There he is. My boy!
Hello, Mum.
You're too young to be getting married. You should still be at home with your mammy.
He'd be an old man before he got wed if it was up to you.
- Hello, son. - Hello, Dad.
Let me take those.
- Are you all right there, Pa? - Aye. Just a bit sore.
They've got him working all hours plating ships at the clock.
You'd think we're already at war, the rate they're building.
It won't come to that. But I'm happy to do my bit all the same.
Aye. You did that the first time around.
You sure you don't want to join us tonight, Pa?
Well... Och, your father's got no time for all that carry on.
- Have you, clear? - Uh... No, no, I suppose not.
I'll carry these inside for you.
It might be James' last night as a single man, but don't drink too much.
More importantly, don't let James drink too much.
I want him walking Helen down that aisle tomorrow, not staggering.
You can lead a horse to water, Mrs H, but you can't make it
guzzle six pints of Sharp's brew.
If you pour it down his bloomin' neck, you can.
Don't be so fussy, Clancy.
It's just for one night.
Mr Mulligan will be back to pick you up tomorrow evening.
What are you doing? It's only 5.26.
Finished for the day. Already?!
Plenty of bread.
- The Harris' cat that needed spaying? - Done.
- And there's milk too. - What about Mulligan's hellhound Clancy?
Oh, the usual vomiting, but there's something on his chest, too.
I've administered Digoxin, but we'll keep him overnight. See how he responds.
Well, make sure he's locked away, or he'll chew the place to pieces.
Slow and steady wins the race.
Look, I know this must be hard for you both,
but your days of mollycoddling me are over.
I'm a fully functioning member of society now.
You'll just have to find someone else to mother hen.
Ah, Jim. Perfect timing.
Mrs Hall's got your first tipple of the evening.
Parents get settled in all right?
Yes, they're staying at the Falcon Inn again.
You know, James, this wedding business is really rather inconsiderate of you.
- Oh, is it, Siegfried? - Yes, it damn well is.
Then there's the honeymoon you're drifting gaily off on.
- You can't begrudge the boy a holiday. - A week in North Riding. Lovely.
It's not lovely. It's bloody awful. The whole week.
And I'm here running around, disappearing halfway up my own backside.
Only halfway. Should have booked in for two.
I'm sorry, Helen, but spring is our busiest time of year.
I didn't mean to land you in it like this.
Oh, no. He's only had it booked in for six months.
Exactly. You don't plan ahead. You go belting in without a care in the world.
No, hang on a minute. It was you who... Marriage is a serious step.
It shouldn't be undertaken without serious thought.
Right.
May I remind you of the old saying?
Marry in haste, repent at leisure.
- Well... - Oh, not you two.
I meant people. Other people.
You'll probably be fine.
Are we sure we don't want him to say a few words at the service?
Hadn't we better eat? We're clue at the Drovers in, what, an hour?
Ring? Safely stowed in my...
Oh, my God...
Ah, just joking! Just a joke.
Can I check?
Almost offended.
Your life wouldn't be worth living.
Do we understand one another?
Thanks, Tris.
Let's eat.
Thank you, Mrs H.
First time I ever saw you, I was so distracted
I got off the bus in the middle of nowhere!
Falton Crust.
I remember wondering what you were up to.
I never imagined for a second this is where we'd end up.
Yes, you did.
- Yes. - Yes.
I did.
Better hop on.
- See you tomorrow. - Count on it.
- Still time to change your mind. - Not for anything in the world.
Best man buys the first round.
One last look.
Ah...
Spoilsport.
You're going to be all right?
Don't worry about me.
- Don't wait up. - Look after James.
Don't you misbehave either.
Right. You two be careful up on that roof. And you, steady with my ale.
Can I have your room since you're not coming back this time?
My bed'll barely be cold before you're in it.
Well, what do you expect? It's way more comfy.
Of course you can.
I'll be back here every day.
Hey, nothing's going to change.
Just because I'm getting married, it won't be any different.
You know, Mum would be so proud of you.
Everything you've done for us.
Don't. You'll set me off.
I love you to your ruddy bones.
Even if you're an annoying little tyke.
Ah, less of the little, now.
Aye. Less of the little.
Now, then, lad, I'm under strict orders to
make sure you don't get in trouble, so...
Steady on that ale.
Tom? Sort out James, will you? Same again, Maggie.
A shot coming up.
- Something stronger? - No, no more, Tom.
- I have plenty left here. - It's empty.
Which is plenty enough for me.
He's empty-
A yard of ale, if you wouldn't mind, please, Maggie.
I'll bring it over.
Arthur, shelf in the stock room.
Thanks, Arthur.
I still don't see what he's got that I haven't.
That tells a story of its own.
Ah, just in time, big brother. How much is that, Maggie?
But, Tristan, you're a fully functioning member of society now.
Yes, I am a tiny bit short. Go on.
It's a hell of a thing. One cow we sold turned out to have tuberculosis.
My whole herd might be infected.
It's the waiting. I can barely sleep for worrying about it.
Losing your heart is a terrible thing to contemplate.
It's not my herd. It's the infected milk that might come from it. People will be drinking that.
We need to know. Sorry.
I shouldn't be spoiling your fun like this.
- No, it's fine. - Have a good one, lad.
He lost his first son to TB ten years ago.
Young Wilf there and his dad had a struggle.
Milk from his old herd.
You know you're in trouble when they serve drinks by the length.
No! No, I can't.
- Can't? - I shouldn't.
Come on.
Oh, blimey.
Smells like a brewery in here.
Oh, no, Maggie...
You're a married woman.
Oh, Jess, Just you.
Breakfast will be on the table in five minutes.
- OK. - Where's James?
I hope you didn't lose him last night.
I confess the details are a little hazy.
No, no, no... The ring!
Oh, God...
You certainly seem in a better state than your brother.
The exuberance of youth is no match for the resilience of experience.
Yours, I believe. Found them covered in mud.
I may have had a slight tumble on my way home.
I found them in the pantry.
I was in need of cheese.
You took your clothes off for a slice of cheddar?
Not entirely compos mentis.
And I found this in the pocket.
I thought it prudent to relieve Tristan of the responsibility.
He left it on the table last night. I doubt he even realised.
Breakfast will just be a minute.
The rat's yours, I presume?
Ah, yes, I do now recall.
- Do you? - Not particularly, no.
And what about James? His bed don't look like it's been slept in.
Here he is. The worst man.
He did come home with you?
- Ring all safe and sound? - Mm-hm.
Yeah. How are you getting on with your prize?
Prize? What prize? What are you talking about?
Siegfried got himself embroiled in the drinking contest.
- We all did, actually. - Would you both, please, just...
- I don't remember any contest. - No, it wasn't.
- You drank us under the table. - Did I?
Where's James?!
- Oh, God... - What is it?
You better take the Rover. It'll be quicker.
Oh!
- Keys. Where are the keys? - On the hook where they live.
Yes, yes.
Always there, Mr Herriot.
Got a brew for you.
Thank you. Um...
Get cracking, shall we? I don't want you late to t'church.
I said you shouldn't on the night before your wedding,
but you wouldn't take no for an answer.
Insisted on coming back no matter what.
Well, we don't like to let our clients down.
You said you want to get started first thing this morning.
I'm sorry, started on what?
Dear me, you were three sheets to the wind, weren't you, lad?
The testing, the TB testing. TB testing?
The cows? My herd.
I see. Of course.
We picked up your equipment on the way.
I would have brought you in the house, but you insisted on the barn.
Couldn't shift you for love nor money.
I wouldn't want to impose on you.
That's not Hi skin Fell...?
Aye, that it be. Now, shall we get started?
There they are. I'll get the lads together.
Won't take long to round them up.
Once they're in the crush, it should be easy enough.
Unless you're worried it'll be cutting it fine?
We should be all right.
What's that face?
Very typical. A decent breakfast on the day that you're leaving us.
Heard you come in last night. Along with half the county.
Oh, well... It were very dark. Couldn't see where I were going.
I said I'd do breakfast this morning.
Mm... Saying and doing are two different things.
- What happened? - Happened?!
Nothing happened.
- I'm going to muck out Candy and Joan. - No.
- Sit yourself down. - I'm fine, Dad.
I'd rather keep busy.
- Mm. - Mm.
Jim?
Seven eight. All good so far, Mr Henry.
No sign of TB in the half we've done.
Come on, Wilfred. Get another through.
You've still got a job to do here, you know?
- Yes, Dad. - Come on.
Stubborn beggar won't shift.
I saw that recruiting officer got stuck into you last night.
Aye. He did that.
Wilf didn't take much persuading.
I was under the impression farming was a reserved occupation.
Oh, it is, for the older folk, but there's nothing stopping
these young lads from signing up, if that's what they want to do.
I'm proud of him for standing up.
So you should be. James!
Tris? What are you doing here?
I think I'd be neglecting my best man duties if I didn't ask you the same question.
Mr Henry needed his cows testing.
I'm getting an eerie sense of deja vu.
Only last time it was Helen hiding, having second thoughts.
I'm not having second thoughts.
I told him it could wait until after his wedding.
Jim, you're getting married in two hours' time.
If any of these cows have tuberculosis,
and we don't pick it up, it can spread to
the rest of the herd and into the milk.
We're here now, and we have a job to do.
We'll get it done.
Knock, knock.
I was clearing out the bedsit for Helen and James,
and I found this.
What's this?
Handsome creature.
Ah, Well, I was younger then, you see.
Still, the year haven't been completely un...
You're talking about the horse, aren't you?
That's Sergeant Morris Oliver. Has his own practice now.
I haven't seen all this stuff for years.
Evelyn boxed it all up before she cited.
She was very practical.
She though I was perhaps a bit lacking in that respect.
There's a lot more boxes up there.
Oh, yes.
I had to get a day's extension to my leave so we could marry.
We didn't even have time to buy a ring.
- Tied a knot in a length of twine. - Very practical.
- Evelyn would approve. - Hm.
You've forgotten where you put it, haven't you? No, absolutely not.
Mrs Hall?
Mrs Hall! You really will burst something one of these days.
The ring box. It was right there, and...
Oh, clear.
Let me. You'll be absolutely reeking when you walk down the aisle.
Got time for a bath afterwards.
It's hardly putting you in a romantic mood.
I'd rather keep myself busy.
- Keep your mind off it? - Because I like to be busy.
Why don't you stop? I can fill the bath for you if you like.
- What are you up to? - Nothing. I'm not up to anything.
And what are you hiding back there for?
No-one's hiding. I were just... There's a few stones out of place.
The wedding isn't till this afternoon.
Aye, we know. We've a right to worry, though. Aren't we.
- You know, after last time. - You have got form.
I called off one wedding. It happened once.
That doesn't mean I've got form.
I love James. I'm marrying James today.
This afternoon. Nothing's going to get in t'way of that.
At least, I think it won't...
You think?
Helen?
I've just got so much running through my mind.
You know, I mean... What about the chickens?
- The chickens? - What about them?
- Then there's the cows. - What are you talking about, lass?
- The chickens are fine. - I'll be milking the cows.
Then I think what it might be like to be married.
James isn't... bad.
- Dad... - All right, then, he's good.
No father could wish for more for his daughter.
But I'm telling you, I'm not going through all that bloody nonsense again.
I'm just not.
Oh...
You're having me on. She's having me on.
- Very funny. - I'll go and see to t'pigs.
Going to give me a bloody heart attack one day, you.
You can pack it in an' all.
I thought farmers and vets were protected.
They are. We are. Reserved occupations.
But Wilfred was able to volunteer.
Maybe we could too.
Looking after animals keeps food on plates.
Doubtless you'll protect more people by preventing TB spread
than you ever would with a gun in your hand.
It is a shame for the women of the world, though.
I mean, I would look good in a uniform.
Right, this looks like the last one. Come on. Confirm code number 76.
Six... Seven, seven.
Your herd's is in good shape, Mr Henry.
Thank the Lord for that. Grand work, Mr Herriot.
That's the last one. Come on, then. Let's go.
- Are we missing some? - No, no, don't think so.
There's one left to do.
She could be in the bracken down by the stream.
Wilfred, get down in the gully, and look for a cow.
I'm afraid we... We really must be getting going, Mr Henry.
He's right. I won't have you missing your wedding.
Thank you for coming up so fast.
Make sure you keep her away from the rest of the herd, or we'll have to test them all again.
Will do. Now, don't keep that young lass waiting a moment longer.
- Thank you, Mr Henry. - Hey!
Dad! Mr Herriot!
Come on, then. Quick!
Must have done something to her leg, Mr Herriot.
There we are, Clancy. Oh, I'm sorry.
That doesn't taste very nice, does it?
- Shouldn't they be back by now? - Well, my brother is reliably unreliable.
What about this one? Still no luck?
For a dog with a fondness for vomiting,
he's been decidedly uncooperative.
I've tried linseed oil, salt water, now mustard and then soda crystals.
See if that doesn't force the issue.
One wonders if a lesson might have been learned.
- What are you implying, Mrs Hall? - Well, there's no implying.
Straight-up telling you - sticking your beak in has created this mess.
I dispute that - because of my actions,
we know exactly where the ring is.
It's inside a dog.
If I left it with Tristan, we wouldn't have a bloody clue where it was.
- At least this way we're sure. - For all the good it does.
I think it's extremely unfair of you, given the efforts I've made.
I let Tristan run surgery entirely by himself.
And you know how much I value James.
That doesn't change the fact he's getting married today.
Because of your meddling, there's no blooming ring, and he's
up in the Dales instead of getting ready for his wedding.
It was James's choice to go up to Henry's.
I'm sure the way you went on last night had nothing to do with it.
- Which one? - That one.
I'm touched you even asked.
I don't know why you're carrying on like this.
I'd finished.
You know, Herriot has a much thicker skin than you give him credit for.
He's only up at that farm
because you made him feel guilty about going away.
Why are you giving me this? I need you to run me up to Weston Grange.
I'd said I'd help Helen get ready.
And you need to get over to Henry's and bring that boy back.
What about Clancy? I've just given him an emetic. I can't very well leave him.
You really are the most ridiculous creature.
I hope you're referring to the dog.
Did you put James's suit in the back? He won't have time to come back here.
Yes, yes.
Did you hear cracking as the bone moved?
What do you say, Mr Herriot?
It's not great. Mr Henry, the metacarpus is fractured,
and the bone's only staying in place
because these muscles of hers are holding it there.
And it's causing her a great deal of pain.
Right. If there's nothing that can be done...
that's the way of it.
No need to delay yourself any further, Mr Herriot.
Time to get thee wed.
Wilfred, fetch my gun, would you?
- That's it? - I tried.
Not very hard from where I'm standing.
- Wilfred! - Sorry, Pa, but they're meant to help.
- Otherwise, what's the point in them? - I suppose we could try a splint.
It'd keep the weight off the leg, and maybe give it a chance to heal.
It's a long shot, but at least then we can say we've exhausted everything.
What about your wedding? We'll go straight to church when we're done.
Helen'll have to take me as I am.
- Thanks for doing this again. - No, it's my pleasure.
For a mother without daughters, this is something I never thought
I'd get to do once, let alone twice.
I wish my mam were here.
She is, in you and in your sister.
Aye.
Were you nervous?
Well, I didn't have time to be. Robert only had a few days' leave.
Not just about the wedding.
Everything after.
We were in love.
Robert were kind, and a good man.
It didn't turn out how I'd hoped - the war put paid to that.
But when I married him,
I didn't have any doubts at all.
You don't have any doubts about James, do you?
Definitely not.
Lovely.
Give us a minute, would you?
Mrs Pumphrey is sorry she can't be here,
but Tricki has promised to tell her all about it.
Funny looking thing, isn't it?
Mr Alderson, apologise at once.
All right, lad.
Eh, right, um...
I'm sorry, Tricki.
Your sister is aware of the time, is she?
Keep your hair on, Dad.
Look all right?
Aye... Middling.
- I'll see you there. - Careful on that bike.
Herriot?
Mr Henry?
This was never going to work. Then the question does beg to be asked...
What was I supposed to do? Just walk away?
What on earth do you think you're doing?!
Good afternoon, William. I'm afraid I'm going to have to take this one away with me.
I need to splint the leg. It's your wedding day, you damn fool.
I'm sorry. I've never known anyone with
more passion and dedication to the care of animals.
But he still doesn't know when to call it a day.
I thought maybe if she keeps the weight off it -
You know perfectly well that's just going to prolong the inevitable.
Out of the way. Let me see.
James, it's your wedding.
I understand you felt you had to do this,
but really, some things are more important.
Mr Henry, we've done everything we can for her,
and she must be in terrible pain.
I understand.
Thanks for trying, Mr Herriot.
Wilfred.
You shouldn't have to do that today.
I'll do it.
Very good.
I'll follow you.
I'd rather not stay, if you don't mind.
Bye, old lass.
Used one before?
When I was much younger.
Safety's still on.
If you've not got the stomach for it...
Thank you.
Someone's got to do it.
Siegfried, why is Clancy coming to the wedding with us?
Oh... He's been a friend of the practice for some time now.
I'd be strange if he wasn't there.
I didn't sleep the night before my wedding.
My head going a thousand miles an hour.
Did you ever worry what kind of husband you would be?
- What sort of man? - Hmm.
Too late. If I decided...
What if I was needed somewhere else?
Somewhere else? What are you talking about?
- Wilfred signed up. - James... No!
What you do... What we do is far more important than any...
You shouldn't even be contemplating such a thing. Today of all days.
You're too important here. You're staying here, and that's a bloody end to it.
You know, it is the tradition that the groom arrives before the bride.
He'll be here.
Come on!
Shoes. Siegfried, where are my shoes?
Borrow mine. Oh, you're driving!
Siegfried...
- They're too big. - Wellies it is, then.
Oh, well done! That's absolutely perfect timing.
What is? What's wrong with him?
That's it, Clancy. Good lad.
Oh, well done.
All right, lad. Take a breath. She's not here yet.
Oh, thank Christ. Heavens.
Oh, James, wellies! Take mine.
What happened to your good shoes?!
You missing something?
Oh, God. Thank God.
You ought to start taking your responsibilities more seriously.
Use me as your example. I pride myself on always, always...
Siegfried... It's nothing to do with me. You're on your own.
Siegfried! You need to help.
- I don't... I'm sorry. - Helen is right behind us.
- I know. She's going to hurt me. - Something... No, something will...
Oh, God. Come on, Clancy. Don't eat your lead, please.
Don't eat your lead.
Oh, don't ask! Clancy.
Excuse me. Sorry. Sorry, everybody.
- Sorry. Excuse me. Sorry. - By the skin of your teeth.
Well, that we're here at all is something of a miracle.
Siegfried...
Hold this.
- Ready to go? Yes. - Yes, absolutely. Tip-top.
It's the ring, isn't it?
Please be seated.
Have this woman, and will thou have this man
to be thy wedded husband, and to live together
according to God's Law in the holy state of matrimony?
Will thou love him, comfort him, honour and keep him
in sickness and in health,
and forsaking all others, keep thee only unto him
for as long as ye both shall live?
- I will. - Excellent.
Now, the ring.
The ring?
- Tris? - Hmm?
Oh, the ring...?
- You want the ring? - Here.
At this point in the service, that is the tradition.
But how do we feel about tradition in these modern...
Tris...
It's all right.
I pocketed it before we went out last night for safe...
My other jacket.
Perhaps this might suffice?
Perfect.
Absolutely perfect.
Shall we proceed? Repeat after me.
I, James Alfred Herriot...
take thee... Take thee Helen Rosemary Alderson...
to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse,
for richer, for poorer.
In sickness and in health.
To love and to cherish till death us do part.
According to God's Holy Law.
And thereto, I give thee my troth.
- I memorised it. - Course you did.
Now, the bride.
Repeat after me. I, Helen Rosemary Alderson...
I, Helen Rosemary Alderson...
take thee, James Alfred Herriot
to have and to hold from this day forward,
for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer,
in sickness and in health.
To love and to cherish till death us do part
according to God's Holy Law,
and thereto, I give thee my troth.
I didn't want you showing me up.
You may now...
kiss the bride.
- James, I was just telling Tristan... - Leave the man be.
Have fun.
- You take them. - Don't look at me.
Bye. Bye!
Come on.
Go all right with Henry's cow?
She was in terrible pain.
It was the best thing.
It doesn't make it any easier.
James felt he couldn't give up.
His sense of duty'll be the death of one of these days.
How was it today? No drama or last-minute wobbles?
No, none.
- You? - No.
Stop the car. Pull up over here.
You know this is the furthest I have ever been from home?
James, look at this.
Oh, James, is that you?
- How was it? Good trip? - Yes!
- Hello. - Has he seen it yet? The sign.
Why is that thing always out of its cage?
- I did notice the sign, but why? - Name above the door.
Wedding present. Well, not a present.
You've deserved it. Earned it.
Commitment to the cause and what-not.
Deserved what?
- I am... - He's making you partner.
Mrs Hall, I was really rather hoping to tell him that myself.
Partnership? In the practice? A 50-50 split?
Well, plenty of time to iron out the details.
Thank you, Siegfried. Really.
Yes, thank you.
Oh, good God, no need to get all dewy-eyed about it.
Oh, the boy's happy. Leave him be.
- See you again soon. - You're back. How was it?
I want to hear all about it. Let me just get changed and we'll go to the Drovers.
Actually, we thought we might go and get settled in the bedsit, didn't we, James?
We did? Oh, right, we did. We did.
Oh, James, you'll find another little wedding present installed in your...
new home.
At least it'll save traipsing all the way downstairs.
We'll find somewhere new. I promise.
Shush. James, it's perfect.
As long as we're here together, it'll be perfect.
Someone else will get it.
Oh, for goodness sake!
Darrowby 2297.