Episode 4

♪ ♪ When his birthday comes, Tristan is getting that bag.

♪ ♪ JAMES: Do you ever think you could leave?

Well, I'm not gonna live with my dad forever.

But I could never be too far away.

TRISTAN: I lied.

I wanted so desperately to make you proud and do something right for a change.

SIEGFRIED: It might have been me that left the barn door open.

JAMES: She is determined to keep going.

You were right.

This was my mum's favorite spot.

♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ Oh.

I say, this is...

Thought you'd like it.

Like it?

It's magnificent.

This means a lot, Siegfried, thank you.

Not at all, not at all.

Happy birthday.

Yes, happy birthday, Triss.

Right, more tea.

Oh, I've one more present for you.

You're giving me my own list?

I am.

I've decided it's time to let you stand on your own two feet.

Oh, right.

So I'll be going out on my own?

Well, to all intents and purposes, I thought James could come along, just in case.

But it'll be your show.

That is if you think you can handle it?

Oh yes, yes, absolutely.

Excellent.

Hang on does that say "Sebright Saunders?"

Are you sending me to the estate?

Mm-hmm, they've a number of horses need tooth filing.

They're valuable animals too, so make sure you've got your wits about you.

Of course.

That bag won't be much use to you empty.

Right.

Make sure you take a decent rasp.

Will do.

And a spare.

Tristan?

Did you hear me?

Tristan?

Tristan!?

Good evening with Helen, were it?

It was, thanks.

I'm glad.

She's a smashing lass.

Have you had a chance to talk over Glasgow with her?

Not yet.

I know, I'll do it today.

Candy's in foal, so I said I'd go up and take a look.

I'll tell her about the job then.

Jacket.

(exhales) Are you sure you've got tweezers?

Yes.

Both sizes?

Yes, and yes.

I actually do know what I'm doing.

Stop your fussing, you'll make him nervous.

Here.

Very smart.

Every inch the professional.

Yes, well, come on, don't be keeping them waiting.

So will Mrs. Brompton be joining us at the Drovers for birthday drinks?

I think she's planning to drop in briefly.

Hope you told her to come before things get too rowdy.

It's just a few drinks.

Please try not to get completely legless.

I can assure you, I'm planning a very civilized evening.

(laughs) Oh, yes?

TRISTAN: It's not like I'm a student anymore.

Things have changed.

In fact, I was half wondering if a little dinner might be more appropriate.

Oh, aye?

TRISTAN: I mean it wouldn't have to be anything fancy, but if it's too much trouble.

Birthday dinner for six at less than a day's notice?

No, no, you're right, it's a stupid idea.

I'm sure I can rustle something up.

Oh, Mrs. H., you're an absolute star.

That's one word for it.

And actually if you could make it dinner for seven.

Oh, for the love of God.

I just thought I might want to invite a guest.

And who exactly might you want to invite?

I don't know yet.

But the day is still young.

♪ ♪ Good luck, Tristan.

(shuts door) He doesn't need luck, he just needs to concentrate.

(engine turns) (engine sputters and stops) Right, cheerio!

(engine turns) He'll be fine.

'Course he will.

♪ ♪ Right, so when we get to the estate, I'll just introduce myself and explain that I'll be dealing with the horses today.

I'm fairly sure they'll know who you are, Triss.

You've been coming out to the farms half your life.

Yes, as Siegfried's little brother, maybe.

But now I'm here as a vet.

It's a whole different kettle of fish.

You're going to do fine.

You know what he's doing, don't you?

He's basically setting me up to fail.

I don't think that's true.

He's giving me this big new chance.

But he's just waiting for me to mess it up.

♪ ♪ (brake engages, engine turns off) ♪ ♪ (horse reins jangling) Where's Farnon?

Right here.

You, what?

Tristan Farnon, Mr. Monkham.

Siegfried's brother, and fully qualified vet.

I'll be taking care of the tooth rasping today.

Mr. Farnon always sees to horses himself.

Well, he's asked me to deputize on this occasion.

Aye, your brother's a fine vet and knows what's what.

What are you, brand new?

I can assure you, my brother wouldn't have sent me if he didn't have complete faith in my abilities.

Aye.

What're you gonna be doing?

I'm just here to observe.

Right, well, I can't say I like it.

But I haven't got all day.

So, let's see what you've got.

This way.

(sighs) You wanted this?

Please.

Poor Bonnie here had quite a sizeable lipoma on her ribcage.

Ooh!

SIEGFRIED: Benign, but still, an ugly great mass.

Luckily, I was able to remove it with remarkable ease.

Let's just lay her down on that blanket, while she comes round.

Might take an hour or so.

That's the ticket.

There we are.

Yes, very nice, though I say so myself.

It should hardly leave a scar.

(Bonnie whimpers) Should she be doing that?

SIEGFRIED: Oh, it's nothing to worry about.

Happens to some animals after anesthetic.

It's just the barbiturates leaving the system.

Well.

I'm off to the butcher's.

If I can get a decent enough joint, I might try my hand at a beef Wellington.

Goodness, that's rather elaborate.

Well, I don't want your young ladies thinking we don't know how to entertain.

I assume Mrs. Brompton's still joining us?

Yes, yes, she was delighted with the invitation.

Well, isn't that nice.

What about you, Mrs. Hall?

Sorry?

Well, it occurs to me we've all got guests, so perhaps you might like to invite someone, to, you know, make up the numbers.

Well, I'll be lucky if I can find a joint for seven.

Any more and it'll be the parable of the loaves and the fishes.

Right, well, as I'm done, I think I'll head out too.

And see how Triss is getting on.

You said he needs to stand on his own two feet.

So let him.

(clanging) Just don't let him rattle you.

Absolutely.

Just focus on the job in hand.

(horses trotting, clanging, indistinct chatter) (horse whinnying) Who's that?

Oh, yes.

Miss Margot Sebright Saunders.

Might she be a suitable candidate?

(chuckles) Rather out of my league, I fear.

Margot's generally squired by minor gentry.

You're a man of means now.

A respectable professional.

She might see you in a whole new light.

See?

You don't want to miss out for lack of confidence.

Ah, you may have a point.

Nothing ventured.

It certainly worked for you and Helen.

Well, it's early days.

I still have time to mess it up.

(laughs) MR. MONKHAM: You two coming?

Excellent.

There's another two need doing across the yard.

Right, let's take a look, shall we?

Hope he's not a kicker.

Right, here we go.

Good lad.

Ah yes, I can see there's quite a sharp point just here.

Should be able to file that off nicely.

If you could just hold him steady?

MARGOT: Monkham?

Yes, Miss Margot?

I want to ride out to Sennor Woods this afternoon.

Will you see that my horse is ready?

MONKHAM: Yes, Miss.

Gosh, are you an actual vet now, Tristan?

That's right.

Tristan Sebastian Farnon, M.R.C.V.S., at your service.

MARGOT: Well, well done you.

TRISTAN: Yes, I've got all the credentials.

And the qualifications and...

Wonderful.

MARGOT: I'm just going up to the house, but I'll be back for him after lunch.

Yes, Miss.

Aye, I'll let you get on then.

Jolly good.

You're doing grand.

(horse whinnying aggressively) STABLE HAND: Easy boy!

Come on!

TRISTAN: Good Lord, what's going on out there?

That'll be Satan.

Oh, yes?

Aye.

He's another that needs rasping.

(Satan whinnying aggressively) ♪ ♪ (Bonnie whimpering) "Oh, what can ail thee, dog-at-arms, alone and palely loitering?"

There's nothing physical that I can see.

You just don't like being by yourself, is that it?

Perhaps you could play with Jess.

Are you sure she's not sickening for something?

Not in the least, she's perfectly healthy.

Probably just wants a bit of company.

And where are you off to?

Oh, I found a spare rasp for Tristan.

He'll be almost done, won't he?

Still, better safe than sorry.

(Bonnie whimpering) (Satan bristling) If you'd rather I took over... No.

No, of course not.

In for a penny.

At least he seems to have calmed down.

For now.

Right, let's take a look at your teeth then, shall we?

(whinnies aggressively) That's it, that's it, old fella, come on.

Nothing to worry about, that's it.

I am just going to, (grunts) Are you all right, Triss?

Did he get you?

It's fine.

(inhales sharply) He barely made contact.

Sure?

(with difficulty): Mm-hmm.

(whistles) He nearly broke my knee cap.

Seriously, Jim, I thought I was going to pass out at one point.

You should have let me take over.

Oh, Siegfried would love that.

(imitating Siegfried): A man doesn't stop work because of a bruise!

Cuts and scrapes come with the territory, a good vet never puts his own comfort before that of the animal.

Caught you a good one, did he?

Uh, yes, yes, seems he did.

MONKHAM: Aye.

Evil bugger.

(chuckles) Well, he seems positively delighted by the whole thing.

They like to feel they're getting their money's worth.

What, so the more pain and suffering, the better?

That's Dales folk for you.

They're a sadistic bunch.

(thunder rumbling) ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ Oh, I say, Mrs. H. It smells marvelous.

It really does.

Yes, well, it's just bread and cheese for now.

So hands off.

You really didn't need to do all of this.

Your birthday only comes round once a year.

Just eat up, and then you can get out from under my feet.

Siegfried not around?

Um, no.

He, he went out.

Out where?

I think he, uh, was hoping to catch up with you.

Something about a spare rasp.

Seriously?

So he said.

(chuckles) Unbelievable.

He went to check up on me, didn't he?

(door opens and shuts) (footsteps approaching) My apologies, Mrs. Hall.

You're all right, lunch is cold anyway.

Jolly good.

I heard we missed you at the estate?

What?

Oh, yes.

SIEGFRIED: No matter.

Just had a quick chat with Monkham.

So, what did Mr. Monkham have to say then?

Not a great deal.

He did say you should learn to move a bit quicker.

You gotta watch yourself with those stallions.

Yes, I know.

Nothing else?

Should there have been?

No, no, not at all.

(telephone ringing) I'll get it.

You know, I've been giving some thought to those suggestions you made about the improvements.

Oh, yes?

We should sit down and start making some plans together.

That'd be great, thank you, Siegfried.

All about the money, of course.

But I think it's time.

TRISTAN: That was Dobson, his heifer's in labor, but it's not progressing.

I said we'd head over to lend a hand.

Right oh.

James, weren't you going to check on the Alderson's mare?

I was, but it's nothing that can't wait.

I can run by tomorrow.

No, no.

You should go this afternoon.

We mustn't let the Aldersons down.

Tristan can manage at Dobson's.

Can't you?

Yes.

(clears throat) Yes, shouldn't be a problem.

Well, that's settled, then.

Except, how will I get there?

You'll have to take the Rover.

Oh, I, I think I'd probably be better in the Vauxhall.

James will need the Vauxhall.

But still.

The Rover, it's your pride and joy.

I can easily walk over to see Hardwick's ewe.

Besides, it'll go with the new bag.

(chuckles) ♪ ♪ (door closes) Now just mind the steering on the bends-- shut up.

I'm sure you can handle it.

Right.

See you later.

(engine turns) Is this a good idea?

He's a perfectly good driver.

But it's a lot to take on.

He's not done a calving on his own before.

He's got to do one some time.

Sink or swim, Mrs. Hall.

It's the nature of the beast.

Doesn't mean you have to push him straight in at the deep end.

I'm sure he'll be fine.

James.

When you're done at the Alderson's, perhaps you could call by and see how Triss is getting on.

(Rover horn honking) Wrong way!

That might not be a bad idea.

Oh, and...

I hope it goes well with Helen.

♪ ♪ (honks) (goat bleats) ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ Oh, hello again.

Hello.

Just on my way to my next call.

Thought I'd stop and see how he's getting on.

All right there, boy?

(Satan bristles aggressively) You know, I took extra special care with his teeth.

Thanks.

Is that your car?

Isn't she a beauty?

It's very smart.

Hm.

Well, I'd best not keep this one waiting.

It's my birthday today.

Is it really?

Well, many happy returns.

Yes, well, I mean, I don't make a big thing of them as a rule, but I am actually having a small party, well, more of a dinner-- a dinner party.

Just a few close friends-- Helen Alderson will be there, if you happen to be free.

I haven't seen Helen in an absolute age!

I'm sure she'd be thrilled to see you.

So what do you say?

All right, then.

I'll see you this evening.

7:30.

Or 8:00.

Or just, you know, come whenever.

See you.

(exhales) (Bonnie whining) (whining stops) Thank the Lord.

(sighs) (Bonnie howling) Oh, for the love of... What's wrong with you, you daft ha'p'orth?

Hey, hm?

Oh, come on.

Not nice always being on your own, is it, hmm?

Come on.

But if you so much as sniff at my Beef Wellington, you'll be out in the shed.

(Bonnie barks) (birds squawking) Mr. Dobson, I got here as fast as I could.

Oh, aye?

You did the right thing calling.

Has there been any progress?

Well, no, not so you'd notice.

Then I shall begin with a thorough examination.

I'm afraid these things aren't always as simple as they appear.

I'll lead the way, shall I?

(Candy bristles) Very good, nice and steady.

I'll just check her...

Such efficiency.

We aim to please.

(clears throat) Right.

She's all right, then?

Well, she's a way to go, but, yes.

Mother and foal are both coming along very nicely.

Heart-rate and... temperature, all fine.

In a few months time, you'll have your very own pony.

HELEN: Lucky girl.

Candy were our mam's.

JENNY: Yeah.

Sort of like the next generation.

I see.

Besides it's just practical, takes forever to walk up top field.

'Course, if you'd let me drive the tractor... Yeah, well, maybe's when your feet reach pedals, you can.

JENNY: Dad, I've been tall enough for months and you know it.

Aye, annoying enough, you're right.

I'm practically an adult, you know.

(sighs) She will be soon, much as I hate to admit it.

(clicks tongue) Come on, then.

(Candy nickers) Thanks for coming up.

Not at all.

Do I need to bring anything this evening?

I don't think so, Mrs. Hall as it all in hand.

I didn't have Triss down as the dinner party sort.

Ah well, this is a whole new Tristan we're talking about.

(chuckles) Speaking of which, I should get going.

I said I'd check in on him.

How's he getting on?

Surprisingly well.

Good for him.

It's good news for the rest of us, too.

Now he's out on calls, we can split the night shifts.

Up in Glasgow, I only had to be on call once a week.

I thought you liked being out on the Dales under the moonlight?

Oh, I do.

It's just I quite like a full night's sleep, too.

It's a good job you didn't stay in Glasgow any longer, then.

Sounds like you would've gone soft.

(chuckles) Yeah, you're probably right.

♪ ♪ (birds squawking) (cow lowing) (grunts) How you doing there, Triss?

Thought I'd see if you needed a hand.

Mr. Dobson.

I'm managing as best I can at the moment.

Although the presentation does, uh, present some serious difficulties.

(cow lowing continues) Both legs are back.

(lowing continues) (grunts) And she's got an incredibly long pelvis.

(grunts) It is long.

Oh God, here comes another contraction.

(grunting) (panting) (lowing continues) Uh... everything all right there, Triss?

(panting) I just need a moment.

Oh, give over, will you?

(Siegfried whistling) Couldn't one of the boys have done that?

Not if I want it doing this year.

(chuckles) Well, um, let me help.

I'll need the extra chair if Tristan's bringing someone.

Is he not back yet?

He's not.

And he doesn't need you showing up with any more equipment.

I only wanted to make sure he wasn't out of his depth.

Hm.

Maybe I should give Dobson a call, find out how he's getting on.

Oh, there's no need for that.

I asked James to pop in on his way back.

Oh, so your faith isn't entirely unshakeable either?

He's a good boy.

I know he don't want to let you down.

Despite the fact that's often the end result.

No, I have noticed a change in him.

I wonder if all he really needed was a bit of self-belief.

He thinks he's a qualified vet, and so he acts like one.

Hm.

Good.

We fixed it.

Oh, I do hope so.

(cow lowing, Tristan grunting in pain) Triss, do you want me to... (grunts in pain) You poor lad, what can I do?

Could you manage a sip of tea?

Yes.

(panting) Seriously, you need to let me take over.

I've come too far to stop now, James.

(panting) Can't be much longer.

(lowing) Mmm.

(exhales sharply) You brave lad.

You've earned something much stronger than a tea after this.

Yeah.

Oh God, here we go again... (mooing) (Tristan grunting in pain) (door shuts) HELEN: Evening, Mrs. Hall Oh, don't worry, I'm early.

I thought you might need a hand.

Oh, you are good.

Well, those napkins need going on the table, but take your coat off first.

And will you call me Aud?

You've known me long enough.

I can't believe what you've pulled off here, Aud.

If it were me, I'd've told Triss he could have a cold buffet and count himself lucky.

Oh, the cooking's no trouble.

All the other madness.

Siegfried up to his usual tricks, is he?

He's being very nice.

Oh.

He even let Tristan drive the Rover.

That's not like him.

Well, no.

And I think Tristan's finding it quite unnerving.

To be honest, we all are.

James says Triss is doing well, though?

So far, so good.

He reckons it'll mean you can make some changes round here.

Seems so.

Think he got used to the easy life in Glasgow.

To be honest, I'm half surprised he ever came back.

Well, I think his mother was certainly keen for him to accept the permanent position.

Did they offer him one?

Apparently.

I don't know all the details.

Right.

He didn't say anything.

Did he not?

Now, I think we're just about ready.

Though with that blessed Labrador howling non-stop earlier, just hoping I haven't put peas in the blancmange.

(chuckles) (birds chirping) Good feeling, isn't it?

It really is.

Your first calf.

And I didn't mess it up.

♪ ♪ (birds squawking) Thanks again, Mr. Farnon.

You take care now.

TRISTAN: Yeah, will do.

(grunts) Good evening, Mr. Dobson.

Are you sure you'll be all right driving with that shoulder?

We could easily leave the Rover and we could... You bugger.

(laughs) You were putting that on?

Shh, shh, got to admit, it was an inspired performance.

Well, I'll tell you something, Siegfried is going to get a glowing report from Mr. Dobson.

Yeah, I suppose.

Siegfried really is proud of you, you know.

No, he's not.

But maybe after today, he might stop thinking I'm a hopeless case.

♪ ♪ (door opens and shuts) Helen, you're here!

Oh, happy birthday Triss.

James.

Hello there.

TRISTAN: Uh, have you seen Siegfried?

He said something about a telephone call.

From Mr. Dobson.

Right.

I'd better go change.

Everything okay?

Mm-hmm.

I should take these through.

SIEGFRIED (on the phone): No, that's very helpful, Mr. Dobson.

Thank you, yes, and you.

(hangs up) Siegfried!

Everything all right?

Shouldn't I be asking you that?

Right, yes, all good.

One calf delivered safe and sound.

As one would hope.

(bell rings) Well, go on then, get yourself dressed, you've guests arriving.

I just thought you might want to...

I'll get it then, shall I?

Yes-- no, I should.

(sighs, door opens) MRS. HALL: Mrs. Brompton!

DIANA: Hello, thank you.

I do hope I'm not too early.

Not at all, you're right on time.

Diana.

Siegfried, my, how dashing you look.

Thank you.

A spot of blue ruin.

For when you boys huddle up with your port.

No need for me and Mrs. Hall to miss out.

Don't you agree?

Very kind of you, I'm sure.

(bell rings) Come in.

So where's the birthday boy?

I hope changing into less odoriferous attire.

(chuckles) Oh, Siegfried, you are dreadful.

Good evening.

Margot Sebright Saunders.

Tristan did say to come at 7:30.

Yes, of course.

Please, do come in.

Thank you.

(indistinct chatter) It's so lovely to finally meet you, Mrs. Farnon.

These are for you.

No, I'm not... Siegfried, honestly.

Is there something you haven't told me?

(giggling) I'm Mrs. Hall, the housekeeper.

Oh, I'm so sorry.

Uh, should I...

I'll just put these in water.

SIEGFRIED: Margot, do come in.

Now then ladies, if this Amontillado is too dry for you, I do have something sweeter.

Oh, I think we're sweet enough already, don't you, Margot?

(laughs) Oh, yes, absolutely.

SIEGFRIED: Oh, Helen, I believe you know Miss Sebright Saunders?

Helen, so lovely to see you.

Margot, how are you?

Oh, I'm perfectly fine.

But how are you?

I was simply devastated about you and Hugh.

We all were.

Oh well, that's very kind of you.

I'm so glad to see you out and about.

Despite everything.

SIEGFRIED: Right.

Here we are.

Thank you.

What's all that about?

Hm?

Oh, Margot's an old pal of Hugh's.

Family friends and what have you.

You didn't think to mention that before?

Has he said anything to you?

Who?

Siegfried.

I know he's spoken to Dobson on the phone.

If he thinks I've botched it somehow, why doesn't he just say something?

If you'd all like to come through, dinner is served.

(music playing, dishware clinking) Siegfried, shouldn't Tristan be at the head of the table?

What?

Um, yes.

Quite right, how silly of me.

Um, Oh, I don't know, It's your birthday, it's only proper.

James, how do we, um... How do we do this?

Um... Well, uh... Why don't you two swap?

Yes, of course.

Um, thank you Mrs. Hall, very sensible.

(music playing on radio) (clears throat) SIEGFRIED: So, Margot, how's that bay mare of your father's?

Will he be entering her on the North West Circuit?

I should think so, she's showing excellent form.

I look forward to seeing her in action.

Well, she'll be up against the Hulton's new gelding.

He's having a pretty good season.

Just a shame Hugh's missing all the events.

Who's this?

Hugh Hulton.

Oh.

I keep telling him he should just come back from France.

I'm sure he's having a fine old time.

I doubt it.

He said he felt too ashamed to show his face in Darrowby.

Though what he's got to be ashamed of, I really don't know.

Hugh has nothing to be ashamed of.

But I had to be honest with him.

The longer I let it go on, the worse it would've got for both of us.

DIANA: I agree-- far better to make a clean break.

No point in prolonging the agony.

I suppose not.

You know, Mrs. Hall, this soup is absolutely first rate.

(all agreeing) TRISTAN: Best one yet, Mrs. H. MRS. HALL: No, it were bother at all.

(music playing) (indistinct chatter, laughter) Especially for you, Triss.

Oh, good choice, James.

JAMES: Bordeaux 1937 for you, my friend!

Get that over here, boy.

(dings glass) If I might have your attention for a moment, ladies and gentlemen.

First of all, Mrs. Hall, thank you for making such a delicious meal and beef of which Wellington would be proud.

Hear, hear.

Hear, hear.

Now, as some of you know, today was not only my brother's birthday, it was also his first day out on call as lead vet.

Goodness!

How exciting.

(chuckles) Now, to say that I had my reservations...

Uh, would be putting it mildly.

(chuckling) SIEGFRIED: And I admit, I thought it prudent to keep a close eye on his progress throughout the day.

Having said all that, to my surprise and, dare I say it, delight, the reports of his work have been uniformly excellent.

So a toast.

To Tristan.

Many happy returns, and my heartfelt congratulations.

ALL: To Tristan!

Well done.

That was lovely.

You sound almost like the proud father.

Yes, well, um, I suppose, in a way, that's how I feel.

(Bonnie howling) Oh... Oh, good heavens, what's that?

Oh, it's fine.

She'll, she'll calm down in a minute.

It sounds like something's in pain.

TRISTAN: I almost wonder if it might be a post-operative complication.

It's not a complication.

She just doesn't like being on her own.

I'll let her out as soon as we finish.

I'd be more than happy to take a look.

I've already examined her thoroughly, thank you.

You know, Siegfried, the thing I realized today is, it doesn't matter how good a vet you are, people only respect you once they see you putting in the hard graft.

Well, no one could fault you there, Triss.

No, because at the end of the day, I'm not afraid to go the extra mile.

If that's what it takes.

You certainly went all out.

TRISTAN: If it's sweat and tears they want, I'll give it to them.

(Bonnie whining) If you've been done anything to embarrass this practice, Tristan... No, no not at all, no.

I mean, I may have exaggerated the effort involved a little.

No, really?

TRISTAN: (laughs) A few well-placed groans, some unnecessarily straining sinews, and the final howl of pain.

(laughter) DIANA: Goodness!

TRISTAN (laughing): Yes.

The final what?

Oh, I may have gotten slightly carried away.

But it had the desired effect.

What is wrong with you?

For God's sake, after that fiasco with the chickens, I thought you'd finally come to your senses.

And I have, absolutely.

I thought you'd finally started to take responsibility for your actions.

Complete responsibility, totally, but fair's fair, old chap, you're hardly averse to putting on a show yourself.

SIEGFRIED: I would never resort to play-acting and tomfoolery.

Oh, come off it, you and your purple powder, blinding the great unwashed, with the magic of science.

That is entirely different!

Don't see how.

Because I know what I'm doing!

Yes, well, so do I. I seriously doubt that.

Well, I've the qualifications to prove it.

Or so you think.

Wait, what?

♪ ♪ Why don't we all go through, everyone?

I can make us some drinks.

And see to that dog.

(door shuts) Are you saying I didn't pass?

♪ ♪ You told me that I'd passed.

You said categorically...

I know-- I may have omitted one or two of the finer details.

So I didn't pass?

You narrowly missed the mark on one paper, parasitology, but really, in the great scheme of things, just a tiny white lie.

You're not serious?

You'd tried so hard, and I knew how disappointed you'd be.

So I just, I bent the truth a little.

You let me think I was qualified when I wasn't.

And then you let me carry on, showing off, like a complete idiot.

All this time, I've been a total laughingstock.

Oh, for God's sake!

You'd already wasted so much time on those blasted exams, I thought you'd be better off getting out there, getting your hands dirty, and I've been proven right, haven't I?

I don't believe you.

Even now, you can't admit that you're in the wrong.

I don't see that I am, necessarily.

Oh well, there's a surprise!

♪ ♪ (door shuts) Well, thank you so much for dinner.

It were very nice to meet you.

Only, Tristan did say he would drive me home.

DIANA: Not to worry.

I can give you a lift, Margot.

That's awfully kind of you.

I'm sorry about all this.

Please don't apologize.

Dinner and a show, who could ask for more?

We shall have to have that gin another time.

Helen.

(door opens) I'm sorry.

I appreciate now that it can't have been easy for you either.

It's fine, Margot.

Really.

Well...

I hope you'll both be very happy.

DIANA: Come on, Margot.

MRS. HALL: Good night, ladies.

(shuts door) You sure I can't help you tidy up?

I think a discreet exit's probably best.

Thanks for this.

Enjoy!

My dad loves a doggy bag.

(footsteps approaching) I made you some blancmange.

I'm sticking to liquids, thanks all the same.

Triss... Did you know?

Why didn't you tell me?

I'm so sorry.

I only found out later.

And your brother's intentions weren't bad.

Even if perhaps his methods were.

Didn't even buy the bag, did he?

He was still the one who paid for it.

You have no idea how much he cares for you.

And worries about you.

(sighs) It's just hard for him.

Hard for him?

That's rich.

(sniffles) I am truly sorry.

♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ It just couldn't have gone any worse if it tried.

Poor Triss.

Did you know about his exams?

I had no idea.

Siegfried's outdone himself this time.

I mean, I'm sure he meant well.

But the road to hell is paved with good intentions.

So what will it mean for the practice if Triss isn't stepping up?

Well, I suppose any modernization will have to wait.

Helen, there's something I need to talk to you about.

It's about Glasgow.

They offered you a job.

How did you?

Audrey thought I knew.

Right, I'm so sorry.

I've been wanting to tell you.

Are you considering it?

I see.

It's not...

The chap I was covering for is leaving, so they need to replace him, and, well, Bill told my mum, and next thing I know, she told him I'm taking the job.

Right.

And are you?

No, I...

I don't know.

I need to make a decision, but whatever I decide, I'll be letting people down.

Oh, James, why didn't you say something?

I didn't want you to feel like I was putting pressure on you.

How d'you mean?

Helen, I want to be with you.

And that means staying in Darrowby, and I love it here.

I do.

The place, the work, the people.

But if I stay... You'll break your mother's heart.

They've given up so much for me.

I don't know what I'm going to do.

Well, then we'll just have to work something out, won't we?

♪ ♪ Stay for another brew?

I'd love to.

But I better get back and check on Triss.

(door opens) Have the others turned in?

Are you all right?

Just dandy.

I mean, I've been publicly humiliated, shown up as a laughingstock.

Triss...

But, I'm exacting my revenge with a very fine malt.

Is that Siegfried's special bottle?

It certainly was.

Here.

Come on.

Misery loves company and all that.

Would it have made a difference?

If you'd found out sooner.

What, that I'm a complete failure?

I don't know, maybe ignorance was bliss.

JAMES: There are plenty of fine vets with no qualifications.

You know you can do the work, that's what matters.

♪ ♪ Come on.

Where are we going?

Mm.

Unless I'm mistaken, it's still my birthday, so I say we go and get blasted at the Drovers.

All right, then.

And bring the whisky.

You know, we should've just gone to the bloody pub in the first place.

♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ Herriot, thanks for coming out.

Have you seen much of Helen?

Didn't have the guts to tell him.

Probably best he hears it from her.

He said you wanted to speak to us about the lease.

MRS. PUMPHREY: Welcome to Pumphrey Manor!

I know we're all looking forward to some excellent cricket.

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