Father Brown

It wasn't me...

I know who did it.

So who was it, then?

Ahem!

No, no!

Twenty-five years of matrimony.

A most commendable milestone.

I agree, Father.

Even if one does get less for manslaughter.

- I thought these two were broke. - They are.

So how come they can afford all this?

They had a little helping hand.

You mean... you paid for it?

I decided they needed cheering up.

Lovely. Absolutely parched, thank you very much indeed.

We can't tell you how grateful we are, can we Henry?

No.

I always like to take care of my tenants. Besides, any excuse for a party!

You will get your rent. I promise.

You just keep growing your beautiful flowers, Edie.

Things are bound to turn round.

What a pretty rose!

Not half as pretty as mine!

She still hasn't forgiven you, then?

For last year's flower show.

No. My choosing Edie's flower arrangement over Mrs McCarthy's

marked a particular low point in our relationship.

Well, she'll be gunning for you this year.

Oh dear.

That's come around quickly.

Here's to you, you miserable so-and-so.

I spend my days with you. What do you expect?

Ha!

Lovely do!

Yeah. Edie deserves it.

For putting up with me.

You're right there.

That glass is looking a bit empty.

Henry. How are you doing?

Yeah, I'm alright.

You're very much missed at St Mary's.

Yeah, well.

If you do want to talk, the door's always open.

Excuse me. Mr Lee?

I am sorry to interrupt this happy occasion

but I have been wanting to speak to you for such a long time.

I'm sorry, do I know you?

No, but I am hoping that you will remember my son.

Thomas.

You hanged him, you see.

Lady, I hanged 120 men and women. I don't remember every one.

This is Thomas. And this is his sweetheart, Vera.

They said he murdered her, but he never did, you see.

You do remember him, don't you?

Mr Lee, I have found out that Vera's killer worked in the same Crown court where she was a secretary.

He was someone important, you see. And that's why they covered it up.

And that's why I had to find you. I need to clear Thomas' name!

Did he say anything to you? Did he say anything at all?

He said what all the others said.

Nothing.

Please, Mr Lee.

Did he mention a man called Max?

He's the one who killed Vera.

Max?

Where did you hear all this?

Prison.

I need you to tell me what he said!

I want you to leave now.

- Please, Mr Lee. I'm his mother! - Get out!

You coward!

Ahem. Mrs McCarthy?

What a lovely hat. Makes you look like royalty.

Oh, if only.

Mrs McCarthy, have you heard of a new restaurant in Cheltenham called Gérard's Brasserie?

I was wondering if you'd care to join me there tomorrow lunchtime.

Well, I have a W! meeting.

The speaker runs a cattery in Painswick.

Surely the WI can do without you for one day.

No, I don't think I will.

But thank you for the invitation all the same.

Ladies and gentlemen.

Henry and I would like to thank you all very much for coming

and Lady Felicia, of course, for all your kindness.

Twenty-five years. Sounds a lot.

Some of you will know that this has not been our easiest year, but...

we've stuck through it. Together.

Like we always have.

And... Well...

I think that's the secret of a happy marriage, really.

So, thank you. And enjoy your evening.

What about Edie?

Red Lion, anyone?

Ready to sweep all before you tomorrow, Mrs M?

Tomorrow?

Oh, you mean the flower show.

Well, that's just a bit of fun, isn't it?

Now, what can I do for you?

- About George... - Oh, you can save your breath.

You clearly put him up to that little stunt.

Mrs M, you've got it all wrong!

He did come and see me, but only because he was feeling nervous.

He'd wanted to ask you out for lunch for a very long time.

He seems a jolly decent chap.

I think he really likes you.

- Was there anything else? - No.

Oh, only that Gérard's Brasserie is quite the place to be at the moment

and the dover sole is really rather good.

Your cosmos looks lovely, by the way.

Oh!

Edie?

- Tea's up! - Oh, George.

- Mrs McCarthy, good morning. - May I have a word?

Yes, yes, of course. Let me just...

Tea, Henry.

- Edie... - Thank you.

Right.

You were absolutely right about the WI being able to cope without me

so I was wondering if...

if the invitation still stands?

Oh, yes! Yes, of course!

Wonderful.

May I offer you a celebratory cuppa?

Yes, alright.

A year ago, we had Henry's hanging work.

And you were giving us weddings and funerals at St Mary's.

Now we have nothing.

I was just sharing out the work, Edie.

You are not the only florist in the area.

I think we both know what you're doing has got nothing to do with fairness!

Look...

If you promise to give us some more business

I won't enter the flower show.

Well, I think I can win the competition without your charity.

Thank you, though.

Please.

Mrs McCarthy, we're on our knees here.

Oh! _ Henry?

Henry!

Oh! _ Henry?

Henry!

Father.

Hemlock?

That's what the doctor thinks.

Going by Henry's symptoms, and the smell.

How extraordinary!

Poor Henry. Didn't notice the odd taste at all and drank the whole cup.

All probably because of his excesses last night.

How long does the doctor think he has?

Hours. A day, at most.

The inspector is up with him now.

Father.

What a terrible shock for you both.

Who could have done such a thing?

Edie is, quite understandably, wondering whether it was me.

- I haven't said a word. - No need to, Edie.

I made the tea, no one else touched it.

If I were in your position, I would think it was me too.

Padre. What a surprise.

Good morning, Inspector Mallory.

Last Rites and a murder?

Christmas come early for you, isn't it?

Right, George. With apologies, I gather you made Henry's tea

so I'll have to take a statement.

You know the drill.

Yes, of course. And please search my house.

You don't need a warrant. I've got nothing to hide.

I don't doubt it. Thank you, though.

Goodfellow. All yours, Padre.

Henry. May I?

I'm here to offer you confession and absolution.

No.

Thank you.

As you wish.

Have you any idea who did this to you?

May I ask, was that your first cup of tea of the day?

Yes.

That woman... at your party.

Iris Lightman.

And the cover-up she was talking about...

I never met a mother who thought their child was guilty.

But do you think she could've took her frustration out on you?

It's possible.

Henry, while there is still time

I will do all that I can to find out who did this.

I give you my word.

- Father. - George.

Please don't tell me he's dead.

The Lord, in his infinite compassion, has given Henry more time to say his goodbyes.

I've been praying for some kind of miracle.

You get on well with Henry, don't you?

When we met in the Red Lion a year ago

I was a typical ex-copper.

Drunk, broken marriage, fast heading for a hole in the ground.

Henry had just given up the hanging job, so he wasn't feeling too great himself.

But he insisted he wanted to help me.

He put a spade in my hand and introduced me to the joys of nature.

A good Samaritan, eh?

George.

Sorry about this, but I'm going to have to bring you in.

Why?