Home Fires

I refuse to do any more work for traitors.

I think you'll find that's not your choice to make.

He thinks he's a coward! - He stays while other lads go off to fight?

What would you call it? - You're suffering from exhaustion.

I'd like to run some tests.

Are you going somewhere? - I cannot stand this anymore!

Look at you. - Bob hits me. Is that what you think?

It's not just me. - Who else?

I'm taking you to lunch. I've also booked a room.

He's married, did you know? - I don't think I can.

You have to. That siren means you don't' have a choice.

You don't have to do this.

I want to. - It's my problem, not yours.

You're only following your conscience.

I love you.

Then hold my hand and walk tall.

Morning.

One and a half pounds of minced beef, please.

I'm also collecting for the Wilsons.

I'll give you yours.

I don't want to argue, Mrs Brindsley.

I just want the rations.

I'll do it.

Looking back at the last nine months,

I can't help but feel immensely proud at how far we've come.

Each and every one of you has worked tirelessly to support me

and inspire members with new projects and initiatives.

We've made a valuable contribution, ladies.

A valuable contribution.

But... we cannot rest on our laurels.

The British Expeditionary Force is being driven back towards the Channel,

bringing war ever closer to home.

When France falls,

there'll be nothing between us and Nazi occupation...

.. but 22 miles of water.

And then... anything we've achieved thus far will be as nothing

compared with what we'll be called upon to do.

Sarah.

The National Federation is launching an initiative

to raise money to buy ambulances.

Excellent idea. - Large, small,

all Institutes are being asked to play their part.

If and when the bombs start falling...

I have it on good authority it's a question of "when", not "if".

.. the need for ambulances will be great.

To that end, I've told the county

that Great Paxford is setting its fundraising target...

at £50.

What? - 50?

If we don't aim for a target, Sarah, we'll never hit it.

But it has to be realistic.

I have every faith the members will meet my challenge head on.

Pat alone could raise half with her cakes. - If she was still involved.

She's not attended the last two meetings.

Apart from shopping, she's barely seen.

Well, she's been under the weather recently.

But we certainly need her back in the fold for this.

In the meantime, ladies...

.. we need fundraising ideas.

Good morning, Mrs Simms.

Pies always sell well. - We'd need hundreds to get even close to £50.

If Steph teaches some of us to shoot,

we'd soon have enough rabbit for any number of pies to sell.

I'm happy to do anything that keeps them from eating my crops.

Excellent. - Isobel's asked to spend a day on the farm.

W... With all due respect,

do you really think a farm is a suitable place for a blind person?

It's not as though we're gonna ask her to drive the tractor.

We all know that Pat's situation with Bob is difficult,

but what can we do except offer support?

Does that mean we give up? - As Adam reminds me,

it's one thing to care, it's another to meddle.

Being a vicar doesn't make you right about everything, Sarah.

It just makes others assume you are.

Hello, caller.

Whitehall 496, thank you. - Connecting you now.

Whitehall 496.

Good afternoon. May I speak to Mr Cyril Faulk, please?

Of course. Just one moment.

Cyril, it's Frances Barden. I need a favour.

Heard you had a turn in the WI shelter, Mrs Cameron.

I can't take enclosed spaces either.

Very brave of you to stick it out.

I've really no idea what you're talking about.

Good day.

Good day.

Mr Hughes.

Mrs Scotlock.

Here we are, Steph.

Hi.

One novice farmhand reporting for duty.

Isobel, may I introduce Stan Farrow?

Stan, this is Isobel. - Hi.

Oh, hello. - Stan will show you around.

Then we can chat about what you'd like to try your hand at.

Sounds wonderful. - If you'd just let Isobel take your arm.

That's it. - This way.

That's it. One foot in front of the other. - (LAUGHS)

Thank you, Stan.

I may not be able to see my feet but I do know how they operate.

At the meeting, you mentioned being plagued by rabbits.

Yeah, we are.

I'd love to learn to shoot some. - I thought you were joking.

No, on the contrary,

the skill might come in useful in the event of an invasion.

With Peter away so much, I could well find myself

as our home's last line of defence.

I suspect shooting a rabbit's not the same as shooting a Nazi.

Of course. But one has to start somewhere.

Tea? - Thank you.

Much as I appreciate the attention of my two beautiful daughters...

.. it is a tad unnerving to drink a cup of tea

while being so steadfastly stared at.

We know you haven't been well.

No.

But you don't seem to be getting any better.

We want to know what's happening. - I see.

Laura's convinced you have tuberculosis. - I don't.

I told you he didn't.

I have cancer.

We wanted to keep if from you until it was no longer possible.

Cancer?

What type of cancer?

Lung.

How bad is it?

It's... It's not good.

Come. Come. Come here. Both of you, come.

New treatments are coming through all the time.

So there's always hope.

The disease progresses at different speeds in different people.

The prospects aren't terrific.

As sensible, rational people, we have to accept that.

All I can tell you is that I love you both...

more than I can say.

And I intend to be here for as long as humanly possible.

Will?

It was time.

I'm sorry I'm late.

I tried to get home quickly

but everyone was collecting their rations,

which meant everything taking three times as long.

What's that you're reading?

It's a letter from... a Mr Cyril Faulk at the War Office.

The War Office?

Mr Faulk has had his attention drawn to my work for the local paper and...

.. he's apparently...

.. he's very impressed by it.

Well, how flattering.

It is.

I've been invited to London for a conversation.

About what? - Well, Mr Faulk doesn't specify, but...

I can only assume about my work.

That's very exciting for you.

It is.

Which means you'll be very busy between now and then.

Will I? - Mm.

I've lost some weight on the rations so my serge suit will need adjusting.

I'd like some new buttons on my best shirt.

My smart shoes will need a new heel, fresh laces and a thorough polish.

What happened to your leg? - Oh, it's nothing.

Not looking where I was going on my way home.

Let me see. Sit down.

Come on.

We'll need to wash that thoroughly and apply a proper dressing.

And your hands? - I landed on them.

You stay here.

I really don't mind. - Do as you're told.

All right.

I need you able to work.

Yes.

(COUGHS)

Alison!

Alison.

Alison! Alison, please! Alison!

Don't arch your backs.

Take a deep breath and gently pull the trigger.

Very impressive.

Let me see what's left to shoot at.

How are the members responding to the fundraising drive?

Well, I'd be lying if I said most weren't astonished

by the target you promised the county.

Well, extraordinary times call for extraordinary efforts.

I do wonder if your ambition with this one isn't misplaced.

Misplaced?

Are you sure you're not overcompensating for Peter's absence?