The Suspicions of Mr Whicher: The Ties That Bind (2014) - full transcript

(BELL TOLLS)

(LOW CHATTER)

(WOMAN LAUGHS)

(HORSE WHINNIES, LIVELY CHATTER)

(OMNIBUS BELL CLANGS)

WOMAN: Children, get back here.

(SQUEALING)

Excuse me.

Mind where you're going.

(MAN WHISPERING)

(SHE GIGGLES)

(INDISTINCT CONVERSATION)

(LIVELY CHATTER)

- There you are, sir.

- Thank you very much.

- There we are, sir. Room number 10.

- Thank you.

(LAUGHTER)

Let's see what's most expensive.

(LOW CONVERSATION)

(MAID KNOCKS ON DOOR)

Just set it down over there.

Of course.

MAN: Thank you.

Come here.

(WOMAN LAUGHS)

- Mr Whicher.

- Good day, Sir Henry.

This way.

Who is the man? Do you know?

No. When they left the hotel this

morning they separated.

Your wife went off in the direction

of the station. I followed the man.

He tended to one or two items of

business, then he went into a

jeweller's shop.

- He bespoke a ring.

- A ring?

I was able to overhear

the name and address he gave.

Thorogood. Matthew Thorogood.

It means nothing to me.

He lives in Wainsbury, sir.

Good God. That's less than ten miles

away.

I sit on the bench at Wainsbury.

I could have passed him on the

street.

And yet they met in London.

I expect it would be difficult for

them to meet locally without being

observed.

Yes.

And I imagine it adds a certain...

piquancy, meeting in the big city.

I've written everything down for you.

I'm sorry, sir.

Don't be. You've done what I hired

you to do.

Can you stay on in Wiltshire until

tomorrow?

I'd like you to sit down with my

lawyer, Mr Lodge.

There are places in the village

you can stay, Great Marston.

I don't wish to seem impertinent, but

er...

I wondered if you should take a

little time,

just to think about what action

you might want to take.

I've heard some marriages,

can survive this sort...

I'm afraid my powers of forgiveness

don't run to this.

I'll get Lodge here in the morning.

Very well.

Thank you. My driver's at your

disposal. Good day, sir.

(DOOR OPENS AND CLOSES)

(STEAM HISSES)

(CLUCKING)

(MAN CALLS OUT)

(BAAING)

(CHATTER)

How can I help you?

Mrs Hallows?

Yes?

I've been told that you might have a

room I can rent for the night.

(KNOCK AT THE DOOR)

Yes?

There now.

Anything else you have need of?

No, thank you.

And it's just a night, you say?

Yes. I'll be leaving around nine.

You're welcome to have dinner with

us. My husband runs the forge.

He'll be in as soon as the light

fades. Thank you.

I won't charge extra.

Good, then. Well, you know where I

am.

Thank you.

(WOMAN LAUGHS)

(INDISTINCT CONVERSATION)

That is good timing, Mr Whicher.

This is my husband, Joshua.

Good evening.

Good evening. Come and sit down. This

is the best chair.

Thank you. Have you been to Wiltshire

before?

Yes, I have. A few years back.

For what we are about to receive

may the Lord make us truly thankful.

Amen.

Amen.

You travel a fair bit? With your

work?

Yes, I do, on and off.

Hm.

I envy a man who travels.

Mr Whicher?

I've only been two places in my

life. The village where I was born

and here.

Oh, and Wainsbury, on high days and

holidays.

I've seen nothing of the world, me.

Well, I should say that's world

enough when you have everything you

need.

So you had business

up at the manor this afternoon?

Nothing stays secret around here for

long.

With Sir Henry, was it? Your

business? Yes, it was.

He's very well regarded. He's a good

landlord. Takes an interest in what

goes on.

Which is more than I can say for

her. Lady Jane's all right.

I not saying she's not. I'm just

saying she could take a bit more of

an interest.

You know her, do you, Mr Hallows?

Mm.

I work up at the manor a fair bit.

Sir Henry has a string of racehorses

I help look after.

She's always been polite to me.

She's just a quiet thing, that's

all. Sad somehow.

Well, perhaps she has cause to be.

Why's that?

No reason in particular.

I just mean, we never know, do we?

About other people's lives?

Are you married, Mr Whicher?

No. No, I'm not.

There's someone special is there?

There is. I can tell.

Ruthie!

Don't worry. I'm only teasing.

I shall say no more.

Your report's very thorough, Mr

Whicher.

Your first divorce case, I'm told.

That's right.

I persuaded him into it.

I'm no expert on these things

myself, but I've been looking at the

new laws.

The divorce court judge, Lord

Penzance...

Apparently he's even more

of a stickler than his predecessor.

If there's any doubt at all about

the evidence, the case will be

dismissed.

Both the hotel manager and the maid

said they'd be willing to make

statements if need be.

Good. And then we have your

testimony too.

You're prepared to be a witness, I

take it?

That's part of the job.

Quite.

The spouses themselves, of course,

aren't allowed to testify,

but if Thorogood would, we could

make things really watertight.

If the man's intentions towards Jane

are serious, I can't see why he'd

object to doing so.

If. Yes.

You have doubts?

Well, I don't really know what his

intentions are, or your wife's, sir.

All I know is what I saw that day.

Would you be prepared to pay him a

visit, Mr Whicher?

You could pass through Wainsbury on

your way back to London. See what

you can do?

(CHATTER, HORSE WHINNIES)

(KNOCKING)

Mr Thorogood?

Er... What is it?

I need to speak to you, Mr Thorogood,

about your recent visit to London.

Ah, that.

Come round the back, will you?

And I'll let you in.

Divorce?

You'll be named as co-respondent.

Heavens. Unexpected.

He has the necessary witnesses.

But if you're prepared to testify

about your relationship with Lady

Jane,

the trial could be over very quickly.

Well, perhaps this isn't such a bad

thing. Good, in fact.

At least if Jane's divorced

we can think about a future

together.

I'm happy to co-operate. Sign a

statement, whatever it is you

need.

You do understand the seriousness

of the situation, Mr Thorogood?

The trial will be reported in the

press.

Yes, well, I'd always hoped to

achieve a little notoriety one way

or another.

Lady Jane will be excluded

from the society she's known.

Financially it's likely

she will leave the marriage with

nothing.

Do you have the means to support her?

I...

Only... it seems you don't.

That's a little harsh.

This place can look quite smart,

when it's tidy.

I say, I don't think this is any of

your business, Mr... Whicher?

Yes.

Mea Culpa and all that,

but I really don't need a sermon.

I've had enough of those to last a

lifetime.

I just want to be sure that you

appreciate the consequences of an

action like this.

You've come between a man and his

wife.

Lady Jane's future will be entirely

in your hands.

Yes. Thank you.

I'm in love. That's the thing.

What is it you need me to do?

MAN: Thorogood! Thorogood!

(BANGING ON DOOR)

I know you're in there!

Thorogood!

(BANGS ON DOOR)

You won't get away with this!

I'll be back. Don't think I won't

be!

Damn you, Matthew! Damn you to hell!

(LIVELY CHATTER AND CALLING OUT)

STREET VENDOR: Lovely stuff.

The finest in town. Come on, come on.

(STREET VENDORS CALLING OUT)

(CONVERSATION)

MAN: Oh, yes, of course.

- But it should have everything else

you need. - Yes, I should say so.

I'm glad you'll take the room.

So I'll expect you on Friday?

- Friday will be fine. Thank you very much.

- Yes. Thank you so much.

Goodbye, Mrs Piper.

It was lovely to meet you.

- Bye-bye.

- Bye-bye.

- Ooh, hello.

- Who was that?

He'll be taking the attic room from

next week. He seems very pleasant.

How was your trip?

What does he do for a living?

He's a draughtsman of some sort.

Does he have any references?

Sorry, but I just don't like the

thought of... Having a strange man in

the house.

Yes.

Well, you were a stranger once.

It's my livelihood. I have to make a

living.

How did you get on?

Fairly well.

What sort of case is it?

Divorce.

I thought you didn't take that sort

of work?

Well, I don't, normally.

The gentleman who came to see me,

he was desperately trying to find out

the truth about his wife.

Case should go to trial soon.

Is that a new dress?

Oh, yes. I thought with the warmer

weather...

Well, it suits you very well.

I was thinking that I don't

especially like it.

(BELL TOLLS)

It's two minutes past.

Where in God's name is the man?

I'd better go in and speak to the

Judge.

I thought you said Thorogood was

willing to come?

He was. What's happening? Why aren't

we going in?

Lady Jane. My name's Whicher. I'm

the priv...

I know who you are.

What's going on?

I'm afraid that Mr Thorogood hasn't

arrived yet, ma'am.

You mean he's not inside?

No, ma'am.

Forgive me, but when was the last

time you spoke to him?

I...

I forbade her to see him.

Until this ghastly thing is over.

She's still my wife. More's the

pity.

I'm afraid he's adjourned.

What? He can't!

No.

He won't hear the case

without the main witness.

Adjourned until when?

A week today is the most likely

date. But we have other witnesses.

But we built our case

around Thorogood's testimony.

Then change it! Isn't that what I

pay you for?

I assume that Thorogood was sent a

summons?

Of course. And he acknowledged

receipt of it.

I'll send you a new date

as soon as we have it, Mr Whicher.

All this humiliation for nothing.

Do you want me to go and look for

him? No!

No, thank you.

LODGE: I'm very sorry. I'm afraid

your journey has been somewhat

wasted.

Mr Thorogood! Matthew!

It's Mr Whicher!

Excuse me? Are you looking for

Matthew?

Yes, I am. Why?

I don't mean him any trouble.

Do you know where he is?

If only I did.

I've not seen him in days.

Matthew!

Oh, no.

No, no, Linus.

Who's Linus?

(BABY CRIES OUT)

Do you know who did this?

No.

When was the last time you saw

Matthew?

Friday. And then he asked me to meet

him here yesterday morning, but he

wasn't here.

Do you mind me asking your name?

Emma.

Are you family?

If he had to travel as far as London,

how would he get there?

Would he take the train?

London? Is that where he is?

I don't know. Possibly.

He has a horse. But I don't think

he'd take her as far as London.

Where does he keep it?

Thorogood? Yeah, he keeps his horse

here.

She's not here now, mind.

He took her out on Saturday.

Said he'd be back that night but

didn't appear.

- What time was that?

- About half-past four, I'd say.

Did he say where he was going?

She had a shoe loose

so I warned him not to go too far.

He said he was going out Marston

way. Marston Manor?

I don't recall exactly, but I know

he said Marston.

Which way would he ride to Marston

from here?

(THUD)

(CAWS)

(HORSE WHINNIES)

(SQUAWKING)

(BIRD AND ANIMAL CALLS)

(BIRD AND ANIMAL CALLS CONTINUE)

(HORSE WHINNIES)

(HORSE WHINNIES AND SNORTS)

(SQUAWK)

Matthew?

(BIRDSONG)

So... Why exactly were you out

looking for him, Mr Whicher?

I'm a private enquiry agent, working

for a gentleman named Sir Henry

Coverly.

I needed to speak to Mr Thorogood

in relation to my enquiries.

Have you ever been on the Force, Mr

Whicher? Only your name...

Yes. I was at Scotland Yard for some

years.

- You were in charge of the

Road Hill murder. - I was.

It can't have been easy,

not getting that conviction.

- It wasn't. - Still...

That girl you suspected, she

confessed in the end, didn't she?

Yes. Some years later.

So you were right, all along.

Blow me. Inspector Jack Whicher.

With any luck this case won't prove

so thorny, Inspector.

I've a fair idea who's responsible.

A local man. Linus Finch.

Some sort of a feud

between him and Thorogood.

He attacked him in the street last

week. I gave him a caution.

Wish I'd done more now.

Might have saved a life.

(MEN SHOUTING)

Stand back, please. Give them some

room. Keep back, the lot of you, I

tell you.

(OVERLAPPING CONVERSATIONS)

OFFICER: For goodness' sake!

(SHOCKED GASPS)

MAN: It's Matthew Thorogood.

No, no! Matthew!

(BABY CRIES)

Emma. Emma. Come away.

OFFICER: Stand aside!

EMMA: No!

Stand aside, I tell you!

Fair few coins he had on him. Rules

out robbery.

So, what do you make of that wound,

Mr Whicher?

Something sharp, pointed perhaps.

Sharp edge of a rock?

Possibly.

Foxes would account for the arm, of

course. Not a pretty sight for his

next of kin.

His house had been searched, Sergeant

Evans. I don't know if it's

connected, but...

Had it now? I shall ask Linus Finch

about that.

WOMAN: There he goes!

(SHOUTING)

EMMA: Linus? Let him go!

What are you doing?

He hasn't done anything wrong!

Linus! Linus!

Let him go!

Linus! Linus!

(ANGRY SHOUTING)

Linus!

Emma?

(DOORS THUD)

Who is Linus, Emma?

He's my brother. And he's not a

murderer. No matter what they're

saying.

You thought he'd ransacked Matthew's

home?

He'd only have been searching for

money. Something to help us.

Why would you think badly of him?

You don't even know him.

The reason why I'm asking you these

questions

is because I want to get to the truth

about what happened.

Is Matthew... Is he her father?

We're betrothed. He loves her and he

loves me.

How long have you been betrothed?

More than a year. Linus only wanted

Matthew to marry me.

He would never have killed him.

How would that help?

He just wanted Matthew to do what

was right.

So why didn't he?

Matthew was always dreaming of a

fortune. Always asking me to wait a

bit longer.

But when I saw him on Friday,

he was so excited.

He'd been doing some business

and he said it was almost over.

He said he'd have some money.

Money for us to start our lives.

Two minutes, if you don't mind,

Inspector. Thank you, Sergeant.

I didn't do it, Em.

I know that.

You believe me, don't you?

Of course I do.

I had a go at him in the street. I

admit that.

I searched his house, but that's all

I did. Why did you search his house?

This is Mr Whicher, Linus.

He knew Matthew. He wants to help.

I was sick of him avoiding me.

How was I supposed to pay for

everything?

Where were you on Saturday, Mr

Finch? At work, most of the day.

You work at a shop, is that right?

Yes, the chemist's shop.

I was there till three.

Then Mr Abbott, the chemist,

gave me a few hours off,

because I had to go back in the

evening to do a stock-take.

What time did you go back?

Half-past six.

What did you do with your hours off?

I went fishing. I always do if I

have any time.

Emma knows.

Did anyone see you? Speak to you?

I...

I go to a quiet spot. I told the

Sergeant, I didn't see anyone.

Where did you go to fish?

Up towards Marston.

Is that where he was found?

Oh... Oh, God!

God! God, what a mess.

It'll be all right, Linus.

How is it all right?

(BABY CRIES)

Why did you have to go near him?

Calm down, Mr Finch.

I'll hang for this! They'll hang me!

Perhaps it wasn't Marston I went.

There's another...

Listen to me. You have to keep calm

and stick to the truth.

They'll need firm evidence against

you.

Until then you have nothing to fear.

Go to Christopher, will you?

Ask him to come and see me.

All right.

(DOOR SLAMS)

How did you meet Matthew?

Linus took me to the races at

Cheriton. Matthew was there with

Christopher.

Christopher?

Christopher Skerrit. Linus's friend.

He's a jockey, works for Sir Henry

Coverly.

Matthew started riding over to see

me.

Took a house about two months ago

to be closer to us.

How did Mathew make a living?

I think he had some sort of

allowance from his family.

What do you know of them?

He didn't really talk about them.

He was so lovely.

So clever. He used to say poems to

me.

So sweet.

You should go home now and get some

rest.

I'll go and visit Christopher

Skerrit, pass on the message.

Thank you.

All right.

Will you help us, Mr Whicher?

We don't have anybody else.

I'll find out what happened. I

promise.

So Thorogood was an alias?

He was in a lot of debt.

Reason enough to change your name.

I found this.

"To Matthew on the occasion of his

Christening. Gloucester, 1842."

A Gloucester man, eh?

It must have meant something to him

for him to keep it.

I have a feeling

his father might be a church man.

Certain things Matthew said.

Turns of phrase. It's a notion.

STABLEMAN: Walk on.

JOSH: There you go. Come on.

Hey, hey.

Mr Whicher!

What brings you to the manor?

I'm looking for a man named

Christopher Skerrit.

That's him. Can't say what sort of

mood he'll be in though.

He's just found out his friend died.

Murder they're saying.

Yes, I'd heard.

Fine animal.

This is Hyperion. Finest colt in the

stable.

Won his second race on Saturday,

didn't you, boy?

Ruth says I live for the horses.

But there's never been a horse like

Hyperion.

I'm going to be staying on in the

area for a few days, Mr Hallows.

I was hoping I might have my room

at the post office.

I'm sure you can. Ruth'll be

pleased. Thank you.

Hey. Good day!

Good day, Josh.

Come on. Come on, boy.

Mr Skerrit? My name's Whicher.

I was with Linus Finch when he was

arrested for the murder of Matthew

Thorogood.

Are you with the police?

No.

Press?

Neither of those.

Linus asked if you would go and see

him. I said I'd pass the message on.

Thanks.

You were a friend of Matthew's too,

I understand?

He travelled to every meet. Betting

man. He'd stand anyone a drink if he

won.

Do you think Linus could have killed

him?

How would I know? He was angry with

him because of Emma and the baby.

But...I didn't think he'd go that

far.

Did Matthew ever talk about another

woman, besides Emma?

No. It was always Emma for Matthew.

Ever since he set eyes on her.

I can't believe it.

Perhaps you should sit down, ma'am.

Are you sure it's Matthew?

Yes.

Oh, Lord.

Go upstairs, Jane.

But what will we...?

Go and lie down!

I don't wish to be rude, Mr Whicher,

but what are you doing here?

Can I ask where you were on Saturday,

Sir Henry?

I'm sure you appreciate

the need for the question.

As a matter of fact, I don't. You're

not a policeman any more, Mr

Whicher.

I don't have to answer any of your

questions, let alone the absurd

ones.

I told the police that you have a

connection to Thorogood.

You did what?

Well...

It wouldn't have been right

to have withheld the information.

You had no business to do that.

I think you should speak to them.

Tell them what you know.

They won't want to speak to me,

I can assure you of that.

And if you must know, I was at the

races on Saturday, watching my horse

win.

With five hundred witnesses.

I didn't get home until late.

Does that satisfy you?

I take it you won't be sitting

when Linus Finch goes up before the

bench?

I'll make sure I'm not.

Now, send the bill for your services

to Mr Lodge...

..and stay out of my affairs.

You heard about the murder then, Mr

Whicher.

- I did, yes.

- Everyone's shocked.

That sort of thing doesn't happen

round here.

There's something that I want to tell

you both.

It was me who found the body.

I'm a private inquiry agent.

I was looking for Mr Thorogood.

He was connected to a case

I've been working on in London.

A private inquiry agent?

I've never even heard of such a

thing.

I'll be helping the police with

their enquiries. Well, that's

something new, ain't it, Ruthie?

It must have been dreadful

to find the body, Mr Whicher.

Perhaps he's used to it.

Have you found bodies before?

You never get used to something like

that, Josh.

I'm sure you don't.

I'm very keen to find out

what happened to Mr Thorogood.

I...I thought they'd charged

someone? A shop assistant, I heard.

They have. But I'm not convinced he's

to blame.

Why ever not?

I wanted to ask you both

if you'd ever seen Mr Thorogood

either in the village or up at the

manor?

I'm afraid I don't know what he

looks like. Well, he was young,

around your age.

Handsome. Very smartly dressed.

You'd be surprised how many people

pass thorough Great Marston.

He had a horse. Bay with a black

mane.

I don't recall ever seeing him, I'm

afraid. What about you, Josh?

No. No, I don't think I ever did.

Are you sure?

He was a friend of Mr Skerrit.

And of Lady Jane.

Lady Jane?

Josh would remember the horse,

believe me.

I never saw him.

(COCKEREL CROWS)

(APPROACHING FOOTSTEPS)

Hello, Ruth.

Morning.

It's my turn to do the flowers for

the church. It's a serious matter.

Woe betide anyone who misses their

turn.

(BOTH CHUCKLE)

I don't know if you remember, Ruth,

but...

last time I was here you said

something about Lady Jane Coverly.

Did I?

Yes.

About her being sad and having cause

to be.

This tongue of mine. I never did

learn how to keep things to myself.

I was wondering

if you could tell me what you meant?

Being post mistress round here, next

best thing to being vicar in terms

of finding things out.

Not that I've ever opened a single

piece of mail.

No, of course.

I can't help noticing the sorts of

things that pass between people.

Sir Henry Coverly...

All I'll say is, he gets a large

number of letters, written in a

particular female hand.

A Wainsbury postmark.

I see.

Some of them are scented.

Now, I know Lady Jane must see

those letters and she must know what

they are.

Any woman would.

(CHATTER)

CLERK: Quiet, please!

Where was this found, Sergeant?

In Finch's bedroom. It was on the

floor in a corner of the room.

I broke a phial in the shop, cut

myself. About a week back.

(CHATTER)

Quiet!

There is some blood on the cuff.

Some small drops on the front.

I put it aside. I was going to ask

my sister to... Did you tell your

employer of this accident?

No.

I didn't want him to know I'd been

clumsy. Did you tell anyone else?

No. Why would I?

It was only a small cut. I didn't...

Is that all, Sergeant Evans?

Yes, sir.

At present.

(WHISPERS)

Yes.

(MURMURING)

Linus Finch.

Having listened to the evidence

against you,

we are satisfied there is a case to

be answered here.

No!

(EXCITED CHATTER)

Quiet!

I'm committing you for trial at the

assize court.

Until then, you will be remanded in

custody.

- Murderer!

- I didn't do it!

EMMA: Linus!

- This is all wrong! I'm an innocent man!

- No! No!

- I'm an innocent man!

- No! Linus!

- (SCREAMS) I'm an innocent man!

Linus!

MAN: Killer!

EMMA: Linus hasn't done anything

wrong. Please, sir, I have to see

him!

This is nothing to do with me.

Please, I need to see him!

Calm down! Linus wouldn't do

anything like that.

I can't help you. I'm sorry.

Please, sir. Please!

Emma.

I have to get back for the baby.

I'm sorry.

They won't even let me see him.

Tomorrow perhaps. Give him some time

to settle.

When we were children, I always used

to blame things on him and Father

would believe me.

Because I'm a girl, I suppose.

It used to make Linus wild.

I'm afraid of what he'll do.

Are you managing all right?

Could I give you some money, perhaps?

Christopher gave us some when he

came to see Linus. We can manage for

a few days.

Right. Very well.

(CHATTER)

STREET VENDOR: Buy, buy, buy!

(LOW CONVERSATION)

(DOOR CLOSES)

You aren't in mourning, ma'am?

No.

Er... No, for Henry's sake.

This must be a very difficult time

for you. You've lost the man you

love.

You must be devastated.

How did you meet Matthew Thorogood?

I met him in Wainsbury.

How? Through friends, was it?

I really don't want to talk about

it. What were your plans? After the

divorce?

Did you plan to marry? Mr Whicher,

please. Why are you...?

Matthew Thorogood had another lover.

Her name is Emma Finch. She has his

child.

They were engaged to be married.

But you knew that already, didn't

you?

Some people would say that would give

you cause to kill him.

What? You found out about Emma.

About the baby.

That must have been hard to take.

No.

You were jealous. You were angry.

You arranged to meet him in the

woods.

No. You confronted him. You were

raging.

You struck him with a rock, he fell

dead. No, no. You're wrong.

Why? Why am I wrong? Tell me.

I didn't love Matthew Thorogood.

I hardly knew him.

I was 17 when I married Henry.

He was a friend of my father's.

My father was dying. He thought

Henry would take care of me, of the

estate.

This place was so dear to him. It

didn't occur to anyone that I

could run it.

Henry soon realised I wasn't the

sort of girl he wanted.

He hated that I had opinions. That I

read.

He hates everything about me.

You wouldn't believe the things

that make him angry.

It seems to me that he's a bully.

I asked him for a divorce years ago

and he refused.

He had nothing to gain.

And if I tried to divorce him,

I would have to prove that he was

guilty of...

What is it? Incest? Bestiality, as

well as adultery?

You could have cited cruelty.

It's never been physical.

Except...in the bedroom. Behind

closed doors. He's too clever

for that.

A few months ago, he changed his

mind.

We could get a divorce, as long as I

agreed to be the guilty

party.

What caused the change?

I think he's fallen in love.

His latest mistress.

She's a widow - beautiful.

He's made that clear.

And she's rich.

He got through my savings years ago.

Racehorses are expensive.

So he found Thorogood.

Yes. He met him at the races

somewhere.

I'm so sorry about Matthew.

He almost made that day in London

a pleasure.

He only kissed me once.

There was more respect and

tenderness in that kiss than I've

ever known from Henry.

If you're hoping for an apology,

you'll have a very long wait.

I'm only interested in what happened

to Matthew Thorogood.

Now you know how ridiculous

your accusation sounded yesterday.

When was the last time you saw

Matthew?

I'd advise you to start answering my

questions.

Or what? The divorce court.

I understand they take a very dim

view of attempts to pervert the

course of justice.

Bribing a witness...collusion.

I'm sure there'll be other charges

for the press to report.

And there's the question of your own

adultery.

Mrs Creswell. Birchmoor House.

Any case you were to bring

against Lady Jane in the future

would be discredited

by your own misdemeanours.

I pity you, Whicher.

Scuttling around the country,

doing people's dirty work.

Sitting in judgment.

What is it? No life of your own?

No wife? No family?

When did you last see Matthew?

Thorogood came here three times.

Twice to make arrangements, and to

meet her.

Once to collect the money.

When was that?

Saturday evening.

Time?

He was here when I got back from the

race. About half-past six, seven.

He demanded more money

for agreeing to be a witness.

I gave him a bag with 20 guineas in

it.

What time did he leave?

Around half-past seven.

Linus Finch has an alibi for Saturday

evening.

From half-past six he was doing

a stock-take with the chemist.

He was there until later that evening

and then he left to go home.

Really? Mm. You were in court to

hear that today.

When were you going to share

your information?

When Linus was being led to the

gallows?

Or would you have seen him hang?

You're coming with me, to the police

station.

I'll go when I'm good and ready.

Now, Sir Henry.

And you're going to tell them

what you've told me.

- Thank you, sir. Thank you so much!

- Take care.

There goes the only suspect I had,

Inspector.

Yes.

We're looking at robbery, then, eh?

- It seems likely.

- Has to be.

A bag with 20 guineas in it.

Men will kill for a lot less than

that, as you know.

Someone must have known that Matthew

had that amount of money on him.

I shall talk to people in pubs

between here and Marston.

He might have stopped on his way

home, boasted about his windfall.

I'd like to make some enquiries of my

own, if you don't mind.

Not willing to give it up, then, eh?

No.

You were right about Thorogood's

father, by the way.

Oh?

The Reverend Turner.

Has a small parish in the Forest Of

Dean.

Arrived in town at lunchtime.

He's over at Thorogood's place.

(BIRDSONG)

Reverend Turner?

Yes?

My name's Whicher.

I'm the man that found Matthew.

Oh, yes. Mr Whicher.

Sergeant Evans spoke of you.

You were instrumental in tracking me

down. I'm grateful.

My condolences.

Not much to show for a life, is it?

Most of it can go to the poor.

Sir, have the police spoken to you

about Emma Finch?

They did.

I wondered if you might want to meet

her.

Matthew was a lovely child.

So full of light.

My wife and I...

we often used to say...

he was the sweetest gift we could be

given.

He was never a bad boy.

Adventurous. Daring.

He went off to university and fell

in with a...a certain crowd.

Richer than him, I think.

Profligate.

We were waiting for him to settle

down.

He would have done.

Matthew and Emma were engaged to be

married.

Did he tell you that?

No. No, Emma did.

So we only have her word for it.

Just as we only have her word

that the child was his.

She's an honest girl.

Perhaps if you were prepared to meet

her?

I haven't time. I'm taking the four

o'clock coach.

You think I'm hard-hearted, Mr

Whicher.

I know that you're grieving, sir.

I've dealt with girls in her

predicament many times during my

ministry.

They'll say anything to help

themselves.

She has a family to take care of

her, doesn't she?

Take care, Reverend.

Thank you.

Mr Skerrit.

What is it?

It's nothing valuable, if that's

what you're thinking.

Look, if you like.

It's a record of the races he'd

seen.

The odds. Form.

It's no use to anyone except me.

He wouldn't have minded me taking

it.

Linus has been released.

Has he?

It seems he had an alibi after all,

for the time that Matthew died.

Good.

Matthew didn't visit you, did he,

Saturday evening?

No.

After he went to Marston Manor?

Only, I thought he might have.

He knew better than to come and see

me the evening after a race. I'm

done in.

Hot bath and bed. That's me.

(LEAVES CRUNCHING UNDERFOOT)

Josh?

You all right?

I'm sorry, Mr Whicher.

Sorry? For what?

I just wanted to see the spot where

he died.

You must think me mawkish.

There's no need to apologise.

Murder draws a crowd. Always has.

How did he die?

Someone said his skull was smashed.

Is that right?

Yes, he was struck on the head.

W... With a stone, was it? Or...?

Are you sure you're all right?

Sorry. I've...never been so close to

murder.

Don't... Don't tell Ruth I stopped,

if you don't mind.

She wouldn't like it.

No. No, of course. I won't tell her.

Let's go home, shall we?

Yes.

(AIR HISSING)

I'm very glad Mr Finch has been

released.

It's dreadful when a respectable man

gets dragged down so sudden.

There but for the grace of God.

Yes, well, let's hope

he can put it all behind him now.

The story about his sister and baby

shan't be forgotten.

Folk are so unforgiving.

I think I'll go across the road for

a drink.

Mr Whicher might like to join you.

Would you? You'd be welcome, of

course.

No, that's all right, Josh. Another

time.

Dinner in an hour.

I'd better get this in.

Looks good.

We aim to please.

You know, I think I might join Joshua

after all.

Good idea.

Raise a glass to Linus Finch.

Mm.

(BIRDSONG)

JOSH: You can't go.

(LOW CONVERSATION)

- Oh, Josh...

- Will I see you again?

- No.

- Josh.

- Please.

- You'll soon forget me.

(LOW CONVERSATION)

- Morning.

- Morning.

(HAMMERING)

Morning, sir.

Go on!

I heard Mr Finch was released.

I truly didn't know...that we could

provide him with an alibi.

We saw Mr Lodge.

Our divorce case will collapse.

What will you do?

Well, I can't go back to how it was.

Before the trial, I wrote to a woman

in America who runs a school.

She believes passionately

in the education of women.

She's offered me a position as a

teacher. I mean to leave next week.

It seems a shame

that you have to leave your home.

It's not mine.

Not in the eyes of the law.

Well, I should be leaving.

I'm staying with the Hallows at the

Post Office.

I wanted to spend a few hours with

them before I left.

Josh told me you were staying there.

You know Josh?

Yes. We've been friends for years.

He rescued me once when I fell from

my horse.

We ride together sometimes.

In fact, he's the only person around

here who I'll miss.

Does he know that you're leaving?

I told him yesterday.

How did he take it?

He was more upset than I thought

he'd be.

Joshua?

(HE KNOCKS GENTLY) Josh?

(BIRD TWEETING)

(DOOR SLAMS AND BIRD TWEETS)

I've closed for half an hour.

I have a headache.

Mrs Hallows...

Josh has been called up to the

stables.

Hyperion's been taken sick.

Oh, is it serious?

I think it must be.

I just pray to God he recovers.

Josh... Oh, I don't know what he'll

do.

He can't bear to see things suffer.

Innocent creatures. He has to rescue

them.

Mrs Hallows... You were searching

our room, weren't you?

Yes.

Looking for Matthew Thorogood's

money.

But you didn't find it.

I know it's not there cos I looked

for it myself this morning.

This came out today.

Matthew Thorogood has been named

as a co-respondent

in a divorce case concerning the

Coverlys.

You think Josh killed Thorogood

because he was Lady Jane's lover

and Josh is sweet on her.

You can speak honestly, Mr Whicher.

I think it's possible that Josh

attacked Matthew

because he thought he was involved

with Lady Jane.

Josh doesn't love Lady Jane.

He's fond of her. No more than that.

You won't know this,

but married people,

they sometimes allow themselves to

imagine what it would be like with

someone else.

It's natural. Flights of fancy.

Josh has had a few over the years.

Our marriage isn't perfect. We don't

have children to bind us together.

But...he loves me.

Just as much as I love him.

He would never have acted on that

fondness and he would never have

killed for it.

Yet you still searched the room?

Foolishness.

Josh isn't a killer, Mr Whicher.

He's a rescuer, a mender.

(HE CONTINUES WRITING)

(BIRDSONG)

(FOOTSTEPS)

(DOOR IS OPENED)

(DOOR BANGS SHUT)

Josh?

He's gone. Hyperion's gone.

Oh.

Come inside. You look exhausted.

Come on. Come and sit down.

I can't understand it!

Christopher said he ran like the

wind on Saturday. He was young.

Healthy.

But when I got there,

he was already on the ground.

His heart, it was beating so fast.

His eyes were bulging.

He was covered in sweat.

It was like he'd been given

something. Poison?

I don't know. Perhaps.

Some sort of drug? A stimulant?

Is that what you're thinking?

It happens. I've heard about it.

There's so much damn money

to be made from races.

What would you give a horse to alter

the way it performed in a race?

I think it's opium that slows them

down.

And then there's something else,

something new, that makes them go

faster.

That's all I know. Has this ever

happened at the stables before?

No. There was a horse a year back.

She went sudden, but...

Did you say anything just now?

I couldn't. It would seem like I was

accusing someone.

What do you know about Christopher

Skerrit?

He's friendly enough. Comes in the

Post Office from time to time.

He likes to save his wages.

What do you want?

I heard about Hyperion.

So?

Clear off and stop following me

around. You're starting to make me

angry.

What was it? One dose too many?

What did you say? That black

notebook. It wasn't just records.

It would have incriminated Matthew,

and you, and Linus Finch.

What are you talking about? Linus

Finch, who has a family to support.

A sore temptation, handling those

drugs every day.

I dare say when I ask the chemist

why he did a stock-take,

he'll say there's been

a few bottles gone missing.

I'll get an expert to look at that

horse. Get confirmation of the cause

of death.

That's if Sir Henry hasn't thought of

it already.

No-one else needs to know about

this.

There's no real harm done.

There's plenty of horses where he

came from.

There's good money to be made, if

you want in.

What happened with Matthew on

Saturday?

He came here in the evening, didn't

he? No.

This was the business he was

bringing to an end.

I think he came here on Saturday

evening and he told you that.

You're wrong.

I think you argued.

You saw how much money he had on him

and you caught up with him on the

Marston Road and you killed

him for it.

No! Which horse did you use to catch

him up?

Hyperion, was it?

An irony there, don't you think?

I didn't kill him!

You're right about the drugs,

but I didn't kill anyone!

You bastard! You bastard!

Joshua! No!

(NEIGHING)

Josh, that's enough. That's enough.

That's enough. That's enough.

It's all right. I'll take care of it.

(HE SOBS QUIETLY)

I was angry with him, all right?

He was supposed to place bets for us

all on Saturday but he didn't even

do that.

He'd got money from somewhere,

so he was fine.

To hell with me and Linus.

But I never went after him.

And I never killed him.

Anything?

Just these.

But no sign of those guineas.

I told you. I didn't take 'em!

There's another place we can look.

Get your hands off me!

Is that it?

Yes.

No-one else has a key?

No.

You're wasting your time.

What?

I didn't put that in there!

I didn't do it! I didn't do it!

(TRAIN WHISTLE TOOTS)

Severn and Wye train!

Platform 2! All aboard!

I need to see justice done for

Matthew.

Do you think he's guilty?

That's not really for me to say.

There's certainly enough evidence

to bring him before a jury.

What a world we live in.

When one young man will kill another

- a friend - for a bag of coins.

What brings you all the way

to the Forest Of Dean?

I wanted to give you this.

I picked it up when I was in London.

Matthew bespoke it before he died.

E...

M...

Forever.

The "E" is for Emma.

It was to be her wedding ring.

Emma is in quite a fix, sir.

Her brother, Linus, was part of the

betting ring.

He wasn't anything to do with

Matthew's death.

But he will be tried for his part in

the fraud.

Matthew wouldn't want Emma, or his

daughter,

to have to go into the workhouse.

No.

You have a grandchild that needs you,

sir.

Don't lose her as well.

You'd be most welcome to stay for

the night. Thank you, but I must be

getting back.

Is this where Matthew grew up?

Yes.

We've been lucky enough

to be here for many years.

Matthew found it dull, of course,

once he was past boyhood.

Ah, Hallows.

Ah, yes.

It's an unusual name, but not around

here.

There's quite a colony of them in

the village.

The couple I'm staying with in

Wiltshire are called Hallows.

Oh?

Ruth and Joshua.

Ruth runs the sub post office there.

Ruth and Joshua?

Ruth and Joshua Hallows?

- Do you still have Matthew

Thorogood's horse?

- Yeah. She's waiting to be sold.

- You interested?

- Could you look at the shoe for me?

Why's that, then?

- That one?

- It's new.

He must have had it changed

that day he took her out.

- Hello, Joshua.

- Hello.

I didn't think we'd be seeing you

again. How are you?

Ruth's at church. She won't be long.

Did you want your old room?

What's wrong?

Do you remember I once asked you

if you'd ever seen Matthew Thorogood?

You told me you hadn't.

I think he came here. I think you

changed his horse's shoe

for him.

Did I?

I didn't realise it was him.

(CLANGING)

Matthew Thorogood's real name

is Matthew Turner.

I've just come from the Forest Of

Dean.

I know about you and Ruth, Joshua.

(HISSING)

I don't know what you're talking

about.

Don't lie to me, please.

Tell me what happened

on that Saturday evening.

He recognised you, didn't he?

Did he threaten to tell your secret?

He didn't recognise us.

He did come here, but he didn't

recognise us and he went on his way.

You left the village 12 years ago?

Your name is above that door. It's

not a name he would easily forget.

He didn't know us in the village.

He had nothing to do with us.

Reverend Turner was very involved in

your case.

"Case"? We're not a case.

Me and Josh, we've done nothing

wrong. It happened, that's all.

We grew up in a two-roomed cottage.

We shared a bed almost from birth.

It happened.

Ruthie!

We weren't the first.

It happened a lot where we're from.

The Reverend said the villagers were

angry when they found out.

They drove you out.

Perhaps it was him who drove us out.

Him and his judgments.

I know more of God than he does!

Ruthie!

God forgave us long ago.

Cos he knows that we love each

other.

And we cherish each other

more than a lot of married folk

with scraps of paper to their names!

It must have been very difficult for

you. You have no idea what it's been

like for us!

To move away from everything you

know... make a respectable life,

build up all this.

I can see why you'd kill to protect

it.

What are you doing?

No!

We've done nothing wrong.

Now, you need to stop asking

questions and you need to leave us

alone.

Or, so help me...

Ruth!

I called at the police station on my

way here.

I left an envelope with Sergeant

Evans. Sealed.

It contains your secret.

No.

If he doesn't see me again tomorrow

morning, he's going to open it.

No!

I will have the truth.

I did it.

Be quiet, Josh!

He recognised me. Said he was going

to tell someone.

I went after him and I killed him.

Shut up!

With what?

I...

What were you looking for in the

woods? You'd know what you'd done

with the weapon.

I was... You see, I don't think you

did do it.

I don't think you would kill to

protect this.

Because you're leaving, aren't you?

You're leaving with Lady Jane

Coverly.

All packed.

Josh?

Ruth...

She's going to America.

I want to go with her.

Oh, God.

It's not right...you and me.

It never has been. You know that.

I just want to start my life.

Ruth! Please.

Ruth! Ruth!

Ruth!

She's not here.

Lady Jane.

I'm gonna ask you - and I want the

truth!

Mrs Hallows...

I don't want you to lie to me!

You stand there and tell me, do you

love him?

Ruth!

Tell me the truth!

No! Mrs Hallows...

Then why are you taking him from me?

Why?

Haven't you got enough?

Haven't you got enough?

Josh, what have you told her?

I want to come with you, Lady Jane.

What?

No.

No, Josh.

I'm so sorry, I never meant you to

think...

You've been a good friend to me.

Like a brother.

But I'm going alone.

I've never known a life without you.

I wouldn't want one.

Can you tell me what happened, Ruth?

Josh had nothing to do with it.

Did you kill Matthew?

I need to know the truth.

And the police, they'll want to know.

God knows. That's all that matters.

What about Matthew's father?

His mother?

Don't you think that God would want

them to know what happened to their

son?

Did he try to blackmail you?

Did he harm you?

Was it self defence?

People aren't going to believe you

acted alone.

I did.

People will ask how a woman like you

could have killed a strong young man

like Matthew.

They'll think Josh was involved.

Well, I'm telling you, he wasn't.

Then tell me what happened.

Josh had closed up for the night.

Matthew knocked on the door.

He realised who we were

straightaway.

Stared at us like we were freaks

from a circus.

He was shocked, that's all.

He wasn't going to tell anyone.

Of course he would have told.

No-one could keep that to

themselves.

Josh went with him to see to the

shoe. I left a note to say I'd gone

to church.

I took a hammer from the tool bag...

ran along the track towards

Wainsbury.

It drops down on the Marston Road,

just before the bend.

How did you get him to stop?

It's easy for a woman to get a man

to stop.

I made out I was crying.

That I'd hurt my arm.

It was dark.

As soon as he got down,

he realised who I was.

I told him I'd been riding into town

and that my horse had bolted into

the wood.

He was kind then, I'll give him

that.

But I had no choice. So I followed

him down the bank and I struck him.

Ruthie.

What did you do with the hammer?

I threw it into the river.

And you took the money

to make it look like robbery.

I knew I couldn't leave it there.

Tell them I'm a thief, Mr Whicher.

No. It's better that than have them

know.

Let them know. I don't care any

more.

Let Josh keep his good name.

I don't think I can do that.

What difference does it make why I

did it? I did it.

Please.

I'll do what I can.

Can I go and change my clothes?

If all the world is to stare at

me... I'd rather look my best.

Don't despair, Ruth.

I never despair.

It's Josh who needs your concern, Mr

Whicher.

Josh.

Joshua.

All right?

She's younger than me by a year...

..though you wouldn't know it.

She was 14 when they found out.

Her belly had started to swell.

We tried telling Father it was

someone else's.

But he didn't listen.

He...kicked it out of her.

He kicked our baby out of her...

(HORSE WHINNIES)

(KNOCKING AND DOG BARKING)

(KNOCKING)

Come in, Sergeant.

It's Mrs Hallows. She's confessed

to the murder of Matthew Thorogood.

Good God.

You believe her?

(THUD UPSTAIRS)

What was that?

Ruth! Ruth!

(HE CRIES)

MAN: There we are.

Lady Jane?

Thank you.

Thank you.

You sail from Bristol?

Yes. The day after tomorrow.

How's Josh?

He's not too good, I'm afraid.

I'm sure he'll find a way through.

He has his work.

Do you really think he meant to

leave his wife?

- I don't know.

- Didn't he love her?

Yes.

Yes, he loved her very much.

What about you?

Are you still sure you're doing the

right thing? As sure as I can be.

I'll never be completely free of

Henry this way.

But then, of course, he'll never be

completely free of me.

No second marriage. He'll have to

learn to live within his means.

I deserve a life.

To love, perhaps...and be loved in

return.

It's frightening.

But I don't want to look back at my

life upon this earth with nothing

but regrets.

Take care, Lady Jane.

Thank you.

(WHISTLE TOOTS)

(CHATTER)

(SWEEPING NEARBY)

(BABY CRYING)

- Need a hand?

- All done now.

Right. Allow me.

Thank you.

Is your case over?

Yes, it is.

To your satisfaction?

Charlotte, I was wondering if you...

..might want to walk out with me,

one of these days.

We could go to the gardens at Kew.

They're open now.

- Or we could go wherever you prefer.

- Yes.

Yes?

I'll go wherever you want to go.

You only had to ask.