A Place to Call Home (2013) s03e03 Episode Script

I apologize.
I did not wish to injure.
Have you told Rene? About the baby? I can't.
Why not? Because the baby can't be his.
George must never know.
The only thing you need, to make you unbeatable, is the right wife.
George is having a second chance, and you're taking yours.
I thought perhaps I might follow suit.
So you'll be leaving Ash Park.
If that's what George wants.
We do hope you'll do us the honour of being Georgie's godparents.
Oh, my goodness! No, we can't.
We thought that We're Catholic.
All because of James? It's not natural what he is.
It goes against God.
Rene? Quick! I need help! I can't have this baby.
I don't want it.
You running away from home, missy? Aunt Peg isn't well.
I'm off to the shops.
Do you want anything? I'll do the shopping.
I've just had a stroke, love.
I'm not a cripple.
And I am still on the ball.
At least I think I am.
I just have to find my keys.
Well, then I'm not making myself clear.
I just need you to confirm this is a registered medical doctor's surgery, before I make an ap Well, would you mind telling me where the doctor's practising now? Yes, I understand, but do you know where the doctor's moved to? Well, is there anyone else that you can refer me to who might be able to Yes, so her intravenous just needs to stay in another day.
I think that's it.
OK, bye.
Here, let me.
Oh! You can stay as long as you like.
Next door pays for their telephone calls, you certainly don't.
Well, they don't either half the time.
Aunt Peg Don't "Aunt Peg" me.
But you have been on the blower quite a lot.
It must be exhausting.
Any luck finding a surgeon? Oh, I s'pose it must be a very specialised field, that sort of brain operation.
Yes.
Yes, it is.
Oh, have you spoken to Rene this morning? Yes, he's much better.
Much.
And George? Any news? They tell me he's making excellent progress.
It was a terrible thing to happen, but from what you've told me, it could have been a lot worse.
When all's said and done, George is a very lucky man.
And how is he this morning? Last heard boasting he'd had a long walk before breakfast.
That's very good news.
And baby George? Currently reading the morning paper out loud, in ancient Greek, I believe.
I am smiling.
And Dr Nordmann? Any news? I suppose the poor man is still under close supervision.
Jack's taken responsibility for watching over him.
Jack takes on too much.
Well, Sarah had to go to Sydney.
Oh, really? Oh, do you know why? Uh, her Aunt Peg's unwell.
Sorry, Mother, I might have to go in a tick.
So do I.
But speaking of time, that clock radio contraption of yours has proved rather a challenge, but I think I've managed to tame it.
I thought it was a two-day wonder.
Oh, I told you you'd enjoy waking up to music.
The instruction booklet was incomprehensible, of course.
I've written a letter to the manufacturers.
Anything else you need help with? No, no.
Nothing at all.
Bye-bye, dear.
I've enjoyed the chat.
Bye.
Thank you.
So, what brings you to Sydney? To find a good surgeon for my husband.
Oh, I see.
Carolyn mentioned that your aunt's unwell.
Yes, yes.
That as well.
Please do give her my best.
I shall include her in my prayers.
I will.
I'm so glad you agreed to meet me, Sarah.
I did apologise for my hasty reaction at the hospital, but I must not let myself off the hook.
I truly regret treating you so poorly in the past.
Thank you, Elizabeth.
I know that if it hadn't been for your courage and your sharp thinking, I might have lost George.
Then again, if I hadn't brought Rene back to Inverness, the accident would never have happened.
It's so sad for George that your marriage didn't proceed.
Marriage is, of course, about so much more than just love, isn't it? For so many women since the war, their husband is no longer the man they married.
I feel for you.
It's not an easy cross to bear.
Oh, they say the two most powerful healers are patience, and time.
So, tell me how you're settling into city life.
It's very different.
You know, when I left Ash Park, I thanked you for the impetus to go.
You were one of the very few people who truly understood why I had to leave.
I admired Admire your courage.
You know I used to be disdainful of women who made their decisions based on emotions.
Feelings.
But I'm coming to realise that feelings are not necessarily to be ignored.
Mind you, if my feelings about the dreadful Regina Standish were ever allowed to surface, heaven help us all.
When in doubt, ask a busy person.
I shouldn't have promised Sir Richard a card party.
You've got the christening to rearrange, and now all these men descending upon the house.
I'll greet the chaps as they arrive through the day, how's that? I think everything's under control, but thank you.
I'll ask the staff to check the card tables.
Moths do love felt.
That's been done.
Thank you.
Good cigars? Plenty of? I've done a few men's cards parties in my time, that's all.
Actually, our estate in England was known for its games evenings.
I can hear my mother's instructions to the staff as if she were here beside me.
And how satisfying it is to be busy.
The time just seems to fly, don't you think? Always.
Excuse me, Olivia.
My artist friend, Lloyd, has written to say that he's arriving tomorrow to start on your family portrait.
On top of everything else, sorry.
We'll just have to make time, won't we? And room.
Good.
I'll walk with you.
How does this sound for the supper menu? There you are.
George, do we have any more records to spare? Some jazz? Jack thinks some variety might be therapeutic for Dr Nordmann.
Yes, of course.
Of course.
Thank you.
Jack's a good man, isn't he? He is indeed.
What? Sit down for a moment.
Is he Is Jack How do I put this? .
.
Anna's natural father? Carolyn? Yes.
Jack Duncan.
When Anna was a baby, Elaine and I would speculate who the father was, and why you would never tell us.
Then life takes over.
Anna was ours.
How much does she know? She knows that I gave birth to her.
And she knows about Jack.
She put two and two together, George.
I had to tell her the truth.
Does Jack now that he's her Yes.
I told him not long before Anna realised.
There was so much going on for you and Sarah.
I was I was waiting for the right time.
Of course.
So, what is the etiquette here? Should I speak with Jack, or would you like to ask Jack if he'd like to speak with me? How does one share one's daughter? You are Anna's father, George.
She thinks of you as her father, and she loves you as her father.
I hope that doesn't change.
Father.
Is now a good time to talk about the ram figures? Of course.
Aunt Carolyn.
So, that's the greasy fleece weight, and that's the body weight, and that's the wool type.
from a similar sale.
Now, question is, do we go that high? I have every faith in you.
You've seen enough auctions.
You'll get the best price.
Thanks, Father.
But James, there's something Carolyn and I need to tell you.
I'm actually Anna's cousin.
And, of course, that's why Jack was best man at the wedding.
It's it's like something out of one of Anna's novels.
She's obviously handled it all very well.
I never guessed.
Not once.
I remember when my parents brought Anna home as a baby, and my mother putting her in my arms.
And she said, "This is your little sister.
" She still is, James.
Oh! Oh! I'll take him.
Hello, Georgie.
Georgie Porgie.
They can all keep a secret, that's for sure.
Can't they, Georgie? From a good place, though.
Not wanting to hurt each other.
The most important thing, I think, is that your parents loved Anna as if she were their own.
Ooh.
I think I think he needs a change.
Can you Sorry.
One day, I will show you how to do it.
Mind you, what if she had never been told? Or worse still, found out accidentally? All's well that ends well, I suppose.
Shh, shh.
Hello! Look at you riding.
Does your doctor know? No, he doesn't.
And you're not about to tell him.
Carolyn and I had a talk this morning.
Are you cross with me? Father I know some people tell their children.
Why didn't we? As I said to Carolyn, you always seemed so carefree.
And I was yours.
Yours and Mother's.
I still am.
George.
Gino.
Father knows that I know.
And about Jack.
Is everything OK? My greatest hope, truly, is that nothing changes between us.
There's no chance of that.
And please, you're both welcome in Ash Park, any time.
Thank you, Father.
I'll be over this afternoon to ride Stardust.
You should bring her down here.
Can you imagine Stardust sleeping in that draughty old barn? But we're going to fix it up, and then she can.
Take your father in for a cold drink, huh? I'll just finish off with Carlo.
Now, don't faint, but, um, I've made some limonata, and panforte cake.
It's like a cake.
So, on top of everything else, my daughter is turning into an Italiano? Grazie, Carlo.
I should be back before the end of the week.
Yes.
OK.
Thanks, Jack.
I'm just popping out for a while.
I won't be long.
Sarah? Anything you need? When Mrs Bligh called earlier, she seemed to know that I'd been unwell.
I get the sense that I'm an excuse.
Well, I have been concerned about you since You didn't really come down to look for a surgeon for Rene.
Well, there's a health matter of mine I need to attend to.
It's nothing.
Really.
I'll be as right as rain.
I just need to find my purse.
I know I'm an old lady, but I didn't come down in the last shower.
Are you expecting, love? Is that it? Are you and the baby healthy? That's all that matters.
Everything else can be solved.
Sit down.
How far gone are you? Nearly three months.
Well, I will do everything I can to help you and Rene.
It won't be easy, I know.
He has a long way to go before you know, all that.
Peg, it isn't The baby isn't Rene's.
It's George's.
Oh, my dear godfather.
Did Did you and George Oh, well, yes you did.
Look, I know I'm old-fashioned but Sorry.
You don't need me going crook on you.
The thing is that I need to face facts.
Rene may take years to recover fully.
He'll probably never practise medicine again.
Well, he can find some other employment.
I can't be a mother and a nursing sister.
Don't don't Don't adopt this baby out to strangers, please.
This could be your last chance.
You will regret it for the rest of your life.
I'll take it.
I'll look after it until you're until you're ready.
I can.
I will.
Peg Please.
Please, don't adopt out this baby.
I have thought about this long and hard, but I can't go through with it.
II need to find a doctor.
No.
Oh, no, no, you're going to say what I think you're going to say.
If I thought there was an alternative Adopt it out, then.
Do that.
Give joy to a couple who can't have a child.
I have to work! George will help you.
He can never know.
I can't have this baby, Peg.
All the times I've stood up for you.
Don't think I haven't agonised over this! You are carrying a child.
I could never forgive you this.
No matter all the terrible things you went through, this is I can't even look at you.
Aunt Peg, please! Peg! No, no, no, no.
No.
I don't even know who you are.
Please! No! The physical symptoms are difficult to deal with.
It is hard, yes.
When I When I had my dark times I'd try to place myself way back to the person I was before the war, so that I wasn't defined by it.
Focus on a happier time.
A student in Paris.
That must have been Well, I can't even imagine that.
So much music, and parties.
Life.
There you are.
Because, while we need to address the underlying physical problems, there's also the psychological Sarah.
Where is Sarah? Where? She's still in Sydney.
She left yesterday.
You have told me this, yes? Yes, Dr Nordmann.
Each time you ask.
More than ten? Do I ask more than 20 times? No.
I improve.
Improvement.
Dr Duncan? Mrs Timbs is waiting on her medication, and a trunk call for Dr Nordmann.
Rene? Parlez moi.
Uh, it's me.
How is he, Jack? He was good this morning.
I see.
Everything alright there? Hello.
See, if I had this every lunchtime, I'd fly through the afternoons.
Oh.
Imagine how you'd go if you had dessert.
George knows.
About Anna.
Really? It's good.
He's pleased that it's you.
And Anna? George has spoken with her, and he said that he would like to talk with you.
Alright.
Good.
Did you happen to see that 'Weekly's article? Oh, yes.
Didn't Her Majesty look simply charming? And the duke - so handsome! Order, please.
Order! Now, ladies, as we all know, this year's ball is in aid of Mr Goddard's soup kitchen.
Refuge.
Oh, I'm sorry, Mr Goddard.
Returned Soldiers Refuge.
Which will soon have a much healthier bank account, with Mrs Bligh having recently joined the committee.
Thank you.
Mrs Bligh has to only wave her magic wand and the well-heeled open their chequebooks.
Oh, that's not entirely true.
I look forward to seeing Mrs Bligh in action.
Patrons respond to first-rate entertainment.
My point, and I would like this minuted, please, is that a lower budget for decor and the band would have a significant effect on funds raised.
I note the figure, final cost for last year, page three of the annual report.
Surely far higher than strictly necessary.
So, we've decided on a Hollywood theme for the decor.
Do keep a note of your tasks, please.
We signed the Treaty of Versailles quicker than we got to that conclusion.
And for music, Sammy's Big Band is our first choice.
I'm going to contact them.
Prudence, please, only if Mr Sammy is prepared to lower his fee.
A good five-piece ensemble will still have people on their feet.
The object of the game is to raise money, not spend it.
I'm with Mrs B.
Very true.
However, as we've heard, there's strong competition this fundraising season.
We need to promise them a good bash, and I do so love a big band.
One would expect as much from a bureaucrat.
Thank you.
Excuse me a minute.
Of course.
Thank you.
We're on the same team, you and I, Mrs Bligh.
People don't need bells and whistles and big bands to cough up.
They either support these diggers or they don't.
It must be very satisfying, Mr Goddard, helping the men as you do.
Well, why don't you come and have a look? You'd be the first of this lot.
Why not? I'm afraid I don't have the address, Mr Goddard.
People often ask for the address.
Not too many turn up.
As long as you understand, I couldn't tell you.
Not until Father knew.
I do understand.
I just keep thinking how if Mother and Father hadn't brought you in, I could have been spared a little sister.
You! You're still my big brother.
You're still my irritating little sister.
My James is much too nice to do that.
Well, that wine took a while.
Now come here and settle something for me.
I need your support.
Olivia doesn't believe me.
He would never have done such a thing.
I was telling her about the time you put Anna's favourite teddy bear on your billy cart and sent it down the hill.
No, no, no, no, that was her.
I loved my teddies.
I never would have done that.
You pushed them down the steepest hill you could find.
You sent it off a cliff and then you blamed me.
Remember when he did that? James! I'd have to hear testimony from the teddies.
Calling Mr Teddy to the stand.
Wasn't one of them named Felix? Yes, Mother named him Felix because she liked the cartoon.
Yes.
Yes, she did.
Miss.
Little Georgie had quite a cry, but he's asleep now.
Thank you so much, Rose.
Speaking of Georgie We met with the reverend, to discuss the christening, and you could both be witnesses.
Can we please stop talking about this? As Roman Catholics, it's against our religion to be godparents to children who are not of our faith, because we have to promise to raise that child in our church.
Same for you, if we had a baby.
I'm not being Of course.
Of course.
Well, here's to a wonderful family dinner.
Thank you, Father.
You were looking at James strangely all night.
I can't help it.
It's unnatural.
But they were holding hands.
They seemed happy.
So, is he cured? He could be.
And who are you being? I made an experiment.
It's good, huh? It's lovely.
Blackberry.
With strong tannins.
I sent the soil from the west hill to be analysed.
Very good soil.
Very good drainage, for For cucumbers.
For planting quality grapes.
Right here.
But don't grapevines take a long time to grow? We can do it.
I know we can.
You sacrificed a lot to be with me Gino .
.
but I'm gonna make you proud, Mrs Poletti.
You don't have to make me proud.
All the best restaurants.
Imagine, "A bottle of your finest Poletti?" "Thank you, waiter.
" "Poletti Wines for that special occasion?" Look at this.
My uncle's going to Toscana.
They're making wines in traditional bottles, see? Straw.
We got plenty of straw.
Oh, this is my new favourite song! Ballare con me.
Yeah! Whoa! George? I so much want to help you, but I know you want to do it on your own.
That's right.
I'm here if you need me.
I could telephone Sir Richard, postpone the card party.
I'm sure he'd understand.
No.
It was an excellent idea of yours.
You make sure he stays the night.
And thank you.
It all seems so much fuss, this christening.
Over one chubby boy.
Our chubby boy.
Sleep well.
Oh! Lloyd Ellis-Parker, you ratbag! Carolyn Bligh, you old tart.
Remember where you are, please.
Well, yes.
Hallowed ground.
The family pile.
Mwah.
Mwah.
Lo, this is what being in love looks like.
Iridescent.
Or perhaps just smug.
You'll be staying in the outhouse if you're not careful.
How was it Did you find a room for him away from Mr Bligh's guests? The groundsman's quarters, Miss.
Good girl.
Ah, Olivia.
Your guest has arrived.
Mrs Bligh, Mrs Standish, may I introduce Mr Ellis-Parker.
Pleased to meet you both.
And you, Mr Ellis-Parker.
Welcome to Ash Park.
Thank you.
Wait, please.
We've put you in the groundsman's quarters we had set aside as your studio.
I'm sure you'll be much more comfortable there.
You will be.
Full house, I'm afraid.
Do have a very pleasant stay, Mr Ellis-Parker.
Let's talk card tables when you have a moment.
So, it's Olivia you'll be painting, Lloyd.
Ah.
And my son and husband.
Well, for a terrible moment, I thought it was that snow queen.
But, quelle fortunato.
A perfect English rose.
Thank you, Carolyn.
Lucky me.
O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary Pray for us, O holy Mother of God, that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
Well, overall, I'm very pleased.
Your wound is healing very well indeed.
Quite proud of my handiwork, actually.
How's the morphine going? Do you need another prescription? It certainly takes the pain away.
Well, that's what it's supposed to do.
But too much of it and you'll be three sheets to the wind, so do keep an eye on it, as I'm sure you will.
You know, you've done a wonderful job, Mr Fox.
Henry, please.
Yes? Tea for Mr Fox.
Thank you.
No, credit where credit's due, George.
If Sister Oh, the nurse who was in the ambulance.
Nordmann.
Nordmann.
If she hadn't had have pulled her brilliant rabbit out of the hat, I doubt you would have made it to my table.
Well, as you can see, I continue to be well looked after.
And Henry, if you'd care to stay the evening after you finish your rounds, you're most welcome.
Oh, thank you.
Tell me, is Sister Nordmann still working up here? Yes.
Yes, she is.
Tell her she's still the talk of the tearoom.
Do give her my best, will you? Of course.
Ah, for Sarah? I thought those were for me.
Ah, she's not here.
She's gone to Sydney.
Rene? No, he's here.
Is that the Ah, yes, it is.
I'll get a nurse to put those in water.
You're making an excellent recovery.
Yes.
I suppose I should have twigged it was you, at the wedding.
Ah.
Yes.
But I didn't.
Well, you were too focused on giving your daughter away.
A daughter you have every right to be very, very proud of.
Jack I'd feel more comfortable if this remained within our family.
No-one's business but our own.
Thank you.
I've been told you'd like some new recordings.
I took a guess as to what you might enjoy.
Oh? Grappelli! There's some Maxine Sullivan, Josephine Baker.
Ah, shall I put this one on? Not here.
Sorry? Not here.
Sarah is not here.
No, no.
She's in Sydney as I understand.
Her Aunt Peg.
Stephane Grapelli and Django Reinhardt, I like very much.
Satie, aussi.
Good.
So do I.
Very kind of you to chauffeur Mr Bligh during his convalescence.
I like to help wherever I can.
What a compassionate man, to visit Dr Nordmann, given the circumstances.
And also to thank Sister Nordmann in person.
Well, what a shame.
She's not here.
She had to go to Sydney.
Oh, we weren't aware.
I imagine she's gone to seek medical help for her husband? I wouldn't know.
Poor man.
I'm told she telephones him twice a day, sometimes more.
It's Mr Briggs I worry about.
Why? Well, the man's been a saint to take in the Nordmanns as he did.
I'm sure he enjoys the company.
But would it be wise to take Mr Nordmann back after what happened? Mr Briggs is entirely capable.
And where else would they go? That is where the Nordmanns live now.
That is their home.
I just assumed Dr Nordmann would be needing fulltime care.
As I said, you'll find Mr Briggs entirely capable.
These things have a way of working out.
Mrs Bligh! Welcome.
Ducks on a pond.
Ducks on a pond, lads.
Oh, don't take any notice.
Oh, I've heard worse, Mr Goddard.
Douglas.
So, this is our refuge.
Ah, yes.
Some of our men sleep rough.
"Weary is he, and sick of the sorrow of war.
"Hating the shriek of loud music, the beat of the drum.
" "Is this the shadow called glory men sell themselves for?" How do you take your tea, Mrs Bligh? Oh, I'm here to be of use, Mr Goddard, not to sit about drinking tea.
How are you managing? Everything alright? I'm very, very well, thank you.
Well, I'm sure it'll be delicious.
And if it isn't, they'll throw something.
I hope you're settling in alright.
Yes.
We have a card party this evening, if you'd care to join the men.
Oh, I think I'd rather poke my eye out with a pencil.
Oh, is that too rude? Not at all.
I don't play poker, either.
Oh, I'm not here for a sitting.
Just indulge me.
Alright.
My brother-in-law's wine.
It's grown here.
Thought you might like to try it.
Never trust a country that doesn't make its own wine.
I hope it's not too rough.
Not for me! Thank you.
Rightio.
Also, I wasn't sure if you'd eaten.
So, just in case you're peckish.
And I am sorry you've had to stay so far from the house.
If there's anything you need, just let me know.
Should I stop talking? Depends on what you have to say.
Boring, practical matters, I'm afraid.
How you'll get us all together My husband is busy with an auction today, and after that, he's What's it called? Oh, it's something else to do with the stock.
Um Slaughtering them, perhaps? No! I can't think when someone's sketching me.
There.
I'll paint you all separately.
That way I can get to know you better.
Goodness.
It's me, but Yes.
.
.
in a different way.
A painter friend of mine once described art as deception.
Just Yes.
Any favourite painters, Olivia? I used to love the Dutch masters.
Yes.
The National Gallery in London.
My father used to take me whenever we went to town.
Van Eyck.
Rembrandt? Vermeer was my favourite.
Yeah.
Have you been there? London? You must miss it? England.
No.
This is home now.
Hmm.
Cut it up.
I can't eat that.
Oh, no, no, no, no.
Not to worry.
Bill has to have it cut up for him.
Hang on a sec, mate.
Won't be long.
He was an Anzac, that bloke.
Tale to tell, if anyone could get it out of him.
Want me to do it? No.
No, no.
Not at all.
How's that for you Mr, um, Bill? Is that small enough? A bit smaller with the meat, and then a kiss for Could you repeat that, please? No, no, no, no.
Could you just say it again? Or shall I leave you to have your meal in peace? I was only Stay and have a chin wag.
I'll leave you.
Does he want something else? Did you want something else? Think I might be better in here.
Shall I put you on the roster? Another day this week? I don't think so, Mr Goddard.
I'm not sure I'm of use.
Where's my handbag? I left it there.
Being down and out doesn't make a man a thief.
Could it be any more garish? This isn't fair on you, Peg.
I've put you in a terrible position.
I've found a hotel and I'll I'll move in there.
The church teaches us that a child is a gift.
A gift from God.
However, I've I've never been in your position.
Judge not and ye shall not be judged.
I had to have two sherries at the Captain Cook to get this.
You won! Fourth prize.
It's a boiled fruitcake, so it will last.
I don't even remember buying a ticket.
It's what everybody always says.
Look, your name.
Well, we'll make short work of it.
Thanks a lot.
The nurses tell me that Dr Nordmann's been quite agitated.
Well, he would be, with missy away.
I'll drop by and see him directly.
He's safe at the hospital, which is a good thing.
He'll be safe back here, as well.
Do you really think so, Mr Briggs? Given George Bligh's lucky escape.
Now, I know you mean well, but that poor bugger was trying to kill himself, not anyone else.
We'll have this for the coming-home tea, eh? Just relax.
I am relaxed.
No, you're not.
You're too straight.
You're too erect.
I mean, you look like you have something stuck up your spine.
My mother was wont to say my posture was my most attractive feature.
Well, your mother was a damn fool.
May I ask how long these preliminary sketches take? Change of plan.
Oh, no! Oh, no, no! I don't like this! Whoo-hoo! Are you relaxed now? I'm relaxed! James? this artist chap He won't make up the numbers? Apparently not.
Do you want me to make up a table or not? A chap can't play cards without his lucky tie.
You'll make a fool out of George.
You go and change! Or I could play starkers.
What would you prefer? Rightio, chaps - problem solved.
Where am I? Resident cardsharp Miss Bligh's offered to make up a table.
Good on you, Aunt Carolyn.
You never cease to amaze me.
You watch out for my sister.
She's lethal.
Sir Richard.
Hello, there.
Come in.
I'm so sorry.
Come on in.
I know this is unexpected.
Don't mind me.
I wanted to thank you for today.
It was lovely.
It was really lovely and I had a marvellous time, but I just wanted to say that I am a happily married woman.