The following contains spoilers on Audrey and Gerald’s dinner in All Creatures Great and Small’s “Papers.”
Mrs. Audrey Hall deserves nothing short of the best. The trouble is she hasn’t believed that for a long time, as we’ve seen through three seasons of All Creatures Great and Small. Instead, she’s felt shame about her failed marriage and her ruptured relationship with her son. It is, perhaps, this view of herself as a disgraced woman that has led Mrs. Hall to attend to the residents of Skeldale House so graciously. Into this life of atonement walks Gerald Hammond, a man who initially asks for nothing more than two lumps of sugar and the chance to reset her clock.
Following Gerald’s arrival in All Creatures Great and Small 2×02 “Semper Progrediens,” Audrey has slowly admitted him into her life. His advances have typically been framed as invitations that leave her with an out. Call me IF you ever want that clock fixed. I walk my dog down by the brook IF you ever want company. Gerald presumes to move the relationship forward of his own initiative only one time, in 3×04 “What A Balls Up!” Faced with Audrey’s horrified expression, he quickly discards the bouquet of flowers that mark the evening as a date in his mind.
It is clear from the start that Audrey retains the choice about whether and when to deepen their relationship. Gerald, nevertheless, has the ability to come or go as he might. We see Gerald’s patience give way only once, however, when he decides to move to Hull and tires of waiting for a proper goodbye at the holiday gathering in 3×07 “Merry Bloody Christmas.” Only a mistake brings him back to Skeldale House and gives Mrs. Hall a chance to confirm to Gerald that she shares his romantic feelings.
Even with Audrey’s dramatic gesture at the end of Season 3, the dynamic between her and Gerald remains throughout Season 4. She is cautious, keeping her romance cards close to her vest. When Audrey finally reveals her divorce application to Gerald in 4×03 “Right Hand Man,” she explains that she’s doing it for herself, not for him. He gently invites more but with no demands. When Gerald learns he’s the last to know about the divorce, he offers his ear IF she wants it.
Gerald’s (Bold) Move
So, in All Creatures Great and Small’s “Papers,” when viewers learn that Gerald has “properly” invited Audrey over for tea and that he is cooking, we don’t necessarily feel as anxious as Mrs. Hall visibly is. Until, that is, we find ourselves in a fairytale atmosphere. With her hair styled in soft waves, Audrey approaches a beautiful stone cottage in soft sunlight. The colorful shrubs and flowers and Alexandra Harwood’s dreamy music, accompanied by birds chirping, create a classic romantic setting. Anna Madeley looks like a perfect Snow White as she prepares to knock at the door. Her quick glance at her wedding ring only adds to the suspicion that marriage might be on the table at this dinner.
When we discover Audrey and Gerald at the end of what looks to have been a very awkward meal, Gerald’s nervousness feels consistent with his character. When, however, he interrupts Audrey’s attempt to clear the table, we see a slightly more assertive Gerald. As Mrs. Hall fiddles with her wedding ring while accepting a large (rather than small) brandy, viewers’ anxiety may also be rising. Gerald’s swig of brandy to steel himself for what’s to come ratchets up the tension even more. We are now fully convinced that Gerald will actually make the bold move of proposing to Audrey.
As a romance junkie, I’ve seen a lot of love declarations, and the one that Jamie Crichton writes for Gerald is unexpectedly delightful — who could have thought Gerald capable of making us swoon? Even with the hints, the grand gesture is surprising. The words are honest yet eloquent, and Will Thorp’s delivery captures all of Gerald’s nervousness and barely restrained ardor.
Anna Madeley’s soft, expectant expressions allow viewers to feel all the pleasure Mrs. Hall must feel at learning how much she is loved and cherished. When Gerald pauses and looks down, like Mrs. Hall, we shift forward in our seats. When she encourages him with a hopeful “go on,” it feels like a return to the dynamic of Audrey moving things along. Gerald now has permission to express his hopes. Whether you’re a viewer shipping Mrs. Hall with Gerald or a certain surly vet or just an unburdened future version of herself, this pause feels infinitely longer than the ten or so seconds that it is.
Audrey’s Agony
So, when Gerald raises his head and says, “It’s Lilian,” it is very much a record-scratch moment. Who the devil is Lilian? The fairytale scenario is abruptly over, and we are plunged back into the real world. We are breathless until Mrs. Hall says the words, “Your sister?” Madeley’s transition from a hopeful to confused look is so natural and poignant that viewers can easily imagine Audrey’s devastation at not hearing the question she has just authorized Gerald to ask.
At this point in the scene, Gerald appears to have used up all his boldness. He explains his sister’s condition but does not clearly say that he’s leaving. Audrey must guess his meaning. He then regresses to the deferential suitor role when he says: “There’s nothing I’d love more than for you to come with me, but I know I can’t ask that of you.” Mrs. Hall reverts to her role of caretaker. She quickly contains her emotions and verbally affirms Gerald’s choice to do what’s best for his sister. It is apparent, however, that Audrey’s mind is racing as she — like us — wonders what just happened.
Thorp compellingly conveys the sincere dilemma that Gerald sees in feeling forced to choose between two women he holds dear. Madeley, in turn, exquisitely expresses the utter deflation that Audrey must feel in learning that Gerald won’t make one last bold move and at least ask her to throw caution to the wind.
Audrey and Gerald’s dinner date started in hope and ended in despair. It’s a perfect example of the emotional pendulum that swings constantly in All Creatures Great and Small‘s “Papers.”
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