace.
00:57:21She is tireless.
00:57:22She is abundant.
00:57:23And it is effortless.
00:57:25How could she possibly?
00:57:27She considers herself poor.
00:57:30Stood next to you.
00:57:34If I have done anything to provoke such a thought, I will never forgive myself.
00:57:40Oh, I have, haven't I?
00:57:44Encouraging Laura to stay at the post office for Christmas.
00:57:46Oh, we must undo this.
00:57:49I will apologize to Emma.
00:57:51No, Dorcas.
00:57:52We must never acknowledge this conversation to Emma.
00:57:55Or to Laura.
00:57:57Laura loves her mother dearly.
00:58:00I see it in her every day.
00:58:03Emma has made a journal for Laura.
00:58:06It's on her name on the front of her.
00:58:08Oh, and I have.
00:58:15But I don't understand.
00:58:18How would you know?
00:58:20Here it is!
00:58:21Paris is fortunate indeed to have escaped the prospect of a boil on its Christmas.
00:58:37Oh, Pearl.
00:58:41You are not a boil.
00:58:43You are a woman who has been given the care of a broke-hearted sister.
00:58:51Perhaps I care a little too enthusiastically.
00:58:56Perhaps.
00:58:58At times.
00:59:03But for the best of reasons.
00:59:06Parry next year, then.
00:59:08Cinderella Doe.
00:59:18Doe is a legal term.
00:59:19Usually it means someone unknown.
00:59:23Nameless.
00:59:25It means no one.
00:59:28If there is a grave, there is someone.
00:59:30A human life.
00:59:33Deserves marking.
00:59:35Who was she?
00:59:37Why was she in Larkrise?
00:59:42Queenie.
00:59:45I had the most vivid waking dream.
00:59:50I saw this woman.
00:59:52Cinderella Doe.
00:59:53She reached a house in Larkrise.
00:59:56And she looked through the window at a family in there.
01:00:00She filmed him.
01:00:02Jeremiah Mears.
01:00:04Her path.
01:00:05But she turned away.
01:00:07Went up the lane towards the pond.
01:00:09Why did she turn away if she'd been searching for him for so long?
01:00:14Only way to find that out
01:00:16is to ask.
01:00:24Right, Arlisses.
01:00:25Sit down.
01:00:26Come on.
01:00:29It's all that.
01:00:30Now, this might look like peas pudding.
01:00:42It might smell like peas pudding.
01:00:44It might even taste like peas pudding.
01:00:47But this here is Royal Porridge.
01:00:52The Queen's own recipe.
01:00:55She insists on it every day.
01:00:57For breakfast and for dinner.
01:01:00And I thought, well, if it's good enough for the Queen,
01:01:03it might just do for us Arlisses.
01:01:05And the reason why Her Majesty loves this Royal Porridge so much
01:01:14is because every spoonful makes a person sing.
01:01:20Shall I try?
01:01:22Yeah.
01:01:22Soon the whole road here must leave us.
01:01:33Fa-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la.
01:01:35But the party must not leave us.
01:01:37Fa-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la.
01:01:39Can't have you put in your warm arse while I can't see.
01:01:46Come here.
01:01:55So, what have you been doing today, then?
01:02:01Well, go home.
01:02:07Tell your pal what you've been up to.
01:02:08Come on.
01:02:10Tell him about collecting the holly in the wood
01:02:13to make the wreath for the front door.
01:02:15Come on, tell him.
01:02:17Tell him.
01:02:18Caroline Harris, you are a force of nature.
01:02:23You were too much when I met you,
01:02:26and you were still too much.
01:02:29And I love you for it.
01:02:33Ha, ha, ha!
01:02:35I didn't find no trace of sorrow.
01:02:37Fa-da-da-da-da-da-da-da!
01:02:40Now, I've been thinking...
01:02:42I might try my hand at sail-making.
01:02:47My brother's yard, Walton Bay.
01:02:50Settle down.
01:02:52Give my creaking knees a rest.
01:02:55I'd even build us a little place over there.
01:02:59But us? Have a home?
01:03:02Like a proper family?
01:03:04Well, it might take a while
01:03:06to find things not the way we want them to be.
01:03:09Me and your ma get things sorted.
01:03:12Then we come back and fetch you.
01:03:15And you could stay with Queenie.
01:03:18She'd like that.
01:03:19She's very fond of taking in.
01:03:21And you'd like that, wouldn't you?
01:03:22Of course she would.
01:03:24Oh, and this is the best Christmas ever!
01:03:27Take the Holstwood bars of harley-fa-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la.
01:03:32Whoa!
01:03:33Whoa!
01:03:34Whoa!
01:03:35Come on.
01:03:36Stop it.
01:03:37Come on.
01:03:38Come on.
01:03:40Come on, she's in the morning sun appeared.
01:03:41Come on!
01:03:42She's a О'Bates Eyerome.
01:03:43Noah snubbed with me.
01:03:52Caroline?
01:03:56Good evening. Hello, Queenie.
01:04:02Emma.
01:04:05I think Laura might be struggling a little with, well,
01:04:09where to spend Christmas.
01:04:12I don't see why there has to be any strain.
01:04:15Families ought to be a joy.
01:04:19Emma, I wonder if we might alter our plans
01:04:22a little. I have been a fool to think Laura won't be pining
01:04:26for her home on Christmas Day. She's itching already.
01:04:31But our Laura was most anxious not to leave you
01:04:34on your own for the holiday.
01:04:37I have a proposal.
01:04:40I would like to invite myself to the End House
01:04:43for Christmas dinner.
01:04:47But, ma'am,
01:04:49what about the goose and the oysters
01:04:52in the pâté?
01:04:54I would much rather treat myself
01:04:56to a day with family.
01:04:58We are family, aren't we, Emma?
01:05:01You and I.
01:05:03You're all I have left now.
01:05:05Yes.
01:05:08We are.
01:05:09Dorcas,
01:05:14some of us lark-rise folk
01:05:17are planning to sing some carols
01:05:19at midnight.
01:05:21I know you are planning
01:05:23something similar
01:05:24outside of the post office.
01:05:30Do you suppose we might join you?
01:05:32Oh,
01:05:34I could think of no better way
01:05:37to celebrate Christmas.
01:05:44Ready.
01:05:49We're ready.
01:05:50Ready.
01:05:50If we're a spirit do come,
01:06:06there might be noises
01:06:08or smells,
01:06:11feelings,
01:06:13touches on your skin.
01:06:15I'm being tickled now.
01:06:19Yeah, but that ain't no spirit,
01:06:20that's me.
01:06:21Oh.
01:06:23Sorry.
01:06:24We're calling on the spirit
01:06:41of Cinderella Doe.
01:06:45God give him this.
01:06:48All we want
01:06:50is to help deliver you to peace
01:06:53God give you peace.
01:07:02Come to us now
01:07:03that we might know
01:07:06what you want.
01:07:08God give you peace.
01:07:22God give you peace.
01:07:23You can join us.
01:07:32Come.
01:07:33Sit them up.
01:07:36Ask for this.
01:07:37You'll come to us.
01:07:53Queenie!
01:07:55Queenie, my dear!
01:07:57I'll teach you to summon souls
01:07:58from beyond this world, eh, Queenie?
01:08:00I'll teach you to summon souls from beyond this world, eh, Queenie?
01:08:16Here we go.
01:08:18I'll teach you to summon souls from beyond this world, eh, Queenie?
01:08:25I'll teach you to summon souls from beyond this world, eh, Queenie?
01:08:25Should've been�� from beyond this world.
01:08:27Come on!
01:08:31IIESS 74
01:08:33Those are my example.
01:08:34Good!
01:08:34Come on, ye, she are fuckin'
01:08:35given you.
01:08:36Oh!
01:08:37Come on!
01:08:37Hmm.
01:08:38You've been in there.
01:08:39There.
01:08:40Come on, ye, you're with me.
01:08:41Hello.
01:08:41Darwine!
01:08:43Family Clinton hadcast me,
01:08:43Aw, amen.
01:08:44Arrgh!
01:08:44Halloween,
01:08:45flline i diskutered.
01:08:46Oh, my God.
01:09:16Oh, my God.
01:09:46Why are you searching for him?
01:09:50He's my pa.
01:09:53That name was told to me by my ma, see?
01:09:57He whispered it and prayed it and shouted it every day of my life.
01:10:04But the saying of it might bring him closer.
01:10:05He took off and left when I was a babe and he ain't nowhere to be found.
01:10:13But I think you have found him already.
01:10:16Hmm?
01:10:19Back there.
01:10:20I saw that family, so cozy and warm and proper.
01:10:45And I saw what I was.
01:10:49What I had become.
01:10:52No more than a tramp on the road.
01:10:55Every bit of me made of dirt.
01:10:57All right, mom.
01:10:58Go.
01:11:06Go.
01:11:06Oh, my God.
01:11:36To knock on that door, they wouldn't want me.
01:11:40But you could have asked.
01:11:44It would only have taken a little courage.
01:11:48You had found your family.
01:11:50Perhaps it was enough.
01:11:53Finding them.
01:11:55Seeing them.
01:11:57I had no part of the life in that cottage.
01:12:01All I ever known was the search.
01:12:03But if you told him who you were, what you wanted, what I saw through that window was happiness.
01:12:14I didn't want to be the one to spoil it.
01:12:16You may not know it, but your being amongst us, your searching, has affected all of us here.
01:12:32Families have found the courage to say what could not be said.
01:12:40What was broken has been mended.
01:12:45But perhaps it is your turn to rest now.
01:12:48There is no need for you to go on wandering.
01:12:54It's so cold.
01:12:58Your pa might be waiting for you.
01:13:02Wouldn't you like to find him now?
01:13:07Go and search for him, where he is now.
01:13:10What do you think?
01:13:16I'd be glad of a rest.
01:13:20Call Windu Bight.
01:13:27What is your name?
01:13:31Molly Mears.
01:13:32Molly Mears.
01:13:40Oh, glory be to God Almighty, and to the earthly peace.
01:13:59Goodwill henceforth from heaven to men, begin and never cease.
01:14:06I think you're the finest wastling man this side of Bambury.
01:14:19Oh, it's your son.
01:14:21You must sing it.
01:14:23Sing with me, Dorcas.
01:14:25Oh, no, Emma.
01:14:26I can't sing.
01:14:27It's my one true weakness.
01:14:29I have a voice.
01:14:30I won't hear of it.
01:14:31Sing.
01:14:31No, Emma, really.
01:14:32I can't.
01:14:33Dorcas, you spend your life telling people they are capable of more than they believe.
01:14:39Now, I am telling you, you can sing.
01:14:43Every year.
01:14:53Oh, little town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie.
01:15:02Above thy deep and dreamless sleep, the silent stars go by.
01:15:11Yet in thy dark street shineth the everlasting light.
01:15:20The hopes and fears of all thy years are met in thee tonight.
01:15:28Thomas and Miss Ellison did have their Christmas together.
01:15:35Almost.
01:15:38The mortal sleep, the angels.
01:15:42The Arlises celebrated Christmas knowing that the new year would bring hope of a new home.
01:15:48A new togetherness.
01:15:49The stars together who claim the holy birth and praises sing to God the King and peace to men on earth.
01:16:05How silently, how silently.
01:16:08Are we born into a family?
01:16:10The wondrous gift is given.
01:16:13Or is it something that's given to us, like a blessing?
01:16:18The blessings of his heaven.
01:16:23Nowhere we hear his coming, but in this world of sin.
01:16:31Perhaps it is something that will always be there for us when we need it.
01:16:53Until at last, we belong.
01:17:15The End
01:17:17The End
01:17:19The End

Recommended