A love story
Based on the book "The Apple Tree"
Summer of 1922.
My wife and I were on holiday driving in Dartmoor.
For me, it was a Secret pilgrimage.
Shan't be long, have a nice walk dear.
Get the picnic ready.
It was like everything was waiting my return.
But what did I hope to find After all these years?
Happy memories?
Or some sort of forgiveness?
As I hesitated, torn between fear and longing.
The memories began to live again.
My dear Frank, what you know about women would fit on the head of a pin.
What is this love you talk about anyway?
Where is this feeling I want to know, Where abouts does it stike you?
I'll tell you, that's where it gets you.
Not in the head, not in the heart, right between the legs.
- It sounds uncomfortable. - Look, Wake up, man!
You remember that girl in the Tobacconist? The one on the back of the Bakers? - No.
What a body! By Jove, what a body!
It took me four weeks and about 10 kg of tobacco,
to get in a hump. But by God it was worth it!
Hand over the map, would you.
- What's her name by the way? - Who's name?
The girl in the tobacconist hall?
I don’t know. Elsie, Betty, Joan. What does it matter what their name was?
There should be a footpath to Widdicombe somewhere around here.
Anyway, a rose by any other name and all that.
Yes here we are, We take that track across the field.
Well, let's get going.
I thought you would have known your Shakespeare.
- Come on then I dare you. - Doesn’t it open?
A pint of best at the next inn we come to.
Not the cleanest vault. But you got over it. What do you say making it a pint. Okay.
Come on boy don't just sit there.
I say, are you all right?
Damned ankle. I twisted it somehow.
Let's take a look.
No, it's not broken.
- A slight sprain Maybe. - Bloody silly thing to do.
You sit here. I'll scout around a bit. There must be a farm somewhere near-by.
We haven't passed one for ten miles.
Oh! Look there's a girl. Perhaps she can help.
Hello there. You Miss!
Is there a farm round here? Somewhere we can stay?
My friend's hurt his leg.
Do you live nearby?
Can you put us up for the night?
Splendid!
We were hoping to get to Widdicombe. But he can't walk I'm afraid.
Bit of luck, old chap!
This young lady says her aunt will put us up for the night.
It's only a step.
- Do you think you can manage it? - Yes, yes, I'm sure I can.
Not far now.
See how she walks?
- Beautiful. This might be quite interesting. - What the devil do you mean by that?
Oh! a little game in the hay loft. After a slice of aunties rabbit pie,
and a flagon of cider. How about you, Alright?
For God's sake, she probably can't even spell her own name.
What the devil does that matter? Miss!
- What's your name, my girl? - Megan David, sir.
I'm Mr. Garton. This is Mr. Ashton.
I'm a doctor. Mr. Ashton's a poet.
Yes sir.
Maybe that's why he can't jump gates.
Yes sir.
I'll tell you what my aunt says.
Thank you Miss David.
Why the hell did you say I'm a poet?
- Does your ankle hurt? - Like hell if you want to know.
Auntie! Auntie!
Rather pretty.
- Hey Joe, who are they? - Yeah, Who are they?
I don't know. Strangers.
- Good afternoon! - Good afternoon sir.
- You must be Megan's auntie? - That's right,
- I've only got the one room. - Oh! That'll suit us very well.
I rent it weekly, otherwise it's two shillings a day, full board.
Splendid.
Megan. Make the Gentlemen some tea And get the spare room ready.
- Good afternoon! - Good afternoon sir.
Joe. Glass of water.
- You'll be wanting a wash? - I could do with more than a wash my girl.
- There's a pool down by bottom of the meadow. - It's not very deep.
- It's fine for Nick and Rik. - Well, I'll try it.
- You stay here and rest. - No, I'll come with you.
What are you two staring at? Go on take the gentlemen nap-sack!
Thank you boys.
Come on in. It'll do you a power of good.
I wonder if the girl comes in here for a dip.
- Leave her alone can't you? - What? - I said leave her alone.
- Why? - Because you've got a filthy mind.
So have you, but the only difference is you don't use it!
You've ever seen a couple of nancies before then?
They are gentlemen, but of course you wouldn't know about that?
Give us a kiss then.
Oh! You stink! You really do!
You could do with a wash.
No, Joe, you really smell.
- There's more if you're still hungry. - Thanks very much, Megan.
If you want anything else. I'll be in the kitchen.
- Oh! Why don't you talk to us? - Auntie will be wanting me, sir.
Oh! Come on! Just for a minute.
- Does your uncle own this farm? - My Uncle?
Oh! Mr. Narracombe? He died years ago.
- So you've been bought up here with your cousins? - No sir, Joe and the boys are not my kids.
Auntie, Mrs. Narracombe took me on when my mum died.
- What about your father? - I don't know. He wasn't from these parts.
Welsh was he? You have a Welsh name.
Can I go now, sir?
Of course, we shouldn't be keeping you here like this.
You know, if you don't mind my saying, with your friend being a doctor and all.
You need a poultice on your ankle. I know how to do it.
Rick said it was wonderful. When he fell from the hay wagon.
Thank you. I'll certainly give it a try.
- Thank you sir.
She's rather intriguing.
Did you see how pretty she's when she blushed?
I knew she wasn't just a farm girl, the moment I saw her.
- What do you think? - Her manners are better than yours.
Beyond that, I have no opinion.
You know, I don't think my ankle is going to be better by tomorrow.
Stay here for a couple of days. Rest it up.
- Meg, where did they come from? - From London, I think.
- How far away is London, Meg? - Whew! A long way.
- Thousands of miles? - Hmm! Most likely a thousand miles.
Nine o'clock.
Who the Dickens goes to bed at nine o'clock?
You know, Joe told me that the nearest pub is 10 miles away.
Absolutely barbaric!
No wonder these peasants are so in-bread.
What do they keep in there? Pigs Probably!
Get off! Get off!
Well, I got them anyway.
I'm the bogey. I'm the Bogey!
Joke about the bogey, Joey the bogey will come and get you.
Meg is the bogey! Meg is the bogey!
You'll bother the Gentlemen.
Joe says they're nancies.
What does Joe know, mangle werzells and turnips. That's what Joe Knows.
Joe said he saw them in the pond, stark naked.
Now don't gabble. God won't hear a word you say, if you gabble.
Our father, who is in heaven ...
You know old chap...
I'm not sure I can actually stand it here...
- Despite the attractions. - What?
I might push back to town in the morning. If I can find a railway station in this God forsaken place.
There's one at Bovey Tracey, I think.
Are you sure you don't mind? Will you be alright?
- Yes. I'll be alright. - Splendid!
It won't hurt, sir.
What's in it? That stuff your putting on?
A bit of this and that. You wouldn't know if I told you.
- It's soothing. - It's very soothing.
I'm afraid Mr. Garton wouldn't approve though.
What did you think of him?
He seemed to have been in a great hurry to be gone this morning.
- He said something funny? - Funny?
When I gave him breakfast this morning. He told me that I was a daughter of the Bard.
Is it true what he said. That your a poet?
Not really. I just write poetry from time to time.
- Actually I'm a barrister. - So your a lawyer then. Yes.
- What's so funny about that? - Your much too young to be a lawyer.
I'm sorry, sir.
Best get you slippers, you'll never get your shoe on over that.
- Good morning, Joe. - Morning.
You'll be leaving today then?
Well, actually, I asked your mother if I could stay on for a few days.
It's a good idea to rest it, don't you think?
We don't rest much in these parts. Not for a bit of a bruise anyhow.
I got it.
- It's all right, Miss. I can do that.. - I'll do it.
"Miss David?" again.
You've come up in the world haven't you mate. - Mind your own business.
- Now you can walk. - Thank you. That's very kind.
Come on then, Miss David.
Come in.
- Auntie says would you like to try a piece of her caraway cake. - That's very kind.
Where is everybody?
- I mean, where do you sit in the evening? - In the kitchen, sir.
Can I come in for a while? It's a bit lonely here.
Well.. Do you want to bring your cake then.
- Are you alright? Let me help you, Sir. - I'm sorry.
- I feel so stupid. - Put your arm around my shoulders, sir.
Then get your balance.
You don't have to call me "sir", - But what shall I call you then sir?
Ashton will do. My name is Frank.
Very well.. Mr. Ashton.
Mind your head. You don't want that bashed.
- Oh no, you never seen a dragon. - Yes I did. With fire spurting out.
And then you woke up.
He's a liar.
I asked Megan if I could join you for a few minutes.
- I hope you don't mind.
Megan put a chair by the fire, We're just finishing dinner.
- Boys, help Mr Ashton can you. - No, I can manage. - Let me.
Thank you.
Please carry on. I really don't want to disturb you.
Megan, serve Mr. Ashton with a glass of the elderberry.
- This is Jim. - Hello.
Young Rick told us how saw a dragon this morning.
- A dragon? Where? - In the woods, yes, I did!
- Don't you have dragons in London? - Ho, plenty.
Not the kind Rick means I'm sure.
The cake is delicious.
Sure my mother would like the recipe.
- The what? - What it's made of.
It's not written down sir. It never has been.
Not like, how to jump gates.
That's not been written down either, eh.
The wine is very good too.
Megan, she makes it. You put something in it don't you mate?
Well here's to whatever it is.
I assume that's a secret too.
Oh Eye, our Megan is a real witch.
Joe, stop it!
- What's got into you? - Nothing.
- Oh yes there is. - Oh no there isn't.
- Then give me a kiss. - No.
Kim! Come on now!
- Come on, boys. Up to bed with you now. - But it's Saturday tomorrow.
And you'll be up all hours.
- Up to bed right now! - Catch me!
I'll catch you on the end of my broom I will.
I can see frogs can you?
And I can skin you, Rick Naracombe. Upstairs.
- I need to clear the table if you don't mind. - Of course not. Just carry on,
- I'm sorry - Why?
If I intrude.
Megan?
- Good morning, sir. - Good morning.
- How's your ankle today? - Better. It's still painful though.
So. When do you think you'll be going?
Well, if you could possibly put up with me for a few more days if it's not too much trouble.
- Oh, it's no trouble, same terms? - Of course.
It'll be nice and quiet for you today.
Megan's taken the boys to Beecher's to help with the shearing.
- So that's today... - I don't like it mind.
So. Suppose we must change with the times.
- And Joe, has he gone too? - Joe's working.
- Good morning, Jim! - Morning, sir!
- How far is Beecher's farm from here? - Beechers? That's about four miles.
Straight up the road there, right by the high rocks.
- You'll be wanting to see the shearing I reckon. - Four miles?
I see your leg's better, sir.
My leg? Oh, my ankle. Yes, that's fine, thank you.
Could I borrow a trap, a horse?
Well there's Meg's old bicycle in the shed. You can ride that.
Thank you, that will do very well.
- She's right willful is our Meg when she sets her mind to it. - Really.
Farmer Narracombe wouldn't let the boys roam with the Beecher's.
Farmer Narracombe would speak one word to farmer Beecher in neigh on ten years.
- Right old feud they had. - So, Joe doesn’t go to the shearing?
No, no, he's mighty stubborn is Joe.
But Megan will win him round, you'll see.
Yes, well. Right at the big rocks, you say? - That's it, over the moors. - Thanks Jim.
"There's one that is a pure as an angel, As fair as the flowers of May,"
"They call her the gentle maiden Wherever she takes her way."
"Her eyes have the glance of sunlight, As it brightens the blue sea wave..."
Get the sides. Don't get the middle, Get the sides.
Anyway, I said: "What shall I call you."
And he said, "Mr. Ashton will do, but my name is Frank""
Wine comming boys.
Who's that?
Meg..
It's him! It's Mr. Ashton!
Hello Megan. I've come to see the shearing.
Your welcome, I'm sure.
Come on, children. We have work to do.
This is Mr. Ashton. Mr. Bicer.
He's been staying with us for a while.
He's Betsy's father.
- Have you ever seen a sheep? - Of course.
You two going to stay round me?
OK! Yes!
It's fantastic!
Do they ever cut them?
No. Not really.
Look she's been cut and they cover it with pitch.
Come on Blondie have a go.
Is that her boyfriend? - No.
Like this?
Look, I've got new drawers!
Your mother asked if we could stay for the prom.
It's nothing to do with me.
Good thing Joe ain't here.
Bravo, blonde, you'll get used to it!
Come on, Betsy!
- He probably won't notice anyway. - Oh! Yes, he will!
You want more?
You'll be in trouble if you do that again!
- Is your ankle alright? - Shall we go out side?
- Do you know what the time is? - Nope.
- One o'clock. - Are you going?
- I'm going in the trap with you. - You can't, we're stopping over.
The boys have been in bed long ago.
- Then I'll stay. - You can't, the house is full.
I can sleep on the wool.
- I'll get you a blanket. It'll be cold. - It's alright.
Megan, in the morning, you better leave and find me elsewhere don't you think?
This was the most marvelous day of my life. - Me too.
Done alright with the dancing.
I won't come back inside. Tell the others I’ve gone.
- Megan. - Yes sir?
Nothing... Good night.
- Megan, what are you doing? - I brought you a blanket.
Thank you.
- You shouldn't have. - Yeah, but I have.
It's spooky in here.
You care for me, Mr. Ashton?
Of course I care for you.
You came looking for me, didn't you?
Yes, yes I did.
I loved it.
No. No. No.
- That's what you came for isn't it? - No.
Why did you come? Why bring the blanket?
Why?
Because I love you. Mr. Ashton.
I love you.
You can kiss me now.
- You're beautiful. - Am I?
- It's going to be alright, won't it? - Of course it will.
You won't go away?
I have to go away sometime..
- Not yet. - No, not yet.
What are we going to tell them?
Well, I'll pick you up on the road, if you like.
You were too tipsy to ride the bike.
- And where did I sleep? - In the ditches.
What if they don't believe me?
The boys will tell your aunt.
No they wont. Nick wants a new knife And Rick wants new flights for his rod.
Megan. You're wicked.
Goodness, who's that then?
What are you doing down there, Mr. Ashton?
- Fell off his bike did he? - Looks silly.
There's rope in the back.
You'd better tie your bike on, Mr. Ashton!
Home we go.
You live in a castle, Mr. Ashton, a palace?
No, just a house in Chelsea. It's not much bigger than yours.
- Have you got servants? - A few.
Gates, somebody.
Joe and Aunt went to church.
What about you, Megan?
- Don't you go to church? - Meg's afraid of the parson.
No, I just don't like the way he looks at me.
I'm bad, always talking about sin and damnation.
- Don't believe in sin then? - No, why should I?
Tonight?
Where?
By the river. Will you come?
"I met a lady in the meads, full beautiful, a faery's child,”
“Her hair was long. Her foot was light, and her eyes were wild.”
“She found me roots of relish, sweet and honey Wild and manna dew.”
“And sure in language strange, she said: I love thee true.”
Don't know why your wearing that blouse for? Not having something are we?
I just feel like it, that's all.
Ah. She just feels like it.
I'm feeling like a walking..
I feel something is wrong here.
Something's not right. Dancing at night at Beeches, up on the hill reading poetry.
Something's not right!
It's time you and me named the day.
Well, Meg, cat got your tongue?
I live here now, what's the difference?
- "What's the difference?" she says! - Now, Joe.
She's been on the farm all her life. And she says "what's the difference"?
I'll tell you the difference girl.
Me and you, stuck in the big four poster And cuddling up when the wind blows.
A babe in your arms and a few more skirts I shouldn’t wonder.
It's Mrs. Joe Naracombe you'll be. That's the difference.
Joe, let it by a while. She's only a lass.
Come on, Megan, what's your answer?
- Excuse me. Good night. - Good night.
Megan. Are you there?
What are we going to do about Joe now?
- I'll deal with Joe. - But what can we say?
Trust me, oh, I'll look after you.
- Do you still love me? - Yes.
I just want to be with you.
You're so beautiful.
- Good morning, sir. I hope you slept well - Like a log, thank you.
- How's that ankle? - Oh. It's quite better, thank you.
So you can leave then.
Well, I'v been meaning to ask you. If I can stay on a bit longer.
It's so peaceful here. And your all so kind.
I got friends with Rick and Nick you know.
- I'm sorry, but that's not convenient. - I beg your pardon?
The room's let from Friday.
A Gentleman comes here every year. Regular.
I brought you your bill here. You'll find it in order.
There's the days you've been here. 14 shillings, full board like I told you.
Mr Garton paid his when he left.
Please, I have made no other arrangements.
- Can't I possibly stay until tomorrow? - I have to get the room turned down.
I didn't know your position before. I really would be much obliged.
Alright, Friday then. But early mind.
- And that will be another two shillings. - Yes, of course.
I think you best be getting back to London, sir.
- Where's Megan? - She be gone to the market with Joe.
- The market is on a Thursday. - But she didn't tell me.
- What happened? - Dora packed her off in a mighty hurry.
Who, Megan, with Mrs. Naracombe?
Yes, sir. Angry words.
Thank you Jim.
You've been sulking all day.
Well then, I shall bide my time.
You think he be waiting for you don't you? Well, he won't.
He's most likely gone already
Get some sense in yourself my girl.
Megan! Leave Megan alone!
How dare you put your hands on her?
How dare I? How dare I? Megan is mine! That's why!
I'll lay my hands
on you as well. - Stop it!
Mind your manners, boy!
Leave me be. It's none of your business!
When I see a Lady being assaulted. It is my business!
"Lady". Listen to him "lady" he says!
No! Stop it! Joe!
You've been nothing but trouble since you came here.
Barging in where you ain’t wanted.
I tell you, Megan don't want you!
None of us want you!
So get back to where you came from, "Sir".
See what the ladies makes of you there.
Meg. I want to talk to you.
- We have to talk. - He said you were gone.
- Your not going are you? - Your aunt has let the room,
It isn't true, she wants you away from here.
I'm going to take you with me.
I can't explain now. Let's meet at the bridge as soon as you can.
I'll wait for you. I'll wait.
He went to see the calves.
- I can't stay. - All right. Hear me out.
Your coming with me, were going to London, to my mother's house.
- No ... - Yes she'll understand. - You'll Like it.
- How could I? - Do you want to come with me?
I'll die if I can't be with you.
Alright. Can you trust your friend at the Beeches. Betsy? - Yes, I can.
Good. Tomorrow I'll go to Torquay I need money anyway.
On Saturday you go to Beecher's as usual, but don't take the boys. Can you do that?
- Yes.. I'll try. - Around midday go up to the rocks on the road to Bovey Tracey.
I'll come from the train station to meet you there.
I don't know what your saying. I don't know what you mean.
Megan, I need you. I want you. I love you.
- You do love me, don't you? - Yes.
- What do I wear? - I'll buy you a dress in Torquay.
Say you'll come. Please say you'll come!
- You haven't thought of what your doing. - I thought of nothing else all day.
What will I do when I get to London?
Perhaps, if you'll have me. We'll be married.
No.. You couldn't marry me. You couldn't.
I just want to be with you.
I could get work and then..
Till Saturday, you promise? Oh, promise.
- You will take care of me? You will. - Of course I'll take care of you.
Excuse me, where's the bank? Down on the Quay on your right.
- Can I help you, sir? - Yes, I'd like to cash a cheque. If I may.
You have an arrangement with us, sir? An arrangement? No, I'm afraid not.
Then perhaps you know someone in Torquay who can vouch for you, sir?
No, I know nobody in Torquay. And I am in urgent need money.
My credit is perfectly good I assure you.
Of course, sir. But unfortunately, It is a strict company rule.
There must be an arrangement.
Might I suggest that we telegram our branch in, Chelsea is it?
On receipt of their reply we shall of course be happy to oblige you.
How long is it going to take?
We close at 3 o'clock, sir.
Mind how you go. - Do excuse me. Good heavens. Aren't you Frank Ashton?
Yes, I'm sorry, I.. - Phil Halliday.
St. Petross '91. You were a champion boxer.
That's right. You captain the first eleven.
- You went onto Winchester didn't you. - What about you?
Eaton. We allways do.
- Stay off the road. - Were causing a traffic jam here.
Come and have lunch old boy. And meet the rest.
Sorry, I can't I've got be at the bank before three.
Then you've got plenty of time. Oh! Come on! You look as if you could do with a square meal.
If your sure. I must be back by three.
- What are you doing in Torquay? - My children’s sister had measles.
Stella and I brought them here for the sea air.
- So you're married? - No, No, No, Stella is another sister. There are dozens.
What about you?
- What? - Are you married? - No.
- What are all the festivities? - Coronation Celebration.
Last week was wonderful sight. All great war ships in the bay.
- What brings you here? - I've been walking on the moors.
Yes I thought you looked a bit rough. I don't know how I recognised you.
- Phil! were over here! - There they are!
Look who I found.
It's my old school chum, Frank Ashton.
Loafing about in heavy disguise.
- My sister Stella. - How do you do.
Sabina and Freda, named Fred.
- Sabina. - How do you do sir?
- Hello Fred. - Hello.
- Sit down old chum. - Do forgive me, I feel a terrible tramp.
I’ve been out on the moors for a couple of weeks.
- Like a gypsy? - How perfectly stunning.
No. Not like a Gypsy, though I may look like one.
I've been staying on a farm.
Oh. I love the idea of staying on a farm. Isn't the reality rather smelly?
- Who do you talk to? - Well. There were people.
But I can't understand a word they say, can you?
Well, I don't know about that.
Meg.
I was looking for you. - What for?
- Well I said to myself she might be grieving. - Why should I?
Well he's gone ain’t he.
- He not coming back neither. - He won't take me.
Meg. Is that the truth now. Your not going.
Meg. My pretty girl!
Leave me.
I've not been good to you. Not been kind
- I'd like your forgiveness if you can. - I'll forgive you, if you name the date.
Fixes the date, and be done with all this fooling.
- I'll think on it. - When?
I'll tell you... Tomorrow.
I think you'd better come shrimping with us this afternoon. What do you say?
I'm sorry, I can't, not that I don't like to.
You must! You just must! That's all there is to it!
Fred, stop it. Mr. Ashton surely has something to do.
I'm afraid so, terribly romantic things.
Like going to the bank, Finding a bed for the night.
- Well, if that's the case. Stay here old chum. - That's very kind of you.
But a place like this is beyond my means. My dear fellow.. - In any case I have to leave first thing in the morning.
Good Afternoon. Have you heard from my bank? - Your bank, sir?
You sent a telegram this morning Ashton, Frank Ashton.
Ah yes. Of course.
- Sorry. No reply as yet. - What shall I do?
I have a train to catch first thing in the morning!
We open at 10:00am Sir. Next please!
POST OFFICES
You cant send a telegram to this address. It doesn’t makes sense.
Of course it makes sense? Betsy, Beecher Farm near Widdicombe.
- Betsy? - Yes, for God's sake!
If you use bad language to me I'll call my dad. - I'm sorry.
- Have you got the message? - "Delay, please wait."
There's no signature. You can't send it without a signature.
Nonsense. If your going to persist then I'll call your dad.
That's four pence.
But it won't get there today. Not out to Widdicombe.
But it'll get there in the morning?
It might, but mind you, It's Saturday.
It's Mr. Ashton! He's come back!
Help! Help! Help!
- It's Phil! - He's drowning!
Could somebody help us, please!
Keep your head out of the water. Keep you head up.
You're fine, Phil.
I think We'd better to go to the hotel.
I feel a bit of a fraud.
Still I'm glad you decided to stay.
I am only sorry, I have to leave first thing in the morning.
- Are you sure you'll be alright? - As right as rain old chap.
- We must meet in London. - Yes. Yes Of course.
It's none of my business old man.
But I get the feeling your worried about something.
- Now you mentioned you were short of cash... - No. It's just a temporary mix-up at the bank.
I am very grateful to you putting me up. Thanks for the togs.
Good grief, Aston, You probably saved my life.
It's a funny thing you know. Thinking your drowning.
They say the whole of your life passes before your eyes.
- Well did it? - No.
But there was one thing.
A girl at Cambridge. I've completely forgotten her name.
Pretty little thing. I was dotty about her.
I found myself thanking God that I hadn't..
That I didn't have to feel guilty about her.
How do you explain that?
Yes I see. Very charming.
- So your in love are you? - Desperately.
I can't live without her.
It's a relief to talk about her.
- Are you sure you don't mind? - Not at all.
You'd understand if you met her.
She's magical. Wonderful.
And your going to carry her off on your white charger and live happy ever after.
- You don't believe me. - Of course I believe you.
But you don't think you should give it a bit more thought?
You'll be uprooting her from everything she knows.
And besides will she..
Will she exactly fit in with your life?
- Megan loves me. - I'm sure she does.
But is that enough?
That's all that matters.
- Miss Halliday. - We missed you at dinner.
Yes, I'm sorry. I wasn't hungry.
I just wanted to thank you for what you did.
- It was nothing really. - If you hadn't been there..
- Do you believe in destiny? Like things were meant to happen - Not really.
I believe in free will. Or at least I think I do.
I'm afraid your leaving us tomorrow on your own free will.
Not entirely.
- Goodbye then, - Goodbye Stella.
- Goodbye, Frank.
- Miss! How much? - A penny, sir. Thank you.
Have you heard from my bank? Frank Ashton.
Just a moment, sir. If you please.
Now. Ashton you say? And the bank is? - Chelsea branch.
You sent a telegram yesterday! Chelsea.
That would be London South West. Would it not?.
I have a train to catch in 10 minutes. Please see if my telegram has come.
There is no telegram. Sir.
- There must be. - No telegram. Next, please.
- Ah! Mr. Ashton. - Oh, thank God for that!
What time is the next train for Bovey Tracey? Bovey Tracey Sir? 6.10 pm.
But she's mighty slow. She doesn't get in till near 9.
And tomorrow morning? - That's a Sunday. There is no train to Bovey on a Sunday.
Oh, Betsy! I'm so frightened. I could die!
Do you think I'm daft?
Daft or not, you going to wait on the rocks.
Miss Beecher, a telegram!
A telegram?
- It's for me! - No, it's for me.
"Delayed, please wait."
Something's wrong.
- What will you do? - He said wait.
He will come today, I know he will.
- Suppose he doesn’t? - I'll go find him.
- You won't find him. - He'll come, I trust him.
I told you my witchcraft would work.
If we'd been driving along that street, just half a minute earlier.
We might have missed him. I timed it exactly.
- Cheers Sabina. - What was so important?
- Do you have a lady? - Freda, be quiet!
- Have you Frank have you a lady? - That's rather personal.
It's none of your business.
It must have gone five now.
- He won't coming now. - He said to wait.
I'll wait. You don't have to stay if you don't want to.
I'd better go help with dinner.
Tell them I went for a walk. You don't know where I am.
And Betsy. When he comes I will be down for the trap.
- Be ready. - Bye.
I'm glad you decided not to go after all.
I'm afraid I didn't decide, I missed the train.
Then, It wasn't of your own free will.
It must have been providence.
Or Sabina's witchcraft.
Providence, fate.
Whatever you call it.
Well, I think we should be getting back.
- No! I want to hear the music! - I want to see the fireworks!
Can I have an ice cream!
I'll take you to hear the band. That's all.
- Come on, Stella! - Come on.
What's the problem old chap, has something gone wrong? No.. I missed the train.
The next one is at 6:30 pm. You'll miss that one too. Stella!
I don't want to spoil her day.
Do you want to catch that train or don't you?
It doesn’t get there till after 9. It'll be dark. She'd have gone home.
Can't be helped.
"There's one that is a pure as an angel, As fair as the flowers of May."
"They call her the gentle maiden Whenever she takes her way."
"Her eyes have the glance of sunlight, As it brightens the blue sea wave"
"And more than the deep sea treasure The love of her heart I crave."
"Though parted afar from my darling, I dream of her everywhere,"
"The sound of her voice is about me, The spell of her presence there."
"And whether my prayers be granted, Or whether she passes me by,"
"The face of the gentle maiden Will follow me till I die."
- Mr. Ashton. - Sorry miss.
- Can you tell me where the hotels are please? - Yes. All along the seafront.
You didn't really want to come to church, did you?
- Not much - Then why did you then?
Well, you know what Lord Tennyson said, "All experiences are valuable."
Stella's reads Lord Tennyson. She reads in her bed at night. - Does she indeed?
I think Stella and Frank will have a very romantic life. Don't you?
So, Soon I think she will be an aunt.
Come on girls, this way.
I understand you like Tennyson.
- But you don't like church. - I'm not really a believer.
If you don't believe in it, What makes you be kind to people?
- Why don't you behave like animal? - Because I'm not an animal.
Neither are you. We're civilised, thank God.
There you are, "Thank God" Do you think your free?
No. I believe in being good Because being good is good itself.
- Sometimes I fail horribly. - Why are you sorry when you fail?
Do you want forgiveness?
I'm sorry when I make mistakes. That's human.
As for forgiveness...
What's the matter, Frank?
Terribly sorry. I have to take you back to the hotel.
- What is it? - I'd forgotten. I have to meet someone.
- Are you coming for lunch? - Yes of course, quite slipped my mind.
Sorry. Tell Phil, I shan’t be long.
- Thank you, Stella. - But Frank!
18 years later. Why had I come back?
To try and capture somehow a moment of hopelessness.
Desperately longing for her forgiveness.
like some sort of miracle.
Where is she now, the girl I'd wronged so cruelly?
- Hey, sir. - Good Afternoon.
- Is that your Motor up on the road sir? - Yes, that's right.
Don't see many of them in these parts. Just driving around, were you.
Yes I saw your farm.
It's rather beautiful.
Oh. Aye. It is that. Forty odd year I've been there now.
There's been some changes I can tell you.
Three sons there were. Now there's only the young Rick the boy and Myself.
- Were you at the war, sir?
- Yes, I was.
And the woman taking in the washing?
Oh aye. Joe's wife. I should say Widow.
I see.
Well. Thank you.
- You've been here before, aint you sir? - No, I don't think so.
That'll be young Francis after the fox. A fine shot.
I'm afraid I must go now.
Not yet, sir. I've got Something to show you.
Do you know what this is?
This be a grave, sir.
She was a young girl, she was.
Megan David
What happened then?
Well, she fell in love with one of these young college gentlemen.
Staying at the farm.
Nice feller too, with his head in the air. Or so we thought.
He took off sudden one morning and she went after him. She were a plucky lass.
Maybe it were two days. We never knew where she was.
Then one evening. She were back.
I have never seen a human creature so changed in my life.
Never.
We often saw her waiting on the bridge for him. Staring up the track.
Like a lost soul she were.
It weren't long before we all knew why.
She were taken to her bed that February.
There she lay that night.
Three days it took and four nights.
She never even saw the babe.
I laid her to rest here on the moor.
Poor girl.
- Why here? - It was Meg's last wish.
It's the place where she first saw the young gentleman.
She wanted to look.. lie up the road. For when he should come back for her.
- What happened to the child? - Oh. he's a fine boy, sir.
- What's his name? - He were baptised Francis.
That's what Meg wanted.
Frank?
You've got children of your own by now? Mr. Ashton?
No. No children.
- Frank, where are you?
There you are. Didn't you hear me calling?
I finished my sketches, And I'm absolutely starving.
I thought you were going to bring the picnic down. - Yes, I'm sorry.
Oh. it's too late now. I suppose we'd better go on to Torquay.
Bye, Jim.
- Frank, I'm ready. - Yes dear, coming.