A Place to Call Home (2013) s06e02 Episode Script
Salt of the Earth
ANNA: How on earth could I not conceive with Gino, with all the trying, but I did with the most unlikely person? SARAH: Who did this to you, Sheila? I fell.
Ruddy women's clinic.
A bunch of clacking crows.
[GUNSHOT.]
The crows have been attacking the weaker lambs.
We've employed a man to cull them.
CAROLYN: You won't guess who.
Home is the wanderer, home from the hill! Mummy and Daddy are married! [LAUGHTER.]
How Jewish will the household be? As Jewish as Sarah wants it.
You brought me here with the promise of forever and then found your Riviera root.
Mr.
Polson, I appeal to your discretion.
Your continued presence here can only complicate matters.
JAMES: Let me unsettle you with a proposition.
It's partly why I'm back.
I won't keep limiting myself because Jack fears change.
How can we marry with a lie over our heads? What lie? Georgie.
Matt insists we return to Sydney.
I can't be his father until I know whoever gave him up doesn't regret it.
Do I want someone who'd ask this of me? - Ohh! - [LIQUID TRICKLING.]
Oh, my waters.
JACK: Hospital for you.
I love you.
We're all with ya.
Dawnie? Both? I come here, ask the old girl to be there when Dawnie arrives.
She'll be frightened.
- with addic7ed standards - Place the baby in her arms.
Don't contact the funeral home till we've seen Roy.
He's best left be.
Of course.
What would we do without prayer? Whoever our God.
If I can do anything.
Mizmor l'dovid.
Adonoy roi-ee loy echsor.
Welcome her into paradise, oh, Lord, where there will be no sorrow, no weeping or pain.
- Gam ki eilekh b'gey tzalmovess.
- But fullness of peace - and joy.
- Loy iyroh roh ki attoh immodi.
Shivetekho u-mish-an-tare-kho heymoh.
With your Son and the Holy Spirit.
Ve-shavti b'veys adonoy le-oyrekh.
- DORIS: Forever and ever.
- Yomim.
Amen.
Amen.
What sort of a God does this? All the mongrels, and he takes her.
I wish I had an answer.
There isn't one.
[DOG BARKING.]
[HORSE NEIGHS.]
ELIZABETH: Well, I can see why you'd want to keep certain funds out of his hands.
Our set enjoys the casino.
- Gambling's hard to avoid.
- You manage to.
We're different natures.
William loves the thrill.
He often wins.
But loses enough to cause concern.
A branch of the business here should buffer against any crash there.
I've imported a designer who's sure to be a real drawcard.
Well, anything that will see your return.
Who knows.
Carolyn will be my eyes and ears for now.
- James! - She's agreed? She's thrilled.
Possibly causing problems, I know.
Mm! Uh, we're headed off around 1:00, if that's okay.
I might be staying.
Depends on Roy.
It's bad.
[FOOTSTEPS APPROACH.]
- [KNOCK ON DOOR.]
- Yes? - [DOOR OPENS.]
- I heard.
I had to come.
- I don't see what - JAMES: Please.
I'm worried for you.
Okay? I am sorry about the pain I've caused.
I regret yesterday.
It's nothing compared to this, of course.
I know how hard you take losing someone on your table.
Not just someone.
Roy's wife and child.
You barely know your patients in the city.
You don't walk out into the consequence of it every day.
A surgeon has to be objective.
[SCOFFS.]
So I've said.
With ease before this.
Once, you would have held me.
You know, would have helped.
Don't.
Once.
I've missed you.
I've felt so alone.
Cry, if it helps.
My tears for Dawn are private.
Goodbye, James.
Goodbye.
Your coming here has helped.
I'm glad.
A little.
[DOOR CLOSES.]
[CRYING.]
[VEHICLE APPROACHES.]
Mrs.
Goddard? Mrs.
Goddard? Oh, Mr.
Polson.
I can't see Roy being up to the farm for a bit, so I will stick around.
Just wanted to say I'll stay somewhere else.
You're Mrs.
Bligh's guest.
HARRY: You've got worries enough without me causing more.
All this must have brought back your own loss.
- It has.
- Don't mean to presume.
You don't.
Few would be as sensitive.
I won't do anything to make tongues wag, promise.
Have you lost loved ones yourself? HARRY: All my family, 'cept Amy.
Only none died.
Perhaps that made it harder.
Yeah.
This with Roy makes it small beer, but It puts many things into perspective.
My husband would have liked you, Mr.
Polson.
That's quite a compliment.
It was meant so.
I know it's hard.
She'd set everything up.
Everything blue.
She wanted a boy.
I'm with you.
You should be home.
I'm here.
[GEARSHIFT CLICKS.]
[GEARSHIFT CLICKS.]
I can't.
Honest.
- Then stay with us.
- No.
Try to sleep.
I'll organize things at the hospital.
I ought to go back.
- I should see her.
- Only when you're ready.
[EXHALES SHARPLY.]
I don't know if I'll ever be.
How am I going to tell Emma? We'll talk about that.
Sleep first, hmm? Roy.
Follow me.
I'm not going to accept this.
Not now, anyway.
It was written yesterday, before the operation.
When you were doped up.
I came here to be near James, and I stayed in the vain hope that he'd return.
I know now that he won't.
Where's the point in staying? Oh, what we're achieving here together.
You're a fine surgeon.
A good surgeon controls his emotions.
So this is about Dawn.
I shouldn't be feeling this way.
I'd be more worried if you weren't.
Join the club.
How do you think I feel? I'll accept this, with regret, if it reappears in a week.
Look, all this mightn't make you the master surgeon.
It makes you human, though.
I'll take that any day.
[DOOR CLOSES.]
ANNA: Don't judge her.
- I'm not.
- [SCOFFS.]
I'm asking her to do what's right.
She's the only mother Georgie's known.
But he has a real one.
He's not our child until we know the truth.
I won't compound her crime.
We're flying tomorrow.
There are still seats if you decide to come.
It would help Olivia.
You have to see how cruel this is.
That doesn't make it wrong.
"And the little blue engine started up the hill.
He huffed and he puffed and he said, 'I think I can, I think I can!'" "The Little Blue Engine"! Wow, your favorite.
I think I can, I think I can.
I think I can.
I know I can.
Not yet.
Not till he gets to the top of the hill.
You were wrong.
Guess what.
We're going on a plane.
Really? Great! I've decided to come.
I'll book my seat.
You're sure? Are you? He says he loves me.
But then, so did Lloyd.
And James.
Oh, James did.
He does.
Not in the way he first professed.
I've trusted those words before.
Matt does have a point.
This hangs like a sword over your heads if you don't resolve it now.
And it was a crime, for the best of motives.
We've become used to it, assimilated it into our lives.
It's a shocking, new concept to him.
Livvy, how about we all go, and we stay at Douglas's, Matt's now, and we tell no one.
I certainly don't want them seeing me, and you can go through your process without anyone putting in their penny worth.
I think it'll be fine.
It just seems so rash to discard what you and Matt have on a maybe.
I won't be a victim again.
Giving yourselves a chance isn't that.
It's having the strength to see that he does have a point.
And he does, no matter how painful that might be.
I am so confused.
There's risk for both of us in going back.
We'll support each other, yes? Yes.
- [CURTAINS OPEN.]
- SARAH: Rest.
Freshen up.
Harry can get you whatever you need from home.
- What about you, mate? - I'll be right.
Razor and toothbrush, pajamas, couple of changes of clothes, okay? Better too much than not enough.
I'm not staying.
As long as you need.
Don't worry about your place.
I'll keep it going.
Well, you ought to get home.
Not till you're okay.
Good on ya.
Both of youse.
Have a bath, try and sleep, and then we'll talk.
Shouldn't I When your head's clearer.
Whatever you need, call.
- [DOOR CLOSES.]
- [SIGHS.]
[SCRATCHING.]
[PANTING.]
He won't take no for an answer.
[DOOR CLOSES.]
It won't be putting you out? After all he did for me? We'll have you up in the house if he does stay on.
Maybe not.
Me and Mrs.
Goddard had words.
It's sorted, but I reckon best not here.
- What did she say? - Like I said, it's fine.
- I can stay at Roy's.
- You're my guest.
Don't get Bolshie.
- I'll say something.
- Leave it.
You gotta remember, she was boss.
- It's no excuse for rudeness.
- No fuss on my account.
Come on, you two.
James is leaving.
See you as soon as you can get away, if you can.
[SCOFFS.]
You make him sound like my jailer.
I will be there, I hope with his blessing.
Just have to find the time to discuss it.
How often will it see you gone? - Don't you start.
- Of course Jack wants you here.
Later! I'll come after Dawn's funeral.
- GEORGE: The gang's all here.
- I may well go myself.
Also later.
Well, it's been so brief.
Perhaps more in Sydney.
- Definitely more.
- [CHUCKLES.]
Any message for anyone back home? I'll sort myself out.
- Good to know.
- Yeah.
Sorry about your Shabbat.
Harry can be my proxy.
You'll be missed.
- Give Roy my condolences.
- I will.
It's meant the world having you here, and we'll try to get up there before you leave.
If you can.
Bye-bye, baby brother.
- Bye.
- Bye.
[BOTH CHUCKLE.]
All booked.
You're certain? No one will ever know I'm back.
It sits there empty.
They would want you to stay.
I'll call and check.
Uh, we'd rather you didn't until we've shared news of the wedding.
And we'd rather not until we can feel joy in it.
It's impossible with Roy.
In brief, enjoy being a squatter.
And air a room for my arrival.
I will.
[ENGINE STARTS.]
- Bye.
- Travel safe.
Enjoy married life.
- Whenever we get the chance.
- Bye-bye.
All right, off you go.
Harry.
I will go.
Rather there than emanating disapproval here.
[SIGHS.]
Am I intruding? Um, Mr.
Collins needed a bit of a tidy-up.
Such events bring back one's own losses.
Mr.
Briggs? He's asked a favor.
Anything.
Emma has to be told.
Of course.
Roy thinks it's best coming from a woman.
You're close.
Dear girl, yes, we are.
But also perhaps, you see, there are tensions between her and Mr.
Briggs.
She had her mother to herself for all those years, and then Might it help if I come? Indeed.
Thank you.
My courage might fail me.
CAROLYN: Off to the hospital.
I'm expecting an emotional time.
Well, at worst he'll sulk.
The clinic, not Jack.
Dawn was loved.
The women will be shattered.
- Of course.
- They'll need to talk about it.
Well, there, see? You have enormous value here.
Doesn't it suffice? No, if I'm honest.
This is an exciting venture.
Now, don't you sulk.
You are worth more at the clinic, surely, than involved in interior design and its attendant frippery.
I'm a receptionist, Mother, part time and far from indispensable.
I prefer the excitement of helping build a new business.
If that makes me fripperous, then I plead guilty.
Sarah's back.
As wife and mother and mistress of Ash Park.
- And nurse, I'm sure.
- Ignoring her duties here? Well, I have no intention of becoming their housekeeper.
And no one would ask you.
You're looking to find fault.
Well, it's there to be found.
You'd hardly guess they'd just married.
And Shabbat every Friday.
Perhaps it's best you do step away.
[CHUCKLES.]
For perspective.
Don't need to go to the city for that.
We're all alive and well.
[SIGHS.]
[KNOCK ON DOOR.]
You're right.
- Sorry, I thought it was Harry.
- No, no, no, no.
He's He's gone to get my stuff.
You're staying, then? For now.
- I best get cleaned up.
- No, no.
I've been trying to choose my moment.
Oh, what can one say? Nothin'.
No.
Perhaps simply, if I may? Sarah, George, and I most recently have all lost loved ones tragically, with little warning.
You are with those who understand.
We We've had our moments, Mr.
Briggs, we two, but this brings us closer.
Dawnie liked you.
She epitomized all that's best in country women.
I'll intrude no more.
She was salt of the earth.
She was.
As was Douglas.
As are you.
They'd not want us salting the earth with sorrow.
Such soil cannot sustain life, and we must live, to honor them.
Why can't we live there still? Because Mummy and I are married.
Why can't we all live there? Because we have the big house.
I like that one.
Is Granny going to live there now? No, she's visiting Mr.
Briggs.
Does he live there now? Just for the moment.
We're discussing the complexities of who does and doesn't inhabit the guest cottage.
DAVID: I want to live there.
As you can see.
Why don't you go and tell them to saddle up for us, hm? How is he? As you'd imagine.
Well, Sarah's off telling Dawn's daughter.
Oh, an unenviable task.
George, I apologize for any tensions displayed since your return.
Carolyn has suggested some perspective.
The house will change, of course, but you're always a welcome part of it.
But how conducive is that to calm? I say that without judgment.
I will join James until he leaves.
I may stay on.
Understand my motives, please.
Whatever's best.
I hope it will help me discover what's best.
At the moment I seem at a loss.
So you'd be away a bit? CAROLYN: Perhaps half the week.
Possibly a week on, week off.
It's still in the making.
It can be adjusted.
He's got a designer.
From London.
He's not said who.
What would you do? Promotion.
Assist on the business side, source suppliers.
Be his eye on the ground.
Sarah asked me yesterday how we'd been going.
"Mucking along," I said.
It's true.
You deserve more.
I do.
You know I love you.
If I can't be happy for you You've felt threatened before.
You really don't mind? Part of me does.
But it's wrong.
Say it.
- What? - Say it makes you happy.
It does.
- Say you're excited.
- [LAUGHS.]
I am.
- That you love the idea.
- Of course I do.
So what would it make me if I stomped on that? I dreaded your no.
What's a few days a week baching, eh? Mr.
O'Rourke, perhaps you might find other duties for today.
Mr.
Briggs has suffered a tragedy.
He's staying.
He requires rest.
You want the crows gone or don't you? He's lost his wife and child.
I heard.
Well, then a little compassion.
I never liked her much.
Getting in the missus' ear.
I suggest you take the day off.
Not too keen on him, either.
I'll tell Mr.
Bligh you'll return tomorrow.
- Well, you're not the boss.
- [GUNSHOT.]
I'll earn my quid till he gives my orders.
You'll be getting your notice if you're not careful.
You reckon I care? I know what the job's about.
You reckon it's stopped me tellin' the blokes how the clinic's poisoning our wives against us? You should leave.
You think your shit doesn't stink.
How dare you.
Lady Muck.
That's what they call you.
You're a joke.
Shove your job.
That top paddock looks like it could do with some attention, too.
Want me to get stuck into it? - That's not your worry, son.
- Oh, happy to.
Where you goin'? Maybe that dirt could do with some turning.
Thanks.
- [DOG BARKS.]
- Get up.
That's it.
Want me to come? No.
Mr.
Briggs! - [DOOR OPENS.]
- Doctor? I'm here to see Dawnie.
And my little one.
I know you done your best.
Both of youse.
There's no hard feelings.
I want you to know.
I wasn't sure how I'd face you.
There's no joy in blame.
[SIGHS.]
Where are they? I'll do it.
That's how I want 'em buried.
You tell the funeral home that.
I want 'em together.
I'll be outside.
[DOOR CLOSES.]
[SNIFFLES.]
I'll make sure Emma doesn't want for nothin'.
Oh, Dawnie.
I do love you.
I didn't say it.
People 'round.
That's blokes for you.
Own worst enemies at times.
[VOICE BREAKING.]
But I do love you, Dawnie.
I don't know why I didn't say it.
[CRYING.]
My beautiful girls.
Sleep tight.
[SOBBING.]
She's a brilliant student.
I hope we don't lose her.
We'll see you don't.
Her mother had such hopes for her.
[GIRLS LAUGHING.]
Mr.
Briggs' fears were well-founded.
She says he's to blame.
She thinks it's all his fault.
I hate him.
You don't mean that.
She never would have had it if it wasn't for him.
It was her choice, too.
Nothing has been the same since him.
Why do you think I came here? He loved your mother, and she loved him.
He killed her with his baby.
Why don't we talk about this on the way home? I hate that house.
I loved our home.
He's not my dad.
I never knew you [SCHOOL BELL RINGS.]
Well, no one asked.
Can I stay with you, Mrs.
Collins? Mm-hmm.
I'll get my things.
Mummy's dead.
Mummy's dead.
DORIS: Oh, darling, it's all right.
It's all right.
It's utterly outrageous! GEORGE: A brandy, I think.
I've already had two.
What is happening to the world? Another won't hurt.
I'll see he's kept away, and he'll be hearing from me.
- No.
- It should be said.
It will encourage him to think he counts.
He seems to.
ELIZABETH: The man himself is irrelevant.
It's the fraying of values that alarms.
This would never have happened once.
Perhaps it's always been there and we've just failed to see it.
I glimpsed it during the election.
A simmering resentment at the rallies about privilege.
Perhaps they think we feel superior.
ELIZABETH: We are to the likes of O'Rourke.
No wonder their wives are disaffected.
And they blame the clinic.
So, what would you like me to do? You've listened.
You've sympathized.
It's enough.
I suddenly feel the brandy.
The world decreasingly makes sense.
Perhaps it's part of getting old.
You may age, Mother.
You'll never be old.
One hopes so.
One fears not.
[MATCH STRIKES.]
JACK: That's it, all done.
CAROLYN: Would you like to reschedule? - Thank you.
- CAROLYN: Today? The longer without a recurrence, the less likely there'll be one.
- You should be pleased.
- CAROLYN: No, that's fine.
SHEILA: Can't be chuffed about anything today.
We're all feeling it.
She was a dear soul.
And poor Roy.
I finish here today, but we're hoping Sister Nordmann might return.
Sister Bligh now.
If you need to talk.
Stan said she's back.
So they're married? - They are.
- Give 'em my best.
[VOICE BREAKING.]
Sorry.
I understand.
I can't stop thinking of Dawn.
CAROLYN: Poor woman.
Mrs.
Sloan's canceled.
Dawn was her bridesmaid.
She's too upset to make it.
It'll be quite a funeral.
Her brolly.
Oh, Stan, we needed the money.
Yeah, well, it was worth it.
You should have seen the look on the old cow's face.
Sheila! - Oh, piss off! - Don't.
- Still might rain.
- I'm sorry.
Hey, don't you apologize for me.
Get in the truck.
Well, so much for your bloody clinic.
- Didn't help the Briggs bitch.
- SHEILA: Stan.
- Well, it didn't.
- No.
- So much for Dr.
No-Nuts.
- Stop it.
Ah, the big man himself.
Killed her, didn't you? - SHEILA: Stan.
- STAN: Well, he did.
- Please.
- I called a spade a spade.
Shut your vicious mouth! [CRYING.]
Dawn was worth 10 of you! They all are! These are good people! - Get in the truck.
- I hate you! STAN: Now! Don't you touch me again ever, you pig! Could you call the police? I need them to collect the kids.
Sergeant Fraser.
Don't even think it.
I'm not having them grow up like you.
You're not takin' 'em anywhere.
- No! - Hey.
Hey.
You bastard! - You all right? - Yes.
Yes.
Get help.
[GRUNTS.]
What's this? What are you doing? You've been unconscious, Mr.
O'Rourke.
I have to check for concussion.
[GRUNTING.]
Take 'em off.
Where's No-Nuts? I'll rip him apart.
They stay on until we're convinced no staff are at risk.
I suggest you hold still.
If you are concussed, it'll simply make things worse.
I'll do the lot of ya.
Note down the threat, Sister.
- Where's Sheila? - With the police.
She's not takin' my kids.
I'll kill her.
And that one.
The needle first.
A sedative.
You've given us no choice.
Better than the professionals.
My hero.
Am I? And not just for your fists.
What's that for? For trusting me to wander off and know I won't wander.
Where would I find another you? Impossible.
Exactly.
- James.
- Delia.
Well, we can start with this one, my darling.
It screams decorate.
It belongs to Livvy's fiancé.
They're marrying once our divorce is through.
DELIA: Oh, he cannot carry his bride across the threshold into this monstrous interior.
Oh.
JAMES: My grandmother inherited it from his father.
They were married.
She signed it across.
More serpentine than the lives of the Windsors.
I'll be pressuring him for a commission.
JAMES: I'm told he's into surfboards, so good luck.
I imagine chic is a low priority.
Then I'll work on her.
Caro.
Is she on deck? She is.
You didn't mention me? You ask, I obey.
What's this surprise you keep smirking over? I'm surprised she never whispered it.
To you, at least.
You're dying to tell.
Oh, why not? She embraced the queer, my pet, well before you.
10 years ago, in London.
We were lovers.
Hideous.
ROY: So, she don't want a bar of me? She's grieving.
Good thing I wasn't there.
She's right, you know.
Dawnie'd be alive if we hadn't met.
That's your grief talking.
Better with Doris than me.
Where's this coming from? The older she got, the more it was like I stole her mum.
Used to worry Dawnie.
You should talk to her before the funeral.
She don't need even more upset Better before the day.
I said my goodbye.
Sorry? Nothing.
And it needs a bit of thinkin'.
I will stay the night, ta.
As long as you want.
Talk later, eh? Yes.
Can't blame her.
That won't help either of you.
[DOOR CLOSES.]
This ain't the end of it.
I suggest you don't overdo things for today.
Yeah, like you care.
[SCOFFS.]
Yeah, that'd be right.
Don't need any carry on, Stan.
STAN: He decked me.
Every reason to, by the sound of it.
And what's a man meant to do, huh? Stirring up his wife like that? FRASER: She's gone, Stan.
- What? - I took her to the station.
Her and the kids.
They're well on their way.
What are you talking about? No, no, no, she can't.
This is all you, hmm? You and No-Nuts.
Hey, watch your tongue.
Your hens have come home to roost, mate.
And they're all yours.
The whole ruddy chook house.
I'm gonna get you for it.
You'll be gettin' no one, or you'll be getting locked up.
Come on.
I'll see you home.
And you doped me up so he can sneak my family off.
Oh, you wait till people hear about this, huh? There's gonna be plenty on my side.
The town louts.
You wait! All of youse.
First sign of trouble, ring.
STAN: Second-rate quacks.
No wonder she died.
[DOOR SLAMS.]
First hint of that last bit doing the rounds, stomp on it, hmm? Don't think I didn't have my own doubts.
Only defend me if you can.
I hope you can.
We will, Mr.
Fox.
Thank you.
[SIGHS.]
DELIA: Ahh.
Dry as the Sahara in summer.
Willy Maugham's boyfriend taught me.
DELIA: Alan? Oh, darling, the only thing she does better than making martinis is knocking them back.
It's a good business model.
Let's see what Caro makes of it.
It's a bit of a lifeline.
Her husband's a stick in the mud.
A darling one, I'm sure, if she's with him.
He's a good man, just stolid.
I doubt he'd understand her Sapphic phase.
And that's all it was.
She dipped her toe in the water while I embraced the full plunge.
[LAUGHS.]
Enough double entendre.
I shall behave.
- Good.
- But should she wish not to [CHUCKLES.]
The suspense is delicious.
I've set the alarm for 6:00.
What a beautiful night.
I might quit.
These might not be good for the baby.
OLIVIA: I don't see how they could harm.
ANNA: Mm, one never knows.
Or this.
I'd ask Henry if he were here.
Going back may well bring it to a head.
His relative proximity will increase my guilt.
- OLIVIA: Guilt? - Yes.
There is guilt.
What to do? What to do? [THUNDER CRASHES.]
[THUNDER RUMBLING.]
ROY: You'll be all right out there? HARRY: Still a bed on the veranda.
In this weather? Sleep inside.
Ah, you know me and fresh air.
And everything all right in the city with you staying and everything? Works out well, in a way.
You'll be jake? As can be.
[THUNDER RUMBLING.]
[DOG WHIMPERS.]
You and me, fella.
Just us.
SARAH: Put me down! [LAUGHS.]
I think I've done my back! - Oh! [LAUGHS.]
- Ah! [LAUGHS.]
Feels wrong to laugh.
Oh, he wouldn't mind.
Ohh.
Can you believe we're here? Finally.
Our wedding night.
Yes.
Just hold me.
Forever.
Mr.
Briggs? Mr.
Briggs, hello? Oh.
Stuff yas.
[ENGINE STARTS.]
"I'll let Em see her mum off without me there spoiling it.
She's got every right to hate me.
" He's gone.
[HORN HONKING.]
[TIRES SCREECH.]
[CRASH.]
[GEARSHIFT CLICKS.]
- with addic7ed standards -
Ruddy women's clinic.
A bunch of clacking crows.
[GUNSHOT.]
The crows have been attacking the weaker lambs.
We've employed a man to cull them.
CAROLYN: You won't guess who.
Home is the wanderer, home from the hill! Mummy and Daddy are married! [LAUGHTER.]
How Jewish will the household be? As Jewish as Sarah wants it.
You brought me here with the promise of forever and then found your Riviera root.
Mr.
Polson, I appeal to your discretion.
Your continued presence here can only complicate matters.
JAMES: Let me unsettle you with a proposition.
It's partly why I'm back.
I won't keep limiting myself because Jack fears change.
How can we marry with a lie over our heads? What lie? Georgie.
Matt insists we return to Sydney.
I can't be his father until I know whoever gave him up doesn't regret it.
Do I want someone who'd ask this of me? - Ohh! - [LIQUID TRICKLING.]
Oh, my waters.
JACK: Hospital for you.
I love you.
We're all with ya.
Dawnie? Both? I come here, ask the old girl to be there when Dawnie arrives.
She'll be frightened.
- with addic7ed standards - Place the baby in her arms.
Don't contact the funeral home till we've seen Roy.
He's best left be.
Of course.
What would we do without prayer? Whoever our God.
If I can do anything.
Mizmor l'dovid.
Adonoy roi-ee loy echsor.
Welcome her into paradise, oh, Lord, where there will be no sorrow, no weeping or pain.
- Gam ki eilekh b'gey tzalmovess.
- But fullness of peace - and joy.
- Loy iyroh roh ki attoh immodi.
Shivetekho u-mish-an-tare-kho heymoh.
With your Son and the Holy Spirit.
Ve-shavti b'veys adonoy le-oyrekh.
- DORIS: Forever and ever.
- Yomim.
Amen.
Amen.
What sort of a God does this? All the mongrels, and he takes her.
I wish I had an answer.
There isn't one.
[DOG BARKING.]
[HORSE NEIGHS.]
ELIZABETH: Well, I can see why you'd want to keep certain funds out of his hands.
Our set enjoys the casino.
- Gambling's hard to avoid.
- You manage to.
We're different natures.
William loves the thrill.
He often wins.
But loses enough to cause concern.
A branch of the business here should buffer against any crash there.
I've imported a designer who's sure to be a real drawcard.
Well, anything that will see your return.
Who knows.
Carolyn will be my eyes and ears for now.
- James! - She's agreed? She's thrilled.
Possibly causing problems, I know.
Mm! Uh, we're headed off around 1:00, if that's okay.
I might be staying.
Depends on Roy.
It's bad.
[FOOTSTEPS APPROACH.]
- [KNOCK ON DOOR.]
- Yes? - [DOOR OPENS.]
- I heard.
I had to come.
- I don't see what - JAMES: Please.
I'm worried for you.
Okay? I am sorry about the pain I've caused.
I regret yesterday.
It's nothing compared to this, of course.
I know how hard you take losing someone on your table.
Not just someone.
Roy's wife and child.
You barely know your patients in the city.
You don't walk out into the consequence of it every day.
A surgeon has to be objective.
[SCOFFS.]
So I've said.
With ease before this.
Once, you would have held me.
You know, would have helped.
Don't.
Once.
I've missed you.
I've felt so alone.
Cry, if it helps.
My tears for Dawn are private.
Goodbye, James.
Goodbye.
Your coming here has helped.
I'm glad.
A little.
[DOOR CLOSES.]
[CRYING.]
[VEHICLE APPROACHES.]
Mrs.
Goddard? Mrs.
Goddard? Oh, Mr.
Polson.
I can't see Roy being up to the farm for a bit, so I will stick around.
Just wanted to say I'll stay somewhere else.
You're Mrs.
Bligh's guest.
HARRY: You've got worries enough without me causing more.
All this must have brought back your own loss.
- It has.
- Don't mean to presume.
You don't.
Few would be as sensitive.
I won't do anything to make tongues wag, promise.
Have you lost loved ones yourself? HARRY: All my family, 'cept Amy.
Only none died.
Perhaps that made it harder.
Yeah.
This with Roy makes it small beer, but It puts many things into perspective.
My husband would have liked you, Mr.
Polson.
That's quite a compliment.
It was meant so.
I know it's hard.
She'd set everything up.
Everything blue.
She wanted a boy.
I'm with you.
You should be home.
I'm here.
[GEARSHIFT CLICKS.]
[GEARSHIFT CLICKS.]
I can't.
Honest.
- Then stay with us.
- No.
Try to sleep.
I'll organize things at the hospital.
I ought to go back.
- I should see her.
- Only when you're ready.
[EXHALES SHARPLY.]
I don't know if I'll ever be.
How am I going to tell Emma? We'll talk about that.
Sleep first, hmm? Roy.
Follow me.
I'm not going to accept this.
Not now, anyway.
It was written yesterday, before the operation.
When you were doped up.
I came here to be near James, and I stayed in the vain hope that he'd return.
I know now that he won't.
Where's the point in staying? Oh, what we're achieving here together.
You're a fine surgeon.
A good surgeon controls his emotions.
So this is about Dawn.
I shouldn't be feeling this way.
I'd be more worried if you weren't.
Join the club.
How do you think I feel? I'll accept this, with regret, if it reappears in a week.
Look, all this mightn't make you the master surgeon.
It makes you human, though.
I'll take that any day.
[DOOR CLOSES.]
ANNA: Don't judge her.
- I'm not.
- [SCOFFS.]
I'm asking her to do what's right.
She's the only mother Georgie's known.
But he has a real one.
He's not our child until we know the truth.
I won't compound her crime.
We're flying tomorrow.
There are still seats if you decide to come.
It would help Olivia.
You have to see how cruel this is.
That doesn't make it wrong.
"And the little blue engine started up the hill.
He huffed and he puffed and he said, 'I think I can, I think I can!'" "The Little Blue Engine"! Wow, your favorite.
I think I can, I think I can.
I think I can.
I know I can.
Not yet.
Not till he gets to the top of the hill.
You were wrong.
Guess what.
We're going on a plane.
Really? Great! I've decided to come.
I'll book my seat.
You're sure? Are you? He says he loves me.
But then, so did Lloyd.
And James.
Oh, James did.
He does.
Not in the way he first professed.
I've trusted those words before.
Matt does have a point.
This hangs like a sword over your heads if you don't resolve it now.
And it was a crime, for the best of motives.
We've become used to it, assimilated it into our lives.
It's a shocking, new concept to him.
Livvy, how about we all go, and we stay at Douglas's, Matt's now, and we tell no one.
I certainly don't want them seeing me, and you can go through your process without anyone putting in their penny worth.
I think it'll be fine.
It just seems so rash to discard what you and Matt have on a maybe.
I won't be a victim again.
Giving yourselves a chance isn't that.
It's having the strength to see that he does have a point.
And he does, no matter how painful that might be.
I am so confused.
There's risk for both of us in going back.
We'll support each other, yes? Yes.
- [CURTAINS OPEN.]
- SARAH: Rest.
Freshen up.
Harry can get you whatever you need from home.
- What about you, mate? - I'll be right.
Razor and toothbrush, pajamas, couple of changes of clothes, okay? Better too much than not enough.
I'm not staying.
As long as you need.
Don't worry about your place.
I'll keep it going.
Well, you ought to get home.
Not till you're okay.
Good on ya.
Both of youse.
Have a bath, try and sleep, and then we'll talk.
Shouldn't I When your head's clearer.
Whatever you need, call.
- [DOOR CLOSES.]
- [SIGHS.]
[SCRATCHING.]
[PANTING.]
He won't take no for an answer.
[DOOR CLOSES.]
It won't be putting you out? After all he did for me? We'll have you up in the house if he does stay on.
Maybe not.
Me and Mrs.
Goddard had words.
It's sorted, but I reckon best not here.
- What did she say? - Like I said, it's fine.
- I can stay at Roy's.
- You're my guest.
Don't get Bolshie.
- I'll say something.
- Leave it.
You gotta remember, she was boss.
- It's no excuse for rudeness.
- No fuss on my account.
Come on, you two.
James is leaving.
See you as soon as you can get away, if you can.
[SCOFFS.]
You make him sound like my jailer.
I will be there, I hope with his blessing.
Just have to find the time to discuss it.
How often will it see you gone? - Don't you start.
- Of course Jack wants you here.
Later! I'll come after Dawn's funeral.
- GEORGE: The gang's all here.
- I may well go myself.
Also later.
Well, it's been so brief.
Perhaps more in Sydney.
- Definitely more.
- [CHUCKLES.]
Any message for anyone back home? I'll sort myself out.
- Good to know.
- Yeah.
Sorry about your Shabbat.
Harry can be my proxy.
You'll be missed.
- Give Roy my condolences.
- I will.
It's meant the world having you here, and we'll try to get up there before you leave.
If you can.
Bye-bye, baby brother.
- Bye.
- Bye.
[BOTH CHUCKLE.]
All booked.
You're certain? No one will ever know I'm back.
It sits there empty.
They would want you to stay.
I'll call and check.
Uh, we'd rather you didn't until we've shared news of the wedding.
And we'd rather not until we can feel joy in it.
It's impossible with Roy.
In brief, enjoy being a squatter.
And air a room for my arrival.
I will.
[ENGINE STARTS.]
- Bye.
- Travel safe.
Enjoy married life.
- Whenever we get the chance.
- Bye-bye.
All right, off you go.
Harry.
I will go.
Rather there than emanating disapproval here.
[SIGHS.]
Am I intruding? Um, Mr.
Collins needed a bit of a tidy-up.
Such events bring back one's own losses.
Mr.
Briggs? He's asked a favor.
Anything.
Emma has to be told.
Of course.
Roy thinks it's best coming from a woman.
You're close.
Dear girl, yes, we are.
But also perhaps, you see, there are tensions between her and Mr.
Briggs.
She had her mother to herself for all those years, and then Might it help if I come? Indeed.
Thank you.
My courage might fail me.
CAROLYN: Off to the hospital.
I'm expecting an emotional time.
Well, at worst he'll sulk.
The clinic, not Jack.
Dawn was loved.
The women will be shattered.
- Of course.
- They'll need to talk about it.
Well, there, see? You have enormous value here.
Doesn't it suffice? No, if I'm honest.
This is an exciting venture.
Now, don't you sulk.
You are worth more at the clinic, surely, than involved in interior design and its attendant frippery.
I'm a receptionist, Mother, part time and far from indispensable.
I prefer the excitement of helping build a new business.
If that makes me fripperous, then I plead guilty.
Sarah's back.
As wife and mother and mistress of Ash Park.
- And nurse, I'm sure.
- Ignoring her duties here? Well, I have no intention of becoming their housekeeper.
And no one would ask you.
You're looking to find fault.
Well, it's there to be found.
You'd hardly guess they'd just married.
And Shabbat every Friday.
Perhaps it's best you do step away.
[CHUCKLES.]
For perspective.
Don't need to go to the city for that.
We're all alive and well.
[SIGHS.]
[KNOCK ON DOOR.]
You're right.
- Sorry, I thought it was Harry.
- No, no, no, no.
He's He's gone to get my stuff.
You're staying, then? For now.
- I best get cleaned up.
- No, no.
I've been trying to choose my moment.
Oh, what can one say? Nothin'.
No.
Perhaps simply, if I may? Sarah, George, and I most recently have all lost loved ones tragically, with little warning.
You are with those who understand.
We We've had our moments, Mr.
Briggs, we two, but this brings us closer.
Dawnie liked you.
She epitomized all that's best in country women.
I'll intrude no more.
She was salt of the earth.
She was.
As was Douglas.
As are you.
They'd not want us salting the earth with sorrow.
Such soil cannot sustain life, and we must live, to honor them.
Why can't we live there still? Because Mummy and I are married.
Why can't we all live there? Because we have the big house.
I like that one.
Is Granny going to live there now? No, she's visiting Mr.
Briggs.
Does he live there now? Just for the moment.
We're discussing the complexities of who does and doesn't inhabit the guest cottage.
DAVID: I want to live there.
As you can see.
Why don't you go and tell them to saddle up for us, hm? How is he? As you'd imagine.
Well, Sarah's off telling Dawn's daughter.
Oh, an unenviable task.
George, I apologize for any tensions displayed since your return.
Carolyn has suggested some perspective.
The house will change, of course, but you're always a welcome part of it.
But how conducive is that to calm? I say that without judgment.
I will join James until he leaves.
I may stay on.
Understand my motives, please.
Whatever's best.
I hope it will help me discover what's best.
At the moment I seem at a loss.
So you'd be away a bit? CAROLYN: Perhaps half the week.
Possibly a week on, week off.
It's still in the making.
It can be adjusted.
He's got a designer.
From London.
He's not said who.
What would you do? Promotion.
Assist on the business side, source suppliers.
Be his eye on the ground.
Sarah asked me yesterday how we'd been going.
"Mucking along," I said.
It's true.
You deserve more.
I do.
You know I love you.
If I can't be happy for you You've felt threatened before.
You really don't mind? Part of me does.
But it's wrong.
Say it.
- What? - Say it makes you happy.
It does.
- Say you're excited.
- [LAUGHS.]
I am.
- That you love the idea.
- Of course I do.
So what would it make me if I stomped on that? I dreaded your no.
What's a few days a week baching, eh? Mr.
O'Rourke, perhaps you might find other duties for today.
Mr.
Briggs has suffered a tragedy.
He's staying.
He requires rest.
You want the crows gone or don't you? He's lost his wife and child.
I heard.
Well, then a little compassion.
I never liked her much.
Getting in the missus' ear.
I suggest you take the day off.
Not too keen on him, either.
I'll tell Mr.
Bligh you'll return tomorrow.
- Well, you're not the boss.
- [GUNSHOT.]
I'll earn my quid till he gives my orders.
You'll be getting your notice if you're not careful.
You reckon I care? I know what the job's about.
You reckon it's stopped me tellin' the blokes how the clinic's poisoning our wives against us? You should leave.
You think your shit doesn't stink.
How dare you.
Lady Muck.
That's what they call you.
You're a joke.
Shove your job.
That top paddock looks like it could do with some attention, too.
Want me to get stuck into it? - That's not your worry, son.
- Oh, happy to.
Where you goin'? Maybe that dirt could do with some turning.
Thanks.
- [DOG BARKS.]
- Get up.
That's it.
Want me to come? No.
Mr.
Briggs! - [DOOR OPENS.]
- Doctor? I'm here to see Dawnie.
And my little one.
I know you done your best.
Both of youse.
There's no hard feelings.
I want you to know.
I wasn't sure how I'd face you.
There's no joy in blame.
[SIGHS.]
Where are they? I'll do it.
That's how I want 'em buried.
You tell the funeral home that.
I want 'em together.
I'll be outside.
[DOOR CLOSES.]
[SNIFFLES.]
I'll make sure Emma doesn't want for nothin'.
Oh, Dawnie.
I do love you.
I didn't say it.
People 'round.
That's blokes for you.
Own worst enemies at times.
[VOICE BREAKING.]
But I do love you, Dawnie.
I don't know why I didn't say it.
[CRYING.]
My beautiful girls.
Sleep tight.
[SOBBING.]
She's a brilliant student.
I hope we don't lose her.
We'll see you don't.
Her mother had such hopes for her.
[GIRLS LAUGHING.]
Mr.
Briggs' fears were well-founded.
She says he's to blame.
She thinks it's all his fault.
I hate him.
You don't mean that.
She never would have had it if it wasn't for him.
It was her choice, too.
Nothing has been the same since him.
Why do you think I came here? He loved your mother, and she loved him.
He killed her with his baby.
Why don't we talk about this on the way home? I hate that house.
I loved our home.
He's not my dad.
I never knew you [SCHOOL BELL RINGS.]
Well, no one asked.
Can I stay with you, Mrs.
Collins? Mm-hmm.
I'll get my things.
Mummy's dead.
Mummy's dead.
DORIS: Oh, darling, it's all right.
It's all right.
It's utterly outrageous! GEORGE: A brandy, I think.
I've already had two.
What is happening to the world? Another won't hurt.
I'll see he's kept away, and he'll be hearing from me.
- No.
- It should be said.
It will encourage him to think he counts.
He seems to.
ELIZABETH: The man himself is irrelevant.
It's the fraying of values that alarms.
This would never have happened once.
Perhaps it's always been there and we've just failed to see it.
I glimpsed it during the election.
A simmering resentment at the rallies about privilege.
Perhaps they think we feel superior.
ELIZABETH: We are to the likes of O'Rourke.
No wonder their wives are disaffected.
And they blame the clinic.
So, what would you like me to do? You've listened.
You've sympathized.
It's enough.
I suddenly feel the brandy.
The world decreasingly makes sense.
Perhaps it's part of getting old.
You may age, Mother.
You'll never be old.
One hopes so.
One fears not.
[MATCH STRIKES.]
JACK: That's it, all done.
CAROLYN: Would you like to reschedule? - Thank you.
- CAROLYN: Today? The longer without a recurrence, the less likely there'll be one.
- You should be pleased.
- CAROLYN: No, that's fine.
SHEILA: Can't be chuffed about anything today.
We're all feeling it.
She was a dear soul.
And poor Roy.
I finish here today, but we're hoping Sister Nordmann might return.
Sister Bligh now.
If you need to talk.
Stan said she's back.
So they're married? - They are.
- Give 'em my best.
[VOICE BREAKING.]
Sorry.
I understand.
I can't stop thinking of Dawn.
CAROLYN: Poor woman.
Mrs.
Sloan's canceled.
Dawn was her bridesmaid.
She's too upset to make it.
It'll be quite a funeral.
Her brolly.
Oh, Stan, we needed the money.
Yeah, well, it was worth it.
You should have seen the look on the old cow's face.
Sheila! - Oh, piss off! - Don't.
- Still might rain.
- I'm sorry.
Hey, don't you apologize for me.
Get in the truck.
Well, so much for your bloody clinic.
- Didn't help the Briggs bitch.
- SHEILA: Stan.
- Well, it didn't.
- No.
- So much for Dr.
No-Nuts.
- Stop it.
Ah, the big man himself.
Killed her, didn't you? - SHEILA: Stan.
- STAN: Well, he did.
- Please.
- I called a spade a spade.
Shut your vicious mouth! [CRYING.]
Dawn was worth 10 of you! They all are! These are good people! - Get in the truck.
- I hate you! STAN: Now! Don't you touch me again ever, you pig! Could you call the police? I need them to collect the kids.
Sergeant Fraser.
Don't even think it.
I'm not having them grow up like you.
You're not takin' 'em anywhere.
- No! - Hey.
Hey.
You bastard! - You all right? - Yes.
Yes.
Get help.
[GRUNTS.]
What's this? What are you doing? You've been unconscious, Mr.
O'Rourke.
I have to check for concussion.
[GRUNTING.]
Take 'em off.
Where's No-Nuts? I'll rip him apart.
They stay on until we're convinced no staff are at risk.
I suggest you hold still.
If you are concussed, it'll simply make things worse.
I'll do the lot of ya.
Note down the threat, Sister.
- Where's Sheila? - With the police.
She's not takin' my kids.
I'll kill her.
And that one.
The needle first.
A sedative.
You've given us no choice.
Better than the professionals.
My hero.
Am I? And not just for your fists.
What's that for? For trusting me to wander off and know I won't wander.
Where would I find another you? Impossible.
Exactly.
- James.
- Delia.
Well, we can start with this one, my darling.
It screams decorate.
It belongs to Livvy's fiancé.
They're marrying once our divorce is through.
DELIA: Oh, he cannot carry his bride across the threshold into this monstrous interior.
Oh.
JAMES: My grandmother inherited it from his father.
They were married.
She signed it across.
More serpentine than the lives of the Windsors.
I'll be pressuring him for a commission.
JAMES: I'm told he's into surfboards, so good luck.
I imagine chic is a low priority.
Then I'll work on her.
Caro.
Is she on deck? She is.
You didn't mention me? You ask, I obey.
What's this surprise you keep smirking over? I'm surprised she never whispered it.
To you, at least.
You're dying to tell.
Oh, why not? She embraced the queer, my pet, well before you.
10 years ago, in London.
We were lovers.
Hideous.
ROY: So, she don't want a bar of me? She's grieving.
Good thing I wasn't there.
She's right, you know.
Dawnie'd be alive if we hadn't met.
That's your grief talking.
Better with Doris than me.
Where's this coming from? The older she got, the more it was like I stole her mum.
Used to worry Dawnie.
You should talk to her before the funeral.
She don't need even more upset Better before the day.
I said my goodbye.
Sorry? Nothing.
And it needs a bit of thinkin'.
I will stay the night, ta.
As long as you want.
Talk later, eh? Yes.
Can't blame her.
That won't help either of you.
[DOOR CLOSES.]
This ain't the end of it.
I suggest you don't overdo things for today.
Yeah, like you care.
[SCOFFS.]
Yeah, that'd be right.
Don't need any carry on, Stan.
STAN: He decked me.
Every reason to, by the sound of it.
And what's a man meant to do, huh? Stirring up his wife like that? FRASER: She's gone, Stan.
- What? - I took her to the station.
Her and the kids.
They're well on their way.
What are you talking about? No, no, no, she can't.
This is all you, hmm? You and No-Nuts.
Hey, watch your tongue.
Your hens have come home to roost, mate.
And they're all yours.
The whole ruddy chook house.
I'm gonna get you for it.
You'll be gettin' no one, or you'll be getting locked up.
Come on.
I'll see you home.
And you doped me up so he can sneak my family off.
Oh, you wait till people hear about this, huh? There's gonna be plenty on my side.
The town louts.
You wait! All of youse.
First sign of trouble, ring.
STAN: Second-rate quacks.
No wonder she died.
[DOOR SLAMS.]
First hint of that last bit doing the rounds, stomp on it, hmm? Don't think I didn't have my own doubts.
Only defend me if you can.
I hope you can.
We will, Mr.
Fox.
Thank you.
[SIGHS.]
DELIA: Ahh.
Dry as the Sahara in summer.
Willy Maugham's boyfriend taught me.
DELIA: Alan? Oh, darling, the only thing she does better than making martinis is knocking them back.
It's a good business model.
Let's see what Caro makes of it.
It's a bit of a lifeline.
Her husband's a stick in the mud.
A darling one, I'm sure, if she's with him.
He's a good man, just stolid.
I doubt he'd understand her Sapphic phase.
And that's all it was.
She dipped her toe in the water while I embraced the full plunge.
[LAUGHS.]
Enough double entendre.
I shall behave.
- Good.
- But should she wish not to [CHUCKLES.]
The suspense is delicious.
I've set the alarm for 6:00.
What a beautiful night.
I might quit.
These might not be good for the baby.
OLIVIA: I don't see how they could harm.
ANNA: Mm, one never knows.
Or this.
I'd ask Henry if he were here.
Going back may well bring it to a head.
His relative proximity will increase my guilt.
- OLIVIA: Guilt? - Yes.
There is guilt.
What to do? What to do? [THUNDER CRASHES.]
[THUNDER RUMBLING.]
ROY: You'll be all right out there? HARRY: Still a bed on the veranda.
In this weather? Sleep inside.
Ah, you know me and fresh air.
And everything all right in the city with you staying and everything? Works out well, in a way.
You'll be jake? As can be.
[THUNDER RUMBLING.]
[DOG WHIMPERS.]
You and me, fella.
Just us.
SARAH: Put me down! [LAUGHS.]
I think I've done my back! - Oh! [LAUGHS.]
- Ah! [LAUGHS.]
Feels wrong to laugh.
Oh, he wouldn't mind.
Ohh.
Can you believe we're here? Finally.
Our wedding night.
Yes.
Just hold me.
Forever.
Mr.
Briggs? Mr.
Briggs, hello? Oh.
Stuff yas.
[ENGINE STARTS.]
"I'll let Em see her mum off without me there spoiling it.
She's got every right to hate me.
" He's gone.
[HORN HONKING.]
[TIRES SCREECH.]
[CRASH.]
[GEARSHIFT CLICKS.]
- with addic7ed standards -