Malory Towers

I can't wait to see everyone.

Me too, and our new form teacher.

I wonder who it will be.

Are we nearly there?

Not far now.

I can't wait to show them my frock.

Why are you wearing that dress, Gwen?

I can smell the sea.

Daddy?

Is the car supposed to be making that noise?

No, it's not.

I'd better pull the old girl over.

It's the carburettor.

Are we stuck? No, no.

Just needs to cool down.

Then we can be on our way.

Gwendoline, come.

You should learn how this works.

Car mechanics?

I don't think so.

I'm a lady now, you know.

You still look like a girl to me.

Afternoon.

Goodness!

Doesn't that lad ride well?

He's a good looking chap, but I can't stand horses

or horsey types.

Oh, to have had a son!

Welcome, girls.

Now, I'm delighted to have you back.

It's lovely to be back.

Ah, Mr. Lacey.

Miss Grayling is waiting for you in her study.

Why is your father meeting Miss Grayling?

Is everything all right?

Well, I wasn't supposed to say anything, but...

What is it?

Well, the reason we're driving in and the reason we were able

to pick you two up en route is because Daddy has a meeting

with Miss Grayling about being on the board.

The what?

The Board of Governors.

A group of people that advise Miss Grayling...

And help her to run the school.

Daddy, he's going to be...

There you all are.

Gracious, Gwen, what are you wearing?

Well, actually...

We missed you on the coach.

Such a shame Sally has the mumps.

Oh, I heard she won't be back for weeks.

But I promised we'll write.

And to Alicia, too.

Just think.

While we're studying equations and the pluperfect,

she'll be practising toe loops and axels on a Canadian ice rink.

It's a super opportunity for her.

I couldn't do it, though.

I'd miss you more than anything.

Aw.

Who's that? Oh, the new form mistress.

Miss Johnson. She met us off the train.

Doesn't she look marvellous?

I must offer to show her around.

No need, Gwen, she's been here all hols.

Well, it's polite to say hello at least.

Don't wait.

Well, you know who Gwen's going to be silly over this term?

Miss Johnson. Good afternoon.

Gwendoline Mary Lacey at your service.

Hello, Gwendoline. Perfect timing.

I was just looking for a sixth former to help with these books.

Would you mind?

A sixth former? Wow.

Gwen's in the third, Miss Johnson, your form.

Inside, young lady.

Into your school uniform.

Take off that...

Hat.

Sixth form.

It feels so strange without Alicia and Sally.

Means we don't have a head of form or anyone to play tricks.

Ellen's chemistry set looks promising.

Isn't it the best?

Oh, I saved and saved for it.

I so want to be a chemist.

So, can you make clouds of smoke or stink bombs or...

Girls! Health certificates please.

Is Wilhelmina not here? Who? The new girl.

Darrell, you must help her settle in.

She has never been to school before.

Did she have a governess like me? No.

I believe she had a tutor, along with her seven older brothers.

Seven? What's she like?

All I know is she's bringing her horse to school.

How?

There will be some poor groom riding over with it,

I shouldn't wonder.

Very la-di-da.

Thank you.

Irene, please tell me

you have your health certificate with you.

It's here somewhere, Matron. I promise.

Irene, will you ever change?

Let's go outside.

Go and have a look in your trunk, please.

Lynette, Dunlop.

Have a good rummage in there.

Don't throw things everywhere.

Look at the state of it.

Go and pick it up.

Hello?

Crikey!

You scared the living daylights out of me.

Ron, when did you start working in the stables?

I got a promotion over the break.

I'm really chuffed.

But...

But what?

There's something odd about this place.

What do you mean?

Things being moved when no-one's here.

Noises when I think I'm alone.

The horses are restless.

What could it be, do you think?

Is this the third form stable?

Yeah, that's right.

Wait, we saw you on the roads.

You passed us in the broken down car.

Give me a horse over horse power any day.

I'm Bill.

This is Thunder.

I'm Darrell.

This is Ron and Ellen.

You're the new girl's groom.

What's she like?

Oh, I'd say she's a pretty decent sort.

Not too hoity toity?

I've never heard anyone say that about her.

Matron said she's a bit la-di-da.

Your matron's never met her, though, and I see her all the time.

Well, will you be staying?

There are other boys who work here.

It's not so bad.

They're jolly nice girls, mostly.

Well, I hope so.

I'll be joining them.

What do you mean?

Wait, you're not, are you?

Afraid so.

You're the new girl?

Guilty as charged.

But I thought your name was Bill.

Short for Wilhelmina.

Oh, I'm so sorry. Don't worry.

I'd rather be taken for a boy than have to faff around

with appearance like some girls I've seen.

If that means I don't fit in, I'm fine with that.

I think you'll fit in just perfectly.

Everyone, this is Bill, our new girl.

Short for Wilhelmina,

Hello, all.

Hello, I'm Jean. This is Mary Lou.

Hello.

Hi, Irene. Welcome.

Hi, I'm Gwen.

What has someone done to your hair?

I like it like this.

And is that horse I can smell?

Nice, isn't it?

I brought up Thunder's blankets for my bed.

That way, any time I'm missing him, it's like he's right there.

Try it, it's heavenly.

Keep that filthy thing away from me.

And you have horsehair all over your clothes.

That's funny.

Only a few hours ago, you thought Bill was a good looking chap!

This is the boy from the road?

Come on, you're next to me.

Irene Edwards, has that health certificate materialised?

Oh, you must be Wilhelmina?

Well, change out of those jodhpurs immediately.

You're due to see Miss Grayling.

But I only have...

You cannot go like that, change now.

If you're sure.

Irene!

But Daddy, you must accept.

I'm in the area until tomorrow.

If I decide I have space alongside my other duties,

I shall return and confirm with Miss Grayling.

My father, head of Board of Governors.

Wouldn't it be marvellous?

If I do,

can you do something for me?

Can you really commit to life here this term?

Finally take full advantage

of everything the school has to offer.

What do you mean?

Muck in.