A Place to Call Home (2013) s06e03 Episode Script

1 ROY: I'm here to see Dawnie and my little one.
- EMMA: I hate him.
- You don't mean that.
She never would have had it if it wasn't for him.
I'll let Em see her mum off without me there spoiling it.
[SIGHS.]
He's gone.
Matt insists we return to Sydney.
There could be a heartbroken mother back there.
I can't be his father until I know whoever gave him up doesn't regret it.
- It was her choice.
- Under what circumstances? Livvy, how about we all go, and we stay at Douglas's well, Matt's now and we don't tell any of them? It sits there empty.
They would want you to stay.
I'll call and check.
Ah, we'd rather you didn't until we've shared news of the wedding.
Let me unsettle you with a proposition.
It's partly why I'm back.
You are worth more at the clinic than involved in interior design and its attendant frippery.
- He's got a designer? - From London.
He's not said who.
You didn't mention me? What's this surprise you keep smirking over? Ten years ago, in London.
We were lovers.
What's that for? For trusting me to wander off and know I won't wander.
You'll be getting your notice if you're not careful! You reckon I care? You're a joke.
Shove your job.
HENRY: I came here to be near James, and I stayed in the vain hope that he'd return.
Where's the point in staying? What we're achieving here together.
- You're a fine surgeon.
- [HORN HONKING.]
[CAR CRASHING.]
[BELL CHIMING.]
He's got the whole world In His hands He's got the whole wide world In His hands He's got the whole world In His hands He's got the whole world in His hands He's got the little bitty baby In His hands He's got the little bitty baby In His hands He's got the little bitty baby In His hands He's got the whole world in His hands He's got the whole world In His hands He's got the whole wide world In His hands He's got the whole world In His hands He's got the whole world in His hands He's got you and me, brother - He's got the world - In His hands He's got you and me, sister - He's got the world - In His hands He's got you and me, brother - He's got the world - In His hands He's got the whole world in His hands He's got the whole world You're sure you're up to it? Could you turn that off, please? - In His hands - [CLICK.]
There.
Is that all? - Thank you.
- Give Mr.
Briggs my condolences.
I will.
[DOOR OPENS.]
If he's there.
[DOOR CLOSES.]
It's not well timed.
"The whole world in His hands.
" Mm! [EXHALES SHARPLY.]
- Don't go overdoing it.
- I have to attend.
- If Roy can miss it - He won't.
- Of course he won't.
- Still no sign of him.
Now, the specialist's arriving at 2:00, so it's best you I don't need him to tell me what I know.
Just wait and see.
Best not eat anything in case he wants to operate.
These aren't surgeon's hands, not anymore, whatever he does.
- You can't tell after only - Don't patronize me.
We'll see.
I can't bring this back any more than Roy can Dawn.
Well, we'll be off in ten minutes.
Mm-hmm.
Could you It's just that song.
- [CLICK.]
- April love Can slip right through your fingers Every star The gods really are chuckling.
- that shines for you - Leave it.
April love [DOOR OPENS.]
- Is all the seven wonders - [DOOR CLOSES.]
So we're all saying goodbye to Mrs.
Briggs.
- Me too? - No.
It's not for small boys.
'Cause she's dead? Yes.
- She's going to God? - Yes, she is.
But God's in the synagogue.
Well, he's in the church too.
But what if he's not? God is everywhere.
I'll say goodbye to her here, then.
Good boy.
The subtleties of comparative religion.
I wish the world saw through his eyes.
Life would be simpler.
Oh, wait.
It is true, though.
What? Roy doesn't have to be in the church.
He must come.
He's putting Emma first.
He's not a man who copes well with pain.
But to not be there? Bloody coward.
Two cases? I'm not sure how long I'll stay.
Well, not too long, I hope.
We're sure to be up there soon.
We'll We'll catch up, huh? [CAR DOOR OPENS.]
[CAR DOOR CLOSES.]
She's not rushing back, if her bags are an indication.
Would it help if I talked to her? No.
Perhaps another time.
Shabbat's an invitation, not an obligation.
It's more than just that, but that is a huge change.
Yes.
I'm being discussed.
Of course.
Is it so threatening? A Jewish household? Every Friday night? Rightly or wrongly, I don't approve.
I must find a way to.
And if you can't? Like Mr.
Briggs, I remove myself for the sake of others.
It just adds to my list of confusions.
Perhaps Sydney will bring clarity.
I hope so.
[ENGINE STARTS.]
OLIVIA: Here we are.
I want to go see David! - He is at Ash Park.
- Then let's go there, then! - Not yet.
- But I want to.
We will talk about it when you've slept, all right? I'll settle him.
You can take one of the smaller bedrooms.
- If they're stripped, there's - I'll manage.
His pajamas are in the blue case.
Thank you.
Come on, young man.
I don't want to! You didn't sleep a wink on the plane.
GEORGIE: I want to go see David.
Sleep will help her too.
To a degree.
You can't blame her.
Only if she's not willing to embrace what's right.
The house has been aired.
Someone's here.
I thought you said that Grandmother contacts whenever she visits.
MATT: Always.
"The Riviera Mode.
" James? Surely not.
I'll check the bedrooms.
[CAR APPROACHING.]
You can wait here if you'd rather avoid the barrage.
It'll come from concern.
- If it gets too much - I'll cope.
Oh, dear, look.
HENRY: [GROANS SOFTLY.]
I'd hoped to see you.
How are you? Battered.
Bruised.
But less so each day.
Still no indication of who might have caused it? No.
I'm told you didn't see the vehicle.
Just lights.
Well, I trust you see justice done.
Mm.
This brings context.
Whatever we can do.
Anything.
Got a spare hand? I hear you're going.
Nothing to James.
I insist.
DORIS: Emma's continued bitterness is alarming.
I fear, should Mr.
Briggs attend I doubt he will.
I'm sure she'll blame him should he not.
Damned if he does, damned if he doesn't.
Mm, she's determined to make him the culprit.
I'll speak to her again.
- Would you? - Yes.
Oh, and there's Mr.
Fox.
Suffering wherever one looks.
I'll see you inside.
Perhaps get a seat at the back.
- I'll be there if you need me.
- Thank you.
Excuse me.
May I have a quick word? - I'm glad he's not coming.
- He does care.
He doesn't want to make it worse.
If he comes, I'll ask him to get out.
Emma.
It's not what your mother would want.
She didn't want to die.
I know that.
I've done a scout around.
No sign.
- It's just not like him.
- No, it isn't.
He'll come.
There is something you could do to help.
We should go to a hotel.
Georgie's just settled.
Well, settle him again.
It's up to you.
You want James involved? Why didn't he say he was coming back? Why didn't anyone call? The whole thing changes.
I mean, for you too, if he talks to Henry.
Perhaps it's as it should be.
Georgie's his son.
He should have a say.
The son he abandoned for the high life? Don't.
I want you to do what's right, and I'm a villain? And suddenly he's a father again because it suits you? What about, "How could he forget about Georgie?" - [CAR APPROACHING.]
- You want it all your own way.
I'm just saying, since he's here Which he is.
Here.
Now.
It seems decided for us.
- What is happening with you? - [DOOR OPENS.]
You're the one grabbing on to whatever moral high ground suits.
I know what's best for my son.
It was "our" son yesterday.
Just tell James I'll meet him up at the park.
I want a chance to make my point, just he and I.
They're married? They didn't want you to feel obliged to fly home.
It was a low-key affair.
I was coming back for business anyway.
Well, the choice would have been nice.
Not that I would have taken it, given this.
So not weight? - Weight? Me? - Didn't think you could.
- Nor did I.
- Whose? You have bigger issues.
You are sent from heaven.
Help me, please? [PEOPLE SINGING HYMN IN DISTANCE.]
Praise Him, praise Him Praise Him, praise Him [HYMN CONTINUES.]
[HYMN ENDS.]
REVEREND: O Lord, you have searched me out and known me.
You know when I sit, when I stand, comprehend my thoughts long before.
You discern my path and the places where I rest.
You are acquainted with all my ways.
Where shall I go from your spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence? If I ascend into heaven, you are there.
If I make my bed in the grave, you are there also.
If I spread out my wings towards the morning or dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me.
If I say, "Surely the darkness will cover me and the night will enclose me " the darkness is no darkness with you, but the night is as clear as the day.
The darkness and the light are both alike.
I love you, Dawnie.
He has a point.
I have forfeited any rights to have a say.
Georgie's our son.
I made a choice.
It broke my heart, but I did.
It's you and Matt now.
You can't think he's being fair? I don't know.
I need to hear what he has to say.
The thought of giving him up would be monstrous for any mother.
- It might come to that.
- But it might well not.
That's what I've said.
Just the thought - He's asleep? - Yes.
I think it's best he doesn't see me while I'm here.
At least until this is resolved.
If he's adjusting to Matt, perhaps not at all.
I don't want to confuse him.
You seem on Matt's side.
This isn't about sides.
Don't make it combative.
This is about understanding.
You owe me your support, James Stop! If there's a victim in this, it's Georgie.
He was dragged into it by both of us.
We think of him first, anyone else second.
I'll see Matt.
[DOOR OPENS.]
He's moved on.
It's easy for him.
[DOOR CLOSES.]
Georgie is best with me.
And if not? Of course he is.
He has another mother out there somewhere, if she wants him.
Would he thank you in years to come? It's not just about now.
Will you lie his entire life? [BELL CHIMING.]
Roy turned up.
Sarah's taken the car.
She's gone with him.
Ah, where? She said there'll be a note at home.
- She said you'd understand.
- Oh.
I've got another message to deliver.
Of course.
Sarah thought you should know.
Roy came.
He didn't want to upset you.
He prayed for your mum out here.
- And for your sister.
- Yeah.
Well, there you are, you see? Yeah, well, where is he? He is putting you before himself.
You know where we are if you need anything.
Thank you.
George, I accept that Sarah's concerned for Mr.
Briggs, but this is your first public appearance as husband and wife.
It's unseemly to dash off.
And it hasn't gone unnoticed.
- She knows what's best.
- I'm sure.
Keep us informed, as we will you.
It's their life.
Secondary to all others, it seems.
Roy's a dear friend.
And George is her husband.
None of my affair.
Just wanted to say, sorry about that.
Fine.
- No idea who did it? - No.
I hope you believed James.
We're just mates.
I don't care.
Right.
I hope it's exciting, however it shapes up.
I won't commit if it's not.
It's got to be something worth missing you for.
Right answer.
She seems pretty lost.
I'll be there for her.
I'll ring you tonight.
Where are we going? Oh! We are going to visit Mr.
Briggs.
Mr.
Briggs is there! Hello, Mr.
Briggs! - G'day, mate.
- We're gonna visit his camp.
- May I sit in the front? - Yeah, hop in.
Yes, sir.
That is not for you.
- You've told George? - He'll understand.
Did you say goodbye to Mrs.
Briggs? Yes, mate.
We did.
[ENGINE STARTS.]
It's good to meet you.
Can think of better circumstances.
Well, you have my father's seal of approval.
Maybe not after this.
So.
So.
You've taken quite a stance.
What you're proposing comes with a great deal of risk.
I have my reasons.
I have a son.
His mother left when he was only two.
He's out there somewhere.
I've no idea where.
She cut all ties, disappeared.
I know what it's like to yearn for one's kid.
Right.
- Does Olivia know? - No.
Tell her.
I want her to make the choice for the right reason, not because of anything to do with me.
It would help her understand.
I want her to accept that Georgie has a real mother.
Her maternity doesn't trump all.
As cut and dried as that? I love her and Georgie.
I want them both.
But not at the expense of someone who's aching for their son as much as I do for mine.
I will tell her, but only after she's made her choice.
- A test.
- That's not how I see it.
I have complicated enough of things myself.
I won't judge.
I just hope your need to do this doesn't come at the expense of Olivia and Georgie.
You think I don't? I'm on this number if you need anything to facilitate matters.
I'm so glad I rang.
We'll talk.
Georgie's still dead to the world.
What? I just rang my publishers to let them know I'm back.
20th Century Fox contacted while we were in the air.
She'd been trying to reach me in Hawaii.
"On the Beach" and "Summer of the Seventeenth Doll" are shooting.
"Heaven Knows, Mr.
Allison" was a hit.
Australian stories are in vogue.
They want to option my novels.
[GASPS.]
What does that mean? Fame.
Moola.
Perhaps the chance to adapt them.
She'll keep me informed.
Publicity? Possibly.
I'll tell her if needs must.
Her? What happened to Ed? Overseas.
I'm dealing with his assistant.
Probably best.
I'd say so.
- I'm happy for you.
- [DOOR CLOSES.]
- I'm happy for me.
- [LAUGHS.]
Georgie? Still asleep.
I'll take a quick peep before I go.
I'll make sure it's safe.
Of course.
What now? Let's talk.
Without anger, I hope.
As do I.
It's best dealt with, Livvy.
I can understand.
So, you.
Whose? - What did he say? - It's their business.
Well? It's Henry's.
James was my last hope.
No.
You're your own, if you're willing to embrace what's right.
We can be happy.
- If.
- Only if.
Trust me.
So said James and Lloyd.
Well, I'm not them.
I'm not sure.
Then we have no future.
Possibly not.
This is fun.
Yum.
We want Roy at Shabbat, don't we? You got to come.
Come home.
What's home now? Your friends are a start.
These days, I prefer this to a pin.
Gives a better sense of what's what.
No.
No.
No.
Around the flexor tendons, the cuts were quite deep.
Very deep.
The median nerve's been cut.
Yes, I would say so.
I'm sorry.
We'll know more after surgery.
Is there any point? The best surgeon I know for this is Benjamin Frank.
I'll phone him and make sure you're at the top of his list.
As they so tactfully say in the Journal of Joint Surgery, "as for the tendons in the fingers, excellent results are not common.
" 9% success rate.
Delicate surgery will certainly be beyond you.
- I knew it.
- At best? I'll be lecturing in anatomy.
Let's wait until we see what's what.
Looks like you're looking for a surgeon.
And I'm looking for a future.
I didn't realize how much I'd missed this house.
It never fails to soothe.
We had thought it best resolved privately, without others fussing.
Anna explained, as it applies to herself too.
I've left that with James and Carolyn.
This doesn't sound like Matthew.
Not the one we knew.
Try to get through to him.
I've left Ash Park to avoid involvement.
At least let him explain.
It may lead to something.
It must come from him.
I won't interfere.
- Ahh.
- Elizabeth.
It would seem like life's decided against us keeping this private.
It would seem so.
Share what you will.
Shall we? And you blame me for keeping my distance? Of course we're going to comment.
It's my choice! I should never have come back.
And you dropped Henry, so don't all of a sudden turn into his champion.
I'm simply stating facts.
It's the only child he's likely to ever have.
And it's my right to raise it as I decide.
As a single mother? Times have changed since I was born.
Not enough.
I am delighted for you, but please understand, you will be viewed as cheap and your child a bastard, as we would have been.
That's society's problem, not mine.
Easily said.
Sarah sailed through with David.
She was engaged to George.
He was David's father.
They had the goodwill of the town.
You are a successful author in the wider world.
Think what the gutter press will make of it.
So, what, I slink off and give my child away, like you did with me? I'm sorry.
No, you're right.
I did.
I doubt you'd have had as blessed a childhood if I hadn't.
You'd have been tarred by the stigma.
But I'd have had my mother.
We missed out on so much.
I'm not saying this to hurt you.
If you had your time again, knowing all you missed, what would you do? I'd like to think the same.
Perhaps not.
Could you see it as my reliving history for you in your grandchild, in a time more likely to be forgiving? And if not, I've been raised with the strength to cope.
But nothing to Papa.
And nothing to Henry.
I won't have my choice to tell made for me.
It's my baby, my life.
His baby, his life.
Don't let what happened between Livvy and me affect you.
That's all I'll say.
Good.
Subject closed.
Can I be honest? Of course.
When Olivia speaks of her time as a Bligh, it's with a mixture of love and vehemence.
She judges and disapproves of so much.
She said in leaving you all that she wished to leave the complications behind.
My current thoughts are somewhat similar.
The poor girl was drawn into an unenviable situation.
It's what led to her choice to acquire Georgie.
Buy.
Let's call a spade a spade.
- She bought him.
- From love.
I see no merit in choosing the harsher term.
I I just I want to face the truth.
No more lies.
That's what she said when she left Ash Park, until it suited her differently.
Are you trying to drive a wedge between us? No, I'm laying out the facts.
You're judging her.
And us.
You're a family with this incredible ability to view things through a self-serving lens.
I see.
[SIGHS.]
I came here to avoid complications.
I won't embrace yours.
I will simply say that Olivia has suffered enough.
I trust your self-righteousness doesn't add to that.
Sense of right.
Not remotely the same.
I hope this doesn't come between us.
As do I.
Certainly not the Matthew we know.
We won't stay.
I've telephoned Prudence, and she'll be delighted to have us.
We three, James? Olivia said you were unsure about Georgie seeing you, so, wise perhaps? - I was just leaving.
- What happened? We're best away.
Um, letters of condolence are in order for Mr.
Briggs.
His wife, Dawn, has died, and their baby.
- No.
- It's dreadful.
So Prudence's, yes? I'd like to stay.
Is that all right? - Of course.
- I will behave.
No, I'd like you to.
Poor Mr.
Briggs.
That's terrible news.
You still have your child, so there is hope.
You hold to that.
You know where we are if things become too strident.
Right, before Georgie stirs? And let us tell Ash Park in our own time.
My great-grandchild.
It's a blessing, whatever the complexities.
We'll talk.
Blessings is a start.
And I've somewhere to run now.
If needed.
Where's Elizabeth? She's just left.
[CAR DOORS CLOSING.]
You encouraged honesty.
Stay.
I did.
But no.
I hope you soften.
Please.
[ENGINE STARTS.]
OLIVIA: We're writing to Roy Briggs We're doing what we came to do.
We see the doctor tomorrow, and we set this thing in motion.
That's it.
Finished.
Done.
SARAH: There.
- What do you think? - That's good.
Now we're a Jewish home.
What's all that banging about? Ah.
It's up.
Yes, it is.
I wanted it there for tonight.
Of course.
Would you like to come for a walk before dinner? - Yes, please.
- No getting dirty.
- You either.
- I won't.
Oh, we'll try.
It means the world.
I know that.
So, who have we got? Jack and Harry.
Possibly Doris.
Roy? Well, that would be biggest blessing.
Bye.
Have a good walk.
DAVID: Bye.
There's no need to rush into anything.
I'm off to the city by the end of the week.
You'll need someone.
- In the short term, yeah - Don't.
It makes it worse.
You are looking for my replacement.
I have suggestions.
- Henry - Please don't.
Well, I'll get onto it tomorrow, then.
Mm.
I'm expected home.
Oh, Dr.
Duncan? A moment.
I thought you'd be with Emma.
Oh, no, she's at my house, resting, with her little school friend.
But some advice.
Mrs.
Bligh's Jewish affair.
- Shabbat.
- Yes.
It won't oblige me every week, will it, if I attend? Well, does going to church once mean you're stuck with it? Well, now, that's a point well made.
But having just seen dear Dawn to rest, is it seemly? Sarah was there praying with us.
We should return the favor, yeah? I knew I could depend on you.
Thank you, Doctor.
Ah, Mr.
Polson.
No doubt you'll be joining the broadminded set at Mrs.
Bligh's Shabbat? - That's the term, you know? - I do.
So I'll see you there, then? Yep.
Where's Mr.
Fox's room? Oh, in the private room, of course.
[KNOCK ON DOOR, DOOR OPENS.]
We got off on the wrong foot earlier.
I'll be staying, helping Roy.
If you need to talk Why would I? With someone who knows what's what.
[EXHALES SHARPLY.]
Our inclinations don't make us part of a club.
I I thought it might help to be able to talk openly.
With you? - If you change your mind.
- I won't.
Any message for James? They're probably out there wondering why you'd visit me.
Please leave.
[DOOR CLOSES.]
Hello, Mummy.
Hello.
You've had a long sleep.
It was nice.
I'm sure.
Ava's described Melbourne as the perfect place to film the end of the world.
- [GASPS.]
- [LAUGHS.]
Let me see.
- How to win friends.
- She sounds a bit of a monster.
And you're excited about Hollywood? I won't be winning any friends.
If you all know and Henry doesn't.
He should.
Tell him.
Matt? On the veranda.
You brought this on us.
I'm sorry.
Olivia.
Olivia.
I've let enough men control me.
I'll leave with Georgie tomorrow.
Olivia! Bottles! Threepence! There's four of them.
That's a shilling.
DAVID: I'm rich! Someone's left you a present.
- Need a lift? - That's good timing.
I'm rich! You watch Uncle Jack's car.
JACK: She's right.
And your trousers.
Your mum won't be too impressed.
Dried mud.
Must have been dropped the night it rained.
It's a strange place for it.
Now, let's get you cleaned up before dinner.
Okay.
- How long have I got? - 20 minutes before sundown.
I'll be back.
PRUDENCE: Elizabeth.
Elizabeth? Elizabeth, was I being so dull? I'm sorry.
You were saying.
What were you thinking? Sunset.
It's almost time.
Am I wrong to resent it? If it means you're here more often, let Ash Park go to the Jews or the pack.
- Same thing.
- Prudence.
You're the one avoiding it.
Not from prejudice.
The remark was offensive.
An ill-considered jest.
I apologize.
If not prejudice, what? I have felt distant from Ash Park before, but never alien to it.
With this, I do.
SARAH: The candle tradition is from Biblical times, where women lit a lamp that had to last through the evening.
[CLINKS.]
Ma'am? Not too late? Oh, Mr.
Briggs.
Come, come.
We all understood.
You're right on time.
- You've made our evening.
- You have.
JACK: Too right.
Goodo, then.
SARAH: This is for you.
[CHUCKLES.]
- God has smiled on us, Mrs.
Bligh.
- He has.
[SPEAKING HEBREW.]
Shabbat shalom.
Shabbat shalom.
Shabbat shalom, Doris.
Oh! Shabbat shalom.
- Shabbat shalom.
- DORIS: Sarah.
Shabbat shalom, David.
I love you.
Coming.
The lady herself.
I hoped you'd have arrived.
Give an old flame a kiss? Elizabeth.
I bluffed my way past the maid.
- What do you want? - Your help.
You're gonna give it.