Howard's Way (1985) s05e03 Episode Script

She looks in good nick to me, Jack.
Yeah.
She is.
So why bring her in? - Clean her up a bit.
For the island race.
- (Vanessa) Round the Isle of Wight? That's right.
Tom, our new customer's arrived.
She'll be wanting to know where Ken Masters' new boat is.
He only commissioned it a few days ago.
So what? She's the pushy type.
She'll be wanting a ride in her.
Today.
I expect you've noticed, Vanessa, Jack's an expert on women.
I wish I was.
All right.
What's wrong? My daughter.
The worse Charlie Frere treats her, the better she likes him.
- Strange creatures, females.
- Has something happened? Well, if it has, she's saying nothing.
She came around last night.
Now, would she tell me about it? No chance.
God knows what he's doing to her this time.
Jack, she's a grown woman, she copes with her own problems.
I hope so.
For her sake.
Well, er what can I do for you, then? It was you asked to see me, remember? Oh, yeah.
Yeah, yeah.
That's right, yeah.
- Right.
Come on board.
- What on earth for? Well, I've entered Proud Lady in the island race on your behalf.
I thought we'd take her out for an hour and see how we work together as crew.
- OK? - I'd rather not.
- Oh, come on.
- No! What's he like? He'll be here in a minute.
If you carry on at this rate, you'll be able to see for yourself.
Married? Now, what's that got to do with anything? Well, is he? No.
Why? Just wondered.
Leo, I know what I'm doing.
I can look after myself, so you can stop worrying, OK? After Ken Masters and Sir Edward, can you blame me? This is slightly different.
I'm going into business with James.
- As long as you're sure it's the right move.
- (Laughs) I'm positive.
- (Doorbell) - I'll get it.
Morning.
- You must be Leo.
- James Brooke.
That's right.
I'm your mother's new partner.
- Well, come on in.
- Thank you very much.
Mum.
- Morning.
- Morning.
Er, excuse the chaos.
Well, if you'll excuse me, I'll be off.
Late enough for work as it is.
Bye, darling.
And remember what I told you.
- Nice to have met you.
- And you, Leo.
I'll see you soon, no doubt.
No doubt.
You are redecorating.
Yes, well, I did the boutique, so I thought I might as well tackle this.
- I know exactly how it is.
Once you start - Exactly.
Would you, er, like to come through? Yes, yeah.
- Er coffee? - Mm.
Have we got time? Yes, I've put back our appointment - with the estate agent by an hour.
- Oh? Well, I thought besides looking at that possible office space, we could discuss your three outlets.
Oh, I see.
Sure.
What do you have in mind? Erm, well, er - Oh, please.
Sit down.
- Thank you.
I've, er, made a few notes.
A few notes.
Yes, well, there's the logo to be considered.
We are agreed on the name Howard-Brooke, aren't we? - Yes, it looks like it.
- Good.
And there's colour charts for possible interiors.
Fixtures and fittings to be chosen there.
And also a lot of stock to be ordered.
I've worked them all out.
Only if you're in agreement, of course.
Oh, of course.
Jack reckons you've come to test the new cruiser.
(Laughs) Nothing so simple.
Sounds ominous.
Thanks.
Tom.
When we talked about Ken Masters the other day, why did I get the feeling you were trying to warn me off? Perhaps I was.
And? It's a good business your father built up there, Wilde Mouldings.
Good location, good workforce, good product.
Don't let him sell it at a knockdown price to Ken Masters.
Why, interested yourself? Next year, maybe.
How is your father, anyway? Still in hospital.
The doctors say it's just a matter of time.
Oh.
I'm sorry.
Don't be.
He's had his time, Tom.
He's had a long, good life and he'd be the first person to say don't apologise for it.
You know, it's strange, but I think he wants me to sell off quickly so that I won't feel obliged to carry on with the family tradition.
And far from that you're just getting interested.
Right.
You know, joining forces with Ken would have its advantages, as opposed to just selling out to him.
Yeah, well, all I can tell you is what happened to his previous partner.
Sarah Foster? He pressed her into a merger, then he eased her out.
But if she allowed him to do it, she deserved everything she got.
Wasn't quite as simple as that.
You see, when her husband died, Ken cashed in on her grief.
He knows how to pick his moments.
- Morning, Charles.
- Hello, Gerald.
Have you seen the headlines? Yes.
That should put our share prices up a few points.
Assuming Inspector Morris has finally backed off.
Why shouldn't he? His evidence was laughed out of court.
I told you before, Charles, we shouldn't be over-confident.
When I left the house this morning, there was a car outside.
Now, it - it might be quite innocent.
On the other hand, Morris might feel the need to have some of his people still keep an eye on us.
How's Polly? Hardly think Polly feels the need.
Have you heard from her lately? Yes, er Yes, only the other day as a matter of fact.
Business is doing very well.
What about my father and Hudson? You don't think they're keeping an eye open? Well, it wouldn't surprise me.
Bit unusual, isn't it, Polly being away this long? You know how long it takes to build up a business.
You sure everything's all right between the two of you? She won't be away much longer now.
You said that to me two weeks ago.
Very same words.
Did I? If your friends can see what's happening to the pair of you Charles, please.
All this speculation, you, Abby, half of Tarrant, I shouldn't wonder.
Just wait and see.
Polly will turn up one morning right as rain, bank account glowing red.
(Laughs) Yeah.
You don't think my old man and Hudson could be watching Abby from a distance, do you? Yes, reserve two seats for me, will you, please? - Any time good for you, Gerald? - Yes.
The first available flight out tomorrow morning, thank you.
Charles, do you think it's wise to pursue negotiations with Eckhardt Sahnn? You couldn't ask for a better site than the Maltese development.
Well, maybe, but with the investigation, share prices.
The investigation is over, share prices are bouncing back.
Look.
Then there's the fraud squad, you heard the evidence.
(Laughs) That wasn't evidence.
- It was inspired guesswork.
- It wouldn't support a case, I grant you.
Nevertheless Morris was getting his information from somewhere.
Yes, I agree with you there.
Somebody pointed him in the right direction and I intend finding out who.
(Sighs) - All right? - Fine.
I didn't have that much time, that's all.
Oh, we won't stay out too long, then.
Have you checked the forecast? Er, yeah.
It's supposed to blow a bit later on.
Perhaps we should turn back.
Why? Something the matter? - No, nothing.
- Don't worry.
The way I built Proud Lady, she can handle any weather thrown at her.
OK? (Thunder) Morning.
Rachel said you wanted to see me.
Yes.
Please sit down.
If it's about the revised marketing forecast, I'm almost there.
Don't worry, I am not timekeeping.
I want to ask you a favour.
Fire away.
Would you mind entering Spring for the Round The Island Race on behalf of the company? I'd love to, but why? Well, I was thinking about what you were saying.
And I think you're right.
Relton could do with a higher market profile.
I want people to be reminded just how good our products are.
You, er, don't just want me to enter Spring, then? I want you to win.
Simple.
And my suggestions for the powerboat division? Do you agree we need to develop a boat to win too? - We already have Marauder.
- We need a world-beater, Avril.
Driven by yourself, no doubt.
Not necessarily.
But I wouldn't say no.
I've told you before, Leo, your racing days are over.
And besides, the capital expenditure needed to develop a new boat - (Intercom) I just couldn't justify it to the board.
Yes? Ken Masters, Miss Rolfe, line one.
- Tell him I'm in a meeting, will you? - He said it's urgent.
All right, put him through.
Excuse me a moment, Leo.
- Yes, Ken? - Hello, Avril, how are you? Busy.
I expect you are too, so I won't keep you.
- I was wondering if we could meet for lunch.
- I have a previous appointment.
How about dinner, then? What is it exactly you want to discuss? Relton.
Can you be a bit more specific? I'll be more specific when we meet.
And believe you, me, Avril, it's in your interests.
Yacht Club.
Eight o'clock this evening.
- OK? - All right.
See you then.
(Thunder) Jack.
Jack.
Jack.
Oh, God.
No.
(Sobs) Oh, no.
What the hell is it, Vanessa? What's wrong? - What is it? What is it? - I can't take any more.
- Right.
Calm down, Vanessa.
- Please let's go back.
Well, now that's over, lunch.
You, er, you did a good job in there.
Come on, the premium was too high.
They wouldn't have sold it to anyone at that price.
- It was nothing.
- It might not be anything to you, but, er, I'm just glad I'm on your side.
- You all right? - Yes.
Fine.
Sorry I'm late, Charles.
Nothing I could do about it.
That's all right, Henry.
I think you know my chief executive, Gerald Urquhart.
- Gerald, Lord Runswick.
- How are you, Gerald? - I'm fine.
Good to see you, sir.
- Have a seat.
Thank you.
- Can I get you a drink before we order? - Well, a gin and tonic would be nice.
- Ice and lemon? - No, thank you.
- Mineral water for you, Gerald? - Please.
One mineral water, one gin and tonic, no ice and lemon, and a large Scotch on the rocks, thank you.
- Well - Thanks.
How's your father keeping, Charles? I had word he was to marry that Howard woman.
The one with the dress shops.
Yes.
She thought better of it.
I would have said the mother was more his type meself.
- (They laugh) - Quite.
- How's your family? - Noisy.
I must say, Charles, I've been guessing myself silly as to what's behind this invitation.
I thought Frere Holdings had no interest in modest little investments like mine.
Oh, I wouldn't call five per cent of Relton modest, Henry.
Oh.
Oh, I see.
We're here to chew the fat about Avril Rolfe, are we? I think you know that Charles likes to keep personalities out of business.
No, lad, I don't.
But I see that you can be relied on to say the right thing when needed.
So before I order this expensive lunch, I'd better know why I'm here.
Well, as a matter of fact, I'm seeking your advice.
Gerald.
Oh, er.
Well, er, you see, sir, Frere Holdings doesn't actually own any marine engineering interests on the south coast.
So two courses are open to us.
We can either start afresh, or buy into an existing firm.
Well, if you want my opinion, you'll forget all about it.
You can't move for boat yards on this coast.
So you'd lean towards us buying into an existing company? (Laughs) You must think I was born yesterday.
I'm sorry? Or is our combined presence here enough for your purposes? A public announcement now that your trouble with the law is over, you're after Avril Rolfe.
Well, we could offer you a very good price for Relton.
Or we could drive Relton to the wall with intensive competition.
You pronounce and the rest of us drop dead with fright, do we? (Scoffs) Well, if you had a mind to court a rogue shareholder this dinner time, Charles, you picked the wrong fella.
I'm a big fan of the lass.
I like what she's doing.
And I like the return I'm getting on me money.
Henry, I built Relton up from virtually nothing.
Did any of you really imagine that I'd just kiss it goodbye? A piece of advice, Charles.
You've a good head on your shoulders, better than your father.
- Thank you.
- But you start playing this game for revenge, you'll wind up searching for tanners in your turn-ups.
Do they do sandwiches here? (Charles laughs) Lovely.
Thank you.
You see, this opens up everything to us.
The possibilities are endless.
Now we've got a main office, we can deal exclusively with one-off clients.
Sit down.
And we might even think about specialising, you know? Using one outlet entirely for casual wear, another for evening wear.
What? - Look, we might even think about - Look, just slow down a bit, Jan.
I have nothing against specialising, I just don't see why we should pull all our ideas together in the first week.
- Why not? - Because there's That's a good point.
James, there is no reason why we shouldn't specialise.
- We have the outlets.
They're all prime sites.
- Yeah, right.
- So you agree with me? - Yeah, in principle I do.
Yes.
I, er suppose I'm a little bit annoyed I didn't have the idea in the first place.
Look, Jan, I'm not used to working as if there's no tomorrow.
Oh, James, we have to keep ahead of the rest of the market, - it's the only way we're gonna succeed.
- You're right.
- Avril, how are you? - I'm fine.
- Good to see you.
- Yes.
Er, coffee? No, thanks.
Dad not about? Oh, he's out with Vanessa testing Proud Lady for Round The Island.
I thought the yard seemed quiet.
So your call was quite a surprise.
What is all this about a larger version of Spring? There could be a market for it.
Fill her out a bit, room below, more speed, that sort of thing.
Yes, I quite agree, but I'm up to my neck at the moment.
- For a start, there's Charles Frere's boat.
- I thought that was finished.
The design is.
Now there's just the little matter of building it.
And there's a cabin cruiser to build for Leisure Cruise.
I thought Ken Masters was more interested in building up his empire.
I hear from Jack that Ken Masters has bought some shares in Relton.
- Yes, unfortunately.
- Keep an eye on him, Avril.
- I intend to.
- Now he's got a taste of success, nothing is gonna stop in that man's way.
Don't worry, I've already had a warning from Leo.
Is he, er, settling in all right? Mm.
Extremely well.
In fact, if he carries on the way he's going, he might end up with a seat on the Relton board.
Oh, that's hardly hardly Leo style.
Oh, I wouldn't be so sure.
He's extremely ambitious.
He's even after me to develop a successor to Marauder, - so you might be getting another call.
- I've got enough on my plate.
Can you at least give a larger version of Spring some thought? - Well, how soon do you want the design? - Yesterday, Tom.
Why so desperate? Charles Frere's on the move.
He's lobbying support from various shareholders.
I need something to impress the Relton board.
Leisure Cruise.
Good afternoon.
May I ask who's calling, please? Oh, hold the line a moment.
- Laura Wilde.
- (Mouths) I'm very sorry, I'm afraid that he isn't in at the moment, Miss Wilde.
May I take a message for you? Darling, he's in.
I'm parked 20 yards from his office, right next to his car.
Would you ask him to come down and speak to me, please? I wonder what she's up to, Ken.
Well, there's only one way to find out.
- Thank you.
- You're welcome.
I must say, it came as a bit of a surprise.
You panicking on the boat.
Especially on the one I built.
I'm sorry.
It's not like me to suddenly go to pieces like that.
Right.
Do you want to tell me about it? Oh, come on, Vanessa.
We're very old friends.
It's to do with Klaus.
Oh.
- Well, in that case, it's none of my business.
- No, no, I want you to hear.
You know The Riddle Of The Sands? Of course I do.
What is it about yachtsmen and that book? Well, anyway Klaus always wanted to follow the route of the Dulcibella.
You know, through the Frisian Islands.
He eventually chose last year to do it.
Have you ever sailed in those waters? No.
No, I haven't.
The tides are treacherous.
I should have known.
Oh, I'm I'm not saying the weather killed him, exactly.
He used to joke that his heart was missing a few beats these days.
Well a storm blew up one night as we cut across from Schleswig-Holstein to the East Frisians.
We ran for cover behind Norderney.
At one point I was trimming the genoa fore'ard.
I looked round and he wasn't there.
All of a sudden, he just wasn't there.
I was terrified.
He hadn't clipped himself to the wire, something he was fanatical about.
I searched for him, radioed the coastguard.
But the night wasn't black, it was misty.
Thick blankets of mist.
He was washed up on a sandbank the next day.
I I went with the coastguard to identify him.
It's funny, I didn't believe he was gone for weeks.
I still don't in many ways.
But I haven't been on a boat since until this morning.
I don't think I could go out again.
I tried this morning to prove that I could, but I couldn't.
- You don't have to prove anything, Vanessa.
- Yes, I do.
I do.
To myself.
Yes, well, do it in your own time, not in mine, nor anyone else's.
In your own time.
You'll know when you're ready.
- You all right? - Yes, thanks.
Good.
Nice.
Very nice indeed.
I'm glad you approve.
- Now tell me why you're here.
- Recognise it? - How did you get hold of that? - Of course you do.
It's the Leisure Cruise report.
A mutual friend gave it to me.
- Friend? - Sir John Stevens.
Erm Do you think we can discuss this in my office rather than in front of customers? Your success in purchasing Wilde Mouldings is reported in there.
My God, Ken, you've got a nerve, treating it as a fait accompli before I've signed on the dotted line.
- It was just a mere formality.
- It's not mine to sell.
It's my father's.
He wants to get rid of it.
I thought I was doing you both a favour.
What else did Sir John say? Quite a lot.
Was your meeting business or social? Oh, come on, Ken, we're in negotiation.
What did Sir John have to say about our negotiations? He feels that a merger could benefit us both.
And how do you feel? That all depends on terms and conditions.
Oh, I'm sure we'd both find the terms and conditions mutually acceptable, Laura.
So did Sir John.
In fact, he's going to recommend it to the Leisure Cruise board.
But naturally, he thinks it might sound better coming from you.
Sounds as if you and Sir John have all but drawn up a contract.
He made some suggestions, yes.
Supposing I'm not interested in Wilde Mouldings? Oh, you're interested, Ken, or you wouldn't be here discussing it.
Besides, I'd be interested to see how you'd explain this exaggeration to your shareholders.
I see.
You're putting me in a bit of a corner.
Well, I can't say I object.
I think we're going to make a very good partnership.
(Vicki over PA) Miss Wilde.
There's an urgent phone call for you in reception.
Miss Wilde, phone call in reception, please.
How did it go? What? Proud Lady's trial.
Oh.
Very well.
Sounds it.
(Sighs) You fancy a jar at the Sailor? Why? Is something troubling you? Ever lost someone at sea, Tom? Oh, that's it.
Vanessa's husband, Klaus? Well, it's not so much Klaus.
I was thinking about Vanessa.
Oh, how do you mean? Well years ago, she and I were very close.
That was before I married Eileen and she met Klaus.
You mean serious? Yeah.
But in those days, I was a very ambitious young man.
So I decided to marry the yard.
It came with Eileen.
Now she's gone.
And Klaus.
Are you two getting back together again? No, I couldn't.
Even if I wanted to.
I owe it to Eileen.
As the old Bard says, Tom, "Conscience does make cowards of us all.
" Jack, that was 30 years ago.
Yeah.
But I feel she's still here.
Do you know, sometimes I walk through that yard, I turn expecting her to be there, looking at me.
And asking the same old question why I let her down.
And I did, you know.
In what way? Every way.
- You OK? - Mm.
I'll wait here in case you need anything.
Thanks, Ken.
Go on, as a favour.
I've got so much work.
I've got to have an indication of the photos I want to use at the end of the month.
The Round The Island only takes a day, Abby.
Well, who else is in it? - Any of our friends? - Bound to be.
Always is.
OK.
OK.
I'll crew.
It might be fun.
I'm going out to win.
Avril's putting the pressure on.
She's not the only one.
Where's your dad? He's out.
He'll be back late.
So obliging.
Isn't he? (Clears throat) I hope I'm not disturbing you.
Oh.
Thank you very much.
- How is he? - He's going to die.
Well, can't they do something? They've done all they can, Ken.
It's up to him now.
Can't you see him, can't you talk to him? He's comatose.
Out like a light.
No pain or anything.
Just the way he would have wanted.
My father always got everything he wanted.
Today will be no exception.
Do you want me to stay? What, until I've formally inherited the business? Well, that's why you're here, isn't it? No, no.
I just thought I'd give you some support.
(Sighs) No, I'm fine.
Well, I'm sorry, Ken.
Thanks for the lift.
I've got a dinner engagement, but I could always cancel it.
No, really, I'm I'm fine.
- Well, if there's anything you want.
- I'll I'll call.
Why didn't you let us know you were coming? I wanted to surprise you.
Nothing you do surprises me any more, Mother.
Oh, I can understand your resenting my return, having had the place to yourself, playing house.
- You should try it sometime.
- And what is that supposed to mean? - You know what it means.
- Don't start, Abby.
Please.
How could you take off and leave Daddy like that? I didn't take off.
He knew I was setting up a business in America.
No, he doesn't understand that.
- And neither do I.
- Well, why don't you calm down and perhaps we can discuss it.
- We don't have anything to discuss.
- Oh, I wouldn't say that.
There's a great deal I have to talk to you about.
What? William.
Look, darling.
These were only taken last week.
Oh, come on.
You must want to see them.
No.
And river beef for me, rare.
- Thank you.
- Thank you.
Right, let's get down to business, then.
You said you had something urgent you wanted to discuss.
Yes.
I've been reading the shareholders' report.
- You're doing an excellent job at Relton.
- I'm flattered.
I want you to know you can count on my support if there are any policies you might wish to push through.
For the limited amount of shares you hold at Relton, Ken, it's hardly a deciding vote.
You're gonna need every bit of support you can get.
I understand that Lord Runswick had lunch with Charles Frere today.
What have you got, Ken? Your own intelligence network along the south coast? I've got a few friends that report back on anything they see which might be of interest.
And why should Charles Frere and Henry Runswick interest you? Well, with Runswick shares, Frere could be preparing the ground.
- For what? - Relton.
I'm really grateful for your concern, but I think I can handle it.
You'll stand a better chance joining forces.
Ah, so that's it.
Joining forces with Leisure Cruise, no doubt.
Well, why not? A merger could be mutually beneficial.
A merger might be top of your list of priorities, Ken, but it's not on mine.
Besides, I gather you're already discussing one.
Ah.
I see you have your own intelligence network.
Abby.
(Sighs) Abby.
She's out with Leo.
How are you? Somewhat surprised.
I should have called, spared you the shock.
- When did you get back? - This afternoon.
Hey.
You look different.
Younger, fitter.
The break from me has done you good.
I wouldn't say that.
I've missed you, Polly.
Are you back, er for good, or what? I have some business to attend to.
That doesn't answer my question.
Gerald.
You have never had your proper reward from Charles for running his companies, taking on his worries, bringing up his daughter, even.
And you think I could elsewhere? You'd have all the recognition you deserve in America.
Working for Edward Frere, no doubt.
I'm sure he'd make you the same generous offer as before.
My answer would be the same.
I'm not interested.
Why? Charles has treated you as a chauffeur, as an office boy.
Charles is my oldest friend, Polly! He's treated me as such.
I thought I was your oldest friend.
So did I.
So did I.
And then one morning I looked around and you weren't there.
Please tell me, Polly, just what the hell are you playing at? - I'm not playing at anything.
- Are you and Edward having an affair? - Oh, ridiculous.
- Are you? Edward has taken an active interest in my career, Gerald, nothing more.
Darling.
For the first time in my life, I am doing something worthwhile.
Well, you know what it's like to achieve.
Are you going to deny me the same opportunity? I take it, then, that you intend to return to America.
In due course.
But I want you to go with me.
Oh, we could do so well, Gerald.
I'm quite content here.
On your own? If needs be.
Well, I suggest you think it over very carefully, - because I'll go and I'm taking Abby with me.
- Does she know that? It's about time she faced up to her responsibilities.
According to Edward or the Hudsons? She must be made to see sense.
She could have everything she could possibly want there.
No, Polly! She could have everything you would possibly want.
The only problem is Abby may not see things in quite the same way.
(Sighs) (Monitor beeps) (Beeps rapidly) - (Monitor flatlines) - Sister.
Sister! Atropine, 300mg, IV.
(Flatlining continues) She say anything about my father? Not really.
Except that Sir Edward sends his regards.
(Laughs) How very considerate of him.
I don't think Polly would be inclined to reveal much about him, anyway.
- You know, I can understand your suspicions - Polly and I are almost like strangers, Charles.
Yes.
Yes, I realise that, but you don't really think that she and my father I wouldn't be surprised.
Especially now that Jan Howard is out of his life.
I can imagine Polly setting her sights on becoming the next Lady Frere.
Good God.
Oh, morning, Jack.
Is it? Oh, obviously not for you.
Bill said you were hard at it last night over the Jolly Sailor.
Oh, he can talk.
Anyway, doesn't do any harm to let off a bit of steam once in a while.
You should have saved it because I've got a feeling you're gonna do some real celebrating.
Oh? What for? Well, Bill's organised the lads, I've invited Avril, Vanessa and Jan, and I've, er, booked a table for lunch.
Oh, really? What do you mean by that? Well, this arrived this morning, special delivery.
Oh.
- A bill, I suppose.
- Well, I don't know.
Have a look.
Bloody hell.
Avril, it's good to see you again.
And you, Lord Runswick.
What a lovely surprise.
Aye.
Well, I'm not too sure of lovely.
Oh, and by the way, I think it should be Henry and Avril now, don't you? Yes.
Can I get you a coffee or something? No, no.
I'm not stopping.
Now, I'm off up North for the summer, but I shall be leaving a signed letter with my solicitor, a copy with you, authorising you to cast my vote on the Relton board.
- Fair enough.
Any special reason? - Now don't play daft with me, girl.
You know what's wrong.
It's Charles Frere.
You see, you know better than me.
But as far as I'm concerned, there's no need to panic.
He hasn't got a cat in hell's chance of getting his hands back on Relton, if we take the appropriate steps.
- What's he been saying to you? - Oh, sabre rattling, most of it.
Talk of takeovers, starting again.
You've upset him, girl, by running this outfit the way it should be run.
And I, for one, am right behind you.
It's like waiting for a hurricane, Henry.
I know it's on its way, the question is where it will strike and when.
Well, I'd be prepared for some activity quite soon.
Oh? Well, I don't know what Charles is planning exactly, but he's been doing some business in Malta with Eckhardt Sahnn.
- The banker? - Mm.
According to a broker friend of mine in the City, could be significant.
Sahnn has a lot of powerful contacts on the Relton board.
Yes, I see what you mean.
It could be dangerous.
Vindictive men, these Freres.
Look.
Over there.
Help! Help! Help! Help! Help! Help! Don't just stand there watching, help me with this.
Help! Push! - Quite a place.
- It will be fine when I've settled in.
So, you prefer discussing business on home territory, eh? At least we won't be disturbed.
And I have something to tell you which may be of interest.
- So you said on the phone.
- Open up the champagne, will you? At 12 o'clock? It's a bit early for me.
But if you insist.
I'm glad to see you put up such a fight for your principles, Ken.
(Laughs) Well, what are we celebrating? My father died at one o'clock this morning.
I've inherited the business.
God.
They said I was a ruthless bastard.
I'm celebrating his life, Ken, not mourning his death.
And I intend to make something of his business.
So this proposed merger of ours, providing we agree on terms and conditions, of course I'm interested, how about you? - Here's to your father.
- Who would have approved.
Looking forward to working together.
So am I.
(Siren) - Thank you.
Thank you.
- It's OK.
I heard from one of the lads what was going on.
I mean, I - I I'd no idea you were involved.
(Tom) What happened? I was just out for a walk when I saw that little boy's raft overturned.
Honestly, it makes you wonder if some parents actually have a brain.
Now Now Wait a minute, let me get Let me get this straight.
You went out and picked him up? In a boat.
(They laugh) Well done.
Thank you.
And I understand from Tom that congratulations are also in order for you.
- No, no, it's nothing.
- Oh, yes.
Just an export award for Orkadian.
- Yeah, well, I, er - Accept praise for once in your life.
She's a wonderful boat.
Congratulations.
(Jack laughs) - Mr Frere's table.
- Follow me, sir.
- Hello, Charles.
- Eckhardt.
- Wie geht es Ihnen? - Sehr gut, danke.
Und Ihnen? - Was macht die Familie? - Kostet viel Geld.
Madeleine kauft in Paris ein.
Und wenn sie es nicht tät, wär es Ihnen auch nicht recht, ja? (They laugh) Let me introduce you to chief executive, Gerald Urquhart.
- Gerald, Eckhardt Sahnn.
- How do you do? - It's a great pleasure to meet you.
- Can I get you a drink? - Er, whisky and soda.
- Whisky and soda, please.
Well, have a seat.
So have you given some thought about entering into the consortium, Charles? Oh, indeed I have.
Both Gerald and I have studied your proposals thoroughly.
And? Presumably each separate item is open to negotiation.
Our marina development will provide an excellent return on capital, Charles.
Yes, I don't dispute that for a moment.
Your bank wouldn't be involved otherwise.
I assume that you are referring to other areas of, er negotiaton.
- Gerald.
- Well, apart from the consortium, I understand that your bank also oversees the interests of one of Tarrant's most influential companies, the Sinclairs.
We handle the family's investment portfolio, yes.
Yes.
Well, then, you must also be aware that they own a large block of shares in a company which is of great interest to Frere Holdings.
(Eckhardt) Of course I know it.
Relton Marine.
Yeah.
There have been rumours of a takeover.
Assuming a slight obstacle can be removed.
Ah.
I'm anxious to do business with you, Charles.
If I can be of some assistance, all you have to do is ask.
This, er obstacle, may I ask who? The managing director of Relton Marine.
Miss Avril Rolfe.
Now, if there were a motion of no confidence, and it were put to a shareholders' vote? The Sinclair family never did have much confidence in this, er Who is it? Avril Rolfe.
I'm certain once we have concluded our negotiations, your obstacle will no longer be in office, Charles.
Excellent.