The Halcyon

You're not what I thought, love.

The soft hands, the fancy hotel.

I thought you'd last all of two nights.

_

Oh, thank God.

What is it? What's wrong?

You live near Paddington.

- Yes. - A bomb dropped on a shelter

and killed everyone inside.

Look, I'm all right.

See, I'm fine.

You were that worried about me, huh?

Oh, shut up.

You have no idea.

Wait.

Good morning, Miss. Garland.

Another night in the firing line?

This is a staff entrance, Mr. O'Hara.

Don't the WVS usually wear green?

Where is your uniform?

I'll be able to get one after payday.

Surely your father can give you an advance?

He must be proud of you out there every night doing your bit.

- What is it you want, Mr. O'Hara? - Only to talk.

Did he try and prevent you from signing up?

- You're doing a story on me. - Strictly speaking,

it's on the Women's Voluntary Services.

- But a personal angle couldn't hurt. - So you are incapable

of finding a lead outside these walls?

- That's not fair. - And the answer is no.

No, you may not talk about me on your show.

- And certainly not about my father. - Mr. Garland. Good morning.

Good morning.

Emma.

You should have returned over an hour ago.

- I was stationed further away... - I don't care to hear excuses.

We had an agreement. This was not to interfere with your work.

And it hasn't.

Come on.

Go upstairs and sleep. You'll start at midday.

- Midday but the restaurant... - The restaurant can do without you.

Has someone complained about my work?

No. I didn't think so.

Every night she goes out, I'm...

I'm convinced it's the last time I'll see her. How do you do it?

With Billy? Oh...

no idea.

I pray. I fuss.

I hold him a little tighter each time I see him.

One upside of losing the house is now he actually lets me.

Do you know why he was so upset that I didn't want him signing up?

He thought I was saying he wasn't good enough.

Emma doesn't...

She's not like that. She knows I'm proud of her.

I shouldn't have lost my temper.

Maybe if they were a little less fearless.

If they were more like their parents.

Maybe then we could keep them where we want them.

Thank you, Miss. Taylor.

How's your brother?

Is he well?

What does he do all day, that brother of yours?

- He works the big ack-ack guns. - Mm.

And when there are no German planes to shoot? What then?

He probably cleans the lavs at the barracks, doesn't he?

No.

It is a noble task to clean the lavatories.

Even in war, lavatories must be clean. Especially in war.

Now, come on, squirt.

I've got a job for you.

He looks dashing in his uniform, doesn't he?

Helps if one has looks to start with.

Oh, you talk to Peggy. Find out if Freddie has telephoned

for you-know-who since he ditched her.

Well, if Lord Hamilton ever calls the switchboard for you, Lillian,

I'm sure Peggy will let you know.

Oh, Dora! You gave me a fright.

Quickly, come.

What is it?

In there.

Bloody hell!

- Are you trying to kill me? - Sorry, I just...

wanted to see you.

Didn't want to get you in trouble.

Is that all right?

Here, I've... got you something.

Close your eyes.

Hold out your hands.

Billy.

- Where on earth did you get it? - Oh. you know, found the right chap,

- traded the right things. - What things?

- Not even Feldman can get oranges. - Yeah.

Aren't you gonna try it?

We should share it. Tomorrow.

Before my shift.

What am I thinking? You probably can't get away..

No, no no. No, I can. I will.

Well, I'd better...

- I-I left my... - Yeah.

Thank you.

Bloody hell.

Bath's ready.

You spoil me, darling.

- Priscilla... - Hmm?

You needn't hide that from me, you know.

See, I'm not quite sure... precisely what I am to you,

and that's all right. That's perfectly all right.

If this is a...

passing fancy, a diversion

then I remain your obedient servant always happy to provide.

However, if you do wish to talk about Freddie, about anything...

if I can be more to you...

then I would like that very much, too.

The RAF was my idea.

My father was Navy.

As was Lawrence.

I always had a passion for flying.

So when Freddie showed an interest...

When he was a little boy we talked of little else.

Even if you hadn't encouraged him, he'd...

he'd still be out there...

somewhere. If not RAF, then Navy. You don't know where he would be.

I know where he is now.

And he's there because of me.

Do you regret asking me now?

No.

No.

Halcyon Hotel. Good morning.

Of course, sir. Putting you through.

Switchboard, good morning.

Of course, madam, putting you through.

Thank you for this.

I just can't believe her ladyship hasn't turfed you out yet.

Are you sure she knows you're living here?

Mr. Garland showed her the photo of the house in the Express.

She's satisfied it's a temporary measure.

I spoke to Miss. Baker. She's gonna take the squirt the mornings I can't.

How did you manage that?

Just some work she needs doing on her shelter.

I don't have to go.

Oh, yes, you do.

- Switchboard, good morning. - Come on, we'll go.

Of course, sir, putting you through.

Oh.

- About this morning... - Never mind.

I can't apologise for volunteering. Nor am I going to stop.

But...

I am sorry if I was short with you.

- I know how you feel about it... - Emma.

And I know you must...

They've got a nerve charging you for it.

Dad...

If your work does start to suffer, we'll talk again.

You take good care of these, you hear me, no heroics.

They weren't cheap.

I promise.

How about this?

I'll tell him a maid mistakenly brought the watch to my room...

Shh.

- God, it's a ridiculous lie. - Breathe, please for me.

Slowly in and out.

Good.

This is what we're going to do.

He has a drink in the bar every evening.

You will go to him and tell him it was all me.

That I'm a nuisance, I've been bothering you.

What?

Toby, whichever way this goes, I lose my job.

But you need to protect yourself.

Toby!

For God's sake, I'm not gonna have you...

He saw us. He knows it's not just you.

Of course, but he'll accept the lie.

You are who you are and I'm...

what I am.

You'll see. He'll be downright relieved to take your lead.

Go.

They are behind schedule tonight.

I might pen a note to their mothers.

Here we are, gentlemen.

Thank you, love.

You're telling me there are more than 400 full-time...

Mr. O'Hara.

- Miss. Garland. Green becomes you. - I said no to your story, Mr. O'Hara.

I'd ask that you respect that.

Tell me, are you and your colleagues

assigned to the same fire crew each night?

No. I've just been told there are nearly 400 wartime fire stations

in the London County area.

If I deliberately tried to find you this evening,

I'd have had my work cut out.

You don't think much of me, do you?

- Mr. O'Hara... - Not at all.

I am... professionally irritating.

You're quite right to be suspicious.

And now if you'll excuse me, I really should get back to my interview.