Snowy River: The McGregor Saga (1993) s02e04 Episode Script

Ya! What are you tying to do? Ruin a good horse or break a neck? I'm doing my job, I'm a station head now aren't I? No, you're my son.
And you're just a much a part of Langara as I am.
Because I'm your son, Matt McGregor's boy.
You're not a boy Rob.
Well when am I going to get the chance to prove it What's got into you? I'm sorry, I just want to get into town before the Melbourne train comes in.
You expecting something or? Sort of.
Well off you go, I'll take over here.
Thanks.
It's quite an operation you're building here.
Well railroads need warehouses so I'm providing the warehouses.
It'll be big business, you'll see.
Right here in Patersons Ridge? Patersons Ridge is going to boom and I'm going to be a part of it.
Rob, what are you doing here? You're not waiting for her? Of course not.
Frank.
Nice of you to meet me, and Charlotte.
Let me introduce Lieutenant Hugh Trevalyan, my fiancee.
There are three steps father.
The luggage is over here.
- Victoria.
- Mrs.
Oneal.
Welcome home.
Thank you.
I'd like to say how sorry I am to hear about your father.
I know it doesn't help.
It does, thank you.
I just can't believe he's gone.
I know how you must feel.
I won't believe it.
Father! Don't you watch where you're going man? My father is blind sir.
Blind, well, safe now.
Aught to be more careful in the future.
It was very courageous of you to risk your life like that.
Thank you.
Trevalyan Miss, Lieutenant Hugh Trevalyan.
If I could be of any further service? My name is Wall, Professor Julius Wall, and this is my daughter Yvonne.
My pleasure.
Well it's a small town, I'm sure we'll meet again.
Good day.
He rescued a blind man right from under the wheels of a train.
And he had this gorgeous uniform, all gold braid with a sword and a tall hat.
And he must've been what, around six foot two, and so handsome! Five foot six, and the way I hear it, the train wasn't going very fast anyway.
Well they're engaged to get married, him and Victoria, no one knows when it's going to be, but Sarah Martin's mother says it will be the match of the season.
Why do women always go for a uniform? It's the man that counts isn't it? Because he's got medals and everything.
He's a cavalry officer.
Sure.
Speaking of officers, there's a dealer in town looking for horses for the army.
Yeah, is he paying well? Yeah very well.
Trouble is we don't have any to sell.
Aye, I guess we don't.
Well I've bought everything with four shod hooves in the high country.
Everything for sale.
But all we need is a few days, you owe it to us Mr.
Sadcliffe.
Mrs.
Riley, there's a war in the Sudan and the army doesn't wait.
Your husband was my best supplier.
Not the biggest, but the best.
Sorry he's not still with us.
You're not prepared to give his wife and family a chance? Mrs.
Riley, look at you.
A woman with two half grown boys, mounted on a couple of scarecrows.
Now what chance do you have of catching and breaking in Martin bred Brumbies.
But my husband taught his boys everything he knew about horses.
You're right, I do owe you something.
Here let me Look I'm not after charity.
Alright, I'll be in the district for 10 days.
You bring me some horses before I leave, and I'll buy em.
I don't think you can do it, but I'll give you a chance.
That's all I ask.
Laura, we're talking about war.
The army needs mounts, and it's my business to supply them.
If somebody offers me horses before hand, I'm sorry, I can't afford to let them go.
Major Sadcliffe? I understand you want some horses.
How many are you after? Well I'll take a dozen if they're good enough.
You've got them.
The question is have you got them? I'll have them.
Well I leave on Saturday week.
Have them here before I leave and we'll do business.
We could do a lot of business over time.
Right.
Rough broken will do.
The army will finish them off.
And if they're not here, I'll go without them.
And remember, I'll take them from the first man, or woman who delivers.
They'll be here.
Pull.
That's a hit.
Pull.
Good shooting Hugh.
Pull.
I'm surprised you never mentioned his friendship with you Charlotte.
Where did you meet in England? Sussex, one of those excruciatingly boring weekends in the country.
Unbearable.
Most of the time.
I have the feeling it was more than just one weekend.
I do hope they're not shooting for money.
Hugh's never had a penny to bless himself with.
Well done Trevalyan.
I think the wager was a pound.
No worry, you can pay me later.
But I won.
You missed four birds.
Two.
No four.
Really, we can ask the girls.
Are you calling me a cheat? Of course not, it's just that As I am the guest in your house I have no alternative but to accept that as an apology.
Excellent shooting Hugh.
Thank you.
You did well Blackwood, but you're too slow to sight.
Have to practice that, could cost you your life.
I've never known a clay pigeon to shoot back.
I'm sure your fiancee wouldn't mind if I show you around the garden's Hugh, it's not quite Sussex, but if you don't object Victoria.
Of course not, Frank might like to go with you.
You and Frank have so much to catch up on.
We'll meet again at lunch.
Hugh.
I don't think much of your choice of fiancee's, man's a cheat.
I hope you didn't say that.
Why not? Hugh has a reputation.
As what, a flirt? I don't know what you see in him.
You're really soft on him aren't you? It was our father's wish that I marry Hugh.
I'm aware of that Victoria, is it your wish though? They're always in this part of the valley.
Rough country.
You know what you're getting yourself into? Probably not.
Now it's just me.
Me and them.
You're crazy.
Maybe I am.
It's not just catching the horses, you've got to break them in.
Thank you Dani.
- So you're off then? - Yep.
Take care.
I can look after myself.
Yeah, I know you can.
Good luck.
You're gonna need it, you've only got two weeks.
A bit less actually.
I'd appreciate it if you knocked before you entered my study.
Don't try to bully me Frank, and it's Father's study.
Father is gone.
I don't want to be callous, but you're going to have to accept that.
I won't accept it, not while there's any chance he's still alive.
What you find hard to accept is not Father's death, it's Father's will.
I dispute it, there must be another one.
If there is another will, it's never been found.
The only will in existence leaves everything to me.
All he left you is Trevalyan, make the most of it.
I'm going to arrange for search parties, it should've been done long ago Frank.
I am not wasting any money on wild goose chases.
Father is dead.
Control of the estate is up to me, and that includes settlement of your dowry.
You're disgraceful.
You do the printing yourself Kathleen? Over my dead body.
Over Mr.
Gleason's dead body.
But when I own a company I like to know how it works.
Trevalyan to wed Victoria Blackwood.
We're supposed to feel honored that this character is paying us a visit are we? Mr.
Gleason's words, not mine.
The man is a Baronet.
I've heard of Baronet's who'd sell their grandmothers for a bottle of rum.
Now that is, that is High treason? The kind of republican rubbish one would expect from.
A republican? At least it will sell some newspaper's I suppose.
But if you're insisting that our reader's feel honored, Mr.
Gleason, I suggest you tell them why.
Tell them something about Ms.
Blackwood's fiancee other than the fact that he's inherited a title.
I just happen to have a copy of Burke's parentage.
The who's who of British aristocracy.
I think Kathleen's talking about what he's done, not who he is.
Exactly.
Three days and I'm bored out of my mind.
What does one do for sport around here? I've never known you to be at lost for sport.
No you haven't, have you.
Victoria's out riding and Frank's out doing whatever one does with cattle.
Perhaps we could entertain one another? And what about the servants? Charlotte, I've been circumnavigating servants all my life.
Discretion is my middle name.
You should know.
Frank is inclined to be suspicious.
So what if he is? He wants Victoria safely married off and out.
And by god it will cost him a sizable dowery.
I may have some say in that.
When I'm mistress of Balmoro.
Frank wants to marry me.
Yes, but do you want to marry him? Wouldn't that be rather like, water after wine? Are you suggesting an alternative? My army wage would hardly do you justice dear.
But with Victoria's dowery safely in the bank, I foresee a happy future for all.
Frank gets rid of his sister, you and I have London, and money.
And Victoria? A few weeks of wedded bliss, and then a lifetime to recall them alone.
Hugh, you are heartless.
Not entirely.
Not bad, considering.
What are you doing here? Thought you could use a hand.
It's customary around here for people to help out when they can.
I got some spare time.
I can do this on my own.
Yeah sure, think of me as a hired hand.
You're calling the shots.
A hired hand.
That's it.
And I'm the boss.
That's what I said.
Well get the fire goin, and put the billy on and don't wake me up 'til it's boiled.
Yes sir.
You might've had more consideration Blackwood.
You weren't expected for hours.
Frank no! You had that coming.
I was prepared to ignore your previous insult Blackwood.
This time however you leave me no alternative.
The choice of weapons is yours.
What are you talking about? I want you out of my house.
Swords or pistols? I shall await your decision at the hotel.
Charlotte, feel free to join me whenever you wish.
He can't be serious.
He's challenging me to a duel.
Tell Victoria, she can find me at the hotel.
Goodbye Frank.
Ya! Come on.
Ya! Ya, come on get it! Get it over, that's it.
Every one of them.
They're a fine looking bunch.
You've done well.
Sorry about the way I've been carrying on Dad.
I just wanted to do something for myself.
You know, try and prove something.
- Where is Hugh? - I sent him packing.
The man's a cheat and a cad.
I found him kissing poor Charlotte.
Poor Charlotte.
You're such a fool Frank, we're both fools.
Blind fools.
What are you doing with Daddy's pistols? I'm going to show Trevalyan who's the fool.
Frank, he'll kill you.
We'll see about that.
Whoa.
Whoa easy girl, easy.
Whoa, whoa, whoa, easy.
Whoa, whoa.
Easy, easy, easy.
You beautiful thing Good girl.
Herbert, what do you know about affairs of honor? I'm a banker Frank, honor isn't my line of business.
What I mean is, if you had to fight, what would you rather have in your hand, a gun or a sword? Well if the other fellow had sword, I'd certainly rather have a gun.
You're not being very helpful.
Don't know where all this fascination with weapons comes form and why are you asking me when you have an expert living under your own roof? You mean Trevalyan? I know the man's being decorated.
He's a soldier, they give you medals just for turning up.
According to the newspapers, he's fought duels from London to Bombay.
And won them? He wouldn't be here if he lost them Frank.
You considered it an unnecessary detail? When you understand the newspaper business Mrs.
O'Neill, you'll discover that there are some things better left unsaid.
Like the truth? This man, this man supposedly honors us with his presence has deliberately killed, no murdered, five men in cold blood.
Dueling is not considered murder in more More civilized places? Then I thank heaven we aren't civilized.
There's never been any charges brought against him.
No and for the obvious reason.
He's protected by his rank and empty title.
He's protected by the sort of people who share your own sycophantic adoration for the aristocracy.
I don't have to listen to this.
No you don't, but what you have to do, is bring out a special edition by Friday at the latest Mr.
Gleason, telling the truth about Lieutenant Trevalyan.
Baronet.
He'll sue.
I don't think so.
Friday at the latest Mr.
Gleason.
Easy girl.
Easy girl.
Good girl, steady.
Nothing to be frightened of.
Nice and quiet while I get in the saddle.
Whoa whoa girl easy girl easy.
Whoa whoa.
Whoa easy.
Whoa whoa whoa.
What are you doing here? What are you doing here? No welcome home Victoria? Welcome home.
How'd you know I was here? I ran into Dani yesterday.
She's grown.
So has her mouth.
Where's your fiancee? Probably off somewhere entertaining Charlotte.
I don't know.
It was all part of being in London, the season.
Opening nights, weekends in the country.
Being presented the debutant balls.
And Trevalyan.
That's what I'm trying to say.
He was all part of that.
He was handsome and dashing.
So how did it happen, this engagement? Betrothal? Hugh's father, was a very close friend's of Daddy's.
So they arranged it between them? How did they do that, by mail? Bill of sale? Go on you humiliate me too, you haven't changed one bit.
Just as irritating and insensitive as ever.
Victoria! What do you think you're doing Frank.
Nothing, just target practice.
With dueling pistols? These? Now you're not planning something stupid, are you Frank? I didn't make the challenge, Trevalyan did.
Then I suggest you unmake it.
Dueling's illegal in this country.
It's a matter of honor.
It's a matter of getting yourself killed.
Not necessarily.
I dot believe you're fool enough to get into this Frank.
You can settle your differences without killing each other.
You either call this whole thing off, or I'll make sure the winner spends the next few years behind bars.
How many shot's have you fired at that? Three, I haven't got my eye in yet.
Then I suggest you take it home and eat it, there's not a scratch on it.
It's a no win situation Frank.
You either end up in a coffin, or behind bars.
You stop it now, or I will.
It's good, we're friends right? Yahoo! Whoa whoa! I don't like being spied on.
So why don't you come out and show me who you are? Don't hurt me, don't hurt me.
Who are you? Please don't hurt me, we weren't doing anything.
It's alright, I'm not gonna hurt you.
What's your name? Lizzy, Lizzy Riley, Mr.
You old enough to drink coffee Lizzy Riley? I don't know.
You can try it and see.
It's just the girl's curiosity Mr.
McGregor.
Father was a great one for breaking and training the horses.
Tom Riley, suppose you've heard of him.
I'm sorry.
We weren't from around here.
We had our own little place then.
Now we're living like gypsies.
If the boys ride well, they should get a job at one of the stations.
We can probably find work for one of them at our place.
We aren't splitting up, we're staying together.
Maybe somebody needs a cook.
Tom Riley would turn in his grave to think his wife is working as another woman's slabby.
We will survive, without charity, and without do-gooders.
Just so long as we stay together.
Thanks for the tea Mrs.
Riley, and good luck.
He was just trying to be nice Ma.
He can afford to be nice, with his cattle and his fine horses.
If you'd have given me some notice of your visit.
You'd have tidied your room obviously.
But this is an unexpected pleasure Victoria, and since you're here.
I'm here to warn you against this stupid duel with Frank.
You're brother took a horse whip to me! You deserved it.
Was there something else? Yes.
Give this to Charlotte.
She's more deserving.
The horses.
We've lost them.
He's wasting his time.
Come on.
McGregor.
Yes? How's that boy of yours doing on my horses? Pretty well, they'll be here.
I'm a military man McGregor, and I live by military rules.
He'll be here.
I hope so.
You can depend on it.
Dad, will he? He'll be here.
Ya! Ya! Mum? You alright? Yes, I'll be alright in a minute.
Go and sit down, I can take care of the packing.
Go on, I'm the man.
Yes I know.
You're the man of the family now.
Get those rails back in position.
Ya! I'll work 'em inside! Good on ya Dad! Ya, come on.
We got it Rob! Running out of time, might need a hand to get them back home.
You got it, something wrong? There's something I want to do first, I'll be back.
You said you raised your family Mrs.
Riley, as horse thieves? You don't say nothing against my mother, or I'll knock your block off.
Don't tempt me.
Leave it be Darcy, there's nothing to be done.
What are you gonna do? I offered you help, and you robbed me.
What do you think I should do? Talk's cheap.
You took away our last chance with Major Sadcliffe.
Our only chance to make some money.
We've got nothing.
I'll tell you what.
I've got 12 horses back there.
And Sadcliffe's waiting to buy them.
You help us get them back to town, and they're yours.
You mean you're giving them to us? They didn't cost me anything.
What are we gonna do Mom? We're gonna help them get them back.
Frank, don't go through with this.
There's no shame in an apology.
Don't think I haven't thought about it.
But it's just what he'd expect.
My father.
Frank, your Father's dead.
He'd expect me to play the coward, run away.
I'm not going to give him the satisfaction.
I'd rather die.
I'm really sorry Frank.
But for what it's worth, you're no coward.
Since neither gentlemen is prepared to call a halt to this nonsense, this will be the procedure.
At the count of 10, I'll instruct you to turn, and fire.
By my count.
One two three four five six seven eight This is outrageous! You cheated.
Frank old fellow.
My shot I think.
This clay pigeon is going to fire back Trevalyan.
It was a mistake, I swear! We know you're a cheat, coward as well? For the love of heaven! Frank don't! Frank, shoot him and I'll have you for murder.
Give me your horse Victoria! Hugh, quickly! Frank! Well I suppose, honors been served.
Here if you call honor two idiots trying to kill each other.
Then I suppose it is.
Only a few things Hugh, I won't be a moment.
Take all the time you like.
Sorry, very sorry, forgive me.
Lieutenant Trevalyan isn't it? I'm sorry, I haven't the time.
Lieutenant, I haven't had a chance to really thank you.
If you'll excuse me, ya! Well I guess he doesn't want to be thanked.
Such a modest man.
Hugh! Ya! Well Laura, you did it after all.
Three guineas a head.
I think you'll find that right.
Thank you Mr.
Sadcliffe, and that's from Tom as well.
This business with the Rileys, I don't want it talked about.
Why's that? I slaved my guts out to get those horses, and now I've just given them away.
I look like a darn fool.
Far from it.
You're a good man Rob.
I'll make you an offer.
Be my agent.
Travel the country, choose the stock, break it in.
I think I've got a job at Langara for the moment.
Thanks all the same Major.
Anytime.
Alright men, let's get them down to the railway.