A Place to Call Home (2013) s04e05 Episode Script

How does it feel to be a murderer? You visited Doris.
You poisoned the tonic.
And somehow the bottles were mislabeled.
- It was suicide.
- But it wasn't.
So you would rather think that I killed an innocent woman for some bizarre Communist plot than that Regina was out to harm me? Yeah.
Sergeant, any harassing of any of the crowd, and you will have me to answer to.
It's Sarah.
Harry was beaten for being homosexual.
He can recover here without any stigma attached to him.
I doubt George will thank you.
Nor James.
Harry.
He can't see me.
He can't.
If you weren't so pathetic, you'd be laughable.
It's a really good story.
A roman à clef inevitably risks offending or causing pain.
I love you.
We never used the word.
You can explain how you thought you could rape my daughter and suffer no consequences.
You say anything, and the world will know she's a slut.
- You filth! - Jesus Christ! Bloody woman! You vile, rutting pig! How dare you.
"I am a fierce and vengeful God.
" She was in your room? While I was asleep.
You will treat me with respect or I will pull your entire world down around your ears! Enough! Mother stays.
I would love Carolyn to move back to prepare for her wedding, and I would appreciate Olivia moving back into the house.
And, Regina, we will move you to the cottage.
One final thing.
The child that Mrs.
Nordmann is carrying is mine.
George! Not required.
Ma'am? Is it too much to hope we're seeing the last of her? Can't imagine her rushing back.
I wish I shared your optimism.
Are you all right? Yes.
Thank you.
A little water, perhaps? Oh.
Gino? Well, what's here for her now? Sarah with George's child, our smug smiles, and banishment to the guest cottage.
A touch too much excitement.
She did take luggage.
A single suitcase and no driver, which suggests a temporary flounce rather than any extended absence.
She's up to something.
I beg your pardon.
She loves being driven around, so why not today? A driver knows where he's taking you, so wherever she's headed, she doesn't want you knowing.
I just rather firmly put my house in order.
I wish this came as easily.
It's all such a tangle, George.
How on earth did we get to this? Starting from such fine intentions.
We did.
And now you're married.
But I love you.
The marriage is a simple convenience.
And legal, which is not easily abandoned.
You've a political career to consider.
And you.
And our child.
To the world, René's.
I won't have our baby labeled a bastard.
We can go around and around the problems or we can consider a happier future.
Can I say what I hope? Of course.
It's unlikely I won't be elected.
I'll consolidate the position in Canberra.
When the time is right, Regina and I will divorce.
After an appropriate interval we'll be free to marry.
I I can't make any promises.
But you can consider it.
So much has happened to go back.
Maybe we can come together again as different people.
If it's right.
- You're not closed to the idea? - No, but I I think it's best left there.
One final thing.
I told the family about the baby.
You had no right to do that Regina found a codicil to my will.
I didn't want them hearing it from her.
They're sworn to silence.
How long has she known about this? I'm not sure.
Why? It could explain something.
Be very careful of her, George.
She's under control.
Perhaps not as much as you think.
We'll always love each other.
But in what way, I'm not sure.
Time.
Will tell.
Mrs.
Bligh.
I thought it best we speak out here.
I can't imagine you're thrilled by yesterday's events.
My husband is sadly blind to that woman.
So is most of the town.
But Nordmann was doing her rounds in the days leading up to the murder.
The teacher left her cottage unlocked while she was at school - There we are.
- which gives her opportunity.
But making a case against a nutter is always the hardest.
People get bamboozled by them.
That leaves us with two choices, then, doesn't it? Enlighten these people or keep trying to find a way to remove her.
It's a lot of minds to change.
The latter, then.
Don't you agree? I require an address to that end.
And, of course, this conversation never occurred.
What conversation? Whose address? Will you do something for me? Hmm? James couldn't wait to leave once Father had gone.
Clear the air.
Please.
At least enough to be in the same room together.
Yes? You and Olivia are divorcing, yeah? It's best.
You won't be marrying again, right? No.
When we see each other, I'll be polite.
There's no need to rush off.
But just so you know, what you are is wrong.
To you.
- You'll go to hell.
- I don't believe that.
- The Bible says so.
- It says a lot of things.
"Honor thy mother and father," for one.
You'd never have married Anna if you'd done that.
Something about casting the first stone, too.
I did this for Anna.
Dr.
Duncan.
Thanks, Rose.
A woman in your condition isn't up to attacking someone.
Did I? A slip with a fruit knife? Huge ruddy coincidence.
He showed no remorse.
I lost control.
You sliced him open.
Well, the knife was to hand.
And he was powerless to protest, given the company.
I wish I'd done it.
One thing for sure He won't take it lying down.
Well, he needs George in his parliamentary pocket.
That alone protects me.
Your blood pressure must be through the roof.
You need to look after yourself.
We would like you here for the wedding.
I'm expanding the guest list.
The wedding is here.
Oh.
Whatever you want.
Oh.
Perfect husband response.
Eventful night, I hear.
I hope that's an end to it, then.
Tit for tat? With a mongrel like him? Let's make sure it gets no nastier than it has.
You're wasting no time.
It's what George wants.
You know where to put them, Rose.
Which room would you like? I'd like to be with James.
Thank you.
It will help to stifle staff conjecture.
Are you sure you can forgive me? Let me show you my new roses once you're settled.
His home is always here if that's decided as best for him.
It's a decision for you and James alone.
Oh, deep love can drive any of us to acts we might never have imagined.
Believe me.
That I understand.
You got some little baby teeth coming through, don't you? Yes, you do.
Come on.
Show Daddy your little baby teeth.
Where are your baby teeth? Come on.
Show Daddy your baby teeth.
Sarah's baby might make things easier if it's a boy.
It would remove all controversy over who might inherit after you.
Oh, I'll fight for Georgie no matter what.
He'll be next in line after me.
You will? Of course.
Even Even if he leaves with me? Given who I am, he's the only son I'll ever have.
So yes wherever he's raised.
But he's not blood.
Let's leave antiquated cant like that to Father, shall we? It's what's in here that counts.
- Mm.
- Mother? Oh.
I hope I didn't upset you this morning.
Oh, on the contrary.
I was very proud of you.
It was time to restore order.
Which you did, admirably.
You know of Regina's departure? She's welcome to simmer wherever she likes.
As long as she's back well before election day.
And Sarah? That's where you've been.
We had the talk that was needed.
And I'm staying out of it, as requested.
I've arranged to have lunch with her on another matter entirely.
As a friend, of course.
How far she and I have come that I can say that.
I was ordered out to what amounts to servants' quarters, and then he scurries off to that filthy whore.
Enough.
I won't say it again.
You had one job to control him.
If you hadn't been so smug about it, you might have headed this off at the pass.
I don't like failure.
If you think that I'm going to No one swans about promising me coal mines and then bails because her indulged little nose is out of joint.
Do you really expect me to toady to him while the rest of them snigger behind my back? Do you really expect me to go sailing in for you and have him ask questions? They turned him against me.
The minute he sniffs we're in cahoots, it's game over.
I thought we were allies.
Friends.
We have a deal.
I saw you married.
You control him.
You got him.
I get my coal mine.
Now, get back there.
And make sure you're so repentant, the angels themselves will weep.
I found a way to get rid of the Jew.
Oh, bloody hell, woman.
You're obsessed.
- She may have murdered - Forget about her and do what we agreed on.
No more, no less.
Sister Nordmann, I'll be outside in the sun when you're ready.
My indisposition makes me appreciate the small things.
It's a lovely day.
You implied you had something to share with me about Regina.
You have no comment on the baby? George has asked me to keep my counsel.
And if you were to say something? I would ask that you be as generous towards him as your heart allows.
Which I haven't said, of course.
So Regina.
I'm sure she murdered Milly Davis.
The schoolteacher? She drank from a bottle of tonic meant for me.
Regina poisoned it.
She wanted to kill you and the child.
So you could believe her capable.
Oh.
I have stared into her eyes as she refused me my heart pills.
She slipped into my room last night.
You're preaching to the converted.
You've clearly no proof.
No.
The police? Well, she called them as soon as I confronted her.
It was my word against hers.
She's the respectable Mrs.
Bligh with an untarnished reputation.
I'm a Communist out to damage George at the polls.
And so she is the victim.
Well, who else knows of this? Only Roy.
She can't possibly get away with this.
She has, Elizabeth.
Well, you will certainly not be sipping from any cup she's prepared.
I doubt she'd risk anything else under the circumstances.
She deserves the noose.
She'll never get it.
But if we could put our minds to it We must find some form of justice.
Thought you were meant to stay in bed.
I needed a walk.
Yeah.
Well, take it easy, mate.
I will.
Oi.
Ash Park, right? I saw it.
- Just saw? - Yes.
You go tomcatting over there, and Missy or no Missy, you'll be out on your ear.
Understood? Yes.
Good.
Now get back to bed.
Sergeant.
Take a seat.
I'll stand.
Thank you.
I felt a word was in order.
Sir? I realize you must be under the pump, investigating the death of Milly Davis.
Not an easy task, I'm sure.
Regarding yesterday.
I applaud your zeal.
Your methods, however Better safe than sorry.
Apart from harassing innocent citizens, how many voters might you have turned against me had I not appeared and smoothed things over? Can I be frank, sir? Of course.
Well, seems the ones I targeted weren't gonna vote for you anyway.
Really? Doris Collins? She signed the petition along with the rest of them.
Let's not concern ourselves with a petition.
Or with votes, for that matter.
If we could bring this t A petition backing the Nordmann woman.
That would be Sister Nordmann, Sergeant.
She told the kids they could turn Jew, how to convert.
Half the Jew youth groups are Communist cells.
Ask Reverend Green.
The Reverend delivers a fine sermon.
His tolerance of other faiths, however, is is rather limited.
All I know is anyone who signs a form backing that sort of thing needs looking into.
Mrs.
Bligh agrees.
My wife's opinions aren't relevant.
Leave Mrs.
Nordmann and her supporters be.
With all respect, sir, it's not your place to give that order.
You want to play favorites at your own gate, fair enough.
But other than that, I'll do as my job requires.
Anything else? You tread warily, Sergeant.
You too, sir.
A man like you The Reds would love you in their pocket.
Sergeant.
Only thinking of you, sir.
It's very rough, but I believe the essence is there.
It's an original story based on you.
But it's not meant to be you.
There's a lot of hypothesis.
Of course, I don't know how you were thinking at the time, but you can tell me if you like.
Or not, if you don't mind my making it up.
I'm sorry.
I do.
It was a very, um, painful time.
You agree? Excuse me.
My book.
It's nothing you can't hear.
Grandmother did warn me.
We're soon to be married.
We're realizing the dream we thought we'd lost.
It's the wrong time to be dredging up the past.
I told her of the risks in a roman à clef.
Inevitably, people read between the lines and know who it's really about.
I'm sorry, sweetheart.
It's been a tiring day.
Good night.
- Good night, Mother.
- Sweet dreams.
Chin up.
I've worked so hard on this.
It's It's beautiful writing.
What if I changed the doctor to a lawyer? Or what if I set it in Queensland? - Jack? - Sweetheart Uh, will you be leaving soon? Not long.
Good.
Would you mind delivering something to Sarah on your way home? Sure.
And ask her to drop in at her earliest convenience.
Thank you.
You will find another story in no time.
I didn't like disappointing her.
It's deeply personal material.
I'm not sure I'd want my part of it under a microscope either.
I won't intrude.
I just wanted to say I've returned.
I accept I still have duties to the campaign.
Harsh though your words seemed at the time, George, they have brought clarity.
Perhaps if you visit me tomorrow.
I'll avoid the house unless invited.
Good night.
I-I am sad, but resigned.
No.
Accepting.
Any future tensions will not come from me.
Good night.
Don't say it.
Early as possible tomorrow, she said.
Is that all? Yeah.
She had quite the bounce in her step, though.
Two exclamation marks? Yes.
Make sense? Oddly, I think it does.
Thanks for driving me.
I wouldn't have been up to trudging it again.
Ah.
I'd forgotten how tranquil it is here.
It stops Roy thinking I'm sniffing around Ash Park, too.
You know, he doesn't like a lot of people, but he does like you.
Coming? Oh, I didn't bring a costume.
Uh, I'm one of the few men you don't have to worry about on that score.
You should do that more often.
Smile.
All right.
Come on.
Ah! Oh.
Chilly.
I thought you'd be out and about by now.
Father's just off the telephone.
Henry's coming.
To check on his health.
- When? - This afternoon.
He may be asked to stay overnight.
How do we best handle it? We will treat him like any other guest.
Thank you.
I doubt I'd be as understanding if it were Lloyd.
Lloyd is halfway to England.
Anyway, he has no excuse to come.
Henry does.
I would like a moment alone with him when he arrives.
If it helps.
I believe it will.
Well, that was the perfect start to the day.
The water helps my aches and pains.
Balm for tensions, too.
We should come every day.
I won't complain.
You were Sister Adams before.
You're Mrs.
Nordmann now.
Yes.
Was Mr.
Nordmann the man who was in the hospital all that time? Yes.
I thought I'd lost him for all those years.
I found him again, but just recently he died.
At least you still have part of him.
Oh.
Yes.
What? Nothing.
Thank you.
For reminding me so of him.
I have an appointment.
It seems wrong, ma'am, you out here.
Didn't I tell you? That old hag's out to ruin my marriage.
I'm sorry, ma'am.
Anything else I can get you? There is.
Pen and ink and an aerogram.
It must be nice having friends overseas.
Interesting.
More so sometimes than others.
At the very least we have to expose her and in a way that limits her chance of rebuttal.
It's a tall order.
Well, I've formed a plan which may well work.
As you've said, her persona is unassailable.
You've been dismissed as a Red, sowing dissent.
I can do little on my own.
There is, however, one person who could overturn her untarnished reputation, providing that you're comfortable about bringing her into our confidence.
Aren't you worried for yourself? I'm keeping an eye out.
Even knowing all I do about her, I can't believe it.
That's exactly the problem.
Who will believe it of a woman of her standing without sufficient proof? Well, I do, of course.
It's just You accept it because you wish to.
Others, on plain facts, may see it as vicious fancy.
So she'll get away with it? She has.
Legally.
But there is the court of public opinion.
And that's where my plan plays out.
Now, you remember what I said about a roman á clef? Readers recognize the truth behind the fiction.
And reputations can be slayed.
Suppose you wrote a novel in the vein of Josephine Tey.
Death by poison of a young schoolteacher well, perhaps make her a librarian and the story surrounding it.
Names and places changed, but sufficient to the purpose.
That's the work of months and a good year before it's published.
Well, justice delayed is better than none at all.
But she won't just read it and confess.
Oh, believe me, this is much better than a confession.
Locals who read the book will see the obvious parallels.
And one chat with Prudence Swanson will see society primed.
We will hang Regina's good name even if we can't hang Regina.
She'll sue.
Knowing her nature, exactly.
Nothing suggests guilt more than indignation.
We hope to inspire interest from the police higher up than the blinkered Sergeant Taylor.
Wouldn't it be easier to just spread the rumors now? I thought as much at first, but A book has longevity, substance.
It will sit in bookshops, homes, libraries and be on an ongoing thorn in her side.
It might seem farfetched, Anna But there is a long-term brilliance to the whole thing.
Sadly, no proof absolute, but better than that she escapes censure altogether.
There's a missing piece to this.
Once you've delivered your manuscript, it could give it proof absolute.
If we play our cards right Regina would provide it herself.
"She lay on the floor of the library back arched, froth at the corners of her mouth.
'She'd not an enemy in the world, ' the assistant librarian murmured through tears.
'Surely not' Her mouth refused to form the word as her mind recoiled from it.
'suicide.
'" What's got you all fired up, eh? Destroying Regina.
I thought we'd said our goodbye.
I don't mind another.
What? I just heard from a member of the hospital board.
Things just got nastier.
Your case? No, no.
And it may be nothing, but Sir Richard just offered ú5,000 to the hospital for the establishment of a new surgical unit.
He says his injury and George's shooting highlight the need for better surgical facilities.
What's he up to? Just be careful in Sydney.
If he is wanting to hit back at Elizabeth.
You think that's what this is? It's malevolence, not charity.
It gives him influence over the hospital board and by extension, more say in all our lives.
It's possibly a stunt leading into the election.
- The George Bligh Wing - The timing is too suspect.
No answering the door without knowing who it is, okay? Are you telling Mother? It's probably what he wants loading her with stress through us.
Absolutely not.
Thank you.
Doctor.
Henry, please.
James said you wished to see me.
Yes.
I didn't mean to pry.
No.
Really.
It was in plain view.
Lloyd, in fact, is part of what I wish to discuss.
James and I are finding an equilibrium.
Yet when he approached me about your visit today, he felt awkward.
And there really is no need.
If you and I could be friends, it would be good all 'round, don't you think? It would certainly help me.
I do feel some guilt.
Unnecessary.
We've enough to resolve regarding Georgie without this getting in the way.
So we're agreed? And delighted.
You feel no jealousy? It's a selfish emotion.
I feel relief.
He has a fitting companion.
You seem very sure I'll do what's right by him.
With Elizabeth his grandmother? You'll be petrified not to.
I see why James loved you.
Loves you.
Likewise.
Henry.
Great minds.
I was coming to suggest a canter.
Ah.
Scraps from the emotional table.
Is that necessary? I am out in the kennels.
Why not feel like one of the hounds? Tomorrow evening.
The local merchants association dinner.
Your attendance would be of value.
George.
George.
I'm sorry.
Can you blame me for feeling bitter? I can blame you for how you manifest it.
A ride.
A wonderful idea.
The two of us.
Another time, when the suggestion comes more naturally.
One more thing.
Sergeant Taylor You're to have nothing more to do with him.
- I - As of this moment.
It's Mrs.
Bligh.
Could you ask Mr.
Bligh's doctor to visit me at his convenience? Thank you.
When do you close? Good.
It's before then and on a Sunday.
Drinks after the show tonight and we'll firm up arrangements.
Love to Kevin.
Who is it? Uh, flowers, ma'am.
Our condolences.
Oh.
I think you have the wrong address.
It's Carolyn Bligh? Yes.
Right address.
Who is it from? Doesn't say.
Can you sign here? Ma'am? You can't go in there.
I'm sorry, sir.
She just barged straight through.
That's all right.
Shut the door.
Leave it.
As the lady says.
I use the term loosely.
What is this? It looks like a wreath.
What is your point? Someone's playing a cruel joke.
You did what you did.
Mother retaliated.
Call that an end to the savagery.
My book feels unbalanced.
But, uh, what's it got to do with this? Somehow, someday there will be justice.
I'm more sinned against than sinning.
Hmm? Must be unsettling, having someone send something so indicative of malicious intent.
You can leave now.
I am up to anything you toss at us.
I'm the master of the curve ball.
Ruddy long way to go about it.
Yeah, but at least it's a way.
George will finally see her for what she is, and then the rest of the world.
Three months.
A lot of time for her to do damage.
I'll be cautious.
It's not such a long time.
It's not just you now.
Penny for your thoughts.
Takes me back to my Resistance days.
Never spring the ambush until it's fully in place.
I'm so glad you saw my argument, Henry.
He'll need it during the election.
The pain has made him quite fractious.
It's resulted in our current alienation.
I did try to convince him earlier.
And he would have none of it, I'm sure.
If it's here, I'm in a position to subtly suggest should it become necessary.
It's a drug that needs vigilance, but it's pointless him suffering.
Exactly.
How lucky he is to have you.
He's lucky to have your concern.
Mrs.
Bligh.
Hello? It's me.
You and Livvy carried off dinner with aplomb.
She's a wonderful woman.
It felt marvelous sitting there between you both.
It's not something I ever would have expected.
Two people who love you.
It's, um it's okay.
You don't have to say it.
Yes, I do.
I do love you.
Whoo-hoo! I hope it's not too cold.
Oh.
Well, the water's bracing to say the least.
Sarah, you remember Henry.
Sister Miracle.
They're still talking about your saving George's life in the ambulance that day.
James Bligh.
Any friend of Sarah is a friend of mine.
Harry Polson.
Pleased to meet you.
We can't stop.
Going to be late for breakfast.
I hope all goes well.
Thank you.
Well, it was nice to see you again.
Mr.
Polson.
He doesn't want to know me.
Who's he? I have no idea.
He doesn't remember you.