Howard's Way (1985) s06e03 Episode Script

(Dog yelping) Yes! Good dogs! Oh, hello! Good dog.
- Morning, Bill.
- Jack.
- All packed? - Ready to go when you are.
Good.
- Oh, Jack.
- Yeah? Vanessa's in the office and she's not very happy.
Oh? I just thought I'd mark your card so you're prepared.
Right.
Thanks, Bill.
- She certainly looks well.
- Yes, she does, doesn't she? Very well.
Life in the Mediterranean obviously agrees with her.
Still, I wish she could make a life for herself here.
Seeing her again made me realise how very much I miss her.
We all miss her but so long as she's well and happy, that's all that matters, isn't it? Yes, of course.
Well, I'd better be going.
Oh, er, if Leo should get in touch, could you get him to phone me before he leaves? Darling, I know how you feel, believe me I do, but don't try to talk him out of going, will you? - I can't promise that.
- Oh, come on, Jan.
Leo's quite old enough to decide for himself what he wants to do and so is Lynne.
Doesn't stop me worrying about them though, does it? What responsible parent doesn't worry about her children? Just keep a sense of perspective, that's all.
Easier said than done.
I manage it.
At least I do sometimes.
- Oh - At least I think I do.
(Chuckles) Bye, darling.
About that meeting at the bank.
I'm keeping my fingers crossed.
- Thank you.
- And don't take no for an answer.
- Then you'll be fine.
- I'll try not to.
That's my girl! - You're being totally unreasonable.
- Unreasonable? I'll be away for ten days at the most.
What if I want to go away? Who'll look after Thomas? But you won't be away, will you? So there's no problem.
That's the point.
I've got a career, too, you know.
So you keep telling me.
You could work full time if you want.
Gran's offered to look after Thomas.
- You're his father.
- You're his mother.
We're responsible for looking after him.
I think you both ought to keep your voices down otherwise he'll be awake.
- Oh, thank you, Gerald! - Having been awake half the night, he like, the rest of us, could use some sleep.
I don't think it's any of your business.
I don't want to interfere.
- Apologise.
- What for? - Your attitude! - What's wrong with my attitude?! - Why don't you discuss this rationally? - I'm late for work as it is.
I'm sorry about that.
(Door slams) Well, it's understandable, in the circumstances.
Is it? Yes, I mean, having sleepless nights, you're both bound to feel tired and irritable.
- I think we're just tired of each other.
- Oh, I wouldn't say that.
Well, something's wrong.
(Knocking) - Orrin.
It's lovely to see you again.
- Good to see you, too, Laura.
Could you arrange some coffee for us, please, Sasha? - You're looking well.
- Thank you.
In fact, very well, considering there have been some changes since I was last here.
I assume you're not referring to my having had the place redecorated? Not exactly.
No matter where I look, there isn't a single trace of Ken Masters.
Ken decided it was time to move on.
That was quite an manoeuvre, Laura.
I bet Ken didn't know what hit him.
But he does now and he won't forget you for a long time.
I'm quite sure you didn't suggest this meeting just to talk about Ken.
No.
So? What did you want to discuss? I'm just bringing a boat back from the Mediterranean.
What's wrong with that? You'll soon see if it starts falling apart when you sail it back.
It won't fall apart.
It's totally seaworthy.
It's a classic boat.
And you can't wait to get your hands on her, can you? Well, restoring her to her former glory will certainly be a challenge, if that's what you mean.
Jack, I don't want you to go.
How else am I supposed to bring her back? But, Jack, a boat that age, it's dangerous.
If you don't know what you're doing but I do know my way round a boat.
So did Tom.
And Klaus.
Yes.
Well? It's a very impressive business plan, my dear, very impressive.
How much capital were you expecting to raise? Initially, 300,000 to cover research and development costs.
And then there's your marketing costs, of course.
But they're minimal in comparison.
I'm afraid I can't agree.
You'd have to think in terms of a further 200,000 at least before you've got the subsidiary up and going.
And that's a very substantial risk for the bank, my dear.
Well, there is a market out there, John.
If you can find it.
It's unlike you to be so pessimistic.
A pessimist, my dear, is merely an optimist with experience.
I've seen far too many new businesses fail through over-optimism.
Yes but we're not a new business, John, we've been trading for over five years and our turnover nearly trebled last year alone.
In the fashion world, certainly, but launching a cosmetics subsidiary is a very different matter.
So you're not interested? Now who's being pessimistic? I never said I wasn't interested but Oh, well, to be honest with you, the only way I can convince my board to accept your proposals is to launch this new business as a joint venture.
And what exactly would that entail? Naturally, we'd put in our own man to oversee the operation.
Now, wait a minute You would still have total control.
The bank would only need a minority stake.
How much of a minority would that be? Open to negotiation.
Maybe as far as the bank's concerned.
Look, I'm not expecting an immediate decision.
You take your time, think it over.
But carefully.
I may not have a whole lot of experience but I learn fast.
With your father's reputation in the business world, I would've thought he could've taught you all there is to know.
He still wants me to pursue a political career.
- But you don't? - I want to make something of my own life, succeed as Orrin Hudson, not just because of who my family is.
The problem being that your family doesn't quite see it that way.
Got it in one.
These Relton shares of Ken's you were telling me about.
- Those are now mine, Laura.
- Very well, then.
Your Relton shares.
If you want to embark on a business career, that's not a bad start.
Providing Ken didn't charge you over the odds for them.
As far as I'm concerned, he could've charged what he liked.
One thing my father did teach me - shares can also be useful negotiating levers.
Are you thinking of negotiating with Charles Frere? Not yet but in the future, who knows? But for the moment, you're confining your thoughts to Leisurecruise? Why not? A few shares in Leisurecruise would be a good investment.
And with you at the helm, I reckon this company is going places.
And you thought you might like to hitch a ride? I thought there might be some kind of a position for me at Leisurecruise.
But if you're not interested Well, that rather depends, Orrin, on what exactly you had in mind.
- You don't do this, Avril.
- I did warn you, Ken.
- We had an agreement.
- And who broke it? Not me.
Oh! How many times do I have to tell you? Those rights are mine.
- Not according to Laura Wilde.
- They've always been mine.
- Laura's just trying it on.
- According to you.
- But legally? What if she sues? - She won't get very far.
I developed that trailer-sailer.
You ask your dad.
- I already have.
- And? Well, the boat was developed independently, as far as he knew.
Ha! There you are, then.
He's not a lawyer, Ken.
I guarantee you, Avril, Laura hasn't got a case.
Mm.
You manufacture the boats, I'll sell them.
All I need is my office space and we're back in business.
After I've checked what the company lawyers have to say, and not before.
(Sir John) He landed this morning, as far as I know.
- How long's he staying? - He didn't say.
He just asked me to meet him down at Highfield tomorrow, for some reason or other.
Hmm.
Have you any idea what he's up to? I haven't a clue.
But whatever he's up to, Charles, I'd look out, if I were you.
Yes, quite.
I just thought the news might be of some interest.
I appreciate it.
Thank you, John.
- Problems? - Could be.
According to Stevens, my father has arrived back in Tarrant.
Any word on Polly? No.
Ah.
You seem a little disappointed.
No, no, I just er I just wondered if she'd accompanied him, that was all.
Or if they're still together? It makes no difference to me.
Really? Look, Charles, you're just about to spend L16 million on a hotel development.
You've got more important things on your mind than Polly.
Your father, for instance.
Yes.
Hello, Jan.
I couldn't concentrate on photographing anything.
I didn't want you to leave without - I'm sorry, Leo.
- I should be the one apologising.
I mean, it hasn't been easy for you since Thomas was born, has it? He means more to me than anything.
Me, too.
But just because you're the mother doesn't mean you have to give up everything else.
It's not just my career I'm worried about, it's us.
- You noticed? - What, after this morning? What's happening to us? I don't know.
Maybe we just need to try harder.
Maybe.
Anyway, all that matters at the moment is that you take care on this trip.
And when you get back Well, I'm willing to try if you are.
- Thank you.
- Thank you.
I wasn't aware that you had an appointment, Ken.
- I don't.
- You should consider making one.
Well, I've been ringing all morning, you haven't been returning my calls.
I only received your message a few minutes ago.
I haven't been trying to avoid you.
I've just returned from a business lunch.
- With Orrin Hudson.
- Yes, as a matter of fact.
Look, I hate to think you've had a wasted trip but I do have another meeting.
I won't be long.
I wanted to make sure you received this.
Yes, well, I'd better have a word with Avril.
She's obviously not aware of all the implications.
Oh, she's aware, all right.
So are Relton's lawyers.
Otherwise, they wouldn't have written that.
And you thought you'd take great delight in delivering it personally.
I thought you should know that my agreement with Relton stands.
Perhaps you ought to see what my legal people have to say.
If they've got any sense, they'll advise you to back off.
I don't think so.
The rights of that trailer-sailer belong to me, not Leisurecruise.
And there's nothing you can do about it.
Well, there's something you can do, Ken.
And that's write out a cheque for 150,000, then I might consider waiving any claims.
What? We don't want to get involved in expensive litigation, do we? 25,000.
- Ah.
So you admit I do have a claim? - Oh, there's no way.
And you know it.
But if you're talking about a pay-off, let's discuss a reasonable figure.
- I think 150,000 is extremely reasonable.
- Maybe to you.
If you think you might have difficulty raising that amount, Ken, I'd accept some of your shares in Leisurecruise instead.
Forget it.
Very well.
Mr Masters is leaving, Sasha.
Could you see him out, please? Don't try it on, Laura.
For your own sake.
It's been a pleasure, Ken.
I faxed through all the necessary paperwork to the shipping agents.
What about the crew? They should meet you outside the agents' office at around seven o'clock.
All right, love, thanks a lot.
I'd better go, the taxi's waiting.
- Dad - Yeah? - Be careful.
- Don't worry.
I will.
- Now, are you sure you've got everything? - I think so, yeah.
- Passport, tickets? - Er, hang on.
Yeah, there you go.
- We'd better go or we'll miss the flight.
- Phone me when you arrive.
- As soon as I get a chance.
- Keep an eye on him, Bill.
- I'll try.
- Good luck.
Thanks.
Oh, listen.
Remember to tell Les to do that refit, OK? Yes, all right.
- Take care of yourselves.
- Yeah, yeah, right, yeah.
- Bye! - Driver, Gibraltar.
It's hardly the architect's fault if there's a delay with the suppliers.
If suppliers can't deliver on time, we can always go elsewhere.
- The same thing applies to architects.
- (Phone) Perhaps you'd better remind him of that fact while I take this call.
I want this project back on schedule.
- Charles Frere.
- Charles, it's Laura Wilde.
You're a difficult man to track down.
- You seem to have managed.
- Eventually.
What can I do for you? There's something I'd like to discuss with you.
- Concerning? - No, not over the phone.
I was hoping we could meet, this evening, if possible.
It's that urgent, is it? Well, I wouldn't have suggested it, otherwise.
All right.
What are you doing tonight? Dining with you, hopefully.
- My house, eight o'clock? - I look forward to seeing you.
- Have you got a minute? - As long as it's just a minute, Ken.
I'm working late as it is.
I'm preparing a product report for the board.
- Hell of a long report by the look of it.
- Yes, that's why I want to get on with it.
Will the trailer-sailer feature in the report at all? I think it would be wiser to wait until the question of rights is resolved.
- It is resolved.
- Maybe.
But I want an official response from Laura.
She was fine about it.
Well, she will be, once I've negotiated a settlement.
- And if you don't? - It's too bad.
- Laura hasn't got a case.
- Nevertheless.
(Sighs) I'm in a difficult position.
I'm caught right in the middle.
Laura's not only an old friend of mine, we're also planning on doing a great deal of business together.
So are we, aren't we? - Hopefully.
- Well, you can say that again.
I spent all afternoon setting up a sales reception for the trailer-sailer.
It's all right.
I'll be covering the costs.
I thought you weren't exactly flush? Especially if you're trying to negotiate a settlement with Laura.
I convinced the ad agency to finance the reception.
After all, I will be putting a lot of work their way.
After your fiasco at the boat show, aren't you jumping the gun? Since your solicitor's given the all-clear, I can't see there's a problem.
I just don't want to be forced into a situation of taking sides.
I just can't, Ken.
Avril, all you have to worry about is manufacturing that boat as fast as I can sell it and there's an end to it.
You know the way Laura operates better than I do.
I don't think it's going to be as simple as that.
- (Door opening) - (Jan) It's me.
In the kitchen, darling.
Good day? Could've been better.
Oh, dear.
- Meeting with the bank not gone well? - Not as well as I hoped.
Any news from Leo? No, darling.
By the way, Jan, Edward Frere phoned.
He wants you to put back your dinner engagement this evening by an hour.
Oh, right, thanks.
You never told me that he was back in this area.
- I didn't know myself until today.
- You're not getting involved again, are you? Mother, he turned up at the office, asked me for lunch, I wasn't free so we made it dinner instead.
What's the point? You were rid of him.
I have my reasons.
Oh, Jan! - Is he asleep? - Yes.
I don't know for how long, though.
He might surprise you and sleep right through the night.
Assuming, of course, he doesn't have nightmares.
- Where did this come from? - Kate got it.
It's nice, isn't it? - It does have a certain charm.
- Thomas loves it.
I hope he does sleep through.
I don't understand it.
- William did at this age.
- Well, each child is different.
- You can't compare.
- I suppose not.
Although there are similarities, it has to be said.
You were the same as Thomas at that age.
- Was I? - Ooh, yes.
Yes, I must've walked a thousand miles round the nursery, rocking you, comforting you when you were teething.
- Did Leo get away all right? - Yeah.
Yeah, I managed to see him before he went off and we're going to try and sort out these problems we've been having.
Good, good.
Are you sure that Thomas is the only problem? Why? Well, Orrin's presence in the area can't help matters.
Leo doesn't have any reason to be concerned about Orrin.
- We're not exactly close.
- You were once.
Well, we're not any more.
But you're still seeing him? He's coming round to discuss William's custody.
There's nothing more to it than that.
- Ah! - Ah, there you are, Robert.
- Good to see you.
- And you, Sir John.
I'm sorry I'm a little late.
I got tied up at a meeting.
Not to worry, not to worry.
- What'll you have? - Gin and tonic.
Ice, no lemon.
Another Scotch for me, please.
So, I suppose business is booming as usual? Up over 30% on last year.
You know what they say about supply and demand, don't you? But no one said anything about being unable to cope.
We're having to turn business away.
- Not from the bank, I trust.
- No.
- Just an old friend of yours, John.
- Oh? I've just come from a meeting with Edward Frere.
Have you now? Don't tell me he's interested in retaining you? Yes but I declined on grounds of divided loyalty.
Good of you.
Well, Edward should know all about loyalties.
Yes.
So in future, if there's another manoeuvre at the bank, he'll be more supportive and back the right man as chairman.
Hmm.
- What's he up to.
Did he say? - He didn't say much at all.
Thank you.
So, this assignment of yours, John.
Well, it's a local concern, run by another old friend of Edward's, as it happens.
A lady by the name of Jan Howard.
What's the situation? She's after half a million to develop a subsidiary with possible venture capital from the bank.
I'd like you to go in and make an assessment.
No problem.
I didn't think there would be, Robert.
If you think it's viable, I'd like you to stay on and keep an eye on the business.
Usual terms and conditions, of course.
The last insurance survey was months ago.
So? Do they know we're taking her up through Biscay? It doesn't matter.
Classic boat, take her anywhere.
(Ringing) - Mermaid Yard? - Ah! There you are.
Working late.
I've been trying to phone the house.
Jack! Never mind me, where are you? Just been picking up some supplies in town, thought I'd give you a call.
- I miss you.
- I've only been gone a few hours.
Well, I do.
Yes, well, er, I do, too, Vanessa.
I'm flattered.
With that boat, I was positive you wouldn't give me a second thought.
I haven't set foot on the boat, yet.
Mind you, don't let it go to your head.
Thought I'd just let you know everything's going as planned.
- Call again if you have a chance.
- Ship to shore as soon as we set sail.
Thanks, Jack.
Remember - take care.
Don't worry, I will.
Talk to you later.
- Bye.
- (Hangs up) Bye.
Here he is.
So, you got through all right, then? Yeah, eventually.
This is all right, isn't it? How's the beer? It's not bad.
Sooner have a pint of real ale, though.
- Same again, both of you? - We haven't got time, Jack.
Time for a quick one.
Can't leave Gib without giving the local brew my seal of approval, can I? Camerero! Si, Senor.
Er Por favor, er Jack, they all speak English here.
Three beers, please.
- Such a tragedy.
- Yes.
Yes, it was.
A terrible tragedy.
A real gentleman, Tom.
I suppose my appearance in the area has come as a surprise? Indeed.
I wanted to get in touch before I left to try to explain my somewhat hasty departure.
There's nothing to explain, Edward.
I didn't have the opportunity before I left and there were urgent business commitments.
Yes, so I gather.
Concerning Polly, wasn't it? Not exclusively.
And how long do you intend to stay in England this time? Depends.
On what? More business commitments? There are some personal matters to sort out.
Oh, I see.
And how is Polly? Do you still hear from her? Frequently.
Sends her love.
How sweet of her.
Although I'm surprised she spared the time.
Recently opened her twelfth boutique on the West Coast.
Sounds as if she's doing very well for herself.
She's paying the price.
Hardly has any time to spare these days.
Oh, I understand how she feels.
I did warn you, Jan.
Contrary to popular belief, getting to the top in the business world is the easy part.
The hard part is staying there.
Well, I wouldn't say I was exactly at the top, Edward.
Not yet but you will be.
I have no doubt of it.
How is business these days, anyway? Oh, you know - still expanding.
With the assistance of an old friend of yours.
Oh? Yes, Sir John Stevens.
I'm hoping to raise some capital through his bank.
A shrewd and seasoned campaigner if ever there was one.
But at least you can trust him.
Oh, yes.
You can trust Sir John.
I'm er meeting his nephew tomorrow.
Oh.
I know Robert very well.
I thought you might.
And? If you're thinking of doing business with him and you want my advice, tread with care.
An ambitious young man.
Yet he has an impressive track record.
No denying he's one of the best business consultants there is.
Pulled many a company around.
And left a lot of casualties in his wake, too.
Oh, dear.
You look as if you could do with a cocktail before dinner.
Hope I haven't spoilt your appetite.
Oh, what a lovely home you have, Charles.
Yes, designed and built by Nash, interior decor by Frere.
You have exquisite taste.
Thank you.
But I'm sure you didn't want a meeting just to flatter me.
No, quite.
Now that I'm in sole control of Leisurecruise and Ken Masters is out of the way, I'm looking to consolidate, build up the company.
Fascinating.
But I don't really see what all this has to do with me.
What a beautiful view.
Yes, isn't it? I would've thought that a man in your position was always looking for similar opportunities.
Such as? What if there were a company, Mediterranean based, healthy turnover, though it could be better, good distribution network You wouldn't be referring to the Poelma Corporation, would you? It's a pity, you know.
That company really seems to have lost its way.
So? Some people might by inclined to think that it's vulnerable, just sitting, waiting to be taken over.
If so, it could pose quite a problem for Relton Marine.
Could it? Well, considering the amount of business they're planning to do together.
And so I thought, well, it might arouse your interest.
It's starting to.
If you'd just like to sign there, please, sir, and there.
- Right, thank you.
- Thank you, sir.
- There you go.
- It all seems to be in order.
- Have a good trip.
- Bye-bye.
- All the paperwork OK? - Yeah, yeah.
Well, come on, come on.
What are we waiting for? Hang on a minute, Jack.
Where's the rest of the crew? We're meeting the other two on board the Xanadu.
I thought there were supposed to be three, Jack.
Bill, we've got a long trip ahead of us, so let's go.
According to the forecast, it's gonna blow up more than this.
Great.
We'll see what the old girl can do, then, eh? (Boat revving) You could've worked for or invested in any number of companies.
- I know what I'm doing.
- My father was taken advantage of.
Don't worry.
I know exactly where Laura Wilde's coming from.
- You hope.
- She's a shrewd lady.
- I can learn a lot from her.
- Like what? How to use people? Oh, come on.
She can't be that bad.
Just don't turn your back on her.
Look, Abby, I appreciate your concern but I really can take care of myself.
We've got more important things to discuss.
Your father, I suppose.
I'm not exactly flavour of the month now I'm trying to make my own way.
- There's nothing he can do about it.
- I'm not so sure about that.
If anyone's an expert at using people, it's him.
He might try to use William to get at me.
I thought that was your tactics.
I never wanted to stop you seeing William, Abby.
I know how much it must've hurt.
- Hurt? - There was nothing I could do.
Your father couldn't have that much influence on you.
He doesn't, not any more, and if he does try it on with William - Leave William out of it.
- He's my son.
He's our son, he's secure with your mother, it's not fair.
Leave him.
Don't tell you've given up on him? Why don't you understand that all I've ever wanted is what is best for William? And if that means me stepping back, that's exactly what I'll do - so should you.
- I don't know if I can.
- I've managed.
And it's been a hell of a sacrifice, I realise that now.
I'm sorry, Abby.
I'm sorry.
Orrin - Gerald's out at a dinner engagement.
- Yeah but Leo's away.
I think you should leave.
If you're sure that's what you want.
You still mean a lot to me, Abby.
Right.
Don't tell me you don't feel the same way.
Good night, Orrin.
I'll be in touch.
Ken? Ah! The elusive Jenny Richards.
I got a message you wanted to see me? Yes.
I've been trying to get in touch with you for days.
I've been away in Cherbourg, publicity campaign.
- So your dad said.
- Well, what can I do for you? Well, if you've got time in your busy schedule, it's more what I can do for you.
Sounds intriguing.
- Got a second? - What for? Give us a hand.
- Good morning.
- Morning.
I'm Robert Hastings, I have an appointment to see Mrs Howard.
- Mr Hastings.
- Good morning.
Would you make us some coffee, please? How do you do? I'm Jan Howard.
- It's a pleasure meeting you, Mrs Howard.
- And you.
- But please, call me Jan.
- Robert.
Er, would you like to sit down Robert? Thank you.
Well, I hear you've established quite a successful business here Jan.
Considering.
You've had one or two setbacks over the years.
Mainly with designers but now that I'm designing myself hopefully that's all behind me.
Hopefully.
Now, this cosmetics subsidiary you're attempting to set up.
I've studied the business plan, thoroughly.
- And? - Interesting.
Although I think there are a few questionable areas.
Oh.
Particularly marketing and distribution.
And what appears to be the problem? I think the product range you're suggesting is good.
But the entire marketing concept is Well, it's hardly innovative, is it, Jan? In fact, I'd call it totally inadequate.
Would you? - You're not offended? - No, not at all.
Good.
Now, if you have a copy of the business plan, I've made a few notes.
Right.
And, er, where would you like to start? Item one, page one.
- It's going to be a lengthy business.
- But nevertheless essential.
Otherwise you may find yourself attempting to raise capital from another bank.
It's as simple as that.
(Ken) Sailing the Atlantic both ways, single-handed, that's quite an achievement.
(Jenny) It's been done before.
Even so, it should've done more for your reputation as a sailor than it did.
Just because you didn't hear about it doesn't mean that no one else did.
Maybe not but to succeed in the sailing world is no different from the business world.
You have to promote yourself, generate publicity.
And you certainly seem to know all about that.
Well, I wouldn't say I know all about it but I like to think I have a certain flair, yes.
Well, you do.
Setting up boat shows to sell boats you don't even own? It's brilliant! Yes, yes, that was a bit of a misunderstanding.
But it's all been sorted out and I'm back in business.
That's why I'm looking for a sales demonstrator, someone like you, who can handle a boat.
Thanks but I want to sail.
I'm not cut out for a career in selling.
How do you know if you don't give it a try? The only thing I'm trying to do is to raise enough finance to buy a good boat.
- I'd pay top commission.
- It still wouldn't be enough.
It would be more than enough to buy any boat you like to take off when you want to.
I don't think you understand.
I'm not interested in the Isle of Wight to Cherbourg.
I know you have bigger horizons, like round the world, right? Have you any idea how much that costs? Jenny, join me, do a good job and once the business takes off, who knows? My company may even sponsor you.
- Are you serious? - I wouldn't say it if I wasn't.
Well? When do I start? Come on.
Take over, Bill, I want to check the weather forecast.
Right.
(# The Archers signature tune) Here is the shipping forecast issued by the Meteorological Office at 1305 GMT.
There are warnings of gales in sea areas Plymouth, Biscay, Finisterre, Sole.
Northwesterly severe gale 9, increasing to storm force 10, imminent.
- An alliance? - That's right.
To take over the Poelma Corporation.
- Can you imagine the gall of that woman? - I take it you declined? Thank you.
No.
I thought it prudent to continue negotiations.
That way we find out exactly what our Laura Wilde is up to and how she operates.
Yes but is it really worth the effort? She hardly poses a commercial threat.
Not to us, no.
I'm sure Ken Masters would view that differently.
Yes, I'm sure he would.
I'm sure he would.
But then he's not exactly in our league, is he? No, he's not but the Hudsons most certainly are.
Orrin has invested in Leisurecruise.
- Has he, by George? - Mm-hm.
- He also owns shares in Relton.
- Ambitious young man.
Oh, I don't give a damn about Orrin.
No, it's his father that concerns me.
And mine.
This arrived earlier this morning.
An invitation to Highfield.
Yes.
Apparently, he has some kind of announcement he wants to make.
(Paper scrunching) "Sir Edward Frere and the Hudsons have teamed up with Miss Laura Wilde "in order to destroy Charles Frere's global business empire"! I really don't think you should lose any sleep over it.
Oh, look at her move.
She's on top form, John, top form.
Yes, so are you, Edward, by the sound of it.
It's good to be back in the company of old friends.
I'm, er sorry about that unfortunate incident at the bank.
I know you were counting on my support.
- Didn't materialise, did it? - Well, my hands were tied, John.
But rest assured, if you hadn't been reinstated as chairman, I would've taken the necessary steps to ensure the situation was resolved - eventually.
Would you, now? Well, of course, I would.
You've been a good friend over the years.
You need never question where my true loyalties lie.
Yes.
And I trust I can count on those sentiments being reciprocated.
Edward just why have you brought me down here? I wanted to discuss it with you.
I need to be quite sure.
I'm afraid I have somewhat of a problem, John.
A serious problem.
(Shouting, indistinct) You sure this is a good idea, Jack? She's taking it well so far.
(Ripping) Lash everything down! Come on, move! Come on! Arggh! (Yells) Man overboard! - There he is! - Hang on, Leo! Keep him in sight! I'm going to try and come about.