Dark Angel

This is Masterpiece.

MARY ANN

Blessed are the dead, for they rest from their labors.

WOMAN

Married twice, widowed twice, and never a tear have you shed for either of them.

LINNEY

Starring Downton Abbey's Joanne Froggatt...

MAN

Life insurance. How she loves to tell a man what to eat, what to drink, what to do.

WOMAN

There's a darkness in you, Mary Ann. Things always seem better after a nice cup of tea.

LINNEY

The true story of a Victorian serial killer. Dark A (bell tolling) (door opens and closes) (bell tolling) (handle squeaks) When I think of the day you came home to us... When I think of your dark eyes... The time you speak of my dark eyes, I was happy then.

Them was days of joy to all our souls. (seagulls calling)

MAN

Mary Ann! Not far now. The prodigal returns! Enough of your nonsense.

There we go.

MARY ANN

Here. There you are. Oh, Mom. You'll be ready for a brew.

Tea, William? Or something more sustaining? Bygones being bygones. Get the bags.

I'll put the kettle on for tea. See if you can get her to pull us a pint of mild while she's at it. Let's have a gander. Ooh!

Takes after me! Knew she would! Margaret Jane, may I introduce you to my wicked stepfather. If we'd only known, love.

WOMAN

We'd have come to fetch you home at the drop of a hat. I had my husband by my side. (scoffs) Men. What use are they?

Billy lost the same children as me, Mom. It's not the same for fathers. Can't believe you've still got that old teapot. What's wrong with it?

Nothing says home like that does. Nothing says home like us all being under one roof together.

MAN

Come on! Just hold your horses, man. You've sucked that barrel dry. Pay Friday, eh?

Pay Fridays are grand when you're getting paid. Lads were saying there's a job going in the pithead stores. He'll earn nothing there. He's nowhere near strong enough to get set on underground.

You know that. Four little coffins in four years, George, and she never said. Four lost babies. Aye.

I hope she still thinks he was worth running away for. We're all stuck with him, love. I'll make sure he does right by her. Smallpox?

Cowpox? Um... If you don't remember, Billy, you can't have had either. Uh, no.

Measles? Whooping cough? When I was a bairn, like. Not had the gout?

Not afflicted with fits? What's going on? George's idea. You cannot be too careful.

Or any other disease particularly tending to shorten the duration of your health? Not that I know of. Sign here, please, Mr. Mowbray.

And your referee. Aye, that's me. Life insurance. You've done the right thing, lad.

Spending money we haven't got. (laughs) How much am I worth to you, pet? I put a price on my head. Alive or dead, go on.

How much did you have to put in? The premium is one pound, three shillings, and fourpence. Dear God! It's only once a year.

It's like willing something bad to happen, as if we've not had enough. No, it's not. It's the opposite. 'Cause if I die, the insurance company pays 35 pound straight to my widow, no questions asked.

I could spend it on beer if you'd rather. (faint harrumphing) (laughing) Mary Ann, listen to me. Everything's going to be all right now. I'm looking out for you.

For you and our children. All our children still waiting to be born. (bed squeaking) Oh, here we go. Do you reject the devil and all rebellion against God?

BOTH

I reject them. And do you renounce the deceit and corruption of evil? I renounce them. (baby crying)

GEORGE

Isabella. Isn't she a beauty? Time I took her home, Dad. She were colicky in the night.

That bairn's going nowhere till I've had a kiss off her. Oh, Maggie! And who wouldn't want a kiss off you, Maggie Cotton, eh? Oh, Mr.

Stott. Oh, she is a beauty! Oh, dear! She's hungry.

Come here. You've not changed a bit. Are you hungry, pet? I'm back doing the parson's laundry, for my sins.

It's a good job he's not fussy. Thought you were looking after your brother? Our kid got married. Fred Cotton married?

Mm-hmm. Was she blind or desperate? (laughter) I've missed you. I hadn't a soul to laugh and joke with in Cornwall.

Oh, I bet Mr. and Mrs. Cotton had a proper wedding, standing in church with the glove in her hand. Well, you could have done that.

I were out to here! Ran off to the registry office in Newcastle. Got witnesses off the street. Seems like I woke up, I were in Cornwall, in the rain.

And after all that, my babies... (baby crying)

MARY ANN

Oh, dear God. Margaret Jane? Margaret Jane! What's the matter?

Shh, Margaret Jane... Bring that light. Here, let me see. Oh, no, no, no.

GEORGE

Get the doctor. No, no, no... Everybody moves on, don't they? All the time.

That's how it is these days with the young people. Nothing stays the same. It ought to say plain on her gravestone, "Died of scarlet fever, by the will of God." You can't be angry with Him, love. Who else do you suggest?

MARY ANN

You're just always thinking, "Leave me alone, get off me. It'll only make another mouth." Another mouth that's always open until the day it's not. Don't be like that, love. I can't let you leave like that.

Billy says a man has to go where the work is. And if that means going down the docks... No. No, take it.

Go on. Remind you of home. And buck up, love, eh? 'Cause it's just how life is for women, and no amount of mithering will change that.

What would I ever do without my mum to keep me straight? Isabella, hold your mum's teapot for us. Bye. (groans) You all right?

(sighs) Bye. I'm gonna worry about her whatever you say. She's a big girl, George. It's Sunderland!

It's not another world. Come on. (baby crying) No, Billy, no. A little bit of cleaning up, it'll be home sweet home in no time.

WOMAN

Morning. (clears throat) (gasps) (sighs) Arsenic. It's the only thing that works against bedbugs that I know of. And a pint of soft soap for mixing it.

Oh, write down your name and address in the book, will you, love? The government don't let us give arsenic to anyone who asks, not anymore. Scared stiff, that's why. Worried their own unhappy wives are hiding white powder in their cupboards.

There'd be no husbands left. Remind me not to get on the wrong side of you, love. Do I know you? Do you want to?

MAN

Joe... I scrub up nice, me like. No, you won't come in here, it's dangerous. Go and eat your stottie like a good girl.

(sighs) Isabella, this is arsenic. It's poisonous. That's why it kills the bugs. Do as you're told.

(sighs) (groaning) (baby cooing) Hi, angel.

BILLY

Why, but I'm hungry, and there's nothing cooking. I've been otherwise engaged. Oh, pet! Another Margaret Jane.

It were a lovely name before and it's a lovely name now. Margaret Jane the second. (baby cooing) Now, my princess, how about we ask your Mommy for a little boy next time? There's not going to be a next time.

(sighs) I'll see you soon, pet.

MARY ANN

Billy turns up every couple of weeks wanting his tea. Mithers on and on about how rough it is on the boat. It's overcrowded and leaky and he's tormented by vermin. Mm.

All I know is I spend all day cleaning up after these, and I've never got any money in my purse.

MAGGIE

It must be lonely for you. It is. Mary Ann, do you know that man? I do not.

He fancies you. Not as much as he fancies himself. (laughs) Mary Ann Mowbray, you little devil. Don't be soft.

Where have I got time for fancy men? I've only got two hands. That's one less than I need with this lot. Isabella!

Margaret Jane! Come on, it's time for your tea. (chuckles)

MARY ANN

Go from my window, my love, my dove Go from my window, my dear O, the wind is blowing high and the ship is lying by And you can't have a harboring here. Where's my Da? He's on his steam ship, pet, stoking the engines. When's our new baby coming?

What makes you think we're having one of those? We've always got one. (baby crying in distance) (sighs) You can't come in here. I'll go away then, shall I?

No, don't. What do you want? A closer look. I've three children in there.

I'm a married woman. Good. No, I... Shh...

Shh. I'll not hurt you. (gasping) (moaning) (moaning intensifies) (shallow breathing) (chuckles) You come and find us if you want some more. (deep exhalations) (baby crying) Hush, John.

Quiet now, that's enough. Well, there's plenty of women round here who can say their husbands are away to sea. They still manage to reckon their bills. I know.

I'm sorry. I am. But Mr. Brownlee, there's a young man comes in here, name of Joe.

Miner. Hewer, by the look of him. Joe Nattrass. What about him?

Is he married? I'd say your husband can't come home soon enough. (baby wailing) (sobbing) Shut up. Shut up!

What is the matter with you now, eh? (crying stops) (door opens) (door closes) What happened to your leg? I fell down stairs on the vessel. Don't tell me they've laid you off.

The rent's overdue as it is. You're no use to us at all. (sighs) Cup of tea, aye? Everything will look better.

I'll bring it to you. So it's all on account of his poorly leg, then? Possibly, though the sudden onset of diarrhea is unusual. I'm never ill, am I, Mary Ann?

Fit as a fiddle, as a rule. As soon as I'm right, I'll be back down those docks banging on every door for a job. That kettle will be boiling.

BILLY

(retching) Shh, shh, shh. You're all right. 11 years married, and we've always looked after each other, haven't we? We have.

(retching) Shh, shh. You're all right, you're all right.

ISABELLA

Dad? Stay away now, Isabella! Shh, shh. You're an angel.

And I... I'm just a disappointment. I'm sorry. I'm sorry too, love.

(retching) (moaning and retching) (faint thud) Mom! Mom!

INSURANCE AGENT

Typhus. A terrible scourge, Mrs. Mowbray, in this part of our nation. May I extend my condolences and those of the Prudential Assurance.

Thank you, sir. So, all the paperwork's in order. All that remains for me to do is to ask you to sign here. Ten, 20, 30, and five pounds.

Your late husband came to see me when your son was born. I did urge him to tell you, but he was loath to add to your anxieties. John Robert's life was also insured for two pounds and five shillings. I never knew you could do that for a child.

It's blood money. I don't want to take it. Your poor husband did it for you, Mrs. Mowbray.

Take it. It's yours. It's all legal and above board.

MARY ANN

He suffered a good deal, the poor soul, and the end came as a blessed release for him. You can take comfort from God's mercy there. Hey, don't get tar on your new dress, now! Up all night stitching that.

(chuckles) Hey, they're a credit to you. To you and poor Billy. You'd think the sea air would blow the smuts away. Thanks be to the good Lord, Mrs.

Stott, I don't have to clean houses in a coal field anymore. What fresh pastures are you plowing then, love? What's your new job? I'm a nurse.

A shilling a day, plus board and lodging when I'm on duty. I could put a good word in for you. No, I don't think that's for me. You've got no husband, love.

I thought I could get work round here, dressmaking. (laughs) There's no money in sewing! (laughter) It'd be fun, though. Like the old days, when we were in service together.

I don't know anything about nursing, Maggie. It's mostly cleaning. And jumping out of the road when the patients try to flirt with you. You're nursing men?

Aye, of course. Might find yourself a husband! The boys have never looked at me, pet. Fancy meeting you here.

I haven't got long. (faint laughter) They're laughing at me. Come here. (panting) (seagulls cawing) (contented sigh)

GEORGE

Mary Ann! Mary Ann! Where in God's name have you been?

CONGREGATION

...of my foes My head thou dost with oil anoint and my cup overflows. I'm going away now, Isabella. Not because I want to, but because I have to work and make money for us. Can I stay with you and Grandma?

For now love, yes. Now, you be a good girl for me. And I'll be back to see you! She's just a child.

She doesn't mean anything. It's no more than I deserve. I've not been here in the day her sister took ill. It's all right, love.

I was with a man. You don't have to tell us, love. Don't say anything you'll regret. I've done things.

Terrible things. Hush, now, hush! We all do daft things. But God never sends us more pain than we can stand.

If you really believe that, Dad, you are as cruel as He is. You've to wash your ward out first thing,

get your floors done by 7

00, mind, and then serve breakfast. An hour later in the winter. Bed sheets want changing once a fortnight. Our new nurse?

Mrs. Mary Ann Mowbray, doctor. I'm a widow, sir.

MAN

Not for long, eh, doctor? Hello, my angel. I've never been anyone's angel. Well, now's your chance.

Wilt thou obey him and serve him, love, honor, and keep him in sickness and in health; and forsaking all others, keep thee only unto him so long as you both shall live? I will. Any insurer will insist it's important you disclose all pre-existing medical conditions. He had typhoid, but he's cured now.

Show him the letter from the infirmary. He's in the pink now, aren't you, love? Don't worry about it, love. All that business, it's not important, is it?

It's not important for women. So you can't disappoint me. Come on, let's see that cheeky smile. We can try again tomorrow.

(panting and moaning) (panting) How he can't get it up for you... He's the perfect husband! (both chuckling) You'll get him going in the end, Mary Ann. Won't you be jealous?

Only if you said he was better at it than me. Oh, and you can't imagine that, can you? Head as big as the city. Why'd you choose him?

Mr. Ward is a big, strong lad. Likes to work, and he's no trouble. And I can see you.

Do this with you. This is the last time, Mary Ann. But I'm married now. Aye.

And so am I. And I need to be at home with her for as long as she's got. What is it? Consumption?

Aye. She's been doing so well, you know, not coughing half so much. But just this week... And then, Joe, when she's dead...

Shut up. No. Stop it. We can be together.

Never. Listen to yourself, Mary Ann. You're wishing a woman who's done no wrong into the next world. But you don't love her, or why are you here?

Don't. You're not fit to kiss the ground she walks on. I don't even know her! You're the one that's betrayed her, not me.

Aye. And I'm the one who will pay for it. She was never ill before I started this thing with you. It's a punishment, I know it is.

For be sure our sins will find us out. No! Joe, don't! Pay and your sins will be forgiven!

Four shillings? It'll put food on the table just till I've had a chance... You told me that job was nailed down. It'll all be all right.

I am sick and tired of men telling me it will be all right when it never is. Where did that money come from? I won it. That's parish money.

I married a man who's on poor relief. I made more money than that when I was nursing, and I had only myself to feed! Angel, don't be angry with me, please. You're the best thing that ever happened to me.

(sobbing) (moaning) (groaning) Here. Don't things always seem better after a nice cup of tea? (groaning) Hey, shh. Shh...

Shh. A prolonged and distressing death. I am sorry to hear of it, Mrs. Ward.

Thank you for your kindness, sir.

MARY ANN

And now here I am, older and wiser and on me own again, and I need to marry again or to work. And since I haven't had much luck finding anyone to marry who's any use... That's more luck than I have! I need a job.

I was going to apply for it myself, but obviously... Why would a grieving widower employ a spinster like me to comfort his motherless children? (knocking) Oh, I've come to see Mr. Robinson.

About the job. I'm very sorry for your troubles.

HELEN

I'm Helen Robinson, Mr. Robinson's sister. Mary Ann... Mowbray.

Clearly my brother wishes me to be as present as much as I can be, Mrs. Mowbray, at this difficult time of adjustment in the family. Clearly. And clearly he wishes me to be involved in the selection of a housekeeper who will be equal to the challenge.

I understand. I have suffered losses of my own, Miss Robinson. My sister-in-law passed away only a month ago, and this house remains in a state of shock and grief. She was 27.

(sighs) And the poor little children? There's William, Elizabeth, James, and Mary Jane. Hello, children.

CHILDREN

Hello. Is there not a fifth? Yes.

HELEN

This is John. He's ten months old. Hello, John. (laughs) You have references?

From Dr. Maling at the Infirmary. (footsteps) This is my brother, Mr. Robinson.

James, this is Mrs. Mowbray. How do you do, sir? Mrs.

Mowbray can start in a week, if required. (baby cooing)

MARY ANN

Oh, now, now, now.

MAGGIE

One dress maybe I can afford, but you've bought enough cotton here to make three.

MARY ANN

Want to know my secret? Get yourself a husband. If it was that easy... And then get him insured.

35 quid! I'm not kidding! You're a monster! (laughs) I'm sure poor Mr.

Ward meant to do his best by you. Whose side are you on? Did you have no feelings for him at all, Mary Ann? I don't know what I was thinking.

Just I had to be married to someone-- anyone. Will I make us some tea? Would you? Oh, not that old thing.

Use my nice one. We're celebrating. 'Cause I'm Mrs. Mowbray again.

That fool Mrs. Ward, she never happened. I'm walking out of here a new woman and I'm never looking back.

HELEN

Oh Mrs. Mowbray, thank God you're here. (child crying) (coughing, crying) Dr. Maling?

Mrs. Ward. It's so cruel. The child has a gastric fever.

I know how to nurse that. Mr. Robinson is lucky to have you. (footsteps approaching) Come away now.

(crying continues) James, come away now. (coughing continues) Dr. Maling, I've gone back to my old married name. I'm Mrs.

Mowbray again. Just so you know. Very well. Four drops of calomel in brandy, every two hours, Mrs.

Mowbray, all through the night. If he starts to convulse, clear his throat, and restrain him gently. Will the baby live? I'll keep the poor child comfortable.

Hm. (crying continues) Go from my window, my dear Oh the weather it is warm It will never do thee harm (footsteps approaching) (door opens) And you can't have a lodging here... Come in, Mr. Robinson.

Be with him. He'll know it's you. The youngest is always your favorite. He's got his mother's eyes.

I don't know what I've done, do you see? What I've done to deserve it. Oh sir, I stopped thinking that way a long time ago. Will you sing again?

I'm sorry, did I wake you? I've not slept in months. Go from my window, my love, my dove Go from my window, my dear For the wind is in the west And the cuckoo's in his nest And you can't have a lodging here.

VICAR

Forasmuch as it hath pleased Almighty God to take unto himself the soul of our dear brother here departed... in sure and certain hope of the resurrection to eternal life, through our Lord Jesus Christ; who shall change our vile body, that it may be like unto His glorious body... Amen. Amen.

Amen.

HELEN

James, forgive me, I have only the happiness of a beloved brother in mind.

JAMES

I'm three weeks widowed.

HELEN

And thus a target for any unscrupulous female... You chose her. She's too charming!

JAMES

Dr. Maling gave her a reference, and that's good enough for me. (footsteps approaching) Thank you, Mrs. Mowbray.

HELEN

Yes, and for all his schooling and yours, neither of you has the wit to see her clearly. You've been more than kind to me these past months, Helen. But you've your own life to lead. Helen!

Helen! Helen! Don't take on. (door shuts) If it's all right with you, sir...

I shall see to the children, then take an early night. I know what it is to live with grief. Through all of the losses I have endured... I have had one comfort.

I cling to it, sir, and so can you. For blessed are the dead that die in the Lord. Even so saith the Spirit, for they rest from their labors. No sir, no...

I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. I shall be gone by first light. No.

No, you can't leave! The children need you. There are nursemaids aplenty. I need you.

You don't know who I am. I can't face the darkness. I think I'm going mad. Nobody else understands.

Stay. I promise I'll never touch you again. Did your mammy not teach you never to make a promise you know you can't keep?

MARY ANN

Because the worst can and does happen. We both know that from bitter experience. And what with the doctors, and the burial, and the choir, and the funeral tea, you don't realize till afterwards how much you're spending. Life insurance is an ugly fashion, not one I approve of.

I'd be in the workhouse now without it. I've tried patching the children's linen, but... How much do you need for new? No more than a couple of yards for the littlest...

Oh, and maybe a bit of lace trim for the girls, so, perhaps... Five pounds? Draw up a budget for your housekeeping, and I'll make you an allowance. Thank you, sir.

Thank you...? James. There's a... person.

(door opens) Your dad sent me. I've to fetch you home. What for? Your mother's ill.

It's not convenient. She's your mother. I'm just at the start of something here. He'll cope.

He's got a sister, hasn't he? You're looking at me as though you've got a choice. No need to hurry back. (seagulls cawing) The doctor says it's hepatitis.

Has he given you anything for it? No. Just the usual talk. And the usual bills.

He says it could be a long haul. (scoffs) Well, I can't stay more than a few days. I've got things to do. There's so much catching up to do.

Well now. Here's the sun coming out. Not polite to ignore old friends, Mrs. Ward.

My name is not Ward, and you and I were not friends last time I looked. Right. You married again already? Mr.

Robinson's a shipwright. A man of substance. (chuckles) A better man than you, Joe, in every respect. In every respect......but one.

(panting) (groaning) You're not really married, are you? You're just pregnant again. Does he know? Is your wife dead yet?

(scoffs) Then don't go nosing into my business either. This'll not happen again, Joe. All I have to do is whistle. Mrs.

Robinson-to-be, if you're lucky, and you'll always come running. I shall be Mrs. Robinson, I shall. And I shall be that lady all my earthly days.

(door opens) (door closes) (footsteps approaching) Who is he? I was going to cook Isabella her tea. She's gone to bed on bread and dripping. You think I was born yesterday?

It's all over your guilty face, girl. And you think I cannot smell him on you? I'm not listening to this. You taking money for it?

Mam! There's a darkness in you, Mary Ann. I had to hear from Maggie that you're married again. You missed nothing.

He was no more use than the first. Married twice, widowed twice, and never a tear have you shed for either of them. You should watch that sharp tongue of yours before my dad finds someone kinder. Got life insurance on this new one?

(scoffs) (sighs) I haven't the first idea why we are fighting. Let me make you a nice cup of tea. (sniffling)

ISABELLA

Will he come and see us?

MARY ANN

He can if he likes, but he's got a pub to run, remember. Now don't be looking backwards, Isabella. You've to put this place behind you now, and look to the future. Is it nice there, Mam?

It's just exactly as nice as the two of us deserve. And we'll be together, won't we, my love? Your mam knows just what she's doing. (door opens) (bell dings) Good morning, Miss Robinson.

(door opens) Stay here. My brother is a man lost in grief and weakness of body. Do not commit the error of imagining you have a deeper hold on him than that. I'll not bother inviting you to the wedding then?

(scoffs) Here's the hold I have on your brother. And here. You... You are a low and desperate woman.

And you are a dried up old virgin. And I know which I'd rather be. (door opens, closes) It's so nice for my little girl to have a family again. To have real live brothers and sisters at last.

But if you could just have a little word with them about making her more welcome... This is all wrong. I've sinned against a woman who did nothing to deserve it. I was willing.

I am willing. James... She's only four months in her grave. You still love her.

The children... She's dead. Their mother's dead. Death has no power over love.

Love me! I'm here. I'm alive. Love me.

Love my baby. Our baby. We can start again. God has blessed us, see.

I can't marry again so soon. I won't show until the summer. We can wait until then. When will you understand?

I can't do this to my children. You're letting your children stand in the way of our happiness? (door slams) Mam? Hush now.

Can we go home? This is home. I'll make sure of it. Now listen to me, Isabella.

There's a sickness coming to this house, my love, but it'll not come for you. Even if you start to feel a little bit poorly, don't you worry, you will get better. And afterwards, nobody will look down their nose at us again. 'Cause your mam knows just what she's doing.

Helen, thank God you're here. These two will keep safer away from home. God willing, we may yet nurse the sick ones through. I wanted to nurse them all myself.

I told him I'm perfectly capable. You've enough worries, Mrs. Mowbray, with your own daughter sick, too. Thank heavens she's not taking it so badly as the rest.

I'll look in again tonight. Isabella, say thank you to the nice doctor. Thank you, doctor. Hey.

Will I get sick like Elizabeth? No. Not if you do exactly as I say. Just a tiny drop now.

Tiny. Just to show willing. That's enough. Good girl.

DR. MALING

A putrid fever, possibly... typhus, it's always hard to say with certainty. I've lost so much already. As to that, we're all in God's hands.

You're fortunate in having a fine nurse to look after them. (retching) (door opens) Isabella, no! What are you doing? This is for the others, not you.

I'm so thirsty. It's all right, your mam is here. Nothing can harm you. Nothing.

But you have to do exactly as I say. Here. Here. (coughing, vomiting) Oh Sweet Jesus, what have I done?

Hey. You're all right. (crying): Isabella, it's all right. Shh...

(crying) Ah, come on. Good girl. (weeping) (crying): Elizabeth. James.

And Isabella. Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be comforted. Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be comforted. Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be comforted.

They're in heaven now. We'll see them there one day. You might. Everyone goes to heaven who's good.

Though you may start out ever so good, you can't keep it up. Things happen, mistakes get made, and you're too far in to come out... Are you good, William? Not very.

Shall we try? From this day forward, shall we be different? Shall we be good every day? (bell tolling)

MAN

Isabella Mowbray, aged nine. (coins clinking) It wasn't supposed to happen. Five pounds, ten and six. Boo.

Why aren't you working? I buried my wife. Moved on. I visit the bone yard when I can.

Put flowers for her, you know, keep her tidy. I used to think you were making her up to get shot of me. No. I was never that good a liar.

What do you remember of her? Her voice. Her smile. I remember nothing.

When you've lost as many as I have, they all get mashed up into one big empty hole where there's no voices and no smiles, and nothing to mark their passing. Just now, I can still see Isabella, but even she's fading. Fading away. I used to know how to put a smile on that sad face.

I'm a different person now. Oh, right. Lady Muck. Married to your shipwright?

(scoffs, laughs) By heck, Mary Ann. Look here. I'm working at West Auckland Colliery these days. I'm stopping at Johnson Terrace.

Landlady by the name of Mrs. Shaw. I'll not be a coalminer's lass for as long as I live. There's not a woman alive but she wants better than that.

I will love her children as my own. I will be a mother to them all.

VICAR

Wilt thou love her, comfort her, honor and keep her in sickness and in health; and forsaking all other, keep thee only unto her, so long as ye both shall live? I will.

MARY ANN

Did the old man put you up to this? (sighing): He's your dad. Stepdad. And now he's as good as blaming me for not nursing my mam right.

Wish I'd not named the baby after the old fool now. The cheek of it. He lost a wife he loved. And a granddaughter.

He loved that child, Mary Ann. And I didn't? I'm her mother. It's not a competition.

I'm just saying, maybe you need each other, you and your dad. Oh, put that face away. I'll go and see him. Show him I've turned over a new leaf.

You and your new leaves. Have you got enough for a whole tree yet? Spit it out. My sister-in-law died, which accounts for this mourning dress, you've not even noticed, but then you never ask me, do you?

You've no interest in my life! So I'm looking after my poor brother and his motherless little lad, which means I've had to give up my job, and my lodgings, and work for nothing. Don't put yourself out to see your dad. You're right; he'll not welcome you.

No, I must have a much finer batiste, one that will take a light starch. It's for my son's christening robe. Certainly, madam.

MAN

You'll do to settle your earlier bill first, if you don't mind, Mrs. Robinson. I don't mind saying I don't like your tone. Seven pounds, six shillings and four pence.

Or, if you'd rather, I can call on your husband. Ten and six? That was good lace. Now.

My mother's first wedding ring. Go on. Same rule, mind. Not a word to Father.

Here's a ha'penny for yourself. (chuckles) You sent my son to the pawnbroker. No. Or, only once or twice, and only to pawn things of mine.

And he wasn't supposed to tell anyone. You made an innocent child pawn his dead mother's lace. That was meant for the sister that he's lost. I'll make it up to you, I will.

It's here in black and white, 50 pounds missing from my account. I only borrowed it. I'll pay you back. It's not even about the money.

Do you feel nothing? Oh, don't cast me out. I must have done something very wicked in my life, after everything that I have lost already, to deserve now to be tied in wedlock to a liar and a thief. (crying) Your sainted mother doesn't need lace, does she, where she's gone?

I don't know! You little sneak. Hanging around me, sucking up, getting under my feet, sneaky, sneaky, sneaky! You couldn't wait to tell him, could you?

It doesn't matter what I do, how hard I try, it's never good enough for your sort. (baby crying) Wait, won't you? Why won't you wait? (crying continues) (panting) Oh, God.

Please can we go to the police? A woman leaves the house with her own babe in arms. What crime has been committed? She said her name was Mowbray, but I distinctly heard the doctor call her Mrs.

Ward. How many husbands before you, James? And how many children? I can't stop thinking about what happened to them.

She'll bring the baby home. She has nowhere else to go. (indistinct chatter) (laughter) Merry Christmas, Dad. Have you missed me?

Can't say I have, Mary Ann. I named him George. After you. (baby cooing) It's good to be home.

I can't find anything in this place anymore. I am not much of a housekeeper, pet. You should get yourself married again, Dad. Well, I can't be stuck here looking after you.

I'm a married woman myself. Your mother's dress! It'll do for clearing up in. You...

you're the image of her. I can't go back to my husband with my fine dress in rags, Dad. Get a bit of sleep, do a bit of mending, I'll turn up on the doorstep good as new and show him what he's been missing, and he'll forgive me, course he will. If you could just see your way to lending me a bit of money, so I can pay him back what I owe?

(knocking)

MARY ANN

James? James, are you there? Come to the door! Oh, God.

There's nobody here. She's won. His sister's won. You know her address?

How can I live? Where will I go? Oh, God in heaven, don't do this to me. Calm yourself!

You're a grown woman. Where does Helen live? Darlington Avenue, number 38. (baby crying) He wants feeding.

I'm leaving. I've had enough. Mary Ann! The baby!

Where are you going? Mary Ann! You get back here now! (knock at door) James?

Who's there? Helen? (baby crying) Dear God! Oh!

Come on, pet. Oh, God be praised. Take him inside. Keep him warm.

There you go. Mary Ann? Mary Ann, are you there? (knock at door) Hello, Fred.

Don't you remember me?

MAGGIE

Mary Ann! Oh Lord, you look frozen! Bring her in, Fred, do. You're just in time for your tea, isn't she, Fred?

You remember Mary Ann. Shove up, Charlie, make some room. And Fred? Put some coal on the fire, for God's sake.

We had cross words last time we met, Maggie, and I'm sorry. I've forgotten it already. All I wanted was to make him happy. And he shut the door in your face?

Turns out you're the one got the happy family, without even trying. Mmm, I did. My brother needed the help. (snoring) And the lad needed a woman in the house, and for all my grumbling, it turns out I like it, too.

A lot. Until Fred marries again. I worry for you, Maggie. I worry he'll wake up one day and remember he needs more from a woman than a sister can give him.

He's not like that. They're all the same, love. You don't know them like I do. Only interested in one thing.

Watch. Oh, sorry, Fred. You'll soon be fed up with me, getting in your road. Oops!

Don't let me drop it in your lap. See? First sniff of a skirt, and he'll be off. Oh, now, don't go catching my gloomy mood.

Why don't you let me make you a nice cup of tea? "If I take the wings of the morning... "and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there shall thy hand lead me..." (labored breathing) "and thy right hand shall hold me. If I say, surely the darkness shall cover me..." (softly): The darkness...

Quiet now. (labored

breathing)

It's you. (inhales loudly, stops abruptly) (whistle blaring) (musicians playing jaunty folk tune) I believe that's mine. Cheers. Cheers, mate.

Howay. Let's get cracking. Right, prepare to be beaten. Here we go.

What the hell was that, mate? (horseshoes clanking) Are you lost, love? Oh, we're looking for Johnson Terrace. (cheering) There we go!

(laughter) It's this one here. Well. I've lived in worse. And better.

(chuckling) Moved around a lot, then? Lived seven lives. I was a nurse when I was single. Earning my own money.

Sometimes I think I was better off. You could go mad, thinking! And you'd not be without them, really, your husband and that lovely boy. Stepson.

It's not the same. (laughs) You're honest, at least. (chuckling) I'm next door when you need me. Thank you, Sarah.

(door opens) Is that you, Fred?

JOE

He's busy making friends with the bottom of a pint pot. It's you.

FRED

Here we go. Here we go. (cheering) I always knew you'd follow me. (chuckles) I just thought it'd be sooner.

It was nowt to do with me. Fred came home one day and said West Auckland were hiring. Right. And you said, "Oh, no, no, I don't fancy the sound of that at all." (chuckles) I never knew a lass for taking risks like you do.

I never take risks. I always know exactly what I'm doing. Four husbands, now, Mrs. Cotton.

Before the law and in my heart, I'm still Mrs. James Robinson. (scoffs) They can send you to prison for bigamy, Mary Ann. They can send you to prison for a lot of things, but they have to catch you first.

Come here. Don't shame me here, Joe. Let me start over. (softly): Hey.

You'll be my dark secret. My dark angel. (whistle blaring in distance) Don't you move an inch. I've enough to do.

For every requisite you could possibly need, Mrs. Cotton. Tommy Riley's at your service. I'll just take a pint of soft soap for now, and half a pound of washing soda.

I'll open you an account. Washing day, is it? As to that, it's never-ending. Let's see.

(hammering)

JOE

To think... You said you'd never be a miner's lass. I'll be your lass, Joe, here in the woods. Where nothing's real and anything's possible.

But in the real world... You don't like the real world. It's nothing but husbands and children and slavery. (scoffs) You should try my job, love.

You men work long hours, I know that, but then you go home and it's over. It's never over for your wives. The cooking and the washing and the cleaning, the demands that never stop, day in, day out. And the moaning, and the nagging.

(chuckling) If we'd met sooner, me and you... Don't pretend you'd have married me, Joe. I might yet. I've two husbands living already.

If you were free, you'd bite my hand off. (laughing) Oh, thank God you're here! What's going on? It's Fred.

Fred, what's going on? They brought him back from the pit like this. Fred, stop this nonsense now! I've sent for the doctor...

JANE

We've had a collection for you. Everyone gave something. You're among friends here. Thank you, Mrs.

Hedley. You be a good lad for your mam now. (dirt falling with a thud)

MARY ANN

So Tommy Riley will send me to the workhouse, for the sin of losing my husband. Don't be daft! You're not going to the workhouse. You're just asking him for help you're entitled to.

Taking poor relief off the Board of Guardians is nothing to be ashamed of. You don't believe that, and neither do I. (sighs) I don't know why you have to be so proud. You didn't wish the poor man dead.

No, I didn't, that's it exactly. I didn't wish for it, I did nothing wrong. I hadn't finished with him, but Fred still died, and don't you see, I did nothing wrong. None of us has power over life and death, love.

(scoffs) There speaks a woman who never gave birth. (water pouring) You could always come in with me. That water's filthy, and all you've done is look at it. I'll smell sweet as roses come bedtime.

Come here. Hey... What? If she's not shouting, she's crying.

You, here, it's everything I ever wanted. Sometimes, love... you mystify me. (hammering) Mrs.

Cotton? One and sixpence from the parish for the child. Sign here, please. Thank you, sir.

I know it doesn't go very far these days... My account at the shop, I know, Mr. Riley, I will pay it. So if you're looking to earn some money...

MR. RILEY

Mr. Quick-Manning is the excise officer for the brewery. Does the sums for them. The clever stuff.

He's asking for an hour's nursing twice daily, offering two shillings a week. Hello? Mr. Quick-Manning?

Are you there? Have you read all these books? Maybe half of them. You want the job, it's yours.

I'll have no arguments, however much stronger you claim you're feeling. Beef tea, and there's a bap with calves' foot jelly. How she loves to tell a man what to eat, what to drink, what to do. It's the natural order of things, with nurses and patients.

With men and women, too? Just the same. I await orders.

HUTCHINSON

Found this one, Mrs. Edwards. Running away, so he says. Hey, you little tinker!

Hey, you're all right. Hey. Come away now, this minute! Come on!

You've no idea what it's like in there. The way some people live. He's got books on every wall. Sergeant Hutchinson found your Charlie running away from home.

You little devil! Don't, Mary Ann! Stop it. All you had to do was knock, and you know I'd have minded him.

I know how hard this life is for you, love, I do know. How could you know? You were born to it. It's all wrong for me.

(whistle blaring) (door opens, closes)

JOE

Well. Now there's a sight to welcome a good man home. Oh, don't come near me, black as you are. Right.

Well, um... I'll be happy to have my bath, but you've no hot water on. And nowt cooking either. So...

what you been doing all day, woman? Run your own bath. Cook your own tea. I'm going to work.

You know, you were kinder, once. Let me pass! Or what, huh? What?

What will you do to me? Don't you dare hurt me. But that's what you want, isn't it, huh? To rile me so much I'll hurt you.

And then you'll have several more reasons to tell all the world how bloody miserable your life is. Did you ever read a book, Joe? (laughs) Did you hear that, lad? A man should have book learning or he's no more than a beast in a cage.

(door opens, closes) (Joe coughing, retching) I always thought I'd die down the pit. Like my dad. I thought he was a publican. My real dad.

They put him in a wheelbarrow and brought him home to me mam in a sack labeled Property of South Hetton Coal Company. I was eight years old. I said then I'll never be a miner's lass as long as I live. Once you had me...

you didn't want me, did you, love? Here. Have a drop more of this tea. Auntie Sarah?

Yes? Can I come and live with you?

MARY ANN

Sarah! Sarah, come and help me! (Joe groaning loudly) Help me calm him! Help me calm him!

Get off me! Get... (shouts in pain) (groaning) You're all right. Shh...

Shh. Shh... (indistinct chatter, hammering)

CHARLIE

It's only two pennyworth, sir. It's against the law, lad. Do you know what that means? We'd all go to prison.

Me, you, and your mam. My mam's dead, sir. (knocking) Pharmacy Act 1868. Only persons of mature years personally known to the shopkeeper...

See how much use he is? He can't even run a simple errand. You cannot send a child for arsenic. He's got an uncle in Ipswich, but the man won't take him.

Mr. Riley, please, I'm at the end of my tether. Write me an order to put the boy in the workhouse. Only if you go to the workhouse with him.

That's how it works. I've an opportunity in life, Mr. Riley, a good one, respectable... Seems I did you a favor there.

I hope I did Mr. Quick-Manning one. No matter. The Cottons are not a long-lived family.

The child will be gone soon. Then when I'm free to be with you all the time, we can read together. (chuckles) I can read. I can.

Where's the harm in wanting to improve myself? I don't need a nurse now I'm back to work. If I need a housekeeper I will obviously look for a woman without family. Leave the key on your way out.

You don't mean that. Not now we're going to have a little baby. It's well known you had a domestic arrangement with a pitman. He was just a lodger.

He's dead. And my husband, he's dead. What do you mean, it's well known? Give me the key.

What do you mean? Blame the child on your pitman, Mrs. Cotton, if you can. Unless you want the whole village to know you had two men in your bed before your husband was cold in his grave.

(key clatters to the ground) (dog barking) (indistinct overlapping, whispering voices) (cries out) (loud splash) (breathing heavily, weeping) I'll make cakes for you. And there'll be apples, trips to the seaside. We'll show them how happy two people can be. (footsteps approaching) Mrs.

Cotton? My boy's dead.

RILEY

Tom. I should have seen it. I didn't believe it. Oh God, Tom.

What? Something you've never dreamt of in this world.

DR. KILBURN

I won't be able to issue a death certificate, Mrs. Cotton, not till I've done a postmortem examination.

HUTCHINSON

And then there'll be an inquest, do you see, before the coroner, to establish the cause of death. Mrs. Cotton, do you understand what I'm saying to you? (indistinct chatter, whispering) The coroner says it was death by natural causes.

Didn't I say so? Dr. Kilburn told him Charlie died of gastroenteritis. Come here.

It's over. If I'd been given more time to examine the body... You should have got up earlier! If you'd held the inquest this afternoon instead of this morning...

Well, I'd like to think you'll apologize, but I'll not hold my breath. Mrs. Cotton. You'll be glad to be able to bury the poor mite.

I'll be glad when the parish does it for me, for I've no money to do it myself, not since the doctor refused me a death certificate, when he knows I can't get the life insurance without it. That's four pound ten I'm missing. I've a sore throat with the worry, and the least you can do is attend to me, Dr. Kilburn.

Find another doctor, Madam. And another grocer. And another lot of neighbors. Look at them.

They know what you are. We all know. Dr. Kilburn!

Gastroenteritis? Bloody rubbish. I sold her the arsenic myself. I found no conclusive evidence...

Look again, Dr. Kilburn. I've never begged for anything in my life, but so help me, I'm begging you now. She killed that child.

Now I can't prove it, but you can. There is one more test I can try. So many children. And they die whatever I do.

Whether I am bad or I am good. They die all the same. I should leave West Auckland. And let the busybodies win?

But where would I go? And besides... Another baby? Oh, Mary Ann.

It's good news. My life, starting over. I really believe that. Arsenic.

(heartbeat) (loud knocking) Mary Ann Cotton, I'm arresting you on suspicion of murder.

SARAH

No! Leave her alone! Hasn't she had enough trouble? Come quietly now.

Come on. (groaning) She looked after Joe. She nursed him, she loved him. She'd never have hurt him!

She gave him drinks of tea, and held him, held him down, the fits, you see, he had these terrible fits. Did you see anyone other than Mrs. Cotton give him anything to eat or drink? I was there when he died.

Did you ever see...? Never. She nursed him alone. Oh you're so clever, tell me this.

Why? Why would she want to hurt any of them? We don't have to worry too much about why, Mrs. Edwards.

Some days I hardly know why I get up in the morning. All the law wants to know is did she do it on purpose. We're going to have to dig them all up. Found guilty.

May God have mercy on her black soul. I saw the newspaper. You'll not answer it. James, don't.

She's to hang in a fortnight. "I wish to know if you will let me see "the three children as soon as possible. Bring them if you can."

MARY ANN

I must tell you, you are the cause of all my trouble, for when you closed the door, I had no one. And I think if you have one spark of kindness in you, you will try to get my life spared. He knows full well, I'm still legally Mrs. Robinson until the day I die.

Did you get a reply? He's turned his back on me, too, the other one, Quick-Manning. I wrote to him, I told him his daughter was come. It's their loss.

Do you know how many people applied to adopt her? A hundred. Every one of them knows I'm innocent as the day is long. A hundred?

Mary Ann, please God you have not changed your mind? You're the one stuck by me, Sarah. I'll bring her up in the fear of God, so help me. You promise me you will never let Riley come near where she is; never, never.

And if she needs the doctor, some other man, not Kilburn. I promise. (baby cooing) Her name is Margaret Edith Quick-Manning. You will see her again at God's right hand, where there is no more pain.

(bell tolls) Have I not always treated you like you were my own child? I'll not deny it. Then for the sake of the love I've borne you, tell us the truth now. They'll not hang me, anyway.

They'll not hang a mother. What about your poor mother? Thank God, I hope she is in heaven. If it was all because you never had a dad...

He was a fool. Getting himself killed and leaving us all alone. Because of all the poor babies you buried in Cornwall, and after. All women bury babies.

Why then? You're trying to find reasons for something that didn't happen. Answer me this instead. What did you want of us all, Mary Ann?

Just what every woman wants. More. More than what? More than coal dust, and childbirth, and men who think saying "I love you" is enough.

More than this world can give me.

SARAH

My dear friend... I think it is my duty to write you a few lines and let you know how your little baby is getting on. Poor little thing, it had a pretty bad night. But a better day.

But you must not let it trouble your mind, for it will be all right by God's help. I may just say, my husband hopes we will all meet in a better world. I did one good thing in my life. (door opens) Stand her up.

Arms straight. Hands behind her back. I said, "Arms straight." Heaven is my home. Go to our website, listen to our podcast, watch video, and more.

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