Small Pleasures

Jean accompanies Gretchen and Margaret to Charing Cross Hospital to begin their testing, starting with blood work. On the way, Jean gives Gretchen good wishes from Alice Halfyard and asks about Martha. Gretchen was always somewhat afraid of Alice, if only because she was matron. Gretchen also remembers Martha, though she claims to have lost touch with her soon after leaving the clinic because of Margaret. Gretchen also asks to make a dress for Jean, offering Jean an afternoon to get her measurements taken and pick out a pattern.

At the hospital, Dr. Lloyd-Jones and his colleague, Dr. Bamber, are both pleased to see how much Gretchen and Margaret look alike. After the Tilbury family is taken to have their blood drawn, Jean and Dr. Lloyd-Jones talk about the credibility of Gretchen’s claims and Jean ensures their tests will remain confidential. Then, Dr. Bamber asks for a moment alone with Gretchen, so Jean agrees to spend some time with Margaret away from her mother.

Jean takes Margaret to get a comic book at a shop up the street, and while they’re walking, Margaret tells Jean that she hears angels, who say words Margaret has never heard before, like “phalanx.