Howard's Way (1985) s06e04 Episode Script

- Hey, Leo.
- What? Smile for the camera.
Remember, Jack, I don't want anyone to worry, so don't say anything about me going over Now, why should I? Never happened, did it? Must have been a bad dream.
- Oh, hello, Ken.
- Vanessa.
Thought you and Avril were at the Mermaid, setting up a reception for the Xanadu? Yes, I'm just on my way, as soon as I pick up a press release.
- And what about you? - Oh, just checking the production schedule for the trailer-sailer.
There was no one here, so I just let myself in.
Well, got to be at the bank at 9:30.
Regards to all those at the Mermaid.
Yes, all right, Ken.
Yeah, it should be all right just about there.
Thanks.
- Morning, Orrin.
- Laura.
- Are you early or am I late? - I guess I'm probably just a little bit early but, er, as my father used to say, there's only one way to succeed in business.
Be the first one in the office and the last one out.
Well, that depends on what happens in between.
Don't worry.
I'm willing to do whatever it takes to make a go of my investment.
I'm delighted to hear it.
- There you go.
Thanks, fellas.
- Thanks very much.
Well, welcome to Leisurecruise.
Thanks.
I'm looking forward to working with you.
(Sighs) You don't mind me rearranging the office a bit, try and make it look a little more comfortable? - Not at all.
- You're, er, sure I'll be all right in here? - I can see no reason why not.
- Well, Ken Masters won't be too pleased if he comes to visit and finds me in his old office, will he? Oh, I don't think we'll find Ken Masters will pose any problems, Orrin.
- I wouldn't be too sure.
- (Phone) Leisurecruise.
It's for you.
Sir Edward Frere returning your call.
Oh, right.
Thanks.
Er, if you don't mind, it's kinda personal.
- Great to be back, eh, Bill? - Yeah.
- Looks like we got a reception committee.
- (Woman) There she is.
(Cheering) Well done! - Back in one piece.
- (Jan) I know.
How was it? - Well done, Dad.
- And you.
Quite a reception.
Oh, I can't take any credit.
It's all down to Vanessa.
- Oh, welcome home, Bill.
- Thanks, Miss Avril.
Oh, no.
- (Man) Mr Sayers, can I have an interview? - Er, yeah, all right.
Just give me time to - How are you? - Oh, am I glad to see you.
We've been absolutely terrified.
Yes, what about that storm? I was frightened to death.
- It was nothing.
- Maybe not to you.
Come on, let me look at you.
Are you sure you're all right? - Fine.
- We missed you.
Yeah, I missed you, too.
And especially you.
- (Kate) Oh, hello.
Welcome back, Jack.
- Hello, Kate.
- (Jan) Congratulations, Jack.
- Yeah, thank you.
- It's good to be back.
- Yeah.
And have we got a surprise for you.
- Right, Leo? - Right, Jack.
We had to make an unexpected stop at Cherbourg and picked up a passenger.
(Kate) Lynne! I don't believe it.
Mum.
Well, if you do hear anything, perhaps you'd let me know, would you? Thank you.
Damn it.
I take it Burrage didn't have any information.
If he does, he's not giving anything away.
Well, perhaps your father isn't up to his old tricks, after all.
Gerald, have you seen the movement on his shares? Something is definitely going on.
Nielson Holdings Good heavens, they're down almost ten percent overnight.
Exactly.
Now.
Take a look at that.
Hudson Group.
You see? They're up two dollars.
- Coincidence.
- It's unlikely, isn't it? - Yeah.
- My father suddenly returns to this country and, at the same time, Orrin Hudson just happens to invest in Leisurecruise.
Yes, and then Laura Wilde, quite suddenly and unexpectedly, suggests an alliance for a takeover.
The timing does seem odd, I grant you.
See what you can find out at this meeting with her but, for God's sake, tread carefully.
- Don't worry.
I will.
- I'll see what I can get out of Stevens.
Yes, after that incident at the bank, I'm rather surprised that Stevens would risk becoming involved with your father again.
Well, if he does, we just might have a way to force him to declare where his loyalties really lie.
I'm sorry about this, gentlemen.
If you could bear with me for a few more minutes.
I really don't understand what's happened.
Mrs Howard arranged this meeting herself for 9:30.
Er, there's some names and addresses of sales agents for the invitation list.
Oh, I wonder if you could type up this breakdown of costs? - You don't mind, I hope, do you? - As long as it doesn't become a habit, Ken.
No, it won't be for much longer.
Just till the business is up and running.
Then you'll be able to afford a sales demonstrator and a secretary.
Well, I'll be taking on more staff, yes, to cope with the extra workload.
But there's no point now, is there? So just be patient.
- Ah, Sir John.
Good to see you.
- And you, too, Kenneth.
I'm sorry I'm late, I got tied up in a meeting.
Oh, sounds fun.
Jenny, this is Sir John Stevens, chairman of Holsgrove Merchant Bank and Jenny Richards, my personal assistant.
- I'm delighted to meet you.
- How do you do.
- This way, Sir John.
- Thank you.
- Hold all calls, will you? - Certainly.
- Right.
Coffee.
- (Jenny) Yes, please.
So, the headquarters of Kenneth Masters Enterprises, Limited.
Well, until the company gets on its feet, yeah.
- Impressive setup.
- It's a start.
Although I have to admit, it feels as if I'm turning back the clock 20 years.
- Yes, I'm sure it must.
- But I shall regain control of Leisurecruise, Sir John.
Believe me.
And, in the meantime, you're looking for some working capital.
Am I right? Yes.
150,000.
Mm.
Well, that shouldn't pose too much of a problem assuming, of course, that you can put up some form of collateral.
Difficult.
But you must hold a substantial amount of Leisurecruise shares, surely? Yes, but if I'm going to regain control of Leisurecruise, then I can't touch them.
Ah.
- Property? - Secured.
To pay off Laura Wilde.
She's been disputing who owns the rights to the trailer-sailer.
- Yes, I heard about that.
- But all that's been resolved.
She wrote a letter to Avril Rolfe to confirm it.
There's a copy of the letter.
So there's no problem there, at all.
Mm.
Unfortunately, it still delays the opening of your new business, doesn't it? Did your reputation no good at all, Kenneth.
Well, once the reception's out of the way and the orders start flooding in, that'll be history.
I sincerely hope so, for your sake.
You came a hell of a cropper over Leisurecruise, Kenneth.
Well, maybe, but I'm still worth 150K, aren't I, Sir John? Well, I think so.
The only trouble is that, er, others in the business community, notably my colleagues at the bank, do not to share your optimism.
- (Kate laughing) - Welcome home.
It's great to be back.
Hey, you redecorated.
- What do you think? - It's lovely.
What else have you done? (Laughs) Oh, it looks terrific.
Darling, I still cannot believe you're here.
Me, too.
Why didn't you tell us you were coming? Oh, I'm sorry, Gran.
It was all a last-minute decision.
Now don't tell me you've decided to accept my offer? No, nothing like that.
I just had to deliver a boat to Cherbourg.
When I heard about Xanadu being sailed back, I put through a radio message Yes, but why now? I don't know.
Seeing you again started me thinking about Tarrant, what I was doing with my life and if I was really happy in the Mediterranean.
And? I couldn't find the answers.
So I thought I should take some time and try and decide what I really want to do.
Well, whatever you decide, darling, you're home and that's all that matters.
Quite right.
We've missed you.
You'll never know how much.
You know, it's strange.
In many ways, it seems like only yesterday since I left.
Nothing much seems to have changed and yet so much has.
Your bedroom's still in the same place.
Come on, I'll help you unpack, get your stuff upstairs.
Good idea.
After which, we will sit down, have a long talk - and catch up on these last few years.
- (Rings) - Hello.
Jan Howard.
- (Kate) Yes, no problem.
Robert.
I'm so sorry, I completely forgot.
These penalty clauses, when do they come into effect? That depends on Jack Rolfe.
If the other boat he built for me is anything to go by, there'll be excuses and delays - But Avril Rolfe's obviously aware of that? - Oh, yes.
Still, wouldn't hurt to let her know that we are, too.
- Fire a few warning shots, you mean? - Well, if you prefer me to do it - Oh, I'm quite capable.
- Yes, I'm sure you are.
Well, I can't have my share dividends in Relton eaten away by hefty penalty clauses, can I? Does Avril know that you've bought Ken's Relton shares? (Laughs) If she doesn't now, she will after my meeting with her.
With Charles' obsession with Relton, I'd have thought he'd have jumped at them.
- But obviously not.
- That's his problem.
Do I detect a note of animosity? Charles Frere and I are not exactly on the best of terms, Laura.
Let's just put it that way.
But obviously you're on reasonable terms with his father, Sir Edward.
If you're referring to that phone call.
I heard Sir Edward was back in Tarrant, wanted to make contact.
He's been a good friend of the family's over the years.
Has he? Well, I'd better go or I'll be late for my meeting.
Give my regards to Avril.
Morning, Gerald.
Morning.
- Good morning, Laura.
- Gerald.
How lovely to see you.
Steady as you go, lads.
That's all right.
Nice and easy.
Careful! We're renovating it, not ruining it! Listen to him.
Anyone'd think the men were handling bone china.
Yeah, from the moment he laid eyes on her, he's been well and truly hooked.
From now on, nothing else is gonna matter.
(Sir John) Where exactly are we, Charles? - (Charles) Here.
Terrace Bar.
- Ah, by the swimming pool? No, no.
Swimming pool's over here in the leisure complex.
- Terrace Bar overlooks the marina, you see? - Oh, I see.
(Laughs) At least, I think I see.
Bit difficult to imagine, isn't it? Well, yes, it is at the moment.
But before long, this site will house phase one of the finest resort hotel, marina and leisure complex on the entire south coast.
Mm.
And phase two? Well, I'm still considering potential sites.
Ah.
Pity about the Mermaid Yard.
It would have been ideal.
- Oh, it still might be.
- Mm? - Mermaid Yard is very much on my short list.
- I see.
Well, anything I can do to help.
Well now, I would hate to place you in a conflict of interest, John.
Oh, quite, quite.
Speaking of conflicts, is there likely to be any problem now that my father's returned? Well, there's no reason why there should.
No.
It does rather depend on what he's doing back here, doesn't it? Mm-hm.
And you will learn about that tomorrow at the garden party.
I assume from that that you already know.
Yes.
And I intend to maintain the utmost confidentiality, Charles.
I have to.
Of course.
I wouldn't dream of suggesting otherwise.
Your father's been a very good friend to me over the years.
Ha! Despite that incident at the bank? No sense in harbouring grudges.
Not now, anyway.
Charles, your father has problems of his own at the moment - Oh? as you will learn tomorrow.
In the meantime, there's no reason why we shouldn't do business together, no reason whatsoever.
That's very reassuring.
(Rings) - Ken Masters Enterprises.
- Jenny.
Avril Rolfe.
- Hello, Avril.
How are you? - I'm fine.
Is Ken there? - No, I'm afraid he isn't.
He's at a meeting.
- Well, where? - He didn't say.
- When he is expected back? After lunch, around two.
Well, when he arrives back, can you tell him I want to see him urgently? - Is there a problem, Avril? - Nothing that need concern you, Jenny.
Just get him to call me as soon as he comes in, will you? - Of course.
- Thanks.
(Sighs) - Orrin? - Hi, Avril.
How are you? Busy.
I don't believe we had an appointment.
You did with Laura Wilde.
She sends her apologies.
She's been unavoidably detained.
And what business is that of yours, may I ask? Oh, perhaps I should explain.
Laura and I we're working together.
Oh.
Oh, I see.
As she couldn't make the meeting, I thought it might be a good idea if I stood in for her, give us an opportunity of meeting each other, seeing as we're also going to be working together.
Well, I take it you're here to discuss progress on the luxury cruiser? Well, that depends on whether we're only going to discuss Leisurecruise's involvement with Relton Marine or mine.
I'm sorry? I don't quite understand.
(Clock chimes) (Tyres on gravel) - Of course I'm not trying to use anyone.
- What would you call it, then? - A business proposition.
- Oh, just a business proposition.
Yes.
How dare you suggest anything to the contrary, just because our relationship didn't work out.
I thought our relationship was starting to I thought I meant something to you.
- You did.
- Yes.
Just as long as I could be of some use to you.
And then, all of a sudden, our relationship just didn't seem to matter any more.
Does Charles share this suspicion of yours? That's a question you'll have to put to Charles.
- Because, if he does, it is totally unfounded.
- Is it? - I had no idea you felt like this.
- Oh, for God's sake, Laura! I'm only suggesting an alliance on the takeover attempt of the Poelma Corporation.
I thought that Charles was always interested in a good business proposition.
Well, you'll have to ask Charles.
But if he isn't.
(Sighs) But, obviously, he's interested in your views on the subject and that's - I thought that's all you wanted to discuss.
- Well, it was, it was.
I I had no idea we would discuss other topics.
I think it's a great pity we didn't discuss other topics before.
If only I'd explained what went wrong with our relationship, instead of leaving it, perhaps you might have found it easier to understand.
- No, I don't think so.
- Look, Gerald there was someone I cared a great deal about, oh, ages ago now.
(Sighs) It's just that I've been through it all before, that's all, and I just couldn't face going through it all again.
And that's why I had to pull back.
Obviously, you didn't realise how I was starting to feel about you.
How I still feel.
You You don't honestly expect me to believe that, do you? Well, perhaps now isn't the time to talk about it.
But if you'd like us to meet some time Look, as far as I'm concerned, there's nothing more to discuss.
I I'll put your business proposition to Charles.
No doubt he'll be in touch.
You know where to find me, Gerald, if you do feel like talking.
Well, I thought Leisurecruise would benefit by bringing Laura Wilde into the company.
And the next thing you knew, you were out.
- She's a shrewd operator, Sir Edward.
- Oh, must be.
Unlike you to get yourself in such a mess, Ken.
Only temporary.
Once I'm back on my feet, she'll be facing similar problems.
Fascinating.
But I still don't see how I can be of any assistance.
- An old friend of yours could.
- Oh? The Banker, Eckhart Sahn.
He also sits on the board of the Poelma Corporation.
And, er, how could he be of some assistance? Well, I'm in the process of setting up a sales reception for this boat I've developed.
Now, if the Poelma Corporation were interested and could be persuaded to put up some money in advance against European distribution, it could ease this cash flow problem I'm having.
Hm.
Oh, I mean, if it's just a cash flow problem, there are other banks.
I could always have a word with Sir John Stevens.
Yes, I've already had a word.
And the bank's turned me down flat.
Some slight problem with collateral.
Well, if it's a loan you want to discuss, I'm afraid I'll have to refer you to my accountant.
I don't want to borrow any money from you, Sir Edward.
Besides, I think perhaps you owe me a favour.
And even Eckhart Sahn, too.
I know exactly how a man like Sahn operates.
I reckon he could provide some useful names and information.
Do you now? Like when the fraud squad were investigating your own son.
I think it might be wise to forget that unfortunate incident, don't you, Ken? Oh, I quite agree.
Otherwise, there could be a danger of even more names and information being leaked.
Oh, I don't think there's any danger of that.
Oh, I hope not for both our sakes.
And to follow, I'll have, erm, the Arctic char, please.
- Thank you very much.
- Thank you.
Well, now the agreement is finally signed Uh-uh.
To a long and prosperous association.
And better time keeping in the future, I hope.
Look, Robert, as I said before, today was a very special day.
- My daughter's been away for - No, you could have phoned.
Yes, I'm sorry.
It completely slipped my mind.
Precisely.
And it didn't exactly make a good impression on the bank's solicitors, either.
- Come on, they didn't seem so upset.
- You should have seen them while they were waiting for you.
Now, if a client - I'm sure a client would understand.
- And if they didn't? It might take years building up a business but only a few minutes to ruin it.
Yes, well, you don't have to tell me that, Robert, because I have built up my business from scratch.
- So don't patronise me, please.
- I'm just concerned, that's all.
- About what? - Look, if you happen to encounter another unexpected event some time in the future It doesn't matter if it's personal or professional.
Well, we just need to ensure that you're a little more organised.
Now, hold it there.
We don't need to ensure anything.
I may have signed an agreement with the bank but I am still in charge of my business.
- Totally.
- Otherwise, I wouldn't have signed.
Ah, but now that you have signed, the bank will expect me to fulfil my role.
Yes, which is purely to advise and assist when required.
To ensure that he business operates efficiently.
Otherwise the bank would never have agreed to sign.
Now they'll be looking to me to protect their investment.
And I intend doing just that, Jan, whether you or anyone else like it or not.
- Hi.
- What do you want? I had a few meetings in the area, thought I'd check if you were in.
Hey.
He's cute.
Remember William at that age? Sure you do.
So don't try to tell me you've given up on him, Abby, or me.
- Let go of me.
- My father isn't exactly the type to give up on William, either.
He could make trouble for both of us unless we stick together.
So you should try being a little more friendly, Abby.
You don't know anything about it? Vanessa saw you reading it.
Vanessa shouldn't jump to conclusions and neither should you.
It is not what it seems.
Oh, someone opens a letter addressed to me, marked strictly private and confidential - and it's not what it seems? - I didn't open it.
- Then who did? - Well, if it wasn't your secretary, it must have been one of the others.
I don't deny I saw it lying on the table when I was going over the production schedule for the trailer-sailer but I didn't open it.
But you took a photocopy.
Well, that's right, yes, for Sir John Stevens.
I'm trying to raise some working capital.
I thought he'd be interested to know the rights to the trailer-sailer were clear.
Oh, I see.
We're meant to be working on the development of this boat together.
We've got nothing to hide from each other.
Well, if you want to continue working together, in future, no documents and no letters leave this office without my prior knowledge.
Fair enough.
And you might also have the courtesy of letting me know about any other business you're conducting which might affect Relton Marine.
- What? - I understand you've sold your Relton shares to Orrin Hudson.
That's right.
I should have mentioned it.
I'm sorry.
Yes, but you didn't.
You don't have to worry about Orrin Hudson, Avril.
He's just looking around for good investment opportunities.
It would certainly appear that way.
He's also bought into Leisurecruise.
Yes, of course I understand how you must feel, Gerald, but I expect you to handle business negotiations with a degree of self-control.
- Under normal circumstances, perhaps.
- Personal relationships shouldn't enter into it.
I know, but there were certain things which needed to be said.
And you just choose an important business meeting in which to say them? I'm not a machine, Charles.
After the way that woman treated me, I just couldn't sit there and smile and talk business as if nothing happened.
And I refuse to be criticised because of it.
I see.
So, what would you suggest? That you disassociate yourself from all future business negotiations? No, no.
Of course not.
Now I've got the whole thing off my chest, my relationship with Laura Wilde is now firmly behind me.
From now on, it's strictly business.
I damn well hope so.
Cos the way that woman operates, we have to be at least one step ahead of her at all times.
- That was a long lunch.
- After my meeting at Relton, I had to see someone.
Personal matter.
- Anything I can help with? - It's not important.
Something I have to deal with myself.
So, how did everything go with Avril? - All right.
- I bet she was surprised to see you.
- You could say that.
- What about the cruiser? I reckon it'll be on schedule, now Avril's aware of the penalty clauses.
It had better be, otherwise our advertising agency won't be able - to coordinate their marketing campaign.
- Mm.
- It's a pity you weren't around to meet them.
- Another time.
I found out something rather interesting from them.
- Might interest you, as well.
- Oh? Concerning Ken Masters.
It seems he's trying to do business with another of their clients, - the Poelma Corporation.
- Sounds familiar.
They're based in Malta.
I've been involved in a few negotiations with them myself.
I think your father has done business with them in the past as well and so has Sir Edward.
So? - How well do you know him? - Sir Edward? Like I said before, he's a good friend of the family.
I'd like to meet him some time.
Do you think you could arrange it? Depends, Laura, just exactly what you have a mind.
I'll pay you back within the month.
I'm on the verge of closing on a very lucrative deal.
Yeah, well, I thought, as I helped you in the past, you might do the same for me.
Yeah, well, forget it.
God, you know who your friends are when the chips are down.
I finished the invitations for the reception.
So, unless there's anything else, - I'll post them on my way home.
- No, there's nothing else.
- Night, Jenny.
- Good night.
Well, there is something else, yeah.
If you've got nothing else planned why don't we get out of this office and have a drink? Fine.
(Leo) What did he want? (Abby) To talk about William.
- Really want.
- I don't know.
You must have some idea, or you wouldn't be so concerned.
I'm not.
I thought I'd tell you in case you heard it from Orrin and took it the wrong way.
- Take what the wrong way? - I don't know but, the way he behaves, - it's as if he thinks we're still together.
- So, he didn't just come to talk about William.
Not the other evening, no.
He came round to the house when you were away.
- He would.
- It's not what it seems.
- Did he try anything? - I'm gonna check Thomas.
- Answer me.
- Give me the opportunity.
- I should have a word.
- It's not worth it.
- Who does he think he is? - I made it clear I'm not interested.
You're quite sure about that? - What do you think? - What do you expect me to think.
I go away, next thing you're seeing Orrin.
OK.
We're having a mad, passionate affair, if that's what you wanna hear.
No, of course not.
He doesn't mean anything to me.
He did once.
But he doesn't now.
You do.
- You're late.
- Yeah, I'm sorry.
I've been organising the second shift.
Make sure the lads know what they're doing with the Xanadu.
Hey.
Hey, what's all this then, eh? I thought I'd prepare a special meal to match the occasion.
At least, I hope it's going to be special.
(Laughs) extra pocket money.
I worked out this system, see, of hijacking the school milk supply.
- (Laughs) Oh, no.
- It's absolutely true.
So, anyway, when the milk arrived, I nipped out of class, you see, put some bottles in my locker.
- And I organised the lads to sell it.
- You didn't.
The first house they got to, the old girl rumbled it, phoned up the headmaster.
Well, headmaster phoned up my father.
And do you know what he did? - What? - He told the police.
- No.
- Yeah.
I made up this story about trying to raise some money for the school charity, you know? - And you got away with it? - Oh, yeah, by the skin of my teeth.
But you should have seen the look on my old man's face.
Didn't you get on very well with your father? No.
No, he didn't want to know anything about me.
Thought I was the black sheep of the family.
Said if I didn't sort myself out, I'd end up going to prison.
What did he know? Nothing.
By the time I was 18, I had my own business.
It was a garage business.
And do you know something? He was one of my first customers.
He drove around in a used car, while I drove around in a brand-new one.
I earned more in a week than he earned in a year.
- I made a fortune.
- And now you've lost it.
Yeah.
- But I'll bounce back again.
- If the trailer-sailer reception goes well.
- Then I'll be on top.
- Of course you will.
Yeah.
I didn't need anyone to help me make something of my life.
No old school tie network, no degrees, no privileged family with a handout of their inherited wealth.
I did it all myself.
And you'll do it again.
So cheer up.
I'm trying.
- Would you like another drink? - I think you've had enough.
Oh, yeah.
Enough of being down, enough of being walked over.
I see nothing's changed.
Still working as late as ever.
I'm just trying to finish this report for Robert Hastings.
- There aren't enough hours in the day.
- Mm.
Especially today, with me arriving back - and disrupting your work schedule.
- No, you didn't.
Well, maybe just a little bit.
- Anyway, it's great to have you back.
- Mm.
It's great to be back.
- Did you get my message? - About seeing your friends? Yeah.
Then I looked in on Abby and my nephew.
Aha.
Now, what do you think? Gorgeous, isn't he? Mm.
Just what I expected.
It's still so difficult thinking of Leo as a father.
Well, what about me? I'm a grandmother.
I wish I could have seen your face when you first found out.
- It was a picture.
- Mm.
So I heard.
Dad wrote and told me about all the celebrations.
He sounded so proud.
Yes, he was.
He was very proud.
After I looked in on Abby, I took some flowers up to the cemetery.
I thought you might.
I just wanted to spend some time there, be with him.
And I started thinking.
Oh? What about.
Oh, the last few years, what I've been doing with my life, what I should be doing with my future.
Did you come up with any answers? No permanent ones.
But I did think of something temporary I might like to do.
- What's that? - Well, I thought I might quite like to, er help you set up the cosmetics subsidiary.
- Thanks for the lift.
- It's a pleasure.
Besides, you were hardly in a fit state to drive yourself.
Do you wanna come in for a drink or something? - Ken, please.
- What's wrong? The way things have been going for you lately, I thought you needed to talk.
Don't mistake a sympathetic ear for anything else.
Oh.
Can you manage the walk to the door? Sure.
Take it easy.
Well, that was a delicious meal, Vanessa.
Thank you.
Coffee? - How about a liqueur first? - Yes, all right.
Give us a chance to sample some of this brandy I, er, I got in Gib.
- Looks as thought you've already sampled it.
- Yeah, well, it was a bit cold on the way back.
I bet.
Especially after you hit that storm.
Oh, that was nothing.
It may have been nothing to you, Jack.
I was very worried.
Well, you had nothing to worry about.
Now, a toast.
To the Xanadu, a classic boat.
- Xanadu.
- Xanadu.
Mm.
I, erm I didn't plan this evening just to celebrate your return, Jack.
- Oh, Thanks very much.
- Seriously, there's something I want to talk to you about.
Something important to me and, hopefully, to you, too.
Oh? When you were away and I was waiting for news after the storm, I started thinking.
About what? If anything had happened and I'd lost you.
A while back, you asked me to marry you and I asked for some time.
If it's not too late, I'd like to give you my answer now.
(Laughs) Relax.
I'm not trying to force you into a corner, or anything.
Well, it's come as a bit of a shock, that's all.
You haven't even heard what I'm going to say, yet.
But - if the offer's still open? - Well, you're damn right the offer's still open.
Then my answer's yes.
- Morning, sir.
- Morning, Emerson.
- I have an appointment with my father at ten.
- Very good, sir.
Wow.
You both look very elegant.
- Why don't you join us? - For a very simple reason.
- I haven't been invited.
- Oh, rubbish.
Edward would love to meet you.
- Wouldn't he, Mother? - Course he would.
Besides, now that you're coming to work with me, it'll give you the chance to meet Robert Hastings.
That will be fun.
There's strength in numbers, Lynne.
And I, for one, certainly want to meet him.
As long as you don't take him to task yet.
I'll try not to, darling, but it won't be easy.
From all I hear about him, I don't like the sound of him one little bit.
(Laughs) Oh, come on, darling.
Everyone would love to see you.
I thought this garden party was to celebrate Sir Edward's return to Tarrant, not mine.
It is, though what this announcement he's going to make is all about, I don't know.
- Intriguing, isn't it? - I suppose Charles will be there? You can't spend all your time in Tarrant avoiding him.
Oh, darling, I thought you'd put all that behind you.
I did, years ago.
Right.
Then you've no excuse.
Come on.
Chop-chop.
Morning, Jenny.
- How you feeling? - Better after another coffee hopefully.
- Do you want one of these? - No, Thanks.
Listen, about last night, I'm sorry.
You don't have to apologise.
I thought you'd have second thoughts about working here.
Why should I? You just had a little too much to drink, that's all.
I don't give up easily, Ken, not on anyone or anything.
Not the type to leave a sinking ship, eh? Not when I made an agreement.
And I'm going to stick with it.
You'd better, too, cos when this company's back on its feet, I'll be looking for sponsorship.
Ooh.
Charles, good to see you.
- Hello, Father.
- Apologies for keeping you waiting.
I had to take an urgent call from my broker in Hong Kong.
What is it with people? The slightest fall in share prices and they panic.
Perhaps, if they were prepared for any eventuality, they'd feel a bit more secure.
(Laughs) I doubt it, Charles, human nature being what it is.
In a volatile market place, people feel threatened, think they're on the verge of ruin.
- You know how it is.
- All I know is that if it were my organisation, and there were that degree of paranoia I'd make sure that the situation or the necessary personnel were changed.
I intend to, I assure you.
But if only I could find a suitable successor to take over the business - I wouldn't have to.
- (Laughs) So that's what you wanted to talk to me about, is it? Yes, I might have guessed.
Oh, I know you want to maintain your independence.
But imagine a merger between Nielson and Frere Holdings? Now, I'm not gonna remain active in business forever.
You could find yourself presiding over a powerful empire.
Oh, yes, but at what cost? There is no price tag on a father and son being reunited.
Evidently not, where you're concerned.
The offer remains, as it always has, open.
Think about it very carefully.
I don't need to think about it.
My answer's the same as it's always been.
No.
I thought you might have changed your mind while I was away.
Evidently not.
You might regret that one day, Charles.
I don't think so.
We'll see.
Now, we'd better be getting outside.
Other guests will be arriving soon.
- Where's my beautiful nephew? Come here.
- Go to your Auntie Lynne.
- Yeah, and not a shout.
- Unlike his father at that age.
Hello, darling.
- Not to mention his mother.
- Oh.
Now, behave.
You look stunning.
Thanks very much.
Come and meet my family.
Er, this is my mother, Mrs Kate Harvey.
- Robert Hastings.
- Kate.
Nice to meet you.
How do you do, Mr Hastings.
And my son, Leo.
- And his friend, Abby.
- Hello.
- My grandson, Thomas.
- Nice to meet you.
- And, last but not least, my daughter Lynne.
- Hello.
Lynne.
Nice to meet you.
I've heard a lot about you Oh, dear.
She's gonna help me set up the cosmetics subsidiary.
Only on a temporary basis.
Well, I look forward to working with you.
Did your father give any indication what he was up to? No, but I'm damn sure he's up to something.
So's Laura Wilde and Orrin Hudson.
Delighted to meet you, Miss Wilde.
The pleasure is all mine, Sir Edward, I do assure you.
- How are things with you, Orrin? - Fine, thank you, sir.
- Father keeping well? - As far as I know.
I haven't seen your father in what, er, two years? You may today, if he can spare the time to fly over.
He was sent an invitation.
- Hello, Ken.
- Hello, Avril.
- You didn't say anything about being invited.
- Well, I'm not, officially.
But you never know what contacts you'll meet at a do like this, so I thought I'd make an appearance.
Seems as if I'm not the only one.
- Well, here's to our engagement.
- Not too loud, Jack.
Not until we formally announce it.
Oh, no, no.
We, er, we don't wanna steal old Edward's thunder, do we? I wonder what he wants to announce.
Ladies and gentlemen.
Ladies and gentlemen, may I take this opportunity of welcoming you all to Highfield.
I must say, it is an absolute delight to see so many old friends assembled together.
I had hoped to speak to you after the arrival of another guest but, apparently, she has been unexpectedly delayed.
At a business meeting in Paris.
So, while not delaying the proceedings any further, I must advise you that this occasion is a somewhat belated celebration.
Less than two weeks ago, Polly Urquhart and I were married.
(Gasps, smatter of applause) I know this announcement will come as quite a surprise.
Polly and I had hoped to invite each and every member of the family and close friends to the wedding but, when you hear the circumstances, I'm sure you will understand there simply wasn't time.
So I thought I would assemble members of my family and friends to not only celebrate the wedding but, also, I hope you would consider this occasion as a celebration of my life, while I'm still here, well enough to enjoy it with you.
Ladies and gentlemen, I am afraid I've returned to Highfield for the last time.