♪ ♪ HUGH: I love you, Helen.

And I would do anything to make you happy.

♪ ♪ HUGH: I can't help feel it's brought Helen and I even closer together.

MRS. HALL: I've chased Edward long enough.

He knows where I am.

TRISTAN: No one has ever performed such an operation.

I'm promoting you to senior vet.

(exhales happily) SIEGFRIED: I'm proud of you.

HELEN: Hugh asked me today.

We're getting married.

ALL: Cheers!

♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ (birds chirping) (chickens clucking) Ah, hey.

I'm sorry to drag you all the way up here on Christmas Eve, but, well, she's swollen up that bad, she's struggling.

No trouble at all, Bert.

It's missus.

She's very worried about her and the pups.

(chuckles) ANNE: Thanks so much for coming, James.

JAMES: You're welcome, Anne.

Hello, Suzie.

(whimpering) Good girl.

Let's take a look at you.

(Suzie panting) I hear Hulton's putting on a right proper spread at Drovers.

ANNE: Listen to you!

BERT: What?

What have I said now?

We'll be there to celebrate Hugh and Helen's marriage.

(grunts) Not line our stomachs.

Will we be seeing you there, as well, Jim?

No-- my mother would skin me alive if I don't make it home for Christmas.

Ah.

There's no trouble here, just a big load of pups.

Ah!

I wouldn't be surprised if she has them in a day or so.

I do hope she'll manage.

Ah, she'll pop them out no trouble at all.

"Pop them out"?

You think that's what it takes to give birth?

Uh, I think you better be off.

We might be on this for a while.

(chuckles): Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas.

SIEGFRIED (voiceover): It's his exam results.

It's better to know.

Knowing whether he's passed or failed won't change it.

I don't want Christmas ruined with an unholy argument.

I thought that was the point of it.

That and the silly hats.

I never ask you for much, Mr. Farnon.

All right, all right.

No need to lay it on so thick.

♪ ♪ (musician playing "Deck the Halls") (indistinct chatter, music continues) How do we feel about Brussels sprouts?

Edward likes them.

You can't not have sprouts.

I'll get a pound.

I feel honored you even asked.

TRISTAN (slurring): Siegfried!

Siegfried!

Good tidings in this time of festive merriment.

Good God, man!

You smell like a barmaid's apron.

I've been in Broughton for the bellringers' Christmas celebrations, and they're enthusiastic drinkers, so spillages are inevitable, I'm afraid.

Oh, no-- it came, didn't it?

Come on, let's get it over with.

No, your results must've been delayed in the Christmas post.

Oh, I was so looking forward to having something to celebrate.

Well, let's see, shall we?

(donkey braying) (turkey gobbling) I need sprouts!

(braying loudly) What are you eating?

David!

Will you grab hold of your donkey?

Otherwise, Mary will be walking.

This way, Bobby.

Come on.

Come on!

JAMES: Tristan!

Ah!

Jim!

(chuckling) I was worried you might have decided to go home early.

Not until tomorrow.

Staying for the wedding?

Or is it all too heartbreaking?

I couldn't be happier for Helen-- and Hugh.

(chuckling): Don't you just sound it?

Still, there's always Connie to take your mind off it.

That's not why I'm seeing her.

So it's love?

(turkeys gobbling) I'm teasing.

It's early days.

You know, I don't think I ever received a proper thanks for introducing you two.

Thank you.

Sincerely.

Don't mention it.

A good word with her friends wouldn't go amiss.

Which ones?

All of them.

And make sure she invites a few to the party.

(chuckling): Hello!

Is that you over there, Maggie?

Aye.

And I'll be having none of your blather, Tristan Farnon, so either buy something or get a wriggle on.

(donkey braying) (chuckling) Don't know why you're looking at me.

It's you pair that are under it.

I'll, uh, I'll take the whole lot, every last sprig.

It'll be put to good use tonight, don't you worry.

(laughing) (exhales) ("Deck the Halls" playing) MRS. HALL: I just hope our Christmas party guests are hungry.

(Jess barking) Anything I can do, Mrs. Hall?

You can take them sausage rolls through for me, would you, James?

There's a good lad.

Hey... Merry Christmas, Jess.

Hey?

You're incorrigible.

James, if you are to win at this game of life, you must play many hands.

Siegfried.

You look very... festive.

TRISTAN: He's Saint Nick.

Every year, he hands out oranges to the kids.

I thought he wore red and white.

Only since some blasted American drinks company told us so.

The real Father Christmas, St. Nicholas, wears green and white.

And so shall I.

What's all this bloody mistletoe?

It looks like Kew Gardens.

Tristan's playing the odds.

You've the morals of an alley cat!

You'll be thanking me when you find yourself underneath this with the delectable Dorothy.

Ah, you kept that to yourself.

(Tristan laughing) She's Mrs. Hall's guest.

TRISTAN (chuckling): Oh, really?!

Were you taking those plates somewhere?

Oh!

As for you... Mm?

If you think you're spending the evening eating, drinking, and carousing, you've another think coming.

(bells jingling) Oh, no.

No!

Absolutely not!

(chuckling) (big band music playing, children laughing) (indistinct chatter) TRISTAN: Right... (children gasp) I'm seeing a lot of evidence of children being naughty and not a whole lot being nice.

Except David.

So he gets to go first.

Come on.

David... All right, King Herod's best behaved, he goes first.

I'm not Herod; I'm a wise man.

(laughter) Just get in there!

Hello.

Uh, hold on, Father Christmas just needs to oil his pipes.

(music continues) DOROTHY: No news of Edward?

It said in his letter he'd be here Christmas Eve.

After what he put you through, he'd better be groveling on bended knee.

That's in past.

We're putting all of that behind us.

Just make sure you hide the silverware.

(sighs) I'm sorry, Aud, once...

He wants to come.

That's enough for me.

(bell ringing) That could be him now.

Happy Christmas, James.

Oh, Merry Christmas, Mrs. Dobson.

Helen, I didn't expect you tonight.

Siegfried as Father Christmas?

I wouldn't miss it for the world.

JAMES: Evening, Mr. Alderson.

Sloe gin.

And, uh, go steady on it.

I hear you don't hold your drink too well.

From who?

JAMES: Hello, Jenny.

Merry Christmas, James.

MRS. HALL: Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas, Hugh, come on in.

Oh, I'm not staying.

I'm meeting a few chums down the Renniston.

(door closes) Last night of freedom and all that.

I guess I'll see you at the church.

This time tomorrow, we'll be married.

(chuckling): I know.

And then the rest of our lives.

(soft chuckle) Cheers.

Oh, you're popular.

(children's laughter) I can see Santa!

So can I. Oh, my God!

He's real, with makeup!

Give Father Christmas some space, please.

(laughing) Okay.

I thought you'd be at home resting up for the big day.

It's really not that big.

Christmas Day wedding?

The whole of Darrowby will be out for it.

Especially since Hugh's put a pig on.

I'm sorry, a pig on what?

Pig roast at the Drovers.

There's quite a bit of excitement over it.

(soft chuckle) Hugh didn't tell me.

Well, everyone'll be there.

Jim'll probably be the only one missing out.

HELEN: Well, there's one less person watching me.

I'm bound to trip over and make a fool of meself.

I'm sure you'll be perfect.

Well, I better mingle.

Siegfried impressed on me that we only invite these "infernal people" to drum up business.

(laughing) Always full of festive spirit.

(laughing) Hold up, night before her wedding.

You don't want to wish her bad luck.

Oh, right, sorry.

(soft chuckle) Merry Christmas.

You, too.

Oh!

(soft chuckle) I got ya.

("Jingle Bells" playing in background) Helen, love!

Come say hello.

Here she is, love, blushing bride to be.

MAN AND WOMAN: Congratulations.

She looks lovely, don't she, eh?

Dad!

(telephone ringing) Darrowby 2297.

Hello, how can I help?

Is it Edward?

Bert Chapman.

Okay, Bert.

I'll be up right away.

The party's only just getting going.

I'm sorry, but I, I really can't stay.

You can come with me, if you like.

To a farm?

No, no, you're right.

Stupid suggestion.

(chuckles) I'll be back as quick as I can.

(muffled chatter, music playing) (door opens) Helen?

(door closes) I used to sit for hours watching it fall past my window when I was a kid.

Are you okay?

Everybody wants to talk about the wedding.

I just... Rather talk about anything but.

I sometimes wish we'd eloped, just the two of us.

No fuss, no bother.

(grabs bag) You've been called out?

Going up to the Chapmans.

Suzie's having trouble with her pups.

Aw...

I love Bert and Anne.

Do you mind if I came with ya?

I think you should probably stay and enjoy the party.

Please, James.

Anything to take me mind off it all.

(bell ringing) (big band music playing) Hello!

Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas, Merry Christmas.

Welcome.

Merry Christmas.

Come on in.

(car approaching) ♪ ♪ (knocking at door) Come in.

Evening.

Oh!

HELEN (exhales heavily): Evening, Bert, Anne.

All right, lass?

What're you doing up here at this time of night?

Oh, I needed to get out.

ANNE: Don't blame you.

I had ants in my pants night before my wedding.

Oh, I slept like a baby.

(Anne chuckling) ANNE: That was the barrel of brew you had.

Well, how else did you think you were gonna make me go through with it?

(chuckling): Hey!

Hey!

(fire crackling) (Suzie whimpering softly) Now, then, Suzie, let's see how you're doing.

How are those pups?

ANNE: Oh, I say, Helen.

Look at you all dolled up.

I'm just going to have a little check, Suzie.

Oh, heck, we haven't pulled you away from a party, have we?

Oh, it's no trouble.

I'd rather make sure Suzie's safe and well.

What're you saying there, Jim?

I don't know yet, I'll have to have a feel inside.

Would you mind bringing me some hot water, please?

No.

(whimpering) How old is she now?

Must be five years since you got her.

Six.

When our lass left home.

Soppy git!

Wouldn't admit it were because he were heartbroken.

BERT: My heart is fine, thank you very much!

(James chuckling) I were glad to see the back of her.

(Helen and James laugh) Thanks, Bert.

♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ All right, Suzie.

Just going to check how you're doing.

(Suzie whimpering) You're all right, that's it.

Good girl.

Good girl.

(Suzie whimpering, James softly shushing) JAMES: All right.

♪ ♪ Hmm... What is it?

I'm afraid there's a big pup stuck fast, but I have a feeling if we can remove this chap, then the others will come away.

And they'll probably be smaller.

Try not to worry.

I'm sure we can help her get them out.

Siegfried... Siegfried?

Tris... Hm?

(music playing) You wouldn't happen to know why James might have taken Helen out with him?

The sly old dog.

James ain't sly!

Is he?

It's always the quiet ones.

(door opens) (chatter, music playing) What's wrong?

It were my fault.

And now he's poorly.

CROWD: ♪ Silent night ♪ Show me where he is, David.

♪ Holy night ♪ TRISTAN: Is it this chap here?

DAVID: Yes.

♪ All is calm ♪ Hello-- all right.

♪ All is bright ♪ (donkey whimpering) ♪ Round yon virgin ♪ TRISTAN: You got a poorly tummy?

(braying softly) ♪ Mother and child ♪ TRISTAN: I can see he's not well.

♪ Holy infant ♪ Let's get him inside.

♪ So tender and mild ♪ Come on.

♪ Sleep in heavenly peace ♪ (donkey braying) Just round here.

We have a little stable.

♪ Sleep in... ♪ ♪ ♪ JAMES: Easy, Suzie.

(whimpering) Easy there, girl.

(sighing) It's no good.

I can't get him free.

Is there nowt more you can do?

I'll try forceps.

But if that doesn't work, we might have to take her away for a caesarean.

I told you, six year old is too late for a first litter.

(sighs) Oh, she's far from too old.

Suzie's a strong dog, she'll be able to cope.

Won't she, James?

Yeah, I'm sure she will.

Will it hurt her?

Oh, I'll be gentle as I can be.

(Suzie whimpering) But I'm afraid the pup blocking the birth canal is unlikely to survive.

(Suzie whimpering) (whimpering) All right, Suzie.

Thanks.

BERT: Oh, I can hardly bear to watch.

It's bloody medieval.

That there is the reality of childbirth.

(Suzie whimpers, Bert grunts) It's all right for you men.

You wait outside smoking and drinking.

The nurse hands you a bonnie wee baby all cleaned up and wrapped.

(muttering) It's not how they come out, you know.

Yes, yes-- no, no.

You can spare us the details, love.

I weren't spared the details.

Oh-- enough, thank you, petal.

You wait.

This time next year, you'll know all about it.

Aye.

No sooner are wedding bells quiet then sound of a baby's cry is heard.

That's what me mother always used to say.

I've nearly got it.

Keep stroking her-- try to keep her calm.

Hold it here.

Place your hand here.

(Suzie whimpering) Keep talking to her.

It'll keep her relaxed.

That's it, Suzie.

Nearly there.

James is gonna look after your babies.

It's coming.

I can feel it coming towards me.

She's starting to push.

Good girl.

(Suzie whimpering) HELEN: Good girl.

I've got it!

♪ ♪ (breathing heavily) (whimpering) It's a little boy!

(laughing) Why isn't he moving?

Is he dead?

I can feel a heartbeat.

It's very faint.

(breathing heavily) Hey!

Come on, boy!

Let's get some air into your lungs.

(breathing heavily) (blowing) (blowing continues) ♪ ♪ (blowing continues) That's all we can do.

Has he gone?

Let's see if his mother can get him going.

(Bert grunts) ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ (laughing): Oh, my goodness!

Hello, little fella!

BERT: Hey!

There you go, Suzie!

There's your new little lad!

Isn't it grand?

Aw, thank you, Mr. Herriot.

You had our Annie right worried there.

(all laughing) Well done.

You, too.

I'll give Suzie some pituitrin to help her get the rest out.

♪ ♪ SIEGFRIED: ♪ I know a youth who loves a little ♪ BOTH: Merry Christmas.

(indistinct chatter, Christmas music playing) Siegfried, I-- whoa... Did I overdo it with the cologne?

Oh, it depends if you're trying to attract her or fumigate her.

Nothing a spot of fresh air wouldn't fix.

Come on, you're needed outside.

It's urgent.

(labored breathing) Could be something he swallowed.

Has he eaten anything he shouldn't have done in the last few days?

This is your donkey, isn't it?

(donkey braying softly) Siegfried, I think you're scaring him a little.

I'm not in the least bit scary!

Well, now you're scaring me.

I'm simply trying to find out if this animal has ingested something that might have caused this.

Look, it's all right, David.

This is Father Christmas-- not the real one, obviously.

You remember, inside?

I didn't mean for it to happen.

SIEGFRIED: Hm?

Look, maybe I'll take care of this one.

Why on Earth did you drag me out here?

I don't know.

Your patient.

Siegfried.

(quietly): You seem a little agitated.

Who's agitated?

I'm not agitated.

(loudly): I'm perfectly bloody fine!

(donkey braying) (slow big band song playing) Still no word from Edward?

MRS. HALL: You know Dorothy has to go back to Scarborough tonight?

SIEGFRIED: Yes.

I must say that...

While the flesh is willing, the spirit slightly lacks.

The less I hear about your willing flesh, the better for both of us.

Go on.

There's a brave little soldier.

Excuse me.

Sorry about that.

Sick animal.

Occupational hazard.

It's worse for the donkey, mind you.

My brother's taking care of it now.

Audrey told me you brought him up yourself.

Since he was 13, yes.

I won't pretend it's all been plain sailing.

A long time spent in the doldrums.

Some very stormy weather along the way.

But you lashed yourself to the wheel and made something of him in the end.

One does what one can.

Mm.

Your life gets bound up in theirs, until they bugger off, and you've got to find something new to do with yourself.

Yes, we haven't quite reached that stage with Tristan.

Won't be so bad for you.

How so?

Well, you'll be able to stop being a father and start being his brother again.

(music continues) It's a terrible parasite, you know.

Mistletoe.

It clings onto a tree, suffocates it, sucks the life out of it.

It's interesting, given its association with romance.

Wouldn't you say?

(chuckling): I hadn't thought about it before.

I mean, no, not that I think it's an apt metaphor for a relationship per se.

It's just, um, you know, ironic, really.

Right, I might just see if Audrey needs some help.

Yes, I should, of course.

Going anyway.

(donkey braying) TRISTAN: We need to know what he's eaten so that we can make him better.

You're not going to get into any trouble.

Does he like flowers?

(braying) Or berries?

(braying weakly) Can I tell you a little secret?

I'm quite shy, too, just like you.

It's not what my sister said.

(chuckling): Maggie.

Well... She, uh... She doesn't really know me.

Beneath it all, I'm not like that.

(quietly): I've just got a way to pretend.

Would you like to know how I do it?

(donkey braying) (quietly): Come closer so I can whisper.

I've got a magic mask.

And when I put it on, I can be anyone I like.

I can be funny, I can be brave, and I can talk to anyone even though I'm very scared of the world.

Would you like to see?

Yeah?

(gasps, breathing heavily) ♪ ♪ See?

I'm just as scared as you.

Do you want to try it on?

♪ ♪ Now, doesn't that feel better?

What's his name?

Bob.

And has Bob been eating something he shouldn't?

Mistletoe.

Mistletoe.

Well, let's see if we can help him, then, shall we?

(Bob braying softly) I think we're just about done here.

Shall we wait till the rest are born?

Suzie shouldn't have any more trouble with the other pups, and we should really get going.

We can't thank you enough.

No.

And we'll see you in the morning, Mrs. Hulton.

(both chuckling) Let's get you home.

♪ ♪ BERT: Hm... Well, that looks fair set in.

(chuckles) We can't drive home in this.

♪ ♪ (telephone ringing) Edward?

JAMES (on phone): No, it's me.

James?

Where are you?

We've had a... slight complication.

Helen's not still with you?

JAMES: She wanted something to take her mind off tomorrow.

You know I'm not one to use choice language, but what the bloody hell were you thinking?!

I was trying to help.

MRS. HALL: By dragging Helen all the way up to the Dales the night before her wedding?

Are you on your way back?

JAMES: The fog's set in.

I'll try to make it back up tonight.

If not, tell Mr. Alderson to meet us at Skeldale in the morning.

James...

Please tell me you're not going to do something you'll regret.

♪ ♪ MRS. HALL: James.

I've got to go.

I'll have her back in time, you have my word.

(sets receiver down) ♪ ♪ (sets receiver down, sighs) (deep inhale, exhale) (panting) You can't see five foot in front of your face.

I'm sorry.

I should never have brought you up here.

It was my idea.

The winds might pick up.

It could clear as suddenly as it came in.

ANNE (chuckling): Not up here it won't.

That'll be it till morning.

What on Earth was I thinking?

You could blame me.

I won't need to ask anyone to do that.

I'm sorry.

It's really not your fault.

It'll pass.

I know.

I know it will.

And, even if it doesn't, there'll be time in the morning.

Your dad will bring your dress to Skeldale.

It's right by the church.

Yeah, you're right.

It'll be fine.

Yeah.

♪ ♪ (Bert snoring) (Anne chuckling) Look at this one.

Beside himself with all the excitement.

40 year.

We didn't have a crowd of folk like you will when we got married.

Sounds perfect to me.

It were and it weren't.

Weren't many around here who wanted to see a Yorkshireman marry a woman that looked like me.

But you can't help who you fall in love with.

JAMES: How did you meet?

I were working in service at the farmhouse.

Bert came to work as a hand.

Both of us tried to fight it.

We knew it'd cost our jobs, our friends.

(soft chuckle) It were worse for Bert, of course.

I was already an outsider.

By rights, Bert should've wanted nowt to do with me.

But love don't see with the eyes.

It comes from in here.

In the end, there's no fighting it.

♪ ♪ Where do you get your water?

I'll put us a brew on.

ANNE: Pump's out back.

♪ ♪ (door opens) Does she know?

(door closes) Know what?

It don't come along very often, even when it makes life hard.

She's marrying Hugh tomorrow.

Yet here she is, the night before her wedding, up in the high Dales with your sorry-looking face.

(door opens and closes) ♪ ♪ (clears throat) ♪ ♪ He should start feeling much better now.

Well done for being so brave and telling me.

Do you need your mask back?

Oh, no, no, there's no need.

But what will you do without it?

The same thing my brother did when he gave me his magical mask.

Just make a new one.

Go on back to the party.

Bob will be happy here with me.

DAVID: Thank you.

SIEGFRIED: Well?

Mistletoe.

I flushed him out with paraffin.

Good.

Something else?

I, I wanted to ask your advice.

Sorry, you want to ask me for advice?

I should've known better.

No, no, no, no!

Don't be like that.

Understand this is an entirely new state of affairs.

As you know, it's been some time since I... courted, and I must admit to feeling a little ring-rusty.

Will you wipe that bloody stupid smile off your face!?

Again, I'm trying really hard not to enjoy this.

Just tell me what the hell I'm supposed to do!

With what?

With Dorothy!

Who d'you think?

You can stop shouting for a start.

(sighing): It's ridiculous.

What's the problem?

I just seem unable to... initiate.

Oh, you old romantic.

All right, all right.

There's no science to it.

I tend to imagine that I'm someone they're really besotted with, and then I just, you know...

Dive in.

(chuckles) Yes, I was hoping you might be able to offer me something a little more nuanced.

I'm dressed as an elf and my date for the evening is a donkey.

Let's forget we ever had this conversation.

Not a chance.

♪ ♪ (chuckling) (Helen and Anne exclaiming) HELEN: Oh, so lovely.

ANNE: They're so tiny!

(all chuckling) Yeah, that's the last of them.

Aw... (chuckling): He's lively.

(all chuckling) (dogs whimpering) (Bert snoring) ANNE: Hear that, Bert?

You can rest easy.

What's wrong?

(chuckling): You're snoring.

That weren't snoring.

That was heavy breathing.

ANNE (chuckling): My neck, it were.

Bed.

Huh?

Hm.

Thanks, James.

See you tomorrow.

Good night.

Yeah, thanks.

Good night.

Good night.

Go on... (Anne laughing) Did you see the way she were looking at him?

Even when he was snoring.

They're still so... Full of love.

Mmm.

(indistinct chatter) Merry Christmas.

WOMAN: Lovely party, Audrey.

Aw, thanks.

MAN: Very good.

Thank you.

Have you seen our David?

In there.

Night-night!

Which hand is it in?

That one!

That one!

That one!

That one!

(cheering) Right, Maisy, Hattie, Elizabeth, Robert, come on.

CHILD: Bye, David.

Thank you very much.

What've you got to look so happy about?

Tristan made Bob better.

Did he?

Come on.

Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas, Maisy.

Enjoy your orange.

CHILD: Merry Christmas.

Thank you.

MRS. HALL: Night-night.

Merry Christmas.

WOMAN: See you later, Merry Christmas.

WOMAN: See you at church.

Night, Mrs. Hall.

Thank you.

Night-night.

Merry Christmas.

Lovely party, great.

Merry Christmas.

Thank you.

Merry Christmas.

See you at church.

I can't convince you to stay?

Me sister's expecting me.

(church bells ringing) You're allowed to be upset, you know.

About Edward?

No, I'm pleased for him.

Probably got something much more exciting to do on Christmas Day than hanging around with his mother.

Audrey, he has no right punishing you like he does.

Even if you had done something-- which you didn't.

He said he'd try.

There were no promises made.

And no one's getting punished.

(church bells ringing) (door closes) Dorothy... (bells ringing) Dorothy?

Oh, good luck.

Be gentle with him.

SIEGFRIED: Wait.

(door closes) I'm sorry, I haven't been very attentive this evening, but...

I had a lovely time.

Yes, well, I, um... ...believe I... um... like you.

It... Is it hard to imagine I was once rather good at this sort of thing?

A little.

Yes, I walked into that one, didn't I?

(soft chuckle) (sighs) Show me, then.

Show you... what?

The old Siegfried.

The one who was good at this.

What would he do if he were here?

Oh, um...

Probably say something to make you laugh.

Mm-hmm.

Um, most likely at his own expense.

(chuckles) The easy target, you see.

Mm.

And then?

And then he'd tell you that he's... really rather taken with you.

But that some part of him is still married to someone he can't let go.

But he'd like to try.

And then I suspect he'd ask if you would might let him kiss you.

And I'd think about it.

But not for long.

♪ ♪ Wasn't so hard, was it?

Well, maybe from where you're standing.

(both chuckle) It was nice meeting the old Siegfried.

I'd like to see more of him.

♪ ♪ New car?

Yeah, I decided I might be around these parts a little while, after all.

Allow me.

Edward didn't turn up.

Look after her for me, will you?

♪ ♪ (shuts car door) ♪ ♪ No change.

(puppies whimpering softly) (puppies whimpering) Do you ever wonder what your life would've been like if you hadn't've come to Darrowby?

Well, I'd be on the docks, working as an apprentice plater.

I wanted to go to secretarial college.

Move into town.

But you love the Dales.

I do.

But there's a big world out there.

Then me mam died.

Jenny needed me-- so did Dad.

Life has a funny way about it sometimes.

When I think about where I was less than a year ago...

I can't imagine that house without you now.

It's like you're already part of the furniture.

(chuckles): So much has happened.

All of it good?

Most of it.

There's a few things I'd change.

Like what?

I'd probably have stood up to Siegfried sooner.

I might've kept more clothes on that time you saw me.

(both laughing) I'm always careful to shout out whenever I walk that way now.

(both laughing) I might've told you... What?

What might you have told me?

That going up to a farm in the High Dales the night before your wedding was a very bad idea.

(laughs) It's probably best Hugh never finds out.

I'm not sure he'd take too kindly to it.

Well, he won't hear it from me.

You should probably get some rest.

Big day tomorrow.

Night, James.

Good night.

CHURCHGOERS: ♪ Joy to the world ♪ ♪ The Lord is come ♪ ♪ Let Earth receive her King ♪ ♪ Let every heart ♪ ♪ Prepare Him room ♪ ♪ And Heaven and nature sing ♪ ♪ And Heaven and nature sing ♪ ♪ And Heaven, and Heaven and nature sing ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ CHURCHGOERS (voiceover): ♪ Prepare Him room ♪ ♪ And Heaven and nature sing ♪ ♪ And Heaven and nature sing ♪ ♪ And Heaven, and Heaven and nature sing ♪ (voice breaking): ♪ Joy to the Earth ♪ ♪ The Savior reigns ♪ (sighs) (crying): ♪ Their songs employ ♪ ♪ While fields and floods ♪ ♪ Rocks, hills, and plains ♪ (crying): ♪ Repeat the sounding joy ♪ CHURCHGOERS: ♪ Repeat the sounding joy ♪ (crying): ♪ Repeat, repeat the sounding joy ♪ (shuddering breath) CHURCHGOERS: ♪ He rules the world ♪ MRS. HALL AND SIEGFRIED: ♪ With truth and grace ♪ ♪ And makes the nations prove ♪ (shuddering breath) ♪ The glories of ♪ ♪ His righteousness ♪ (sniffling) ♪ And wonders of His love ♪ ♪ And wonders of His love ♪ ♪ And wonders, wonders ♪ ♪ Of His love ♪ (carol ends) MRS. HALL: I really thought he might be ready to forgive me.

You've never actually told me what Edward...

I caught him stealing from my former employer.

He expected me to lie for him.

Were you blamed?

I told Mr. Grenville what Edward had done and offered my resignation.

They, they put him in, in Borstal for six months.

He still hates me for it.

You took me in.

No reference or explanation as to why I left my previous job.

I should've told you before.

But I couldn't stand the thought of you disapproving of me.

Oh, Mrs. Hall, I don't think I ever could.

Of course, I had no real choice about offering you the job.

What?

No one else could put up with you?

Exactly.

(chuckles) (laughs) ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ (rooster crowing) (birds chirping, ducks quacking) It's time to go.

(rooster crowing) ♪ ♪ (birds chirping) ♪ ♪ (Siegfried whistling, footsteps approaching) (whistling) Anything I can do to help?

(grunts) Stay out the way and don't touch anything.

Understood.

(sliding rack, closes oven) Shall I peel the sprouts?

Oh, Edward's the only one who actually liked them.

We are not sad on Christmas Day.

Now, make yourself useful, pour us a sherry.

Righto.

No sign of James yet?

He said he'd have Helen here on time.

And he will.

What about Tristan?

Still in his pit, I expect?

(door closes) TRISTAN: Not, as it happens, Just been checking over our inmate, Bob the donkey.

That for me?

Perfect.

Merry Christmas.

Well, let's see, shall we?

TRISTAN: Oh.

Another?

(pouring sherry, sniffs) SIEGFRIED: This arrived on Christmas Eve.

We decided to hold it back, but then I thought perhaps it might be the best present of all.

Whether you open it now or later is up to you.

(exhales): Let's wait.

Oh, nonsense!

You passed!

I'm sorry-- what?

(voice catches) I knew it!

That's my boy!

You passed, little brother.

I passed!

(both laughing) Our father would be very proud of you.

And so am I.

♪ ♪ (bell ringing) (glasses clinking, liquid pouring) ♪ ♪ (door closes) Still no sign?

Not yet.

Come on, you.

Uh, make yourself comfortable.

Yeah.

MRS. HALL: Right, let's hang this up, then you can have a look at the flowers.

(engine grinding) (grinding continues) ♪ ♪ It's no good.

I'll have to crank it by hand.

♪ ♪ (engine starts) Come on!

We've still time.

♪ ♪ What're you grinning about?

(chuckling): I thought today was going to be boring.

Hm...

They're here!

Come on.

We've got your dress upstairs.

Don't panic.

There's still plenty of time.

Thank you.

Happy Christmas.

You all right?

I'm fine.

I just... (deep inhale) Long night.

That's all.

You should get home to be with your mother.

I was considering staying.

Don't.

It's for the best.

Sorry, love.

I'd like you to take the Rover.

It's a long drive to Scotland.

Thank you, Siegfried.

♪ ♪ (engine starts) ♪ ♪ (church bells chiming) ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ My little girl.

You'll be all right, won't you, Dad?

Don't you worry about us, love.

(crying softly) Hey, hey, hey...

I'll look after him.

(Helen and Richard laughing) Now, come on.

Let's go get you wed. Bloody hell.

♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ You don't ever have to do anything for me.

We'll be all right.

No matter what.

♪ ♪ (rain falling) ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ (breathing heavily, engine idling) (pulls brake, stops engine) I missed it.

Oh, did you ever!

♪ ♪ I thought you were going home.

Something inside said I should be here.

Told you I'd make a fool of meself.

Is anyone still outside?

I'm sure Tristan led everyone to the Drovers.

Of course.

Hugh paid the tab in advance.

He does have an uncanny ability to sniff out a free pint.

(chuckles) (swallows, catches breath) (crying): Oh, James.

What have I done?

(crying) Hugh didn't deserve this.

How am I going to face anyone?

(sniffles) You didn't do this because you're cruel or unkind.

You did it because you're the opposite of those things.

That's not how it feels.

Your dad's waiting outside with Jenny.

♪ ♪ Let's get you home.

♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ (Tristan laughing) TRISTAN: What the bloody hell d'you think he was doing there all night?

MRS. HALL: Not at the dinner table, please, Tristan.

Shh, he's coming.

SIEGFRIED: James, come and sit down.

We waited for you.

A hat-- he needs a hat.

Um... here.

(cracker pops) Did you see Helen?

Her dad took her home in the truck.

Your mother weren't too upset you're not coming?

I wouldn't have made it until evening.

So, James... Lovely goose.

I'm sorry, I can't do this.

Tristan!

TRISTAN: No, I can't be the only one dying to know what on Earth happened...

There is a time and a place... ...with Suzie's puppies.

What did you all think I was going to say?

James?

Let's eat, and don't be naughty.

Before we start, I'd, I'd like to say a few words-- don't roll your eyes Tristan.

I didn't!

You bloody did, I just saw you.

The goose is going cold.

It's times like this which remind me how grateful I am for everything I have.

Not the practice, or the house, or the... beautiful countryside, or any other... thing.

It's the people.

♪ ♪ Infuriating as you all are, I'm... rather fond of you.

And... Well, there's that.

So... well... Merry bloody Christmas.

ALL: Merry bloody Christmas!

KING GEORGE VI (on radio): And every one of us can help by making that immortal message the keystone of our daily lives.

And so, to all of you whether at home, among your families as we are, or in hospital, or at your... posts, carrying out duties that cannot be left undone, we send our Christmas greetings and wish you, under God's blessing, health and prosperity in the years that lie ahead.

♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ANNOUNCER: Go to our website, listen to our podcast, watch video, and more.

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"Masterpiece" is available with PBS Passport and on Amazon Prime Video.

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