Episode 2

♪ ♪ Six months' time, there's a job if you want it.

Take time to think on it, eh?

♪ ♪ We could be putting Tristan to better use.

Yes, I suppose there's only so much harm he can do.

MRS. HALL: You told him he passed his exams when he didn't!

It was for his own good!

JENNY: Scruff, no!

Try again.

TRISTAN: He's only doing what he thinks is right.

Even if it's not easy.

HELEN: What am I supposed to do?

Carry on as if nothing's happened?

I've missed you!

I missed you, too.

♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ (Jess barks) ♪ ♪ Come here, girl, Jess!

Jess!

(Jess barks) (bell rings) (shuts door) This way, Mrs. Brompton.

Thank you.

TRISTAN: To what do we owe the pleasure?

Well, it's that time of year.

TRISTAN: Oh, the Daffodil Ball.

I've been counting the days.

MRS. BROMPTON: And who's the lucky lass tonight?

TRISTAN: Who can say at this point, Mrs. Brompton?

Ah, Jim, Jim!

TRISTAN: Perfect timing.

Wallet!

JAMES: I'm sorry, what am I paying for now?

It's the Daffodil Ball tonight.

All proceeds go towards the restoration of the steeple.

It's the highlight of the social calendar.

(chuckles) There'll be music, dancing, the frisson of a warm spring evening.

Mr. Farnon not in?

He's yet to grace us with his presence.

How about it Mrs. Hall, a ticket for you?

Just four, please.

(giggles) Four?

TRISTAN: Yeah.

Need one for my date for the evening.

Your date?

The day is young-- come on, Jim, no girl likes a cheapskate.

Who's the extra one for?

TRISTAN: Who do you think?

Time waits for no man, Jim lad.

And neither will Helen.

Morning, Mrs. Brompton.

Diana, please.

How can we be of service?

Daffodil Ball.

If you're not too busy, I wondered if we might lure you onto the dance floor?

Well, that depends what you're using as bait.

(laughs) Stop it.

It would be our pleasure to support the cause.

Tristan, money.

Yeah.

Our pleasure, really?

SIEGFRIED: And, uh, Mrs. Hall, would you mind showing Diana out?

MRS. HALL: Show her out?

(quietly): Have to scrape her off him first.

This way.

Swap.

Here.

Thank you, bye bye.

(door opens) What?

(chuckles) What is it?

I mean, if you can't see, then there's really no hope for you, brother.

(chuckles) MRS. HALL: If that woman were any more forward, she'd be here yesterday.

(laughing) Nonsense, Diana's happily married.

Isn't she?

Not any longer.

Not for a year now.

Well, she was probably just being friendly.

You know, I heard he ran off with the housekeeper.

I heard the gardener.

(chuckling) SIEGFRIED: How did you get on with Merrick last night?

I thought you were going to tag that on to the end of your list.

Oh James, you really can't allow yourself to be so forgetful.

The memory is a muscle that must be exercised.

I'll get up there right away.

No, no.

You've got a busy surgery today, here.

(laughs) Organized as ever.

Why doesn't Tristan stay and help out?

With both examination rooms in operation, we'd get through them a lot quicker.

I'd like to keep Tristan under my wing for a while.

He's still got a lot to learn.

Go on, go and get ready.

Mr. Farnon, postcard from Dorothy.

Who's the old Siegfried?

And why's she hope he gets out from time to time?

Sorry, I thought it were for me.

I didn't realize until it were too late.

I'm sure.

♪ ♪ (door opens) (door shuts) (honking horn) All right, all right, I'm coming.

No Rover?

Not today, it's leaking oil everywhere.

Do your tie up, man.

We must present our best self to the client.

(engine revs) You know, you could do far worse than Diana Brompton.

I see you got another postcard from Dorothy.

How's Malta?

Hot and rocky.

She's looking forward to becoming a grandmother.

Shame.

I got the impression you were rather fond of her.

Oh, hang on!

Hang on, slow down, slow down, stop.

Morning, Helen.

All right, Triss, Siegfried.

What can I do for you?

TRISTAN: Oh, it's not me, actually.

Um, I think James wanted to see you about something.

He's at the house if you wanted to pop in.

Right, thanks-- bye!

Bye.

Bye.

(chuckles) Helen.

Hello.

Please, come in, come in.

(bird chirping, cat meowing) Come on through.

There we are.

Okay then.

How can I help?

I thought you wanted to see me?

You did?

I mean, I do, why wouldn't I?

Of course I'd like to see you.

(laughs) Right.

Only I've gotta get back and put our carrots in, so, shall we?

Sorry, shall we what?

The reason you wanted to see me.

I'm not sure I understand-- you came here.

Because Tristan asked me to.

Ah.

He said you wanted to speak to me about something.

I'm sure he did.

Well.

Triss and I are going to the Daffodil Ball.

And I couldn't be happier for you.

Oh no, no, he's not, not together.

I mean, well, we are but not, James, it's fine.

You have my blessing.

(snickers) See, because of that, now I'm not inviting you.

I had a spare ticket, but I'll just have to give it to someone else.

Probably for the best.

I haven't really been out since, well... No one will care.

We'll go as a group-- you, me, Triss, whoever he manages to drag along.

I'm a terrible dancer, so that amusement alone is a good enough reason to come.

I don't know.

(doorbell rings) It's my dog, he disappeared yesterday evening on one of our walks.

I found him when I went back out again this morning.

He must've been in this trap all night.

(dog whimpering) Well, bring him through.

MRS. HALL (shuts door): James!

I need you!

Don't worry.

Go.

(dog whimpering) We need to get him something for the pain and sedated right away.

What's his name?

It's Rock.

Mrs. Hall, pass the cotton wool, please.

I looked for him all evening but I can't cover much ground with this leg of mine.

You'll be able to save him, won't you?

I can't tell.

I won't be able to tell you until I've explored the wound.

(dog whimpering) Who would do such a thing?

(sighs) It's monstrous.

It looks a mess.

I won't know until I'm right inside how bad it is.

What I'd do for an X-ray machine now.

MRS. HALL: Doesn't seem natural, being able to see your insides on the outside like that.

They're an incredible diagnostic tool.

All right, he's asleep.

I don't think the leg's broken.

We better hope there's still some circulation to the paw.

And if there's not?

I'm afraid he'll lose the foot.

♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ (engine puttering, stops) (birds chirping) ♪ ♪ SIEGFRIED: Colonel, good morning.

MERRICK: Now then, Farnon.

What's all this about?

We were expecting you last night.

SIEGFRIED: I'm afraid, there was something of an administrative balls up.

My colleague missed you off his list.

Oh, and there I was believing I was one of your most valued clients.

I'm almost hurt.

Rest assured, you have my undivided attention now.

Bag please, Tristan.

Yes, uh, unfortunately, I've had to find another dance partner.

Sorry to say, too little, too late, old chap.

MERRICK: Still, there's, there's nothing like a bit of healthy competition to keep you on your toes, eh, Farnon?

Indeed.

George, what a qualified pleasure it is to see you.

(laughs) Now, now, now, now, chaps, we mustn't squabble.

I'd hate to be the bone between a pair of scrapping dogs.

If you're finding yourself unable to cope, I could always take a few more clients off your hands.

(chuckles) SIEGFRIED: I'm perfectly capa-- more than capable, thank you!

PANDHI: Oh, there's no shame in admitting you can't keep up.

The years are rolling on.

(laughs) Ah, the coup de grace.

Until next time, Hubert.

Rolling on-- you're rolling on!

He's older than I am!

MERRICK: Still, since you've come all this way, there's no harm in you casting an expert eye over her.

I imagine there wouldn't be a charge, on account of all the bother.

No, of course not, Hubert.

Anything for our most valued customer.

MRS. HALL: Thanks for understanding, see you in a bit.

(sighs) This calls for tea, and you look like someone, who has two sugars.

How could you tell?

I can always spot them.

I've asked this morning's clients to come back this afternoon.

I don't understand why Siegfried doesn't let Tristan run surgery.

If there were two of us, we wouldn't have to send anyone away.

Mr. Farnon has his ways.

Maddening as they might be.

It's best to let sleeping dogs lie.

Hm, I'm not sure I'd describe Siegfried as a sleeping dog.

Thanks.

How's he getting on?

I'd like to be able to give Mr. Hammond some good news.

I don't think the bone is broken.

We need to hope it's not infected.

Seems like a nice chap.

He does.

He is.

Now I better get a brew on, before he wears a hole in the floor.

I'll do the best I can.

(shuts door) (cows mooing) 102.5.

Stethoscope?

Thank you, Tristan.

Pandhi said her insides are blocked up, gave her some linseed oil to grease the wheels.

Really?

Well, that's one way of doing it, I suppose.

That's not the treatment you'd prescribe?

We all have our different approaches, Colonel, and different degrees of success that go with them.

(cow mooing) Yes, I thought so.

You're struggling, aren't you, old girl?

Stomach powders.

Coming right up.

I'm afraid there's definitely a blockage.

It could be she's had too much roughage, and that's bunged her up, or there could be a wire or something else caught up inside.

Well, it sounds serious.

More common than you'd think.

Did Pandhi not mention the possibility?

I told my stock man to wait for you, Farnon.

(sniffles) Oh, lesson learned.

We'll start off with the powders to help her work it through.

And if that doesn't shift it, I'm afraid we'll have to come back and operate.

(cow moos) (tea service clattering) Mr. Hammond?

Oh, noticed the timing's off.

Well, I put it forward every morning.

Well, I could, I could fix it for you, if you like?

Oh, I've got used to it now.

Sometimes I put it forward more than I should to get 'em out the house sooner.

(chuckles) Now, there speaks a woman wise to the world.

Wise to the lot I've been lumbered with, certainly.

Sorry, I've, I've never been good at waiting for news, I have to keep myself busy.

You and me both.

Mr. Herriot is a wonderful vet.

If you want any more milk, you just let me know.

I will.

I'm sorry, in the rush, I didn't catch your name.

It's... Audrey.

Gerald.

Sugar.

I forgot the sugar, I'll just, um... No, no, I can leave that.

I'll come back with your... with the, um... Sugar.

That's the chap.

♪ ♪ You know, Jim and I usually chat.

Chat?

In the car.

Converse, speak, chat.

About what?

Things, you know.

Things?

Yes, things.

For example, I might ask how things are with Helen.

Jim'll avoid giving me a straight answer, and then I'll pester him until he tells me to shut up.

Do you ever write back to Dorothy, or is that more of a one-way street?

Understood, we'll just skip ahead to the shut up bit.

What's this?

It's the list.

The list, man.

Don't look like that, tell me what's next.

(groans) Mr. Dinsdale?

Ah, yes, sow, aural hematoma-- see?

It's all up here.

Why would you have "Merrick" written twice?

Well, I wouldn't.

Unless this was left in your pocket from last night.

Which would suggest you were supposed to go to Merrick's, and not James?

(sighs deeply) ♪ ♪ What're you doing?

We must present our best self for the clients, Siegfried.

SIEGFRIED: Morning!

(clock ticking) (door opens) GERALD: Oh, we thought it'd be a grand adventure.

Too young to know any better.

MRS. HALL: You were in good company.

I should never have been there in the first place.

I lied to the recruitment officer about my age.

Oh, God.

You were one of those.

King, country.

(chuckles) The usual nonsense.

You know, funny thing is, I wouldn't change it for the world.

Even though it left me hobbling about.

The struggle makes everything all the more worth it.

I'll keep telling myself that.

Mr. Hammond.

You can come through.

Thank you for the tea.

♪ ♪ JAMES: We've patched him up.

But I'm worried there could be an infection, the wound must've been open for some time.

If it spreads, it could poison the blood stream.

And then what?

There's still a chance he could lose the leg.

(dog whimpers) Better that than his life.

JAMES: Leave him with us for a few days.

Hey, you'll be all right, Rock lad.

This nice gentleman and kind lady are gonna take care of you.

(Jess approaches) MRS. HALL: And Jess'll keep him company.

ANABEL: Will we be seeing you at the dance then?

God willing.

So long as you fulfil your professional obligations first.

By God, I naturally mean my brother.

(giggles) Them eggs'll not collect themselves, you know.

Should've kept her locked in coal shed.

MR. DINSDALE: Our little Buttercup's in here.

That boil on her noggin's even bigger than last time you were up.

I didn't have the correct instrument to complete the procedure.

Here's our little lass now.

TRISTAN: Holy Mary, Mother of God.

Oh, yes.

SIEGFRIED: I can see from here the hematoma's even more engorged.

Ah, looks fit to burst.

I thought about going in and havin' a go myself, like.

Not for very long, mind.

Yes well, it's becoming apparent to me now why you might have left your scalpel at home last time.

Thankfully, I believe we have it here today.

I don't know why you're handing that to me, we learn by doing, little brother.

I imagine she's called Buttercup because, uh, well, despite appearances, she's a tender and sweet soul at heart?

Not as it goes.

Nearly took my finger off once.

If she gets hold of you, my advice is to play dead.

Unless you think she might actually kill you.

In which case, don't.

Play dead, I mean.

Right.

Siegfried, Come now, Tristan, it's all right to be frightened, for without fear, there cannot be courage.

Without courage, there can't be pain.

(Buttercup grunting, snorting) ♪ I'm called Little Buttercup, dear little Buttercup ♪ Try not to startle it!

Forget the pig, you startled me!

Good Buttercup.

Good pig.

(angry squeal) Oh God!

(Buttercup squealing and grunting) (groans) Mr. Dinsdale, I fear we may have to return with anesthetic to tame the beast before we operate.

Oh aye, when would that be then?

Oh, not until this evening.

What?

No, Siegfried, we can't come back.

Not tonight.

Look, we're here now.

I'll do it now.

He's either very brave or very stupid.

I believe it's a heady mixture of both.

No courage without fear.

There's no courage without fear.

Good God!

(angry squealing) I admire your persistence, but sometimes discretion is the better part of valor.

He's done it.

I'll be damned.

I did?

I mean, yes, I did.

Yes, well, you made a bit of meal of it, but you got there in the end.

Maybe I'll, uh, see you later.

Tristan, it's this way.

♪ ♪ (music playing on radio) Frowning at it won't change it.

It's from a friend of my mum's.

He owns a vet's practice in Glasgow.

Hm.

They've offered me a job.

Well, I'm not surprised.

Who wouldn't want you working for them?

Mum seems to have accepted it for me.

Oh, dear.

The practice is run by a man called Bill Weipers.

He's on the board at Glasgow Veterinary College.

He employs modern methods and equipment.

He has an immaculate practice, sterile examination rooms, nurses, X-ray machine.

And you got lumbered with us lot.

It's just a different, very different, way of working.

If you ever have any ideas about how you might improve this place, I'm sure Mr. Farnon would hear you out.

If you catch him on a good day, perhaps.

It's more complicated than that.

Dad's struggling to get work.

They're really struggling to make ends meet.

Well, they'd want you to be happy.

As a parent, that's all you want for your children.

It feels so selfish.

They spent their life savings putting me through college.

I owe it to them.

How long have you got to decide?

I've got a few months to work out if there's something here worth staying for.

Or someone?

Helen took the other one.

How many cases have we got to get through this afternoon?

16.

♪ ♪ We'll use both examination rooms.

While I'm treating an animal in one, I'll settle the next one into the other room.

Once I've finished treatment, you show them out, settle up the bill.

I'll go straight through to deal with the next.

Right-o.

Hello, there.

(dog barking) Hello.

Good afternoon.

Mr. Herriot.

Afternoon.

Hello.

♪ ♪ (door closes) MRS. HALL: Right, Mrs. Kirkby, with a rabbit.

MRS. KIRKBY: That's me.

Lovely.

Miss Fearnly.

Yes, love?

Would you like to come through?

(bell rings) Thank you, Mrs. Jackson.

Keep George warm by the fire, that'll help speed up the waking process.

Thank you, love.

Here's Anne with Suzie.

I'll be with you in a second.

And don't you look happy about it.

Sorry, I've been rushed off my feet.

Hello, Suzie.

How're you getting on with those pups of yours?

They're all grand.

First one you got out's biggest of the lot.

(giggles) We named him James.

I'll have to come up and visit him.

Don't worry, Suzie, hey, we just need to check how you're getting on.

(bell chimes) Excuse me.

Come on through.

Hi, Helen.

Hi.

You look... it's good to see you.

Shall I come in?

Yes, of course.

I'm just finishing up.

I won't be long, I swear.

(door shuts) She won't mind waiting.

Oh, hello.

♪ ♪ Tea?

I think so.

♪ ♪ You've certainly put the weight back on.

Sorry, Suzie... (chuckles) that's very rude of me, isn't it?

♪ ♪ You know if ever you're to get beyond smiling at the girl, you might eventually have to do something about it.

♪ ♪ (birds twittering) What happened to the other one?

(startles) I thought we could chat.

Um... (clears throat) yeah.

Great.

Okay.

The other one, the barmaid.

Margaret?

Maggie?

I suppose she got sick of you.

(soft chuckle) You know, the thing about Maggie and me is we're like ships in the night.

Traveling our own separate courses, occasionally we crash into one another during stormy weather.

Meanwhile you happily flit, courting one girl and then the next.

First of all, no one courts.

Then what are they doing?

They date.

We're not Americans.

The world's changing.

Not every evening spent in the company of a woman necessarily has to end in something particularly meaningful.

In fact, most often it necessarily doesn't.

Then what's the point of it all?

Fun.

I understand that's a very alien concept to you.

I am fun!

I'm perfectly bloody fun.

You certainly used to be.

Now I don't know what's happened.

What's that supposed to mean?

You didn't used to be like this.

Like what?

Allowing Merrick to get a free ride.

Letting Pandhi rattle you.

And don't even get me started on the women.

Well, I imagine the problem's getting you to stop.

There's no spirit, the fight's gone!

I assure you, it has not.

Really?

In the not too distant past, you'd've tackled that sow without a moment's hesitation, just to show people that you could.

I'm not saying you're past it but... You just did!

Stuck in a rut maybe.

One that I thought Dorothy had got you out of-- I'm not in a rut!

There is no bloody rut!

♪ ♪ (clock chiming, door closes) ANNE: The pups are doing grand.

(chuckles) You can have one of them if you like.

The dog we've got gives us enough trouble, thanks, Anne.

(music playing quietly) He shouldn't be too much longer.

Good to see you out and about at any rate.

(chuckles) Can't have been easy, but you'd be feeling a whole lot worse by now if you'd've gone through with it.

That's what I keep telling myself.

It's true.

None of us have a crystal ball, but if he weren't right from the start, it'd end up wrong.

(music continues playing) Oh... Best get Bert out of Drovers (chuckling): before he gets himself pickled.

Are you coming to the dance, Mrs. Hall?

Oh, I have my book for company.

That won't keep you warm at night.

Oh, I've a hot water bottle for that.

(laughs) See you, Anne.

(music continues playing) (door opens) Oh, I'll get that for you.

Bye.

Bye.

(music continues playing) Good evening, good evening-- Mrs. Hall, Helen-- a delight as ever.

MRS. HALL: What happened to you?

Fight with a pig.

Is it hard to believe I actually won?

Bring your muddy things down, don't leave them festering on the floor.

(music continues playing) It's been a long day.

♪ ♪ (exhales) Right, don't pull it off in such a hurry next time, you might have a few buttons left.

Thank you, Mrs. Hall.

I'm making a bonnet.

If you'd like you could put a letter in with my parcel to Dorothy.

Yes, perhaps.

That sounds like a nice idea.

(music playing quietly) You must barely recognize me.

Oh, I don't know, Siegfried, I think you've weathered rather well.

You're very kind.

(sighs) (decanting bottle) SIEGFRIED: How've you been?

(pouring drink) You know... One foot in front of the other.

(places bottle down) Glad to hear it.

SIEGFRIED: There you are, James!

About bloody time!

Poor Helen's been bored silly waiting.

I'm fine.

Mrs. Hall's been looking after me.

I had an emergency case, I've been playing catch-up all day.

SIEGFRIED: You should really learn to deal with these cases.

No wonder we're struggling to turn a profit.

I would say, Siegfried, if Tristan were here today there would've been no need to send anyone away.

I want him with me until he's served some time under my supervision.

JAMES: He's more than capable.

See how they shower me with praise?

MRS. HALL: Perhaps this could wait for another time.

No, if James has got something he wants to get off his chest I'd like to hear it.

If Tristan were able to practice on his own, we could take on more work.

With the extra money maybe we could change a few things around here.

"Change"?

Why on earth would we want to change?

JAMES: We could be working much more efficiently.

Half of our equipment is from the last century.

So am I!

Should we just toss me out as well?

I don't think James means that.

Of course I don't.

Siegfried, I learned more from you in a year than I did in all the time I spent at college.

You flatter to deceive.

HELEN: It's true.

He told me as much before.

I just want to be able to offer the best care possible to our patients.

Of course.

As do I!

You know I'm always open to new ideas.

(scoffs) What?

I am!

(music continues playing) Did you know we were the first practice in whole of Yorkshire to have our own centrifuge for TB testing?

And I always put us forward for the trial of new medications.

We are a forward-looking practice.

And I am one who always looks ahead, rather than behind.

Always.

Semper progrediens!

(quietly): Always progressing.

I know.

MRS. HALL: Good.

Well, that all seems settled then.

Now shouldn't you be going before something or other turns into a pumpkin?

(music continues playing) (quietly): Semper progrediens!

(music continues playing) I believe he's fighting the inevitable march of time.

Oh Lord help us.

Go on, get on with you.

I've my book to read.

James.

Good luck.

You sure you won't come?

Oh, it's not for me.

(door closes, sighs) Listen to that, Jess.

(inhales deeply) (exhales) Isn't that wonderful?

(inhales, exhales) (lively dance music playing inside) (engine stops, pulls brake) You'll be fine.

(lively music continues playing) ♪ ♪ (grandfather clock whirring) (clock chiming) ♪ ♪ (dog whining) (inhales deeply, exhales) ♪ ♪ (lively chatter) (band playing dance music) ♪ ♪ Dorothy happen to mention when she'll be returning?

She has no plans at the moment.

Oh, and how do you feel about that?

How do I feel?

When you care about someone very much, you... people have these things-- feelings, emotions.

Dorothy's a good friend.

Nothing more.

Understood.

Well then...

Without fear...

There can be no courage.

Once more unto the breach.

(band continues playing) SIEGFRIED: Diana... Good evening.

Good evening to you.

Looking stunning.

How many do you think he'll dance with tonight?

I've a feeling that once she gets a hold of him, she won't be letting go.

(soft chuckle) (chatter, song ends) (applause) (new song starts) My mum used to make me go to tea dances with her.

It used to be me and a room full of old ladies.

Mum used to make me stand up in front of them all and request songs from the singer.

She didn't?

I had to dance with her.

And all her friends.

That's why I find it the most embarrassing thing in the world to do.

It's probably why I'm terrible at it.

(laughing): Oh James, stop it.

You're just saying it to make me feel better.

So I apologize in advance for the absolute shambles this'll inevitably be, but would you like to dance?

(laughs) I promise, once people see me out there, no one is going to be talking about your wedding with Hugh.

You'd really do that?

You'd make a complete fool out of yourself for me?

Every single day.

(laughs) (band playing continues) ♪ ♪ No Maggie tonight then?

No... no.

Boyfriend.

Her, not me.

That were very clever of you tricking that pig into bursting its own bubble.

(chuckles) There'd be some who'd mistake it for you running away.

Yes, well, it often takes brains as well as brawn to solve these problems.

I'd settle for a pretty face.

How about it then?

Oh, sadly, Anabel, I'm just not one of life's dancers.

Well, that's handy, because I'm not one for dancing either.

Outstanding.

(band playing continues) I've no idea what I'm doing.

Don't worry.

You're doing fine.

Oh!

Sorry.

It's all right.

I've got another one.

Look, try and loosen up, let yourself go with it.

That's it.

That's better.

Oh!

That's a little too much.

(laughing) I was sorry to hear about you and your husband.

Which was it?

The housekeeper or the gardener?

Oh, I don't hold with such tittle-tattle.

Both, actually.

(laughs) I wouldn't blame him if it was the gardener-- he was quite the dish.

There's even one going round where I've got old Len buried in the basement.

That's why no one's seen him for so long.

I don't mind that one so much.

It keeps everybody on their toes.

(laughs) Farnon!

(clears throat) We got ourselves a bit of a problem.

Yes, Colonel, I believe we have.

I was in the middle of a charming conversation with this young lady and I've been rudely interrupted.

I beg your pardon.

You can beg all you like, you're not having it.

Now if you'll excuse me.

You see, Colonel?

What did I tell you?

He's lost it.

I do apologize, Diana.

Oh, no need.

I love a bit of drama.

Now hear this, Farnon, that cow is still unwell.

You told me it needed an operation.

If you're not willing to come up and sort her, well, I could always take my custom elsewhere.

Custom suggests a transfer of money for services rendered.

I put a lot of work your way!

Because we're the finest in the district.

We've three qualified vets and enough work to necessitate the expansion of our practice.

We don't have to fight like jackals over scraps left by others.

If you really want the best possible care for your animals, you can call during our normal business hours.

Otherwise... go with the reserve team.

Good evening.

Good evening indeed!

I'll give you good evening!

That was very impressive.

Thank you.

Where are we going?

No idea.

I always like to sweep out at the end of an argument.

(laughs) But since we're on the move, might I suggest somewhere more salubrious?

The Renniston, perhaps?

Why not.

(song continues) (song ends) (applause) Sorry again about your toes.

Oh, it was great.

You were great.

(soft chuckle) It's been so long since, I really needed that.

I'm glad.

I'll, uh...

I'll fetch our drinks.

(song starts) (chatter fading) Don't forget to come up for air.

(chuckles) SIEGFRIED: Goodnight, Tristan.

(sighs) Thank you.

(indistinct chatter) Helen, been awhile.

FERNLEY: How've you been?

Not bad.

You?

FERNLEY: Oh, same as always.

What d'you say then, lass?

Fancy a turn around the floor?

Umm, Fernley, this is... Hello.

I'm James Herriot.

All right.

Right.

Sorry, I didn't mean to, if you two are together, then?

Us?

Oh no.

We're not.

Are we?

No, not at all.

Only we were known to have the odd dance in the past.

We even won a show together.

(soft chuckle) Go on.

At least he won't stand on your toes.

Right.

Really, no trouble.

Enjoy yourselves.

Thanks, James.

(band playing continues) (quietly): Idiot.

(music playing on radio) Tea, Siegfried?

If you wouldn't mind, Tristan.

Thank you, very kind.

(radio continues playing) When.

Bless you.

(satisfied sigh) Good evening?

Oh, very much so.

How long's this gonna go on for?

What?

The inane expressions.

(laughs) The smug sense of satisfaction.

Mrs. Hall, I would've thought you'd be glad to hear we enjoyed ourselves last night.

It's enough to put me off my breakfast.

What about James?

Did he enjoy himself?

(telephone ringing) (sighs) (ringing continues) Darrowby 2297.

One moment.

Mr. Farnon.

Colonel Merrick.

Yes, what is it?

Oh, you do?

Yes, well, I'll have to consult our appointment diary first.

SIEGFRIED: 3:00?

(door opens) Breakfast's on the table.

I'll be there in a minute.

How'd it go?

He's doing all right-- temperature's down.

The infection is starting to clear up.

You can call Mr. Hammond and tell him to pick him up later.

That's not what I meant.

Oh, love...

It's all right.

There are a lot of people Helen needs to catch up with.

(Siegfried hangs up telephone) SIEGFRIED: Herriot!

Tristan!

I'm literally three feet away from you.

I don't understand why you have to bellow.

Don't be such a sensitive Sidney.

Here.

I've been keeping these back.

One each.

And what are these for?

SIEGFRIED: You said you wanted us to modernize, James.

We're about to give the good Colonel a show he'll never forget.

And James... if you do have any new ideas, I'll always hear them.

(radio music continues) (cow mooing) Morning, Colonel.

No Pandhi today?

You're our vet, Farnon.

For now at any rate.

Well, I'm glad we managed to squeeze you in.

(birds twittering) (mooing) Yes.

Prepare the patient for the operation.

(cow mooing) ♪ ♪ (cow exhales) (tools rattling) Thank you.

♪ ♪ (mooing) Right.

This is where we go in.

I hope you aren't squeamish.

It's not for the faint hearted.

I've seen blood before.

You needn't worry, I shan't faint.

(cow mooing) ♪ ♪ SIEGFRIED: Now you see the rumen exposed.

The cow's first stomach.

You know they have four.

(cow mooing) Hang on Farnon, that doesn't look too clever?

Um, yes it's probably just a bit of rumenal gas, wouldn't you say?

Aye, probably.

SIEGFRIED: James, could I borrow you for a second?

♪ ♪ MERRICK: Farnon, what was it you said?

The finest vet in the district?

You're putting on a right show now.

Siegfried, do you not think the good Colonel could benefit from seeing some of your handiwork up close?

(cow moos) You know, you really are full of good ideas at the moment, James.

SIEGFRIED: Yes, Colonel, Come in.

Come in.

That's it.

That's it.

A little closer.

Scalpel, please.

TRISTAN: There you are.

Thank you.

Ready, Colonel?

Oh get on with it, Farnon!

(cow moos) (whimpering, spitting) (Merrick's whimpering continues, indistinct ranting) ♪ ♪ That's what the problem was.

What do you make of that?

(cow moos) Farnon, what the...

It's Mr. Farnon.

And my bill will be in the post.

♪ ♪ (spitting) I thought that went rather well.

Mm.

Yes.

Absolutely.

Quite the show.

Textbook.

(laughing) Good God... absolutely covered in the stuff.

(engine idling) You'll have to keep him inside for a few days to keep the wound clean, but I'm pleased with how the infection is clearing up.

We can't thank you enough, Mr. Herriot.

JAMES: No trouble at all.

Mrs. Hall will show you out.

Come on then, Rock, here we go.

(Jess barking) (both chuckling, barking continues) Looks like these two have become firm friends.

Oh, we'll be sorry to see him go.

Won't we, Jess?

I'm sure they could see each other again.

We could take them for a walk together.

One of the men usually take Jess out.

Ah.

Well, never mind.

Maybe we'll see you out and about, hey, Jess?

(panting) (dog whining) When you grow tired of moving your clock forward, let me know and I'll come fix it.

(dogs barking) Lost time is never found again.

Come on, Rock.

Let's go.

♪ ♪ HELEN: Oh, hold on!

Oh, Helen love, good to see you.

(chuckles) HELEN: Is James about?

MRS. HALL: In there.

(door closes) Come in.

I'm just clearing up.

Won't be a second.

Sorry we lost each other last night.

Oh, it's fine.

Don't worry.

It's been so long since I caught up with everyone.

I've known most of 'em since we were kids.

Oh, it's all right.

I understand.

It was the same for me when I went home.

Seeing everyone again.

It feels strange hearing you call somewhere else home.

You belong here.

This is your home.

I looked for you last night, couldn't find you.

I got dragged into a conversation outside with Gene Gilbert and Mr. Summers.

Once they get their teeth in, they're hard to shake off.

I'd've liked to have danced with you again.

If your toes could take it.

Last night were the first time in a long time that I've felt like myself again, and I was only there because of you.

♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ (door closes) ♪ ♪ SIEGFRIED: Everything all right with Miss Alderson?

Aye.

Grand.

Everything's grand.

♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ SIEGFRIED: Meet your new brood.

JAMES: What are you doing tomorrow night?

I'm going out with you by the sounds of it.

Tomorrow is your big chance to finally impress Helen.

SIEGFRIED: Good day, Mrs. Pumphrey.

MRS. PUMPHREY: Where is our dear James?

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