Malory Towers (2020–…): Season 2, Episode 1 - The New Arrival - full transcript
I can't wait to see everyone.
Me too, and our new form teacher.
I wonder who it will be.
Are we nearly there?
Not far now.
I can't wait to show them
my frock.
Why are you wearing
that dress, Gwen?
I can smell the sea.
Daddy?
Is the car supposed to be making
that noise?
No, it's not.
I'd better pull the old girl over.
It's the carburettor.
Are we stuck?
No, no.
Just needs to cool down.
Then we can be on our way.
Gwendoline, come.
You should learn how this works.
Car mechanics?
I don't think so.
I'm a lady now, you know.
You still look like a girl to me.
Afternoon.
Goodness!
Doesn't that lad ride well?
He's a good looking chap,
but I can't stand horses
or horsey types.
Oh, to have had a son!
Welcome, girls.
Now, I'm delighted to have you back.
It's lovely to be back.
Ah, Mr Lacey.
Miss Grayling is waiting
for you in her study.
Why is your father meeting
Miss Grayling?
Is everything all right?
Well, I wasn't supposed
to say anything, but...
What is it?
Well, the reason we're driving in
and the reason we were able
to pick you two up en route
is because Daddy has a meeting
with Miss Grayling
about being on the board.
The what?
The Board of Governors.
A group of people that advise
Miss Grayling...
And help her to run
the school.
Daddy, he's going to be...
There you all are.
Gracious, Gwen,
what are you wearing?
Well, actually...
We missed you on the coach.
Such a shame Sally has the mumps.
Oh, I heard she won't be back
for weeks.
But I promised we'll write.
And to Alicia, too.
Just think.
While we're studying equations
and the pluperfect,
she'll be practising toe loops
and axels on a Canadian ice rink.
It's a super opportunity for her.
I couldn't do it, though.
I'd miss you more than anything.
Aw.
Who's that?
Oh, the new form mistress.
Miss Johnson.
She met us off the train.
Doesn't she look marvellous?
I must offer to show her around.
No need, Gwen, she's been here
all hols.
Well, it's polite to say hello
at least.
Don't wait.
Well, you know who Gwen's
going to be silly over this term?
Miss Johnson.
Good afternoon.
Gwendoline Mary Lacey at your
service.
Hello, Gwendoline.
Perfect timing.
I was just looking for a sixth
former to help with these books.
Would you mind?
A sixth former? Wow.
Gwen's in the third,
Miss Johnson, your form.
Inside, young lady.
Into your school uniform.
Take off that...
Hat.
Sixth form.
It feels so strange
without Alicia and Sally.
Means we don't have a head
of form or anyone to play tricks.
Ellen's chemistry set
looks promising.
Isn't it the best?
Oh, I saved and saved for it.
I so want to be a chemist.
So, can you make clouds of smoke
or stink bombs or...
Girls! Health certificates please.
Is Wilhelmina not here? Who?
The new girl.
Darrell, you must help her settle
in.
She has never been to school before.
Did she have a governess like me?
No.
I believe she had a tutor,
along with her seven older brothers.
Seven?
What's she like?
All I know is she's bringing
her horse to school.
How?
There will be some poor groom
riding over with it,
I shouldn't wonder.
Very la-di-da.
Thank you.
Irene, please tell me
you have your health
certificate with you.
It's here somewhere, Matron.
I promise.
Irene, will you ever change?
Let's go outside.
Go and have a look in your trunk,
please.
Lynette, Dunlop.
Have a good rummage in there.
Don't throw things everywhere.
Look at the state of it.
Go and pick it up.
Hello?
Crikey!
You scared the living daylights
out of me.
Ron, when did you start
working in the stables?
I got a promotion over the break.
I'm really chuffed.
But...
But what?
There's something odd
about this place.
What do you mean?
Things being moved
when no-one's here.
Noises when I think I'm alone.
The horses are restless.
What could it be, do you think?
Is this the third form
stable?
Yeah, that's right.
Wait, we saw you on the roads.
You passed us in the
broken down car.
Give me a horse over
horse power any day.
I'm Bill.
This is Thunder.
I'm Darrell.
This is Ron and Ellen.
You're the new girl's groom.
What's she like?
Oh, I'd say she's
a pretty decent sort.
Not too hoity toity?
I've never heard anyone
say that about her.
Matron said she's a bit la-di-da.
Your matron's never met her,
though, and I see her all the time.
Well, will you be staying?
There are other boys who work here.
It's not so bad.
They're jolly nice girls, mostly.
Well, I hope so.
I'll be joining them.
What do you mean?
Wait, you're not, are you?
Afraid so.
You're the new girl?
Guilty as charged.
But I thought your name was Bill.
Short for Wilhelmina.
Oh, I'm so sorry.
Don't worry.
I'd rather be taken for a boy
than have to faff around
with appearance like some
girls I've seen.
If that means I don't fit in,
I'm fine with that.
I think you'll fit in
just perfectly.
Everyone, this is Bill,
our new girl.
Short for Wilhelmina,
Hello, all.
Hello, I'm Jean.
This is Mary Lou.
Hello.
Hi, Irene.
Welcome.
Hi, I'm Gwen.
What has someone done to your hair?
I like it like this.
And is that horse I can smell?
Nice, isn't it?
I brought up Thunder's blankets
for my bed.
That way, any time I'm missing him,
it's like he's right there.
Try it,
it's heavenly.
Keep that filthy thing away from me.
And you have horsehair
all over your clothes.
That's funny.
Only a few hours ago, you thought
Bill was a good looking chap!
This is the boy from the road?
Come on, you're next to me.
Irene Edwards, has that health
certificate materialised?
Oh, you must be Wilhelmina?
Well, change out of those jodhpurs
immediately.
You're due to see Miss Grayling.
But I only have...
You cannot go like that, change now.
If you're sure.
Irene!
But Daddy, you must accept.
I'm in the area until tomorrow.
If I decide I have space
alongside my other duties,
I shall return and confirm with
Miss Grayling.
My father, head of
Board of Governors.
Wouldn't it be marvellous?
If I do,
can you do something for me?
Can you really commit to life here
this term?
Finally take full advantage
of everything the school
has to offer.
What do you mean?
Muck in.
There's far more to you than
just your looks, Gwendoline.
Become the sort of girl
Malory Towers can be proud of.
Less preening, more action.
You think you could manage that?
Of course I can.
That's my girl.
Carry on.
KNOCKING AT DOOR
Come in.
You wanted to see me?
Oh, good evening, Wilhelmina.
What are you wearing?
Miss Grayling, I...
Wilhelmina, pyjamas are
not appropriate.
I did try to say.
You insisted no jodhpurs.
But my trunk's arriving later.
I only have my night things
with my pyjamas and nothing else.
Perhaps it's worth hearing
her out next time, Matron.
Well, when she learns to speak
like a young lady, perhaps I will.
It must be strange being away
at school for the first time.
I'm sure your tutor didn't expect
you to wear a uniform.
My jodhpurs were my uniform.
So sit down and tell me
all about this horse of yours.
But what we didn't know
is the very stable where Bill
is keeping Thunder was one
and the same place where
Lady Jane's highwayman, Fast Jack,
stabled his horse, Lightning.
So his horse is Lightning,
mine is Thunder.
But legend has it,
on stormy nights, you can still
hear Lightning whinnying
in the darkness, for her master.
Be quiet, it's lights out.
Gwen, you're not head of form.
No, but I'm going to be the daughter
of the head of Board of Governors.
So the sooner you start
listening to me, the better.
I don't think what one's father does
matters one jot in this dorm.
Well, you would say that when none
of your fathers were asked.
Good morning.
I'm Miss Johnson.
Hello, I'm Darrell Rivers.
Good morning, Mary-Lou Lynnette.
We met earlier.
I don't think so.
Good morning.
Morning.
Hello.
I'm Gwendoline Mary Lacey.
You thought I was a sixth former.
How could I have made that mistake?
Such a sweet school girl.
Good morning, girls.
I'm glad you've all met
your new form teacher.
Miss Johnson is joining
us from Harpton Hall.
Delightful to meet you all.
As some of you know,
Sally, our head of form,
will be away for some weeks.
So I'd like one of you to step in
as acting head in her absence.
About time.
Perhaps you could all nominate
someone you agree on.
Jean, you'd be perfect.
Yes!
Is that a universal decision?
Yes, absolutely.
Very suitable choice.
That is, if you're prepared
for this responsibility, Jean.
I'd be proud.
Goodness,
I'll do my very best.
Excellent.
With that arranged, I'll leave
you to it, Miss Johnson.
Now, everybody, get yourselves
sat down, please.
Cripes, have lessons started
already? Wilhelmina?
I didn't know girls were allowed
in the stables first thing.
I needed to feed Thunder
and muck him out and change...
Malory Towers does have grooms
and stable boys.
Next time, be back in time
for the start of class, please.
If I could wear my jodhpurs to
class, it would be much quicker
and much more comfortable...
Correct uniform, Wilhelmina, or it
will be an order mark for you.
What's an order mark?
They're like warnings
for a punishment.
Each order mark a class gets get
tallied up and if we get lots,
we all get punished.
What?
Even if you had nothing to do
with whatever was done?
That's daft.
It doesn't make sense.
Wilhelmina,
take a seat here.
You'll be sitting some tests
so we can see what level you're at.
Wilhelmina!
Oh, sorry.
No-one uses Wilhelmina,
I'll know it's me you want
if you call me Bill.
In future, Wilhelmina,
please pay attention to all I say
and I shall not need to address you
by any name at all.
As for calling you Bill,
don't be impertinent.
Can I really not ride
till after tea?
Your laundry, girls,
and Wilhelmina,
I will thank you not to slip
your saddle blankets in the laundry.
Horsehair everywhere.
But I didn't.
It's yours, it's been washed
all right.
I don't understand.
How did it get into the
laundry basket?
Not by itself,
that's for certain.
Who would do something like that?
It doesn't smell of Thunder any
more.
That was the point.
Gwen, how could you?
You've upset her.
Well, her stinky blanket
was upsetting me.
Go and find Bill and apologise.
I was doing Wilhelmina a favour.
Apologise!
Bill, I'm so sorry about Gwen.
Are you very upset?
It's fine.
I'm just swapping
the blankets round.
Thunder can have this one back.
I'll take this one.
It's nice and horsey still.
Come on, let's get back in.
No-one's supposed to be
in the stables till after tea.
I thought you said no-one
was supposed to be here.
Only me.
Cripes, we thought you
were an intruder or something.
I came to check things over.
Thought I heard an engine.
I hope it's not horse rustlers,
casing the joint.
Horse thieves?
What was that?
I told you. What do we do?
Only thing we can do if it's
horse thieves, scare them off.
Ah!
Oh!
Gwen?
My hair!
Pleasure to have your help.
I do hope all goes well
in your new role.
Daddy? Gwendoline, what on Earth?
It was Darrell Rivers
and that new girl.
They made me fall in the manure.
How does somebody make you fall,
Gwendoline?
Did they push you?
Not exactly.
They surprised me.
Daddy, why are you back?
Does this mean you've accepted
the role? I have.
That's wonderful news.
Wait, Gwendoline, those two girls
just left you like this?
I told them to leave me.
I didn't want
any more of their help,
thank you very much.
Oh, Gwen.
I told you to muck in, I didn't
think you'd take it so literally.
It's not funny, Daddy.
I'm completely covered,
and it's simply horrid.
Come on, Gwen it's just
a bit of dirt.
Grow a sense of humour.
Sorry, a bit of unpleasantness.
She'll be all right.
You girls shouldn't be at
the stables all hours of the day.
Look what happens when you are.
Actually, if anything,
we need to be there more often.
What do you mean?
Ron, the stable boy, said he heard
noises when the stables
were supposed to be empty.
We're worried there might be
horse thieves about.
That's very unlikely.
I really wouldn't give it
another thought.
But if there are...
There are more important
things to focus on.
Wilhelmina, having reviewed
your test results,
I'm afraid it's clear
you're rather behind.
I'm a fast learner.
It'll be extremely hard
for you to catch up.
I don't think I'm that bad.
I'm afraid I disagree.
Your tutor clearly spent
far too much time focusing
on your brothers.
Action needs to be taken.
What action?
I think you'd be better suited
to the second form, for now.
You're sending her down a year?
The work would be more appropriate,
and she'll still be able to see
you and the other third form girls.
No, you can't do this.
This is not a decision
for you, girls.
But...
But first and second formers
can't have a horse at school.
If Bill goes down a year,
Thunder must go home.
What?
No. I'm afraid the decision
has already been made.
Bill?
If my horse is going home, so am I.
You can't.
I'd love to stay here with you all.
But I can't bear to be at
Malory Towers without Thunder.
Go to Miss Grayling, explain things.
It worked for me last year.
Speaking to Miss Grayling
will do you no good.
As a governor's daughter,
I get all the information
from the top. And?
Either you accept going down
a year, or you leave.
And I don't mind which.
That wouldn't be fair,
and Malory Towers is fair.
Miss Grayling is brill.
She'll understand.
Come on, let's go to her study
together.
We have to speak up for ourselves.
This is wrong.
So, as first days go...
Yes, it's been...
KNOCKING AT DOOR
Come in.
Miss Grayling, we wanted to...
Go on.
I'm not sure if Miss Johnson's
told you, but she says that Bill,
Wilhelmina, must go down a year.
That's not unusual.
And sometimes it's kindest
when a girl needs time and space
to catch up.
But what about Thunder?
If she must go down a year,
can't you make an exception
and allow her horse to stay?
What would I say to the other
second formers then,
whose horses are still at home?
Would that be fair?
I could never have come if I'd known
Thunder couldn't be with me.
Miss Johnson,
can you see a way
through this muddle?
Perhaps I can.
Wilhelmina?
What if I gave you extra tuition
so you could keep up
with third form work?
And I could stay in the third?
Would you really?
I would.
But in that case, there
will be extra work to do.
So you will have less time at the
stables at the end of each day.
Are you prepared to accept that?
Yes, yes,
anything to keep Thunder.
Thank you so much, Miss Johnson,
you're a sport.
Miss Grayling, thank you.
I'd better hurry now to see Thunder
while I have the chance.
You were right.
Speaking to Miss Grayling
was exactly the thing to do.
Darrell?
Yes?
Miss Grayling's told me
about your word blindness.
I know you've had
some challenges, too.
I'm honestly much better than I was.
I don't doubt it.
And I know she's worked
hard with you,
but Miss Grayling needs to focus on
leading the school this term.
I see.
So how would you feel about staying
after class to do extra work
with me alongside Wilhelmina?
You'd have to forgo some
of your freedoms, of course.
But it will be in your
best interests.
I suppose so.
That sounds like a good idea.
Thank you.
Am I allowed to feed him?
Here.
Thanks for everything today.
It's nothing.
It's not.
He likes you.
He wants to be friends.
I've never had a
horse friend before.
I've never had a
human friend before.
Come back to the dorm.
There's lots more human friends
just waiting to be made.
Me too, and our new form teacher.
I wonder who it will be.
Are we nearly there?
Not far now.
I can't wait to show them
my frock.
Why are you wearing
that dress, Gwen?
I can smell the sea.
Daddy?
Is the car supposed to be making
that noise?
No, it's not.
I'd better pull the old girl over.
It's the carburettor.
Are we stuck?
No, no.
Just needs to cool down.
Then we can be on our way.
Gwendoline, come.
You should learn how this works.
Car mechanics?
I don't think so.
I'm a lady now, you know.
You still look like a girl to me.
Afternoon.
Goodness!
Doesn't that lad ride well?
He's a good looking chap,
but I can't stand horses
or horsey types.
Oh, to have had a son!
Welcome, girls.
Now, I'm delighted to have you back.
It's lovely to be back.
Ah, Mr Lacey.
Miss Grayling is waiting
for you in her study.
Why is your father meeting
Miss Grayling?
Is everything all right?
Well, I wasn't supposed
to say anything, but...
What is it?
Well, the reason we're driving in
and the reason we were able
to pick you two up en route
is because Daddy has a meeting
with Miss Grayling
about being on the board.
The what?
The Board of Governors.
A group of people that advise
Miss Grayling...
And help her to run
the school.
Daddy, he's going to be...
There you all are.
Gracious, Gwen,
what are you wearing?
Well, actually...
We missed you on the coach.
Such a shame Sally has the mumps.
Oh, I heard she won't be back
for weeks.
But I promised we'll write.
And to Alicia, too.
Just think.
While we're studying equations
and the pluperfect,
she'll be practising toe loops
and axels on a Canadian ice rink.
It's a super opportunity for her.
I couldn't do it, though.
I'd miss you more than anything.
Aw.
Who's that?
Oh, the new form mistress.
Miss Johnson.
She met us off the train.
Doesn't she look marvellous?
I must offer to show her around.
No need, Gwen, she's been here
all hols.
Well, it's polite to say hello
at least.
Don't wait.
Well, you know who Gwen's
going to be silly over this term?
Miss Johnson.
Good afternoon.
Gwendoline Mary Lacey at your
service.
Hello, Gwendoline.
Perfect timing.
I was just looking for a sixth
former to help with these books.
Would you mind?
A sixth former? Wow.
Gwen's in the third,
Miss Johnson, your form.
Inside, young lady.
Into your school uniform.
Take off that...
Hat.
Sixth form.
It feels so strange
without Alicia and Sally.
Means we don't have a head
of form or anyone to play tricks.
Ellen's chemistry set
looks promising.
Isn't it the best?
Oh, I saved and saved for it.
I so want to be a chemist.
So, can you make clouds of smoke
or stink bombs or...
Girls! Health certificates please.
Is Wilhelmina not here? Who?
The new girl.
Darrell, you must help her settle
in.
She has never been to school before.
Did she have a governess like me?
No.
I believe she had a tutor,
along with her seven older brothers.
Seven?
What's she like?
All I know is she's bringing
her horse to school.
How?
There will be some poor groom
riding over with it,
I shouldn't wonder.
Very la-di-da.
Thank you.
Irene, please tell me
you have your health
certificate with you.
It's here somewhere, Matron.
I promise.
Irene, will you ever change?
Let's go outside.
Go and have a look in your trunk,
please.
Lynette, Dunlop.
Have a good rummage in there.
Don't throw things everywhere.
Look at the state of it.
Go and pick it up.
Hello?
Crikey!
You scared the living daylights
out of me.
Ron, when did you start
working in the stables?
I got a promotion over the break.
I'm really chuffed.
But...
But what?
There's something odd
about this place.
What do you mean?
Things being moved
when no-one's here.
Noises when I think I'm alone.
The horses are restless.
What could it be, do you think?
Is this the third form
stable?
Yeah, that's right.
Wait, we saw you on the roads.
You passed us in the
broken down car.
Give me a horse over
horse power any day.
I'm Bill.
This is Thunder.
I'm Darrell.
This is Ron and Ellen.
You're the new girl's groom.
What's she like?
Oh, I'd say she's
a pretty decent sort.
Not too hoity toity?
I've never heard anyone
say that about her.
Matron said she's a bit la-di-da.
Your matron's never met her,
though, and I see her all the time.
Well, will you be staying?
There are other boys who work here.
It's not so bad.
They're jolly nice girls, mostly.
Well, I hope so.
I'll be joining them.
What do you mean?
Wait, you're not, are you?
Afraid so.
You're the new girl?
Guilty as charged.
But I thought your name was Bill.
Short for Wilhelmina.
Oh, I'm so sorry.
Don't worry.
I'd rather be taken for a boy
than have to faff around
with appearance like some
girls I've seen.
If that means I don't fit in,
I'm fine with that.
I think you'll fit in
just perfectly.
Everyone, this is Bill,
our new girl.
Short for Wilhelmina,
Hello, all.
Hello, I'm Jean.
This is Mary Lou.
Hello.
Hi, Irene.
Welcome.
Hi, I'm Gwen.
What has someone done to your hair?
I like it like this.
And is that horse I can smell?
Nice, isn't it?
I brought up Thunder's blankets
for my bed.
That way, any time I'm missing him,
it's like he's right there.
Try it,
it's heavenly.
Keep that filthy thing away from me.
And you have horsehair
all over your clothes.
That's funny.
Only a few hours ago, you thought
Bill was a good looking chap!
This is the boy from the road?
Come on, you're next to me.
Irene Edwards, has that health
certificate materialised?
Oh, you must be Wilhelmina?
Well, change out of those jodhpurs
immediately.
You're due to see Miss Grayling.
But I only have...
You cannot go like that, change now.
If you're sure.
Irene!
But Daddy, you must accept.
I'm in the area until tomorrow.
If I decide I have space
alongside my other duties,
I shall return and confirm with
Miss Grayling.
My father, head of
Board of Governors.
Wouldn't it be marvellous?
If I do,
can you do something for me?
Can you really commit to life here
this term?
Finally take full advantage
of everything the school
has to offer.
What do you mean?
Muck in.
There's far more to you than
just your looks, Gwendoline.
Become the sort of girl
Malory Towers can be proud of.
Less preening, more action.
You think you could manage that?
Of course I can.
That's my girl.
Carry on.
KNOCKING AT DOOR
Come in.
You wanted to see me?
Oh, good evening, Wilhelmina.
What are you wearing?
Miss Grayling, I...
Wilhelmina, pyjamas are
not appropriate.
I did try to say.
You insisted no jodhpurs.
But my trunk's arriving later.
I only have my night things
with my pyjamas and nothing else.
Perhaps it's worth hearing
her out next time, Matron.
Well, when she learns to speak
like a young lady, perhaps I will.
It must be strange being away
at school for the first time.
I'm sure your tutor didn't expect
you to wear a uniform.
My jodhpurs were my uniform.
So sit down and tell me
all about this horse of yours.
But what we didn't know
is the very stable where Bill
is keeping Thunder was one
and the same place where
Lady Jane's highwayman, Fast Jack,
stabled his horse, Lightning.
So his horse is Lightning,
mine is Thunder.
But legend has it,
on stormy nights, you can still
hear Lightning whinnying
in the darkness, for her master.
Be quiet, it's lights out.
Gwen, you're not head of form.
No, but I'm going to be the daughter
of the head of Board of Governors.
So the sooner you start
listening to me, the better.
I don't think what one's father does
matters one jot in this dorm.
Well, you would say that when none
of your fathers were asked.
Good morning.
I'm Miss Johnson.
Hello, I'm Darrell Rivers.
Good morning, Mary-Lou Lynnette.
We met earlier.
I don't think so.
Good morning.
Morning.
Hello.
I'm Gwendoline Mary Lacey.
You thought I was a sixth former.
How could I have made that mistake?
Such a sweet school girl.
Good morning, girls.
I'm glad you've all met
your new form teacher.
Miss Johnson is joining
us from Harpton Hall.
Delightful to meet you all.
As some of you know,
Sally, our head of form,
will be away for some weeks.
So I'd like one of you to step in
as acting head in her absence.
About time.
Perhaps you could all nominate
someone you agree on.
Jean, you'd be perfect.
Yes!
Is that a universal decision?
Yes, absolutely.
Very suitable choice.
That is, if you're prepared
for this responsibility, Jean.
I'd be proud.
Goodness,
I'll do my very best.
Excellent.
With that arranged, I'll leave
you to it, Miss Johnson.
Now, everybody, get yourselves
sat down, please.
Cripes, have lessons started
already? Wilhelmina?
I didn't know girls were allowed
in the stables first thing.
I needed to feed Thunder
and muck him out and change...
Malory Towers does have grooms
and stable boys.
Next time, be back in time
for the start of class, please.
If I could wear my jodhpurs to
class, it would be much quicker
and much more comfortable...
Correct uniform, Wilhelmina, or it
will be an order mark for you.
What's an order mark?
They're like warnings
for a punishment.
Each order mark a class gets get
tallied up and if we get lots,
we all get punished.
What?
Even if you had nothing to do
with whatever was done?
That's daft.
It doesn't make sense.
Wilhelmina,
take a seat here.
You'll be sitting some tests
so we can see what level you're at.
Wilhelmina!
Oh, sorry.
No-one uses Wilhelmina,
I'll know it's me you want
if you call me Bill.
In future, Wilhelmina,
please pay attention to all I say
and I shall not need to address you
by any name at all.
As for calling you Bill,
don't be impertinent.
Can I really not ride
till after tea?
Your laundry, girls,
and Wilhelmina,
I will thank you not to slip
your saddle blankets in the laundry.
Horsehair everywhere.
But I didn't.
It's yours, it's been washed
all right.
I don't understand.
How did it get into the
laundry basket?
Not by itself,
that's for certain.
Who would do something like that?
It doesn't smell of Thunder any
more.
That was the point.
Gwen, how could you?
You've upset her.
Well, her stinky blanket
was upsetting me.
Go and find Bill and apologise.
I was doing Wilhelmina a favour.
Apologise!
Bill, I'm so sorry about Gwen.
Are you very upset?
It's fine.
I'm just swapping
the blankets round.
Thunder can have this one back.
I'll take this one.
It's nice and horsey still.
Come on, let's get back in.
No-one's supposed to be
in the stables till after tea.
I thought you said no-one
was supposed to be here.
Only me.
Cripes, we thought you
were an intruder or something.
I came to check things over.
Thought I heard an engine.
I hope it's not horse rustlers,
casing the joint.
Horse thieves?
What was that?
I told you. What do we do?
Only thing we can do if it's
horse thieves, scare them off.
Ah!
Oh!
Gwen?
My hair!
Pleasure to have your help.
I do hope all goes well
in your new role.
Daddy? Gwendoline, what on Earth?
It was Darrell Rivers
and that new girl.
They made me fall in the manure.
How does somebody make you fall,
Gwendoline?
Did they push you?
Not exactly.
They surprised me.
Daddy, why are you back?
Does this mean you've accepted
the role? I have.
That's wonderful news.
Wait, Gwendoline, those two girls
just left you like this?
I told them to leave me.
I didn't want
any more of their help,
thank you very much.
Oh, Gwen.
I told you to muck in, I didn't
think you'd take it so literally.
It's not funny, Daddy.
I'm completely covered,
and it's simply horrid.
Come on, Gwen it's just
a bit of dirt.
Grow a sense of humour.
Sorry, a bit of unpleasantness.
She'll be all right.
You girls shouldn't be at
the stables all hours of the day.
Look what happens when you are.
Actually, if anything,
we need to be there more often.
What do you mean?
Ron, the stable boy, said he heard
noises when the stables
were supposed to be empty.
We're worried there might be
horse thieves about.
That's very unlikely.
I really wouldn't give it
another thought.
But if there are...
There are more important
things to focus on.
Wilhelmina, having reviewed
your test results,
I'm afraid it's clear
you're rather behind.
I'm a fast learner.
It'll be extremely hard
for you to catch up.
I don't think I'm that bad.
I'm afraid I disagree.
Your tutor clearly spent
far too much time focusing
on your brothers.
Action needs to be taken.
What action?
I think you'd be better suited
to the second form, for now.
You're sending her down a year?
The work would be more appropriate,
and she'll still be able to see
you and the other third form girls.
No, you can't do this.
This is not a decision
for you, girls.
But...
But first and second formers
can't have a horse at school.
If Bill goes down a year,
Thunder must go home.
What?
No. I'm afraid the decision
has already been made.
Bill?
If my horse is going home, so am I.
You can't.
I'd love to stay here with you all.
But I can't bear to be at
Malory Towers without Thunder.
Go to Miss Grayling, explain things.
It worked for me last year.
Speaking to Miss Grayling
will do you no good.
As a governor's daughter,
I get all the information
from the top. And?
Either you accept going down
a year, or you leave.
And I don't mind which.
That wouldn't be fair,
and Malory Towers is fair.
Miss Grayling is brill.
She'll understand.
Come on, let's go to her study
together.
We have to speak up for ourselves.
This is wrong.
So, as first days go...
Yes, it's been...
KNOCKING AT DOOR
Come in.
Miss Grayling, we wanted to...
Go on.
I'm not sure if Miss Johnson's
told you, but she says that Bill,
Wilhelmina, must go down a year.
That's not unusual.
And sometimes it's kindest
when a girl needs time and space
to catch up.
But what about Thunder?
If she must go down a year,
can't you make an exception
and allow her horse to stay?
What would I say to the other
second formers then,
whose horses are still at home?
Would that be fair?
I could never have come if I'd known
Thunder couldn't be with me.
Miss Johnson,
can you see a way
through this muddle?
Perhaps I can.
Wilhelmina?
What if I gave you extra tuition
so you could keep up
with third form work?
And I could stay in the third?
Would you really?
I would.
But in that case, there
will be extra work to do.
So you will have less time at the
stables at the end of each day.
Are you prepared to accept that?
Yes, yes,
anything to keep Thunder.
Thank you so much, Miss Johnson,
you're a sport.
Miss Grayling, thank you.
I'd better hurry now to see Thunder
while I have the chance.
You were right.
Speaking to Miss Grayling
was exactly the thing to do.
Darrell?
Yes?
Miss Grayling's told me
about your word blindness.
I know you've had
some challenges, too.
I'm honestly much better than I was.
I don't doubt it.
And I know she's worked
hard with you,
but Miss Grayling needs to focus on
leading the school this term.
I see.
So how would you feel about staying
after class to do extra work
with me alongside Wilhelmina?
You'd have to forgo some
of your freedoms, of course.
But it will be in your
best interests.
I suppose so.
That sounds like a good idea.
Thank you.
Am I allowed to feed him?
Here.
Thanks for everything today.
It's nothing.
It's not.
He likes you.
He wants to be friends.
I've never had a
horse friend before.
I've never had a
human friend before.
Come back to the dorm.
There's lots more human friends
just waiting to be made.