When Hope Calls (2019–…): Season 1, Episode 5 - A House United - full transcript

Previously on When Hope Calls...

Helen, probably shouldn't
sleep with your locket on.

I went into the saving's
loan the other day,

saw Sinclair isn't
working there anymore.

Was he fired?

No, he quit.

Look how much do you think he knows?

It's not what he knows that worries me.

- I came to talk.
- Its what he might find out.

You, Miss Walsh,
are anything but mundane.

Lucy.



I could use a refill.

Yes, certainly.

Gracie what happened, whatever it is,

it'll be all right.

♪ Miss Mary Mack, Mack, Mack ♪

♪ All dressed in black, black, black ♪

♪ With silver buttons,
buttons, buttons ♪

♪ All down her back, back, back ♪

♪ She asked her mother, mother, mother ♪

♪ For 15 cents, cents, cents ♪

♪ To see the elephants,
elephants, elephants ♪

♪ Jump over the fence, fence, fence ♪

Girls.

Storm's coming, could we head inside?



Thank you, come again.

Sir, how's your meal?

As you know,
the streak you brought was raw.

Rare.

But I brought it back.

Then it was too well done,
I asked for medium.

Well, would you like some more pie?

Too tart.

More coffee?

Too strong.

I must say, on the whole,
this dining experience

was on a par with the
substandard housekeeping

in my room.

Well, perhaps you'd be
happier at a different hotel.

I was given to believe this was
the only hotel in town.

Yes, that's true.

Oh, I see.

You're just being rude.

Excuse me.

Slow afternoon?

Not exactly the word I would use.

You got room for one more?

Yes, here you go.

Didn't see you the
other day at the party.

You were gone.

Well, when I finished serving,
my job was done.

Thought you might've said goodbye.

Well, it looked like you were
having fun with your friends.

Miss.

Miss.

Yes, sir?

Just the bill.

Oh, right, okay.

And directions to New Hope Orphanage.

You're going there?

- Tomorrow morning.
- Oh, okay.

If you could provide me with directions.

Here you go. You could
see it just south of town.

It's right there. Just a little west,
you can't miss it.

Thank you.

My sister and I run the orphanage.

- Really?
- Yes, I'm Grace Bennett.

Ah yes, Miss Bennett.

Randall Andrews.

Why are you working here?

Well, the government
stipend doesn't cover

all of our expenses.

Is that a fact?

Well, Miss Bennett,
I will see you in the morning.

Are you considering adoption?

Oh, no.

I'm an inspector,
with the Children's Bureau.

What's he going to inspect?

He'll be inspecting us.

What for?

Just a regular thing
the government does.

They just want to make sure
we're taking care of you.

We just need to make a good impression.

Make sure everything's clean and tidy,

and we're on our best behavior.

We'll make cookies.

Nothing like the smell of baking

to make a house feel like home.

An inspector came into
another orphanage I was in.

Then it closed and we were all split up.

Is he gonna close this place?

Where will they send us?

Okay, hold on.

They are not sending you anywhere.

That's right. We're gonna pass
this inspection with flying colors.

Is it raining in here?

I'll get a bucket.

Oh, those look perfect, Helen.

Go put them on the table to cool.

You've got a piece of dough on your...

- locket, I can...
- I'll get it.

Okay.

Vincent told me that the
inspector talked to the kids

- at his last orphanage.
- He did?

If he asks here, I should speak for us.

Why you?

Because I'm the oldest.

Isn't that right, Miss Eleanor?

Yes, it is, you're the oldest but...

Only by a year.

I could speak for myself.

I'm sure the inspector
will let Lillian and Grace

know who he wishes to speak to.

They said it was important for us

to make good impressions.

And you think you'll make
a better one than me?

You will all make a good impression

if you get washed up and
put on your good clothes.

But what about my cookies?

I'll take them out when they're ready.

Off you go.

The inspector will be here.

What in the world?

Oh, no!

Look.

What happened?

It must've been
from the rain last night.

We need to get changed.

For the inspector.

Okay, take your clothes
into our bedroom, girls,

and Eleanor can help you.

Grace and I will finish up here.

Watch where you step.

Why do I feel like Chicken Little?

Can I help you?

Where's the assay office?

It was closed.

I suppose the gold ran out.

It's just got harder to find.

Obliged.

Excuse me.

Apples are two cents apiece.

Free sample.

The man says that'll be two cents.

Have a nice day.

I didn't want any trouble over an apple.

No trouble.

Thanks.

Can I offer you one on the house?

Truth is, I'm looking for work.

Ah, I can't help you with
that, I'm afraid.

I'm just making enough to pay myself.

Do a job for a square meal.

I'll tell you what, we got a few pounds

of flour and bacon that need delivery

over to the New Hope Orphanage.

I'll pay you in kind.

Come on in.

At least it stopped raining.

What are we gonna tell the inspector?

The truth,
that we're planning on fixing it.

But not 'til we can afford it.

The inspector is here.

I'll go down, if you can finish up here.

Okay, but try to see if you
could stall him, you know,

two-three days.

Yeah, I'll do my best.

And how old are you, Fred?

Seven.

He's six.

Next birthday.

- Mr. Andrews.
- Lillian Walsh.

And you've met our housekeeper,
Eleanor Winters.

Yes. I realize
the Bureau didn't contact you,

but we like to observe a typical day.

Of course. My sister will be
right down in a moment.

We've met.

Something burning?

Oh, the cookies.

Excuse me.

This is our first inspection, so,

I'm not entirely sure of the process,

but as to any problems, I can assure you

we will remedy them right away.

You can be certain of that?

Absolutely.

And if the problem is your sister,

are you prepared to remedy that?

Oh, Grace, it looks great.

Just as long as Mr. Andrews

doesn't look at the ceiling.

What happened between the two of you

at the hotel yesterday?

I told you, he was being
obnoxious about his dinner.

Why?

He just mentioned something
about you being a problem.

He was the problem.

Fine, don't worry, I'll win him over.

Hm.

Cookie?

Ah, difficult to decide.

I think I'll try one of these.

Can I try one of yours, Sophia?

Hm.

Mm, crunchy.

Mr. Andrews.

This is the best bite of food I've had

since arriving in Brookfield.

The best service too.

Why, thank you.

I understand this was your family home,
Miss Walsh.

Mm, pardon me.

Yes, after I was adopted.

I imagine it contains
many happy memories.

Many memories, yes.

Happy and sad, as in any home.

Well.

I suppose I shall begin the inspection.

I'd like to start with the
children's sleeping quarter.

Inspect ours first.

Yeah, the ceiling fell down in our room.

Really?

We have a leak in the roof.

I see.

Well, perhaps I should begin with that.

This way.

Apply breaks. Apply breaks.

Break, break, break, break,
break, break, break!

Relax, Ronnie, I have got this.

Really?

My sore neck says otherwise.

What's going on?

I've decided to buy a truck.

- If we survive the driving lessons.
- Oh, Lord.

Why? These contraptions
are expensive, they smell,

and they can't feed themselves.

It's the 20th century, Ben.

We have to embrace the future.

I can find you a match
set of Clydesdales

for half of what you pay for that truck.

Nope, no deal.

I'm wiring the money, first of the week.

Speaking of money,
I've gotta head to the bank.

Do you mind just...

No, I'm gonna keep practicing.

- Really? Oh.
- Yeah.

Carefully though, right?

- Go.
- Carefully.

Ben.

Oh, Ben.

Did the boys pick up the feed?

Yeah, oats and corn.

- I'll put it on your account.
- What about the linseed?

They didn't mention linseed.

If I don't do it myself,
it doesn't get done right.

Ben.

Would you mind, giving it a crank?

Yep.

Yeah, really put some muscle into it.

Yeah.

Good, good, good.

See you later.

We lost some shingles over the winter

so I'm quite certain
the water's getting in

just to the left of that dormer.

We scheduled a repairman.

When?

Soon.

- How soon?
- Very.

- Good.
- Because leaks cause rot.

That's why we'll get right to it.

That would be the remedy.

Grace, why don't you show Mr. Andrews

around the rest of the property,

and I will deal with our visitor.

Can I help you?

Good morning, ma'am.

That's your delivery
from the General Store.

And what just went into your bag?

A pound of bacon, a tin of coffee,
and two potatoes.

That's my payment for delivery.

Your bacon and flour's in the sack.

It's all there, you can take a look.

That's okay, I believe you.

Are you sure? Because that's
not how you came across.

Sorry if I...

Don't be.

I probably wouldn't trust me either.

You're not trustworthy?

No, I think I do okay
in that department.

So, why wouldn't I trust you?

Well, my appearance might
be a cause of concern.

My father used to call it

being on the downside of advantage.

Circumstances of my own making.

Prospecting.

Can take a toll on you.

So, what are you doing now?

I'm gonna find a place to cook a meal,

some hot water to wash up.

Wait.

Can you swing a hammer?

A hammer, a pick, a shovel,

just about anything
that requires swinging.

With one hand?

This, it still works.

Just scraped it when
some rocks fell on it.

Prospecting?

Like I said, takes a toll on you.

Lillian Walsh.

Sam Trombley, at your service.

Provides us with fresh
vegetables and milk.

Plus it gives the kids a
real sense of responsibility,

taking care of a garden and a cow.

Mhm.

And when the children
see that their efforts

put food on the table,

it gives them a real sense of... pride.

Okay, so over here
is where we milk Virginia.

- Pardon me, ma'am.
- Hey!

Watch where you're going!

Ronnie?

Ronnie!

What happened?

It's nothing, I'm okay.

I'm sending for the Mountie.

- No, really, I'm okay.
- You're hurt!

No police.

Oh my.

So this is what you were talking about.

Leaks cannot be left unattended.

This happened just before you got here.

When exactly will this be remedied?

Oh, we've already
bought shingles for it.

That doesn't answer my question.

- What's that?
- That...

- That...
- Squirrels?

A hole in the roof,
and the next thing you know,

you've got vermin in the attic.

Squirrels spread disease.

It's too big to be a squirrel.

That's the handyman.

Handyman, of course.

He's come to fix the roof.

Remedying the problem.

Shall we continue with the inspection,
Mr. Andrews?

Yes.

Oh, Mrs. Stewart.

How are you today?

I'm fine, but I would like you

to take a look at my brother-in-law.

Oh, what seems to be the problem?

I think he's broken his nose.

Oh, how did he do that?

Well, he tripped and fell,

and insists it's nothing serious,

but I have seen my fair
share of broken noses.

Why, I'd be glad to examine him.

He's embarrassed to
come to the infirmary.

Could you go to him?

Sure.

I'll just grab my bag, and off we go.

The children get a warm
breakfast every morning,

a packed lunch for school,

and meat and vegetables for dinner.

And they love my desserts.

Yes, those cookies were very good.

Ooh!

Would you like another?

Don't mind if I do.

Take as many as you'd like.

- Give it to me.
- I don't have it.

- Yes, you do.
- No, I don't.

- You're lying.
- No, I'm not.

I promise you, it's somewhere in here.

- I know you took it.
- No, I didn't.

- You did so.
- No, I didn't!

Girls, what's the problem?

- Sophia stole my mother's locket.
- No, I didn't.

Oh, I don't believe she could do that.

Maybe you just misplaced it.

No, it's stolen, by Sophia.

Okay, when was the last time you saw it?

This morning.

Right before Sophia stole it.

Okay, Helen.

Sometimes it's a good
idea to retrace our steps

from where we last had it.

Oh yeah, you should do that.

Can I talk to you for a second?

We'll help you look for it
as soon as the inspector leaves.

Remember, best behavior.

You know, ice and a towel
would be a better treatment.

Are you kidding?
With the price of ice up here,

this is way cheaper.

Yes, but there could
be bacteria in the meat.

Ew.

Shall I take a closer look?

Sure.

Stupid really, I walked into a door.

- Door?
- Yeah, door.

Oh.

Apologies.

It'll be fine in a couple of days,

once the swelling goes down.

Hm.

Have a seat.

Oh, all right.

It's broken and needs to be set.

What, you mean I gotta
go to the hospital

in Clearwater?

Or you could take a
firm grip of your chair.

What?

As the doctors are fond of saying,

you may experience some discomfort.

What?

Holy Hannah!

Where are we going?

You hired the vagrant?

He's not a vagrant, he's a prospector.

Ah, well prospecting vagrant.

Who cares what he looks like?

The inspector will care.

Ooh.

We don't know anything about him.

He seems honest.

You're usually not this impulsive.

Which should tell you that I had

a good sense about him.

Just...

Okay, can you just ask him to clean up?

- Hey.
- That'd be your sister?

Yeah, Grace.

Is there a problem?

No, no, we were just wondering

how the work was going?

Ah, I can fix the damage,

but there's some other
shingles that need replacing.

It won't last another winter here.

The shingles or the planks too?

We won't know 'til we
take a closer look.

But you do need more shingles.

Um...

We have some more in town. I, uh...

I could take the wagon, pick them up.

Let me think.

I'm sorry, we have this inspector here

from the Children's Bureau,
I'm just a little preoccupied.

Understandable.

He's very particular,
and he likes everything

just so... neat, trim, tidy, clean.

All right.

Well, you do what you gotta do,

and I'll work with what I've got.

We just really need to
make a good impression.

I can't imagine you not
making one, on anyone.

Hot water.

- Excuse me?
- You had mentioned hot water,

and Eleanor, our housekeeper,

can heat some up for you.

Thank you.

For when you want to clean up.

- Good morning, Maggie.
- Good morning.

Someone sick at the hotel?

Nope, Ronnie managed to break his nose.

Is he okay?

Will be, after a single day or two.

How'd he break it?

Walked into a door, or tripped and fell.

It all depends on who you talk to.

_

Grace and Lillian doing
a roof repair, Joe?

Apparently.

They took half the order,

but they're not gonna
come back for those

until they can pay.

Un-extending credit?

You won't help the sisters out?

No, I tried, but they won't accept it.

I'll pay for the shingles.

Well, they don't really accept charity.

Sometimes it's best not
to say no for an answer.

Uh huh.

Buy me some nails too.

I got some, but not a lot.

If they can't afford the shingles,

how are they gonna pay for the roofer?

Hey, what are you doing?

Just organizing things a little for Sam.

Oh, he's staying?

Room and board, that's how we're paying.

Hey, did you talk to
him about the whole...

- I tried.
- What, you didn't tell him?

I couldn't.

Well, Inspector Andrews
wants to speak to you.

Apparently I won't do.

Do you know what it's about?

I don't know,
he's not sharing anything with me.

Maybe it's our financial records.

Don't worry, I will deal with him.

More visitors.

Okay, I'll deal with them,

you go talk to the government inspector.

Whoa!

We were wondering if you had any work

for a couple of handymen?

Roof repair specialty.

Joe told us.

Well, that's so nice of you,

and I'm sure Sam can use a hand.

Sam?

Who's Sam?

Oh.

How are you doing?

So, so what happened?

Why did you have to go tell the nurse?

I don't want the whole town knowing.

Have you looked in the mirror?
It's not exactly a secret.

So tell me what happened.

I walked into a door.

What really happened?

Look, it's okay,
I can take care of it...

Ronnie.

It was a message, from Sinclair.

Sinclair sent that man?

Apparently he wants a
bigger cut from the hotel.

I told him no,
I'm barely breaking even as it is.

Why didn't you just come to me?

I mean, it's not like we haven't
helped you out before.

I know, I know...

Just always felt it
could cause from friction

between you and my brother.

This time, I wanted to handle it myself.

How's that working out for you?

Don't, please.

I wasn't gonna touch it.

You were gonna touch it.

I don't know where he is,

I guess he must've taken a break.

Sam?

Yeah.

Oh my goodness.

Sorry, these gentlemen
have come to help.

This is...

- Gabriel.
- Yes.

Nice to meet you.

And Chuck.

Howdy.

I assume you'd like to
go over our records.

First I'd like to speak
with you in private,

about your sister.

Of course.

I understand you and Grace may have
gotten off on the wrong foot.

What do you know about
Miss Bennett's past?

I know she had a difficult childhood,

after we were separated.

I have her records.

As a child raised in institutions,

she never experienced the
normalcy of family life.

That certainly wasn't her fault.

Are you aware she ran away
from every single

orphanage she was in?

The last time when she was 17.

The conditions of those
orphanages were horrendous.

At the last one she stole $200.

I don't believe that.

The night she ran away,
the money was missing.

Well, there has to be
some other explanation.

They never got one because
they never found her.

You did.

There were never any criminal charges.

My decision whether
to renew your license

doesn't rest solely on criminal charges.

You already gave us a license.

The fact is, the Children's Bureau

did not do a thorough
background check on her.

I now have, and it seems to me

she is not the best partner
for you in this venture.

She is the perfect partner.

If you insist on that,
it may cost you your license.

Moving onto your accounts.

Running low on nails.

I'll see if I left any in the wagon.

Don't recall seeing you in town.

Only passed through this morning.

This your line of work?

Nope, just temporary.

Oh, I'll do the heavy lifting.

No, it's fine, just got an old twinge

from an old injury.

You know,
my father used to have a phrase

when I started to complain about aches.

What's that?

He'd say, "Suck it up, Buttercup."

So how'd you get hired on here?

Lily and I came to an understanding.

Lillian hired you?

You ask a lot of questions.

That's my job.

I'm a Mountie.

Good thing.

Not sure you could make
a living as a roofer.

Grace.

Is everything okay?

Yeah, well, you saw the roof.

Naw, have I done
something to offend you?

- No.
- No?

Because you just seemed a little,
I don't know,

distant from your mother's party.

Well, I wasn't
socializing, I was working.

You seemed a little busy.

I was just talking with friends.

That's all I was doing.

Lemonade?

No thank you,
I'm gonna go back to the ranch

to get some more nails.

That's very kind of you.

Thank you.

Grace?

I need to talk to you.

Hello, Lillian.

Hi.

You...

Combed my hair.

I hope you don't think I was suggesting,

or showed any concern.

Not at all.

I just didn't think I have to scare

the bears away anymore.

Could I speak with you?

Oh, actually,
I need to speak with Grace.

Oh, it won't take long.

Would you excuse us?

Of course.

Oh, we generally have supper around six.

If you'd like to join us.

Sounds good.

Where'd you find this fella?

He landed on our doorstep
at the perfect moment.

So you don't know anything about him?

Why, is he not doing a good job?

No, the work seems fine...

How long is he gonna be here for?

It depends on how he does.

The house needs some work.

I don't have it.

Miss Lillian, Miss Grace,
you have to come right now.

- Wait, what is it, Christian?
- They're fighting.

Oh, no.

- Give it to me.
- I don't have it.

- Yes you do!
- No I don't.

- You're lying.
- I promise you,

it's somewhere in here,
it's somewhere in the house.

What's going on, girls?

Is this about your locket?

I don't have it.

Miss Walsh,
I have some questions about these...

No, no, not now.

I beg your pardon?

Can't you see the children are upset?

I would be glad to answer
your questions, Mr. Andrews,

after we have dealt with
the needs of the children.

I'm being completely honest,
I don't have it, I'm being...

That's okay, Sophia.

Helen, we understand that that locket

is very precious to you

and you're upset that you lost it,

but if Sophia says that
she hasn't taken it,

then we need to believe her.

We trust each other in this house

because we know we all
care about each other.

Like a family.

Okay, so,
let's help Helen look for it, okay?

All right, remember, it's small,

so it could've fallen behind
a cushion or a down a crack.

Let's go!

Come on, go on.

Pick out a new truck yet?

I did.

Ah, it's gonna be weird

with one of those out in the ranch.

Yeah.

Is everything okay?

Ronnie's got a problem.

Don't tell me he's trying to get you in

on one of his surefire schemes again.

No, no, he says he doesn't want my help.

That's good.

About time he stands
on his own two feet.

You know he's just trying to
make something of the town.

You know I like Ronnie, but...

Just remember, Dad did plenty for him.

You don't have to go down
that same rabbit hole too.

Yeah, yeah.

I noticed three handymen
working on the roof.

That's right.

How can you afford to engage three men?

One's our veterinarian,

the other's the local
Mountie, volunteers.

And then the third is a handyman,

but we're paying him in food.

Okay, I'll just go.

Oh, sorry.

Oh, that's quite all right.

No harm done.

I can take those.

I'm sorry, yes.

The roof repair is coming along.

Any luck finding that locket?

I just saw that Andrews has a copy

of my orphanage records.

I wanted to talk to you about that.

Well, what's going on here?

Hey, am I the one being inspected?

He just made a ridiculous accusation.

Well, what exactly did he say?

It's nonsense, it doesn't matter.

Hey, why aren't you telling me?

Okay.

He said that you stole money
from the last orphanage.

- That is not true.
- Of course not.

Well, this is the
first I've heard of it.

We will get through this.

Get through what?

But he's...

He's not gonna deny our license, is he?

Because of me?

If he tries, we'll fight it.

These kids love you.

And I love them.

Okay, so we have to do
everything necessary

- to keep them here.
- Mhm.

Even if it means that I have to leave.

That's not an option.

These kids have been through too much,

so if it's between them and me,

then that's the only option.

Lilian told me you think I'm a thief.

I interviewed the former matron

of the Binford Orphanage.

She says $200 was taken
the night you ran away.

I only took the clothes on my back.

Why did you run if you
had nothing to hide?

Well, clearly you've never spent a night

at the Binford Orphanage.

I spent two weeks in the
basement of a church.

It's better than the orphanage,

but it wouldn't have been my choice

if I had $200 in my pocket.

Still, it all seems very suspicious.

Only if you've already made up your mind

that I'm guilty.

I'd like to think that I'm
a fair-minded individual.

Okay, let me make this easy for you.

If I have to leave in
order for this orphanage

to pass your inspection,

then consider me gone.

Okay, I'm not gonna
jeopardize these children...

Helen found her locket!

Told you I didn't take it.

It was in the laundry hamper,

I told her to look there.

It must've caught on my blouse
when I was changing this morning.

Sophie, why don't you
help Helen put it on?

I'm really glad you found it.

I'm sorry.

It's okay.

Thank you for helping Helen look.

Sometimes it's easier to
fear the worst in each other

than believe the best.

You still have to try.

If I could have a few minutes
to make my final notes?

And I'd like to speak with you both.

Very well.

Children, can we give Mr. Andrews
the dining room to work?

This way.

- No, no, no, no, no, no.
- Yes.

It'll keep the wolf from the door

just for a while.

Weren't you gonna buy a truck?

I can wait.

I thought you disapproved of all that.

When Matthew was alive, you had him
to take care of you. Right?

Now you've got me,
because I'm your family.

Thank you.

Sinclair isn't gonna go away.

I know.

What are we gonna do about that?

That's a very good question.

Thanks for the help.

Yeah, glad we could do our bit.

You need a ride into town?

No, I'm staying.

Gonna work on the inside tomorrow
and earn my room and board.

Lucky you.

Eleanor's a fine cook.

I'm sure.

Did you see the cottage?

Might never leave.

You wouldn't want to
overstay your welcome.

Could be able to wrap
this thing up in a day or two.

Well, it looks like the ladies are
still wrapped up with the Inspector.

Will you say goodbye to Grace for me?

Of course.

Thanks for stopping by.

I have my report.

You will receive an official copy.

Before you say anything more,

please let me be clear.

We are a team, we are indivisible.

- Lillian...
- No, I can't do this on my own.

If I may continue.

You have limited income,
no capital resources,

and you are both young
and inexperienced.

But the experience that
we both have matters.

Does impertinence run in this family?

I have also observed that you
are meeting your challenges

with creativity, community support,

and most importantly,
with a clear dedication

to putting the children first.

New Hope Orphanage
has passed inspection.

However, due to
Miss Bennett's checkered history,

and the alleged criminal
cloud hanging over her,

if I hear of a single infraction,

I will shut you down.

Good day.

So?

Are we staying?

You're staying!

We're all staying.