Black Cake

Previously, on Black Cake...

London wasn't exactly safe,

but it was the devil I knew.

I could blend in.

Until I realized that the longer you go without being seen,

the smaller and smaller you become.

Until you all but disappear.

B and B... you have a sister.

A secret I couldn't bring myself to even share with your father.

- Your mum, did she mention my birth father in the recordings?

She was assaulted...

by her employer around the time you were born.

Assaulted?

Mabel, my first born.

The moment I held you, I knew I wanted to be your mother.

But by that point, it was too late.

Because the truth is, I didn't choose to let you go.

You were taken from me.

By the time I left Scotland,

I was in a daze.

Trying so hard to block out everything that had happened.

I told you before that I ran into Gibbs when I got back to London,

but in truth,

it was nearly a year before that happened.

And those first few weeks back just seemed to slip away.

Up until I started feeling sick.

You don't have the flu, Ms. Douglas.

Oh, that's a relief.

The nausea, the fatigue, the dizziness,

these are all classic symptoms of early pregnancy.

I take it this isn't the news you were expecting.

Do you remember when your last menstrual period began?

I don't know.

Two months ago maybe.

- And you didn't think to come in earlier for an exam?

Do you know who the father is?

I was working in Scotland

when my supervisor took advantage.

That's the only time it could've happened.

I see.

Well, young ladies these days are so liberated,

it's no great wonder when these predicaments come about.

Do you have any family nearby?

Anyone you can ask for help?

No, I'm on my own.

What about employment?

Do you have a means of supporting a child?

- I haven't been able to find any work since returning to London.

Well,

the good news is you have options nowadays.

If you choose to terminate,

it's quite safe and perfectly lawful.

I can provide you with a referral if you like.

I'm sorry, I-I just need--

I need some time to think.

Of course.

Although you mustn't wait too long.

Time is of the essence.

Now,

good luck to you.

Back then,

there weren't many housing options for people of color,

and I couldn't go back to the boarding house

with the island girls.

I was dead.

So I found a place where I wouldn't be recognized.

I had no plan

and no support.

I just kept wishing that this thing,

this problem,

would somehow... disappear.

And I had learned long before

that I was on my own.

I know you're still angry at me, Covey.

Believe me,

baking a cake for a wedding,

like this,

for you,

it's not what I ever wanted.

I know Pa made you do it.

I just wanna be left alone.

Here.

I brought you something.

From your mother.

When she left the island, her plan was to come back for you.

But she asked me to hold onto this just in case.

So you'd always have a piece of her.

- A part of me was hoping maybe she'd

show up today,

somehow fix all of this.

She would be here if she could.

I know-- - Stop.

If she ever really cared about me,

she never would've left me in the first place.

I don't want nothing from her.

She's not gonna save me now.

And neither is my pa.

And neither are you. So please... just go away.

I needed to make a decision.

But I could hardly even hear myself think.

And I found myself begging for some kind of answer

or sign.

Hello, child. Can I help you?

- I'm-- I'm sorry. I-Is the church closed?

No. No.

You seem upset, dear.

May I help?

That's okay. Let it all out.

You have no idea how long it's been

since anyone has said anything genuinely kind to me,

let alone someone from the island.

Are you in trouble?

Are you in the family way?

Well, you've come to the right place.

Now, when was the last time you had anything to eat?

Church runs this place especially for unwed mothers.

So you can take comfort knowing that you're not alone.

We offer room and board free of charge.

And when the time has come,

we'll help to place the child into a loving home.

So you won't have a thing to worry about.

How does that sound to you?

Better than I could've hoped for.

Thank you.

- Normally, we would sit down for an intake first,

but since it's late, we can save that for the morning.

For now, I would like to introduce you to the other ladies.

Quiet, girls.

Hello, everyone. This is Eleanor.

She'll be joining us here for now,

and I trust that you'll make her feel right at home.

- Sister Madeline, may I help Eleanor get a plate?

Yes, you may. Thank you, dear.

I'm Irene.

How do you feel about beef stew?

- Well, to be honest, I haven't been able to keep much down lately.

- The first few weeks, I could only eat cheese and Marmite sandwiches.

In fact, I just about ate my weight in cheese and Marmite sandwiches.

How about some plain broth with bread and butter?

That ought to settle your stomach.

Sounds perfect.

So how far along are you?

Almost three months, I think.

- I'm just a little further than you, so we'll be due around the same time.

How fun.

Are you still with the baby's father?

Don't worry.

Most of the girls here are in the same boat as you.

I'm one of the lucky ones.

My boyfriend, Tommy, and I have been going together for almost two years now.

And he knows why you're here?

Oh.

Yes.

Although he never wanted me to come in the first place.

What do you mean? Why not?

Sorry. I don't mean to pry.

You don't have to tell me anything you don't want to.

But you should know, I'm very good at keeping secrets.

My parents have never approved of Tommy.

They forced me to come here.

They've been telling everyone I'm studying in Brussels.

But... me and Tommy have a plan.

He's going to sneak me out of here when the baby comes.

We're getting married,

and we're keeping Henry.

He's going to be a boy. I just know it.

Tommy wants to name him after his dad.

That's quite a plan.

Where will you go?

Do you have a place to live?

Not yet.

But Tommy's got a good job at a factory, and he's saving up.

You think I'm mad, don't you?

No, not at all.

I just think you must really want to be a mom.

What about you?

No.

Not now.

Maybe not ever.

Well, you're in good company at any rate.

I'm glad you found your way here, Eleanor.

- So did you have everything you needed in the dormitory last night?

Yes. Thank you.

It was comfortable and quiet.

Good. I'm glad that you're settling in.

Now, a few ground rules.

As I told you before,

there is no cost for you to stay here.

But to cover expenses,

all our girls are expected to help with the cooking and the cleaning.

Are you prepared to do so?

Of course.

I'm not afraid of a little hard work.

Good. Glad to hear it.

Now, I'll have you complete these forms on your own.

Date of birth, etcetera.

And may I just ask,

what is the race of the baby's father?

Well,

he's Scottish.