Come on!
Good little boy.
-Aha! Colonel, good morning! -Ah, Farnon!
I see your little cat's still fond of her morning ride?
Oh, yes! I'd be for the high jump if I left her out.
They, uh... They tell me you've just bought yourself a new breeding ram.
Oh, yes. Yes. Fine, fine animal.
Oh, Farnon, could you ask your brother to drop by and pick up his tickets.
A bit of a rush for the Beagle Hunt Ball this year.
If he hangs about too much he'll lose them,
which won't please Rachael at all.
Well, I'll tell him, of course.
Tristan is taking your Rachael to the ball?
Oh, yes, yes. Hitting it off lately, those two. (CHUCKLES)
He'll have his hands full there, I can tell you. (LAUGHS)
And how's the big vet today?
Well, not too bad at all, Phin, thank you. How's yourself?
You know, middling, Mr Farnon.
And you then, Charlie...
-How is the... -Calvert.
I heard is that you bought yourself a new ram.
-And you put your own one down, I hear. -You heard correctly.
Might wanna watch yoursen. Buying stock like that from folk you don't know.
I did consider buying one of yours, Calvert. But I decided against it.
(CHUCKLES)
Well, so long as you're happy, Charlie.
Oh, and while I'm on to you, you wanna watch that cat of yours.
-Maudie? -Aye. Little thing's started wandering about my place.
And I wouldn't want her to come to any harm, you see.
Not a nice, friendly little one like that.
Yes, that would be most unfortunate.
Ah, well...
I thought I'd best tell you.
Take care, Mr Farnon.
Yes, I will.
-Oh, Mr Boggs... -Is he in?
-Uh, you mean Mr Farnon? -Aye, that's him.
Yes, yes, but the surgery's not open yet.
-He takes my money, so I want his time. -Yes.
-Siegfried, Mr Boggs insists on seeing you. -Thank you, Helen, my dear.
A trifle early for surgery, Mr Boggs.
Early for some, mister.
(CAR ENGINE SPUTTERING)
(ENGINE STARTING)
Blackhead, Mr Boggs. I'll put him on a course of Stovarsol tablets.
-That should see him right. -Expensive stuff, mister!
You've taken my money for them little tablets before.
Well, it's a very effective remedy, Mr Boggs.
Any of your other birds affected, you think?
(GROANS) Could be, but he's the worst.
Then I'd best call out and have a look.
-I'm not sure I can afford that, mister. -Mr Boggs,
if your turkeys are ill...
They must be attended to.
-(BOGGS SIGHS) -There you are.
If the others are affected, I'll give you more.
-How much for these then? -The usual price, Mr Boggs.
Thank you kindly.
She's been uneasy ever since I got up.
I think she's wanting to calve but I reckon it's stuck.
-(COW MOOS) -Yes, that's what it looks like.
Right, hot water, soap and a towel, please, Mr Dugdale.
Aye, right.
(COW MOOING)
Ah, Jimmy, you've got it already. Good lad.
Aye, he's way ahead of you, Mr Herriot, aye, and me too.
I best get that water now before he gives me a right good ticking-off.
-Right! -(DUGDALE LAUGHING)
-Malpresentation, Dad? -Mmm, probably.
It's getting the hand in there that counts.
Gets rid of any guesswork in the job, see?
Yes, you learn more with your arm up the arse of a cow
than from any book. Don't you?
-What? -I heard Uncle Siegfried saying it to you once.
It's true, isn't it?
Yes, it's true, Jimmy. (SCOFFS)
Ah. There you are.
The cause of the belly-ache.
Right.
-Calum, stitch her up if you'd be so kind. -Right-o.
Good God, Calum. What the deuce do you think you're playing at?
What do you mean?
That catgut. Have you any idea how much it costs a foot?
Not really.
And the dusting powder, damned expensive stuff!
And you've just chucked away half a pound!
To no good effect.
And look at this! Literally a foot, where a square inch would do!
Well, I use only what I need, Siegfried.
Well, if you were paying for it you'd be bankrupt in no time at all!
(STUTTERING) But I've always done it this way.
Indeed. And I blame myself
for not taking your extravagant ways in hand sooner.
Now, now, now, look here...
If you want a swab, something this size is perfectly good enough.
There, see?
Huh? And this...
Look.
Quite sufficient. Hand me that.
And now...
This...
Short lengths will do...
Perfectly well. Needle.
Right.
Out of the way.
Now...
Say, it's difficult to tie off short lengths, isn't it?
Certainly not.
There you are. Job done at a fraction of the cost.
It's not so easy to remember when you're, er, caught up in the work though, is it?
Exactly! That's why I suggest that you follow my infallible method.
Oh? What's that?
Now, observe, Calum.
And inwardly digest what I am about to demonstrate.
Memorise
the desirable length of silk or catgut that you mean to use.
Then close your eyes,
and form a mental picture of intense clarity.
Got it!
The image now resides up here.
Forgotten until the need arises
when it will spring instantly into mental view.
Result, no waste, improved efficiency
and the joy that comes from being master and not servant
of your modus operandi.
Hmm?
Oh, I know, Calum, that you don't give a hoot about money at the moment,
but the time will come, my dear boy,
when you have your own practice and then you will learn something
of the burdens of a senior partner.
Hello, Helen.
-Not early, am I? Hello, Rosie. -Hello.
No, no, I'm late. My poor old car's gone on the blink.
It stops, it starts, but never quite when you want it to.
That takes me back.
Granville used to fob me off with his old wrecks till he saw the light.
Every time I broke down, I insisted he personally come and fetch me back.
Now, my dears, I have the pick of the garage.
Rosie, you go in. Mrs Greenlaw's making lunch. And I'll see you later.
Bye-bye.
Now...
-Where are we going? -The country club. Have you been there before?
No, but if I'd known we're doing it in style I'd have dressed for the occasion.
-Oh, don't be silly! You look lovely! -Mmm.
-I'll just see how she's getting on inside. -Ropes well on.
Yes, Jimmy.
I'm glad to know somebody's keeping an eye on the job! (LAUGHS)
Well, not much escapes the son and heir, Mr Dugdale.
Yes.
Yes, she's almost there.
(MOOING)
Right. Here goes, Bill.
-Right. Give us hold of this. -Take one.
Jimmy, move that bucket back, would you?
And pull!
(BOTH GRUNTING) -Come on, come on, come on... -Come on, come on.
Jimmy, think you can give me a hand?
And pull! (ALL GROANING)
-Pull! -Come on!
-Come on. -It's coming, Dad!
-Ah, come on, then. -Over to me.
-Come on. -(ALL GROANING)
JAMES: Yes. MR DUGDALE: That's good.
MR DUGDALE: Yes!
-(JAMES SIGHS) -It's a heifer, Dad!
That's good, isn't it, Mr Dugdale?
Aye, it is that, lad! It is that.
Want all the heifers we can get.
That brown one you're rubbing down
will be a good milk cow one day, maybe.
Don't worry, we'll look after her, won't we, Dad?
We'll do our best, Jimmy, certainly. We'll do our best. (LAUGHS)
WOMAN: It's extraordinary how successful it is, Helen.
Of course, everyone thought he was crazy to specialise in small animals,
but, my goodness, were they wrong!
And he's seriously looking for someone to join him?
Yes, the hunt is on in earnest.
Thank you. What does it involve, Zoe?
Essentially, it's finding the right person to buy into the practice,
and going on from there.
I see.
Does Granville have anyone in mind?
Early days yet.
He'll advertise if necessary,
but for now, he'd much prefer a recommendation from someone he respects...
Like James or Siegfried.
I'll speak to James.
Thanks.
It's a wonderful opportunity for the right person.
Whoever it is will have a completely free hand.
In effect, run the practice.
And, my dear, just as important,
they'll be financially secure for life.
-Hello, love. -Hello.
How was your lunch?
Oh, delicious. Very expensive and great fun.
-James, guess what? -Hmm?
-Granville is looking for a partner. -Really?
Well, yes, apparently the practice is doing so well
he and Zoe are looking to wind down.
You know, long cruises, golf, more holidays...
-All the things we lesser mortals just dream about. -Yes.
Well, good luck to them. They deserve it.
-Uh, it's, um, a wonderful opportunity, isn't it, James? -Hmm.
The best-equipped practice in the north, financial security for life...
-Quite a thought, isn't it? -Yes.
Yes, it is.
Have you given it some thought, James?
Well, let's face it, you're never going to be a rich man working in Darrowby.
-There's more to life than money, Tris. (LAUGHS) -Is there?
Oh, granted, but man, woman and children cannot live on job satisfaction alone.
-Ah... -Siegfried, well done. Would you care for a drink?
Oh, James, I can't. Yes, I should like a whisky, thank you.
Um...
-Tristan, where are you tomorrow morning? -TRISTAN: Colonel Bosworth's.
Good. Phineas Calvert rang. Would like you to look in on his calves. Please.
It shall be done. And the Colonel need be none the wiser.
What exactly has he got against Phin?
Thank you, James. Oh, old and new money.
Very uneasy neighbours, those two.
Principally because Phin Calvert owns land
that used to belong to the Bosworths.
-TRISTAN: To your expected health, James. -Cheers.
SIEGFRIED: Of course, Tristan, you know all about
the Bosworth family, don't you?
Well, we are on tolerably good terms, yes.
Formidable girl, that Miss Rachael Bosworth.
The man-eater of the tennis courts,
so the sporting fraternity reckon.
I like a spirited beauty.
So does younger brother. She's his latest conquest.
Really?
He didn't mention it.
I'm not one to yatter on about my private life, James. Others do that for me.
It's amazing, isn't it, just pass the time of day with a female around here
and tongues start wagging.
Also, the Colonel wants you to collect the tickets for the Beagle Hunt Ball.
Well, I'm having a lunchtime game with Rachael tomorrow. I'll pick them up then.
You see?
We're just good friends, Siegfried. She's a perfectly sweet girl.
Is he talking about the same Rachael Bosworth, do you think?
The same. She whose previous suitors litter the landscape like so many discarded husks.
Beagle Balls, tennis tournaments...
-Where will it all end, I wonder? -Not in tears, let us hope.
Eh, dear brother?
Thirty-love.
RACHAEL: Was that in?
Er, I'm not sure.
Well, I saw the chalk kick.
-Well... -Cheat! 40-love.
Out!
(MUTTERING) Damn!
(PANTING) Your game.
And set.
Another set?
Don't you think you might be overdoing it? (PANTING)
Playing with you? You're hopeless, Tristan!
I'm just not warmed up yet, that's all.
Besides, I usually play with ordinary mortals.
And I like to play with someone who can give me a decent game.
Look, at you, puffing like a bellows!
Nothing a glass of champagne wouldn't cure.
No. One more set first.
Now, come on, and try to do better. And do stop smoking.
(SIGHS)
What's this going to cost me, mister?
The merest fraction of what it would cost you to replace dead birds, Mr Boggs.
May I?
Thank you.
Not here! There!
SIEGFRIED: Oh, dear, dear...
Poor little things.
Blackhead, as I thought.
You'll have to dose all the birds in the pen.
Now, you know the instructions.
Please follow them very carefully.
-Cost more when you buy them by the packet, I reckon. -Oh, indeed, yes.
-Buy a jar that size, you pay less, that so, mister? -Of course.
Much, much cheaper.
-Best have it then. -Well, er, this bottle...
-You saying I can't have it? -No, no, no, no.
Then give it here! You'll get paid!
Here, it's been opened!
I was about to say that, Mr Boggs.
You trying to sell me damaged goods, mister?
Certainly not.
This jar should contain a thousand tablets. It's short on just a very few.
How many?
Well, very... Practically none.
I assure you, it's almost a brand new jar.
To the fair victor, the spoils.
Tristan, do sit down.
How can I relax when you're strutting about like an Italian waiter.
Your wish is my command.
Stop behaving like one too.
Tristan,
do we have to go to a restaurant tonight?
I mean,
couldn't we just go for a drive in your car, really fast?
I'll think about it.
Good God, man, did it die?
Uh, not quite. But don't worry, Siegfried. I'll breathe life into them.
God help us all!
Is anyone in the waiting room, Calum?
Uh, well, there is just one person...
Come along, Calum! Jump to it!
Er, well, actually, Siegfried, he's waiting to see you.
It's Mr Boggs.
Boggs? I've just seen him.
Well, he wants to see you again. Insists on it, in fact.
(SCOFFS)
Back again so soon, Mr Boggs?
He's been waiting quite some time, haven't you, Mr Boggs?
That is a very artistic display. I presume it has a meaning.
Them little tablets of yours, mister.
-You said there were a thousand in that bottle, eh. -Not quite correct.
I've been counting them. Aye, three times, just to be sure.
And you're wrong, do you hear?
How very conscientious of you.
There's 991 and a half here!
That's eight and a half tablets missing!
By my reckoning, that's two pence halfpenny you've overcharged me, mister!
Thank you, Mr Boggs.
Aha! There you are!
(NERVOUSLY) Hello, sir.
Could I offer you some of your own excellent champagne?
Er, no, thank you. Touch early in the day for me.
Uh, here are your tickets for the Beagle Hunt Ball.
And mind you don't lose them.
The doorman won't let you in if you're without them.
-(TRACTOR APPROACHING) -What the devil's that?
-Charlie? -Calvert, what the devil are you doing here?
Came straight away.
There's been an accident. That little cat of yours...
-Maudie? -I were driving past long grass by the side when
little thing shot out, straight under wheels.
I'm right sorry, Charlie.
TRISTAN: Let's have a look at her, Phin.
Is she... Well, she's alive.
Uh, best not. It's a frightful injury, sir.
-Her jaw must have caught the impact. -God!
She needs immediate surgery. I'll, uh, ring you from Darrowby.
One thing, if you think it's hopeless, please,
she mustn't suffer unnecessarily.
I quite understand.
(CAR DOOR CLOSING)
Do what you can for that little cat, young fella.
I wouldn't be too hopeful, Phin.
Well, I'm a great believer in science. Gotta be summat to help her, and...
Whatever it costs, you put it down to me, hmm?
-Here you are, Janet. -Thank you.
Now you keep Oyster away from your mother's chocolate roulade,
and his tummy will soon get better.
-Right. Bye. -Well, then. Bye, Oyster.
James! Colonel Bosworth's Maudie, hit by a tractor!
-Clear the desk, for God's sake, quickly! -Yes, right.
There you are.
See what you think.
-My God... -Exactly.
Right.
-What are you doing? -The kindest thing, Tris.
5cc's of Nembutal, put her out of her agony for good.
I know it seems like the only thing to do, James.
But the Colonel's feelings for this animal run very deep.
I'm going to inject her, Tris.
If there was no other hope it's what he would want you to do but...
Maudie was a present from his wife before she died.
Now, Rachael's told me how this cat helped pull him around.
There we are, Tris. 1cc, that will knock her out until we decide what to do.
What, you think there may be a chance?
Well, not with me, or anyone else that I can...
Except Granville Bennett.
(TRISTAN SIGHS)
-It's a pretty desperate injury, actually, Granville. -GRANVILLE: How bad?
Well, it looks like a symphyseal fracture,
shattered mandible, and probably worse.
Lovely stuff, James.
-Anything internal? -JAMES: I don't think so.
Can you help?
It's a bit tricky, laddie...
Oh, not the job, James, that sounds right up my street, there.
No, it's Zoe, you see.
She'll be expecting me to turn up at the theatre at Mannerton.
And there'll be hell to pay if I don't.
-Well, can't you contact her? -No, not a hope, James.
She's out and about doing her good works.
-I'll tell you what... Is Helen free? -Think so. Why?
Well, if she was, she could stand in for me.
Zoe would love that. What about it?
Helen! Hang on, Granville.
Darling, how would you like to go to the theatre with Zoe Bennett
-while Granville operates on Maudie? -Lovely.
-Good. -What about the children?
-Well, Calum can look after them. -Calum?
And Deirdre. What do you say?
-Of course. -It's on, Granville. Thank you.
I'll see you as soon as I can. Bye.
Just one thing though. Don't let Granville entice you to the pub again.
Don't worry, darling. Never again!
That's what you said last time.
Look, I promise faithfully. I will stay in the surgery
until you and Zoe return. How's that?
Just don't disgrace yourself in front of her. She's never seen you sober.
-I'll keep a strict eye on him, Helen. -Lovely.
And who's going to keep an eye on you?
Screw.
The head this way a fraction.
-No, the other way. -Sorry.
God Almighty! More!
(JAMES SIGHS)
Drill.
Hell's bells. Tristan!
(GRANVILLE SIGHS)
(CALUM PLAYING CONCERTINA)
All smile and snores up there.
A lonely worker's playtime, playing out here.
-Calum? -Mmm-hmm?
-There's a problem. -Oh?
A parent problem.
What?
My parents think it's time Buchanan revealed all.
What have you been telling them?
Everything.
Oh.
And?
They want to meet you. Isn't that nice?
Isn't that, uh, ominous?
Only if you've been playing fast and loose with their daughter.
Do you think I have?
I don't know. It's not me you have to convince.
Well, it's much more fun convincing you than them.
Oh, you've got a way with you.
(LAUGHING)
-GIRL 1: We can see you, Calum. -(GIRL 2 LAUGHS)
-All smile and snores, eh? -I'd better sort them out.
Lovely.
And I think we've done about all we can.
I want to show you my latest addition, James.
-Latest addition? -Yes, for recovery after the op. Hmm?
-Recovery after the op? -Yes. It's a fully-equipped recovery room.
Go on, get your togs off.
-Er, Granville... -Oh, for God's sake, James, it's only a recovery room.
GRANVILLE: Come on, James.
Here we are, you see, laddie.
Specially constructed recovery cages.
You see, they're warm, quiet. (LAUGHS)
It gives them a chance to recover gradually, you see.
It's better than being bounced about in the back of a car.
It's very impressive.
What a marvellous idea.
Must have cost you a fortune though.
Well, that's not the point, James.
People stay in hospital after an op,
so why shouldn't these chaps get the same treatment?
Beside, I'm not exactly out of pocket.
My clients are willing to foot the most enormous bills, you know.
(SCOFFS)
When I was a lad, I dreamed of having a place like this.
Just like this.
Did you, now?
Yes, the corridors of power, the Min of Ag,
and the grassroots work I handled in Darrowby,
very important to get the balance right, I believe.
You have a girlfriend at the Ministry, haven't you?
Oh, good lord. Ancient history, Susan!
An ex-flat-mate of mine used to work there.
Forever going on about the office heartthrob, Tristan Farnon.
-Can't have meant me! -You're the only one I know who lives in Mannerton.
I live there too, you see.
Good heavens! Really?
So, how long have you been working for Granville?
GRANVILLE: Come and have a look at the old girl, Tristan.
TRISTAN: (SIGHS) When I think how she was when we took her in!
Hush, laddie.
TRISTAN: She's coming around.
Listen...
(MAUDIE MEOWS FAINTLY)
Good Lord!
She can move her jaw again.
Incredible, Granville!
TRISTAN: Hmm.
Couple of weeks of fluid feeding and she'll be as good as new. (CHUCKLES)
(CLEARS THROAT)
-Ah! We're just in time... -Sorry, Granville.
Not tonight, if you don't mind.
Not even a pint to wash away the dust of battle?
Well...
Better not.
You can't possibly go without Zoe's benediction.
I could tell you what...
This house is crammed with food.
-Zoe worries, you see, in case I get peckish. -Hmm.
Why don't we ask Susan here to knock us up a light collation
while we wait for them to get back from the theatre?
Very decent of you, Granville.
Yes, I'll go and sort something out.
Uh, I better phone the Bosworths.
Oh, well, use the phone in there.
-Come on, James. Come into the reception. -Hmm?
I want to show you my library.
It's a little something that calms the anxious client.
Oh.
Here we are, James!
Food for the mind.
(GRANVILLE CHUCKLES)
(JAMES SIGHS)
And...
Drink for the spirit.
Oh, no!
GRANVILLE: Oh, yes! (CHUCKLES)
If a good read doesn't calm them down, this often does the trick.
It's also very useful if one is marooned.
And, it's got its own ice-maker. Look.
(GRANVILLE CHUCKLES)
-And again... -(JAMES SIGHS)
Ah! Scotch on the rocks suit you?
-Well, to tell you the truth, Granville... -Thought so.
Well, just the very merest...
Cheers.
Yes. And sometime tomorrow, she'll be ready to come home.
Thank you, sir! Not at all.
Rachael? Yes, of course, I'll speak to her.
Goodbye, sir.
Hello, Rachael...
GRANVILLE: You know what I really need here, James...
I mean, while I sail off into the wide blue yonder.
A partner, do you mean?
Exactly.
Someone who knows the work, who's keen,
able to move with the times.
But above all, someone who truly cares
for the unfortunate little brutes we try to put right.
Ah.
In short, James, a chap like you.
Me?
Good Lord, I'd snap you up like that if I knew you were free.
You've got what it takes, and a hell of a lot more, besides.
(SCOFFS)
There's only one thing. You're a bit sluggish with the old elbow, aren't you?
-Sorry. -(GRANVILLE CHUCKLES)
Of course, erm, whoever it was who, uh, came in
wouldn't have to worry about money again.
(LAUGHS) That's a thought!
Cheers.
There something wrong with it, James?
No.
(EXHALING)
How much would a partner need to buy in?
Well, it depends. I mean, initially, whatever he can afford.
-Let's face it, money is the least of my problems. -(BOTH LAUGH)
The damn practice is awash with it.
It's also awash with scotch!
(JAMES SNIGGERING)
(LAUGHING)
Ah! Lovely grub! Just the job!
James?
Hi, Tris!
Um...
Okay, I'm gonna tuck in.
Mustn't let the slide down. (LAUGHS)
Really out for the count this time.
Well, what shall I tell them?
-Do you think they'll like me? -I don't know.
They make up their own minds about that kind of thing.
But if you can sing a song,
play the pipes and tell a good joke, then I think you're in with a head start.
(IN MOCK GERMAN ACCENT) And so, mein Damen and Herren, ze Finale.
Ein performance of Carmina Burana by the brilliantischer conductor,
Wolfgang Bonkers.
Bravo! Bravo!
Now, you listen to this.
Danke! Danke!
This important work I first conduct at the Academy for Lunatic Music!
Achtung!
(HUMS CARMINA BURANA)
(JOINS IN)
(MANIACAL HUMMING FROM INSIDE)
(ALL STOP)
Hello, James.
Hi, darling.
(SLURRING) Tristan's doing his impersonation of the mad conductor!
So I see.
Oh...
Hello, James.
Granville...
It needs tuning. (SNIGGERING)
Hello, Zoe.
(SNIGGERING)
(CHUCKLING)
Got back in one piece then?
It's entirely your fault, James.
Tristan, I was depending on you.
Zoe Bennett thinks I'm a confirmed alcoholic.
I take my eyes off you for one second.
-The next thing I know is you're legless! -What about you?
Driven off into the night with your head hanging out of the window, singing Bizet.
Verdi, if you must know.
At least, I think it was.
Anyway, what happened with Susan?
Nothing happened with Susan.
-At least, I don't think it did. -(JAMES SCOFFS)
(DOOR BANGING)
(SIEGFRIED WHISTLING)
Ah! Good morning!
For God's sake, Siegfried!
Good grief! It's alive!
Same here.
All the signs of a Bennett bacchanal!
-I'm going to get the cat. -It's in the kitchen.
I'm taking Jimmy on my rounds.
-Before you depart, a word in your shell-like ears. -Get on with it.
I had a full report this morning from Granville,
of all that transpired last night.
Not another lecture, please, Siegfried.
Merely to compliment all those concerned
in saving the Bosworth cat, my dear brother.
You for your prompt action, James for his inspired decision,
Granville for his brilliant surgery.
Indeed, there was much to celebrate.
-Good Lord, James, I think he actually means it! -Mmm-hmm.
SIEGFRIED: (WHISPERING) Do go.
JAMES AND TRISTAN: Oh!
-Hello, Mr Dugdale. -Now then, you two.
It's one of me milk cows, Mr Herriot.
-Summat funny about her. -How's my calf doing, Mr Dugdale?
Oh, it's a right wick one, that, young fellow, me lad.
-Can I have a look? -Yeah, of course.
She's in there with two others.
See if you can spot which one it is.
-Can you manage, Dad? -I'll try.
(COW MOOING)
Well, you can see how she is.
Trembling a bit.
A touch of fever too, I think.
-She eating all right? -Nay. She won't touch hay or cake.
Looks very much like mastitis, I'm afraid.
That's what I thought.
But I took this out of her not an hour since.
And it's right clear.
Well, looks clear enough.
(TOOTING HORN)
Ah!
-Come here again, have you, mister? -I was passing, Mr Boggs,
so I thought I'd pop in and see if your turkeys were improving.
Did you, now?
I shan't be long. I have no intention of lingering, I assure you.
I'll just see what their form is.
Oh, while I'm here,
can I take, uh, a dozen of your best eggs?
That'll be two and eight pence to you, mister.
Fine.
(JAMES SIGHS)
-What's wrong, Dad? -Oh, I don't understand it, Jimmy.
Her lungs are okay, her stomach's working perfectly well.
-She's off her food and she's running a temperature. -Not mastitis, then?
Well, everything points to it, Bill, but she's...
-The milk looks fine, doesn't it? -(DUGDALE SIGHS)
This one's got him beat, young fella.
I could have sworn it was mastitis.
-I think it is mastitis, Dad. -What?
This quarter's very hot. Feel it.
My God, Jimmy, you're right! It is hot, isn't it?
-I can almost feel the flakes. -(LAUGHING) By heck!
Apprentice knows more than the boss. (CHUCKLES)
You told me to watch out for that. Easy to be fooled, you said.
Aye. And he was and all.
Yes, I was, Bill.
I should have taken a fresh sample. (DUGDALE LAUGHS)
Well, I can see you've got her in right good hands, Mr Herriot.
So, I'll go and get some milking done.
Thanks, Jimmy.
Mr Boggs!
Your turkeys are not improving, Mr Boggs.
Them little tablets you sold me must be no good.
Are you sure you're following the correct dosage?
Chucking away good brass, that's what I've been doing, mister.
-Here! -Merely checking.
Are you sure you're giving the tablets properly to the birds?
Told you.
Hardly any have been used!
You're foolish, parsimonious man, Mr Boggs.
Why bother to buy treatment when you're too damnably mean to use it?
I did what I thought right.
Carry on in the same vein, you may find yourself
with a case of willful neglect to answer.
Do you take my meaning?
Ah, here's your money for the eggs.
Two, six... Two, seven...
Two and eight. Thank you. Goodbye, for the present.
-There are only 11 eggs here. -You're wrong, mister.
11 eggs, not 12. Count them yourself.
No need to.
You can count 11, but I tell you there's 12.
One of them's double-yolked, mister.
Is it easy to do that, Mr Dugdale?
Well, it is when you know how.
-Want to have a go, then? -Could I?
Of course, you could.
Now, you sit down there.
Off you go, then.
There's nothing coming out! Not a drop!
Ah, it's not as easy as it look, is it, young fella, my lad?
I reckon you'll be here all week if you try to milk my cows.
I tell you what,
you come up here after school one day,
and I'll teach you.
I'll soon make a milker out of you.
Damn valuable colt, that, Farnon.
-Hate to tell you what he cost. -(SIEGFRIED LAUGHS)
I'll spare no expense to put him right.
Indeed, he's a very good sort.
-Ready, Siegfried? -Uh-huh.
Nasty one, eh, Farnon?
Indeed, it looks like it, Lord Hawden.
Little beggar tried to jump a fence.
(SIEGFRIED MUTTERING)
Well, do you know, I think you may be in a bit of luck.
There's no deep tissue damage and...
The bones of the ribs are all right.
It's just a straightforward stitching job.
So, Calum, uh...
You can go ahead.
-My job? -Stitch him up if you please.
Ah.
Calum, is it?
Yes, uh, Peregrine.
-(HAWDEN LAUGHS) -Everything all right, young chap?
Yes, Peregrine.
Good, good.
Well, I'll, um,
leave you to it.
(MUTTERING) What're you doing?
Economising, as you said.
Economise with a valuable animal like this?
What the devil do you think you're up to?
-But you said... -Calum, get out of the way.
(SIEGFRIED GRUNTS)
Now, then, Calum, powder.
Now, watch.
This is how we do it.
You're like a finicky old hen with the niminy-niminy pinches of powder.
Right, now, cotton wool.
I can't tell you how bad it looks to the clients
using piddly amounts of material.
This is incredible.
Panache, Calum.
A certain panache, that's what we need.
Mind you, it's not your fault.
You Scots, all said, you have a great many qualities that I admire.
Industry loyalty.
But you'll be the first to agree that you often overdo the thrift.
So, Calum.
Not so canny when you're operating.
Try and remember that, will you?
I've learned an infallible method for doing just that.
Remembering things.
Have you? Very good.
So have I, one that's never been known to fail.
Remind me to...
Demonstrate it to you one day.
One little moggy, sir.
Still a bit groggy, but otherwise, in remarkably good shape.
My dear boy, I really don't know how...
TRISTAN: All she needs now is the healing touch.
I'm sure she'll get it here.
Oh, she will!
Welcome home, old girl!
Come in.
Oh, I'm sorry, Colonel, but it looks like black disease.
It's my guess this animal had liver fluke when you bought him.
(BOSWORTH SIGHS)
What a hell of a thing to happen!
-Still, you pay your money, you take a chance, I suppose. -Indeed.
-I'm only sorry there was nothing I could do. -No.
My fault, buying from people I don't know.
So, what the devil am I going to do now?
I'm gonna need a ram, with tupping time coming along.
Why not try one of Phineas Calvert's animals. None better that I know.
Hmm. Fagin's choice, isn't it?
Either the devil you don't know, or the one you do. No.
I'll have no chat with him, Farnon.
Oh, um, by the way,
thanks for everything you chaps did for Maudie.
Oh, not at all.
And, speaking of which, it's about time you sent me a bill.
-All taken care of, Colonel. -What?
Phin Calvert settled up in full.
Good day to you.
-Jimmy's gone! -What?
I was late getting to the school.
When I got there, he'd gone, James, completely vanished!
Oh, he's a strong, independent young lad.
He'll have taken himself off adventuring somewhere.
-He's probably with a friend, Helen. -(PHONE RINGS)
I'll get it.
I've already been around to Charles' and Stevens'.
They haven't seen him since the bell!
I don't know where else to try, James.
It's just not like him to go off without a word. It'll be dark soon!
Look, if this isn't news of him now, I'll get the car and go look for him.
-CALUM: All right, Mr Dugdale, I'll tell him. -Dugdale's, you see!
That's where the little devil's skived off to!
You got the drift then?
How, how did he get to Dugdale's!
He walked, apparently. Decided it was time he was taught the art of milking.
-Coming really good, Mr Dugdale. -Aye. Good.
-Siegfried! -Tristan! Of course, the Beagle Ball!
Is James still here?
-He's already gone, I'm afraid. Helen too. -Oh, damn!
You seem a trifle agitated, dear brother.
Something awful. I've lost the tickets to the Beagle Ball!
I thought maybe James or Helen might have seen them here. (PANTING)
Rachael's meeting me here any moment. If she finds out I've lost them...
(DOORBELL RINGS)
Oh, my God! That's her now.
Quake not, my dear Tristan.
I will entertain her. Now, calm yourself.
Argh!
(SIEGFRIED TALKING)
SIEGFRIED: Please come in. He'll be ready in a moment.
You look so absolutely fantastic...
(DOOR SHUTS)
(SIGHING)
(SIGHS DEEPLY)
Hello, Rachael...
-Susan. -(CHUCKLES)
Hello, Tristan.
(CLEARING THROAT) Is this your first Beagle Ball?
First time I've ever been asked. (LAUGHS)
(SIGHS)
-Having fun? -Dad!
Hello, Jimmy.
Look what I can do, Mum.
It's really easy, isn't it, Mr Dugdale?
Aye, it is... When you know how.
(ALL CHUCKLING)
(SIEGFRIED PLAYING PIANO)
That was the last time I invited Billy Archer to the Beagle Ball!
(ALL LAUGHING)
Well, if you'll forgive me, I've got one or two things
to clear up in the surgery, all right?
-So, that's your famous brother, Tristan? -Yes.
Yes, uh...
Ah, there's, uh, something I must ask him. Won't be a moment, Susan.
What a ghastly mess!
I must have invited her that night at Granville's.
Knowing you and the drinks in you, I wouldn't be in the least surprised.
-Rachael's going to be here any moment. -(DOORBELL RINGS)
Oh, my God!
Your turn this time, Tristan.
Right...
Here goes...
-Hello, Rachael! Come in. -RACHAEL: Hello, Tristan.
I'm sorry I'm a bit late, but I'm here now.
Well, yes, come on, I'll get you a drink.
Why are we going in there?
It's the surgery.
I know perfectly well what it is, Tristan.
But I'd rather go in there, if you don't mind.
Uh, I'd rather you didn't, as a matter of fact.
Why not? Tristan, you're behaving very oddly, you know.
-Really? -Mind out!
Oh, what a tangled web we weave...
As I may have said before.
Shh!
I can't hear anything.
What am I going to do?
What every Farnon has to do in the end, the right thing.
I'll have to go in.
I'll be right behind you.
(TRISTAN SIGHS)
Hello, good evening, Rachael! How lovely you look!
(CHUCKLES) Well, thanks for the drink, Tristan.
I'd better go now, or I'll miss Henry.
-Henry? -Do give him my best wishes.
You know Henry Lumsden, don't you?
Who, the locum who works for Henry Mottram?
My fiance.
-Oh! Your fiance, yes, of course! -(BOTH LAUGH)
He's working late, you see. Gave me a chance to say hello and, um, drop these off.
I found them in the car that night I drove you home from Granville's.
Oh, that night, yes, yes.
-Well, we'll meet later, I expect. -Yes, of course!
SIEGFRIED: I'll see you out, Susan.
Goodbye, Rachael. Nice to have met you.
-Tristan, what is going... -Ah! I shan't be a moment.
SIEGFRIED: There we are. SUSAN: Yes, goodnight, Siegfried.
SIEGFRIED: Goodnight, my dear, and greet Henry for me.
SUSAN: I will.
Goodbye, Tristan.
My God!
You knew all along!
More than diverting! (CHUCKLING)
RACHAEL: Tristan!
-Tristan! -(LAUGHING)
Coming, Rachael!
You...